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ton is deep in for the riot of that day, and Shute will NORTHUM have enough on it too. There was yesterday a concourse BERLAND. of at least 1,500 people, pretending to wait for the sheriffs for more polling work, which was a riot in the point of behaviour as well as of number. The D[uke] of Monmouth's] entertainment was not answerable to his expectation. There was a horrible tumult at Chester, and (as I told you) they did their parts in Coventry. Never such a rabble met together to entertain a prince, and the most of them they say entertained and they say hired upon the common charge. I am told that a commission of oyer and terminer is sent down to inquire into the matter, and that some particular persons are sent for up. His grace had no joy in this progress, especially at Lichfield where a matter of 40 persons of condition, the Lords Coventry and Bromley Gerrard, being of the company. They dined in the next room to the Duke, where they drank all the Tory healths with trumpets and fiddles to them. The Duke very particularly inqui sitive who they were. At his grace's taking horse they stood gazing at him from the gallery without so much as moving a hat to him. There's like to be a scurvy business at Norwich about the rendering of the charter. If the dispute upon it be not pieced up, it will make a breach hard to be cured. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]

1682, Sept. 23. L. Leat (Longleat).- Sir Thomas Thynne to [Charles, Duke of Somerset]. It is with infinite satisfaction that I congratulate your grace on the recovery of the Duchess [Elizabeth, sole daughter and heir of Josceline, Earl of Northumberland, and wife of Charles, Duke of Somerset]. . . . I have the exemplification of the Act of Parliament for restoration of the dukedom, which being so happily devolved on your grace, it is fittest for your evidence-house, and therefore if I may know whither to send it, shall lay it at your feet, as I do myself. [2 pp.)

1683, June 14. Whitehall.-Sir Leoline Jenkins to Charles, Duke of Somerset. There having been discovered a horrid design upon his Majesty and his Royal Highnesses life, which should have been executed in his Majesty's return from Newmarket in March last, &c., I am commanded to give you notice of it, that you may at this time watch the motions of that party; and to that end you are to take special care that the officers of the militia be in readiness if there be occasion, and that such persons as you shall justly suspect in this conjuncture may be disarmed as the law directs. [1 p.]

1683, July 11. Whitehall.-Sir Leoline Jenkins to Charles, Duke of Somerset, lord lieutenant of cos. Somerset and East Riding of Yorkshire. In my last letter to your Grace I told you no more but that there appeared great grounds to believe that in case the most horrid 66 assassinate intended against the King's person had taken effect, it had been seconded by an insurrection of the ill affected in several parts of this kingdom. But now I am commanded by his Majesty to tell you further, that he has evidence of the intended insurrection, and desires dangerous persons to be disarmed. [3 pp.]

1683, July 12.-Deputy lieutenants, justices of peace, and officers of militia of the East Riding of Yorkshire to Charles Duke of Somerset, lord lieutenant of the same, sending congratulatory address to his Majesty for his so eminent delivery. [Seal with monogram. I p.]

1683, July 23. Beverley.- Deputy lieutenants and others of the East Riding of co. York to the same. According to your command we have by our commission made search in all suspected places, and the houses of such persons as are wilful dissenters from the Church of England and have been actually in arms against the King within this lieutenancy, but find no considerable arms worth the naming. [1 p.)

1683, July 31. Beverley.-Deputy lieutenants and others of the East Riding of co. York to the same. Having received his Majesty's pleasure and your commands of the 26th inst., a search has been made this day of Sir John Hotham's premises for arms, of which the inclosed is a particular account. [p.]

1683, July. The Mayor, William Nelson, and Governors of the corporation of Beverley to the same. Sending an address to his sacred Majesty in returning thanks to God for his deliverance from this hellish conspiracy, late discovered against his sacred person. [1 p.]

1683, Aug. 6. Wells. -Deputy lieutenants of co. Somerset to the same. In obedience to your letter of the 25th July we have met this day at Wells.

In the first place we are to acquaint you that we have taken up all the arms we could find in the county, especially at Taunton, of disaffected persons, but whether through the consciousness of their guilt or intelligence that they should be disarmed, our pains have met with very little success; the number of the arms found being

very inconsiderable. But we shall endeavour to make further searches. [2 pp.]

1683, Aug. 16. East Barnet.-Margaret FitzJames to Sir George Strode. Dear son, I received your letter the 28th of July, which I am very badly able to answer, by reason I have the gout in my right hand. All I can say is that your girl is very well here. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]

1683, Dec. 18. Treasury Chambers, Whitehall.-The Council (?) to the Duke of Somerset and Earl of Burlington, lords lieutenant of the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire, about getting in great arrears standing out upon several counties upon the 210,000l. granted to his Majesty, to be raised by 70,000l. per annum for three years, according to the Act of 14 Car. II. [1 p.]

