Pages 229-256
Analytical Index to the Series of Records Known as the Remembrancia 1579-1664. Originally published by EJ Francis, London, 1878.
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Naval And Military Affairs.
I. 18. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, referring to a former order of the twelfth year of Her
Majesty's reign, directing the City to have in readiness a certain
number of men properly armed, to be sent to the succour of Kent or
Essex if any attempt should be made by the enemy to land there,
and requesting that a view be at once taken in the different Wards
and Divisions where the men are appointed to be levied. In case
any of them had died or departed out of the said Wards, &c., their
places should be immediately supplied with other able and serviceable
men, properly armed, and the whole should be mustered by the
1st of March next.
The last of January, 1579.
I. 19. Letter from Sir Francis Walsingham to the Lord Mayor,
complaining of the neglect of the training of Shott (fn. 1) in the City of
London, according to former letters sent to the Lord Mayor and
Aldermen, in the nineteenth year of Her Majesty's reign, and directing
that the same be proceeded with until further orders.
14th June, 1580.
I. 20. Letter from the Lord Mayor to Sir Francis Walsingham
in reply, stating, with reference to former orders for the training of
3,000 Shitt, that they had been carried into execution, but that in the
following summer, the plague increasing in London, Sir Thomas
Ramsey, then Mayor, received orders restraining the same. No
further directions had been received until recently, when the Council
required 3,000 men to be in readiness, 2,000 shott, (fn. 2) and 1,000 pikes, (fn. 3)
for the defence of the realm, in which no mention was made of the
renewing of the former order.
15th June, 1580.
I. 21. Letter from Sir Francis Walsingham to the Lord Mayor,
in reference to Her Majesty's commission for the mustering (fn. 4) of 2,000
shott and 1,000 pikemen, and stating that the commission had been
sent to Mr. Powle, the warrant having been signed some time since
and sent to the Lord Chancellor. As to the training of the other
2,000 shott, formerly appointed, and stayed on account of the plague,
that cause having been removed, the men should now be trained
according to Her Majesty's commission and instruction, given in the
ninth year of her reign.
16th June, 1580.
I. 22. Letter from the Lord of Council to the Lord Mayor
upon the same subject.
Dated from Monsuch, 19th June, 1580.
I. 44. Letter from the Lord Mayor to Lord Wentworth, (fn. 5) informing him that the Court of Aldermen, in obedience to the order of the
Council for renewing the training of 3,000 shott, and the mustering of
1,000 pikes, had appointed Mile End Fields as the most convenient
place for the muster, and had ordered marks to be set up to practice
at, and requesting his consent thereto.
25th June 1580.
I. 46. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Chancellor, Sir
Thomas Bromley, Knight, reciting former letters and instructions
received for the mustering and training of 2,000 shott and 1,000 pikes,
in which it had been promised that Her Majesty's commission for the
same should be forwarded to them, which being delayed, they had
been directed to apply to Mr. Powle. In order to prevent further
delay, precepts had been sent to all the companies for raising the
number of men required, since which they had received, directly
contrary to the former instructions, a commission for the mustering
of the whole City, from the age of sixteen to forty, with horsemen
and archers, whereof, by express mention, the Lords of the Star
Chamber had discharged them. Whereas Mr. Powle should
have sent a commission as to a shire, and not as to a town corporate within any shire, he had picked out a precedent of some
such corporate town within a shire, and made the commission, and
annexed instructions accordingly. The Lord Mayor therefore
besought his Lordship to cause the said commission to be reformed,
expounded, and special instructions to be sent, and in the mean time
asked his advice as to whether the training of the 3,000 men should
be proceeded with. He further requested to be informed of the
Council's pleasure concerning the mustering of the Ward of Bridge
Without, which is that part of Southwark that by Charter is within
the City's oversight, rule, and governance.
26th June, 1580.
I. 48. Letter from the Lord Mayor to Sir Francis Walsingham,
Knight, Principal Secretary, upon the same subject, stating that the
Lord Chancellor had expressed his opinion that the City should be relieved, and a new commission issued, signed by six of the Lords of the
Council. In the mean time the mustering and training of the 2,000
shott and 1,000 pikes should be proceeded with.
27th June, 1580.
I. 97. Letter from Robert Levesey, a Justice of the Peace in
Surrey, to the Lord Mayor, calling his attention to some of the
Articles annexed to the Queen's Commission, addressed to the
nobility and others, for general musters to be taken in the County of
Surrey, and stating that sundry Freemen of London, inhabiting and
dwelling within that Country, were not only chargeable within the
City to find men and armour, but some were also eligible to serve in
the County. The Companies of the City had the power to call upon
their members living in the County and its neighbourhood to proceed
to the muster of the Citizens. In his opinion it would be more
reasonable if all men were chargeable in the place where their
dwelling was situated.
16th April, 1580.
I. 106. Letter from the Queen, under signet, to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, directing them to levy immediately, in the City
and Liberties, 300 soldiers, furnished with calyvers (not meaning
the trained shott of the City) for service in Ireland, to be ready
by the 20th inst., to be sent by sea or otherwise, as should be
appointed by the Privy Council. Order would be taken for their
coat and conduct-money, (fn. 6) and directions given under what Captains
they were to serve.
Nonsuch, 7th July, 1580.
I. 107. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, reciting the above Order, and directing that 100 men
be appointed to serve in such of H.M. ships as were ready to be
sent to Ireland, and the other 200 committed to the leading of
Edward Deny (fn. 7) and Walter Rowley, (fn. 8) Esqs., 100 to each, who, for that
purpose, had been directed to repair to the City to view and take
charge of the men, and conduct them according to the direction of
Lord Grey, (fn. 9) who had been appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland.
Oatlands, 15th July, 1580.
