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REMAINS

HISTORICAL & LITERARY

CONNECTED WITH THE PALATINE COUNTIES OF

LANCASTER AND CHESTER

PUBLISHED BY

(THE CHETHAM SOCIETY.

VOL. IX.

I MZ9

PRINTED FOR THE CHETHAM SOCIETY. M.DCCC.XLVI.

638357 io 7 S

(olO

LI1C5

Council*

EDWARD HOLME, ESQ., M.D., PRESIDENT.

REV. RICHARD PARKINSON, B.D., CANON OF MANCHESTER, VICE-PRESIDENT.

THE HON. & VERY REV. WILLIAM HERBERT, DEAN OF MANCHESTER.

GEORGE ORMEROD, ESQ., D.C.L., F.R.S., F.S.A., F.G.S., SEDBTJRY PARK.

SAMUEL HIBBERT WARE, ESQ., M.D., F.R.S.E., EDINBURGH.

REV. THOMAS CORSER, M.A.

REV. GEORGE DUGARD, M.A.

REV. C. G. HULTON, M.A.

REV. J. PICCOPE, M.A.

REV. F. R. RAINES, M.A, F.S.A., MILNROW PARSONAGE, NEAR ROCHDALE.

JAMES CROSSLEY, ESQ.

JAMES HEYWOOD, ESQ., F.R.S.

WILLIAM LANGTON, ESQ., TREASURER.

WILLIAM FLEMING, ESQ.. M.D., HON. SECRETARY.

THE

N O R R I S PAPERS

EDITED BY

THOMAS HEYWOOD, ESQ., F.S.A,

PRINTED FOR THE CHETHAM SOCIETY. M.DCCC.XLVI.

Manchester: Printed "by Charles Simms and Co

INTRODUCTION.

THE MSS. here printed are a portion of a much larger collection made by several generations of the family of Norris, of Speke. These documents are said to have been distributed when the estate, fifty years ago, passed into the hands of Mr. Watt. They have since fallen into the hands of auctioneers, booksellers, and virtuosi, and are now dimin- ished in number, and separated beyond the possibility of ever again being collected so as to form a connected series.

Fortunately the CORPORATION OF LIVERPOOL, and MR. NORRIS, of Manchester, are the possessors of many of the Papers, and the CHETHAM SOCIETY have to acknowledge the very liberal manner with which these MSS. have been placed at their disposal for publication.

A few of the earlier documents are printed, but the great interest of the book is the insight which it affords into the characters and actions of the men, who at the close of the seventeeenth, and the beginning of the succeeding century, founded Liverpool. Defoe, whose visit is alluded to in the following correspondence, (1705,) has left on record his surprise at the change which this little community of merchants had effected, though opposed by what appeared to him almost insurmountable natural difficulties.

iv INTRODUCTION.

The principal person in directing the energies of the infant town was SIR THOMAS JOHNSON, a name which, excepting for the lists of members of Parliament, and Mayors, would be unknown in the place he so largely benefited. For whilst Clayton and Cunliffe repose under their marble monuments in the Parish Church, in all the odour of municipal sanctity, Johnson, who was always poor, lies probably in some obscure corner of Virginia. If, how- ever, the separation of the parish from Walton, — the building of St. Peter's, — the formation of the first dock, — the creation of the Corporation property, — and the seeking out new sources of wealth by distant and daring adventures, entitle the merchants of Liverpool who lived in the reigns of William and A nne, to be considered as the founder of the town's prosperity, of those traders Johnson was the acknowledged head; and, therefore, to him more than to any one else is the town indebted for its vigorous and well-omened commencement.

We have purposely retained some of the letters bearing upon the mode in which the customs were collected in Liverpool, because the want of honesty towards the King's revenue officers, or rather, the understanding which existed between them and the merchants, was universal at the time these letters were written, arid forms a peculiarity in the age when contrasted with that in which we live.

INTRODUCTION. V

THE NORRIS PAPERS afford little information as to the Speke family before 1668. The appearance of the Hultons, as holding property in Childwall, will justify the conjecture that when Sir William Norris fell unmarried at Musselburgh, 1547, a part of his estate went to his sister, who married Adam Hulton, of the Park. Speke descended to Sir William's half brother, Edward, who dying, 1596, the mansion and land were, after his enjoyment of them for half a century, transmitted to his son, in a state of good order, which they did not afterwards maintain. That son, William, made K.B., 1603, was a spendthrift, and his father directed that the Cheshire estate should be placed in trust for ten years, and then delivered to his son. But this disposition was of little avail, Sir William pawned every- thing down to two suits of clothes ; he even obtained from his mother, for many years, the money left her to buy clothes; and here is a letter imploring, in the most abject terms, a little delay from one of his creditors. He died, 1626, and his son William in 1651. This William, with his two sons, Edward and Thomas, zealously fought for the King, in Lancashire. Of these two mention will hereafter be made.

In 1664, Thomas, the second son, had the family pro- perty; he is stated to have been born in 1618, and notwith- standing the pedigree makes him to have died in 1700, there can be no doubt, from these MSS., he was dead before 1687.

This Thomas Norris married Katherine Garway, daughter of Sir Henry Garway. Her letters in this collection are

vi INTRODUCTION.

very numerous. She survived her husband until 1708, and acted a large part in the history of the Norris family.

The Garways, or Garroways, originally came from the Leys, near Weobley. There was lately a brass in the church of that place, half worn away, to Watkin Garway, and Agnes, his wife: their son, John, sold the estate, and settling in London, married the daughter of Sir John Brydges, Lord Mayor, 1521. — Dallaway's Sussex, vol. ii. p. 50. This John had two sons, the second, William, born 1538, was the founder of the wealth of the Garways, and lived to be 88, dying 1625. This man long held the lucrative office of chief of the customs, and his epitaph was to be read in the church of St. Peter le Poor, to which he added an aisle, the very year in which another government contractor charged him with systematic fraud. James heard the mu- tual revilings of Swinnerton and Garway in bed, and decided in favor of the latter. — Egerton Papers, Camden Society, 459. It was a species of Peachem and Locket controversy, and the circumstances under which old Garway was knighted, (Nicholl's James /. vol. ii. 514,) as well as his evidence on the trial of Middlesex, very much confirm Swinnerton's charge, of whom doubtless the same story might have been told. Garway had seventeen children, was often in Parlia- ment, but refused the Mayoralty. (Qui purpuram recu- savit, nunc triumphat in albis.) The landed property he accumulated in Berkshire, Sussex, and Hertfordshire, was very considerable.

Henry, the eldest son of this William, incidentally tells us of his own bringing up. " I have been in all parts of

INTRODUCTION. Vll

Christendom, and have conversed with Christians in Turkey, why in all the reformed churches there is not anything more reverenced than the English Liturgy, not our Royal Exchange, nor the name of Queen Elizabeth so famous. In Geneva itself I have heard it extolled to the skies. I have been three months together by sea, not a day without hearing it read twice." It was, however, in Turkey, (like Pindar and North,) that Henry Gar way principally spent his youth —

" which hath seen

Aleppo twice, is known to the great Turk,

Hath 'scap't three shipwrecks, to be left off to thee,

And knows the way to Mexico as well as the map."

He settled in London about 1609, being then forty years of age, and married Margaret Clitherow, of a distinguished city family. Three sons are mentioned in these letters, William, Thomas, and John. The eldest daughter, born 1610, mar- ried Hale, of King's Walden; Margaret, the second, married Saville, of Methley ; and Katherine, (Mrs. Norris) we con- jecture to have been the youngest daughter. There were formerly in this collection many letters of Bale's and Saville's. In 1638, Henry Gar way was governor of the Levant Company, and to him Lewis Roberts dedicates his Map of Commerce. In 1639-40, in times of extreme difficulty, Garway served the office of Mayor. We must refer the reader to the usual authorities for the events of the year, briefly enumerating only those in which Garway took a part. It appears from the articles of the impeachment of

Vlli INTRODUCTION.

Gardiner, the recorder, that Garway raised troops for Charles, and sent them to York, paying for them out of the city money, against the wish of the Corporation. In the tumult at Lambeth, May 11-12, Lloyd states that Sir Henry Garway was most active in suppressing the disturbance, and it is right to add that his name does not occur in con- nexion with the proceedings against Acton, who it now appears, from the warrant lately discovered, was tortured before being executed, for high treason, for taking part in this riot. The evidence of Garway on Strafford's trial, and the minutes of Council in the Hardwick Papers, show that this loyal merchant was opposed to money being raised by modes not authorised by Parliament, and that he shared in the universal feeling of the city,

" I do hate thee now

Worse than a tempest, quicksand, pirate, rock, Or fatal lake, aye, or privy seal,"

as Jasper Mayne writes, in a play acted for the first time at Whitehall, in the year of Garway's Mayoralty. Now, with this feeling, and seeing, as Charles himself remarked, the royal difficulties resolved themselves into the question of money, Sir Henry quitted office, without serving the cause to which he was so devotedly attached.

When the King determined on leaving London, January, 1641, Coke says that Garway and Gurney entreated Charles to stay, and promised to guard him, a promise which was so frequently put forth that at last the patient King rebuked those who, ill measuring their strength, made it. When

INTRODUCTION. ix

Garway took his leave, he said, — " Sir, I shall never see you again;" "however," adds Coke, "his eldest son, a worthy gentleman, who yet lives, went with the King, and followed him in all his wars." A Captain Garway is once mentioned by Clarendon, but we are inclined to think that Sir Henry's son lived in London, and was the East India Director, whose name occurs in Thurlow, 1654.

It was after the battles of Edge Hill and Brentford that the King endeavoured to regain his ancient influence in the city. The attempt failed, and the Guildhall seemed aban- doned to Pym and his friends, when on January 17th, 1642, Garway made the last speech heard in that place for many years in favour of royalty. A copy of this bold harangue, anonymously printed, is lying before us; a more earnest, eloquent, appeal could not have been made, and the effect on the auditory was great. " As soon as this speech was done, and the great shout and hem ended, the Lord Mayor, trembling and scarce able to speak, asked what their reso- lution was concerning assisting the Parliament with money, but the cry was so great, ' No Money ! No Money ! ' ' Peace ! Peace !' that he could not be heard." Lloyd alludes to this speech, (Memoirs, p. 633,) and states "that Garway was afterwards tossed, as long as he lived, from prison to prison, and his estate conveyed from one rebel to another, he dying of a grievous fit of the stone."

The subsequent fate of Sir Henry's family was perhaps better than that of most royalists. With many losses, and having to sell the Berkshire property, William Garway still retained much of his grandfather's land, and especially

b

x INTRODUCTION.

Climping and Ford, in Sussex. At the Restoration the Garways were rewarded ; the widow of Sir Henry had lodg- ings in the palace, and William is set down as Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, 1662. He also resumed the an- cient family connexion with the customs, of which, although many accounts were formerly amongst these Papers, the following letter of Sir Nicholas Pelham is all that we now find: —

" MR GARRAWAY, Novr 29.

At the Custom House. Sir,

I am still importun'd by this Bearer, Jeffrey Glyd, to recommend him to you to make him a tydesman. I have hopes he will be faithfull in whatever you may em- ploy him, if he be not, you will, I am sure, quickly discover it, and turn him out, that he may not long cheat the King, or abuse

Yr very faithfull serv*,

N. PELHAM."

William Garway represented either Arundel or Chichester from 1660 to 1689. He was a senator of great eminence, and in a note to the Oxford edition of Burnet, written by Speaker Onslow, it is stated that Sacheverell and Garway were long the leaders of the House of Commons. From the reports in the Parliamentary History this would hardly have been supposed, although Gar way's speeches are there very numerous, neither is it easy to discover the party with

INTRODUCTION. XI

which he acted. The reputation of William Garway was that of a leader of opposition Yet, during a considerable period of his parliamentary career, he must have been in office, and though joined in the attempt to impeach Clarendon, yet, in 1673, he earned the enmity of Burnet, by abruptly leaving his party and assisting the Court to obtain an ex- travagant sum for the second Dutch war. The imputation was, that Garway acted thus from being bribed, and prob- ably this was not wide of the truth. — Lingard, vol. xii. p. 261, note, p. 462 ; and Burnet, vol. ii. p. 623. When Shaftes- bury and Russell took a more determined line of opposition, Garway no longer acted with them, and after the Revolution, of which he was a promoter, we find him opposing a grant to William. In his views of indulgence towards Dissenters, Garway went with Buckingham, and desired to see the Church doors made wide enough to admit all Protestants. After the Convention Parliament, this veteran member re- tired from public life, and being both rich and a bachelor, received that homage which such a person exacts from his family. His two brothers were rich men, and childless; his three sisters had families, and we find Mrs. Norris reproved by Thomas Garway for sending cheeses, made by her daughters, to his brother William. Of his death the account is here printed: it took place in August, 1701.

Thomas Norris left his widow, Katherine, with seven sons and four daughters. Thomas, the eldest, born in 1653, was returned to Parliament for Liverpool in 1688, and repre- sented the town until 1695, when marrying Magdalen, second daughter of Sir Willoughby Aston, Norris retired

Xll INTRODUCTION.

from public life. In the statement of his property at the time of the marriage, we have a curious insight into the small pecuniary means of a Lancashire Gentleman of the first consequence, in the seventeenth century. It may be premised that the Speke estate was set down as worth £1,200 per annum, in the Royal Oak list, 1660 ; and that about 1795, at the time of the sale, the rental was £2,800 per annum. " The estate," writes Mr. Norris, " I stand pos- sessed of, is of equal value to £700 p. ann." Of this estate, three hundred and fifty acres were land, and estimated to be worth £300 per annum ; the mother's annuity was £220 per annum; the brothers had £100 per annum, amongst them ; and a debt of £2,000 would not take less than £100 per annum; leaving £280 per annum for Mr. Norris, or rather, as the sums to the brothers and the interest of the debt required coin, the Squire does not appear to have had more than £100 per annum, of actual money ; the re- mainder coming under the head of " Conveniencies for House Keeping," as boons, gifts, rent, hens, &c. Upon these means Mr. Norris kept a liberal house, his mother living with him; he had six coach horses, worth £7 a piece; and receiving with Miss Aston £2,500, he settled on her £200 per annum, and at his death, left his sisters £50 each, and made legacies to his servants.

The Parliamentary career of Mr. Norris cannot now be traced; he was a whig, and joined in Fenwick's attainder, and the speech of Norris on that occasion is all of his harangues that have come down to us. Both of the ques- tions, incident to the proceedings, are discussed in the speech.

INTRODUCTION.

First, " Whether great offences against the Commonwealth may justly incur the penalty of death by a retrospective act of the Legislature, which a tribunal restrained by known laws is not competent to inflict?" — Hallam's Constitutional History, vol. ii. p. 149 (Strafford), and vol. iii. p. 117 (Fen- wick); — and second, "Whether, having executed a person by legislative enactment, it is correct to protest against its being drawn into a precedent?" Norris was led by his party zeal to maintain the affirmative of the first, and by his sense of the ridiculous to put a negative on the second — "the famous and wise proviso," as Macintosh styles it in Straffbrd's case. The Charter of Liverpool, of 1695, was procured by Mr. Norris, and he appears to have been a judicious and valued representative.

In 1696 Mr. Norris served the office of Sheriff of Lanca- shire. The gentlemen who were in attendance upon him were about twelve, and the horsemen forty. At the assizes he paid for fifty-nine horses being kept, besides coach and other horses, about fifteen in number. The javelin men were ten in number, in liveries of blue and white, with swords and "half javelins" with fringe; two trumpeters with banners and scarves, attended by two pages, marshalled the procession, and five porters and five pages completed the escort. A crowd of neighbours attended the Sheriff from Speke to Preston. The Judges were met by the Under- sheriff at Burton, and this entry occurs: — "Spent in meeting the Judges, being thirteen men, besides myself, staying near five hours of the Judges, 18*." There were floods, and two shillings are given to " two men who conducted the Judges

XIV INTRODUCTION.

through the field and water, by Broughton." After the assizes the Sheriff and Judges went to Wigan, where £11 15s 6d. was spent, chiefly in wine and ale. Here the Judges, to the no small consternation of the Sheriff, decided on leaving the county by different routes. Chief Baron Ward preferred the usual way by Warrington, and with a trumpeter and some Sheriff's men, and at a cost of £2 2s. 6cf., transferred himself into Cheshire; whilst Judge Turton, without a trumpeter or banner, and on an allowance of £1 12$., retreated through Manchester.

Mr. Norris died at Harrogate, in June, 1700. The sur- geon received £8 12s. for " seering the body." A younger brother, John Norris, went over to make the necessary arrangements, and the body was brought by Leeds, Man- chester, Rochdale, and Warrington, to Speke. At Man- chester the procession only baited, but there is a charge of 10s. for the "two chaplains and clarkes." The journey from Rochdale to Warrington was made in a day, and here the Speke tenantry must have met the corpse, for the expenses rise from £1 5s., for the night, to £6 2s.; besides, a messenger is charged for, sent from Rochdale to announce the approach of the funeral. We pass rapidly over the vari- ous mournings ; the young widow in "black napped baize," with "a fine long training veil" costing £4 5s., and "a fine crape girdle;" the old mother "in black serge;" and the sister in "fine black Queen's cloth." Silvester Moorcroft, who, against his will, served the office of Mayor of Liver- pool, A.D. 1706, was the draper employed, and William Hurst, Mayor, 1704, assisted in the double capacity of man

INTRODUCTION. XV

milliner and woman's tailor. The charge for cravats and ruffles alone was £9 2s. 5d. Henry, John, and Richard, followed their brother to the grave; William and Edward were in the East Indies. The concourse of people must have been great: eight hundred and ninety-nine quarts of ale at 4^d. were drunk ; whilst £2 Os. 6d. is set down for wine consumed at Speke, and £11 4s. Id. for wine, to- bacco, and broken glasses, at Childwall. The fine was paid for burying in linen, and also the burial tax. Mr. Norris left one daughter, Mary; and the widow posses- sing nearly one third of the income of the estate, and the mother another third, — although, after providing libe- rally for his child, he had settled Speke and Garston on heirs male, — yet ho one, in Sir William Norris's absence, seemed inclined to undertake the management of a pro- perty so burthened. There was much ill humour and litigation, and Mrs. Magdalen Norris lived sometimes at Speke, at other times at Aston; and there is a receipt for £30 for "half a year's table" February 23rd., 1700-1, signed by Mrs. Hopwood, by which the widow appears to have lived at Hopwood immediately after her bereave- ment. When Dr. Norris and his son were both dead, (about the year 1736,) this Mary Norris became the heiress of the whole Speke property, and, being 36 years old, mar- ried the person thus described by Lord Dover: — "Lord Sidney Beauclerc, fifth son of the first Duke of St Albans, a man of bad character. Sir Charles Hanbury Williams calls him * worthless Sidney.' He was notorious for panting after the fortunes of the old and childless. Being very

INTRODUCTION.

handsome he had almost persuaded Lady Betty Germaine, in her old age, to marry him, but she was dissuaded from it by the Duke of Dorset and her relations. He failed, also, in obtaining the fortune of Sir Thomas Reeve, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, whom he used to attend on the circuit, with a view of ingratiating himself with him. At length he induced Mr. Topham of Windsor to leave his estate to him. He died in 1744, leaving one son, Topham Beauclerc, Esq." — Notes on HOT. Walpoles Letters to Mann, vol. i. p. 183. Topham Beauclerc, the friend of Johnson, Reynolds, &c., left a son, who disposed of the Speke estate about fifty years since.

The next son, William, born in 1657, had a more active career than his eldest brother. From 1695 to 1701 William represented Liverpool, and was evidently much valued; he was returned for the borough during his absence in India, and unseated on the petition of Sir Cleave More. He married the widow of a Pollexfen, who had a son, Nicholas Pollexfen, M.P. for Bedwin from 1707 to 1710, and made Commissioner of Prizes, November 18th 1707. There are many letters both of Lady Norris and of her son ; the former appears to have been a woman of fashion, very illiterate, and connected with the Lord Ranelagh, whose ejectment from office was so long an occu- pation to the tories.

In 1698 the English East India Company obtained an act of Parliament, and subsequently a charter, to trade to the East Indies. The old, or London Company, were still in full activity, with large means, servants well skilled in

INTRODUCTION. XV11

war and diplomacy, gained in dealings with native princes, interlopers, and pirates ; they had also forts and garrisons, and the experience of a century of legal possession of the India trade; their servants were not only devoted to the London Company, but they were unscrupulous as to the means by which they supported their interests, and especi- ally regarded with contempt all acts of Parliament. — Mill's India, vol. i. p. 113 ; Hamilton's New Account, i. 232. — There was, besides, a not unfounded feeling on the part of the London Company that they had been ill treated by the Legislature. When, therefore, William Norris, who was made a Baronet for the occasion, went out on the appointment of the English Company, with the King's com- mission and in the King's ships, as ambassador to Auveng- zebe, a more onerous undertaking could hardly be imagined. Sir William's proceedings, from the 19th of September 1699, when he landed at Masulipatam, to the 29th of April 1702, when, by bribing the native governor of Surat, he was allowed to embark, are in part set forth in Bruce's Annals, (vol. iii.) It is to be regretted that Sir William's voluminous despatches, which are enumerated by Bruce, should still repose in the archives of the India Company. Europe has long been instructed and amused with Bernier's account of the court of Auvengzebe, when that despot was at his middle age, and the history of his failing years and empire could not be otherwise than valuable. Every species of vexation fell to the ambassador's lot, and at last, like Pym, he put forth a vindicatory declaration. Norris failed in all the objects he had in view; his conduct is variously

INTRODUCTION.

represented, but, on the whole, he carried himself with more propriety than any other of the Company's servants. He sent home a rich cargo, the investment of which was a fruitful source of litigation to his relations, and died him- self between the Mauritius and St. Helena, on the 10th of October 1702.

Of John, the next brother, we know little. He was sent to sea, in the merchant service, twice; contracted intem- perate habits ; grossly insulted his venerable mother ; lived poorly, in the neighbourhood of his sister's, at Hopwood and Rayton ; and by the expressions of regard of the chil- dren towards him, and consequently of the mother's, he may be taken to have passed a kind of Will Wimble life, disfigured, however, by intemperance.

Henry, the fourth son, (we adopt the order in Lodge's pedigree,) was a clergyman, and probably Fellow of Brazen- nose, where he resided. This name occurs as M.A. January 31, 1687, and B.D. November 29, 1697. He died unmarried, June, 1702. After his brother, Sir William Norris, he had been left his uncle William Garway's estate, and, on their both dying without heirs, the property passed to Christ's Hospital, London. There are many letters from this Henry Norris, and others, as to Garway's death and will. It was an eccentric disposition, for Garway's two brothers, John and Thomas, were both living at his decease, besides the children of his three sisters.

Edward, the fifth son, was also of Brazennose ; M.A. June 1, 1689 ; B.M. January 19, 1691 ; and M.D. March 12, 1695; and thence he went to practice at Chester.

INTRODUCTION.

After some hesitation amongst the brothers, Edward was selected to accompany Sir William to India. In the pro- cession of the 28th of April, 1701, with which the am- bassador entered the Mogul camp at Parnella, we find "Edward Norris, Esq., secretary to the embassy, in a rich palanquin, bearing his Majesty's letters to the Emperor; on each side, Mr. Wingate and Mr. Shuttleworth, in rich laced coats, on horseback." — Bruce, vol. iii. p. 463. Dr. Norris sailed, with fourteen of his brother's suite, in the China Merchant, a vessel bearing a rich cargo, of which 60,000 rupees in value belonged to the Company, and 87,000 to Sir William Norris. The brothers again met at the Mauritius on the llth of July, 1702, and on Sep- tember the 7th they sailed with a large fleet for England, but the Scipio, the ambassador's vessel, parted company, and the Doctor saw Sir William no more.

Although Dr. Norris returned to England, yet the calm which^ succeeded to perils and anxieties, operated fearfully on his mind. " But the concern I am in for my poor dear mother," writes Mrs. Hop wood, July 18, 1703, "on the account of my dear brother, hath filled me with such appre- hensions it is as much as I can do to bear up, tho' had it not been for that paper, mother showed me after the unlucky thing of the banquetting house, I should never have sus- pected anything of that kind ; I hope it will wear quite off, his friends must not let him be too much alone, tho' I am in constant fear for him, God will be so merciful to him as per- fectly to restore him."

Dr. Norris was perfectly restored. On his return, the

XX INTRODUCTION.

Speke estate was, to the extent of two-thirds of its value, pledged to the annuities of his mother and sister-in-law, and the other third nearly taken up by debts. He resided for awhile at Utkington, near Chester, and in 1705 married the daughter of William Cleiveland of Liverpool. This lady is marked in the pedigree as his second wife, (we dis- cover no mention of the first in these Papers,) and after his death she is stated to have married Dr. Tarleton. The death of this Doctor's first wife took place October 15, 1702, and he married again, a Mrs. Norris, in the life time of Dr. Norris. The inscription on Dr. Norris's tomb, in Garston chapel, goes far to convict the Norris pedigree, (to which the name of that excellent herald, Lodge, is, we suspect, very improperly appended,) of this mistake : — "Under this tomb lies interred Edward Norris, M.D., of Speek, who departed this life the 22d of July, 1726, in the

year of his age. Also Ann, his wife, died the 3 of

Jany, 1729, aged 53."

They had one son, born in 1712, who, it may be conjec- tured, survived his father, yet was dead before 1736, and with him the name of Norris of Speke ceased to exist. Dr. Norris represented Liverpool from 1714 to 1722. Of Jonathan, the sixth son, no account is given.

Richard, the youngest, and from whose counting-house at Liverpool the greater part of the following letters are derived, was born in 1670. He served the office of Bailiff in 1695, Mayor in 1700, and represented the borough from 1708 to 1710, was Sheriff of Lancashire in 1718, and was living in 1730. This Richard had been married, for on

INTRODUCTION. XX I

the 5th of May, 1698, he writes that he has been delayed answering a letter two posts "by the ceremony of his wife's funeral."

There were, also, four sisters, Margaret, Ann, Katherine, and Elizabeth. The two last married in 1687 ; the first to Richard Percival of Royton, and the latter to John Hop- wood of Hopwood, both eldest sons of ancient families. Ann, in October, 1703, married William Squire of Liverpool, merchant. Margaret died unmarried ; she is alluded to as very ill on the 15th of April, 1699, and in Childwall church, in the table of benefactors, her name occurs : — "Mrs Margaret Norris gave" (by will) " to be layed out in land annexed to the vicarage, anno 1699, £50."

CONTENTS.

i.

Collection of a Subsidy, temp. Hen. 8. — (Huyton, Childwall,

Walton) .page 1

II. Receipt to Edward Norris for expence of renewing Charter of

Liverpool, 1603 6

III. Memorandum of Annuity due from Crown to Mr. Norris 7

IV. Henry Norris, to get his Apprentice Indenture cancelled, to Common

Council of London, 1622 9

V.

Charge of Thomas Norris of Speke against Sequestrators, 1660 13

VI.

Extract from the Order of the Garston Leet Jury, 1686 , 16

VII. Presentment of the Speke Leet Jury, 1699 17

XXIV CONTENTS.

VIII. Liverpool Election, 1 690. — Bill of Expenses incurred .page 1 8

IX.

Lord Lieutenant's Order, (Lord Gerard,) summoning Horse, 1691 24

X.

Thos. Norris, M.P., to Richard Norris, London, April 2, 1695. — On

the Liverpool Charier 25

XL

The Same to the Same, April 20, 1695. — Sir T. P. Cooke's affair —

The Charter 27

XII.

William Norris to Thomas Norris, June 8, 1695. — The King in

Flanders — The Charter gained 28

XIII. William Norris to Thomas Norris, July 29, 1695. — The Charter

returned from Flanders 30

XIV.

William Norris to Thomas Norris, April 23, 1696. — Rookwood's Trial — Rooke's arrival — Venetian Ambassador visits House of Commons 31

XV.

The Same to the Same, May 9, 1696. — Lord CapeTs Death — Fenwick's

witnesses bribed 32

XVI. The Same to the Same, October, 6, 1696. — Weather prevents Mrs.

Norris from travelling — King expected — Necessity for Peace. . . 34

XVII. William Denton to Richard Norris, Liverpool, Dec. 26, 1697. — To

get a place in the Customs 36

CONTENTS. XXV

XVIII.

Thomas Patten to Richard Norris, Warrington, Jan. 8, 1697. — On suppressing Fish Wears in the Mersey — On making the River navigable to Manchester . . .page 37

XIX.

William Norris to Thos Norris, Nov. 29, 1698.— Bids him fare well—

On the Baronetcy being conferred 40

XX.

The Same to the Same, Madeira, Feb. 18, 1698. — Description of a

visit to Madeira 43

XXI.

Jasper Mauditto Richard Norris, Nov. 5, 1700. — Termination of suit

with the Cheesemongers — Wishes to return 46

XXII.

Thomas Johnson to Richard Norris, Nov. 14, 1700. — Wishes to return — Pleased that the Duke of Anjou succeeds to Spain — Town's matters 48

XXIII.

Jasper Maudit to Richard Norris, Nov. 26, 1700. — Exchange with

More finished 50

XXIV. Lady Norris to Richard Norris, Dec. 17, 1700. — Parliament to be

dissolved — Hopes Liverpool will return Sir William Norris 51

XXV.

Lady Norris to Richard Norris, Jan. 7, 1700-1. — Nicholas Pollexfen

cannot be present at Election — News of Sir William 53

XXVI.

William Clayton to the Mayor of Liverpool, (Richard Norris,) Feb. 1,

1700. — Has got to London — Sir Cleave Mores Petition — War. 54

XXVI CONTENTS.

XXVII. The Same to the Same, Feh. 6, 1700. — Has taken the Oaths — Choice

of Speaker — Sir Cleave More's Petition page 55

XXVIII. Lady Norris to Richard Norris, Feb. 13, 1700. — Sir Cleave Mores

Petition 56

XXIX.

William Clayton to the Mayor of Liverpool, Feb. 18, 1700 — M ores

Petition 57

XXX.

Daniel Lawton to the Same, Feb. 6, 1700. — Purchase of Lord

Molyneux's Land — Manor of Liverpool 58

XXXI.

William Clayton to the Mayor of Liverpool, March 1, 1700. — Sir

Cleave More's Petition 59

XXXII. P. Haddon to the Same, Wigan, Jan. 7, 1700. — Wigan Election 60

XXXIII.

J. Tucker (Under Secretary of State) to the Mayor of Liverpool, Whitehall, April 3, 1701. — Directs suspected persons to be prosecuted 61

XXXIV.

Joshua Horton to the Mayor of Liverpool, Oldham, April 8, 1701. —

Return of Papists ordered throughout the County 63

XXXV.

J. Tucker to the Mayor of Liverpool, Whitehall, April 12, 1701. —

Disaffected persons in Liverpool 64

XXXVI.

William Clayton to the Same, April 12, 1701. — More's Petition —

Harrington 65

CONTENTS. XXV11

XXXVII.

Robert Scarisbrick to the Same, Scarisbrick, 30th April, 1?01. — Asfo

for Protection page 66

XXXVIII. Hon. Charles Stanley to the Same, Cross Hall, Aug. 4, 1701. — Lists

of the Disaffected ordered 67

XXXIX.

Clayton to the Same, May 13, 1701. — Glad Papists are proceeded

against — Sir Cleave More 68

XL.

John Morris to Richard Norris, Nov. 15, 1701. — Lord Molyneux's seizure of the Castle — Lord Macclesfield's Death, and disposition of kis plates — Keys of Armoury in Castle 69

XLI.

The Same to the Same, Feb. 10, 1701. — Money not duly paid — Lord Rivers' s Patent opposed by Lord Molyneux, but passed — Morris expects to be Deputy — Claims the rent owing, and opposes the debt being set against it 71

XLII.

Extracts from Letters to Richard Norris from Lady Norris and Henry Norris, relating to the coming Election, September 29, and December 3 and 19, 1701 73

XLIII.

Jonathan Murray to Richard Norris, Chester, Nov. 27, 1701. — Chester

Election 75

XLIV.

Thomas Johnson to Richard Norris, Dec. 30, 1701. — Letter on taking his seat for the first time in Parliament — Harley speaker, and his speech — Observations as to the temper of the house — Money to be raised for St. Peters Church — Corporation concerns want more attention 76

XXV111 CONTENTS.

XLV.

Johnson to Richard Norris, Feb. 16, 1701. — Sir John Gower, (Chan- cellor of the Duchy,) promises to secure grant of the Castle — Lord Molyneuxs opposition .page 78

XL VI.

Johnson to Richard Norris, March 17, 1701. — Queens Accession — Profligacy of political leaders — Foreign news — Official changes

— Is for tolerating Dissenters — Place for Corn Market in Liver- pool— Objects to clause directing re-shipment of Tobacco without allowances — Parliamentary news 79

XL VII.

The Same to the Same, March, 19, 1701. — Scotch news — County

Address — No Address from Liverpool — The Mayor seldom writes. 83

XL VIII.

Extracts of Letters from Henry Norris to Mrs. Norris 85

XLIX.

Johnson to Norris, March 26, 1702. — Regrets differences amongst the Townspeople — Frauds on the Customs universal at Liverpool

— Character of Clayton — Ready to resign, and only in Par- liament to keep the seat for Sir William Norris — Harley bets his brother Parliament would rise before April 8 89

L.

The Same to the Same, April 2, 1702. — Ready to resign — More

intends to stand — Difference with Houghton — Clayton left Town. 92

LI. John Travers to Richard Norris, July 16, 1702. — Leaves Sir William

Norris' s Election to be determined on by his Friends 94

LII.

Johnson to Norris, Liverpool, October 9, 1702. — Election of Mayor —

Towns matters , 95

CONTENTS. XXIX

LIII.

The Same to the Same, October 18, 1702. — Same subject .page 07

LIV.

Peter Hall to Richard Norris, October 20, 1702. — Two new Surveyors

arrive at Liverpool — Great sensation there 99

LV.

Johnson to Norris, December 10, 1702. — Bill for occasional Con- formity — Johnson in favour of it — Message for grant of £5000 to Duke of Marlborough, and debate 101

LVI.

The Same to the Same, December 12, 1702. — Lord Derby, Sir John Gower, and lease of Castle — Debate on Message — Custom House Officer informing to be made "truly black" 104

LVIL

The Same to the Same, December 15, 1? '02. — Debate on Message ... 106

LVIII. The Same to the Same, December 17, 1702. — Occasional Conformity

— The Castle 108

LIX.

The Same to the Same, December 22, 1702. — Castle — Church —

Justices of the Peace 110

LX.

The Same to the Same, December 29, 1702. — Liverpool Towns

affairs 112

LXI. The Same to the Same, December 31, 1702. — Liverpool Town's

affairs 114

LXII.

The Same to the Same, January 5, 1702 [3]. — The same subject 116

XXX CONTENTS.

LXIII.

The Same to the Same, January 9, 1702 [3]. — The same subject... pay e 119

LXIV. The Same to the Same, January 14, 1702[3]. — The same subject 121

LXV.

The Same to the Same, January 16, 1702[3]. — Town's affairs —

Abuse of the Tories — And of Mr. Bold 123

LXVI. The Same to the Same, January 30, 1702[3]. — Johnson ill, attended

by Dr. Ratcliffe 125

LXVII. The Same to the Same, Feb. 4. 1 702 [3]. — Liverpool affairs 126

LXVIII.

The Same to the Same, Liverpool, June 25, 1703. — Liverpool affairs 128

LXIX.

The Same to the Same, September 17, and October 16, 1703. —

Materials for St. Peters Church 129

LXX.

The Same to the Same, Liverpool, October 15, 1703. — Liverpool affairs 131

LXXI. John Cockshutt to Eichard Norris, October 15, 1703. — Liverpool

affairs 132

LXXII. Johnson to K. Norris, October 19, 1703. — Liverpool affairs 133

LXXIII. Extracts from two Letters, October 22, and December 10, 1703, W.

Squire and Mrs. Markland, Relating to Ann Norris's Marriage... 135

CONTENTS. XXXI

LXXIV.

Relating to the Tyldesleys Extracts from Letters of Edward and

Thomas Tyldesley, and Case, 1704 — 1705 .page 137

LXXV. Isaac Green to Richard Norris, Prescot, September 7, 1705. — On

Hesketh's Mortgage 141

LXXVI.

Extracts of Letters on Liverpool Affairs, 1704 — 1705 142

LXXVII.

Johnson to R. Norris, February 18, 1705. — Contest for Rector — Hardness of Norris' s dealing — Desires to liberate a Pressed man, because he has a handsome wife — Clayton only looks after his own servants — News to be written out and left at Phillips' s 146

LXXVIII. Alexander Hesketh to Richard Norris, January 21, 1705-6. — Urges

sale of land to be completed 148

LXXIX.

T. Johnson to R. Norris, January 26, 1705. — Defaulting Custom House Collectors — Bonds enforced — Interest to be remitted — Scarborough's funeral — Commissioners open the coffin — Claytons officiousness 149

LXXX.

The Same to the Same, February 23, 1705. — Contest for Rector 151

LXXXI.

The Same to the Same, February 1, 1706 — The Corporation and Sir

Cleave More 153

LXXXII.

