Oct. 6 1668. Treasury Chambers Sir George Downing to the Navy Commissioners.
The Treasury Commissioners desire a list of the ships lately come in to be paid off. and of the sums requisite for their discharge, specifying how much is for service before provision was made by the Eleven Months' Tax, how much for service during the time provided for by that Act, and how much since.
At the foot is a list of six ships, and estimates that the sums due to them are - before 1 Jan. 1667, 5,267/. 10s.; thence to 1 Jan. 1668, 10,212/. 10s.; thence to 3 Oct. 1668, 9,625/. 15s.; total, 25,105/. 15s. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 112.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Woolwich Edw. Byland to Pepys.
Asks for deals for the Pearl, and timber and plank for the new ship. Proposes buying that East country plank at Deptford.
Reports the goodness of the masts lately come [sent as a present to the King from New England]. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 113.]
Encloses, Particulars of the length and diameter of the said masts, 24 in number. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1131.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Woolwich W. Hannam, master attendant at Woolwich, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants a boatswain appointed to the Pearl, in the room of the other lying ashore sick; as she is fitting for sea, asks whether to set the masts of the frigates there, or forbear, as the winter is at hand, and they will ride with more safety. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 114.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Chatham John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to Col. Thos. Middleton.
Acquainted him that it was probable there were several ordnance, anchors, and cables scattered in the river Medway, by the burning and blowing up the ships when the Dutch were here, and proposed the terms on which they could employ persons to take them up, which was to have one half to themselves, excluding whatever was on board the wrecks they should weigh, and to have the use of a wind lass lighter; if they saved nothing, the King to be at no charge, and they to expect nothing.
Request him, if he thinks it fitting, to propose it to the Board, and to give his resolutions therein. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. Î15.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Bonadventure, Blackstakes Capt. John Narbrough to the Navy Commissioners.
Is in Chatham river, for want of a pilot to carry the ship up; Expected to have been supplied by the master of attendance, but the pilots are all out at present. Shall advertise his arrival at Chatham. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 108.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668, The Greenwich, Hope Capt. Rich. Beach to the Navy Commissioners.
Being ordered for Chatham “when the merchants' concerns are out,” asks for a pilot. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 109.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Thos. Goose, purser of the Sweepstakes, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants an order for checking the sick book by his sea book, that he may have his due right, having, according to their orders, discharged all the sick that did not return aboard the day they were set ashore. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 110.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Dublin. Sir George Carteret to the Navy Commissioners.
Has had the Harp frigate surveyed, and as she is unprovided for service, has ordered her to Kinsale, to be paid off and laid up, except any contrary order from them intervenes.
Judges the selling of her is not for the King's profit, because she is of so great charge for her small burden, that no merchant would offer money for her in those parts, where nothing is looked upon but the stowage.
Has acquainted Lord Anglesey with the difficulty of getting money here, and advised him what course to take to pay her off at Kinsale.
Those that surveyed found no fault with her hull, which a little repair will make good. (S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 111.) --- Sir George moved fast ... he and Lady Carteret had Charles II and Queen Catherine to dinner on Sept. 28, 1668. As Treasurer for Ireland, he has been preparing for this trip for a while. https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/… https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Oct. 5 1668. Teddington Lord Keeper Bridgeman to (Williamson).
I received yours with the several extracts and letter for Lisle, and Seć. Trevor came hither and showed me several packets.
I read over Sir Wm. Temple's long letter and some others, and made remarks upon them, whereof Mr. Secretary took notes, and promised to write to Lord Arlington.
The advice from Lisle, concerning the wools, is of huge importance to endeavour a remedy, though late; the Attorney had order a fortnight since to report to Council how he found the laws concerning wool, and wherein defective. I know not what has been done in it, though order was given by Lord Arlington that I should have extracts of what is done at every Council.
I think that letters ought to be written from the Board to the Mayor of Canterbury, and the justices and deputy lieutenants in East Kent, and the coasts of Sussex, Essex, and Suffolk, enjoining them to search all houses where it may be supposed any wool is, to ascertain the quantities, to take the owners' answers for what uses they intend to dispose of it, and to certify with all speed to the Board;
also to inquire after those that have transported it, that proceedings may be had against them.
If you acquaint Mr. Treasurer or Mr. Secretary with this, and they like it, they will put it into a better form for the Board. Take care of the letter from Lisle, as I intend to make use of it when the Council of Trade sits. I began my letter with my own hand, but could not go through with it. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 104.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668, R. Mayors to [the Navy Commissioners].
Has surveyed Mr. Fithy's East-country plank at Deptford, 80 loads, and judges it to be worth 3/. 10s. per load. With note that the Board offered 3/. 12s., Mr. Shish, then present, saying he would give as much, but Mr. Fithy refused it, insisting upon 3/. 15s. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 106.]
@@@ AND as Terry told us:
Oct. 5 1668. Treasury Chambers Sir George Downing to Pepys.
Do not fail to meet me at Sir Robert Long's house tomorrow, about the money employed for the Fleet, on which we should have met the week before. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 107]
If you can accommodate my friend with his desire, I crave despatch in it; if it succeeds effectually, he has 20 pieces to present you with, and some for the solicitor. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 101.]
Annexing, Note for Pierre d'Artiague of Bayonne, captain of the Golden Herring, laden with salt, wine, cloth, &c.,
to come from Bayonne to England, and return to Bayonne, on the account of John Westcombe, English Consul there. [French. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1011.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668. Coventry Ralph Hope to [Williamson].
I must complain of the miscarriage of my letters for 5 successive Sundays, and of the remissness of the post here. I fear some sinister practice; pray inquire into it.
I hope to see your relations on their return, and to have a more happy opportunity of waiting on them than on the last occasion. Your namesake and Mr. King send their salutes. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 103.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668. Holyhead Lord O'Brian to [Williamson].
I came to Chester on Wednesday, and shipped my goods on Thursday, resolving to put out the next tide; but the wind came about to the southwest so violently, with most terrible storms of rain, that despairing of a passage, I came to Holyhead through the most heathenish country ever any man travelled.
The packet is expected tomorrow from London, and I shall then put out with it for Dublin.
I hope my lady and my wife with the children got safe to you, and will spend a happy winter. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 98.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668. Pendennis Fras. Bellott to Williamson.
Arrival and departure of ships. Thirty sail are waiting a fair wind. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 100.]
@@@ Oct. 4 1668. Deal Rich. Watts to (Williamson).
Twenty sail of ships have come down outward bound.
I gave the 2 packets to Mr. Callender, bound for Lisbon, and have 2 witnesses to the delivery, but no note would be given, the master not being on board. (S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 97.]
The Hope of Weymouth, arrived from St. Malo, reports that a great earthquake happened there the night before she sailed; also that there has been a great mortality amongst the inhabitants, 1,600 young persons and others having died of the smallpox, &c., within a few months;
also that the English trade is made very bad, there being no vent for our drapery, through the great import of wool from Ireland.
A Galway vessel had lately a great quantity on board, and pretended it was for Londen, but landed it at St. Malo. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 91.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Yarmouth Rich. Bower to Williamson.
