Poscript--Ye shall further gyve credyte _London and the Kingdom - Volume 3 A History Derived Mainly from the Archives at Guildhall in the Custody of the Corporation of the City of London.

Owen Claydon the bearer herof in all suche thynges as he shall further

declare unto yowe on the behalf of us & or seid uncle the lord

protector.

No. 42.

Letter from Lords of the Council to the City touching the conduct

of the Duke of Somerset. Dated 6 Oct. [1549].

Letter Book R, fo. 40.

After or right hartye comendacõns unto yor good lordship knowyng yor

hartye loves & earnest zeales to the preservacõn of the person of the

kynges maiestie & of this realme: and other his maiesties realmes &

domynyons we have thought good to advertyse yowe that notwthstanding

all the good advyse & counseyll that we cowde geve to the Duke of

Somerset to steye hymself wthin his reasonable lymyttes and to use his

governement nowe in the tender age of his maiestye in suche sorte as

might tende to his highnes suertye to the conservacõn of his estate

& to his owne honor. The seid duke neverthelesse styll contynuing

in his pryde covetousnes & ambycyon ceaseth not daylie by all the

wayes & meanes he can devyse to enryche hymself wthowte measure

and to empoveryshe his matie he buyldeth in iiij or v places moste

sumptuouslye & leaveth the poore souldiers unpayed of their wages

onvyttaylled and in all thynges so unfurnysshed as the losses lately

susteyned to the greatest dyshonor that ever came to the kynge & this

realme do declare; he soweth daylie dyvysyon bytwene the nobles &

gentlemen of the commens he rewardeth & enterteyneth a nomber of those

that were capteyns of the commens in this late insureccõns & fynally in

such wyse subverteth all lawes justyce & good order as yt is evydent

that puttyng his truste in the commens & perceyving that the nobles

and gentlemen shuld be an impedyment to hym in hys dyvyllyshe purposes

he laboureth fyrste to have theym destroyed & thyncketh after easelye

inough to achive his desyer wth yt appeireth playnly is to occupye the

kinges maiesties place for his doinges who so ever lyste to beholde

theym do manyfestlye declare that he myndeth never to render accompte

to his maiestie of his procedynges. These thynges wth manye moo to

large to recyte consydered we pondred wth orselfes that eyther we muste

travayle for some reformacõn or we muste in effecte as yt were consent

wth hym to the destruccyon of or soveraign lorde & cuntreye, wherepon

laying aparte all respectes and restyng only upon or duetyes we joyned

in counseyll & thought quyetlye to have treated the matter wth hym,

who perceyvyng that we joyned for the kynge & wold have suche order

as might be for the suertye of his maties person & the commen welthe

streight put hym self in force & resteth at pleyn point as yt appereth

eyther to go thurrough wth his detestable purpose in sorte as he hathe

done or to trye yt by the sworde. Nowe for asmoche as we see presentlie

that onles there be a reformacõn the person of the kinges matie is in

moste certeyn daunger & this realme or naturall countrey lyke to be

destroyed wth or posteryties, lyke as we have agayne fully resolved wth

godes helpe eyther to delyver the kynges matie & the realme from this

extreme ruyne & destruccyon or to spend or lyves for the declaracõn of

or faythfull hartes and duetyes so knowinge yor hartye good wylles &

troth to his maiestye & therefore nothinge doubtyng of yor redynes to

joyne wth us in or godly purpose we thought good to lett yowe knowe the

verye trouthe of or enterprice & in the kynges maties behalf so requyre

yowe not onlye to put good & substancyall order for watche and warde

but also to have an earnest contynuall regarde to the preservacõn wthin

yor cytie of all harneys weapons & munycõns so as none be suffred to

be conveyed to the seid duke nor any others attendyng aboute hym and

besydes that yow from hensforth obey no letters proclamacõns nor other

commaundements to be sent from the seid duke and thus we byd yor L.

moste hartely farewell from London the vjth of October.

No. 43.

Letter from Queen Mary to the City, desiring a contingent of 1,000

men to be held ready for active service at a day's notice.

Dated Richmond, 31 July, 1557.

Journal 17, fo. 54b.

By the Quene

Trustie & welbeloved we grete yow well and lett yow wete yt the warres

beinge open betwixte us and Fraunce and the Kynge our deerest Lorde

& husband passed the seas in persone to pursue the enemye we have

gyven order as mete is (or honor and suertie so requiering) to have a

convenyent force putt in a perfytt readynes to attend upon or persone

aswell for the defence & suertie thereof as to resiste suche attempes

as may be by any forrein enemye or otherwise made agaynst us & or

Realme and therefore will & comaunde yow that of the hole manred of

that or Cytie of London aswell in lyberties as wthowt yow do appoynte

the nomber of one thousand hable souldyers wherof as many to be

horsemen as may be and the resydewe to be hable footemen the horsemen

to be well horssed & armed & of the footemen the fourthe parte to be

harquebutiars or archers One other fourthe parte or more to beare pykes

and the residewe of the said footemen to be bylles all well harnessed

and weaponed to serve us in or saide defense having & kepinge the

same nomeber in suche order as under the leadynge of mete Captaynes

gentlemen of enherytaunce or their heires apparaunte by yow lykewyse

to be named they may be readye by the xvjth of August nexte at the

furthest and from thensfourthe to contynue in suche a redynes as at all

tymes after they maye be hable upon one dayes warninge to repaire unto

us or suche other place as we shall appoyncte for our servyce Takinge

also suche order as the said Captaynes to bee by yow named may in the

meane tyme knowe and be acquaynted wth theire soldiers and the soldyers

lykewyse withe their Captaines And because we have wrytten or specyall

lettres to the persones named in the scedule inclosed to furnyshe for

or servyce suche nombers of men as they ar hable to make Our pleasure

is yow shall forbeare in the settinge fourthe of theis numbers to

take any the tenaunts or others under the rules or offyces of the

said persones or of any others appoynted lykewyse to serve us And our

pleasure is yow shall have also lyke respecte to the tenaunts & others

under the rules and offyces of those noble men and gentlemen now gon

with or armye into Fraunce And of yor doinges herein or pleasure is yow

shall advertise us by yor Lettres wth as muche spede as you possibly

maye And theis or Lettres Shalbe unto yow suffycient warraunte and

dyscharge for yor doinges in that behalfe Yoven under or Sygnet at or

manor of Richemond the last of July the fourth and fyveth yeres of or

raignes [1557].

No. 44.

Letter from Queen Mary to the City asking for 500 men to be

immediately dispatched for the relief of Calais. Dated

Greenwich, 2 Jan. [1557-8].

Journal 17, fo. 55.

Trustie and welbeloved we greate you well and where ye did this last

Sommer put in a readynes the nomeber of one thowsande men to attend

upon or person at all tymes whan we shuld calle for the same Havinge

receyved certein advertisementes from or Towne of Callice that the

Frenche hathe approched theither and myndeth to attempte sum exployte

on or said Towne and other or pieces there we have thought good for the

better metinge wth suche attemptates as shalbe by them offered to sende

a furder supplye of men thither and therfore requyre & comaunde yow

furthwth upon the recipte of theise or letters wth as muche dylygente

spede as ye may possyblye to putt in a reddynes the number of fyve

hundreth hable footemen and to se them furnyshed wth armure and weapon,

whereof as many of them to be harquebutters as yow can gett and the

rest to be furnyshed wth bowes and pykes so as the said number be ready

to sett fourthe towardes or said Towne under the conducte of suche

captaynes as we shall appoynte by Frydaye nexte at the furthest For

whose conducte money we have alredy given order they shall receyve the

same at or said Towne of Callyce at their arryvall there And because

this or servyce requyrethe moche expedycõn and haste, ye shall not

neade to staye for the makinge of any cotes for the said number but to

send them fourthe withe all spede Wereof we requyer you not to fayle as

we specyallye truste yow And theise or lettres shalbe yor suffycient

warraunte & dyscharge in this behalfe. Yeoven under or Sygnet at or

Mannor of Grenewiche the seconde of January in the fourth and fyfthe

yeres of or raignes [1557-8].

No. 45.

Letter from Queen Elizabeth to the City desiring 250 soldiers for

service at sea under the High Admiral, Lord Clinton, against

the French. Dated Greenwich, 17 May, 2 Eliz. [1560].

Journal 17, fol. 238b.

ELIZABETH R.

Right Trustie and welbeloved we grete you well. Because we certaynly

understand that notwthstandinge our desire and good contentacõn at

diverse tymes declared to have a treatie wth the frenche for the

redresse and staye of the notable Iniuries and attemptes commytted

agaynst us and the right of our Crowne and for the wthdrawinge of their

forces out of Scotland the whiche can not be permytted there as they be

wthout greate daunger not onlie to or towne of Barwick but also to the

state of or realme consideringe the false pretence made and certeyne

other depe practises by them agaynst this Realme. To the furderaunce

of whiche treatie they offer in speche and good wordes accesse of

personages to mete wth somme of ours; yet their preparations to the

seas be daylie so great as greater can not well be whiche surely with

convenient providence on our parte and by goodes goodnes we nede not

feare. Thearfore meanynge to be ready for the defense and honour of or

Realme aswell to treate wth the frenche for accorde and quietnes as

for wthstandinge of there furder attemptes specially by sea we have by

advyse of our Counsell thought convenient to send our navie furthwth to

the seas, and therwth or right trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor

the lord Clynton our highe Admirall to governe the same, and wth or

said Navie to wthstande suche force as he shall fynde on the frenche

parte upon the seas to damage either our owne subiectes and marchauntes

tradynge the seas or the subiectes of any other our frendes or to

invade or attempte to lande upon any parte of or sea costes. And for

the better furnyture of or said navie wth souldiores we will that there

shalbe levyed wthin that our Cytie of London and the liberties of the

same the nomber of two hundred and fyftie hable men whereof or meanynge

ys, that the one halfe shoulde be archers and thother harquebuttiers,

and as sone as ye have levied the same, our pleasure is that ye shall

commytt them to several captaynes for every hundred, and cause them

to be arrayed wth armoure and weapon mete for that service to be redy

in or Cytie of London the xxiiijth of this monethe and to departe to

or navie wth or Admirall at suche tyme as he shall prescribe and for

their conducte money the same shalbe delivered to you by order of or

Treasorer of Englande. And theise or lettres shalbe yor sufficient

warrant for the levyenge of the said nomber of two hundred and fyftie

men accordinglie. Yeoven under or signet at our mannor of Grenewiche

the xvijth of Maye the seconde yere of or reigne [1560].

No. 46.

Letter from Queen Elizabeth to the City, desiring that Sir Thomas

Gresham might be discharged from serving the offices of Mayor,

Alderman and Sheriff. Dated Westminster, 7 March, 5 Eliz.

[1562-3].

Journal 18, fo. 137.

Trustie and welbeloved we gret you well; And wheras our faythfull

servante Sr Thomas Gresham knighte is one of the citizens and fredome

of or citie of London, and by reason therof maye perchance hereafter

be called upon or elected to serve in the office of maior alderman

or shref wthin our saide citie of London or countye of Middlesex.

Forasmuche as the same Sr Thomas Gresham not onlye in tymes past

hathe ben employed in or service about our weightye affayres in the

partyes of beyond the sea concerninge the state of or Realme, But also

hereafter duringe his lif muste and shalbe employed aboute or like

weightye affayres in or service concerninge the state of oure realme

from tyme to tyme as our pleasure shalbe to appoynte. These ar to

signifye unto you that those & other speciall consideracõns us movinge

our request and expresse pleasure is that at yor nexte comen assembly

or comen counsayle daye to be holden wthin our saide cittye ye do cause

it to be fyrmely and perfectley ordered and of recorde emongest yon

regestred by an absolute acte of comen counsell that or saide servante

Sr Thomas Gresham from hensfourth duringe his life shalbe free and

clerely discharged of and from the saide offices of maior, alderman

and shriff afore mencõned and of and from every of them and not at any

tyme to be elected or charged wth the same offices or any of them. And

that ye fayle not herof as ye tender or favor. And of yor procedinges

in observacõn of this our request, that ye do furthwith after yor nexte

comen counsell daye assertayne us by writing from you to the intent we

maye have consideracõn of the same as shall appertayne. And sowe bidd

you fare well from or palace at Westminster the vijth daye of Marche in

the fyveth yere of our reigne [1562-3].

No. 47.

Proclamation against the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland

for their rebellion against the Queen's Majesty. Dated Windsor

Castle, 24 Nov., 1569.

Journal 19, fo. 202b.

By the Queene.

