The city of Exeter: Letters and other papers (7 of 10)

Billeting of Soldiers.

L. 300. Nov. 4, 1627.—Copy of a letter from the Lords of the Council to the Commissioners for well-ordering and billetting of soldiers at Plymouth:— "After our hartie commendacions. Whereas there are 2,000 Recreutz to be sent to ye Isle of Retz, (fn. 1) who were appointed to be at their Rendezvous at Plymouth by the first of this moneth ye governing and well ordering of which soldyers during their stay there is principally committed to Captain Henry Woodhouse, (fn. 2) who is despatched hence with Commission in that behalfe: These are therefore to authorize and require you or any three or more of you to be ayding and assisting from tyme to tyme to ye sayde Captaine Woodhouse as well in the well ordering, Billetting and gouverning of the sayd soldyors as in the execucion of such other direccions as you shall receive from him, for the furtherance of this service. And whereas wee have by late letters from some of you beene given to understande in generall of the disbursements made by the Country for the billetting and pay of these 2,000 men lately sent away with the Erle of Hollande; wee having acquainted his Majestie therewithall, (wee tak that service very graciously at your hands), have according to his expresse pleasure and commande given order to our very good Lord the Lord Treasurer and Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, to deliver here within ten dayes the summe of twentie five hundred pounds mentioned in you Letters to be transmitted unto you, with all speede, for ye satisfying and engagement of the aforesayd charges and disbursments. And for these other 2,000 men who are now to be there, wee are by his Majestie's commande to let you know that as he expects the lyke forwardnesse and good affeccion in the Country as formerly in the charge of providing for them during their stay there, which is intended to be but for a very short tyme, so you may be well assured that upon a just account thereof made and returned hither repayment shalbe forthwith made out of his Majesties Exchequer here. In the billetting of the Soldyors it is Majestie's pleasure that you place in the Cittie of Exeter such a number of them as you shall finde to be proportionally convenient, who are to be received and entertained there in the same maner as they are in other Townes of that County. And for ye better easing of the sayde Country, It is lykewise his Majestie's pleasure and commande that ye County of Cornwall shall receive and lodge so many of these 2,000 soldyors as may answeare the proportion that was lodged there in the expedition to Cales (fn. 3), to which purpose wee doe now write to the Deputie Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace in the same Countie, signifying his Majestie's pleasure in that behalfe. And so not doubting of your accustomed care and endeavors in the execution of this service.

[See Cal. Dom. 1627–28, pp. 420, 428, Nov. 2, 10, 1627. For 12,000 men to be sent to the Isle de Rhe, see Ibid, p. 425, Nov. 6, 1627.]

L. 303. Whitehall, Nov. 17, 1627.—Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Mayor &c.:—"After our verie heartie commendations. Whereas wee gave direction by our letters of the fourth of this moneth [L. 300] to the Commissioners for Soldiers at Plymouth to billet so manie of the twoo thousand soldiers lately leavyed, and appointed to have their Rendezvous at the said Towne of Plymouth as they shall thinke convenient to be billetted in that Cittie, wee have now thought fit to free the Cittie of the soldiors, but that you shall fournish such a summe of money weekely as will serve to satisfie for the billetting of one hundreth Soldiors, allowing each man three shillings six pence a weeke, during their stay in those parts, which wee require you to performe accordingly. ffor the payment whereof, out of his Majestie's Exchequer upon a just account according to the precedents fo former tymes, wee have given order to our verie good Lords, the Lorde Treasurer and Master Chancellor of the Exchecqr. And for your better effecting of this service, wee doe herby authorise and require you to Leavie the monies for the same, in as equall a maner as possible you can, according to the severall abilities of the Cittizens, to the ende there may be no just cause of complaint. And so wee bid you heartely farewell.

L. 304. Whitehall, Nov. 17, 1627.—Copy of a letter from the Lords of the Council to the commissioners for soldiers at Plymouth:—"Whereas by our Letters of the fourth of this moneth there was direccions given to have some of the Soldyors that were last sent to Plymouth to be billetted in the Cittie of Exeter, which Order and coursse there is now occasion to change, and for that ye Cittie of Exeter have alleaged unto us by their Peticion many inconveniences that may thereby growe unto the Cittie, Besides that it hath not beene a thing required heretofore. and doe show a readinesse to contribute with those Countyes of Devon and Cornwall, a proportion reasonable towards ye said charge respectively, so long as the twoo thousand soldyors shall remayne there, we thinke fit for diverse respects to have that Cittie kept free, and if anie soldyors be alreadie placed there are now to be forthwith billeted elswhere in the Countie of Devon, and the Cittie to allow after the proporcion for the dyet of one hundreth men, vizt., to each man three shillings 6d. by the weeke: And so expecting your carefull performance of these our direccions, wee bid you heartily farewell."

A note on the back says that the solicitors for Exeter yielded "because the souldiers were then on that Cittie and could not otherwise be removed," and "insteede of 100 ordered by the Lords the Commissoners placed 160."

L. 305. Whitehall, Nov. 21, 1627.—Copy of an order from the Lords of the Council:— "Whereas the Erle of Bedford, his Majestie's Lieutenant in Ye Countie of Devon, did this day move the Boarde for the Easing of that Countie, from the great burthen which it hath and doth sustaine, by the billetting of Soldiers in regarde that the Towne of Plymouth, hath beene the place of Rendez-vous for those supplies and Recruts that were leavyed for the renforcing of his Majestie's Army while it was in the Isle of Rets, and lykewise the greater parte of the said Army being retourned did arrive there. It was declared and so ordered by their Lordshipps, that a present coursse shalbee taken for the easing of the said Countie and lykewise City of Exceter by removing the said Army, excepting those who are not for the present able to remove by reason of their sicknesse, and that when they shalbe able to march, they shall then repaire to their Colors, and in the meane tyme be allowed weekely, after the rate of three shillings six pence a man."

L. 307. Nov.29,1627.—Copy of a letter from the Lords of the Council to the Commissioners for Soldiers at Plymouth:—

"Whereas it is his Majestie's pleasure that the forces which are nowe there shalbe removed thence with all expedicion to be disposed and lodged in such manner as may be most convenient for his Majestie's service, wee doe therefore hereby will and require you to take present and effectual order for the sending of them to the severall Counties mencioned in the liste which you shall receive herewith and to noe other to be equallie billitted there. And to the end that this may be done with the most convenience for the Souldiers and ease of the Countries (sic) to prevent the over burtheninge of anie one place att one tyme you are to cause the said forces to march by severall wayes. But before they sett forward on their March wee require you to take an exact veue of the strength of everie Companie and thereuppon to ffill upp the broken Companies out of the Recreuts to the Commissioners at Portsmouth, to be disposed of by them in like manner for the re-enforcing of the broken Companies which landed there. And thus expecting your carefull and exacte performance of these our direccions wee, &c.

