|
May 1.
Nottingham. |
1. County Committee for Notts to the Committee for Compounding. We
delivered your letter to the late committee to [Wm.] Nix, one of them. We have
taken the oath appointed by the Act of 15 April last, and enclose the certificate
thereof. Repetition of former queries. Shall we sell the woods of John Scrope,
of Bolton, co. York, which are in this county, and worth 1,000l., and will be in
danger of destruction without speedy order for sale thereof? There have been
1,000l. worth sold since his death, and before our employment. |
Are moneys in charge to the sheriff, upon extents out of the Exchequer at
Westminster on sequestered estates, for particular men's benefit, (but upon what
consideration is very questionable and too probably the estate may be abused
thereby) to be permitted? Let the expense of 20l. for regaining and repairing
a boat sunk at Dunham Ferry, being part of the Earl of Newcastle's estate, by
the Cavaliers, which will be an advantage of 20l. a year, be speedily considered of. |
Should not a delinquent's estate not seized in his lifetime be sequestered until
compounded for by the next heir? Will necessary charges for preservation of
sequestered woods be allowed upon account? [1 page.] Enclosing, |
1. i. Certificate by Wm. Nix, mayor of Nottingham and justice of peace, to the
taking of the required oath by Fras. Bland and Mich. Brett, as County Commissioners for Notts, and by John Hough, their agent. [G 164, p. 321.] |
May 1.
Penrith. |
2. County Committee for Cumberland to the Committee for Compounding
We have not received the late committee's books and papers, but only a brief
abstract of what estates lie under sequestration, and not compounded for, and
how they were farmed by them. We called the old farmers and others to treat
for such estates, and have advanced them to the highest rate, considering the
season of the year. We have secured them in several farmers' hands for this
year; when we fully understand what charges lie upon the estates, we will give
you a full account. For the estates compounded for, which are generally at an
under value, we desire we may set forth so much of their estates for so much
as they have compounded for, and if the compounders will not be so content,
that they may then have the value in money. If you take this course, we are
confident to advance the State above 1,500l. a year, four sufficient gentlemen
having tendered 1,000l. this year for the same. |
|
We want to know what agents you will allow us, as also the allowance for them
and our clerk. Mr. Pollard's man, receiver of the crown rents, and for great
arrears upon estates under sequestration, he drives the goods of the present
farmers, which if you do not discharge, it is impossible for us to make anything
of those estates, or of any other. [To certify what order is given to the sheriffs.]
If we are not empowered to imprison the refractory, or have some other way to
punish them that disobey orders, we shall be forced to give up our commission
rather than be affronted continually by insolent malignants. [1 page.] |
May 1. |
2a. Committee for 'co. Oxon to the Committee for Compounding. Are we
to execute all the orders to the late committee? Will you send further instructions about looking after rents, &c.? Pray appoint us a house to sit in.
or order us to take one. [Noted that they are to sit in a sequestered house.]
[2/3 page.] |
May 1. |
Account of suits depending between the Trustees for Ireland and the tenants
of the Marquis of Winchester and Lord Capel's estates, for arrears of rent,
since the estates appointed for raising 50,000l. were in the management of
trustees. [G 95, pp. 597, 598.] |
May 2. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that this committee will proceed
next Monday to choose their officers, and meantime Auditor Collins is to proceed
in his business of the accounts. |
|
Note that Nich. Martin, of Lincoln's Inn, is chosen steward for co. Bucks. |
|
3. Order on a Parliament order of 23 April given on Sir Arthur Hesilrigge's
report from the Committee for Sale of Delinquents' Estates, — that 1,921l., the
remainder of 5,000l. to be presently paid to the use of Fulke Greville, son
of the late Lord Brooke, out of the sequestration of the Duke of Buckingham, to
whom the estate of the Duchess, his mother, late wife to the Earl of Antrim, is
descended, and whose estate, by order of the House of 14 Jan. 1648, was
charged with payment of the said 5,000l.; also that the Committee of Goldsmiths' Hall take account how much of such 5,000l. has been received, and what
remains unreceived, and issue a warrant for payment of the residue, as soon
as it comes in, out of the sequestration of the estate charged with its payment;— that this committee take account of what has been paid, and issue
warrants for payment from the estates of the late Duchess. [Also G 1, p. 221.] |
|
Richard Styleman, upon the desire of the Commissioners for London, is
chosen agent for sequestration. [G 8, pp. 16, 17.] |
May 2. |
4. Instructions by the County Committee of Bucks to their clerk. |
|
1. You are to inform the Committee for Compounding that the Duchess of
Buckingham is dead, whereby many estates come to the Commonwealth by
determination of leases, and much profit by keeping courts; and to desire them
to appoint a steward to keep such courts, and to give us an order to detain all
annuities granted out of her estate, and made void by her death. |
|
2. That we cannot proceed to the discovery of new delinquents without power
to examine witnesses upon oath. |
|
3. That we want assistance, by soldiers or otherwise, to seize the estates of
new delinquents, and such as have not wholly compounded. |
|
4. That divers persons in arrears for rent in 1649 and before have offered to
pay, and the rents being small sums under 20l., we want to know whether we
shall receive them. |
|
5. Ask whether several augmentations granted out of estates shall be paid by
us, or returned up to the treasurers at Goldsmiths' Hall. |
|
6. We daily need a clerk and agent, and want the one we have temporarily
employed to be continued, with a salary for his maintenance. With note that
they sit at the White Horse, Aylesbury. [1 page.] |
May 2.
Wells. |
5. County Commissioners for Somerset to the Committee for Compounding.
Our proceedings had proved more beneficial had the [late] committees of this
county and Bristol answered your letters, which we desire may be revived by some
other power than letters, as they still detain the books and papers, and unless
our agents had been very active in discovering sequestered estates, our hands
would have been tied. |
|
We have not granted any lease without improving the rent, and freeing
the State from all taxes. There are several estates here under extents, some,
we believe, merely to retard the State from the profits, particularly that
at Witham, belonging to Sir Ralph Hopton, which is let at 250l. a year, though
worth 600l. Details of extents on that estate. Considerable sums might be
made of the woods and timber of the estates. |
|
The arrears of rents and surveys of sequestered estates here can never be perfected till the [late] committees or their sequestrators have delivered us copies
of their books and accounts, and we are empowered to keep courts, for which we
desire the bearer may have a commission; also that he may act as clerk to us,
and that a salary may be allowed for two assistants to each of our agents. Let
a penalty be set upon the persons of whom he has a list, for refusing to pay
their arrears of rent after being duly summoned. [1 page.] |
May 3. |
6. Proposals offered by Samuel Bull, one of the County Committee for Dorset,
to the Committee for Compounding. |
|
1. Whether the county committee are to dispose of impropriations sequestered from recusants and delinquents, or of other sequestered estates. |
|
2. The want of power to keep courts upon sequestered manors is prejudicial to
the State. |
|
3. In case the Committee for Compounding will empower a steward to keep
courts in co. Dorset, Joseph Darby, and attorney, is a fit man. |
|
4. The Committee for Compounding to appoint a salary for Edm. Keynell
and John Rush, the clerk and messenger chosen by the county committee.
[1 page.] |
May 3. |
7. Committee in London to the Committee for Compounding. We sent
to the late County Committee for London for their books and papers, and
enclose their reply, by which you will perceive that we are incapable of proceeding in our business. We also send a certificate of our having taken the
oath as appointed by the Act. [¾ page.] Enclosing, |
7. i. Late County Committee for London to the present County Committee.
According to the order from the Committee for Compounding of 1 Feb. 1650,
we have returned a certificate of the estates of delinquents and Papists now
under sequestration, specifying where they lie, their value, the leases made,
and what arrears of rent were due 25 March 1649, since which we have been
requested to furnish particulars of all delinquents' and Papists' estates
sequestered, as also what has been received, and how discharged; but as it
would require much time and cost, and we were cut off from the receipt of
money since 25 Jan. last, — having scarcely anything to pay the rents and
assessments for the house we sat in, and our officers' wages, — we signified our
incapacity to do what was required without an allowance, which John Ashe, the
then chairman, considered just, but as yet nothing has been done in the
matter. 2 May 1650. [¾ page.] |
May 3. |
Charges by Col. John Pyne against the new Commissioners for co. Somerset,
appointed by procurement of John Ashe, late chairman at Goldsmiths' Hall,
viz., Capt. Benj. Mason for letting estates to Cavaliers and Papists and their
favourers, and having married into a Papist family; Capt. Sampson for
having, as governor of Bristol Castle, opposed that army's taking the engagement, for which he was cashiered, and for having sons in the King's army
Thos. Shute, as having served in Lord Hopton's army, being a great delinquent and a treature of Ashe. [G 102, p. 311.] |
May 3. |
Deposition of Capt. John Barker, that Capt. Ben. Mason, one of the Sequestration Commissioners for co. Somerset, was much disaffected against Parliament,
and had stiffly pleaded for a personal treaty with his Majesty; he now pleads
that he shall prove a better servant to the State than those who had always
been with them, having changed on mature deliberation, but neither he nor his
fellow commissioners have taken the engagement. [G 102, p. 323.] |
May 3. |
Order in the Committee for Compounding, on informations by Alex. Popham,
Col. John Pyne, and others, presented by Capt. Barker against Latimer
Sampson, Benj. Mason, and Thos. Shute, Sequestration Commissioners for
co. Somerset, that Mr. Reading examine witnesses on the articles, and Col.
Pyne prove them. With letter to Col. John Pyne, requesting proof accordingly. [G 8, p. 20; 10, p. 20.] |
May 3.
Northwich. |
8. Hen. Cockson, County Commissioner for Cheshire, to the Committee for Compounding. We received your letters and instructions to us and
the late committee. We like well the power given to us to examine upon oath,
but we do not find any power to send for witnesses, or compel them to attend. |
|
As to the last directions to seize and sequester the estates of persons who
have not compounded, our power is far short of what the former committee
had; they could take the constables and such other assistance as they
thought meet; and if resisted, open doors, locks, &c.; nor have we power to
seize upon any undertaker's estate, if rent be unpaid, but merely to demand it.
If we could put the former ordinances in execution, we should be better able to
perform our trust. It is hinted that Mr. Shaw is appointed solicitor, but we
hear nothing of him. [1 page.] |
May 3. |
Certificate by And. Solace that Giles Hancock, of Cirencester, a subcommissioner for sequestrations, and J.P. for co. Gloucester, has taken his oath
to perform his trust according to the Act appointing the Committee for
Compounding, &c. [G 89, p. 1,083.] |
May 4.
Exeter. |
9. Major James Pearse, Commissioner for Sequestrations, to the Committee for
Compounding. Restatement of particulars, as given April 17. [See p. 198 supra.] |
There not being power given to call witnesses before us to make good charges
for the discovery of any not yet sequestered, or who have not compounded
according to the full value of their estates, unless any will voluntarily inform,
no new discovery can be made; and then how many who can give testimony
for the advantage of the State, through sullenness and disaffection, will be
silent? |
You allow but one agent, and no other officer; and for us to enter upon and
seize all delinquents' real and personal estates, which heretofore was agent's
work, will be neither honourable nor safe. The former agents had power to
require the assistance not only of the officers of the civil government, but of the
military, in case of opposition, and surely this is no time of greater security
or less danger to those who have to do in abuses of this nature. |
When we have seized and secured the goods, there is no direction as to
keeping them, but at our own charge and hazard of our lives. Though the
salary will not bear half the charge, that is not so much looked at, but few will
take such employment unless the power is enlarged. |
There is also no power given to call before us or examine the agents and other
officers of the old committee, who had the whole management of the letting of
all estates; and if any damage comes to the State by letting at under-value or
concealing estates, it is in them; besides, I believe much money lies in their
hands. Little can be done until a duplicate is given in by that committee,
according to the Act, and they, having so much relied on their agents and other
officers whose power is taken away, are not able to furnish it so suddenly. |
Since the sending down of the above commission, a new vote having been
passed by the former commissioners, by which Mr. Marshall and Capt.
Hunkyn are dismissed, and others put in their place, no prosecution has
been made of the business, but only what has lain in my power. I have
sent to the old committee to hasten in the duplicates, so that we might be
ready on receipt of your further commands; but as yet it has only produced the
enclosed list of delinquents and Papists now under sequestration, with particulars,
in the nature of a rental, of what the estates were let for, or valued at a year,
by which it appears that many of them lie void. |
I received your letter of 20 April, with the additional Act and instructions,
as also a letter for the [late] committee, which I sent. I also received two letters
from the old Committee for Compounding, with two lists for sequestering
divers persons who have not perfected their compositions. This will be a work
of time, there being no power to appoint agents or to give allowance to any
called to assist; and when the commissioners meet, they will find too much
work to sit and take informations, and will not be able to do both in person. |
I shall safely keep your letters and instructions, there being at present no
one to join with me for carrying on the business. I have done my utmost, so
far as one could do, to promote the service. I can testify to Mr. Carter's
diligence and pains to set the business on foot, though to his great expense;
he is a very honest man, and fit for the employment. As nothing can be done for
want of commissioners, I have sent him up to you for his instructions and for my
dismissal, as granted to those who first joined with me, having many public
trusts which take up much of my time. I am receiver-general for the assessment
of 90,000l. and 60,000l. a month, which I cannot now well follow, and have
already spent much myself for the public without any consideration; and there
is a proviso in the commission that if any one of us act by virtue thereof, having
any money of the Commonwealth's in his hands, he will act at his peril. Money
is still coming into my hands, and therefore I desire some other may be thought
of in my room; for what I have hitherto done, I beg your favourable construction, as it has been out of my zeal to promote the public good. [2 pages.]
Enclosing, |
9. i. List of the late members of the County Committee in, the City of Exeter and
County, viz.:— Aldermen Bennet, Saunders, who was treasurer, and Gould;
Rich. Evans, and Rich. Crossing; also John Goswell and — Cleare, of Southgate, agents, and John Mills, secretary. With note that when the writer showed
Mills the Act, he said he cared nothing for it, and used other unseemly language.
[½ page.] |
May 4.
St. Alban's. |
10. County Committee for Herts to the Committee for Compounding. There are
only two delinquents' estates undischarged within the Hundreds of Cashio
and Dacorum, viz., Thos. Coningsby's of North Mimms, let at 270l. a year by the
county committee in 1644, over and above the 1/5, payable to Mrs. [Martha] Coningsby, but which at Michaelmas 1645 was let at 108l., beside the said 1/5 part.
The lands were extended by James Silverlock, by virtue of a recognizance which
Coningsby acknowledged, and which was allowed by the Committee for
Sequestrations, and amounted to 240l. 2s. It might be worth more if it were
not for the opposition of Coningsby. It is now let by us from year to year to
several tenants, but there are debts due thereout. Particulars of the debts. |
|
The other was the estate of Christopher Chresacre Moore, a Papist, in the
same parish, the yearly value 342l. 3s. 8d., out of which there is an annuity
of 133l. 6s. 8d., payable to Sir Mathew Lister, and granted him upon Moore's
composition for recusancy. This estate has been also let by us to yearly
tenants, and the rents applied to payment of the said annuity and other matters,
but Moore having deceased on 24 March 1649, the annuity fell to Parliament, save a third which went to his son. [1 sheet.] |
May 4.
Kendal. |
11. County Committee for Westmoreland to the Committee for Compounding. We have received yours with the instructions and Acts, and
delivered the letter for the late Committee for Sequestrations. Some of us
have taken the oath before Col. Gervase Benson, Justice of Peace, and enclose
a certificate, and Col. Benson will take the oath before some other justice;
Roger Bateman, now in Yorkshire, will take it on his return. |
|
According to instructions from the late Committee for Compounding, we
have ascertained the value of several delinquents' estates, and treated with
those who would give the best value, and last month we certified thereon, and
what might be raised by wood sales, and what customary and finable rents were
under sequestration. Also we sent a charge and some petitions against Major
Arth. Scaife, Cornet Lancelot Scaife, and Robert Wardell, late sequestrator,
but we have received no answer, whereby much prejudice may accrue, no leases
being made of the said lands, no profits of the woods, no benefit to the State by
raising fines for want of the keeping of courts, and the Major continuing in
forcible possession, and not suffering us to seize, according to the Acts
and our instructions. |
|
We likewise named some men as officers, without whom we cannot carry
on the work without prejudice, and requested a salary for them. We have
received depositions from the old committee against James Webster, of
Thirnby, in which we desire your orders, also touching the returns and certificates. We have never received the instructions you name from the late
committee, for re-sequestering such as refuse to pay in their fines. |
|
By the Act of 25 Jan., is power given to us to let estates for 7 years or
any term under? [2 pages.] |
May 4.