The Queenes maiestie was sundry wise aboute the latter ende of this

sommer infourmed of some secrete whisperinges in certaine places of

Yorkshire, and the Bishopricke of Durham that there was lyke to be

shortly some assemblies of Lewde people in those partes tendinge to a

rebellyon: Whereof, because at the first the informacõns conteyned no

evident or direct cause or proofe therfore her Maiestie had the lesse

regarde therto, untill upon certayne convencõns and secrete meetinges

of the Earles of Northumberlande and Westmerlande, wth certen personnes

of suspected behavor, the formor reportes were renewed and thereof also

the saide two Earles were in vulgare speaches from place to place

expresslye noted to be the auctors, whereupon the Earle of Sussex,

lorde President of her Maties councell in those north partes, gave

advertisment of the like brutes, addinge nevertheles (to his knowelege)

there was no other matter in dede but lewde rumors, sodaynly raised and

sodaynly ended. And yet shortely after he sent for the two Earles wth

whom he conferred of those rumors: who as thei could not deny but that

thei had harde of suche, yet (as it nowe afterward apperethe) falsely

then dissemblinge, thei protested themselves to be free from all suche

occasions, offeringe to spende theire lyves against any that shulde

breake the peace and so muche trusted by the said lorde president upon

theire othes, they were licensed not only to departe, but had powre

geven to examyn the causes of the said brutes. Neverthelesse the fire

of theire treasons wch thei had covered was so greate, as it did newly

burst out mo flames. Whearupon her Maiestie beinge alwais lothe to

enter in any open misport of any of her nobilitie, and therfore in

this case desirous rather to have bothe the saide Earles cleared from

suche sclaunders and her good people that lived in feare of spoile

to be quitted comaunded the lord President (as it semed) havinge

than discovered somewhat further of theire evill purposes, dyd onely

at the first write to them to come to hym to consult upon matters

apperteynynge to that councell, whereunto they made delatory and

frivolous answeres: and so beinge once agayne more earnestly required,

thei more flatly denyed. And last of all her Maiestie sent her owne

private letters of comaundement to them to repaire to her presence

all wch notwthstandinge, thei refused to come: And havinge before the

delivery of her Maties letters to them assembled as great numbers as

they could (wch were not many, for that the honester sorte dyd refuse

them) thei did enter into an open and actuall rebellion armynge and

fortifyinge them selfes rebelliously in all warlike maner and have

invaded houses and churches and published proclamacõns in there owne

names to move her Maties subiectes to take theire partes, as personnes

that meane of theire private auctorite to breake and subvert Lawes

threateninge the people that if thei cannot atchive theire purposes,

then strangers will enter the Realme to fynyshe the same. And wth this

they adde, that they meane no hurte to her Maties personne a pretence

always first published by all traitors. And as for reformacõn of any

greate matter, it is evident thei be as evill chosen two personnes

(if there qualities be well considered) to have creditt, as can be

in the whole Realme. And nowe her Maiestie manifestly percyvinge in

what sorte these two Earles beinge both in povertie, the one havinge

but a very small porcõn of that wiche his auncesters had and lost,

and the other havinge almost his whole patrimony wasted, do go aboute

throughe the perswasion of a nomber of desperat persons associated as

parasites wth them to satisfie there privat lacke and ambicioun wch

cannot be by them compassed wthout coveringe at the first certeine

highe treason against the quenes Maties person and the Realme, longe

hidden by suche as have heretofore provoked them, wth the cover of some

other pretended generall enterprises hathe thought good that all her

good lovinge subiectes shulde spedely understand howe in this sorte the

said two Earles contrary to the naturall propertie of nobilitie (wch is

instituted to defende the prince beinge the head and to preserve peace)

have thus openly and traitorrously entred into the first rebellyon and

breach of the publique blessed peace of this Realme that hath heppened

(beyonde all former examples) duringe her Maties raigne wch nowe haithe

contynued above eleven yeares, an acte horrible against god the only

gever of so longe a peace; and ungratefull to there soveraigne Lady

to whom thei two particularly have heretofore made sundry professions

of there faith and lastely most unnaturall and pernicious to theire

natyve cuntrey that hath so longe enyoied peace, and nowe by there only

mallyce and ambicioun is to be trobled in that felicitie. And herewth

also her Maiestie chargeth all her goode subiectes to employ there

hole powers to the preservacõn of comon peace (wch is the blessinge

of almightie god) and spedely to apprehend and suppresse all maner of

personnes that shall by any dede or word shewe them selfes favorable

to this rebelliouse entreprise of the said two Earles, or any there

associates who as her Maiestie hath already willed and commaunded to

be by the forsaid Earle of Sussex, her liefetenaunt generall in the

northe, published rebells and traitors against her Crowne and dignytye

so dothe her Matie by these presentes for avoidinge of all pretences

of ignoraunce reiterat and eftsonnes notifie the same to her whole

Realme, wth all their adherentes and favorers to be traitors, and so

to be taken and used to all purposes not doubtinge but this admonicõn

and knowlege geven, shall suffice for all good subiectes to retaine

them selves in there dwetes, and to be void from all seducinge by

these foresaid rebells and traitors or there adherentes and favorers,

whatsoever there pretences shalbe made or published by them selves, or

suche as have not the grace of god to delighte and lyve in peace, but

to move uprores to make spoile of the goodes and substances of all good

people, the true proper fruytes of all rebellions and treasons geven at

the Castell of Windsor the xxiiij daie of November 1569 in the twelfth

yere of her Maties raigne.

god save the quene.

No. 48.

Letter from Queen Elizabeth to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City

of London on the occasion of the discovery of the Babington

conspiracy. Dated Windsor Castle, 18 August 1586.

Journal 22, fo. 52.

Right trustie and welbeloved we grete you well being given tunderstand

howe greatlie our good and most Loving subiectes of that Cittie did

reioyce at the apprehension of certayne develish and wicked mynded

subiectes of ours that through the greate and singuler goodnes of god

have of late ben detected to have most wickedlie and unnaturallie

conspired not onelie the takinge awaie of our oune lief, but also to

have stirred upp (as mutche as in them laye) a generall rebellion

throughout our whole realme: we could coulde [_sic_] but by our owne

lettres witnes unto you the grate and singuler contentment we receyved

uppon the knowledge thereof assuringe you that we did not so mutche

reioyce at the escape of the intended attemp against our owne person,

as to see the greate Joye our most Lovinge subiectes tooke at the

apprehension of the contrivers thereof, wch (to make their Love more

apparent) the have (as we are to our greate comfort enformed) omitted

no outwarde shewe, that by anie externall acte might witnes to the

worlde, the inward love and dutifull affeccion they beare towardes us,

and as we have as greate cause wth all thankfulness, to acknowledge

godes greate goodnes towardes us throughe the infinit blessinge he

layeth uppon us as manie as ever Prince hadd, yea rather, as ever

creature hadd; Yet doe we not for anie worldlie blessinge receyved from

his devine Matie so greatlie acknowledged them, as in that it hath

pleased him to inclyne the hartes of our subiectes. Even from the first

begynninge of our reigne, to carrie as greate Love towardes us, as

ever Subiectes carried towarde Prince, whiche ought to move us (as it

dothe in verey deede) to seeke wth all care and by all good meanes that

apparteyne to a christian Prince, the conservacion of so loving and

dutifull affected subiectes. Assuringe you that we desire no longer to

Live, then while we maie in the whole course of our governement carrie

our self in sutche sorte, as maie not onelie nourish and contynewe

their Love and goodwill towardes us, but also increasse the same we

thinke meete that theise our lettres should be also commynicated in sum

generall assemblie to our most Lovinge subiectes the commons of that

cittie. Geven under our signet at our castell of Wyndesor the xviijth

daie of August 1586 in the xxviij yere of our Reigne.

No. 49.

Speech made by a member of the Common Council 22 Aug., 1586, upon

the occasion of the discovery of the Babington conspiracy.

Journal 22, fo. 52.

Right worshipfull my good countreymen & citezens of this most noble

cittie of London. Since the late brute and report of a most wicked and

tray terouse conspiracie, not onelie to take awaie the leif of our most

gracious soveraigne whom god graunt longe to lyve & raigne over us but

also to stuer upp a generall rebellion throughout the whole realme;

the greate and universall ioye of you all of this cittie, uppon the

apprehension of divers of that most wicked conspiracy a late declared

and testified by manie outward actes & shewes hathe wrought in the

quenes most excellent maiestie sutche a gracious contentement, that it

hathe moved hir highnes, by hir letters signed wth hir owne hand to

signifie unto my L. Maior of this cittie, and his bretherein, her most

noble and pricelie acceptacioun thereof And that in sutche sorte as

there by maie appeare that hir highnes hath not more no not so mutche

reioyced at the most happie escape of the wicked mischeif intended

against hir owne person as att the ioye wch her lovinge subiectes

and namelie you of this cittie of London looke at the apprehension

of the practizers of that intended treason By occasion whereof hir

highnes brought to a thankfull rememberance, and acknowledginge of

godes infinite blessing bestowed on hir, comparable wth anie prince or

creature in the worlde no worldly thinge more or like accompteth of

them of the heartie love of hir lovinge faithfull subiectes many wayes

and many tymes before nowe but especially by this our greate ioye in

this sorte at this tyme and uppon this occasion shewed.

And that hir exceadinge greate love and exceptacion of our reioycinge

maye the more appeare unto you, it hath pleased hir highnes in the same

letter to declare that she desireth no longer to live amonge us, then

she shall maynteyne contynue norish & increase the love and goodwill of

her subiectes towardes hir And this her highenes hath willed to be made

knowen unto you all wth this, that she will not faile wth all care and

by all good meanes that apperteyne to a Christian prince to seke the

conservacion of you all so lovinge and dowty full affected subiectes

This hir maiesties pleasure in parte nowe declared & more to be made

knowen to you by hir owne letters, wch you shall heare redd, my lorde

maior and his bretheren have required me to declare unto you all that

they doe hartelie reioyce and thank god for the happie daie of the good

acceptacion of this your greate ioye. And my L. himself hathe willed me

to give you all hartie thankes in his name for that in the tyme of his

service your dutifull behaviours have gotten to the cittie so noble &

worthie a testimonie of dewtie & loyaltie of so worthie & noble a quene.

Now for asmutche as godes blessinges wonder fullie abounde & one ioye

cometh uppon an other let us not be unthankfull to god but acknowledge

his goodnes, attribute the same (as in deede we ought) to the sincere

religion of allmightie god most godlie established by the quenes most

excellent matie wch hath taught us to knowe god a right our dowtie to

our soveraigne and to love our countrey, and hath made us dutifull &

obedient subiectes reioycinge att all good thinges happeninge to hir

matie hir realme or to anie in hir noble service the true effectes of a

true & good religion. Whereas the contempners thereof & the immoderate

affectors of the Romish religion & suspersticions, beinge voide of the

true knowledge of god, have declyned from god, their allegiance to

their prince their love to their countrey, And have become inventors of

mischifes, brutors and spreaders abrode of false and sediciouse rumors,

sutche as ioye at no good thinge but contrarie wise reioyse at everie

evell successe, the badges and markes of their profession, who have

before this, & in this realme and other hir highnes dominions stirred

upp rebellion forrein invasion, and manie tymes practized the verey

deathe & destruccion of the quene hir self the ruyne & subversion of

the whole realme the proper effectes of their romishe religion.

We have behelde thes thinges & seene in our daies the ruyne and

mischeifes invented against others fall uppon the inventors themselves

& have knowen the wicked and violent handes of divers of them

devilishlie to kill & murdre them selves whom most trayterouslie then

woulde, and most happilie the could not slea the Lordes annoynted.

As we have knowen all thes thinges, so god be thanked, that by a better

religion, havinge ben better taught, we have ben no partakers of their

wicked devises, But have put to our helpinge handes as occasion hath

served, and over redie to ever throwe the auctors & devisers there of.

And I have no doubt, but we of this noble cittie, who hetherto have

ben alwaies redie dutifullie & faithfully to serve hir maiestie uppon

all occasions (her highnes now so graciouslie acceptinge onely of our

reioycinge at the apprehension of her enemies ever the least parte of

the dutie of a good subiecte to so good a quene) wilbe redie everie

one wth all yt we can make, & wth the uttermost adventure of all our

lives spedilie to be revenged uppon all sutche as shall vilanouslie &

trayterouslie attempe or put in ure anie mischeif to her noble person,

and in the meane tyme will have a better eye and eare to all suspicious

miscontented persons to their sayenges and doinges to their false

brutes and reportes, to the places and corners of their haunt & resort,

to their harbours companions, ayders & maynteyners.

God upholde and contynue his religion amonge us & increase our zeale

therein wch hathe made us so lovinge & loyall and so beloved &

acceptable subiectes to so worthie a prince, & roote out the wicked

& romishe religion that hath made so manie disloyall & trayterous

subiectes, to whom is bothe odious & irkesome the longe lief and

prosperouse reygne of our most noble quene Elizabeth. God confounde all

sutche traytors and preserve hir hignes longe to live and raigne over

us.

No. 50.

List of ships furnished and victualled by the City to meet the Armada,

1588.

State Papers Dom. Vol. ccxii. No. 68.

At Plymmowthe xixno Julij 1588.

A note of all the shipps nowe at sea under the chardge of the Lorde

Admerall wth their nombers of men and tyme of victuallinge wch is

reduced nowe to ende in them all together the xth of Auguste.

Men.

{ The Hercules 120 }

{ The Tobie 110 }

{ The Senturyon 90 } Theis shipps

{ The Marget and John 84 } beinge set furthe

{ The Mynyon 84 } by the Cyttie are

{ The Assention 84 } victuallid by them

{ The Red Lyon 84 } alreadie until the

{ The May Flower 84 } xth of Auguste and

{ The Primrose 80 } shalbe here furnyshid

The London { The Teger 72 } with a

Shippes { The guyfte of god 64 } moneths victuall

{ The B. Burre 64 } more at the

{ The Brave 64 } Cytties chardge

{ The golden Lyon 64 } accordinge to yor

{ The Royall defence 60 } Lo: order.

{ The Thomas bonaventur 60 }

{ The releif 16 } }

{ The Moneshine 30 } } instead of theis to

{ The Pasporte 30 } } have 2 pynnasses

{ The Dyana 16 } }

No. 51.

Government order to victual ships furnished by the City; 24 July,

1588.

State Papers Dom. Vol. ccxiii. No. 15.

Mr. Quarleis theis are to praie you presentlie to victuall theis

shippes hereunder written nowe at the seas wth my Lo: Admirall wth one

moneths victuall of xxviij daies to begyn the xth of August 1588 and

to end the vijth of September followinge both daies included Of wch

monnethes victualls you are to victuall the said Flete for the fyrst

xiiij daies at Portesmouth The other xiiij daies the victuall to be

sent to Dover. This to be doune with all spede possible and so fare

you well from my house at Stroude the xxiiijth of Julie 1588

* * * * *

1 The Hercules }

2 The Tobie }

3 The Senturion }

4 The Marget and John }

5 The Mynion }

6 The Assention }

7 The Red Lion }

8 The Tygar }

9 The Mayflower } Of London.

10 The Prymrose }

11 The gift of god }

12 The bark Burle }

13 The Brawle }

14 The golden Lion }

15 The Riall defence }

16 Thelen Nathan }

20 The foure pynnasses }

No. 52.

List of all the ships furnished by the City against Spain in 1588.

State Papers Dom. Vol. ccxxxvii, fos. 15b-16b.

The whole flete sett out in 88 against the Spaniards and wch were payed

by Q. Eliz: and how many were payed by London and the Porte Townes?

Queene Eliz: whole armye at Sea against ye Spanish forces in anno 1588.

* * * * *

Shippes set forth and payde upon ye charge of ye City of London anno

1588

Men.

The Hercules 120 George Barnes

The Tobie 110 Robert Barratt

The May flower 90 Edw: Bankes

The Mynion 90 John Dale

The royall defence 80 John Chester

The Assention 100 John Bacon

The Guift of God 80 Thom: Luntlowe

The Prime Rose 90 Rob: Bringborne

The Margarett and John 90 John Fisher

The goulden Lyon 70 Rob: Willton

The Dyana 40

The B. Burre 70 John Sarracole

The Tigar 90 Willm Cæsar

The Brane 70 Willm Furth

The Red Lyon 90 Jarvis Willes

The Centurion 100 Samuel Foxcraft

The Pastporte 40 Chr. Colethurst

The Mooneshine 30 John Brough

The Tho. Bonaventure 70 William Alldrige

The Releife 30 John King

The George Noble 80 Henery Billingham

The Anthony 60 George Harper

The Tobie 70 Chr. Pigott

The Sallamander 60 Damford

The Rose Lyon 50 Barn. Acton

The Antellope 60 Dennison

The Jewell 60 Rowell

The Paunce 70 Willm Butler

The Providence 60 Rich. Chester

The Dolphin 70 Willm Hare

---------------------- -----------------

30 Shipps and Barques 2130 men.

No. 53.