The list of the Counties:—Berks, Kent, Somerset, Wiltes, Dorset, Surrie, Cinq Ports. (fn. 4)

In L. 308, Dec. 12, 1627, is an Order in Council to the Chamber:—"fforeasmuch as his Majestie hath byn informed that diverse outrages and disorders have byn latelie committed in the Cittie and Countie of Exeter by the Souldiers that are billetted in those parts, and that the said Cittie is the Comon throughfare and passage for the souldiers to and from Plymouth and other the western parts. ffor the punishing of those and prevencion of the like mischiefs and inconveniences hereafter, It is his Majestie's pleasure that Mr. Attornie Generall shall make readie a Commission for Marshall Law within the said Cittie and Countie of Exeter fitt for his Majestie's signature to be directed unto such persons as the Earle of Bedford, Lord Leivtenant of the Cittie and Countie shall nominate (?) or send unto hym." Endorsed in Samuel Izack's handwriting: "A Coppie of the order for Marshall Law which I found in Mr. Attornie's Chamber."

In L. 309, Whitehall, Dec. 17, 1627, the Lords of the Council write to the Commissioners for Souldiers at Plymouth: "Whereas you were directed by our letters of the 17th of November last [L. 304] that if anie Soldiers were then Billitted in the Cittie of Exon. you should forthwith remove them from thence, and place them in the Countie of Devon, which nevertheless you have hetherto neglected to doe, to the great preiudice of the said Cittie, as by the iterate complaints thereof, wee are given to understand. And whereas by our later letters of the 29th of the moneth aforesaid [L. 307], wee gave order for the removeing of all the fforces in the Countie of Devon and Cornwall (amongst which those of Exon. were intended to be included) into some other Counties. And his Majestie hath ben gratiously pleased to allow 1,000li. for the furnishing of the said Soldiers, with hose, shooes and conduct money to carry them to the Countries (sic) where they are to be quartered. These shall be therefore to will and require you forthwith to take alike Course, with the Soldiers billetted in the said Cittie, as you are to doe with the rest of the fforces, according to our former direccions given unto you in that behalfe to the end the said Cittie may have no further cause to Complaine. And so, &c.

In L. 301 (undated) is a note of "The charge of the billetting of 160 souldiers in the Cittie of Exon who came thither the Sixth day of Nov., 1627." The cost amounts to 102l. 2s. 3d., viz.:—

The account is incomplete, and a footnote gives— 52l. 10s. 0d., 174l. 18s. 3d., 102l. 2s. 3d., totalled as 328l. 10s. 6d., which should be 329l. 10s. 6d.

L. 302 (undated). —A noat of such moneys as hath bene paied out by James White for the billitinge of the Souldiers:—

The Petition of Right.

L. 313.—A written copy in English of the Petition of Right [presented May 10, 1628,] in the Parliament 3 Charles I., (March 17, 1628, to March 10, 1629), in which the Members for Exeter were Ignatius Jurdaine, Esquire, and John Lynne, gent.].

The text corresponds with that given in Rymer, VIII, ii, 254 (from the Close Roll); Parliamentary History, ii., 374; and Hume viii, 381, with a few slight alterations and some omissions. E.g. "An oath not warrantable by the Lawes or Statuts of this Realme," in Rymer, line 28 becomes "an unlawful oath"; "without beinge charged with any Thinge to which they might make Answeare accordinge to the Law" (Rymer, l. 58)="without beinge charged to answere by dew process of law"; "in Armes," Rymer, l. 86= "in armyes."

The following passages in Rymer are omitted altogether:—"either by the Customes of the said Realme or by Acts of Parliament. And whereas noe offender of what kind soever is exempted from the Proceedings to be used and Punishments to be inflicted by the Lawes and Statutes of this your Realme" (Rymer, l. 73); "or deteynd" (Rymer, l. 109); "and that your People may not be soe burthened in the tyme to come" (Rymer, l. 111); "to any Person or Persons whatsoever, to be executed" (Rymer, l. 114).

The following passage occurs at the end, which is not found in Rymer's text:—"Wee humbly present this peticion to your Majestie not only with a care of preserving our owne liverties, buth (sic) with due regard to leave intire your soveraigne power wherewith your Majestie is intrusted for the protection safty and happines of your people."

To this clause there is a side note: "The lords Addition. The which is now left out of the Petition as it is signed by the King's Majestie. This 7th of June, 1628." [See Gardiner, vi., 309; for charge that 1,500 copies of the Petition had been printed "with an Addition," see Parl. Hist. ii, 436; Hallam, Constitutional History, i, 391.]

L. 315.—A Copy of the Remonstrance presented to the King on June 17, 1628, (fn. 5) to the King beginning:—"Most dread Soveraigne, As with humble thankfulness," &c.

It occupies 24 pages and corresponds with the text given in Parl. Hist. ii, 420–427, with the following differences:—

• 420. The Exeter copy reads: "Weakened, ympoverished, dishonoured and deserted" "impoverished and dishonored"; inserts "and with Joyfulnes" after "all sincerity."
• 421. inserts "as much honor to your Majestie and acknowledgement of dutie" after "as much honour." inserts "altogether" before "unknown to you." inserts "and ministers" before "do behave themselves." inserts "readie and" before "gracious acceptation."
• 422. omits "lately" before "conferred upon them." reads "great" for "extreme" before "scandal and grief." omits "their numbers, power, and insolency daily increasing in all parts of your Kingdom." inserts "unhappie" before "opportunities."
• 423. reads "impression" for "imprinting." reads "disp'age" ( disparage) for "depress."
• 424. reads "strange" for "strong" before "co-operating." adds "round" after "compass." adds "pyously" before "to remember." omits "fear of" before "innovation." inserts "the number" before "of those soldiers." inserts "ympolyed or" before "dismissed." omits "other" before "foreign employment."

• 425. adds "for this place" after "to be levied." reads "had been made over for that purpose that" "to be fined for that purpose gave us just cause of fear and." reads "alwayes pernicious to any state" "pernicious to most States." inserts "the mischief of such" before "courses." inserts "concerninge the under myninge of Religion" before "tending." reads "for generall at land" "to be general of the army in the land." reads "approchinge" for "apparent" before "change of government." adds "and fallinge downe at your feate to beseech you to hearken to the voyce of all your people" before "who if you could have." reads "Cales" for "Cadiz." page 181.] omits "extremely" before "wasted."
• 426. reads "some thousand" for "6 or 7,000." reads "your fortes" for "the forts." reads "that proportion" for "the proportion." reads "xxxvi last" for "6 lasts." reads "fourth" for "14th." inserts "in Parliament" after "contract made." reads "Burlamacke" "Burlemachi." inserts "of your owne" before "by one third." reads "strange" for "fearful." omits "by any other means" before "have been here." omits "amongest many" after "one reason."
• 427. omits "narrow" before "seas." adds "in haveinge the absolute commande of the seas" after "consisted." inserts "beat" before "rob." reads "perceave" for "conceive." omits "and as it is not safe" before "so sure we are." reads "maynteyne" for "manage." omits "your most princely" before "consideration."

It contains also the "kalendar of particulars" presented to the King for his perusal with the Remonstrance [see Parl. Hist. ii, 426], which is headed:—

"A Kalender or Schedule of the Shippinge of this Kingdom which have beene taken by the enemie or loste by Shipwracke within 3 yeares laste paste," and gives the following particulars:—

together with the names of the Townes and parts to which they belonged, Exeter appearing in both groups.