Ipswich. |
12. County Committee for Suffolk to the Committee for Compounding. We
had sent the returns about sequestrations before the receipt of your letter,
according to the directions of the former committee for compounding, to
Mr. Heveningham and John Gurdon, both M.Ps., and from whom we
suppose you will receive them. [½ page.] |
May 4. |
Petition of Alderman Hemsworth, Lady Young, and 12 others to the
County Commissioners for York, Yorkshire, and Hull. In 1648 they had
goods value 163l. 5s. 6d. taken from them for the use of the last siege against
Pomfret Castle, by command of Cols. Chas. Fairfax, Roades, and John
Mauleverer, and were promised satisfaction, but never received it. Beg order
for their relief as promised by the late commissioners. With note recommending them to the Committee for Compounding, the County Commissioners having no power to relieve them. [G 93, p. 27.] |
May 6. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for co. Monmouth. In
reply to yours of 29 April, you are to improve to the utmost the Earl of
Worcester and Sir Ralph Hopton's estates, allowing no fifths. |
|
The assignations made by the county committees are void. Also estates
granted by the late Trustees for Ireland since 25 Oct. 1649. Also estates let
by the County Commissioners for more than a year. Enquire whether the late
Sir A. Hopton had any estate in your county; and if so, seize and sequester it.
[G 8, pp. 21, 24.] |
May 6.
Norwich. |
13. Thomas Garratt to Saml. Moyer, Lime Street, London. Notes of cases.
Being your agent for Norfolk, I thought it fit to inform you and the rest of
the commissioners thus much, as most of the county committee live some
distance from this place, but when they meet they will give you an account of
this and the rest of the business. I understand that power is given to the
commissioners to examine upon oath, and to administer the Oath of Abjuration,
and I believe I shall be able in a short time to bring the State near 1,000l. a
year more than has as yet been discovered. [1 page.] |
May 6.
Leicester. |
14. The late County Committee for Leicester to the Committee for
Compounding. We received your letter of 26 April, with the order and Act
about the returns. We are but a few of the late committee here resident, yet
we directed our solicitor and treasurer to make and return the duplicates
of what the Act required from us, which were delivered, one part to the
commissioners here, and the other part we transmitted to Goldsmiths' Hall,
and all long since. [1 page.] |
May 7. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, on Rich's motion in behalf of
Rich. Higgins, that his landlord being a Papist, he may be heard what he
can offer against him;— for a hearing this day week. |
|
Like order, adding Thos. Robinson, of Northwich, co. Chester, to the county
committee, to act according to the instructions of the Acts of 25 Jan. and
25 April 1650. With note of a like order for Thos. Bourchier, of Ackworth,
co. York, to act for that county. [G 8, p. 27; 70, p. 192.] |
|
Order that this committee proceed to choose and examiner. |
|
That this committee will not make compositions with purchasers of recusants' estates without the resolution of the House. |
|
That Wm. Pitchford, Hum. Gold, Wm. Williamson, Wm. Kendall, John
Gace, and George Willingham, the late sequestration committee for London,
appear on Thursday to show cause why they have not given in the certificate
required. |
|
That the business of Devonshire be debated on Thursday. |
|
Order for a letter to the Yorkshire Committee, to hasten their returns on the
Act of 25 Jan. 1650. [G 8, pp. 27–29.] |
|
Order that Peter Brereton, of Gray's Inn, be joined with Reading as counsel
in managing the business of sequestrations and advance of money. [G 8, p. 33;
83, p. 262.] |
May 7. |
Committee for Compounding to the Commissioners for co. Lincoln. You
speak of 77 acres of small underwood of the Duke of Buckingham's fit for felling.
Take care that it be felled and sold without prejudice, and certify what it sells
for. [G 8, p. 29; 71, p. 690.] |
[May 7.] |
Eight interrogatories by Col. John Pyne for cross-examination of witnesses
formerly produced by Capt. Benj. Mason before the Committee for Compounding. [G 102, p. 393.] |
May 7. |
"True account" by Capt. Ben. Mason of all his proceedings in personal and
political matters from 1636 to 1650, showing his services to Parliament, his
marriage with a daughter of Geo. Doddington of Nether Stowey, answer to
accusations against him in his transactions as county sequestrator, &c. [G 102,
pp. 81–86. |
May 7. |
Col. Alex. Popham to the Committee for Compounding. I was told that the
committee whom I recommended for co. Somerset were honest and well-affected,
but hearing after that some are delinquents, I subscribed the last paper. As you
wish me to nominate 2 of the 5 for present employment, I approve Wm. Ceely
and Lieut.-Col. Rich. Bovett. Also I wish George Sampson, jun., of Kingsbury,
to be added to them. [G 102, p. 377.] |
May 7. |
Certificate by Sir John Wollaston, that Rich. Styleman, appointed agent by
the County Committee of London, has taken the oath for fulfilment of his trust.
[G 142, p. 179.] |
May 7.
Aylesbury. |
15. County Committee for Bucks to the Committee for Compounding.
Having several delinquents' estates to seize, we want an order to enable us to
take up soldiers to our assistance. We are the more importunate as we hear our
soldiers are about marching out of the country. Notwithstanding, we shall
proceed to the seizing of some of the estates presently, although we expose
ourselves to some danger. [¾ pages.] |
May ? |
Petition of John Elliott to the Committee for Compounding, to recompense
his long and faithful service, by admitting him as agent to the County Committee of Middlesex, whom he has long served as agent. Served the late
committee to their special good liking, and was nominated joint agent by the
present Committee for Sequestrations, but one Powell, a stranger to the
business, sued for and obtained the place, and his order was vacated. [G 83,
p. 687.] Annexing, |
i. Certificate by the said county committee of his good conduct and long experience
in the service as agent and messenger. 8 May 1650. [G 83, p. 689.] |
May 8.
Preston. |
16. County Committee for Lancaster to the Committee for Compounding.
Notes of cases. [1 page.] |
May 8.
Preston. |
17. County Committee for Lancaster to the Committee for Compounding.
We received your letters to us and the late county committee, requiring an
account of the arrears and profits of sequestrations, and desiring them to be
paid into your treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall. In the beginning of the war,
this county was looked upon by Parliament as one of the most dangerous, in
respect of the interest which some great men had in it that went with the
King's party, and of the many Papists that abound in parts of it. Notwithstanding, through a special Divine assistance to some few who engaged against
the common enemy, it not only first cleared itself, but became serviceable to
neighbouring counties. But this contracted a great debt to the soldiers, for
pay of whom, and support of our ministry, we made use, by approbation of
Parliament, of the sequestrations of the county; and at the passing of the Act
of 25 Jan. last for bringing all the sequestrations into one treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall, the case of this county was represented to Parliament, and upon
their order the Committee for Compounding made an order, 30 Jan. 1650 [see
p. 168 supra], for the revenue of sequestrations to be for the ministry and soldiers,
until 24 June next. After that, we shall desire your favour in respect to this
poor exhausted county, and be as ready as any others to observe what may be
required. [1 page.] |
May 8.
Norwich. |
18. County Committee for Norfolk to Samuel Moyer and the other Commissioners for Compounding. Notes of cases. We have already paid considerable
sums into the treasury at Goldsmiths' Hall, and will return a certificate thereof
with all speed. We shall observe your instructions as to recovering arrears of
rent, examining witnesses, and discovering recusants and defaulters; but our
power is yet so much abridged that we cannot possibly do the service expected
but with difficulties, which must be a prejudice to the State, and injure such as
are apprehended to have arrears in their hands, and yet ought to be quit, by
reason of disbursements for Parliamentary charges, or other just defalcations,
which we have no power to allow. Peruse our remonstrance to the late committee, which they well resented, and then we doubt not you will enlarge
our power to its former standard, afford a competent salary for our clerk, and
allow of other necessaries. [1½ sheets.] |
May 8.
Leicester. |
19. County Committee for Leicester to the Committee for Compounding.
We have received yours of 26 April and two Acts of Parliament, one constituting you a Committee for Compounding, and the other giving power to
county committees to examine witnesses upon oath, also some additional instructions. We have given to the old county committee your letter, but they
say they had already certified particulars in pursuance of the Act of 25 Jan. |
|
We enclose a certificate of our taking the oath, and also our clerk and
agent. We have only two persons that have not paid the remainder of their
fines, and their personal estates are of very small value, but we will proceed in
the execution of our trust. We have received an order from the Council of State
to seize, inventory, and secure the real and personal estates of Lord Beaumont,
Robt. Sherley, Sir Rich. Halford, George Faunt, Capt. [John] Roe, and George,
Andrew, and Matthew Halford, and pray your directions therein. [1 page.] |
May 8? |
20. Queries by Edw. Chamberlayne, for the County Committee for Warwick,
to the Committee for Compounding:— |
|
What shall be paid, and by whom, to the discoverers of Papists' and delinquents' estates? [You shall shortly receive directions herein.] |
|
Who shall pay the agents' assistants, and how much? [No allowance to any
but upon particular business.] |
|
May we secure any personal estates before examination? [Not without good
proof of 2 witnesses.] |
|
May we send for a witness against a delinquent out of another county? [You
have power so to do.] |
|
Shall we sequester the estates of any persons proved delinquents at Haberdashers' Hall? [Yes, on judgment given that they are delinquents.] |
|
May we, on desire of some recusants, allow them ⅓ of their lands divided
out ? [In all such cases set out ⅓ in specie.] |
|
Shall we dispose of Col. [Thos.] Morgan's estate, which is by ordinance in
[John] Pym's trustees, towards raising money? |
|
Is a young man, now 22 years old, to be sequestered because when he was
between 14 and 18, he was in the King's quarters', and sent for horses, arms,
&c., to be used by others in the King's army? [Yes.] [1 page.] |
May 8? |
21. Edw. Chamberlayne, one of the County Committee for Warwick to [the
Committee for Compounding]. An under-sheriff having levied money by virtue
of an execution for a recusant, what will you direct in it? Our agent has given
notice to the sheriff to keep the money till he receives order for payment
thereof, and the recusant's friends press him to bring it into the court.' With
note that the sheriff is to be requested to pay 2/3 of it to the commissioners.
[⅓ page.] |
May 8.
Coventry. |
22. County Committee for Warwick to the Committee for Compounding.
We delivered your letter to the most active of the late committee, who has
promised a duplicate of their transactions with speed. We shall take the oath
and get a certificate as soon as we can meet with the justices of the peace. We
will re-sequester those who have not paid in their fines according to your and
the late Committee for Compounding's orders. [1 page.] |
May 9. |
23. List of queries by John Halford, on behalf of the County Committee for
Warwick, to the Committee for Compounding, viz.:— |
|
Concerning the estate of Sir James Stonehouse, sequestered by order from
Haberdashers' Hall, we crave directions. |
|
As to Lady Smith, of Wootton, and others, the Irish Commissioners granted
a lease for a certain sum, all paid, and the lease is not expired. Shall we
endeavour to improve the estate by bringing them to a new composition, or
forbear until the lease has expired? [To improve the estate to the best
advantage.] |
|
We certified the yearly value of the Earl of Northampton's estate. Has he
compounded? [He has not compounded. Receive the rents.] |
|
Are the augmentations granted to ministers here out of sequestered estates
to be paid? [Pay none without special direction.] |
|
Are the arrears of rent due by divers tenants to be paid to us, or to the
treasurer at Goldsmiths' Hall? [Receive it there, and transmit it to us.] |
|
We have not received any duplicates of accounts from the late County Committee for Sequestrations. [Renew the orders, and if they do not obey, send
up the names of such as you wish us to send for.] |
|
We desire your new orders and instructions, with power to examine upon
oath, as also an additional agent, there being but one employed, and the work
great. [1 page.] |
May 9.
Preston. |
24. County Committee for Lancaster to the Committee for Compounding.
We sent your letters to the members of the late committee. We will take the
oath as prescribed by the Act, and send a certificate of our having done so, but
we beg to be excused till we hear further, because the first proviso in the Act is
not agreeable to an order of Parliament of 25 Jan. last, nor to several orders of
the late Committee for Compounding, authorising us to issue all sequestration
money due before 24 June next for the pay of the ministry and soldiers, which
in part has been done, and the full performance thereof cannot be prevented
without danger of distraction. |
You mention an order of the late committee for re-sequestering such as
have neglected to pay their fine, but it never came to our hands. We shall do
our utmost for the service, but having only a commission under the hands and
seals of 7 of the late Committee for Compounding, we desire to be informed
whether, they being now discharged, our commission is not determined. By
our letter to them 3 April last, we informed them that we had reduced one-half
of the officers formerly employed in sequestration, but our county being large,
and the sequestrations great, we could not do anything without the assistance
of officers named in a list then sent up: we have received no answer, and without them the business will be slighted, and the service prejudiced. We enclose
a copy of the list and desire your order for their acting. |
There are many commanders and officers who have laid down money for
furnishing their soldiers with arms and ammunition, and some poor workmen
who have large sums due for making and dressing arms, and who will be undone
unless paid. As we cannot issue money for them, we desire some course that
they may be satisfied. |
Are the annuities and rent-charges upon sequestered estates, and 1/5 allowed
to the wives and children of delinquents, and the repair of sequestered houses,
according to the first ordinance for sequestration, to be continued? There are
other things daily occurring, wherein for want of authority, we cannot relieve
the persons complaining. [1½ pages.] Enclosing, |
24. i. List of 12 persons thought necessary to be employed by them, 8 as agents
in the several hundreds, and a clerk, receiver, auditor, and door-keeper.
[½ page.] |
24. ii. List of queries proposed to the Committee for Compounding:— |
1. What course is to be taken with those who prosecute judgments or executions upon sequestered estates without your order? May they receive the
benefit thereof?
|
2. If the estates of any tenants be determined, the owners being under
sequestration, and the estates to be disposed of, are the estates to be let at a yearly
rent or the tenant continued under the ancient rent? |
3. If waste be committed by the farmers of any sequestered estate, or any
other person, how are they to be proceeded against? |
4. If farmers be disturbed in their possession, how are they to be relieved.
and the offenders punished?
|
5. If any informations be exhibited to us against any for delinquency, how
are we to proceed? May we take the informer's oath, and the examination of
the party, and how far may we go in securing or sequestering such estates?
[¾ page.] |
May 9. |
25. County Committee for Suffolk to the Committee for Compounding.
Particulars of cases, all calendared under their respective names. [1 page.] |
May 9. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding that this committee will consider
on Monday how to-proceed in allowance of annuities. |
|
Order on motion in behalf of the Lord-General, about the disposal of York
House tenements, granted to him by Parliament, that his counsel represent
what is desired in writing, and it shall be considered. |
|
Note that Edw. Carey, of the Middle Temple, was chosen examiner in cases before this committee, as a committee for Compounding and Advance of Money,
and that he was sworn in court. [G 8, pp. 30, 32; 10, p. 21.] |
May 9. |
[John Leech] registrar, to the high sheriffs of counties. I send you, as ordered
by the Committee for Compounding, the enclosed vote of Parliament, which
you are to take especial care to publish, and to certify the publication. [G 8,
p. 33.] Enclosing, |
26. Order in Parliament that all delinquents who, having compounded for delinquency and non-payment of their second moiety, have incurred the penalty
formerly imposed, and shall pay in their second moiety with interest by lst
June, shall be discharged from such penalty; but in default of payment, the
moiety of their estate shall be confiscated, and the Committee for Compounding are to take care this is put in execution. [Printed, 1 page.] |
May 10. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding that Wm. Ceely of Bridgewater,
Rich. Bovett of Taunton, and Major George Sampson of Kingsbury, be added
to the Commissioners for co. Somerset, on the Act of 25 Jan. 1650. |
|
That letters from this committee to the county commissioners be directed to
one of them till further order. |
|
That Capt. Mason forbear to act till further order. |
|
That the commissioners examine the charge against him, and if they find it
delinquency, seize and secure his estate, and send up the charge. |
|
Order that Wm. Pitchford and 5 others, late sequestration commissioners for
London, appear on Monday the 13th, and show cause why they have not delivered in a duplicate of their sequestration proceedings; the present commissioners to appear also. |
|
That John Williams, of Bromyard, co. Hereford, be agent and sequestrator to
the county committee. [G 8, pp. 34, 36; 10, p. 23.] |
May 10.