Letter from King James I to the City upon his accession to the

throne. Dated Holyrood House, 28 March 1603.

Journal 26 fo. 75b.

Trustie and welbeloved we greit you hartelly well beinge informed

of youre great forduartnes in that iuste and honorable action of

proclaminge ws youre Souverane lord and King immediatlye after the

deceas oure late darrest Sister the quene, wherin you have gevin

a singulare good proufe of your ancient fidelitie, a reputation

hereditarie to that oure Citie of Lundon, beinge the Chamber of oure

Imperiall crowne and ever free from all shedowes of tumultous and

onlawful courses wee could not omitt wth all the speid possible wee

might to give you hereby a teast of oure thankfull mynde for the

same and withall assurance that you cannot crave anie thing of ws

fitt for the mentenance of yow all in generall and everie one of yow

in particulare but it shalbe moast willingly performed by avs whose

speciall care shall ever be to provide for the continewance and

incresse of your present happines desiringe yow in the meane tyme to

goe constantly forduart in doinge all and whatsumer things yow shall

find necessary or expedient for the good goverment of oure said Citye

in execution of Justice as yow have bene in wse to doe in oure said

darrest Sisters tyme, till oure pleasure be knowen unto yow in the

contrare This not douting but ye will doe as ye may be fully assured

of oure gratious favour towards yow in the hieghest degrie, we bid you

hartely farewell Halyrudhous the 28 of Marche 1603.

No. 54.

Reply to the above. Dated 29 March, 1603.

_Id._, fo. 76.

To the most high & mighty Prince our most dread & gracious Soveraigne

Lord King James ye First King of England, Scotland, France & Ireland.

Most mighty prince & our most dread & gracious Soveraigne Wee cannot

expresse the great comfort and exceeding ioy conceived here for this

great blessing of Almighty God in preserving yor sacred Matie for

this yor right and yor right for yu and yu for us yor Liege people of

this yor Realme wch is increased & redoubled by the perfect union and

concurrence of all yor Maties faithful subjects throughout yor Realme

especially of this yor Highnes City in harty love & loyall affeccõn

towards yor Highnes a Prince so famous and renowned through the world

for yor great wisdome piety iustice Magnanimity & other great &

princely vertues whereby our selves and all other yor Loyall Subjects

of this your Land are made assured of ye continuance and increase of

that happy peace holy religion & other great & infinite blessings of

Almighty God, which wee have enjoyed soe many yeares by the happy

governmt of or late gracious and glorious Queene of famous memory.

What thancks sufficient can wee render to Almighty God for this his

mercy and unspeakable goodnes towards this Land whoe hath thus tempered

or great sorrow wth a greatr comfort & repaired this or great losse of

a Mother with the advantage of a greater gain in the succession of yor

Highnes as a Father which is accompanied wth the union of both Kingdoms

to the great Strengthening of yor Highnes and noe lesse terror of ye

Enemies (if any be) of yor Highnes person & estate.

Touching or selves to whom the Charge & preservacõn of this yor Chamber

and principall City is comitted as wee have endeavored with all or

powers to advance yor Highnes most iust clayme and rightfull title to

the Succession of this yor Kingdome soe or future care & indeavour

shall extend it selfe to ye very uttermost of our witts & power to

preserve ye same wth all humble duty & circumspeccõn for yor Highnes

use agt all power & opposicõn both of this Land (if any happen as God

forfend) and the whole world. For assurance of wch or Loyalty & devoted

loves towards yor Highnes Wee have sent unto yu or speciall Messenger

to witt or Secretary & Remembrancer Mr. Doctor Fletcher a man (wee

heare) non unknowne unto yor Highnes As alsoe to returne unto us the

Significacõn of yor Highnes pleasure and direccõn in such matters as

shall conduce to the well ordering of this yor Chamber Wch wee humbly

pray Almighty God & intreate yor Highnes for yor owne and yor peoples

sake may be accelerate wth all safety and due caucõn of yor person to

the publique ioy both of or selves and yor whole Realme From London

this xxixth of March 1603.

Your Maties most humble & loyall

Subjects

The Maior & Aldermen of your Highnes

Citty & Chamber of London.

Robert Lee Maior

John Hart

John Spencer

Stephen Slaney

Henry Billingsly

Stephen Soame

John Garrard

Jo: Croke Recorder

Tho: Bennett

Tho: Lowe

Wm Glover

Wm Romeney

Leonard Halliday

John Watts

Rich. Goddard

Henry Rowe

Edw. Holmden

John More

Robt. Hampton

Roger Larke

Humf. Weld

Tho: Cambell

Wm Craven

Henry Anderson

James Pemberton

Jo: Swinarton, Sherriffe

No. 55.

Letter from King James I to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of

London, in reply to the foregoing. Dated Newcastle, 11 April

1603.

Journal 26, fo. 80.

JAMES R.

Right trustie and welbeloved wee greet you well Althoughe before the

Comeynge of yor Lettres and this gentleman sente unto us wee had wth

greate Contentment by Comon reporte understood of your forwardnes in

Joyninge wth ye nobillitie of this our Realme in the publishinge of

oure righte to the succession of this Crowne. Yet weare wee not a

little gladd to finde ye same confirmed by soe honeste and diutifull a

testimonie thereof under yor owne handes and by ye speeche of a persone

of soe greate truste wth you and chieflie that you are not lead into

this devosion onlie by the undoubted belief of oure righte, but alsoe

for ye assurance you have of oure zeale to ye preservacõn of Religion

for that wee have alwaies accompted those accõns that aryse oute of

religious groundes to be the beste founded. And as wee doubte not

but that in that poynte we shall give you and ye reste of or people

satisfaction. Soe maie you be assured that in all other thinges,

wherein wee shall understande that anie breache or wronge hath bene

done to ye liberties and priviledges of that or Cittie wee wilbe readie

to restore whatsoever shalbe justelie expected of us as we have more

at lardge spoken to this gentleman and will by oure actes when wee

shalbe amongest you make knowne to yor selves esteeminge you worthie

to be helde in noe lesse accompte of us then you have byne to anie of

or progenitors whoe esteemed you moste. Given under or Signet at or

Towne of Newcastle ye xjth daie of Aprill 1603 in ye firste yeare of or

raigne of England.

No. 56.

Letter from the Lords of the Council to Sir Arthur Chichester,

Deputy in Ireland, as to the course to be pursued with the

City's Commissioners, appointed to view the Irish Estate. Dated

Whitehall, 3 Aug., 1609.

Transcripts, &c., Irish Government (Public Record Office), Vol. I,

fo. 500.

After or very harty comendacõns to yor Lp. we have written unto your

Lp. and the Counsell there a letter wherein we have in generall

recommended certaine cittizens appointed by the Citty of London to view

the Derrye and Colrane and the cuntrie between them; And in this have

thought it expedient to declare or minde somewhat more particulerly,

because we shoulde be sorry that any endeavor or informacõn should

be lacking that might either satisfie or encourage them For when

we consider how slowly this busines hath yet gon forward since it

was first intended, how fit & able the Citty is for a work of yt

importaunce, of what good use their example wilbe to draw on others

and lastly what reputacõn it will give both abroad and at home to ye

action yt is like really to be effected we are moved to recommend

them the more earnestly unto yor Lp. to take order that all occasions

of discouragement may be prevented which som indiscreete persons may

unprovidently suggest, if choice be not made of such to conduct and

accompany them, who for their experience and understanding shalbe

able both by discourse and reason to controule whatsoever any man

shall reporte, either out of ignorance or mallice, and to give the

undertakors satisfaccõn when they shalbe mistaken or not well informed

of any particuler. For which purpose the conductors must have care to

lead them by the best waies and to lodge them in their travaile, where

if it be possible, they may have English entertainement in Englishmens

howses. And howsoever we have had the opportunitye heere to lay the

first hand upon this offer, and to make the project unto the Cittie

thereby to drawe them on to entertaine the same for an entraunce into

the business yet that it may be both begun and well followed we send

the same here inclosed and must leave it to your lordship to perfect.

Wherein we thinck it fit. That those yt be sent in their company be

so well prepared before hand to confirme and strengthen every part

thereof by demonstracõn as they may plainely apprehend & conceive

the comodities to be of good use and profit; on the other side, that

matters of distast as feare of the Irish, of the souldiers, cess and

such like be not so much as named, seeing you knowe that discipline and

order will easilie secure them. And if there be any thing conteyned

in the Project, whether it be the Fishing, the Admiralty or any other

particuler wch may serve for a motyve to enduce them; Although yor

lordship or any other have interest therein yet you shall make no doubt

but his Maty will have such consideracõn thereof that no man shalbe

a looser in yt wch he shall parte wth for the furtheraunce of this

service. And thus not doubting of yor Lps discreete carriadge of this

busines yt cannot besides your generall dutie but be glad in your owne

particuler to have so good neighbors to yor plantacõn we byd yor Lp.

very hartely Farewell. From Whitehall the third of August 1609.

No. 57.

Letter from Speaker Lenthall to the Lord Mayor asking, on behalf of

Parliament, for a City loan of £60,000. Dated Covent Garden, 15

Jan., 1640-1.

Journal 39, fo. 167.

My Lord,

The greate necessetie of supplyinge the Kinges Army and providinge for

the Northen Counties without which the peace of the Kingdome wilbe much

endangered is such that the Howse of Commons is inforced to thinke

upon a more present way of raysinge moneyes then can bee effected in

the Course of Subsidies. Whereupon they have directed mee to pray your

Lorpp. to call a Comon Hall with as much speede as conveniently you may

and to comend to the Cittizens of London the Loane of £60000 by such

as shall freely and willingly contribute thereunto. Which they intende

not as any burthen unto them, but as an occasion of further expressinge

of theire good affeccõns to the publiq. Whereof they have soe often

had experience and they will soe provide that the Sume now desired to

bee lent shalbe truly repaide out of the Subsedies wth interest for

the time it shalbe forborne wherein not doubtinge of yor Lopps Care in

the best way you may to further this request for ye Comon safetie of

the Kingdome and to receyve an answer as speedily as the bussines will

permitte, ffrom my house in Covent Garden this instant 15th of Januarij

1640.

I rest Your Lopps. verie loveinge ffreind

Wm Lenthall, Speaker.

No. 58.

Another letter from Speaker Lenthall on the same matter. Dated

Covent Garden, 6 Feb., 1640-1.

_Id. ibid._

My Lord,

The present necessity requiringe the sume of £60000 for the good of

the Kingdome to be advanced sooner then by way of subsidies it can

be levied as hath bin formerly signified vnto yor Lorpp. by Aldran

Pennington. The house hath commaunded me this day againe to intimate

unto you their desire that wth the help of such Citizens as are

willing to lend particuler sumes you will take such Course that £60000

may presently be paid into the Chamber of London that soe it may be

disposed of as the house shall direct. Wherein not doubting of yor

Lorpps care I rest from my house in the Coven garden the sixth of

ffebruary 1640.

Yor Lorpps very loving freind

Wm Lenthall, Speaker.

No. 59.

A third letter from Speaker Lenthall on the same matter. Dated

Charing Cross, 19 Feb., 1640-1.

Journal 39, fo. 180.

My very good Lord and Gentlemen,

I have formerly by my lres directed by order of the house of Comons

vnto yor Lorpp signified their desire to borrow of the City sixty

thousand pounds for the presente supply of the Kings Army and releif of

the Northern partes conceived to tend principally to the gen'all safety

of the whole kingdome.

We could not but take notice of the forwardnes of the Citty to comply

and albeit there hath bin some protraccõn, yet we now expect the

expression of it in a speedie payment. I am therefore required by the

house of Commons to desire yor Lopp forthwth to call a Comon Hall, and

in that to signifie unto them our desires, Their former ingagement by

promise and the expectacõn of the present performance the urgent and

instant necessity of the Kingdome admitting of no delay wthout great

hazard of insueing danger to us all wch we desire may be prevented.

We have taken care for the secure payment of this £60000 by the bill

of subsidies already passed whereof I thought it fitt to Certifie yor

Lorpp resting

Yor Loving faithfull friend to serve you

Wm Lenthall, Speaker

from my house at Charing

Crosse 19 ffebruarij 1640.

No. 60.

Letter from the Earl of Essex to the City desiring a loan of

£100,000 for the maintenance of the Parliamentary army. Dated

Northampton, 13 Sept. 1642.

Journal 40, fo. 38.

My lord and gentlemen I receaved so great expressions of affeccõn both

to ye cause, and to myselfe from ye cittye of London at my departure

from you, that I cannot dispaire but to obtayne any suite from you

that shalbee an advantage to ye Comon wealth Upon a true judgment of

ye condicõn of our affaires and of that of ye enemye, I am confident

that wee may bringe this business to a quick and happy conclusion God

doth blesse us wth so good successe dailey & the other parte by their

plundring and burninge of townes and houses grow so odious, that they

grow weaker wee stronger everywhere. Yet are wee in one great straight,

and such a one as if it bee not speedily remedyed, may quash all our

hopes, and endanger that peace, and libertie which wee so much strive

for. Our treasure wch must maintayne ye army grows neere an ende, and

you well know our army consists of such as cannot bee kept one day

togeather wthout pay, what a ruine it would bringe uppon us all if a

disbandinge should happen I leave to your judgments. My desire unto

you is that you would supply us wth the speedy loane of one hundred

thousand pounds which I am confident would wth Gods blessinge bringe

these unhappy distraccõns to an ende quickly. Vour citty hath hitherto

had ye honor (next to God) to bee the chiefest safetye of the Kingdome

and Parlyament. This will render you to all posterity the ffinishers

of this great worke. If any thinge of particuler love or respect to

mee may bee any argument herein I shall take it for ye greatest honor

that hath befalne mee and will oblige myselfe to acknowledge it by the

utmost and most faithfull indeavors of your ffaithfull ffriend Essex.

From the rendezvous att Northampton 13o Sept. 1642.

No. 61.

Letter from the Earl of Essex to the City on the appointment

of Skippon to the rank of Sergeant-Major-General in the

Parliamentary army. Dated Hammersmith, 16 Nov. [1642].

Journal 40, fo. 41b.

