The city of Exeter: Letters and other papers (8 of 10)

Contempt by Mayor.

L. 381. Whitehall, April 26, 1639.—An order in Council concerning the excuses of James Tucker, the Mayor, Thomas Crossing and Ignatius Jordan, Aldermen of Exeter, for not attending the Board as they were commanded. "The occasion of their sending for being their irreverent carriage with their hatts on in the Cathedrall Church of Exeter at such tymes as his Majesties Proclamation touching the seditious practizes of some in Scotland was read, the rest of the congregation being uncovered." [See Cotton, Gleanings, p. 76.] The Mayor has pleaded his many employments in the King's service, the others their great age and Infirmities. They are now commanded through the Chamberlain, Mr. [John] Crowkhorne who attended on their behalf to give in their submissions in writing in person to the Bishop. [For explanations accepted May 12, 1639, see Cal. Dom., 1639, p. 160.]

In D. 1764, 1765, Feb. 12, 1650, is a decree in the Exchequer from the Keepers of the Liberties of England to James Goold, late Mayor of Exeter [i.e. in 1648], remitting a fine of 200l imposed upon him by Judge Wilde [i.e. John Wilde, Chief Baron of the Exchequer], for contempt in not attending the Judge at the Assizes. (fn. 1)

Horse Meat.

L. 383. July 27, 1640.—"The rates and prizes of horse meate" fixed at the General Sessions of the Peace held in the Guildhall at Exeter on July 27, 1640. Oats, pease and beans are to be sold by Winchester measure by Innkeepers and Hostlers. They are not to charge more than 6d. per day for each horse standing at livery, finding also good litter. Oats are to be sold no higher than 6d. the peck. No more than 3d. is to be charged for a horse standing in the stable unbridled at hay. Nor more than 1d. for every horse standing in his stable if he be not unbridled.

Siege of Exeter (1643).

L. 391 includes a lengthy document (45 pages).—A booke of accounts of the payment of Captaine Thomas fforde's Company raised May 23, 1643, iz., 100, 2 sariants, 1 Drummer, 1 Ensigne and the Clarke of the bande, also "to a Drummer er I had on of my owne," "to my drum to the 1st of June," "for dozen of vests and sixe belts," "mendin, carrying and recarriing of Armers."

Payments to the Company to the 23rd June for duty to that day, also from June 25 to July 22, giving names of 97 men 3 corporals, 1 drum and 2 sergeants with amounts paid to each, the total amounting to 75l. 11s. 6d., with an additional

28l. 16s. 6d. from July 20 to Aug. 5, 1643, including 6l. for curinge two hurt souldiers; 12l. 0s. 6d. p. 16lb. powder and 14lb. bullets caste away in the fight and brought in by a souldier; 2l. 12s. 8d. for 8 muskets to suplie the Company; 9l. for breade and beere when the Company fought at Mount Radford.

On April 11, 1643, the Mayor and Deputy Lieutenants order that 150 muskets without any other furniture shall be spared to the Deputy Lieutenants of Devon to supply their present occasions, with these condicions:—

• 1. That we shall be paid 200. and odde monies within [] daies next coming for carriages and other munition delivered them and monies lent them; and for this we expect a note under 3 of Your Commissioners' hands.
• 2. For these 150 muskets we demand either to be repaid with ye like quantity within [] daies or in monie after the rate of [] p.'pt.

For details of account, July 31, 1643, for 103l. 3s. 4d. paid by the Chamber for 1,077 men, with the names of the captains of the companies.

Also the names of 42 soldiers of various companies remaining unpaid.

Details of money received from the Deputy Lieutenants for various bands under dates June 22, 27, July 10, 14, 1643.

Also payments made July 29, Aug. 5, 1643, with the names of soldiers to whom payments were made.