1684, Apr. 3. Whitehall.-The King to Charles Duke of Somerset. We lately elected you a companion of the order of the Garter at a chapter held at Whitehall 10 Jan. 1683-4. We do hereby require you to repair to Windsor Castle by the 7th April, to the end that on the 8th April you may proceed to your installation. [Given under the signet of the order at Whitehall, and signed by the King.] [1p.]

VOL. XX. 1685-1696.

1684-5, Feb. 2, Whitehall.-Robert Earl of Sunderland to Charles Duke of Somerset. The king very ill by a fit, which seized his Majesty about 8 o'clock; but he is much come out of it and continues so well that the physicians have great hopes all danger is past. Doubts not but that the Duke will take care, by giving all necessary orders to his deputy lieutenants and the justices of the peace, to prevent all disorders that may happen upon any false reports, &c. [1 p.]

1684-5, Feb. 3, Whitehall.-The same to the same. His Maiesty's health is so much mended that the physicians have declared to the council that they thought him in a condition of safety. [1 p.]

1684-5, Feb. 7, Whitehall.-The same to the same. Sends news of death of Charles II. and proclamation of the new king. [1p.]

1685, April 13.-Henry Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal, to the same. His Majesty having appointed your Grace to bear the orb, in the proceeding at his coronation. This is to desire you to meet in the House of Lords at his Majesty's pallace at Westminster on Thursday the 23rd inst. at 8 o'clock in the morning in your robes and collar George and with your coronet, in order to the performance of his Majesty's pleasure. [Seal impressed. 1 p.]

1685, May 9. Office of Ordnance.-Officers of the Ordnance to Charles Duke of Somerset. The Earl of Dartmouth, Master-General of the Ordnance, having by letter of 16 June last acquainted you with the king's pleasure, touching the arms seized and taken from dangerous and disaffected persons in the several counties; and forasmuch as it does not appear to this office how the arms (mentioned in the enclosed list) seized in co. Somerset, under your grace's command, were lodged and disposed of; we desire you will please that we may receive an account where and to whom the said arms were delivered, that care may be taken for bringing the same into his Majesty's stores. [1 p.]

Enclose, List of arms taken from disaffected persons in co. Somerset. [1 p.]

1685, June 8. Taunton. Francis Lutterell to the Duke of Somerset. According to his Majesty's and your commands I came to this place Saturday last, where I found all things very peaceable and quiet; but there remain still some fears which I hope will be removed when those persons whom the messenger is sent for are taken up; I shall wait for further orders from you, and be always ready to serve his Majesty and you. Capt. William Lacey has been very diligent with his troop in these parts, and presents his obedience and faithful service to your Grace. [Seal, with arms and crest. 1 p.] 1685, June 9. Whitehall.-Robert Earl of Sunderland to Sir Edward Philipps, Bart. I have acquainted the King with your letter of the 6th, who directs me to tell you he doubts not but you and the rest of the deputy lieutenants and justices of peace will take all possible care to preserve matters quiet in co. Somerset ; in order to which he thinks it requisite you should continue your meetings and secure such persons as you shall think dangerous. As to the five suspected persons who were apprehended at Taunton, and go by the names of Brand, Henry Lisse, Humphry Aldwyn, Thos. Love, and Robert Perrott, I writ some days since to the Mayor of Taunton to continue them in custody; and his Majesty

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IND.

OP thinking it now fit that they should be sent hither he would accordingly have you speak with the sheriff_to take care they be forthwith brought up in safe custody, that they may be further proceeded against according to law. [Seal, with arms and cre st. 1 p.]

1685, June 13. Whitehall.-The King to Charles Duke of Somerset. Whereas we have received an account that James Duke of Monmouth and divers other traitors are lately landed at Lyme, and have in hostile manner seized the said town; we have thought fit hereby to direct and require you to raise the militia, or such part of the same of that our county as you shall think fit, and to march with them to any other county, and assist any other of our lieutenants. Our pleasure is that in case two or more of our lieutenants shall be together that the lieutenant who is in his own county shall command, and next under him such of our lieutenants as shall be there according to their qualities. [Warrant under the sign manual. 1 p.]

1685, June 16. Bristol.-Henry Duke of Beaufort to Charles Duke of Somerset.

Bath.-P.S.-If you think it proper for his Majesty's service, as I do, to have a correspondence at this time settled between us, be pleased to let me know, by a messenger, where you resolve to make your residence, and a messenger of mine shall every day meet one of yours at the place and hour you appoint, &c. [1 p.]

[1685], June 17. Bruton.-Fitzharding to Charles Duke of Somerset. Your Grace will find by this the rebels will soon be master of this country; where they will stop God only knows. I find there is little trust [to be placed] in these new men. I shall here wait your commands, speed them, I beseech you.

P.S.-I would not willingly be left alone, which I shall be if I draw without more strength too near the enemy now in Crewkerne.

The Duke of Monmouth was proclaimed rebel here yesterday.

"Tis my humble opinion that all the force of this county should be drawn together in Wells, and that orders be despatched acordingly to Colonel Horner's regiment.