My lord and gentlemen. Havinge a due regarde both to the publique trust

and to the good and wellfare of the cittye of London I have made choice

of Serjeant Major Skippon to bee Serjeant Major Generall of the army

under my comaund beinge well assured of his fidellïtye and abillity to

discharge that trust. And yet knowinge of what concernement his present

imployment in ye citty may be I have thought fitt to give your Lorpp

and you gentlemen notice hereof wth this assurance that in this choice

I have had a speciall regard as to the publique so particulerly to the

securetye of the cittye of London. And that in it I do not intende

wholy to deprive you of him but so as his service may be rendered

usefull both to this armye and to your cittye whose good and wellfare

I shall carefully provide for ye uttmost of my power and do rest your

ffaithfull ffriend Essex. From my quarter at Hammersmith this 16th day

of November 1642.

No. 62.

Resolution of the Common Council for putting the City and Suburbs

into a posture of defence, 23 Feb. 1643.

Journal 40, fo. 52.

That a small fort conteyning one bulwark and halfe and a battery in

the reare of the flanck be made at Gravell lane end. A horne worke wth

two flanckers be placed at Whitechapell windmills. One redoubt wth two

flanckers betwixt Whitechapell church and Shoreditch. Two redoubts

with flanckers neere Shoreditch church wth a battery. At the windmill

in Islington way, a battery and brestwork round about. A small redoubt

neere Islington pound. A battery and brestwork on the hill neere

Clarkenwell towards Hampstead way. Two batteries and a brestworke at

Southampton house. One redoubt wth two flanckers by St Giles in the

Feilds, another small work neere the turning. A quadrant forte wth

fower halfe bulwarks crosse Tyborne high way at the second turning

that goeth towards Westminster. At Hide parke corner a large forte wth

flanckers on all sides. At the corner of the lord Gorings brick wall

next the fields a redoubt and a battery where the court of Guard now

is at the lower end of the lord Gorings wall, the brestwork to be made

forwarder. In Tuttle feilds a battery brestworke, and the ditches to

be scowred. That at the end of every street wch is left open to enter

into the suburbs of this citty defenceable brestworkes be made or there

already erected repayred wth turnepikes muskett proof, and that all the

passages into the suburbs on the northside the river except five vizt.

The way from St. James towards Charing Crosse, the upper end of Saint

Giles in Holborne, the further end of St. John Street towards Islington

Shoreditch church and Whitechappell be stopped up. That the courtes

of guard and the rayles or barrs at the utmost partes of the freedome

be made defensible and turnepikes placed there in lieu of the chaynes

all muskett proof. And that all the shedds and buildings that joyne to

the outside of the wall be taken downe. And that all the bulwarkes be

fitted at the gates and walls soe that the flanckes of the wall and

streets before the gates may be cleared and that the gates and bulwarks

be furnished with ordnance.

No. 63.

Letter from the Mayor, &c., of Gloucester to the City of London,

touching the removal of Colonel Massey. Dated 29 May 1645.

Journal 40, fo. 132.

When we were in suche distresse by a close seige, that our freindes

held our condicõn desperate, and our enimies did assure themselves of

prevailing over us; by Gods providence we had reasonable releif from

your famous and ever renowned citie wch doth now embolden us to present

unto you our present estate, which is in breife. That our heartes wth

the heartes of the country in generall are surrounded wth feare and

greife for the removall of Collonell Massey from us, whose endeavors

amongst us God hath soe wonderfullie prospered. Wee represented our

sadd sense thereof and our reasons in particuler by peticõn to the

honoble houses of parliament, but such meanes was used by some for the

accomplishment of their owne ends therein that our peticõn was not read

in the howses. So that wee are like to be deprived of him, and thereby

much distraccõn, if not confusion sorely threatned to us and this

countrey, thereby to the encouragement of the enimy and discouragement

of or friends. Therefore we doe humbly apply ourselves unto you

desiring you to interpose for us to the Parliament for his contynuance

wth us. Wherein you will not only doe us a singuler favour, but we are

confident much further the publique service thereby, and which shalbe

most gratefully acknowledged by

Your humble Servants

Luke Nurse Maior

[and seven others.]

Gloucester 29 of May 1645.

No. 64.

Letter from the Mayor, &c., of Plymouth to the City of London,

enclosing copy of petition to Parliament for relief against the

depredations of the Royalists. Dated 5 Sept. 1645.

Journal 40, fo. 144b.

The greate zeale you have ever manifested for the good of the kingdome,

and the forwardnes you shewed to contribute your assistance to us upon

all occacõns doth imbolden us at this tyme of our extremity to beseech

you to stretch out yor helping hand to us you know we have bin long

beseiged, and we have often moved the Parliamt, the Committee of the

West, and the Generall for releif, and all this summer it hath bin

promised, but or hopes are hitherto frustrate. We have therefore sent

the peticõn (whereof the enclosed is a copie) to Sir John Young and

Mr. Waddon Burgesses for this towne, and indeed this is the last and

only visible meanes that unde God is left us. We beseech you that you

wilbe pleased to second our peticõn by your owne desires in our behalf.

And wee shall not cease to pray for the contynuance of yor peace and

encrease of all other blessings and rest

Yor most humble servants

Justinian Pearde Maior

[and four others.]

Plymouth at the Committee

for Govermt,

5 Sept. 1645.

No. 65.

The City's petition to King Charles I in reply to His Majesty's

letter of the 19th May 1646.

_Id._, fo. 187.

Most humbly acknowledging the speciall grace and favour of yor matie

in condescending soe particulerly to communicate unto this city yor

royall and pious resolucons to comply wth your Houses of Parliament for

setling of truth and peace in this distracted kingdome signified by

yor late gratious lettre of the 19th of May last to the representative

body thereof. In wch as the petrs cannot but see the speciall hand of

Almighty God soe they must and doe from the bottome of their hearts

blesse his holy name that at length he hath opened such a dore of hope

by enclyning your maties heart to looke downe upon the affliccõns of

yor people and from thence take comfort to themselves that he will

confirme and increase those good resolucons in yor matie.

As for this city the petrs esteeme it their duty now againe as they

have formerly done to declare unto yor royall matie and the whole

world, that, according to their Protestacõn and Covenant they have

alwayes, and doe still reteyne the same loyall thoughts towards yor

matie as ever and as becometh subiects to doe from which they shall

never recede.

And as next unto the good guidance of Almighty God they doe humbly

comitt and submitt the meanes and maner of their future peace and

happines unto yor mats great and faithfull Councell the two Houses of

Parliament.

So they shall contynue their instant prayers to the Throne of all Grace

to dispose yor maties royall heart to comply with such proposicõns as

from them shalbe represented unto yor maty for the settlement of true

religion and peace in all yor kingdomes and the mainteynance of the

union betweene the two nations. And then the petrs shall not doubt but

yor matie (wch is their earnest prayer) will with honor and joy returne

unto this yor antient city, and that yor throne shall in yor royall

selfe and your posterity be established in all yor kingdomes to the

great honour of yor matie and to the comfort of all yor good subiects

amongst whome the peticõnrs shall alwayes strive to approve themselves

inferiour to none in loyalty and obedience.

And as in dutie bound shall pray &c.

No. 66.

Letter from Fairfax and the Council of War to the Commissioners of

the City of London forbidding further enlistments. Dated 14

June, 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 222.

Being informed that divers souldiers are daily listed under officrs,

in and about the cities of London and Westmr, and parts thereto

adiacent, besids the trayned bands and usuall auxiliaries. We strongly

apprehend that (notwithstanding all your desires and labour of peace)

the kingdome is like to be precipitate by some persons into a new

warr. Therefore (before we can answere that part of yor cities lettre

to remove to 30 miles distance from London) we desire the citie

would use their indeavors, to prevent all such listings, and therein

deale soe effectually as that nothing be for future done towards

such listinge or raising any forces, and those already raised may be

forthwith discharged. But if this cannot be done, we shalbe forced by

an unwilling necessitie to apply our indeavors to breake all designes

of that kinde. And therein we hope to receive the concurrance of yor

citie, professing, we have nothing else in our eye, but yors our owne,

and this poore kingdomes good and quiett.

Hereof we desire to here speedily from you, but so from time to tyme,

as oft as may be, which we shall owne as a seale of that reciprocall

love, wch the cities lettre purports to this army, and shall on our

part be most earnestly endeavoured to be maynteyned.

June 14th 1647.

No. 67.

Letter from the same to the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council of

the City, touching the removal of the army and the safety of

the King's person. Dated St. Albans, 15 June, 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 222b.

We are very glad our lettre from Royston of the tenth of this instant

June had soe good a recepcõn wth you: whereof you have given us

assurance by yor lettre of the twelfth of this instant,[852] and by

those worthy aldermen and others the members of yor citie whome you

sent unto us, to whose hands we yesterday returned such answere (to

that part of yor lettre for our removal to thirty miles distant from

London) as the present exigence of affaires could possibly admitt. To

wch we add this sincere assurance that soe soone as we shall receive

the next resolucõn from the Parliament in relacõn to the proceedings

upon the papers nowe given in unto them (whereof likewise yor

comissioners have received a coppie from us). We shall then imediately

give you such further answere and satisfaccõn to that particuler,

as the nature of those results will permitt, wth respect only had

to the necessary prosecution of those pressing concernements of the

kingdome, comprized in those papers (whereunto) (for) the iustnes

and reasonablenes of our desires, and their consistance wth the true

honour, iust power and priviledges of parliament, the liberty of the

subiect and safety of yor citie and kingdome we do referr you.

As to yor desire (expressed in the instruccõns to yor comissioners)

of or care for the safetie of his maties person, while amongst us.

We had upon his first comeing into our quarters assigned, and have

since contynued in attendance about his maty, a guard of two regimts

of horse, of as faithfull men, and under as trustie a commaund as

this army doth affoard, neyther shall our future care be wantinge in

any further provision necessary for the safetie of his royall person.

And nowe we cannott but take notice, as of the past, most free and

forward ingagemts of yor famous citie in the same cause, wch we are

now desiring to see a period to, and accomplishment of, soe of yor

contynued readines to close wth us in our iust and necessary desires to

the same ends: as alsoe of yor present professed averssenesse to ingage

in any thing that may tend to any further warr or distraccõn in this

kingdome. For all wch we cannott but returne (after our praises to God)

thankes to you and yor citty. And we assure you that the sence thereof

hath a deep impression in our spiritts to find (as we doe hitherto)

the hand of God working all mens hearts to go cleere, and unanimous

concurrence wth our owne, in our desires for the present setling and

securing the rights liberties and peace of the kingdome, beyond wch we

have noe aymes or ends of our owne.

St. Albans June 15th 1647.

No. 68.

The City's reply to the two preceding letters. Dated 18 June 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 224b.

Yor answere of the 14th and lettre dated the 15th of this instant June,

wth copies of the papers given into the Parliamt we the maior aldermen

and commons in common councell assembled have received and perused,

and by our committee we have ben further informed of them, and of yor

many seasonable expressions of the reallity of yor intencõns to promote

the peace and welfare of the Parliamt and kingdome, and in particuler

of this city, wch how acceptable it is to us will best appeare by our

proceedings thereupon.

We take it very kindely that though you were informed divers souldiers

were daily listed under officrs in and about the Cities of London and

Westmr and parts thereto adiacent, besides the trayned bands and usuall

auxiliaries, yet you conceived (and that most truly) it was wthout the

privity or consent of this Court, and did not suspect the sincerity

of our heartes in what by or last was represented unto you, wherein

for yor further satisfaccõn be pleased to take notice that since the

returne of our comittee from St. Albans, yor said answere and lettre

and a narrative of the severall passages twixt you and our committee,

and yor desire that the citie should use their indeavor to prevent all

such listings and therein deale soe effectually, as that nothing be for

the future done towards such listings or raising any forces, and that

those already raised might be forthwth discharged: and the resolucõn

of this court, and the Committee of the Militia of this city and parts

adiacent upon the whole being all by our direccõn made knowne to both

Houses of Parliamt they were pleased to make severall votes thereupon;

whereunto (as to those thinges) we desire to be referred.

By all which we hope the great desire of this court and citie to

cherish a right understanding and keep a good correspondence twixt yor

Excellencie yor Councell of Warr, Armie and this Citie will evidently

appeare, and shortly draw from you a more full answere satisfaccõn

and assurance, that your army shall noe way preiudice the Parliament

(whose power and priviledges are the principall meanes to preserve the

liberties of the subiects of this kingdom) nor this Citie (who have

lost soe much blood and spent soe much treasure in defence thereof) and

in order thereunto that it shalbe forthwith removed to, and contynued

at a further distance from London.

London 18 of June 1647.

No. 69.

Letter from Fairfax to the City acknowledging receipt of letter of

the 18th June. Dated St. Albans, 21 and 22 June, 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 225b.

Wee received yors of the eighteenth of this instant, whereof though all

passages were not soe answearable to our expectacõn as wee hoped yet

we apprehend the same good affeccõn in you towards this armie as was

expressed in yor former letter. And that not onelie from the assureance

of the worthy gentlemen, (yor comissioners) againe sent to us, But

alsoe from that informacõn we have received of yor extraordinarie

indeavors, to procure monie for the armie; To prevent further raysinge

or listinge of souldiers and to procure those alreadie listed to be

disbanded, (some persons of yor militia onelie, haveinge bin active

for the raysinge of them without yor privitie). As likewise from that

letter (fild with respecte) which you prepared and intended to us,

And beinge sent to the Parliament was obstructed by some persons, who

(labouringe to imbroyle the kingdome in a new warre) would not have

the fforces alreadie raised to be disbanded who excepted against yor

discoverie to the House, That some persons onelie of the militia had

ioyned in the raysinge of the new forces, who alsoe would prevent a

right understandinge betweene yor cittie, and this armie, knowinge a

firme corrospondence betweene them would make the designes of all such

men hopeles, And though our takinge notice of these thinges seemes not

regular, yet beinge soe publiquelie done, we thought fitt to mind you

of them.

Now although wee have confidence of the reall and cleare intentions

of yor lorpp and aldren, and the commons of yor cittie to promote the

peace of this kingdome, and the iust desires of this armie, alsoe to

prevent all tendencies to a new warre, or anie further blood, and

therefore hold our selves obliged to yeeld all possible compliance to

what you desire of us, yet addinge to the former grounds the manie

informacõns which daylie come to us of the continued underhand workings

of some persons still to list men, that divers agents are sent into

severall parts of the kingdome to leavie forces and Worcester the place

appointed for a generall randezvouz, whither the fforces designed for

Ireland (that were parte of this armie) are by some of the committee

at Darbie House[853] ordered to march: And severall of those companies

who went out from us for the service of Ireland, havinge it intimated

to them, and by divers carriages perceiveinge they were intended a

foundacõn for a new armie and a new warre, they so much abhorred the

thoughts of it as both the officers and souldiers of divers companies

are of late entirelie returned to us: likewise that noe meanes is lefte

unattempted to bringe in fforces from Ireland, France and Scotland

against the peace of this poore kingdome.

Wee (upon the whole matter) offer to yours, and all mens consideracõns,

whether with yors ours or the publique safetie we can remove further

backward, untill upon yor and our ioynt indeavors with the Parliament,

those things of imediate and pressinge necessitie be provided for,

which wee desired in our paper last given in to the Parliamts

Comissioners in order to the better proceedinge upon the heads of the

Representacõn and Charge, with more hopes of safetie, and of a timelie

and happie issue to our selves, and the kingdome (vizt.) That the

persons impeached by us may not continue in power and capacitie to

obstructe due proceedings against themselves; And for their owne escape

from justice to threaten ruine to the whole nation.

That all fforces latelie raised or listed in or aboute the cittie may

be forthwith discharged except the usuall nomber of trained bands and

auxiliaries and that all endeavors publiquely or privatlie to rayse

anie further forces may cease and be supprest.

And that the same measure maybe allowed to this armie in payinge them

upp to the same ffoote of accompte as is alreadie given to those who

have diserted the same.

And for the things exprest in our Representation though of weightie

importance yet because they will require time they shalbe noe occasion

to impead our remove, and in the meantime both by Proclamacõn from his

Excellencie and all other waves wee shall indeavor, that the accustomed

supplies to yor cittie may be freelie sent up.

To conclude, wee say from or hearts that as oure espetiall ends are

the glorie of God, and the good of this whole land, soe our indeavors

shalbe to prosecute the same without preiudice to the beinge or

welbeinge of Parliaments in generall, (the mayntenance whereof wee

value above our owne lives) or (as wee have formerlie said) of this

Parliament in particular, but altogeather in order to the good and

peace of this nation, and with a most tender regard to yor cittie to

which wee professe we shall by all actions make good all ingagements

tending to the securitie thereof in what way yorselves shall desire

consistinge with the good of the whole kingdome you makeinge good your

mutuall correspondencie with us not doeing anie thinge to our preiudice

in the prosecucõn of our iust desires, and endeavors.

St. Albans June 21, 1647.

Wee heare (even now) since the writinge of this letter, that

(yesterday) divers of the Reformadoes came againe (in a threatninge

manner) to Westmr the house of Commons then sittinge to the greate

affrightment and terror of divers faithfull members then present, and

to discouragement of others from their attendance there, soe that we

cannot but perceive, that the freedome of this Parliament is noe better

then that those members who shall accordinge to their consciences

endeavor to prevent a second warre, and acte contrarie to their wayes,

who, (for their own preservacõn) intend it they must do it with the

hazard of their lives: which indeed is a thinge soe destructive to

Parliaments and freedome that we conceive our selves in dutie bound, to

endeavor to the utmost to procure redresse therein.

June 22th 1647.

No. 70.

Letter from the City to Fairfax in reply to recent letters and

informing him that Commissioners had been despatched to remain

with the army at head-quarters. Dated 25 June, 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 229b.

We the maior aldermen and commons in common councell assembled having

received yors to us of the 21th and 22th and yor excellencies to our

committee of the 23th instant wth a coppie of a Remonstrance directed

to the Parliamt, did send three of that nomber yesterday to acquaint

you wth our resolucons thereupon, since wch we have caused coppies of

those lettres to be presented to both Houses, desiring their direccõn

concerning the resideing of some of that committee continually wth you

in the head quarter, and that according to yor former requests the

Reformadoes and other officrs and souldiers raised for the service of

the Parliamt might be required forthwith to repaire into their severall

counties there to receive such satisfaccõn as is or shalbe appointed by

Parliament, and that if any souldiers be listed uppon the votes of the

committee of Lords and Commons, and committee of the militia that they

may be forthwth discharged whereupon severall votes were made, unto

which we desire to be referred.

We have also taken those lettres wth another received from those we

sent yesterday and copie of a lettre dated the 24th instant delivered

to the Commrs of Parliamt, and yors of the 25th instant into further

consideracõn thereby observing the constancie of yor expressions to

doe nothing in preiudice either of the Parliamt or the citie, and

of your purpose by proclamacõn and otherwise to indeavour that the

accustomed supplies of this citie may be freely sent upp. All which

we do with due thankfulnes acknowledge, And to performe a right

understanding with you we have appointed the said committee, or six of

them at the least continually to reside in yor Head quarter, and do

intend to make it our further request to the Parliamt that whoever have

or shall endeavour to raise any forces to ingage this kingdome in a new

warr, may be discovered and prevented therein, and that you may receive

satisfaccõn equall to those that have left the armie, soe soon as it

is possible for the Parliamt to performe the same, believing upon the

assurance you have given us that yor speciall ends are the glory of God

the good of this whole land, and the safety of Parliamt and citie. To

conclude the neare approach of yor armie to this citie causeth us once

more to desire you to take it into yor most serious consideracõn, for

albeit you do not come to offer any violence to us, yet wee have and

shall suffer very much in our trade and price of victualls by reason

thereof, wch we hope you wilbe so sencible of as to prevent it in the

future by removing further of, and by takeing such a course that we may

receive no further preiudice either in thone or thother, wch is our

earnest desires, and that in yor indeavors to save the kingdome from

ruine, you doe not overthrow the fundamentall constitucõn of Parliamt

wch is essentiall to the well being thereof.

London 25 June 1647.

No. 71.

Letter from Fairfax to the City notifying the removal of the army

to Uxbridge. Dated Berkhamstead, 25 June, 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 230.

Wee have in all things dealt cleerly and plainely wth you, and hope wee

shall still continue to doe so. As soone as the worthy alderman and the

other two gents yor comrs came the last night to us, we acquainted

them wth our purpose to draw the head quarter to Uxbridg That soe we

might contract our quarters wch have hitherto lyen scattered. At which

place we hope to receive that wch wilbe satisfaccõn to the kingdome and

will remove obstruccõns out of the way of justice, wherein if right

were done, wee should let you and all the world see that we would

be soe farr from pressing neere yor citie of London, it should be

indifferent to us to march not only to the distance already prescribed,

but to any part of the kingdome we should be commanded to by the

Parliament. Wee have asked nothinge hitherto but right in the things

that are knowne, as if they were proved an hundred times before them

from whome wee have sought them, wch if graunted would not only be a

justice to the armie, but would lett the kingdome see the ffountayne

in a way to be cleered without wch nothing of force or power would be

a securitie to any man. We wish the name of priviledges may not be in

the ballance wth the safetie of a kingdome, and the reality of doing

justice, wch as we have said too often, we cannot expect whilest the

persons we had accused are the kingdomes and our judges. A little delay

will indanger the putting the kingdome into blood, notwithstanding what

hath bin said, if it be considered that in Wales (besides underhand

workings in yor citie) and other places men are raised and that in noe

small nombres. And are not those men in the Parliamt who have contynued

faithfull to the principles of common interest from the beginning of

the Parliamt to this very day still awed by the concourse of Reformadoe

officrs and others to their doores. Expence of time will be their

advantage only who intend to bring evill purposes to passe. We have

written this to you for yor satisfaccõn that soe nothinge may be done

without giving you a perfect account of our intencõns and ends. And

still to contynue our assurance to you, that should necessity bring

us neerer to the citty our former faith given you shall be observed

inviolably, there being nothing more (next the good of the kingdome) in

our thoughts and desires than the prosperitie of yor citty.

Barkhamsteed June 25 1647.

No. 72.

Letter from Fairfax to the City enclosing copy of proposals

forwarded to Parliament from the army. Dated Reading, 8 July,

1647.

Journal 40, fo. 234.

My Lord and Gentlemen

To the end we may contynue a right understanding betweene you and us

all along in the manadgmt of this great busines, wth the Parliamt (the

happie proceeding whereof so much concernes the safety and peace of

this Kingdome.) We have given yor Commissionrs this day, the copie of

a paper wch we presented to the Commissioners of Parliamt residing wth

us. Wherein we take notice of the true reasons of the slowe progresse

in the Treaty, and declare where the stoppe remains. And to the end

that nothing be wanting in us wch might work towards the speedy

settlemt of the quiett of this Kingdome, wee have humbly offered what

we conceive will most effectually tend to remove those incombrances and

lettes, wch stand betwixt us, and this universall good to the Kingdome;

and till that be done, it cannot be expected that we should procure

the peace of this nation by a Treatie, but rather give occacõn and

opportunity thereby to others to ingage us in a second warr, wch must

necessarily hazard the ruine of this Kingdome, as also ascertayne the

destruccõn of Ireland, the relief whereof we should most effectually

apply unto, were the affaires of England, but once put into a hopefull

way. It is a sound and substantiall settlement of the whole we desire,

in a generall safe and well grounded peace, and the establishmt of such

lawes, as might duly and readily render to every man their iust rights

and liberties: And for obteyning of theis, not only our intencõns have

lead us, but we thinke that all the blood, treasure, and labour spent

in this warr was for the accomplishmt of theis very things, wch are

of that concernemt both to our selfs and posterity, that neither we

nor they cane live comfortably without them. And thereof we hope yor

selfes will have the same sence, and therefore improve your interest

for the obtayning of our iust desires in the proposalls now sent to

the Parliamt, wch being graunted, and we secured from the danger of a

warr, we shall proceed wth cheerfulness to the Treaty; and doubt not in

a short time to see a happy conclusion to the satifaccõn of all honest

mens expectacõns: And that in all our undertakeings we shalbe found men

of truith, fully and singly answering the things we have held forth to

the Kingdome in our severall declaracõns and papers, without bye or

base respects to any private ends or interests whatsoever.

July 8th 1647 Readinge.

No. 73.

Letter from the City to Fairfax, deprecating any attempt to

intermeddle with the liberties or privileges of the City. Dated

28 July, 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 242b.

Our Committee being all returned from the Army contrary to or

expectacõn we are yet well satisfied therewth, because, that it was

at your request. They have communicated unto us severall papers from

you dated on and betweene the 17th and 23th present, by one whereof,

being a lettre to this Court, we take notice of the sence the army hath

of a printed paper wch had come to their hands out of the Citie, and

have perused the same, but in regard the originall hath not bin yet

presented to this Court, it is not thought fitt to declare our sence

thereupon, but we esteeme it our duty to rest in that wch both Houses

of Parliamt have resolved, upon consideracõn of this paper, wch we

conceave also wilbe sufficient to stopp the further proceeding thereof.

But truly we cannot conceale from yor Excie that (forasmuch as we can

collect) this paper was occasioned from intelligence wch came from the

army, that there was some intencõn there, to move the Parliament for

the change of the Militia of this Citie, and we doubt not but you have

heard what great distemper the alteracõn wch the Parliamt made of our

Militia upon yor desire did lately produce in this Citie, wch being now

againe upon our humble peticõn put into the same hands it was, at the

tyme the mocõn came from you, we hope all things are well appeased and

setled. And we are confident it cannot be offensive unto the armie, if

we desire them not to intermeddle wth any the Liberties or Priviledges

of this Citie or interpose in the point of our Militia, but that wee

may enioy that trust quietly wch wee shall assure you we shall take

care shalbe managed to no other end but for the Parliamts and our owne

defence, and shall give no iust provocacõn to any person whatsoever.

We shall conclude wth this profession that we shall alwayes detest all

occasions of a new warr, and we are not conscious to ourselves, that

any thing that hath passed in this business can deserve the expressions

of yor lettre, as if it were probable to involve the whole Kingdome in

bloud, or that it must necessarily begin within our bowells or draw the

seat and misery of warr upon us and our Citie. For all other thinges we

referr you to our Committees.

London 28 July 1647.

No. 74.

Minutes of Common Council touching a recent disturbance of soldiers

in the City; 11 April, 1648.

Journal 40, fo. 267.

Att this common Councell Mr. Aldran Fowkes and Mr. Aldran Gibbs (by

direccons of the comitte of the milicia for London) did make a large

relacõn of the greate tumult insurreccõn and mutinie which happened

in this Citty on the last Lords day and on Monday last by many evill

disposed persons wch first began on the Lords day in the afternoone

in the Countie of Middlesex. Where they seazed the colours of one of

the trayned bands of the said countie who were there imployed for the

suppressing of such persons as did prophane the Lords day And being

dispersed by some of the genãlls forces did gather togeather within

the citty of London and Libties thereof And in a riotous manner did

breake open divers houses and magazens of armes and amunicõn and

tooke away armes plate money and other things And did seaze vpon the

drums of the trayned bands of this Citty which were beating to raise

their companies and armed themselves and beate vp drums and putt

themselves in a warlike posture And seazed vpon the gates chaynes and

watches of the Citty and then marched to the Lord Maiors house and

there assaulted the Lord maior sheriffs comitte of the milicia of

London and other magestrates of the same And did shoote into the Lord

maiors house beat backe his guard killed one of them wounded divers

others and seazed and tooke away a peece of ordinance from thence with

which they did afterwards slay and wound divers persons and comitted

many other outrages All which matters being largely debated and many

particulars insisted vpon both for the discovery and punishment of

the said outrages and misdemeanours and alsoe for the preventing of

the Like for tyme to come It was at the last concluded and agreed by

this common Councell as followeth, ffirst this common Councell do

generally conceive that this Citty was in great danger by Reason of the

said outrages and misdemeanours And that if the same had not bine soe

tymely prevented and stayed the whole citty would have benn exposed

to the fury and rage of the said malefactors And this comon Councell

doth declare that the same misdemeanor and outrage was an horrid and

detestable Acte tending to the destruccõn of the Citty and that they do

disavow the same and with an vtter detestacõn doe declare their dislike

therof And this common Councell doe appoint the comitte of the milicia

of London to make the same knowne to the honãble houses of Parliament

And alsoe to make an humble request vnto them that an order may be

issued forth from them to the sevãll ministers of this citty and the

places adiacent that they may be directed to give publique thankes to

Almighty God the author of this greate and wonderfull delivãnce from

that eminent danger wherein this Citty and parts adiacent were involved

And further the said comittee was appointed by this court to apply

themselves to the honãble houses of Parliament for the obteyning of a

speciall Comission of Oyer and Terminer for the trying and punishing of

all the malefactors that had a hand in this detestable accõn according

to the knowne Lawes of this land And this court with thankfull harts

doe acknowledge the instruments (vnder God) by wch they obteyned this

delivãnce to be by the forces raised and continewed by the Parliament

vnder the command of his excellency the Lord Genãll Fairefax And to

manifest the same this common Councell doe alsoe order that the said

comitte of the millitia in the name of the Citty as a thing agreed

vpon by an vnamious Consent shall returne their harty thankes to his

excellency for his speedy and seasonable aide afforded the Citty in

this their greate straight and danger And this court with a genãll

consent doe well approve of the endeavours of the said comitte of the

milicia for London for the raising of the forces of the Citty And in

their procuring of the said Ayde and helpe from his excellency in

this extreamity and what els they have doun for the appeasing and

suppressing of the said tumults And this courte doe give thankes to

the said comitte of the millicia for their care and paines taken by

them taken vpon this sadd occasion And they doe appointe Mr. Adran

Fowkes to declare the same their thankes to such of the said comitte as

are not of this Court And this Court doth alsoe with all thankfulnes

acknowledge the paines and care of the right honãble the Lord Maior and

the right Worshiplull the Sheriffs of the Citty therin And this court

doe genãlly declare that it is the duty of every Citizen of this Citty

by himselfe & all that doe belong vnto him or is vnder his comand to

be ready vpon all occasions to be ayding and assisting vnto the Lord

Maior and the rest of the magistrates of this Citty for the suppressing

of all tumults and disorders within the same And the sevãll persons

now present att this comon councell by the holding vp of their hands

have promised that for the tyme to come they will vse their vtmost

endeavours and be ready vpon all occasions to doe the same.

Vpon the late sadd occasion which happened by reason of the tumult

and insurreccõn that was within this Citty and places adjacent this

courte entred into consideracõn of some meanes to be vsed and prepared

to prevent and suppres the Like for the future And to that purpose it

was propounded that the number of 100 horses might be in readinesse

within this Citty furnished with all things fitting for service to be

drawe forth vpon any occasion by the Comand of ... for the tyme being

for the suppressing of any tumult or other disorder as occasion should

require And after some debate had thervpon it was genãlly conceived

that the proposicõn was fitt to be entertained And to that purpose itt

was thought fitt and soe ordered by the courte that the Comitte of the

milicia for London shall consider how the said horses shalbe raised and

the charge therof And how they shalbe kepte maintained and disposed of

for the service of the Citty And of all other matters and circumstances

concerning the same And to report to the next common councell in

writing their opinions therin That soe this courte vpon their report

may doe thervpon what they they shall think fitt and may be best for

the good and saftie of this Citty.

No. 75.

Letter from Fairfax to Skippon upon his re-appointment to the

command of the City's forces. Dated Windsor, 10 May, 1648.

Journal 40, fo. 275.

I received yours and understand by severall gentlemen of the millitia

of London how much you are desired and importuned to accepte of the

comand of the forces in and aboute the cittie of London. I must

needs say I cannot but be sorrey to parte with one who hath upon all

occasions doun such good service for the Parliament and Kingdome. But

my private respects ought to give place unto the publique And since it

is so generally desired by the cittie and severall millitia, I cannot

but be glad they have made soe good a choice and hope it will tend to

the furtherance of union and good agreamt for the advantage of the

Parliament, Cittie and Kingdome. The consequences whereof I apprehend

to be such that I cannot but denie my selfe and frely leave you to

your selfe and doe disingage you from any tye to my selfe or the army

under my comand in case you accepte of the aforesaid comand in the

cittie Wishing you much hapiness in your undertakings I remayne &c.

Windsor 10th May,

1648.

No. 76.

A narrative of the proceedings of the Court of Common Council

held in Guildhall, London, the 13th of January, 1648-9,

presented by order of the Court to the House of Commons.

Journal 40, fo. 314.

A common councell beinge lawfully summoned to meete at eight of the

clocke in the morneinge upon the day above written, Wee commoners

of the citty of London members of the said courte in obedience to

the said summons and for discharge of the trust reposed in us made

our appearance att the vsuall place of meetinge for the saide courte

about the time appointed. Aboute eleaven of the clocke the Lord Maior

accompanied onely with two of the Aldermen tooke the chayre Wee then

desireinge the lord mayor that the acts of the last courte might be

reade accordinge to the vsuall course of the saide courte and for the

further confirmacõn of the said acts could not obteyne the same (though

earnestly desired) for above an howres space after which some members

of the said courte (being parte of a committee formerly chosen by the

said courte) tendered a peticõn therevnto to bee reade, and considered

of which peticõn (beinge the same now presented to this honoble House)

was drawne vpp by them in referrence to an order of the said courte

and received the approbacõn of the major parte of the quorum of that

comittee and though itt was often and earnestly prest for a long time

by the major parte of the courte that it might be reade to receive

the sence of the courte, yett the Lord Maior wholly refused to suffer

the same or that the question should be putt whether it should be

reade yea or noe After the fruitelesse expence of many howres another

question beinge drawne vpp the major parte of the courte required

itt to be putt, to be putt [_sic_] to be decided according to the

right and custome of the courte and beinge denyed therein declared how

vnjust and of what a destructive nature to the beinge of the courte

such a denyall would bee yet notwithstandinge the Lord Maior with the

two Aldermen departed and lefte the courte sittinge to the greate

greife and generall dissatisfaccõn of the same Beinge thus deprived

of our ordinary assistance for our proceedings, wee did then require

and command the Common Serjeant and Towne Clarke officers of the said

courte to stay in the courte and putt the question both which they

contemptuously refused and lefte the courte sittinge likewise Wherevpon

in discharge of our trust and in our tender care of the common good of

Citty and Kingdome Wee did stay and remaine a courte wherein was thrice

reade debated and voted (_nemine contradicente_) the peticõn hereunto

annexed to be as this day presented to this honoble Howse.

Havinge given this honoble Howse this breife, but true, narrative of

parte of our sufferings for eight howres at least In the breadth (as

wee conceive) of our vndoubted rights & priviledges and conceiveinge

the like obstruccõns would render our meetings in councell altogether

fruitlesse for publiq benefitte and service for the future Wee are

forced to appeale vnto this honoble Howse for such consideracõns hereof

and direccons herein, as may make the commons of London in common

councell assembled vsefull to the ends for which they were chosen.

No. 77.

Letter from the Council of State to the Mayor and Aldermen of the

City for defacing statues of James I and Charles I. Dated

Whitehall, 31 July, 1650.

Repertory 60, fo. 213.

My Lord and Gentlemen.

In pursuance of an Order of Parliament wee desire you forthwith to give

order that ye two Statues that Stand at ye west end of Paules above

ye worke borne up by ye Columnes sett upp to represent King James and

the late King may forthwith bee throwne downe. Alsoe yt ye head of that

Statue at ye Exchainge sett there to represent ye late King be broaken

off, and ye Septer broaken out of his hand And this inscripcon put upp

by it _Exit Tyrannus Regum ultimus Anno Libertatis Angliæ restitutæ

primo Annoque Domini 1648 Januarij 30º_ And yow are alsoe to take care

that ye inscripcon under those Statues at Paules be cutt out of ye

stones and that this be doune before Saturday the tenth of August next

and yt ye Councell bee then certified of your proceedings therein.

Signed in ye name and by order

of ye Councell of State appointed

by Authority of Parliament

Jo: Bradshawe P'sidt.

Whitehall

31 July 1650.

No. 78.

Another letter from the same ordering the entire removal of the

statue of Charles I at the Royal Exchange. Dated Whitehall, 14

Aug., 1650.

_Id._, fo. 220b.

My Lord and Gentlemen

By a lre from ye Councell beareing Date ye 31th of July last order

was given for ye throwing downe of the two Statues at ye west end of

Paules & likewise for ye takeing of ye head & Septer out of ye hand of

yt wch stood at ye Exchainge in Lond wch according to ye desire of the

Councell Wee understand is put into Execucõn. Since which the Councell

haveing taken yt matter into further consideracõn they have thought fit

to order that that ye whole of what is remayneing of ye Statue of ye

late Kinge at ye Exchainge be taken downe and that ye Inscripcõn which

was ordered to be placed neere unto it be now written in ye place wher

ye said Statue did stand.

Signed in ye name & by ordr of

yr Councell of State appoynted

by Authoritye of Parliamt

Jo: Bradshawe

Prsidt.

Whitehall 14th

of August 1650.

No. 79.

Letter from the Council of State to the City for removal of

ordnance to the Tower. Dated Whitehall, 19 Nov., 1653.

Journal 41, fo. 90b.

The Councell of State have considered that there are severall great

guns belonging to the Citie of London which are now remayning at

Leadenhall, and severall other partes of the Cittie, and for the

better secureinge thereof have thought fitt that the Lt of the Tower

should draw them in thither on Tuesday next, wherein yor Lordship is

desired to give yor assistance, and to cause the same to be delivered

accordingly takeinge a receipt from the officers of the Ordnance by

an inventory indented conteyning the numbers and quallities. And the

Councell doth hereby declare, and give yor Lordship assurance that this

is not at all intended as a disrespect to the Citty, or in prejudice to

their interest in the said guns, but in order to their safeguard, and

to be returned back to the Citty when they shall have occasion for them

and desire them.

Whitehall 19th November 1653.

No. 80.

The City's humble Petition and Representation to the Lord Protector

promising to stand by him against the enemies of the Nation; 16

March, 1657-8.

_Id._, fo. 170b.

Sheweth

That the peticoners are deepely sensible of the manie mercies & signall

providences that these three nations have received from Almightie God

in subduing his and their Enemyes in the times of our late warres, in

which it pleased our wise and Gratious God to vse your highnes as the

most speciall & eminent Instrument in his hand as chosen out and fitted

by him for those great & subsequent workes by which his name mightbe

Glorifyed, the three Nations & in speciall his owne people therein

protected and preserved from their enemies att home & abroad. And not

only soe, but the Continued goodnes of god hath followed vs in soe

much that after a sharpe & bloody warre seuãll yeares together, for

some yeares last past those cloudes have bine brooken, and the Sun of

peace hath shined vppon vs with a great measure of hope putt into our

harts of a happie lasting & well grounded forme of goverment, according

to the peticõn and advice of the late Parliamt consented to by your

highnes for which wee doe as in duty bound blesse the Lord and desire

a long and happie continuance of the same. But yet your peticoners

taking notice from your Hignes late gracious speech to them that the

old restles enemy is reviving his almost dead hopes of prevailing to

execute his wrath and malice against god your highnes & the good &

peacefull people of the three Nations, partly from the discontents of a

Brain sicke party at home and especially from the aides of the popish

inveterate enemy abroad and have laid designes to themselves hopefull,

by insurreccons from within and invasions from without vs to raise newe

troubles & kindle the flames of warre againe amongst vs, by which to

change our Government & therein ruine the three Nations. The premisses

considered the peticoners do professe vnto all both frinds and Enemyes.

That we shall vppon our antient principales of love & fidelitie to God

your Highnes & the good people in the three nations with all readines

oppose this enemy to the vtmost with our lives & fortunes.

And therefore we doe most humbly pray that your highnes will

please with all cheerefulnes as supreme Maiestrate to God & in the

Goverment of these three Nations for preservacõn of religion the

lawes libties peace & safety thereof. And as your peticoners doe

blesse God for you soe they shall (as in duty bound) faithfully

and constantly in their seuãll places not only yeild obedience to

you therein but bee Enemyes to yours & the Nations Enemyes, and

freinds to yours & the Nations friends.

And ever pray &c.

No. 81.

Letter from Sir John Langham to the Court of Aldermen, declining

to resume the Aldermanry from which he had been deposed by

Parliament, on the score of ill-health. Dated Crosby House, 18

Sept., 1660.

Remembrancia ix, 8.

My Lord & Gentlemen,

By a copy of a vote of Common Councill held ye 4th of September

present (wch was left at my house) I find my selfe declared to bee

an Aldran of London, & invited to ye execucõn of that place. The

knowledge of my vnfitness for yt imploymt by reason of my great age

of 77 yeares, & those infirmities yt accompany it, did soon put me

upon ye resolucõn of getting my discharge from it. But ye death of my

eldest sonn's wife & child, did overwhelme me as well as him wth that

greife, wch permitted not my goeing abroad untill the last Thursday,

when I hoped to have found at Guildhall a full court of Aldren. But

those expectacõns failing me, I forbore ye declaring my Intencõns &

desires then. And being this day upon my retreat into the Country

for the necessary refreshmt of my selfe & sonn I thought it my duty

to acquaint yor Lordp: & this Court wth my Condicon & most earnest

Request. I have now beene laid aside about 12 yeares; The Rump Parliamt

haveing first imprisoned me in ye Tower (ye 24th of 7ber 1647), cheifly

(as was conceived) to prevent my being chosen Lord Mayor the Michãs

following, where I remain'd vntill the 6th of the next June, when I

was enlarged wth out so much as Peticõning. But afterwards to satisfye

ye Ambicõn of some that had a mind to bee in our seats, Sr John Gayre,

Aldran Adams, my selfe & Bror Bunce, by a resolve of that Remain of a

House of Commons that presumed to sitt as a Parliamt, were disenabled

& discharged from being Aldren, & others chosen in our steds.

Notwthstanding wch displeasure of those who usurped the Government &

my being out of their sight, in ye Country, ye Citty retained those

kind remembrances of me & my sufferings as to choose me 2ce one of

their Burgesses, in those Convencõns, wch wee called then Parliamts wch

as they are argumts that I enjoyed their favour, so they are Reasons

that I take not ill wt this Court, or ye Common Councill complyed in

agt my Right, out of a feare of those who had made themselves Masters

of the Three Kingdomes as well as this Citty: And that sense of my

duty wch made me accept of serving this Citty (where God hath blest

me) when called to it, & continue in that service whilst permitted,

would now alsoe command my returne to the executing of my place, as an

Aldran, upon that Invitacõn I have recd, did not my finding and dayly

discovering my disabilityes perswade me that you in Justice ought not

to require, what I out of Conscience ought not to accept, ffor, both

my age hath a legall excuse from the troubles of Magistracy, & yor

affaires need that presentness of parts, wch a life so much worne out

as mine is, cannot afford. I doubt not but I might have obteyned my

discharge elswhere, but because yor Lordp & this Court, are those to

whome ye membrs of it especially are to betake themselves I thought it

unbecoming me so farr to despair of yor Justice & ffavour, as to look

for it in any other place. Wherefore, I make it my importunate request

to your Lordp & this Honble Court, that I may be discharged, for ever,

from being an Aldran, & part of that tyme that yet remaines of my

life shall be spent in prayrs for the happiness & flourishing of this

Renowned Citty And when I shall have yor dismission into yt privacy,

wherein I may vndisturbedly prepare for the other & better world I am

hasting into, I shall not cease to be a fervent Lover of that place,

wherein I have received so manyfold mercyes from ye Divine goodness,

nor to bee my Lord and Gentlemen, yor affeccõnate ffreind and humble

servant.

Crosby House the 18th Septembr 1660.

No. 82.

Letter from the Earl of Manchester to the Court of Aldermen,

desiring that the Butchers of the City might continue to

supply offal to the King's "Game of Beares" as formerly. Dated

Whitehall, 29 Sept., 1664.

_Original Letter._

My very good Lord and the rest of

my very good ffreinds the Court

of Aldermen.

Being informed by the Master of his Maties Game of Beares and Bulls

and of others that very well remember that the Company of Butchers

did formerly cause all their Offall in Eastcheape and Newgate Markett

to bee conveyed by the Beadle of their Company vnto two Barrow Houses

conveniently placed on the Riverside to receave the same for the

provision and feeding of his Maties Game of Beares And that that

Custome hath beene interrupted in the late Troubles when the Beares

were killed. And that his Maties Game being now againe by the order

of the King and Councill removed to the usuall place on the Bank side

at the very great charges of the Master of the Game I shall therefore

earnestly recommend it to your LoPP and the rest of my very good

freiends the Court of Aldermen and desire you to give such order to the

Master and Wardens of the Company of Butchers that their offall may

bee duely conveyed to the aforesaid houses as formerly it was for the

feeding of his Maties said Game which the under officers at present are

forced to provide by extraordinary and very chargeable meanes soe not

doubting of your Care herein I rest

Your humble Servant

(Signed) Manchester.

Court at Whitehall

Septemb: 1664

Michaelmas day

No. 83.

The City's address to King Charles II congratulating him upon his

escape after the Rye House Plot; 2 July, 1683.

Journal 50, fo. 83b.

To the Kings most Excellent Matie

The humble Addresse of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City

of London in Common Councell assembled Sheweth.

That wee your most Loyall and dutifull subjects haveing with

astonishment received ye discovery of a most traterous and horrid

Conspiracy of diverse ill affected and desperate persons to compasse

ye death and destruccõn of your Royall person and of your Dearest

Brother James Duke of Yorke, and that to effect ye same theis have

held Severall Treasonable Consultacõns to Levy men and to make an

Insurreccõn and made great provision of Armes; A designe notoriously

tending to ye present destruccõn not only of your best Subjects but

of ye Sacred Person of your Maty ye best of Princes and to involve

this and ye future Generacõn in Confusion blood and misery carryd

on notwthstanding their Specious pretences by knowne dissenting

Conventicles and Atheistical persons.

And haveing in ye first place Offered up our Solemn thanks to Almighty

God for his Watchfull Providence in bringing to Light this impious and

Execrable Machination.

We doe in ye next place humbly offer to your Matie ye deepe resentments

of our Loyall hearts concerning ye same and begg your Matie to rest

fully assured that as no interest in this world is valuable to us in

comparison of your Matyes service and safety so wee are determined

readily to Expose our lives and fortunes in defence of your Matyes

person your heires and successors and your government establisht

in Church and State and particularly for discovering Defeating and

destroying all such Conspiracys assotiations and attempts whatsoever.

All which Resolutions are accompanyd wth our daily and fervent prayres

that your Maty may Vanquish and overcome all your enimyes and that the

yeares of your happy reigne over us may be many and prosperous.

No. 84.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle to the Lord Mayor informing him

of the Pretender having set up his Standard in Scotland. Dated

Whitehall, 4 Sept., 1745.

Journal 58, fo. 377.

His Majesty having received an Account, That the Eldest Son of the

Pretender after having been some time in Scotland, has traiterously

assembled a considerable Number of Persons in Arms, who have Set up a

Standard in the Name of the Pretender, resisted and attacked some of

His Majesty's Forces, and are now Advancing towards Perth or Edenburgh;

And there being the greatest Reason to Apprehend, That these Attempts

have been Encouraged, and may be supported by Foreign Powers; The

King has commanded Me to Acquaint Your Lordship therewith, And His

Majesty being fully persuaded of the Abhorrence and Detestation that

must be raised in the Minds of all his faithful Subjects, at this

Audacious Attempt, to Subvert Our most excellent Constitution both in

Church and State under which Alone the Liberties and Properties of

these Protestant Kingdoms can be preserved, And being Particularly

convinced of the Zeal and Loyalty of his good City of London His

Majesty Orders Me to assure You, That he has the firmest Confidence,

that Your Lordship, pursuant to the great Trust reposed in you, will

in Conjunction with the other Magistrates of his said good City, exert

your Authority with the utmost Care and Vigilance on this important

Occasion, for the Preservation of the Publick Peace; The Security of

the City of London; and the Disappointment as far as depends upon You,

of these wicked and Traiterous Designs. I am &c. Whitehall, September

4th 1745.

No. 85.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle to the Lord Mayor informing him

of the Pretender having entered Derby, and desiring him to put

the City into a posture of defence. Dated Whitehall, 6 Dec.,

1745.

Repertory 150, fo. 40.

I am commanded by the King to Acquaint Your Lordship; That His Majesty

has, this day, received certain Advice, that the Rebels, with the

Pretender's Son, Arrived, on Wednesday last, at Derby, in their way,

as they give out towards London; That His Royal Highness the Duke of

Cumberland upon this New motion of the Rebels towards Derbyshire, had

made the necessary Disposition for getting before them, with the utmost

Expedition; And had determin'd for that purpose, to March, the direct

way for London. Part of the Cavalry of His Royal Highness's Army will

be this Night at Northampton, and the Remainder to Morrow, And the

Foot will Encamp to Morrow also near Northampton so that His Royal

Highness did not Doubt, but he should be able to reach Northampton so

as to be between the Rebels and London; But in order that the Peace and

Security of the City of London, may be provided for, in all Events,

His Majesty has commanded me to recommend it to Your Lordship, That

imediate Directions may be given for augmenting the Guard of the City,

in such manner as shall be thought proper; And that a sufficient Number

of the Train'd Bands may be constantly out in the day time, as well as

at Night, to preserve the peace of the City. Your Lordship will also

be pleas'd to take Care, that Orders may be given to the Commanding

Officers of the Parties employ'd in that Service, to be very vigilant

in preventing, or suppressing any Disorders, or Tumults; And to Seize

any Persons that may be assembled together in a riotous manner: And

also that a Guard may be constantly posted in the Squares and open

Places of the City; And that there may be daily Meetings of the

Magistrates appointed in proper places to See, that these Services are

perform'd.

Your Lordship will likewise be pleas'd to Cause an Exact Account to be

taken of all Horses (as well Coach and Saddle Horses) in the several

Stables within the City; where Horses are kept for hire; and transmit

an Account of the same, to be laid before His Majesty.

The King thinking, that it may be of great Service, that proper Signals

should be made, in case of any Commotion or Alarm, and also that Alarm

Posts should be appointed, within the City, and Suburbs; His Majesty

has commanded, that the same should be forthwith done, And that Your

Lordship should have imediate Notice of it.

His Majesty has also given directions to the Master General of the

Ordnance, to appoint forthwith proper Persons, to Inspect the several

Entrances into the City, and to Consider, in what manner, in case of an

Emergency the same may be obstructed.

I am to desire your Lordp would be pleased to transmit to me, to be

laid before the King an Account of the Number of Men, that are at

present, appointed for the several Guards to the City, and of the

Places, at which they are posted; As also of what Number of Men you

would propose to add, for that Service, And in what parts of this City,

they may most usefully be posted.

His Majesty having been inform'd, that a considerable number of his

good Subjects, Inhabitants of the City, out of Zeal for His Majesty's

Service, and for the preservation of Our Excellent Constitution, are

desirous of appearing in Arms, on the present occasion; His Majesty

has ordered me to recommend it to your Lordp to give all possible

Encouragement to such laudable designs, And if Your Lordp will transmit

to me the Names of any Persons that shall be willing to Engage in the

manner above-mentioned, I will imediately procure a proper authority

from His Majty for that purpose.

The Zeal, which your Lop & the City of London have shew'd for the

Defence of His Majtys Person and Government, and the Abhorrence and

Detestation You have express'd, for the present unnatural Rebellion,

give His Majesty the strongest Assurance, that you will Exert your

utmost Endeavours in Opposition to the bold and dangerous Attempts, now

making by the Pretender and his Adherents; which threaten the Peace and

Tranquility of this great and flourishing City.

I am &c.

Whitehall Decmr 6{th} 1745.

No. 86.

Proceedings relative to the expunging of the recognizance entered

into by William Witham, Messenger of the House of Commons--as

narrated by James Morgan, Clerk to the Lord Mayor, to the

Committee appointed to assist in defending Crosby, Wilkes and

Oliver; 22 March, 1771.

Committee Book.

Mr. James Morgan Clerk to the Lord Mayor acquainted the Committee that

he was served on Wednesday Morning last the twentieth instant with an

order of the House of Commons dated the nineteenth March 1771 to attend

that House with the Minutes taken before the Lord Mayor relative to the

Messenger of the House of Commons giving security for his appearance

at the next General Quarter Session of the Peace for the City of

London to answer such Indictments as may be preferred against him for

the supposed assault and Imprisonment of J. Miller. In consequence of

this Order he attended the House of Commons on Wednesday the twentieth

instant with the book from between two and three o'clock in the

Afternoon--that he was called in between two and three o'clock the next

Morning and was asked by the Speaker who he was--he said he was Clerk

to the Lord Mayor of London.--The Speaker ask'd for the Minutes that

were taken, then he produced the book at the Bar. The Speaker sent for

the book to him and ordered that part relating to Miller to be read. He

was likewise ordered up to the Table and the Minutes were read. That a

Motion was then made that those Minutes should be expunged which was

carried in the Affirmative. That he was ask'd by a Member whether Mr

Aldn Wilkes and Mr Aldn Oliver were there. He answered they were. He

was then ordered to the Bar and was served with an Order of the House

of Commons as follows--Ordered that Mr James Morgan Clerk to the Lord

Mayor of London do expunge from the Minute Book kept by him at the

Mansion House the entry relative to William Whitham a Messenger of this

House giving security for his appearance at the next General Quarter

Sessions of the Peace for the City of London. That he answered he had

no Indemnity for so doing. The Speaker said he was ordered so to do.

He then did expunge that Minute accordingly. He was then ordered to

withdraw.

This Committee doth desire the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor to

call a Court of Common Council for Tuesday next and lay the whole

transaction of the above affair before the said Court, when Mr Morgan

is to attend with the Minute Book.

No. 87.

Letter from Charles Fox, Chairman of the Westminster Committee, to

the Town Clerk of London suggesting a general meeting of the

Committees of Association. Dated St. James's Street, 20 Feb.,

1780.

Minutes of City Committee of Correspondence.

Sir,

The Westminster Committee observing that the London Committee are

instructed "to meet such Members of the Committees of the several

petitioning Counties, Cities and Boroughs as are now in London, or

who may be deputed for the purpose of presenting, or supporting their

Petitions, and who may think it necessary to confer, on the means of

promoting the common object of the said Petition" have directed me to

acquaint you that it is their opinion, that nothing is so desireable in

the present Stage of the business as a general meeting of the several

Committees by their Agents or Deputies. From the correspondence they

have had with the other Committees they have reason to think this

opinion is pretty general; and therefore if the London Committee should

concur in that opinion they would wish to know in what manner the

London Committee think such a measure may be best effected.

It has been suggested that the London, Middlesex and Westminster

Committees, might meet by their Deputies and that a joint invitation

from them to the other Committees would come with more propriety and

weight than such a proposal from any single Committee: But altho'

this mode has been thought of, any other that is equally adapted to

bring about the measure proposed, will be equally acceptable to the

Westminster Committee.

I have the honor to be &c.

St. James's Street

February 21st 1780.

No. 88.

Letter of thanks from Edmund Burke to the same for the City's

approval of his Bill for Economical Reform. Dated St. James's

Square, 6 March 1780.

_Ibid._

Sir,

I receive with great satisfaction and very humble acknowledgement, the

honour which the Committee of the Common Council of London have been

pleased to confer on me, by their Resolution of the 3d Inst., which

you have been so obliging as to transmit to me. Their approbation of

the plan which I submitted to Parliament;--the effects which they

expect from its being carried into execution,--these secure to me the

co-operation and support of the greatest Corporation in the World, thro

their very respectable Committee. Be so good, Sir, as to assure that

Committee, that I shall be unwearied in my endeavours, to carry into

execution the measures which they have approved, and which, under such

a sanction, I am entitled to consider as leading to the attainment of

some part of the desires, which they, in common with multitudes of our

fellow subjects have lately express'd. I say some part, because I am

sensible that much more is wanting; and I protest to the Committee,

with great sincerity, that I shall be, as active, as industrious, and

as zealous in supporting the constitutional and salutary measures,

already proposed, and such as may be hereafter proposed, by other

Gentlemen, as I have been in endeavouring to give effect to my own

humble, but, certainly, well intended conceptions. The people alone can

procure the final attainment of the just and temperate requests which

they have made. Their interference as constitutional always, as it

was now necessary, has already produced a visible effect. A continued

watchfulness, on their part, will beget an active attention in the

Representative body, to the Interests of their constituents. Let us

continue true to ourselves, and we shall not find many that will dare

to be false to us. Let each, in his station of public trust, give the

best Counsel his capacity suggests, and let our whole collective and

united efforts be applyd to execute whatever is wisely plann'd, be the

Proposer who he may. Let us do this and the People cannot remain long

unsatisfy'd in their just and reasonable desires. I have the honour to

be &c.

Charles Street,

St. James's Square,

6th March, 1780.

No. 89.

Letter from Charles Fox to the Town Clerk of London forwarding copy

of proceedings of the Westminster Committee of Association, and

giving particulars of the proceedings of the House of Commons

upon Dunning's motion. Dated St. James's Street, 13 April, 1780.

_Ibid._

Sir,

I have the honour of transmitting to you a copy of the proceedings

in Westminster Hall on the 6th inst. in which you will observe that

the form of Association adopted by the City of Westminster, is nearly

similar to that of the County of York.

There never was a time when Union was more necessary than the present,

as the only hopes of those who wish to defeat the wishes of the

people, are confessedly founded upon supposed disagreements among the

true friends of their country.

I should long ago have transmitted to your Committee, lists of the

Members who have voted in the late important questions, but have been

unable to procure any on which I could depend. That which was printed

in the Newspapers, was to my knowledge very incorrect.

I cannot close my letter without informing you that the three following

Resolutions were agreed to by the House of Commons on the 6th instant.

"That it is necessary to declare, that the Influence of the Crown has

increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished."

"That it is competent to this House, to examine into and correct Abuses

in the Expenditure of the Civil List Revenues, as well as in every

other branch of the Public Revenue, whenever it shall appear expedient

to the Wisdom of this House so to do."

"That it is the Duty of this House, to provide, as far as may be an

immediate and effectual redress of the Abuses complained of in the

Petitions, presented to this House from the different Counties, Cities

and Towns of this Kingdom."

The number who voted for them were 233

Against them 215

so that in one of the fullest houses that we have ever known a complete

approbation has been given to the sentiments of the Petitions, with a

promise to attend to their Prayers. How that promise will be performed,

it is our duty to watch; If we persevere in our exertions, I think

there is little or no doubt of obtaining our objects, but if we are

lulled into Security by Success, it is but too probable that the

Representatives of the People may relapse into their former inattention

to their constituents.

I am &c.

St. James's Street,

April 10th 1780.

FOOTNOTES:

[841] The passage here placed in parenthesis was, we learn from a

marginal note, for divers causes omitted from the original letter.

[842] He was esquire to the mayor (_Armiger Maioris_). After he had

served the City faithfully for 20 years, and become incapable of

further work, he was, in February, 1420, allowed an annuity of 40

shillings and his clothing or livery of the City in the same manner as

the sergeants of the Chamber.--Letter Book I, fo. 238b.

[843] Creil (Oise).

[844] Verneuil.

[845] Meun on the Loire.

[846] The Orleans or Armagnac party (so-called from the Duc d'Armagnac,

Constable of France) the deadly enemy of the Dukes of Burgundy.

[847] Samer au bois, near Boulogne.

[848] Cockets or seals delivered to merchants in token of their

merchandise having passed the Custom-house.

[849] Sir William Neville, Lord Falconbridge & Earl of Kent.

[850] He had been killed at Barnet.

[851] Margaret, daughter of Henry VII, married to James IV of Scotland.

[852] Printed in Rushworth's Collections.

[853] Derby House, Cannon Row, Westminster, erected in 1598 by William,

Earl of Derby. It was surrendered to Parliament _temp._ Charles I, and

was used for Parliamentary Committee meetings and other state purposes.

APPENDIX B.

KNIGHTS AND BURGESSES OF THE CITY OF LONDON.

The list of members representing the City of London in Parliament from

1284 down to the present day, here given, has been compiled mainly

from the Blue Books of Parliamentary returns (printed in 1878 and

1879), but with large additions gathered from the City's own Records.

It may fairly claim to be a more perfect list of City members than has

hitherto been published.

The number of representatives of the City in Parliament has varied from

time to time. In a treatise known as _Modus tenendi Parliamentum_,

ascribed to the early part of the xivth century, the number of members

for London, York and other Cities is given as two, the same as the

number of Barons of the Cinq Ports and knights of shires.[854] The more

usual number as gathered from the City's Archives was either two or

four, although there have been occasions (as in the Parliament of 1284

and more especially during the Commonwealth) when it amounted to six

and (as in Barebone's Parliament) even to seven. Frequently it happened

that when the writ prescribed the election of two members, four or

more were elected, although not more than two or, perhaps, three, were

to attend.[855] It is in 1346 that we meet for the first time with a

writ commanding the election of four members. In the following year

a writ was issued for the election of the old number (two), but this

was apparently a mistake, for another writ was soon afterwards issued

stating that the number should be four. The City, however, displayed

great apathy in the matter--the attendance in Parliament interfered

no doubt with the commercial pursuits of the members--and, although

four were elected, it was distinctly provided that any three or even

two might attend.[856] On the other hand, when the City was called

upon to elect two members for the Parliament of 1348, it returned

four.[857] From 1351 to 1354 the writs prescribed only two members,

and the City returned only two, but from 1355 down to the passing of

the Redistribution of Seats Act in 1885[858]--that is to say, for a

period of more than 500 years--the City of London has, if we except the

Parliament of 1371, never been represented in the council of the nation

by less than four members.

So long as the City was represented by two members, both were usually

aldermen.[859] When four were returned, two were, as a rule, aldermen,

and two commoners. The Recorder, who in earliest times was also an

alderman of the City, was frequently returned with another alderman,

and continued to be so returned long after he had ceased to be elected

from the body of aldermen. Indeed, for two centuries--viz., from 1454

to 1654--the Recorder for the time being seldom failed to be elected

one of the City's members; but from the time of the Restoration no

Recorder has sat for the City, nor has the ancient custom of the City

to be represented by an equal number of aldermen and commoners been

followed. Prior to the Restoration the custom was so strictly observed

that when a member who was a commoner happened to be elected alderman,

he resigned his seat in Parliament in order that another commoner might

be elected.[860]

The parliamentary elections were originally carried out by the mayor

and aldermen and a deputation specially summoned from each ward, but

the choice of members practically lay with the mayor and aldermen. In

course of time the commoners came to be elected by the Common Council,

but the aldermen still kept a hold on the elections by nominating

certain individuals of whom the citizens were to make their choice.[861]

In 1523 we find an election taking place at the [court of] Husting[862]

in the Great Hall. One alderman and the Recorder were nominated by

the Court of Aldermen and their nomination was subsequently confirmed

by the Common Council in the Guildhall; whilst two commoners were

nominated by the commonalty attending at the Husting. But even the

latter nominations appear to have been in this instance confirmed by

the Common Council.[863] Six years later (viz., in 1529) the election

proceedings are recorded somewhat differently. The election took place

as before at the [court of] Husting in the Great Hall, the aldermen

were nominated by the mayor and aldermen in the Inner Chamber of the

Guildhall [_i.e._, in the Court of Aldermen] and were afterwards

ratified and confirmed by a large gathering of the commonalty (_immensa

communitas_) in the Great Hall, but the commoners were elected by

the commonalty without any subsequent ratification by the Common

Council.[864]

At what date the Livery--as distinct from the citizens at large--began

to usurp the functions of the commonalty and claim the exclusive right

of electing City members, is not clear; but that they did so monopolise

the Parliamentary franchise long before it was restricted to them

by the Election Act of 1725, there is ample evidence,[865] and they

continued to enjoy this monopoly until the passing of the Reform Act of

1832.

The City members enjoyed, as we have seen,[866] certain allowances by

way of "duties," "fees" or "wages," for their attendance in Parliament,

besides gowns, robes or liveries for themselves and their servants, and

a reasonable sum of money for expenses. According to Coke (4 Inst., p.

46) the fee or wage paid "time out of mind" to a knight of the shire

was four shillings a day, whilst that to a citizen or burgess was half

that sum;[867] and these same fees the City Chamberlain paid in 1584

to the alderman and the Recorder representing the City in Parliament,

presumably, in their capacity as knights of the shire (the City of

London itself constituting a county), and to the two commoners, sitting

as burgesses, respectively.[868] In 1628 a question was raised in the

House as to whether the aldermen representing the City in Parliment

ranked as knights, but no decision appears to have been arrived at.[869]

When the City members attended Parliament, they went as befitted the

representatives of the capital of the kingdom. Alderman and commoner

alike wore scarlet gowns richly trimmed with fur, for which they

received allowances, according to their dignity, of cloth and money.

An alderman was allowed ten yards of cloth for his gown, a commoner

five. Again, an alderman who had served as mayor received an allowance

of 100 shillings for fur; an alderman who had not passed the chair was

entitled to no more than 5 marks, whilst commoners received only half

that sum.

One "livery" a session was the usual allowance, provided that there

was not more than one session within the year; but when, as in 1532,

Parliament continued to sit for a number of years, an allowance in cash

was made to the members in lieu of another livery for themselves and

their servants. This cash payment amounted to £6 13_s._ 4_d._[870]

In addition to wages and allowances already mentioned, the City members

were allowed a certain amount of travelling (and other) expenses.

From the ancient treatise already referred to we gather that in this

respect (if in no other) they were customarily placed on an equality

with the knights of shires.[871] When Parliament sat at Westminster,

these travelling expenses amounted to little more than a shilling

a day--the sum allowed them for boat-hire;[872] when, on the other

hand, Parliament sat in some remote town, as it frequently did, they

were greater. Thus in 1296, when Parliament was to meet at Bury St.

Edmunds, the citizens voted their representatives 20 shillings a day

for travelling expenses.[873] The two aldermen who represented the City

in the Parliament held at York in 1298 were each allowed 100 shillings

and no more.[874] On the other hand when nearly a century later (1388),

Parliament sat at Cambridge, the City members were not only allowed

their travelling expenses, but the cost of their board and lodging, and

even their washing bills were discharged by the Corporation, the whole

amounting to upwards of £100, a large sum in those days.[875]

In the middle of the 15th century, viz., in Thomas Chalton's mayoralty

(1449-1450), the Common Council resolved that thenceforth the

allowance for expenses should not exceed 40 shillings a day, but ten

years later, when Parliament was to meet at Coventry, it showed a more

liberal spirit and undertook to repay any further disbursements that

the members might make for the honour and benefit of the City.[876] It

did the same in 1464, when Parliament was to have sat at York.[877]

How long the City continued to make payments and allowances to its

members is not clear. No doubt, as wealth increased and a seat in

the House was looked upon less as a burden, men were found ready to

undertake the duties on their own responsibility and without any

extraneous assistance, and the custom of payment of members by the City

became gradually obsolete. Take, for instance, the case of two of the

City's representatives in the Parliament of 1661. Whilst, on the one

hand, we find the Court of Aldermen authorising the Chamberlain to pay

to John Jones, a burgess, a daily allowance of four shillings--a sum

usually allowed knights of the shire--and this amount is recorded in

the City's Chamber Accounts as having been duly paid;[878] on the other

hand, we find alderman Sir John Frederick (elected member for the City

_loco_ alderman Fowke deceased) returning the fees and allowances paid

to him by the Chamberlain "for his full allowance for diett and boate

hire ... and for his Robes alsoe."[879]

Lastly, it is to be noted that on the occasion of the opening of a new

Parliament, the members for the City claim, and generally exercise, the

privilege of sitting on the Treasury or Privy Councillor's bench; but

on what grounds such privilege is claimed and allowed is not clear.[880]

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE CITY OF LONDON,

1284--1895.

1284.[881]

Henry le Waleys.

Gregory de Rokesle.

Philip Cissor.

Ralf Crepyn.

Joce le Acatour.

John de Gisors.

1296.[882]

Stephen Eswy.

William de Hereford.

1298.

Walter de Fynchyngfeld.

Adam de Foleham.

1300.[883] (March)

Geoffrey de Norton.

William de Betoyne.

John le Bancker.

William de Red.

[the first two returned.]

1305.

William de Combemartin.

Walter de Fynchyngfeld.

1307.

William de Combemartin.

Henry de Durham.

1309.

Henry de Durham.

William Servat.

1312.[884]

Nicholas de Farndon.

John de Wengrave.

Robert de Kelseye.

John de Sellyng _or_ David de Cotesbrok.

1312.[885]

Nicholas de Farndon.

John de Wengrave.

Robert de Kelseye.

1313.

Nicholas de Farndon.

William de Leyre.

William Servat.

Stephen de Abyndone.

1314.[886]

John de Gisors.

William de Leyre.

Robert de Kelseye.

Richer de Refham.

[or two of them.]

1315.

William de Leyre.

Henry de Durham.

1316.[887]

William de Combemartin.

John de Burford.

Ralph de Walcote.

William de Flete.

Simon de Abyndon.

1318.

John de Cherleton.

William de Flete.

Roger le Palmere.

1319.[888]

Hugh de Waltham.

William de Flete.

William de Hacford.

Michael Mynot.

John Waldeshef.

[or three of them.]

1320.

Nicholas de Farndon.

Anketin de Gisors.

Henry Monquoi.

Roger Hosebonde.

1321.[889]

Nicholas de Farndon.

Hamo Godchep.

John Sterre.

Thomas Prentiz.

[three or two of them.]

1322. (May)

Robert de Swalclyve.

Reginald de Conduit.

William de Hacford.

Gregory de Norton.

[three or two of them.]

1322. (Nov.)

Walter Crepyn.

Thomas de Chetyngdon.

1324.

Anketin de Gisors.

Henry de Seccheford.

1325.

Anketin de Gisors.

Henry de Seccheford.

1327. (Jan.)

Anketin de Gisors.

Henry de Seccheford.

Reginald de Conduit.

Thomas de Leyre.

Edmund Cosyn.

John Steere [Sterre?].

[two to attend.]

1327. (Sept.)

Benedict de Fulsham.

Robert de Kelseye.

1328. (Feb.)

Richard de Betoyne.

Robert de Kelseye.

John de Grantham.

John Priour, jun.

1328. (April)

Richard de Betoyne.

Robert de Kelseye.

1328. (Oct.)

Stephen de Abyndone.

Robert de Kelseye.

1330. (Mar.)

Stephen de Abyndone.

John de Caustone.

1330. (Nov.)

John de Grantham.

Reginald de Conduit.

Stephen de Abyndone.

[or two of them.]

1332. (Mar.)

Anketin de Gisors.

John de Caustone.

John Priour, jun.

Thomas de Chetyngdon.

[three or two of them.]

1332. (Sept.)

Reginald de Conduit.

John de Caustone.

Anketin de Gisors.

Thomas de Chetyngdon.

[three or two of them.]

1332.[890] (Dec.)

Richard de la Pole.

Thomas de Chetyngdon.

Henry Monquoi.

[or two of them.]

1334.

Reginald de Conduit.

John de Caustone.

Roger de Depham.

1335.

Richard de Rothingge.

Richard le Lacer.

Roger de Forsham.

[or two of them.]

1336.[891] (Mar.)

Henry de Seccheford.

Thomas de Chetyngdon.

1336. (Sept.)

John de Caustone.

Richard de Hakenaye.

1337. (Jan.)

Reginald de Conduit.

John de Caustone.

1337. (Sept.)

Reginald de Conduit.

Benedict de Fulsham.

1338. (Feb.)

John de Grantham.

Andrew Aubrey.

Ralph de Upton.

Richard de Rothingge.

1338. (July)

Ralph de Upton.

Bartholomew Deumars.

1339. (Jan.)

Simon Fraunceys.

John de Northalle.

1339. (Oct.)

Simon (Fraunceys).

John (de Nort) halle.

1340.[892] (Jan.)

William de Brikelesworth.

John de Mockyng.

Adam Lucas.

London and the Kingdom - Volume 3 A History Derived Mainly from the Archives at Guildhall in the Custody of the Corporation of the City of London. · 第 11 / 14 章

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