Agreed, John ... but I have read similar vindictive threats by Pepys in the past, and do not remember him actually doing anything in revenge. We shall see ...
The trade and warfare conducted by the entrepreneurial merchants of Bristol as reported in:
Bristol -- British atlas of historic towns, Nr. 3 Author William Hunt Publisher Longmans, Green, 1889 Original from Harvard University Length 230 pages https://books.google.com/books?id…
Although this is 100 years before Pepys, it does explain the Bristol mindset, and the scope of their imports and exports:
During the reign of Henry VIII, Bristol, in common with London and Southampton, carried on a brisk trade with Sicily, Candia, and the Levant, exporting fine and coarse kersies of various kinds, and receiving silks, rhubarb, sweet wines, sweet oils, Turkey carpets, and spices; and in this trade its merchants largely employed ships of Ragusa, Venice, Genoa, and other states.
Commerce with the Levant was carried on at the risk of capture by the Turks, and especially by the Algerine pirates.
In 1621 John Rawlins, a Plymouth skipper, who was taken and sold as a slave in Algiers, but found there the 'Exchange' of Bristol which had been surprised by the pirates. He and some other English slaves were put on board her as part of her crew; they rose against the Turks, overcame them after a desperate fight, and brought the ship back to England.
Some years passed before the new trade of Bristol brought her ships into collision with any Christian state, for the Newfoundland discovery lay too far north to rouse Spanish interference, and such trade as there was with the West Indies was carried on in Spanish bottoms and was kept secret.
In 1552, three ships fitted out and freighted at Bristol, sailed from King Road, on the second voyage made from England for purposes of traffic with Morocco, carrying linen and woolen cloth, amber, and jet. The general importance of this voyage lies in the fact that it was an open defiance of the papal decision, as yet the law of Christendom, which reserved Africa for its discoverers, the Portuguese.
The ships returned safely despite the anger of the Portuguese, and of an attack made on them by some Spaniards.
As regards Bristol, this voyage marks the beginning of her African trade. From the Barbary coast her ships slowly worked their way to the Guinea coast, and there, in later times, took in slaves for the Western plantations.
On the accession of Edward VI, Cabot returned to England, and it is said he took up his residence in Bristol. He received a pension, and had the direction of the maritime affairs of the kingdom. In addition, he worked with all his heart on the method of determining longitude and on problems of a like nature, so that he should be remembered as an administrator and a man of science rather than simply as a seaman.
Charles II was on his deathbed in 1685; the monarch had suffered a stroke. Doctors tried everything to save him, but the king was convinced that one particular remedy would work.
Years before, the new king had paid Oliver Cromwell’s doctor and chemist, Jonathan Goddard, a handsome sum for the secret formula for Goddard’s Drops. The chemist claimed his invention, which later came to be known as King’s Drops, was a kind of miracle cure for all manner of ailments. The recipe for this liquid concoction was complex, involving numerous components and multiple distillations, but its efficacy supposedly hinged on one crucial ingredient: a powder consisting of five pounds of crushed human skulls.
Not just any skulls would do. According to medical wisdom of the time, the bones of an elderly person might contain some of the same illness the King’s Drops were meant to cure. “Ideally, [the skull] would be from someone who died a violent death at a young, healthy age,” says Lydia Kang, co-author of Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything. “You wanted somebody who died in the prime of their life, so execution and war were ideal ways to get these products.”
By the end of his life, doctors were pouring 40 drops of this gruesome elixir down Charles II’s throat daily. Needless to say, the potion didn’t have its desired effect.
King’s Drops and other bogus medical treatments may have sped up his demise on February 6, 1685. Yet the fact that the drops failed to save Charles didn’t deter many other English people from making and drinking the concoction.
Oct. 26 1668. Chatham, Sir John Mennes and J. Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners.
Desire their advice as to paying the yard, or they will lose time, the ships not being come up yet.
Are busied touching the examination of the business of the master attendants, and the complaints of the seamen working at the wrecks of the badness of their victuals, particularly the beef, some of which appears to be rotten and decayed.
Have sent several times to the victualler to require its amendment, but in vain. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 79.]
@@@ Oct. 16, 1668 John Pollen and Lieut. Peter Edwards to Pepys.
The man that gave intelligence of the [embezzled] masts brought from Deptford has gone to Newcastle; will inform of his return.
For their own parts, desire no profit nor gain, but that he will present their 2 small tickets enclosed to the Earl of Anglesey for his signature, for payment of them out of the weekly money, and shall be willing to serve in anything for the good of his Majesty.
With note that the due reward was promised, if their discovery be made good, and the tickets returned them to expect payment on them in course. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 80.]
@@@ Oct. 26, 1668 Sherwood John Russell to the Navy Commissioners.
John Robinson, master of the James hoy, has been laden with plank and timber lying at Stockwith.
Mr. Shish has complained of the plank sent; it had lain some time in the wind and sun, and therefore did not look so well as when first cut, but was fitter for service.
Has sent 430 loads into the stores, which has been approved to be good every where; 1,444 loads have also been taken in, and there remain on the shore 1,059 loads, which lie ready till they send for it.
Has receipts for his expenditure in carriage, loading the hoys, &c. If the hoys will not come any more this winter, wishes to come up [to pass his Accounts].
The James was 9 days loading, and cost him 12s. for labourers. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 81.]
@@@ [Oct. 26.] 1668 Petition of Sir Wm. Darcy to the King,
for immediate order for payment of 300/. a year, on the trust of the late Lord Chancellor, on pretence thereby to promote his Majesty's advantage in settling the alum farm; his Majesty has already ordered the Treasury Commissioners to satisfy petitioner, but they delay to do so. Signed. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 76.]
