I. Official papers
X.d.483 (1)
Orders agreed on by His Majesty's deputy-lieutenants of this
county of Cornwall at Lostwithiel,
June 4, 1629. True copy. Endorsed by Bennet. 2 fols (bifolium). Bottom half of fol. 2 missing.
X.d.483 (2)
Letter from Charles Lambart, later Earl of Cavan, Barnard
Grenville, and Sir William Wrey, bart., at Trinity, to Captain Robert Bennet,
September 29, 1629. About his
train-band. Letter signed. Lower left-hand third missing. Seal slightly damaged. Addressed with a "post hast" by the three senders (September 30, 1629); endorsed by Bennet. 2 fols, with oval and crowned shield watermark.
X.d.483 (3)
Commission, signed by the Lord Lieutenant Lord Robartes, later
Earl of Radnor, appointing Robert Bennet captain of a company of foot from
Launceston,
June 1642. Top portion cut away. Endorsed by Bennet. Parchment. Fragment of applied seal.
X.d.483 (4)
Order of the House of Lords against the implementation of the
Commission of array sent into Cornwall,
July 11, 1642. Copy. Endorsed by Bennet. 1 fol, pot watermark with "I/AV".
X.d.483 (5)
Order signed by the deputy-lieutenants, Sir Peter Prideaux, bart., Sir
George Chudleigh, bart., Sir Francis Drake, bart., and Sir Samuel Rolle, to
Robert Bennet for the ordering of the militia at Torrington,
August 12, 1642. Postscript added and initialled by Robert Bennet on
the distinction between the militia and the King's Commission of array. 2 fols (half-sheet folded). With address. Endorsed by Bennet. No watermark.
X.d.483 (6)
Commission, signed by the Lord Lieutenant Lord Robartes, later
Earl of Radnor, appointing Robert Bennet captain of a train-band of foot from
Launceston,
August 22, 1642. Parchment. Seal applied through paper.
X.d.483 (7)
Autograph order signed from Vice-Admiral Robert Moulton at Milford Haven to the
mayor of Pembroke [John Poyer],
June 17, 1644. To furnish Robert Bennet with
a horse on his way to Tenby. Endorsed by Bennet. 1 fol.
X.d.483 (8)
Autograph letter signed from Colonel John Luttrell at Barnstaple to Robert Bennet
in Tenby,
June 25, 1644. Gives news of the
parliamentary successes and begs for powder and match. Printed in part in
Barnstaple...during the Great Civil War, by R.W. Cotton, p. 255. Endorsed by Bennet. 1 fol., pot watermark.
X.d.483 (9)
Letter signed from Colonel John Luttrell at Barnstaple to Robert Bennet
in Tenby,
July 12, 1644. Has chosen Robert Bennet to
be a lieutenant-colonel in the regiment of volunteers he is raising, and
desires his answer. Printed in Barnstaple...during the Great Civil War, by R.W. Cotton, p. 277. With autograph postscript partly torn away affecting text. Endorsed by Bennet. 1 fol., no watermark.
X.d.483 (10)
Letter from Lord Robartes, later Earl of Radnor, at Bodmin to
Colonel Robert Bennet at Barnstaple,
July 31, 1644. Asks Robert Bennet to come
with his men to Bodmin with all speed if he can be spared at Barnstaple.
Printed in Barnstaple...during the Great Civil War, by R.W. Cotton, p. 293.
X.d.483 (11)
The muster of Colonel Robert Bennet's regiment of food and their
weekly pay,
July 6, 1646.
X.d.483 (12)
Warrant authorized by the Committee of the Army, signed by John
Trefusis, Richard Erisey, James Erisey, John Penrose (Penros) and John Jago at
Truro, to John Lampen of Patreda, treasurer of Cornwall,
April 7, 1648. To reimburse Colonel Bennet
for £596-4-8d which he lent to help pay the supernumeraries of
Pendennis.
X.d.484 (13)
Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony Buller at Scilly (Sillie)
to Colonel Richard Fortescue, governor of Pendennis Castle,
April 21, 1648. Wants to know if the rumours
are true that Fortesque is to be removed. Bennet adds a note that Fortesque was
at this time holding Pendennis against the general's orders.
X.d.483 (14)
Account of the payments to Major Thomas Jennings and his company
under the command of Colonel Richard Fortescue in the Castle of Pendennis, at
their disbanding,
April 29, 1648.
X.d.483 (15)
A useful paper mentioning the disbanding of Pendennis and the
manner of it,
ca. April 1648. In Bennet's hand.
X.d.483 (16-17)
Letter from Sir Hardress Waller at Bodmin to Colonel Robert
Bennet at Penryn,
May 2, 1648. Encloses a true copy of General
Thomas Fairfax's letter to the governors of the western towns, April 25, 1648,
ordering them to stop any confluences of Cavaliers, to take up horse and arms
belonging to those who have not compounded or who have served against the
Parliament and to send an exact account to the Committee of Sequestrations, to
list volunteers and to repair fortifications.
X.d.483 (18)
Letter from Edward Herle, sheriff of Cornwall, and Captain
Thomas Rawlins at 9 p.m. at Kenegie, to Colonel Robert Bennet at the Mount or
Marazion (Market Jew),
May 19, 1648. Ask Bennet to send a spy into
Penzance that night. Note of Bennet's: we fell on that next morning and took
the town.
X.d.483 (19)
Letter from Reynold Loggett at Helston to Edward Herle, sheriff
of Cornwall, at Penzance or elsewhere,
May 23, 1648. Has received information about
four or five hundred well-armed men who were roaming the country.
X.d.483 (20)
Examinations taken by Richard Oake, mayor of Marazion, of
prisoners captured at Penzance,
May 24, 1648.
X.d.483 (21)
Lists of the prisoners remaining in Penzance, signed by Anthony
Gubbs, John Harrys and “Arundell and Sacherely” (by proxy),
May 29, 1648. A note of the degree of
complicity of each in the rebellion follows each name.