A vessel from the East country ran upon the sands, called the Middle grounds, near Winterton, and was lost, but several of her goods, as tar, iron, and deals, have been brought ashore, and the men were all saved.
John Woodroff and Thomas Dunn, both Yarmouth men, are the new bailiffs.
The fishing is mean as yet, but if the weather proves good, they hope to have plenty, now the tides are lifted. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 92.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Weymouth John Pocock to Hickes.
On the 2nd a Dieppe ship was cast away at Portland; she was bound for Rochelle for salt; the men were all saved. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 93.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Col. Walter Slingsby and 4 other [trustees of the Plate lottery] to Williamson.
Ask him to insert the enclosed in the Gazette, and to continue it for a month, or longer. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 94.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Lord Mordaunt to Williamson.
I would have waited on Lord Arlington for his pass and warrant, but was forced into Surrey on account of the militia.
Pray put his lordship in mind of them, and that by Monday I may secure them, and his commands for France.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 95.]
@@@ and of course there is the appeal from Capt. Silas Taylor, so deliciously illuminated by Stephane above.
I find that putting off the Parliament has filled men's minds with suspicions that they are going to be governed in an arbitrary way, and that an army is to be raised; but these are fancies of their own making.
I told Mr. Norris that the way to get an ensigncy in the Guards was by money, and he assured me it could be found, but “wanted a man of honour to make the business with the Colonel”; if that may be done by your favour, Mr. Norris may be advanced as he desires.
I am to be addressed at Hereford. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 88.]
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Deal Rich. Watts to [Williamson].
A French lord and his lady, with some 5 Frenchmen, arrived at Dover from Calais. The Frenchmen quarselling, about half seas over, had nearly sunk the vessel.
On arriving, they ran upon the rocks to the south of the pier-head, where the vessel broke in pieces, and the lady, to escape, leaped overboard to the shore, but slipped from the rock. Her lord offered a crown for one to fetch her, but none would undertake the work without 6, so the lord paid it, and one brought her out almost dead.
Great search is making for a trunk lost worth 300/., as also for other things of value.
The ship that brought over Lord Sandwich has arrived in the Downs. The wind is high.
With postscript, 3 Oct. There are 22 sail of outward-bound ships come into the Downs; I will take special care of your Lisbon packet. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 89.]
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Cambridge Sir Nich. Armorer to Williamson.
After the death of a fox and leash of hares, besides a brave horse race at Newmarket, I have reached Cambridge, on my way to Kimbolton, where I shall stay till Monday, when his Majesty will return to Newmarket.
Do not fail to let me have a cast of your office.
Lord Thomond won the great race, and as a frolic, I betted 2 guineas for you, which we have won.
Noted, “At Kimbolton, to be left with the postmaster of Huntingdon; to be sent with speed.” (11 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 85.] --- Kimbolten Castle is the home of Gen. Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester ... Sandwich's cousin. They both quit Cromwell's cause in disgust, and quietly worked for Charles II's return, which is why Manchester is now Lord Chamberlain. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
It's over 40 miles from Kimbolton to Newmarket, so I don't think Armorer is going there for the racing.
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Newmarket Earl of Thomond to Williamson.
The Lord Steward keeps the best table here.
[Sir Nich.] Armorer brought 2 guineas from himself and you, which were improved on Thump's victory, won by a yard, and so strait the entire 6 miles.
The King is highly pleased with all his Newmarket recreations; up by candle-light yesterday morning, and this morning, hunting the hare; in the afternoon he hawks, and courses with greyhounds;
to Harwich tomorrow,
and on Monday here again.
The Cup will be ridden for next week before the Queen; as you prize earthly paradises, you are to bring a maid of honour behind you next week.
Thanks for intelligences. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 86.]
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Suffolk Street Elizabeth, Lady Dysart to Williamson.
I desire you to forward a letter enclosed, to [SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND, JOHN MAITLAND, 2nd EARL OF] Lord Lauderdale at Newmarket, and take care for the delivery of it and of the answer, as it is of some importance to me.
I am going out of town, but will return on Monday, and send to your office for any letters. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 87.] --- The widowed Elizabeth Murray Tollemache, the Countess of Dysart in her own right, has known Lauderdale for decades ... she probably saved his life after the second battle of Worcester by pointing out to Cromwell that he was a SCOTTISH lord and could not legally be executed. Their affair becomes so blatent that Elizabeth Home, Duchess of Lauderdale, goes to live in Paris where she dies in 1672. Dysart and Lauderdale wed weeks after her death ... most unseemly!!! This letter leads me think she had designs on him already. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
I finally got around to posting Amb. Mocenigo's lengthy report. IMHO it's easier to comprehend with presumed paragraph breaks: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Stephane Chenard posted a link to an amazing Calendar Converter which does far more than Julian/Gregorian ... think Hebrew, Islamic, Persian, Mayan, Indian, French Republic, ISO 8601, Unix, Excel (yes ... they messed up 1900 dates for millions of posts!): https://www.fourmilab.ch/document… https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Oct. 1. 1668 Harwich Capt. Silas Taylor to Sam. Pepys.
His Majesty is expected here on Saturday;
Sir Charles Littleton, and Major [Nath.] Dorrell, Governor of Languard, are expected this night, with the Henrietta and Anne pleasure boats.
I hope they will not come so soon, as I have neither boat nor barge fit to receive his Majesty into. I desire you to send one by the pleasure boats, if they are not come away. i presume the Board fully understand his Majesty's intentions of being here, so that I question not but I shall have the happiness of waiting upon one of them here.
Sir Bernard de Gomme, Engineer General, will attend his Majesty. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 78.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Emsworth sloop, Holehaven. Capt. Walter Perry to the Navy Commissioners.
Has stopped, as ordered, several vessels come from Normandy, but the river being wide and the nights dark, if vessels will be obstinate, one can slip by while the boat is on board another.
Is ordered to remain there until the Lenox yacht comes, which was expected 10 days ago. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 79.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Portsmouth Capt. John Tinker to Sam. Pepys.
Desires orders as to victualling and cleaning the Roebuck, arrived at Spithead. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 80.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. The Roebuck, Portsmouth Capt. George Liddell to the Navy Commissioners.
Is arrived at Spithead. Asks orders for a pinnace, and also for cleaning the frigate, she having been off the ground 5 months. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 81.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. The Roebuck, Portsmouth Same to the same.
Understands by Capt. Tinker that he may have another cable, his own not being fit to venture the frigate by; shall not stay longer than to get his provisions on board. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 82.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Chatham. John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to the Navy Commissioners.
Particulars of the position of a wreck they have weighed out of the way of the trade up and down. Shall leave her till they have the third wreck, which lies in the middle of the river, which they hope to accomplish before the cold weather; then the channel will be open about Gillingham.
The victualling proves indifferent, and the beef new killed and not well saved, so that it stunk; two hogsheads more have been sent, which is old and rotten.
Pray that the victualler may order his instrument to complete their complement of beef, as the work and season of the year require them to be careful of the health of their men. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 83.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Gravesend F. Hosier to Sam. Pepys.
The Wevenhoe ketch has arrived from Tangier, having 24 men on board. (S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 84.]
@@@ Oct, 1, 1668 Paris. H. Brouncker to Jos. Williamson.