I. 108. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lords of the Council,
complaining of the allowance paid by the Lord Treasurer to the
soldiers mustered for service in Ireland—viz., to 200 men for their
coats, 4s. each, and a halfpenny a mile travelling expenses to Gillingham, whereas the coats had cost 8s. each, and the soldiers, would have
to go further than the place above named. He requests that the
Lord Treasuer might be directed to grant a further allowance for
expenses, &c.
21st July, 1580.
I. 109. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, stating that Her Majesty had lately received information of the landing of certain foreign forces in Ireland (fn. 10) to assist her
rebellious subjects there, and directing the levy of 500 able men, to be
furnished with harquebusses, swords, and daggers, 200 to be in readiness by the 3rd of next month, the other 200 by the 8th, and to be
prepared to march at an hour's warning.
26th September, 1580.
I. 110. Letter from the Queen, under signet, to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, directin the levy of men as above stated.
Richmond, 26th September, 1580.
I. III. Letter from Sir Francis Walsingham to Mr. John
Hawkins, (fn. 11) Treasurer of the Navy, directing him to deliver to the
Companies of the City 100 pieces, with powder-flasks, and touchboxes, (fn. 12) and murryon, (fn. 13) which Captain Warde (fn. 14) had received of them
at the sending out of the last 300 men, and delivered, as he certified,
into H.M. storehouse, the soldiers being otherwise furnished out of
H.M. ships.
28th September, 1580.
I. 112. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord, Mayor,
reciting Letter (No. 109) and Warrant (No.110), and directing that 200
of the said Shot (men), be delivered, with their coats and furniture, to
George Acres, Gent., who had been appointed to take charge of them,
and to repair with all speed to Chester; and the other 300 to the
charge of Sir Thomas Manners, (fn. 15) Knight, The Council request the
Lord Mayor to aid Mr. Acres in providing a surgeon, two drummers,
and two fifers, to accompany his force.
October, 1580.
There is a note to this letter, that orders had been given to the Lord Treasurer, to pay to the City the sum disbursed by them for coats and conduct-money, for the whole number of 500.
I. 113. Letter from the Lords, of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
informing him that the Officers of the Navy had reported that
Mariners who had been appointed to serve in Her Highness's ships,
withdrew themselves by stealth, and took service with the merchants for some foreign voyages, to the hindrance of H.M. service,
and directing him to issue a proclamation within the City and
Liberties, in Her Majesty's name, prohibiting any merchant, owner,
or others, from taking such mariners without a licence from the
Admiral, and warning those who forsook the service of the punishment provided by the law.
30th September, 1580.
I. 114. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
informing him that Sir Thomas Manners, Thomas North, brother to
Lord North, (fn. 16) Brian Fitzwilliams, (fn. 17) Captains Barnes, Crewse, Hard,
York, and Tenner, had been appointed to proceed to the seaside, to
take charge, as captains, of such bands of footmen as had been levied
in sundry shires of the realm for service in Ireland. Being in want
of surgeons and drummers, they had been instructed to repair to the
City, and the Council requested the Lord Mayor to assist them in
obtaining the number required.
4th October, 1580.
I. 145. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
directing that the 300 trained soldiers to be provided by the City, and
delivered to Sir Thomas Manner, should be now otherwise bestowed,
viz., 200 to be delivered to Thomas North, Esq., brother of Lord
North, and 100 to William Scopham, to be by them conducted to
Chester, and further requesting the Lord Mayor to assist the officers
above named to procure surgeons, drummers, and other necessaries
needful within the City.
8th October, 1580.
I. 146. Letter from Sir Francis Walsingham to the Lord Mayor,
to the like effect.
8th October, 1580.
I. 147. Letter from the Lords of the council to the Lord Mayor,
informing him that William Russell, (fn. 18) Esq., son of the Earl of Bedford,
and Brain Fitzwilliams, Esq., had been appointed to the command of
certain light horsemen, directed to repair upon Her Majesty's service
to Ireland, and that Edward Barkley, Esq., had been appointed to the
charge of certain footmen, and requesting the Lord Mayor to assist
them in providing trumpeters, smiths, and surgeons.
10th October, 1580.
I. 161. Letter from the Earl of Lincoln to the Lord Mayor,
stating that Her Majesty, being desirous of knowing what number of
Ship Masters, Marines, and Seamen, were living within her realm, had
commanded search to be made in all ports, havens, and other places.
As many Masters, Mariners, and Seamen belonging to the Port of
London had houses, and dwelt within the Liberties of the City, it
had been thought good that orders should be given to every Alderman
of the City to make search, by himself or his deputy, in his ward, and
put in writing the names and parishes where they dwelt, and forward
the same to the Serjeant of the Admiralty.
15th December, 1580.
I. 344. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Sheriffs and
the Justices of the Peace of the County of Middlesex, informing them
that sundry counties of the realm had made suit to the Council, to
be relieved of the charge of maintaining such soldiers as were by Her
Majesty's order appointed yearly to be trained. The Council had
cause to hope that by this time all the shires in the realm were well
and sufficiently provided with convenient furniture, and able and
skilful men, to be ready, upon accident, to serve Her Majesty and
their country, and had, therefore, been the more ready to accede to
this request. To the intent that it might not seem to be a peculiar
favour, showed only to those shires which desired to be eased of that
yearly charge, but common to all, even as the burden and charge
had been, they had thought it convenient to signify to the Justices
that they might from henceforth forbear the training of the soldiers
allotted to them, until otherwise directed, taking, nevertheless, good
and substantial order that, upon any occasion of service, the number of
the trained men should be in readiness, and their furniture well kept.
20th May, 1582.
I. 583. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Treasurer,
acknowledging the letters of Her Majesty and the Council, touching
the furnishing of certain soldiers, and levying of money for the same
use, and stating that order had been taken accordingly. A number
of persons, strangers and others, inhabiting within the Liberties and
exempt places of the City, had utterly refused to contribute to the
collection. He therefore requested that letters might be directed to
him from the Council, expressly mentioning that the collection should
be made, as well upon the inhabitants of the said Liberties as other
places of the City, and so prevent any further opposition.