Chichester. |
27. County Committee for Sussex to the Committee for Compounding. We
delivered your letter to the old committee, with the Act for receiving arrears,
which we shall pursue; we have seized the estates mentioned in a list given to
us, and will receive the rents. We wish Stephen Humphrey to be authorised to
keep all courts belonging to any delinquent or Papist in the Western Division
of Sussex, with an allowance for his pains, and a clerk. [1 page.] |
May 10.
Chichester. |
28. County Committee for Sussex to the Committee for Compounding.
There is a house and 7 acres of pasture land, called the Grey Friars, in Chichester,
belonging to Chris. Lewknor, a delinquent, by lease from the corporation,
rent, 6l. 13s. 4d., and formerly let by the old committee of Chichester to Benj.
Occeott of Chichester for 3 years ending last Ladyday, at 20l., viz., 6l. 13s. 4d.
to be paid to the corporation, and 13l. 6s. 8d. to be laid out by him towards repair of the premises, most part of the house having been pulled down by
soldiers. We find the premises still very ruinous, but Occeott will take it for
7 years at the former rent, to be laid out as before, or at 16l. 13s. 4d., with allowance for payments, which is as much or more than any other will give. [1 page.] |
[May 10.] |
29. Queries by the County Committee, for Sussex, to the Committee for
Compounding. |
|
1. As to paying quit rents out of delinquents' and Papists' estates. |
|
2. Allowance of 1/5 to wives and children of delinquents. |
|
3. Allowance to tenants for repairs of houses and barns, &c., which otherwise
would fall down. |
|
4. As to obeying orders from the Barons of the Exchequer, who require from
them certificates of delinquency, and order them to forbear receiving rents
until further order from themselves. |
|
5. Order required for receiving Lord Montague's rents, due last Ladyday,
being threatened to be fetched up to the Indemnity Committee, they being
paid on a former ordinance to the Palsgrave [Elector Palatine.] |
|
6. An order for letting delinquents' lands for 7 years or under. [1 page.] |
May 10.
Leicester. |
30. County Committee for Leicester to the Committee for Compounding.
At the request of divers godly ministers who have augmentations out of sequestered impropriations, we pray directions about paying them, as we can do
nothing without your special orders. The bearers, Thos. Lowry and Mr. Weld,
who are well-affected gentlemen, are much in arrear out of the impropriate
rectory of Whitwick. Mr. Lowry's case is very considerable, by reason of the
smallness of his stipend; unless he receives from us the maintenance formerly
allowed by the Committee of Plundered Ministers, and confirmed by the late
Committee for Compounding, he will be a great sufferer. [¾ page.] |
May 10.
Sarum. |
31. County Committee for Wilts to the Committee for Compounding. We
received your instructions and orders, and sent our agent to sequester the
persons therein mentioned. He sequestered Mr. Davy, but Bennet has only a
reversion, which we know not how to seize. We have sent up our clerk to you
with a certificate, and the best account that the shortness of the time and the
unskilfulness of our agent will give us leave; had he been vigilant, and had we
received our commission sooner, we should have returned you a more satisfactory account. With note, 16 May, for a letter to the old county commissioners to reinforce [orders], or this county committee will be enforced to levy
the penalty. [¾ page.] |
May 10.
Knutsford. |
32. Hen. Cockson, County Commissioner for Cheshire, to the Committee
for Compounding. The parties whose estates are to be seized and sequestered
for non-payment of fines are Jonathan Wodenoth, Thos. Starkey of Stretton,
Thos. Poole of Poole, Sir Fras. Gamul of Chester, and 4 others The estates of
Woodnoth, Starkey, and Poole stand sequestered by orders of the late committee,
which we shall further prosecute. The estates of the others are also under
sequestration by the late committee, but the profits arise out of the lands they
hold of Sir Fras. Gamul within the City of Chester. The estates of delinquents in the city are very few, but we are uncertain as to our power. Our commission for the county palatine of Chester extends to the city, which is a county
of itself, although within the liberty of the county palatine; we desire to know
whether we are to act in the city as well as in the county; we believe that none
in the city (though there are many honest) will undertake that employment
upon the Parliament salary; however we shall prosecute your directions in
whichever way shall seem good. |
|
As to the other list, commanding us to seize and sequester the estates of
divers persons named for not paying in the remainder of their fines, some of
them likewise have their estates within the city, viz., Daniel Bavand and Sir
Robt. Brerewood, concerning whom also we desire further direction. Sir Hugh
Calverley of Lea, has died since his composition was made; this estate lies under
extents and judgments for debts, save what his lady had in jointure, 800l. a
year. There are extents issued out of the Exchequer against the lands of the
Earl of Derby in this county, and of Thos. Starkey of Stretton, whereby the
sheriff is ready to seize upon the lands for issues which may continue for ever,
and the original debt or fine never be discharged, unless you take special care;
the under-sheriffs of Cheshire could inform you herein. We are much
obstructed in letting these two estates by these extents; men are unwilling
to take the lands, the sheriff being ready to drive the lands so soon as taken,
and we not able to secure them. |
|
As the execution of this place cannot be readily performed without assistants,
I desire that such as are allowed to the commissioners in other counties may
be allowed to us. Letters to us to be directed to Richard Legh, or George
Wilson, Knutsford, Cheshire. [2 pages.] |
May 11. |
33. County Committee for York to the Committee for Compounding.
We have received 2 letters from the late Committee for Compounding, to sequester
persons mentioned in a list who had not paid the last ½ or the whole of their
fines according to composition, and we sent out our agents to secure their estates,
and to give their tenants notice to pay in their rents here, which in part is
already done; but the county being exceeding large, all are not yet gone
through. Upon notice to Sir Thomas Gower's tenants, he sent us his discharge,
dated a year ago. |
|
We have informations of delinquency against divers persons of considerable
estates, but have no power to swear witnesses, nor to protect their tenants,
creditors, or others from suits meantime. |
|
We acquainted the late committee of the great abuse committed by the
late reduced officers of the militia, under pretence of an ordinance of Parliament for 13,000l. They wrongfully and cruelly drive the tenants to Papists'
estates for those arrears, in opposition to the Act of 25 Jan. last, and several
orders from us, and contrary to the order of the late Militia Act. Major Capperthwaite and Capt. Robt. Anderson are now driving in several places, and will
not observe the Act or orders, neither have we power to command any of the
soldiery. We find by last year's account, that most of the Papists' sequestered
estates have been eaten up by such levies, and unless there be a speedy prevention thereof, those soldiers, and others who will follow their example, will
swallow up all the growing rents. [12/3 pages.] |
May 11.
Redcastle, co. Montgomery. |
34. Hugh and Lewis Price, Commissioners for North Wales, to the Committee for Compounding. We are acting upon our instructions, as to sequestering Papists and delinquents, but do not find any power to appoint an
agent or registrar, for want of whom the business is much retarded. Edw.
Vaughan is fit for an agent, and Rich. Hamer for registrar; if you will
appoint them and allow them a salary, we hope soon to give a good account of
our proceedings. [¾ page.] |
May 11. |
35. County Committee for Dorset to the Committee for Compounding.
Sam. Bull, who was appointed one of the commissioners for this county,
having been called to other service for the State, and left his employment,
we recommend Chris. Weare in his stead. [¾ page. Appointed 13 May.
G 8, p. 37.] |
May 13. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding—on the reading of a letter from Mr.
Martin, clerk to the late Sequestration Committee for London—that the said
committee be summoned for Thursday, and required to bring in their books and
duplicates, and especially a rental of the arrears due to the State; otherwise,
this committee will proceed to put the Act in execution. |
|
That on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this committee will proceed only on fines,
reports, and sequestration business. |
|
That a letter be written to the Commissioners for co. Hereford to show cause
why the duplicates written for are not returned. |
|
Note of a return from Chester. [G 8, p. 37.] |
May 13. |
Committee for Compounding to the Committee for co. Devon. We hope that—
the scruples named in yours of 17 April as to whether your commission was
not ended by the transfer of the management of those affairs to us being removed—you will resume your duties. You object that the instructions are not full
enough, and that the work is too elaborate for only one agent; that you have
no power to examine on oath, set, or let, but only to certify; that there is no
care taken how estates are to be seized or how the expenses are to be discharged.
In answer, we have added Mr. Dore in commission, and will allow you another
agent, a liberty denied in other counties. Also you have power to summon and
examine on oath, and if any are refractory, on return of their names, we shall
take such course that others will be more compliant. As your county's condition differs from others, you may let for 3 years instead of one, and we shall
soon enlarge the time to 7 years. |
|
You are not required to do all personally, but to satisfy yourselves of the
correctness of the valuations. You complain of delinquents turning out the
tenants. You have power to dispossess the delinquent, and let the estates to
such as you think fit. We hope you will not decline the service in the present
exigency. [G 8, p. 41; 30, p. 2.] |
May 13. |
36. Earl of Rutland to the County Committee for Middlesex. By virtue of
an Act made for ordering delinquents' estates, and by directions thereupon given
you by the Committee for Compounding, you are entrusted to contract for
estates lying in the liberty of Westminster, with such as will give the best rent, for
any term not exceeding 7 years. Being tenant in possession of Wallingford House,
I am desirous to be continued tenant to the State, having furnished and settled
myself therein, and it will be a great damage to me to remove. It has always
been judged a great injury to put out a tenant against whom there can be no
jnst exception, and who will give as much as any other, and I will give more.
Therefore I desire you to grant me a lease, and I will give the State 130l. a year,
over and above all taxes and reparations, and will pay the arrears that were
due last Ladyday. If it be objected that Lord Edw. Howard has a lease from
a former committee, I hope that that will not prevent me, in regard of several
ordinances and orders of 8 Dec. 1646, as also a subsequent Act of Parliament of
25 Jan. 1650. If any shall offer more than I do, I desire to be heard again;
had it not been for my offer, it would have gone for 40l. per annum.
[Copy, 1 page.] |
May 13. |
37. Order by the County Committee for Middlesex upon the preceding
letter,—the Earl alleging that whatever leases Lord Howard might pretend to
were void, it being contrary to the sense of Parliament that any committee
should let to any of themselves any of the sequestered estates, as appears by
their vote of 8 December 1646, and especially at an under rent, and contrary to
the sense of the Act of Parliament of 25 Jan. 1650; and because he has not
made any contract with the commissioners according to the Act,—that the Earl
of Rutland, paying the arrears of rent due to the State since the death of the
Duchess of Buckingham, due at Ladyday last, and giving security to pay 130l.
a year over and above all taxes and reparations, have a lease of Wallingford
House for 7 years, always excepting the little closet or passage that lies over the
gate leading into St. James's Park, being a passage formerly into Wallingford
House. [Copy, 1 page.] |
May 13. |
38. Statement of the case of three of the County Committee for Exeter
and Devon, by Rich, Carter, their agent, showing how the late commission sent
has been accepted by the new commissioners. Mr. Marshall desires to be
excused, alleging much weakness, and not being able to act in such toilsome
business. |
Capt. [Jos.] Hunkyn seems desirous to forward the affairs of the State, and was
willing to act had they had according to the Act a duplicate from the late
committee, for the taking of the rents, the greater part whereof lie in malignants'
hands, yet desired to be excused from acting further, having spent many years
in the State's service, to the injury of his health and estate. He further alleged
that the instructions would not suit their county, they having no power to let,
and the custom of the county being to let by survey, where the best bidder shall
have the price, and that being once denied them, they will not again proffer
the same terms; consequently the thing to be let or sold may lie in hand. |
Mr. Pearse was very willing to forward the work, and often spoke to members
of the late committee both for the city and county to deliver in a duplicate
according to the Act, but could not get it. Thereupon I went to Mr. Upton and
others of the late committee, who gave me a letter to [Nich.] Row, their secretary
and solicitor, to draw up the accounts of their books, but he alleged it did not
concern him but the whole committee. Thereupon I pressed for the same, and
at the sessions, finding the committee together, I went to them with the Act, and
desired them to consider what was required from them therein. They asked me if
any committee sat; I replied they could not do so, as they (the late committee)
had not performed what was required by the Act, to which they answered they
could not do it under half a year; thereupon I pressed them to breviate out a
rental, so that order might issue from the commissioners to collect the rents;
but it is so defective, no tenants named, nor any time when to commence, that the
commissioners can do nothing therein. |
This rental is but for two divisions, the other lying in the hands of [Rob.] Spry,
who was made solicitor and treasurer for those divisions by the late commissioners at Goldsmiths' Hall. Mr. Row informed me that Spry has often been
summoned by that committee to bring in his accounts, but always declined; and
Row believes he has great sums of money in hand; but his habitation is not
known. |
I gave the letters from the committee to Mr. Beare, who promised to deliver
them and get the committee to sit, and desired me to go to [Charles] Vaughan, the
treasurer, whose answer is annexed. The late committee for the City of Exeter
deny in general to yield obedience to the Act, except Alderman Saunders,
treasurer, who desires time to deliver an account of what has passed through his
hands. I therefore conceive if a day is not fixed for their sitting, and power given
to call all agents before them, and compel them to bring in their accounts, the
business will be delayed, and the State much prejudiced, as it already has been
by the malignants turning their tenants out of possession, viz.:—Wm. Cooke of
Ottery, a delinquent, whose estate is let for 140l. a year, has thrown the State's
tenant out of doors, and seized on all his goods. Request that the Committee
for Compounding will grant an order authorising the county committee to
call before them all the late agents for sequestrations in the county, to attend
them at their several sittings, give an account of all rents due to the State in
their several divisions, and assist in the collecting thereof, until the new
collectors have knowledge of the tenants and their rents; and that such
agents may have some allowance for such days as they ride. [1 sheet.]
Annexing, |
38. i. Charles Vaughan to [Rich. Curter]. I desire a copy of the letters, and of
the Act and orders, that I may the better know what I am to do. Tell the
gentlemen that I put in my account to the Committee of Accounts 2 or 3 years
since, wherein all is expressed that I have received and paid. Concerning
what is now required of me, and that I am to go to London on Monday next
about public business for the Commonwealth, I never heard anything of this
business until to-day, and have been so weak (although I have had much
business in Exeter which greatly concerned me) that I could not travel, and
have not been ten miles from home in seven months. Ottery, 2 May 1650.
[¼ page.] |
May 13.
Norwich. |
39. Thomas Garrett to Mr. Leech, secretary to the Committee for Compounding.
I can discover some estates here that have never been sequestered, as that of
Mrs. Ramsey, a recusant, worth 300l. or 400l. a year, besides stock; she has been
kept from sequestration by some great man. May I inventory her personal
estate, and take security for it, until she either clears herself, or is convicted? As
there are others of the same nature, I must take a man or two to assist me, and
pay them, and as my salary will hardly bear my expenses, I hope you will confer
with the committee thereon. I also desire advice as to Sir Henry Bedingfield's
estate, as I had a warrant to seize it, but the tenants are unwilling to bring in
their rents, as they are forbidden by Sir Henry to do so. I have summoned
them upon the Act of 25 Jan. 1650 for all arrears. [1 page.] |
May 13. |
40. Late County Committee for London to the Committee for Compounding.
We received your order of the 10th inst., requiring us to show cause why we have
not returned a duplicate of our proceedings touching sequestrations, but that
was done by us in our letter of the 2nd inst. We have nothing to add save that
if we may have an order for getting in some debts, so as to enable us to pay for
the dispatch of what is required, we having no money, we shall willingly
perform your commands. This we conceive would be the answer of the rest
of the gentlemen mentioned in your order, some of whom being out of town,
and others sick, we can give no further account. [¾ page.] |
May 13.