X.d.483 (22)
Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony Buller at the Castle of
St. Mary's in Scilly to Colonel Robert Bennet,
June 5, 1648. Desires to hear from Bennet
about the money he needs for his garrison.
X.d.483 (23)
Letter from Edmund Sheffield, Earl of Mulgrave, at Derby House
to Colonel Sir Hardress Waller,
August 15, 1648. True copy. About a design
in the west to raise 8,000 horse and foot for the King.
X.d.483 (24-25)
Letter from John Arthur, vice-admiral of Dorset, at Weymouth to
Sir Hardress Waller at Tavistock,
September 4, 1648. True copy. Encloses a
copy of his examination of William Cotton of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis,
mariner, September 4, 1648, warning of the Royalist plan to take Scilly.
X.d.483 (26)
Warrant from Francis Buller and Anthony Nicoll at Truro to
Colonel Robert Bennet,
September 26, 1648. Bennet to take the
command of such ships...as he shall think necessary to safeguard the Scilly
Islands.
X.d.483 (27)
The state of Robert Bennet's account under Major-General Massey,
signed by the Committee for taking the accounts of the kingdom, Fenton Parsons,
Oliver Clobery, Lawrence Brimley, Thomas Hodges and William Harrington, at
Cornhill, London,
October 12, 1648. Bennet was treasurer to
the Western Brigade, May 1, 1645 - May 1, 1647.
X.d.483 (28)
Letter from Major Charles Grosse at His Majesty's Castle, St.
Mary's, Scilly, to Sir Hardress Waller, commander-in-chief of the Parliament's
forces in the western parts,
November 17, 1648. About the discharge of
Ensign Waight (Wayght).
X.d.483 (29)
Letter from Colonel Anthony Buller at Jersey to Colonel Robert
Bennet at Hexworthy,
November 26, 1648. Buller and several others
want for nothing but their liberty.
X.d.483 (30-31)
Letters from Henry St. John at London to Robert Bennet,
December 12, 1648, March 27, and April 17,
1649. The first letter is a copy. About the poor captives in Sally
whom Robert Bennet's brother William, a merchant in Sally, had been trying to
help ransom.
X.d.483 (32)
Order of General Thomas Fairfax to all colonels, captains and
commanders of horse and foot of the army...in the county of Cornwall,
January 9, 1648/49. True copy of a
“printed” order [Wing F210?]. To assist Philip Edgcumbe, agent to the committee
of Lords and Commons for the affairs of Ireland in Cornwall, in the levying of
the Irish rate in pursuance of the ordinance of Parliament of February 16,
1647/48.
X.d.483 (33)
Warrant from the Committee for the army, signed by Thomas Pury,
to the treasurer of Cornwall,
January 29, 1648/49. To pay Colonel Bennet
one month's pay for the officers and soldiers under his command in [St.]
Michael's Mount...
X.d.483 (34)
Letter from Thomas Waltham at Scilly to Colonel Bennet, governor
of Pendennis Castle,
April 14, 1649. Begs Bennet to hasten the
departure of Captain Lewer so that he can be released in exchange.
X.d.483 (35)
General orders for the troops and companies residing in Corwall.
Dated at Fowey,
May 2, 1649. Copy made by Bennet. To keep
watch over suspicious looking people...
X.d.483 (36)
Approval of General Thomas Fairfax at Queen St.,
May 4, 1649. Permission given to Colonel
Bennet to hire a gunner...for the Mount...
X.d.483 (37)
Letter from Sir Hardress Waller in London to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
May 8, 1649. About the burgess-ship of West
Looe which he helped Bennet to get. Adds intelligence of a high mutiny among
the horse which are drawn to Salisbury.
X.d.483 (38)
Letter from Sir Hardress Waller in London to [Robert Bennet],
May 29, 1649. Waller had just returned from
levelling the levellers.
X.d.483 (39)
Letter from John Ravenscrofte to [Robert Bennet],
June 12, 1649. Bennet's personal pay has
been confirmed by the general.
X.d.483 (40)
Letter from Vice-admiral Robert Moulton aboard the
Victory in Plymouth Sound, to [Robert Bennet?],
June 14, 1649. Writes on behalf of his
sister who has been unable to get a bill for board and lodging paid by one of
Bennet's men.
X.d.483 (41)
Letter from John Harris at Hayne, Devon, to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
June 18, 1649. Asks that four swords be
restored to him and his brother and servants.
X.d.483 (42)
Order of the Council of State, signed by its president John
Bradshaw, from Whitehall, to --,
July 23, 1649. The addressees are to give
particulars of the amount of ammunition in the several garrisons...so that they
will know better how to supply their needs.
X.d.483 (43)
Letter from Francis Buller at Shillingham to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
August 20, 1649. Buller would like to know
when Bennet will next be at home so that he can jog towards him.
X.d.483 (44)
Letter from John Moyle in London to Colonel Robert Bennet and
Anthony Rous at Landrake (Lanrack),
September 1, 1649. Moyle was unable to get
the levy from Cornwall abated by the House. Names those in Cornwall who have
been nominated for committees for the militia by the Commission of State and
asks for further suggestions. The county should intimate to the M.P.s who do
not attend Parliament that if they do not speedily repair thither a petition
will be circulated demanding new elections...
X.d.483 (45)
Letter from John Jelfe at Launceston to Major Grosse (Groase) in
Scilly,
October 12, 1649. About his exchange for Mr.
Samuel Mansfield of Plymouth.
X.d.483 (46)
Letter from Robert Bennet at Plymouth to Ensign Waight and the
other gentlemen prisoners of Jersey,
December 28, 1649. Copy. About the exchange
for royalist prisoners.
X.d.483 (47)
Letter from the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, signed by
Bulstrode Whitelock, Richard Keble, and John Lisle at Westminster, to Sir
Hardress Waller and others in Cornwall,
January 28, 1649/50. Two or more of the
addressees appointed to take subscriptions to the engagement from persons
holding officers of trust, in pursuance of an act of Parliament of January 2,
1649/50, an Act for subscribing the engagement.