28th January, 1590.
I. 592. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Treasurer,
stating that, upon the charge given by Her Majesty for the furnishing
of certain soldiers, and levying of money, certain Committees had
been appointed by the Court of Aldermen to view the armour, and
to assess every man rateably, according to his ability, not exempting
Her Majesty's servants living in the City, and enjoying its liberties and
benefits. The Committees had brought in the names of divers men
who refused to make any allowance, among them appeared Mr.
Morgan, Her Majesty's Apothecary, and Mr. Bestow, her Turner, men
of known wealth. He therefore requested that charge might be
made to the said parties to pay the sums assessed upon them, or
that proceeding should be taken against them according to the
custom of the City. Upon visiting the several bounds, according to
order, the controversy between the City and the Tower had been
again revived. He therefore requested that a Commission of indifferent
men should be appointed under the Great Seal, to hear and determine
the controversy.
3rd June, 1592.
I. 594. Letter from the Committees appointed by the Common
Council to the Lord Mayor, stating that they had received the
answer of the Lord High Admiral to the articles set down, and desired
to be agreed to by the Common Council, touching certain necessary
points to be observed on their behalf. (fn. 19) Finding some difference
between his Lordship's answer and the said Articles, in some material
points, the Committee had thought it right to note the same, and
to remind the Lord Mayor of what had passed at the general
assembly, viz.:—That they willingly yielded to furnish six ships and
one pinnace, for this present service, upon condition that the Articles
might likewise be accepted and ratified by Her Majesty, under
which conditions, and not otherwise, the Common Council had
agreed to lay this burden and service upon the Committee, to see
the said ships furnished with all speed. They had, therefore, thought
it their duty to inform his Lordship of the facts, and to request
him to reassemble the Common Council, that they might give such
further directions as to them should appear meet, or to appoint
certain of the Aldermen to confer with the Lord High Treasurer
and the Lord Admiral about the Articles as they then stood, which
the Committee trusted would be agreed to without any material
alterations, otherwise they thought they had not sufficient warrant
from the Common Council to deal further therein.
17th June, 1592.
I. 595. Letter from the Court of Aldermen to the Lords of the
Council, stating that they had received Her Majesty's pleasure
touching the levy of money for furnishing of soldiers and other
necessary uses for her service, in which the privileged and exempt
places within the City had been charged to contribute; this they
had refused to do, to the great dissatisfaction of the rest of the
Citizens. The Court requested the Council to again signify to them,
in some more earnest manner, that all such charges and contributions of money for the public service should be levied rateably
upon the inhabitants within the said privileged and exempt places, as
well as without, as also upon all strangers and foreigners not charged
for the like service in any other place. The privileged places had
been made sanctuaries for all who were unwilling to serve, and who
resorted there to protect themselves when any press of soldiers was
made, whereby the City had been driven to take those less fitted for
service. The Court of Aldermen, therefore, requested that order
might be given to subject such privileged places to such levies as the
rest of the City.
6th July, 1591.
I. 596. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Treasurer, concerning the Fleet to be set forth by the City, which would be ready
to go to sea in four days, with the exception of one ship, and
requesting him and the Lord Admiral to signify their pleasure whether
they should be despatched as they were got ready, or remain until
the whole Fleet, could set out together. As it appeared necessary
that such Mariners as had been pressed should be at once on shipboard, the men being already in receipt of their allowance of victuals
and pay, he requested that a Proclamation might be made in London
and Ratcliff, according to former custom.
8th July, 1592.
I. 597. Copy of Proclamation commanding all Mariners and Soldiers already pressed and hereafter to be pressed to proceed on the voyage, under the command of Lord Thomas Howard, in the ships and pinnace provided by the City, to be on board daily between the hours of seven in the morning and six at night, doing such services as the captains of the ships should appoint.
I. 600. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Treasurer,
informing him that the Committees appointed for the furnishing of
the City's ships would go down to Gravesend that day to see that the
whole number of mariners were on shipboard, and all other things
necessary were in good order, and requesting him to sign the enclosed
letter, or some other to the like effect. Also reminding him of the
certificate sent from the Master of the Trinity House touching the
new mills (fn. 20) to be erected near London Bridge, and beseeching him to
obtain Her Majesty's leave to proceed with the building before the
removal of the Court from London.
26th July, 1592.
I. 604. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Treasurer and
Lord Admiral, stating that he had received certain letters from the
Committees who had the charge and oversight of furnishing such ships
for London as were to depart for service on the coast of Spain,
whereby it appeared that there were wanting at least 200 mariners
who had taken prest money for that service. He had issued a
proclamation in the City and suburbs, for the supply of the number
required.
27th July, 1592.
I. 608. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Treasurer,
stating that letters had been received from the captains of the fleet,
lately sent forth by the City, from which it appeared that they had
taken four fleeboats, (fn. 21) with sixty-eight serviceable horses on board,
which, by reason of their haste in the present voyage, they had
delivered over to Sir Henry Palmer, (fn. 22) to await the directions of the
Council. He therefore requested that some speedy directions might
be given to Sir Henry Palmer as to their disposal.
17th August, 1592.
I. 618. Letter from the Committees appointed by the Common
Council to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Admiral, touching the
provisions and husbandings of the Fleet set forth by the City, under
the command of Lord Thomas Howard, and stating that, the service
having been performed long since, the City would have been right
glad to have laid off the burden of any further dealing in the survey
and partition of the purchase now brought home. The City had had
a conference with the Commissioners appointed by Her Majesty, who
were of opinion that neither in equity nor in the words of the articles
signed ought the ships which departed home from under the government of Lord Thomas Howard, before the coming of the West India
Fleet, to be reckoned within this consortment, or to have any share or
partition in this purchase.
20th December, 1592.