Newcastle. |
41. Henry Horsley, one of the County Committee for Northumberland, to the
Committee for Compounding. You require an account of our proceedings, but
as the rest of the commissioners are in several parts of the county, taking the
engagement, and other public services as justices, we cannot meet at present,
but will do so, and give you the account with speed. Are we to allow ⅓ and
1/5 to [recusants and] delinquents, and to grant allowances for repairs? [1 page.] |
May 13. |
42. Queries by the County Committee for Warwick to the Committee for
Compounding, viz.:— |
|
1. How are Mr. Sheldon and others to come by their bonds from the Committee
for raising 50,000l. for Ireland? [An order is to be sent to the trustees' registrar
to return all such bonds.] |
|
2. Some leases made by the same committee do not determine until Michaelmas twelvemonth; are they to hold or are we to improve the rent ? [If any are
let in trust for the delinquent, they are to be improved.] |
|
3. Some estates we have let for a year; what leases will you or shall we make,
and on what security? We except all spring woods, profits of courts, fines, and
estates that fall within the year, and the lessee to pay all taxes, quarterings, and
payments; who shall keep courts? [Mr Chamberlayne appointed steward.] |
|
4. Shall we examine and allow, if there be cause, any deeds of mortgage,
annuities, judgments, statutes, &c., or refer them to you? [You are to certify
the case, and the proofs are to be produced before us.] |
|
5. Col. [John] Fox has an Act for [Rob.] Middlemore's estate, and [John]
Pym's trustees have one for Col. Morgan's estate; shall they hold, or will you
question them? Middlemore has paid the greatest part of his rent to us, and we
have agreed with him for a year longer, and now soldiers demand the rent or
possession of his estate. [They are to proceed to let the lands.] |
|
6. Has the Earl of Northampton compounded, or shall we demand the rents,
and distrain if they are not paid? His lease ends next Michaelmas. [To receive
the rents and improve.] |
|
7. We have not yet received any duplicate from the late committee. |
|
8. Shall we examine witnesses against any supposed delinquents, who have
been cleared by order of the Committee for Sequestrations? |
|
9. Ministers who have subscribed the engagement bring us orders to pay them
money out of estates sequestered from Papists; shall we pay them if 2/3 of
the tithes, and the glebe will not pay them the amount ordered by the Committee
for Plundered Ministers? [To suspend till further direction.] |
|
10. If long after sequestration, a delinquent marries, shall his wife and
children have 1/5 allowed? [No.] |
|
11. If long after sequestration, the estate is extended by the sheriff, without
any order from the late Committee for Compounding or the Barons, what shall
we do? [It is not valid.] |
|
All sheriffs should be summoned to attend you on a certain day at the end of
the term, and be forbidden to extend sequestered estates without your
allowance. The lessee of Mr. Fortescue's estates says he has paid sheriffs, on
outlawries and judgments, more than the rent comes to. [Summons to be sent
to the sheriffs, and the committee will debate this with them. Mr. Berners and
Squibb to go to the Lord Chief Baron.] |
|
12. Shall our agent have 4s. a day from the date of his commission paid by
our treasurer? |
|
[Those queries not answered in the margin are answered by our instructions.]
[2 pages.] |
13 May.
Stowey. |
Capt. Benj. Mason to John Ashe. Public employment and private business have
prevented my waiting on you. I was at Taunton May 11, to praise the Lord
for His mercies to that place. I sat next Col. [John] Pyne, with Mr. Saunders
and Roger Hill. He gave out a month ago that if I would cease acting, he
would show me some money, but I told Col. [Edw.] Ceely I should go on in
this service till ordered to forbear. Pyne says he has prevailed in London
that we shall be put out, and Recorder [Wm.] Ceely of Bridgewater, and
[Rich.] Bovett of Taunton put in. I am afraid there is a sufficient charge
against Ceely, which I will follow if you direct it. I can prove that the
county committee brought their money to Pyne, and the Colliers give lame
accounts, and say they disposed of it by orders, but not by what orders.
I can prove that Ceely, [Hen.] Minterne, [Chr.] Pittard, and 2 others gave
themselves 100l. and more each above their salaries; therefore they may
well keep their books close. This I can prove at London. [G 118, p. 892.] |
May 13. |
Orders for the following letters to the late and present Commissioners of co.
Somerset. [G. 8, p 37.] |
May 14. |
Committee for Compounding to [Capt.] Latimer Sampson and Thos. Shute.
Before yours of 2 May, we heard that [John] Buckland and [Rich.] Jones did not
act as commissioners, and had an accusation of delinquency against Capt. Mason,
so by recommendation of several M.Ps we added three others to the committee,
suspended Capt. Mason till he should acquit himself, and bade you examine
witnesses; but if he prefer to be examined before us, we will give him a fair
hearing, on your sending up the proofs. Pray send up your moneys and hasten
the arrears. We hope the newly-appointed commissioners will advance the
service, if you keep up fair correspondence with them. The extents on Sir
Ralph Hopton's estate are fraudulent, and must be improved to the State's
advantage. [G 8, p. 38.] |
May 14. |
Committee for Compounding to Wm. Ceely, Rich. Bovett, and George Sampson.
We are satisfied with Capt. Sampson and Mr. Shute, and have ordered them to
proceed, and hope you will keep up correspondence with them, and not allow
your difference to be a public prejudice. Capt. Mason's case we shall judge
according to its merits. We can neither excuse nor shall we bear the neglect
of the old commissioners. [G. 8, p. 39.] |
May 14. |
Committee for Compounding to Col. John Pyne and the rest of the late
Sequestration Commissioners for Bristol and co. Somerset. The present committee complain much of your backwardness to make the returns required by
the Act of 12 May, and indeed of manifest opposition. It is true that there is
jealousy of one of the parties, but this is no excuse for delaying the accounts
and duplicates, which causes trouble, and we wonder that men professing affection to the State should retard a matter of such concern. [G 8, p. 39.] |
May 14. |
Summons to Thos. Blackborne, late sequestration treasurer for co. Somerset,
to appear before the committee in 21 days, to answer for moneys received.
[G 8, p. 40.] |
May 14. |
John Ashe to Saml. Moyer, one of the Committee for Compounding, Lime
street. I understand from Mr. Curle that you have cashiered one of the
Somerset sub-commissioners, accused for a delinquent. I wrote you how he
came recommended to us, and am confident the charge can never be made good
against him. He has lost his blood, and endangered his life for Parliament. |
|
But a malicious man may charge me or you with a crime, therefore to
be cashiered and disgraced, unheard, unproved, will be thought hard measure.
Let justice be done, and then defy the devil and all his agents. But what can
we expect when there is a failure amongst you in the place and ordinary course
of justice? I affirm solemnly, in presence of God, I know no other crime in
these men than the perfect service of Parliament; for I knew well that sequestration matters had been most unduly managed by the committee, and that
these men were the most likely to do the best service, because four of them had
never any dealings in sequestrations, and the fifth, Mr. Shute, knew all the
committee's by-paths and extravagancies. I hear you have discharged
three of them, and nominated three others, because Mr. Pyne, by the hand of
Col. Pride, would have it so. Onlookers will see what will be the end. Besides
the dishonour cast upon us that commended them, your reputation may suffer,
by admitting the mere creatures of the old committee; if you had consulted
[Roger] Hill and [Rich.] Long, the county members, they would have told you so. |
|
Think upon it seriously; it may be your own case another day. Capt.
Sampson underwent the same mischief. It was contrived by malicious adversaries that one Clarke should have his command in Bristol; upon this a charge
was presented against him at the council of war, and he was outed before being
heard. The captain, knowing his innocency, would not sit tamely under the
abuse, and at length, after the expense of 150l., was by the council of war
acquitted. But the honest man spent his money, lost his place, suffered disgrace, and so was undone. Let me entreat you, as you tender your own
reputation and peace of conscience, beware of doing such high injustice, to the
utter undoing of honest faithful men, because Col. Pride or Col. Pyne will have
it so, men that are subject to passion and misinformation. The cries of the
injured and oppressed sound loud. Pardon my passion. My true and hearty
affection to you and the Commonwealth will be much wronged in this change.
[G 118, p. 889.] |
May 14. |
Note in the Committee for Compounding that the commissioners for co.
Herts gave up their commission. [G 8, p. 46.] |
May 14.
Aylesbury. |
43. County Committee for Bucks to the Committee for Compounding.
Last week we desired orders to take soldiers to our assistance to seize and
sequester estates not seized; as the soldiers wholly refuse to assist us, unless
we have something from you, we desire you will despatch something down
by the bearer, our clerk, to the chief officer, commanding some soldiers
to our assistance before they leave the country. [¾ page.] |
May 14.
Carmarthen. |
44. Jenkin Franklin and John Hughes, senior, two of the County Commissioners for South Wales, to the Committee for Compounding. We have received your commission for sequestration, prohibiting all committees from
meddling therein, and authorizing us to proceed against all delinquents and
Papists. We number but six, and our abodes are far distant. We two reside
in this county. We have for our charge cos. Carmarthen, Pembroke, and
Cardigan, which being so very wide, we cannot do without agents. |
|
The late committee has given us the names of some in their books against
whom proceedings are to be taken, which we are now beginning. We received
your order of 18 April against Wm. Williams of Mothvey and three others.
Three produced a discharge prohibiting all further proceedings against them,
and conceived themselves free by the Act for Wales, and Williams showed us
an acquittance for 51l. paid of his fine, but confessed there was as much more
in arrear, and will pay if you conceive him not freed by the general Act.
[1 page.] |
May 15. |
45. Order in Parliament that the order of 4th March, touching the 14,000l.
for the charges of the treaty, be amended as follows, viz.:—That it be referred
to the Revenue Committee to take account of the business touching the 14,000l.
to defray the charges of the treaty at the Isle of Wight, and to see what is unpaid of the sum to be lent, and that the securities for payment thereof remain
as they now stand; and the Committee at Goldsmiths' Hall are ordered to
pay the same in course, as it now stands, upon a certificate thereof from the
Revenue Committee; the remainder of the said sum to be paid over by order
of the said committee to Mr. Falconbridge, for satisfaction of debts contracted
by the committee for that service; Mr. Falconbridge to pay over the money
to Mr. Say, steward to the said committee. [1 page; also G 1, p. 222.] |
May 15.
Salop. |
46. Col. H. Mackworth and Th. Nicolls, Commissioners for Sequestrations,
co. Salop, to the Committee for Compounding. On receipt of your order that all
Papists' and delinquents' rents should remain in the tenants' hands, and that no
committee should issue out any warrant for disposing thereof, we ceased from
interfering with such rents, and instructed our officers not to meddle. We formally entrusted John Brome, one of the solicitors for sequestrations, with the
custody of the books and papers, and he is the only person capable of giving an
account of the arrears of rent, and of the sequestered estates and their value;
as he is now in London, he can give you every satisfaction. [½ page.] |
May 15.
Truro. |
47. County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding. We shall be careful to act according to the orders given us in this great
trust committed to our charge, but as we have not received the accounts and
papers from the old committee, we crave pardon for not sending the certificate
desired. We have as much in preparation as we may, and have let divers
delinquents' estates for one year at good rents; had we orders for a longer term,
according to the Act, it would much increase the yearly rent. |
|
The solicitor to the old committee has promised us a list of all persons sequestered, but that committee having few or none of the compositions of delinquents, we can hardly know who has compounded. Besides, it will appear
on review that very few have compounded at the true value of their estates;
wherefore we shall endeavour to get all their compositions and particulars of
their estates into our hands, and shall then be able to proceed as you shall
command. We believe considerable sums will be raised thereby, and that from
the most notorions and grand delinquents of our county. The most considerable men unsequestered are such as served as grand jury men in the late King's
time, whose sequestrations are suspended by order from the Barons of Exchequer,
and not yet resolved. We beg a speedy resolve therein. |
|
Upon sequestering divers delinquents, we find they have made compositions
with the old committees and paid their fines, the committees being necessitated
at that time so to do for pay of the soldiers, there being 3 regiments of foot and
three of horse at the siege of Pendennis. To this purpose the committee have
written to the Speaker of Parliament, and it will reflect on them if we proceed
against such as have so compounded ere Parliament's pleasure is known.
Pray move Parliament that such as have fully compounded may be dismissed,
and that the rest who have compounded under value may be further proceeded
against, according to the Act and orders of Parliament. Sir John Arundel,
and John Arundel of Trerise, having the most considerable estates of any delinquents within this county, have hitherto paid little or nothing, the former
being a Papist delinquent, and the other continues a most implacable enemy
to the Commonwealth. Particulars of cases. |
|
Sir John Grills and John Prideaux, having both died since the letting of
their estates, we desire your resolution what is to be done therein. [To be continued under the sequestration until further order.] We find that there may
be considerable sums raised by wood sales on Sir John Greville and Sir Hen.
Spiller's estates, and also on Nich. Borlase's manor of Cargole, being copyhold,
divers tenements of the said manor being in hand, and many leases to be filled.
These, with wood sales, will raise 3,000l. |
|
There being so few justices of peace, we cannot now send the certificate of
our having taken the oath, but will do so with all speed, and such obstructions
as we meet with being removed by you, we shall force delinquents to compound,
or make the best improvements of their estates that we possibly can. [To write
the old committee to return duplicates of their proceedings, &c., to the commissioners, and to the committee in the county, according to former order, otherwise this committee must proceed to levy the penalty provided by the Act, and
report their neglect.] The passages between brackets are marginal notes of
reply. [2 pages.] |
May 15.
Gloucester. |
48. County Committee for Gloucester to the Committee for Compounding. There are some debts owing for fines from the purchasers of copyhold
estates, sold by the late committee out of Tormarton Manor, sequestered from
the Earl of Newcastle. The estates were made long since, but the committee
and tenants, both fearing the title, agreed that this money should rest in the
tenants' hands until an Act of Parliament might be had, or some other way
found to perfect their estates, and they desire you will take care of them
therein. [The money to be received and the estates confirmed.] We give you
the names of the 20 tenants, with the amounts in their hands. |
|
There are other debts owing for fines from other purchasers of copyhold
estates in Tidenham and Woollaston Manors, now belonging to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and these lands, since the conveyance of the said manor to
him, being all claimed, and some of them taken away by him and his officers
from the purchasers, the committee likewise agreed that the purchasers should,
upon security given for the money to the committee, keep them in their
hands until the validity of their estates might be better known, or they
might be some way confirmed. [The committee to confer with the Lord
Lieutenant about it.] |
|
There has been an award made by Lord Chief Justice St. John, and [Ald.
Thos.] Pury, Senior, M.P., on a reference between the Lord Lieutenant and this
committee touching this, but there is some difference about its sense; it is part
of this award that 300l. of the money be paid to the Lord Lieutenant to confirm
the estates, which it is agreed he shall do. The committee ordered this 300l. to
be paid him out of the fines, and 200l. more was assigned to pay a debt of 200l.
to a poor woman who had lent it to the garrison of Gloucester in its greatest
extremity, to pay the soldiers, it being almost all her estate, and for payment
whereof the city stands engaged, and the committee had power by their ordinance
of Parliament. Wherefore it is the earnest suit of this poor woman, of the tenants,
and of us all on their behalf, that you will not frustrate these intentions (these
moneys not being by intention of the late Acts of Parliament to be brought in to
you), nor force the payment to you of sines for estates, the which they do not, nor
are they sure they shall enjoy, and for payment of which also they are in bond to
the late committee. If you require this 300l. to be paid to you, which they are
to pay to the Lord Lieutenant for the confirmation of the estates, they have no
hope left them to have the same confirmed. With names of 11 persons subject
to such fines. [2 pages.] |
May 15? |
49. Proposals of the County Committee for Gloucester to the Committee for
Compounding. |
We desire your pleasure about the arrears due from Mr. Hall, which are
respited, as also about those of Sir Rich. Ducy, Eliz. Somerset, the Earl of
Worcester, Mr. Capel, and Mr. Bassett. [To receive Mr. Hall, Mr. Capel, and
Mr. Bassett's arrears of rents, and the 300l. out of Sir Rich. Ducy's estate to be
paid into the Treasury.] |
Also concerning estates of the Earls of Newcastle and Worcester, formerly
let by the county committee, and not confirmed or money paid. [The Earl of
Worcester's estate to be improved, and the arrears of rent received and returned
up. The copyhold estates are void.] Your pleasure concerning copyhold estates
let by Mrs. Somerset and Mr. Wakeman, Papists, and what about the estates let
by delinquents? [Those estates made since the recusancy or delinquency void.] |
Whether we shall keep courts, and who shall be steward to keep them?