Henry Watts to R. Norris, September 14, 1706. — Norris has won by

Turin being taken — Foster Cunliffe — Proposes new bets 154

XXxil CONTENTS.

LXXXIII.

Henry Watts to R. Norris, December 14, 1706. — Norris has lost and

explanations are offered — List of bets offered by Gaittonet ...page 156

LXXXIV.

T. Johnson to R. Norris, April 5, 1707. — Cause against Lord Moly-

neux gained — Town's improvements — Scotch affairs 159

LXXXV.

The Same to the Same, April 8, 1707. — Lord Molyneux and the Town 160

LXXXVI.

The Same to the Same, January 17, 1707. — Harley proposes to Clay- ton to buy off the present Collector at Liverpool, and leave him to put one in — Johnsons surprise — Regrets Lord Derby does not interfere — Present Collector an enemy — Invites a letter 161

LXXXVII.

The Same to the Same, January 24, 1707. — Collectors place — Har- ley s offer repeated — Johnsons surprise — Complains of Clayton 163

LXXXVIII.

The Same to the Same, Jan. 27, 1707. — Liverpool affairs 165

LXXXIX.

The Same to the Same, Jan. 31, 1707. — Collector s place — Claytons

conduct — Lord Derby takes no pains 166

XC. The Same to the Same, February 12, 1707. — Tories going out and

Whigs taking office. 167

XCI. The Same to the Same, February 18, 1707. — Clayton receives favours

fromthe Whigs 168

XCII. The Same to the Same, February 19, 1707. — Public affairs — Treating

in Liverpool .169

CONTENTS. XXX111

XCIII. The Same to the Same, March 10, 1707. — Johnson knighted. 170

XCIV. J. Green to K. Norris, July 15, 1707. — Cause between Lord Anglesea

and Lord Derby 172

xcv.

Order of Sessions for Repair of Roads in the Hundred of West Derby,

1688 174

XCVI. ,

William Sacheverell to Richard Norris, July 4, 1692. — Affairs of the

Isle of Man 178

XCVII.

William Sacheverell to Richard Norris, August 15, 1694. — Is dismissed from Governorship of the Isle of Man 180

> ERRATA.

P. xii., 1. 10.— For " were land " read, were in hand.

P. xiii., 1. 1.— For " First " read, Firstly.

P. xiii., I. 6.— For " Second " read, Secondly.

P. xv., 1. 5. — For " quarts of ale at 4J " read, gallons oj ale at 1%.

P. xvii., L 6 from bottom.— For " Auvengzebe " read, Aurengzebe.

P. xviii., L 11.— For " Rayton" read, Royton.

P. 36, 1. 3 of Note from bottom. — For " were " read, was.

P. 60, L 1 of Note.— For " Sixteenth " read, Seventeenth.

P. 64, 1. 1 of Letter.— For " Hodges " read, Hedges.

P. 85, 1. 2 of Letter.— For " Garwin " read Garway.

P. 91, 1. 8 of Note. — For " base idea " read, bare idea.

P. 102, 1. 1 of Letter.— For " Calquitt" read, Colquitt.

P. 141, L 4 of Note from bottom.— For " Wallsesia " read, Wallasey.

P. 154, 1. 3 of Introduction.— For "the host, a friend " read, the host and friend,

P. 165, 1. 2 of Letter.— For " Serowld " read, Serocold.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

I.

COLLECTION OF A SUBSIDY, TEMP. HEN. 8, (Huyton, Childicall, Walton.)

[THE following is a paper issued in the collection of a subsidy, and contains the rounds of a collector, including Huyton, and great part of Walton, and Childwall. The two Earls of Derby of the name of Thomas existed from 1485 to 1521, and probably the fifteenth here to be collected was either of the 3d or the 6th of Henry the Eighth. The almost total omission of the Molineux property arose from that family being the collectors. The assess- ment for Liverpool seems very complete, and the Mores do not appear to have a preponderating interest. Some of the families here mentioned long remained, as Kayneford, Seacome, and Main waring ; and Cross and Aghton (Houghton) are still connected with the town.]

The Assessment of Towns to the Fifteenth by the Commissioner.

WALTON juxta LYUERPOLE.

Vx Johannis Crosse p terr suis ij s iiij d:

Idem p bonis suis ibidem VJ § viij d

Sma ixS

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

WALTON. DERBIE CU THYNGWALL.

Nicolas Fazakerly p terr suis ibm jij § xct

Wiltmus Norres p terr suis ifcm xiiij d

Johes Keykewyc p terr suis xiiij d

Johes Fletcher p terr suis xiiij d

Vx Johis Rydeng p terr suis vij d

Willm? More p terr suis x d ob

Johes Thomasson p terr suis vij d

Vx Rici Accres p terr suis vij d

Ricus Standisshe p mr sua pro tris xiiij d

Thomas Greues p terr suis vij d

Thomas Comes Derbie p terr suis xiiij d

Rogerus Ogle p terr suis ij S iiij d

Will9 Molyneux p terr suis ix d ofe

Johes Pasmythe p terr suis xiiij d

Petrus Rideng p terr suis vij d

Thomas Harebroune p terr suis xxj d

Nicolas Wolfalt p terr suis ixd ofe

Thomas Accres p terr suis xiiij d

Sma xxjg vd ofe WALTON.

KYRKEDALE.

Hered Thome Eyves p terr suis ijg iiijd

Sma ij § iiij d WALTON.

BoTYLL.

Thomas Comes Derbie p terr suis vij § xj d ofc

Sma vij § xj d ofe. WALTON.

FoRMEBY.

Abbas de Merevale p terr suis xxiij S iiij d

Thomas Comes Derbie p terr suis viij § ij d

Greorgi9 Holford p terr suis iij S xd ob

THE NORRIS PAPERS. o

Willm0 Formeby p terr suis iij s x d ob

Willm? Norres Miles p terr suis . . xiiij d

Sma xl § v d WALTON.

LYUERPOLE.

Thomas Comes Derbie p terr suis ij § iiij d:

Ricardus Crosse p terr suis ibm xj § viij d:

Willm? Mor p terr suis xjS viij d

Idem Willm? p bonis suis vjs viij d

Joh.es Warrant Miles p terr suis iij § xd ob

Thomas Harebroune p terr suis xiiij d

Henricus Mosok p terr suis xiiij c?

Hered Rici Starky p terr suis ij § iiij d

Carolus Maynwareng p terr suis iij § j d

Johes Myels p terr suis vij j d

Georgius Raynford p terr suis x d ob

Idm Georgius p bonis iiij S

Henricus Preston p bonis xiiij d

Hered Hugonis Swyndeley p terr x d ob

Willm9 Tatlok p terr suis xiiij d

Thomas Seycom p terr suis ij § iiij d

Robart Preket p terr suis ix d ob

Idem Robertus p bonis suis ij S

Johes Wyllme p bonis suis iiij S

Willm9 Harebroune p bonis suis x §

Huan9 Aghtofi p bonis suis vj § viij d

Thomas Corbet p bonis suis v § viij d

Ric Bexwyc p bonis v §

Willm9 Preket p bonis xvj d

Johes Haydok p bonis viij d

Ricus Lunte p bonis suis xij d

Sma iiijli xiijs vjd ob. CHILGWALL.

GARSTON.

Johes Irland de Lydeat p terr vS xd

Sma v S x d

•I . THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

CHILGEWALL.

Thomas Cornes Derbie p terr suis x s x j d

Sma x § xj d CHILGWALL.

SPEYKE.

Wilhn9 Norres Miles p terr suis xxxvij s vij d

Wilim9 Charnok p terr suis vij s xjd oft

Robert9 Lathu de Allerton p terr vij s xj d ob

Wilim? Lathu p terr suis xj § viij d

Jacobus Toxstath p terr suis y S xd

Sma iij ii xj s CHILGWALL.

HALEWODE cum HALEBOUKE.

Thomas Comes Derbie p terr suis , Iviij s iiij d

Jones Irland p terr suis Iviij s iiij d

Jofces Irland p terr suis xiij d

Thomas Tarleton p terr suis , , xij d

Idm Thomas p bonis ij §

Sma vj ii x d CHILGWALL.

WARETRE.

Comes Derbie p terr suis ij § xj d

Dauid ap Gruffyth p terr suis xiiijd

Idm p bonis suis xl s

Thomas Harebroune p terr suis ix d ob

Sma xliiijs xd ob

HYTON TORBOK.

Wilim9 Torbok p terr xxxjs xjd

Jofres Irland vij d

Johes Esthed vijd

Thomas Knolle vijd

Sma xxxiij § viij d

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 5

HYTON.

KNOWSELEY.

Thomas Comes Derbie iij ii vj s vj d

Nicolas Stokley vij d

Sma iij ti vij § j d

HYTON cum ROSY.

Hamo Haryngton p terr vijs xj d ob

Bicus Tyldesley p terr iij § j d

Thomas Lathome p terr iij § x d

Hered Henr Lee.. xiijd

Harr Bellusbe iijs xd ob

Thomas Wofalt iijg xd ob

Harre Mossok xiiij d

Wiltm? Orme xiiij d

Thomas Bury iij s x d ob

Roger Ogle p terr xxiij d ob

Idem Eogerus p bonis vj s viij d

Sma xxxviij s vij d ob.

Sma totalis xxviij ii vij § vj d ob.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

II.

RECEIPT TO EDWARD NORRIS FOR EXPENCE OF RENEWING CHARTER OF

LIVERPOOL, 1603.

[THE territorial interest of the Mores in the Borough of Liverpool was early opposed by neighbouring families, and the following receipt shows that Mr. Norris, who resided eight miles from that town, and possessed no land within its precincts, assisted in discharging one of those illegal imposts by which James recruited his Exchequer at the expence of the corporate towns. There is a curious account of a quarrel and suit at law in 1632, between " More Arm : & Norris Knight," in Eushworth, vol. iii. p. 35, (Appendix.) The families appear afterwards opposed to each other.]

Primo die februarii anno Regni Regis

Jacobi Anglie 2, et Scotie 38.

Received of Edw : Norres of Speke in the Countie of Lane : Es- quire the daie and yere above said the Sume of 24s which he was assessed to paie for his porcion towards the chardge of the Renewinge of the Charter for the confirmacion of the freedom and franchises of the Towne of Liverpool.

EDW : MOORE

Maior.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

%

III.

MEMORANDUM OF ANNUITY DUE FROM CROWN TO MR. NORRIS.

[THE Society of Scottish Antiquaries interested themselves some years ago in an inquiry " into the probability of a tradition that the library and furniture of James the 4th of Scotland was carried off after the battle of Flodden, and set up at Speke Hall." Mr. Whatton contributed to the Archceologia Scotica, (vol. iv. part i. 1831,) an article interesting as relating to the Norris family, but of no value in the determination of the strange inquiry proposed. There could be no reader of history but must have known that in 1513 the English never came near Edinburgh.

The inscription in the volumes now in the Athenaeum at Liverpool, (Baines's Lancashire, vol. iii. p. 155,) proves that Sir William Norris in 1543 brought away books from Edinburgh, and as he fell in the next ex- pedition, 1547, at Pinkey, the probability is, the annuity, mentioned below, was then granted to his heirs.

We find in the Norris Papers a strong opinion on the extortion practised in the deductions to which this grant was subjected.]

Edw. Norres Esqr Receives from the Crowne a yearly annuity due to him and his heirs for ever the Sum of. £5 . 6 . 8

The Court deducts for Taxes 0 . 13 . 0

for Court Fees 0 . 11 . 10 1 . 4 . 10

4 . 1 . 10

8 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

Hee paies rent for Child wall

3 . 7.4 2. H. 9.. .0.0.8

3.8.0 Allow for taxes . . 0 . 15 . 0 2 . 13 . 0

Bests to bee paid him 1 . 8 . 10

[In the enumeration of the property to which the heiress of Mr. Norris was entitled (1700) there occurs "a Debenture out of the Dutchy of Lan- caster for service performed by one of the family in Scotland. Enquire after it."1

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

IV.

HENRY NORRIS, TO GET HIS APPRENTICE INDENTURE CANCELLED, TO COMMON COUNCIL OF LONDON, 1622.

[THERE was no class in society more influential, in disturbed times, than the apprentices of London. The following narration contains an every day tale, yet as bearing upon the manners of the persons alluded to, at a very important period of their history, it is here selected for publication. A few years later, and the institutions, under which Henry Norris changed his flat cap and shining shoes for the steel cap and breast-plate, produced the most active of the first opponents of Charles. Eighteen of that King's Judges had been apprentices in London. Massey and Brown were once apprentices, though perhaps little meriting the appellation of base, which Scott, with more propriety, might have applied to Isaac Pennington, Venn, Fowke, Barkstead, &c.

Mr. Hallam is of opinion (Constitutional History, vol. ii. p. 183,) that from the time of the Armada to 1640, the youth of London were trained to arms. This is a mistake, for Elizabeth did not encourage the martial propensities of these boys beyond the occasion which required them. The introduction to Hey wood's play of The Four Apprentices shows that James " first awakened the rememberance of these arms in the artillery gardens," and permanently, in evil hour, established the drilling of apprentices, whilst dramatists and ballad-mongers worked upon the susceptible vanity of these youths. With Perkin, Kevelour, Tradewell jun., and Goldwire jun., apprentices were often rogues, and they were besides easily persuaded they had a military character to sustain : —

" I have as much power to sit, Sort out my wares, and scribble on a shop board, When I but hear the musick of a drum, As to abstain from meat when I am hungry."

10 THE NORR1S PAPERS.

The last Stuarts endeavoured to give apprentices an ephemeral importance, but Cromwell had already lowered them to their proper station. Glass win- dows put a period to the eternal " What lack ye ?" and a vigorous police did away with the necessity of the cry " Clubs ! Clubs !"

Henry Norris is set down in the pedigree as the seventh son of Sir Wil- liam Norris of Speke, K.B., who died about 1626, by Eleanor, daughter of Sir William Molyneux of Sefton. This Henry was a colonel of foot in Flanders, and died unmarried.]

RIGHT HONORABLE SIRS,

Whereas my father Sir William Norreis Knight, did bynde me Henry Norreis prentisse unto one Mr. Robert Geoffreys marchant, who upon some dislike did put me from his service. And now understanding that my said Mr hath put my father's bonde in suite, therefore I thoughte it goode to certifie unto your honors upon my oath, confirmed under my hande and scale of the truth of all proceedings therein, viz :

That he doeth denye, that he did not turne me awaye from his service, I affirm the contrarie, for he gave me warninge to be gone, oftentimes, the space of twelve moneths, that I should provide for myself another Maister, for hee would keepe me noe longer, to the wch commaunde I answered that I woulde not departe from his ser- vice untill such time as my said father had clered the bonde, that he was bounde in for me, and the money that my said Mr had with me, being 110U<

And this my said Mr seinge that I woulde not begon, did come to me upon a Satturday, and taking the Keighes from me, commaunded me to begon upon Monday followinge, and I cominge unto him upon the said Monday morninge, demaunding of him, in presence of Sir Francis Dunken, Knight, my said Mr his wief, and servants, viz. Ralph Burnett, Rebecca Gibs, with others, demaunding of him whether that he continued the said determinacion of puttinge me awaye as before, whereunto hee answered that hee did, I replied thereupon that I would not begone, unless that he thrusted me out, the wch hee did presentlie at that instante.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 11

The same daye at night I with my father's man Robert Quicke came to the old Exchange to tender myself unto him, findinge him not there, wee met with Mr Dury [Drury] now alderman, and acquainted him of all that had hapned, and what my intencion was, hee repliing said that hee would beare witness that I had ben there to tender myself unto him, and that so had heard my said Mr saye, that he had putt me awaye, I called him before the chamberlaine, and Alderman Proby, and as I remember, they commauiided to be Registered the manner of this my saide turning awaye.1

Whereas he sayeth that he gave me good Instructions in his pro- fession, I affirme that I was imployed about his affaires, only as a Stranger, without any particular directions therein, excepting one moneth that hee being in the Countrey, that I received his letters for him, and thereby had some'insight in his proceedings. And whereas my said Mr denieth my goinge to Market, and makinge clene of shooes, I doe affirme that in the time that I was with him, hee kept no other Servaunte but myself, and that upon some dayes sent to Markett with a hande baskett some four or five times upon a daye, all which I did as he commaunded me.2

And whereas he had with me a 110 ft) as aforesaid, five ponde thereof he said and condicioned that it should be imployed for my

1 Geoffrys might probably, with justice, answer to all this, —

The Masters never prosper'd

Since gentlemen's sons grew 'prentices. When we look To have our business done at home, they are Abroad in the Tennis Court, or in Partridge Alley, In Lambeth Marsh, or a cheating ordinary.

The City Madam.

2 It appears to have been the duty of an apprentice to take a part, at least, of the office of a modern footman. In the City Match, (act iii. sc. 2,) we read : — " Enter Mrs. Seathrift and Mrs. Holland, with a 'prentice before 'em, as conversin." Whe- ther, however, this species of service could be exacted is not clear. The apprentice oath in Stowe is very general in its terms, yet menial service was much disliked. Massinger makes Gold wire, jun., say : —

His courteous nieces find employment for him Fitting an under 'prentice, or a footman.

Also see Fortunes of Niyel, chapter i.

12 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

learninge arithmaticke and keepinge accompts, but to my knowledge, there was no more imployed for my learninge, beinge but 2 or 3 moneths but eight shillings, and that was unto Lewes, a Scrivenor in the same streete of my said Mr as will apeare in the cash booke, that hee hath in his keepinge.1

After this ill usage and beinge thrust out of his service, I lived a yeare and a half at Grayes Inne, expecting reconciliacon into his favor, till at last being constrayned to seeke fortunes in other Coun- treys ; hee had 7 or 8 before my time, that served him, that were badlie used by him as some of the Aldermen can testifie.

In witness whereof that this aforesaid affirmacion of myne to be true, I have taken My oath, and hereunto sett my hande and scale, this present 19 of September. And the better to confirme this to be my acte and deede I have procured the Burgermaisters of Groole, the garrison wherein I doe live, to put to their handes, together with the town scale. Datum Groulse this 19 of the above named September 1622.

HENRY NORRES.

[!N the attestation both of the Burgomasters, and of Mr. William Trum- bull, Envoy to the Archduchess at Brussels, this late apprentice is styled Captain Norris.]

Warehouse. In this half year that I shall be away

Cypher shall teach you French, Italian, Spanish, And other tongues of traffic.

PMwell. Shall I not learn

Arithmetic too, sir, and short hand ?

Warehouse. 'T is well remember 'd ; yes, and navigation.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 13

V.

CHARGE OF THOMAS NORRIS OF SPEKE AGAINST SEQUESTRA-TORS, 1660.

[The annexed is a summary of the losses of the Speke family during the Civil Wars. In the catalogue of those that have compounded for their estates, " Thos. Norris of Speak, Lancashire, Esquire," is set down at £508. This book was originally printed in 1655, and in the following paper it is evident Thomas Norris had the estate at the time of its being drawn up, which was probably about 1660. There is no mention made of any possessor of Speke but of Thomas and his father, William, and yet there was an elder son, Edward. Here is a memorandum from the Sequestrators' books; "Edward Norris of Speke a Papist," (and then an enumeration of twenty-five acres of land,) " the above said estate was added to the book of surveighs, the 24th of June 1 652." The father of these two died in 1 651, and Edward in 1664; and whether from the circumstance of the disqualifications under which, in that persecuting age, his religion placed him, or because he had only a daughter, or for some other reason which does not appear, it is however clear that Edward was disinherited, and here are receipts by which it appears he received from his father an annuity through his younger brother, Thomas.

There is amongst these MSS. an uncancelled bond of Col. John More's, (he spelt his own name Moore, but the reader would hardly know him so designated,) the celebrated member for Liverpool who signed Charles's death warrant. William Norris must then have been ill enough off, and More, who was waiting for a wind to pass with his regiment into Ireland, thus oc- cupied himself in defrauding an unfortunate Cavalier ; and Martindale has shown us that More and his household were little better than freebooters.]

30 September, 1649.

Mdum that I John Moore of Bank Hall Esqre do acknowledge myself to owe and to be indebted unto William Norrcs of the Speake

14 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

Esqre in the full sum of fifteen pounds of lawful English money, which sum I do bind me, my heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, to pay unto the said William Norres, his heirs, &c., upon the last day of this present month, as witness my hand the day, and year, above written.

JOHN MOORE.

The information and charge of Thomas Norris of Speak in the county of Lancaster Esqre against such persons who being Seques- trators, seized and took, the goods and chattels of William Norres late of Speak aforesaid Esquire deceased, late father of the said Thomas, and alsoe the Rents and profits of the demesne lands, and Milnes, together with the rents of the tenants of the said William between the thirtieth day of January 1642 and the 21st day of June 1660.

Imprimis the said Thomas Norres chargeth John Broughton of Much Woolton, William Plombe of the same, and William Singleton of Little Woolton, in the county of Lancaster, yeo- men, to have seized and taken horses and cattle of his late father within the years beforesaid to the value of .... ^oOO

Item, the said Tho: Norres chargeth Peter Ambrose1 of Toxteth, John Lathom of Whiston, in the said county, or the one or the other of them, to have seized and taken the Bents, Issues, and Profits of the demesne Lands, and Mills, of his said late father, being of the yearly value of «^?200, for the space of eight yeares within the years before mentioned, in tot : £1 600

1 Peter Ambrose (as is shown by the Sequestrator's papers, which Seacome had access to) was the universal appraiser and agent for the disposal of the forfeited es- tates in Lancashire. That he survived the restoration is here shown, and how he fared may perhaps be hereafter discovered. The other names were those of local agents called in by the superior one, or of persons who, like Bradshaw in Seacome, helped themselves, and after whom Peter Ambrose was sent.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 15

Item, the Baid Tho: Norres chargeth the said Peter Am- brose, and John Lathom, the one or the other of them, with the Receipt of the rents of the tenants of his said father, being ^90 f ann: for the space of seven years within the time aforesaid, in tot : <£630

Item, the said Tho: Norris chargeth the said Peter Ambrose with the taking of goods, and of him the said Tho: two horses of the value of .

16 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

VI.

EXTRACT FROM THE ORDER OF THE GARSTON LEET JURY, 1686.

[THE uses made in Garston and Speke, of a Leet Jury, are worth pre- serving, and stand in contrast to the inferior duties assigned to them in the present day. Yet this was the old English mode of administering justice, the magistrates' tribunal in such matters being, comparatively speaking, of recent date.]

[ November the second, anno 1686.

j

It is ordered by this Jury that the Lord of this Manor may and shall have free privilege to set hunting gates, lay platts, cut, and ditch, in any place within this Lordship, according to His Worship's pleasure, for hunting, or any other Recreation, and the disturbers of the same to forfeit the sum of twenty shillings.

This is a true copy taken out of the Town's books, attested under our hands.

[THE signatures of the Leet Jury, fifteen in number, follow.]

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 17

VII.

PRESENTMENT OF THE SPEKE LEET JURY, 1699.

29 die 1()bria anno domini 1699

Presentments made by the Jurors within the sd Manr the day and year abovesaid, as follows —

s. d. Robert Plompton of Hale for a Tussle with Wm Lynton the

younger of Speke 1 . ..

Wm Lynton junr for the like with Bob* Plompton 1 ...

James Bolton of Speake for getting apples and Pares in the

orchard of Wm Gill of Speake aforesaid 5 . ..

James Bolton for feloniously takeing away Wm Tatlock's hat-

chett out of his field 5 . ..

Willm Lindley for buying a Board and Potatoes of Lawrence

Golden's Child, whose goods were the goods of Anne Eyes,

Widow 3 . 4

John Brookes for getting Fish and Wood within the demesne

of the Lord of the said Manor 3 . 4

John Brooks for neglecting to bring a Bent Henn according to

ancient custom 1 . ..

The oecupt of Elizabeth Almond for opening a Pitt in the

comons or highwayes without consent of the Lord of the

said Manor 3 . 4

John Goodall for an assault on James Pilkington 1 .

Tho: Smith of West Derby (Doctor) for courseing within this

Manor 3 . 4

Wm Diconson of Allerton for the like 3 . 4

James Almond of Muchwoolton for the like 3 . 4

John Scowles of Muchwoolton for the like 3 . 4

D

IS THE NORRIS PAPERS.

VIII.

LIVERPOOL ELECTION, 1690. — Bill of Expenses incurred.

[THE circumstances under which Liverpool in 1688, from returning mem- bers attached to the house of Stuart, adopted the principles of the Revolution, and chose Lord Colchester and Mr. Norris as its representatives, will appear in part from the treating of which a record is here preserved, and in part from a retrospect of the political history of the horough.

During the whole of the seventeenth century the Earls of Derhy, except- ing in the period of the Civil War, endeavoured to influence the return of members for Liverpool. In this they were generally successful, and princi- pally from their power in the state and county, and not from their posses- sions in the borough, which were only an old castellated house, with its yards and gardens. If the Derby family adopted politics opposed to the Court, the Mores were ready to join them ; and if they leaned to the oppo- site party, the Molyneuxes, who were Roman Catholics, gave their assist- ance. The Mores were the principal landholders of the Borough; the Molyneuxes, however, were the constables of the castle, and had the mano- rial and fiscal rights belonging to the Crown, and when men of their religion were in favour at Court, the return of Roman Catholics, or Jacobites, marked the absolute sway of the Crown in Liverpool: such was the case in 1623, and in 1685. All three families, Stanleys, Moleyneuxes, and Mores, had residences in Liverpool, and the Mores chiefly lived there. The returns, prior to 1642, are of a very heterogeneous political character, and the cause of this must be sought in the patrons of the borough, and not in the inhabit- ants, who had but a small part in the elections. Thomas May and Lord Strange, Henry Jermyn and Lord Cranfield, all remarkable names, were strangely opposed in politics; and perhaps, when the character of Lord Strange is examined, this want of political consistency will be found to origi- nate with him, towards whom Liverpool had otherwise every reason to be grateful, as obtaining the first intelligible charter, (1626,) and as the early promoter of its commerce.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 19

Iii nomination Boroughs, the return of the patron is the rule, his being rejected the exception, and the latter only occurs in times of great excite- ment. The fate of the Mores in Liverpool reversed this, and it was only in times of revolution that they were returned, and that by adopting the most extreme politics. Colonel John More, who was first returned for the Long Parliament, after serving Cromwell faithfully, sate on Charles's trial, and signed his death warrant; out of which acts grew the emancipation of Liverpool, and the ruin of the Mores. The first great impetus to the town's prosperity is usually assigned to the shipping of soldiers to Ireland, during these wars. For this purpose, when to be done on a great scale, Chester was found inadequate. On February 16, 1647-8, (Rushworth, vol. vii. p. 1000,) it is stated, — "From the city of Chester by letters was thus cer- tified," " The northern horse intended for Ireland, after five times shipped, were by contrary winds beat back again." In No. 133 of the Journal of the day, (Perfect Occurrences^ &c.,) July 14, 1649, it is stated, — "All the forces here and at Liverpool, wait the good houre, Col. Reynolds at Bew- morris, Col. Venables at Moston [Mostyn], Col. Hunts and Col. More at Liverpool. All the provisions for Col. Reynolds and Col. Venables are aboard the boates, to go down to the shipps. The want of water in our miserable river hath kindred two dayes. For cheese, Mr. Whalley is send- ing all he can, and is now going to Liverpool, having finished all for Col. Reynolds and Col. Venables." Johnson, in one of his letters, finds, in 1644 the commencement of the cheese trade in the Mersey. The troops last mentioned lay at Liverpool some months, and Colonel John More with them. In " The Perfect Diurnall" of December 10, 1649, in a letter from Liverpool, Colonel More and his three hundred and fifty men are said to have been shipped the week before ; and in the next number of the paper it is stated, — " There hath bin of late transported in Chester and Liverpool water 2708 soldiers." There is a difficulty in ascertaining the fate of Colo- nel John More ; indeed, owing to the existence of a cotemporary Colonel Richard More, M.P. for Bishop's Castle, the acts of the two cannot now be separated. In two numbers of The Nouvelles Ordinaires de Londres, 1 9th October and 26th October, 1656, a Colonel More and his regiment are stated to have embarked at Carrickfergus, in Braynes's expedition to Jamaica.

Colonel Thomas Birch was the other member for Liverpool, and governor of the castle, during the Civil War. Of him we have little to add to what Dr. Ormerod has so well given in the Society's recent publication. Birch, too, from the similarity of his name with that of Colonel John Birch, of

20 THE NOREIS PAPERS.

Herefordshire, has not always his own deeds assigned to him, and the editor of Burton's Diary seems not aware of the existence of the Liverpool mem- ber, although he prints a speech concluded with cries of " Thomas Birch." This man died, aged 70, August 5, 1678, and a contemporary writes "that he had been an active man in the wars, but was deaf and in dotage some years."

Both More and Birch appear to have been ill-conditioned men, and the former inherited a bad temper from his father, who, when member for Liverpool in 1626, was committed for speaking seditious words, (Rush worth, vol. i. p. 376,) and in 1632 got into a quarrel with Sir William Norris, which ended in a law-suit, (Rushworth, vol. iii. p. 35.)

To Richard Cromwell's Parliament, Sir Gilbert Ireland, one of that numerous class of Presbyterians who, after diligently achieving the over- throw of Charles, occupied themselves in restoring his son, and Alderman Blackmore, who had his expenses paid by contributions, were returned. After the Restoration, Ireland, with a nominee of the Earl of Derby, sate until 1678, from which date, to 1685, Wentworth, a connexion of the Stanleys, and John Dubois, sate. Lord Derby had, however, to exert him- self to maintain his interest, and with his son, and son-in-law, were succes- sively Mayors of Liverpool. If John Dubois be the person of the same name who, with Papillon in 1682, opposed North and Rich, as Sheriffs for London, it would connect Lord Derby with Shaftesbury and Russell, whose dislike to the Stuarts he certainly shared. The election of 1685 went with the party of James the Second, and for a while the Stanleys were not only obliged to yield this borough to the Molyneuxes, but also to give up to them the lieutenantcy of the county.

Liverpool had, previously to the Revolution, been a place of much political intrigue. Monmouth, in 1682, and Labourne, in 1687, did not visit this obscure port without important objects. As respects the latter, it appears, from Cartwright's Diary, that at the date last given, that old Roman Catholic cavalier, Caryl, Viscount Molyneux, was living in great splendor at Crox- teth, and that the Corporation of Liverpool willingly did honor to his guests. On this Lord, who died 1698, aged 77, times of quiet were thrown away; and when he could no longer, as in his youth, ride in fields of battle, (or even in his age, for he took up arms for James in 1688,) or be driven from his home by sequestrators, he gathered round himself countless intrigues, evidently in James the Second's time, labouring with Bishop Labourne, to introduce the Romanist belief, and in William's time subjecting himself to

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 21

arrest for treasonable practices. After the Revolution, Molyneux was strip- ped of all his offices.

The poverty of the Mores and their having, through the Fenwicks, courted the Stuarts to remove the attainder, and hence become Jacobites, arising from John More's signing the King's death warrant, and the re- cusancy of the Molyneuxes which left them without power, placed Liverpool in a situation to follow its own inclination, and to take advantage of the new order of things. Richard, Lord Colchester, and Mr. Norris, of Speke, were therefore returned, though perhaps not without opposition. Thomas Lord Colchester, Mayor of Liverpool, 1667, married the Lady Charlotte, daughter to Charles, Earl of Derby, and this Thomas was the elder brother of the member for the borough in 1688. Swift, in Stella's Journal, makes frequent mention of Richard, who was a profligate and handsome soldier, succeeded to the title of Rivers, 1694, and died, 1712. (Mackay-Banks.) This Lord Rivers is memorable for two things : — a kind of rivalry in which he delighted to stand towards Marlborough, and which Harley seriously encouraged ; and for being the father to Savage, and, therefore, chronicled in Johnson's Lives of the Poets. Swift's account of Rivers's Will is very amusing. As for his being comparable to Marlborough, the year (1706) the latter gained Ramillies, the former ignominiously quitted Spain.]

Disbursements by order of the E* honble Lord Colchester and the worshipful Tho: Norris Esqrat Liverpool 4° March 1689-90.

ft>. B. d.

To Edm: Eigby for bear and tobacco 0.16. 0

To Tho: Sharpies 1. 3. 0

ToThoiEow 1.4.0

To Hen: Leadbett' 0 . 16 . 6

To Law: Turner 1 . 10 . 0

To Peter Mason 1 . 16 . 6

To Widdow Eadcliffe 1 . 16 . 0

To Wm Travers 2 . 10 . 0

To Ja: Hodgson 2 . 10 . 0

TotheEingers 1. 0. 0

To James Benn . .... 3.0.0

22 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

ft). S. d.

To Widdow Haslam 0.10. 0

ToJoiStory 1. 0. 0

To Ellin Lyon , 0 . 10 . 0

ToJoiLawson 1.0.0

To Eliz: Peele 0 . 10 . 0

To Wm Knowles 0 . 10 . 0

To Widd: Cowkett 0 . 10 . 0

To Widd: Mollenexe 0 . 10 . 0

To Widd. Halsall 1. 0. 0

To Jo: Anderton 0.10. 0

To Alix: Oroston 0 . 10 . 0

To Jane Whithead 0 . 10 . 0

To Fran: Dodgson 0 . 10 . 0

To Edwd Hornby 0.10. 0

To Widd: Bell 0.10. 0

To the poor 10 .0.0

To M' Rollins, his note 31 . 16 . 0

Sum toto 68 . 181. 0

One moity is 34 . 09 . 00

Received 5° March 1689 of the R* Worshipful Tho8 Norris Esqr by the hands of Mr Richard Norris, thirty-four pounds and nine shil- lings, being one moiety of the within accompt of sixty-eight pounds and eighteen shillings. I say recd>

f> PETER ATHERTON. Witnessed by

JOHN MOLINEUX.

Dineing Rome 29 Ordinaries 1. 9. 0

Rose and Crowne 24 1 . 4 . 0

In the Rose 13.. 0.7.6

1 Sic in orig.

THE NOBRIS PAPERS. 23

				ft,.	S.	d.
In	the	Mermaide	18	0.	9.	0
In	the	Unicorne	10	0.	5 .	0
In	the	Parlor	12	0.	6.	0
In	the	Kitchin	23	0.	13.	6
In	the	Boxes	17	0.	7.	6
In	the	Crowne	15	0.	7.	6
In	the	Bell	11	0.	5 .	6
In	Clarett, Sack,	Ale, Tobacco, &c	24 .	2.	10

172 29 . 17 . 4

Since the Bill was made 0 . 15 . 10

The ostlers Bill 15.10

To the Servants . .0.7.0

31 .16

Received 5th March 89 of the R* Honouble Lord Colchester and the Rt Worshipful Thos Norris Esqr by the hands of Peter Atherton thirty-one pounds and sixteen shillings in full of the above acco*. I

say recd<

WM ROLLINS. Verse Copise.

Witnessed by

RICHD NORRES.

24 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

IX.

LORD LIEUTENANT'S ORDER, (LORD GERARD,) SUMMONING HORSE, 1691.

[Collins states that William, ninth Earl of Derby, succeeded his father, 1672, and was made Lieutenant of Lancashire May 11, 1676, and that he was displaced from this office in favor of Lord Molyneux, 1687, and restored, 1688. It does not, however, appear that this restitution took place, for in 1688 Charles, Lord Gerard of Brandon, (son to the Earl of Macclesfield) received this appointment, with that of Constable of Liverpool Castle, and retained both until his death, 1701. The cause of these places being given to Lord Gerard, in preference to Lord Derby, it would be difficult to ex- plain. The latter had promoted the Revolution, and his wife was the personal friend of Mary, and at the head of her household. Macclesfield had been imprisoned in James's reign, and on December 8, 1688, when William rode into Exeter, led the grotesque procession which preceded the King. This Earl had for his first wife the mother of Savage, and died, 1693.]

m ) By command of the Eight Honorable Charles tt: HattC**) Lord Brandon Gerard, Lord Lieut* of the said County, We require you to warn all the Persons mentioned in a List hereunto annexed to appear with a very strong Man and Horse of about Thirteen pounds price, with a good case of Pistolls (all other things being provided for them,) att Ormskirk, the fifteenth of this instant June, at eleaven of the clocke the same day. And every of them is to bring fower days pay, and a proportion of ammcon as the Law directs ; and you the said Constable are to be then and there present to make appear what you have done in Execucion hereof. No person concerned herein is to faile att his pill. Given under our Hands and Seales the third day of June Anno Regni Gulielmi et Marise Angl: Rex et Regina tertio, annoque Domini 1691.

To the Constable of

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 25

X.

THOS. NORRIS, M.P., TO RICHARD NORRIS, LONDON, APRIL 2, 1695. — On the Liverpool Charter.