@@@ Oct. 26 1668. Docquet of an indenture whereby Sir John Wolstenholme and other farmers of customs, who have a lease of the customs for 4 years from Michaelmas last, on rent of 350,000/. for 3 years, and 370,000/. for the fourth, covenant to raise the rent to 400,000/. yearly, paying 16,666/. 13s. 4d. twice a month, but deducting 800/. a month, till they be reimbursed their 200,000/. advanced, with interest and charges. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 88.]
@@@ Oct. 26 1668. Order in the Committee for Trade and Plantations – on petition of the Eastland merchants for renewal of the proclamation of 7 March 1630, for which a warrant was issued, 29 Aug. 1661 - directing the Attorney-General to inquire what have been the impediments to the setting forth of this proclamation, and to report thereon on Thursday, when the Governors of the Eastland Company are to attend their lordships. [Draft. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 77.]
@@@ Oct. 26 1668. Bristol. Dan. Furzer to the Navy Commissioners.
Fears the offal timber, &c., at Conpill Yard will not yield 100/., as there is not a good plank in the yard, and the landlord will expect his rent and carriage ere the stuff be removed.
An immediate sale would take off the charge of rent, and of 2 men to keep the yard. Conceives it better to sell the furniture of the smith's shop also.
As to the timber in the forest formerly converted for his Majesty's use, can give no answer, because it is chiefly of larger size than is used in Bristol; but if 600 or 700 tons were brought there, believes it could not miss of a good market. [1] page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 78.]
"... and so to church I, and there find Jack Fenn come, and his wife, a pretty black woman: I never saw her before, nor took notice of her now."
One day soon you may need Jack Fenn, Samuel oh so high and mighty Pepys. There are times I really dislike you. I suppose Mrs. Fenn wasn't as classy as Betty Lane? You had the gall to invite good old Betty Lane to lunch with Elizabeth recently.
I'm glad you got caught. I trust Elizabeth will torture you.
No hint as to what will happen to Deb, who is probably upstairs, sobbing. She will have to go, of course. But Pepys has no thought about her welfare tonight.
I have failed to meet you at Lord Arlington's or the Court.
Pray do all the favour you can for Col. Holtby, in the business of the lottery, he being a person well known to have done the King eminent service in the war, and being very indigent. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 70.] --- My guess is that this letter is from the Lord Chamberlain, Gen. Sir Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester. None of my books mention a Col. Holtby, but it is curious a Parliamentary General would be petitioning on behalf of a Royalist veteran. That speaks well of the man.
@@@ Oct. 25 1668. Portsmouth Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
I have no news; the Dartmouth is ready to sail the first fair wind.
I saw your colt in Sir Philip Honeywood's stable, and will send him up when fit to travel. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 72.]
@@@ Oct. 25 1668. Portsmouth Capt. Ant. Deane to Williamson.
I want to know whether you received the things sent, and whether my answers to the queries gave satisfaction;
I wish Lord [Arlington] to be informed of anything which I observed there. I am more anxious by reason of the great abuse in the opening of letters which come to me, which, as the case stands, may ruin my friend abroad and have his throat cut in a short time.
Our messenger brought several letters last night, and amongst the rest one from Master Castell, giving an account of what he had seen; and although he wrought as cunningly as he could, and had not set his hand as ordered, yet the whole matter was plain. He enclosed the draft of a gun lately experimented upon in that country, which, by the shape of its cylinder, would shoot a pellet double the usual weight, with half the powder. This letter was brought open, and the seals torn off, and the messenger affirms it came in that state to him. I pay 10d. for your letter, and should not be so served.
See to it and send this letter to Castell; I question not but on his return, he will answer the ends he went for, and do you service. [24 pages. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 73.[ --- Anyone know who Mr, Castell was, or where he is committing industrial espionage?
Oct. 24 1668. Bristol Sir John Knight to the Navy Commissioners.
I have drawn a bill on you for 120/., payable at sight to Charles Owen, of Glovers' Hall, London, for fitting the Edgar. The former 200/., together with part of that now drawn, is already paid; an account of it shall be sent. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 65.]
@@@ October [24] 1668 Proposals by Sir W. Penn about his proceedings as comptroller of victuals: That the victualler’s demands on his old contract be speedily brought in; that he certify the charge of each purser; that the pursers' accounts do not remain longer with him than the limited time; that he duly set off the credit part, so that the balance may appear, after deduction for cask, hoops, &c. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 66.]
@@@ Oct. 24 1668. Lyme John Sprake to Hickes.
I send news in Mr. Thorold's absence.
A vessel from Croisic reports that all the carpenters are taken up to build ships for the [French] King's service.
A Lyme ship from Malaga, laden with wine and fruit, reports that he met an English fleet of 50 sail at Gibraltar, all laden with fish from Newfoundland, bound up the Straits; also that there were many Sallee men-of-war abroad, but that Sir Thos. Allin, with his squadron, was cruising about, to wait their return. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 67.]
@@@ Oct. 24 1668. Coventry Ralph Hope to Williamson.
The spire being completed, the weathercock was set up, which is 80 yards from the ground. The steeple is a stately structure, and will yield to but few in England.
There has been another election for sheriffs, and Edw. Rogers has been chosen in the room of Burne who was fined. Rogers was prevailed on to stand, though at first he claimed exemption, because he is sworn in to the place of Sewer in ordinary to the Great Chamber, which includes exemption from office.