A note of the Shipps of the Burthen of 100 Tuns and upwards which appertayned to the severall ports after mencioned in Anno 1628, Together with the Numbers of what have been taken and loste. (fn. 6)

L. 314.—A written copy of the King's Speech, beginning: "It may seem strange &c." [delivered June 26, 1628, but endorsed "June 16, 1628," in reply to the Remonstrance of the Commons [L.315]. It is printed in Lords Journ. iii, 879; Commons Journ. i., 919; Parl. Hist. ii, 434; Gardiner vi, 324.]

The following verbal differences occur in the text as compared with that in the Lords Journal, iii, 879.

Par. i. "It is known to every man" v. "everyone."

Par. iii. omits "that even" before "the House of Commons"; reads "false construction" v. "constructions"; omits "might" before "be worse"; reads "handlinge" v. "hammering"; "trench" v. "entrench"; omits "saying" before "they had neither"; reads "intent" v "intention"; "liberty" v "liberties"; omits "and" before "in the time to come."

Par. iv. reads "neither meant by me I am sure" v "never meant I am sure by me."

Par. v. reads "the petition" v "your petition"; "of the laws" v "of laws"; "House of parliament" v "House of Commons."

In the same document is given "Dr. Mannering's Submission, the 21 June, 1628," beginning:"May it please this house." The text corresponds with that given in Commons Journal i, 916; Parl. Hist. ii, 430, with the following differences:—Omits "the Church" after "this house" and "adjudged to be" before "reflected."

John Lynne.

L. 318. From my house in Chancery Lane, Feb. 2, 1628–9. John Finch, Speaker [of the House of Commons] writes to the Mayor, John Lynn, Esquire, [called gent. in Return Parl., i, 475, where he is one of the M.P.'s for Exeter in 1628–9]:—

"After my heartie comendacions. Whereas severall mocions have been made in the House of Commons for sparing your attendance and service there in regarde you are sithens the last Session of Parliament elected Maior of the Cittie of Exeter, whereby your presence there wilbe of greate use for the government of that Cittie, the House hath resolved that your particuler service there must give place to the generall service of the Comon Wealth in the said House of Commons whereof before you are soe elected Maior you were and still continue a member. And therefore I am directed by the said House to give you knowledge of such the resolucion thereof and to require you forthwith to come upp and attend the service there. Wherin having observed the direccion of the house and not doubting of your conformity thereunto, I rest, your loving freind,

Jo. Finch, Speaker." (fn. 7)

Payment of Members.

L. 319. "Jovis, 5 ffebr. 4 Carol R. [1629].—The Commons house of Parliament was this daye informed that the Committee for eleccions, returns and privilege uppon the referrence unto them from the house to consider of the deteyneing of the wages of Mr. Jorden, one of the Cittizens of the Cittie of Exeter, have resolved to send for twoe Aldermen of the said Cittie to appeare before the said Committee. Whereas there are some other Aldermen of the said Cittye and the Towne Clark thereof now here. Whereuppon it is ordered by the said House of Comons that such of the said Aldermen as be now here together with the Towne Clark shall attend the said Committee and that the sending for the said twoe other Aldermen shalbe stayed.

Jo. Brighte."

On the fly-sheet are the following notes in the hand-writing of the Town Clerk, Samuel Izacke:—

"Mr. Ignatius Jurdain, con. Maior Ballivos et civitatem Civit(Exon.) Three objections p'ut per ordinem.

• For discontentment the magistrates refuse to allow Mr. Jurdain his wage.
• That lands be given for that purpose.
• That his fellow Cittizen is allowed his wage.

They must be all aunsweared negativillie.

To the first:

It is to be proved that longe before the begyning of this Parliamente (fn. 8) it was agreed by the Maior and Common Counsell of the said Cittie (who have the orderinge of the Revenue there) that the wage of Parliament shoulde be paid by the Comons accordinge to lawe, which was made noe more against Mr. Jurdaine than anie other.
That this agreemente was made uppon consideracion of the decaying of the Cittie's Revenue, by there Haven rents and Pettie Customes and their beinge in debte.
That there hath byn noe treatie of wage due but sometymes more sometyme (sic> less and sometyme little or nothing.

The second:

That a little mannor of vi l rent and onlie x tenements about 100 years since was given for paymente of the ffee farme rent (50l.p. Ann.)and other uses which being superstitious, were forfeyted and that mannor afterwards purchased againe for a valuable consideracion

The third:

That Mr. Lynne (now Maior) being Mr. Jurdaine's fellow Cittizen, is neither paid, promised nor allowed of anie wage, but is answeared as Mr. Jurdaine.

That the Common Counsell of the Cittie have offered to pay Mr. Jurdaine 20, 30 and 40s. apeece towards his wage out of their loves unto hym and that its desired the wage may be paid by lawe &c."

The document contains also an extract from Stat. 23, H. VI, 11., cap. 10. See Stat. ii, 336.

For 18l. 5s. 0d. paid to Mr. Ignatius Jurdaine on July 26, 1625, for his fees and expenses in Parliament (i.e. at West-minster from May 17, 1625) and 5l. 16s. 0d. paid Oct. 4, 1625, for the adjourned meeting at Oxford, Aug. 1. to Aug. 12, 1625 (Cal. Dom. 1625–26, p. 59; Gardiner v, 397–432) SeeOliver, 246, from Receiver's Accounts.

A Proclamation.

In L. 321, March 31, 1629, the Lords of the Council command the Mayor and the rest of his Majesty's officers in Exeter to be aiding and assisting to the officers of the Customs in the Port of Exeter, "in all things wherein they shall require your helpe in case of any opposition that may be made by anie refractorie Persons in regard to a proclamation recently sent to them."

George Blackall.

L. 322. Whitehall, Feb. 12, 1629–30.—A certificate from the Earl of Montgomery [i.e. Philip Herbert, Lord Chamberlain] that Mr. George Blackall is a servant of the King and a sworn esquire of his Majesty's Body. (fn. 9)

The Peace of Susa.

L. 323. July 11, 1629.—J. Okehampton [i.e. John Mohun of Boconnoc, Cornwall, created Baron Mohun of Okehampton, April 15, 1628. Comp. Peer, v 322], Sir Bernard Grenville [of Tresmore, near Launceston, Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall] (fn. 10) and Sir William Corey [of Trebigh, Cornwall] inform the Mayor of Plymouth that they have received letters from the Council that ambassadors (fn. 11) "now goeing over into ffraunce" have orders to "deale effectually for the restitution of any the ships or goods taken by the French and for the reparacion of the dammage by them donne." (fn. 12) And all who have complaints are to inform the said ambassadors of them through their Factors or Agents. The Mayor of Plymouth is to signify this to the Mayor of Bristol (sic) and to the town of Dartmouth and other ports in Devon.

In L. 324, Plymouth, July 17, 1629, the Mayor of Plymouth, Nicholas Sherwill forwards L. 323 to the Mayor of Exeter desiring him to make it known to the merchants of his parts.

