The Scrase Family and Piracy
This page is intended to be a start at bringing together references to the Scrase family and privateering or piracy. The sources are followed by the information.
I give a transcription from a case brought by Richard Uvedall against Tuppyn Scras in Chancery here.
Randolph Rawlinson v. Edwd. Scrase, Richd. Scrase.: Ship freighted with iron by… .The National Archives, E 134/20Jas1/East12, 20 Jas 1 1621-22.
“Randolph Rawlinson v. Edwd. Scrase, Richd. Scrase.: Ship freighted with iron by defendant Richd. with his son Edwd. (defendant) on board as factor, which ship left Falmouth and arrived at "ye Groyne," in Spain, where she and her crew were "apprehended for pirates," the ship confiscated to the King of Spain, and most of the men condemned to the gallies. Touching an account of monies alleged to have been disbursed by Geo. Rawlinson for the support of Edwd. Scrase and crew during their captivity in Spain.: Cornwall”
'Warrants for Issuing Letters of Marque or Commissions to Take Pirates.', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 285-309. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52028&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
February 8, 1627
'William Scras, owner ship: Violet, of Brighthelmstone, 40 tons, captain The Owner
February 12, 1628
William Scras, owner ship: John Garine, of Crossick, 160 tons, captain The Owner
'Charles I - volume 93: February 12-20, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1627-28 (1858), pp. 557-575. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=51987&strquery=scraceDate accessed: 13 October 2013.
Feb. 14. Cowess.
33. Capt. William Hemming to Nicholas. Reports a fruitless cruise on the coast of France, and an engagement with a Dunkirker. Now needs repairs, which Mr. Tuppin Scrace will effect, on certain terms, which are submitted to Nicholas.
'Charles I - volume 95: March 1-14, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 1-18. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52007&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
March 7, 1628
45. Sir Henry Marten to Sec. Coke. Received the propositions of the Dutch Ambassadors to the King's Commissioners, with a request that he should give an answer thereto. Three of them have no relation to the Admiralty Court or himself. One relates to the Muscovia merchants. As to that about Capt. Scras and Capt. Gibson, all he did was to certify somewhat to the Council; he did nothing judicially. The last relates to Privy Seals directed to Merchant Strangers. As to the other two, he will return an answer as soon as he can.
March 11, 1628, Southampton
64. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Beseeches that he may receive instructions respecting Capt. Theobald's sugars, and also respecting an Order of Council, dated in February last, for settling the terms of admission of Rochellers who bring French prizes into English ports. Tenths received from Capt. Scras.
'Charles I - volume 96: March 15-21, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 18-31. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52008&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
March 18, 1628, Southampton
42. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Reports state of prize business at Southampton, and incloses accounts of tenths and valuations. Salt is now worth 20s. per quarter. Incloses, 42. i. Account of tenths received from the Black Dog. 42. ii. Valuation of seven Dutch ships taken by the Dolphin, of Shoreham, Capt. Scras. 42. iii. Valuation of the Peter, of Conquet, also taken by Capt. Scras.
March 11, 1628
64. Particular of the contents of Capt. Scras's chest: linen, silk, and ribbon.
'Charles I - volume 98: March 22-31, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 31-53. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52010&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
March 23, 1628
30. Sir Henry Marten to the same. By Order of Council of February 15 last, it was ordered, that a trunk or chest taken by Capt. Scras, in the Andrew, of Rotterdam, brought to the Isle of Wight, should be delivered to the said Scras, on his first making proof that it belonged to the writer of a scandalous letter found in that ship. The proof has been made, under a commission, but Capt. Scras is forbidden to take the trunk into his custody by Alexander Douglas, Lieutenant of Cowes Castle, and the Council has ordered the ship to be released.
March 24, 1628
44. Petition of Capt. William Scras to "the excellent Prince, George Duke of Buckingham." The trunk and goods in it aboard the St. Andrew, of Rotterdam, are those ordered by the Council to be given up to him, but Alexander Douglas, Lieutenant of Cowes Castle, under Sir Fulke Greville, will not suffer him to have them without the order of Lord Conway, the Duke's deputy in that place. Prays for an order to Lord Conway for their delivery, and also that the petitioner may have 392l. 15s. allowed him by the Board, otherwise he is like to be damnified 1,000l.
March 25, 1628 Southampton
55. John Ellzey to the same. Earnestly desires his restoration to health. Reports on prize matters. Sugars bought by Mr. Pescod from Capt. Theobald; tenths of Capt. Scras's seven prizes of salt, and of Capt. Noy's corn. Capt. William Towerson, of Portsmouth, and the writer, having set out the Dian under Capt. Pelham, and a pinnace under Capt. Adams, with letters of marque against Spaniards and French, the Duke stayed them for transport of Sir Philip Carteret, of Jersey. In their voyage, somewhat near the Wight, on Monday fortnight, at night, they were set on by five Dunkirkers; both ships were taken, Capt. Pelham slain, the knight and all others carried away for Dunkirk. Towerson will petition on behalf of himself and the writer, who hopes the Duke will afford them relief.