Sheppard, Baker, and others, challenge the stewardship by virtue of an ordinance
of Parliament. |
That those bonds given by the tenants to the Committees for Ireland and
co. Gloucester may be delivered up to us, so that thereby the tenants may satisfy
the rents in arrear, which are considerable sums. [The county committee to
deliver up all bonds, papers, and writings concerning sequestrations.] |
Whether we shall let leases for 7 years, copyhold estates, fell woods, &c.? |
What shall be done concerning money and goods discovered and seized to
the use of the Commonwealth, and what rewards made to the discoverers? |
Whether we shall enquire into those persons that have compounded under
value, and those that have quit themselves by oath, though worth above 200l.,
and what course and authority we shall use to enquire into the same? |
We desire our commission enlarged to the county of the city as well to the
county. [The commissioners named for the county are to be commissioners for
the city also.] |
What officers will you allow to assist us, and what allowance are they to have
for their pains? [2s. 6d. a day to the clerk, and 4s. to the agent. Such directions as are sent to these commissioners are to be sent to Giles Hancock,
at Cirencester.] The passages between brackets are marginal notes for a reply.
[1 page.] Enclosing, |
49. i. Return by the same of 7 warrants and orders received by them from the
Committee for Compounding, with marginal notes of what has been done
in each particular. [¾ page.] |
49. ii. Note by Mat. Hill, that he received 40s. from Sir Thos. Clutterbuch
and John Cooke, tenants of Stretton Manor, towards discharging the
seizures made thereon by Fras. Creswick, late sheriff, for rent due 18 Charles,
of 20l. and 40s. [Scrap.] |
May 16. |
50. Petition of Col. Chris. Whichcott, governor of Windsor Castle, and
Thos. Shilborne, colonel of a horse regiment in Ireland, to the Committee for
Compounding, for enforcement of a Parliament order given of 13 Jan. 1649, viz.,
that the Commissioners of co. Bucks be authorized to fell decayed trees and
pollards of the Duke of Buckingham's, value 3,000l.; 1,500l. to be paid to Col.
Whichcott, governor of Windsor Castle, for so much charged on the sequestrations of Berks and Bucks, and the rest to go towards the pay of the forces in
those counties. |
|
Only 1,000l. worth has been felled already, and by Act of 15 April 1650, no
charges on estates are allowed unless reported to Parliament, and for want of
the remainder, the horse then in co. Bucks, and now in Ireland, and their
families, are in great want, and petitioners cannot fulfil their engagements.
[G 1, p. 228; 130, pp. 131, 133.] |
May 16. |
Reference thereon to Mr. Reading, that a report may be made to Parliament.
[The Parliament order was enforced 14 June 1650. G 1, p. 228; 8, p. 50; 10, p. 27.] |
May 16. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the old Commissioners for
London who appeared return in 28 days a duplicate of the sequestrations in the
city. |
|
Mr. Starkey appearing to make good the Lord-General's claim to York
House tenements, alias Buckingham House, Strand, late the inheritance of
George, Duke of Buckingham, granted him by Act of Parliament, Mr.
Reading is to state the title and report. |
|
Note of a return from the Commissioners of co. Wilts; also of the appearance
of the Commissioners of co. Gloucester. |
|
Order on appearance of Thos. Blackborne, treasurer for co. Somerset,
he requesting further time, that he bring in his account the first week of next
term. [G 8, pp. 49, 50.] |
May 16.
Lincoln. |
51. County Committee for Lincoln to the Committee for Compounding. We
have had a survey made of most of the sequestered estates, and sent summonses
to the tenants to appear before us on three several days this week, to have a settlement for this year, thinking there would soon be a determination of our power
by reason of the alteration in the Grand Committee. We opened several
letters from the former commissioners and yourselves, the other commissioners
being in London, but there has been delay in waiting for authority to execute
the directions, both as to administering the oath of abjuration to suspected
recusants, and to the better discovery of delinquents and their estates. Notes
of a case. [1 page.] |
May 16. |
Petition of Edw. Curle to the Committee for Compounding. Has faithfully
served in the sequestrators' office, co. Somerset, and discovered many malignants,
who have paid in large sums beside their compositions. Has also discovered
several omitted particulars in delinquents' estates, and received allowance
for some. Begs allowance for the remainder. [G 79, pp. 85.] Annexing, |
i. Particulars of the estates of five delinquents omitted in their compositions.
[G 79, p. 87.] |
ii. Survey of the estates of Hen. Harvey, of Bridgewater, one of the said
delinquents. [G 79, pp. 89–93.] |
May 16. |
Committee for Compounding to the late Commissioners of co. Cambridge.
Several letters were sent you by the late committee for compounding, to make
duplicate returns to the present county commissioners and to us, of persons
and estates who are or have been sequestered. The present commissioners
complain of want of return thereof. We wonder that a business of so public
concern should be so long retarded; let them be suddenly returned, or we
must impose the penalty of the Act. With note of like letter to the Commissioners for co. Wilts. [G 8, p. 51.] |
May 16. |
52. Committee for Compounding to Mr. Sedgwick, late deputy-steward of
sequestered estates, co. Cambridge. You are to deliver to [Thos.] French, the
bearer, all deeds, court rolls, and writings in your hands, belonging to the
estates of delinquents under sequestration. [G 8, p. 51.] |
May 16. |
53. Note of 3 sequestered estates in the county. [½ page.] |
May 17. |
54. Order in the Committee for Compounding, appointing French as
steward to keep courts of sequestered estates in co. Cambridge. [Also G 8,
p. 55.] |
|
Like order, on appearance of Sir Wm. Boteler, bringing the account of estates
now under sequestration in co. Bedford, that a letter be written to Capt. Smith
to hasten the other returns and his accounts. |
|
Note of [appearance of] Isaac Lloyd, of Lincoln's Inn. |
|
Order on request of Lambert Godsrey, one of the late commissioners for
Kent,—presenting the return of those now under sequestration, and desiring
time for the other return—that 6 weeks be given. |
|
Note of reading of a letter from the Prince Elector's Committee. |
|
Order on reading of a letter from co. Westmoreland, that John Fallowfield
be added as commissioner, to act with Mr. Crackenthorpe. Confirmed May
21. [See G 8, p. 67.] |
|
Order to the Sequestration Commissioners of Middlesex and Herts, to gather
in all rents and arrears on the estates in their counties leased by the late
trustees for Ireland, and pay them into the Guildhall Treasury. [G 8, pp. 54, 55.] |
May 17. |
55. Parliament order, referring it to Sir Wm. Masham and 20 others, to
consider the whole business of Potter's lists, and the abuses, and what should
be done, and to report. The committee to sit daily in the Exchequer Chamber.
[1 page.] |
May 17.
Freshford. |
John Ashe to his kinsman, Denis Bond, M.P. I see what the Committee for
Compounding are doing against our proved friends, promoting those that will
destroy the work of sequestration. I am surprised that they discharge
commissioners without examination, and not knowing Mr. Pyne's design; and
I condemn Hill and Long for allowing their friends to be disgraced. They have
put out [John] Buckland and [Rich.] Jones for not acting. Pyne threatened
to sequester them if they acted, and now accuses them of neglect for not
acting. They have also put out Mason, on pretence of an old charge against
him, never prosecuted; whereas Pyne offered to Mason to be friends with him
if he would cease acting, but Mason refusing, Pyne resolved to prosecute
him. He says the new Act was contrived by Mr. Ashe to destroy the County
Committee of Somerset. He wishes to disgrace faithful men, that the foul
proceedings of the county committee may never be discovered, and the moneys
never brought in. He has got his mere vassals put in. Recorder Ceely is a
shuffling, beggarly lawyer, and a known delinquent. Consult Moyer, Russell,
Hill, and Long about it. |
|
We hear of new commissions to raise soldiers for Ireland. The captains and
conductors abuse the State and the country. As an instance, Capt. Weston, an
unworthy fellow, quartered his'rogues on the country, devouring it, and brought
120 men at every muster, but when they came to be shipped, there were
only 50. I wish such mischiefs could be prevented. [G 118, pp. 893, 894.] |
May 17. |
Information by Joseph Collett, that Edw. Rogers, agent to the committee of
sequestration in co. Gloucester, received 5l. as a bribe from John Hanbury
of Gloucester, for forbearing to prosecute Edward Capel, a merchant in Bristol,
for delinquency. That when Thos. Warkman of Laverton, in the same county,
bid 300l. for the manors of Buckland, Laverton, and Kempsford, Mr. Cowles
and others, by Rogers' procurement, had them for 150l. That Wm. Arkill of
Slaughter paid him 20l. as a bribe for Thos. Phillips to be tenant of Pooden.
That John Shingleton of Gloucester reported to Wm Arkill that he paid Rogers
15l. as a bribe. That he received 10l. from the inhabitants of Chapel Honeybourne for an estate of lands and tithes. That when the Committee for Compounding issued order for seizing and securing the real and personal estate
of Sir Henry Fred. Thynn, Rogers gave him notice thereof, so that most of his
goods and cattle were conveyed away. That Cowles confessed that he gave
Rogers a bribe of nearly 10l. [G 114, p. 687.] |
May 17. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding that Capt. Thos. Roberts,
Wm. Arkill, and Mr. Cowles appear before them on the 21st, in the above case.
[G 8, p. 56; 10, p. 28.] |
May 17. |
Petition of Sir Ralph Maddison to the Committee for Compounding. He
and others became sureties for Robt. Long, receiver of the forfeitures of
Papists' estates in co. Bedford, &c., who, 10 May 15 Car., became bound in the
Exchequer in 5,000l. for his due accounting, and paying in the arrears due on
determination of his accounts; he was found in arrear 988l. 13s. 4d., and becoming a delinquent, had his estates sequestered, and the sureties have been sued
in the Exchequer on their recognizances; pleads discharge on the ground that
Robt. Long was seized of Galtres Forest, worth 500l. a year, and that these
lands are sufficient to satisfy his debt, he being chargeable with the recognizance
long before the sequestration or any cause thereof. Begs that the said arrear
of 988l. 13s. 4d. may be allowed out of the sequestered estate, and petitioner's
lands discharged. Was witness to the indenture when Long bought the forest,
being 3,300 acres of green ground, within 5 miles of York, which cannot be worth
less than a noble an acre. [G 106, p. 323.] |
May 17. |
Note that this petition was read and rejected. [G 8, p. 54.] |
May 17.
York. |
56. County Committee for York to the Committee for Compounding.
There are divers courts held in Holderness, in the East Riding, lately belonging
to Lord Dunbar and now under sequestration, of which courts Baron Thorpe
was formerly high steward. Since he gave them over, the courts have been
kept by Wm. Wise, now recorder of Beverley, a gentleman well able to
discharge the place; we recommend him to your consideration. |
|
With note that Fras. Scales of Preston in Holderness was under steward to
the baron, and query as to what profits the courts have afforded the last 4 years.
[1⅓ pages.] |
May 17.
Chepstow. |
57.County Committee for Monmouth to the Committee for Compounding.
We have seized and secured the estates of Sir Edw. Morgan of Pencoyd, and
4 others, but cannot find Rees Lloyd. The late commissioners state that
having given in their accounts to the former committee, they thought that
would have sufficed, but will make a more perfect return. We enclose a
certificate that we have taken the oath. [¾ page.] |
May 17.
Dorchester. |
58. County Committee for Dorset to the Committee for Compounding. We
received yours of 26 April, with an Act to empower you to compound with
delinquents, and another empowering us to examine upon oath, and give
acquittance for money received; also an order prohibiting the payment of any
money save to the treasurers at Goldsmiths' Hall, with some additional
instructions concerning the payment of such sums as shall be discovered, the
discovery of Popish recusants, and an order to administer the oath of abjuration
to all persons suspected of recusancy. |
Our agent, Edm. Keynell, delivered your letter to the former committee, who
have prepared a list of the sequestrations as required, which will be speedily
perfected and returned to you. We enclose the account of Wm. Raymond,
whom we employed as sequestrator. [2/3 page.] Enclosing, |
58. i. Return by Wm. Raymond of five persons who have not paid the remaining
part of their fine; also of four others who have paid no part of it, with
particulars of their estates. [1 page.] |
May 17.
Durham. |
59. Late County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding.
We received an Act of Parliament of 25 Jan. last, whereby we were prohibited
to act any further about sequestrations, and were commanded to make and
return duplicates of all sequestrations. In obedience thereto we have had
divers meetings, and found it a work of much difficulty and impossibility, as
divers delinquents were sequestered by Sir William Armyne and the commissioners of Parliament before we sat as a committee; and in 1644 and 1645 we
divided, and some of us went through one part of the county, and the others
through another part, and sequestered such as came to our knowledge. We
also had two clerks to keep our books, viz., John Midleton of Darlington, for
two wards, and Chris. Mickleton of Durham, for the other two; but by reason
of the many distractions which this county lay under, having then many
great armies, and by reason of our not sufficient acquaintance with the
ordinances of sequestration, we could not proceed in such methodical course
as would enable us now to give the account required. Besides Chris. Mickleton,
having gone to London, has delivered up his books to your commissioners.
Moreover John Brackenbury, who then acted much about sequestrations, and
was made treasurer of part of the county by Sir Wm. Armyne, will not join us,
although several times desired. |
|
This notwithstanding, one of our clerks has drawn duplicates of the present
sequestrations, as they were let in March 1648 for 1649, a copy of which is enclosed, and we have given your commissioners another, as also duplicates of
such as have been discharged by us. Your present commissioners will be better
able to inform you of the benefit made upon the present and former sequestrations, and of the arrears, they having power to take our accounts from our subsequestrators, treasurers, and other officers upon oath. |
|
By the Act of 2 March 1649, the sequestrations of all delinquents, and the
fines and compositions within those four northern counties were, in regard of
their great sufferings, given to such counties respectively, from 28 Nov. 1648, for
the disbanding of their respective forces, and for discharging other engagements.
We have engaged to pay our clerks, treasurers, and other agents for their
services, and therefore crave the benefit of the said Act, whereby we may be
enabled to discharge the same. We will give a just account and return the
overplus; if any moneys can be justly charged on any of us, we shall be ready
to give satisfaction; seeing we have been and are still willing—to the great loss
and damage of our estates, and the hazarding of our own and our wives and
children's lives,—to serve the Parliament, we entreat that you will candidly
accept our service, and grant us such a discharge that we may be no further
called in question or troubled. [12/3 pages.] |
May 18. |
60. James Pearse to the Committee for Compounding. In my last I desired
to be dismissed from being a commissioner, yet as no other has come down, and
as several of this county have desired me to recommend their cenditions to you,
I could no less than do it. The case of the inclosed petition I have formerly
hinted to you; Mr. Carter, whom you sent hither as an agent, can inform you
about the other paper, being articles against a delinquent who has not yet been
sequestered. I do not know the man, but Capt. Wotton of Dartmouth, who
brought the paper, pretends he can prove many things against him. I enclose
a letter for Mr. Carter, not knowing his address. [1 page.] |
May 18.
Derby. |
61. Gervase Bennett and Rob. Mellor to the Committee for Compounding.
In obedience to your commands, we have seized and secured 6 estates named, and
we have also taken the oath prescribed by the Act, and enclose a certificate
thereof as required. [½ page.] Enclosing, |
61. i. Certificate by Thos. Sanders that Robert Mellor and Gervase Bennett have
taken the oath for the faithful discharge of their trust as county commissioners
for Derby. 10 May 1650. [¼ page.] |
May 18. |
62. County Committee for Middlesex and Westminster, to the Committee
for Compounding. Notes on cases. |
|
We cannot find any such person as Thos. Howdin of Clement Danes, nor any
of his estate. |
|
As to Wallingford House, the Earl of Rutland, tenant in possession, sent his
gentleman with a letter to us to be tenant to the State for it, on which we made
him an order for it. |
|
We beg your directions on all the premises. [2 pages.] |
May 18.