Nicholas Spicer's Letters.

L. 327. London, Sept. 5, 1629.—Nicholas Spicer (fn. 13) writes to the Mayor. The letter is headed "Emanuelle" and endorsed: "Mr. R. Spicer from London aboute the obteyninge of shippes to gaurde the Westerne Coasts."

"Worshipful,

Maye yt please you to take notice of ye receipt of yours of ye 29 ultimo, (fn. 14) since which tyme I have hade conference with my friends and also with ye Secratorye of State, whoe is alsoe Secratorye to ye Commissioners for ye Admirall unto whome I made knowen our grievance and withall what I Intended as to petishi[oning his] Majestie and ye Lords, but they weare of A Contrarye Judgment, but rather advised me . . . your Letter to ye Lord High Steward, (fn. 15) whoe is one of ye Commissioners, Intreating direction therein, for if ye Kinge should bee pitissioned befor they weare ac[quainted] with our geievances, consideringe yt doth concerne them, offence might . . . . Ye Kinge is att Winsore with all ye Lords and tomorrow ther is great feast[ ] taketh his oth for conferminge the peace with france. A Mundaye th[ ] for London, wher I will attend God willinge ye deliveringe of ye Letter [ ] the Commissioners sitts aboute the navye, whom I purpose to petission [ ] the Kinge and Queene Commeth to Whitehall A Tusdaye alsoe but for 3 [ ] my Indevors shall not wante for ye accom plishment of all our desires. [ ] in the River of teames tow of ye King's shipps reddye and one of ye whealps [ ] the Lyon and ye adventure ther marriners being Abord for newes. The Dreadnett, (fn. 16) a shipp of ye King's, burden 800 tuns with 46 pair of ordnaunce, is reddye to depart for Spayne in whom goeth Sir ffrances Cockkington, (fn. 17) Chancellor of the Exchequer, with divers others, and yt is reported yt heer commeth Don Christofore Cullombo, (fn. 18) ye governor of Cambree. A speedye peace is expected. (fn. 19) Doctor Mawe, (fn. 20) ye bisshop of bath and wells, is deade. Doctor Laude, bisshop of London [i.e. since July 11, 1629] verri sicke and smale hopes of his recoverri. This daye I red a Commission [ ] by his Majestie to Richard Lord Weston, Lord Treasurer of Ingland, Robart [ ], sie (fn. 21) Lord Great Chamberlynne of Ingland, with the Earell of penbrooke, Lord high Stuarde, Edward (i.e. Sackville], Earell of dorsett, Lord Chamberlyne to ye Queene, Lord Vicunt dorchester, secratory of Estate, Sir John Cooke, Another Secratorie, which Commission tendeth for the suppressinge of piratts as alsoe to graunte by vertue of the same other Commissions by all, or other three of them. Letters from Amsterdame signify that the Flemand hath taken the outer course of the burse (fn. 22) and supposed [ ] the towne will be rendered. Not else att present, prayinge God to give a gr[acious] end to my proseedings, desiringe micommendations to bee remembrede to Sir [John] Ackland, I commyte you both with your affarres to ye protextion of ye Almightie, in whom I ende and reste, yours to be commaunded,

Nicholas Spicer.

L. 328. London, Sept. 8, 1629.—Nicholas Spicer writes to the Mayor:—

"Worshipfull,

Maye it please you to take notice of a former (sic) written per our carrier of ye 5th of this present, to which I reffer you. Since which tyme I have deliver (sic) ye Lord Stuard ye Letter whome I found willinge to doe ye Cittie any service, but my Lord Tresurer was some thinge quicke att firste, but after more milder. I have obtained one shippe of ye king's [i.e. the Convertive (fn. 23) ] and twoo whealpes [i.e. whelps] for our parts tomorrowe I will hand the Letters and warrant to keepe about the Starte and torbaye because of our St. Mallos [S. Malo] and Morlis [i.e. Morlaix] barks. For the passage of the bussies I reffer to my verball relation (God sending me well home). For newes [i.e. newsletter, Cal. Dom., 1629–31, p. 98 see p. 220] yt is credblely reported ye Burse (see L. 327) is renderrd upon Composission of departure with bagge and baggas for upon intretie the Prince of Orrange gave them quarter. There was a fleete of ffrench in ye River of Rone [the Seine] and at Deep [Dieppe] since ye peace [April 14, 1629, see L. 323, page 190] was proclamed, and went for St. Christopher's Island [i.e. St. Kitts, Leeward Islands], and hath taken all the Inglish shipps ther, some saye but 5 shipps, and hath slayen all the men abord ye said ships. Wher they have taken ye Island yt is not certayne. (fn. 24) The Kinge much moved att yt, as I shall relate unto you. The Spanish Imbassador [i.e. Coloma, see L. 327] is att Brissells, (fn. 25) as I understand by good advise and as soone as Sir Frances Cottington [see L. 327] is gone hee is expected; soe as I hope henceforth wee shall not need to feare the Dunckartts. (fn. 26) I knowe not what else to Inlarge, untill I see you; in the meane tyme I shall Indevor the effectinge of my Commencment doe end and reste yours to bee commanded,

Nicholas Spicer."

The Crossings.

L. 330. Whitehall, November, 1629.—The Lords of the Council write to the Mayor:—"After our hearty commendations. Wee have received information that certaine reprisall goods of greate value belonging to his Majestie have lately bene landed out of twoo reprisall ships in Guernsey or elsewhere, and conveyed from ye knowledge of his majestie's Officers and that [blank] Crassin being a passenger in one of the ships yt were taken, can give light or notice of the quantitie and qualitite of the saide goods; wee have therefore thought fit to will and require to call the saide Crassin before you, and to examine him according to such Interrogtories as the bearer hereof, Charles Childe, gentleman, shall present unto you, for that purpose. Now if upon his answere he shall give you satisfaccion to ye saide Interrogatories you are then to retourne them unto us, by the saide bearer; but if he shall refuse to make answere, or if you shall not finde that hee answereth according to ye full truth of his knowledge, in that case you are to take bonde of him to appeare before us on the 25th of Januarie next. And so not douting" &c. Endorsed: "A letter from the Lords about the examinacion of Philliph Crossinge touchinge reprisall goods."

[For letters of marque issued to Thomas Crossing and others in the "Resolution" of Exeter, July 25, 1628, see Cal. Dom. 1628–29, p. 308.]

In L. 331, Whitehall, April 28, 1630, the Lords of the Council write to the Mayor:—"After our heartie comendacions. Whereas we are given to understand that divers persons of the Company of Marchants [i.e. Adventrurers] of that Citty, as namely Tho. Crossing [Mayor, 1624, 1637], Francis Crossing [Mayor, 1634—see Cotton, Gleanings, 79] and John Taylor [Mayor, 1626], with other members of the said Company, doe to the great priudice of that Societie refuse to pay such small taxes as have by authoritie and by mutuall consent beene laid upon Marchandize that hath passed betwixt ffrance and that Citty, for defraying of the necessaire charges of the said Company, which taxes of late have beene more occacioned by reason of the ffrench Arreasts and especially by those vexacions of Matthieu and du Lawnie. We have therefore thought good hereby to authorize and require you as well to call the persons above named before you as all such others whom the Governor of the said Company shall complayne of unto you to have refused to pay the said Taxes and to cause them to make payment thereof and in case of theire refusall to give good Bond to appeare and answer the same before this Board. And soe we bid you hartely farewell."

