the Prosecution of this business as som are who offered mee their assistance several times about Januarie last now their Actions are turned they are at present for the Merchants that claim this Silver and act the Merchants-business against the Common-wealth if I would have don the same thing I needed not at this daie have petitioned for my dammages to the Parlament my deserting the prosecution had lost the State 's business for which I could have had a eleven thousand pounds paid mee with thanks anie where in Christendom I would have had it paid mee but I never have or will by God's assistance leav the Common-wealth for particular profit Had I don as som have don whel'd about the State had been cozened of every pennie of these Prizes but those that know mee truly know I am of another temper I desire all men whomsoëver in this Nation to give mee a charge to this present Parlament that directly or indirectly I ever for my own private use received one pennie of any man for any favor connivance or other waies whatsoëver in the late King's time and I freely have gotten manie man his pardon from the late King and now I am ingaged in this business no man shall directly or indirectly draw mee to betraie the State 's interest if any can give mee a charge I chalenge them to do it I know I have enemies enough I desire them to give mee a charge I desire no favor Upon the result of all I humbly desire the Parlament to consider seriously how manie men would have served the Parlament so faithfully as I have don upon the single account of acting against all Merchants and others in the World for the Honor of the Parlament and saftie of my native Countrie If this bee not duely considered by this Parlament and my estate restored all men for the future will have a care how they serv the Publick to bring a ruine on themselves for beeing honest to their Nation 8. That wheras several Honorable Members of the former Council of State Members of Parlament are named in this Narrative I do humbly appeal to their Honors for the particular business they are named in for the truth of what is ascerteined both for the matter time and circumstance onely putting it into a form 9. This Narrative I put forth for the information of the present Judges of the Court of Admiraltie that so they maie bee acquainted with the several abuses formerly acted by som in the Court of Admiraltie and that they carefully see that such remedies by Act of this present Parlament may bee made for the due regulating the Officers and proceedings of that Court for the future that all former abuses and deceits formerly put on the Common-wealth may bee prevented I humbly desire an Order of Parlament that the Judges in the Admiraltie bee Ordered to take an exact account what Ships have been discharged the Prize-Office by Order of the Admiraltie since the first of August 1652. to the first of August 1653. and the daies when and what Ships were seized for the State and what Ships for Prizes of private men of War there is now depending in the Court of Admiraltie this 1. of August 1653. and in som other particulars which I will attend the Judges of the Admiraltie in I do humbly desire Sr Sackvil Crow Doctor Walker Doctor Clark Advocates of the Common wealth Mr Lievtenant of the Tower Liev. Colonel Joice Colonel Wetton Mr Oxenbridge and Mr Sparrow Commissioners of Dutch Prize goods Mr Jsaac Doreslaws Mr William Riley Keeper of the Records in the Tower and all others that are named in this Narrative to declare whether the proceedings and things set down bee not a true Narrative of my transactions in this business the putting the said business into a form beeing allowed mee all which pains and charge had been saved if the old Council of State and Parlament had continued manie of them were privie to everie one of these passages and could have reported it to the Hous without putting mee to the trouble to Print this Narrative And I humbly referr my self to the judgment of all judicious men whether there was not a necessitie to Print this Narrative aforesaid for the due and true information of all the Honorable Members of this present Parlament I humbly conceiving everie one of them having equal and Supreme Power to do mee Justice in this my humble Petition and I praie God in Heaven direct them that they maie do mee their humble Petitioner right in this caus for as I am dealt with in this business it will remain an Record either to encourage or discourage any for the future to do the State service in the like kinde In the first place I have had constantly in my eie in the whole cours of my proceedings in this weightie business the Saftie Benefit Advantage and Honor of this Common wealth in this conjuncture of time venturing in this action both my person estate and life to accomplish and do the Common-wealth this service against publick Ministers of forrein Princes Judges and Officers in a Court of Admiraltie and hundreds of Merchants both English and others as everie Member of this present Parlament may see from the first to the last of this my Narrative Secondly I have had a careful eie that upon doing this difficult service that the Parlament might acording to the promiss of the Council of State upon my undertaking this business restore mee to my estate which hath been unduely taken from mee that so I might have to live of my own in a plentiful waie as I have don formerly and bee enabled to serv the Common-wealth thereby And these are the true reasons that caused mee to Print this Narrative and no other I would have any that are not of this opinion know I can keep secrets as well as another man and manie hundred secrets I know both of times past and present that shall bee buried in perpetual silence except such a necessitie as this is which is for the saftie of the Nation and for the saving my whole estate enforceth mee to discover them I humbly leav it to the judgment of any just discreet or honest man whether I could never get this my business truly stated to this Parlament without setting forth this Narrative and I humbly leav it to any indifferent man supposing hee had all his estate unduely taken away from him as mine is from mee whether hee would spare to speak or leav any stone unturn'd if all hee had should bee lost for want thereof The whole business is humblly left to the Justice Equitie and Pietie of this Honorable Parlament at whose feet I prostrate it and shall daily praie for their prosperitie in this World and in the World to com THO VIOLET Aug. 3. 1653. FINIS A List of all such Ships as the Fleet of the PARLAMENT of England have brought into this Common-wealth as Dutch-Prizes which Ships have
oblige mee to pray for Honors and then the Council keep 's their promiss which I faithfully had from many of them when I first undertook to make a stop of the silver claimed by the Spaniard I humbly submit all to your Honors THO. VIOLET Martii 4. 1652. For the Lord Bradshaw An Account of what hath been taken from mee Thomas Violet for which I humbly desire Reparations and satisfaction from the Parlament out of the Silver in the prize-Ships which I have staied March 4. 1652. 1. WHen I was sent to the Tower the 6 of Jan. 1643. my Mother had of my Goods Bonds and Bills in her hands taken from her at several times viz. to the value of one thousand three hundred and odd pounds besides manie of my papers and Accounts of great value and consideration to mee seized and manie of my papers were of great concernment to the Common-wealth and yet I cannot com to the knowledg who hath them but this I am sure of if there had been any thing in them that could have made against mee there had been then use made of them 2. My Mother had at another time a Privie-Seal taken from her wherein the late King acknowledged hee owed mee for my expences in the discoverie of the Transporters of Gold and Silver ninteen hundred threescore and eight pounds which money I laid out every penie out of my own purs and am ready to make this discoverie to the State upon passing of the Act against Transporters of Gold which Act hath been twice read in the last Parlament and is in the custodie of Mr Augustin Garland 3. The Committee of Essex put mee out of my possession of the Mannors of Battles and Paton-hall in Essex as appear's by their Warrants which I have to produce of which Land I had an extent to the just value of one thousand pound due to mee in 1643. and Phlip Cage Esq was in possession of the Premises for my use 4. The Committee of Shropshire seized in my Sister's hands in London three bonds due to mee in two thousand pounds for the payment of mee Thomas Violet one thousand pounds by the Ladie Waade Edmond Lenthal Esq Phillip Cage Esq Charls Mordent Esq as appear's under the hand of the said Phillip Cage Esquire 5. I had the Leases of ten several houses at the Postern in little More-fields and the Tenants owed mee when I was committed to the Tower in Arrears for Rent about one hundred pounds and for above these nine years I never received rent of them but Mr Elconhead hath received the Rent ever since 6. Som of the Silver Wier-Drawers by their unjust clamor caused my Office to bee sequestred from mee which was for the Surveying and Sealing of all Gold and Silver thred to prevent the deceit of this Nation by cours and adulterated Silver-thred wyer and spangels which at this daie is very much adulterared for want of the said Office which Office for the surveying and sealing of all Gold and Silver-thred and wyer I had from the late King for three lives and it hath cost mee neer fifteen hundred pounds to my Lord Treasurer Lord Cottington Sr John Cook and Sr John Banks before I could get the grant to pass under the great Seal of England and that Office made mee above three hundred pounds a year besides an hous rent-free 7. I had one quarter part of the Ladie Villers Farm for importation of all Forrein Gold and Silver thred hatbands or lace and Copper thred throughout England and Wales for fourteen years which cost mee a little before I was sequestred seven hundred pounds and it was worth one hundred and fiftie pounds per. an to mee 8. I had a grant from the late King under his signet to bee Master Worker of the Mint in the Tower of London which grant was taken away from mee when I had my hous seized in Jan. 1643. 9. Besides the aforesaid summ's I spent in my imprisonment in the Tower for almost four years seven hundred pounds and could never get my caus to bee heard though by my friends I presented manie petitions and I have attended the late Parlament with my petition this six years ever since I had my libertie out of the Tower to have Justice and relief in the foresaid premises and have spent on my attendance onely in following this business to get my caus heard above one thousand pounds besides I have spent all my time for above these last six years in doing several services for the State as is well known to a great manie of the Parlament and Council of State and Committee for trade upon the faithful promiss of manie members that my petition should bee granted and I have my estate restored or the value which by these particulars amount's to above a eleven thousand pounds My good services I have don is well known to your honors Sr James Harrington Sr Henrie Mildmay Mr Tho. Chalenor Col. Herbert Morley Mr Alderman Allen Mr Austin Garland and the Committee of the Mint and many other members of the Council of trade about setting the par of Exchanges and coyns Free-ports and several other great services I did the Common-wealth before ever your Honors and the Council of State engaged mee about the Silver Prizes and Goods in the Admiraltie and this hath cost mee more charge trouble and hazard for the time then ever anie business I have don The first thing that moved mee to do this service about the Prizes was the good and saftie of this Nation but had I not had your Honor's command to do it and many of the Council of State 's promise that I should have both my estate restored and a good reward for my great expence pains and hazard I should not have ventured on so knottie a business for which I go in hazard of my life daily I humbly submit the premises to your Honors Tho. Violet March 4. 1652. These papers with som little additions I delivered to my Lord Bradshaw Sr James Harrington and Mr Allen. Here follow 's a Copie of my Petition put into the late Parlament which petition hath been depending these six years and I have delivered som hundreds at several times to the Members and could never bee heard nor I have relief or justice though I attended it daily beeing promised by several members to take the first opportunitie for my relief also a Copie of the late King's Letter which I brought to London and my answer to the honorable Committee at Gold-smith's-Hall when they examined mee about the same with the Order of my commitment to the Tower for bringing up the said Letter for peace which was before anie Law was made to the contrarie to prohibit any person to bring up a Letter of peace from the late King To the Supreme Autoritie the PARLAMENT of the COMMON-WEALTH of England The humble Petition of THO. VIOLET Sheweth THat your Petitioner with Theophilus Rilye then Scout-Master of the Citie of
London by order of the Honorable Hous of Co. the 6. of Januarie 1643. was committed prisoner to the Tower where your Petitioner remained almost four years the said Rilye beeing discharg'd out of the Tower within a year from the time of his commitment his Estate never sequestred or taken away your Petitioner having acted nothing in that business without the approbation of the said Theophilus Rilye And your Petitioner had a Pass to go to Oxford by the Lord General Essex and an Order from the then-Hous of Commons and the Committee of both England and Scotland were by your Petitioner's appointment made acquainted that your Petitioner was within few daies to bring up a Letter from the late King to the Citie for peace which your Petitioner desired Sir David Watkins to acquaint the Parlament with before ever your Petitioner went to Oxford My humble suit is therefore that Sr David Watkins and Mr Rilye may bee examined of the truth of this Your Petitioner acted nothing in this business but by Order and what the Parlament or som prime Members knew of and did consent to the doing of it That during the time of your Petitioner's restraint your Petitioners Estate was by the Committees of Essex Salop Middlesex and London sequestred and taken away Your Petitioner's Estate in Essex beeing by Order of Parment granted unto certain persons through whose informations your Petitioner was sequestred who since the grant and obtaining thereof have never made good their allegations or informations or anie part thereof although by several Orders of the honorable Committee of Essex and Salop in pursuance of an Order of the honorable the Barons of the Exchecquer they have been required to make good their charge against your Petitioner as by the said Orders may appear neither hath your Petitioner during the time of his said imprisonment nor since though to the uttermost of his power endeavored daily and solicited at the Hous-doors been hitherto able to obtain a hearing of his caus whereby all your Petitioner's Estate hath for this nine years last past been out of your petitioner's hands to his utter ruine without the relief of this honorable Hous Your Petitioner humbly praieth that the said sequestration may bee taken off and that all Lands Bonds Bills Leases Moneys Goods Debts Offices Extents Writings and Evidences of what nature soever in whose custodie the same or any part thereof is beeing and remaining maie bee restored to your Petitioner And that a just account may bee given Your Petitioner of the profits received ever since the sequestration by such person or persons who have received the same Your Petitioner humbly praieth this the rather for that hee ever since his enlargement out of the Tower hath don many good and faithful services for the Common-wealth to the best of his skill and power as is known as well to the honorable Council of State as to several honorable Members of this honorable Hous And Your Petitioner shall praie c. THO. VIOLET A Copie of the late King's Letter to the Lord Major and Aldermen of the Citie of London Charls Rex TRustie and well-beloved wee greet you well when wee remember the many Acts of Grace and Favor Wee and our Roial Predecessors have conferred upon that our Citie of London and the many examples of dutie and loialtie for which that Citie hath been likewise famous Wee are willing to believ notwithstanding the great defection wee have found in that place that all men are not so degenerated from their affection to Us and to the peace of the Kingdom as to desire a continuance of the miserie they now feel and therefore beeing informed that there is a desire of som principal persons of that Citie to present a Petition to us which may tend to the better procuring a good understanding between Us and that our Citie whereby the peace of the whole Kingdom may bee procured Wee have thought fit to let you know that wee are ready to receiv any such Petition and the persons who shall bee appointed to present the same to us shall have a safe conduct and you shall assure all our good subjects of that our Citie whose hearts are touched with any sens of dutie to Us or love to the Religion and Laws established in the quiet and peaceable fruition whereof they and their Ancestors have enjoied so great happiness that wee have neither passed any Act nor made any profession or protestation for the maintenance and defence of the true Protestant Religion and the Liberties of the Subject which wee will not most strictly and religioussy observ and for the which wee will bee alwaies ready to give them any securitie can bee desired and of these Our gracious Letters Wee exspect a speedy answer from you and so Wee bid you farewel By his Majestie 's Command George Digbie Given at our Court at Oxford on the 19th year of Our Reign 26th Decemb. 1653. Upon the bringing up to London of the aforesaid Letter I Tho. Violet of London Gold-smith was examined before an honorable Committee of Parlament at Gold smith's Hall Januarie 3 1643 where I made the Committee acquainted that I had acted nothing but by order of Mr Theophilus Riley Scout-master of the Citie of London who was autorized by Ordinance of both Houses of Parlament and by Act of the Common-Council of the Citie of London to hold intelligence in any of the King's quarters and that the said Theophilus Riley by virtue of his place did procure my Pass from the Hous of Commons to go to Oxford the 25 December 1643 as will appear by the Journal-books in the Hous of Commons and that my Lord General Essex did give mee a Pass to go to Oxford the 27 of Decemb. by Sr Arthur Haslerig's and Sr David Watkin's means both which Warrants were procured for Mee Tho. Violet by Theophilus Riley Scout-master and one of the Militia of the Citie of London and the parties aforesaid and that the said Theophilus Riley and I Tho. Violet and Sr David Watkins had made several Members of Parlament and Committee of both Nations acquainted with the Letter before ever wee sent it to Oxford to have the King Sign it and wee had their approbation for doing the same and I Tho. Violet did plead justification for my doing thereof before the said Committee having the Warrant and approbation of the Common-wealth's Scout-master Moreover I declared that there was not then at the time of my bringing up of the late King's Letter beeing the 2d of Januarie 1643 any Order or Ordinance to forbid mee or any other person to bring up a Letter of Peace from the late King besides I told the Committee that by God's Law where there is no Law there can bee no transgression and my bringing the late King's Letter up to London before a law made to shew mee my Rule to walk by I beeing the King's Servant I humbly conceived could bee no offence whereupon the honorable Committee
made their report to the Hous of Commons and thereupon the honorable Hous made this Order viz. Die Sabbathi 6 to Januar. 1643. SIr Henrie Vane Mr Solicitor and Sr Arthur Haslerig report the design of Mr Theophilus Riley Scout-master of the Citie Col. Reade Sr Basil Brook Mr Violet and others concerning Letters a Petition and Propositions touching Accommodation c. and the particular examinations of the said parties and a Letter from his Majestie to the Lord Major Court of Aldermen c. and two Letters from the Lord Digbie to Sir Basil Brook of the 29 of December and the 2 of Januarie were all read Resolved c. Theophilus Riley Sr Basil Brook and Thomas Violet shall bee committed close Prisoners to the Tower Hen. Elsing Cler Parl. D. Com. I shall humbly desire the Committee of Essex to observ this here was no conspiracie charged on any of us by the Order of the Hous of Commons but if they will read the original they will finde it as it is Printed here in the Journals of Parlament onely a Committment to the Tower of London every man that is committed to a prison must not therefore bee guiltie of a conspiracie before hee bee tried either by Marshal Law or the Common Law of the Land And truly I humbly take it my punishment beeing so long in prison was beyond my offence for bringing a letter of peace when I had not broken anie law at that time in beeing without having my Estate under Sequestration or giving Mr Elconhead my Estate for his charging mee unjustly with a conspiracie against the Parlament before the Committee of Essex when hee nor anie other either hath or can prove it it shall bee found upon examination I have don the Common-wealth better service then manie scores such as Mr Elconhead either hath or could ever do and I humbly hope when this present Parlament doth take this business into examination they will leav mee to my remedie at law against Edward Elconhead for his unjust and malitious charge to defraud mee of my Estate to enrich himself by such indirect practice and make him account with mee for all monies and rents hee hath received of mine with dammages for my forbearance since my Sequestration notwithstanding anie pretence or Order from the late Parlament or Committee of Essex THO. VIOLET These papers I left with the Lord Bradshaw Sr James Harrington Mr Tho. Chalenor Mr Alderman Allen with the Committee of Essex at Chemsford Mr Augustin Garland and several other Members of Parlament Upon the dissolving of the last Parlament I made my request to the faithful Lovers of their Countrie Col. Wetton and Lievt. Col. Joice to present my former services about the staying the Silver and other prizes to the Right Honorable the Council of Officers which accordingly they did and brought mee acquainted with several of those noble Gentlemen for which great civilities I give them humble thanks by whose means I sent this ensuing Letter to the Right Honorable General Monk and presented the ensuing Papers to the present Council of State For the Right honorable General Monk Admiral of the Common-wealth of England May it pleas your Honor I Have desired Lievtenant Colonel Joyce to bee pleased to send your Honor this Letter the occasion of my writing to your Honor now is humbly to give you notice of a Book I presented to the late Parlament concerning many abuses about several Prize-Ships brought into this Nation and discharged som out of the Court of Admiraltie and som other waies before they were duely examined as appear's in my Book I herewith send unto your Honor. By reason of your great employment as Admiral I humbly thought it my dutie to present you with my Book In folio 99 you shall finde a particular Invoice Sr the damage hath been to this Common-Wealth to the value of manie hundred thousand pounds which this Nation hath been couzened of for want of a strict Examination of Prize-Ships I was formerly employ'd the 13th of Decemb. 1652. by the then Council of State to assist in the Court of Admiraltie against the Ships Sampson Salvador and George having laden in them manie hundred thousand pounds which silver had been all let gon had it not been for my Protest and Solicitation in the Court of Admiraltie as appear's in my Book fol. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. I have presumed to send you the Book with a Copie of my Petition to his Excellencie the Lord General My humble suit to your Honor is that if you conceiv my Petition is for the service of the Common-wealth to have these great abuses I have humbly presented unto the Parlament found out and prevented for the future that your honor would do mee that just favor to send in writing to Lievtenant Colonel Joyce what you conceiv is to bee don concerning my humble Petition to his Excellencie The Silver aboard all these aforesaid Ships is Ordered to bee landed by his Excellencie and to bee brought into the Tower I humbly desire to bee appointed Remembrancer for all prize-Ships which if I had been in August last employ'd the State had had a Million of monie now which hath by the undue and careless practice of som men been let slip out of England for want of a vigilant prosecution and is how in Holland I humbly leav the consideration of the premises to your honor and remain London Apr 27. 1653. Your most humble Servant THO. VIOLET Lievtenant Col. Joice lieth at the leg neer the Fountain Tavern in the Strand I humbly desire your honor to signifie your pleasure to him This letter I sent by Mr Quatmore The humble desire and Petition of Thomas Violet presented to the Right honorable Major-General Desborrow Col. Benet Col Jones all of the Council of State May 4. 1653. Sheweth 1 THat for want of order and a due regulation and porsecution of the matters of the State 's Prizes and Prizes of private men of War depending in the Court of Admiraltie divers great losses and inconveniencies have ensued which if not prevented for the future will bring unexpressable mischief on this Nation and will not onely discourage all private Men of War for continuing those Ships they have abroad or sending forth of others but deprive the Common-wealth of much if not most of that benefit it might and ought to make by Prizes which are and have been brought in by the Parlament's Ships which Prizes ought to bee employ'd towards the support of this War by which means this State hath been much disenabled and our enemies enabled as by sad experience since these Wars began the State hath found and by your Petitioner it hath been humbly presented to your Honors to take such order that there may bee a timely redress before it bee too late 2. That for want of stricter instructions to all Commanders at Sea for this Common-wealth manie Ships have passed unquestion'd or not fully examined and manie more
A True NARRATIVE Of som remarkable-Procedings concerning the ships Samson Salvadore and George and severall other Prize-ships depending in the Admiralty humbly presented to the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England and Councell of State and the Councell of Officers of his Excellency the Lord GENERALL By THO. VIOLET of London Gold-Smith Humbly desiring them to take the same into their Consideration it being of very great concernment to the security of this Nation And further hee humbly refers himselfe to his Papers Petitions and Letters delivered to severall Members of the Councell of State wherein is discovered many Designes of Merchants and others upon fraudulent pretences to have defeated the Common-wealth of all the Silver now coyning in the Tower beeing neere foure hundred thousand pounds Also an Order of the Councell of State for removing severall obstructions in the Mint And severall Petitions and Proceedings thereupon by order of the abovesaid Committee All which are humbly presented to your Honors and to all true lovers of their Countrey who shall Reade and take notice of the same LONDON Printed in the yeere of our Lord God 1653. TO THE PARLIAMENT of the Common-wealth of ENGLAND The humble Petition of THO. VIOLET Sheweth THat your Petitioner in December last finding the Common-wealth daily deceived in severall Prizes that had beene unduly discharged in the Court of Admiraltie and else where since August last to the value of many hundred thousand pounds which frauds if continued had proved highly prejudiciall to the Common-wealth by enabling the Dutch in their mischievous practises to circumvent and eclipse the glory of this Nation and all this constantly acted by some Merchants and others by compliance with some persons in trust in the Admiraltie For prevention thereof for the future your Petitioner did about the eighth of December last deliver in writing unto the Lord Bradshawe a Paper discovering that at that present time a practise and combination was set on foote and acted against the State by severall Merchants and others who at that time combining with some publique ministers of forraigne Princes did endeavor and plot to put a blind on the Parliament and Councell of State and having the connivance and assistance of some persons in power and trust for the Common-wealth and Admiraltie contrived by fraud false pretences and claimes to get cleered out of the Admiraltie severall ships taken as prize but most espicially three rich Ships viz. the Sampson the George and the Salvador in which ships your Petitioner had certaine intelligence there was many hundred thousand pounds of Silver and Merchandize for the accompt of severall people in Amsterdam Dort and other places of the united-Provinces your Petitioner having beene imployed by the late King and his Councell for making known many secret practises of the like nature unto them your Petitioner out of his affection to the prosperitie of this Common-wealth did undertake to the Lord Bradshawe to unmaske these frauds In pursuance whereof your Petitioner knowing how much it did concerne this Common-wealth to have these abuses discovered and made known hee delivered severall Papers unto severall Members of the late Councell of State and to Doctor Walker in December and January last which did manifest by what waies and practises these abuses were daily committed which service was so acceptable to many of the Councell of State that your Petitioner had an assurance from many of them in the behalf of the Common-wealth that if your Petitioner could intitle the State to the Silver in the aforesaid ships and make it out by sufficient proofe then he should have all his Estate both reall and personall restored unto him which is under sequestration upon malicious and untrue information or the full value thereof which amounted unto the some of eleven thousand pounds to bee paid unto your Petitioner out of the Silver which your Petitioner should gaine to the Common-wealth out of the aforesaid prize-ships which by your Petitioners painfull endeavors and to his great and vast expence was then accordingly stayed and proofe made to entitle the State to all the Silver which is now coyning in the Tower Notwithstanding the strong combinations and designes of some in the Court of Admiraltie and some other great ones in power to defraud the Common-wealth as was intimated by Master James Stanieres letter and in truth your Petitioner hath run as great hazard of being ruined both in his estate and person for his protesting in the behalfe of the Commonwealth against the discharge of these ships and Silver which had then without your Petitioners protest in Court beene all discharged and at that time the Dutch had such a party even in the Councel of State that by som of them your petitioner was discouraged to proceed in this busines by which means the merchants were encouraged to claime as is well known to many hundreds of Merchants in London insomuch as your petitioner was enforced in the face of the Court to charge ten severall Merchants who were then all in the Court of Admiraltie for fraudulent practises in laboring to discharge the said Ships and your petitioner did then declare to the Judges in the Court of Admiraltie that if they did discharge the said Ships and Silver upon any pretence of any Merchants or other persons whomsoever before your petitioners witnesses were examined they did not Judge but give away the Common-wealths Treasure and that your petitioner did appeale to the Parliament against their proceedings to discharge the Silver which did so exasperate the Judges in the Admiraltie that they complained to the Councell of State against your petitioner for endeavoring to stay the Silver and said ships and upon full examination of the businesse before the Committee of forraigne-affaires these ships were notwithstanding ordered to be staid and your petitioner ordered to prosecute with all expedition and vigilance in the behalfe of the Common-wealth for entitling the State to it which he hath done accordingly Your Petitioner therefore humbly prayes your Honors to bee pleased to consider the greatnesse of your petitioners service in staying the Treasure in December last and discovering the frauds of some in the Admiraltie at such time when the Hollander was domaniering in the Downes and how much it did weaken them and disappoint their occasions and what an advantage it is to the Common-wealth to have the State accomodated with neere foure hundred thousand pounds of the enemies Treasure in this conjuncture of time for your petitioners doing thereof hee hath contracted the malice of many hundred Merchants In consideration of all which Services your Petitioner humbly prayes his Sequestration may bee discharged and his estate both reall and personall restored unto him or the true value thereof paid him as was promised your Petitioner upon his undertaking this businesse or that your Honors would take such Order for your Petitioners reliefe in the Premises as by your grave Wisedomes shall bee thought agreeable to Justice And as in duty bound
as in manie businesses in this last Parlament I know it hath been and in this particular of the Silver no doubt but will bee and hath been don I shall finde the Burden too heavie for my purs except you restore mee my own estate which hath been taken from mee I desire notice maie bee taken that I cannot prosecute it effectually but at my great expence and it hath already cost mee manie hundreds of pounds out of my purs for what I have don in this business about staying the Silver Prizes by direction of the late Council of State and I had several of the late Council of State 's promiss in the behalf of the State that my estate which hath been taken from mee should all bee restored and I receiv a good reward for my charges and endeavors if that I could entitle the State to the Silver the Spanish Embassador claimed and my reward should bee proportioned according to the quantitie of the Silver I entitled the State unto the like promiss I had from several Members of the late Parlament to do leav all the premises to your Honors and I humbly desire you to present the same to the Council of State that my Petition is that I maie have som assurance from this present Council that when I have don this service to entitle the State to the Silver that my estate maie bee all restored and I receiv such a reward as may encourage all others for the future to serv the State and in the mean time I maie bee empowred to receiv such summ's of monie out of my own estate which is under sequestration as maie enable mee to proceed in this service And when this is don I shall humbly desire an Order to the Commissioners for Dutch-Prizegoods to have a perfect Inventarie of what Ships were then under their charge the 16. of Decemb. 1652. and at that time in their custodie and in which ships they had Officers aboard for the use of the State as neer as I can calculate was about fiftie worth about a Million of monie and manie of them brought into Harbor at vast expence and blood and therefore I humbly conceiv not to bee discharged but upon consideration and examination and this you shall finde agreeable to former Presidents and Records and I humbly desire Mr Ryley the Keeper of those Records maie bee required to attend you in this particular hee can acquaint you what I have caused him to do in this business It is now apparant to the World what Spirit Rule 's in som persons in the Admiraltie to the great dammage of this State it had been well for the State I could have been believed before now In these particulars they had saved manie hundred thousand pounds May it pleas your Honors if I could have had my witnesses examined and a list of all the passengers in the Ships Salvador George and Sampson and where they did remain as I desired ever since Januarie last you had condemned all the Silver in the said Ships before this time But Spanish GOLD and SILVER work 's wonders the truth is this business hath been as slily carried to the prejudice of the State as ever anie business hath been and that with so much boldness as all knowing men that were in the Admiraltie and heard it must needs confess that never was the like don in anie Court in the memorie of anie man in so weightie a business when the Common-wealth's title was in question and in convenient time I hope the State will have a strict account of it let mee but bee impowred by restoring mee to my estate I will finde out the bottom And if this bee not don you will finde no man for the future will venter for the State as I have don and it will bee a warning to others not to believâ— Court-Holyâ—water If you will have mee do you service I desire in persuance thereof to know what Ships the Dutch Prize-Commissioners have discharged since the 16. of December 1652. and the daies when they were put under their charge and to whom delivered and where the Merchants dwell I do humbly desire that the Register and Commissioners for Dutch Prize-Goods bee Ordered to give mee a particular of what Silver Wooll and Marchandise is claimed in the Sampson Salvador and George or anie other Prize-Ships within this Nation by any person and what goods they have restored out of these Ships and to whom and by what Order and the daies when this I humbly desire from the Dutch Prize-Commissioners becaus their Accounts and proceedings are kept perfect and manie goods have been got from them against their good Wills and by the Merchants Protests and Clamors and from the Commissioners I shall have the truth of these particulars My humble suit is that Captain Bishop may bee desired to acquaint the Council of State with what letters and advices the late Council received from their several Intelligencers in Holland of the proceedings and carriages of som people in the Court of Admiraltie concerning the abuses and practices in their deceiving the State of their Dutch-Prizes and what Ships have immediately after they have been discharged in England went directly for Holland I humbly desire that Cap. Bishop would produce the Letters concerning these discoveries to the Council of State There was an honorable Member of the late Council of State lately told mee that I had given the late Council of State so much light in the business of the Dutch-Prizes that if they had not been dissolved they would have made som in the Court of Admiraltie examples but now hee was but a private man and hee hoped I would apply my self to them that govern the State in doing thereof I should do great service to the Nation for it was very fit to have these things look'd into Thus according to your Honors command I have in this particular made you an humble tender of my faithfulness and will to serv my Countrie in these particulars if I bee commanded and have a full and ample Warrant to impower mee for my doing thereof and I most humbly desire an assurance from your Honors for my just and due rewards when I have don your business in the Admiraltie concerning the Silver and other Prizes I humbly leav my self to the Council of State what they shall bee pleased to do in this business in the mean time I desire part of my estate to bee restored and I shall faithfully and vigilantly serv them in making these discoveries and shall not weigh the envie of particular men for doing my Countrie this service so it bee acceptable to the Supreme Power Your Honors most humble Servant THO. VIOLET POSTSCRIPT THere hath been great store of Tobaccos and Wools already delivered out of the Salvador Sampson and George and other Prizes and at this instant of time you are about to deliver neer 900 baggs of Spanish Woolls which amount's to verie great value I desired particular witnesses might
the Tower May it pleas your Honors if by God's Providence I had not staied this silver there would none have been coined till the State had gotten more skilful Officers in the Mint and yet these men I understand intend to stop the arreers of wages they pretend is due to the Master-worker the Comptrroller and the Clerk of the Irons out of the monies and profits arising by the coining of this silver which I caused to bee staied and is now in the Tower which will bee to the Master-Worker about a thousand pounds and to other Officers twice as much in all it com's to three thousand pounds or thereabouts When these men have spoiled your mint they are very confident men to make any such demands I humbly hope the Committee of the Revenue will look to prevent any such business on their accounts for the future now they know it Truly I have justified it before the Committee of the Mint formerly and afore all the Officers of the Mint about a year and a half past That the State had better have given fortie thousand pounds for these last five years then have such Officers as som of the aforesaid persons in the mint and this I have justified before these Officer's faces at a Committee of the late Parlament onely Mr Hore and Mr Burch understand the business and are men fit for their emploiment in the Mint or better places then they have If I had the place of Master-Worker of the Mint as the late King appointed mee I would know from any part of Christendom what great quantities of silver is stirring to bee transported May it pleas your Honors If I had not known by long experience this Art your Honors at this daie had not had this Treasure in the Tower I most humbly offer my service to your Honors and desire such an emploiment in the Mint and such allowance as your Honors and the Council of State shall think fitting for the service of the State and I shall accept of it as part of my satisfaction which I humbly petition the State for thus with the Tender of my humble service I remain Your Honors most humble Servant THO. VIOLET May 24 1653 a Brevit of the Papers I deliver'd to the Right Honorable Col. Bennet and Col. Joanes who several times since have told mee that in every particular I told them for the carrying on this business in the Mint for the coining of the silver I had given them the clearest information of any they found it right and true and the best waie for the service of the Common-wealth about their Mint-business and were pleased to engage their Honors that they would by the first opportunitie present my great services to the Council of State and Parlament and that they had made my Lord General acquainted with it and that they at several times had made the Council of State acquainted with my great services I had don and that they would present my Petition and speak effectually to it at the first opportunitie to have my Estate restored That shortly there would bee a Committee for the Tower and then what I had propounded concerning my beeing Master-worker and Melter should bee presented to the Council of State and som order taken to get the Mint supplied with abler Officers Mr Lievtenant of the Tower said the same to mee Som others of the Council I made acquainted that great care ought to bee taken concerning the Prize-ship Morning Star and that I had several times beer with Doctor Clerk Advocate for the Common-wealth about that ship to have a great care of the State 's Interest concerning the Silver and lading I made him acquainted what charge and pains I had been at in searching the Records in the Tower for Presidents I told him Mr Riley the keeper of the Records would satisfie him I found Dr Clerk very ready to receiv any Informati and I did see a very heartie and cordial expression from him several times for the State 's service Hee hath formerly been a Judg in the Court of Admiraltie If your Honors could get him to Execute that place again his experience and gravitie and his care of Justice I verily believ will prevent som former abuses which hath been daily practised in that Court to the great prejudice of the State and Nation THO. VIOLET Friday June 10. 1653. At the Council of State at White-Hall Ordered THat Thoms Violet bee appointed together with som other person hereafter to bee named to bee Assistant in the making of Discoveris in relation to the Ships Sampson Salvador add George and their lading whether Silver or any other Merchandize and likewise of any abuses which have been in the managing of that business since the first bringing up of the said Ships and hee is from time to time to acquaint the Council or such as they shall appoint with what Discoveries hee shall make in this business Ex. Jo. Thurloe Secr. 20. July 1653. For the Right Honorable Col. Jones These humbly present I Humbly desire the State to take notice that their business at present is managed concerning their Prize-goods in such a waie as leav's a great latitude to your Commssioners that are Merchants to defraud the State So that their fees in the Sale of your goods and Merchandizes at 2d the pound is as trifal and of no consideration in comparison of the perquesits and profits they maie make other waies and it is such a BAITE profit that few men will refuse it to let it com to them anie waie I will not possitively affirm that it is daily practised till the business is throughly inspected by a Committee of Parlament It is this I am a Commissioner for sale of all the State 's Prize-Goods and Ships and by my Interest I have gotten my Brother to have the charge of all Ware-houses and Sellars where these goods laie I have all Porters Packers Brookers and all other several instruments that are for the buying the State 's Goods and Merchandize com unto my Brother to taste Wines and Tobaccos and to view Corn Sugars Oyles Woolls Fruit Spice Silks Beads Linnings and all other commodities when I have don I will caus som people viz. Coopers Brookers Porters or other skilful persons in Merchandize to sort the State 's Wines either French or Spanish Tobaccos Silks Linnens Woolls Oyles Fruit Spice and all other commodities when this is don I will make a sale of part of these commodities and reserv a quantitie of the sorted and pick'd Merchandize for my self or friend who is a monied man and can at a pinch laie down twentie thousand pounds for a bargain paradventure old Mr Rowland Willson or som other in the Citie I beseech your Honors to suppose the Commissioners that are no merchants make 's a sale for ten thousand pounds by the candle of the States Goods and Merchandize and of som of these Merchandize a Commissioner that is a Merchant make a reserv viz to
that is my estate again restored unto mee or so much as can bee by the power of the Parlament and to make up the rest of my estate that cannot bee restored either in money or Offices the som of eleven thousand pounds according to my particular in this Book fol. 63. and this was the agreement and promiss I had from the Committee of Forrein affairs and others of the Council of State besides manie of the Members of Parlament told mee I deserved a greater Reward for this business more then to bee restored to my estate for that they were of opinion if once my caus of Sequestration should bee heard in the Hous I would bee cleered of my Sequestration Truly I humbly saie were I in any Common-Wealth in Christendom and had don them the like service as I have don here and had nothing to pretend too but this service I have heard som Travellers saie I should for my discoverie of so great a business have manie thousand pounds beyond what I Petition for as my due I should bee injurious to the Justice of the Parlament if I should make anie declaration as a question of receiving my due 3. I humbly conceiv that the former Council were as Factors and Agents for this Common-wealth and intrusted by the former Supreme Power and what I did with them I do the same thing with humilitie I saie it to this present Supreme Power and to the present Council of State I did them this service for the Common-wealth and not for any particular person or for anie particular man's profit in the Council of State and therefore though the particular persons bee changed in the Government the Common-wealth is not changed the Common-wealth hath the Silver the Common-wealth in honor is ingaged to do mee right these present Governors are as Stewards for the Common-wealth and if my reward should not bee punctually performed by the present Power it would for ever hereafter bee of dangerous consequence to the State and would discourage any to serv the State I have don the State in this particular the greatest service that ever was don in England by anie man of my condition to save them neer four hundred thousand pounds in Silver of our enemies in this conjuncture of time It will save Taxes and replenish the Nation with monie and it is easie to apprehend what advantages the State hath by it 4. If I had not given everie Member of Parlament in Print a Narrative of my whole Transactions in this business of the Silver and Prizes in the Court of Admiraltie how could I put in my Petition into the Parlament to have a Reward for my services and never to shew all the ground-work or original occasions or Transactions upon which in justice and equitie my Petition ought to bee granted by this present Parlament they having the benefit the former Parlament had having by my means sowed the seed and this Parlament reaping the harvest I humbly hope they will allow mee a little gleanings it is said Thou shalt-not muzzle the mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn the State never had had this Silver in the Barn had I not trod and trod again for it 5. I have found manie of the late Parlament men and som of the late Council of State with several others their followers and friends having relation to them getting my Papers into their hands have acted their parts in several Scenes of the State at several Committees several Treaties in Forrein Affairs in several Offices as in the Mint and at the Council of Trade and at and in several emploiments in this Nation which papers of mine I have presented them with by means thereof som have assumed more to themselvs then was ever in them upon a strict examination for I have sate up manie nights and daies at vast expence and studie to bring the State 's business about and som others by my papers have gotten great employments whereas if they had been truly examined of the worth of themselvs they would som of them been found Emptie-beaded and long-bill'd Wood-cocks these men having served mee as the hogs doth the man that shake's them down the Alcorns they eat them up as fast as they fall but never look to give thanks to the man that shook them down beeing so far from acknowledging my civil respects unto them that for my curtesies in this kind to som I have met withal after I have been instrumental to bring them to good Offices and Preferment they have don mee ill offices and disrespect I shall forbear naming of them hoping for the future they will have more of Christianitie than to render mee evil for good many of my friends that have been privie to their ingratitude have told mee both of their confidence and impudence in Relation to mee as aforesaid and this is one reason wherefore I Print these Papers that these Rooks for the future may bee discovered 6. For my presenting this Narrative unto the Supreme Power I am autorized to do it by Order of this present Council of State 10th of June 1653. to present all abuses that are or have been in the managing of the Silver-Prizes and by Order of Parlament the 12. of July 1653. an Order to examin how the Treasure coming into the State may bee managed with the least charge and expens and how all persons that have receiv'd the monie for the Common-wealth may bee called to account another Order of Parlament of the 20. of July 1653. where a Committee is appointed to receiv such Petitions to the Parlament as are proper to the legislative power or not els were to bee relievable with power to send for Papers Records and Witnesses by an Order of the aforesaid Date I am inpowr'd to present these propositions for the advantage of the Common-wealth that so for the future som good Rules and Laws may bee made for the Court of Admiraltie and this Narrative is one of the principallest for the saftie and profit of this Nation that hath or shall I humbly conceiv bee presented to the Parlament 1. As in relation of the Silver now a Coyning in the Tower 2. Several other Prize-Ships and discovering several frauds and breachs of trust in som persons to the great dammage of the Common-wealth 3. There is a Committee appointed for the publick Treasurie and for the best improovment these propositions is for them wherein by careful mannaging of the sale of the Prize-goods they may improve the same manie thousand pounds yearly the carriage of that business of the sale of your Prize-goods I humbly desire maie bee called to a strict and exemplar count 4. I humbly think that there is not one Member in the Hous will conceiv his time lost to bee made acquainted with the several passages of this Narrative if I knew anie would not bestow the reading of it I would spare my pains in presenting them with it 7. If I would have been taken off of
all been discharged by the High Court of Admiraltie the daies here-under written besides several other Ships discharged as Dutch-prizes brought into this Common-wealth by divers private men of War the particular names and times of their discharge I humbly desire the Register of the High Court of Admiraltie may bee ordered to bring into the Parlament Also I humbly desire that the Right Honorable Admiral Blake may bee desired to send up unto the Parlament what Ships of Hamborough Lubeck Danzick or any of the Hans-Towns hee or any of his Officers hath given passes to sail to the foresaid places since August 12 1652.  Ships and Goods therein restored Masters The Parties to whom Decem. 10. 1652 A Sloape called the Love and Goods London Luther Mayeer Unto the Mr and Comp. Decemb. 16. 52 Fisher of Straelsondt and Goods Dover Gaspor Viscar Unto the Mr and owners Decemb. 16. 52 Peter of Straelsondt and Goods London Albert Hubertson Unto the Mr and owners Decemb. 16. 52 Abraham's Sacrifice and Goods Ditto  Unto Peter Scrother for the use c. Decemb. 16. 52 Fortune and Goods Ditto Berent Van Dunk Unto the said Mr and owners Decemb. 16. 52 St John Baptist and Goods Bartle Johnson Unto the Mr for the owners Decemb. 18. 52 St John Baptist and Goods Rattey Bye Mr Unto the said Mr for c. Decemb. 18. 52 George of Hambrough and Goods Falm o Falmouth Martine Stehew Unto the said Mr for c. Decemb. 18. 52 St John and Goods Ditto Berent Johnsonson Unto the Mr for c. Decemb. 18. 52 Temperance and Goods Frederick Witherick Unto the Mr for c. Decemb. 4. 52 Peter and Goods except the Silver Ditto Daniel Stretman Unto the Mr for c. Octob. 15. 52 St Jo. Baptist of Horn goods except a part Ditto Inebrand Peterson Unto Laurence de Geere Octob. 1o. 52 Goods Scedulate in the Cock alià s Rosecrame Tenby Unto Don Antonio de Plato Octob. 22. 52 Young Tobias and Goods Cows Wesell Gosenson Mr Unto Zacharie Lappa July 30. 52 Love Galliots and goods London Sveyer Johnson Unto Lewis de Geere and comp a Septem 29. 52 Goods Scedulate in the Cock alà s Rosecrame Tynby Unto Iacintho Lopez Octob. 12. 52 Ann of Ostend and Goods Plim o Plymouth Daniel Cornellis Unto Joos Fremont and Comp a Decem. 10. 52 Sixâ—ie eight Butts of Oyl in the Griman London  Unto Cornellis and Gerard Knife Septem 21. 52 A Sixth part of the Ship Hopewell and Goods Peter Johnson Unto John Southwood or assigns Octob. 8. 52 â…“ part of Ancona of Venice with freight due Ditto Adrian Hendrickson Unto Eustace Van Ekey Decemb. 22. 52 Katharine of Hambrough and goods Ditto Bristoll Unto the Mr for c. Decemb. 10. 52 A Chest and half Barrel of Sugar Fortune of Flushing  Unto John Hubine or assigns Octob. 15. 52 ¼ part of one two and thirtieth part of the Ship Maid of Enchusen and ¼ part of one two and thirtieth part of the lading and 13 saccardave planks W m Johnson Lawne London Unto Zachary Lappa or assigns August 15. 52 13 16 parts of the King David and lading Walter Jacobson Mr Unto Simon Clark and Comp a Septem 21. 52 Fortune of Hambrough and goods Plim o Plymouth John Strother Master Unto Philip Dunker c. Octob. 1o. 52 May-Flower and goods Portsm o Portsmouth Andrew Shorte Master Except â…› part of Ship goods for salvage August 5. 52 Gift of God of Ayre and goods Plim o Plymouth Thomas Kennedy Mr Unto Thomas Jarvan and others Octob. 5. 52 Fortune of Newport and goods Ditto Joos de Vink Master Unto Gasper Sanson and others Novemb. 17. 52 Peace of Wisemire and goods Dover Claes Maults Master Unto the said Mr and Comp a Novemb. 19. 52 St Jacob and goods London Christian Vonderwetter Unto the Mr for the owners Novemb. 19. 52 Black Eagle and goods Dover Harman Luders Unto Hendrick Vanaskine and others Novemb. 17. 52 St Matthew of Hambrough and goods Ditto Henry Cruse Unto Peter Larkins and others Novemb. 17. 52 Charitie of Gottenbrough Ditto Paul Pawson Boman Unto George Van Lingard and others Novemb. 21. 52 Hunter and goods Ditto Claves Grisel Master Unto the Mr and Comp a Novem. 17. 52 Fortune of Straelsondt and goods Ditto Daniel Ranges Unto the said Daniel Ranges and others Novem. 22. 52 Icedom and goods Ditto Pasque Alberts Unto the Mr for the use of Hen. Johnson Novem. 19. 52 King David and goods London Gillos Lites Unto Vincent Kiningsburgh and Comp a Novem. 19. 52 Sampson of Wisemire and goods Dover Severt Godtman Unto Henrick Vanderdlen and others Novem. 17. 52 Hope of Dantzick and goods Portsm o Portsmouth John Johnson Unto Peter Benson and Comp a Novem. 17. 52 Land of Promise Dover Garret Higenloe Unto Burgo-M r Wakeman and others Novem. 17. 52 St Ellin of Rostock Ditto Hendrick Dureloffe Unto the said M a and Comp a Novem. 17. 52 Fortune of Hambrough and goods Ditto David Beck Unto the Mr for the use of the owners Novem. 17. 52 Fortune of Lubeck and goods Portsm o Portsmouth Joachim Dunke Unto the Mr and Comp a Novem. 17. 52 Justice of Hambrough London Frederick Fox Vnto the Mr and Comp a Novem. 19. 52 St John and goods Dover Hendrick Pape Vnto the Mr for c. Novem. 17. 52 Concord of Lubeck and goods Ditto John Dureloffe Unto Anthony Weffels and Comp a Novem. 19. 52 Hope of Hambrough and goods Ditto Hendrick Elders Vnto John Jennink and Comp a Novem. 19. 52 Sampson of Hambrough and goods London Hans Hiteman Vnto William de la Bistrus and others Novem. 17. 52 Black Oxe and goods Ditto Garret Hendrickson Vnto Andrew Garrretson and others Novem. 8. 52 Ln o King David ¼ part Brazeile-wood  Vnto Baldwin Matthews Novem 22. 52 St Jacob of Hambrough Falm o Falmouth Client Marenson Vnto John Lemerman and Comp a Octob. 15. 52 Ln o Little Prince ½ part and of Tackle and Furniture Cleas Junison Vnto Ralph Tomaines Octob. 12. 52 Ditto Antona of Venice â…“ part and of Tackle c. Peter Johnson Vnto Baltazar Vandegoes Decem. 1o. 52 Two White Hawks and goods Dover Peter Harmason Beker Vnto the said Mr Novem. 19. 52 Love and goods London John Hendricks Vnto William Blachford and others Decem. 1o. 52 St George and goods Dover John Peterson Grelpe Vnto the Mr for the use of the owners Novem. 19. 52 Hope and goods London Hendrick Martines Vnto the said Mr and Comp a Novem. 29. 52 Childrens Plea and goods Simon Fox Vnto the said Mr and Comp a Decem. 18. 52 St Sebastian and goods John Geest Vnto the said Mr. for the use of the owners Signed THO. VIOLET Noble Sir I Have here presented you a true Narrative of som remarkable passages concerning the Silver Prizes viz. the Ships Sampson Salvador and George and several Prizes depending in the High-Court of Admiraltie with som prime observations of the Trade of this Nation and for regulating the
INDEX For the Narrative of the Ships Sampson Salvador and George presented to the PARLAMENT Aug. 3. 1633. THomas Violet's Petition to the Parlament p. 1 2 3 4. Thomas Violet's first discoverie about the Prize-Silver 8. Decemb. 1652. Presented to my Lord Bradshaw and M. Allen p. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. An Order of the Council of State 13. of Decemb. 1652. p. 13. Papers delivered to Doctor Walker from p. 13. to 26. A Letter to Doctor Walker p. 26 27. A Letter to M. Vincent de Bar p. 28 29. A Letter to M. Arnold Brames p. 29 30. Thomas Violet's Affidavit p. 31 32 33. Papers of the Narrative of the proceeding about the Silver and Prizes delivered in to the Lord Whitlock and Sr William Massam beeing of the Committee of Forrein affairs p. 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45. My Letter to my Lord Bradshaw and Colonel Morley concerning Cap. Otho George's assaulting the Common-wealth's witnesses in the Streets and stabbing them p 46. My Petition to the Council of State p. 46. Referr'd to the Committee of Forrein affairs p. 37 38. My Letter to M. Jsaac Doreslaws p. 49 50. Papers I left with my Lord Bradshaw Sir James Harrington and M. Allen about the 6. of Feb. 1653. p. 53. 54. A Letter to M. Ed Watkins p. 54 55 56 57 58. A Paper to my Lord Bradshaw and others of the Council about the restoring mee to my Estate p. 59 60. The Dutch at one time before I discovered it to the Council of State did get out of the Parlament's hands since Aug. 1652. the summe of eleven hundred thousand pounds and they had cosened the State of every pennie of their monie now a Coyning in the Tower beeing near four hundred thousand pounds bad it not been for Tho. Violet p. 61. as appear's by this Narrative An account of my Estate taken away from mee by the late Parlament p. 63 64 65. Thomas Violet's Petition to the late Parlament p. 67 68. A Copie of the late King's Letter to the Lord Major and Citie of London p. 69 70. Several transactions that follow'd thereupon p. 70 71 72. Vpon the dissolving of the late Parlament I made my Addresses to Colonel Wetton and Lievtenant Colonel Joice to present my former services to the Honorable Council of Officers which accordingly they did 73. Thomas Violet's Letter to the Right Honorable General Monk Admiral of the Common-Wealth of England Apr. 27. 1653 p. 73 74 75. Tho. Violet's humble Desire and Petition to the Right Honorable Major General Desborrow Colonel Bennet and Colonel Joans May 4. 1633. p. 75 76 77 78 79 80. Tho. Violet's Letter to the Right Honorable Colonel Bennet humbly desiring him to acquaint the Council of State with the contents p. 80 81 82. Papers delivered to the Right Honorable Colonel Jones and Colonel Bennet concerning several Prize-Ships p. 83 84. seting forth it is now apparant what Spirit Rules in som Persons in the Admiraltie to the great dammage of the State p. 85. as appear's by Cap. Bishop's Letters p. 86. and that Covetousness and Self-seeking hath betray'd many of the State 's Priz-Ships Silver and goods in the Admiraltie p. 87 88. My Letter to the Right Honorable Colonel Jones and Colonel Bennet concerning the best waies for the State both for the least charge and keeping the particular account of every parcel of Silver taken out of the Sampson Salvador and George ships p 88 89 90 91 92 93. An Order of the Council of State June 10. 1653. to Tho. Violet to discover to the Council what abuses have been acted in the managing of their Prizes and their lading either Silver or Merchandize since the bringing up the State 's Prizes p. 94. Thereupon I drew the Draught of the Paper for the Parlament setting forth several abuses concerning the management of the State 's Prizes and to prevent the like for the future and to call som that have abused them to account p. 94 95 96 97 98. Several reasons which did induce mee to Print this Narrative p. 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106. AN INDEX OF Such Papers as I presented to the PARLAMENT the 15. Februarie 1652. AN Answer of the Corporation of Moniers to Peter Blondeau Tho. Violet's Letter to Mr John Benfield pag. 1 2. The Corporation of Monier's Letter to Tho. Violet p. 3. Peter Blondeau's Representation as a Warning touching several Disorders happening by monie ill-favoredly coined p. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Peter Blondeau's humble Memorandum for the prevention of many abuses concerning Coins and will cost no more then the ordinarie unequal Coin which is used now p. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20. An Order of the Commitee of the Mint 14 June 1651 for a trial of making monie by the Moniers and the Frenchman p. 21. The humble Proposition of the Provest and Moniers of the Mint to Sr James Harrington Chair-man of the Committee of the Mint p. 22 23. The 8 of May 1651 the Committee ordered the Frenchman and Ramadge that worked for the English to make their triel p. 24. The Provest and Monier's answer to the objections of Peter Blondeau p. 26 27 28 29. The Provest and Moniers humbly desire a Law to bee made for the discovering and punishing all Transporters of Monie according to the Certificate of the chief Officers of the Mint 20 Decemb. 1647 p. 32 33 34. A Letter of the Provest and Moniers to Tho. Violet to desire him to Petirion in their behalf the Committee of the Mint for an allowance of eigbtic seven pounds 18s 5d for their trial with the Frenchman 37 38. The names of the Moniers and Laborers working in the Mint the 27 June 1652 p. 40 41. A Letter from Transmarine parts setting out the abuses acted on the Coins and Bullion of England p. 45. In France they have Courts of Record for the Regulating their Monies such a Court ought to bee set up in England and strict Laws made and men appointed to see them put in execution p. 49 47. A greater quantitie of English monie counterfeited and made forth of the Mint then is coined in the Tower for the last six years p. 48 till I caused the Prize-silver to bee staied in Decemb. 1652. The great mischiefs that is befallen them in Ireland by light and clipped monie som Goldsmiths and others in London and Bristow the chief autors of this mischief to have the bottom found out p. 49 Against culling and melting down of English monie p. 50. The great mischiefs several Exchanging Goldsmiths in Lombardstreet do the State p. 50. The mischiefs that com to England by the late King 's setting up several Mints at Bristow Shrewsburie York Oxford Carlile p. 52. Against the making Gold and Silver Thred in England beeing A great consumption of the Treasure p. 54. Several Orders of Parlament for passing the Act against Transporters of Gold and Silver p. 55 56 57 and proceedings of the