Chelmsford. |
63. Committee for Sequestrations, co. Essex, to the Committee for Compounding. We cannot gather the rents of sequestered estates, not having
received an answer to our late queries; we want authority to levy for rent in
case of refusal, and aid in case of resistance; provision for both is made by
Parliament, but we are barred from the benefit by the shortness of our
instructions. Thus your Treasury has not, since our entrance upon this
employment, been benefited by us; we have received some small sums, yet
nothing proportionable to what is due for the last Ladyday rents; besides we
cannot give any good account of our service, without some other assistants
added to our agent. We will send a list of the arrears we discover, and desire
a transcript of those returned to the Committee of Accounts, with authority to
compel payment. We have stayed the rents of those who have not perfected
their compositions with you. [1 page.] |
May 18.
Haverford-
west. |
64. Sampson Lort, sheriff of co. Pembroke, to the Committee for Compounding. I have caused the vote [in Parliament] of 7 May, touching delinquents
who have not paid their second moiety, to be published in all the market
towns of the county. [½ page.] |
May 20. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, on appearance of [Gabriel] Barber,
commissioner of Norfolk, for an answer to certain queries, that the additional
instructions be sent down. |
|
Hen. King of Norwich appointed steward for co. Norfolk and Norwich, and
recommended as treasurer. |
|
Wm. Hanby of Ipswich, commissioner for Suffolk, who appeared for an
answer to queries, appointed steward for Suffolk. |
|
Note of appearance of John Baker, commissioner for co. Leicester. |
|
Edw. Moseley appointed steward for co. Lancaster. |
|
John Wilsby the same for co. Lincoln. [G 8, pp. 56, 57.] |
May 20. |
Committee for Compounding to the county commissioners. Having received letters from you desiring satisfaction in some doubtful particulars,
and further directions, conceiving the occasions would be alike in all places,
we have digested the queries into these general instructions, which we send.
[G 8, p. 57.] |
May 20. |
65, 66. Further instructions to sequestration commissioners. Repetition of
those of February 5th. Adding, |
|
1. You are to receive arrears of rents, in whose hands soever they may be,
if unaccounted for, and return them to Goldsmiths' Hall, and certify
refusals to pay. |
|
2. To discover all Popish recusants, and administer the oath of abjuration to
all suspects; and on their refusal, to seize and secure two thirds of their
estates, certifying us of the same, and to appraise and sell them for the
use of the Commonwealth. |
|
3. Not to pay augmentations granted to ministers out of sequestered estates,
till further order. |
|
4. Cities distinct from the county are included in the commission for
the county, unless a particular commission was formerly granted by the
late committee for compounding. |
|
5. To allow no extent, mortgage, or judgment, but to levy the profits
notwithstanding. |
|
6. To employ a clerk at 2s. 6d. a day. |
|
7. To employ an agent, if one is not already appointed by the late or present
Committee for Compounding, who will receive a commission to act, and
to pay him 4s. a day. |
|
8. To let sequestered estates for a clear rent, making very moderate allowances for taxes, quit rents, repairs, &c., and to certify the full value and
the amount of allowances. |
|
9. To call to your aid the trained bands, volunteers, or other forces within
your district, or any other persons dwelling near, to compel obedience in
cases of resistance. They are enjoined to assist you when required. |
|
10. To demand from the late committee all informations against delinquents
who have not compounded. |
|
11. In case of suspension of sequestration by order of the Committee for
Sequestrations or Barons of Exchequer, to seize and sequester all who
have not been acquitted on appeal, or discharged on their composition,
certifying the same. |
|
12. On the depositions of two witnesses, you may, if you find sufficient proof
of delinquency, seize and secure the delinquent's estate and certify the
proofs to us. Should any refuse your summons to answer the charge,
certify his name to us. |
|
13. Certify us what profits may be made by grants of copyholds for lives
in any manor. |
|
14. To employ in urgent cases any persons you think fit, for seizure
or sale, for whom we will endeavour to obtain allowance from Parliament. |
|
15. If tenants of any sequestered estate refuse to pay their rents or arrears,
levy the same by distress, and certify their names. |
|
16. To proceed in all grants made or renewed by recusants or delinquents,
since their recusancy or delinquency, as if they were void. |
|
17. To see that delinquents enjoy no more of their estates than they have
compounded for, their particulars being in the hands of the former county
commissioners. |
|
18. To certify us of those who willingly conceal the goods of any delinquents,
and the proofs. |
|
19. To notice that all grants of estates made by the late trustees for Ireland,
since 25 Oct. 1649, and all grants made by any county committee
for more than a year, and all made to or for any delinquent, are
void. |
|
20. To sequester estates acquired by marriage or otherwise, by delinquents
who were not at the time of their delinquency seized of any considerable
estate. |
|
21. To certify to us the names, estates, and delinquencies of those delinquents
who compounded with the former county committee without special order
of Parliament. [4 pages, printed; also G 8, pp. 57–60.] |
May 20. |
67. County Committee for Suffolk to the Committee for Compounding.
Since the receipt of the duplicate of your returns from the former county
committee, we have travelled through the whole county. On our own view and
best enquiry, we find the lands under sequestration generally let at as full a rent
as can be obtained where they are let but from year to year. If we may let
them for a longer time, they may be improved to greater rents, and more sufficient
tenants procured. The time in most of the lands expires next Michaelmas,
and we have no power to let them for a year more. Most of the estates are of
recusants. We cannot say what copyhold estates are to be granted at any
courts, or what the profits will be, until we receive your order for keeping courts.
For gathering in of the arrears, we should have the same power as the former
county committee, viz., to distrain for them, and all officers should be required
to be helping to us. If we should only return the [names of ?] refusers to pay,
as most of them have only their estates in stocks, they would make away
with them. Ask directions in cases. |
|
We intreat some reasonable allowance for our clerk, whose pains in this
service well deserves it. [1 sheet.] |
May 21. |
Order in the Committee for Compounding, revoking the former order for
suspending the rents in the tenants' hands, the moneys to be paid into the
Treasury. |
|
Appointment of Stephen Humphrey as steward for the West Division of
Sussex. |
|
Note that Mr. Blackborne, treasurer to the Committee for co. Somerset, brought
in his accounts, and had a month given to bring in a more perfect account. |
|
Order of the said committee, that the vote of Parliament, of 23 May 1649,
for drawing up all fines not yet passed either House, is a ground to this committee to give discharges to such persons as have compounded for any recusant's
estate. |
|
Mr. St. Nicholas named as counsel for the Commonwealth. [G 8, pp. 62, 63, 65.] |
May 21. |
Committee for Compounding to the Sequestration Commissioners of co. Notts.
In your several letters to us and the late committee, you ask allowance for
charges in preserving the woods of Lord Byron and the Earl of Newcastle. We
cannot grant it, but doubt not to obtain it; meanwhile take all care in their
preservation, and certify us whether there be timber that can be felled without
prejudice this season, its quantity, and value. The instructions will answer your
other queries. [G 8, p. 65.] |
May 21. |
68. Note by Fras. Bland and Mich. Brett, County Commissioners for Notts,
of their proceedings since 1 Feb. last. |
|
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
Moneys payable by the late county committee's papers last Ladyday |
834 |
0 |
0 |
|
Discoveries of Papists' estates by us |
1293 |
14 |
1 |
|
Estates demised by us, at rent of |
5130 |
8 |
9 |
|
Note of proceedings in the case of 5 persons who have paid in part of their
fines, and 13 who have paid ½ their fines. |
|
The sum paid in to Goldsmiths' Hall is 1,822l. 16s. 9d. |
|
List of 13 queries, many given before, on points connected with sequestration
business. [2½ pages.] |
May 21. |
69. Queries and requests by the County Committee for Cumberland, to be
propounded to the Committee for Compounding by Mr. Musgrave. |
|
1. That the goods in possession of delinquents who have compounded may be
sequestered, and the delinquents prove whether they had those goods since the
sequestration of their personal estate, which will bring forth concealments to a
great value. |
|
2. How far extents and executions shall be allowed by us, which we are much
troubled with by sheriffs and bailiffs. [No extents to be allowed.] |
|
3. Whether Papists in arms shall be allowed any 5ths ? [Not by you.] |
|
4. Whether we shall call for all evidences of those estates now under
sequestration, the late committee having none in their hands? |
|
5. That power may be given, on proof of delinquency, to sequester, or it will
be prejudicial to the State. [You have power, upon full proof on oath, to seize,
secure, and certify.] |
|
6. That we may be encouraged by acting according to instructions, and
that the enemy may not find more favour above than below [i.e. in London
than here], as they give out they have. |
|
7. Whether a delinquent who has compounded the last year shall have any
more out of this estate than so much as he has given in by his particulars, "the
late committee not farming, but ordering to receive thereof upon account ?"
[The delinquent is to have no further benefit than according to the value in his
particular.] |
|
8. What are we to do with those that have paid their first and not their latter
moiety? also with those who have only entered their compositions, and not
paid anything ? |
|
9. Mr. Musgrave to give us a weekly account by post what answers he receives
to these queries. |
|
10. That we may have power to set forth so much of the estates of delinquents
who have compounded at undervalues as they compounded for, or else upon
refusal, the value in money. |
|
11. To know what agents will be allowed, and what allowance for them and
the clerk will be granted ? [2s. 6d. a day for the clerk, and 4s. for the agent.] |
|
12. To know how the present tenants may have their goods secured for the
great arrears of Crown rents, for which Mr. Pollard's man drives goods
(cattle) ? [What is justly due must be paid.] |
|
13. That we may administer oaths, and command assistance from the soldiers,
as without this we cannot carry on the work. |
|
14. To consider of a fit person to be steward. |
|
With marginal notes of replies in brackets. [1 ½ pages. Nos. 1, 4, 6, 8–10 are
struck out.] |
May 21. |
70. Wm. Briscoe and John Barwis, late County Commissioners for Cumberland, to the Committee for Compounding. As we were not privy to the late return
of sequestrations made by some of our associates, we could not sign them nor do
we know the particulars, but we are well assured that for the most part we concurred and joined with them. The sequestrations herewith sent only import such
estates as lie in Cumberland Ward, which contains Carlisle garrison and other
places within 6 or 7 miles, where the Leaguer continued from Sept. 1644—the
time of the reducement of the residue of this county,—until the latter end of June
1645. During that time we laboured to execute the ordinance for sequestrations, but found the profit not considerable, as in regard of the extreme
pressure under which these parts then languished, we had let some lands for
no other consideration than to undergo the charges and assessments incident
thereto. |
|
Afterwards the Scotch garrison possessed Carlisle until 20 Jan. 1647, during
most of which time part of several Scotch regiments of horse quartered in this
county were an unexpressable burden, especially to this part, whereupon divers
lands became destitute of tillage and occupation, divers delinquents' houses and
estates were seized by the soldiers, and there was so great an averseness in the
inhabitants to be employed about sequestrations, or to take the farms, that we
had very little encouragement to proceed. |
|
After the removal of the Scots, most of the delinquents of the division had
either completed their compositions, or were prosecutings them. The dates
thereof and of several grants of rent-charges presented to us are not here
punctually expressed, but our time was taken up in regulating assessments,
and quarters, and composing differences between the soliders and the county;
also in a multiplicity of other employments, as justices of the peace and deputylieutenants, which, with other distractions, have unavoidably occasioned
omissions in our returns of the sequestrations. |
|
How the money received has been employed ought to appear on the receivers'
accounts, which never having been presented to us, we cannot represent to you.
However our duty to the public obliges us to intimate that we conceive that in
some who have been invested with power in this county, self-respects have been
too predominant. [1 3/4 pages.] Enclosing, |
|
71. i. Note of estates farmed and let in 1649, viz.:—the demesne grounds
called Corby, belonging to Sir Fras. Howard, farmed by Charles Howard,
from 2 Feb. 1649 for a year at 34l., from which was paid to Lady Howard
for her 1/5, 6l. 16s. 0d.; to John Raven and John Head, for executing the office
of sequestrators, 4l.; for sesses and reparations 24l. 9s. 0d., so that the disbursements exceeded the rent by 7s. (sic). |
Several tithes belonging to Sir Fras. Howard were farmed by Col. Fitch,
governor of Carlisle, and Charles Howard, at 134l. from 1 Aug. 1649, from
which rent was paid to Anth. Sanderson, by order from the committee,
31l. 8s. 6d.; to Mrs. Aglionby, 5l.; to Lady Howard for her 1/5, 13l. 8s. 0d.; to
the ministers of Wetheral and Warwick, 12l.; to Mr. Baldwin, clerk, 4l.;
in assessments, 13s.; all which make up half the rent, and the other half
is not due until Lammas 1650. |
The tithes of Langanby, belonging to Sir Timothy Fetherstonhaugh, farmed by
Thos. Sewell and two others for a year from 20 April 1648, at 40l.,
from which, besides the 1/5, was paid as follows:—to Mr. Greene, clerk, 2l.; to
the parishioners of Langanby for repairing the church and tithe barn, 5l,;
for assessments, 5l.; and to the committee, 28l. |
The tithes of Penrith, belonging to Sir Fras. Howard, farmed by the above persons
for a year at rent of 145l. 5s. 0d., which was paid as follows:—to Lady Howard
for her 5th part, 29l.; to Mr. Baldwin and [John] Hastie, clerks, in part of
their augmentations, 52l.; for assessments, 10l.; and to the committee, 52l. |
The tithes of Newton, belonging to Wm. Carleton, farmed at the same time at rent of
47l., which was paid as follows:—to [Jas.] Pearson, clerk, for his augmentation,
40l.; by a decree in Chancery, 6l. 13s. 4d., and for assessments, 3l. 6s. 8d. |
John Aglionby's estate, farmed by Thos. Sewell and Edw. Pearson for 31l., they
clearing all assessments, free quarter, &c., but Aglionby compounding, he had
the rent paid to him by order of the commissioners. |
So also had George Denton, whose estate was farmed by the above persons for 41l. |
Also George Graham, whose estate was farmed by Edw. Pearson at 20l. |
Also Henry Baines, whose estate was farmed by Pearson at 7l. |
George Barwick's estate, farmed by Sewell at 8l., remains in his hands. |
Capt. Dowley's estate, farmed by Edw. Pearson at rent of 8l. 6s. 6d., which was
paid to Mrs. Chambers of Holme, on account of her annuity, by order. |
Part of Mr. Wyvell's estate, viz., one tithe, farmed by Capt. Studholme, at rent of
20l., which was paid to Mr. Holesworth, minister of Carlisle, by order of the
committee, and the other part lying near Carlisle could not be farmed. |
Thos. Lowrie and Mr. Wilson's estates, lying also near Carlisle, could not be farmed. |
Sir Thos. Dacre's estate was farmed by Thos. Sewell and Edw. Pearson at rent of
32l., they clearing all assessments, &c., and the 5th part, and 55l. to Mr.
Pollard, receiver of the rents lately belonging to the Crown; from which
rent was paid as follows:—to Simon Atkinson, clerk, for his augmentation,
16l.; to the committee, 16l. Carlisle, 21 May 1650. [2½ pages.] |
May 22.
Northampton. |
72. County Committee for Northampton to the Committee for Compounding. We have seized the estates of Sir Christopher Hatton and 6 others,
also the lands in Mr. Willoughby's lease from the Earl of Northampton, and
will furnish particulars of each as soon as obtained. As to the rest of the Earl
of Northampton's estate here, we hear from the late committee that they let
it to Mr. Bradley of Grendon, and Mr. Becket, for one year from 25 March 1646,
at 500l., whereof only 200l. was paid, the remainder having since been detained
by order and certificate from Goldsmiths' Hall. We return all rents received,
as well as those from Lord Brudenell's estate; we certify the latter, by the
desire of Lady Blaney. [1 page.] |
May 22.