Also payments made under the following heads:—

• () Souldiers paie, 9,442 2 9, from Jan. 9—Aug. 29, 1643 (much damaged), includes many Gunners, 1 Engineer; charges about the burial of 4 soldiers slayne in fight; 3 bestowed uppon the widdowes of 3 soldiers slayne in service for Defence of the Citty (3); for ringing of the Great Bell for settinge of the watches (9); for the pay of the soldiers of the Country of Devon (250); for service on the bridge; for Assistinge the Gunners; to a wounded Souldier (1); Rewards given the Soldiers for their Extraordinary service upon a Sally at St. Thomas parish (6); to Pyoneers for their service to fill the Enemyes Trench (8); for work at Larkbeare (10); to the master of the ship mann'd and designed for the securing of the harbor of Topsham (100); for the use of the Deputy Liuetenants of Devon to pay their Soldiers (50); for 996 Soldiers of the Country of Devon for Eleavan Weekes at 4 8 each per weeke (2,465 2 0); lent to the Deputy Lieutenaunts for pay of their Souldiers (300).
• () Scounts and Messengers (total illegible, but=136 13 6, Cotton, , . 90). Jan. 29—Aug. 31-. . Messenger with a from Taunton(5); a guide that came with Col. Ruthen (5); horse hire;

• () Fortifications (from Nov., 1642–Aug. 31, 1643), total = 4,374 11 31/2 . for carriage of Turf, lime, sand, stones, earth, clay, straw, slate, mortar and heligstones, sawing of planks and timber, felling of trees, Maundes, Basketts, Dealboards, tools, shovels, wheelbarrows, spukes and other iron-work, work done at the Bunney, on the Exebridge, about the Turnpikes, about the Marshalsey, at the Castle, on the Key gate, about the Drawbridges, about Newgate, works in Northernhay, at Southernhay, at Northgate, at the East Gate, at Northagate, at Westgate, at the turnpike at Southgate, at St. David's, at the fryers and the Maudlyn, at Strip-cott () Hill, at Sidwell's Tower, at Mount Radford, at fabians mills, at Mr. Buttler's mills at the Battery at Horsepool, at the battery at the Palace, at Bradninch Battery; for Pyoneers work over the water, for a roape for ye Castle well, work on the Castle walls, Lead for the Marshalsey, for Clensing of ye well in ye Castle, for seame stones for the fortifications at Exbridge; to Divers women for carriage of stones to the Citty walls (5 8); willowes to bynde faggotts for fortificacion of the Barbican, for demolisbing howses, making and grindinge of Tooles, Deale Boardes for platforms, for Laughts and Nailes, for service for firenge on of the Enemies works (5, July 8, 1643), for drawing downe of Theight howses that endangered ye Citty (9and 4, July 15, 22, 1643), for filling and Leavellin the Trench at Maudlyn (2 14 0, July 29), for carriage of water, for making of Salt Peter, for repairing of Boates, for making Handmills at the Bridewell, for slightinge the hedges at St. David's, carrying of wooll to make Batteryes, for seaventeene packs of Woolls belonging to Mr. Robert Robins taken forth of his Cellars and used for the Baracadoes and fences uppon the bridge and other places for defence of the Citty (300, Nov. 4, 1642), for tymber to make Carriages for the greate Gunns, Turnepipes, platforms, drawbridges, Caske and other works (300).

For a document as to the Fortifications, dated Jan. 23, 1642–3,see Cotton, Gleanings, 86, which I have not found among the Letters.

• () Balance sheet showing total expenditure, 18, 479 12 01/2, printed in Cotton , . 90.

In Misc. Papers (1688–1706), included with accounts for soldiers of William of Orange is "The accompt of Henry Gandy.

His Souldiers began uppon the 26 of May and hath watcht since to this July 26 as followeth :—

It includes :—

• ) Charges for 44 men having wives and children, 21 journeymen and 35 apprentices and men's sons for watching and warding at 8 a time.
• ) Disbursements unto officers from May 26 to July 26, 1643, 1 Ensign for 8 weeks duty at 21 a week, 1 Sergeant at 10 6 per week, 2 drums at 7 and the Clarke at 5"

Other disbursements are for 18 pairs of Bandaleeres, 18 swords and 17 belts, the total claim being 98l 11s. 10d.

L. 13. The Court at Oxford, (fn. 2) Jan. 1, 1643(4).—The King directs Sir Edward Harbert (i.e. Herbert), the Attorney General, and Sir Thomas Gardiner, Solicitor General, to prepare a pardon to the Corporation of the City of Exeter "for all forfeitures, seizures, penalties and punishments in misgovernment of the city or any other matter which may have happened since the beginning of this present parliament, together with a confirmation of all franchises &c. which the City had on the first day of this parliament."

Comm. CV. (March 6, 1644). Royal Pardon to the Mayor, Bailiffs and Citizens for all offences committed between Nov. 2, 1640, and Sept. 9, 1643. (fn. 3)

L. 397. Clapan (sic), March 20, 1647–48.—John Bonvile writes to the Mayor :—Sir, Havinge a Comande from the Cometie about to send you an order Conserninge ffrancies Lippencott and my selfe : I did also send you a Surtificate under Sir John Bartly's (i.e. Berkeley) hand to testifie I was a Commander under him duringe his government (fn. 4) in your Cettie. Nowe, Sir, my desier is unto you that you wilbe plesed to vosaufe me that favor as to send me Sr. John Bartly's Surtificate nowe by my sarvante ordir or direccions wheare I shall finde him thuse not dobtinge of your fabrable Curtisie hearin.

I shall Remayne,
Your Assured ffreende while I ame,
John Bonvile.

The Chamber's Church Patronage.

L. 392. Modbury, Sept., 1647.—Christopher Savery and William Fowell, by vertue of an Ordenance of Parliament lately published, desire the Chamber to pay to Mr. John Way, who has been Curate of Kingsbridge for the last year and a quarter, a sum of 6l. due to him by virtue of an ancient composition made between the Abbot of Buckfast and the town of Kingsbridge.

In L. 417, West Alvington, March 24, 1659–60, Mr. John Quicke having been presented by the Chamber to the Vicarage of Churchstow and Kingsbridge, makes application for the yearly pension of 6l. due to him.

In L. 551, Kingsbridge, June 25, 1765, George Prideaux writes to Benjamin Heath, Esq. [Town Clerk] that he has received from the widow Hawkins a year's rent of the Rectory of Churstow (sic), which shall be sent on by the Collector of Excise, "who will not be here till almost this weeke hence, or by a good London Bill, which I can easily procure."

In D. 954 1380, the Mayor and Commonalty grant the Chantry of the Blessed Virgin Mary upon Exbridge for life to Robert Danwe, Chaplain, with a pension of 4l. per annum.

In D. 1032, Feb. 5, 1403, the Chamber appoint Thomas Losquyt, chaplain to the same chantry which is in their gift, he being bound to pray for the souls of Walter Gerveys [for his will see Book 52, ff. 274–276] and Alice his wife, founders of the same chantry.

In D. 1344, March 16, 1502, the Chamber and the Wardens of Exbridge present John Frost to the Free Chapel on Exbridge.

In D. 1346, Jan. 10, 1504, the chamber as patrons of the parish Church of St. Edmund on Exbridge, grant to Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon, the next advowson of the said Church and that he may present Matthew Lewys, son of Geoffrey Lewys, merchant of Exeter, to the said Church after the death or resignation of the present incumbent.

In D. 1379a, March 2, 1512, the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty grant to William Aysshe, chaplain of the chapel of St. George the Martyr and St. John the Baptist situate in the outer part of the Guildhall, an annuity of 4 marks and the reversion of the Chapel or Chantry of St. Mary on Exbridge after the death or resignation of Robert Frost, clerk.

In D. 351, March 2, 1612, William Tickwell, Chamberlain of Exeter, is appointed to take over the rectory of Marleghe [i.e. Mariansleigh, near South Molton], under provisions of the will of John Davie, dated Feb. 10, 1600.

Assessments per mensem

L. 399, 400 (1647).—Two Copies of printed "Instructions for the members of the House that are in their respective Counties or are now appointed to repair thither for the speedy bringing in of six moneths Assessement of the Arrears upon the ordinance of the 60,000li. per mensem for preventing of free quarter by paying the army and disbanding the

supernumeraries." A Generall Receiver or Treasurer is to be appointed for collecting the assessment of the county who will be allowed 1d. in the £ for collecting. After paying of the souldiers to be then disbanded, he shall pay what shall then remaine unto the Treasurers at Warre at Guild Hall, London. (fn. 5)

The papers are signed "H. Elsynge, Cler. Parl. D. Com." At the foot is: "London, printed for John Wright at the King's Head in the old Bayley, 1647."

In L. 418, March 14, 1660 (i.e. 1661), the Duke of Albe-marle [i.e. George Monk, created Duke of Albemarle July 7, 1660] writes to the Commissioners of the present Six Months Assessment in Exeter:—Gentlemen, Whereas in January last by letters from his Majestic and Councill for the reasons therein expressed you were desired to hasten the speedy Levying of the Six Months Assessment soe that the last three months thereof should by your care and endeavors be paid unto the Treasurers att Guildhall, London, by the ffirst of this moneth which would have beene a service of a very greate advantage to the Publique, the same being to be employed towards paying off and dischargeing of the Navy, which is a daily growing charge to the Nation, and would be prevented if possible. Uppon consideracion whereof and forasmuch as noe part of the said Six Months Assessment within your Cittie is as yet paid att Guild Hall, where by the Act (fn. 6) the same ought to have been, we have thought it our Duty by this out Letter once more to recommend the accomplishment of that service to your Care as a matter worthy your utmost endeavors. And soe We rest,

Your verie loving friends and servants,
Albemarle.
Robert Scawen. (fn. 7)

In L. 423, Whitehall, Aug, 28, 1661, the Lords of the Council write to the Mayor:—Whereas wee are informed by the Commissioners appointed by Parliament for discharging of the Navy that his Majestie's service is very much retarded and prejudiced by the slow coming in of the Moneys appointed for that service and in particular that severall Sumes of Money do yet remayne in arrears on the respective Countyes, Townes and Places in England and Wales upon the severall Acts for Poll money by reason of the neglects of the Sherrifs of each County, who not withstanding the frequent Sollicitations of the said Commissioners and our Letters of the 25th of January, 1660 (i.e. 1661) to that effect, have not rendered the Accompt expected. They therefore order the Mayor speedily to collect what remaynes in Arreare upon the Citty and pay it in to the Exchequer by the beginning of Michaelmas Terme next. (fn. 8)

In L. 431, Aug. 21, 1663, the Deputy Lieutenants by vertue of an Act of Parliament for the raisinge of the 4th parte of one moneths Assessment att the rate of 70,000l. per mensem, require the Mayor to cause the Assessment to be made and brought to them on the 28th Instant att the New Inne in Exeter by 10 of the clock. [For assessment of 70,000l. per month for 18 months, see Cal. Dom. 1661–1662, March 20, 1662.]

L. 436. April 3, 1667.—The Mayor &c. write to the Earl of Southampton [Thomas Wriottesley], Lord High Treasurer [i.e. since Sept. 8, 1660], that they are collecting the moneys ordered by Act of Parliament for the raisinge of monye by a poll, but they know not of any Receiver Generall appointed for the city to whom they should pay it, and desire instructions. The Earl sends back the letter with his answers at the bottom of it: "I returne you your owne Letters with this Answer (and thanks to you for your care). That I intended Mr. Norcott Commission both unto the County and the City and County of your jurisdiction, whom I hereby appoint thereunto. And if need be He shall have a further Commission and Writ.—Your very Loving Freing, T. Southampton. April 6, 1667.

Quatering of Soliders.

L. 401. May 9, 1648.—A resolution of the Chamber. "Ordered that Mr. Mayor doe not consent to or give order for the quartering and billeting of the Souldiers yesterday come into the Citty; there being Tavernes, Innes and Alehouses sufficient for their entertainment according to the orders and ordinances of Parliament.

Ordered also this day that a Petition and Letters be forthe with drawed and dispacht by an expresse for London for the remooving of the souldiers and that Mr. Receivor doe disburse fifty Shillings for the Charge of itt, which shall be allowed to him on Accompt."

In L. 403, Pendennis, Sept. 25, 1649, Colonel Harry Walker writes to the Mayor &c.:—Mr. Mayor and Gent., Since my returne into these Westerne parts I have Indeavoured to put the service of the Common Wealth into the best posture I may with these fforces under my Comand, and

presuming you will hold it your Duties to doe the Like, I doe by these advertise you, that I have sent my Leiut. Colonell with three Companyes of my owne Regiment to Quarter for some tyme within your Citty of Exceter ; I suppose I needs not mind you how regardfull I have beene of that Place, forbearinge soe longe tyme Quarteringe any men there, and whilst it was a Burthen either in respect of their Quarter or Billett I made hard shift to dispose otherwise of them, keepinge them abroad in order to ffeild service, until with the winter now cominge on, tis high tyme to send them where they may have fitt accomodation for that season ; neither do I beleave you would Expect so small a number by reason of the Capacity of your Citty, and consideringe how longe the small Townes abroad have undergone the Entertayninge of them, and that which may yet further prevent any Inconvenience is, that they will bee but as ffriends and Guests for Defence and Benefitt to your Citty ; I must therefore desire and expect from you that you would afford that Complyance and assistance which the Parliament have ordered on that behalfe and that there may bee such a Mutuall Correspondence behind (sic) the Officers and yourselves, that the Publique may bee the better Carryed on, I havinge given Order to my Leiut. Colonell (whom I send to Comand these men) to bee very vigilant over the Carrage of the Souldiers,and to punnish when any Injury shall bee offered to any Townesman, that soe with the more Justice I may Expect the Like when any Townsman shall Injure a Souldier, and thus desiringe there may be reciprocall Indeavours to advance the Publique Intrest.

I rest, Gent., your serviceable ffriend,
Har. Walker.

The "late" Dean and Chapter.

L. 405. Nov. 10, 1652.—Order of the Trustees for the maintenance of ministers to continue to pay to the Warden of the Poor of Excter, (fn. 9) out of the revenues, rents and possessions of the late Dean and Chapter due to the poore people in the Almshouses, viz., Saint Catherine's (17s. 4d.) and St. Maudlins (2l. 12s.), and in Saint Sidwells parish (20l. 16s.), together with arrears thereof since Oct. 16, 1650. (fn. 10)

L. 406. Nov. 10, 1652. Similar to L. 405, with notes of similar payments, Oct. 25, 1653, and Oct. 20, 1654, to the "Warden of the poore" of Exeter, Mr. Henry Gandy and Mr. William Brown respectively.

In Act Book, VIII, ƒ. 184, Oct. 20, 1646, it is agreed "that one other letter be written from this house to Mr. Prideaux,

Recorder of this Cittie, desiring his laufull favor and best Assistance in the obtayning of some competent meanes for the mynisters here out of lands of the deane and Chapter" &c.

Act Book, VIII,/. 205b, Aug. 10, 1647.—This day Mr. Ald. Bennett made knowne that he hath of late compounded with the Committee of Parliament of Bishopps lands &c. for the Pallace and fee of the late Bishopprick of Exon for the ffyne of 450l., and that this Chamber may take the same if they soe please, which proceeded in for the benefitt of the Cittie.

In Act Book, IX,f. 70b. Jan. 28, 1651.—A deed or writing purporting a bargain and sale dated 25 March last of the late Bishop's Palace and other appurtenances thereunto belonging was this day sealed with the Common Seal of this house and by the Corporation made over to the Governors of the Hospital of St. John's within this city for the sum of 400l. by the said Governors paid.

In D. 503, June 1, 1652, Henry Gandy of Exeter, Brewer [Mayor in 1661, 1672], sells (fn. 11) to the Chamber for 140l. a messuage called the Treasurer's House in the Cathedral Close (bounds set out), late parcel of the possessions of the late Cathedral Church of Exeter purchased by Gandy of Henry Starkie, cook, of London, who purchased it of the Trustees for the sale of lands of Bishops Deans and Chapters by Indenture, Sept. 24, 1651, signed "Hen. Gandy" with Seal. [Dated June 6, 1652, in Cotton,Gleanings, p. 156, when "the said house is to bee Converted for a Workhouse for the poore of this Cittye and also a house of Correction for the vagrant and disorderly people within this Cittye."]

In D. 1773(a) (undated) is the account of monies paid out by order of the Chamber upon St. Peter's Church [the Cathedral]. The total of money expended was 2,003l. 7s. 9d. [See Freeman, pp. 207, 208.]

In D. 1773(b), Oct. 20th, 1658–1660 is a similar account of 690l. 14s. 4d. spent by the Chamber upon the cloisters.

Parish of St. David's.

L. 413 (undated, possibly 1655).—The Inhabitants of the Parish of St. David's petition the Mayor &c. stating "that the said parish was antiently parts of or belonging to the parish of Heavitree, but about the end of ye Raigne of King Henry ye Eight ye Cittizens procured it to bee made part of the City of Exeter, that the highwayes within the parish are fallen into soe greate decay that by estimation it will cost att least 150li., which the Inhabitants of themselves (being in ye times of the late troubles greatly ympoverished by fire and otherwise) nott able to repaire ; And this being occasione

much through the encroachments of many Cottages and inclosures of ye antient high wayes and that by the Chamber of ye said Cittie graunting out estates for fines, contrary to ye Statute lawes of this land and a late Ordinance of ye Lord Protector and his Councell alsoe ; that through the narrownes and badness of ye wayes of late yeares there hath happened many broyles and quarrells betwixt travellers of quallity there passing, and wilbee more in case that that Cottage be suffered to bee finished which is began close to ye highway comming upp David's hill ; besides the increase of ye poore thereby occasioned to theire greate charge ; they having Alsoe a Church that cannott bee yett finisht (fn. 12) without more charges on the parishioners, whoe are as sheepe without a shepheard, which of all is most Lamentable. Your petitioners being utterly unable to undergoe the same without some helpe. They therefore desire that according to an Ordinance of the Lord Protector in that behalfe made that some publique rate bee speedily made for ye Collecting on ye Inhabitants of ye City for the perfecting of soe necessaric and publique a worke for ye good of ye whole Cuntry, the Citty and County being now (as is alleadged by the Chamber) in some cases to bee accompted butt one parish."

The Militia Acts.

L. 419. Whitehall, MArch 29, 1660.—Arthur Annesley, President of the Council of State [since Feb. 16, 1660], writes to the Commissioners of Militia for Exeter :—Gentlemen, The Councell having received some addresses with lists of Officers to be approved and Commissionated according to the Act of Militia passed the 12th March, 1659 [i.e. 1660, printed in Acts, Ordinances &c.], wherein the Commissioners have not made faithfull and Clere Certificates concerning the Qualifications of the Officers by them presented to us As the Act requires, by which our approval of them is necessarily suspended, and the service of the Militia retarded. Wee have therefore thought fit hereby to acquaint you That wee doe expect together with the transmitting of ye Names of the Officers to be approved for your Citty that you take care to Certifie us perticularly of the Declaration of the Commissioners of the Justice of the Parliament's Cause and alsoe that all the persons you shall present to us for Officers in the Militia be such as have assisted and adhered to the Parliament in their cause or the sonnes of such, and have nott att any tyme made defeccion or shewed their dissatisfaccion or opposition there-unto, without which wee cannott give them our approbation, and commission, which being first necessary to be done we desire you to use all due Care therein, and in the means tyme, you are to proceed to make your Assessment and distributions of ye Militia forces within your Citty with all expedition but not to Arme, Embody or Traine any forces as your Militia by Colour of the said Act. Takeing Care withall through your whole management of this service, that neither before nor after our approbation of your Officers any persons be Armed within your Citty (other then the standing forces of the Army or Garrisons), but such as are listed by yourselves or by your order. And because you may happily finde within ye Citty some Drums, Colours and other Trophies as also Armes provided by former Commissioners of the Militia there, which will not onely be fit for the present service of the forces which you shall raise, but will alsoe take of a part of the Chardge which the providing of such matters will necessarily occasion, Wee desire that you will Carefully informe yourselves, whether any and what provision in that kinde hath been made and to call in such as you shall finde in being, and that in putting forth the power intrusted to you for raising the Militia and levying of Monyes to buy such Trophies, you proceed with all possible tendernes and extend the same noe farther then the Exigence of that Affaire will necessarily require. And you are alsoe to examine what monyes have been raised within your Citty by vertue of the former Act [i.e. July 26, 1659; Cal. Dom. 1659–1660, p. 42], and how the same hath been disposed off, and in Case any money shalbe found to remaine in ye hands of the former Commissioners there or their Treasurers, you are to demand and receive the same and dispose thereof for the present service.

Signed in ye name and by order of the Councell of State appointed by Authority of Parliament,
Arthur Annesley, President.

ffinding that in some retournes ye officers presented to us ffeild officers onely are named, wee thinke it necessary for preventing delay in this Service to let you know That wee expect all other Commission officers as well as ffeild officers be Certified to us for our approbation.

Arms and Ammunition.

L. 424. Exeter, Oct. 29, 1661.—Edward Sherburne [Clerk of the Ordnance, June, 1660, Dec. 14, 1661 ; Cal. Dom. 1660, p. 101 ; do., 1661–62, pp. 180, 229] sends an order to the Mayor &c. to deliver up "to Mr. Thomas Townsend my Clerke" all arms and ammunition remaining in their custody, by order of Sir William Compton, Master General of his Majesty's Ordnance.

In L. 425, Oct. 30, 1661, is a receipt given by Edward Sherburne for the same arms, viz., 937 old muskett barrels which were lodged in the Guildhall.

In L. 432, Exeter, Sept. 4, 1663, the Deputy Lieutenants write to the Mayor &c. requiring the arms and ammunition now in the Chapple of Saint John and Hospitall to be removed to the magazine in the Castle and a proper place to be erected there to receive them." [See Oliver, p. 188.]

The Curfew.

L. 426. Undated, but addressed to Henry Gandy, Esq., Mayor [i.e. 1661–62].—John Pare, the Ringer of the bell at Eight of the Clock in every Evening at the Cathedral of St. Peter, petitions the Chamber for his pension due to him for ringing the said bell, "which is cheifely runge for the intelligence of the tyme to the whole citty and county." He also states that his "Cheifest benefitt belonging to his said office doth consist in the burialls which is taken away in the new Churchyard, and the same in your Worshipps disposall. And for that your petitioner hath officiated in his said place the space of ii yeare and halfe and upward and hath not received any stipend from your worshipps as formerly accustomed and being ordered by the reverend Dean of the said Cathedrall to mynd your Worshipps of the p'misses. Hee humbly prayeth your Worshipps to contynue his Stipend in some considerable manner or to grante him the burialls in the New Church Yard for his proper benefitt, that soe his said office may afford him a livelihood." (fn. 13)

Guards at Exeter.

L. 429. New Inn, Aug. 21, 1663.—In pursuance of the Additional Act of Parliament for the better ordering the forces in the severall Counties of this Kingdome. The Deputy Lieutenants require the Chamber to erect within your Citty ffoure convenient howses for Court of Guards [due to serve in Exeter at certain times from Sept. 3, 1663, to June 23, 1664 ; Cal. Dom., 1663–64, p. 263], and the like number of Centure (i.e. sentry) houses one at each gatte, that soe the soldiers beinge ordered to keepe a Constant Guard within your said Citty may bee the better accomidated for the dis-discharge of their duty.

In L. 430, New Inn, Aug. 21, 1663, the Deputy Lieutenants undertake to reimburse the Chamber of a proportionable part of the charge of the said houses, including the "Centery howses."

L. 433. (Undated).—Peter Prideaux (fn. 14) writes to the Mayor, John Buttler [Mayor in 1663–4] and John Martin, Esq. :— Gentlemen, I very well remember the transactions of ye busines you sende me by this bearer, Mr. Mawditte. It is most true that at the Instance of ye Deputie Liftenants and urgencie thereby, to further his Majestie's service, your Cittie was thereupon

pleased to promise and hath since performed, the worke, you write of : It is as true that the Deputie Liftenants are bounde in Honour to see you Reimbursed.

I allso remember that at Michallmas Sessions, 1663, there was an accounte brought in, of this disbursement, but it beinge then ffryday, when myselfe was going out of town,and some others casually presente, yet there was answere returned to the partie that brought the Account by the Deputie Liftenants then present that they would take care the principall should be repayd, with Interest, for the time till payd.

If it please God to give me strength, I purpose to be at Exon next Sessions, where I hope to meete the rest of ye Deputie Liftenants : for without them it is not to be donne, when you shall finde me as ready if timely invoked (?) of it, to labor the Reimbursement, as you are ready to lay the engagement upon me, by your sayinge I was not the leaste motive to your undertakinge of the worke.

I remaine, your affectionate ffrend and servante,
Pet. Prideaux.

L. 435, London, Feb. 11, 1664–5, [Sir] James Smyth [M.P. for Exeter in the Pensionary Parliament, May 8, 1661—Jan. 24, 1679. He was knighted July 20, 1644] writes to the Mayor :—Mr. Mayor, Yours I receved and ye enclosed to my Lord Duke of Albemarle (fn. 15) was this day presented him, by my Cosen Walker and selfe. Wee bouth desired his Grace not to entertayne an III opinion of ye Citty of Exeter, uppon a missenformacon, and If aney complaint were proper, it ware of ye Cittyes side having beene delayed for many moneths of their mony, which was disburst at ye instance of ye deputye liuetenants of Devon, whoe in their severall orders and letters promist reimbursement of ye same, which wee shewde my Lord, whom wee found soe very well satisfied with it, that his Grace will spedily signifie his sence therein to some of ye deputy liuetenants of Devon now in Towne that you might receve satisfaction, which I suppose is as much as you can expect. I may not omitt likewise to acquaint you, that If you intimate to Mr. Coventrye what wilbe ye fittest post for your Convoye, he will accordingly take order in it this being all at present from your very real freinde and servant,
James Smyth.

In L. 438, Exeter, Jan. 9, 1674–5, the Chamber write to Sir James Smyth :—Sir, Yours of the 8 of December last Mr. Maior hath communicated to us. Wee have observed your directions in testifying our acknowledg- ments to the Earle of Bathe [John Grenville] for the favorable representation his Lordship was pleasd to give his Maiestie concerning the government and affaires of this Citty. And wee desire you to doe us this farther favor to [ ] acknowledgements to his Lordship for the particular [ ] and kindness he is pleased to express for the advantage of this Citty. And as you are pleased to give us intimation [ ] impending oportunities, wee can not omit an [ ] offers whereby wee may be at ease in A matter which concerns the liberties of the ffreemen of this Citty. Wee shall not trouble you with enumerating particulars which you will easily perceive by the inclosed Copies: Wee desire you to deliver the letters to the Earle of Bathe, Mr. Speaker (fn. 16) and Mr. Secretary Coventry (fn. 17) and to improve yours and our interest with them as well as your other ffreinds, whereby wee may not only be at liberty to vindicate our rights by a due proceeding at law, but may be ffree from any misunderstanding for the time to come that may be occasioned by letters of this nature, which is so prejuditiall to the common good of this Citty, for doeing of which you will very much oblige your most humble servants.
Brodridge, Mayor (and 10 others)