'Charles I - volume 100: April 1-12, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 59-72. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52012&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
April 1, 1628
5. Sec. Conway to Sir Fulke Greville. Sends him a copy of directions received from the Lord Admiral, for delivering a trunk or chest to be taken out of the Saint Andrew, of Rotterdam, to Capt. WilliamScras. [Draft.]
'Charles I - volume 101: April 14-23, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 72-86. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52013&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
April 17, 1628 Southampton
26. John Ellzey to Nicholas. There is arrived the Dolphin, Capt. William Scras, with two Granville boats as prizes; a third was cast away on the coast of France. There remain three of the Dutch ships to unlade. The Black Dog's goods he has sent up.
'Charles I - volume 102: April 24-30, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 86-97. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52014&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
April 26, 1628, Southampton
32. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Capt. William Scras has taken a French bark, with sixty chests of sugar, and now rides with his prize at St. Helen's, intending to send the prize to Shoreham or Chichester, and to compound for the tenths with Lord Nottingham, being so induced by Mr. Marlott, of Shoreham, burgess in Parliament for that place, who persuades them that Lord Nottingham has a patent for the same. Is assured that a patent for pirates' goods, wrecks, and such like cannot deprive the Duke of his tenths.
April 29, 1628 Southampton.
54. John Ellzey to the same. The French bark taken by Capt. William Scras is now at Chichester unlading. He has warned Tuppin Scras, who is the proprietor, how he converts the Duke's tenths to any other use. Complains of the "unorderly proceedings" of Capts. Barnaby Burley, and Hippisley. Has demanded the tenths from Pescod, but received only words of affront.
'Charles I - volume 105: May 24-31, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 124-144. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52017&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
May 27 1628
37. The same to the same. In his letter of that morning omitted to write that Capt. Scras had arrived in that port with a prize of French wines, some 50 tons or thereabouts.
'Charles I - volume 108: June 23-30, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 174-188. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52020&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
June 27 1628, Lancing
39. Richard Streater to Nicholas. Sends inventory of the Duke's tenths, received from Capt. William Scras, and wishes order for sale.
'Charles I - volume 110: July 13-24, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 208-230. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52022&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
July 22, 1628 Southampton
52. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Reports prize business at Southampton. A French man-of-war brought in a French prize of 25 tons, which pretends to go under the Commission of Rochelle. Mons. Gobart, who demands duties for the Rochellers, would exclude the Duke. Ellzey has demanded the Duke's tenths, which Gobart has refused. A Dutch vessel brought in by Capt. William Scras, and pretended to belong to Calais.
July 23, 1628 Lancing
60. Richard Streater to the same. Sends account of prizes brought in, and tenths received, since April last. Inclosed, 60. i. Particular of such barks as have been brought in on the coast of Sussex. 60. ii. Inventory of tenths of the Rose, of Conquet, brought into Chichester, by Capt. William Scras.
'Charles I - volume 111: July 25-31, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 230-242. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52023&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
July 29 1628 Southampton
31. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Wrote last week of a Dutch ship brought in by Capt. William Scras with fruit, wines, shumack, and aniseed. The goods are being landed for preservation, the hold being extreme hot. Has received letter from the Duke to render an account which he is preparing. Shall he send it to Nicholas in London, or attend him with it at Portsmouth at the Duke's coming ?
'Charles I - volume 130: Warrants for Issuing Letters of Marque, and Trinity House certificates', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 439-442. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52043&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
(from the REGISTER BOOK OF WARRANTS FOR ISSUING LETTERS OF MARQUE Granted by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty from September 28, 1628, to November 27, 1630.
Nov. 15, 1628
Owners of ships: Capt. William Scras and others. ship: Falcon, of Southampton, 200 tons, captain Edward Bust ship: Her pinnace, 70 tons, captain not stated
Nov. 22, 1628
Owners of ships: Tuppyn Scras and others. ship: Fortune, of Southampton, 100 tons, captain Thomas Squibb ship: Dolphin, 80 tons, captain Henry Wheeler
'Charles I - volume 103: May 1-15, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 97-112. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52015&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
May 1, 1628
Nicholas to Richard Streater. Advertisement is given that Captain William Scras has taken a French bark, and is likely to bring her to Shoreham or Chichester. Urges him to vigilancy in taking the Duke's tenths. P.S.—Hears that Capt. Scras has brought the ship into Chichester, and unladen her, without order; if so, he is to certify the fact, that some course may be taken to arrest the ship. [Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book, p. 74.]