I presume as soon as you have more certainty your Grace will dispatch an express to the K[ing] that will be above a day sooner with him than the ordinary post. [Seal with arms. p.]

1685, June 17. Bristol.-Henry Duke of Beaufort to Charles Duke of Somerset. I had sooner sent back your messenger but that I expected the return of mine, which I thought would have enabled me to be positive when I could march towards you, by acquainting me by what time the militia of the remote part of Gloucestershire could be up with me; but he not being come, I can only tell your Grace that so soon as they are come up, there being only here at present a few companies of the hither part of the county, I will march towards you; but I think in the meantime you would do well to send to Lord Churchill, who is on this side Salisbury, to march towards you with the King's forces he has with him, there being as you see so little relying on the militia; all yours as you tell me fled. I shall expect to hear further from you as the enemy advances. [Seal with arms and coronet. 1 p.]

1685, June 17. Bridport.-Thos. Strangways to Colonel William Helyar. I received Sir Edward Philipp's letter with your postscript. I shall only desire you immediately to send word to the chief officers of the militia of your county that to-morrow morning we march hence with all our militia, who are very courageous. We shall quarter to-morrow night at Winsham [with]in three miles of Chard, and thenceforward to follow the enemy, depending upon meeting the Duke of Albemarle, to whom my Lord Churchill (now here) has sent word of his resolution. To-day came hither two troops of the King's; to-morrow will meet us three more ; besides there are nine companies of foot, two of dragoons, and two of granadiers, will speedily join. If your militia will shew themselves to be good subjects, now is their time, and take their measures according to what I have said, to meet us as soon as may be. [p.]

1685, June 18. Whitehall.-Robert Earl of Sunderland to Charles Duke of Somerset. The King has received your letter sent by express, and commands me to let you know that he has appointed Lord Churchill to command his forces which are marched down into the West, and would therefore have you constantly correspond with him, as also with the Dukes of Albemarle and Beaufort, the Earl of Pembroke, and the deputylieutenants of Dorsetshire, and proceed according as you shall find requisite for his service.

P.S.-I believe Lord Churchill is now with the Duke of Albemarle. [1 p.]

1865, June 18. Whitehall.-The same to the same. The King commands me to acquaint you that, having directed Colonel Canon to go to your Grace and be assisting to you, he would have you accordingly advise with him upon all occasions of his service. His Majesty thinks it also very requisite you should endeavour to get good intelligence about the rebels, and of what passes, and from time to time transmit the same hither. [1 p.]

1685, June 18. Bristol.-Henry Duke of Beaufort to the same. Here are such various accounts given of things, that I have ordered these two officers of mine to go as soon as they can, to give me an account I may trust, of the enemy's progress; and I have ordered them going and returning to wait upon you, to know what you shall think fit to desire of me, who you know must look to what I am myself entrusted with ; but by the time they return I hope I shall have so many more of my militia come up as that I may give you some help, if you continue to desire it and to think it necessary. [1 p.] I

1685, June 18. Bristol.-The same to the same. am very glad to learn by yours that things are in so good a posture, and that you have now no more need of any forces from hence, in order to which I had sent for hither almost all the militia of Gloucestershire, both horse and foot, not having when you first wrote above five companies of foot here and a troop of horse. I shall now continue them here, however, to be disposed of as his Majesty's service shall require. [1 p.]

1685, June 18. Salisbury.-P. H. Kirke to the same. Last night I received your letter directed to Lord Churchill, and in his absence to the commander-in-chief, which I opened, and was very sorry to hear so ill news; but as I was obliged I sent it to my Lord Sunderland by an express, that they may know the condition we are in, I am sorry I could not comply with your commands to march; but our men lie to night here, so will not march till to-morrow, for they came to-day from Andover. Besides, I have orders from Lord Churchill to march to Dorchester, but I hope they will be contradicted upon the motion of the rebels.

P.S.-I sent Lord Churchill an account of your letter. [p.]

1685, June 19. Whitehall.-Robert Earl of Sunderland to the same. The King commands me to acquaint you that he has made the Earl of Feversham Lieutenant-General; that he will march to-morrow with a considerable body of horse and foot; and that the train of artillery is to follow on Monday. He also thinks it for his service, at this time, that the Earl of Feversham should command in chief wherever he is, as well the militia as the King's forces. [1 p.]

[1685], June 19. Bristol.-Henry Duke of Beaufort to the same. I have received your [letter] this minute, but cannot possibly either come or send any of my militia to Bath, as you desire, having received orders by an express to make use of what force I have to defend this place where you shall be very welcome, if you think fit to come, and which is certainly of greatest importance to the King's service, and will as certainly be most aimed at by the rebels, and whither I had more men coming out of other counties, but stopped them upon your last letter; I will now send new orders for them, but can spare none. [1 p.]