[This warrant is in response to a petition sent up by the Chamber on April 10, 1630, Cal. Dom. 1629–31, p. 232. For further trouble on this question, Jan. 18, 1634, see Cal. Dom. 1633–34, p. 420.]

In D. 428, March 1, 1642, is a lease to Thomas Crossinge, Alderman of Exeter, from Elizabeth Flaye, of a plot of ground next St. Paul's Street on the south, with his signature "Thomas Crossinge."

Vintners of Exeter.

L. 354. Star Chamber, Nov. 16, 1632.—An Order in Council upon a petition dated the 20th of Oct., last [Cal. Dom. 1631–33, p. 428], from the Chamber that "the vintners of that Cittie doe take excessive prices for their wines, more than is taken in any other part of ye Kingdome, although the saide Cittie is scituate near unto ye sea and fournished with wines at as reasonable rates as anie other place." They now order that wines shall be sold at Exeter by the same rates as in the City of London.

In L. 355, Whitehall, Dec. 28, 1632, is an Order in Council setting the prices of wines for the year, viz., "Canary wines, Muscadells and Alligant in grosse at 16l. the pipe and 12d. the quart by Retayle, Sacks and Mallegoes at 13l. the butt and 9d. the quart. The best Gascoigne and French wines at 18l. the Tonne, and ye Rochells and other small and thin wines at 15l. the Tonne and 6d. the quart." [See also Comm. LX, page 9. For a proclamation (Feb. 18, 1633) to the same effect see Cal. Dom. 1631–33, p. 539.]

In L. 97, Dec. 1, 1590, is a printed proclamation for the sale of wines, reciting Statute of June 8, 1536 (28 Henry VIII), the price not to exceed 15l. per tun for best Gascoign and French wines and 13l. for every "tunne of Rochel and other small and thinne wines." [There is also a bundle of Proclamations "in Press" the contents of which are not described in S. Moore's Calendar.]

In L. 356, Jan. 18, 1632–33, is a provisional Order in Council on a petition of the vintners of Exeter, "his Majesty's tenants," against the Chamber respecting a new measure for wines, which the Chamber endeavoured to make the vintners use. Their Lordships "having received as well the Standard measure of the Exchequer as that kept in the Guildhall of London, and finding this difference could not bee presentlie reconciled," order that in the meantime the vintners of Exeter, who are his Majesty's Tenants and duelie pay his Majesties Rents and deserve rather to be cherished, are to sell by the sealed measures used in the City of London.

Sale of Tobacco.

L. 358, Whitehall, Aug. 31, 1633,—The Lords of the Council write to the Mayor:—"Whereas his Majestie to prevent the excesse of the use of tobacco and to set an order to those that regrate and sell or utter it by Retayle who observe noe reasonable rates or prizes nor take care that it be wholesome for men's bodyes that shall use it, hath of late caused us to direct letters to the Justices of peace of the severall Counties of the Realme and to the Cheife Officers of Cittyes and some of the Townes within the same, requiring them to certify in what places it might be fitt to suffer ye Retayling of Tobacco and how many to be licenced in each of those places to use that trade." and the City of Exeter having made a return, the Lords send a schedule of the names of those who are to be licensed and order that no others be permitted to sell after the feast of Candlemas next. The list is missing. [For proclamations in a similar sense, Oct. 13, 1633, March 13, 1634, see Cal. Dom. 1633–34, pp. 244, 500.]

In D. 454, May 15, 1672, is a lease of a house adjoining St. Paul's Church from Elizabeth Flaye to George Payne, Tobaccocutter, of Exeter.

Religious Destitution in the North

L. 359. Rose Castle, Oct. 10, 1633.—The Bishop of Carlisle [i.e. Barnaby Potter] writes to the Mayor &c.:—

Right Worshipfull,

My loving Salutations with all due respect remembered. The condition of the most of the people in these parts for want of the preaching of the Word of God is so wofull, their ignorance so grosse and palpable, that I am perswaded there is not a more necessarye Worke of Charity then to have a hand or to move a finger in setting forewards such courses as may helpe to remove this heavye Judgment. Such as onely by Heare Say have taken notice of the calamitye of this Countrey in this kind have beene touched in conscience to contribute towardes the maintenance of some able minister to imploy his paynes here. In Northumberland (my neighbour Shiere) the Company of Mercers in London have not long since placed two Lecturers, one at Barwicke, and another at Hexam, and have settled upon eyther of them 80li. yearely out of Tythes thereabouts, which they have purchased for that purpose. In my diocese I found when I came one Lecturer onely maine-tayned by a private man (Mr. Packer), who allowes 30li. a yeare for his paynes. Since my coming there have two more beene sent, both of them very grave and godly men, maine-tayned partly by a Londoner, who allowes 50li. out of an Impropriation he holds here, and partly by the benevolence of Dorchester and Lyme. Now my humble Suite and hearty Intreatye to you all and every one, is this that you wilbe pleased to turne your eyes of compassion towards this poore Countrey, and some way, as in your wisedomes you shall thinke fitt, contribute to their meanes of comfort for the salvation of their soules. All that are well minded amongst you I hope will according to their ability bring their freewill offering to so blessed a worke, and if out of your generall stock, eyther of the City, or any private Company, you wilbe pleased to impart somethinge to this purpose, many poore ignorant soules will have cause to blesse God for you, and God, I doubt not, will even for this Act of mercy, blesse and increase your store. I pray you pardon my boldnes, and to take this humble Suite of myne into your grave considerations, and so I will committ it to the prospering hand of him who is honoured by such workes of pietye. To his gracious protection I commend you all, and will ever rest, yours to be commaunded in the like Christian office,

Bar: Carlile.

Northernhay and Southernhay.

L. 362. Exeter, May 31, 1634.—Draft of a letter from the Chamber to Sir Humphrey Davenport, knight, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and Sir J. Denham, knight, a Baron of the Exchequer.

"After our duties remembred. There hath byn a suite depending in his Majestie's Court of Exchequer these 3 or 4 yeres betweene his Majestie's Attorney Generall and this Cittie about the title of some waste lands adioyning to the walles of the same, which our predecessors have peaceablie enioyed these 300 or 400 yeres. This suite is prosecuted as wee are crediblie informed by some that hope to mak a purchase of it to themselves, and the better to accomplish their intendments doe presse a hearing this next Trinity terme. Wee doe not declyne the ordinary course of Justice, and this cause might have byn brought to hearing longe er this if they had soe pleased, but to be putt on noue soe suddenly as not to have x dayes notice thereof by our owne asents (wee beinge so remote our evidences in this Cittie, our Second Counsell or Solicitor not here in the Countrie), cannot be without greate preiudice to our cause and us alsoe. Wherefore wee earnestlie desire your Lordships' lawfull favour that wee may have such convenient notice of our adversaries's proceedings as may be reasonable and agreeable to the wonted proceedings of that honourable Courte, for which courtesie wee shall rest, your Lordships' worshipps to be commanded.

