The city of Exeter: Letters and other papers (9 of 10)

Surrender of the Charter.

L. 443. Whitehall, Nov. 1, 1688.—Order in Council cancelling the deed of Surrender of the Charter of Charles II [i.e. Charter, XLVI, Oct. 22, 1684, page 7], it having been shown that the deed had not been enrolled, and removing from their offices the present Mayor [Sir Thomas Jefford, see L. 15, page 18], Sheriff, Recorder, Town Clerk, Aldermen, Common Councilmen and every other magistrate, officer and minister of or in the said City, and restoring those who held those offices at the time of the sealing of the Deed of Surrender [Jan, 24, 1688; Izacke, 185]. For full text of the above cancellation order, see Act Book, XIII, f 52; Izacke, 186. No meeting of the Chamber is entered in Act Book, XIII, between Nov. 1, 1688 (f. 51), and Nov. 22, 1688 (f. 53), two leaves being left blank, on one of which is entered a copy of L. 443.

Soldiers of William of Orange

L. 444.—(Undated, but later than Oct. 1692) Christofer Bale, M.P. [i.e. from June 4, 1689, to Oct. 11, 1695. He was appointed Mayor Dec. 8, 1688, also in 1696] presents a petition to the Lords Commissioners of their Majesties' Treasury:— Sheweth that your Petitioner having in the beginning of their Majesties' Reign presented a Petition to the King from the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Councell of the Citty of Exeter, which humbly prayed the payment of 345l. 7s. 3(1/2)d., disburst by his Majestie's perticular direction (fn. 1) upon his sick and wounded Souldiers, which Petition with the Account was per his Majesty in Councell Refer'd to their Lordshipps, who directed Mr. Auditor Humphreys to Examine the same, and was per him reported to be truely stated, but that in such cases it was usuall for the Creditors to vouch their Bills upon Oath, which was done, and ye Truth of them upon a farther Reference by them attested by Sir hugh Ackland, Baronet, Edward Seaward, then Mayor of the said Citty [i.e.1691–1692], Henry Northleigh and Richard Carew, John Etwill (sic) and Edward Leigh, Esq., notwithstanding which the money not being ordered to be paid by your Lordships and the severall Creditors (who are poor Tradesmen) being in great want thereof and very importunate for the same.

Your Petitioner humbly prays your Lordships to order ye speedy payment of the same, and your Petitioner as in duty bound &c.

In Misc. Papers (1688 to 1706) is a bundle of 13 accounts, letters and petitions relating to this matter, together with one relating to 1643.

• a Exeter, Feb. 11, 1705–6. Thomas Baron, Mayor, writes to John Snell, Esq., M.P., enclosing a petition _(see ) to Queen Anne for a debt due from the late _King to the Chamber. He will be introduced to the _Queen's person either by my Lord Bishop or our Lord _Lieutenant, adding: "wee have reason to believe that _wee shall have a favourable audience."
• b The Report of Sir Walter Yonge, Baronet, Richard _Lee and John Elwill, Esq., May 28, 1691. By order _of the Treasure they met in Exeter in March last _"to examine the accounts of some Chyrurgeons, _Apothecaries, Brewers &c. of the City of Exeter for _Physick, Attendance, Bedding and Provisions furnisht _some sick Soldiers belonging to his Majesty's Army _that came from Holland in the late happy revolucion." _They report that they "could not make a due scrutiny _of the accounts, for that severall of the parties therein _concerned were dead, and for want of other evidence then _the assertions of the other parties that are living."
• c (Undated but 1688–9.)—A Petition from the Mayor &c. _to the King that upon application to them made by His _Majesty's Physicians or Chirurgians at your happy _Arrival there did take care and provide all necessaryes _for an Hospitall for such of the Soldiers as were diseased _at their Arrival or fell sick there afterwards. That on _Nov. 19 last [. 1688] 156 diseased men were putt _into the said Hospitall, and afterwards such others as _needed the same, at a total cost of 345. 7. 31/2., _as _appears by the accounts. The Petitioners have done their utmost for the care and preservation of these sick soldiers, "and still contynue to doe the same for severall of the Regiment late under the Command of Robert Peyton," and they pray for payment, "the Chamber of the said Citty being att present very poore."

• d London, June 6, 1691.—Mr. Hugh Chudleigh writes to Christopher Bale, Esq., M.P. He has been to the Treasury to enquire whether Mr. Elwell, and the rest had delivered in their Report (), of which he encloses a Copy. He proceeds: "In short tis no Report, nor can I comprehend what they meane, and soe says all the Clarkes of the Treasury being of the same opinnion; and in my opinnion in there report thy () have endeavored to make you, and all the Chamber, very great Knafes to demand that which was not just, and the moneys to the severall persons were not due to them." At present he cannot tell what to advise, but will consult with Mr. Squill, who is one of the Clerks of the Treasury, and suggests that the City should petition "whenever the Parliment sitts."
• e Draft of Petition () with copy of reply of the Privy Council dated Whitehall, July 11, 1689, ordering the Commissioners of the Treasury to examine the Allegations, together with a notification (dated White- hall, July 20, 1689) that the question has been referred to Mr, Auditor Humphreys.
• f Account of the Charges for the Soldiers from their first coming into the Maids Hospital to Jan. 18, 1688–9. The total claim=284. 12. 61/2., including 2 supplementary items to Feb. 19, 1688–9. The details consists of claims by apothecaries, surgeons, an upholster and others for beds, bedsteads, beer, diet and other things.
• g A list of 21 persons discharged from the hospital in Exon and quartered without Eastgate, Dec. 28, 1688, at which time the Lt. Governor Gibson, by the hands of Major White, gave each man 1. 6. for 3 dayes substance. The list gives the regiments to which these men belonged (., Lord Levaines, Count Carelfont, Count Hakendorne, Graf Van Nassau, Weinbergh, Van Hagell, Balforde), with the names of the captains of their companies.
• h A similar list of 18 soldiers discharged Jan. 4th, 1688–9. The regiments showing the names Pr. (. Prince's) Guard, Weinberg, Talmash, Carleford, Babington, Brandenburgh.
• i A similar list of 40 soldiers remaining in the Hospital at Exeter, Dec. 29, 1688. The regiments in addition to those already named=M.G. Sydney, Pr. Courland, M. Gen. Mackay, Berkenvelt, Sir Robert Peyton, The Ship , The Pr. of O. The "distempers" specified are "feaver, scurvie, rupture, Imposthum'd foote, or thigh or knee, bruised breast, cough, lamed hip or leg, ulcer'd leg, Ague, fflux of ye belly, amputated hand"; also Alexander Lyall of the Prince of O's regiment left behind to attend the men.

• j Mr. Waters'"Accompt of the disbursements of the sik shoulgers in the horspatall, Nov.19,1688." There were sent in 156. The total amount=110. 48. 6 1/2,. and the items include befe and mutton, bread, milke, brandy to wash thar wons ( wounds) and Drink, butter, Turnup and Cabbidg, gerts, 1 Bar' of all, 3 qt. watter (28. 6.) , straw, suger and spice, 3seams of wood, 1/2 Quarter of Coale, 1/2 doz. Candells and "all sorts of provisions" day by day till Jan. 10, A.D.1689. The total claim being 95. 28. 0.

Supplementary charges include:—Goods ye Nappr, Goods ye Reeve (?), Sander ye Shoulger (i.e.soldier) for 1 Shirte, also 13 Coffings (at 88. each),13 buring suts (burying suits), 13 shirts for ye por prisoners, bram' to fill 12 coffins (98.), making 12 graves (188.), eath-thenware (sic) and spoones, and Sticks, Candell sticks 6 in number, bringing up the total to 110l. 48. 6 1/2 d. [Endorsed: "10l. more paid by Mr. Gandy."

• k An Accompt of the Diseased Souldiers belonging to the Illustrious and Mighty prince of Orange. In the Hospitall of Exon under the care and Dayly Attendance of Mr. John Case and his two Servants with each Souldier's Disease and thear Collonel and Captain's name as in ye Margint. 68 names (mostly Dutchmen) suffering from a violent paine in his head, do. of his breast, do. his side and knee, of his shoulder, shortness of breath, a swollen belly, great pains of all his limbs, violent cough, a great prickinge paine and convulsions of all his Body, stupid, fettid, cadavarous ulcers in his leggs, very sick to his heart, a paine of his Limbes, do. of his head and body, do. of his heart and stomach, oppression of his heart, do. of his back, do. of all his body, do. of his stomach, a putrid feavor, exceeding swolling leggs, a plurisye, a sordid foul ulcer, fretten ulcers with a larg Impostumacon in his thigh, very sick in ye small Pockes, contraction of Knees, Hemorhodes, Erispilas with face with a continuall spitting blood, a Crewel Cough, an obstruction of his Stomach, concussion of his back, contused Legg by a fall from a horse, deafness, mightily tormented with vomiting, an Impostume in his hand, in addition to the ailments named in ().

Also 16 men of the Prince's Guard and 1 seaman brought on board with a toren hand by a Granade, which was Amputated.

The claim is for 34l. 10s. 0d., i.e. at 10s. per day from Nov. 22 to Dec. 15 [s.a.].

• l July30, 1689. Certificate of Robt. Humphrey, D. Auditor. -My Lords, I have examined the Severall Accompts and notes referred to by the annext Petition, and find the disbursements and alowances for ye Cure of severall and buriell of other sick Soludiers to the number of 156 and upwards in 1688 and 89 in this Citty of Exon are as follows: The totals are for meat and other necessaries, upholsters and joiners work, brewers bills, doctors, Chirurgeons and Apothecarys, the whole amounting to 345. 48.2 1/2.().
• m The Petition (undated) to Queen Ann, referred to in (). Whereas your Majesty's Predecessor, King William of ever blessed memory (when Prince of Orange) did a little after his landing at Torbay desire the Chamber of Exeter to take care of part of his Army (which there lay sick and disabled in and near this City) and to furnish them with necessaries, At the same time promising to reimburse the Chamber such sums as (by them) should be, on this Account, expended. The expenditure is stated at 345d. [as in Oliver, 145].

In a separate envelope are 9 additional papers:—

• o An Accounte of the disbursements upon his highnesses ye Prince of Orange's Souldiers from theire Coming into the Mayden Hospitall unto the 18th day of January, 1688 (. 1689), . a summary of some of the above accounts amounting to 266 . 14. 0., one of which refers to the death of Mr. Case ye Chirurgeon, and Mr. Hethcot ye Apothecary.
• p Memorandum (June 10, 1689) headed: "There were remaineing in the hospital at Exon on the 26th of 10ber laste paste 61, sent in since 4, in all 65." Then follow 65 names, mostly Dutch, with side notes:"Whereof are dead (8), discharged into Sir R. Peyton's Regiment at Exon (2), sent for Plymouth to my Lord Leivan's Regiment (10), sent for Holland (4), sent for London (41).

At foot: The whole charge of medicines and attendance on the above mentioned persons from 10ber 28, 1688, is 57l. 7s. 5d.

• q Mr. Mustian, Apothecary.—The Souldiers at ye Hospitall, Jan. 18, 1688(). His charges amount to 3. 58. 8., including large lambatives, Pectorall Drinks, oximel scillit (. of Squills), elixir prop &c., and "the large Electuary again."
• r A list of Souldiers remaining at the Maiden's Hospital in Exon on the 26th of December, A.D. 1688. Being some of his Highnesse the Prince of Orange his Armie who were sent thither for Cure.