1685, June 20. Chard.-John Lord Churchill to the same. This morning I received yours. I am now in Somersetshire, and shall join you by following the Duke of Monmouth so close as I can on his marches, which I think is the only way for me to join you, or to do the King service; but I think you should the Duke of Albemarle to join you, for he has a good force of men, and is not so well able to attend the Duke of Monmouth's march as I am, by reason of the King's horse, which I have with me. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]

press

1685, June 20. Whitehall.-Warrant of the King to the same. Directing him to give order for apprehending all disaffected and suspicious persons, particularly all non-conformist ministers and such persons as have served against our father or brother, and for sending them in safe custody; viz., those of Somerset to Bristol, and those of the East Riding of York to Kingstonupon-Hull, to be secured there till further order.

P.S.-You shall also give order for securing all the horses belonging to any persons who shall be so seized. [Signed by the King and sealed. 1 p.]

same.

1685, June 21.-Lewis Earl of Feversham to the I have just received a letter from Lord Godolphin, who writes by the King's command to let me know that the King was sending your Grace an order to march to Bristol with your militia, except the companies which were to be left at Bath. I therefore think

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it necessary to inform you that I shall march from NORTHUM hence to-morrow morning by break of day, for to be at Chippenham as soon as possibly I can. I desire you to let me know, by express, what news you have from the rebels. I shall go through Marlborough. I think it absolutely necessary that the bridge of Canesham (Keynsham) a place between Bath and Bristol should be wholly destroyed, and it would not be amiss to break also the bridge of Bath, unless you judge that the garrison you leave there may be able to defend it in case it were attacked. I hope my coming to Chippenham with some of the King's troops will not be a small discouragement to the rebels, and will make them alter their designs; for I do not doubt at all to relieve the town of Bath, provided they defend themselves till my coming; and at the same time I will take all possible care for Bristol, and I desire your Grace to impart this letter to the Duke of Beaufort, that I should loose no time in writing another to him. [1 p.]

1685, June 21. Chard.-John Lord Churchill to the same. I received your letter this morning, and will certainly be [on Tues]day, at 11 in the morning at Bridgwater, where I hope you will meet me with what militia you have. I have forces enough not to apprehend the Duke of Monmouth; but quite contrary should be glad to meet with him; my men are all in so good heart this afternoon. Colonel Kerk's regiment joins me, which will be an addition to your strength. I here send you a letter from the King, which I received this morning. [1 p.]

1685, June 21. Devizes.-Thomas Earl of Pembroke to the same. I shall be by noon with my militia at Chippenham, where I am commanded by the King to stay for further orders from my Lord Feversham, who is joining me there, that we may stop the enemy's going farther; when he comes I will communicate your Grace's letter. When I may I shall be very ready to supply you not only with some force, but, if the rebels are likely to come thither, with myself too. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]

1685, June 21. Chard.-John Lord Churchill to the same. I have received your [letter] and march to-morrow to Langport, so that I will follow him [Monmouth] as close as ever I can. I intend to be at Wells on Tuesday, where I hope I shall find you, and that will be much better than to send a troop of horse. [p.]

1685, June 21. Whitehall.-The King to the same. Having received an account that the rebels have some design upon Bristol, which I think a place of very great importance, I would have you immediately upon receipt hereof march with the militia now with you and endeavour to put yourself into Bristol before the enemy (in case they should have that design), except you shall receive other orders from the Earl of Feversham, which you are to observe, we having constituted and made him Lieutenant-General. I doubt not but when you are joined with the Duke of Beaufort at Bristol that place will be safe; however, I think it requisite to tell you there is a bridge at a place called Keinesham, half way between Bath and Bristol, which I would have you by all means endeavour to break immediately upon the receipt of this, which will in a great measure delay, if not hinder their passage that way. The city of Bath being as I am informed a place well affected, I think it fit you should leave four companies of the militia there, to assist the inhabitants to defend themselves, and I would

also have you give order for breaking down the bridge

there.

P.S.-I have received yours by Sir Francis Warre this morning. [Seal with the Royal arms. 1 p.]

[1685, June] 22. Marlborough.-Lewis Earl of Feversham to the same. I am just come to this place, and am marching with some troops to Chippenham with all speed. I desire to hear from you as soon as you can, [Seal with arms. p.]

1685, June 22.

Whitehall.-Robert Earl of Sunderland to the same. The King has commanded me to let you know that he has this morning received news from the Council of Scotland that Argyle is taken, and is now in prison at Glasgow, that the rebels are all dispersed, and that whole matter at [an] end, which is enough for one letter; only I must add that I most heartily wish you all manner of good fortune. [1 p.]

[1685], June 23.-John Lord Churchill to the same. I send your messenger back, and if you had not left Wells I should have been with you this night, but since you are marched I shall continue here to-night, and send to Lord Feversham to join at Wells to-morrow; for I do not doubt but that the Duke of Monmouth will be marched from thence; if he be not, we will try to do what we can upon him, and you may be sure the next night we

will be close upon him, for we can march as well as he. [1 p.]

[1685, June].-William Helyar to the same. A person who came from Taunton yesterday reports that there were no soldiers then, that the disaffected rabble had armed themselves with the arms which our militia left behind them there. That the Duke of Monmouth is still at Lyme, but Lord Gray, with some forces, about Ilton Green, and that several disaffected persons daily [en]list themselves under him. [p.]

[1685, June]. Yeovil.-William Helyar [to the same]. I wrote to your Grace yesterday from Ilchester to let you know that Colonel Berkeley came to Ilchester about two a.m., and yesterday we advanced to there, and, having refreshed our men, are now upon march to Crewkern, and there will expect your Grace's orders. That town and Chard well guarded will let all communication between Taunton, or any other disaffected place, and Lyme. Here is fighting every day, and horse and foot (anywhere else but where an enemy is) are useless, and we were as good have none at all, as to have them anywhere else but where they are necessary. The way to restore our peace is to beat those who disturb it, and not to be afraid of those that may do it; few, I believe, will now join that party, who are proclaimed rebels; and the principal rebels being suppressed, the confederates will be able to do nothing. If your Grace will be pleased to order pay for this regiment to be sent them, it will do well; else they will leave their colours as divers of them have done already, and leave the Lyme men their liberty to come and take off the horse and foot that are so kind to them as to stay at home.

P.S.-One company only here received four days' pay, and this is a way to destroy a regiment without fighting them. [1 p.]

[1685, June].-Lady Anne Cholmondelly to the same. Here are such various reports, and most of them so very dismal, that I humbly beg your Grace to give one of your servants liberty to send me a true account; for if the news here be true I intend to go home as soon as possibly I can. This is so great a rudeness that I am out of countenance to think I should be guilty of it, and have nothing to say or trust to, but your Grace's goodness, which I hope will pardon the cowardliness. [1 p.]

[1685, June]. Crewkern.-William Helyar, Richard Prater, and H. Roynon, to the same. We are even now come to this town [Crewkern] with Colonel Berkeley's regiment, and are of opinion that if the whole force of the county be not immediately ordered to march towards us, that perhaps this county may be in danger; and who must answer his Majesty for the loss of it we know not. He were but a bad soldier, and perhaps a worse King (thing ?), that should advise such a regiment as this is to march further(?) without horse to attend them or money to pay their quarters. Let us beseech your Grace to send the militia pay and the horse, that is all the troopers, to us here, and let the foot follow as fast as they can. Here will be a fit place for them to attend

other orders. If we should receive orders to join the Duke of Albemarle, which we desire heartily, how I beseech you, shall we be able to do it without horse? This is the very last minute we can desire it of your Grace, not knowing but that Monmouth may march and fight us all severally; and so being the master of a small victory, give check to the courage of a great many that would serve his Majesty, and make the enemy the stronger, by the accession of all the country unto him, who now are a little doubtful of the success of things, and stand neuter. We suppose the messenger that was [with] your Grace yesterday does well deserve punishment for his negligence. [1 p.]

1685, [June ?]. Lord Fitzharding to the same. I hope your Grace cannot really take it amiss that I have written direct to Lord Feversham, since yourself told me that he had the absolute command in the West. I shall be sorry to be misunderstood, but hope that a little time will set me free from the uneasy bonds of the militia; while they last I shall to the best of my skill discharge my duty. If you were amongst us I could not doubt to recover the credit of our forces; for at Wells, when the alarm was, I know they would have fought like lion[s]; and in Bath, when in more danger than any have been in in this county,-though we are not beholding to the Gazet that trumpets the small acts of others, and wholly omits what was of more consequence, our keeping Bath-they behaved themselves to a miracle. If I might advise, we would march to Wells, encrease our forces, and be ready not only to suppress all insurrections but to join the army when called to it, .2

or &c. Endorsed by the Duke, "The Lord Fitzharden's letter to me in the time of Rebellion. [= 1 p.)

ND.

[1685, June ?]-[John Lord Churchill] to the King. I am sorry to send your Majesty this ill news; which is, unless speedy course be taken, we are like to loose this county to the rebels; for we have those two regiments run away a second time, that are mentioned in a letter directed to my Lord Sunderland from their colours, and it happened thus:-The Duke of Albemarle sends to Sir Edward Phelipps and Colonel Lutterell, that he would be at Axminster on such a day with some forces, and would have them meet him there; so away marched these two regiments, one out of Chard and the other out of Crewkern; and when they came to the top of the hill [with]in half a quarter of a mile of the town, there came out some country people, and said that the Duke of Monmouth was in the town; at that, one Captain Littleton cried out, We are all betrayed; so the soldiers immediately look one upon another, and threw down their arms and fled, leaving their officers and colours behind; half, if not the greatest part, are gone to the rebels. I do humbly submit this to your Majesty's commands in what I shall do in it, for there is not any relying on these regiments that are left unless we had some of your Majesty's standing forces to lead them on and encourage them; for at this unfortunate news I never saw people so much daunted in my life

I have sent away just now to the Duke of Arl. to send 4,000 men to Crewkern and Chard, and that I will be there as soon as I hear they are arrived. I shall wait for your Majesty's commands here if there be not occasion any where else of my appearing.

[Probably a draft, being much corrected, and without signature, though all in Churchill's hand. 2 pp.] [1685, June]-[John Lord Churchill to the Duke of Somerset ?]. I suppose it is now (no?) news to tell your Grace of the mischief that is like to come of those two regiments that are run away from their colors, the one is Sir Edward Philip's, and the other Coll. Lutt[rel's]; both their regiments are fled, and would give no reasons why nor wherefore; but they have left their officers to themselves, therefore, I do humbly desire of your Grace that you would for the sake and safety of the country send a way immediately to Chard and Crewkern 4,000 men, and I will take care of sending what forces I have to assist them; for if the D[uke] of Monmouth] should take the advantage of the flight (which I don't doubt but that he will), he would get together more men than we are aware of; besides, these two regiments I am sure are either all gone to him, or most of them; therefore, my Lord, this is of very great concern to the kingdom, and I know your gr. heart and loyalty is for going as far as any man for the King's service, and especially of a matter of so great wait and moment as they may be of, if your Grace will not take speedy course and prevent this mischief.

[Draft, probably, being without signature or direction].

1685, July 1. [Bath.]-The deputy-lieutenants of co. Somerset to the Duke of Somerset. At our meeting at Bath, taking into consideration the distracted condition of our country, we offer to your consideration these few proposals . First, that the remaining militia of this county be drawn into this town Also we pray that we may have a commander-in-chief appointed us, that so we may know whom to obey, &c. [1 p.]

1685, July 2. Bath.-The same to the same. Your Grace's order about our militia was thankfully received by us this morning, who are very sorry we are not ever of the same opinion with you. On second thoughts, we beg leave to tell your Grace we are not convinced of our error. We cannot fancy that anything will be so well acted among equals as where there is some deference to a single person; this we confess would be needless had we the happiness of your presence; now all opportunities must be lost, or at least endangered; if we think it convenient to secure the pass at Kainsham, (Keinsham ?) or another ford nearer this town, it is not to be done till much time is lost in messages, and the opportunity (it may be) vanished; if it should be advisable to remove to another place in the county we are tied by the leg; all these inconveniences would be removed either by your Grace's being with us, or your consent to the other proposal. To another paragraph that seems to point more directly to Lord Fitzharding, we do not in the least doubt but he can answer for himself, but we must afford him that justice in his behalf to say that when he receives three or four letters in a day from the Duke of Beaufort and the Generall Lord Feversham, that require all possible expedition, he

NORTHUMBERLAND.

can't be blamed if he omit some ceremony that must "DUKE OF occasion dilatoriness. Would your Grace be among us, all these differences in opinion would end; we should undisturbed run in the same channel to. serve our King and country, which is all our ambition and designs.

P.S.-We should be much obliged to your Grace for four small field pieces, which would be useful here, and more so at Wells, with ten cannoniers. [1 p.]

1685, July 4. Camp at Somerton.-Lewis Earl of Feversham to the same. I send this bearer, Capt. Love, to take into his care the mortar and ammunition waggon which I ordered to be left at Bath at my departure. Your Grace will take care they be conducted by a sufficient guard of horse, which is to follow the instructions of Capt. Love. [p.]

1685, [July] 5.-The same to the same. This morning, an hour before day, the enemy came and attacked us in our camp, they were about 7,000 men. We have routed them, killed a very great number, the particulars of which you shall have very speedily.

P.S.-I am marching towards Bridgwater. [p.] 1685, July 5. Bristol.-Henry Duke of Beaufort to the same. Not knowing you were at Bath, I desired Colonel Starell to let Lord Fitzharding know that if one (?) Ripp, a prisoner, and a Bristol man, were sent hither, I hoped we might make some discoveries, from his examination, of some men in this town, (?) and besides, I told him there was a gentleman at Bath, that we had sought for in Gloucestershire, that was proper to be secured, viz., Sir Thos. (?) Rivers. He writes that your Grace is not willing to send Rippe; and for Sir Thos. you desire a reason. I suppose you had the same orders I had (for they were general) and chose men to secure all who had been in arms, either against the last King or his father, which this gentleman was, being a colonel of horse in the Parliament army against Charles I. This was my reason, and if you think it a good one, you may please to secure him; if you do not, you may let it alone, for I possess no jurisdiction within your Grace's lieutenancy. P.S.-I hear by one come this day from Bath that you desire to know whether Cainesham bridge be sufficiently made impassable. I have done what I could conveniently, but should be glad you would send and have what is necessary more to be done, and also the fords by it. [2 pp.]

1685, July 8.

Wells.-Lewis Earl of Feversham to the same. Having just now received_news by an express from Lord Lumley and Sir Wm. Portman that the Duke of Monmouth and Lord Grey were taken yesterday in Dorsetshire, by a place called Ringwood, I thought fit to acquaint you thereof. They were both in countrymen's clothes, and afoot. [p.]

In

1685, July 8. Wells.-The same to the same. answer to yours of the 6th inst., I have nothing yet to say but to desire that care may be taken and orders given to the sheriffs to send all over this whole county for the securing and apprehending the dispersed rebels and stragglers.Phitehall.-The King's warrant,

1685, July 9.

countersigned by Robert Earl of Sunderland, to the same. By the blessing of God our arms have entirely defeated and dispersed the rebels under the late Duke' of Monmouth, who is taken prisoner with the other principal rebels. We being willing to ease the charge of those counties [Somerset and the East Riding of York], desire you to give order for dismissing the militia, and authorizing them to repair to their respective habitations. [Signed and sealed. p.]

1685, July 15. Charles Duke of Somerset to John Stylman, treasurer of co. Somerset, about the application of the money raised for the use of the militia of this county. [pp.]

1685, July 16. Whitehall.-Warrant under the King's sign-manual to Charles Duke of Somerset. Whereas by our former letters [see June 20] we required you to give order for seizing all disaffected and suspicious persons, &c., and it having since pleased God to bless our arms with success against the rebels, so that they are entirely defeated and the chiefs taken, our pleasure is that you give order for discharging all such persons so secured, who were taken up upon suspicion only, and for restoring their horses to them; but as to those who stand particularly accused of having any way corresponded with or otherwise abetted the rebels, you are to direct that they be continued prisoners, that they may be tryed at the assizes; or elsewhere, as shall be thought fit. [1 p.]

1685, July 22. Compton Pauncefoot.-Capt. John Hunt to the same. I received your letter about Capt. Littleton. I delivered your letter to Lord Fitzharding, according to your order. I never saw Littleton since I left Bath, he was not committed to my charge; if he

DUKE OF NORTHUM

had [been] I should safely have sent him to you. I will BERLAND. acquaint Lord Fitzharding with it as soon as he returns from London, and I suppose he will send him to London. [1 p.]

1685, July 22. Beverley. The deputy-lieutenants of the East Riding of co. York to the same. By virtue of your order of the 17th inst. we have sent [writs of] liberate for the release of all such prisoners as were committed by us, except Richard Thompson, jun., gent., against whom we have received several informations, which are sent to the Earl of Sunderland, copies of which are enclosed. We thought fit to continue him prisoner till we receive further order, as also how we shall dispose of the arms lately seized, being at present in the custody of the clerk to the deputy-lieutenants, and no direction in your Grace's order concerning them. Enclose

I. 1685, July 20.-Information of John Thompson, of Kilham, against Richard Thompson. [Copy.

1 p.)

Ditto. Ditto. Ditto.

II. The like of Benjamin Pratt, of Kilham. III. The like of John Coulson, of Kilham. IV. The like of John Linsley, of Kilham. V. Answers of Mr. Kennyon to that part of John Coulson's information which related to himself. [p.]

1685, July 30. Whitehall.-Robert Earl of Sunderland to the same. The King would have you to give order for an estimate of the expense of keeping up the militia within your lieutenancy as long as by law they may be kept together in one year, and to transmit the same to me. [1 p.]

[1685, July].-Petition of Richard Thompson, the younger, to Charles Duke of Somerset, Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of co. York. Petitioner was by a general warrant from the deputy lieutenants committed prisoner to Hull, in July; and notwithstanding his Majesty's great clemency after the happy defeat of the rebels, in releasing all persons who were so secured only upon suspicion, yet petitioner remains still a close prisoner there, upon account of some information given against him by some two or three of his tenants with whom he is in suit, and which petitioner hopes and doubts not to prove to be malicious. Prays relief. [Broad sheet. 2 pp.]

=

1685, Aug. 3. East Cotham.-William Helyar to the same. I did not receive your letter of 11 July, dated at Bath, till a fortnight after. Several of the persons mentioned in the list are already in prison, but some are fled, viz., Studerwick, Speed, and Caye. Mention is made also of Mr. M. Line, of Chard, who gave a horn to the rebels, but there are so many of that name in Chard that, without his proper name, I know not which of them all is the person who is accused. The ladies, too, shall be forthcoming at the assizes, and at your Grace's commands shall receive all the civilities the nature of their offences will permit me to offer (?) them. If you receive any further information concerning M. Line, to discriminate him from the rest of that name, you shall have him forthcoming too at the assizes. [p.]

1685, Aug. 13. Compton Pauncefoot.-Capt. John Hunt to the same. Lord Fitzharding has been out of this county this three weeks, wherefore his lady sent your letter about Capt. Littleton to me, and in obedience to your commands I will send two of my troop to take him, and convey him to you at London. [1 p.]

1685, Aug. 22. Wells.-Francis Poulett to the same. I think it my duty to let you know that I hear of no procution against those persons accused by Tripp. Your Grace took his information in writing, and I thought you had transmitted it to Colonel Helliar, who is neighbour to the accused. Mrs. Speak* (Speke ?), and several other rich rebels are of that number, and fit to be made examples of. The assizes are coming on, and what is done in order to their prosecution must be before that time.

P.S.-I hope you will give order that the week's pay now raised be not disposed of, but according to the direction of the Act of Parliament, and that no officer have any share of it that ran away. [1 p.]

1685, Oct. 21. Beverley.-Deputy-lieutenants of the East Riding of co. York to the same. In obedience to his Majesty's command and your Grace's direction, we have computed the yearly expense of our militia according to the allowance of the Act of Parliament, total 8161. 178. 9d. per annum, besides powder, match, and bullet, &c. [1 p.]

* See Speke's narrative in the Calendar of the Phelips MSS.-A. J. H.

1685, Nov. 8. Lincoln.-George Phillpott to the same. I thought it my duty to acquaint you that in my way hither I passed through Stanford and Grantham, and as far as I can perceive, I find both officers and soldiers very well satisfied with their quarters, and the townspeople not dissatisfied with either; only Lincoln is much the cheaper quarter, &c. [1 p.] 1685, Nov. 12.-Notes of public business in the House [of Commons] Lord Gray this day pleaded his pardon at the King's Bench bar, after which Goodenough and Rumsey gave in their evidence against Lord Brandon, Gerard, and Charlton. [p.]

[1685]-List of the deputy lieutenants and militia officers in co. Somerset. Sir William Windham and Lord Hawley are dead. [2 pp.]

[1685].-A like list for the East Riding of co. York. [1 p.]

[1685 P].-Two lists of deputy lieutenants and militia officers, similar to the above, but not so complete, [2 pp.]

[1685 P].-Draft similar to the preceding, but the names unarranged in order, and partially cancelled. [= 2 pp.]

[1685 P-A list of the names of peers and gentlemen having property in Sussex; endorsed, "A list of the gentry in Sussex." [2 pp.]

66

[1685?]-Petition of Joseph Winter, of Ilchester. co. Somerset, surgeon, to the King. Petitioner residing in Ilchester, where the gaol for co. Somerset is kept, to which place hundreds of rebels were committed, many of them being dangerously wounded, which, for want of looking after and due dressing, began to be very offensive, and their putrid soars were very probable to have bred such infectious diseases as would much sooner than it did spread itself all over the county, by the daily resort that was continually there from all quarters of the county, as well by the numerous concourse of their friends and relations as also the necessary going and coming of officers and ministers of justice to take their examinations and confessions in order to their trials; whereupon several neighbouring gentlemen and the keepers of the gaol desired petitioner to take care and dress the said prisoners' wounds, as a means to preserve the town and county in health and continue the lives of the prisoners, that they might suffer the condeign punishment and shame that their wretched treason deserved. Petitioner undertook the same, and with such good success that the gaol, town, and county, continued in good state of health for some months until after the gaol delivery at Wells, from which place the late contagious fever was brought. Petitioner has hereunto annexed the names of the persons and the cures which he effected.* The petitioner was a sufferer in this late rebellion; he is also a poor man, and has a great family; wherefore he craves satisfaction as shall seem meet to your Majesty. [Broad sheet. = 2 pp.]*

[1685 P].-Note probably relative to the subject of the above petition. The justices of peace for the said county [Somerset] at the quarter sessions had agreed to pay the said sum out of the county stock; but on their second consideration, and in obedience to your Majesty, they thought fit that petitioner ought to make your Majesty acquainted with it, and then if you will be pleased to grant them an order they will willingly do it, knowing the truth thereof. [8 lines.]

1685-6, Jan. 14. Wells. The deputy-lieutenants

of co. Somerset to Charles Duke of Somerset. Since we received your letter of December last we have made a strict inquiry after the meeting therein mentioned, and find that his Majesty has been misinformed; for we are well assured that no considerable number of persons have had or held any conventicle or other meeting at Worle, in Somerset, to disturb the public peace, other than two or three idle fellows (who we believe were concerned in the late rebellion of Monmouth) are skulking sometimes thereabout, and, as we are told, go armed, so that the officers of the place dare not meddle with them, and when we send a greater power to apprehend them they fly and conceal themselves; however we hope in some short time to give you a good account of them, and in the meantime do confidently affirm that this is the whole truth of that affair, which we thought not so considerable as to give you the trouble of a letter about it, &c. [1 p.]

1685-6, Feb. 6.-The Mayor, Robert Cole, and Aldermen [of Grantham] to Charles Duke of Somerset. We are informed by Capt. Levison that the King is told of a robbery lately committed near Grantham, his quarters,

• Winter's bill for curing wounded soldiers is among the Phelip MSS.-A. J. H.