London, April 2, 1695. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I yesterday received several letters giving me the same account with yours, by which I find your Mayor and Aldermen mistake their case.1 The point is not whether a charter is valid in Lancashire that passes the Duchy Seal, (for no doubt but it is,) but your question is, whether the surrender of the Charter granted by King Charles the First be enrolled ? I am told it is not, and employed very good hands to search, as also many of the officers in the Rolls. Now, the advice I sent my friends was, that no succeeding Charter can be valid if the

1 Mr. Norris, against the wishes of a powerful party in the Borough, obtained the Charter of 1695, which continued to regulate the Corporation until the General Act of 1835. The Charter which Lord Strange procured in 1626, was probably a more important one, as controlling the power of the Crown and its representatives, the Lords Molyneux, and as the foundation of the Charter of 1695. In the excellent Guide Book of Liverpool (Kaye's) a lease is said to have been granted of the Manor to the Corporation about 1674 for 1,000 years. The "pretended Manor," (as it is styled in one of the letters,) was, however, at a much later period, with the ancient lord ; and the manner in which the Crown rights would be used was still a subject of anxiety to the inhabitants. There had been new Charters granted both by Charles the Second and James the Second, (29 Car. ii. — 1 Jac. 2.) But the Charter of Charles the Second had its supporters after the Revolution ; hence the Tories, with the Jacobites, (who allied themselves to every species of discontent,) formed the party called " the Old Charter-men " in the correspondence. No doubt this division grew out of the absolute dominion which those supporting the Revolution sought to exercise, and which, by the men who were allied to the Croxteth politics, or who had accepted Charles the Second's Charter, (that of James the Second was uni- versally abandoned,) was resisted.

26

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

surrender of your former Charter be not enrolled. This I was told by my counsel, and by the Chief Justice Treby, and the Lord Keeper. I am sure the law is true, and believe the fact to be as them I employed to search the Rolls told me, and if so, you have an undoubted right to your old Charter, (and it may be your interest to stick to that,) but since your petition is sent up, I will deliver it to the counsel ; after which I shall be able to send you some further intelligence. Present my service to Mr. Molyneux, and tell him this, and also Mr. Done, who have written to me since I answered them — tell them that though I have not always time to write, I never neglected their business. Desire all our friends to keep their own counsell, and not set the other party right in any of their mistakes. Though we cannot get the Transport Debt to be paid this year, yet we have settled the debt, and given funds to pay the interest ; and I hope we shall have time to pass the debt. I have not time to write this case over, so that you must shew it to few but friends.

I am, &c.

THOMAS NOERIS.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 27

XI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, APRIL 20, 1695. — Sir T. P. Cookis affair

— the Charter.

London, April the 20th MR. RICHARD NORRIS, (1695.)

Liverpool. Sr-

I am willing to give you the trouble of a letter, tho1 I feare you are not in towne, because I have not heard from you for a great while. Our sessions might have concluded before this, but our house willingly kept back the mony bill (before us) that Sir Thomas Cooke might confess to whom he gave that great some for the servis of the East India Company. Tuesday is the day we expect, and have promised the Lords, who this day addressed the King to pass the bill against Sir T. C. to-morrow ; this is all material before us. You may believe that the opposers of your new Charter for the con- firmation of your ould one, have but small hopes, since their whole endeavor is to delay the Attorney Generall from making his report as ordered by the P. Councill, but Wednesday next is to be the day, if no new tricks be played. Be pleas'd to present my servis to Mr Molyneux, and tell him that I ordered Mr Braddon to write to him this post, that he might see his letters came safe. My brother Wm will also write to Mr P. A. [Peter Atherton ?] so that I have no oc- cation to write further this post, but as soone as our heareing is over Fie give a full account. In the meane time all is done that is re- quisit. You may tell Mr Molyneux that I received his last with the enclosed. I shall goe out of towne the end of the next weeke for some time, but you do not need to feare any neglect of your business. I am your loveing brother and friend,

THO: NORRIS.

28 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XII.

WILLIAM NORRIS TO THOMAS NORRIS, JUNE 8, 1695. — The King in Flanders — the Charter gained.

London, June 8, 1695. To THOMAS NORRIS ESQ. M.P.

Speke. Honrd Sir,

The enclosed came to my hands yesterday, soe I tooke the first opportunity of sendinge it to you, though I had nothing of moment to incert with it. My Lord Rivers and the commanders that went with him I hope are gott safe in Flanders by this time, though they mett with a storm and contrary winds in their passage, which forced them back to Shernesse, and were all separated from the convoy. Wee are now in daily expectation to heare from the army that the King has forced the lines, for he is fully resolved on the attempt, and I hope it will be with successe. I suppose you have been joyfully received att Leverpool before this, I meane by those you have been assistant to in acquiring their libertys. I perceive by your letter Brother Dick and his Landlord are down for Bayliifs, who I doubt not but will execute the office very cordially. Pray give my humble service to all our good friends there next time you goe. I hope this will find you safe and hearty after your journey. I was to wait on my Lord Macclesfield this morning to know when he designed for Lancashire, but his honour was not stirring, soe desired me to come to-morrow. Pray give my duty to my mother, and love to sisters ; my wife gives her humble service, and Nick hopes you will not for- gett him, nor his service to the young Lady. I heare Sam: Legay1

1 The names of Sam: Legay and Thomas Cooke (probably the person mentioned in the postcript, and who was of Hale) are still to be seen in Childwall Church, as

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 29

is come to town, but have not seen him yet. I am, Hond Sir, yr affectionate Brother and humble Servant,

WM NORRIS.

Pray remember me heartily to yr good neighbours Alderman Per- civall1 and Mr Cooke.

increasing the vicarial endowment £50, 1702. In one of his letters Isaac Greene speaks of his " aunt Legay." Now as the acquisition of estates and manors near Liverpool by Greene has long been a subject of much remark, (" It was the saying of a certain gentleman's (Bamber Gascoyne) Grandfather, that if he had his days over again he would have all Lancashire in his hands," — Election Papers, 1780 ; also Aikin's Manchester, p. 377,) it is due to his memory to point out that the lands pur- chased by the Legays during the Civil War, and which we believe comprise the greater part of the Gascoyne property, might have come to Greene by descent, as we know they belonged to his relations.

1 Of the Percivals there is an account in Gregson. The alderman, who was may or in 1658, must now have attained an extreme age. The families of Cooke and Per- cival united, by a marriage, in 1702. The latter bought Allerton in 1670 ; the grandson of the alderman failed, and his land was bought by the Hardmans, 1732.

THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

XIII.

WILLIAM NORRIS TO THOMAS NORRIS, JULY 29, 1695. — The Charter returned from Flanders.

London, July 29, (circ. 1695.) To THOS NORRIS, ESQR Honoured Sir,

I have been so much out of order for these ten days, that I could but just write a line to my brother Dick last week. Mr. Braddon has been with me this morning, who came directly from the Secre- tary^ office, and told me he expected to have the Charter returned from Flanders on Tuesday next, and then doubts not to dispatch it in a fortnight, if the petition of the Cheesemongers1 proves no obstruc- tion. I fancy he is in some want of supplies in carrying the business on, for he borrowed £30 of me last week, (but this only to yourself.) Mr. Mauditt came to take his leave of me this week, and was to set forwards for Liverpool yesterday in the Chester coach. If I can do you any service in this or any other matter, I shall be most ready. We have no foreign post since Tuesday, so consequently no news, and are very quiet at home. Pray give my duty to my mother, love to sisters, and humble service to all friends and acquaintance.

I am, &c.,

WM NORRIS.

1 The Cheesemongers, citizens of London, petitioned the Lords Justices to be relieved from the exactions of the Liverpool Corporation, who claimed 4d. and 12^. $* ton, Port or Town dues, for cheese put on board any ship anchoring in the river Mersey. The new Charter appears to have left the matter as it found it ; but the Corporation had to sustain an action which was protracted to 1700, when they paid £176 10s. taxed costs, and repaid £68 5*. 6d. dues. In the petition the Cheese- mongers give a strange account of the modes of proceeding at Liverpool. The Lord Mayor writes to be informed of the reasons of the exactions, and the Corporation reply : " They have a thousand pounds to spend, and the Cheesemongers may take their course at law." It was long before process could be served on the Corporation, " by reason of the menaces to any that should serve them with it ; and being at length served on them by an attorney of the town, they caused him to be suspended of his practice in their town, and forced him to send for a mandamus to be restored."

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 31

XIV.

WILLIAM NORRIS TO THOMAS NORRIS, APRIL 23, 1696. — RookwoocTs

Trial — RooJcis arrival' — Venetian Ambassador

visits House of Commons.

London, April 23, 1696. THOS NORRIS, ESQ., Speke. Hond Sir,

The enclosed will give you the best accounts of the late Trials1 and we have little news else stirring ; hut we had the good news just now of Admiral Rooke's safe arrival 20 leagues off Ushant, and that to our great consolation, (for we have heen under some ap- prehensions,) we may expect him, as the Wind stands, to-Morrow morning. The Venetian Ambassador sent to desire the favour of seeing the House of Commons to-day whilst we were sitting. He accordingly came, with ten noble Venetians to attend him, where he sat down for half an hour in the Gallery, and we very mute, and as grave as the senate at Venice could be.

I am, &c.,

WM NORRIS.

1 The trials of Kookwood, Lowick, and Cranburn, (April 21.) They were exe- cuted April 29.

32 THE NORB1S PAPERS.

XV.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, MAY 9, 1696. —Lord CapeVs death — Fenwictfs witnesses bribed.

London, May ye 9th, 1696. THOS NORRIS ESQE,

Speake. Hond Sir,

I received yours, but have not yet heard any thing of Mr Done. When he comes to Town, I shall observe your orders in every point. I have already discovered my Lord Macclesfield, who designs to present it to the Lords Justices, who are the same, to a man, they were last year. The King is long ere this got over into Holland, the Wind having been fair now, though for a Day or two he was retarded and blown back by contrary winds. We have not much News stirring, but shall expect great matters from fflanders this Summer, for the French, as well as we, design to make their utmost efforts this campaign. There is an express came from Ireland to Day, which brings word of the Lord Lieutenant's, my Ld Capel's,1 death. I suppose we shall have a new one constituted very speedily, and it is my private opinion, (but I have no further ground for it,) that my Ld Wharton, the Comptroller, will succeed to the place. There has been a wretched attempt made lately by some English and Irish Papists to Bribe off Porter2 from being an evidence

1 Banks sets down Lord CapePs death as occurring 30th May, 1696. Sir C. Porter, Lord Chancellor, was made chief governor by the Council, but dying De- cember 8, 1696-7, on February 6 Viscount Galway and Lord Chancellor Methuen were made Lords Justices.

2 Fenwick was not taken until June, Porter appeared against him ; Goodman was successfully bribed not to be a witness j hence the necessity for the Act of Parlia- ment to execute Fenwick.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 33

with a Sum of Money, to be given here, and a large annuity promised him if he would go over into France. He took 300 Guineas in earnest, and declared the whole matter to the Secretary of State. I have sent you enclosed Villers's receipt for six pounds I paid him for a Champaign Perriwig for you. We are in a little distress about payments of Money, which I hope will be easier ere long. Pray give my Duty to Mother, respects to your Lady, love and Service to Sisters.

I am, &c.,

WM NORRIS.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XVI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, OCTOBER 6, 1696. — Weather prevents Mrs. Norris from travelling — King expected — Necessity for peace.

London, October 6, 1696. To THOMAS NORRIS, ESQE

High Sheriff of Lancashire. Hond Sir,

I removed from Chelsea last week, after which came my mother and sister. Upon earnest solicitation went to my Lady Strouds in Hatton Garden, to be nearer the coach which they had taken the beginninge of the weeke, with intention to have sett for- ward towards Lancashire the 5th ins*, and accordingly last Fryday sent their goods and cloathes all away by the carrier; but their having fal'n great quantitys of rain for these two days, made my mother and sister very apprehensive of the waters being out, and soe rather chose to lose theire arnest than run the hazard of drowninge, or overturninge. I am almost of opinion if the weather continues bad a weake longer, they will not venter on a Northern journey this winter. I am making all the haste I can to have our new house in readynesse to be att my mother's and sister's service if they think of stayinge. It is large enough, I think, just to furnish them with con- veniencys, and I shall be glad of their company this winter. I had a messenger come to me from Mr. Woods, of Littleton1 to sumon me to a gossipinge. His eldest daughter is newly brought to bed, and my wife is to make the child a Christian. I shall not stay above 2 days from London, and if you please to favor me with a letter

1 The family of Wood of Littleton, Middlesex, represented that county for one session, 1779-80, with Wilkes ; the present member is also of this family.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 35

before the parliament meetes, it will find me if directed for me at my house, upon the Terras at St. James, near Westminster. The king is expected hourly, and if the badnesse of the weather, and the wind veeringe a little southerly, has not turned him back, I believe he will land before I reach Littleton.

Wee are as much in the dark as to peace as we were a moneth agoe. If it is honorable and secure, itt will be a great blessing at this juncture, for it will puzzle a more politick Noddle than mine to find out wages and means to carry on the war ; for, considering that the Land Bank failed, and other funds prove deficient, there will be at least 3 millions to make good of the last yeare, and how that will be found, and enough to carry on the service of the next year, is dif- ficult to imagine in this great scarcity of money. And when all is said, if wee have not a peace, we are ruined to all intents and pur- poses, as far as the French king and K. James can ruin us, if wee doe not still prosecute the war [sic.] I should be very glad you would please to impart what notions you have about it, and how it is possible to be done, and yet done it must be, or ten times worse than want of money will be the consequence. My most humble service to your Lady, and I wish her a happy minute, I am, &c.

WM NORRIS.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XVII.

WILLIAM DENTON TO RICHARD NORRIS, LIVERPOOL, DEC. 26, 1697. — To get a place in the Customs.

To MR EICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

There is one Mr Floyd who is, (as yett,) a Land waiter here, but is now att London in order to be removed to some port of Wales in order for better preferment. Mr Joanes, a Tyde waiter here, endeavours to be settled in his place, but cannot make interest ; and there is some talke that Mr Mauditt is about to sollicit for Mr Ashurst for itt, but has not as yett affected anything ; therefore I de- sire that you will please to see how the matter stands, and if there be any hopes, to make what interest you can for me, and if you think fitt Tie gett my old Master's assistance, and if you want some few guines to eifect the matters Fie return them at your order.1 Sir, your as- sistance in this matter shall never want due acknowledgement from

Your servant to command, Liverpoole, 26 Decr 1697. WILL: DENTON.

1 The endeavour to impose upon government as to custom dues was a character- istic of English commerce, from the earliest period to a date long subsequent to the one here given. The appointment of the officers could not he more improperly placed than in the Members for Liverpool, heing also merchants there ; and yet there was no patronage those Members more diligently sought, or more frequently obtained. It is no part of our present design to go back to the oppressions of the Tudors and two first Stuarts, in the capricious fixing of these dues, in the mode in which their collection was delegated, and in the uses to which they were applied. Under Cromwell a better state of things began, and after the Revolution it can only be said that the governed did not get into honest ways, in this respect, as rapidly as the governors. In 1733 "Walpole attempted a remedy, and amidst the bonfires and rejoicings at Liverpool and elsewhere with which the failure of his mea- sure was received, two things were apparent, that if the universal roguery then detected were essential to commerce, there could not be a more disgraceful occupa- tion, and that in bringing such practices to light, Walpole obtained his end, and in- sured their being done away with.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 37

XVIII.

THOMAS PATTEN TO RICHARD NORRIS, WARRINGTON, JAN. 8, 1697. —

On suppressing Fish Wears in the Mersey — On making the

River navigable to Manchester.

[THOMAS PATTEN, the writer of this letter, was the Cousin of Mr. Patten of Bank. This Thomas was twenty-eight in 1697, and died 1733 ; he was with his father, who died 1698, in trade in Warrington. The making the Irwell navigable to Manchester was achieved by the act of 1720, of which the Pattens were great promoters. The want of suitable conveyance at this time must have been greatly felt, as appears by the following letter about 1701. " I have recd answer from Mr John Hall of Stockport relating to carriage of Tobacco that way to Hull, which he says is not to be done in the hhd: by cart or waggon, but in packs by horse, and tho' this seems no good method, yet in regard of the slow conveyance hither, I am resolved to make a tryall of it, and would have forthwith 20 or 30 hhd8 sent from Bank key to Stockport, by cart, where he is to break them into 3 or 4 parcels, and after putting them in canvas, to load 3 parcels upon a horse, and the distance thence to Doncaster (whence they pass to Hull by water) being only 36 miles, I presume we may, by imploying a great many horses, make a good rid- dance."]

Warrington, ye 8th Jan7 1697. To MR RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I am informed that there is a design to bring a bill into the house of Commons against fish wears that hinder Navigation, in Navigable Rivers, and that take, and destroy fish, and the fry of fish. You very well know the mischief that is done in the River Mercy, or at least have frequently heard, what vast numbers of Salmon Trout

38 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

are taken, so as to supply all the Country, and Market Towns 20 miles round, and when the Country is cloyed, or when they cannot get sale for them, they give them to their Swine. Your brother did formerly take 3 or 4 Salmon a Week at a fishing, in or near Speake, but of late hath taken very few, or none, of which he hath complained to me ; and he imputes this loss to the destruction of the fry, and hath often threatened to prosecute your fishermen ; but wanting the assistance of Cheshire Justices, and the deficiency of the Law already made to redress such grievances, I believe put a stop to his good in- tentions, for indeed the penaltys that the Law have hitherto inflicted on such offences are so poor, and such tedious ways to recover them, that it is not worth while to prosecute. And the profits of the fish wears are so inconsiderable to the Gentlemen that own them, being let for £15 or ^20 the most ^ aim: that one would think the gen- tlemen themselves (were there no law to force them) would scorn to let them stand and do so much mischief; and besides the fry, they take all summer long great numbers of Kippers, which have come up in the River to spawn, and come down in the summer poor, lean, and unwholesome, towards the Sea, to recover their strength, and grow, and would return up the same River to spawn, and preserve the breed ; but our Mercy fishermen have mercy on none they can catch, for all are fish that come to their net, and none safe they can lay their hands on. Then again these wears are as mischievous an- other way, by their hindering the passage of ships, boats, and barges, as for example, in the same River Mercy what a vast advantage would it be to Liverpool if the River were made navigable to Manchester and Stockport. Since I made it Navigable to Warrington, there have been sent to Liverpool and from Liverpool 2000 tons of goods a year, and I believe as much by Land, which, if the River were cleared of Wears, would all go by Water ; for the River to Manchester is very capable of being made Navigable at a very small charge. And this would encourage all tradesmen (in Manchester, Stockport, Maccles- field, Congleton, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, some part of Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire) to come to Liverpool and buy their goods, instead of going to Chester, Bristol, or London ; the carriage

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 39

would be so easy and cheap, I think it would nearly double the trade of Liverpool. There is a great deal to be said in this matter, but now I have not time ; but that which I desire of you is that you (now having the opportunity) would acquaint your brother, and other members that you know, of these things, and to encourage the Act, and that your brother would give Mr Brotherton the meeting to con- sult the drawing up of the Bill. One great matter is, whether the Bill should be for the River Mercy only, or a general Bill ag* all the Fishweares in the Kingdom. I think if it were for Mercy only, it would meet with little or no opposition. And let Mill Damms alone, for there are none that do this County any harm, but good ; but there may be a great penalty laid upon all such as destroy the fry of Fish at Damms, and let the Damms stand, for it's the fish wears only that hinder Navigation, and destroy the greatest quantities. I pray par- don this tedious letter, and I desire a line in answer. My most humble service to your brother, thon I have not the happiness to know him ; but I know he is very industrious to serve his country, and hee'le find, if this business takes, he never did it, but more especially the port of Liverpool, a greater piece of favour.

I am, &c.

THO: PATTEN.

40 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

XIX.

WILLIAM NORRIS TO THOMAS NORRIS, Nov. 29, 1698. — Bids him farewell — On the Baronetcy being conferred.

London, Novr 29, 1698. THOMAS NORRIS, ESQR

Speke. Honored Sir,

It will be now but a very few days before I shall embarke in order to my voyage, soe lay hold of opertunitys for takinge leave of my friendes by degrees, not havinge the happinesse, satisfaction, or Time to take my leave any other wave than by letter, and have soe much bisinesse on my hands, that I have but very little comand of that time I have left, soe least I should be disappointed of bidinge you farewell, if I deferred it longer, I take this opertunity of wishinge you, and your Lady, all the hapynesse this world can afford, and re- turn my hearty thankes for all your favours.

The Lords Justices on Saturdy last, wholly unknown to me, were pleased to pass a complement, and much beyond either my ambition or expectation, and contrary to my desire, surprised me with a peice of Honour I little dreamt of, and had signed an order for a patent for a Baronett before ever they soe much as intimated their intentions ; as soone as they made me acquainted with it by their Secretary, I waited on them all, to return my thankes for the greate honour they designed me, but sincerely beg'd they would excuse me from it ; they were pleased to say my character as the King's Embassadour extra- ordinary required it, and that this was the only single instance of any Badge of Honour conferred for these severall years by the Lds Jus- tices, and beinge soe, and the only one that would be bestowed, they

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 41

did this out of a particular respect, and hoped I would take it as such, and accept of it, and were soe farr farther obliginge, that they offered me to have it inserted in the patent in case I dyd without Issue, to have the honour goe where I would nominate, but gave me but from Saturday to Monday to apoint how I would have it entayld, because all expedition is used to have me gon with all speed, upon account of some pyracys that have lately been committed upon the Mogull ships by one Captn Kidd, an Englishman. It was in my thoughts forthwith to have namM you, and your Heirs, but I durst not venter on my own head, without further consultation with Bro- ther Henry and Brother Doctor, by whom I was resolved to be con- cluded in this point to act most suitable to your inclinations, and upon weighinge circumstances they were of opinion you might thinke it a loade on your posterity, as what would occasion greater Retinue and expence, and soe forbore to have you incerted. I must confesse in my own particular, had I ever a son livinge, or at present in any likelyhood, I would by no means have been persuaded to accept of it, but since in all probability it will cease with me, and I could not handsomely avoid it, being soe pressed to it as a particular instance of honour and their favour, and being knighted must unavoidably have hapned, I thought it would be a badge of greater honour to our family to have the bloody Hand than otherwise, consideringe it was bestowed not only without my seeking but contrary to my inclination. If the patent could have been stopt till I could have heard from you, it should, but havinge both my Brothers1 opinion, not ventringe to rely on my own, I hope wee have done as you desired. The winds have been contrary a longer time, and kept the Kinge in Holland, for the parliament, which by apointment mett to-day, was further prorogued to the 6th inst. I am not resolved yet whether I shall carry the patent when it has passed the broade scale with me, or send it down to you to be reserved if I dy for no dishonorable mark to posterity. Deare Sir, I have nothing more to add but my best Eespects and sincere Love and Service to your Lady and yourself, wishinge you all health and happinesse, and if it be God's will a happy

42

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

meeting. I am, your most affectionate Brother, faithfull friend, and very humble Servant,

WM NORRIS.

As to my annuity you may please to pay it to my wife, and if it please God I should dy, and you make any payment in your own wronge, she will refund it as soon as she knows it, and once more I take my leave and bid Adieu.

THE NORBIS PAPERS. 43

XX.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, MADEIRA, FEB. 18, 1698. — Description of a visit to Madeira.

Maderas Feby ! 1698. THOMAS NORRIS ESQ.

Speke. Honrd Sir,

I hope this will find you in better health than when I left England, and if the weather be soe pleasant with you as it is here where wee are, it will conduce much to it. I arrived here the 15th instant, and every day since I came has been warmer then any weather I remember in England last yeare ; the spring is soe forward that the Vines are in leafe, and which I wondred to see the people but now pruninge of them, which is contrary to our practice, who generally doe it att Christmas, soe I fancy it would be noe hurt to learn, for the vines here bear very well, this little island producinge 20000 pipes a yeare, which here is sold for 4 Ib sp hogshead, which is accounted a very greate price. Peas and Beanes are just upon blossominge, and Tuberoses and Jasmins full in flower, and the wea- ther soe very pleasante and warme that I who love to goe thick clad can content myself with very thin apparel. The Island is very fer- tile, but abounds in nothing soe much as pagans and Jesuits, who, except some few Jesuits, are very ignorant themselves, but keepe the common people in the grossest ignorance imaginable, and in greate subjection. I have been to visit all their convents, churches, and Nunnerys, and had the prettyest entertainment given me by the Je- suits that ever I saw, composd of all sorts of delicious wines, sweet- meats such as I never tasted before, and oranges and lemons fresh

44 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

pluckt from the Tree. The 2 superiours of the College were English- men, who came afterwards and made me a visitt. The women of this Island have the character of beinge as kind, or kinder, than a man would wish them. I am informed by those that made the ex- periment, that it is a constant practice amongst the Portugueze women to kisse like Christians, and will take it for a greate afront if the men are not as cominge that way as themselves. Wee are just come at the frolicksome time, this beinge their carnivall. I went to make a visitt to the Nunnery, and hearing who I was, came all flock- ing to see and be seen. The English Consull, who speakes the lan- guage, was with me, at whose house my Brother and I are nobly entertained, and he speakinge Portugueze, we held discourse with them for an hour, and very diverting they were ; they were very in- quisitive whether I was married, and when I asked them whether if I was not marryd I might hope to gett a wife out of the Nunnery, they fell a shakinge their heads and said it was too late, that it was impossible now. They chid the Consull that he did not send them word sometime before to tell them I designed them a visit, that they might have appeared in better order, and soe desired me to come againe. There were severall had been handsome, but very few, in my opinion, were so, nor are their faces and shapes at all compara- ble to the English. The Governour att my first arrivall sent the captain of his Guards to complement me, and bid me welcome, which I returned by my Brother attended by my Secretary and Mr of the Horse, which he tooke for such a peice of Eespect showd him that he sent me word the Island and all that was in it were att my service. I thought to have been Incognito all the while I stayd here, but the Consull would needes persuade me to make a visitt to the Governour, he intimating his desire to see me, which could not be done unless I made the first visitt, and that it would be for the Honour of the Nation to appear in some Grandeur ; soe accordingly I sent for all my Retinue on shoare, and the Comodore, and all the officers in the men of warr, the Consull, and all the English in the Island, came to goe along with me. Wee were all very richly clad, though not in our best, and made such an appearance that the Portugueze never

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 45

sawe the like before. The Governour tooke it as a particular Honour and Respect to himself, and returned the civility in all ways he could imagine, returning the visitt in the like manner the next day, order- ing the Guard to stand to their Armes and salute me whenever I pass by, and complemented me with a company of Guardes to attend me, which I excused, and has given order when I goe to fire all the Guns round the Castle, and has made me a present of what the Island affordes, such as Rich Wines, fresh Provisions, sweetmeates, oranges and lemmons, and all sorts of sweet waters, which I return him in severall cases of fine pistols and fine Guns, some white Beaver Hatts, and fine English Stuffs, which is in greate Esteeme amongst them. Not knowing when I should have another opertunity has been the occasion I have tyred you now. The next place wee touch att will be the Cape de Verd Islands, on the coast of Africk ; if I can meet with any conveyance you shall hear from me thence, and as often as I write to England. I thanke God all are well and in health ; pray give my very humble service to my sister, and all friends.

I am, Sir,

Your most affectionate Brother, and very humble Serv*,

WM NORRIS.

46 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXL

JASPER MAUDIT TO RICHARD NORRIS, Nov. 5, 1700. — Termination of Suit with the Cheesemongers — Wishes to return.

[MAUDIT, who retired from the representation in 1698, is here shown to be still active in the town's affairs. Sir John Moore was an Alderman of London, and mortgagee of the More estate. Whether he was the Sir John Moore the Lord Mayor, 1681-2, and who so warmly espoused the cause of the Stuarts, and the benefactor to Christ's Hospital, does not appear. North, in the Examen, speaks of Moore as very aged, 1689 ; the person alluded to in this letter, was probably his son.]

London, 5th Novr 1700. BICHD NORRIS, ESQ.,

Mayor. Honoured Sir,

Mr. Lawton went home last Saturday morning, his busi- ness could not permit him to tarry to see the decree drawn up, nor the costs to be taxed, in which we doubt the Cheesemongers1 Solicitor will be very extravagant, if care be not taken to prevent him. I fully in- tend to set out for Liverpool next Thursday, but Alderman Johnson and Mr Lawton have requested me to tarry to see these things per- fected, and to get Sir John Moore to seal the writings touching the Exchange of lands, and though my own affairs importune my speedy return home, having been so lately forty weeks absent from my con- cerns, in the service of the Town, yet if you shall think my stay necessary also, I will put off my journey till these things be accom- plished, if you shall tell me so by the return of this Post. Sir, as yet the little crooked girl, Mary Masey, and her father, are not come

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 47

to town, but I saw his letter which he writ to my Lord Montagu, in his journey, for my Lord's gentleman came to my Lodgings, from my Lord, and assured me nothing of his Porter's estate shall be parted with, tho1 there are now many Pretenders to it, without first giving me notice thereof. Sir, this is all at present from, &c.,

JASPER

1 Maudit had been an Attorney, and by his writing, and being denominated " Old Jasper," must have been well stricken in years. He represented the town from 1689 to 1698, and was Mayor, 1693. Maudit finally sided with the Tory party, or Old Charter Men. Beatson states that Brotherton petitioned against Maudit's return in 1694. This must have been an election during the existence of a Par- liament, and that a person like Brotherton, (who, we conclude, was the member for Newton,) after having, with no common assiduity, ousted Leigh from one of his seats, although agreeing in the Jacobite politics of that gentleman, should seek to transfer himself to Liverpool, is remarkable. Of Brotherton we know little. He was a determined Jacobite, and refused to sign the Association, 1696. He appears to have been very active in Lancashire, is referred to in Mr. Patten's letter as a person to be consulted as to the Irwell Navigation, and probably belonged to the family of that name living near Newton.

48 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXII.

THOMAS JOHNSON TO BICHARD NORRIS, Nov. 14, 1700. — Wishes to

return — Pleased that the Duke of Anjou succeeds

to Spain — Town's matters.

[THERE are earlier letters of Johnson in which he signs himself " Junr," and we therefore conclude he was the son of the person of the same name who was Bailiff, 1663, and Mayor, 1670, and it is possible he was descended from William Johnson, who represented the town, 1614. These letters are, however, omitted, as they relate entirely to matters of business. Johnson was Bailiff in Clayton's Mayoralty, 1689, and Mayor, 1695, and represented Liverpool from 1700 to 1723, without interruption, serving in eleven Parliaments for twenty-three years and a half; and in that time, and the previous few years, Johnson beyond doubt was concerned in all the first great public works of the place. His zeal for the town was well seconded by the decaying fortunes of the Mores, and the temporary helplessness of the Molyneuxes, and of the opportunity afforded, he availed himself for the public good. There is everything here to confirm the traditionary reputa- tion of this person as the founder of the modern town, and also, the no less firm belief, that he was one of the most diligent of those smugglers who called themselves Virginia Merchants, and who at this time comprised every principal Trader in Liverpool.

Johnson, unlike Pemberton, Cleveland, or Clayton, was always needy, and, after a long career, retired to a custom house officer's situation, on the Rap- habannock river, in Virginia, valued at £80 per annum. It may be men- tioned that this person, excepting for a short time at the beginning of Anne's reign, was a whig; and when, in 1714, Dr. Norris and he sate to- gether, the former having changed his family politics, they voted against each other. The Johnsons existed in Liverpool until a very recent period, and in the map of 1769 are set down as proprietors of land near the town.]

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 49

London, 14 Novr, 1700. MR RICHARD NORRIS, Hond Sir,

I am ill wearied of this place, but being deeply in daily expectation of oak stays me. I do not find that the death of the King of Spain makes any alteration in Trade ; oyles, by little and little, are advanced ; most are of opinion all will be well, and plea- sed with the Duke of Anjou ;* the prints give you a full account.

Mr Mauditt takes all possible care about the Corporation business. I suppose ere this Mr Clayton hath his tobacco ; there will be no charge; Ralph Peters2 was, (as well as the Sheriff,) too busy; they had no power to take the Corporation^ goods or effects; the Collectors had best get the money paid, will prevent a great deal of trouble and charge. You must mind Mr Sandiford,2 that the Collectors of Windows, Births, and Burials, and Land be kept even, their hath been a neglect in some. I long to be at home.

Sir,

Your humble Serv1,

THOS JOHNSON.

1 It may be doubted whether the War of Succession would not be better named a war against Louis XIV. for acknowledging the Stuarts.

2 John Sandiford, town clerk of Liverpool from 1678 to 1706, and Ralph Peters his successor from 1706 to 1742. The family of the former had long been in the town. Ralph Sandiford was Bailiff, 1627, and Mayor, 1631. The name of Ralph Peters continued in the town until very lately.

50 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXIII.

JASPER MAUDIT TO RICHARD NORRIS, 26 Nov. 1780. — Exchange with More finished.

London, 26 NoV, 1700. MR RICHARD NORRIS, Hond Sir,

At last, after severall disappointments, I prevailed with Sir John Moore to scale the writings for the exchange of lands, the which he executed jester evening, when I took Alderman Johnson, Mr John Travers, and Mr Isaac Greene, Mr Daniel Lawton,1 late Clerk with me, to be witnesses of the same, which said writings will be forthwith sent down to Mr Lawton for Sir Cleve Moore to scale, in the Country, and then the writings will be exchanged, which will put an end to this affair. Alderman Johnson sate out for Liverpool this morning, designing to be with you next Saturday early, whom I could have wished to have gone down with, but the cheesemongers solicitors are so dilatory in perfecting the decree, and in getting costs to be taxed, that I understand not the meaning of it, unless it is to have us out of Town, that they may do what they list ; but if they do it not in a day or two more, I design to summon them before my Lord Chief Barons to compel them ; this with the tender of my humble service to yourself, and the corporation.

I remain,

JASPER MAUDIT.

1 Here is a long list of Attorneys, but not the Town Clerk, Sandiford, and his thus being repeatedly passed over, may justify the conjecture, that he had been put into his office when different politics prevailed in Liverpool, and was now laid aside-

THE NOBRIS PAPERS. 51

XXIV.

LADY NORRIS TO RICHARD NORRIS, DEC. 17, 1700. — Parliament to be dissolved — Hopes Liverpool will return Sir William Norris.

[THERE are several letters relating to the last attempt of the Mores to represent what they deemed to be their Borough of Liverpool. The oc- casion was inviting ; Sir William Norris was absent ; there was a dislike between William III. and the Whigs, which strengthened the Jacobites, and these, with the family adherents, agreed to support More in standing for Liverpool. Sir Cleave More was unsuccessful, and petitioned ; but the parliament meeting February 16, 1700-1, being dissolved June 24, 1701, the matter was never decided. The Tory party, as it has since existed in the borough, grew out of this election; and Clayton, who in 1701 was most opposed to More, in December 1701 was chiefly returned by that gentleman's friends, and on his principles.

More and his father, (the author of the querulous notice of Liverpool,) suffered for their regicidal progenitor. Sir Cleave, in 1701, could not appear without a protection, so desperate were his circumstances ; but obtaining by marriage another property, he sold his Lancashire estates, sate for Bramber, 1708, and died March 29, 1729-30.

William Clayton, who represented Liverpool, with intermissions, from 1698 to 1714, sitting ten years and in eight parliaments, and who died 1715, was one of the most eminent merchants the town has produced. Gregson notices Clayton's family, and these letters mention a brother, a Doctor in Medicine at Dublin. When Clayton lapsed from the Revolution party, and attached himself to Gower and the Tories, his seat was disputed by the Norris family. Thus, in 1705, Richard Norris tried to turn Clayton out, for which attempt Sir John Gower removed Norris from the Commission of the Peace. In 1708 and 1710 Clayton was not returned; but in 1713 and 1714 he had the satisfaction of assisting Harley and Bolingbroke in parlia- ment.]

52 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

London, December 17, 1700. MR RICHARD NORRIS,

This is to tell my dear Brother that this parliament will be dissolved on Thursday next, and the writs will be ready to be sent abroad in a few days. I hope the good town of Liverpool will choose Sir William again ; indeed he has always found them so very kind and obliging, that I have no reason to question their kindness now, and I am sure no man has, and always will study to do them the best service he can, and now being to live some part of the year at Speke, he will let them all see that he has a great kindness for them. I do believe he will be here in March, which will be so soon as a new parliament can be in order to do business. Pray give my duty to my mother, and service to all friends.

Your humble servant and sister,

E. NORRIS.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 53

XXV.

LADY NORRIS TO RICHARD NORRIS, JAN. 7, 1700-1. — Nicolas Pollen- fen cannot be present at Election — News of Sir William.

[As the election approached, Richard Norris wrote to Lady Norris, requesting that her son, Mr. Nicolas Pollexfen, might come down.]

London, Janr 7th, 1700-1. MR RICHARD NORRIS,

I received yours, dear Brother, but my son Nick is gone into the country with Mr Cecill, and I neither know where he is, or how to direct a letter to him, or else I am sure he would have heen very glad to have taken a journey into Lancashire to serve his father and see his friends. The Norris set sail the 29th of May last from Surat, and is arrived here with news that Sir William was very well, and was then so near the Mogul's camp that he will see that Prince two months sooner than was expected, and consequently, I hope, will be in England so much the sooner, which is the best, and almost the only news my dear Brother can receive from me.

E. NORRIS.

I am very sorry Nick cannot come to town soon enough to go to Liverpool, but nevertheless hope to hear the news of Sir William's election, who 1 am sure values the honour of serving them above everything.

54 THE NORB1S PAPERS.

XXVI.