I send an enclosure, not knowing whether Sir John Trevor is in possession of the seals.
Thanks for favours received from you. I have heard of them, since my departure, through a fair lady and other friends, and am sorry I have no way of returning them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 73.] --- This is Commissioner Sir William Brouncker’s nasty younger brother. Pepys speaks of Henry Brouncker’s impeachment for causing the English fleet to shortened sail during the night during the 1665 Battle of Lowestoft, supposedly because Henry deluded flag captain John Harman, and the ship’s master, John Cox, into believing he was relaying the (sleeping) Duke of York’s orders to that effect.
On 21 April, 1668 Henry Brouncker fled when the Parliamentary investigation went against him.
This letter sounds as if he took off with his seals of office (Cofferer of the Household to Charles II, and a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to James, Duke of York). By returning them, is he trying to make amends? SPOILER: before six months in exile elapses, Henry is in favor again at Court (see 4 November, 1668).
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Portsmouth Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
The Earl of Sandwich has departed for London, and the ship which brought him has sailed for the Downs. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 75.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Ryde Sir Wm. Morton to Williamson.
I formerly sent a copy of the forged brief, and thank you for acquainting Lord Arlington with it. I will, by his command, proceed against the actors that I can lay hold of at the next sessions; but the principal offenders are in the King's Bench Prison in London. I will deal with them next term.
I think it would not be amiss to publish the forgery in the Gazette, and prevent any further collections upon a forged brief; the moneys already collected should be ordered to be restored to the church wardens, and by them to the persons who gave it, with directions to the justices, &c., to apprehend the carriers of such briefs, and see them punished.
This if done under his lordship's name will endear the country to him, and manifest that love he has for the good of the people. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 76.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Warrant to John Blundell to repair to Canterbury, or any other place, in search of Rob. Gilbert and Edw. Fray, carriers, and to bring them before Sir John Trevor. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 28, p. 18.]
To obtain enlightenment as to what might be expected from the princes in the matter of procuring peace with the Turks by their protests I asked the Dutch ambassador Borel if he had written about it to the States. He assured me that he had, in the best manner, and that he would acquaint me with the result.
But unwilling to allow myself to be diverted by these remote hopes, I insisted on the most prompt succour and persuaded the ambassador not only to accept as a pledge what the king said to him in the matter of succour, but to raise the question at every opportunity. Since this office, Borel has only seen his Majesty once and I do not know if he has yet had an opportunity of acting, though he seemed well disposed.
Meanwhile I study every means to achieve my end, my sole aim now being to obtain some verbal declaration from the king here, since that is the only thing that can put to the test the boasted good will of the Dutch.
The absence of the king will delay all business. It is foreseen that he will not return to London within a month.
The ambassador of Spain having cooled off about it and France being reluctant to go with his Majesty, I with the other ministers shall be excused from this obligation, as the king has little wish to be followed by ministers amid his diversions, and if the French and Spanish ambassadors enjoy their liberty and escape the new charge of entertaining their Majesties in their own house at dinner and supper with superb tables, I shall be able to go to the country to find his Majesty if some appearance of good results persuades me to press my requests.
#360. Piero Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
The facility which the custom of this country gives ambassadors of seeing each other frequently without ceremony, attending the Court in the evening in the capacity of private gentlemen, gave me the opportunity, before the king's departure, of cultivating the best relations with their Excellencies.
After a long discussion about Candia and strong suggestions to induce the French ambassador to support my instances with his Majesty, Colbert indulged in general remarks about his readiness to serve the most serene republic, and immediately began to talk about the peace between the crowns. For his part he thought it firmly established, and he hoped that the clear terms would render it durable, and that all the difficulties, being dealt with in a reasonable spirit would not disturb the quiet necessary between Christian princes.
Agreeing with this, I said that the union was the more opportune because all who benefited by dissensions secured advantages from the dissensions of Christians. Accordingly all in rallying to the common cause would defend in Candia the states most exposed to the barbarity of the infidels, and the Catholic faith.
The ambassador remarked that the Most Christian was doing his share; the diversions of the kingdom of Poland would prove a very useful distraction for the might of the Ottomans, who were completely preoccupied with the kingdom of Candia and devoting all their energy to the capture of that place. All the princes should watch closely the election of the new king, as if a prince of slight consequence was chosen it would only serve for the aggrandisement of him personally and would not be of any use to Christendom. The Muscovite certainly was capable of any generous resolution, and he had both the spirit and the forces ready, so that he might render great services to Christendom.
I do not know if these remarks derived from Colbert's ingenuity or from a change in the policy of the Most Christian.
He concluded with a smile that Neoburgo was a worthy prince. (fn. 7) 7. An allusion to the situation created by the abdication on 12th June, 1668, of John Casimir II, king of Poland. Among the candidates for the crown were the Tsar Alexis, Philip William the Count Palatine of Neuburg, whose first wife, Anna, was a daughter of Sigismund III of Poland, and the Prince of Condé. --- Interest often prevails over character and princes have no greater impulse for their decisions than their own advantage; but your Excellencies will be advised from the proper quarter.
With a few words I was able to assure the French ambassador of my deep respect for his king, and as he has so far declared that he has received from me the treatment he desires, so in the future I shall not do him offence in my dealings with the Spanish ambassador.
With the count of Molina, after making sure of a courteous reception, I have made a civil advance, sending the Secretary Alberti to tell him that the succour contributed by the Viceroy of Naples to the needs of Candia were so opportune that I sent to congratulate him on this holy resolution which would add to the glory of his Catholic Majesty. The office proved acceptable and met with a very hearty response, both of us having avoided any reference to the past incident.
This civility prepared the way for a second office on the following day when he received the Secretary Alberti, who told him my extreme regret that a misunderstanding about ceremonial deprived me of the opportunity of waiting upon him.
I had not been able to oblige him, because I could not go further than I had with the French ambassador, and I felt sure he would not take it ill that I had not taken a step which would have caused disturbance and a dispute about precedence.
The ambassador replied that for me personally and as minister of your Excellencies he had every regard.
He had wished to meet me incognito in the first days of my arrival in London, but the misunderstandings of servants had deprived him of that pleasure.
For the public visit he would let the matter rest until some compromise had been found, in the hope that the French ambassador would make this easy.
As Count of Molina, he would always be at my service and offered to devote himself to the interests of the republic, esteeming that so he would be serving his queen.
In spite of the difficulty about visits there would be the same correspondence, as we should have opportunities of seeing each other at Court in the evening, where we should meet as private gentlemen without observation.
The secretary did not lose the opportunity to assure him of my sincerity and goodwill.
Such is the present state of the affair. As I always have an eye for the satisfaction of France, I shall try to get an arrangement made as soon as possible, hoping that the prudence of the count of Molina will not open the way to disputes, and if he can withdraw with honour from the position he has taken up, he should soon be ready to abandon punctilio. He has the example of the Ambassador Batteville, who tried to uphold the advantage of the crown by the way of a rupture, and did it infinite harm, while he personally lost the credit of having served well in an important matter by serving too well in punctilio. (fn. 6) • 6. In the dispute with Estrades in October 1661. See Vol. xxxiii of this Calendar, pp. xxv–xxvii.