The other sheriff, Lapworth, has been proclaimed sheriff throughout the city, and summoned to appear; if he does not, the city intends to appeal for redress to the Council Board, as he has caused much disturbance.
One Johnson, a Chester carrier, who was robbed twelve months since between Coventry and Lichtield to a considerable value, has been robbed again upon Bentley Heath by 7 or 8 men, who cut all his packs, and carried away gold, plate, and other commodities to the value of near 1,000/. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 68.]
@@@ Oct. 24 1668. Amsterdam Extract from a news-letter.
The 3 galliots that went by Nova Zembla to find out the [Northwest] passage to the Indies have returned, without effecting anything. They would have tarried longer and endeavoured further, but wanted victuals. They did not lose their voyage, having taken 5 whales, 3 Icelanders, and 2 North Capers, besides all their 500 teeth. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 69.]
@@@ Oct. 24 1668. The Edgar, Bristol King road Capt . John Wettwang to the Navy Commissioners.
Is victualled and has 250 men on board, but has had much trouble to get and keep them. Mr. Baylig has done all his work but a few things;
if a fair wind comes, shall stay for nothing; but the weather has long been very bad. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 62.]
@@@ Oct. 24 1668. Bristol Fras. Baylie to the Navy Commissioners.
I desire you to pay the 100/. bill to Rob. Foley, who is threatening me and makes me live in slavish fear.
The Edgar is completed except some small matters; I have a fancy to keep the carver and painter at work, that she may be put forth as well as any other ship.
Pray consider my low condition; I am utterly undone if any course of law is taken against me. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 63.]
Encloses, Rob. Foley to Fras. Baylie. I was yesterday with Squire Pepys, who admired your charging him with a bill of 100/., when he thinks you are rather in the King's debt.
I pray delay me no longer, but pay John Baker the 100/., and send an answer by the next post, as he must use some of the money to pay workmen. — London, 20 Oct. 1668. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 031.]
@@@ Oct. 24 1668. Sir John Mennes and John Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners. Chatham.
We brought down 15,000/. and have received 3,000/. since from Mr. Foley, who can supply no more;
have paid the Bonadventure, which took nearly 6,000/.;
the balance will pay but one half-year,
so we must expect a further supply for payment of the 3 ships coming up, Greenwich, Mary Rose, and Antelope.
The daily expectation of money has induced us to forbear paying the yard as yet, and occasioned great jealousy and complaint, the necessitous condition of the men urging them to it;
we have passed our words to see them satisfied their half-year's pay before departing.
We desire a speedy answer whether the money may come soon enough for the ships, that we may lose no time. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 64.]
Another reason Dr. Pearse had to hurry to Tyburn ... the bodies would be taken to The Barber-Surgeons Company for public dissection. He had to get his parts first. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
The Barber-Surgeons’ Company was founded in 1540. The Company was formed by an Act of Parliament, which amalgamated the Surgeons’ Guild and the Company of Barbers. As barbers worked with sharp tools it was common for them to also carry out minor surgical procedures, but in the new Barber-Surgeons’ Company the two professions were ordered to operate separately, with practitioners of one profession forbidden from carrying out the activities of the other. This caused a great deal of strife between the barbers and the surgeons.
However, the creation of the Company also set in law the Company’s right to dissect four bodies of executed criminals each year. It later became common for executed criminals to be dissected for anatomical research, but the legislation passed in 1540 was the first to legalize this practice in England. The cadavers that the Company was licensed to dissect were dissected in public, with all surgeons ordered to attend. These dissections became so popular that by 1568 it was necessary to provide raised seating in the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall to give the audience a better view –- this is the origin of the term “operating theatre”.
Eventually a purpose-built anatomical theatre was designed by Inigo Jones – this building was destroyed in the Great Fire and later rebuilt to a design by Christopher Wren.
The cadavers dissected by the Barber-Surgeons’ Company were interred in the burial ground of St. Olave’s Spring Street. The Company’s Hall was close to St. Olave’s, and within the parish there resided an early pioneer of anatomy and surgery, John Banister (1533-1610) and William Shakespeare.
St. Olave’s Silver Street was one of the churches not rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666. Before the Fire, St. Olave’s had been a small, unremarkable church that had for most of its history been built out of wood. Following the Rebuilding of London Act of 1670, the parish was merged with the nearby St. Michael Wood Street (demolished in the 19th Century and merged with St. Alban Wood Street) and a skull and crossbones stone was installed to mark the site of the former church.
"my wife and W. Hewer being gone to Deptford to see her mother,"
I'm struck by how little work Hewer is doing these days. But as I just posted, at a time "without an organized police force, the fear of crime was real and ever-present" and if Hewer wasn't going along to defend Elizabeth, Pepys would have to do it. That's why really rich men had footmen running besides the coach, and the King had his ever-present Body Guards made up of noblemen.
I remember seeing a film about Marie Antoinette's run for the German border and freedom; in one scene she looks out of her coach window and exclaims, "There ain't no guards!" Immortal words.
Out of curiosity I looked up what the blog had for October 23, 1668, and of course it was these executions. That the blogmaster did not identify the convicts indicates to me that nobody knows. http://www.executedtoday.com/2015…
"Why did Sam make an especial effort to see this execution? Had they become rare? He doesn't even mention the names of those who died, so it can't have been someone famous (cf Charles I's execution). Rather odd."