WILLIAM CLAYTON TO THE MAYOR OP LIVERPOOL, (RICHARD NORRIS,)

1 FEB. 1700. — Has got to London — Sir Cleave

Morels Petition — War.

London, 1 Feby 1700. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, Honored Sir,

I got this night hither, had good weather, and good roads, never better at this time of the year. I met many members on the road, and they are of opinion it is a jest for Sir Cleave to pe- tition. Mr Travers is out of town, but on Monday shall see him and many more, then will write to you more fully. My service to all friends. All the discourse here is for war, and most inclined to it, as I see yet Ostend and Newport in the French hands, and it is said, at Dunkirk they are already fitting out Privateers.

Your humble servant,

WM CLAYTON.

THE NOBBIS PAPEBS. 55

XXVII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, FEB. 6, 1700. — Has taken the Oaths — Choice of Speaker — Sir Cleave Morels Petition.

London 6 Feb?, 1700. To THE WORSHIPFUL THE

MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, Honoured Sir,

We this day met at Westminster, and took the oaths without doors ; when we went to the house we was prorogued 'till Monday morning, so cannot choose a Speaker till then ; the old Speaker hath orders not to appear, so now Mr. Harley, Sir Richard Ownsley [Onslow], Sir Rowland Winn, and some others, are spoke of. Sir John Boules told me Sir Cleave Moore had been with him, and designed to petition, but he advised him to the contrary, for that I was well beloved, so he said, he had nothing against me, nor the other neither, said Sir John ; so I found he meets with little en- couragement, as he acts I shall advise. I have been unfortunate in meeting your sister,1 but to day I met Mr. Polixfen, and so we have sett a time.

I am, «fec.,

WM CLAYTON.

1 On the 8th of February Lady Norris writes, " I have not seen Mr. Clayton since he came to town, he was here one day but did not find me at home, but sent me word he would dine with me to morrow." In the state of hostility in which Clayton and Norris afterwards appear, this friendship at the commencement of Clayton's career is remarkable.

56 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXVIII.

LADY NORRIS TO RICHARD NORRIS, FEB. 13, 1700. — Sir Cleave Morels Petition.

London Feb? 13, 1700. MR RICHARD NORRIS,

I was in hopes that I should have had a petition the last week from my dear Brother, for if it is not ready to deliver so soon as Sir Cleve's it will do no good. I have heard that Sir William's friends had a great deal the more trouble, and Sir William the fewer votes than there would have been, by your going to Speake, when you should not a stirred, for staying there a whole week was more than a year another time ; I am sure my mother would have excused you at that time. I hear Sir Cleve's petition is, that the Town say, they cannot be without two Parliament men, 'till Sir William comes. I find that he is out of sight, and out of mind often, we do believe he will deliver his Petition, but hope it will not be heard, if it is it will be for a new election, and not Sir Cleve More, so that I am informed they may choose Sir William again ; so hope you will take care to keep his friends, and make as many more as you can. I write the worst as can come, that you, anpl Sir William's friends, may be pre- pared. I hope it will come to nothing, but for fear it should, I write this. Mr. Clayton and I are making all the friends we can to prevent it.

Yours, &c.,

E. NORRIS.

THE XORRIS PAPERS. 57

XXIX.

WILLIAM CLAYTON TO THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, 18 FEB. 1700. —

Morels Petition.

London ye 18 Feb?, 1700. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, Hond Sir,

I received yours, and yesterday Sr Cleave Moored Peti- tion came into the House, being the 46 Petition, so that there is no fear of having it heard this Session, but however you may be arming yourself, and enquire amongst the Custom House Officers who threat- ened them, and what they said they would do if they would not vote for Sir Cleave, and also others ; and .enquire of Lyon if they did not offer him Money to vote, and some others, and when they did drink who paid the shot ; for what he alledgeth, you refuse his Agents to inspect the Poll, you can prove he had two Clerks ; he never de- manded a Copy of the Poll nor a Scrutiny that I heard of, and when to be tried I believe Mr Entwisle will be a good evidence, Mr Johnson, Mr Sharpies, and others that was by all the time, for I told the House there was not one word of truth in it, but that Sir Willm was beyond Sea. Sir John when he delivered the Petition said there was many precedents. To-day was voted a supply for the Fleet, and the King's Answer and Memorial I have sent, as also the copy of the letter that is mentioned in the Votes. I paid 6s. 8d. for the copies of the Petition, which my Lady I suppose will pay me. I fear an embargo, and the answer on the King's is to be considered on Thursday.

I am, &c., The votes my Wife1 hath and WM CLAYTON.

letter. Do not let every one see the Petition.

1 Mrs. Clayton staid in Liverpool ; she was a very managing person, and it is more than insinuated directed her husband in most of his acts ; she survived him 30 years, and died 1745.

I

58 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXX.

DANIEL LAWTON TO THE SAME, FEB. 6, 1700. — Purchase of Lord Molyneux's land — Manor of Liverpool.

6 Feby, 1700. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL. Hond Sir,

Enclosed is a Copy of the writing to be sealed on Sa- turday which I have sent for your perusal, and that you may get as many of the persons together, as you can, against two of the clock on Saturday, and such of the persons as cannot then seal may another time.

I have got Mr Cheshire on your part, and Mr Blundell on my Lord Molineux's part, to settle the prsecipe and concord, in order to have a fine from my Lord Molineux the next Assises pursuant to the Deed he sealed, and then will be taken away the causes of two sorts, and in some measure a third, about the Commons, for now you have my Lord's interest therein, not only as a pretended Lord of the Manor, but as a Charterer, and if some good means were used to get my Lord Derby's Interest and Mr Cross's, you would stand in less doubt of the rest.

Your humble Serv*.

DANL LAWTON.

THE NORRIS TAPERS. 59

XXXI.

WILLIAM CLAYTON TO THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, MARCH 1, 1700. —

Sir Cleave Morels Petition.

London, ye 1 of March, 1700. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, Hon^ Sir,

I received yours, and have inclosed sent you the copy of the Petition, and the names of them that signed it, and being that Mr. Preison is so forward, you must inquire if he did not throw down John Wallis, who came to vote for Sir Wm and me, and also you must inquire of all those that Mr. Brixtar did threaten, that we may make public example of them. Inclosed is the Proclamation against Papists, which I doubt not but you will put in execution, and send away Conder, and Dermot, and some others. The Petition was wrote by James that was Mr. Sandiford's man.

This Day we was in a Committee of the whole House of that part of the King^s Speech which related to the Succession, and came to the inclosed resolution unanimously, and so I hope it will be agreed to in the House on Monday, when it is to be reported ; our business cannot coine on this Session, let Mr. Bawling say what he will. My service to all.

I am, &c.,

WM. CLAYTON.

60 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXXII.

P. HADDON TO THE SAME, WIGAN, JAN. 7, 1700. — Wigan Election.

Wigan, Jany 7, 1700-1. KICHARD NORRIS, ESQ.,

Mayor. Worshipful Sir,

The day of election for Burgesses in Parliament for this corporation is proclaimed to be on the 13th instant; this is therefore to desire you, (if possibly you can,) so to order the day of election for your Town, that we may have those of your corporation who are Burgesses of this, here, to give their votes at this election,1 whereby you will oblige very many, and among them.

Your humble and already obliged servant,

P. HADDON.

1 Each political party in Lancashire during the sixteenth century was united in itself throughout the county, and acted singularly together. This may be seen hy examining the returns to Parliament, where, and especially before the great civil war, the members opposed to the Court interchanged boroughs, and apparently had seldom a personal interest in the place they represented, Wynn, Holcroft, Birch, &c.,are all instances of men representing a political party, wholly removed from any local in- fluence. The Stanley family early saw the value of political power, and the "inju- rious intermeddling" of the great Earl with elections was a charge brought against him. Johnson writes, "London, March 24, 1701, — dined with the Lord Derby amongst our Lancashire members at the Swan, Billingsgate, all full of interest for members ; Mr. Bridgman was there." The Bridgmans had large estates at Wigan and Bolton, and appear to have been first connected with the county in the person of the Bishop of Chester, (temp. Car. I.) who was from Devonshire.

THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

61

XXXIII.

J. TUCKER (UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE) TO THE MAYOR OF LIVER- POOL, WHITEHALL, APRIL 3, 1701. — Directs suspected persons to be prosecuted.

[THE incessant attempts of the exiled royal family to regain the English throne, from 1688 to 1745, are well known, and also that Lancashire con- tained many of their adherents. The trials of 1694, and Caryl, Lord Moly- neux's death, hardly repressed the plotting in and round Liverpool. Even the merchants were deeply infected and on more than one occasion they sought to avoid taking the oaths. In 1692 Richard Norris writes from Liver- pool, — " The Papists are mighty high, and most frequently are in great hopes of some considerable things this spring, which the Lord avert." On March 7th, 1701-2, (William died the morning after,) Johnson writes, — "I have wrote Mr. Maior that it may be convenient to double the guard in the Castle for some time, we do not know what people may carrie on, we have but little guard in England at this time, save our fleet, you'l excuse me, I'm almost asleep/' Then on 23d January, 1703, Mrs. Norris says to her son, — "Whether you come or stay, I pray God keep you, God knows what place is safest, I believe mischief is in hand, for our Gentles meet more than or- dinary, and very well mounted; if they have any ill designs I pray God defeat them, for I fear we are not like to do much towards it." The letters here printed contain further proof of the unquiet state of the county, and this was only finally changed by the severities which followed the rising of 1715. Lancashire suffered greatly on that occasion, and Liverpool had its share of the trials and executions, although by this time the Hanoverian party having divided itself into Whig and Tory, (almost as essential to the existence of an English community as the distinction of the sexes,) the Stuart party had greatly lessened, and in 1745 the town was unanimously against the Pretender. The year 1715 may be taken as the culminating point of the Stuart fortunes in Lancashire ; and their wane was so sudden

62 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

and so bloody, and involved so many men of the first families — Shuttle- worth, Tyldesley, Townley, and others — that in 1745 a person distantly related to the Townleys, and the sweepings of the streets of Manchester, were all that Lancashire contributed to the " foray."]

Whitehall, 3d April, 1701. RICHARD NORRIS, ESQ,.,

Mayor. Sir,

The inclosed letter to Mr. Taffe being brought by one of the letter carriers of the Post office to Mr. Secretary Hodges, he directs me to send it to you, and desires you will please examine into the matter of it, and give him an account of what you find, and if there be occasion, that you direct the offenders to be prosecuted according to law.

I am, &c.,

J. TUCKER.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

63

XXXIV.

JOSHUA HORTON TO THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, OLDHAM, APRIL 8,

1 701 . — Return of Papists ordered

throughout the County.

Oldham, April 8th, 1701. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, Hond Sir,

I received yours since my comeing to this Town, in an- swer whereto this comes to acquaint you that upon reading the King's Proclamation at the Sheriff's Board, it was unanimously resolved, that the Justices in each Hundred should meet at the respective places agreed upon, to receive an account from the respective Petty Constables of the Papists and other disaffected persons, in each Town- ship, and to send out particular summonses to all so presented to us, for their appearance at the Quarter Sessions to take the Oaths. In order whereto we then ordered the Clerk of the Peace to issue out War- rants to all the High Constables to require the Petty Constables to make each Presentment to us upon Friday the llth instant in every Hundred. I remember nothing more done there that is worth trou- bling you with.

I am, Your affectionate humble servant,

JOSHUA HORTON.

64 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXXV.

J. TUCKER TO THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, WHITEHALL, APRIL 12, 1701. — Disaffected persons in Liverpool.

Whitehall 12th April 1 701. No. 2. * Sir,

Mr Secretary Hodges directs me to acquaint you that yesterday he received your letter of the 8th instant, with two Infor- mations taken by you and Mr Justice Johnson upon the letter which I sent to you by his order the 3rd instant, whereby it plainly appears that Mr Harrington and Mr Blundell have shewn themselves to be very ill men to His Matie and His Government, and had this been discovered within the time limited by the law for punishing offences of that nature they ought to have been severely proceeded against, but one of the offences being committed six yeares since, and the last above two yeares ago, the Law cannot now take hold of them. How- ever, Sir, Mr Secretary thanks you for your care and zeal for his Maties service, and desires that if you discover anything relating to these Gentlemen that the Law can take hold of, that you will please to give him notice of it.

I am, Sir,

Your most humble Servant,

J. TUCKER.

RlCHARD NORRES, Esq.,

Mayor of Leverpoole.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 65

XXXVI.

WILLIAM CLAYTON TO THE SAME, APRIL 12, 1701 ^— Morels Petition — Harrington .

London, 12th April, 1701. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL. Hond Sir,

I received your's, and have been with Secretary Hedges, and he is very well satisfied with your proceeding, but saith it is too late for anything to be done in it, and I suppose will give answer.

Last Night Sir Cl. got 5 to sit at the Committee, but they came to no resolution that will hurt Sir Wm, are to sit on Monday if can get 5, but will signify nothing, but my Lady takes no pains about it, but all are of opinion that it will come to nothing. Pray have an Eye to Harrington, if you can bring him to unawares it will do well, what he did was abominable ; pray mind the people to pay in their money. I hope to send down the Warrant, but however, they may be pro- ceeding.

I am, &c. WM. CLAYTON.

66 THE XORRIS PAPERS.

XXXVII.

ROBERT SOARISBRICK TO THE SAME, SCARISBRICK, 30TH APRIL, 1701. — Ash for Protection.

Scarisbrick, April 30, 1701. RICHARD NORRIS, ESQ. Hond Sir,

I must ever retain a gratefull memory of the favorable opinion you were pleased to express as to my case, when I was to wait upon you the other day, which encourages me likewise to the bold- ness of giving you this further trouble. For having since taken advice on my case, am directed to keep it as far from being upon Record as I can, and if it could be prevented before the sessions it would be safer, lest in the mean time I should be summoned, and a sudden return be made of the warrant in the beginning of the sessions which might be of ill consequence, and I conceive a supersedeas may be a proper way to put a stop to the part of the warrant relating to me, being, if I mistake not, that was your judgment and opinion to me at Liverpool, which made me the more desirous to follow that method, and therefore I am sending this about to that end, and do most earnestly entreat that you will be pleased to favour me with the signing of this supersedeas, and shall ever remain, &c.,

ROBERT SCARISBRICK.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 67

XXXVIII.

HON. CHARLES STANLEY TO THE SAME, CROSS HALL, AUG. 4, 1701.— Lists of the Disaffected ordered.

Cross Hall, Aug* 4th, 1701. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL. Sir,

I thought fit to acquaint you that at the Sheriff's Table it was agreed, that Warrants should be sent to all High Constables, for them to send theirs to the Petty Constables, for them to make a Return of all that are thought wont conform to the Government, and that the Justices should meet in every hundred to receive them on the eleventh day of this Month, being the Coronation Day ; the place for our Meeting is appointed at Prescot, by nine in the Morning, where your Company is desired and expected, and where you will find

Sir,

Yours, &c. C. Z. STANLEY.!

1 Charles Zedenno Stanley, ninth son (of whom six were in 1700 dead) of the eighth Earl of Derby, and brother of the ninth and tenth Earls, born December 8, 1666, M.P. for Preston 12 Queen Anne, and for the County 1705-10, died unmarried ApriJ 1715. He was apparently on a visit to Sir Thomas Stanley of Cross Hall, whose descendants are now Earls of Derby. For the old Stanleys, like the Norrises, so far from securing the perpetuity of their race, the one by nine, the other by seven sons, became extinct with the generation which promised such a continuance.

68 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XXXIX.

CLAYTON TO THE SAME, MAY 13, 1701 — Glad Papists are proceeded against — Sir Cleave More,

London, ye 13th May, 1701, MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Hond Sir,

I received yours, and am glad that you so proceeded at the Quarter Sessions, and hope we shall never be afraid to put the Laws in execution against the Papists, and although we are hot in the house yet, when the King^s business comes before us, there is no division, nor yet he never asked anything this Sessions that was not heartily complyed with, but the 4 impeached Lords make great heats, and these Kentish Men, one being escaped, writ to the Sarjeant, that if he did not release the rest, 50 should not keep them, on which the 42 remaining are ordered to the Gate House, a further address for a Proclamation for apprehending that that made his escape, and that the former address be effectually put in execution, as you will see by the inclosed. Sr Cleavers Petition is on this Sessions, and now Burke is Soliciting for Kidd. 3 East India Ships arrived, but yet the Letter's not read, so that I cannot hear what News from Sr Wm, and my Lady is out of Town. We are to send 10,000 Men to Holland, 5,000 from Ireland, and 5,000 to be raised immediately, which is agreed in the House, and I believe part of the 5,000 will pass through you to Hull, if so, give them a quick despatch.

I am, &c. WM. CLAYTON,

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 69

XL.

JOHN MORRIS TO RICHARD NORRIS, Nov. 15, 1701. — Lord Moly-

neux's seizure of the Castle — Lord Macclesfield'1 s Death, and

disposition of his places — Keys of Armoury in Castle.

[BANKS, in the Extinct Baronage, states that Lord Macclesfield died in 1701, when Ambassador at Hanover, (vol. iii. p. 306,) and this is copied into other books. It appears he was in England when he died, and had at the time an Address of the Corporation of Liverpool to deliver to the King. " The late Earl of Macclesfield" (says Morris, the Agent of the Earl) "being taken ill the same night he came home out of Holland, and dying in a few days afterwards, was the occasion the address was not sooner delivered." Lord Macclesfield was very recently dead on November llth, 1701. Lord Molyneux not only put in a caveat against the Constableship of Liverpool Castle being given to another, but actually seized the Castle. The Constable- ship was given to Earl Rivers, and the Lieutenantcy of Lancashire to the Earl of Derby. The Corporation of Liverpool rented the Castle at £28 per annum.]

London, 15th NoV, 1701. MR. RICHARD NORRIS, Sir,

I received your letter last night, and this morning shewed it to a Noble Lord, who is a GreatMan in the affairs of the Government, and his Lordship was pleased to direct me to write to you this post, that you would get affidavits taken before Mr Mayor or Mr Mauditt, of the manner of the Lord Molyneux^s seizing the Castle, and to send them to me next Post to London. You will see in a very short time my Lord Molyneux will have occasion to repent of this unadvised Action. The death of my Lord and Master is a National loss, as

70 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

well as to all his friends and Servants, and especially my Self, and I may say your Corporation has a loss in particular. I believe the Con- stableship of the Castle will be granted in a few days to a friend of the late Earl of Macclesfield, and I am promised to be made Deputy, and to enjoy the profits as I have hitherto had. I wrote you a Post or two ago, about the half year's Rent for the Castle due at Michael- mas last, which I hope you will be so kind to remember, as you pro- mised when I saw you last. My Lord was buried last night at Westminster Abbey. His Majesty hath not as yet disposed of any of the places his Lordship had, but it's believed the present Earl will have the Lieutenancy of Lancashire. I have enquired after your address ; it had been delivered long since had my Lord been alive ; the present Earl has it in Custody, and just now told me that he would deliver it to Morrow, or Early on Monday Morning. Sooner he could not do, by reason he could not appear at Court till after his Brother's funeral, which was but yesterday. I hear Mr Maudit has got the Keys where the Arms are, which I am very glad of. I desire you will give my humble service to him, and desire him to take great care of the Arms.

I am, &c.

JNO. MORRIS.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

71

XLI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, FEB. 10, 1701. — Money not duly paid — Lord Ewers 's Patent opposed by Lord Molineux, but passed — Morris expects to be Deputy* — Claims the rent owing, and opposes the debt being set against it.

London, 10* FebJ, 1701. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I have received your Letter sent enclosed to Mr Johnson, but think it both unjust and unreasonable that Mr Mayor should stop my money for another man's debt ; when I saw you last you promised to take care the Bent should be paid as long as you continued Mayor, but my Ld Macclesfield being dead I see both he, and all his friends, must be forgotten. •

My Lord Mullineux put in a Caveatt against the passing of my Lord Rivers' Patent for the Constableship of the Castle, and there hath been a hearing before my Lord Stamford, Chancellor of the Dutchy, and the Attorney General, who have given their opinion my Lord Molineux's pretensions are all void in Law by several Acts of Parliament, and I am now passing my Lord Rivers' Patent, both for the Castle and prisage, just as my late Lord Macclesfield had it. My Lord Rivers is mighty kind to me, and I make not the least doubt but to have a Deputation from his Lordship to Act relating to the Castle, as I did in my late Lord's time. There is a whole year's Rent due at Lady day, and I would know from you whether Mr Mayor will pay me or not, and whether the Town will hold the Castle any longer, or I must take care to dispose of the Rents as my Lord shall direct me, otherwise. Sir, as to the debt due from Mr Buckingham for boards, it will be proper to send a bill of the whole, and what has

72 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

been paid, and what remains, to one of your members of Parliament, as soon as ever M1' Buckingham^ Accounts are adjusted. I will speak to my Lord Mohun, who is Executer to the late Earl of Macclesfield, and I cannot in the least doubt but when a fair account is made, but that the money will be justly paid : if anything be owing to Mr Tyrer for boards, let him send his whole account.

I am, &c.,

JOHN MORRIS.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 73

XLIL

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS TO RICHARD NORRIS FROM LADY NORRIS AND HENRY NORRIS, RELATING TO THE COMING ELECTION, SEPTEMBER 29, AND DECEMBER 3 AND 19, 1701.

[Lady Norris writes to Mr. Richard Norris.]

September 29, 1701.

The King is expected at England in a fortnight, and I believe you will find we shall have a new parliament. One comfort is, we can never have a worse than the last, and no man in it worse than him you send.1 I am now at my Lord Eanelagh's, at Cranburn,

1 The parliament of 1700 saw a great change in Clayton's avowed opinions, and by degrees Lady Norris expressed herself of him in the manner here given. A few months before she had sought to show him kindness, and spoke of the pleasure his company afforded her. He had very lately been returned against the united efforts of the Tory and Jacobite parties, and in the letters about More's petition had used no measured language as to these his opponents ; yet throughout the session he had allied himself with the Tories, so that at the beginning of Anne's reign he showed himself not only the friend of the " subtle and trimming Harley," but of more sin- cere and determined men of that side, as Howe, whom William had wished to fight, Gower, and others. Clayton's name figures with those of Bold, Hey sham, Brother- ton, and Leigh, in the celebrated Black List, being members for Lancashire on the Tory side. The first distinct information of Clayton's change is in the postscript of a letter to the Mayor, 8th March, 1700, — "You must be on your guard to pre- vent Sir Cleave, if they should expel Sir William, either that Mr. Johnson, or Mr. Atherton of Beausie (should stand). Pray meet and consult about it, as we pro- ceed will inform you." The Athertons had long been in Lancashire at the head of the Stuart party. Sir Richard Atherton, the obsequious friend of James the Second and Lord Molyneux, was Mayor of Liverpool 1684, and with Thomas Leigh repre- sented the town from 1685 to 1688. Clayton now sought to be elected on the very interest which More had stood upon.

74 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

where we are to have a wedding to-morrow ; it is one of my Lady's women as waits on her, and her cook; it is to be a publick one, here is music come down, all ready.

[Mr. Henry Norris to Mr. Richard Norris.]

Brazen Nose,

Oxon, December 19, 1701.

I should be glad to hear how squares are like to go in your Town. I hope you will push Sir William's interest to the highest. If it be for nothing but to keep a bad man out. For I am afraid if a majority of the old hackle come in again, they will obstruct the publick affairs more this session than the last, being disobliged by this unexpected Dissolution.

Dec' 3, 1701,

Brazen Nose.

I received yours, wherein I read the account of your Town putting up Mr Johnson in my brother's place. I must own I can't conscientiously condemn your Town for it, but am very glad they have pitched upon so good a person. I should have been much concerned if they had deserted Sir Wm to have elected Sir Cleve.

Johnson was not in Parliament June 1701, and had therefore no connection with Somers' impeachment. The use of his name (Somers Tracts, vol. xii. p. 216) as supporting that measure is a mistake.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 75

XLIII.

JONATHAN MURRAY TO RICHARD NORRIS, CHESTER, Nov. 27, 1701. — Chester Election.

Chester, 27 Novr, 1701. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

Herewith as to our election, we have 5 Candidates, by which means hope we shall get in honest Mr Williams,1 he having some fast friends whilst the other interest is divided, but as you would befriend the true cause at this juncture, you are desired to solicit Mr Pemberton, and what other freemen of the place you have in your town, to appear at our Election, which will be on Wednesday come 7 night. I am glad, since Sir William doth not stand himself, that he is succeeded by so worthy a well wisher to the present govern- ment as I take Mr Johnson to be, and hoping we shall have a good Parliament, and that there will be a happy agreement betwixt King and them, I conclude, and am,

JONN MURREY.

1 Bunbury and Shackerley were returned.

76 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XLIV.

THOMAS JOHNSON TO RICHARD NORRIS, DEC. 30, 1701. — Letter on taking his seat for the first time in Parliament — Harley speaker, and his speech — Observations as to the temper of the house — Money to be raised for St. Peters Church — Corporation concerns want more attention.

[THE first letter of Johnson after being sworn as Member for Liverpool.]

London, Dec' 30th, 1701. MR. RICHD NORRIS. Sir,

This day we made our appearances at the House of Com- mons, and by what follows you will say a very large one, about ten o'clock. At one the King came to the House of Lords, sent for the Commons, ordered them to return and choose a Speaker, and present him to Morrow at 11 o'clock. Accordingly (after several speeches on both sides) the question was put for Sir Thos Littleton, (being first named,) on which they divided yes's 212, nos 216, without any fur- ther division. Mr Robert Harley was chosen Speaker ; after the usual method (I suppose) he expressed himself, and amongst the rest to this effect, (as I remember,) he was sorry for the great division in the House on that occasion, the only thing he desired was the Union of England, and was assured the way to perfect it was to begin in that house, which he would as much as in him lay promote.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 77

I cannot yet know persons, the Lord direct us — it is early for me to give an opinion, (but pardon me if I mistake,) by what I observe the war will not fail of our Side. My humble service to Mr Maior, and Bailiffs, my Brethren the Aider™, and all my good friends. We write Mr Maior joint this Post, after our Weeks, of which we shall not fail. Good Sir, forward the raising money for the Church1 in time, it is a shame ; and pray attend often the Service of the Corpo- ration, whose concerns does for want of a little care bleed; excuse me to Mr Cleaveland this Post.

I am, &c.

THOS JOHNSON.

1 St. Peter's, finished 1704, built by assessment under Act 10 and 11 Will. III.

78 THE NOBR1S PAPERS.

XLV.

JOHNSON TO RICHARD NORRIS, FEB. 16, 1701. — Sir John Gower,

(Chancellor of the Duchy,) promises to secure grant of the

Castle — Lord Molyneucis opposition.

London, Feb? ye 16th, 1701. SIR,

At the last we have got an order for the Men's Oases — as also done all we can about the Castle. Mr Tyrer and Mr Rich- mond are to make a return according to form, of the Castle, then Sr John will procure the Grant from the Queen, hut find Sr John is re- solved my Ld Molyneux and gentlemen of the Country should have notice, that if they had any thing to object they might be heard ; we had not best be sure till we have it. You have the long address — which is full of complaints ; we have other business full as necessary, for what have we got thus far by all our noise and new commissions? Our friends into offices ; but the Majority will always do things that might deserve more consideration. These contending parties makes the kingdom uneasy — we are sure an unhappy people — and purely occasioned by the Pride of Ambitious Men. You will excuse me I do not now enlarge. My service to all friends.

I am, &c. 1 Mr Houghton, } „ THOS JOHNSON.

M^ Tyrer VT° be m Commissn

Mr Case, j °f the Peace*

1 Houghton, a prosperous merchant, and Tyrer, a builder, and literally the archi- tect of Liverpool, were Tories, and friends of Sir John Leveson Gower, Chancellor of the Duchy, and Clayton. Case, of the Red Hazle, was probably not altogether trusted by Gower, for he declined inserting his name in the Commission. Johnson hated all that was doing, was disliked by Gower, and only went with the majority because of his custom dues requirements.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 79

XLVI.

JOHNSON TO RICHARD NORRIS, MARCH 17, 1701. — Queen's Accession — Profligacy of political leaders — Foreign news — Official changes — Is for tolerating Dissenters — Place for Corn Market in Liver- pool— Objects to clause directing re-shipment of Tobacco without allowances — Parliamentary news.

[Johnson's views as to toleration in this letter will he read with interest. Not only did the Tories carry Clayton as the memher, hut Thomas Bicks- teth, a short time hefore petitioning against Clayton, was made mayor. The father alluded to was mayor in 1669. Johnson's "side of the town" was this year entirely out of office. The situation of the White (Weit ?) Cross as distinguished from the High Cross, does not appear. Throughout the whole of this letter Johnson's angry feeling towards Bicksteth, Houghton and the Tory party is very apparent, and will be traced in many of the suc- ceeding letters.]

London, March 17, 1701. To RICHARD NORRIS ESQ.,

Liverpool. Sir,

I am favoured with your obliging letter of the 13th cur- rent, for which I am very much obliged to you. I must needs owne I should be a stranger to all proceedings at Leverpoole if it were not for you. It was very well you made what appearance you cold at the proclaiming the Queen ; God grant she may have a happy reigne, good councell about her ; then all things will be well. The scheme is now changed ; it was unanimously granted to Her Majesty for life what the late King had for the civill list, there was noe preaching

80 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

up good husbandry as formerly — all the Managers agreed some to keep places and some to gett new — the poore country hath lost all her friends — to see how men are changed is worth observation, in short they are a parcel of .

God be thanked the Dutch seem resolved to joyne heartily with us against the French, and we hope we shall humble the great Mon- arch. You see how we have dealt with the Duke of Wolfenbuttle, and hope shall have a confermation. There's no French post to ad- vise us how the French take the news of the death of our good King, as also the Resolution of the Queen and Parliament ; the former noe doubt may be acceptable, but the latter will gaul them, for I am in hopes we are more firmly united against the French than before, and we doubt he will be apprehensive of it as soon as we. Severall al- terations are talked of — the Lord Rochester goeing for Ireland ; the Duke of Ormond having my Lord Rumney's place ; Sir Ch: Musgrave Sir Henry Goddericke ; Sir C. Hedges Secretary of State in room of Lord Manchester; my Lord Nottingham, Secretary Vernon's — — these things you'll have in the publicke, and more than I can write you. I would nott have any of our neighbours be dejected, I hope all things will doe well; places of trust will be given to those esteem'd of the Church of England ; and Tolleration allowed to dissenters, I doe often say, is all our dissenters desire, and which ever opinion they may have of me, I shall never give my consent to abridge them of that. I know some have represented us otherwise ; but when I tell you our votes you'll not condemn us. And I hope I shall answer anything that may be alledged against me, and doe heartily wish all men's votes were this sessions printed, that Gent: would be better able to judge.

Sir, I am tould Mr Maior continues to alter the Corne Markett ; with submission I think Castle Street is the properest place for it, the stones are there laid, and there's Room enough to unload the Carts — methinks it's against the interest of the corporation to draw all the markett to a beggarly part of the Towne, pardon me. I would propose, and I hope it will looke faire. that the Butchers be at the New Markett, the Butter, Cheese, and Poultry, about the Change, as the Butchers

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 81

were. The Come Markett as formerly, the Yarn Markett, Shoe Markett, and Pottatos, at the wh [white] Cross, — and if you'll con- sider we draw most of the people of the Town farthest to Markett, I pray use your Interest to quiet people's minds. I have some Com- plaints ; I am afraid the old Temper continues. When his Father was * * * * it was just so, he removed the Butchers part in one place and part in another, and was forced to alter it himself againe, but never any attempted to remove the Corn Markett. Pray what does your Market raise ? Doe you [know] anything of Widdow Small- place ? We must have a Maior on our side the Towne, and we'll sett all things to rights. I long to be amongst you ; the Land Tax, and Salt, prevents me. I note what you say about the Exportation of Tobacco. Mr Clayton showed me a letter from Mr Houghton the last post, in which he hopes that he and I would think it advisable to have a clause the Tobacco should be exported as imported, without alteration in the same casque, marke, and number, and said the Scotch had a great advantage by selling all was allowed them in the country, and shipping to a pound what was entered. I agreed soe far it was an advantage, and would consider of it. I did not tell him I had anything from you. This morning he began the discourse again, and asked me what we should write, and I was prepared, — Sir, this is a proposall of one merchant in our corporation, and for us to procure such a clause without a generall consent of the Merchants and Dealers, will not doe well. Eemember the bulke Tobacco, though you did use your endeavour to prevent the clause, you know it hath been otherwaies represented. I told him all our allowances were at an end if one such practice [was] on foot, and then where was our Trade ? We might have a small one such as the Cuntry would ad- mitt of, but we cold not expect it to continue to supply those parts we now doe. He answered, suppose there were no damidge it were better for Trade. Now the matter's explained, and that I'm afraid would be aimed at, and received, if ever proposed by the Court, with open mouth. And then adue to half of our Ships in Leverpoole ; but this I hope will never be proposed by the L1 [Liverpool] Mem- bers. Is it 60,000, or one hund: Tobacco sold at a low price will

M

82 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

spoile our Markett ? What does anything we now have in our Cor- poration signify if none come amongst us ? Since we have increased in People, as we have increased in Trade, and take away that the People give too, and then you have done with the new Improve- ments.

He told me Mr. Pemberton was for such a clause ; but if Gent: will consider the Inconveniencys to the whole, as well as the conve- niency to a person or two, they must be of another opinion. Good Sir, manage this thing prudently so as not to be played with, for if such a thing come to the custom house officers1 ears it will destroy us. I have scrawled this letter over that you can scarse read it. You'll please to pardon me. This day severall private bills, a report from the Committee of Elections touching the Election for the Bur- rough of East Eetford, and after 3 Divisions it went for the sitting Members. Then the order of the day was read for balloting for the Commision of Account, and agreed unto, and every member put in his list, and a Committee appointed to withdraw to take account of the same, and report to the house. Accordingly they did withdraw ; I was one ; we went through the Glass, and then adjourned for one hour. The majority will fall on the Gent, we have proposed, by what we can observe. I have troubled you long, excuse me.

I am,

Dear Sir, Your humble Servant,

THO. JOHNSON.

Be sure you forward an address ^> post, if not done already ; people talk the parliament can sitt no longer than 6 months, and must then be a new one called. I wish the Nation may be prudent in their choice.

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

83

XLVII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, MARCH 19, 1701. — Scotch news — Address — No Address from Liverpool — The Mayor seldom

writes.

London, March ye 19th, 1701. MR. RICHD NORRIS. Sir,

I have yours of the 15th Curr*, and note its contents for answer. Duke Hamilton is looked upon to be a dissatisfied person, and uneasy ; but I hope he will not be able to make any disturbance in Scotland. The News tells you the Queen is Proclaimed at Eden- bourg, pursuant to the late King's, and the present Queen's desire. The House hath this day voted, Resolved that leave be given to bring in a bill to enable the Queen to name Commrs to Treat for a Union with Scotland, between the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and a bill was ordered to be brought in according to the said Resolution. I think it will come to nothing at the last.

This day we accompanied Col1 Stanley1 with the County address. Pray where is ours ? I am afraid I displeased Mr Maior in telling him this post he could not expect in the public an account how the Queen was proclaimed at Liverpool, for that we never had an account from — but what was from you and others.2 Mr Clayton takes

•*

1 The Honourable James Stanley, in 1702 the tenth Earl of Derby, who died in 1735. Mackay styles him more a soldier than a statesman. Swift, we suppose, meant something caustic when he wrote after this Earl's character, " as arrant a • as his brother." This James was a distinguished officer, and had very lucra- tive places at court.

2 Bicksteth remembered how lately he had opposed Clayton, and there was evi- dently no cordiality between them. The probability is that the Mayor was a Jacob- ite, and not of that party now rapidly forming which, adopting the Revolution,

84 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

notice he never writes one Scrawl to him, nor indeed but some 2 or 3 Letters about business ; we do not expect them from him, but his Clerk might write for him, and when even he does write it should be joint. For my part I desire no particular letters to me, but am de- sirous all should be pleased,

I am, &c.,

THOS JOHNSON.

engrafted upon it what are called Tory principles, and to which Clayton belonged. Bixteth, or Bickersteth, is an old Liverpool landholder's name.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 85

XLVIII.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS FROM HENRY NORRIS TO MRS. NORRIS.

[THE reader is referred to the Introduction for an account of William Garway. We have here the narration of the death and funeral of this eminent person. His Will is given in Dallaway's Sussex. Of his numerous relations he selected as his heirs Sir William and the Kev. Henry Norris, and after their deaths without issue male, he bequeathed all to Christ's Hos- pital. Garway had a mortgage on the Speke estate, and however kindly written, the request of the Treasurer of the Hospital to Garway's sister caused great sorrow, as Mrs. Norris states in her letters. It is seldom so long lived a family as this of Garway occurs ; the grandfather was born in 1538, and must have been known to the grandson, who died in 1701.]

William Garway's death expected — Wishes to see Mrs. Norris — Desires his Nephew to remain at Chichester.