Cambridge. |
73. William Pickering to Mr. Leech, chief clerk to the Committee at Goldsmiths' Hall. We made a return to you very lately of what we had done, and what
we wanted to carry on the work, and we had audience from your committee, and
our desires answered as much as could be looked for, which makes us go on
very cheerfully; but our business calling us away before we could get our instructions, we left our agent French to get them for us. Against one of our
desires, keeping of courts, you entered, by an order of the committee, John Jenkinson's name to be appointed steward, an honest man and one that understands the law, and will do it to the State's benefit. Now it appears that our
agent French has got an order for himself to be steward; he is no ways fit for it,
if he were honest; but if he mends not, we must complain in our next return, and
desire another agent. Now French has come down and is ashamed of his
doings; he tells Mr. Lowrie that it would not be granted to Jenkinson, who
is his son-in-law. "Therefore," said he, "I got it for myself, that your son
might have it, or else Pettitt (who is our clerk) had got it." Now this is not
true. Pray be a means to the honest committee (which is an honourable title
indeed), that Jenkinson may have an order in his own name to be the steward
of our courts. [1 page.] |
May 22. |
74. Thomas French to John Leech, secretary to the Committee for Compounding. Since my coming down, I understand that Mr. Jenkinson expected
the steward's place, and was nominated by our commissioners for it, and
therefore I am desirous he should have it. Mr. Lowrie, my friend, and to
whom I am much obliged, desires it, this gentleman being his son. I therefore
send my commission back, that it may be altered to his name if thought fit.
[¾ page.] |
May 23. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the treasurers pay no money
without special order, unless for the army or navy. |
|
That Arthur Barnardiston be steward to keep courts on all sequestered estates
in Essex. |
|
Rich. Sherwin appointed auditor to the Committee for Compounding. |
|
Order on request by the surveyors of the highways of Hornsey, that they may
dig and carry away 500 or 600 loads of gravel from Sir George Benyon's estate,
for repair of the highways. [G 8, pp. 69, 72.] |
May 23. |
Committee for Compounding to the Sequestration Commissioners of co.
Notts. You have seized several estates for non-payment of the latter ½ of the
fines; detain as much money as the fines come to, with interest at 8 per cent.,
since due, and restore the overplus with the bonds. Pay in all your other
money to Goldsmiths' Hall treasury. With note of the dates from which the
interest on 9 estates named is to be reckoned. [G 8, p. 70.] |
May 23. |
Committee for Compounding to Alderman Allen. The bearer is one of the
Sequestration Commissioners for co. Leicester. They have 1,500l. to pay in at
Goldsmiths' Hall. It would be of great use to them if you could order payment
there to any persons for the use of the army. [G 8, p. 72.] |
May 23. |
Committee for Compounding to the Commissioners for co. Gloucester. We
have taken depositions upon an information against your agent, [Edw.] Rogers,
but there are witnesses to be examined in the country. Call before you those
which shall be named; take their depositions on oath, and send them to us
speedily. [G 8, p. 71; 10, p. 29.] |
May 23.
Durham. |
75. County Committee for Durham to the Committee for Compounding.
According to your several orders, we have proceeded to sequester the estates of
delinquents who had not paid in their compositions, and doubt not but they will
swiftly apply themselves to give you satisfaction. We are in great difficulties
about the duplicate to be given by the old committee, which has not come in
entire, but in multitudes of broken reckonings and accounts, they having employed many treasurers and agents, and factors for sequestration, and this in a
county that has long lain under the oppressing armies of the Scots and the Earl
of Newscastle. |
|
We find such confusion in all their accounts,—by reason of billet and
free quarter, broken inventories, and cheapness of all manner of goods, both
quick and dead,—as very much intricates our affairs here. Were the most exact
auditors set on to methodize, yet much spare time and recess from other employment would have to be spent, and yet leave room for evil consciences to
abuse the State without remedy. For the main of your profits by sequestrations, we doubt not to give a good account of the increase, beyond what has
been heretofore made, and also good discoveries to the State's benefit, and shall
be as careful as we can to enquire after arrears and gather them in. We
enclose a part of your charge; we have chosen Col. Fras. Wren as treasurer.
[1 page.] |
May 24. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, on motion for Hen. Samways, that
the Committee of co. Somerset certify why they disturb him in possession of
Godmanston Farm, which he purchased; and that meantime he be not prejudiced by the bond he has entered into, unless the delay in hearing be on his
part. |
|
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the petition of Fras. Woolley,
silkman of London, be rejected. |
|
Order on appearance of Thos. Hancock, late collector for Broxton and
Nantwich hundreds, co. Chester,—bringing in his account and that of the late
Ralph Judson—that he pay in his money to the Goldsmiths' Hall treasury,
and Auditor Sherwin state it. |
|
Baron Tomlins named steward for Middlesex. |
|
Order that Rich. Hanbury appear next Tuesday, as witness to a charge against
Edw. Rogers, late sequestration to the County Committee of Gloucester. [G 8,
pp. 75, 76; 10, p. 30.] |
May 24.
Kendal. |
76. Committee for Sequestrations, co. Westmoreland, to the Committee for
Compounding. We returned to the late Committee for Compounding a list of
the chief estates here under sequestration, with the highest rates that were
offered for them, but have not received any answer, which is very prejudicial,
we not having any power to let. We now enclose a list of other estates taken
since the former. |
We have given order for the keeping of courts on estates under sequestration,
the neglect of which may be very prejudicial. We will observe our instructions
by admitting tenants of copyhold estates according to custom, until further
order. We have perused several particulars upon which delinquents here
have compounded, and find great undervalues, and several concealments,
against which we shall proceed, according to our instructions. |
With note of reply, 6 June, that they have power to let for 1 year, and are to
send [word of] the improved rentals if the estates were let for 7 years.
[1¾ pages.] Enclosing, |
76. i. List of old customary rents in nature of a copyhold under sequestration in
manors named, belonging to Sir Philip Musgrave and 8 others, which are
fineable according to their several customs. [1 page.] |
May 24.
Caldbeck. |
77. County Committee for Cumberland to the Committee for Compounding.
We sent your letter to the late committee, who promised that their accounts
should very shortly be despatched to you. A duplicate has been sent to us,
which is so confused and imperfect, that no help is afforded us in answering
your instructions. For the present, those estates uncompounded for we have
farmed at the highest rate that can be given, and taken security for payment
of the rents at Martinmas and Candlemas. |
|
Touching sums of money unaccounted for by the late committee, we
summoned the persons concerned to bring in their money to-day; some
appeared, but had no money; others promised it within a month; and others
not appearing, we have ordered a new summons for them to bring in their
money the end of the month. It will require abundance of pains to effect the
account required by our instructions; but we will prosecute every particular,
and will certify. |
|
For those gentlemen who have compounded and not paid their fines, we have
sequestered and secured their personal estates, and knowing no loss can accrue
by deferring a little space the farming of their real estates, we have appointed
14 June for letting them and selling their personal estates, if in the interim
they do not procure discharges from you, so that we believe most of their fines
will be paid in before that time. |
|
We want answer to the following queries:— |
|
1. Are 5ths to be allowed to those delinquents who have continued out of
the country, acting for a new war since the last? |
|
2. Are Papists in arms to have 5ths? |
|
3. Are 5ths and 3rds to be set forth in land or money ? |
|
4. May delinquents be treated with for their estates, giving as much and
more, and as good security as any other ? [1 page.] |
May 24.
Bedford. |
78. County Committee for Bedford to the Committee for Compounding.
We have appointed all moneys received to be paid in by the bearer, John
Rush, and an account thereof to be delivered; but as there are but three of us
appointed for co. Bedford, and we live at very inconvenient distances, and have
much public business besides, we cannot undertake to be treasurers of the
money, and therefore have appointed the bearer treasurer, surveyor, and
solicitor; if you approve him, he will inform you of much we otherwise should
have told you by letter. [1 page.] |
May 24.
Ruthin. |
79. County Committee for North Wales to the Committee for Compounding.
We will vigorously prosecute the sequestrations in these parts, but you have
not directed how our agents and clerk, who without a constant maintenance
cannot subsist, shall be satisfied. Pray let our clerk, Benjamin Redenhurst,
have 100l. a year out of the sequestrations, and he will not only continue to
discharge the place of clerk, but also be solicitor for cos. Denbigh, Flint, and
Merioneth. [1 page.] |
May 25.
Liskeard. |
80. County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding.
On yours of 18th April, we have already seized the goods and set the lands of
divers of the persons named in the lists you sent, and issued warrants for
executing your commands upon the rest, as soon as this is effected was hall
make speedy sale of the goods, set the lands, and give you particulars.
We have set [Nich.] Borlase's estate at 150l. a year, reserving all his rents, the
whole being formerly set for 22l. Sir Richard Prideaux's estate is mostly in
Devon, and we have lately received further helps from the old committee, but
we cannot bring the lands to the yearly value we desire, because our orders
from you are to set but for one year, and most of our county being for tillage,
cannot be husbanded in so short a term. Our employments in observing your
commands are so many, and the justices of peace so scarce, that we cannot
now send the certificate of our taking the oath but will as speedily as we may.
[1 page.] |
May 25.
Hereford. |
81. County Committee for Hereford to the Committee for Compounding,
We delivered your order to the late committee here for duplicates of their
proceedings, but they have not yet been able to furnish them, as there have
been so many treasurers and committees. We have, on your orders,
sequestered the estates of James Barrall, and seven others, and taken
security. |
|
Many brought orders to the late committee for suspending their sequestrations,
but not full discharges; we desire instructions therein. As for rents in
arrear, we cannot possibly find out the truth until we receive the duplicates,
when you will not find us so backward as you think we are. We have improved
the rents of estates already granted, and will send you an account; most of the
money received has been paid in. We require all necessary Acts and ordinances
for furthering this service. With note in reply, 5 June 1650, that if the
suspensions are by order of the Sequestration Committee or Barons of the
Exchequer, they are void; but if from the Committee for Compounding, the
parties are not to be proceeded against until further order. [1 page.] |
May 25.
Knutsford. |
82. Henry Cockson, County Commissioner for Chester, to the Committee
for Compounding. I acquainted you of the charges and seizures against the
lands of [Thos.] Starkey, of Stretton, co. Chester, also the manor of Bidston, lands
of the Earl of Derby. The enclosed from Mr. Hyde, under-sheriff of Cheshire,
will show how we are prevented from raising profits from these estates.
Pray let these seizures be suspended, or else the tenants' goods will be seized,
and we forced to redeem them. With note of an order given to sheriffs to
forbear, and to the commissioners to keep the lands under sequestration.
[2/3 page.] |
82. i. Robert Hyde to the Committee for Sequestration for Cheshire. I expected
to hear from you about prosecuting the discharges of the seizures against the
lands of Mr. Starkey of Stretton, and Bidston Manor in Wirrall, as
also to receive the 15l. I have now in charge against the same, which you
promised should have been paid me before my coming up to London. I remind
you of these particulars, because the money already levied by me from the
demesne of Stretton must be paid this term into court, if not prevented;
and if once paid, there will be no regaining it, and the original debt not
one whit the nearer satisfied. If you impart to me both particulars, you
shall find me ready to follow your directions. 21 May 1650. [2/3 page.] |
May 26.
Southampton. |
83. County Committee for Hants to the Committee for Compounding.
Your letter being directed to the County Committee for Hants, without naming
persons, had been opened by several before it reached us. We attended some
of the gentlemen of the committee of this county, delivered the letter enclosed,
and [Rich.] Cobb will attend you in a week. We have also seized the estates of
those who have omitted to pay their fines or perfect their compositions, according
to your order. Note of a case. |
We are now on receipt of the Ladyday rents, and hope in a fortnight to pay
in the greater part; but it was some time before we could set about the work,
the returns of the former sequestrators being so uncertain, and what is under
sequestration cannot be ascertained until we have perfected this half year's
receipts, when we will certify whatever we can discover. We have taken
the oath enjoined by the Act of 15 April. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
83. i. Certificate by Edw. Hooker and John Champion, County Commissioners
for Hants, that they have appointed Thos. Muspratt, their fellow commissioner,
treasurer and receiver of all moneys, rents, &c., of sequestered estates there.
12 April 1650. [½ page.] |
May 26.
Worcester. |
84. County Committee for Worcester to the Committee for Compounding.
We have received the Acts of Parliament and your letters. We have certified
Sir Henry Herbert's real estate to be of the yearly value of 327l. The Earl
of Northampton has no estate here. We have received 629l. for rents and
arrears, due 25 March last, returned 500l., and at Midsummer hope to return
the same sum, except we are authorised to pay some augmentations earnestly
demanded of us, and formerly paid out of the rents. We have ordered our
solicitor to seize and sequester the estates commanded, and some are already
secured. We enclose the answer of such of the late committee as received
your letter from our officer, with the certificate of Gervase Buck, justice of
the peace, of our taking the oath before him. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
84. i. Particulars by Edw. Asgill, sequestrator, and Wm. Pardoe, of the estates
of Nath. Tompkins, not inserted in his order of discharge; also of Anth.
Bushell of Cleeve Prior, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Rob. Steiner.
Worcester, 6 May 1650. [3¼ pages.] |
84. ii. Particulars to be moved before the Committee for Compounding by Edw.
Asyill, agent to the County Committee for Worcester. |
To grant an order allowing the County Committee to set down on their accounts
12d. in the 1l. to be paid to those who first discover moneys or estates, which is
but to make good an ordinance of 19 Aug. 1643, and not to be paid until the
profits come in. Without this, the discoverers will depose nothing, until they
know how to be paid, and will not have the ill-will of their neighbours
without some profit. [They shall receive instructions meantime to allow 12d.] |
To resolve whether the estates of those are to be freed that have not compounded
at Goldsmiths' Hall, but only paid some small sum by order from the House
of Lords. [You are in such cases to seize and secure.] |
What is to be done with those who refuse to obey the commands of the
commissioners, there being no power to compel them? [1 page.] |
May 26. |
85. County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding,
Westminster. To the same effect as that of the 25th May. Pardon our
mistakes in that of the 25th inst., it being hastily done. With note for a
letter to be written to the County Committee for Devon relative to Sir Rich.
Prideaux. [¾ page.] |
May 27. |
86. Ald. Saml. Avery to the Committee for Compounding. There is no
truth in the information you have received that I have 3,600l. belonging to the
late Dean and Chapter of Lichfield, and 600l. of Sir [Wm.] Boswell, deceased.
I have not a penny in my hands belonging to either. [½ page.] |
May 27.
Kingston. |
87. County Committee for Surrey to the Committee for Compounding.
According to the list sent to us by you, we have sequestered the estates of the
persons concerned. Particulars of the cases. |
|
With note of reply that they are to send up an account of the money they
have received, and attend the Committee for Compounding on Tuesday week;
also that Daniel Gotherson has been added to their committee. [2 pages.] |
May 27.
Kingston. |
88. County Committee for Surrey to the Committee for Compounding. In
pursuance of your directions, we have made choice of Benjamin Goodwin, a
fellow commissioner, to act as our treasurer. [½ page.] |
May 27.
Kingston. |
89. County Committee for Surrey to the Committee for Compounding. For
the more effectual prosecution of business, we have chosen Wm. Dyer to be our
clerk, and Hen. Saunders our agent, being confident they will use their utmost
endeavours. Pray confirm such an allowance on them, from the time they
first acted, as you give in other counties. [1 page.] |
May 28. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding, that the treasurers are to receive
interest for the second half of fines, from 6 weeks after passing of the report. |
|
Note that the under-sheriffs of the several counties appeared, and had directions concerning extents on delinquents' estates. |
|
Order that the sheriffs do not, on any pretence, disturb the State's tenants for
any charge or issue on the estates of Papists or delinquents, by extending, distraining, or stay of rents, without special order of this committee. |
|
90. Order on complaint of Lord Howard, that the Sequestration Commissioners of Middlesex and Westminster appear, to show why they have let
Wallingford House on lease, contrary to a former order, the committee being
unsatisfied with their return. |
|
Order for a general instruction that one of the county commissioners be
present with the steward at the keeping of courts on sequestered estates, and
that they use their best endeavours to improve the fines. [G 8, pp. 77, 78, 81.] |
May 28. |
Committee for Compounding to Mat. Cliffe, co. Somerset. You engaged for
payment by Art. Rodburne of the rent of Newton Park, let to him by the
late county committee; he is in arrears 140l., and has committed 100l. waste.
You are therefore to pay, or to appear and answer. [G 8, p. 82.] |
May 28. |
Committee for Compounding to Wm. Phelps, Rob. Adams, Thos. Prew,
Wm. Collier, sen. and jun., and Wm. Morris. We hear you have peremptorily
refused to bring in your accounts and arrears of rent. You are to deliver them
forthwith to Capt. Latimer Sampson, the sequestration commissioner of co.