I think Pepys wanted to hear Pearse's gossip from Little Saxham, but Pearse had to get to the execution in order to get his vials of blood from the condemned. They practiced what we now call Corpse Medicine. So Pepys hitched a ride in his carriage.
In 1685 drops made from human skull were among treatments given to the dying Charles II.
In 1647 the preacher and author, Thomas Fuller, referred to mummy as “good physic but bad food”. His statement implies that medical processes could somehow refine human flesh, elevating it above the savagery of cannibalism.
In the late 17th century, the Puritan minister Edward Taylor wrote that “human blood, drunk warm and new is held good in the falling sickness”.
Drinking human blood “recent and hot” was still being recommended for epilepsy by English physicians in 1747.
When the subject had died in a healthy state, his vitality undiminished by age or disease, that was the ideal. Had he died from disease, his youth would have been wasted, the vital spirits decreasing with the blood. Ideally, therefore, the corpse should have been drowned, strangled or smothered.
A violent death produces fear. Medical theory held that fear forcibly expelled the spirits from vital organs (liver, heart and brain) into the flesh – hence the prickling of hair or skin, and flashing of the eyes. This kind of flesh would, accordingly, be especially potent. https://www.historyextra.com/peri…
And no, executions were not rare. In cities without an organized police force, the fear of crime was real and ever-present, and so the authorities responded with harsher and harsher penalties. In 1688, there were 50 offences listed as being punishable by death; by 1776, there were almost 200; by 1799, 220. Prostitutes and pickpockets feared both the cells of Newgate Prison, and the "triple-tree" of the Tyburn gallows, where Marble Arch stands today.
There is a blog devoted to details taken from original sources about executions -- if you can stomach it. http://www.executedtoday.com/2012…
"It's not that SP actually wants to run up and down the streets of London with no clothes on, but part of him seems to be envious as well as appalled."
I think Pepys is suffering from the same middle class angst we suffer from today. That Charles II and Chief Justice Keeling would take the side of two drunk, naked aristocrats over a constable vainly trying to keep the peace is just infuriating. Pepys is envious of their undeserved privilege, just as today we want billionaires to pay more taxes than the common joe, and women want rapists to go to prison.
Oct. 23 1668. Portmouth Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
I went to see your barb, but found Sir Philip [Honeywood's] groom had fetched it away. I will arrange about sending it to you.
The Dartmouth is ready to sail, and the Milford, which was ordered for the winter guard, is again laid aside. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 56.] --- Sir Philip Honeywood was the Lt. Gov. of Portsmouth (the Duke of York officially being the Gov.), so we know that the gift of this lovely Arab horse to Williamson has now become a hot potato. Very nice of Hugh Salesbury to offer to arrange for its delivery to London.
The Crown has arrived from Ireland; the Norwich came out with her, but has not yet arrived; the seamen fear for her safety. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 57.]
@@@ Oct. 23 1668. Wm. Sclater to Williamson.
I am informed by Sir Wm. Bowles that the same obstruction which some malevolent persons - who, having gained their own ends unjustly, shut the doors to their fellows — had obtained in Oxford, should be the rule at Cambridge, and they have promise of a patent.
Please to remember, before it passes, one who has done the Church and his Majesty as good service as those who would bolt the door against us; his Majesty promised me in particular that none of us should suffer for our modesty, which is all that is laid to our charge, that we did not apply early enough, nor take the opportunity afforded by the King's coming in. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 59. See Calendar, 1667-8, p. 609.]
@@@ Oct. 23 1668. Yarmouth Rich. Bower to Williamson.
The wind has continued so high that the fishery are prevented from driving, and fish is double the price it was.
A considerable fleet of colliers have passed.
I send a letter for his Lordship [Arlington] and beg you will let me know if there is anything that he scruples at, as I shall give him full satisfaction therein.
Capt. Clifton understands the whole business; I shall solicit him to wait on you. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 60.]
Encloses, Rich. Bower to Lord [Arlington].
I was prosecuted for an embezzled cable, seized on information of John Barker, and was convicted at Thetford Assizes, because Barker was absent at sea;
on his return, I obtained a rule for a new trial, but my opponents try to postpone it till Barker is gone to sea again.
Long details of the case. I beg indemnity.
@@@ Oct. 23 1668. Information of Sam. Mearne, King's book binder, before Lord Arlington.
Thomas Leach, printer, confessed to him and others that Mr. Wilson acknowledged being the author of a book called “Nehushtan," and corrected the book, sheet by sheet, at the press. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 61.] --- The book printed in 1668 was: “Nehushtan, or, A sober and peaceable discourse, concerning the abolishing of things abused to superstition and idolatry which may serve as one intire, and sufficient argument, to evince that the liturgy, ceremonies, and other things used at this day in the Church of England, ought neither to be imposed, nor retained, but utterly extirpated and laid aside : and to vindicate the non-conformists in their refusal to close with them.” -- By Joseph Wilson, died 1672. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo…
Comments
Second Reading
About Thursday 22 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Agreed, John ... but I have read similar vindictive threats by Pepys in the past, and do not remember him actually doing anything in revenge. We shall see ...
About Bristol
San Diego Sarah • Link
The trade and warfare conducted by the entrepreneurial merchants of Bristol as reported in:
Bristol -- British atlas of historic towns, Nr. 3
Author William Hunt
Publisher Longmans, Green, 1889
Original from Harvard University
Length 230 pages
https://books.google.com/books?id…
Although this is 100 years before Pepys, it does explain the Bristol mindset, and the scope of their imports and exports:
During the reign of Henry VIII, Bristol, in common with London and Southampton, carried on a brisk trade with Sicily, Candia, and the Levant, exporting fine and coarse kersies of various kinds, and receiving silks, rhubarb, sweet wines, sweet oils, Turkey carpets, and spices;
and in this trade its merchants largely employed ships of Ragusa, Venice, Genoa, and other states.