I. 620. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Admiral,
stating that, upon receipt of the instructions from the Lords of the
Council for the taking up of one hundred able men within the City
and suburbs, for furnishing and completing the garrisons at Ostend,
precepts were issued to the Officers of the Wards, to take up and
commit to prison all manner of loose men, being sound and healthful
of body, to be delivered over to such sergeants and officers of war as
should be assigned. Four night walkers were taken upon London
Bridge, and committed to the Poultry Compter. Mr. Sergeant Smallwood complained that the said number of 100 men could not be
furnished, and requested that the compters and prisons might be
surveyed, and that he might have such able men as were not in
prison for debt. Thereupon the said sergeant, assisted by the
authorities, made such survey, and took such men as were fit for
service, among them those taken on the bridge, undertaking that, if
they proved themselves to be any honest men's servants, he would
surrender them. The Lord Mayor trusted that the steps taken would
be approved.
31st December, 1592.
I. 638. Letter from the Queen to the Lord Mayor, informing
him of the necessity of sending armed men to assist the forces already
in Normandy, (fn. 23) and directing him to cause the number of 350 soldiers,
well armed and weaponed with pikes and muskets, whereof three
parts should be pikes and the others musketeers, to be chosen out of
the trained bands within the City and Liberties, and to be committed
to the charge of captains, to be sent by the Privy Council, 150 men
to each captain, to be shipped with all speed to Dieppe, in Normandy.
The coat and conduct money, and the charges for transportation
would be answered by Sir Thomas Sherley, (fn. 24) Knight, treasurer of the
forces serving in Normandy.
Westminster, 19th February, 1592.
II. 2. Warrant from the Queen to the Lord Mayor, for raising
300 men within the City and liberties, to be sent under the care
and charge of Sir Francis Vere, (fn. 25) Knight, to assist the States of the
United Provinces of the Low Countries.
23rd January, 1593.
II. 3. Warrant from Her Majesty to the Lord Mayor, for raising
and arming 450 trained soldiers to assist the forces of the King of
France in recapturing the haven of Brest from the King of Spain.
16th July, 1594.
II. 4. Letter from the Lords of the Council with reference to
the raising of 300 men mentioned in the Queen's warrant.
26th January, 1593.
II. 5. Letter from the Earl of Essex to the Lord Mayor,
requesting him to expedite the raising of the forces mentioned in
the Queen's warrant, to be under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Sir Francis Veer [Vere] and Captain Yaxley. (fn. 26)
3rd January, 1593.
II. 26. A note of the ships, tons, and mariners to be set forth by the City:—
Ships. | Tons. | Mariners. |
---|---|---|
The Assentation. | 400 | 100 |
The Consent | 350 | 100 |
The Susan Bonadventure | 300 | 70 |
The Cherubine | 300 | 70 |
The Minion | 180 | 50 |
The Primrose | 180 | 50 |
The Pynnesse | 50 | 20 |
For these men the City to bear the charge.
18th July, 1594.
II. 27. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor, with reference to the raising and furnishing 450 men, with
corsletts, (fn. 27) and not with curates, (fn. 28) and authorizing them, if any fled
out of the City to avoid the service, to cause them to return.
20th July, 1594.
II. 30. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
informing him that it was Her Majesty's pleasure that the City should
furnish 350 soldiers, instead of 450, and that one third part should be
furnished with pikes, another part musketts, and the third part
callyvers, (fn. 29) and that they should embark from London under the
charge of Sir John Norris (fn. 30) on the 1st of August.
28th July, 1594.
II. 35. Letter from Lord Burghley to the Lord Mayor, requesting
him to cause a list to be made of the ships, with their tonnage, and
the number of soldiers and mariners on board, which accompanied
Her Majesty's fleet for service in Brittaine.
21st October, 1594.
II. 37. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
requesting him to satisfy the owners of ships lately employed for the
service of Brest.
30th December, 1594.
II. 42. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
requesting him to see that the captains, masters, owners, and mariners
of the ships furnished by the City for the relief of Brest were satisfied.
24th December, 1594.
II. 52. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, directing them to pay immediately to Rowland Cotemore, for setting forth the ships for the late service at Brest, the sum
of 200l., in order that he might be in readiness to serve Her Majesty
in the Susan Bonadventure, in the intended voyage at sea under Sir
Francis Drake (fn. 31) and Sir John Hawkins.
5th April, 1595.
II. 56. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
intimating that directions had been given to the lieutenants of the
maritime and inland counties to have in readiness a special number
of men, well armed, to protect the havens and places of descent on
the coasts, and directing the City to provide 3,000 men, to be sent to
the lieutenants of the counties of Kent and Essex, if the enemy
should attempt to land their forces in those counties, and that the
forces to be raised should be put into bands, to be led by some
principal gentlemen of the City,—with every 1,000 footmen, 100
pioneers, furnished with instruments to intrench and fortify; also a
good supply of powder, lead, matches, provisions, and carts with small
nags to carry their arms, &c., and a reasonable aid of horsemen, with
lances, staves, or petrinalls, (fn. 32) and that these should be furnished with
all diligence, as Her Majesty had been credibly advertised that the
King of Spain, moved with the shame and disgrace done to him in
his own kingdom by Her Majesty's army in the enterprise at Cales
(Calais), had resolved to take some speedy revenge, and had made
great preparation of shipping and forces at Lisbon and other parts of
Spain for that purpose.
Richmond, 31st October, 1596.
II. 57. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
informing him that Her Majesty had been advertised that some of
the ships of the King of Spain had put to sea, and directing him to
send immediately three of the best ships belonging to the City on the
river Thames to Tilbury Hope, to ride some good distance therefrom,
and give intelligence of any attempt that the enemy might happen to
make.
31st October, 1596.
Postscript.— "It is thought meet that one of the said ships shall remain between the two Blockhouses at Gravesend, and to stay all such shipping as they shall suspect."