Colbert, the French minister, stands out against this, because if the innovation was accepted and the dukes, earls and leading ministers of this country continued to receive on the stairs in the old way, the ambassadors would lose their parity, as would certainly be the case if the Spanish ministers were met by the French at the door and by a duke on the stairs.
Molina did not consider this, fastening on what was done with him by Colbert himself.
To this Colbert replies that the extraordinary courtesy of a secret visit from Count Molina, and the belief that it was the practice of dukes, earls and ministers at this Court, obliged him to show special civility at the first meeting and he by no means wished to continue the abuse, when he found that dukes continued to visit and receive in the rooms. He concluded that an abuse prejudicial to the position of royal ambassadors should not be continued, and it should be forgotten as being an offence rather than a favour, and as he was content to break the first lances, and be met on the stairs, as was the Dutch ambassador who enjoys parity, the Spanish ambassador cannot escape following the example, as he has no right to claim a more distinguished treatment than they.
Not content with this the French ambassador, by these arguments has bound me hand and foot, making a protest here by his gentlemen that any concession to the Spanish ambassador would be a positive offence to his ministry. He was fully satisfied with my reception, which conformed with the ceremonial of all the Courts and here also, where the duke of Buchincan and the Secretary Arlinton had received him on the stairs, so that any change would offend his character, and that I as well as the Spanish ambassador should have to compensate him for this.
This declaration of the French ambassador prevents any compromise, and he will on no account agree to the reception claimed by Spain, on the ground also that it would seem as if Spain had precedence over France. But Spain remains deaf to considerations of the common service of the ambassadors. He acts with prudence, however, and is not taking any further steps but lets the compliment wait, while expecting replies from Spain. In the mean time he will not join issue on those points of punctilio which the French ambassador wishes to raise, in order to renew differences and, if needful, odious declarations.
I shall wait to hear the intentions of your Serenity, hoping that my reluctance to gratify the Spanish ambassador will be approved, in order to avoid the quarrels which one tries so hard to prevent now.
I have no doubt that I have fulfilled my instructions in cultivating friendly relations with both ambassadors, acting rather as a mediator than as a party, leaving them to their disputes, if I had not the good fortune to reconcile them.
#359. Piero Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
When I thought I had done well in the renewal of this embassy by having established equality with the royal ambassadors, without the slightest diminution of pre-eminence, my peace of mind is disturbed somewhat by an affair with the Spanish ambassador about an ambiguity over ceremonial.
The minister of your Excellencies has always been made a battle ground in every Court in the strife between the ambassadors of France and Spain, and it has fallen to me, who desired more than anything to cultivate friendly relations and to avoid unpleasantness, to meet with one, the less likely to be foreseen because it is over one of the most trivial and usual formalities.
The knowledge of the ceremonial approved at all the Courts and the opinion expressed by the Master of the Ceremonies about the claim of Earl Craven, that meeting on the staircase was a novel procedure on such occasions, made me resolve not to depart from the approved ceremonial on the first visits with the French and Dutch ambassadors. Both responded by meeting me on the stairs when I returned their visits and everything happened without anything of note.
When the Spanish ambassador asked for an appointment, Saturday morning was fixed and he appeared at the house.
My gentlemen were at the door and he had scarcely entered when he asked them if I was indisposed, and advancing to the foot of the stairs demanded roundly that I should meet him there. When I heard this I was forced to be very reserved. I sent the Secretary Alberti assuring him that I would meet him where I had met the French ambassador. I would rather show increased than diminished respect for the minister of his Catholic Majesty, but I could not descend the stairs because I could not treat him differently from the French ambassador.
After hesitating awhile the Count of Molina decided to leave me with regret at not being able to pay his respects, and he left without seeing me.
It seems that this claim is based on a particular practice of this Court which is new and perhaps invented by these Spanish ambassadors, who having no stairs in their houses may have extended the greeting, to be met by the other ambassadors on the ground floor.
Nevertheless, although I have no great hope, I mean to keep on with my requests with all the ministers here, even to importunity. If the news is true that is spread by several news sheets, and which is credited here by the most cautious of the ministers, that the Turks have been repulsed after repeated assaults and heavy losses, and have withdrawn from the siege, I should rejoice with your Serenity and with Christendom, as your Excellencies would win immortal glory from a memorable defence, conspicuous in the eyes of the world, and the safety of Christendom would be the result.
I should like to believe what I hear and it is repugnant to discredit what one most desires, so long as the report does not cool the tepid zeal which in spite of the particular interests of the Levant still lives in the spirit of the king for the relief of your Excellencies.
London, the 12th October, 1668. [Italian.] Enclosure.
#358. The Memorial.
Representing the critical state of Candia and the help received from the emperor and others, with request for assistance. [Italian: 7 pages.]
I pressed him so hard through the Secretary Alberti that he came himself to this house at a late hour of the night. He told me that the memorial had been referred by his Majesty to the Lord Keeper, and to the Secretary Trevers, both appointed to consider the matter. I might confer with them and persuade them to make a good report.
On the return of the two deputies from the country I will go and see them at once, trying to get a favourable reply, though to my extreme regret I see the affair buried between the indecision of the ministers and the delays constantly caused by fresh opposition.
On the other hand, when I returned the visit of Earl Anglise, who attended me at my public entry, I stirred him so much about the succours that to-day, before starting for the country he came to tell me, in response to the confidence I had shown in telling him of the result of my audience of the king and my visit to Arlinton, that the memorial had not yet been taken to the Council of State by the Consulta, and gave me his word to support it if it should come. --- Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey, treasurer of the navy. --- He said that the king might make his decision upon the opinion of the Consulta. He told me confidentially that the chief opposition was about the Levant, and for fear of interrupting good relations with the Turks it was advisable to try for succour that would attract least attention.
As I suggested gunpowder, lead and materials he promised to try and serve the republic in everything. He went so far as to tell me that a person of note maintained that they should beware lest those barbarians, incensed at succour given to the republic, should let loose their resentment against the person of the English ambassador.
But I believe that they are much more anxious about reprisals against the capital of this same Earl Harvis, and the community of interest among the leading ministers here causes them to be very careful of the reputation of the ambassador of this crown. --- “Harvis” is Amb. Daniel Harvey, who recently left for the Levant. --- But because all this delay amounts to a refusal, the opportunity of the embarcation of the troops in Holland being lost and time flying while Candia is in peril, makes me regret my uselessness.
Comments
Second Reading
About Tuesday 6 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 6 1668.
Treasury Chambers
Sir George Downing to the Navy Commissioners.
The Treasury Commissioners desire a list of the ships lately come in to be paid off. and of the sums requisite for their discharge,
specifying how much is for service before provision was made by the Eleven Months' Tax,
how much for service during the time provided for by that Act,
and how much since.
At the foot is a list of six ships, and estimates that the sums due to them are - before 1 Jan. 1667, 5,267/. 10s.;
thence to 1 Jan. 1668, 10,212/. 10s.;
thence to 3 Oct. 1668, 9,625/. 15s.;
total, 25,105/. 15s.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 112.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Woolwich
Edw. Byland to Pepys.
Asks for deals for the Pearl, and timber and plank for the new ship.