X.d.483 (48)
Additional instructions to which Henry Rolle and other new
commissioners' names are added, signed by the president of the Council of
State, John Bradshaw,
February 5, 1649/50. Printed form [Wing E776A]. Measures
to be taken for preserving the peace, made in pursuance of an order of
Parliament of September 25, 1649.
X.d.483 (49)
Letter from Colonel Desborough (Disbrowe) at Exeter to Colonel
Robert Bennet at Hexworthy,
February 9, 1649/50. About the exchange of
prisoners at the Mount and Scilly.
X.d.483 (50)
Letter from Robert Bennet at Hexworthy to Sir Hardress Waller in
Ireland,
February 16, 1649/50. Bennet's copy of his
monitory letter. “We are here a rotten, unrighteous people...I have
better hopes of Ireland than England”.
X.d.483 (51)
Letter from Captain Thomas Harris and John Davis at St. Malo to
Colonel Robert Bennet at Launceston,
February 18, 1649/50. About the exchange of
Ensign Waight (Wayt and Weight) and others.
X.d.483 (52)
Letter from Gualter Frost, secretary of state, at Whitehall to
Colonel Robert Bennet,
March 19, 1649/50. Frost cannot explain the
erasure of Mr. Hunt Greenwood's name from a list of names for commissioners and
the substitution of Peter Kekewich's (Kekweek's).
X.d.483 (53)
Letters of Robert Bennet to Lieutenant-Colonel Lower and Captain
Courtney,
April 17, 1650. Drafts. About Major-General
Edward Massey's insurrection.
X.d.483 (54)
Letter from the Council of State, signed by John Bradshaw, at
Whitehall to Colonel Robert Bennet,
April 23, 1650. The Council has received his
letters telling it of the Cavaliers taken into custody. Sir Hardress Waller's
regiment to be made up to 1200.
X.d.483 (55)
Letter from the Council of State, signed by John Bradshaw, at
Whitehall to Colonel Robert Bennet,
April 27, 1650. About the exchange of
Captain John Lewer for three prisoners in Scilly.
X.d.483 (56)
Letter from the Council of State, signed by John Bradshaw, at
Whitehall to Colonel Robert Bennet, governor of Pendennis,
April 30, 1650. The Council wants Bennet to
lodge the garrison wholly within the Castle.
X.d.483 (57)
Note of the vote of the Parliament for the continuance of
Colonel Robert Bennet's and Colonel Hean's regiments for three months longer,
May 4, 1650. True copy.
X.d.483 (58)
Letter from the Council of State at Whitehall to Colonel Robert
Bennet and the rest of the commissioners for the militia of Cornwall,
May 4, 1650. Copy. Warns Bennet...of the
expected landing in the west of forces under Sir Ralph Hopton and therefore
desires his utmost care...
X.d.483 (59)
Letter from the Council of State at Whitehall to Colonel Robert
Bennet and the rest of the commissioners for the militia of Cornwall,
May 11, 1650. Copy. Repeats need to carry
out their printed instructions and to disarm the disaffected...
X.d.483 (60)
Commission, signed by Oliver Cromwell, appointing Robert Bennet
colonel of a regiment of foot,
May 22, 1650. N.B. Possibly not the
effective commission: the month and day were not filled in on the face of the
document and the seal has been removed. See (62).
X.d.483 (61)
Remembrances, drafted by Robert Bennet, to the committee of the
army about a certain rule to pass his account,
June 4, 1650.
X.d.483 (62)
Commission, signed by Lord Fairfax, appointing Robert Bennet
colonel of a regiment of foot,
June 14, 1650.
X.d.483 (63)
Proclamation, signed by Thomas Harrison, addressed to Colonel
Bennet and the officers and soldiers under his command...August 13, 1650.
Printed. To spend that night and the night of the 20th seeking favor with God
for the Army.
X.d.483 (64)
Letter from Colonel John Desborough (Disbrowe) at Exeter to
Colonel Robert Bennet near Launceston,
August 29, 1650. Not to proceed any further
in his regiment for the present...to exercise his companies twice a week.
X.d.483 (65)
Letter from Colonel John Desborough at Exeter to [John Clerke?],
September 16, 1650. Copy. Asked to alert
Colonel Bennet that the Cavaliers design something in the western parts and
that Tor Bay is still minded by them so that he may order his company at Fowey
(Foy) to be watchful...
X.d.483 (66)
Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel John Clerke at Plymouth to
Colonel Robert Bennet at Rame,
September 17, 1650. Of the designs of the
enemy. Enclosed Major-General Desborough's orders, possibly referring to
(65).
X.d.483 (67)
Order of the Parliament,
September 24, 1650. True copy. Colonel
Hean's and Colonel Bennet's regiments to be continued four months longer.
X.d.483 (68)
Letter from Major-General John Desborough at Plymouth to Colonel
Bennet,
October 11, 1650. Bennet to command the
horse and dragoons in Desborough's absence and also the whole business of
Cornwall.
X.d.483 (69)
Letter from Sir William Godolphin at Boconnoc (Boconnock) to
Colonel Bennet,
November 5, 1650. Thanks him for his
civility.
X.d.483 (70)
Letter from Major-General John Desborough at London to Colonel
Robert Bennet,
November 9, 1650. Advises Bennet not to
proceed further in the business about Scilly till he hears from him.... The
Prince of Orange is certainly dead.
X.d.483 (71)
Letter from John Moyle at Westminster to Colonel Robert Bennet
at Hexworthy in Lawhitton near Launceston,
November 16, 1650. News from Scotland.
William of Orange's death a great mercy to the commonwealth. Asks that Bennet
will not try to banish James Forbes, the Scottish minister of Dulow, even
though he may differ from him in his opinions.
X.d.483 (72)
Letter from Ambrose Manaton at Trecarrell to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
November 26, 1650. Thanks Bennet for his
letter to the sequestrators in his behalf, and asks him to consider the case of
his nephew who has been required to appear before Bennet to serve as a soldier
and who is the only support of his bedridden mother.
X.d.483 (73)
Letter from Major-General Desborough to Colonel Bennet,
November 30, 1650. Of the enemy's design in
Norfolk and of the order of State...
X.d.483 (74)
Letter from Major-General Desborough at London to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
December 3, 1650. Of the breaking of the
Norfolk design.
X.d.483 (75)
Letter from Francis Godolphin, later Sir Francis Godolphin, at
[St. Michael's] Mount to Colonel Robert Bennet, governor of the Mount,
December 17, 1650. Exonerates himself and
asks to be restored to his house.
X.d.483 (76)
Letter from Sir William Godolphin at Bodmin to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
December 19, 1650. Protests his causeless
apprehending, with the desire to be set at liberty.
X.d.483 (77)
Letter from Sir William Godolphin at Bodmin to [Colonel Bennet],
December 20, 1650. Asks again to be set at
liberty.
X.d.483 (78)
Letter from Francis Godolphin, later Sir Francis Godolphin, to
Colonel Robert Bennet, governor of [St. Michael's] Mount,
December 24, 1650. Written after his
enlargement.
X.d.483 (79)
Letter from William Wrey at Liskeard (Lyskerd) to Colonel
Bennet,
December 29, 1650. Concerning Sir Chichester
Wrey's apprehending by Bennet.
X.d.483 (80)
Letter from Major-General Desborough at London to Colonel
Bennet,
December 31, 1650. Has received Bennet's
information against several disaffected persons in Cornwall and desires his
continued care. Edinburgh Castle is surrendered.
X.d.483 (81)
Letter from Robert Bennet to the Lady [Ann] Basset,
ca. 1650. Draft. His heart cannot go so low
as to keep anything of hers...when he shall be delivered from the burden of
managing this ancient fortress, [i.e. St. Michael's Mount]. St. Michael's Mount
belonged to the Basset family.
X.d.483 (82)
Letter from the Council of State, signed by its president John
Bradshaw, to the Commissioners of the militia for the county of Cornwall at
Bodmin,
January 16, 1650/51. Touching the designs of
the enemy. Orders that the month's assessment allowed by Parliament be kept in
readiness to answer commands in the militia.
X.d.483 (83)
Letter from the Council of State, signed by John Bradshaw, to
[the Commissioners of the militia for the county of Cornwall],
January 28, 1650/51. For the continuation of
the militia forces.
X.d.483 (84)
Letter from Francis Buller at Shillingham to Colonel Robert
Bennet and Colonel Anthony Rous (Rowse) or either of them,
February 10, 1650/51. Asks for a let-pass to
go to the west to settle his son's affairs and gives details of his proposed
route.
X.d.483 (85)
Letter from the Committee of the Council of State for the
affairs of Ireland and Scotland, signed by Sir Henry Mildmay, Henry Darley,
Dennis Bond, Thomas Scott and Valentine Walton, to Colonel Robert Bennet,
March 29, 1651. Touching the old Irish
arrears which they would have him help Mr. Bunbury collect from the
collectors.
X.d.483 (86)
Letter from John Bunbury, agent of the Council of State on the
ordinance of the 16th of February, 1647/48, at Westminster to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
April 5, 1651. About the arrears of the
Irish assessment for which he wants Bennet's help.
X.d.483 (87)
Letter from Sir Richard Prideaux at Lostwithiel to Colonel
Bennet,
April 17, 1651. Will be glad of Bennet's
endeavors to relieve his sufferings if any opportunity shall offer.
X.d.483 (88)
Letter from Major-General John Desborough at Truro to Colonel
Bennet at [St. Michael's] Mount,
April 22, 1651. Will consider the question
of Bennet's two new officers for companies. Mr. Gewen wants particularly to be
Bennet's prisoner at the Mount.
X.d.483 (89-90)
Letter from Major-General John Desborough at Plymouth to Colonel
Bennet,
April 29, 1651. Encloses excerpts from a
letter from Bishop in Scotland, April 26, 1651.
Bennet not to stir from the Mount till he is assured there will
be no danger in his absence.
X.d.483 (91)
Letter from John Carew to Colonel Robert Bennet at [St.
Michael's] Mount,
May 6, 1651. Address and docket only. Of the
troops to be raised in Cornwall and Devon and of the press for Ireland.
X.d.483 (92)
Order of Parliament addressed to Colonel Bennet at [St.
Michael's] Mount,
July 11, 1651. True copy made by G[ilbert]
Mabbot. For the continuance of the regiments of Colonel Hean and Colonel Bennet
for three months longer.
X.d.483 (93)
Letter from Major-General Desborough at Launceston to [Robert
Bennet],
July 23, 1651. To inquire about the persons
who escaped from Plymouth and who are described in the letter.
X.d.483 (94)
Letter from George Kekewich, governor of St. Mawes, at St. Mawes
Castle, to Major-General Desborough and Colonel Bennet at Launceston,
July 24, 1651. Sets forth why the gentlemen
under restraint could not appear at Launceston...
X.d.483 (95)
Parole of Sir Richard Prideaux,
August 1, 1651. Two copies signed by
Prideaux. At the end is Bennet's aut. copy of his order to all officers and
soldiers...to allow Sir Richard Prideaux to remain in freedom at his house of
Tregarden, September 4, 1651.
X.d.483 (96)
Letter from Major-General John Desborough at Plymouth to Colonel
Bennet,
August 14, 1651. During his absence in
London, Bennet is to obey the orders he receives from Colonel Blake.
X.d.483 (97)
Letters from Colonel Bennet at Launceston to Sir James Smith
(Smyth); to Messrs. Godolphin, Arundell and Bassett; to Charles Roscarrock, Mr.
Arundell, Mr. Bassett and Mr. Godolphin;
August 28, 1651. Drafts. They are to yield
themselves into custody, Bennet having received information of the possible
approach of the Scottish army, then near Worcester. Also, Bennet's copies of
his letters to Captain Waight, Major Ceely and Captain Arundell who are to take
the prisoners into custody, and any others they may suspect.
X.d.483 (98)
Letter from Sir James Smith (Smyth) at Trewan (Trewane) to
Colonel Bennet at Bodmin,
September 2, 1651. Desires to be in custody
in Exeter.
X.d.483 (99)
Letter from Captain Jonathan Baron at the Leaguer before
Limerick (Lymbricke) to Colonel Robert Bennet at Lawhitton near Launceston,
September 5, 1651. Gives news of the siege
of Limerick. Would like more remunerative employment.
X.d.483 (100)
Letter from Sir Hardress Waller at the camp before Limerick to
Colonel Robert Bennet at Hexworthy,
September 11, 1651. News of the progress of
the siege...
X.d.483 (101)
Letter from John Wollocombe, Robert Rolle and John Fortesque to
Anthony Rous, Christopher Worthevale and the rest of the commissioners for the
militia for the county of Cornwall,
November 10, 1651. To help restore a horse
in the custody of Lieutenant Clerke to Mrs. Dennis, now that Captain Courtney's
troop has been disbanded in obedience to an order of the Council of State.
X.d.483 (102-104)
Letters to Colonel Bennet, M.P., touching the Dutch vessel
belonging to Hamburg (Hambourough) wrecked at the Mount and of Captain Rous's
attempt to seize all its goods for the Vice-Admiralty Court. See
Devon & Cornwall Notes & Queries, XXII,
148. Correspondents: John Chapman at [St. Michael's] Mount,
December 7, 1651. Colonel Anthony Rous at
Wotton, December 26, 1651. Captain John Waight, December 30, 1651; refers also
to the earthquake in the west on December 25 at 10:00 p.m.
X.d.483 (105)
Order of the Council of State, signed by John Thurloe,
April 30, 1653. Major-General [Thomas]
Harrison, Mr. Bennet and the commissioners for inspecting the treasuries to
enquire into the state of the Spanish wool.
X.d.483 (106)
Letter from Henry Grey, Earl of Stamford, at Bradgate,
[Leicestershire] to Colonel [Bennet],
May 21, 1653. Recommends various measures to
help the poor: the passing of an edict against the wearing of costly apparel,
the stopping of the import of foreign manufactures and the setting up of
manufactures in all market towns...Is sure that if a commission were granted to
him...money would be discovered for the work...
X.d.483 (107)
Order from Oliver Cromwell to Robert Bennet,
June 6, 1653. Copy. Bennet to appear at the
Council chamber in Whitehall on July 4 to serve as a member for the county of
Cornwall.
X.d.483 (108)
Letter from Peter Biglestone (Bigilstone) at Tawstock (Tastock)
to Colonel Robert Bennet, “a member of the new Representative” at
Westminster,
July 11, 1653. The king of Portugal has
raised the custom by 3%. Asks for a place of benefit or a place in the
consulship of Portugal.
X.d.483 (109)
Order of the Council of State, signed by its president Robert
Tichborne, at Whitehall to Colonel Robert Bennet at Bodmin,
September 7, 1653. To appear at
Whitehall.
X.d.483 (110)
Letter from “Lord” Richard Bradshaw at Hamburg to
the lord president and Council of State,
September 10, 1653. Bradshaw was their
public minister in Hamburg and reports on the insolent behavior of some of the
young men of the English company there, tending to the encouragement of
malignants, and asks the Council to intervene.
X.d.483 (111)
Letter from Robert Webb at Ilmi[n]ster, [Somerset], to Colonel
Robert Bennet, a member of Parliament and of the Council of State at
Westminster,
November 4, 1653. Desires to have the
mistake cleared concerning the date of the warrant.
X.d.483 (112)
Letter from Anthony Nicoll at Penheale to Colonel Robert Bennet,
a member of Parliament and one of the Council of State, at London,
November 9, 1653. Nicoll's judgment touching
divers affairs; welcomes the discourse of a peace with the Hollander and the
prospect of a religious settlement. Believes they should reform the abuses but
not touch the body of the law and that the Court of Chancery should not be
abolished till they have established a Court of Equity.
X.d.483 (113)
Receipt, signed by J. Spratt, for the order of the commissioners
of the Admiralty of December 3, 1653, for £383-3-6d, and for a letter of
attorney of Peter Biglestone (Biggleston) authorizing Spratt to receive the
money,
January 11, 1653/54.
X.d.483 (114)
Letter from Robert Bennet to the lord protector Oliver Cromwell,
ca. June 1654. Draft. Some heads of a letter
to the protector. Inveighs against the swarms of most wicked town clerks,
stewards and attorneys, especially one Penyman, town clerk of Bodmin,
complained against in the Court of Requests.
X.d.483 (115)
Letter from Captain John Waight at Pendennis to Colonel Robert
Bennet at Westminster,
February 10, 1654/55. Of his pay as
lieutenant. Note of Bennet's that he received this letter from Captain
Hatswell's man, March 8 and not sooner.
X.d.483 (116-119)
Petitions from Robert Bennet to the lord protector Oliver
Cromwell,
ca. April - May 15, 1655. Copy and drafts.
About the reimbursement of the expenses he incurred for the commonwealth,
1646-1649, amounting to £297-7-9½d. Followed by a copy of his
account delivered into the Council, May 11, 1655 and his affidavit in
affirmation of his account, June 2, 1655.
See also (143-148).
X.d.483 (120)
Letter from John Desborough at Whitehall to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
September 6, 1656. The old enemy is raising
his head and therefore asks Bennet to look to the defence of [St. Michael's]
Mount.
X.d.483 (121)
Letter from General John Desborough at Spring Garden to Colonel
Robert Bennet in Cornwall,
November 17, 1657. About Captain Whitton who
is to be discharged from his position of trust. Desborough undertakes to tell
Cromwell about Bennet's request for repairs to his castle, [i.e. St. Michael's
Mount].
X.d.483 (122)
Letter from Major [Peter?] Ceely at St. Ives to Colonel Robert
Bennet, governor of [St.] Michael's Mount,
April 29, 1658. Of the fleet of fifty or
sixty sail at Land's End.
X.d.483 (123)
Letter from (?) Vernon at Ford, Ireland, to his
“brother” Colonel Robert Bennet, M.P.,
May 14, 1659. Of his having rejoiced at the
laying aside of the worthy old Parliament, expecting an end to certain
oppressions, but his hopes were short-lived. Ashamed of the army's behavior in
Ireland... Also, Bennet's note of his answer in which he said that Cromwell's
pride was trampled with great etc., May 17, 1659.
X.d.483 (124)
Letter from Richard Lobb at Falmouth to [Robert Bennet, M.P.],
June 29, 1659. Of Lobb's alacrity for the
restitution of the Commonwealth and the good old cause. Asks that Bennet try
and remove the additional duty on tin and the custom on fish to help the
pilchard men.
X.d.483 (125)
Letter from Richard Lobb at Bodmin to [Robert Bennet],
August 10, 1659. Concerning the militia in
Colonel Bennet's regiment which will be the best in the west of England.
Recommends certain officers.
X.d.483 (126)
Letter from Dan. (?) Child at Exeter to [Robert Bennet?],
August 20, 1659. To arm Exeter and Cornwall
by way of militia is to arm “your” enemies which he shall surely
find them to be. Endorsed August 29, 1659.
X.d.483 (127)
Letter from Richard Lobb at Falmouth to [Robert Bennet],
August 29, 1659. States that their ministry
will never be amended as long as tithes continue; should be brought to
stipends. Gives his views on an effective way of organizing the militia and
suggests who the captains should be. Thanks Bennet for his pains in taking off
the custom on fish and hopes he can do likewise in the case of tin. Wants to
send him some pilchards.
X.d.483 (128)
Letter from Richard Lobb to Colonel Robert Bennet, M.P., at
Westminster,
[September 1659]. About custom and excise
rates in general. Is sending Bennet some pilchards and tells him how they may
be dressed. Hopes he will not forget the tinners. Prefers raising money by
subsidies for this will not hurt the poor so much.
X.d.483 (129)
Letter from Richard Lobb at Falmouth to [Colonel Robert Bennet],
October 10, 1659. Grateful acknowledgment of
Bennet's good service in procuring the custom and impost on tin and fish.
Tinners anxious to have their other grievances made known to Parliament by a
petition... Tin not to be had else in all the world.
X.d.483 (130)
Letter from Colonel Thomas Ceely to [Robert Bennet],
October 10, 1659. Bennet to acquaint Sir
Henry Vane and others of Ceely's business.
X.d.483 (131)
Letter from Captain Dego Cloke to [Robert Bennet],
October 20, 1659. About the commissioners
meeting at Bodmin and their want of power to act; therefore asks Bennet and
some friend to act for them.
X.d.483 (132)
Letter from the Committee of Officers appointed by the General
Council of the Army to Robert Bennet,
October 27, 1659. Signed by William Packer,
Ed. Salmon, Richard Sawrey (?), John Miller, Francis Allen, Samuel Clarke,
Jeremiah Camfield, Thomas Kelsey, T. Biscoe, Richard Ashfield, Richard Creed,
William Goffe (Gough), and Robert Kinge. Summons to sit in the Committee of
Safety the following day.
X.d.483 (133)
Letter from William Bennet in London to his brother Robert
Bennet,
January 26, 1659/60. Of the grand
catastrophe in Parliament... Told that Robert was to come to London. Their
cousin Clobery comes to London with General Monk. Robert Bennet has annotated
the contents of this letter.
X.d.483 (134-139)
Testimonials testifying that Colonel Robert Bennet has refused
any authority derived from the Army since the last interruption put upon the
Parliament by the Army... Signed by: (134)
Andrew Trevill, J.P., a commissioner for the county of Cornwall,
February 7, 1659/60.
(135)
The brethren of the Congregation of Christ at Looe: Thomas
Dobbins, Walter Vine, John Chapman, John Spoor, Stephen Hockon, Walter
Tinkcome, Peter Coode, John Treffry, Henry Chubb and William Couch, February 7,
1659/60.
(136)
The officers of Pendennis: Captain John Wood, Ensign Thomas
Parsons, Ensign Digory Browne and Sergeant Joel Crocker, February 9,
1659/60.
(137-138)
The officers of [St. Michael's] Mount: Robert Flamancke, deputy
governor, Thomas Slade, gunner, and Thomas Hubberd, February 10, 1659/60. Two
similar copies.
(139)
Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Lower, February 11, 1659/60.
X.d.483 (140)
Letter from Samuel Kekewich (Kekwich) at Liskeard to Colonel
Robert Bennet at Hexworthy,
June 8, 1660. Advice about the king's
Declaration. Bennet has added “whereupon I proceeded”.
X.d.483 (141)
Letter from Peter Kekewich at Trehawke (Trehauke) to Robert
Bennet or his (Kekewich's) sister in his (Bennet's) absence,
June 8, 1660. Enclosed a form arising out of
the King's Declaration to be embraced by all whom it may concern before a
J.P...before the 10th instant. Accompanied previous item (140).
X.d.483 (142)
Letter from Robert Bennet to Pierce Edgcumbe, high sheriff of
Cornwall,
March 14, 1660/61. Draft. Thanks Edgcumbe
for his help in getting his discharge from his restraint in the city of
Exeter.
X.d.483 (143-148)
Letters to and from Robert Bennet...touching the Exchequer
business - the £297-7-9½d. contingencies allowed by the Lord
Protector [Cromwell] and Council,
April 3, 1655. See (116-119).
Correspondents:
(143)
William Bennet in London, October 7, 1662.
(144)
Rules agreed on before the lord chancellor and barons of the
Exchequer, October 25, 1662. Followed by a clause from 14 Charles II, [c. 16].
Copy by Bennet.
(145)
Stephen Revell at Plymouth, October 28, 1662.
(146)
Sir Henry Pollexfen at the [Inner] Temple, December 20,
1662.
(147a)
Robert Bennet at Hexworthy to William Bennet, January 27,
1662/63. Draft. The rumor that Desborough was seized in the west has led to his
(Bennet's) imprisonment and that of many others. Mentions his old friend John
Rushworth.
(147b)
Robert Bennet at Hexworthy to Sir Henry Pollexfen of the Inner
Temple, January 31, 1662/63. Draft. Bennet says that he never took any
goods...for his own use when commander-in-chief of the commonwealth forces in
Cornwall. Has sent him up all the papers which he thinks useful; they are in
his brother's hands.
(148)
Robert Bennet to Mr. Smallacomb, his [representative attorney]
in London, February 2, 1662/63. Draft. Preceded by a draft of a letter to John
Rushworth which he intended to enclose, February 2, 1662/63.
X.d.483 (149)
Letter from Samuel Enys at Penryn to [Robert Bennet?],
November 21, 1662. Writes on behalf of
Edmond Everett, feltmaker, who had given bond in a certain sum to the addressee to
the use of the Keepers of the liberty of England as they then called it...
Everett had some of Bollen's goods.
II. Personal and business
papers
X.d.483 (150)
Letter of attorney of Thomas Horden,
February 15, 1602/03. Thomas Horden, as
attorney for John Talbot of Westminster, gent., appoints John Benion of
Westminster, gent., to receive the half yearly annuity from John and Margaret
Mules during his absence.
X.d.483 (151)
Lease by John Doble of Larrick (Larrack) in the parish of Lezant
(Lesant) to John Rowe of North Petherwin, [Devon], of messuages... in Weston in
the tenure of John Rowe,
October 16, 1608. Lease to take effect after
Rowe's death for the benefit of his children, Zacheus and Petronel. Copy.
X.d.483 (152)
Mortgage by Richard Bennet of Lawhitton, esq., the father of
Colonel Robert Bennet, to Edward John of land in the parish of St. Sidwells
without the East gate of the city of Exeter,
June 17, 1615.
X.d.483 (153)
Bond in £20 by William Thorne of Bishops-Tawton (Tawton
Epis'), Devon, yeoman, to John Mulys of Halmpstone (Halmeston) in the said
parish,
August 14, 1618. To perform covenants in a
certain indenture of the same date.
X.d.483 (154)
Bond in £1000 by Elinor Acland and Elizabeth Acland of
Landkey, Devon, executors of the will of Hugh Acland their father to James
Welshe of Barnstaple, Devon, John Mulys of London and William Molford of
Northam, [Devon], overseers of the will of Hugh Acland, esq.,
June 14, 1622. To carry out the terms of the
will without discussion... Witnessed by John Acland, son of Hugh, and
others.
X.d.483 (155)
Directions for Colonel Bennet by Hannibal Vyvyan,
October 16, 1649. Vyvyan describes Bennet's
disease and then gives his prescription for alleviating it with his
reasons.
X.d.483 (156)
Bond in £20 by Zacheus Rowe of North Petherwin, Devon,
yeoman, tenant of Robert Bennet, to Robert Bennet of Lawhitton,
November 12, 1649. To account and pay the
dues owing on his tenement in Weston. Followed by a copy of the discharge sent
to the bailiffs... See (151).
X.d.483 (157-162)
Papers connected with Robert Bennet's suit in Chancery against
John Clobery the elder, Christopher Clobery, his son, John Clobery the younger;
and Ambrose Manton, and later Thomas Prust on behalf of Manaton's widow Jane
and infant son Ambrose, touching the manor of Lawhitton which was jointly
purchased from the trustees for the sale of “Bishops” lands by John
Clobery the elder, Robert Bennet and Ambrose Manaton, esqs., in order to divide
it into three equal parts,
1650-1656. (157)
Draft of a letter from Robert Bennet to William Edgcumbe, July
27, 1650. About Eniham woods where there were four colts which Bennet wanted
his uncle Clobery to remove if they belonged to him and not to multiply
controversies needlessly when the Chancery was about to settle their
differences.
(158)
Copy of a letter from Oliver Cromwell to Major-General Lambert,
December 13, 1651. About securing Major Clobery with a subpoena so that
Bennet's being in the army should not hinder him from having a fair trial in
any of the courts of Westminster. Accompanying this are a copy of Cromwell's
instructions and of the let pass for Major Clobery.
(159)
Summons by the commissioners appointed by the court of Chancery
to Robert Bennet, October 6, 1652. Signed by John Moyle, Richard Carter, Anthony
Rous, John Carew and Humphrey Lower at Truro. They will view the manor of
Lawhitton on October 19. Also, Bennet's copy of the memorandum of the
commissioners' proceedings, November 19, 1652 and later.
(160-161)
Affidavits of Thomas Millet of Lezant, John Randle of St. Thomas
touching the serving of the writ of execution of the decree made in Chancery,
May 9, 1654. 2 copies of each.
(162)
The entry and claim of Major John Clobery to his third of the
manor of Lawhitton...allotted according to a decree in Chancery, August 28,
1656.
This subject is raised again in (147a).
X.d.483 (163-167)
Orders of the commissioners of Parliament for removing
obstructions in the sale of the Honors...of the late king, queen and prince,
and orders of the committee of contractors for sale of the Honors of the late
king...1650-1653. (163)
Relate to the rents due to the original creditors. October 12,
1650.
(164-165)
Relate to the claims of Thomas Ross (Rosse) to the constableship
of Launceston Castle by grant of the late king, signed by William Roberts,
later Sir William, bart., Francis Mussenden, Jo[siah?] Berners, Matthew
Valentine, Robert Aldworth, and Henry Pym, July 1652.
(166-167)
Relate to Bennet's purchase of the Honor and castle of
Launceston, March-April, 1653.
X.d.483 (168)
Letter from Lieutenant J. Larke at Exeter Castle to Mrs. Ann
Bennet at Hexworthy,
May 9, 1651. Gives a report of her husband
Robert Bennet's account of his money and business in London.
X.d.483 (169)
Letter from Francis Buller, Jr. at Shillingham to Colonel Robert
Bennet,
December 26, 1654. About the terms offered
by Buller's tenant Basterd.
X.d.483 (170)
Letter from Henry Chubb and Thomas Collong to [Robert Bennet?],
[1655?]. Mr. [Edward?] Hancock has refused
to accept their money...and they desire Bennet's advice.
X.d.483 (171)
Letter from John Talbot at Exeter to Colonel Robert Bennet in
London,
January 10, 1654/55. “Scattering
thoughts.”
X.d.483 (172)
Letter from Walter Vine at Looe to Colonel Robert Bennet at
London,
January 23, 1654/55. About [Edward?]
Hancock's dishonesty. Gives news of their Church. See (170).
X.d.483 (173-177)
Letters from fellow members of his Church at Looe to or
concerning Colonel Robert Bennet,
March - April 1656, written just before his
going to a meeting of the Assembly of the messengers of the Churches at Wells,
to start on April 7, 1656. Bennet was an Anabaptist.
Correspondent:
(173)
John Pendarves at Abingdon.
(174-175)
Abraham Cheare at Plymouth and Bennet's reply from East Looe.
About Sister Cornish who had been deluded by the Quakers. Asks Bennet to try
and prevent the spreading of that gangrion...
(176)
Thomas Dobbins and Walter Vine.
(177)
Thomas Collier, John Pendarves and Nathaniel Strange at Wells.
Report from Wells followed by queries on ministers' stipends and usury, and the
answers given at the assembly.
X.d.483 (178)
Letter from Joseph Hunkyn at Westminster to Robert Bennet at
Hexworthy,
February 10, 1656/57. About William
Menheire. Bennet has added three notes of letters he wrote to Captain Allen,
William Menheire and Joseph Hunkyn, February 14, 1656/57.
X.d.483 (179)
Letter from William Menheire at Worcester House to Colonel
[Joseph] Hunkyn (Hunkin) in King St. [London?],
April 2, 1657. Also, note of Hunkyn's about
Menheire's persisting in his dishonesty.
X.d.483 (180)
Letter from Stephen Revell at Westminster to Colonel Robert
Bennet at Hexworthy,
February 11, 1657/58. About money which
Bennet owes him, some of it due on the militia account.
X.d.483 (181)
Letter from Sir Richard Vyvyan at Trelowarren to Colonel Robert
Bennet at Helston, Cornwall,
April 26, 1658. About Vyvyan's rents due to
Launceston Castle.
X.d.483 (182)
Letter from Sir Richard Vyvyan at Trelowarren to Colonel Robert
Bennet at [St. Michael's] Mount,
April 30, 1658. About the same matter.
X.d.483 (183)
Letter from Robert Bennet at Hexworthy to Colonel [Anthony]
Rous,
July 12, 1658. Draft. Concerning the
reedifying of the hall in the castle green, prison, etc. at Launceston for the
public service of the Assizes.
X.d.483 (184)
Order from Sir Charles Harbord [surveyor general] to Robert
Bennet to receive all arrears of rent issuing out of His Majesty's manors,
purchased during the late usurped authority, according to the Act of Indemnity,
November 10, 1660. Copy.
X.d.483 (185)
Letter from John Ward to Robert Bennet,
December 6, 1662. Bennet endorsed this
letter: John Ward a kind of a messenger to gather the King's rents with a trick
to get money for himself.
X.d.483 (186)
Letter from William Bennet in London to his brother Robert
Bennet in Cornwall,
January 8, 1662/63. About Mr. Opy and
Stephen Trevill's bond and mortgage. Bennet has endorsed this letter: I gave my
brother a perfect account of all, January 30.
Bennet replies to this in (147a).
X.d.483 (187)
The account in Thomas Buck's suit,
ca. January 28, 1663/64.
X.d.483 (188)
Letter from James Lake, rector of Lanteglos, to Robert Bennet at
Lawhitton,
January 29, 1663/64. Lake pretends a
judgment that Mr. Smallacomb sought to get a condemnation and costs against
him.
X.d.483 (189)
Letter from Robert Bennet at Hexworthy to [James] Lake,
January 30, 1663/64. Draft reply to the last
letter. The matter is at an end with them if he can make quietness with his
attorney.
X.d.483 (190)
Rate for raising £3-4-4d. upon the inhabitants of
Lawhitton according to an act of Parliament,
February 22, 1666/67. Seen and allowed March
12, 1666/67.
X.d.483 (191)
Letter from Edward Kekewich at Trehawke (Trekauke) to Robert
Bennet at Hampstead,
June 1, 1669. Of Kekewich's conference with
Mr. Greenwood about the business of the orphans...
X.d.483 (192)
Letter from William Bennet at Westend to his brother Robert
Bennet at Launceston,
February 25, 1672/73. Gives a survey of the
manor of Pengelly and his directions about the same. Sir George Carteret,
bart., was willing to take William Bennet's farm in Kent in part payment for
this manor.
X.d.483 (193)
Letter from Robert Bennet at Hexworthy to his brother [William],
June 3, 1673. Draft. Discusses certain lands
he and his brother are interested in; one corner of the manor of Watervale,
near Dartmoor, “to give you a merry item”, is a waste inhabited
time out of mind by a people of an unknown origin usually called the Gubbinses,
a beggarly fraternity about which a learned doctor has written.
X.d.483 (194)
Rate made by the tithing of Gabriel's to raise £2-18-10d.
towards the building of thirty sail for His Majesty's service,
May 31, 1677. William Bennet was the chief
contributor.
X.d.483 (195)
Letter from Robert Bennet, Jr., at --- to his father Robert
Bennet at Hexworthy,
June 25, 1678. About an injunction to stop
the felling of certain common woods...