II. 58. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lords of the Council,
in answer to the two preceeding letters, praying their Lordships to
reconsider their demands; alleging that in the year 1588 the City
furnished only 1,000 men out of the 10,000 ordered to be sent by them
to Tilbury, and expressing the dissatisfaction of the citizens at the evil
success of their adventure in the last voyage, whereof they saw no fruit
at all, nor any part of the principal itself of 19,000l. spent by them in
the late successful expedition to Calais.
3rd November, 1596.
II. 61. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, directing them, the City of London being the chiefest
city of the whole realm, and in wealth far exceeding many of the rest,
to raise 10,000 men, as they did in 1588, 3,000 well armed, &c., to be
sent, if required, to assist the forces of Kent and Essex in the defence
of the coast.
8th November, 1596.
II. 80. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lords of the Council,
agreeing to submit the complaint of the owners of ships furnished by
the City, for certain charges for pay and victuals, to the Arbitrators
appointed to determine the question between the City and the Contractors.
1st January, 1594.
II. 101. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lords of the Council,
soliciting them to send some of Her Majesty's ships to the northward
against certain Dunkerkers (fn. 33) who haunted the seas, to the great
hindrance of trade.
19th July, 1595.
II. 118. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord High Admiral,
informing his Lordship that he had lately been given to understand
by an honest merchant who came from Hamburgh, of fourteen sail
of Hamburgh ships bound for Spain, laden with corn, powder, great
brazen ordnance, and cable rope, intended to furnish so great and
captial an enemy to Her Majesty and this realm, and expressing a
wish that they might be intercepted.
3rd November, 1595.
II. 140. Reasons exhibited to the Lord Mayor and his brethren
the Aldermen by the Committee for Land and Sea Service, which the
Commons of this City desire to be intimated to the Lords of the
Privy Council, to induce rebatement of the number of ships and
trained soldiers required in this present service, equal to that of the
year 1588.
(Circa 1596.)
II. 145. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord High Admiral,
informing him of the steps taken by the Committee appointed by the
City for impressing ships into Her Majesty's service, and requesting a
letter of commission, with full authority for the taking up of twelve
ships and two pinnaces at Her Majesty's price.
7th February, 1595.
II. 155. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Treasurer,
requesting him to issure a warrant to the Justices of the Peace, and
other officers of the county of Kent, to assist those appointed by the
City for recovering the armour, valued at 1,000 marks, empawned,
sold, or otherwise made away with by the soldiers and officers in that
county.
21st April, 1596.
II. 173. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lords of the Council,
for permission to appoint a competent number of discreet Freemen to
be instructed how to use themselves and their weapons in warlike
manner, and so to be able to lead the rest for the defence of the City.
April, 1600.
II. 185. Warrant from the Queen (Elizabeth) to the Lord Mayor
for levying 500 men out of the Trained Bands of the City, to be armed
and provisioned at the expense of Her Majesty, for service in Ireland,
on account of the invasion of that kingdom by the Spaniards. (fn. 34)
6th January, 1601.
II. 186. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
upon the same subject, directing their embarkation from the Port of
Bristol.
7th January, 1601.
II. 204. The Petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and
Commons, to the Lords of the Council, concerning the late command
of Her Majesty to levy 1,000 men within the City, and to furnish
3,500l., after the rate of 3l. 10s. per man, and beseeching them to
use their honourable mediation with Her Majesty for the abatement
of the number of men and the amount of money.
(Circa 1601.)
II. 207. Same as No. 173.
II. 21 I. Petition from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty
to the Queen (Elizabeth), beseeching her acceptance of two Galleys to assist
in the defence of the realm.
(Circa 1601)
II. 221. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Principal Officers of Her Majesty's Navy,
informing them that the Galleys lately built by the City, for the service of the State, were almost furnished,
but requesting that anything wanting might be supplied out of the Tower.
The City would pay for the same upon a certificate being made.
10th September, 1602.
II. 228. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lords
of the Council, as to the fitting out of two ships and
a pinnesse, to be employed against the Dunkirkers in the narrow seas, and the refusal of the
Merchants to contribute towards the same.
(Circa 1602)
II. 350. Letter from the
Lord Mayor to Sir William Waad, Knight, (fn. 35)
Lieutenant of the Tower of London, as to the relief of
Robert Middleton, a poor soldier.
1st September, 1609.
II. 359. Letter from Sir William Waad to the Lord Mayor,
the Justices of the Peace, and Treasurer for Maimed Soldiers in the City,
bringing to their notice the case of Robert Middleton, and praying
that he might be relieved.
26th August, 1609.
VI. 70. Order of the Privy Council, reciting that the Recorder
and divers Aldermen and Commoners of the City of London had that
day informed them that the City had assented to the setting forth of the
twenty ships required for the King's service, and had also presented divers
Petitions to the Council on behalf of the City. 'Whereupon the Council had ordered:
First,—That persons appointed by the City should have power given them by the
Commissioners of the Navy for the pressing of ships and mariners, and other
persons necessary for manning the same. Secondly,—That they
should be furnished by Mr. Evelyn with powder, for which they should pay to the
Officers of the Ordnance, from whom also the powder was to be received, part
of the powder at the rate of 8½d. per pound, and the rest at 10d. per pound.
Thirdly,—The City should nominate all the
officers except the captains, whose nomination appertained to the
Lord High Admiral. Fourthly,—If the service should be ended before
the victuals were spent, the City should have "Letters of Marte"
granted them against all the King's enemies, and might, in the mean
time, use the ships for their own benefit against all the King's
enemies, paying no other duties than if "Letters of Marque" had
been formerly granted to them. Lastly,—In the assessment for this
service, all the inhabitants of the City and Liberties, except noblemen,
though not free of the City, should be contributory, according to their
estates within the City and Liberties only, and not in other counties,
for which they would be liable in such counties.
(Circa 1624.)