Proposes buying that East country plank at Deptford.
Reports the goodness of the masts lately come [sent as a present to the King from New England].
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 113.]
Encloses,
Particulars of the length and diameter of the said masts, 24 in number.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1131.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Woolwich
W. Hannam, master attendant at Woolwich, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants a boatswain appointed to the Pearl, in the room of the other lying ashore sick;
as she is fitting for sea, asks whether to set the masts of the frigates there, or forbear, as the winter is at hand, and they will ride with more safety.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 114.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Chatham
John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to Col. Thos. Middleton.
Acquainted him that it was probable there were several ordnance, anchors,
and cables scattered in the river Medway, by the burning and blowing up the ships when the Dutch were here,
and proposed the terms on which they could employ persons to take them up,
which was to have one half to themselves, excluding whatever was on board the wrecks they should weigh, and to have the use of a wind lass lighter;
if they saved nothing, the King to be at no charge, and they to expect nothing.
Request him, if he thinks it fitting, to propose it to the Board,
and to give his resolutions therein.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. Î15.]
About Tuesday 6 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. 6 1668.
Bonadventure, Blackstakes
Capt. John Narbrough to the Navy Commissioners.
Is in Chatham river, for want of a pilot to carry the ship up;
Expected to have been supplied by the master of attendance, but the pilots are all out at present.
Shall advertise his arrival at Chatham.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 108.]
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Oct. 6 1668,
The Greenwich, Hope
Capt. Rich. Beach to the Navy Commissioners.
Being ordered for Chatham “when the merchants' concerns are out,” asks for a pilot.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 109.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Thos. Goose, purser of the Sweepstakes, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants an order for checking the sick book by his sea book, that he may have his due right, having, according to their orders, discharged all the sick that did not return aboard the day they were set ashore.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 110.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Dublin.
Sir George Carteret to the Navy Commissioners.
Has had the Harp frigate surveyed, and as she is unprovided for service,
has ordered her to Kinsale, to be paid off and laid up,
except any contrary order from them intervenes.
Judges the selling of her is not for the King's profit,
because she is of so great charge for her small burden,
that no merchant would offer money for her in those parts,
where nothing is looked upon but the stowage.
Has acquainted Lord Anglesey with the difficulty of getting money here, and advised him what course to take to pay her off at Kinsale.
Those that surveyed found no fault with her hull, which a little repair will make good.
(S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 111.)
---
Sir George moved fast ... he and Lady Carteret had Charles II and Queen Catherine to dinner on Sept. 28, 1668.
As Treasurer for Ireland, he has been preparing for this trip for a while.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Monday 5 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 5 1668.
Teddington
Lord Keeper Bridgeman to (Williamson).
I received yours with the several extracts and letter for Lisle,
and Seć. Trevor came hither and showed me several packets.
I read over Sir Wm. Temple's long letter and some others, and made remarks upon them, whereof Mr. Secretary took notes, and promised to write to Lord Arlington.
The advice from Lisle, concerning the wools, is of huge importance to endeavour a remedy, though late;
the Attorney had order a fortnight since to report to Council how he found the laws concerning wool, and wherein defective.
I know not what has been done in it, though order was given by Lord Arlington that I should have extracts of what is done at every Council.
I think that letters ought to be written from the Board to the Mayor of Canterbury, and the justices and deputy lieutenants in East Kent, and the coasts of Sussex, Essex, and Suffolk, enjoining them to search all houses where it may be supposed any wool is, to ascertain the quantities, to take the owners' answers for what uses they intend to dispose of it, and to certify with all speed to the Board;
also to inquire after those that have transported it, that proceedings may be had against them.
If you acquaint Mr. Treasurer or Mr. Secretary with this, and they like it, they will put it into a better form for the Board.
Take care of the letter from Lisle, as I intend to make use of it when the Council of Trade sits.
I began my letter with my own hand, but could not go through with it.
S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 104.]
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Oct. 5 1668,
R. Mayors to [the Navy Commissioners].
Has surveyed Mr. Fithy's East-country plank at Deptford, 80 loads, and judges it to be worth 3/. 10s. per load.
With note that the Board offered 3/. 12s., Mr. Shish, then present, saying he would give as much, but Mr. Fithy refused it, insisting upon 3/. 15s.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 106.]
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AND as Terry told us:
Oct. 5 1668.
Treasury Chambers
Sir George Downing to Pepys.
Do not fail to meet me at Sir Robert Long's house tomorrow, about the money employed for the Fleet, on which we should have met the week before.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 107]
About Monday 5 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 5 1668.
London
Thos. Gardiner to Williamson.
If you can accommodate my friend with his desire, I crave despatch in it;
if it succeeds effectually, he has 20 pieces to present you with, and some for the solicitor.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 101.]
Annexing,
Note for Pierre d'Artiague of Bayonne, captain of the Golden Herring,
laden with salt, wine, cloth, &c.,
to come from Bayonne to England, and return to Bayonne, on the account of John Westcombe, English Consul there.
[French. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1011.]
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Oct. 5 1668.
Coventry
Ralph Hope to [Williamson].
I must complain of the miscarriage of my letters for 5 successive Sundays,
and of the remissness of the post here.
I fear some sinister practice; pray inquire into it.
I hope to see your relations on their return,
and to have a more happy opportunity of waiting on them than on the last occasion.
Your namesake and Mr. King send their salutes.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 103.]
About Monday 5 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. 5 1668.
Holyhead
Lord O'Brian to [Williamson].
I came to Chester on Wednesday, and shipped my goods on Thursday, resolving to put out the next tide;
but the wind came about to the southwest so violently, with most terrible storms of rain, that despairing of a passage, I came to Holyhead through the most heathenish country ever any man travelled.
The packet is expected tomorrow from London, and I shall then put out with it for Dublin.
I hope my lady and my wife with the children got safe to you, and will spend a happy winter.
[2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 98.]
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Oct. 5 1668.
Pendennis
Fras. Bellott to Williamson.
Arrival and departure of ships.
Thirty sail are waiting a fair wind.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 100.]
About Sunday 4 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
It's Sunday ... only one letter written today:
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. 4 1668.
Deal
Rich. Watts to (Williamson).
Twenty sail of ships have come down outward bound.
I gave the 2 packets to Mr. Callender, bound for Lisbon,
and have 2 witnesses to the delivery, but no note would be given,
the master not being on board.
(S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 97.]
About Saturday 3 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. 3 1668.
Lyme
Ant. Thorold to Hickes.
The Hope of Weymouth, arrived from St. Malo, reports that a great earthquake happened there the night before she sailed;
also that there has been a great mortality amongst the inhabitants, 1,600 young persons and others having died of the smallpox, &c., within a few months;
also that the English trade is made very bad, there being no vent for our drapery, through the great import of wool from Ireland.
A Galway vessel had lately a great quantity on board, and pretended it was for Londen, but landed it at St. Malo.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 91.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Yarmouth
Rich. Bower to Williamson.
A vessel from the East country ran upon the sands, called the Middle grounds, near Winterton, and was lost, but several of her goods, as tar, iron, and deals, have been brought ashore, and the men were all saved.