Commerce with the Levant was carried on at the risk of capture by the Turks, and especially by the Algerine pirates.
In 1621 John Rawlins, a Plymouth skipper, who was taken and sold as a slave in Algiers, but found there the 'Exchange' of Bristol which had been surprised by the pirates. He and some other English slaves were put on board her as part of her crew; they rose against the Turks, overcame them after a desperate fight, and brought the ship back to England.
Some years passed before the new trade of Bristol brought her ships into collision with any Christian state, for the Newfoundland discovery lay too far north to rouse Spanish interference, and such trade as there was with the West Indies was carried on in Spanish bottoms and was kept secret.
In 1552, three ships fitted out and freighted at Bristol, sailed from King Road, on the second voyage made from England for purposes of traffic with Morocco, carrying linen and woolen cloth, amber, and jet. The general importance of this voyage lies in the fact that it was an open defiance of the papal decision, as yet the law of Christendom, which reserved Africa for its discoverers, the Portuguese.
The ships returned safely despite the anger of the Portuguese, and of an attack made on them by some Spaniards.
As regards Bristol, this voyage marks the beginning of her African trade. From the Barbary coast her ships slowly worked their way to the Guinea coast, and there, in later times, took in slaves for the Western plantations.
On the accession of Edward VI, Cabot returned to England, and it is said he took up his residence in Bristol. He received a pension, and had the direction of the maritime affairs of the kingdom. In addition, he worked with all his heart on the method of determining longitude and on problems of a like nature, so that he should be remembered as an administrator and a man of science rather than simply as a seaman.
About Masts
San Diego Sarah • Link
The tradition of placing coins under ships’ masts [for luck] dates back to Roman times and still continues today.
This story is about finding a farthing under HMS Victory's mast.
http://www.oldsaltblog.com/2021/1…
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Another corpse medicine story
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Dr Jonathan Goddard
San Diego Sarah • Link
Charles II was on his deathbed in 1685; the monarch had suffered a stroke. Doctors tried everything to save him, but the king was convinced that one particular remedy would work.
Years before, the new king had paid Oliver Cromwell’s doctor and chemist, Jonathan Goddard, a handsome sum for the secret formula for Goddard’s Drops. The chemist claimed his invention, which later came to be known as King’s Drops, was a kind of miracle cure for all manner of ailments. The recipe for this liquid concoction was complex, involving numerous components and multiple distillations, but its efficacy supposedly hinged on one crucial ingredient: a powder consisting of five pounds of crushed human skulls.
Not just any skulls would do. According to medical wisdom of the time, the bones of an elderly person might contain some of the same illness the King’s Drops were meant to cure. “Ideally, [the skull] would be from someone who died a violent death at a young, healthy age,” says Lydia Kang, co-author of Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything. “You wanted somebody who died in the prime of their life, so execution and war were ideal ways to get these products.”
By the end of his life, doctors were pouring 40 drops of this gruesome elixir down Charles II’s throat daily. Needless to say, the potion didn’t have its desired effect.
King’s Drops and other bogus medical treatments may have sped up his demise on February 6, 1685. Yet the fact that the drops failed to save Charles didn’t deter many other English people from making and drinking the concoction.
For more on Corpse Medicine, but not Dr. Goddard or Charles II, see:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/arti…
About Monday 26 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 26 1668.
Chatham,
Sir John Mennes and J. Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners.
Desire their advice as to paying the yard, or they will lose time, the ships not being come up yet.
Are busied touching the examination of the business of the master attendants,
and the complaints of the seamen working at the wrecks of the badness of their victuals, particularly the beef, some of which appears to be rotten and decayed.
Have sent several times to the victualler to require its amendment, but in vain.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 79.]
@@@
Oct. 16, 1668
John Pollen and Lieut. Peter Edwards to Pepys.
The man that gave intelligence of the [embezzled] masts brought from Deptford has gone to Newcastle;
will inform of his return.
For their own parts, desire no profit nor gain,
but that he will present their 2 small tickets enclosed to the Earl of Anglesey for his signature, for payment of them out of the weekly money,
and shall be willing to serve in anything for the good of his Majesty.
With note that the due reward was promised, if their discovery be made good,
and the tickets returned them to expect payment on them in course.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 80.]
@@@
Oct. 26, 1668
Sherwood
John Russell to the Navy Commissioners.
John Robinson, master of the James hoy, has been laden with plank and timber
lying at Stockwith.
Mr. Shish has complained of the plank sent;
it had lain some time in the wind and sun, and therefore did not look so well as when first cut, but was fitter for service.
Has sent 430 loads into the stores, which has been approved to be good every
where;
1,444 loads have also been taken in, and there remain on the shore 1,059 loads, which lie ready till they send for it.
Has receipts for his expenditure in carriage, loading the hoys, &c.
If the hoys will not come any more this winter, wishes to come up [to pass his
Accounts].
The James was 9 days loading, and cost him 12s. for labourers.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 81.]
About Monday 26 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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[Oct. 26.] 1668
Petition of Sir Wm. Darcy to the King,
for immediate order for payment of 300/. a year,
on the trust of the late Lord Chancellor,
on pretence thereby to promote his Majesty's advantage in settling the alum farm;
his Majesty has already ordered the Treasury Commissioners to satisfy petitioner, but they delay to do so.