VI. 71. A Private Letter from Sir Robert Heath, AttorneyGeneral, to the Lord Mayor, stating that he was present in the
Council Chamber during the debate as to the twenty ships required
of the City for the defence of the coast and kingdom. Though from
his duty he could not discover the Council's secrets, yet, from his love
to the City, he ventured, as a friend, to let them know that, if the
service were neglected, such resolution had been taken by His
Majesty and the Council as they would all be sorry for. The defence
of the kingdom was not a matter to be disputed upon, nor the
manner of it governed by ordinary rules of private cases. He had
received instructions, out of apprehension of their backwardness,
which he trusted might never be put in execution. The Lord Mayor
might make such use of the letter among his private friends as he
thought fit, so that the writer was not prejudiced.
(Circa 1624–5.)
VI. 72. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Court of Aldermen, reciting that they had received by some of
the Aldermen, a denial, in the name of the City, to their late letter for
the setting forth of shipping for the defence of the kingdom, and the
excuses made they could not truly impute to anything but want of
duty. They therefore, in His Majesty's name and by his command,
required them to see the directions of their letter perforemed, upon
their allegiance, and as they would answer the contrary at their peril.
Whitehall, 8th August, 1626.
VI. 75. Letter from the King to the Lord Mayor and Court of
Aldermen, stating that, having by the advice of his Council thought
fit once again to assail the enemy on his own coasts, by setting forth
a strong and well furnished fleet, he found it necessary to have in
readiness a like sufficient fleet for guarding the coasts and repelling
any attempts which might be made from Flanders or Spain;
being informed that upon similar occasions the City of London had
formerly set out and completely furnished twenty ships, His Majesty,
expecting like readiness, authorized and expressly required them to
prepare, with all speed, the same number of twenty ships, similarly
furnished. That no delay might occur to frustrate his design, the
Lord High Admiral was commanded to give them authority to take
such ships (to the number above mentioned) as should be fittest for
the purpose, and to press as many mariners and others as should be
needful. As he aimed at nothing but the public safety of the State
and religion, in which the City of London had as great an interest as
any other member of his dominions, he did not doubt of their ready
obedience and full performance of their duty to God, their King, and
country.
Westminster, 1st September, 2 Charles I. (1626).
VI. 93. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor,
reciting that, by a Certificate from the Commissioners of the Navy and
those of the Trinity House, assisted by persons appointed by the
Lord Mayor, according to their letters of the 7th inst., they found
that, for the guarding and securing of the River Thames, it was considered that, besides the defence thereof by land, ten Newcastle ships,
of 200 tons burden and upwards, ought to be provided, to be
furnished with twelve demi-culverins, or sakers, (fn. 36) at least, and manned
by thirty men apiece, part of them at the mouth of the river below
Leigh, and part at Tilbury Hope. As it appeared that upon former
similar cause of danger, four galleys were provided, and the City of
London had borne the charge of furnishing and maintaining two of
them, the Council thought it just that the same course should be now
adopted by an equal division of the charges between the King and
the City of London. They therefore required the Lord Mayor to
take order that five of the ten ships should be, with all convenient
expedition, furnished and maintained by the City in the same manner
as the other five should be at His Majesty's charge.
Whitehall, 23rd January, 1625.
VI. 95. Letter from the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, in reply (to Letter No. 93), stating that, having taken their requirements into their serious consideration, they begged the Council to think of the existing state of the City, after many hindrances, the particulars
of which were well known, and after the late heavy affliction God had
laid upon it, (fn. 37) and to free it from so heavy a burden, which its revenues
were not able to bear. They did not, moreover, conceive the service
such as concerned them otherwise than the whole kingdom, the
defence of which was a regal work. The Council had instanced the
two galleys built in Queen Elizabeth's time, but they were ordered by
Act of Common Council, in the time of an open invasion, and continued but a while, the City, also, being then in a far better estate than
now by a third part at least; yet so much exclamation followed, that
they doubted whether an Act of Common Council for what was now
required could be obtained.
(Circa 1625.)
VI. 96. Letter from the King, under signet, to the Lord Mayor,
stating that he had cause to depress the disorders with which the
City and parts about it were threatened by mariners and seamen, who,
in tumultuous manner, had come through the City to the Court, to
demand money, notwithstanding that they were well in clothes and
had victuals, and had his Royal word, by his principal officers, that
they should be paid. Nevertheless, they mutinously persisted to
capitulate with him, which gave him just cause to think they intended
some other or further mischief. He therefore required the Lord
Mayor to assemble two, three, or four companies of the Trained
Bands, and place them at the gates, and other convenient places, to
stop any mariners or seafaring men, or others who sought to pass in a
tumultuous manner into the suburbs, or towards the Court, and if he
heard of any assemblies of such persons in an inordinate manner in
the City or suburbs, to sends some discreet person there, with force to
disperse or apprehend them, and if they resisted or offered force, to
endeavour, by shot or other weapons, to depress them. This letter
should be his authority and discharge for any action or accident that
might happen.
Westminster, 2nd February, 2 Charles I. (1626).
VI. 97. Copy of a Proclamation for the suppressing and dispersing of seamen, mariners, and other loose persons gathered together
in tumultuous manner, in and about the City of London.
Dated Westminster, 2nd February, 2 Charles I. (1626).
VI. 98. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, stating that the King had, by the advice of his
Councils, both of State and of War, determined—firstly, with a new and
strong fleet, once again to assail the Spaniard in his own ports; and
secondly, to prepare and arm at home, so that he might secure his
own coasts, and repel any attempts against him, either from Flanders
or Spain. Considering our religion, liberties, lives, and estates, were
therein no less interested than His Majesty's safety and honour, he
could not doubt that all his loving subjects would show their forwardness and courage in performing no less (or rather more) than had
been formerly done. As these great occasions required all the
strength and power of the Navy, and also the arming of a considerable number of his subjects' ships, he had, to make the burden more
easy, commanded such a distribution to be made among the ports
and coast towns, that most help should be required from the places of
most power. Therefore, it was appointed that the City should set to
sea twenty of the best ships in the river, victualled for three months.