John Woodroff and Thomas Dunn, both Yarmouth men, are the new bailiffs.
The fishing is mean as yet, but if the weather proves good, they hope to have plenty, now the tides are lifted.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 92.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Weymouth
John Pocock to Hickes.
On the 2nd a Dieppe ship was cast away at Portland;
she was bound for Rochelle for salt; the men were all saved.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 93.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Col. Walter Slingsby and 4 other [trustees of the Plate lottery] to Williamson.
Ask him to insert the enclosed in the Gazette, and to continue it for a month, or longer.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 94.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Lord Mordaunt to Williamson.
I would have waited on Lord Arlington for his pass and warrant, but was forced into Surrey on account of the militia.
Pray put his lordship in mind of them, and that by Monday I may secure them, and his commands for France.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 95.]
@@@
and of course there is the appeal from Capt. Silas Taylor, so deliciously illuminated by Stephane above.
About Friday 2 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 2 1668.
Fras. Rogers to Williamson.
I find that putting off the Parliament has filled men's minds with suspicions that they are going to be governed in an arbitrary way, and that an army is to be raised; but these are fancies of their own making.
I told Mr. Norris that the way to get an ensigncy in the Guards was by money, and he assured me it could be found, but “wanted a man of honour to make the business with the Colonel”;
if that may be done by your favour, Mr. Norris may be advanced as he desires.
I am to be addressed at Hereford.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 88.]
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Oct. 2 1668.
Deal
Rich. Watts to [Williamson].
A French lord and his lady, with some 5 Frenchmen, arrived at Dover from Calais.
The Frenchmen quarselling, about half seas over, had nearly sunk the vessel.
On arriving, they ran upon the rocks to the south of the pier-head, where the vessel broke in pieces, and the lady, to escape, leaped overboard to the shore, but slipped from the rock.
Her lord offered a crown for one to fetch her, but none would undertake the work without 6, so the lord paid it, and one brought her out almost dead.
Great search is making for a trunk lost worth 300/., as also for other things of value.
The ship that brought over Lord Sandwich has arrived in the Downs.
The wind is high.
With postscript,
3 Oct.
There are 22 sail of outward-bound ships come into the Downs;
I will take special care of your Lisbon packet.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 89.]
About Friday 2 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Oct. 2 1668.
Cambridge
Sir Nich. Armorer to Williamson.
After the death of a fox and leash of hares, besides a brave horse race at Newmarket, I have reached Cambridge, on my way to Kimbolton, where I shall stay till Monday, when his Majesty will return to Newmarket.
Do not fail to let me have a cast of your office.
Lord Thomond won the great race, and as a frolic, I betted 2 guineas for you, which we have won.
Noted, “At Kimbolton, to be left with the postmaster of Huntingdon; to be sent with speed.”
(11 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 85.]
---
Kimbolten Castle is the home of Gen. Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester ... Sandwich's cousin. They both quit Cromwell's cause in disgust, and quietly worked for Charles II's return, which is why Manchester is now Lord Chamberlain. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
It's over 40 miles from Kimbolton to Newmarket, so I don't think Armorer is going there for the racing.
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Oct. 2 1668.
Newmarket
Earl of Thomond to Williamson.
The Lord Steward keeps the best table here.
[Sir Nich.] Armorer brought 2 guineas from himself and you, which were improved on Thump's victory, won by a yard, and so strait the entire 6 miles.
The King is highly pleased with all his Newmarket recreations; up by candle-light yesterday morning, and this morning, hunting the hare;
in the afternoon he hawks, and courses with greyhounds;
to Harwich tomorrow,
and on Monday here again.
The Cup will be ridden for next week before the Queen;
as you prize earthly paradises, you are to bring a maid of honour behind you next week.
Thanks for intelligences.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 86.]
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Oct. 2 1668.
Suffolk Street
Elizabeth, Lady Dysart to Williamson.
I desire you to forward a letter enclosed, to [SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND, JOHN MAITLAND, 2nd EARL OF] Lord Lauderdale at Newmarket, and take care for the delivery of it and of the answer, as it is of some importance to me.
I am going out of town, but will return on Monday, and send to your office for any letters.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 87.]
---
The widowed Elizabeth Murray Tollemache, the Countess of Dysart in her own right, has known Lauderdale for decades ... she probably saved his life after the second battle of Worcester by pointing out to Cromwell that he was a SCOTTISH lord and could not legally be executed. Their affair becomes so blatent that Elizabeth Home, Duchess of Lauderdale, goes to live in Paris where she dies in 1672. Dysart and Lauderdale wed weeks after her death ... most unseemly!!! This letter leads me think she had designs on him already.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Thursday 17 September 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
I finally got around to posting Amb. Mocenigo's lengthy report. IMHO it's easier to comprehend with presumed paragraph breaks:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Calendar
San Diego Sarah • Link
Stephane Chenard posted a link to an amazing Calendar Converter which does far more than Julian/Gregorian ... think Hebrew, Islamic, Persian, Mayan, Indian, French Republic, ISO 8601, Unix, Excel (yes ... they messed up 1900 dates for millions of posts!):
https://www.fourmilab.ch/document…
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Thank you again, Stephane.
About Thursday 1 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 1. 1668
Harwich
Capt. Silas Taylor to Sam. Pepys.
His Majesty is expected here on Saturday;
Sir Charles Littleton, and Major [Nath.] Dorrell, Governor of Languard, are expected this night, with the Henrietta and Anne pleasure boats.
I hope they will not come so soon, as I have neither boat nor barge fit to receive his Majesty into.
I desire you to send one by the pleasure boats, if they are not come away.
i presume the Board fully understand his Majesty's intentions of being here, so that I question not but I shall have the happiness of waiting upon one of them here.
Sir Bernard de Gomme, Engineer General, will attend his Majesty.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 78.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Emsworth sloop, Holehaven.
Capt. Walter Perry to the Navy Commissioners.
Has stopped, as ordered, several vessels come from Normandy,
but the river being wide and the nights dark, if vessels will be obstinate, one can slip by while the boat is on board another.
Is ordered to remain there until the Lenox yacht comes, which was expected 10 days ago.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 79.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Portsmouth
Capt. John Tinker to Sam. Pepys.
Desires orders as to victualling and cleaning the Roebuck, arrived at Spithead.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 80.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
The Roebuck, Portsmouth
Capt. George Liddell to the Navy Commissioners.
Is arrived at Spithead.
Asks orders for a pinnace, and also for cleaning the frigate, she having been off the ground 5 months.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 81.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
The Roebuck, Portsmouth
Same to the same.
Understands by Capt. Tinker that he may have another cable, his own not being fit to venture the frigate by;
shall not stay longer than to get his provisions on board.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 82.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Chatham.
John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to the Navy Commissioners.
Particulars of the position of a wreck they have weighed out of the way of the trade up and down.
Shall leave her till they have the third wreck, which lies in the middle of the river, which they hope to accomplish before the cold weather; then the channel will be open about Gillingham.
The victualling proves indifferent, and the beef new killed and not well saved, so that it stunk; two hogsheads more have been sent, which is old and rotten.