It shows the names of 65 men, together with their regiments, the captains of their companies, their age, country, malady, time of entry, and time of death discharge, or removal by friends. The regiments show the Prince's Artillery, Berkenvelt and Babington, in addition to those previously noted; the men are from Holland (33), Gelderland (5), Flanders (3), France (3), Germany (2), and 1 each from Zealand, Poland, Greece, Prussia, Brandenburg, Switzerland, Sweden, Shetland, England, Berwick, Berkshire and Modbury. The maladies are chiefly fever, ague or Scurvey, with an occasional Asthma, Rheumatism, or Consumption.

• s June 10, A.D. 1689. —Charge of Medicines to the Hospital since the 26 of Dec., A.D. 1688, 57. 7. 5., including and (, also 35 . 6. 8 . fees for 166 days' attendance. ( Jan. 7, A.D. 1688—9.—For 27 bed stools Att 78 per pece.
• t James Jenkinson's account of ye charge of medicines to ye Souldiers at ye Hospitall in A.D. 1688, including clister plaisters, laxative Boles, purging Boles, Cerotes, Cordialls, pots of pultis, of antiscorbots, Electuvary, potions, purges, ptisans, emetics, draughts, julops, purgatives, embrocations, lotions, plaisters, syrops, sudorifics, boxes of pills, papers of Powder &c., &c.
• u Feb. 20, A.D. 1688–9.—There are now remaining :—In private quarters (6). In the Hospitall (11). Eight are certified as lame, I as fit to march, I is "of Lord Leivan's regiment at Plymouth," and another "of the Artillerie." —, James Jenkinson.
• v Dec. 26, A.D. 1688.—James Jenkinson's account for medicines from Dec. 26 to January 15, A.D.1688—9. Similar to (.

St. Anne's Chapel.

L 448. Aug. 18, A.D. 1698.—The Dean and Chapter as owners of the Chapel of St. Anns in the parish of St. Sidwells, state that William Cudmore of St. Sidwell's, weaver, on Aug. 18, A.D. 1698, broke into the Chapple or Hospitall of St. Annes (fn. 2) over ye orchard wall and got upon ye Top of one of ye Houses there, and from thear went to ye Chapple Bell and by force and violence threw down ye same from ye Place or Tower where it hung to ye ground, notwithstanding often times call'd to him and bid him forbeare doing any violence, the fall of ye bell was like to have Injured some of ye Poor.

Workhouse.

L. 450 A.D. (1698). —The chamber petition the House of Commons for the insertion in the bill for erecting Hospitalls and Work— houses within the City of Exeter [i.e. 9–10 William III, c. 33; Oliver, 270; Stat.vii, 450, A.D. 1698, called A.D. 1699, Report on Charities 305; or A.D.1697, Izacke, 191; Lloyd Parry, 30] a clause specifying that the Corporation of the Poor [for their seal, see Lloyd Parry, 29] may be elected every two years instead of or life.

In L. 458 (undated, ? 1699) the Chamber send to Sir Edward Seymour and Sir Bartholomew Shower, M. P.'s [for Exeter in 1698 and 1701], a letter respecting difficulties in assessing the poor rate under the Corporation of the Poor's Act of the previous year. [For an extract from this letter, beginning: "This new Corporation-King's Bench," see Lloyd Parry, p.30.] Endorsed: Abraham North, one of the Constables of this Citty, deposeth that this day in Execution of his office in pressing a Cart for the King's service he was assaulted and beaten by Samuel Weare, Waggoner, and was threatened to be beaten by Jacob Ware (sic), Waggoner, and highly abused by them both in uncivil languidge.

In D. 570 are extracts from the will of Mr. [John] King, dated June 1, 1672 [see Report on Charities, p. 305],,in which he leaves a house,field and garden (with a close of land called Quarry Close under Northernhay—D.569) to the new Hospital at the lower end of Paris Street [erected in 1671–72. Izacke, 176; Oliver, 151].

In D. 571 are accounts of the Workhouse at the bottom of Paris Street from 1673 to 1675.

In D. 571, April 4, 1675, Mr. William Bruen by his will gives 100l. to the Mayor &c. to be by them bestowed in and about the new erected Workhouse of the City and to set the poor there on work.

In Misc. Papers, 1698–1699 are extracts from the Act Books relating to the setting of the poor to work in the Workhouse.

In L. 513, Exeter, Feb. 27 1747–48, Humphrey Leigh [Chamberlain] instructs M. P.'s for Exeter [i.e. Humphrey Sydenham and John Tuckfield] concerning a Bill relating to Poor Rates. "You are desired to apply and gett an adjournment of the Committee of the House for a fortnight, by which time 'tis hoped matters may be putt on such a flooting as that you may be able to proceed on, and then if it be necessary the Books, Papers &c., shall be sent up by my Brother. As we are very sensible that the Session will not be of long continuance everything will be dispatched with all imaginable Expedition."

In L. 613 (undated) is a draft resolution of the Chamber to present the freedom of the City to James White, Esq., a Barrister-at-Law, and Arthur Piggott, Esq., one of His Majesty's Counsel [i.e. Arthur Leary Piggott, Solicitor to the Prince of Wales: H. Walpole, Letters, xi, 21; made Attorney General on Feb. 12, 1806], "for their support of the present Establishment of the Corporation of the Poor in their late application to Parliament during a long and vexatious contest." Also a vote of thanks to Mr. Alderman Coffin and the Town Clerk for their attendance in London whilst the Bill brought into Parliament in the Present Session was depending.

The City's Valuation.

L.455. Feb. 19, A.D. 1699–1700.—Order of the House of Commons to the Chamber to furnish upon Saturday, March 2nd, at 8 a.m., an account of what value the Estate is the said City now stands seized or possessed of. And also what incumbrances are thereupon, and that they doe then likewise produce their books of survey and coppys or counterparts of the mortgages and securityes that are upon the said estate, and also the Receiver's accounts for the three last years of the revenues of the said City.

L. 456. (Undated) the Chamber writes concerning the return to the foregoing order:— Sir, We have herewith sent you the same (i.e. the return called for in L. 455) and the Old Book of Survey of the old Town Clark's own handwriteing and written by him after he had been above ffourty years in that office and also the three last Receivers accountts that are audited and past but as for the accountts of those thre last Gentlemen that past the said office of Receiver, neither of them have yet passed their accountts, And the reasons why are these: ffirst, noe Receiver can well pass his accountt untill he has received the respective Rents, which are seldom all received under a Twelvemonth after his yeare expires, and before that time expired the Water-works were taken in hand, and everyone was soe much busied thereabout that nothing could be done, and untill the ffirst be passed those that succeed can not pass theres. We have likewise sent you the Minor accountts, the severall ballances of which are mentioned to be received in the Generall accountts of every Receiver. You have likewise several Surveys of the respective Mannors, Lands and Tenements which the Citty are seized and possessed of, and as to all other Lands and Tenements which people generally take to be the Citty's they belong to the Hospitalls and the poore of the Citty and other Charitable gifts and are for the moste parte of them inffeoffed in several ffeoffees in trust for their severall charityes, and are not in the power of the M., B. and C. to dispose of. You will see by the state of the Case in what Condition the Citty is to goe on with these Water Workes, for what they have power to dispose of except the Waterworkes are worth by 28,831l. and the debts which they owe are [blank]. Major Bale and Mr. [Edward] Dally, the Sheriffe, goe hence in the Coach next ffriday, they well know the whole matter, and can answere all objections that can be made. They will be with you on Tuesday night. If possible you can prevent our Adversaries from having Coppys of what wee send. Besides the debts which the Citty owe the necessary Support of the Government will amount to 735l. 88. 6 d. yearly, and there are other outgoeings which usually are 2 or 3 hundred pounds a yeare more which cannot bee foreseen.

The letter is a draft Copy undated and without endorsement, but the person to whom it is addressed is to present himself without fail before the Committee [i.e. of the House of Commons] on Saturday morning next by Eight of the clock.

L.57. Exeter, Feb. 28, A.D.1699–1700. Rt. Honorable Sir,'Tis a difficult task that the Committee hath putt upon the Chamber to send up a Survey of their Severall Estates and Debts oweing by them to bee laid before the Committee next Saturday morning, which hath been a great Exercise of our Patience and Diligence night and day ever since to perfect it in the Condition that it is this day sent by expresse to Mr. Symons (see p. 32), and because the Chamber is apprehensive of the malice and industry of our Enemyes, they will needs have me and the Sheriffe goe to Westminster to use our poore endeavours to prevent the Ill Consequences of that opposition which is made against the Bill, and (God willing) wee shall bee in Towne next Tuesday night, and the morning after wait on your Honor, for whome noe person hath a greater respect and service then, Sir, your most humble Servant.

Wee are very loath to lett the world see our nakednes, which wee humbly perceive may bee prevented by an order of the house, that the Clarkes give noe Copyes of our Papers to any person whatsoever.

The document is unaddressed and unsigned, but the writer appears to be Major Bale (see L. 456).

In Books 186–205 are rentals or Surveys of the City's estates in A.D.1585, 1650, 1652, 1671, 1675, 1688, 1700, 1725, 1730, 1755, and 1760.

Lammas Fair.

L.460 (undated ? about A.D.1700).—The proclamation for Lammas Fair [held in the Croll Ditch or Southernhay. Izacke, 19, 20; Oliver, Mon., 113; and on St. David's Down—D. A.D.1449, 1498.] to last for two half-days and two whole days, during which no goods were to be sold except in the Fair, and no persons were to put any goods in their shops within the length and reach of any man's arm, and all grievances were to be settled at the Tollbooth before the Stewards of the fair, the Mayor and Bailiffs being inhibited from taking Cognizance of any pleas or suits in their Courts while the fair lasted. On the dorse is the oath of the Searchers and Sealers of Leather.

In Book 51, f. 57, is an account of "the Varyaunce and Controversie of the Erie of Devon and the Prior of St. Nicholas agaynst the Mayor and Commonaltie of the Citie of Exeter for Croldyche or Lammas Fair." AD. 1323, where it is called "the fayre called Croldyche fayre kept yerely ad Gulas Augusti [Aug. 1st] yn Southynghay. [A pud Cruldych in southynhay. Oliver, Mon., 127.]

In Book 52, f 166–172, is a copy of the verdict in the above suit

In Misc. Roll78 (Aug. 19, A.D. 1336), is a copy of Plea concerning the disturbance of Crulledych Fair and the rescue of certain thieves at Ayschpertone.

In Misc. Roll83–90, 98, are copies of enrolments concerning lastage and stallage of the Fair at Exeter, A.D. 1394, 1410. [Printed in Madox, Firma Burgi, pp. 263–269.]

In Misc. Roll55 is a roll of nine membranes relating to the Lammas Fair.

In Misc. Roll 40 (1415–61) is a Court Roll of the Cruldych Fair.

InMisc. Roll3 (xvii) is a petition by the Mayor &c. in A.D. 1422–23 (I Henry VI) against Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon-shire that inter alia "he took from your suppliants a fair called Crulditch Fair."

In Book 51, f 227, is the order for making proclamations for Lammas or Crulditch Fair.

In D. 1449, April 2nd, A.D. 1545, the fair called "Lammas Feyr" held on St. David's Downe and Curlediche is granted to John Haydon and Thomas Gibbes [see p. 20].

In D. 1498, Oct. 7, A.D. 1555, the Mayor &c. acquire Curreldyche Fayre alias Lammas Fayer, where it is held yearly on St. Davy's Downe and Cruldyche, near Exeter, for 3 days, viz., the Eve, Day and Morrow of St. Peter ad vincula (July 31, Aug. 1st and 2nd), together with the stallage, picage, toll and customs of the fair and the Court of Pie Powder within the same, the assize and assay of bread, wine and other victuals in the same fair in as full and ample manner as the last Prior of St. Nicholas or any of his predecessors ever held the same.

In L. 253, London, Oct. 20, A.D. 1623, John Dunster and 3 others write to the Mayor :—Right Worshipfull and welbeloved in the Lord, all hapines wished you &c. Wee expected long are nowe some loving answere of our request made the last fayre and more especially in August last, mooved agayne to the right worshipful then Maior, by Mr. Dunster, unto whome an order was made, that forthwith we should understand the resolution of the Court, which we have since ex[ected, but noe comfort have wee receaved. Now in that the time groweth short, And as tender Children once burnt are ever affrayd of the same fire, soe wee can no less but endeavour to avoyd the like danger: And in that wee have been your antient Tennants doe tender our selves to bee soe still, paying our usually rent (without fine), which we have longe time continued to your great proffit in publique. As for any fine it hath been at large answered, and therefore nedes litle nowe to bee hard; for times and trading will not afford it, knowing it a trueth in generall that Landlords doe well esteeme of those Tenants, that pay their rents without fine where noe improovements are. And whereas upon like request formerly made there was only a graunt of one yeere, and that not without a fine of xli. upon large persuasions much against our willes beinge most young men was graunted: you expecting that Trade would have been bettered which was the ground of our great fine and litle came. To which was then answered litle hope was thereof, and now to our greeife confirmed that since it is much deminished: That in truth wee are rather Considering howe to leave of your affayres then to continue them, but in that wee are accustomed to such Course of trading are contented though litle to our proffit yet to goe one regarding the good publique, as much as our privat. And to that end and soe at this time wee are desirous to understand from your worship the resolution of the Court if wee shall inioye our shoppes as formerly wee have done or not, and upon the Conditions before mentioned and hartlier if wee shall soe inioye them, for the usuall terme of yeares, and not to be troublesome to the Court and soe to our selves every yeare, or in a few yeares, which graunt wee make litle question of knowing that the Court will soone conceive what is the publique good, as alsoe that they wilbee farr from requiring that which is now unequall, though times and trading heretofore made it seeme unto them reasonable; or at least if a graunt hereof will not bee freely made for that terme, without a farther Conferrence with us, wee then desire that a graunt maybee made of this faire only; paying our alone rent, and at the next fayre, wee will, if it bee your pleasures further conferr thereof, but wee thinke much, and as much, as is needful hath been spoken one both, sides, and therefore to avoyde further Trouble to either, or bo th, wee desire that a graunt may bee made for tenne yeares, but if not that, then the latter, which is this fayre only. And whether you shall in your promised love, determine of, wee desire to have it under warrant from your worship or the Court for the free inioying of our shoppes that soe wee may consigne our goods to the usuall place without trespass or disturbance, and this alsoe wee desire may bee donne with the soonest that may bee, with any convenience, Considering that the time of sending our goods is at hand, hoping your worshipp will favour us soe farre as to returne us answere hereof by the conveyance of this our ffreinds, Mr. Sandes, or by the next returne of the usuall Carrier, and you shall find us thankfull for any kindnes herein shewed unto us, soe wee leave you and your grave Consultations to the wise disposing of the Almightye and doe rest yours for the Gennerall att Command in our particuler,

John Dunster, Robert Graye, John Gooding, John Ven.

In D. 1838, July 23, 1734, the Chamber appoint the Town Clerk, Henry Gandy as steward of their court of Pie-Powder in Lammas Fair.

In Misc. Papers 1619–1681, 1624–1629, 1707–1759, 1761–1792, 1789–1797 are Lammas Fair Books relating to proceedings in and profits of Lammas Fair.

In Misc. Papers 1631–1731 are papers relating to the court of Pie-Powder (Lammas Fair).

In d. 1848, May 19, 1781, is a conveyance from the heirs- at-law of John essington and others to Samuel Moore and others of one moiety of the tolls and profits of Lammas Fair.

In L. 601, June 1793, is a draft notice of the removal of Lammas Fair.

Church at Rotterdam.

L. 462. rotterdam, N.S. May 2, 1705.—Nicholas Taverner and three others write to "the Worshipfull Mr. Gilbertya (fn. 3) :—Wee presume that you have already been acquainted with the erecting of a Publick Episcopal church (fn. 4) here with the Encouragement of her Sacred Majesty, which work being now in great forwardness (as our Friend Gapt. John Ewins will particularize), and some Corporations as that of Great Yarmouth and New castle being sensible of the great Benefit which Sea-faring men and others of the communion of the Church of England may receive from such an Establishment, have already contributed towards the Support of so Pious a Design, which Obliges us most humbly to Beg your Concurrence, and Hope That The Same Zeal will move your Honourable Corporation to Encourage the Undertaking for the Encrease of Piety and The Honour of the English Nation and Liturgy.

_The Bearer assures Us That You will Pardon this Freedome and give Us leave to Subscribe Ourselves, Honourable Sir, (as Trustees), your obedient Humble Servants,

Nich. Taverner.

Christopher Bernard.

Richard Davyes.

Richard Davis.

Parliamentary Candidates

L. 463. London, May 22, 1705.—Christopher Coke [Mayor in 1692] writes to the Mayor, Gilbert YardL—Sir, This is to accompany the enclosed (L. 464) from a Relation whose Ancestors are recorded amongst our worthy Bene-factors, a person as well esteemed as knowne on this Exchange to be loyal to the Government, liberal on emergent occasions, large in trade, laborious and active in affairs for publique good, as his worke demonstrates in a booke lately set forth by him, which will be presented you by Mr. Jeffery or some other hand, it aimes cheifely at the encouredgement of our Woolen manufacuture : by which (you well know) our Citty and parts adjacent are Soly Soported.

His paper points at his desire of Serving you as a Representative, and if his request bee too late now (as I beleive it is), I thinke it may be worth your remembrane of it upon a Vacancy, therefore when you have a Chamber, I intreat that his paper may be there communicated ; for I have it not from himselfe but from others that out of his abundance he inclyn's to be a Benefactor to the place where he received his first breath, which I believe may be worth your consideration of a civil answere, whereby you will allso obleidge the Chamber's well-wisher and yours att Command, Christopher Coke.

In L. 464, London, May 22, 1705, Edward Gould writes to the Mayor &c. :—Gentlemen, Though my affairs have not hitherto permitted me according to my desire to live amongst you, yet in Love to my Natural Country I have waited for an oppertunity to show my affection to your City, which now offers ; If my fellow Citizens think me qualified (as a man at this time ought to be) to be one of their Representatives in the ensuing Parliament. Indeed, Gentlemen, 'tis neither vanity or ambition that are the motives to my Request ; but an earnest desire to be in such a capacity that I may in a proper Station promote the Weal and flourishing of Exeter, and think of some Cordial that may revive and encrease our Trade, that long has languished under the manage of Ignorance, or neglect, and lately has been in danger of looseing one of its chiefest limbs. It's commerce with Leghorn, as you may see by a Book I have lay'd before you by Mr. Thomas Bury, wherein 'tis visible I have had a Reguard to the Publick Welfare, and have been very serviceable to the nation at a great expence in detecting the evil practices of those that endeavoured to cause a misunderstanding between England and the Great Duke of Tuscany to the hazzard of loosing the Tuscan Trade.

[The document is much damaged. Mr. Gould was not elected.]

In L. 582. Valentine House, July 23, 1776.—Charles Raymond writes to the Mayor offering himself to represent the City in Parliament "in case of a vacancy which I apprehend will soon happen by the Election of Mr. Walter for the County." [Mr. Raymond was not elected.]

In L. 583, Exeter, July 29, 1776, Mr. John Rolle (fn. 5) [of Tidwell] writes to the Mayor :—"I take this opportunity on the Death of Sir Richard Bamfylde to offer my services to represent the City to succeed my uncle, Mr. Walter."

In L. 584, Bicton, July 29, 1776, J. [i.e. John Rolle] Walter, [M.P. for Exeter 1754, 1761, 1768, 1774; Oliver, p. 216] writes to the Chamber retiring from the representation of the City, "as I have reason to think my Freinds will nominate me at the County meeting (which is to be held on the 2nd of next month) to fill the vacancy occasion'd by the death of Sir R. Bamfyld," and suggesting his nephew, Mr. John Rolle, to take his place. [He succeeded his uncle, John Rolle Walter, deceased, as M.P. for Co. Devon on Jan. 4, 1780. Return Parl., ii, 151.]

Sir Thomas White's Money.

L. 468. Feb. 14, 1712(13). John Risebrow, (fn. 6) Alderman of Norwich, writes to the Mayor concerning an enquiry he made into the settlement of Sir Thomas White's (fn. 7) money:—

After reciting the deed of gift, (fn. 8) consisting of "some Houses with Orchards and Gardens and some pasture Landes and Grounds" in Bristol, he refers to "another estate in Lands in or nigh the City of Coventry," which had greatly increased in value, a share of which increase had been successfully claimed by the Corporations of Leicester, Nottingham and Northampton, who were beneficiaries under the will of Sir Thomas White (dated Nov. 24, 1566. Clode, ii, 179). He continues: "Whereas credible Information hath been given me by diverse persons that the said estate at Bristow, given by Sir Thomas White hath been also greatly improved of late years by new buildings upon the said pasture grounds and orchards, and makeing one or more of the best streets in that City, and the same estate is improved now to eight times the old value, namely to the yearly value of 1,000l. or there-abouts, which great advantage the said City of Bristow take to themselves and is farr beyond what was assigned them by our said Benefactor as wee are advised.

And whereas since I received this Information I have further inquired into this affair and have seen at London the originall Deed made by Sir Thomas White, and am informed at Merchant Taylors' Hall and beleive that the Words in this our Deed are more insignificant (sic) and Stronger for us the 23 Corporations to have an Equitable proportionable Share of the said Improvement, and that the increase of the said estate for the said Charity should be equitably distributed and paid to us the 23 Corporations in an equall manner with Bristow then the words which were in the Settlement for Coventry (sic) and the other Corporations with them.

He has been ordered by the Mayor and Aldermen of Norwich to give this account to some of the nighest (sic) Corporations concerned in this charitable gift and to desire them to come into proper measures with us for the recovering of our proportionable shares suggesting that they "may in a friendly and confederate manner make a Common purse of 4 or 5l. from each Corporation for the present" and take advice upon the matter.

He adds a postscript : "I am now in London this 14 ffeb., 1712, and have bespoke Coppies of the Deed and am drawing up the case for Counsell to peruse now I am here, and if your corporation meet and can give me answer in 2 or 3 posts then direct for me here, but if not then direct to Norwich. Many of the corporations have sent me Complying answers and come into our measures.

In Book 53, f. 124 ; Book 54, f. 10, is a list of the towns entitled to participate. [See also Hist. MSS. Commission Reports, Reading, 206 ; Lincoln, 88 ; Shrewsbury and Coventry, 57 ; Report on Charities, 243 ; Endowed Charities, 262, 341, 360.]

Gazetteer.

L. 470. London, Feb. 6, 1713(14).—William Jackson writes to the Mayor :—I Request you will do me the favour to give an Account in a Post, or two at farthest, of the Government of your City with the Fairs and Markets and days when kept, and your number Churchs, and you will very much oblige, Sir, you humble servant, Wm. Jackson.

I have printed a Coppy of an Account of one Town [i.e. East Grinstead] to show the method wee take. Her Majestie has been Graciously pleased to Grant me A Pattent for the Sole Printing and Publishing the Accounts above metioned, to which above 2,000 of the Nobility and Members of Parliament and others have subscribed, which will be at your service, Sir, when finished. Please to direct to me at the Sun in Russel Court in correspondence.

L. 471. Aug. 21, 1714.—A letter [see L. 328] addressed to Sir William Pendarves, M.P. [i.e. for St. Ives in Cornwall from Nov. 12, 1713, to Jan. 5, 1715] to be left at the Half Moon in Exeter, showing that the Queen's funeral [i.e. Queen Anne, d. Aug. 1, 1714, buried at Westminster Aug. 24, 1714] was put off "till next Tuesday night by reason ye Ladies' Cloaths could not be ready before." Also news from Ipswich, Aug. 14 : "Altho' we are deeply concern'd for ye Loss of ye Queen, we can't forbear giving some account of ye indecent and disrespectful Behaviour of our Wh—gs upon ye News of ye death of ye Queen," i.e. that they ordered the bells to be rung and "when the Sheriff came to proclaim the King few of the W—gs appeard, though a great many of ye Loyal Gent. of ye town did, the first standing with their Hats on all the time the proclamation was reading by which we may guess if they are like to be no better subjects to ye King that they were to the Queen. [For similar extract from a newsletter, see Hist. MSS. Report, Portland Papers, vol. v, p. 489.] This day ye Lords Justices have given ye Royal Assent to ye following bills:—That for rectifying mistakes in ye Names of ye Commissioners for putting in Execution ye Land Tax and for raising so much as is wanting to make up 1,400,000l. intended to be raised by a Lottery that for the better support of his Majestie's household and of the honour and dignity of the Crown of Great Britain, that to enable persons now residing in Great Britain to take ye oaths to qualifie themselves to continue their places in Ireland. [See Lords' Journals XX, 13; Journals of House of Commons XViii, p. 11.] [For extract from the Flying Post, 1708–1717, see Historical MSS. Report, Portland Papers, iv, 485; also vol. v passim.] The Lords Justices in ye name of his Majesty thanked both houses for their zeal and affection to his Majesty and ye Commissioners particularly for ye Aids granted for his support and assured them that a faithful Representation should be made his Majesty therof. Then both houses adjourned till Wensday. Orders will be given to take up ye publisher of ye Flying Post for some scandal lately put there in [i.e. abusing the memory of Queen Anne, for which Daniel Defoe was arrested—Ibid, v, 491].

Court of Conscience.

L. 472 (1713).—Petition from the Chamber to the House of Commons for leave to bring in a bill to establish a Court of Conscience [or Requests—Murray, Dict. s.v. Court] for the recovery of small debts under 40s. in Exeter, "which doo very much abound with poore Tradesmen and other Indigent persons," after the manner of such Courts in London, Bristol, Gloucester, Newcastle and Norwich. [For Stat. 13, George III, c. 27, 1772–3, see Oliver, p. 272.]

Coming of George I.

L. 473. In Newcastle Street, Strand, Sept. 9, 1714.— W. Simon [p.74] writes to the Town Clerk, Mr. John Carwithen:— Mr. Towne Clerke, You have wanted an answere to yours through my absence from Lyons Inne for a weeke last till Yesterday, but assoon as I had it I lost noe time to observe your orders (and its still time enough for the King is not come, nor expected while this Wynd blowes), ffor I putt both your Letterr and the addresse into the Duke of Ormond's owne hand this morning. His Grace was pleased to say That hee would take care to Deliver it as soon as the King came, (fn. 9) and Desired mee to give his humble service to Mr. Mayor and the Chamber, whome hee should be very gladd to serve upon any occasion.

You knowe I never Speak of my bill but when I have somewhat else to say, but now pray doe mee to favour to lett the Chamber knowe, That I cannot but thinke it hard That after above Thirty Yeares ready and Cordiall service to the Citty att and upon all times and occasions, I should not have the Justice of being paid a bill, above two thirds whereof is money layed out of my pockett now above 13 yeares agoe. This seasonable Memorand togeither with my very humble service I hope may bee of use to, Sir, your humble Servant,

W. Simon.

Letters of Marque.

L. 476. Jan. 10, 1718(19).—The Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral order the Mayor to administer the Oaths and Test to all persons whose commissions, warrants or Letters of Mart shall be sent to him.

Relief of Dissenters.

L. 477. Barnstaple, Oct. 30, 1719.—Richard Hooper writes to John Carwithen, the Town Clerk, that he has received his letters as to the disability of dissenters to be elected to offices [under the Relief Act, Dec. 1718 ; Statutes at Large, viii, 145 ; Mahon, i, 327 ; Lecky, i, 322], and as to whether they can be punished and fined for not receiving the sacrament and will take time to consider and give his opinion.

Manor of Duntish.

L. 479 (undated).—A Report concerning the commons and common rights in the Manor of Duntish in the parish of Buckland Newton [near Cerne Abbas in Dorsetshire], referring to a map which does not exist.

In L. 535, Oct. 31, 1725, is a decree in Chancery respecting the Commons of the Manor of Duntish in a case "Hullett and others v. Fitzwater Foy, Esquire" [whose father, Walter Foy, bought the manor from John Churchill in 1713 ; Hutchins, Dorsetshire, iii, 707], preceded by an abstract of the Case from an office Copy in the possession of Mr. Kington, an Attorney at Dorchester, April 7, 1759.

Rye Harbour.

L. 482. Rye, Jan. 10, 1722.—The Mayor of Rye (John Slade) and 5 others write to the Chamber enclosing a copy of a petition presented by the Mayor, Jurats, ffreemen and Inhabitants of Rye to the House of Commons for the restoration of Rye Harbour, and ask their assistance and interest to forward their desires. The petition states that :—

• (a) The Port of Rye is the only harbour remaining on the coast of Sussex and Kent from Portsmouth to Dover.

• (b) The said harbour lies very convenient for the ships that Pass up and down the Channel to save themselves in stress of weather and from the enemy in time of war.
• (c) It is opposite Diep and other considerable Ports of France and has been of great use and service to the Navigation of this Kingdom, &c., in proof of which they refer to a report sent to the House of Commons on Jan. 28, 1720(21), but that the ffloodgates and Cross Walls of late years erected have so much hindered the fflowing and Reflowing of the Sea that there is not sufficient Backwater to Drive out again ye Slub, which by fforce of ye Tide is constantly brought into ye Harbour, and so daily Swerves up ye same, that unless some immediate Care be taken it will be Totally Destroyed.

[For the condition of Rye in 1724, see Horsfield, i, 493.]

Bad Language.

L. 484. Oct. 24, 1726.—A note of the complaints of one Jenkins, a constable, of the bad language and threats used towards him:—

Going up ye forstreet above ye New Inn at ye sign of ye Black Dogg, one or some from that house Cried out ye Constable, Halloe! within and without, ye Constable, Halloe! coming down ye street again. Soon after ye Landlord, as I supposed he was, said I only askt you to drink a Mugg of Ale, Mr. Constable. Don't you bee angry; and with ye same he said how upright ye Dogg goeth.

On Oct. 24, 1726, I was at Mr. Buxton's at ye Oxford Inn to collect ye Land Tax, and gave him not one III word, and he said I was a perjured Villain, perjured Rogue. I told him that I saw Company drinking in his house ye 10th of Aprill, only with this Difference prayers was not begun at St. David's and did not begin for some time after I was there. One of ye Company Did Confess that Mr Symons Read prayers and preached at St. Mary Arches before Came he at St. David's which was Quarter of an hour after three before it begun at St. David's.

In ye midst of this Discourse, one Aish, a master Shoemaker Living in Southgate Street, Being in ye Barr, said you Jenkins you are a rascally Roge, you Dogg, you are no Constable, no, Sirrah, you are not, you Rogue, and ye like Expressions he used towards me.

The Monday following, being 31st of October, came along Goldsmiths Lane one Whitburow, a Bayliff, said: You, Jenkins, wheres ye seven and fourpence you Extorted from Dilbings, Sirrah, you Rogue. I'll make thee pay ye money again. Ye Cheif Magistrates of ye Town Did well to turn thee out for ye City is a Thousand pounds ye worse for thee, thou Base fellow. Wheres ye Loin of Veal, Sirrah. Thus and Like Language I had from him. By this time ye Street was alarmed.

Lighthouse and other Dues.

L. 487. Topsham, Jan. 20, 1731(32).— Receipt from the Collector of the Earl of Thanet [Sackville Tufton] for 8s. 2d. duty at 1d. per ton due by the Master of the good Ship Thomas William, bound for London, for the maintenance of Dungeness Lighthouse (fn. 10), with a curious print of the Lighthouse.

LL.488–495, June 11, 23, 1732, and other dates, contain similar receipts for the use of Greenwich Hospital, 1s. 9d. at the rate of 6d. per month for 6 persons belonging to the ship. for the maintenance of 3 lighthouses at the North and South Forelands, 8s. 2d.; and to the Trinity House for ballast and five bills of lading in other vessels in the Thames bound for Topsham and Hamburgh.

Criminals.

L. 498. Aug. 11, 1738. The several confessions of Zacharias Sutton and John Taylor, executed on Heavitree Gallows [i.e. at Ringswell; Worthy, 55], Aug. 11, 1738, for burglary and Sheep-stealing respectively. A broadside printed at Exon by Andrew Brice.

In D. 1831, May 2, 1729, is an agreement for transporting Thomas Price, of Stafford, labourer, convicted of burglary, to South Carolina.

In L. 502, Whitehall, Nov. 20, 1740, is a commutation of sentence of death on John Kennick, convicted of burglary and felony, to transportation to America for 7 years.

In L. 503, the Court at St. James's March 10, 1740(1), is a pardon to John Harrup and Uriel Hanson, sentenced to transportation for stealing mutton.

In D. 1838b, Sept. 15, 1746, is an order for the Execution of Susannah Smith, convicted of burglary.

In L. 16, St. James's, April 30, 1759, is a royal pardon to Abraham Derham, sentenced to death for killing one sheep with the intent to steal the carcase thereof. The sentence is commuted to transportation for 7 years to "one of our Colonies or Plantations in America," and is signed "George R" (i.e. George II) and "W. Pitt" [i.e. William Pitt, who was then Secretary of State for the Southern Department].

In L. 547, St. James's, Feb. 3, 1764, is a commutaion of death sentence on James Scott, convicted of assault and stealing 12,s., to 7 years transportation.

In L. 17, St. James', Sept. 19, 1764, a royal pardon is granted to Thomasine Hall, who had been sentenced to death for "burglariously breaking and entering a dwelling-house in Exeter," and commuting the punishment to fourteen years transportation to one of our Colonies or Plantations in America. Signed, "Sandwich" [i.e. John Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, Secretary of State for the Southern Department]. At the head is an original signature of George III ("George R."), and a subsequent signature "Louise Lorne, May 21, 1873."

In D. 1734a is a decree in Chancery dated Sept. 13, 1618 [quoted as Sept. 10th in Rept. on Charities, P. 267], respecting Griffith Amerideth's Charity for providing shrouds for criminals hanged at Exeter [i.e. at Ringswell near Heavitree— Worthy, 55]. See also Law Papers, Exeter v. [Robert] Waller, 1607. (fn. 11)

In D. 1446, Aug. 8, 1544, is a sale to Griffin Amerideth of messuages, lands &c. in Torrington, Tawstock, &c. (? Tavistock).

In D. 1446, Oct. 28, 1549, he grants a lease of an Inn called "le Inne at Beare" in South Street, Exeter, between Bulhylstrete and a lane leading to the house of the precentor of the Cathedral.

In D. 1504, July 18, 1556, he grants a lease of a piece of land called "Brysshford" lying in Lydford in the parish of Salcombe.

In D. 1627, Sept. 29, 1548, is a lease of this land to Robert Tooker of Sidford, "husbandman."