Signed.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 76.]
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Oct. 26 1668.
Docquet of an indenture
whereby Sir John Wolstenholme and other farmers of customs,
who have a lease of the customs for 4 years from Michaelmas last, on rent of 350,000/. for 3 years,
and 370,000/. for the fourth,
covenant to raise the rent to 400,000/. yearly,
paying 16,666/. 13s. 4d. twice a month,
but deducting 800/. a month, till they be reimbursed their 200,000/. advanced,
with interest and charges.
[S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 88.]
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Oct. 26 1668.
Order in the Committee for Trade and Plantations –
on petition of the Eastland merchants for renewal of the proclamation of 7 March 1630,
for which a warrant was issued, 29 Aug. 1661 - directing the Attorney-General to inquire what have been the impediments to the setting forth of this proclamation,
and to report thereon on Thursday, when the Governors of the Eastland Company are to attend their lordships.
[Draft. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 77.]
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Oct. 26 1668.
Bristol.
Dan. Furzer to the Navy Commissioners.
Fears the offal timber, &c., at Conpill Yard will not yield 100/.,
as there is not a good plank in the yard, and the landlord will expect his rent and carriage ere the stuff be removed.
An immediate sale would take off the charge of rent, and of 2 men to keep the yard.
Conceives it better to sell the furniture of the smith's shop also.
As to the timber in the forest formerly converted for his Majesty's use,
can give no answer, because it is chiefly of larger size than is used in Bristol;
but if 600 or 700 tons were brought there, believes it could not miss of a good market.
[1] page. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 78.]
About Sunday 25 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and so to church I, and there find Jack Fenn come, and his wife, a pretty black woman: I never saw her before, nor took notice of her now."
One day soon you may need Jack Fenn, Samuel oh so high and mighty Pepys. There are times I really dislike you. I suppose Mrs. Fenn wasn't as classy as Betty Lane? You had the gall to invite good old Betty Lane to lunch with Elizabeth recently.
I'm glad you got caught. I trust Elizabeth will torture you.
No hint as to what will happen to Deb, who is probably upstairs, sobbing. She will have to go, of course. But Pepys has no thought about her welfare tonight.
About Sunday 25 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
After that drama, I know you await the mail of the day with bated breath. Fortunately, being Sunday, there is little, and the best is left to last.
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Oct. 25 1668.
Lord Montague to Williamson.
I have failed to meet you at Lord Arlington's or the Court.
Pray do all the favour you can for Col. Holtby, in the business of the lottery,
he being a person well known to have done the King eminent service in the war, and being very indigent.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 70.]
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My guess is that this letter is from the Lord Chamberlain, Gen. Sir Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester. None of my books mention a Col. Holtby, but it is curious a Parliamentary General would be petitioning on behalf of a Royalist veteran. That speaks well of the man.
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Oct. 25 1668.
Portsmouth
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
I have no news;
the Dartmouth is ready to sail the first fair wind.
I saw your colt in Sir Philip Honeywood's stable, and will send him up when fit to travel.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 72.]
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Oct. 25 1668.
Portsmouth
Capt. Ant. Deane to Williamson.
I want to know whether you received the things sent, and whether my answers to the queries gave satisfaction;
I wish Lord [Arlington] to be informed of anything which I observed there.
I am more anxious by reason of the great abuse in the opening of letters which come to me, which, as the case stands, may ruin my friend abroad and have his throat cut in a short time.
Our messenger brought several letters last night, and amongst the rest one from Master Castell, giving an account of what he had seen; and although he wrought as cunningly as he could, and had not set his hand as ordered, yet the whole matter was plain.
He enclosed the draft of a gun lately experimented upon in that country, which, by the shape of its cylinder, would shoot a pellet double the usual weight, with half the powder.
This letter was brought open, and the seals torn off, and the messenger affirms it came in that state to him.
I pay 10d. for your letter, and should not be so served.
See to it and send this letter to Castell; I question not but on his return, he will answer the ends he went for, and do you service.
[24 pages. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 73.[
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Anyone know who Mr, Castell was, or where he is committing industrial espionage?
About Saturday 24 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 24 1668.
Bristol
Sir John Knight to the Navy Commissioners.
I have drawn a bill on you for 120/., payable at sight to Charles Owen, of Glovers' Hall, London, for fitting the Edgar.
The former 200/., together with part of that now drawn, is already paid;
an account of it shall be sent.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 65.]
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October [24] 1668
Proposals by Sir W. Penn
about his proceedings as comptroller of victuals:
That the victualler’s demands on his old contract be speedily brought in;
that he certify the charge of each purser;
that the pursers' accounts do not remain longer with him than the limited time;
that he duly set off the credit part, so that the balance may appear, after deduction for cask, hoops, &c.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 66.]
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Oct. 24 1668.
Lyme
John Sprake to Hickes.
I send news in Mr. Thorold's absence.
A vessel from Croisic reports that all the carpenters are taken up to build ships for the [French] King's service.
A Lyme ship from Malaga, laden with wine and fruit, reports that he met an
English fleet of 50 sail at Gibraltar, all laden with fish from Newfoundland, bound up the Straits;
also that there were many Sallee men-of-war abroad,
but that Sir Thos. Allin, with his squadron, was cruising about, to wait their return.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 67.]
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Oct. 24 1668.
Coventry
Ralph Hope to Williamson.
The spire being completed, the weathercock was set up, which is 80 yards from the ground.
The steeple is a stately structure, and will yield to but few in England.