Chichester, Aug* 3, 1701. MRS. NORRIS,

Speak. Hond Madam,

I can give no other account of the state of my Uncle Garwin^s health but what I have from his apothecary, and I perceive from the first of the month to this time there has been no alteration in him. He has a slow fever upon him, which makes him continuall thirsty, and is very subject to be drowsie. He seemed very earnest (as they tell me) to have you come up. I am sensible it must be very inconvenient to you at present, as well as hazardous to your health these Dog days to take such a journey, but I dare not mention

86 THE NOBB1S PAPERS.

a word of that to any of them. I should be heartily glad if you were here, because I believe he desires it. He may very probably (if he dont recover this fitt) hold out a pretty while. My orders are not to stir from this place till his pleasure. He has sent me money to bear my charges, with several kind messages by his servants.

Yr obed*, &c.

HEN. NORRIS.

Gar way dead> and Henry Norris leaving for Ford.

Chichester, Aug. 4, 1701.

This minute I am taking horse for Ford, bearing the ill news of my Uncle's death, who departed this life about six this afternoon. He is translated without doubt to a far better place, which is the only consideration that administers comfort to us for the loss of so good a man, and also so good a friend.

Funeral and other Arrangements.

Forde, Aug* 6, 1701.

I sent you by the last post the unwelcome news of my Uncle's death. I have only this to relate further concerning his departure, that the Almighty heard his prayers, and according to his desire gave him an easie passage into the other world, for the apothecary told me he never saw any depart with so much ease and quiet ; he continued sensible to the last half hour of his life.

Some things relating to his funeral he wrote down in paper, as par- ticularly what they that carried him should have, what the Minister, and what the Sexton, but no farther. And since I have heard him declaim against pompous funerals, I thought it my duty in deference to his opinion to bring him to his Grave as near as I could to his sen- timents. Therefore have invited nobody but six neighbour Gentle- men of his acquaintance to hold up the Pall, to each of which I have

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 87

ordered a handsome ring, a hat band, and a pair of gloves ; have likewise ordered his housekeeper and servants mourning. And for the rest that are so kind to attend him to church I have provided only a glass of wine. If this management be thought too expensive, they must attribute it to my being a perfect stranger here, and therefore willing to seem kind to the family I am like to live with at present, that I might engage them to be more kind and faithful to me. If you think without any damage to your health you could perform such a journey, it would be extremely satisfactory to me to have you here, and indeed it is almost absolutely requisite you should come up. But if you dare not venture in person, you must instruct somebody by a letter of attorney to officiate for you as Executor, because all the small legacies he left are to be paid within a month after his death, which can't be paid without your order.

As soon as I can I will get an Inventory of all his household goods and plate, because they are to be Sir William's as soon as he arrives in England ; for as I take it, by my Uncle's will he has no title to either lands or goods till he comes to England.

Garwaifs Funeral.

Ford, 8*h August, 1701.

Yesterday I did the last office to my deceased Uncle, which I performed as nearly as I could according to his discourses he held of that affair while he was alive. I invited nobody to his funeral but those Gentlemen that held up his pall, nevertheless the country, out of a true affection, as I really believe they had, or I am sure ought to have had for him, came in very much to pay their last respects to him, insomuch that I was wholly unprovided to give any satisfaction to half of them that came to attend the funeral. I took as good care as I could to show respect to all his tenants, and for the rest I suppose they will load me with no small share of scandal, but that is the least of my concern.

88 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

The Epitaph.

Oxon: Jan7 29, 1701-2.

In my last I desired you to give your opinion what sort of an Inscription you would have upon my Uncled monument, but I sup- pose you have forgot it ; but I hope you will in your next, for the man has completed it to that part.

Treasurer of Christ's Hospital claims Garwatfs Property.

Christ's Hospital, London, 6th April, 1703. MRS. KATHARINE NORRIS,

Speke. Madam,

Your late deceased brother, William Garway, Esqre, having devised by his will the reversion of all his real estate in the parishes of Clemping and Ford, in Arundel in the county of Sussex, which now by the death of Sir Wm Norris without heirs male is fallen to us, I do therefore by direction of our Governors in Court humbly beg the favor of your advice and assistance in this affair, and that you will be pleased to let us know how and by what means we may come to the Deeds and Writings belonging to that estate, and what else you shall think may give us light thereunto, it being given towards the support and maintenance of several hundreds of poor orphans. In doing whereof you will do an act of generous charity, and will oblige our whole House, and more particularly, Madam, &c.

FRAN. BREREWOOD,

Treasurer.

We had addressed ourselves to you earlier but that according to an account we had from Madam Garway, you were expected every day in Town.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 89

XLIX.

JOHNSON TO NORRIS, MARCH 26, 1702. — Regrets differences amongst the Townspeople — Frauds on the Customs universal at Liverpool — Character of Clayton — Ready to resign^ and only in Par- liament to keep the seat for Sir William Norris — Harley bets his brother Parliament would rise before April 8.

London, March 26th, 1702. MR. KICHD NORRIS, Sir,

I am favored with yours of the 22nd Curr1, and Note its contents for answer. I am very sorry that any business that concerns the Interest of the Corporation should occasion any difference or hot words ; but I hope all will be forgotten when the Gen* have said and done what they pleased. Such a motion would have been prejudicial to us, and a certain handle to take away all damages ; we must not be angry with one another that we differ in judgment: nothing more common. For my part, if the majority had thought it for their ad- vantage, I would have readily concurred, and that was the reason you heard of it ; for if I had agreed to the first proposal, you had never heard of it till the Votes had given you acco*. Mr Clayton is very angry you said he was only Member to Mr Houghton ; sure you did not say so. As to what he wrote of me and Mr Hewston being levelled at that I said so, is false, for in his own chamber, discoursing on this matter, " I knew," says he, " Mr Hewston and some few who reserve the Irish and Scotch Tobacco may be against it ; but for the rest I am sure it were better that there were no such practices." But I told him it was practised by the whole Town, and I thought what did mostly promote our Trade. " Well, much good may it do them; I will have no such money.'1'1 I answered, " I must own I do repack,

90 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

and I knew Mr Houghton did so long before," and a great deal more I said, but nothing of being levelled against us. With submission, had Mr Hewston and I been the only dealers in Town, then such an expression might come from me, but there being others, none will think that ever I could say so. Sir, he seems satisfied not to move any farther, and says it can never hold long, nor the great allowances. I hope they will continue to us as long as others, and that we by our measures shall be no ways instruments to destroy them ; but, good Sir, no more heats or words about it. I do assure you he is very sen- sible, I must always do him that justice, and has a very good notion of most business, and a great memory ; he is too apt to speak things with the largest, but that I find here is a necessary qualification, which I am concerned for, many a good cause is lost for want of such managers. He says you said you would stand for Member yourself before he should be one ; he seems averse against standing again, but I take no notice of that, for I do believe he would have Mr Hough- ton. For my part I shall be willing, if the Corporation pleases, to resign to any they shall think capable to serve them. I have no pleasure in this station, and would never accept of it but to keep up the Interest of Sir William Norris, who I hope will come safe home, and long represent us in Parliament. I shall be willing to give you my assistance, that you join with Mr Clayton till please God he comes. We are told here, Interest is making at Liverpool ; I shall speedily think myself obliged to acquaint the Town with my resolu- tion to serve them, or decline ; but I rather incline to the latter, but this to yourself. We had work with the Collectors and Receivers yesterday, and told the house how hard they dealt with Merchts, to oblige them to pay Interest if they did not pay their bonds in such a time. Yet the same order did not go against the Collectors turned out, who owed <£ 14000. You see the votes we passed. I am afraid we shall be forced to pay back the Money we received on account of the Corporation. The House seems resolved to put an end to the Sessions. Mr Speaker laid a guinea with his Brother last night, that the House would be up by the 8th April. Mr Clayton and I dined with him yesterday. I wonder at Mr Cleaveland should be of the

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 91

opinion to export Tobacco in the bulk as imported. I have troubled you long ; pray all be friends, and no more said.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

[However ill-humouredly Johnson and Clayton acted together, they re- spected each other's talents. Clayton, by this letter, felt an approximation to a better system than that under which the customs of Liverpool were managed. Johnson was probably ten years younger than his colleague, and the testimony to Clayton's high qualities here given is valuable from one who, though no friend, had been constantly associated with him. The intention to oppose Clayton existed thus early, though Richard Norris affected to re- coil from the base idea of such a thing. Harley, the Speaker, betting a guinea with his brother Edward, the member for Leominster, is character- istic of the times.]

92 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

L.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, APRIL 2, 1702. — Beady to resign — More

intends to stand — Difference with Houghton — Clayton

left Town.

London, April 2, 1702. To RICHARD NORRIS ESQ. Dear Sir,

I have your's of the 29th ultimo, and note its contents ; I am extremely concerned I should give you so much to answer myne. It was never once in my thoughts that you either said you would oppose Mr Clayton, or thought so ; but what I proposed was real, and I still am very ready, when there shall be a dissolution, to lay aside my thoughts of standing, and readily serve any of my good friends, or whom they shall think good to recommend. As to Mr Clayton's laying down, I know he'll not, neither would I have him, least we have a worse. Sir Cleave does certainly design to stand, or will make an interest ; and if Gentlemen would consider the service such men does their Boroughs, (as they call them,) I am sure they would never choose such. I often wish for our good friend Sir Wil- liam : pray let us be cautious how we divide our interest, or give Mr Rollins or them any advantage.

As to Mr Houghton's expressions, God ^forgive him, I doe freely, and doe serve him, and all others of the Corporation, impartially ; I make no distinction. Pray what was I to write ? A public letter about his private letter that came to Mr Clayton, who showed it me ? We discoursed about it, and I told Mr Clayton my mind, and said, if the majority of the Merchants desired such a clause, we might pro- cure one, but was not convenient without their consent ; he promised to advise, so he did not expect I should write them to do it except I

THE NOBRIS PAPERS. 93

saw occasion, but on the other hand I thought I might as well give you my reasons against it, as he, or Mr Houghton, their reasons for it. I am satisfied his wife, and Mr Houghton together, have persuaded him to leave the house, lest he should any ways assist about the Bock (Salt) bill. I did put it home to him that I thought he would not have gone had it not been for the Tobacco business ; I thought Mrs Clayton might be angry, (he was silent,) in short he's this afternoon gone. Several business of the Corporation's, publick and private, persons never could get his assistance in, and in which he was jointly desired ; I must now strive my own Interest. Two or three days before he went away, I acquainted him the Grant for the Castle was not perfected. 0 ! then he was not for Petitioning the Queen ; he's for Mr Maior's consent ; now he's gone he's a pleasant man. I could make you laugh heartily about the address, but that till we be so happy to meet. Mr Houghton's ship Eliza is left out of the list ; he'l be angry. Mr Clayton knew I would have put her in, and he would not let me ; indeed half of the ships in will not go, and may prevent others that would go. The Commons addressed the Queen to-day, and adjourned till Wednesday. I wish I were at home till Friday morning. The post stays; I have but rudely answered yours.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

94 THE NORBIS PAPERS.

LI.

JOHN TRAVERS TO EICHARD NORRIS, JULY 16, 1702. — Leaves Sir William Norris's Election to be determined on by his Friends.

London, July 16, 1702. MR RICHARD NORRIS, Sir,

I cannot think that the Corporation of Leverpool can forgett the extraordinary service Sir Wm hath done for them, and should be heartily glad they always bore a sense thereof; but as his return cannot be within the time of the present election, I must leave you, and the rest of his friends, to judge of the expediency of put- ting him up, and you, being on the spot, can better make a judgment than myself, which, with my respects,

I remain, &c.,

JOHN TRATERS.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 95

LIL

JOHNSON TO NORRIS, LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 9, 1702. — Election of Mayor — Towns matters.

Leverpoole, October 9th, 1702. MR. RJCHD NORRIS.

Sir,

I am very much obliged with your kind letter of the 3rd curr*, to hear of your health and prosperity is most acceptable ; I should have been well pleased to have received some good news from my ever Hond friend Sr Wm Norris. I hope it is better with him than here reported.

I am not yet resolved when to be at London ; I should have been well pleased to have seen you there. I have wanted you. I think the Town not like itself, we being at such a loss for a Man as I never knew. Mr Benn and Mr Sweeting will inform you the Sunday be- fore they left Liverpool, Mr Cleaveland having positively denied us, we concluded to put up Mr Jos^1 Prior, with which I must own I was not well pleased ; I complied with the rest ; Mr Maior some days after spoke to him, but Joseph confessing truly that he had a distemper in his head, he could by no means that year serve. Then we were again to seek. Last Monday we again (Mayor and 3 Aldm) could think of no other but Mr Briggs ; he was sent for, and readily accepted of the offer, but being too much elevated with the thoughts of it, was not able to govern himself, but after his usual manner, him- self to make the thing Public, was drunk two nights together. This made us send for him, and to be plain with him and short with you, I desired he would wait on Mr Maior and desire to be excused for reasons he might give him, for found he was not able to govern him- self. This he took in the wrong sense, however I told him I would

96 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

be of my promise, and the next day being the Councill, I found Gent1 willing to the same, and we all agreed to chose our friend Jo. Cockshut. But I omitted to tell you Mr Fleetwood was here on Saturday, and in company discourse falling he must be Mayor, and give 200 for the Organ. Some was very fond of this, and so foolish to offer him to be Mayor, and the next week a noise went about In- terest was making for him, and that in our Council, and some ques- tions was put to Mr Maior that made us think to prevent any such thing. We filled up the Council to 41, and left no room for * * * * * * * * with which I said you would be pleased ; the names of them are R. Barrow, Thos Dean, Wm Webster, Jo. Eaton and Jo. Fells, Ro. Seacom, all honest men. The discourse of Mr Fleetwood va- nished. The Secy, Mr Tyrer, and some others, are for Mr Briggs, but it will not do, nor do I believe it ; but when I consider Mr Tur- ner sells Timber and Eopes, it almost makes me believe it, for Mr Maior would rather bind any one else than J. C., and I thought he was afraid he should lose an interest in the Captn. I have now tired you, and yet I cannot omit to give you our account on the other side. The Gen* now at London need not be angry their Tobacco is not here. Here's orders that all the principal Officers shall be on all views, and the Land Waiter on the Ships. Mr N. is to be on all views, Captn Harris is come here, and has complained to the Com- mrs too great damage are given, and desires some Gen* may be sent to curb the ill practices of this wicked Port ; in short, all are foul frightened. Mr Straingeways is come back from White-haven, and Bently and one Jones sent in his place. I wish we had ex- changed with W. I should be glad to see you here at our Election.

I am, &c.

THOS JOHNSON.

Madam Norris, I suppose, acquaints you with the alteration in the Land Tax, which falls heavy on Speak ; we were out voted by 2. Several of our Neigh- bours went not with us. Now I think I have told you most of what has passed.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 97

Lin.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, OCTOBER 18, 1702. — Same subject.

Leverpoole, October 18, 1702. MR RICHARD NORRIS, Sir,

Youl now be in expectation to know the success of this day, which after some dispute we carried it very clear for Mr Cock- shutt. Mr Maior and Mr Mauditt, with most of the Council, was for Mr Briggs, I demanded a poll for Mr Cockshutt, soon after he stood up and said he desired not to be chose; but I told him I had given my vote, and now the Poll must go on ; if the Majority fell on him he might fine ; in short Mr Maior believed the report of the Town, or rather Jo. Lady and Amery's club, and thought sure of it. Aldn Tyrer (I thank him for it) sent to me this morning to know who I thought would be suitable Bailiffs for Mr Briggs, but he had no occasion. Mr Maior this morning told M1" Maudit he would be for Mr Cockshutt ; he has changed 3 times in 14 days. We had good sport for a little bit, but they fell off to no- thing, the honest fellows came in droves. I do assure you I never asked man. You'll say this was a bold attempt to go against 5 Al- dermen and most of the Council. I wanted you much. I have dis- obliged my old neighbour, and some others. We are not yet resolved when to set out, but suppose on Friday.1 I have this night account,

1 Thus Johnson, instead of going to London to assist in Barley's re-election as Speaker, (October 21,) stayed at home to get a Mayor on his own side. Cleveland was a great merchant. There were two brothers, John and William ; the former was Mayor in 1703, and elected with Johnson to serve the borough in 1710 ; William was Member in 1722. John bought the Birkenhead property ; William was father- in-law to Edward Norris. Cockshutt left no son, and his daughter married Hard- i, who was M.P. for Liverpool in 1754. Gregson says that Cockshutt came from

o

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the Ann and Mary is in Waterford ; she came out of Antigua the 1st of August, and on the 5th met with a Pirate, who shot to bring him too, and killed the poor Master, and after took most of their provisions.

I am, &c.

THO: JOHNSON.

Leicestershire, (Staunton Harold,) and refers to Nicholls. He had a brother who. was a tailor in London. In those days the sons of the best families were shop- keepers ; thus Robert Aston, Sir Willoughby's son, and brother to Mrs. Magdalen Norris, was a linen draper.

In these letters the two parties in the town are well set forth ; no doubt the belief in Anne's Tory predilections, and the ignorance as to the Duchess of Maryborough's Whig inclinations, greatly strengthened Bixteth's party, in an age, too, when com- merce greatly depended on Government ; but the energy of Johnson overcame all opposition.

The allusion to the setting out refers to the custom of attending on horseback the Members for the borough, when they went to parliament. This is frequently men- tioned in this correspondence, and every townsman seems to have made it his busi- ness to attend, and some to ride as far as Prescot. The ceremony sometimes occupied two days. Done writes, October 19, 1705, — "After a great fatigue yesterday and this day, waiting on our Parliament men part of the way to London."

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LIV.

PETER HALL TO RICHARD NORRIS, OCTOBER 20, 1702. — Two new Surveyors arrive at Liverpool — Great sensation there.

[THE writer of this letter was Johnson's brother-in-law.]

Leverpoole, Octor 20, 1702. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Dear Sir,

Since my last we have 2 Surveyors come down from London, one Mr Manly, the other Mr Walker ; no one had any no- tice of them till they came into the Custom House yard on Saturday morning, who immediately joined themselves to our Surveyors to view tobacco, and asking whether they had viewed any. They said one, which Mr Manly desired to see again, which was showed him, and had 130ft). allowed in, but he said it was too much, and reduced it to 50ft). and put all the Pilgarlicks into a cold sweat. They con- tinued all Saturday to view with great diligence, making very scurvy allowance on all that was dry, but did better than our surveyor did on wett. On Sunday, (to give you a journal of our proceedings,) after divine Service we went to the Exchange to elect a new Mayor, and the old Mayor immediately proposed as a very suitable person Mr Jos. Briggs, for whom he gave his vote, on which Mr Johnson demanded a poll for Mr Cockshutt, which was granted, and then began old Jasper [Maudit,] Mr Sharpies, and most of the Council, for the first, who went on very briskly, insomuch I was astonished, and saw it was a trick of the old charter men, there being Aldn Tyrer, Aldn Windle, Mr Hurst, and many others, to back them, who at first seemed mightily pleased to see the poll go on their side ; but Mr Johnson began to labour very hard, and when once the Towns- men, no way biassed, perceived the matter, they came in whole droves

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for J. C., who quickly run ahead the first, which put the Gentlemen into mighty trouble, seeing this their plot blasted, and to our credit we set J. C. on the seat ; since which I have not seen his Worship. Monday morning is come, and our 2 new Surveyors are on the ground before 8 o'clock, and sent for the merchants to come view their tobacco. I began having some few, and was seconded by Messrs Clayton, Houghton, and others, and maintained pretty sharp disputes with them ; after that we had about ten hogsheads Ro. and Eliz. in the yard, and Mr Johnson, Mr Cleiveland, with about 8 more merchants, all attended them, and continued a very sharp dispute about the nature of tobacco, .especially such as deserved damage. They said they would not allow in any that was damaged before brought into the country, as house burned, sun burned, chaif, &c., but with much ado have brought them tolerably to stand on their feet, and hope in a few days to learn them go ; they secured all the officers1 books, weighed several hogsheads over again, sent for some hogsheads ashore which had been shipt off, but found everything right, and our tobacco bad much contrary to their expectation, who are now, I believe, rather induced to think the Informers villains. The Ann and Mary is in Belfast, was taken <%» Pyrates, and Henry Pres- ton killed ; the John Ferrand was taken ?p the same, and is not yet arrived ; they plundered both ships' tobacco.

I am, &c.

PETER HALL.

[ON October 27, 1702, Mr. Hall writes — "We have now clearly gained our point with Messrs. Manly and Walker, who are honest, rationall, and ingenious men, and big with expectation at first, and treated us as they be- lieved us to be, robbers ; but our light now shines in darkness, and there is not one word to be believed that was spoken against us by the poor devils ; they declare that they find us to be an honest, industrious people, and that we deserved encouragement. They have looked at several of Mr. Johnson's hogsheads, who was chiefly complained against, and find everything in our favor and to their great satisfaction, saying that they have had such a hlack character of us that all men should not have persuaded them all was so fairly managed/']

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LV.

JOHNSON TO NORRIS, DECEMBER 10, 1 702. — Bill for occasional Con- formity— Johnson in favour of it — Message for grant of to Duke of Marlborough, and debate.

[THE feeling of deep aversion (the deeper because not unmixed with morti- fication) with which the Marlborough family regarded the Tories, after the sudden, unanimous, and successful opposition which they gave to the Queen's message recommending the grant of £5000 per annum to Marlborough to be made perpetual, is best shown in the silence of Burnet and Hooke as to the transaction. Ealph, (Other Side the Question, p. 194,) attacks the Duchess on the subject, — "The open rupture between the Tories and the Marlbo- rough family, is not to be then ascribed to this bill," [against occasional con- formity,] " and we must look out for some other cause, which perhaps we shall find in the following incident, not the only one most discreetly left unnoticed both by your Grace and Bishop Burnet" ; and then the debate on the message of December 10, 1702, is mentioned.

Now although the politics of the rest of Queen Anne's reign turns upon this difference between Marlborough and the Tories, yet of this debate we have hardly any account. Coxe, and the editors of the Parliamentary His- tory, mention that Musgrave and old Seymour took a part, but beyond this these writers knew nothing; and the graphic description here given by Johnson of the intense interest excited by the debate, of the want of union at first amongst the Tories, and of Harley's characteristic^exhibitjon, (we did not before know that Harley spoke at all, and his speech, though briefly, is here admirably given, as also Finch's, which will be found echoed in the address,) all these particulars, so important towards a right understanding of a still very obscure passage iu English history, are supplied in the following letters.

The initials we cannot satisfactorily explain, but Musgrave, Seymour, Finch, Strickland, &c. are well known persons. The two Liverpool Mem- bers voted with the Tories. Johnson, at this period, for the first and last

102 THE NORBIS PAPERS.

time, acted generally with that party, and yet he did not support the bill against occasional conformity. There indeed was on Johnson's mind a strong feeling against the lavish grants of William, of which he deemed this to Marlborough by Anne a close imitation, and hence he separated himself from his party. But the irrepressible burst of satisfaction with which he hailed Harley's resignation, (February, 1707-8,) sufficiently proves the ob- stinacy of Johnson's Whig prejudices.]

London, Decr 10*, 1702. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I am truly concerned for Mr Calquitt's family, but glad Mr Manly, and Walker, will take notice of his Son ; you may be assured that what we can further will not be wanting. I have been sometimes in hopes we should make a short sessions, but yet not so short as some would cut out ; but now I think we are but beginning. Yesterday the bill to grant occasional Conformity came from the Lords, with several amendments, which, as I am told, occasioned some warm speeches. Mr Clayton and I was in the City, where we are but seldom. Sir R. M. K. for 0, was the little B. D., he moved the order of the day, being the Land Tax, and that all Public business should be put off for a Week, and in short it was put off for Friday, and they went upon the amendments, and after the reading of them adjourned the further consideration of them to this day ; when they went through them, some agreed, and most disagreed. One clause postponed, and a committee appointed to consider of it ; it is in a fair way to be lost. I must own as I took it to be designed, I was for it, and am still for that part which goes no farther ; but what's more I am against, and shall be able to give my reasons. I am for ensnar- ing no body, nor is, I think, any body I represent. At near 5 this Evening we had a Message from the Queen, setting forth the great and signal service of the Ld Marlborough, which she had thought good to create a Duke, and for the support of that Honor to him, and his heirs, she had thought good to give him 50001 ^p ann. out of

THE NOBRIS PAPERS. 103

the Post Office, payable quarterly, and .desired the house wod enable her Majesty to continue the same sum to his Heirs. This seems to be a forward step, and no sooner read but the B. D. like a young K. opened the matter, extolling the great service of the Noble Duke, though I think he called him but Lord, and mightily blessing the late Reign, and concluded his motion, That a bill might be brought to assure the Duke and his Heirs what her Majesty had for her life given him. This being altogether irregular, yet wanted not seconds 3 — 4, but old Mils to his Honor be it spoken, stood in the Gap, and told them how far he would pay his respect to her Majesty's message, and was not wanting to the Noble Duke, but whilst he had the Honor to sit within those walls he would never give his consent to give Money upon a bare Message, contrary to the Antient Constitution of the House. However, this did not silence flyers, and the debate being likely to continue, Candles were called in, after which the old Gr. once more exercised his Talent, and then it was agreed to take the Message into consideration to Morrow Morning, which was regular. I may be blamed for writing these things, but you will manage pru- dently. I am troubled to see Men that I know made the greatest noise about their Constitution and the hardships of the people of England, and now those poor people can do any thing — here is a gloomy change in Men, but no more than I expected ; I think I told you so before, I find it more and more every day. I have troubled you long, I hope you will pardon me.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

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LVI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, DECEMBER 12, 1702. — Lord Derby, Sir

John Gower, and lease of Castle — Debate on Message — Custom

House Officer informing to be made " truly black"

London, December y« 12, 1702. Sir,

I had Mr MaiorX with Letter to my Ld Derby, which I think to deliver next week.

Sir, I can communicate anything to you, as I know it will go no farther ; the thing is this, as I advised you, M> Clayton and I waited upon my Ld Derby, and he of himself said he designed to pleasure the Corporation with the Castle, and would put that and the butler- age into his patent for Ld Lieutenant ; we thanked his Ldship, and what more was needful. Now Mr Clayton, I do believe, acquaints Sr John Leveson Gower with what had passed. Sr John tells him, " I shall Petition, and 111 procure it from the Queen for a long Lease to the Corporation." This were certainly the best for the Town, but then how ill would this look when we had received such an offer from his Ldship, we should go to oppose his Ldship in that which has gone along with the Lieutenancy ; in short there is some Gren* would have my Ld D. have nothing to do in the County. I hear nothing of D. Hamilton ; as you write, we live in a sad Malicious Age — was not I so hung up with him the last sessions, what shall I do I I am sure I'll not promote it, but stave him off to see the success of my Ld, for he often talks of things, but is a long time before he does it ; he was hasty to move for the Privateer bill, and as mad to second him, and finding some little difficulty, as that it might displease or displace some of his acquaintance, he will not be got to it. Do not say any- thing of this ; I will advise next Post if any further.

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The Votes show you how we proceeded in the Queen's Message, which was debated so long that it put off the Land Tax. I thought nothing would have moved some Gen* to put off the Public business. We divided and lost it by i, and after the debate was, if it should be committed, and at last agreed. It does not go down well. I be- lieve we shall be able to give it a cant, if not withdrawne. You are sensible what a noise such things made in the late Eeign, and now they begin in the first year. This day was spent in private business, and in a Committee upon the Land Tax, and so go upon it to Mor- row. I have no news, only Mr Clayton's ship, the 4 Sisters, is taken, and several others of late brought in.

Nash has put in his information, and says he doubts not but to make them good. One thing I am told is about Mr Scarisbrick's wine that was condemned, but the Gentleman that told me said, that's our faults here if the moiety does not answer the Duty, and truly so it is. Culiford is the only man that brings them up. I am assured we shall have a reformation ; we will endeavour to make him truly black when Mr Manly and Walker appears.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

106 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LVII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, DECEMBER 15, 1702. — Debate on Message.

London, Decr ye 15th, 1702, Sir,

What we advised the last post I know will make you and friends desirous to know this day's proceedings. It was two of the clock before the House went upon the order of the day, which was to go into a Committee upon the Motion made for assuring the sum of d£?5000 f» ann. to Ld Marlborough and his Heir Male being read, they went into the said Committee accordingly, and the Gen* having agreed as it was before reported, and after by the debates appeared, Mr Finch making a very excellent discourse setting forth the great services of the Noble Duke, and the due regard we ought to have to our Gracious Queen, and enlarging upon the Message, and his establishing an entire correspondence with the States General, and then went to examine how we came to want a new establishment in their confidence. Gentlemen that represented this kingdom abroad took the liberty to represent the Gentlemen of England to be such as would introduce a French Governing and said the Treaty of Parti- tion was carried on without the knowledge of the Emperor or States Gen1. How should we blame the States if they had not that entire confidence in us ? Was it not good service to assure the States that the Gov* of England was misrepresented ?

I am not able to give you the full of his discourse, I can but only give some part, by which you may judge for yourself. He concluded with making this Motion according to the Eesolution of the Com- mittee, which I enclose you.

Mr Harley, Speaker, after complimenting Mr Finch, — You are now upon a consideration of a very great weight and moment, and doubt not but you will do what becomes a dutiful and loyal house of Commons to so great a Queen, the Merit of the Noble Duke do very

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 107

well deserve. The Queen has acquainted you with his conduct, and which has confirmed the minds of your Friends, and certainly so great a merit ought to be rewarded, for if you cannot reward and punish, you are in bad circumstances. Gentlemen will take it into their con- sideration it was far from bearing any proportion to the Service, it will be more Honor for the Noble Duke that people should ask why he was not rewarded, than they shd say why was he rewarded ; he showed the benefit the Nation reaped by the Duke's services, and was out of hopes that you should ever have the like merits, with some other expressions I cannot reach, but said it would be always to the honor of the Duke that he has put a stop to any grant, and then seconded the Motion. Several others spoke, but the next was Mr How, which was not without reflections, and that begott others — but Sr W. St. [Sir William Strickland,] who is a bold Man, told him he did not know how that Honble Gentn would come off with one resolution he had often made in that House, which he thought he had failed in, except it was by seeing he had got but ^ a place ; you will under- stand it, my Ld Ranelaugh's place being divided, it caused the greatest Laugh that I have heard. J. H. did not answer it. Sr Edward Sey- mour soon after gave him a touch, for the same Gen* said he had none of the grants, and Sir Ed. said he had none, but he believed that Gen* might have ^ a grant, for Sr Wm's father in law has a grant of 10001 f» ann. This is no news, nothing more common, but I can not remember half. The house sat late, after we dined, and I have been in the City about some business, or had been more particular to Mr Maior, and might have mended this. You will excuse it, I hope, had I time I might have made it more intelligible. All persons were unanimous in the Resolutions till the word Exorbitant Grants of the last reign came in, and that occasioned a long debate. A Division at last ; Yeas 200, No's 89. This will bring the bill for resumption of all grants in the late Reign ; one Gentleman said he hoped to see it finished before the House parted. I have troubled you long.

I am, &c.

I would not write this to any other, THOS. JOHNSON.

but you will pardon faults, I hope, and I am free with you.

108 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LVIII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, DECEMBER 17, 1702. — Occasional Confor-

' — The Castle.

London, December 17th, 1702. Sir,

I am favoured with yours of the 13th, and doubt not your prudent management of what I write ; my last fully answered yours, giving you account how far that matter of the Message was like to go ; the address is not come in.

A conference was this day desired with the Lds upon the Amendm* to the Bill to grant occasional Conformity, to which the Lords agreed immediately, in the painted Chamber, and the Manager appointed went and delivered in the reason for their disagreeing with the Lords. I do not think it much loss if the bill drop ; for my own part I do not think it of any service to the Church, the Government will take care to prefer such to offices of profit that will not go to Meetings ; that, and the making Members, is the chief desire of most for the bill. I agree with you they are the least concerned about religion. I only hinted about the Convoys ; our neighbours might consider to do as they pleased.

Since the above, I am told the Lds Divided upon the Commons' reasons, yeas 47, no's 52, so that bill is lost. Mr Clayton tells me Ld Derby has been with the Chancellor about the Castle, who told him it was promised ; now how far Sr Jo. was concerned I know not, so cannot judge — if he is soliciting, it's by a word or two in the House, and never lets me know, but till I have better grounds for it I shall not report it. I shall wait upon my L(l Derby in a Day or two, and then I shall know if there is anything in it ; if it comes

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 109

to our share by either hand, it will be a great kindness to our Cor- poration, and I am sure I would not lose one moment to perfect it. He talks of going home very often, so one thing contradicts another, that there is no depending on any thing.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

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LIX.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, DECEMBER 22, 1702. — Castle — Church — Justices of the Peace.

London, December ye 22nd, 1702. MR. NORRIS,

I am Debtor to yours of the 15th and 18th Curr. ; the last post I was got engaged with Mr Manly and Walker, that I had not time to write you. I met with Mr Manly in the Court of Requests ; after the needful salutations he asked for Mr Clayton, and said he wanted to speak with him, so I brought Mr Clayton to him ; soon after the discourse began he said, I have made use of your name to the Commissioners in my report, that you will assent that there will be no allowance made for any Tobacco but Wet, damaged, and that all Tobacco shall be exported as imported, I know several merchants are of your mind in Liverpool as to the Exportation ; then he run on showing the advantages, and the old story how it would save the Land Tax. I told him that was a great work, and concerned one of the chiefest Trades in England, and deserved a great consideration before Grentn run on such a thing ; my partner would have brought himself off as to the damage by proposing so much a pound, for what, says Manly ; computing what the dry Tobacco might at first weigh. Some men does not care what mischief they can do. Was there ever such a hellish design ? Do you .think Mr Houghton and others will not repent if such a question comes a foot \ The Corporation must certainly mark these men ; I always thought it. I warrant you he would have given Money that Manly had not spoken. He was no better a friend to our Salt affair. Good Lord forgive such men. As to the Castle affair, he has wrote a letter to Mr Mair, which he showed me, and said he thought not to send it ; I advised him not.

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He purposes the getting a lease for 51 years ; they ask £21 ground rent — that's too much. We have been several times to wait upon my Ld Derby, but cannot meet with him, I hope to Morrow we may, and if any thing in this, my Lord will take notice of it, but it is all foul, I protest, and it goes not down with me, though I know the advantage the Castle would be ; but as he Manages — he calls it for the Church — what will the Town be better for it ? The Rectors will oblige you to make them 2001 f> ann., and if the Queen gives anything, they will have it. He never took me with him to Sir John, nor spoke when I was present, as I was there on other days. On Saturday some words past, I remember, but Sr John said, give me in writing what you would have ; he said, after that, he had done it. I am sure I never saw him write, and if he did, such a thing as that shd have been considered, and done handsomely. What shall a man do in this case ? He gets it, and I do not join ; why then he has done it, and am sure the Town must not be twopence the better for it. He leaves that Corporation like . In my next I will ad- vise some more, and be very free with him ; pray communicate the needful to Mr Maior, and desire him not speake of it.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

He recommended Mr Houghton and Aldn Tyrer for Justices of the Peace. Sr John asked after Mr Case, as he was concerned in Salt ; that overshipped him.

' The Gen* has a good Estate, he is something related to Sir John, and I believe he took it not well. I told him Mr Brettargh1 was a fit man. Oh ! he was in debt, and young. I wonder who is out of debt, or not once young 2 And yet he is not so very young. We were on Sunday to wait on my Lady Norris, who is very well in hopes every day to see Sr Wm : she was hard upon my partner, and he was very angry when he came out. Women will talk.

1 Brettargh of Aigburth was at the time offering his estate for sale.

112 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LX.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, DECEMBER 29, 1702. — Liverpool Towtfs

affairs.

London, Decr 29th, 1 702. To RICHD NORRIS ESQ. Sir.

I am favoured with yours of the 25th Current, and am glad you are returned to Liverpool. I thought you were abroad, and so wrote Mr Cleveland last post ; it's most sure as to the Tobacco business, it was concerted at Liverpool, for the Grentn had not seen Mr Clayton before in London when he told him he had made use of his name in his Report ; sure the thing cannot be paralleled : what can I watch ? If once the thing is moved in the house it will go like lightning. I am troubled you took notice of it to make it public — now I would not have had it done ; however it's true. As to the Castle affair, I moved several times to wait upon my Lord Derby, we did go to the House, but did not meet with him ; but last Thursday I waited upon him with the Corporation Letter, which he received kindly. I was with his Lordship some time ; he asked me about the place for Arms, and who had the care of them. I told him what I knew, he said there might be still a place left, then I thought I should take notice of what was done, which I did ; his Lordship said he had no other interest but to gratify the Corporation, he also said Sir John Leveson Gower was endeavouring to bring it to the Dutchy, but took no further notice. I do not find a lease of 51 years will signify any thing, for whenever my Lord Mullineux his heir please to qualify themselves they have a right to it. He's now off getting it to the Church ; I showed him ye inconveniency of that, or I rather think he advised with an Oracle, for after the post we went to wait

THE NOBRIS PAPERS. 113

upon Sr John [Grower,] but did not find him. I believe my Lord will not be displeased let it go which way it will, but in short it does not look well.

I hear nothing what Nash and his partner does, but sure one story will be good till the other be told.

I have no news, we want a Holland Mail. Mr Clayton asked me hard what Mr Mayor writes ; we had no News. He said Mr Hough- ton keeps a constant Correspondence with him, but I never see or hear one word what they are, as you will observe. I am sure we ought to make no progress in any affair wherein the Corporation's concerned without their knowledge and advice — you know people well, I need not describe them ; one might think they should be known to the world, our part at least.

THOS. JOHNSON.

Pray, when Mr Maior writes, let it be joint, and take no notice of any par- ticulars.

114 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXL

THE SAME TO THE SAME, DECEMBER 31, 1702. — Liverpool Town's

affairs.

London, December 31, 1702. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I have yours of the 21st Current, and do hope my letter may prevent any letter coming at this time about the Tobacco, except it be so worded that you understand endeavours are used, or will be, to take the allowances for Tobacco, and that your letter be directed to us both to use our interest to prevent any such bill or practice being set on foot. I believe Manly makes it his business to hand it about, and the extraordinary damages given with us, and the bad Tobacco we import. Sir William Deans told me to-day he dined at a Mer- chant's house where all the Surveyors of the Port dined, and after some discourse about Tobacco, and his complaining how they had lost their Trade, he said you had 100,000 allowed for damages in one ship, and some other circumstances, that I found it came from Manly. He could give an account of the Town, and how they lived, and said he was told Mr Houghton had a fine house, and kept good wine, but we all lived frugally ; Mr Clayton had a fine house, but it was not furnished. Now I suppose these Gentlemen thought we did not make enough of them ; when they come again we shall know better how to deal with them. We are sadly envyed, God knows, especially the Tobacco Trade, at home and abroad.

You observe right, it does not look well to bring in a bill to resume the grants of K. W.plliam,] and not of K. J.[ames,] for it would have looked better to have both, and after if they had seen no reason for the latter, it could then but have dropt ; there is but 2 or 3 in that reign.

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But that every body does not know, but that we are going on strangely, the country cannot relish these things well, especially that part relating to officers sitting in the house, when those very Gentle- men in the last Reign would even allow of none.

I think the bill for qualifying Members will come to nothing ; for my part I do not care, for I do not think ever to come here again after this time is over. Next week we shall give a guess how these things will succeed.

I am, &c., THOS. JOHNSON.

116 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JANUARY 5, 1702 [3]. — The same subject.

London, Jany 5, 1702[3]. MR. RICHD NORRIS. Sir,

I have none of yours unanswered will occasion brevity this post. I join with Mr Clayton in a letter to the Corporation, about the Castle, for the contents of which I refer you ; it's plain the Interest of Sir John carrys it from my Lord, and now our business, after the plan is sent up, is to make the best bargain we can, for that it must come to. I believe you will think I am as much for the Corporation's Interest as any other, but I cannot think this lease can empower us, or encourage us, to build or improve much, for the reasons I formerly advised ; I do not see any occasion for you now to lay down how it may best be improved, that's fitter for your consideration hereafter, — but that a handsome plan be drawn, and that the side next the Sugar House be made the front — that is, taking it from Mr Danver's Garden wall to the farthest extent towards the Poole Lane. I thought Mr Clayton had been of that of the Parsons entirely, but I find not ; but how- ever as this Letter now is worded, if the grant be so, and that it will be good in Law, which I make some question, then it will answer our end, if it leave the Inhabitants any change. That, I think, you must take notice of in your Letter to us, and desire you will advise about it. He is satisfied the parsons have enough, and will take an advantage to get more if in their power, and therefore it is our Interest to prevent it. Consider amongst yourselves what rent might be, — agreeing the Materials are worth money — and that may ease the

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 117

Bent if we shod be tied up, but I hope the Honorable persons will not screw us too high.

Mr Clayton was very angry at the Letter, and particularly against you ; he seems well satisfied now, and this seems to please him, I told him the Letter was very well done, and took notice of his Inter- est, and no ways reflected upon him, but hoped he would do nothing that so much tended to the disadvantage of the Corporation without advising with them, a thing highly reasonable. Pray did Mr Pem- berton, Mr Par, and others, deny to sign it ? I judge they did, for he said there was as good Men had not signed it as had; but if those good Men knew the consequence of Manley^s proposal, they would be of another mind, for if ever they attempt any part they will de- stroy the whole. We shall have the grants of K. J. [King James] laid before the House, and those which are thought exorbitant will have the same fate as those of K. Wm. Mr How took notice of it to-day, the House adjourned till Thursday ; the public business will be over speedily.

Since we wrote the Letter, are informed Mr Leigh is Surveyor, and he's coming from London, so we shall get his Warrant to Mr Moss ; however, Mr Moss may send us one in the mean time. My service to all friends.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

By these papers before the House, our Fleet and Land forces are designed for the Mediterranean. You hear the fate of our countryman Kirby1 in the West Indies, shot to death, he being a Coward.

1 Smollett's History of England, vol. ii. p. 38. Kirby was shot at Plymouth, and not in the West Indies. He commanded the Defiance, of sixty-four guns. We conclude he was of the family of Kirby of Kirby, so distinguished in the Civil wars. Johnson alludes in another letter to this officer, as though he had more than a com- mon interest in him. Roger Kirby of Kirby was Sheriff of Lancashire in 1709, and died in his year of office.

118 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

[THE foregoing letter betrays the feeling as to the Church, from which its dependence on the Corporation, and on rates, was perpetuated. Neither Johnson nor Clayton were inimical to the Church, but the building of St. Peter's, and the endowment of the two new Rectors, were viewed as great efforts on the part of the Town. The negociation for the Castle, burthened, as Johnson frequently reminds Richard Norris, with a right, only sus- pended, of the Molyneuxes to the possession, must have been brought to a close before 1715, when an act was obtained to build a Church on the site of the Castle, — St. George's.]

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LXIII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JANUARY 9, 1702 [3]. — The same subject.

London, January 9th, 1702[3]. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I am favoured with yours of the 5th Current ; for answer, I was of opinion that Mr Clayton would write passionately, for that he was ill vexed, and is no less so now, since he had your letter, but he does not discover it to me, nor I ask him no questions ; he has been bringing out half words and turns them some other way, but I knew what he's chewing on. I hope he will have no opportunity this sessions to show himself publicly, or certainly he would do it. He makes all these officers think him a saint, for no man talks so much against friends, which he spares not as they come in his way. I hope we may have an opportunity to discourse the matter fairly at Home, and that every body may speak their judgement freely. Cer- tainly his letter is a great reflection upon all the Merchts in Town that ever repackt ; my neighbour, R. H.[oughton,] does not escape ; alas ! there's the rise of it, he sees he's outdone — it's a sad temper, God knows ; when these Gen* comes to be partners they will make havock with us, but as you say, I hope they will not stop up the River. Sir John Leveson Gower spoke to me yesterday, and told me your business of the Castle meets with opposition from my Lord Derby, that he had been himself to wait on my Lord, but could not meet with him ; he desired Mr Clayton and I would wait on his Lordship, and acquaint him what was doing for the Corporation, and to desire his Lordship would not oppose it ; we should have gone to-day ; Mr C. shrunk another way, and I believe expected I should go myself; now, I am thinking to wait upon his Lordship as I did

120 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

before, and as I advised, his Lordship did not say anything against it, but I may acquaint his Lordship that we shall take it as kindly from his Lordship that it may come this way to the Town, being more certain, and we shall look upon it as great an obligation as if his Lord- ship gave it us — now this looks damnable ill, pray consider my case, had I not been some way hearkening to this proposal of sir John, and it should have gone that way, O ! then, who but him and his friends ? In short, it's done for nothing in the world but to lessen my Lord's Interest if possible ; now amongst friends, my Lord will never have one friend less, nor they two more.1 This day was a con- ference with the Lords, which Mr Bromley reported to the House, and are very full, some call them bantering, but truly several of them are weighty, and such as we cannot answer ; they insist upon most of the Amendments.2 They were too long to copy to Day, being past one o'clock before they were reported, and the whole time after was taken up in attending the report of the Malt Act, in which were amendments to be made that concerned all our Matters, though they never let us know anything from them. A Warrington man told me some time since of the practice of the officers, or had not known it till we heard some in the house speak of it.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

1 Lord Derby was a Whig, and at this time his party was out of power.

2 These were the proceedings on the bill against occasional conformity. — Parlia- mentary History, p. 59, et seq.

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LXIV.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JANUARY 14, 1702[3.] — The same subject.

London, Jan7 14, 1702 [3],

I am favoured with yours of the the 10 Cur. ; for answer, my last advised how Sr John advised us to wait on my Lord Derby to have his assistance about the Castle, which was a little surprising, and really I was at a stand what to do ; however, I knew my Lord's intention was to serve the Corporation, and if Sr John designed no private end, my Ld, I did not doubt, but would readily give his consent; accordingly, yesterday morning we went to wait on his Ldship, — when we acquainted his Ldship with our business, his answer was, with all his heart, if Sr John designs the advantage to the Corporation, but I have thus far understood Sr John was for joining it to the Dutchy ; my Ld said he told my Ld Marlborough that the Arms of the County were kept in a part of that Castle, and it had been in the hands of the late Ld Lieutenants — we told my Ld that we always proposed to make a place for the Arms, which he was pleased with ; truly we are much obliged to him. I told him, as I had done before, that I had orders from the Corporation to assure his Ldship they would rather want the Castle then offer anything that should be displeasing to his Ldship. Mr Clayton was present. Now this success, you must believe, pleased my friend W. C., and made him farther on the day tell me of yours and Mr Maior^s letters, which occasioned some words ; I need not relate all. Soon after, I received Maudit's, with CouncelFs Opinion about the Castle, which I showed him. I am afraid at the last we must all be beholden to my Ld Derby to have it under him, for it appears that my Ld Mullineux has a title to it whenever he will qualify himself, nay, has power to put in a Deputy. We desire to have a new Opinion about it very speedily, and proceed

122 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

accords as we are advised. I have told him of this all along, but could never persuade him to think of it. I am doubtful we cannot get an Act of Parliament to take away another's right without a con- sideration to the Crown and them claiming. As to what you write about the address for stopping the Post, the Queen seemed to be pleased with it, and most I hear are of opinion that the Dutch will comply with it.

O ! that Action in the West Indies is not to be forgot ; the dead Warrant is signed.1 What news we have I refer you to Mr Maior; these bils makes clashing between the two Houses — we are a mighty unhappy people, the Lord preserve us — nothing but hanging and beheading one another, and censuring the Bishops ; we never prize our Mercys.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

1 For Kirby's execution.

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LXV.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JANUARY 16, 1702[3]. — Town's affairs — Abuse of the Tories — And of Mr Bold.

London, Jany ye 16th, 1702 [3]. Hond Sir,

I have your kind letter of the 12th Curr*, and observe the Contents ; for answer, we have made no further progress about the Castle ; we talk of advising with Counsel, but does not, and I think it a folly for us to trouble ourselves and friends till we know upon what grounds we shall be the securest. Mr W. C. received the plan from Mr Moss, but never shewed me his letter ; he said Mr Maior would not send it him — was it so ? I hardly think it. It's a sad S*, you say right, and hope shall never see the two Gents joined to- gether — I am satisfied they are enemies to the present Constitution of our Corporation. Some words drops that they are not so well pleased with being out of the Governing part, as they would make us believe. My last letter but one in some measure answers that part of your letter relating to My Ld Derby, whose kindness I must always own, and I hope the Corporation will never forget it too.

On Thursday, when the Malt past, and the Speaker, as usual,

says, is it yr pleasure your worthy Member Mr carry it up to

the Lds ? And he says order it. Seymor desired it might not then be put, so it lay the next day. Mr Boyle moved that the bill might be carried up, it was seconded, and Mr Howe spoke handsomely about it, and wondered the Gen* should oppose the Carrying a money bill up to the Lords, he thought it was a distrusting her Majesty that she would not give time to the perfecting the necessary bills.

This brought the old Gen*, and others, as M. H , up, and this

was debated 3 hours, so that we lost the finishing the subsidy bill

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that day — these are the Men for the Public good ! I leave you to judge we are but in a miserable condition. God Almighty open the Eyes and hearts of the Commons, that they may be able to discern, and know, who are for the Interest of their Country ; nothing but pride reigns amongst most of these Courtiers — the number I hope will increase of Men truly concerned for the Public. We have got a Petition to the Ld Treasurer, and are to meet Mr Lownes to-night about it ; Mr Richmond, I hear, wrote Mr Bold to assist us — if he knew how ready he is, he would have saved himself the labour of writing, but suppose he had other business, however we are obliged to him, he was never so kind as to desire us. I never saw Mr B. two hours, nor I think one since I came except to serve some turn ; God help the Country, who really are in the hands of a few men, they are easily named. My old cold is violent upon me, the Lord send me quit of it. Our Committees are over — we have had 3 this week, two lasted till one o'clock and very throng, and at the last came to a drawn battle, for they got one of each side, for thats the contest generally, which shall gain. I hope next week we shall be able to give you some certain Acct8 of the Castle, and my Ld Treasurer's answer about the Bonds ; I wish we could serve you, I have no other End, I thank God, and every man's interest is mine. I am sorry for the loss of the Society — the Men are saved — pray was any great Cargo on board her ? Do you despatch the Mercy or we had as good stay at home. It's believed these ships, said to be bound for Jamaica, go to Portugal, or the straights. My Ld Peterbrough, its sd, does not go for Jamaica. My service.

Yours &c.,

THOS. JOHNSON.

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LXVI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JANUARY 30, 1702 [3]. — Johnson ill, attended by Dr. Ratcliffe.

London, Jan? ye 30th, 1702 [3]. Sir,

I have your kind letter of the 26th, which, God be praised, found me much recovered. Doctor Ratcliffe1 was very careful of me, and more then I have heard, he never failed a day to come to see me, and his apothecarys, very able Men, 3 or 4 times a day. These helps, through the great goodness of Almighty God, has wonderfully restored me, and hath since added the dear company of my poor wife, got here after a tedious journey. I am infinitely obliged to you, and my other good friends of Liverpool, for their extraordinary kindness towards me and her. God grant I ever be able to make you an acknowledg- ment. As soon as I am able I design to leave this place, and hope once more to enjoy your good company, which is always most accept- able ; for news you will excuse — have neither read nor heard any since this day fortnight. My Dr gives you his service ; please to ac- cept the same from

Yours, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

1 It is pleasant to find two such men meeting as Johnson and Radcliffe, and still more agreeable thus to detect the good feeling towards their representative in the town of Liverpool. In 1704 Johnson went to Lathom Spa for his health ; he de- scribes the company and walks as excellent, a good green, and the Spa better than that at " Naesborough," (Knaresborough). The game (bowls) he states to be very high, — threepence.

126 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXVIL

THE SAME TO THE SAME, FEB. 4, 1702 [3], — Liverpool affairs.

[Mr. Johnson writes to Mr. K. Norris.]

London, Feby 4, 1702 [3].

What Mr Clayton writes you, or does, I know not ; he tells me a great deal, and very busy he is. He showed me a letter from Mr Maior and others, I suppose in answer to his. I [wonder] at Gent: that write things so different in one letter, for they say shall treat with my Lord, and at the same breath say he has no title, and desire Mr Clayton to proceed. So do I, but 'tis after this manner ; since ever I received the copy of the Grant from Mr Maudit, that we consult with Counsel if the Queen can grant the Castle for 51 years; if she can, then we are to proceed and make our interest to procure the Granf ; if she cannot, but the Lord Molyneux has a title, then we must treat with him ; but here we spend time, and feed ourselves and friends with fancies to no purpose. Please God I get out, I'll advise myself. I have desired him to be plain with Sir John, and when I urge him to go on anew, we must see what my Lord Moly- neux will do; if we have any dependence on him we shall come short. If we could have been content, we might have had it my Lord Derby's time, and I think my Lord M. would never have disputed ; time must determine if that had not been best, but it's hard to have to deal with some men. We have no answer from our Petition to the Treasury, but hope it will be granted after the Parliament's up. Mr Clayton has stood by the Commrs of Customs, and he expects they'l do anything for him. He says he has desired Nash and Harris may be removed from Liverpool, but it's after such a manner that I did

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not observe any reason given. He did not, as I find, justify the pre- sent officers, nor condemned these, but said he was not against them being preferred so that it was not Liverpool, and gave for reason that N. had abused Mr Maior ; but this is some of the old ps [pranks ?] I have been several times with this Gentleman there, who would never say one word to the Commrs of them, and truly I have not thought good myself, but what has been to some of them privately. Who will be our Surveior, cannot determine, but it's most certain they'll finish us if they can. Farewell all good allowances.

128 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXVIII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, LIVERPOOL, JUNE 25, 1703. — Liverpool

affairs.

Liverpool, June ye 25th, 1703. Dear Sir,

I am favoured with yours of the 22d Curr., and am very glad you are safely returned to London. I hope it will not be long before we shall have your good Company at home, which I much long for on several Accots. We have been Hond this two days past with your good Bror Norris\s Company, to whom we are extremly obliged. We bowled very hard both the days,1 and not less the latter day, when we beat Topping Bowlers ; we wished heartily for you ; you would have been well pleased to have seen Cousin Maudesley dribble out his 14 to 12, and often his 2 and 6 to 2 — those that wins may laugh, but not always so with me.

I thank you for your good news ; it is very great all of one post. Our new Church goes on well ; we now agree to seat it with oak, though I saw your Hand for fir, but I believe you were out done at that time — things go on pretty well at the Custom House.

All our Town is at Chester fair, but to-morrow we will see to get the petition so long talked of.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

1 The old bowling green on Mount Pleasant. Cartwright says — " 19 Septr. 1687, I went with Sir Thos. Grosvenor, Mr. Massey,and my son to Liverpool; dined with my Lord Molineux at the Bowling Green." Roscoe was born at the house where his father lived, and kept the green. Though long ago taken down, there is an engraving of the house. At the period of these letters it was the place of meeting of the higher class of inhabitants, and as an excuse for not sending any news, the phrase occurs, " I have not been lately at the green."

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LXIX.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, SEPTEMBER 17, AND OCTOBER 16, 1703. — Materials for St. Peter's Church.

Leverpoole, 17 Septr, 1703.

Please to enquire what we can have your black and white marble for <$» stoop, or yard, proper to lay in the Chancel ; we shall want as much as will lay about 40 yards. But we would know the charge before we engage, lest it be too large for us. We have ordered the black flag from the Isle of Man to lay the lies with ; it will be much better than our common flags.

240 feet of Marble at 21* <p £21.

450 feet of do. at do ^39 .7.6.

Oct. 16, 1703.

In my last I omitted to enclose you a draught of the Chancel which is now sent ; we desire only within the Rails, marble, white and black, without will be seats, or may be flagged with Manx flags, the same designed for the body of the church.

Your good Brother [Dr. Edward Norris] was here this day, and did us the honor of becoming a member of this antient Corporation, at the same time Mr Squire was sworn, after which we waited upon your brother to Mr Swarbrick's, and drank your good health. Mr Norris, after all his extraordinary kindness, was pleased to give Mr Stythe six pounds for the poor. I hope we shall not prove ungrateful, (but when opportunity,) acknowledge these favours.

We are now come to the 17th, and do not find Mr Cleaveland will

130 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

comply, but rather preparing to dispute it, of which I think he'll have no good ; some are cruelly vexed that we proceed thus, however we shall not give them such an opportunity. I shall not now en- large, but next post give you a full account of our proceedings, and shall be impatient to hear how you approve of them.

[THE above extracts chiefly relate to the building of St. Peter's Church. Mr. Stythe was the first Rector of Liverpool.]

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 131

LXX.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 15, 1703. — Liverpool,

affairs.

Liverpool, Octr 15th, 1703. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I observe you approve of our choice of Counsel Men which is well, since which we have gone further, and are resolved to try what we can do. Mr Earle refusing put me a little upon the thoughts, so we resolved to advise with Counsel if we could fine any persons that was Elected Council Men and refused to serve, or could we choose those Mayor or Bailifs, though they were not actually sworn ; to these we have received a satisfactory answer, that they may be indicted and after fined, or a Mandamus brought against them to show cause ; upon this Mr Maior called a Council, and voted Mr Cleaveland, Mr Hurst, and Mr Earle Council Men, and served them with the Election under our Corporation Seal, and this day they appeared, but all refused to be sworn. Now we do resolve to Elect Mr Cleaveland Mayor, Mr Earl one Bailiff, and if they refuse us we believe they will have one Mandamus for all ; if we now look back we are shamed. I shall be glad you approve of these proceedings. Mr Moore seems well pleased ; as Mr Maior tells me, he loves Money, and is afraid of that. If we make a return of this Election, Mr Maior must continue till the matter is ended. We thought it better then to proceed by a fine in our own Court, and indeed it lights a little unfortunate Mr Hurst is their Man of the Jury, and the rest made of such as are not usually of that Jury. Our Bailiffs are too good to learn, and our Town Clerk never minds to inform them. I think we ought to exert our Power in that case as well as any.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

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THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXXI.

JOHN COCKSHUTT TO RICHARD NORRIS, OCTOBER 15, ] 703. — Liverpool

affairs.

Liverpool, 15 Octor, 1703. To MR. RICHARD NORRIS.

I notice yours relating to Mr Travers' money, due to him from the Corporation ; pray settle that account. I have some time since your brother's draft on you for ^50, which I designed to write you to apply to that affair. You may remember the Corporation is nigh d£300 in advance towards building the new Church, so I desire you1! perfeckt the affair ; have paid of the Principal d£?200, and all the Corporation's arrears for Interest, at present can do no more. We resolved in full Council to elect John Clieveland Mayor, which he appears obstinate, and so are resolved to try the validity of our charter. Mr Hurst and Earle are chosen Councilmen — are resolved to send for mandamusses for them. I refuse to stand on Monday next, for I fear shall be continued Mayor, durante placito.

I earnestly desire you in behalf of Wm Boals of this Town, whose interest the deceased Sir Wm Norris got minuted for a Tyde waiter's place of this Town, both at Treasurer's and Commissioners' office, for the first vacancy that falls ; having no friends to pursue that order, begs the favour of you to use your utmost endeavours to obtain that grant, which favour will ever oblige, &c.

JNO. COCKSHUTT.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 133

LXXII.

JOHNSON TO B. NORRIS, OCTOBER 19, 1703. — Liverpool affairs.

Liverpool, Octr ye 19th, 1703. Sir,

I received yours of the 16th Curr*, with the Newspaper, for which I thank you. I can now advise you our friend Mr John Cleveland was sworn this day Mayor. He was carried off by some persons yesterday, and would not come in, but went direct out of Town ; great threats and endeavours have been used, but now va- nished, all people generally well pleased to see some people disap- pointed. A great Councell was held last night at a great new House in our Street, the result I know not, but the end you see. All the Old 0. [orporation] was sent for; Mr Allenson pretended some busi- ness and did not go. Yesterday morning Mr Maior found a disposi- tion in Mr Cleavland, and asked him who he thought on for Bailiffs; he told him Mr Earle and Mr Dean, but in less than an hour comes Br M. very full, and brought Mr H. Parr for his Voucher, that Mr Clayton would serve them the next year, but it was hard to compel any man, nay he could not serve, for that he had not taken the Abju- ration Oath at the time appointed, had frightened Mr Parr with the penalty of 5001, and thought he could do so to us ; I told him he was of another opinion, he knew very well Mr Cleavland was in office at that time, so was not under any Penalty. But observe he was not capable to serve, not having taken such an oath such a time past, yet he would serve the next year and run the Hazard ; in short he was suf- ficiently laughed at. A great many words we had, and very hot, too long to tell you, but this passage we could not omit. Mr Maior find- ing Mr Earle so positive he would not serve, was resolved not to choose him Bailiff, but chose Charles Diggles, and Joseph Eaton ; we

134 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

design to proceed against Mr Hurst and Earle on Friday, if they come not in, — God send them safe. I write Mr Cairne to insure 10001 for me. Bo wen, the Tide Surveyor, is dead. Poor Mr Ogles has had fair promises, he desires you will put Mr Fazakerley, the Chamberlain, and Mr John Francis, in mind of this vacancy, or that something may be done for him, he has a numerous family, he desired me that I would write you.

I am, &c., THOS. JOHNSON.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. J 35

LXXIII.

EXTRACTS FROM Two LETTERS, OCTOBER 22, AND DECEMBER 10, 1703, W. SQUIRE AND MRS. MARKLAND, RELATING TO

ANN NORRIS'S MARRIAGE.

[!N 1686, Cartwright mentions in his Diary, that — "The parishioners of Child well brought me Mr. Ambrose his resignation, and I promised to pre- sent a new vicar before Christmas, and wrote word to my cousin Peter Whalley that I would give it to my cousin Thomas West." On the 18th of February the Bishop writes, — " I gave institution to my Cousin Thomas West to the vicarage of Childal, and made him my chaplain." This Vicar, who, from his patron, may be supposed to have been uncomfortably placed after the Revolution, resigned in 1690, and Ralph Markland succeeded him, and remained here until his death in 1721. He was a person of literary tastes, wrote a book on the art of shooting flying, but is best known as the father of the celebrated Jeremiah Markland. There were several letters of Ralph Markland's in this collection, and especially about sending Jeremiah to Christ's Hospital, which was accomplished through the interest of Mr. Norris's relations, the Garways ; but these papers were given by a former possessor to James Hey wood Markland, Esq. of Bath. The Marklands lived on terms of perfect friendship with their parishioners at Speke. The fol- lowing is part of a letter from Mrs. Markland to the widow of Thomas Norris, and conveys the gossip of Childwall to Aston. The letter was written in 1703, and alludes to the recent marriage of Ann Norris with Mr. Squire.]

Liverpool, 22 Octor, 1703. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Dr Brother,

I presume Bror Norris advised you that I was happy ly married last Tuesday ; T do assure 'tis no small augmentation of my

136

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

satisfaction to be so nearly allied to you. Mr Mayor, Mr Johnson, and Mr Clayton, with several of the Corporation, dined yesterday at Speak.

I am, &c.

WM. SQUIRE.

The Lady Norris bought the wedding clothes, the old Lady thinks they are too fine, the silk cost ten shillings a yard, it is scarlet satin flowered with yellow and trimmed very well with silver, and all tilings according. The Doctor and Mr Alderman are well at Lon- don, they do not expect them down 'til towards the spring ; they both come together, as it is thought. Within this while Mr. Mark- land will write to you about your money ; he hears of a place, but is not rightly satisfied about the security, yet he will make farther in- quiry, and let you know. Our daughter Mall is at School, and goes to learn anything with her needle after Christmas. She is to work for herself anything that I will set her about, and my request is to you, or Madam Betty, if you have any french paillring for embroider- ing, or sprigging, or flourishing, of muslin, that you will please to let her do it ; her mistress promised she will take care that she does her work as well for me as for herself, besides, this sort of thing is too fine for her, and too chargeable for her father's pocket. Katy gives her service to you and Miss. One of the biggest boys has been scalded very ill, and a sad time he has had. Pray my service to Madam Betty, I wish her a happy new year, &c.

M. MARKLAND. Decr 10, [1703.]

[THE above alludes to Mr. Squire's marriage with Mrs. Ann Norris.]

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 137

LXXIV.

RELATING TO THE TYLDESLEYS EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF EDWARD AND THOMAS TYLDESLEY, AND CASE, 1704 — 1705.

[THE reader is here presented with almost the last scene in the fortunes of the Tyldesleys. Toms Tyldesley, as he signs himself, was grandson of that great Cavalier Sir Thomas Tyldesley. It is indeed most painful to con- template this descendant of so famous a race, weighed down with debt, and habits of intemperance. He says in one of his letters (June 30, 1705) " I long to come to Liverpool to show how far better I am, for I have left off drinking."

Tyldesley had been sold, Holcroft was now about to be exchanged for Sir William N orris's gold, and, peevish from age, misfortune, and drunkenness, Tyldesley retired gloomily to Fox Hall, situated on the sea side at Black- pool, amidst a wild and sequestered district. His house, constructed for the purposes of concealment in those days of plots, excited the wonder of later generations; and idle stories of its having concealed the Pretender, in 1745, are still current. In Cozen's list, Edward Tyldesley is set down (1715) as having £720 per annum. This must have been conjectural, for at the very time that list was making, Tyldesley lay in great poverty awaiting his trial. He was acquitted, as appears in the State trials, and his jury were said to be bribed.

Feby 3, 1704. MR. NORRIS,

Merchant. Worthy Sir,

The obligations Ive alreddy received are soe great, that if necessity did not absolutely force me to beg a farther kindness, I durst not have presumed it. Sir, my condition at this time is so bad

138 THE NOBBIS PAPEBS.

that my father is not in a capacity to assist me, and my creditors will not have patience till we can dispose of our Estate ; therefore I most earnestly request that yle be pleased to make the five pound you honoured me with the sum of twelve, for on Monday next I must either pay five and twenty pounds, which that will make up, or come both into disgrace and trouble. I would have waited on you myself but that I am forced to go to severall places, to get in this affair ; if you please, I will send you a bond by the post, but I hope it wont be long before you may repay yourself. Since it is my misfortune to want moneys, I hope I sha^nt want a friend in you, which is no small satisfaction to him that will always profess himself

Yr very obliged

And faithful Servant,

EDWD. TYLDESLEY.

Fox Hall, Septr 11, 1705. THE HONOURED RICHARD NORRIS,

Merchant. Sir,

I understand by my son, that your counsel makes some stop in our business, and would object that the partition is not good, though confirmed by fine and recovery from all the parties, which was at first a surprize to me. Because if this bargain of yours and mine should go off, you cannot imagine the great prejudice it might happen to do us both — too long for this piece of paper to insert — as some of our particler friends have already tould me ; for had it been but a month's discourse, it might have been no such disadvantage to either of us, but being confirmed by both of us that the bargain was con- cluded, it will, I do assure you, cast no small reflection on you, nor be no little blot on my Estate, which I could much wish to the con- trary ; and therefore be so kind to yourself and me as to let your Counsellor, Mr How, and mine, meet together to argue the point thoroughly, and digest every bit of the obstacle, that all things may

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 139

be healed. For I have so true a service for you that I would not for a brace of <^?100, for your partiklar sake, this bargain should not succeed, besides my own misfortune, which will be great. Therefore I hope my son and his friend will soon concert matters with you, that all will be done according to honor, and suffice who am, &c.

TOMS TYLDESLEY.

Red hassells, 22 Decr 1704. MR. RICHD NORRIS, Sir,

Hearing that your about the purchas of Holcroft, from Mr Tildesley, I thought meete to lett you know that there is a mort- gage lyes on that estate, and others, of a considerable sum, which Mr Atherton of Atherton and his sisters clayme an interest in. The Mortgage deed lies in Mr Winkleye's hands, as Register of the Dutchy, being lodged there by advice of that Counsel some yeares since, and now Mr Atherton's youngest sister is attained age there will be speedy course taken for the recovery of that money. I being lately with Mr Atherton he desired I would give you this account, which I thought it a neighbourly duty to perform, in addition to quieting the title, especially where my worthy good friend Mr Norres is interested. This, with my humble service at present,

Sir, Your obliged friend and servant,

JONN CASE.*

S',

I can give you a full satisfaction how this matter stands. 1 Apparently an ill-natured interference of Mr. Case in poor Tyldesley's affairs.

14-0 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

Decr the 24th. ALDERMAN NORRIS, Worthy Sir,

Necessity obliges me to have recource to my friends, for my father being in a passion at some people of the Inn, went out of Town last night, after two o'clock, and has left me bare of moneys, which makes me humbly beg you will be pleased to lend a couple of guineas, which will be an extreme obligation to him who will ever show himself your thankful humble servant,

EDWD TlLDESLEY.

I have sent my servant, and desire your favor and secrecy.

THE NORBIS PAPERS. 141

LXXV.

ISAAC GREEN TO RICHARD NORRIS, PRESCOT. 7 SEPTEMBER, 1705. On HeskeiKs Mortgage.

RICHARD NORRIS, Eso,R, The Axe,

Aldermanbury. Sir,

Yesterday I saw and spoke to Mr Scarisbrick1 of Scaris- brick, at the horse race at Childwall,2 (where my Lord Mollineux and his son's horses ran against Mr Harrington's and his sons, and the two later did win,) and Mr Scarisbrick told me that it was not his fault that the accounts were not settled, for he had them ready, and could settle them in an hour's time if Mr Hesketh pleased, wherewith I acquainted Mr Hesketh by a letter by the post last night, and pressed him to get them done. I have also sent the draughts of the assign- ments of the Judgments to Mr Walmsley and Mr Naylor, who am, &c.

ISAAC GREEN.S Prescot, 7 Sepf, 1705.

1 Scarisbrick was a thrifty person, and had lent Hesketh money. The Harring- tons were an ancient family residing at Huyton.

2 The two grounds used for races near Liverpool at this time were, the one at Childwall, and the other on Wallsesia Lease we, and on the latter, in 1682, Monmouth rode and won.

3 Green was twenty-six years old in 1705, and seems then to have been the prin- cipal attorney of the county.

142 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXXVI.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS ON LIVERPOOL AFFAIRS, 1704 — 1705.

[ON the 27th February, 1704, Messrs. Cairnes, the London correspond- ents of Mr. Richard Norris, write to him :]

Our friend T. J. [Johnson] is too easie and unwilling to displease his present partner, and very unwilling to stand himself; why cannot you fix on some person to stand with you that might carry it, and so lay the two old ones aside, the one with his will, the other whether he will or not. Pray think of this.

[ON the 27th March, 1705, Mr. Samuel Shepheard thus addresses the Alderman on the same subject :]

I cannot but wish you success in anything you undertake, yet I am heartily concerned you stand in opposition to Alderman Clayton, who is a very necessary man in Parliament ; and therefore I shall long to hear some means may be found for you to set your horses to- gether, and not to oppose the one the other ; pray endeavour if it be possible, for as I said before, the alderman is both useful and neces- sary in the House of Commons. I wish myself with you, to be an Instrument to that purpose.

[X)N the 27th April Mr. R. Norris writes to Mr. Isaac Green :]

There is one William Rigby, of your Town, that was yesterday sworn free, who promised me to vote right, but am very much afraid

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he is drawn off; if you can persuade him to be for Mr Johnson and self you will do service.

[THERE is another letter to Green, relating to a second vote, which states the election to take place in a few days, (llth May, 1705,) and that Johnson and Norris were candidates. Clayton and Johnson were returned, but the town did not immediately resume its wonted calm. Johnson writes, Sep- tember 7th :]

I note what you say about a Mayor ; I hear no discourse, it's kept very private. I suppose Mr Moorcroft will make interest this year, that he may run no hazard of an election. Mr Earle appeared in council on Wednesday. The business of the fresh water is put off till the next day. Mr Mayor was not willing to put Mr Seacome to the vote, or I believe the Council was inclined to grant, but am afraid there will not be a waiter, which is the only argument against him.

[ON September 11, 1705, William Squire writes:]

Madam Scarborough came to me late last night to tell me she was informed you were struck out of the Commission of Peace, which I did not at first believe, but enquiring in it, found it to be true. One may easily guess from whence it came ; therefore I think it might do well to acquaint my Lord Derby of it, and if possible endeavour to be restored, that our enemies may not have the satisfaction to triumph at it, which I am told they do, therefore do not neglect it. Mrs Scarborough has a great mind to have her son Gibbons Mayor next year, and desired me to speak to Mr Johnson for his interest, which he readily promised. I am told Mr Mayor is for putting up Mr Townshend ; one may readily guess the reason.

J44 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

[Johnson writes :]

Leverpoole, Sept1' 25, 1705.

We are come to no resolution about the Mayor as yet. Mr Mayor proposed to meet at the new Tavern on Monday, but he did not ; he gave for reason that he would discourse a certain person be- fore he met on that account ; and now this was his own doing, and yet he put it off. I shall make no bustle about it. If my poor wife be got well, (who truly is but weak,) I shall be in London some days before the sitting of the House. We have had Mr Defoe here — I did not see him ; Mr Done was very busy, and invited him to his house, which in my opinion had been better let alone.

[Mr. Hall to Mr. R. Norris :]

Leverpool, 28 Septr, 1705.

I doubt not but our friend Mr Squire hath given you a full account of our friend J. Gibbons, put up to be Mayor ; and on my soul and conscience all our interest hath been used for son Gibbons, so that it occasioned a meeting last Wednesday night by Mr Mayor's appointment, where Mr Mayor, all the aldermen in Town, I mean none but those of the Council, except Mr Bikesteth, were present, as were Bro: Barrow and myself, made up 10 in number; and after a great many words used of both parts, one for Mr Gibbons, the other for Sil: Moorcroft, at last it was put to the vote how we would be, and carried it for our son in law, yeas 7, noes 3, viz : Mr Maudit, Mr Cleveland, and Mr Sharpies. I doubt not but this will be all mis- terious. To think Mr Mayor was for J. G. and after that Mr Jos: Pool, who old David hath been labouring hard about to get in to be Bayliff. Last night, Mr Mayor being gone to Chester fair, there was a great meeting of Mrs Clayton, Tyrer, Houghton, Cleveland, Shar- pies, Webster, Earle, and some others, and do believe it was about a Mayor. We are mostly pretty firm, but think if you wrote your thoughts to M* Barnett, would not be amiss, who I fear is inclined

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to vote for Sil. and if we now divide, we may call good night. Mr Dan1 Defoe hath been some days in town, which hath been the great subject talked of, and been great matter of speculation to some per- sons. I would heartily wish to have your company before the elec- tion, and brother Johnson is too cool. Pray write your friends ; he thinks to go up before the election ; he may very well set out for Warrington the day of election, after it is over, and be up in due time, but he says he'll go in the Coach.

[ON the 2nd of October, 1705, Mrs. Scarborough sends word to Kichard Norris, then in London ;]

Here are six persons put up for Mayor ; who is the likeliest to carry it none can yet tell, because those who have the best interest I am afraid will not be harty.

[Squires, on the 19th October, 1705, gives the termination of the matter :]

It's with no small trouble I give my dear Brother an account of our being foyled yesterday, for Mr Webster is Mayor, and Mr Earle and Fels, Bailiffs ; we lost it very honorably, for they carried it but by 26. Mr Johnson never strived but two nights before, and we did not poll by 40 so many as promised ; but what carried the day was the sailors, for they polled 60 more of them than we, so that they have no great reason to brag. But Aldn Houghton pretended they could have brought 130 more, which I am sure you will not believe when I tell you there was upwards of 500 had voted. I'm confident if you had been here we had carried it ; there's many of this opinion besides me. We have certainly gained ground by this election. Mr Johnson set out this morning; when you see him he will give you a full account.

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LXXVII.

JOHNSON TO R. NORRIS, FEBRUARY 18, 1705. — Contest for Rector — Hardness of Norms'* s dealing — Desires to liberate a Pressed man, because he has a handsome wife — Clayton only looks after his own servants — News to be written out and left at Phillips'' s.

London, Feb? ye 18th, 1705. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I have yours of the 15th Cur1 and note the Contest for Rector1 is now like to be between Mr Richmond and Mr Marsden. I am for every body pleasing themselves in that matter ; you will ex- cuse me, I do not design to meddle, it is very uncertain when I shall be at home.

I am very glad the William's sugars prove fine — you have been too hard for a young beginner; I hope you will not discourage him at first. I have said enough that I hope will make him look about him when he deals with two such as Mr Cleveland and you. I have very often observed it, and I am sorry to say it — and the reason I cannot imagine, but it is so — that a great many will sell cheaper to the Country chapman than their own Townsmen, though they may have better pay ; for my own part I could never buy any thing but I found it so. As to the Spanish Trade, you shall be fully satisfied about it.

1 The Rev. William Atherton was dead, and the recently abandoned parish of Walton furnished Liverpool with two candidates for the Rectorship. The Rich- monds had been Patrons or Rectors of Walton, and Marsden was the Vicar of that parish in 1688, (as is shown by a letter from him in this collection, speaking of his heavy parochial duties,) although in the printed list his appointment is set down 1689. Richmond was made Rector of Liverpool in May 1706. His family long- continued in the town.

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Our Letters on Tuesday I find miscarried. I have sent abstract of the Committee bill to the Coffee House.

Partridge is gone. I have done all that was possible. The Cap- tain wrote the Board that he had him from such a Ship, and that he left as many Men as was needful, and desired to keep him ; in short Mr Clayton got his own servants clear, and left this poor man. I had positive orders about him, but still mist, and I was told 6 weeks ago that they were gone to Lisbon. She must be satisfied ; pray see what you can do for me ; she is a very handsome woman. To-day the House was upon the bill for Manning the Navy ; with much ado they filled up the blank for the Clause for a Gen1 Eegistry, and ad- journed. I hope we shall keep it off this Sessions. The Lords have got their end, relating to the Regency bill — the Expedient is a jest as near as I can take it ; you have it inclosed ; if you can write it fairer, may leave it at Phillips's. There is a Committee sitting, and now past 10, and you will excuse me.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

The Lords readily agreed to the amendments.

148 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

LXXVIII.

ALEXANDER HESKETH TO RICHARD NORRIS, JANUARY 21, 1705—6. Urges sale of land to be completed.

[THE estate of Hesketh of Aughton was bought years afterwards by Plumbe, a Liverpool attorney.]

MR. NORRIS,

at his house,

Water Street,

Liverpool. Sir,

I have spoken to my friends to meet you and your friends, on Fryday next ; unless you be there, nothing will be perfected ; those catterpillars loves to be imployed, I am sure will prove a needless charge, because all persons was agreed, and you and Mr Green did take possession. The Estate is yours, and none of myne, according as we referred ourselves unto, and the sums of money really fixed ; tho1 writings was not made out, words should be made good on both parties. I hope you will not fail.

Yours to serve you,

ALEXR. HESKETH. Monday Morning, Jan'21, 170i.

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LXXIX.

T. JOHNSON TO JR. NORRIS, JANUARY 26, 1705. — Defaulting Custom House Collectors — Bonds enforced — Interest to be remitted — Scarborough^ funeral — Commissioners open the coffin — Clayton's officiousness.

Sir,

I have yours of the 22nd Curr. and note the severe pro- ceedings against Mr Scarborough, and God send the Town well de- livered of these troubles. We are doing all we can about the old bonds, and hope in the end to prevail, that the Interest be remitted, which I shall be very glad to advise, and hope for the future we shall all take more care. This day we have been at the Funeral of Mr Scarborough.1 I know you will have a great deal of talk about it, and therefore I will give you exactly what past. As we were in- vited, Mr Clayton and I went, and there we met Mr Morris, who came with a power from the Commrs of the Customs to see the corpse. A hole on the Top of the Coffin was open, and truly at the first sight I was startled, and did not know what to think, and it proved we all three were so. Mr Morris desired to have it opened, which was done, and we viewed the Corpse again, and some others that came in, and then every body was satisfied. I took notice his left leg was shorter than the right. You will say, why all this scruple ? The manner of his death caused it, for the Men said on Monday night he was pretty well, and went from them on Tuesday morning. To hear the

1 Scarborough was at the head of the Liverpool Customs, and defrauded the Go- vernment, who doubted the story of his death, and afterwards suspected he had committed suicide. On June 1, 1706, Sir Barnaby Scudamore set out from London to replace Scarborough.

150 THE NORBIS PAPERS.

Aldn talk you would never forget, and there is a mighty intimacy be- tween him and the Custom house in the matter. Yesterday morning he would go, I knew, to tell them, though the morning before, when we had business, he pretended that which was not, so I told him, "I suppose you would acquaint the Commrs, — you may send a line to Mr Savage," and he did so. He takes a wonderful deal of care of John Hartley, but never mentions any body else ; I reckon the place of Collector will now speedily be filled — whose lot will it fall to I I wish we may have an understanding man.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

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LXXX.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, FEBRUARY 23, 1705. — Contest for Rector.

London, Feby 23rd, 1705. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I have yours of the 19th Curr*, and am glad the Clause for remitting the Interest is pleasing to you and other friends. I have been fully informed about Mr Richmond's1 proceedings after the death of Mr Atherton, which are not commendable ; but I understand the reason given for it is, that he was resolved to be first, he had a good intelligence, and waited for it It is a cry, we must always have dis- putes, and I have not omitted to answer the Gen*. He says it is only Brother Hall, and some few others, that puts Mr Marsden up ; and truly I should have thought that if some you mention had been in earnest, they would have signed a Letter to the Bishop ; pray how do you think I could show the Bishop that which you sent ? — I ac- quainted him with the contents, and have given Mr Maudit his Lordship's answer, to which I refer you. Do not depend upon it coming before the Bishop unless you have a Majority, or that Mr Stythe wrote him. I told him that some wrote me it was Mr Stythe's desire to have Mr Marsden for his Brother Rector. You must excuse me in this affair, I do not design to make any votes ; let them have what parson they will, it is all one.

I do not doubt what you say as to the several persons you mention

1 When the election came on, Norris and his friends made a desperate and unavail- ing effort for Marsden. Squire writes, 14th May, 1706, to Richard Norris, — "As to what you and Mr. Hall did in the choice of a Rector, was bravely done. I'm not in the least surprized at the carriage of Mr. Johnson in that affair."

152 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

to befriend Mr Marsden, but till I see it under their hands you will pardon me if I have no faith. The steps you have made — I do not say you, but others who undertook this — look like some former pro- ceedings, only talk. I used to find it an endless work to get persons together to sign letters or Petitions ; there is nothing like a willing mind — you can never expect much service from pressed men.

I am, &c., THOS. JOHNSON.

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LXXXI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, FEBRUARY 1, 1706. — The Corporation and

Sir Cleave More.

London, Feb? ye 1st, 1706. Sir,

I have none of yours since my last ; have now to advise Sir Cleave Moore came this day, and shewed us a Petition to be pre- sented to the House for a bill to make void the lease granted Berry and others, which we have this post inclosed in a joint letter to Mr Maior. Now my thoughts of this matter is, before this Act go for- ward I think the Lease should be perfected, and care taken to oblige them to begin, and proceed to finish the work in such a time, and if there be no beginning, or possibility to finish the work in such a time, the lease to be void. I mean something to this purpose. You are sensible of the defect of the other ; now you will consider if this is not best to be done before we move for the Act — and on Instruction drawn to oblige Sr Cleave to pay the charge of procuring the Act, as by contract he is obliged. You will be censured now, if this Petition be not immediately signed ; but I would advise with Mr Blundell1 what you had best do, for if you observe the close of the Petition, it is intended in the Bill to give some power or Privilege to him. Still this must have a reference to the Contractor's lease, it will be said ; but how can it refer to it when there is none on the other hand ? — Can you grant a second lease whilst the other is in being ? Sr Cleave is here, and I just stept to write two lines ; excuse this scrawl.

Yours &c.,

THOS. JOHNSON.

1 The family of Blundell was at this time of consideration in Liverpool ; but this Mr. Blundell was probably Green's clerk.

154 THE NORBIS PAPERS.

LXXXII.

HENRY WATTS TO B. NORRIS, 14 SEPTEMBER, 1706. — Norris has won by Turin being taken — Foster Cunliffe — Proposes new bets.

[THE following letters will show the terms on which an Innkeeper a century and a half ago stood with his most honoured guests. Henry Watts, of the Axe, Aldermanhury, was the host, a friend of many Liverpool mer- chants, and none more than Alderman Richard Norris. Watts was a lively, "handy," fellow, gossip, banker, and stock jobber, to his country customers; and if we are not mistaken in the correspondence, and similar letters to these here selected occur, he occasionally found means to divert the money arising from the bills deposited with him from returning to Liverpool. We have here an early mention of Foster Cunliffe, long an eminent merchant in Liverpool, and whose family, for nearly seventy years, acted a large part in the history of the town. In 1703 Foster Cunliffe speaks of " his master" as though in his apprenticeship, and in 1705 Cunliffe was twenty-one years old.]

London, 14 Sepf, 1706. Honod Sir,

This comes to wish you joy, and my good friend Mr Squire, of the good news of raising the siege of Turin by Prince Eugene, of which there is an express to the Government, said to come from my Lord Duke of Marlborough ; and likewise of the surrender of Dendermood, the 5th ins* new style, and sundry other particulars, which I hope to send you inclos'd in Jones's paper, which we expect, if it come out in time. However, would not omit giving you this hint, to satisfy you that you have won your premium on Turin. I thank you for your kind remembrance in recommending Mr Cunliffe to my house, and him for his good company, to whom

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please to give my service, and am sorry did not see him at his going away to have taken my leave of him, which with my most humble service to your good self and all friends, conclude in haste.

I am, &c.,

HEN. WATTS.

Just going to the Goose with Mr Caill* to drink my Lord Marlh, the Duke of Savoy, and Prince Eugene's health, where shall not forget your own.

Whether you like any of Mr Caillonet's proposals to lessen your deht on Namur and Eoses, of the first of which, (being now due,) there's no abatement, so would have paid him, and only wanted an answer to know which way I should do it, viz : — whether out of the ^197 and what is more due from Mr Caill*, or whether you will take any more premiums. So please give me your order per next, and shall be duly executed. I have not more but that by the post the action in Poland is still more considerable for the ad- vantage of King Augustus. With my humble service, &c.,

HEN. WATTS.

156 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXXXIII.

HENRY WATTS TO R. NORRIS, DECEMBER 14, 1706. — Norris has i and explanations are offered — List of bets offered by Caillonet.

London, 14 Dec* 1706. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Honod Sir,

I have your's of the 1 0th ins*, and am sorry you put so ill a construction on my endeavours, because not like to succeed. If I had stayed for a post before I had taken the money, and that should a brought news of the Places being taken, I might conse- quently have been blamed on that side ; however, as the matter now stands, it looks like a loss, which I am heartily sorry for, but must say it for myself, that as I have wrote on sundry things for myself, which you may depend ont have not always proved good, so when a loss has happened I never yet reflected on my own management when I went on the best reason and judgment I was capable of, and I do assure you the day I wrote the c^lOO for you, I followed very good men, and those pretty much concerned in those affairs. I would rather sacrifice so much money as the loss is like to be than incur your displeasure, but must tell you that it has given me more uneasiness than anything has happened to me these seven years. My own losses and misfortunes I have, hitherto, (I thank God) borne with all the quiet such things were capable of, but when other Gentlemen are concerned, its beyond my reach ; only this I can say for myself, that I never got a farthing directly or indirectly, in these transactions, or anything relating thereto, but will at the same time promise myself never to write sixpence for any one but myself as long as I live.

Sir, — Please give me your order how to dispose of your money

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that I already have and am to receive. With my most humble duty and service to yourself, and due respects to Mr Squire, Hall, &c., I remaine &c.,

HEN. WATTS.

Give 30 G. to receive £100 if Cadiz be not in our possession by 31st October, 1707.

Give 30 G. to receive ^100 if Badajos be not in our possession by 31st October, 1707.

Give 30 G. to receive ^100 if Roses be not in our possession by 31st October, 1707.

Give 40 G. to receive ,£100 if Madrid be not in our possession by 31st October, 1707.

Give 35 G. to receive ^lOO if Cremona be not in our possession by 31st December, 1706.

Give 30 G. to receive £100 if Mantua be not in our possession by 30th June, 1707.

Give 30 G. to receive =£100 if Newport be not in our possession by the 31st August, 1707.

Give 35 G. to receive £100 if Ipres be not in our possession by 31st August, 1707.

Give 35 G. to receive £100 if Lisle be not in our possession by 31st August, 1707.

Give 35 G. to receive £100 if Tournay be not in our possession by 31st August, 1707.

Give 35 G. to receive ^100 if Mons be not in our possession by 31st August, 1 707.

Give 35 G. to receive .£100 if Charleroi be not in our possession by 31st August, 1707.

Give 35 G. to receive £100 if Namur be not in our possession by 31st August, 1707.

Give 30 G. to receive ^100 if a peace between England and France be not proclaimed by the 7th June, 1708.

158 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

Give 16 G. to receive ^100 if Valentia be taken from us by 31st December, 1706.

Give 14 G. to receive d^lOO if Girona be taken from us by 31st December, 1706.

Give 20 G. to receive ^100 if either Saragossa or Valentia be taken from us by 31st December, 1706.

Give 20 G. to receive £] 00 if Milan be not in our possession on 31st December, 1706.

Give ] 0 G. to receive £] 00 if the French king dies in one year.

MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I make bold once more to trouble you with the copy of my book, to inform you of the currency of things, that if you approve of anything, may help to pay what is lost ; you have mist several good premiums for want of courage. All what I send you above mentioned is currently signed at 5 guineas lower than I have fixed them above, and chiefly Madrid, which I do here in Town at 35 guineas, Lisle at 30 guineas, and peace of England and F. at 25 guineas, for which severally I offer you 5 guineas more each. I hope this will find you in good health and good humor, so remain, &c.

J. CAILLONET.

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LXXXIV.

T.

\ JOHNSON TO R. NORRIS, APRIL 5, 1707.— Cause against Lord Molymux gained — Town's improvements — Scotch affairs.

London, April ye 5th, 1707. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I have yours of the 7th Curr. from Preston, and am very glad you got the Cause against the Lord Mullineux, no doubt it is a great Mortification ; now the subject of the discourse will be how to improve this ground, and that in my poor opinion will require some consideration, and is not to be determined hastily. I think a hand- some square might be made very well, but then you should let it to people that would build good houses, and make them uniform ; and as the custom is here not to let to any that opens Shop, I do hope it may be built by Merchts, or such private families ; this would be a mighty ornament to the Town. So much for the Castle — now a word upon the Scotch affair. The bill was reported to-day, and pur- suant to the Instruction you find in the Votes, Mr Harley brought in the clause, a copy of which I send Mr Maior, by which you will find that all goods imported into Scotland before the 1st Feb? may be brought in England, and all goods imported from and before the 7th May, if brought from some Foreign part for Acco11 and risk of a Na- tural born subject of Scotland, may be brought into England ; but if not so imported, and brought into England, shall be liable to pay, with the duty it paid in Scotland, the like Duty as paid for such goods at importation in England, by which here is a great advantage given to Scotland.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

160 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXXXV.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, APRIL 8, 1707. — Lord Molyneux

Town.

London, April ye 8th, 1707. MB. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I have yours of the 4th Curr. and note its contents ; no doubt the Ld Mullineux will be in fear that some may take an advan- tage of the Verdict against him. I do not know why the Corporation should not make interest for the Lord Street, which field did certainly belong to the Castle, and I believe he has no better title for Croxteth. As you observe, he was certainly ill advised.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

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LXXXVI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JANUARY 17, 1707. — Harley proposes to Clayton to buy off the present Collector at Liverpool, and leave him to put one in — Johnson's surprise — Regrets Lord Derby does not interfere — Present Collector an enemy — Invites a letter.

London, Jany ye 17, 1707. Sir,

I have neither time or paper to write you as I ought, but was not willing to omit this opportunity. To-day Mr Harley, sitting near us, told Mr Clayton he must speak with him some of these days, so he going at back of the Chair with Mr Clayton, I ad- vised to follow him to know what it was ; when he returned, he told me it was about the Collector, who he professed should go out — the Government to give him a sum of money ; and as we went from the House he said, " that young fellow is too young." God, I do not know what to do.1 it is a hard task upon me ; I asked what it was that he said, to name a Collector ? I took little notice of it.

You see how our H. Ld minds, or my two friends — every body sits quiet at home ; this is an opportunity that my Lord has to put

1 It was indeed a high bidding for parliamentary support on the part of Harley, to offer to bribe the existing and unpopular Collector of Customs to vacate his office ; and Harley goes a step farther in the next letter, for he actually proposes one of the Liverpool merchants shall take the place. Johnson's surprise, and the expression of the belief that Lord Derby might put in the Collector, (which, as Harley had made the vacancy, was evidently not intended,) shows more simplicity than was common in that astute person.

162 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

in a friend, you are sensible Mr D ly is none, let him pretend

what he pleases.

If you can join in a letter, I will deliver it, and second it. It is near 12, and this all the paper I have left ; commit it to the flames, and make what use you think needful.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 163

LXXXVII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JANUARY 24, 1707. — Collector's place —

Harley^s offer repeated — Johnson's surprise — Complains

of Clayton.

London, Jany ye 24th, 1707. Sir,

I have yours of the 20th Curr.1 with the inclosed to the Lord Derby, who is not yet come to town. I note your opinion as to a New Collector; I think you are mightily mistaken in Mr

D ly, he has no good nature or temper in him. I do not speak

upon what happened to myself at that time, but several others — do not depend upon him for any friendship. I saw that at Xinas neither he nor the other came to your house, and yet they both went to W. Clayton. The Lord Derby is not active — it is not only a benefit to the Corporation, but to the Country, to have the Collector his friend;2 I told Sr Alexander Rigby so last year, and he was sensible of it. I could not to-day speak with Mr Stanley, but intend on Monday. W. C. says Mr Harley would have one of us to take it ; Gr — how can that be ? — we are merchants. He tells him now he has found out a way to make us easy. The young man I mention is one Har- ley, come from the Isle of Man. Sir, I am satisfied they look upon all that were friends of Mr Scarborough to be Rogues, and it really makes me unwilling to speak and appear in any thing, and we are so

1 We may here gather the time it then took to communicate between Liverpool and London. Johnson wrote on the 17th January for an answer, which was written at Liverpool on the 20th, and replied to on the 24th.

2 As Lord Derby was identified with the Corporation, the necessity for having the Collector his friend is very apparent.

164 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

represented by this Man and others about the Scotch affair, and that as I mentioned before, that if I should ask the fairest thing in the world it would not be granted. Fie never trouble myself. God willing, I'le come home and not trouble myself with any Public busi- ness whatsomever. I believe W. C. is for Mr D ly, though he

keeps it to himself.

As to Mr Bretargh, do what you will ; I do not desire he should

g°-

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 165

LXXXVIII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JAN. 27, 1707. — Liverpool affairs.

London, Jany ye 27th, 1707. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Hond Sir,

I am glad you got those concerned to confirm the Ley for the Church. On Sunday night, in good time, I saw Mr. Serowld ; he would gladly save us about the Docks ; he is a very ingenious man ; he is of opinion it may be very well done, and the stones in the Castle will save a great deal of money. He will tell you the charge within three or four hundred, which is as near as can be computed.

Here is a bill come down from the Lords to repeal the Coal Act, but hopes it will not pass the House of Commons.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

166 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

LXXXIX.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, JAN. 31, 1707. — Collector's place — Clayton's conduct — Lord Derby takes no pains.

London, Jany ye 31st, 1707. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

I have yours of the 27 Curr* for answer. The Lord Derby is not yet come to town, which falls out very ill. As to Mr Digby, no doubt his Interest must stand fairest with the Commrs, being in their Service ; but I know so much of that Gentn that he would be more arbitrary than the old K. I note what you say as to Mr Moorcroft ; I should be very glad that such a thing could be done, but I am afraid it will be an objection against him, yet he never has been employed in the Customs, and to step at once to a Collector's place, I fear is not usual. I intend to see if I can meet Mr Hutch- inson, and discourse him. I have already spoken to Mr Stanley, who makes the same objection I do ; he will write the Lord Derby about it. I do not find that Mr. Stanley had any letter from Aldm Moorcroft. W. 0. I observed to day when I was talking with Mr Stanley ; he was reading a paper, and smiled ; I am sure there was nothing in the paper that occasioned it. I fancy something of the Collector; no doubt he has consulted his friend R. H. [Houghton], and if any alteration is, he will promote some that may befriend. It were no difficult move for the Ld Derby to get his friend in, if his Lordship pleases ; but alas ! he is not active as some men are.

I am, &c.

THOS. JOHNSON.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 167

xc.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, 12 FEBRUARY, 1707. — Tories going out and Whigs taking Office.

London, Feby ye 12th, 1707. Sir,

I have yours of the 18th Curr*, and hope you have been abroad. T am glad you are well returned.

The bill for appointing Cruisers is ordered to be Ingrossed ; I wish it may pass the Lds, it is a very good bill and I hope will do service. Mr Clayton will write you and friends, in answer to your letter rela- ting to Cruisers and Convoys, to which refer you ; we lodge some distance from one another that I do not know if I shall write just yet.

We have great alterations made and expected to be made. The Secretary, Harley, is out, and Mr Boyle in ; the Attorney Gen1 out, and the Solicitor said to be [Attorney General] ; Mr Robert Eyres made Solicitor ; in short all the whole Gang goes out, and the staunch Whigs come in, for you know these were often against the Court in K. Wm's time. The grand fault is that they did not prevent the House of Commons coming to the resolution they did relating to Spain. Various are the reports, but it is true the great Men insisted upon Mr Harly's being turned out, and, as I am told, would not come to Court till it was done. The Annuities past the Lords to-day.

I am, &c.,

THOS. JOHNSON.

168 THE NOBRIS PAPERS.

XCI.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, FEBRUARY 1 8, 1 707. — Clayton receives favours from the Whigs.

London, Feby ye 18**, 1707. Sir,

Pray how go you on with the Elizth and Laurell ? The Ellen was taken the 6th January off Torbay, and carried to Malo, in which I have a very great loss — I am not able to make you sensible of it.

I shall be many ways disappointed in my business by this unhappy accident. I hope you will let the Mercy go, and she will not take i of the provisions I have.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

Smith is made Tide Waiter. There was one Key put in, who was recommended by the Ld Warrington ; but Mr C. ^plyed the matter so,

and obliged Mr Lowndes so yesterday with being for the an ties,

that the Ld Treasurer sent for him, and told him it being the first favour he asked, he granted it. You see what those will take pains can do. I have not been wanting to put in writing to the Ld D. what might be done, and showed him several opportunities, but to no pur- pose. Pray burn this.1

1 This postcript exhibits Clayton, the very moment his old friends are turned out, selling himself to their adversaries ; and Johnson and the Whigs lose the appoint- ment because Lord Derby will not interfere.

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 169

XCII.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, FEBRUARY 19, 1707. — Public Affairs — Treating in Liverpool.

London, Feby ye 19th, 1707. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

Inclosed are the Votes, in which is the answer the Queen has ordered to be laid before the House relating to Spain, the same having not been under the consideration of the house. I shall not pretend to give my thoughts of it. The Lds are very brisk upon the Admiralty, and have addressed the Queen (but it is not out to-day) upon it again, the Queen present ; the Lord Wharton said he knew so much of that matter he was ashamed to speak it. The Ld Trea- surer made answer, the Noble Lord had said so much he might be ashamed of it in the business of Ker. There was 15 North British Lords and 15 South divided for him.

I hear you give free drink at Liverpool ; pray whose so free ? I cannot learn that yet — I fancy there is some has a mind to be doing, and gives out these things. I believe trade is dull, and no doubt we have a great many would be glad to promote Trade. Surely the half Crown I desired Aldn Cockshut to drink at Widow Parks1 is not reckoned in — it is well if that was not the thing. Did the parson pay nothing ? I heard he was there. It is pretty well known what I intended it for — the advantage of the poor woman. People are sad jealous in these days ; it is strange we are neither well full nor fasting.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

170 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

xcm.

THE SAME TO THE SAME, MARCH 10, 1707. — Johnson knighted.

London, March the 10th, 1707. MR. RICHARD NORRIS. Sir,

This day about half an hour past 12 or near 1, I went to the House of Lords to know when the Ld Derby would please to pre- sent the Corporation address, upon which my Lord told me when the Queen came to the house, in the Princess Chamber, and desired I would stay, upon which, Mr Poole with me, I did stay the Queen's coming, and after the Queen returned from the House, the Ld Derby carrying the sword, he presented the address ; and I being there, the Lord Derby against my knowledge spoke to the Queen to confer the Honor of Knighthood. God knows I kneeled to kiss the Queen's hand, and to my great surprize the other followed. I am under great concern about it, knowing I no way desired that I had, and must undergo a great many censures ; but the Lord forgive them as I do. I had not mentioned this thing, but I knew it will be said this ad- dress was presented without giving notice to Mr Clayton ; he was this morning at my lodging, and said he was going to Wapping — I told him I was to go to the Custom House, after to the House, and intended to wait on the Lord Derby to know when his Lordship would present the address, and promised to give him notice, not thinking but there would be time to do so.; but I leave you to judge if it was possible in less than an hour I could do this. I went with him to the Lord Derby's to signe it, and the Lord Derby did promise to let us know, but if I had not called, I had no more notice than he. This would have been the last thing I should have thought on, but I know you'll have it by others, tho' of no information of

THE NORBIS PAPERS.

myne, and I am sure the surprize has put me more out of order than I have been since I came to London. This, I am satisfied, was an effect of my Lord's kindness, but I could not forbear telling my Lord I could not thank him, I cannot trouble you with more at present.

I am, &c. THOS. JOHNSON.

172 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XCIV.

J. GTREEN TO E. NORRIS, JULY 15, 1707. — Cause between Lord A nglesea and Lord Derby.

[THE following letter relates to the disputes between the eldest daughter of the ninth Earl of Derby, who in 1706 had married the Earl of Anglesea, and her uncle, the tenth Earl. Lathoni House was probably one of the sub- jects of difference, for the second husband of this lady, Lord Ashburnham, alienated that ancient residence of his wife's ancestors.]

ALDERMAN NORRIS. Sir,

Yours of the 11 ins* I have, and am glad you are got safe home. I am just now come back from Windsor, where the matter between my Lord Anglesey and my Lord Derby was yesterday heard, and after the matter was debated in Counsel!, (the Queen present,) between three and four hours, and we were all withdrawn, the Coun- cil resolved that my Lord Anglesey had not made out the allegations of his petition. My Lord Derby made a full defence by the help of several affidavits, which were allowed to be read, and I was told had a considerable majority of the Councill on his side, whereof my Lord Chancellor was one ; and that my Lord Chief Justice Holt and Mr. Attorney Generall were of opinion that his allegations were proved ; and that my Lord Chief Justice Trevor did not deliver his opinion. My Lord Anglesea said not much in the cause, but only at the latter end he complained of the hardship he was likely to sustain by having a Jury struck in the usual way, and moved that it might be referred to some indifferent person not of the County. My Lord Derby answered that the Prothonotary had no dependance on him, and was afraid of

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 173

the privileges and custom of the County Palatine, in having that mat- ter done in an unusual way, to which it was answered, consent could not injure a custom. It was industriously and fully represented what great power the Queen has given my Lord Derby, and how many persons have some dependance on him, either in civil or Millitary affairs ; the rest were mostly arguments in Law, (by Counsell, and what effect they may have I know not,) as to a provision in time to come for my Lord Anglesey's Security of having a fair trial. The above is what I shall not write to any one else, and only write it to you for your private satisfaction, for perhaps some things should not be said, and in anything I would not have my name heard in this matter. I have got four pounds from Mr Watts, for which I am accountable to you. I thank you for your intelligence about Mr S. I have written to my Mother to call upon you, and if you think good of it, to speak to Captain Clayton or any other of her acquaint- ances as from herself. Tho1 I design to begin my journey in 2 or 3 days, but must first attend a matter which I hope will be over to- morrow morning.

I am, &c.

ISAAC GREEN. Black Swan Inn, 15 July, 1707.

174

THE NORR1S PAPERS.

xcv.

ORDER OF SESSIONS FOR REPAIR OF ROADS IN THE HUNDRED OF WEST

DERBY, 1688.

[THE roads in Lancashire must, after being subjected to the processes here recommended, have been of extreme badness. The levelling and repairing a road with the scourings of ditches is almost incredible. Then the sacri- fice of all classes to the horseman and pack horse carrier is apparent. Where there was a nagged trottoir, it was to be taken up and changed for a paved one. Pack horses continued almost the sole means of conveyance to a late period ; and the son of one of the principal merchants in Liverpool, about 1765, made his journeys to and from Philip Holland's celebrated school at Bolton, in the care of a carrier and on a pack horse.

We gather from these letters that in wet weather those who travelled by coach were absolutely prevented going a journey. There is also another peculiarity in the travelling of that day, of which we have confirmatory evi- dence from other districts. The heavy and well laden coach was passed along the farm and occupation roads to its destination, and there is a letter from Mrs. Norris complaining of a small payment which a neighbour de- manded from her for allowing her carriage to pass through his grounds.]

At a General Quarter Sessions tent: per adjorn. apud OrmsJcirke in the P. Com: Lane: decimo sexto die Julii, et majestatis Domini Jacobi secdi Angli fyc. quarto.

This Court upon consideracon of the great decay of the King's high wayes, and the long neglects of the sufficient repaires thereof in this County, resolvinge to make a thorowe reformacon thereof in each Towne and Vill, Doth hereby order that all and every the King's Highwayes in each parish, Towne, and place, within the hundred of

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 175

Darby, shall forthwith be put in perfect and good repaire, that they may be made soe wide, soe smoothed from little Rocks, little hills, hollows, and sloods, and all unevenesse, free from all boggie, sinking, soft, deep, and founderouse places, ridd of all sorts of Rubbish, and so sufficiently passable throughout, that all Coaches, Carts, and Car- riages may safely in all places, going by the calsey, meet and passe each other, that all ditches which convey the water crosse the high- way be soughed with wall stone, and well covered throughout, from one side of the lane to the other, that the ditches running on each side of the lane be well secured, and the earth or sand cast thereout not left in heaps, but either spread to levell the way in lowe places or removed out of the way. That hedges on each side of lanes be cutt, and the trees lopped that in anywise annoy the highway, and the loppings removed out of the lanes. That all Trees, underwoods, groves, bushes, brooms, brambles, gorses, and the like, be well ridd up, and totally removed out of the said Lanes. And that all the holes occasioned by ridding the same, as also all pitts, slacks, and hollowes, little hills, and heaps of earth and rubbish, bee levelled and made even, and where the said wayes are cumbred with loose stones or orther rubbish, or knotty uneven calseys, that such calsey be pulled up, and new paved, and the unnecessary stones and rub- bish removed, and that all calseys be made of the full breadth of one yard and a quarter, of round stones, and not of flaggs, and that all places where calseys are of flaggs, that if Round stones may be had with a reasonable charge, that the flagged calseys be pulFd up, and new calseys with Round stones made in the place, or such other place of the lane as may be more convenient, of the full breadth aforesaid, or a well gravelFd way in lieu thereof, and that there be noe channell paved for the water to be drained crossed the calsey, except such draines be well soughed, covered, and paved over, and that it be so covered the full breadth of the calsey as may make it safe by day and night for horsemen to ride over. And all and every the overseers of the highways within the said hundred are hereby re- quired to see this order duly and fully executed. And this Court being of opinion that no Gentleman will take it amisse to be intreated

176 THE NORBIS PAPERS.

to promote and give his help to soe publique and soe good a worke, hath thought fit to noiate for each pish wthin this Hundred of Darby severall Gentlemen, and so desire them or any two or more of them to call before them the respective overseers of the Highways within each township within the said pishes, and with them to inspect the severall Highways, and upon their view to direct each overseer within his particular precinct what reformacon, according to the Courtis direction before herein specified, is to be had in all points, and how and in what manner the said overseer, with the aid of the instructions, shall pro- ceed. And that the said Gent8 or some of them will please to have sometimes an eye to the said workes whilst they are in doinge, and will at the next sessions after Michaelmas next certifie this Court how this worke is in all or in part performed, and which of the said overseers or Inhabitants have been remisse or faultie, and howe or what part of the wayes or worke is neglected or omitted, and why ? that the Court may at the said next sessions take such course there- upon as the case shall require, and to these ends the Court hath thought fit to noiate for the severall pshes the persons following, viz. for the parish of

Wigan. — Tho : Gerard, Esqr, Wm Standish, Esqr, Phillip Lang- ton, Esqr, Wm Bankes, Esqr, Thos Ashton, Esqr, Bertie Entwisle, Esqr, Peter Adlington, Esqr, Mr Tho: Ince, Mr Peter Worthing- ton, Mr Robert Markland, Mr Peter Catterall, Mr Wm Blayborne, Mr Lawrence Anderton.

WinwicJc. — Peter Legh, Esqr, John Rigley, Esqr, John Byrom, Esqr, Tho : Bretherton, Esqr, Mr John Lauder, Mr John Blayn- borne, Mr John Widdowes, Mr George Sorrocold, Mr Hamlet Woods, Mr Legh Bowden.

Prescott. — Peter Poole, Esqr, Jonn Byrom, Esqr, Edw: Ogle Esqr, Step : Alcocke, Esqr, and John Wright, Mr Peter Marsh, Mr Edmund Taylor, Mr Jon Case.

Walton. — The Honble W. Mullineux, Edw: Ogle, Esqr, Oliver Lane, Esqr, Silv: Richmond, Esqr, Mr Robert Breers, Mr Tho: Fletcher.

OrmsMrk—S\Y Tho: Stanley, Bart., Jno: Entwisle, Esqr, Tho:

THE NORRIS PAPERS. 177

Dod, Esqr, Stepn Alcock, Esqr, Jn° Ashton, Esqr, Mr Sam1 An- drews, Mr John Shaw, Mr James Holland.

Warrington. — Peter Bold, Esqr, John Ashton, Esqr, Eobert Lord Burleigh, Mr Eichd Haworth, Mr John Chadwicke.

Legh. — Wm Hilton, Esqr, John Eisley, Esqr, Eich: Stanley, Esqr, Tho: Mort, Esqr, Eoger Kenyon, Esqr, Mr Alexr Eatcliffe, Mr Eizley Brown, Mr John Sorrocold.

Childwall. — Thomas Norres, Esqr, John Harrington, Esqr, Mr Tho : Cooke, Mr Wm Waynwright.

Huyton. — John Harrington, Esqr, Mr Eobert Eoper, Mr Martin Willis, Mr Henry Lathome, Mr John Wright.

Halsall. — Mr Charles Anderton, Eobert Mollineux, Esqr, Mr Tho: Boothe, Mr John Tatlowe, Mr Wm Male, Mr Peter Marsh, Mr Eobert Cooke, Mr Tho: Lidiate.

Sephton. — The Honble Wm Mollineux, Hen: Blundell, Esqr, Wm Blundell the younger, Esqr, Mr Wm Byrom, Mr Tho: Bootle, Mr Eobert Breers, Mr John Johnson.

Aughton. — Edward Stanley, Esqr, Mr Alexr Hesketh, Mr. Eoger Bostocke, Mr Wm Jameson, Mr Tho : Lidiate, Mr. John Bamber, Mr. Eoger Pye.

North Meols. — Barnaby Hesketh, Esqr, James Gorsuch, Esqr, Mr Eich: Formby, Mr Nich. Fazakerly.

AltJcer (Altcar). — Mr Nich: Fazakerley, Mr Tho: Tickle, Mr Tho: Boothe, Mr Wm Byton.

And lastly, it is ordered, that the High Constables of the Hun- dred of Darby shall forthwith send copies of this order at large to be sent to some of the Gentlemen herein named of each pish within the said Hundred, to be communicated to the rest within his pish respectively.

KENYON.

A A

178

THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XCVI.

WILLIAM SACHEVERELL TO RICHARD NORRIS, JULY 4, 1692. — Affairs of the Isle of Man.

[William Sacheverell printed a little book about the Isle of Man in 1702 which is still valued. By the second of these letters his connexion with the Island seems to have terminated in 1694. There are many subsequent let- ters from him, but none worthy of publication. David Poole, in whose office Eichard Norris was now learning to be a merchant, was long a principal in- habitant of the town, and is stated in Scarborough's list of his securities to have been worth £400 per annum.]

MR. RICHARD NORRYS,

At Mr Poolers, Liverpool.

I think myself extremely obliged to you for your kind letter, and especially that you are not forgetfull of me in my absence, and assure you could I thinke myself any way servicable to you in this place, I should gladly receve the least of your commands. As to your question, what success I have had \ I can at present answer, very little ; the necessary business of keeping Courts, and acquainting my- self with the nature of the Government, has hitherto so imployed my time, I have scarce had leisure to think of any improvement. On Midsummer-day I held the Tynwald Court, which is our Parlia- ment, where I passed two acts, one for setting up a linen manufacture, another for regulating moneys ; which last will be thus far advanta- geous to Straingers, that it will be worth six per cent, to any man who buys the commodities of the Country to pay for them in new money. I would now begin some proposals for foreign trade, but was first in hopes to have received Mr. Pooled thoughts upon it, of

THE NOBRIS PAPERS. 179

which I desire you to put him in mind. I please myself in your pro- mise of seeing you heare, and in the mean time assure you, according to the best of my capacity, that you shall always find me, &c.

WILL. SACHEVERELL. Castle Rushen, Julii4, 1692.

I have ordered Billy to bring you some Lobsters, and a dozen bottles of Manks ale. My service to all my acquaintance, especially Jos: Wilkins.

180 THE NORRIS PAPERS.

XCVII.

WILLIAM SACHEVERELL TO RICHARD NORRIS, AUGUST 15, 1694. — Is dismissed from Governorship of the Isle of Man.

MR. RICHARD NORRYS,

Liverpool.

Dear Mr Norrys,

I am extremely obliged to you for your great care and trouble in assisting my wife in her passage hither, which, as it was a great comfort to me, so I doubt will be very short, for I hear I am out of my imployment after all my care and diligence. All I can say is, I have served an unthankfull man, and I doubt it will turn very much to my prejudis ; but God's will be done. I cannot yet leave the Island myself, but would have her goe for England, but she re- solves to stay a winter with me. I desire my service to your brother when you see him. Pray remember me to Mr Cooke and Mr Holt, and believe me, &c.

WM. SACHEVERELL. Castle Eushen,

15 Aug*, 1694.

INDEX.

Accres, Thomas, 2. Accres, Mrs. Richard, 2. Acton, viii. Adlington, Peter, 176. Admiralty, The, 169. Africa, 45. Aghton, 1. Aghton, Huan, 3. Aikin's Manchester, 29. Alcock, Stephen, 177. Alcocke, Stephen, 176. Allenson, Mr., 133. Allerton, co. Lancaster, 17, 29. Almond, Elizabeth, 17. Almond, James, 17. Altcar, parish of, 177. Ambrose, Peter, 14, 15. Ambrose, Mr., 135. Amery, Mr., 97. Anderton, Charles, 177. Anderton, Jo., 22. Anderton, Lawrence, 176. Andrews, Samuel, 177. Anglesea, Lord, 172. Anjou, Duke of, 48, 49. Anne, Queen, 78, 79, 98, 102, 106, 123, 169, 172.

proclaimed at Edinburgh, 83.

confers knighthood upon Johnson, 170. Annuities Bill, 167. Antigua, 98.

Archceologica Scotica, 7. Arundel, co. Sussex, x. 88. Ashburnham, Lord, 172. Ashton, John, 177. Ashton, Thomas, 176 Ashurst, Mr., 36. Aston, xv., 135 Aston, Robert, 98. Aston, Sir Willoughby, xi., 98. Atherton, family, 73. Atherton, Peter, 22, 23, 27. Atherton, Sir Richard, 73. Atherton, Rev. William, 146, 151. Atherton, Mr., of Atherton, 139. Atherton, Mr., of Beausie, 73. Aughton, parish of, 177. Aurengzebe, xvii.

Badajos, 157.

Baines's Lancashire, 7.

Bamber, John, 177.

Bankes, William, 176.

Banks's Extinct Baronage, 32, 69.

Barkstead , 9.

Barnett, Mr., 144.

Barrow, R., 96, 144.

Beatson, 47.

Beauclerc, Lord Sidney, xv.

Beauclerc, Topham, xvi.

Beaumarais, 19.

Bedwin, xvi.

Belfast, 100.

Bell, widow, 22.

Bellusbe, Harry, 5.

Benn, James, 21.

Benn, Mr., 95.

Bently, 96.

Berkshire, Garway's property in, vi., ix.

Bernier's Account of the court of Aur- engzebe, xvii.

Berry , 153.

Bets, list of, 157.

Bexwyc, Richard, 3.

Bickersteth, or Bicksteth, Thomas, 79, 83, 98, 144.

Birch, Colonel John, 19.

Birch, Colonel Thomas, 19, 20, 60.

Birkenhead, 97.

Bishop's Castle, 19.

Blackmore, Alderman, 20.

Blayborne, William, 176.

Blaynborne, John, 176.

Blundell, Henry, 177.

Blundell, William, the younger, 177.

Blundell, Mr., 58, 64.

Blundell, clerk to Greene, 153.

Bold ,73,124.

Bold, Peter, 177.

Bolingbroke, 51.

Bolton, co. Lancaster, 38, 60.

Bolton, Philip Holland's school at, 174.

Bolton, James, of Speke, 17.

Boothe, Thomas, 177.

Bootle, Thomas, 177.

Bostocke, Roger, 177.

Botyll, co. Lancaster, 2.

182

INDEX.

Boules, Sir John, 55. Bouls, William, 132. Bowden, Legh, 176.

Bo wen , 134.

Bowling Green, Liverpool, 128. Boyle, Mr., 123, 167. Braddon, Mr., 27, 30.

Bradshaw , 14.

Bramber, 51.

Braynes's expedition to Jamaica, 19.

Brazennose College, Oxford, xviii.

Breers, Robert, 176, 177.

Brentford, battle of, ix.

Brerewood, Francis, treasurer of Christ's

Hospital, London, 88. Bretherton, Thomas, 176. Brettargh, Mr., of Aigburth, 111, 164. Bridgman, Mr., 60. Briggs, Joseph, 95, 96, 97, 99. Bristol, 38. Brixtar, Mr., 59. Bromley, Mr., 120. Brookes, John, 17. Brotherton, Mr., 39, 47, 73. Broughton, co. Lancaster, xiv. Broughton, John, 14.

Brown , 9.

Brown, Rizley, 177. Bruce's Annals, xvii., xix. Brussels, 12. Brydges, Sir John, vi. Buckingham, xi. Buckingham, Mr., 71, 72.

Bunbury , 75.

Burke, 68.

Burleigh, Robert, Lord, 177. Burnet, Bishop, xi., 101. Burnet's History, x., xi. Burnett, Ralph, 10. Burton, co. Lancaster, xiii. Burton's Diary, 20. Bury, co. Lancaster, 38. Bury, Thomas, 5. Byrom, John, 176. Bvrom, Jonathan, 176. Byrom, William, 177. Byton, William, 177.

Cadiz, 157.

Caillonet, Mr., 155.

Cairne, Messrs., London, 134, 142.

Calseys, directions for making, 175.

Cape de Verd Islands, 45.

Capel, Lord, 32.

Carrickfergus, 19.

Cartwright's Diary > 20, 128, 135.

Caryl, Viscount Molyneux, 20, 61, v.

Molyneux, Lord. Case, Jonathan, 139, 176. Case, Mr., of Red Hazle, 78, 111. Castle-street, Liverpool, 80. Catterall, Peter, 176. Cecill, Mr., 53. Chadwicke, John, 177. Charleroi, 157.

Charles I., viii., 9, 13, 19, 20, 25. Charles II., 25. Charnok, William, 4. Cheesemongers of London, 30, 46, 50. Chelsea, 34. Cheshire, Mr., 58. Chester, xviii., 19,38. Chester Election, 75. Chester Fair, 128, 144. Chester, Bishop of, 60. Chetham Society, iii., 19. Chichester, x., 85.

Childwall, v., xv., xxi., 1, 3, 4, 8, 135, 177. Childwall Church, 28. Childwall, parishioners of, 135. Childwall, horse race at, 141. Christ's Hospital, London, xviii., 46, 85,

88, 135.

Civil Wars, 13, 18, 19, 29. Clarendon, ix., xi. Clayton, William, M.P. for Liverpool,

iv., 48, 49, 51, 55, 78, 79, 83, 102, 104,

110, 112, 116, 119, 121, 123, 126, 136,

142, 147, 149, 161,163,166,167, 168,

170.

change in his opinions, 73. opposes Johnson, respecting tobacco

trade, 81, 89, 92. Clayton, Mrs., his wife, 57, 93. Clayton, Captain, 173. Clayton, Dr., 51. Clayton, Mr., 100, 114, 133, 144. Cleiveland, William, xx. Cleveland, John, 48, 77, 90, 95, 97, 100.

112, 129, 131, 132, 133, 144, 146. Climping, co. Sussex, x., 88. Clitherow, Margaret, vii. Cockshutt, Jo., 96, 97, 99, 100, 132,

169.

Coke, viii., ix. Colchester, Richard, Lord, 18,21,23, 28,

69, 71.

Colchester, Thomas, Lord, 21. Colchester, Lady Charlotte, his wife, 21. Collector of Customs, intrigue respecting

office of, 161, 163, 166. Collins, 24.

INDEX.

183

Colquitt, Mr., 102.

Conder ,59.

Congleton, 38.

Cooke, Sir T. P., 27.

Cooke, Robert, 177.

Cooke, Thomas, 28, 29, 177.

Cooke, Mr., 180.

Corbet, Thomas, 3.

Corn Market, Liverpool, 79, 80.

Corporation of Liverpool, iii., 20, 25, 30, 49, 69, 77, 89, 92, 94, 104, 109, 110, 112, 116, 119, 121, 123, 129, 132, 133, 143, 170. Election of, 131.

Cowkett, widow, 22.

Coxe, 101.

Cozen's List, 137.

Cranburn, 31, 73.

Cranfield, Lord, 18.

Cremona, 157.

Cromwell, Oliver, 9, 19.

Cromwell, Richard, 20.

Cross, 1.

Cross, Mr., 58.

Crosse, Richard, 3.

Croston, Alix., 22.

Croxteth, 20, 25, 160.

Cruisers, bill for appointing, 167-

Culiford, 105.

Cunliffe, Foster, iv., 154.

Custom House, Liverpool, 99, 128.

Custom House, London, 170.

Dallaway's Sussex, vi., 85. Danvers, Mr., 116. Dean, Thomas, 96, 133. Deans, Sir William, 114. De Foe, Daniel, iii., 144, 145. Dendermood, surrender of, 154. Denton, William, 36. Derby cum Thyngwall, 2. Derby, Earls of, 1, 18, 20, 60, 67. Derby, Thomas, 2nd Earl of, 2, 3, 4, 5. Derby, Charles, 8th Earl of, 21. Derby, William, 9th Earl of, 24, 58, 60,

Derby,' James, 10th Earl of, 104, 108, 111, 112, 116, 119, 121, 123, 126, 143, 161, 163, 166, 168, 170, 172.

Derbyshire, 38.

Dermot, 59.

Diconson, William, 17.

Digby, Mr., 166.

Diggles, Charles, 133.

Dod, Thomas, 177.

Dodgson, Fran : 22.

Doncaster, 37.

Done, Mr., 26, 32, 98, 144.

Dorset, Duke of, xvi.

Dover, Lord, xv.

Drury, Mr., 11.

Dublin, 51.

Dubois, John, 20.

Dunken, Sir Francis, Knight, 10.

Dunkirk, 54.

Earle, Mr., 131, 132, 133, 134, 143, 144,

145.

East India Company, xvi., xvii., 27. East Retford Election, 82. Eaton, Jo., 96, 133. Edge Hill, battle of, ix. Edinburgh, 7, 83. Egerton Papers, vi. Election Papers, 29. Elizabeth, Queen, 9. Entwisle, Bertie, 176. Entwisle, John, 176. Entwisle, Mr., 57. Esthed, John, 4. Eugene, Prince, 154. Exeter, 24. Eyes, Anne, 17. Eyres, Robert, 167. Eyves, Thomas, 2.

Fazakerly, Nicholas, 2. Fazakerley, Nicholas, 177. Fazakerley, Mr., 134. Fells, Jo., 96, 145. Fenwick, xii., 32. Fenwick, family, 21. Finch, 101, 106. Fish Wears in Mersey, 37—39. Flanders, 10, 28, 30, 32. Fleetwood, Mr., 96. Fletcher, John, 2. Fletcher, Thomas, 176. Flodden, battle of, 7. Floyd, Mr., 36. Ford, co. Sussex, x., 86, 88. Formby, Richard, 177. Formeby, co. Lancaster, 2. Formeby, William, 3.

Fowke , 9.

Fox Hall, account of, 137. France, 33, 157. Francis, John, 134.

Galway, Viscount, 32.

Gardiner, viii.

Garroway, v. Garway, family.

184

INDEX.

Garston, co. Lancaster, xv., xx., 3, 16.

Garston Leet Jury, 16.

Garway, family, vi. — xi., 135.

Garway, Sir Henry, v., ix.

Garway, Margaret, his wife, vii., x., 88.

Garway, Margaret, his daughter, vii.

Garway, John, vi.

Garway, John, vii., xviii.

Garway, Katherine, v.

Garway, Thomas, vii., xi., xviii.

Garway, Watkin, vi.

Garway, Agnes, his wife, vi.

Garway, William, vi.

Garway, William, vii., xi., xviii.

Gascoyne, Bamber, 29.

Geneva, vii.

Geoffreys, Robert, 10, 11.

Gerard, Charles, Lord, of Brandon, 24.

Gerard, Thomas, 176.

Germaine, Lady Betty, xvi.

Gibbons, J., 143, 144.

Gibraltar, Straits of, 124.

Gibs, Rebecca, 10.

Gill, William, of Speke, 17.

Girona, 158.

Glyd, Jeffrey, x.

Goddericke, Sir Henry, 80.

Golden, Lawrence, 17.

Goodall, John, 17.

Goodman, 32.

Gorsuch, James, 177.

Gower, Sir John Leveson, 51, 73, 78, 104,

111, 112, 116, 119, 121, 126. Gray's Inn, London, 12. Greene, Isaac, 29, 50, 142, 148. Gregson, 29, 51, 97. Greves, Thomas, 2. Groole, Burgomasters of, 12. Grosvenor, Sir Thomas, 128. Gruffyth, David, 4. Gurney, viii.

Haddon, P., 60.

Hale, co. Lancaster, 17, 28.

Hale, of King's Walden, vii.

Halewood-cum-Halebouke, 4.

Hall, John, of Stockport, 37.

Hall, Peter, 99, 151.

Hallam's Constitutional History, xiii.,9.

Halsall, parish of, 177.

Halsall, widow, 22.

Hamilton, Duke, 83, 104.

Hamilton's New Account, xvii.

Hanover, 69.

Hardman, family, 29.

Hardman , M.P., 97.

Hardwick Papers, viii. Harebroune, Thomas, 2, 3, 4. Harebroune, William, 3. Harley, Edward, M.P., 91, 159, 161, 163. Harley, Robert, Speaker of the House of

Commons, 21, 51, 55, 73, 76, 91, 97.

101, 106, 167. Harrington, John, 177. Harrington, Mr., 64, 65, 141. Harris, Captain, 96, 126. Harrogate, xiv. Hartley, John, 150. Haryngton, Hamo, 5. Haslam, widow, 22. Hatton Garden, 34. Haworth, Richard, 177. Haydok, John, 3. Hedges, Sir C., Secretary of State, 62,

64,65,80. Herefordshire, 20. Hertfordshire, vi. Hesketh, Barnaby, 177. Hesketh, Alexander, of Aughton, 141,

Hewston, Mr, 89, 90.

He/sham , 73.

Heywood's Four Apprentices, 9.

High Cross, Liverpool, 79.

Highways, Overseers of, 176.

Hilton, William, 177.

Hodgson, James, 21.

Holcroft, sale of, 137, 139.

Holcroft, Mr., 60.

Holford, George, 2.

Holland, 32, 41, 68, 69.

Holland, James, 177.

Holland, Philip, 174.

Holt, Lord Chief Jus'tice, 172.

Holt, Mr., 180.

Hooke, 101.

Hopwood, co. Lancaster, xv., xviii., xxi.

Hopwood, John, xxi.

Hopwood, Elizabeth, his wife, xv., xix.,

xxi.

Hornby, Edward, 22. Horton, Joshua, 63.

Houghton, Mr., 78, 79, 81, 89, 92, 100, 110, 111, 113, 114, 119, 144, 145, 166.

House of Commons, Venetian Ambassa- dor's visit to, 31.

election of Speaker, 55, 76.

debate on message, 101 — 107.

committees of, 124. House of Lords, 76.

conference with Commons, 108.

INDEX.

185

Howe, 73, 107, 117, 123, 138.

Hull, 37, 68.

Hulton, family, v.

Hulton, Adam, v.

Hurst, William, xiv., 99, 131, 132, 134.

Hunts, Colonel, 19.

Hutchinson, Mr., 166.

Huyton, co. Lancaster, 1, 141, 177.

Hyton, co. Lancaster, 4, 5.

Ince, Thomas, 176.

Ipres, 157.

Ireland, 13, 19, 32, 68, 80.

Ireland, Sir Gilbert, 20.

Irland, John, of Lydeat, 3, 4.

Irwell, river, 37, 47.

Jacobites, The, 51, 73.

Jamaica, 19, 24.

James I., vi., 6, 9.

James II., 20, 24, 25, 35, 73.

James IV., of Scotland, 7.

Jameson, William, 177.

Jermyn, Henry, 18.

Jesuits, The, 43.

Joanes, Mr., 36.

Johnson's Lives of the Poets, 21.

Johnson, John, 177.

Johnson, Sir Thomas, iv., 19, 46, 50, 57, 60, 64, 71, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 91, 97, 99, 100, 101, 118, 125, 136, 142, 143, 145, 151, 161, 168. knighted by the Queen, 169.

Johnson, William, 48.

Jones, 96.

Kaye's Guide Book of Liverpool, 25.

Kenyon, Lord, 177.

Kenyon, Roger, 177.

Ker, 169.

Key, 168.

Key ke wye, John, 2.

Kidd, 68.

Kidd, Captain, the pirate, 41 .

King's Walden, vii.

Kirby, Roger, of Kirby, 117.

Kirby, execution of, 117, 122.

Kirkdale, 2.

Knaresborough, 125.

Knolle, Thomas, 4.

Knowles, William, 22.

Knowseley, 5.

Labourne, 20. Lady, Jo., 97. Lambeth, viii.

Lancashire, v., 29, 47, 53, 61, 62, 73, 174. Land Bank, failure of, 35. Lane, Oliver, 176. Langton, Phillip, 176. Lathom House, 172.

Lathom Spa, 125. Lathom, John, 14, 15.

Lathome, Henry, 177.

Lathome, Thomas, 5.

Lathum, Robert, of Allerton, 4.

Lathum, William, 4.

Lauder, John, 176.

Lawson, Jo., 22.

Lawton, Daniel, 46, 50, 58.

Leadbetter, Henry, 21.

Lee, Henry, 5.

Leeds, xiv.

Legay, Samuel, 28, 29.

Legh, parish of, 177.

Legh, Peter, 176.

Leigh, Thomas, 47, 73.

Leigh, Mr., 117.

Leominster, 91.

Levant Company, vii.

Lewes, 12.

Leys, The, vi.

Lidiate, Thomas, 177.

Lindley, William, 17.

Lingard's History of England, xi.

Lisbon, 147.

Lisle, 157, 158.

Littleton, co. Middlesex, 34, 35.

Littleton, Sir Thomas, 76.

Liturgy, English, vii.

Liverpool, iii., iv., 1, 3, 6, 30, 38, 48, 49,

50, 51, 61, 95, 99, 159, 169. Liverpool Athenaeum, 7. Liverpool Castle, 24, 61, 69, 71, 78, 93,

104, 108, 110,112,116,118,119,121,

123, 124, 126", 159. Liverpool Charters, xiii., 6, 18, 25, 26,

27, 28, 30.

Liverpool Elections, 18-23,51-57,59,73. Lloyd's Memoirs, viii., ix. London, vi., viii., 38. London Apprentices, 9. London Common Council, 9. London Exchange, 11. London Sheriffs, 20. Long Parliament, 19. Louis XIV., 49. Lowick, 31. Lowndes, Mr., 168. Lownes, Mr., 124. Lunte, Richard, 3. Lynton, William, 17.

BB

186

INDEX.

Lyon, Ellen, 22. Lyon, Mr., 57.

Macclesfield, 38.

Macclesfield, Earl of, 24. 28, 32, 6!), 70,

71, 72.

Mackintosh, xiii. Mackay, 83.

Madeira, description of, 43-45. Madrid, 157, 158. Mainwaring, 1. Male, William, 177. Malt Act, 123.

Man, Isle of, 129, 163, 178, 180. Manchester, xiv., 37, 38, 62. Manchester, Lord, 80. Manly, Mr., 99, 100, 102, 105, 110, 114,

Mantua, 157.

Manx Ale, 179.

Markets in Liverpool, 80, 81.

Markland, Jeremiah, 135.

Markland, J. H., of Bath, 135.

Markland, Ralph, Vicar of Childwall,

135, 136.

Markland, Robert, 176. Markland, Mrs., 135. Marlborough, Duke of, 21, 101, 102, 106,

121, 154.

Marlborough, Duchess of, 98, 101. Marsden, Mr., 146, 151. Marsh, Peter, 176, 177. Martindale, Adam, 13. Mary, Queen, wife of William III., 24. Masey, Mary, 46. Mason, Peter, 21. Massey, 9. Massey, Mr., 128. Massinger, 11. Masulipatam, xvii. Maudesley, 128. Maudit, Jasper, 30, 36, 46, 47,49, 50, 69,

70, 97, 99, 121, 126, 144, 151. Mauritius, xviii., xix. May, Thomas, 18. Mayne, Jasper, viii. Maynwareng, Charles, 3. Mediterranean, The, 117. Merevale, Abbas de, 2. Mersey, river, 19, 30, 37. Methley, vii.

Methuen, Lord Chancellor, 32. Middlesex, vi., 34. Milan, 158. Mill's India , xvii.

Mohun, Lord, 72.

Molineux, John, 22.

Mollenexe, widow, 22.

Mollineux, Honourable William, 177.

Mollineux, Robert, 177.

Molyneux, family, 1, 18, 20, 21, 25, 48,

118. Molyneux, Lord, 24, 58, 69, 73, 78, 112,

121, 126, 128, 141, 159, 160. Molyneux, Sir William, of Sefton, 10. Molyneux, William, 2. Molyneux, Mr., 26, 27. Monmouth, Lord, 20, 141. Mons, 157. Montagu, Lord, 47.

Moorcroft, Sylvester, xiv., 143, 144, 166. Moore, Sir John, 46, 50. Moore, Mr., 131.

More, family, 1, 6, 18, 19, 21, 48, 51. More, Sir Cleave, xvi., 50, 51, 54, 55, 56,

57, 59, 65, 68, 73, 74, 92, 153. More, Colonel John, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21. More, Colonel Richard, 19. More, Edward, 6. More, William, 2, 3. Morris, John, 69, 71, 149. Mort, Thomas, 177. Mosok, Henry, 3, 5. Moss, Mr, 117, 123. Mostyn, 19.

Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, 128. Much Woolton, 14, 17. Mullineux, Honourable W., 176. Murray, Jonathan, 75. Musgrave, Sir Ch., 80, 101, 103. Musselburgh, v. Myels, John, 3.

Namur, 155, 157.

Nash, 105, 113, 126.

Navy Bill, 147.

Naylor, Mr., 141.

Newport, 54, 157.

Newton, co. Lancaster, 47.

Nicholls, 98.

Nicholl's James I., vi.

Norres, Sir William, Knight, 3, 4.

Norres, Edward, 6, 7, 8.

Norres, Thomas, 177.

Norres, William, 2.

Norris, family, of Speke, iii., xxi., 7, 13,

51, 67.

Norris, Sir William, v., 7. Norris, Sir William, K.B., v. 10. Norris, Eleanor, his wife, 10.

INDEX.

187

Norris, Sir William, Bart., xv., xvi.-xviii.,

xix., 27, 51, 52, 53, 56, 68, 73, 74, 75,

85, 87, 88, 90, 92, 94, 95, 111, 132. made a Baronet, 40. visits Madeira, 43. petitioned against, 56, 57, 59, 65, 68. Norris, Lady, his wife, xvi., 42, 51, 53,

55,65,68,73,111, 136. Norris, Ann, xxi., 135. Norris, Edward, v., 13. Norris, Edward, M.D., xv., xviii.-xx.,

44,48,97,129,136. Norris, Elizabeth, xxi. Norris, Captain Henry, 9, 10. Norris, Rev. Henry, xv., xviii., 73, 74,

85, 86.

Norris, John, xiv,, xviii. Norris, Jonathan, xx. Norris, Katherine, xxi. Norris, Margaret, xxi. Norris, Mary, xv. Norris, Richard, xv., xx., 22, 23, 28, 30,

51, 53, 61, 91, 151, 154, 178. Norris, Thomas, v., 13, 14. Norris, Katherine, his wife, vii., xi., 34,

61, 85, 96, 136, 174.

Norris, Thomas, xi.-xv., 18, 21, 22, 23,25. Norris, Magdalen, his wife, xi ., x v.,98,1 35 . Norris, William, v., 13, 14, 20. Norris, Mr., of Manchester, iii. Norris, Mrs., xx. Norris Papers, v., 7. North, 20. North's Examen, 46. North Meols, parish of, 177. Nottingham, Lord, 80. Nouvelles Ordinaires de Londres, 19.

Ogle, Edward, 176. Ogle, Roger, 2, 5. Ogles, Mr., 134. Oldham, 63.

Onslow, Sir Richard, x., 55. Orme, William, 5. Ormerod, Dr., 19. Ormond, Duke of, 80. Ormskirk, 24, 174. Ormskirk, parish of, 176. Ostend, 54.

Pack Horses, conveyance by, o7, 174. Papillon, 20. Papists, 61, 63, 68.

proclamation against, 59. Par, Mr., 117. Parks, widow, 169.

Parliamentary History, x., 101, 120.

Parnella, xix.

Parr, H., 133.

Partridge, 147.

Pasmythe, John, 2.

Patten, Thomas, 37.

Patten, Mr., of Bank, 37, 47.

Peele, Elizabeth, 22.

Pelham, Sir Nicholas, x.

Pemberton, Mr., 48, 75, 82, 117.

Pennington, Isaac, 9.

Percival, Richard, xxi.

Percival, Katherine, his wife, xxi.

Percivall, Alderman, 29.

Perfect Dinrnall, The, 19.

Perfect Occurrences, 19.

Peterborough, Lord, 124.

Peters, Ralph, 49.

Pilkington, James, 17.

Pinkey, 7.

Plombe, William, 14.

Plompton, Robert, 17.

Plumbe, 148.

Plymouth, 117.

Poland, 155.

Pollexfen, Nicholas, M.P., xvi., 53, 55.

Poole, Joseph, 144.

Poole Lane, Liverpool, 116.

Poole, David, 178.

Poole, Peter, 176.

Poole, Mr., 170.

Porter, 32.

Porter, Sir C., 32.

Portugal, 124.

Preison, Mr., 59.

Preket, Robert, 3.

Preket, William, 3.

Prescot, 67, 98.

Prescot, parish of, 176.

Preston, co. Lancaster, xiii., 67, 159.

Preston, Henry, 3, 100.

Prior, Joseph, 95.

Proby, Alderman, 11.

Pye, Roger, 177.

Pym, ix.

Quicke, Robert, 11.

Radcliffe, Dr., 125.

Radcliffe, widow, 21.

Ralph's Other Side the Question, 101.

Ramillies, 21.

Ranelagh, Lord, xvi., 73, 107.

Raphabannock, river, Virginia, 48.

Ratcliffe, Alexander, 177.

Rawlins, Mr., 59.

188

INDEX.

Rayneford, 1.

Raynford, George, 3.

Rectorship of Liverpool, contest for, 146,

151.

Reeve, Sir Thomas, xvi. Regency Bill, 147. Reynolds, Colonel, 19. Rich, 20.

Richmond, Silv., 176. Richmond, Mr., 78, 124, 146, 151. Rideng, Peter, 2. Rigby, Sir Alexander, 163. Rigby, Edmund, 21. Rigby, William, 142. Rigley, John, 176. Risley, John, 177. Rivers, Earl, v. Colchester, Richard

Lord.

Roads in Lancashire, description of, 174. Roads, order for repair of, 174. Roberts, Lewis, vii. Rochdale, xiv., 38. Rochester, Lord, 80. Rollins, William, 22, 23. Rollins, Mr., 92. Rolls, The, 25, 26. Romney, Lord, 80. Rooke, Admiral, 31. Rookwood, 31. Roper, Robert, 177. Roscoe, 128. Roses, 155, 157. Row, Thomas, 21. Roy ton, xviii., xxi. Rush worth, 6, 19, 20. Russell, xi., 20. Rydeng, John, 2.

Sacheverell, x.

Sacheverell, William, 178.

St. Albaiis, Duke of, xv.

St. George's Church, Liverpool, 118.

St. Helena, xviii.

St. Malo, 168.

St. Peter's Church, Liverpool, iv., 76,

118, 128, 129, 132, 165. Salmon Fishing in the Mersey, 37-39. Sandiford, John, 49, 50, 59. Sandiford, Ralph, 49. Saragossa, 158.

Savage, Richard, the poet, 21, 24. Savage, Mr., 150. Saville, vii. Scarborough, Mr., 178.

funeral of, 149. Scarborough, Mrs., 143.

Scarisbrick, Robert, of Scarisbrick, 66, 105, 141.

Scotland, 83.

trade regulations for, 159.

Scott, Sir W., 9.

Scott's Fortunes of Nigel, 11.

Scottish Antiquaries, Society of, 7.

Scowles, John, 17.

Scudamore, Sir Barnaby, 149.

Seacom, Ro., 96.

Seacome, 1, 14.

Seacome, Mr., 143. | Sefton, 10.

Sephton, parish of, 177. j Serocold, Mr., 165. j Seycom, Thomas, 3.

Seymour, Sir Edward, 101, 107, 123. | Shackerley, 75. i Shaftesbury, xi., 20. | Sharpies, Thomas, 21.

Sharpies, Mr., 57, 99, 144.

Shaw, John, 177.

Sheerness, 28.

Shepheard, Samuel, 142.

Shuttleworth, xix., 62.

Singleton, Mr., 14.

Smallplace, widow, 81.

Smith, 168.

Smith, Thomas, 17.

Smollett's History of England, 117.

Somers, 74.

Somers Tracts, 74.

Sorrocold, George, 176.

Sorrocold, John, 177.

Spain, 21, 48, 167, 169. death of King of, 49.

Speke, co. Lancaster, iii., v., xii., xiii., xiv., xv., 4, 13, 16, 38, 52, 56, 85, 96, 135.

Speke Hall, 7.

Speke Leet Jury, 17.

Squire, William, xxi., 129, 135, 143, 144, 151, 154.

Squire, Ann, his wife, xxi.

Staffordshire, 38.

Stamford, Lord, 71.

Standish, William, 176.

Standisshe, Richard, 2.

Stanley, family, v. Derby, Earls of.

Stanley, Sir Thomas, Bart., 176.

Stanley, Sir Thomas, of Cross Hall, 67.

Stanley, Honourable Charles Z., 67.

Stanley, Honourable Colonel James, 83.

Stanley, Edward, 177.

Stanley, Richard, 177.

Stanley, Mr., 163, 166.

Starky, Kichard, 3.

States General of Holland, 106.

Staunton Harold, Leicestershire, 98.

Stockport, 37, 38.

Stockley, Nicholas, 5.

Story, Jo., 22.

Stowe, 11.

Strafford, viii., xiii.

Straingeways, Mr., 96'.

Strange, Lord, 18, 25.

Strickland, Sir William, 101, 107.

Stroud, Lady, 34.

Stuart, family, 61.

Stythe, Mr., 129, 151.

Subsidy Bill, 123.

Sugar House, Liverpool, 116.

Surat, xvii., 53.

Sussex, vi.

Swarbrick, Mr., 129.

Sweeting, Mr., 95.

Swift, Dean, 21, 83.

Swinnerton, vi.

Swyndeley, Hugo, 3.

Taffe, Mr., 62.

Tarleton, Dr., xx.

Tarleton, Thomas, 4.

Tatlock, William, 17.

Tatlok, William, 3.

Tatlowe, John, 177.

Taylor, Edmund, 176.

Thomasson, John, 2.

Thurlow, ix.

Tickle, Thomas, 177.

Tobacco Trade, 79, 81, 89, 93, 99, 100,

110, 112, 114, 119. Topham, Mr., xvi. Torbay, 168. Torbok, (Hyton,) 4. Torbok, William, 4. Tories, The, 51, 73, 99, 101.

vacate office, 167. Tournay, 157. Townley, 62. Townshend, Mr., 143. Toxstath, Jacob, 4. Toxteth, Jacob, 14. Transport Debt, The, 26. Travers, John, 50, 54, 94. Travers, William, 21. Treby, Chief Justice, 26. Trevor, Chief Justice, 172. Trumbull, William, 12. Tucker, J,, 61, 62, 64. Turin, siege of, 154.

Turkey, vii. Turner, Law., 21. Turner, Mr., 96. Turton, Judge, xiv. Tyldesley, 137. Tyldesley, family, 62, 137. Tyldesley, bir Thomas, 137. Tyldesley, Edward, 137, 140. Tyldesley, Richard, 5. Tyldesley, Thomas, 137, 138. Tynwald Court, Isle of Man, 178. Tyrer, Mr., 72, 78, 96, 97, 99, 111, 144.

Ushant, 31.

Utkington, near Chester, xx.

Valentia, 158.

Venables, Colonel, 19.

Venetian Ambassador, 31.

Venn, 9.

Vernon, Secretary, 80.

Villers, 33.

Virginia, iv.

Wages, letters respecting, 154-158.

Wales, 36.

Walker, Mr., 99, 100, 102, 105, 110.

Wallasey Leasowe, 141.

Wallis, John, 59.

Walmsley, Mr.. 141.

Walpole, 36.

Walpole's Letters to Mann, xvi.

Walton, parish of, iv., 1, 2, 3, 146, 176.

Wapping, 170.

Ward, Chief Baron, xiv.

Waretre, 4.

Warrant, Sir John, Knight, 3.

Warrington, xiv., 37, 145.

Warrington, parish of, 177.

Warrington, Lord, 168.

Waterford, 98.

Watt, Mr., iii.

Watts, Henry, 154, 173.

Wayn wright, William, 177.

Webster, William, 96, 144, 145.

Wentworth, 20.

Weobley, vi.

West Derby, 17, 174.

West Indies, 117, 122.

Westminster, 35, 55.

West, Thomas, made Vicar of Child wall,

135.

Whalley, Peter, 135. Whalley, Mr., 19, Wharton, Lord, 32, 169.

190

INDEX.

Whatton, Mr., 7. Whigs, The, 51, 168.

take office, 167. Whiston, co. Lancaster, 14. White Cross, Liverpool, 79. Whitehaven, 96. Whithead, Jane, 22. Widdowes, John, 176. Wigan, co. Lancaster, xiv., 60. Wigan, parish of, 176. Wigan Election, 60. Willis, Martin, 177. Wllkes, 34. Wilkins, Jos., 179. William III., 20, 24, 28, 32, 34, 35, 41,

51, 57, 61, 73, 76. Williams, Sir C. H., xv. Williams, Mr., 75. Windle, Alderman, 99.

Windsor, 172. Wingate, Mr., xix. Winkleye, Mr., 139. Winn, Sir Rowland, 55. Win wick, parish of, 176. Wofall, Thomas, 5. Wolfall, Nicholas, 2. Wolfenbuttle, Duke of, 80. Woods, Hamlet, 176. Woods, Mr., of Littleton, 34. Woolton, Little, 14. Woolton, Much, 14, 17. Worthington, Peter, 176. Wright, John, 176, 177. Wyllme, John, 3. Wynn, 60.

York, viii. Yorkshire, 38.

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