Somerset, or appear in 14 days at your peril. [G 8, p. 82.] |
May 28.
Salop. |
91. County Committee for Salop to the Committee for Compounding. Note
of a case. We have received 1,000l. Shall we send it up by the carrier? With
note of reply, 11 June, "for the sending up of the money we leave it to your
care, you not having hitherto given us that trouble." [1 page; also G 30,
p. 380.] |
May 28.
Morpeth. |
92. County Committee for Northumberland to the Committee for Compounding. We have received several letters from you and the former committee, with the Acts of Parliament touching sequestrations, which we will put
in execution. As to the late committee, and the former sequestrations, since the
beginning of these wars, this county has been so infested with the enemy that
oftentimes the rents of sequestered estates could not be collected, and at other
times all or most part of them have been allowed for assess and billet to the Parliament forces, which, with many assessments and taxations, have so much devastated this county that it could not have subsisted if Parliament had not granted
the benefit of the sequestrations towards defraying those debts, and other public
engagements, whereof many are yet unsatisfied. We certify, on behalf of the
late committee, that the sequestration money was faithfully disposed of by them
for the good of the county, so we hope we may not be charged with the certifying
of the accounts. |
We have taken the oath before Sir Arthur Hesilrigge, who will tell you the
condition of this county. |
We enclose the names of a fit treasurer, steward of courts, and clerk of the
sequestrations, and desire you will grant them a commission, with proper salary
and allowances. What are we to do about allowing fifths, and compensation for
repairs ? The season of the year causes the tenants to press about the latter,
and the low condition of the delinquents the former, for their subsistence.
[1 ½ pages.] Enclosing, |
92. i. List of officers proposed, viz.:—Hen. Horsley of Milburne Grange, treasurer, Thomas Milhurne of Newcastle, steward, and Edw. Crow of Newcastle,
clerk. [1/4 page.] |
May 28. |
Committee for Sequestrations, co. Berks, to the Committee for Compounding.
On your order of 9 May, we certify that on examination of the inhabitants,
we find the whole yearly value of Hurley tithes to be 153l. [G 146, p. 397.] |
May 29.
Curry Mallett. |
Col. John Pyne to the Committee for Compounding. Col. Edw. Ceely has brought
me a letter from you to the late Committee for Sequestrations for Somerset and
Bristol, saying that the new committee for sequestrations complain much of our
backwardness in making the required returns, and of our opposition. Edw.
Curle, their agent, gave me a letter to hat effect, but I told him that the work
belonged not to the committee, who could not do it, but to the sequestrators,
who were summoned by the new commissioners to say what lands are now in
sequestration. As for those discharged, we long since made a return to Goldsmiths' Hall. All our officers are dismissed, and we have not met since our
dissolution, but I will give any help in my power, if they come to me. |
|
Do not harbour hard thoughts against the late committee, for they did their
best to uphold Parliament and army, when it was held almost a crime to speak
in their behalf, and thus we have continued ever since the late King's removal
from Holmby. I beg you to peruse the enclosed concerning one of the new
committee, against whom much can be proved. [G 102, p. 385.] |
May 29. |
93. Committee for Sequestrations for South Wales to the Committee for
Compounding. We delivered your letters to the late committee. Most of the
delinquents in these six counties, and also many of those that were liable to
sequestration, were cleared by the late Act for South Wales, yet some few are
excepted. We are put to much trouble by the extent of these counties,
especially as the late committee were not punctual in keeping records of estates
under sequestration. Say whether by the Act for South Wales recusants are
cleared, upon payment of their share of that general fine. Many plead it, but
we would neither act contrary to any Act of Parliament, nor let any be freed
without deserved punishment. |
|
Say also whether Sir Francis Fane has not been voted a delinquent since
his first discharge, and whether any prisoners of war, banished by articles on
the surrender of Pembroke, are liable to sequestration, or could be cleared by
payment of the general fine. |
|
We sequestered Bryan Crowther, of co. Radnor, and sold his personal estate,
which amounted to 20l. 10s., and will receive the profits of his real estate,
unless he perfects his composition before his rents are due at Michaelmas. We
crave allowance for agents, or we cannot improve what is under sequestration,
nor discover who are liable thereto, as these six counties are very spacious, and
the inhabitants, especially those that are guilty, are so rude and barbarous,
that nothing can be had from them but what is wrested by force. We could
not get a certificate of our taking the oath, as there is no justice of the peace
near. [1 page.] |
May 29. |
94. County Committee for London to the Committee for Compounding.
Notes of cases. We send the names of several persons who have been
summoned to bring in their arrears of rent, but they refuse either to come or
pay. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
94. i. List by Rich. Stileman, agent to the Committee for Sequestration in London,
of houses belonging to Ald. James Bunce, seized for his delinquency, viz., the
Ship in Gratious [Gracechurch] Street, the White and Red Lion, and other
houses, and several warehouses in Bell yard, Fish Street Hill. |
Also a list of persons who have been several times summoned, but who have refused
to appear or pay their rent and arrears, viz., all the tenants in the Earl of
Arundel's houses, whose arrears amount to 313l. 15s.; also the tenants
of Robert Peckham, recusant, and Thos. Wilmer, delinquent, 40l. 29 May
1650. [¾ page.] |
May 30. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding,—on appearance on summons of the
Sequestration Commissioners for Middlesex and Westminster, who own that on
13 May they granted Wallingford House to the Earl of Rutland, and on reading
former orders of this committee and the Committee for Advance of Money, and
full hearing,—that Lord Howard is the present tenant, on lease from the
Committee for Advance of Money; that this committee has no power to confirm
the lease granted by the late Committee for Compounding; but that they
disapprove the lease by the county committee to the Earl of Rutland. [G 8,
pp. 83, 84.] |
May 30. |
Committee for Compounding to the treasurers-at-war. There is 2,000l.
in Yorkshire which is to be returned into the Goldsmiths' Hall treasury, and
if you can order the payment of it there to any persons for the use of the army,
it will be a great ease to that committee. [G 8, p. 83.] |
May 30. |
John Browne [commissioner for Kent] to the Committee for Compounding.
As several orders, papers, &c., belonging to sequestered estates lie in the hands
of Lambert Godfrey, late solicitor for sequestrations, and are often wanted by
the present county committee, we beg you to order Mr. Godfrey to deliver
them to us. [G 158, p. 162.] |
May 31. |
95. Act for better payment of augmentations out of impropriate rectories,
vicarages, tithes, &c., sequestered from Papists or delinquents. [1 sheet,
printed.] |
May 31. |
Order of the Committee for Compounding that the sequestration commissioners in the several counties, on seizing an estate, certify to the parties
the grounds of their seizure and proceedings. |
|
Note of rejection of Mr. Nelson's motion on behalf of Anne, widow of
George Kingsley. |
|
Note of a letter to the treasurers-at-war, for payment of 300l. at
Bristol. |
|
Order on motion of Rich. Price, commissioner of co. Montgomery, that
Hum. Jones be suspended from acting as recorder, unless he show cause to the
contrary in 6 weeks. [G 8, pp. 91, 94, 97.] |
May ? |
List, with particulars of 14 persons who have purchased 2/3 of recusants'
estates and paid in their fines, but they are not yet confirmed by Parliament,
viz.:—
Corn. Bee.
Thos. Higgins.
Clement Throgmorton.
Rich. Andrews.
Hen. Camock.
John Thompson.
John Sharpe.
Thos. Lee.
Thos. Eure.
John Cropley.
Wm. Fitzwilliam.
Clement Palgrave.
Wm. Dormer
Walter Merrall
[G 63, pp. 721, 795—801]. |
May ? |
List of persons who have paid fines on compositions in co. Dorset, viz.:— |
|
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
John Oldis |
68 |
5 |
0 |
|
Edw. Cutler |
48 |
0 |
0 |
|
John Muston |
52 |
0 |
0 |
|
Edw. Hastings |
500 |
0 |
0 |
|
Hen. Wrathley |
38 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roger Newborough,
old rents in Sturminster Newton. |
|
|
|
|
Ant. Salter |
38 |
0 |
0 |
|
Robt. Lawrence |
348 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mr. Stocker |
33 |
6 |
8 |
|
Sir Geo. Morton |
600 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mich. Barnes |
32 |
0 |
0 |
|
Edw. Frampton |
98 |
17 |
4 |
|
Nich. Smart |
382 |
3 |
4 |
|
John Williams |
19 |
0 |
0 |
|
John Stile |
30 |
0 |
0 |
|
Edm. Hall |
245 |
0 |
0 |
|
Jeffry Samways |
120 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mr. Harrington |
|
|
|
|
Hen. Heming |
250 |
0 |
0 |
|
[G 81, p. 223.] |
May ? |
List of 17 persons who paid for their 1/5 and 1/20 parts, from 30l. to 400l. each.
[G 81, p. 226.] |
May ? |
Petition of Edw. Curle to the Committee for Compounding. Discovered
1,175l. owing to Sir Hen. Berkley, for which he did not compound. Wm.
Cradock, who owed 800l. of it, was sequestered for non-payment, but
Sir Henry pretended to have compounded for it, and threatened to make him
pay over again if he paid it to Goldsmiths' Hall. Cradock also is bound
for 300l. owing to Berkley by—Lottisham. Begs that the 1,100l. may be
paid in to the use of the State. [G 79, p. 95.] |
May ? |
96. County Committee for Cambridge to the Committee for Compounding.
We cannot learn when the delinquents' and Papists' estates in co. Cambridge were
sequestered, as the papers and books with us only give 3 years' transactions;
all the others are with the sequestrators who were put out, and they have not,
although requested, brought in any duplicate. [The old sequestrators to be
required to give in their books and make returns.] As for the rents in arrear,
we have found where some money is due, and given notice for payment, but
most have not paid. Mr. Disbrow (formerly a sequestrator, but who has not acted
for the last two years) last November went to a tenant at Tadlow, and
demanded three half years' rent, received 21l., and gave an acquittance in full.
This was according to an agreement made by Disbrow and the recusants'
agent, without the knowledge of the committee, contrary to the lease made
before the sequestration. We demanding the rent of the tenant, he told us
he had paid it to Disbrow, and produced his receipt, but as there was no date
upon it, we would not allow it until we knew your opinion, seeing that Disbrow
was not appointed treasurer or collector, nor acted as a sequestrator. [The rent
to be demanded by the commissioners; certify the defaulters.] |
|
We have taken notice of all Papists in our county, and given order for
receiving the 2 parts of their estates. |
|
We have also entered into divers farms of delinquents, and find that most
are let at an under value, and that divers honest men are desirous to hire them
if they may have a lease for 6 or 7 years, so as to be able to stock the farms;
we have also some woods, but have not yet considered what money may
be raised by them. [To satisfy themselves of the value, and make a
return.] |
|
We have treated with several who would hire farms; they will not tell what
price they will give until they know for how many years the farm will be leased,
but will give more than they are now let for. |
|
There are several men under sequestration whose personal estates have not
been enquired into, nor what arrears are due to the State for them; for discharged
delinquents, we have not yet fully inquired by what order their sequestrations
were taken off. |
|
We have informations against divers persons that were aiding the forces raised
against Parliament with men, money, and arms, but we have not seized their
estates until further order. |
|
We know of no augmentation granted to any minister out of any delinquent's
estate in our county. We do not hold any sequestered lands. [Isaac] Disbrow,
a former sequestrator, held a manor at Eltisley at an under rate. |
|
We have endeavoured to preserve the timber, and find one small grove of it
upon a copyhold belonging to Sir Anthony Cage fit to be felled; he wants it
done, but cannot without license of the lord, who is a delinquent. There is also
some at Burrough Green, and at Wood Ditton fit to be felled, value 300l.
[To treat with any person desirous to buy the same, and certify what it will
amount to.] |
|
We have taken notice of the rents due for delinquency at Ladyday 1650, and
have received several, and given order to the tenants to pay, and have now
brought up to the Treasury all we have received since we accepted office. |
|
We have not received any deeds of delinquents, nor can learn where any are. |
|
We have demanded the Court Rolls of Mr. Sedgwick of Cambridge, who was
appointed deputy-steward of all the courts belonging to sequestrations in
co. Cambridge, but he has not delivered any, although demanded 3 or 4 times.
[He is to be required to deliver them up forthwith.] |
|
We have appointed Capt. Wm. Pickering treasurer, as before certified. [To
inform Mr. Barton, the former treasurer, that the Act will be put in force if he
does not pay within 14 days after demand.] |
|
Divers leases were made for three years from last Ladyday, which we conceive were beyond the commission. [These leases are void.] |
|
We cannot hear that any Papist has been in arms against Parliament in our
county. |
|
We have several manors where courts ought to be kept, and because there
are none, we cannot receive any quit rents charged upon the several lands
belonging to the manors. The passages in brackets are marginal notes of reply.
[1 sheet.] |
May ? |
97.County Committee for Cornwall to the Committee for Compounding.
According to your directions of 18 April, we have seized and sequestered the
real and personal estates of all the persons mentioned in the two lists sent us.
We received great affronts from Nich. Borlace, one of them, who threatens to
complain to the Lord General and the committee for relief on Articles of War
for our sequestering his goods, which he alleges ought not to have been done,
because of his interest under the Articles of Truro. |
|
On behalf of the Commonwealth we answer, first, that all others of the late
King's party that claim under such articles understand that they extend no
further than to preserve them from plunder, and the present violence and fury
of the soldiers, and have thereupon submitted to those ordinances that make
them liable to sequestration. Not one in this county opposes this but Borlace, who presumes by his wit, boldness, and false information, to obtain that
which, if granted, all the delinquents in this county,—some few excepted that
have the benefit of other articles,—will crave the same, and so expect restitution,
and thereby those of the late King's party here, who, as is well known, have
done great disservice to the Commonwealth, will be least subject to bear
those burdens which, by the former actings of malignity, they have brought
upon it. |
|
Secondly, by the said articles, all were left to the mercy of this Parliament,
only they had a promise to be admitted to reasonable composition, which
being but an act of favour, Borlace of all others is least capable of, being a
Papist delinquent, a colonel, and the most active of all the Popish party in this
county. If anything formerly were out of mercy offered him, it happened
because he was not rightly represented, and he has forfeited it by passing over
many days assigned for prosecuting his composition, [in hope] of a change and
turn of things, being still conceived to carry on dangerous designs against the
Commonwealth, and keeping correspondence with the most implacable enemies
of it. |
|
All this we make known that he may be dealt with according to his
demerits, he being the most cruel oppressor of any that we know of in this
county or elsewhere; and his wife, children, and family, as they are of the same
religion, so run hand in hand with him in the same acts of cruelty, and that
they may be the more prevalent in their oppressions, they have always desperate
persons at hand to swear to their proposals. Give no credit to his suggestions,
for being of an importunate and clamorous spirit, he may suggest anything on
behalf of himself or against us, where there are none to answer. It will
be impossible for us at this distance to follow him in all his wranglings. |
|
In this cause we request, as we have formerly done to the committee for relief
on articles, that some person of integrity here may be chosen to whom we may
give an account of our proceedings against him, or may give you further certificate of him, and then we doubt not but we shall stand clear in the judgment of
the world, and his great impudence and falsehood will be so manifest that he
will not dare hereafter to abuse the credulity of any public judicature. If he
were as well known in London as he is in this county, he would at length sit
down under the shame of his notorious wickedness, and no more trouble those
who are in authority with such gross and manifest untruths as he has done ever
since the reducing of this county. [1¾ pages.] |
May ?
North Wales. |
98. Committee for Sequestrations in North Wales to Roger Hanmer at
Willington. We are instructed by the Committee for Compounding in London
to seize all records, profits, and perquisites of courts or manors belonging to
delinquents or Papists sequestered or sequestrable, and to appoint officers to the
same. Having done so in the sequestered manors of the Earl of Derby in
Flintshire, of which you were steward, we have to inform you, though unwillingly, that you are to desist from further officiating as steward to such
courts, as also from receiving the rents and profits, as we are now accountable
to the State for the same. [1 page.] |