There has been another election for sheriffs, and Edw. Rogers has been chosen in the room of Burne who was fined.
Rogers was prevailed on to stand, though at first he claimed exemption, because he is sworn in to the place of Sewer in ordinary to the Great Chamber, which includes exemption from office.
The other sheriff, Lapworth, has been proclaimed sheriff throughout the city, and summoned to appear;
if he does not, the city intends to appeal for redress to the Council Board, as he has caused much disturbance.
One Johnson, a Chester carrier, who was robbed twelve months since between Coventry and Lichtield to a considerable value, has been robbed again upon Bentley Heath by 7 or 8 men, who cut all his packs, and carried away gold, plate, and other commodities to the value of near 1,000/.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 68.]
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Oct. 24 1668.
Amsterdam
Extract from a news-letter.
The 3 galliots that went by Nova Zembla to find out the [Northwest] passage to the Indies have returned, without effecting anything.
They would have tarried longer and endeavoured further, but wanted victuals.
They did not lose their voyage, having taken 5 whales, 3 Icelanders, and 2 North
Capers, besides all their 500 teeth.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 69.]
About Saturday 24 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Oct. 24 1668.
The Edgar, Bristol King road
Capt . John Wettwang to the Navy Commissioners.
Is victualled and has 250 men on board, but has had much trouble to get and keep them.
Mr. Baylig has done all his work but a few things;
if a fair wind comes, shall stay for nothing; but the weather has long been very bad.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 62.]
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Oct. 24 1668.
Bristol
Fras. Baylie to the Navy Commissioners.
I desire you to pay the 100/. bill to Rob. Foley, who is threatening me and makes me live in slavish fear.
The Edgar is completed except some small matters;
I have a fancy to keep the carver and painter at work, that she may be put forth as well as any other ship.
Pray consider my low condition; I am utterly undone if any course of law is taken against me.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 63.]
Encloses,
Rob. Foley to Fras. Baylie.
I was yesterday with Squire Pepys, who admired your charging him with a bill of 100/., when he thinks you are rather in the King's debt.
I pray delay me no longer, but pay John Baker the 100/., and send an answer by the next post, as he must use some of the money to pay workmen.
— London, 20 Oct. 1668.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 031.]
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Oct. 24 1668.
Sir John Mennes and John Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners.
Chatham.
We brought down 15,000/. and have received 3,000/. since from Mr. Foley, who can supply no more;
have paid the Bonadventure, which took nearly 6,000/.;
the balance will pay but one half-year,
so we must expect a further supply for payment of the 3 ships coming up,
Greenwich, Mary Rose, and Antelope.
The daily expectation of money has induced us to forbear paying the yard as yet, and occasioned great jealousy and complaint, the necessitous condition of the men urging them to it;
we have passed our words to see them satisfied their half-year's pay before departing.
We desire a speedy answer whether the money may come soon enough for the ships, that we may lose no time.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 64.]
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... Lord Chief Justice Keeling hath laid the constable by the heels to answer it next Sessions ..."
laid by the heels means to imprison. Let's hope the next session is soon.
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Another reason Dr. Pearse had to hurry to Tyburn ... the bodies would be taken to The Barber-Surgeons Company for public dissection. He had to get his parts first.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Barber-Surgeons' Company
San Diego Sarah • Link
The Barber-Surgeons’ Company was founded in 1540. The Company was formed by an Act of Parliament, which amalgamated the Surgeons’ Guild and the Company of Barbers. As barbers worked with sharp tools it was common for them to also carry out minor surgical procedures, but in the new Barber-Surgeons’ Company the two professions were ordered to operate separately, with practitioners of one profession forbidden from carrying out the activities of the other. This caused a great deal of strife between the barbers and the surgeons.
However, the creation of the Company also set in law the Company’s right to dissect four bodies of executed criminals each year.
It later became common for executed criminals to be dissected for anatomical research, but the legislation passed in 1540 was the first to legalize this practice in England. The cadavers that the Company was licensed to dissect were dissected in public, with all surgeons ordered to attend.
These dissections became so popular that by 1568 it was necessary to provide raised seating in the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall to give the audience a better view –- this is the origin of the term “operating theatre”.
Eventually a purpose-built anatomical theatre was designed by Inigo Jones – this building was destroyed in the Great Fire and later rebuilt to a design by Christopher Wren.
The cadavers dissected by the Barber-Surgeons’ Company were interred in the burial ground of St. Olave’s Spring Street.
The Company’s Hall was close to St. Olave’s, and within the parish there resided an early pioneer of anatomy and surgery, John Banister (1533-1610) and William Shakespeare.
St. Olave’s Silver Street was one of the churches not rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666.
Before the Fire, St. Olave’s had been a small, unremarkable church that had for most of its history been built out of wood.
Following the Rebuilding of London Act of 1670, the parish was merged with the nearby St. Michael Wood Street (demolished in the 19th Century and merged with St. Alban Wood Street) and a skull and crossbones stone was installed to mark the site of the former church.
Pictures and more information about St. Olave's Silver Street and John Banister at https://flickeringlamps.com/2014/…
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"my wife and W. Hewer being gone to Deptford to see her mother,"
I'm struck by how little work Hewer is doing these days. But as I just posted, at a time "without an organized police force, the fear of crime was real and ever-present" and if Hewer wasn't going along to defend Elizabeth, Pepys would have to do it. That's why really rich men had footmen running besides the coach, and the King had his ever-present Body Guards made up of noblemen.