Pray that the victualler may order his instrument to complete their complement of beef, as the work and season of the year require them to be careful of the health of their men.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 83.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Gravesend
F. Hosier to Sam. Pepys.
The Wevenhoe ketch has arrived from Tangier, having 24 men on board.
(S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 84.]
About Thursday 1 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Thank you, Stephane:
The volume covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Oct, 1, 1668
Paris.
H. Brouncker to Jos. Williamson.
I send an enclosure, not knowing whether Sir John Trevor is in possession of the seals.
Thanks for favours received from you.
I have heard of them, since my departure, through a fair lady and other friends, and am sorry I have no way of returning them.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 73.]
---
This is Commissioner Sir William Brouncker’s nasty younger brother.
Pepys speaks of Henry Brouncker’s impeachment for causing the English fleet to shortened sail during the night during the 1665 Battle of Lowestoft, supposedly because Henry deluded flag captain John Harman, and the ship’s master, John Cox, into believing he was relaying the (sleeping) Duke of York’s orders to that effect.
On 21 April, 1668 Henry Brouncker fled when the Parliamentary investigation went against him.
This letter sounds as if he took off with his seals of office (Cofferer of the Household to Charles II, and a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to James, Duke of York). By returning them, is he trying to make amends?
SPOILER: before six months in exile elapses, Henry is in favor again at Court (see 4 November, 1668).
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Oct. 1 1668.
Portsmouth
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
The Earl of Sandwich has departed for London, and the ship which brought him has sailed for the Downs.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 75.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Ryde
Sir Wm. Morton to Williamson.
I formerly sent a copy of the forged brief, and thank you for acquainting Lord Arlington with it.
I will, by his command, proceed against the actors that I can lay hold of at the next sessions; but the principal offenders are in the King's Bench Prison in London.
I will deal with them next term.
I think it would not be amiss to publish the forgery in the Gazette, and prevent any further collections upon a forged brief; the moneys already collected should be ordered to be restored to the church wardens, and by them to the persons who gave it, with directions to the justices, &c., to apprehend the carriers of such briefs, and see them punished.
This if done under his lordship's name will endear the country to him, and manifest that love he has for the good of the people.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 76.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Warrant
to John Blundell to repair to Canterbury, or any other place,
in search of Rob. Gilbert and Edw. Fray, carriers,
and to bring them before Sir John Trevor.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 28, p. 18.]
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
To obtain enlightenment as to what might be expected from the princes in the matter of procuring peace with the Turks by their protests I asked the Dutch ambassador Borel if he had written about it to the States.
He assured me that he had, in the best manner, and that he would acquaint me with the result.
But unwilling to allow myself to be diverted by these remote hopes, I insisted on the most prompt succour and persuaded the ambassador not only to accept as a pledge what the king said to him in the matter of succour, but to raise the question at every opportunity.
Since this office, Borel has only seen his Majesty once and I do not know if he has yet had an opportunity of acting, though he seemed well disposed.
Meanwhile I study every means to achieve my end, my sole aim now being to obtain some verbal declaration from the king here, since that is the only thing that can put to the test the boasted good will of the Dutch.
The absence of the king will delay all business.
It is foreseen that he will not return to London within a month.
The ambassador of Spain having cooled off about it and France being reluctant to go with his Majesty, I with the other ministers shall be excused from this obligation, as the king has little wish to be followed by ministers amid his diversions, and if the French and Spanish ambassadors enjoy their liberty and escape the new charge of entertaining their Majesties in their own house at dinner and supper with superb tables, I shall be able to go to the country to find his Majesty if some appearance of good results persuades me to press my requests.
London, the 12th October, 1668.
[Italian.]
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 12. 1668
Senato, Secreta.
Dispacci, Inghilterra.
Venetian Archives.
#360. Piero Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
The facility which the custom of this country gives ambassadors of seeing each other frequently without ceremony, attending the Court in the evening in the capacity of private gentlemen, gave me the opportunity, before the king's departure, of cultivating the best relations with their Excellencies.
After a long discussion about Candia and strong suggestions to induce the French ambassador to support my instances with his Majesty, Colbert indulged in general remarks about his readiness to serve the most serene republic, and immediately began to talk about the peace between the crowns.
For his part he thought it firmly established, and he hoped that the clear terms would render it durable, and that all the difficulties, being dealt with in a reasonable spirit would not disturb the quiet necessary between Christian princes.
Agreeing with this, I said that the union was the more opportune because all who benefited by dissensions secured advantages from the dissensions of Christians.
Accordingly all in rallying to the common cause would defend in Candia the states most exposed to the barbarity of the infidels, and the Catholic faith.
The ambassador remarked that the Most Christian was doing his share;
the diversions of the kingdom of Poland would prove a very useful distraction for the might of the Ottomans, who were completely preoccupied with the kingdom of Candia and devoting all their energy to the capture of that place.
All the princes should watch closely the election of the new king, as if a prince of slight consequence was chosen it would only serve for the aggrandisement of him personally and would not be of any use to Christendom.
The Muscovite certainly was capable of any generous resolution, and he had both the spirit and the forces ready, so that he might render great services to Christendom.
I do not know if these remarks derived from Colbert's ingenuity or from a change in the policy of the Most Christian.
He concluded with a smile that Neoburgo was a worthy prince. (fn. 7)
7. An allusion to the situation created by the abdication on 12th June, 1668, of John Casimir II, king of Poland.
Among the candidates for the crown were the Tsar Alexis, Philip William the Count Palatine of Neuburg, whose first wife, Anna, was a daughter of Sigismund III of Poland, and the Prince of Condé.
---
Interest often prevails over character and princes have no greater impulse for their decisions than their own advantage; but your Excellencies will be advised from the proper quarter.
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
With a few words I was able to assure the French ambassador of my deep respect for his king, and as he has so far declared that he has received from me the treatment he desires, so in the future I shall not do him offence in my dealings with the Spanish ambassador.
With the count of Molina, after making sure of a courteous reception, I have made a civil advance, sending the Secretary Alberti to tell him that the succour contributed by the Viceroy of Naples to the needs of Candia were so opportune that I sent to congratulate him on this holy resolution which would add to the glory of his Catholic Majesty.
The office proved acceptable and met with a very hearty response, both of us having avoided any reference to the past incident.
This civility prepared the way for a second office on the following day when he received the Secretary Alberti, who told him my extreme regret that a misunderstanding about ceremonial deprived me of the opportunity of waiting upon him.
I had not been able to oblige him, because I could not go further than I had with the French ambassador, and I felt sure he would not take it ill that I had not taken a step which would have caused disturbance and a dispute about precedence.
The ambassador replied that for me personally and as minister of your Excellencies he had every regard.
He had wished to meet me incognito in the first days of my arrival in London, but the misunderstandings of servants had deprived him of that pleasure.
For the public visit he would let the matter rest until some compromise had been found, in the hope that the French ambassador would make this easy.
As Count of Molina, he would always be at my service and offered to devote himself to the interests of the republic, esteeming that so he would be serving his queen.
In spite of the difficulty about visits there would be the same correspondence, as we should have opportunities of seeing each other at Court in the evening, where we should meet as private gentlemen without observation.
The secretary did not lose the opportunity to assure him of my sincerity and goodwill.
Such is the present state of the affair.
As I always have an eye for the satisfaction of France, I shall try to get an arrangement made as soon as possible, hoping that the prudence of the count of Molina will not open the way to disputes, and if he can withdraw with honour from the position he has taken up, he should soon be ready to abandon punctilio.
He has the example of the Ambassador Batteville, who tried to uphold the advantage of the crown by the way of a rupture, and did it infinite harm, while he personally lost the credit of having served well in an important matter by serving too well in punctilio. (fn. 6)
• 6. In the dispute with Estrades in October 1661. See Vol. xxxiii of this Calendar, pp. xxv–xxvii.
London, the 12th October, 1668.
[Italian.]
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Colbert, the French minister, stands out against this, because if the innovation was accepted and the dukes, earls and leading ministers of this country continued to receive on the stairs in the old way, the ambassadors would lose their parity, as would certainly be the case if the Spanish ministers were met by the French at the door and by a duke on the stairs.
Molina did not consider this, fastening on what was done with him by Colbert himself.
To this Colbert replies that the extraordinary courtesy of a secret visit from Count Molina, and the belief that it was the practice of dukes, earls and ministers at this Court, obliged him to show special civility at the first meeting and he by no means wished to continue the abuse, when he found that dukes continued to visit and receive in the rooms.
He concluded that an abuse prejudicial to the position of royal ambassadors should not be continued, and it should be forgotten as being an offence rather than a favour, and as he was content to break the first lances, and be met on the stairs, as was the Dutch ambassador who enjoys parity, the Spanish ambassador cannot escape following the example, as he has no right to claim a more distinguished treatment than they.
Not content with this the French ambassador, by these arguments has bound me hand and foot, making a protest here by his gentlemen that any concession to the Spanish ambassador would be a positive offence to his ministry.
He was fully satisfied with my reception, which conformed with the ceremonial of all the Courts and here also, where the duke of Buchincan and the Secretary Arlinton had received him on the stairs, so that any change would offend his character, and that I as well as the Spanish ambassador should have to compensate him for this.
This declaration of the French ambassador prevents any compromise, and he will on no account agree to the reception claimed by Spain, on the ground also that it would seem as if Spain had precedence over France.
But Spain remains deaf to considerations of the common service of the ambassadors.
He acts with prudence, however, and is not taking any further steps but lets the compliment wait, while expecting replies from Spain.
In the mean time he will not join issue on those points of punctilio which the French ambassador wishes to raise, in order to renew differences and, if needful, odious declarations.
I shall wait to hear the intentions of your Serenity, hoping that my reluctance to gratify the Spanish ambassador will be approved, in order to avoid the quarrels which one tries so hard to prevent now.
I have no doubt that I have fulfilled my instructions in cultivating friendly relations with both ambassadors, acting rather as a mediator than as a party, leaving them to their disputes, if I had not the good fortune to reconcile them.
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 12. 1668
Senato, Secreta.
Dispacci, Inghilterra.
Venetian Archives.
#359. Piero Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
When I thought I had done well in the renewal of this embassy by having established equality with the royal ambassadors, without the slightest diminution of pre-eminence, my peace of mind is disturbed somewhat by an affair with the Spanish ambassador about an ambiguity over ceremonial.
The minister of your Excellencies has always been made a battle ground in every Court in the strife between the ambassadors of France and Spain, and it has fallen to me, who desired more than anything to cultivate friendly relations and to avoid unpleasantness, to meet with one, the less likely to be foreseen because it is over one of the most trivial and usual formalities.
The knowledge of the ceremonial approved at all the Courts and the opinion expressed by the Master of the Ceremonies about the claim of Earl Craven, that meeting on the staircase was a novel procedure on such occasions, made me resolve not to depart from the approved ceremonial on the first visits with the French and Dutch ambassadors.
Both responded by meeting me on the stairs when I returned their visits and everything happened without anything of note.
When the Spanish ambassador asked for an appointment, Saturday morning was fixed and he appeared at the house.
My gentlemen were at the door and he had scarcely entered when he asked them if I was indisposed, and advancing to the foot of the stairs demanded roundly that I should meet him there.
When I heard this I was forced to be very reserved.
I sent the Secretary Alberti assuring him that I would meet him where I had met the French ambassador.
I would rather show increased than diminished respect for the minister of his Catholic Majesty, but I could not descend the stairs because I could not treat him differently from the French ambassador.
After hesitating awhile the Count of Molina decided to leave me with regret at not being able to pay his respects, and he left without seeing me.
It seems that this claim is based on a particular practice of this Court which is new and perhaps invented by these Spanish ambassadors, who having no stairs in their houses may have extended the greeting, to be met by the other ambassadors on the ground floor.
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Nevertheless, although I have no great hope, I mean to keep on with my requests with all the ministers here, even to importunity.
If the news is true that is spread by several news sheets, and which is credited here by the most cautious of the ministers, that the Turks have been repulsed after repeated assaults and heavy losses, and have withdrawn from the siege, I should rejoice with your Serenity and with Christendom, as your Excellencies would win immortal glory from a memorable defence, conspicuous in the eyes of the world, and the safety of Christendom would be the result.
I should like to believe what I hear and it is repugnant to discredit what one most desires, so long as the report does not cool the tepid zeal which in spite of the particular interests of the Levant still lives in the spirit of the king for the relief of your Excellencies.
London, the 12th October, 1668.
[Italian.]
Enclosure.
#358. The Memorial.
Representing the critical state of Candia and the help received from the emperor and others, with request for assistance.
[Italian: 7 pages.]
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
I pressed him so hard through the Secretary Alberti that he came himself to this house at a late hour of the night.
He told me that the memorial had been referred by his Majesty to the Lord Keeper, and to the Secretary Trevers, both appointed to consider the matter.
I might confer with them and persuade them to make a good report.
On the return of the two deputies from the country I will go and see them at once, trying to get a favourable reply, though to my extreme regret I see the affair buried between the indecision of the ministers and the delays constantly caused by fresh opposition.
On the other hand, when I returned the visit of Earl Anglise, who attended me at my public entry, I stirred him so much about the succours that to-day, before starting for the country he came to tell me, in response to the confidence I had shown in telling him of the result of my audience of the king and my visit to Arlinton, that the memorial had not yet been taken to the Council of State by the Consulta, and gave me his word to support it if it should come.
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Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey, treasurer of the navy.
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He said that the king might make his decision upon the opinion of the Consulta.
He told me confidentially that the chief opposition was about the Levant, and for fear of interrupting good relations with the Turks it was advisable to try for succour that would attract least attention.
As I suggested gunpowder, lead and materials he promised to try and serve the republic in everything.
He went so far as to tell me that a person of note maintained that they should beware lest those barbarians, incensed at succour given to the republic, should let loose their resentment against the person of the English ambassador.
But I believe that they are much more anxious about reprisals against the capital of this same Earl Harvis, and the community of interest among the leading ministers here causes them to be very careful of the reputation of the ambassador of this crown.
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“Harvis” is Amb. Daniel Harvey, who recently left for the Levant.
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But because all this delay amounts to a refusal, the opportunity of the embarcation of the troops in Holland being lost and time flying while Candia is in peril, makes me regret my uselessness.