In Act Book VII, f. 134b, Aug. 12, 1617: That whereas Mr. Recorder did enforme the house this day that one Mr. Norden, an offycer to prynce Charles came unto hym and did make shewe of pretence to clayme to some ryghts or pryvyledges which the Cytye hath enioyed tyme out of mynd it is now agreed that Mr. Recorder shall confer with Mr. Norden (fn. 27) [see L. 226] and geve hym answere to hys demande or the next terme and to have such charters and other wrytyngs as may suffycyently furnyshe hym to answer the pretence.

In Act Book VIII, f. 153 b; Aug. 11, 1618. Whereas one Mr. Norden, one of the prynce's surveyors, hath enformed Mr. Recorder of a clayme or interest which is pretented by the prynce unto parte of Northyghey, it is ordered that Mr. Recorder, Mr. Prouze and Mr. Martyn shall conferr with the said Mr. Norden concernynge the said clayme and to acquaynt themselves with the certeynty therof as neere as they may and to envyte hym to a dynner or sopper at the cost of the Cytye, and that Mr. ffley shall go to Sir George Smythe, who hath an estate in Northynghey in revercon of John Rowe to acquaynt hym with the said clayme.

In Act Book VIII, f. 92, Oct. 20, 1639, is an entry.—Whereas Mr. Maior hath latelie received a letter from the Prince his highnes commissioners touching the Ditch or waste in Northinghay against the Castle. It is this day agreed that Mr. Recorder and Mr. Thomas Roy, the Citties Solicitor, shalbe ymployed therein and to compound for that parte if Mr. Recorder may uppon reasonable termes rather then adventure to a sute in law for it. To which end the Town Clerk is ordered to draw a letter to Mr. Recorder to be sent away with all speede.

In Act Book VIII, f. 92a, Oct.23, 1639.—Whereas on Tuesday last, 15th instantis, uppon the reading of a letter from the Prince's Counsell it was conceived best for the makeing of a composicon for the ditches of the Castle towards Northenghey in regard they affirmed in the said letter that the Cittie had disclaymed theer right to the said ditches, but uppon perusall of the bookes touching that buisnes it is founde otherwise and that it may be verie prejudiciall to the Cittie to make any such newe agreement. It is therefore thought fitt that a letter be written to Mr. Recorder to appeare for the Cittie before the said Counsell att the day and place appointed in the said letter to make defence for the Cittie's right &c., whiche letter being drawne to that purpose and readd in the presence of those nowe present, was well approved of. And it is likewise agreed that a letter be written to Mr. Thomas Roy, the Cittie's Solicitor, nowe alsoe in London, to attend Mr. Recorder therein, and that the Cittie's answere to the suite of his Majestie's Attorney in the Exchequer Chamber be sent to them, and one of the Breviatts of the Cause for their better instruccons in that buisnes which is done accordingly by Peter Morris, the carrier, 21 instantis.

In Act Book XI, f. 29, May 9, 1665.—That the trees newlie sett in Northinghay be watered and stakte at the charges of the Cittie; also three members appointed and desired to viewe the bounds in Northinghay and by themselves and such others as they shall call to their assistance to asserten the Boundes and lymittes therof with the landes of other men.

In Act Book XI, f. 37b, Oct. 24, 1665.—That Mr. Receiver shall provide some more Elmes to be planted in Northinghay where any are decayed and in such other places there that may be thought fitting and necessaire for the good of the Cittie.

Ibid, f. 37b, Oct. 31, 1665.—Mr. Alderman Gandye and two others are appointed to view the place in Northinghay desired by Mr. Receiver to build a house uppon and to certefye their opinions therein.

Ibid, f. 69, Oct. 22, 1667.—Mr. Receiver is ordered foorth-with to procure some young Elmes and cause them to be planted in Southenhay and likewise to supply the defects of those trees that be decayed in Northenhay with others, and he is further desired to fitt and repayre ye seats in St. Peter's Church which are appointed for ye use of this howse.

In Act Book XIII, f. 107b. March 8. 1698, it is ordered that the Ditch at the lower end of Northinghay bee filled upp with Rubbish. [See Oliver, p. 189.]

In L.459(undated, circa 1715), is a Petition of the Mayor &c. to the Prince of Wales [afterwards George II.]. That there are in the Castle Ditch two dwelling houses and gardens parcell of the Dutchy of Cornwall [see Oliver, 188] held of his Royall Highess, which are within the City or County of the City of Exon, as the houses and gardens adjoining called Bradninch are, and the said Mayor &c. have constantly annually in their going the bounds of ye said City passd through those gardens home to ye wall of ye Citie of Exeter. The owners of these two Tenements and gardens to avoid payment of poor rates and Taxes, which other houses in Bradninch have constantly paid, pretend that these houses and gardens do lye in the County of Devon and are parcell of the parish of Bradninch there, though they are really within the City or County of the City of Exeter, which hath occasioned severall disputes and controversies, as an expedient for the avoiding of which tis humbly proposed that the Mayor &c. shall become his Highness's Tenants and take an Estate and Term in each Tenement in reversion of the present Estates and Terms, and they desire that they may be admitted and become Crowne Tenants to his Royall Highess as is before exprest.

Endorsed: Petition to the Prince about the houses in Castle Ditch. The document is undated, but must be later than Sept. 24, 1714, the date of the creation of the Prince of Walws.

In D. 1828, Jan. 8, 1725, is a reference to "Lady Drake's Tree" in Northernhay Ditch.

In L. 612 (undated) is a resolution of the Chamber in reply to a proposal submitted by Dean Lyttleton (1748–1763), in which "for the conuenience of the Devon and Exeter Hospital" they agreed to permitt a way to be opened through the City Wall at the bottom of the Street leading from St. Martin's Gate into Southernhay near the mansion of the Archdeacon of Cornwall, but they cannot consent that any new Door be erected as they are apprehensive such a compliance would be laying a Foundation for frequent Differences and Disputes between the two Bodies" (i.e. the Chapter and the Chamber).

In L. 577, April 10, 1773, William Spicer Dix writes to Gregory Jackson, Esquire, desiring to be permitted to make an opening before his gateway upon Southernhay.

In L. 578, Northernhay, April 15, 1773, Matthew Whitwell asks permission of the Mayor to turn his carriage upon the Northehay.