I remember seeing a film about Marie Antoinette's run for the German border and freedom; in one scene she looks out of her coach window and exclaims, "There ain't no guards!" Immortal words.
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Out of curiosity I looked up what the blog had for October 23, 1668, and of course it was these executions. That the blogmaster did not identify the convicts indicates to me that nobody knows.
http://www.executedtoday.com/2015…
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Why did Sam make an especial effort to see this execution? Had they become rare? He doesn't even mention the names of those who died, so it can't have been someone famous (cf Charles I's execution). Rather odd."
I think Pepys wanted to hear Pearse's gossip from Little Saxham, but Pearse had to get to the execution in order to get his vials of blood from the condemned. They practiced what we now call Corpse Medicine. So Pepys hitched a ride in his carriage.
In 1685 drops made from human skull were among treatments given to the dying Charles II.
In 1647 the preacher and author, Thomas Fuller, referred to mummy as “good physic but bad food”. His statement implies that medical processes could somehow refine human flesh, elevating it above the savagery of cannibalism.
In the late 17th century, the Puritan minister Edward Taylor wrote that “human blood, drunk warm and new is held good in the falling sickness”.
Drinking human blood “recent and hot” was still being recommended for epilepsy by English physicians in 1747.
When the subject had died in a healthy state, his vitality undiminished by age or disease, that was the ideal. Had he died from disease, his youth would have been wasted, the vital spirits decreasing with the blood. Ideally, therefore, the corpse should have been drowned, strangled or smothered.
A violent death produces fear. Medical theory held that fear forcibly expelled the spirits from vital organs (liver, heart and brain) into the flesh – hence the prickling of hair or skin, and flashing of the eyes. This kind of flesh would, accordingly, be especially potent.
https://www.historyextra.com/peri…
And no, executions were not rare.
In cities without an organized police force, the fear of crime was real and ever-present, and so the authorities responded with harsher and harsher penalties.
In 1688, there were 50 offences listed as being punishable by death;
by 1776, there were almost 200;
by 1799, 220.
Prostitutes and pickpockets feared both the cells of Newgate Prison, and the "triple-tree" of the Tyburn gallows, where Marble Arch stands today.
There is a blog devoted to details taken from original sources about executions -- if you can stomach it.
http://www.executedtoday.com/2012…
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"It's not that SP actually wants to run up and down the streets of London with no clothes on, but part of him seems to be envious as well as appalled."
I think Pepys is suffering from the same middle class angst we suffer from today. That Charles II and Chief Justice Keeling would take the side of two drunk, naked aristocrats over a constable vainly trying to keep the peace is just infuriating.
Pepys is envious of their undeserved privilege, just as today we want billionaires to pay more taxes than the common joe, and women want rapists to go to prison.
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 23 1668.
Portmouth
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
I went to see your barb, but found Sir Philip [Honeywood's] groom had fetched it away.
I will arrange about sending it to you.
The Dartmouth is ready to sail,
and the Milford, which was ordered for the winter guard, is again laid aside.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 56.]
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Sir Philip Honeywood was the Lt. Gov. of Portsmouth (the Duke of York officially being the Gov.), so we know that the gift of this lovely Arab horse to Williamson has now become a hot potato. Very nice of Hugh Salesbury to offer to arrange for its delivery to London.
About Friday 23 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 23 1668
Rich. Watts to [Williamson].
The Crown has arrived from Ireland;
the Norwich came out with her, but has not yet arrived; the seamen fear for her safety.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 57.]
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Oct. 23 1668.
Wm. Sclater to Williamson.
I am informed by Sir Wm. Bowles that the same obstruction which some
malevolent persons - who, having gained their own ends unjustly, shut the doors to their fellows — had obtained in Oxford, should be the rule at Cambridge, and they have promise of a patent.
Please to remember, before it passes, one who has done the Church and his
Majesty as good service as those who would bolt the door against us;
his Majesty promised me in particular that none of us should suffer for our modesty, which is all that is laid to our charge, that we did not apply early enough, nor take the opportunity afforded by the King's coming in.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 59. See Calendar, 1667-8, p. 609.]
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Oct. 23 1668.
Yarmouth
Rich. Bower to Williamson.
The wind has continued so high that the fishery are prevented from driving, and fish is double the price it was.
A considerable fleet of colliers have passed.
I send a letter for his Lordship [Arlington] and beg you will let me know if there is anything that he scruples at, as I shall give him full satisfaction therein.
Capt. Clifton understands the whole business; I shall solicit him to wait on you.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 60.]
Encloses,
Rich. Bower to Lord [Arlington].
I was prosecuted for an embezzled cable, seized on information of John Barker,
and was convicted at Thetford Assizes, because Barker was absent at sea;
on his return, I obtained a rule for a new trial, but my opponents try to postpone it till Barker is gone to sea again.
Long details of the case.
I beg indemnity.
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Oct. 23 1668.
Information of Sam. Mearne, King's book binder, before Lord Arlington.
Thomas Leach, printer, confessed to him and others that Mr. Wilson acknowledged being the author of a book called “Nehushtan," and corrected the book, sheet by sheet, at the press.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 248, No. 61.]
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The book printed in 1668 was:
“Nehushtan, or, A sober and peaceable discourse, concerning the abolishing of things abused to superstition and idolatry which may serve as one intire, and sufficient argument, to evince that the liturgy, ceremonies, and other things used at this day in the Church of England, ought neither to be imposed, nor retained, but utterly extirpated and laid aside : and to vindicate the non-conformists in their refusal to close with them.” -- By Joseph Wilson, died 1672.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo…