Political and other events

From Luttrell's Brief Historical Relation, a diary of news and current events (BR). These are all from vol. 2 of the 6 volume printed edition.

April 1690

French letters say that their squadron under the command of Mr D'Amfreville returned to Brest the 9th with 5,000 Irish, commanded by lieut. general Macarty; that the count D'Avaux, lieut. general Rose, with several other French officers, returned with them; that it was declared the dauphin should command the army on the Rhine, and under him by the mareschal de Lorge; the army in Flanders to be commanded by the duke of Luxemburgh; the marquesse de Boufflers is to command a body upon the Moselle; the duke de Noailles is to command in Roussillon, and the sieu de Catinat the forces towards Italy. They say that strict orders had been given for raising the ban and arrierban, which have been executed with rigour, which has occasioned no small murmuring amongst the people. BR 2.30

The dauphin was Louis's XIV's eldest son, also Louis. Neither he nor his own eldest son lived to succeed to the throne of France. Louis le grand dauphin died in 1711, le petit dauphin the next year, and le roi soleil himself only three years later. Louis XIV was succeeded by his great-grandson, Louis XV, at the age of five.

The ban and arrierban refers to a traditional feudal proclamation (ban) of the great lord requiring not only his direct sub-lords, his personal vassals, but all the vassals of his vassals (this is the arrière-ban part) to turn out for military service. Especially in later usage, it was formally invoked but in practice it meant what we might think of as a general call-up. It came to be used very rarely in France, and traditionally only for extreme national emergencies, for example in the Thirty Years War, under Louis XIII, when a Spanish army was threatening Paris in 1636.

The disposition of four armies in the field shows the continental strength of France. They were met by a coalition, and while Britain sent forces -- I hesitate to say England, because by now, William was accepted king of England, Wales and Scotland, that is Great Britain in the making (although seldom ? called that at this time). Further he was claiming to be king in Ireland, where he was opposed first by the forces loyal to king James, until by military power he subdued the place.

His majestie hath been pleased to conferr the honour of knighthood upon Pury Cust of Stamford, esq.

Our merchants have letters from the East Indies that the forces of the great mogul have done great damage to the English factories in those parts. 2.30

Letters from Bristoll say that several vessels were sailed thence with forces for Ireland, and from Chester we hear that many other ships were sailed from Highlake [Hoylake, on the Wirral] under the convoy of 6 or 7 men of war, having on board soldiers, waggons, waggon-horses, and about £50,000 in money, to pay the army in Ireland.

On Maundy Thursday the king and queen gave the accustomed charity to poor men and women: the king to 40 men each the value of £4 in cloth, Holland, shoes, stockings, and money; the queen to 26 women each £3; but they performed not the ceremony of washing the feet. 2.31

We hear from Ireland that 40 tun of hay and five ship load of oates have been lately landed at Belfast for the use of our army.

His majestie hath been pleased to create the lord viscount Lumley, earl of Scarborough in Yorkshire; Henry, lord Delaware, earl of Warrington in Lancashire; Henry lord Grey of Ruthen, viscount de Longueville. 2.32

The 19th, two powder mills in Hackny marsh blew up accidentally, wherein were above 200 barrells of powder, which gave two dreadfull claps; 6 persons were killed therein, and the houses in the neighbourhood much shatterd.

The report of the French fleet being returned to Brest from Ireland proves a mistake, they continuing still at Cork and Kingsale, lading hides, tallow, wool and other merchandize.

The earl of Torrington is disgusted, and seems likely to lay down his commission of admiral, declaring he will not hold it by commission from the lords of the admiralty, unlesse he may have a particular commission from his majestie constituting him admiral.

Torrington (Arthur Herbert) is unhappy with the loss of status, being appointed at secondhand instead of directly by William.

Letters from Paris say that the dauphinesse died the 20th instant: she was the sister to the present elector of Bavaria. 2.33

The deceased was Maria Anna Victoria Wittelsbach, wife of the grand dauphin. Louis XIV would outlive her husband but their son the petit dauphin became Louis XV at the age of five. Her younger son Philip (duke of Anjou) succeeded Carlos II to the throne of Spain, sparking the war of the Spanish Succession.

The elector is Maximilian Emmanuel. He was an important ally of William's in his coalition-building, although to the Emperor Leopold he was rather a rival, as well as a son-in-law. Each wished for their own son to become king of Spain.

By letters from Chester we hear that sir Clowdesly Shovell, with 7 men of war, a fireship and four tenders, stood towards the bay of Dublin, to make some attempt upon the ships that lie there.

We hear from Ireland that duke Schonberg was raising a platform of guns in Carickfergus bay, to secure our ships there from any attempt that may be made on them by the French.

The duke of Gordoun in Scotland, who had his liberty upon his parol of honour, has, contrary to the same, withdrawn himself and is gone for France. 2.34

The late lord chancellor's house at Westminster is taken for the lords of the admiralty, to keep the admiralty office at.

The letters from Ireland bring us that sir Clowdesly Shovell was gott into the bay of Dublin, where he took a ship called the Pellican, carrying 20 guns and commanded by capt. Bennet; she was the bigger of the vessels that was taken from the Scotch last summer, and was laden now with hides, tallow, &c. and bound for France; upon the noise of firing the guns several thousand people same upon the shoar, where king James was also with his guards.

The earl of Shrewsbury has been much indisposed of late; there is talk of his quitting his place of secretary of state.BR 2.35

Admiral Russel with six men of war arrived the 25th at Plymouth from the Groyne; the Duke and several other men of war under the command of admiral Killigrew, are gone for the Streights.

Killigrew's squadron had gone for the Streights = departed for Gibraltar and the Mediterranean.

The Duke: Henry Killigrew's ship

His majesties standing forces are computed now to be about 72,000 land men, and are thus disposed off: 48,600 design'd for Ireland, 6,000 in Scotland, 4,500 in Holland, 1,000 in the West Indies, and 12,000 to be left in England; the charge of maintaining which is computed at two millions and half per ann.

The earl of Torrington is now better satisfied, and hath his commission for admiral, to putt in or turn out any officers as he thinks fitt: and the king hath given him a promise of a grant of &pound3,000 per ann. of the lands belonging to the late queen Mary.

The lands of late queen Mary are estates of James II's queen, Mary of Modena. She was with him in exile and therefore unable to protect any English possessions from confiscation. She was a late queen in the sense of former queen, not deceased. William's queen Mary II was still alive at this point (1690 - she died in 1694).

Letters from Portsmouth say that near 100 sail of ships laden with ammunition and stores sailed thence for Ireland. 2.36

May 1690

The 5th, the lord Shrewsbury went to his country house by Newmarket, accompanied by Mr. Thomas Wharton, both somewhat disgusted: his lordship left the seals in his office, not known whether he will act again. 2.38, 5 May 1690

Letters from Chester bring that the late commissary Shales was arrived there from Ireland; that several ships had been sent with more recruits, waggons and horses, for Ireland; that Trelawneys regiment, and that of Nassau, and that of Brandenburgh, were arrived at Belfast; that Charlemont began to be in great want of provisions, the garison having already began to eat horseflesh; they say also that lieutenant general Douglas was marched round with a body of 10,000 men.

On the 10th arrived at Spithead 20 vessels from Holland, having on board the duke of Ormonds troop of guards, and the earl of Oxfords regiment of horse, which landed on the 11th, and are quartered in the adjacent parts.

The 11th, don Pedro de Ronquillo, ambassador of the king of Spain, had audience of his majestie to acquaint him with the mariage of the king his master; and delivered letters from him and the queen mother of Spain to his majestie, thanking him for sending a squadron of ships with the queen, and to expresse the great value they have for his majesties person and friendship. 2.41

Carlos II was king of Spain but had severe health problems, which meant his possible sudden death was always anticipated. Everyone expected the Spanish succession! He held out longer than most predicted, dying at the age of 38. His first wife, who died in 1689, was Marie Louise of Orléans. She was the niece of both Louis XIV and James II, and understandably represented a diplomatic commitment between France and Spain, and contrary to the interests of William III.

Carlos's second wife, of whom the ambassador is bringing news, was Maria Anna of Neuburg, daughter of the Elector Palatine. Such a marriage-match arose from Spain being drawn into the orbit of the northern Europeans - England, Holland and numerous German princely states - who opposed Louis XIV. The same elector's oldest daughter Eleonora became the third wife of the Austrian emperor Leopold, who was another crucial power in the coalition. The Spanish ambassador's remarks to William ackowledge his role as lynchpin and organiser of this Grand Alliance.

There have lately been ship't away at the Tower some great mortars, several granado guns, and a great quantity of granado shells, for the service of Ireland.

We hear from Spithead, that 11 Dutch men of warr are arrived there, the rest are speedily expected, to rendevouze with the English fleet who lie there about 30 sail. 2.42, 16 May

The house of commons have named a committee to take an account of the publick moneys since this king came to the crown: viz. col. Austin, sir John Guise, sir Benjamin Newland, sir Robert Rich, sir Thomas Clarges, sir John Mathews, sir Joseph Williamson, sir Samuel Barnardistion, and Mr. Richard Kent.

The besieged garrison of Charlemont had earlier been described as reduced to eating horseflesh.

The letters from Ireland of the 15th say, that on the 11th the governour of Charlemont demanded a parley, and after articles were agreed on for the surrender of the place, that the garison should march out with their arms, bag and baggage, drums beating, colours flying, match lighted, &c.; and accordingly the place was surrendred the 14th, wherein was left a good quantity of ammunition, 17 brasse cannon, and 2 mortars. 2.44

Twenty-two Dutch men of war are arrived in the Downs, and the rest are daily expected; their fleet and ours are to join and rendevouze at Spithead. 23 May

Letters from Ireland bring, that a detachment of our forces consisting of 1,200 men, under the command of col. Woolseley and col. Fowke, had taken the strong castle of Ballingargy, near Cavan, upon articles for the garison, which consisted of more then 200 men, to have quarter for life and be convoyed to the next garison, but to leave their arms behind them. There was in it 2 barrels and half of powder, and ball proportionable; we lost about 20 men, and had about 30 wounded. And the letters add, that the Irish 'twas believed, would quit Sligo, Dundalk, and Ardee.

We hear from the Downs, that the English and Dutch fleet of men of war are come thither from Spithead, expecting to be joined very speedily by several others. 2.46

City of London Elections

On 26 May 1690, the corporation organised elections for mayor, sherifs, and chamberlain, pursuant to the late act of parliament. Narrow victory for the whigs, re-electing sir Thomas Pilkington as mayor. Sir Wm Hedges, church party candidate for sherif, was defeated, sir Francis Child and sir Edward Clark were chosen sherif. The win by Peter Rich for the post of chamberlain, with a margin of only 4 votes in over 4000, went to a recount.

Our merchants have but a bad account of matters from the East Indies, where the great mogul had seized some places belonging to the English; and that at the instigation of the Dutch were drawing down against Fort St. George, and some other places there in our hands as yett. They hear also from the Streights, that admiral Killigrew with the men of war was arrived at Cadiz, and brought in with them a French caper of 36 guns, on board of which was 30,000 pieces of eight. 2.47

The same day [30th May] the earl of Salisbury came to the court of kings bench from the Tower, to have the opinion of the court; he being committed theretoo for hightreason, in being reconciled to the church of Rome, and came up some few days since prayeing to be discharged upon the late act of pardon. The court now delivered their opinions unanimously, that this court could not discharge him nor bail him, he being impeached for the same in a superiour court, which cause was not properly before them; then his lordship ought to plead the pardon if he will have advantage of it. So he was remanded.

June 1690

The recount for London chamberlain is apparently in favour of Leonard Robinson, but sir Peter Rich is also resolved to contest the same, and hath moved for a writ of mandamus to swear him in. 2.50

His majestie has been pleased to remove sir John Chichley from the place of one of the commissioners of the admiralty, and has added in his room three more, viz. admiral Russel, sir Richard Onslow, and capt. Preistman: so that now the lords thereof are, the earl of Pembroke, sir John Lowther, earl of Carberry, sir Thomas Lee, admiral Russel, sir Richard Onslow, and capt. Preistman.

We hear that these 9 persons are appointed as a secret councill to her majestie: the marquess of Caermarthen, earls of Nottingham, Devonshire, Dorsett, Pembroke, Marlborough, and Monmouth, sir John Lowther, and admiral Russel. 2.51

The 3rd, the marquess of Winchester, lord chamberlain to the queen, was sworn one of the lords of the privy council, and took his place accordingly.

The 4th, the king sett out on his royal voyage for Ireland early in the morning with a small retinue; he went in a coach and 6 horses, with the earls of Portland and Scarborough with him. His majestie did Mr. Henry Guy the honour of dining with him at Tring, his seat in Hartfordshire, and his majestie lies at Northampton. 2.52

Around eighty miles travelling in the day.

The earl of Shrewsbury, secretary of state, did just before his majesties goeing away deliver up the seals of his office, and since, the earl of Nottingham is removed to that office, his majestie having ordered him to execute the place of sole secretary of state till his return from Ireland.

A great quantity of guineas and of silver, to the value of above £100,000 is gone down to Chester, which his majestie carries with him to Ireland. 2.53

The foreign letters say, that the prince Lovis of Baden is to command the imperial army in Hungary, and under him the count Veterani and count d'Aspremont, the count of Trautmansdorfe, duke of Holstein, count Guido of Staremberg, &c. 2.54

The 10th, began the election for the common council of London, pursuant to the late act of parliament; great contests are in several of the wards between the church party and the whiggs.

Letters from Pembroke in Wales say, that 160 sail of ships lay there waiting for a fair wind, bound for Ireland.

The letters from Chester say, that several of the Dutch foot guards, a regiment of Dutch horse, and the first troop of guards, with many waggins and cariages, went off from Highlake for Ireland; that the king was expected at Chester, where his equipage is arrived: and that accordingly the 7th his majestie came to Peel, col. Whitley's house, where he lay; and the 8th, being Sunday, he went to Chester to the cathedral, and heard divine service and a sermon preacht by the bishop; whence he went to Highlake, where he was mett by sir Clowdesly Shovell and the rest of the sea commanders, and after went to see the ships, and so returned to Gayton, one Mr. Glegs house, in expectation of a fair wind to goe for Ireland. His majestie in all his progresse was mett by the nobility and gentry, and was attended by vast crowds of people. 2.55

The 10th, John Gadbury, the astrologer, was taken up by a warrant from the secretary of state, and committed to prison.

the election for the new common council is over, the majority of them are of the church party.

The count de Roy, brother to the Earl of Feversham, lately died, drinking the waters at the Bath. 2.56

The letters from the Streights bring that viceadmiral Killigrew, with 17 English and Dutch men of war, had mett with the French Thoulon squadron, consisting of 6 capital men of warr and 3 frigats, besides fireships, commanded by mounsieur Chateau de Renault in the Dolphin, carrying 110 guns; that our fleet had engaged them, and that in the beginning of the fight ours had taken the three frigats, one of 36 guns, another of 24, and another of 12, and hop'd to give an account of the rest. 2.57, c.13 June

Our merchants have advice of the arrival of a fleet from Barbadoes, as also two East India ships.

Torrington brings his fleet to St Helens road. King William sailed from Highlake via Barnsey Bay in the Isle of Man, to Carrickfergus. He went overland the few miles to Belfast, where his generals were.

The 5 English regiments from Holland are now arrived and come up the river, viz. col Fitzpatricks, col. Churchills, col. Colliers, col. Hodges, and col. Hales.

The admiralty office is removed from York buildings to the late lord chancellors house by Westminster. 2.59

A letter is come to his majestie from the duke of Savoy, acknowledging him to be king of England, and congratulating his accession to the crown, which he had done sooner if he could have freed himself from the pressures and alliance of France.

The lord Torrington, since his being on board the fleet, hath been very ill. 2.60

The letters from Paris say, that their fleet sailed out of Brest the 9th of this month, and returned again the 12th; they say also that many of the French seamen were sick, there being a pestilential distemper gott amongst them.

Letters from Chester say, that other regiments of the Dutch horse and dragoons were embarqued at Whitehaven and Kircubright, and that the earl of Portlands and the earl of Oxfords regiments of horse were marched to Highlake to embark there.

Our letters from the Streights mention nothing further about the Thoulon fleet and admiral Killigrew, but conform the taking of the three French frigats. 2.60

Queen dowagers chaplain to her protestant servants having left off prayeing for king William and queen Mary, was sent for to give an account why he did so, and acquainted the lords of the council that he did it by command of the earl of Feversham, her majesties lord chamberlain, who being sent for took it all upon himself, and said it was not out of any disrespect, but said he would give orders it should be continued as formerly. 2.61

The 22nd, the queen received an expresse that the French fleet was arrived in the channel, and seen off of Plymouth sailing eastward, consisting of 70 odd men of war, 30 fireships, and several tenders; being joined by their Thoulon squadron. On advice hereof the lords of the admiralty mett at 3 in the morning, and dispatcht an expresse to the lord Torrington, who lyes at Spithead, to give him notice thereof. 'Tis said our fleet and the Dutche's consists of 50 odd men of war and 20 fireships.

We hear from Portsmouth that the French fleet lay at anchor in Compton bay, on the west side of the Isle of Wight, and that our fleet lay within 5 or 6 leagues of them. 2.62

The French fleet, we hear, have gott several English seamen on board, and also four principal commanders, sir Roger Strickland, sir Wm. Booth, sir Wm. Jennings, and capt. Trevanion.

Wrote from Newcastle that 2 East India ships and several Barbadoes ships were arrived there, comeing home round Scotland.

We hear rhat admiral Killigrew with his fleet lay at Cadiz, and that he could not gett up with the French Thoulon fleet; their ships being cleaner than his, so outsail'd him. 2.63

The fleets continue much as they were, the French fleet on the south side of the Isle of Wight, and ours some few leagues eastward of them. We hear sir Wm. Jennings sent a letter to the earl of Torrington by a fisher boy, perswading him to return to his duty, and come over with his fleet; promising that king James will not onlt pardon him, but preferr him to the highest honour. 2.64

It having been resolved in council that orders should be sent to the lord Torrington to fight the French fleet, an expresse was accordingly sent with the same; who return'd the 30th with advice that the lord Torrington had called a council of war on board, where they had resolved to engage them the next day if the wind favoured. 2.66

Source

• BR = Luttrell, Narcissus. A brief historical relation of state affairs, Sept. 1678 - Apr. 1714 vol. 2 of 6 (OUP 1857, repr. Gregg 1969)