In D. 1527, Oct. 10, 1562, is an indenture between the Mayor &c. of the one part and Sir Robert Denys, knight [see L. 54], and Richard Denys, gent., as farmers of the gayle or mansion house of Exeter Castle, of the other part, reciting that "there hath byn varyaunces, debates and stryfes movyd betweene the saide parties of for and upon a certayne muraly waye or walke uppon the walls of the saide cittie called the Barbycan with a weye through the mayn court and lytell inner court of the gayle of the Castell of Exeter or mansion house there to the same appertayning whiche the sayde Mayor, bailiffs and communaltie tyme oute of mynde have had exercised and used, that is to say as well to goo through the courte and curtillages pertayninge to the saide gayle or mansion house to the citie's walles lying betweene the Castell dyche of the saide citie on the north side and the gardens adjoynyng to the saide mansyon house and the saide mansion house on the west side and the dyche called Northynghay diche on the East side and the garden and barbygan of the citie leadyng towards Estgate on the South side for the mendyng, sustaynyng, repairyng and walkyng up and uppon the saide citie's walls when and as often as nede schall requyer for the overseith and surveying of the same walls or defence of the same citie. And also a gate or dore lawful and sufficyent to be had as it hath byn before this tyme used to goo into and by and passe through to and from the said gayle towards the Estgate uppon the walls called the barbygan of the said citie, and moreover for a certayn depe pytt lately made betweene the saide gaile and the said citie's walls wherein the fylth and garbage of the prisoners of the said gayle hath of late tyme byn used to be caste, which is nowe very dangerouse and hurtfull, as it is supposed to the subvertyng and decayinge of the citie's walles thereunto adjoynyng and also an odyouse smell and contagyouse ayer to the grevouse anoyaunce of the Quenes Majesties subjects of the saide citie passyng or dwellyng there aboutes, for the pacifying, agreement, full conclusion and fynall ende thereof the parties aforesaid do covenant and agree in the forme following:—

First as to the muraly walk the Denises permit the old way to be opened and used by the Mayor &c. as heretofore, the Denises to keep in repair the wall of the city adjoining the said mansion house and garden. They will also keep a door upon the said barbycan on the south side of the said mansion house through which the Mayor &c. and other the inhabitants of the city may go at all times and will make a vault [see p. 171a] or cesspool in Northernhay ditch for the sewerage of the prison. "By me Rychard Denys." with two seals—1, Sir Richard Denys; 2, "N.F."

In D. 1755, Aug. 30, 1636, is a lease from the Mayor &c. to Edward Hilliar alias Blackmore, of Exeter, of the Cruldiche or Southernhay.

In D. 1847, July 6, 1778, is a contract from the Chamber about the common sewer on Southernhay.

For the Northernhay Minute Book from 1844, see Book 50.

A Musician.

L. 365. Sept. 12, 1634.—Certificate from the Mayor [Henry Foster], the Recorder [John Baber] and Bartholomew Cox, J.P., of the City of Wells, as to the respectability of Henry Loxton of Wells, who desires to use his profession of a musician (fn. 28) in the City of Exeter.

Supply of Gunpowder.

L. 369. Aug. 17, 1637.—The Lords of the Council command the Earl of Bedford and Lord William Russell [as Lord Lieutenants, see page 11] to cause a sufficient store of gunpowder to be kept in the County of Devon and to exercise the trained bands in those parts where the infection of the plague is not. [For a condensed copy of this order addressed by the Commissioners for Saltpetre and Gunpowder to the Lords Lieutenant of several counties, see Cal. Dom. 1637, p. 257, where the date is supposed to be June, 1637.]

In L. 370. Woeborne, Aug. 24, 1637.—The Earl of Bedford and Lord W. Russell forward L. 369 to the Chamber desiring that its orders may be carried out, "to meete with the suddaine accidents that may happen in these stirring times abroade."

In L. 371 (undated), the Chamber inform the Earl of Bedford and Lord W. Russell that they have received L. 370 and they have taken view of their common store of powder which about Two yeres since by your Lordships' assistance was fullie supplied, but since there hath byn some small quantitie of the worst of the said powder used in our ordin musters and otherwise, but that they "have taken speciall order for the speedie supplye of the same againe."

In L. 377. Nov. 18, 1638. Copy of an order from the Lords of the Council to the Earl of Bedford and Lord W. Russell:—

After our heartie commendacions to your Lordships. The expresse and usuall direcions of the board heretofore given and especially of late yeares, concerning the Trayned Bands of this Kingdome, have bene so full and exact as might make his Majestie and this board Confident both of the sufficiencye of the Armes and of the skill and readines of the men that are to use them; nevertheles least those direcions and Comands should not have bene so effectually pursued as was required and expected His Majestie in his watchfullnes for the defence of his Kingdome and for the safetie of his people in these tymes of Action, hath signified his expresse will and pleasure to be: That instantly upon receipt heereof you cause an exact viewe and Muster to be taken and made of all the Armes and trayned fforces both horse and foote within the Countye of Devon under your Lieutenancye And to see that the sayd Armes be serviceable and compleate, and that by the muster masters and other fitt and experienced officers you cause all the trayned souldiours to be forthwith trayned, and perfectly instructed in their Armes, and the lyke course to be continued from tyme to tyme: And that the Comaunders and Officers apply themselves also to knowe and performe the duties of their severall Charges; and that you take especiall care that both Comaunders and Officers and Souldiers be very able and sufficient men; That you take order that all the trayned bandes be so in readines as to be fitt to repayre to their Coulors, or place of Rendezvous which shalbe assigned them upon any Occasion with their Armes and provisions upon a day's warning, And that all the able men within that Countye (besydes those of the trayned Bands) from the age of Sixteene to Threescore be also lysted and enrolled, that upon anye suddayne occasion, suche levies may be made likewise of them as shalbe required, and the Coppie of the sayd Lyst or enrollment to be forthwith retourned to this Board. That you deale seriously and effectually with the better sorte of men to provide themselves with Armes for their particular use, to the ende that with the helpe of these and suche other Armes and weapons as shalbe found within the Countye, as many of the untrayned men as is possible, may (as there shalbe occasion and direccon from his Majestie or the Boarde) be also furnished and exercised and reduced into Bands under Captains and Officers. That your Lordships take especiall Care, that the proporcions of Powder, Mache and lead appointed for that Countye be forthwith provided and putt in Magazine to be in readines upon all occasions of servyce; That you cause the Beacons to be forthwith made up and repayred with provision of wood and other materiall requisite to be in readines to give fyer unto them, and to Cause them to be dilligently Wached by discreete and sufficient men; That you appointe some meete and able person to be Provost Marshall within that Countye for the apprehending and punishing of suche vagrant and Idle persons as live not in anye lawfull vocation and in tymes of suspition or trouble, may by Tales and false Rumors distracte the peoples mindes, or otherwise in fact committ insolencies and Outrages; And to the ende wee may be earlye and speedilie informed of all thinges Concerning this servyce, and which are necessarye for us to understand for the advancement thereof, and for the applijng of fitt remedies where anye defects shalbe found, wee do praye and require your Lordships to give us an exact accompt of the state of the fforces of that Countye, and of the performance of theise our direccions with all possible dilligence and expedicion; And so wee bidd your lordships heartilie farewell.

Where your Lordships shall find it inconvenient eyther in respect of the unstableness of the wether or any other Considerable Circumstance to drawe together from remote places and to exercise your Trayned Bands in Compleate bodies, wee leave it to your discretion (provided that the worke be effectually donne) to take viewe of the Armes upon the place or places, and to exercise the men apart in smaller bodies within their severall divisions.

L. 378. Bedford House, Nov. 27, 1638.-The Earl of Bedford and Lord William Russell forward L. 377 to the Mayor and Deputy Lieutenants desiring them to carry out its commands in the City of Exeter. "And forasmuch as it hath pleased his Majestie, and thier llordships at this time to give more than ordinarie direccions in this servyce so it behoveth us and you to bestow an extraordinarie dilligence, Care and Circumspeccion to see every particular title of their llordships commaunds, really, punctually and speedilye performed and acted."

Rebels in Exeter.

L. 372. May 19, 1638.—John Newnam [not "Newman," as Cotton Gleanings, p. 79] writes to the Mayor:— "I cannot Come home to my house nott to repayre my house, neither to recave my rents nor to releeve my wyfe and family for the Cruelty of these Rebells whoe are proclaimed soe to bee in your Citty and in other places against his Majestie's lawes Soe desireing your worships assistance with the rest otherwise I shall be Constrayned to question it heere in a higher nature for my money and bondes beeinge Cryed in your Citty in due tyme is as a hue and Crye that is sent in the Countrey, therefore I doe expect satisfaccon for my money."

Tobago.

L. 373. The Court at Woodstock, Aug. 22, 1638.—The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery [High Steward of Exeter— L. 367] writes to the Mayor &c. and the Merchant Adventurers of Exeter, that the King has granted him the Island of Tobago and other Islands between the line and ten degrees of Northern latitude, (fn. 29) that he intends to settle a speedy plantation there and has appointed Sergeant Major Borthwick his Deputy, "a Gent as I am very well advised beyond all Exception and every way fitt for such an Employ- ment, who being resolved by God's grace to sett forward from the port of Bristoll about Michaelmas next," and asking them to assist his said Deputy and to engage in the plantation.

In L. 374, Bristol, Oct. 16, 1638, J. Borthwick writes to the Mayor &c.:—

I did writt some few dayes ago to you presuming too much to have accompanyed a letter of the Right honble. the Earle of Pembroke (i.e. L. 373). My action hath bene interpreted too presumptuous by reason I have resaved no answer neither for my Lord nor to my owne. Every letter requyres it's answer and though I may Justly complaine of neglect, yett because I will rather do the office of peace then of warre I intreat you to lett mee heare from you betwixt (sic) and Sunday night that I may give a true account to his Lordship of my Stewardship, imputing the errour rather to a mistake then any disrespect either to his Lordship or my self.

L. 375 (undated).—"A Remonstrance and propositions made by Sarieant Maior James Borthwicke to the Burgesses and Commonaltye of the Cittie of Exeter."

The region or Countrey is called "Trinidado, Tobago and ffonceca, also St. Bernards Margarita and all this Islands or Iseletts or Tracte of Land Lyinge within the extent of Tenn degrees from the Equatoriall Line Towardes the trophiche of Cancer in Northerne Latitude and from the river of Arinocth (? Orinoco) westwardes tenne degrees of Longitude or Meridian distance, all which are incorporated by the name of the Province of Pembroke and Montgomery."

His propositions are either that the Mayor &c. of Exeter should join with the Cities of Bristol and Cardiff or else of themselves at their own cost "to sett forth under their own agent 100 men of trades as Carpenters, Shippwrights, and Wheelewrights, Brickemakers, Bricklayers, Potters, some to cleane lath and Pate and make Pipestanes, Joyners, Coopers, Sawyers, Smithes, Cuttlers, Millers, Leatherdressers, ffisher-men and Gardeners etc., soe many as you please, the rest able labouringe men.

Item, twentie woemen as Spinsters and Knitters, all which are necessariely Required for A Plantation that for there Subsistance there the adventurers shall have Graunted unto them by the Earl such a proportion of Land as shalbee reasonably demaunded Accordinge to the Number of people.

As for the comodities of the Place and there Returnes they shall bee discovered upon Conferringe had on Both Sides.

L.376 (undated).– A Particuler of such necessary provisions as every adventurer must carry, According the number of people, together with an estimacion of there prices (given in minute detail).

In victualls for tenn men six month:—

2 hoggesheads of beefe, 7 cwt. Bisquitte, 10 bushels of meale well packed, 4 hoggesheads of pease, 3 do. of great oatmeale, 2 ffirkins of butter, 10 gall. of aqua vit‘, 4 galls. of Cordiall waters, 4 do. of sweete oyle, 2 cwt. of good old Suffolke Cheese. Item, in sugar, spice and fruite. Total cost=[blank].

In Apparell for 10 men:—

10 slight stuffe suites, 60 paire of shooes, 40 shirts, 10 finer shirts, 40 neckclothes, 60 paire of linine stockings, 40 paire of canvas drawyers, 20 cotton wastcotes, 20 menmorth caps or hats, 30 ffallemye bands. Item, mkle for garters and 10 dozen of poyntes.

In Bedding for 10 men:—

10 paire of Cancas sheetes, 35 elles of canvas to make 5 beds and boulsters for beds filled in the Countrey with 7 ells in a bed. 5 Ruggs, 25 ells of Cowche Canvas to make beds at sea to bee filled with strawe, 5 courser ruggs at sea.

In Armes for 10 men:—

10 musketts and bandoleers, 10 swords and belts, 2 barrell of good powder, 2 cwt. of Pistoll shott, 1 cwt. of muskett shott, 1 cwt. of good match, 10 pistolls.

In Tooles for 10 men:—

3 Broade axes, 20 fellings axes, 2 hamers, 10 broade hoes, 40 lesser hoes, 14 hatchetts, 20 bills, 4 pickaxes, 2 good two-handed sawes, 1 box of Carpenters tooles, 2 firkins of good spikes and nayles, 6 shovells, 6 spades, 1 grindstone. Item, fishinge lines and hookes of all sorts. Item, Turtleinge Irons and Manatee Irons.

In Household Implements:—

4 Iron potts, 2 large fryeinge pans, 2 gredirons, 3 skellitts, 2 spitts, 1 cwt. of Castke sope, 6 gallons of lampe oyle,

12 wooden dishes and spoones, 6 pewter do., and some table Linine.
Summa totalis=194l. 17s. 6d.

Item for the further charge of ordinance and amunition for a fort which will require five peeces of ordinance with powder and shott. The best proportioning of the number of men wilbe by devideinge them by famillies wherein one tradesman with a prentice and 3 Labourers will bee an equall devission unles they bee twoe tradesmen masters of one trade and then the double proportion of servants and labourers in the feild may make but one household or familie.

A Compotacion of one Servants Laboure and the profitt that may arise by it yearelye. One man may plante and gather in one yeare 100 buschells of pease amounting to 15li. The same man the same yeare may plant, tend and gather betweene 8 and 10 cwt. of Tobaccoe or Cotton besides other labours in buildinge, fenceinge, Cleansinge of grounde, Rayseinge of Cattell, gardeninge &c.

There are many other commodities as Ginger, Indigo, Sugar, Roccowes and severall woodes for dyeinge, all which commodityes with tyme and Industrye this plantacion will plentifully and in abundance produce and Increase.