If seamen were wanted to supply the requisite number, the Lord
Mayor might employ some Watermen among them, and might
employ a third part of strong and able-bodied men, fit only to use
muskets, for levy of whom a sufficient commission should be issued.
When the ships were ready, they were to be hastened to the rendezvous
at Portsmouth, at the latest by the 4th of September.
Whitehall, 4th August, 1626.
VI. 101. Letter from the King, under signet, to the Lord Mayor,
stating he was informed that divers Companies appointed to be
brought to a rendezvous at the Port of London, to be sent for the
service of his uncle, the King of Denmark, were defective in number,
and could only be supplied by a press, to be made in the City, and
requiring him to give directions for levying 100 men accordingly, to
be disposed of agreeably to the orders to be sent by the Privy Council.
Westminster, 23rd April, 3 Charles I. (1627).
VI. 102. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor and Court of Aldermen, forwarding the King's commands for
the levying of 200 footmen within the City and liberties, and
requiring them to make choice of more able men than those formerly
sent. As these men were to be levied as recruits or supplies, care
should be taken to find young and able-bodied men, well clothed and
fit for service, and to send them, under the charge of an able conductor,
to the rendezvous at Portsmouth.
Whitehall, 11th May, 1627.
VI. 103. Letter from the King, under signet, to the Lord Mayor,
for the levying of 200 footmen within the City and liberties, referred
to in the foregoing letter.
Westminster, 11th May, 3 Charles I. (1627).
VI. 104. Letter from the King, under signet, to the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, stating that the many and grievous complaints made
to him by the town of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and others inhabiting the
northern coasts of the realm, touching the great spoils and outrages
committed by the men-of-war of Dunkirk, had moved him to take
their case into consideration, and that, being desirous (as much as the
present condition of his affairs permitted) to provide remedies for
like inconveniences in future, he had, for the public defence of his
kingdoms, granted a good part of the revenues of the Crown, accruing
by the forfeitures and fines of recusants of all the counties by North
Trent, to set out shipping for guarding and defending the coasts
aforesaid. As he conceived the proportions allotted for the service
would be insufficient, he had given way to a contribution of 6d. per
chaldron on coals, to be transported from Newcastle and Sunderland
to any other part of his dominions, or to foreign parts, to be levied by
free consent, to supply the deficiencies of the revenues aforesaid, and
to be employed only for the special service mentioned.
Westminster, 29th May, 3 Charles I. (1627).
VI. 106. Letter from the King, under signet, to the Lord Mayor,
stating that, for the safety and defence of the Islands of Guernsey and
Jersey, he had thought fit to send there a number of men, to be
pressed out of certain counties in the kingdom, and requiring 100
able, young, and serviceable men (the greater part of them to be
artificers and tradesmen) to be levied in the City of London, to be
disposed of according to orders to be sent from the Privy Council.
Westminister, 26th June, 3 Charles I. (1627).
VI. 107. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor, with reference thereto, directing that the said men should be
ready for embarkation at Portsmouth by the 5th August ensuing,
and should be sent under the charge of an able man, to be by him
delivered to such as the Council should appoint to receive them there.
Whitehall, 30th June, 1627.
VI. 108. Order in Council, directing an allowance to be made to the City of London (to be deducted out of the loans arising in the City), for Coat and Conduct money for 1,000 soldiers pressed there and sent to Plymouth, for the late expedition to Cadiz.
VI. 109. Letter from the King, under signet, to the Lord Mayor,
stating that he was informed the present engagement of his forces in
the Isle of Retz required an immediate supply of more men, to raise the
companies from eighty to one hundred, and, because the haste of the
service gave no time to fetch them further off, requiring 100 men to be
levied in the City of London and liberties, and the suburbs.
Windsor Castle, 8th August, 3 Charles I. (1627).
VI. 110. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor thereon, requiring him to see that the men chosen were of
able bodies and years fit for the service, and well appareled for the
season, but none of them to be taken from the Trained Bands. For
their arms and coats, the King was pleased, for the lessening of the
charge, to forbear the same this time. Special care must be taken
that the men were committed to a discreet and able conductor for
their march, by fifteen miles a day, to Southampton, to be there at
latest by the 20th of the month. The men were to be delivered by
indenture, to such captains or officers as should be sent to receive
them. For the prevention of abuses formerly practised, by conniving
at and sparing from being pressed, and changing and selling after
they were pressed, the most able and fit for the service, especial
care must be taken in the choice of the conductor, and a special
eye kept upon him, and also upon the constables and officers
employed in the service. In the event of any persons offending
by corruption or otherwise, they should be bound over to answer
before the Council, who were resolved to punish with as much severity
as a misdemeanour of so high a nature deserved.
Windsor, 10th August, 1627.
VI. III. Letter from the King, under signet, to the Lord Mayor, stating that some speed reinforcements were required that he might pursue and finish the prosperous begining God had already given him in the war, and requiring that 250 able and serviceable men should be levied in the City of London.
Hampton Court, 29th September, 3 Charles I. (1627). Marginal note says—"Men for the Isle of Retz."
VI. 117. Copy of No. 95.
VI. 123. Copy of No. 98.
VI. 124. Copy of No. 102.
VI. 128. Copy of No. 106.
VI. 129. Copy of No. 107.
VI. 131. Order of the Privy Council, directing that the soldiers
newly levied in the City, to be sent for His Majesty's service to the
King of Denmark, should be forthwith embarked in the ships
provided for their transportation, and that during their stay on shipboard here, provision of fresh victuals should be made for them, and
a steward on that behalf appointed by Sir Thomas Middleton, and
requiring the Lord Treasurer and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to
give order to Sir Thomas Middlecton for satisfaction of moneys so
disbursed by him out of the loans of the City of London.
Whitehall, 6th April, 1627.
VI. 132. Order in Council, directing the Lord Treasurer and the
Chancellor of the Exchequer to allow, out of the loan moneys, to the
several counties, according to the list appended, for the soldiers
pressed for the expedition to Cadiz, (fn. 38) from the place where they were
levied, to the rendezvous at Plymouth, to each soldier 8d. per day,
including the days of setting forth and arrival, accounting fifteen
miles for each day's journey; and to allow 4s. each for their coats, and
4s. per day to each conductor of 150 men, or a lesser number.
Whitehall, the last of February, 1626.
VI. 133. Copy of No. 101.
VI. 134. Copy of No. 103.
VI. 135. Imperfect copy of No. 102.
VI. 137. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Deputy
Lieutenants of the County of Surrey, stating that some soldiers, which
they had directed to be billeted on the County of Surrey, had been
disposed of in Southwark, within the jurisdiction of the City of
London, and requiring their removal to some convenient place within
the county.
16th January, 1627.
VI. 142. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord Mayor
and Court of Aldermen, stating that divers of the companies
appointed to be brought to a rendezvous at the Port of London, to be
sent for the King's service to Denmark, were defective in numbers,
which could only be supplied by a press in the City of London, and
requiring, in accordance with the King's letter, enclosed, the levy
of 100 men (not to be of the Trained Bands), to be forthwith sent to
St. Catharine's, to be embarked.
Whitehall, 23rd April, 1627.
VII. 108. Order in Council, forwarding copy of an Ordinance by
His Majesty, for the reform of the March (fn. 39) of this our English nation,
corrupted by time and negligence of drummers, and for restoring it
to the ancient gravity by the establishment of one constant measure,
to be hereafter observed and beaten by all English drummers, in order
that the said ordinance, being imparted to the colonels, and by them
to the captains of the several regiments of the City, might be duly
observed in all musters of the Trained Bands.
10th March, 1633.
VIII. 31. Letter from Sir William Waad to the Lord Mayor and
Court of Aldermen, on behalf of Geter Lutterell, a poor aged blind
soldier, that some yearly pension might be granted to him out of the
collections gathered in the City, according to the statute provided in
that behalf.
17th August, 1621.
VIII. 32. Letter from Sir Lionel Cranfield, Lord Manchester, (fn. 40) and
others, to the same, for a soldier's pension to Richard Jennings, who
was aged and impotent.
12th—, 1621.
VIII. 69. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor, intimating that the forces lately levied being much diminished
by runaways, sickness, and death, a further levy of 2,000 men had been
ordered, the raising of 1,000 of whom had been assigned to the City;
and praying that especial care might be had in the choice of men of
able bodies and years fit for their employment, and as many as could be
lighted on of those that ran away (but none to be taken from the
Trained Bands, which should be kept entire),—with directions for their
march to Dover.
19th January, 1624.
VIII. 70. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor, requesting him not only to permit and suffer the raising of
volunteers within his jurisdiction, but also to afford to the officers
engaged his best advice, assistance, and furtherance, and to give
notice thereof to the justices of the peace and others.
25th February, 1624.
VIII. 71. Warrant from the King (Charles I.) to the Lord Mayor,
for levying 1,000 men—" part of 10,000, to be raised by our dear
father's gracious purpose, according to the advice of both his Houses
of Parliament, in contemplation of the distress and necessity of our
dear brother and sister." (fn. 41)
1st May, 1625.
VIII. 72. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor, with particular instructions with respect to the levying of the
above 1,000 men, and for their payment and conduct to Plymouth, by
the 25th instant.
6th May, 1625.
VIII. 74. Order in Council that, as the City could not well levy the whole number of 1,000 men ordered to be raised for the service of the Prince and Princess Palatine, 200 should be raised in the County of Middlesex, and 800 in the City; the 200 raised in Middlesex to be sent to the Lord Mayor, who should take care and have them safely conducted to Plymouth by the 25th inst. 12th May, 1625.
VIII. 78. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor, forwarding a petition from Thomas Tapping, an aged man,
for some allowance or pension, as a maimed soldier.
22nd July, 1626.
VIII. 136. Same as No. 108, Vol. VII.
VIII. 164. Order of the Star Chamber, directing the Lord
Mayor and Court of Aldermen to put in execution the Act 2 and 3
Philip and Mary, (fn. 42) for punishment of Watermen upon the River
Thames, absenting themselves during the time of pressing for the
Navy.
17th April, 1634.
VIII. 178. Letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord
Mayor and Court of Aldermen, recommending the Petition of John
Mason, a poor aged and maimed soldier, for the restoration of his
former pension.
30th October, 1635.
VIII. 216. Letter from the King to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen,
and Commonalty of the City, informing them that the late disorder
in Scotland—begun upon pretence of religion, but now appearing to
have been raised by factious spirits, and fomented by some few ill and
traitorously affected particular persons, to work their own ends and
shake off all monarchical government—had grown to such a height
that great and considerable forces were assembled there, and that he
had resolved to repair in person to the northern part of the realm,
there to make, with the assistance of his good subjects, resistance
against any invasion that might happen. For this purpose he had
directed the raising of a considerable army in all the shires to attend
him, and had required all the nobility to attend the royal standard
at York, on the 1st April next. He requested the City to certify,
with in fifteen days, to one of the Secretaries of Stated, what assistance
he might expect from them.
4th January, 1638.
VIII. 232. Letter from the King to the same, thanking them for
their willing compliance with the present great and urgent occasions of
his service.
Dated York, 8th October, 1640.
IX. 86. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Duke of Albemarle,
on the complaints of some of the Vintners, freemen of London,
dwelling in Smithfield, within the liberties of the City, as to the great
inconvenience they had been put to by reason of soldiers being
quartered upon them, contrary to all precedents, and requesting him
to give order for their case and exemption for the future.
26th April, 1664.