May 6, 1628, Southampton
38. John Ellzey to the same. Capt. Scras's prize is discharged at Chichester. Recounts all his proceedings respecting the sugars purchased by Pescod out of Tiball's [Theobald's] prize. Has now taken Mr. Mayor's word to be answerable for the Duke's tenths. Sends a bill of exchange for 100l., and will hasten more. The tenths of the salt will exceed his calculation. Must send up the coarse sugars to Mr. Dike, for they have no refining-house there
'Charles I - volume 104: May 16-23, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 112-124. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52016&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
19. Nicholas Pescod to Nicholas. The Mayor of Southampton advises him that Sec. Conway has been informed that the writer advised Capt. Scras to go for Chichester with his prize of sugar. Upon his faith he encouraged him to bring all his prizes to that town. Wishes the ability of his body permitted him to see Nicholas in London. Sends a small quantity of oranges and lemons, not knowing how plenty they are at London.
'Charles I - volume 113: August 16-23, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 257-266. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52025&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
August 18, 1628
17. Inventory of tenths taken out of Capt. Scras's prize, certified by John Ellzey.
'Charles I - volume 116: September 1-11, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 310-327. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52029&strquery=scras
September 9, 1628, Southampton
93. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Urged by Richard Oliver to write respecting some alteration in what the King has granted to Matthew Brooke. Goods taken possession of by the writer during the late Duke's lifetime as his tenths of prizes brought in by Capt. Scras, have been seised by the new collector for the King. The writer contends for the right of the Duchess.
'Charles I - volume 118: October 1-18, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 341-355. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52031&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
October 8, 1628 Portsmouth Dock
39. Matthew Brooke to [Nicholas]. Judication come down for the prizes taken by Capt. Scras, ordering the tenths to be delivered to Mr. Ellzey for the executors of the Duke, which he cannot understand, the ships being brought in on August 23, after the Duke's death.
October 11, 1628
55. Petition of Matthew Brooke, Clerk of the Check at Portsmouth, to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. The King, by grant dated August 28 last, appointed petitioner to collect all tenths to accrue due to the King by the decease of the Lord Admiral, whereupon petitioner stayed certain goods brought in by Capt. Scras. The Court of Admiralty has since ordered them to be delivered to the Commissioners of the Estate of the late Lord Admiral, notwithstanding they were brought in after the Duke's decease. Prays the Lords Commissioners to take order therein.
'Charles I - volume 119: October 19-31, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 355-366. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52032&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
October 28, 1628
50. Petition of Abraham and Thomas Chambrelan and other merchants to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Their ship, the Jacob, of Bristol, was pressed by Capt. Buxton, and employed as a victualler under Lord Denbigh. On his return she was discharged without pay. On proceeding from Plymouth to Dartmouth she was taken by a French man-of-war, and afterwards rescued by Capt.Scras, who brought her into Southampton, where he keeps her, hoping to make prize of her. Pray that she may be restored on a reasonable recompence to Capt. Scras.
'Charles I - volume 120: November 1-16, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 366-384. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52033&strquery=scras
November 11, 1628
36. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Sends account of tenths received from Capt. Scras, for his two late prizes. Wishes his advice how to proceed with Morgan Adams, his late substitute of the Wight, who detains articles received by him about the time of the Duke's death.
'Charles I - volume 121: November 17-30, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 384-401. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52034&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
November 28, 1628
7. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Prize news. Sends particulars of the "Crammery ware" received for tenths of Capt. Scras through the misconduct of Brooks. Brooks has sent up the appraisement to the Court, and has kept no double of it. A French bark taken by Capt. Tibbalt [Theobald], with 110 pipes of new Malaga wine, and 40 barrels of raisins of the sun. Inclosed, 7. i. Particulars above mentioned.
'Charles I - volume 132: January 10-23, 1629', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 447-456. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52045&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
Jan. 13, 1629, Southampton
11. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Thanks for procuring him warrant to collect tenths. Wants an order for sale of tenths of Capt. Scras's linen cloth worth about 130l. or thereabouts. There has come in to the Cowes, a French ship of Capt. Theobald's, armed in the west country, with Malaga wines. Also, a Dutch ship, with French wines, was taken by Capt. Squibb, last week, in a ship of Capt. Scras's.
'Charles I - volume 93: February 12-20, 1628', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1627-28 (1858), pp. 557-575. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=51987&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
February 14, 1628
28. Petition of Capt. William Acras [Scras] to "the illustrious Prince, George Duke of Buckingham." Petitioner took a ship bound for Bayonne, with provision for the enemy, and there found an offensive letter concerning the King and State. The freight is ordered to be sold for the King's store, and the ship, to gratify the State's Ambassador, is to be restored to the owners. There has been found in the ship a trunk belonging to the author of the offensive letter. Prays that the trunk and its contents may be bestowed on the petitioner.
'Charles I - volume 138: March 1-17, 1629', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 485-495. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52051&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
March 13, Southampton
67. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Capt. William Scras is arrived at Cowes, with a French bark containing Brazil sugars, and a ship of Hamburgh or Lubeck, with a lading of tar and pitch. Desires answer to former letters, and respecting the tobacco.
'Charles I - volume 140: April 1-16, 1629', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 511-521. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52053&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
Domestic
April 7. Southampton.
26. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Sent last week appraisements of Capt. Scras's prizes, that of the sugars being made by conjecture. Since when he has spent a week at Cowes in weighing and sorting, and sends another inclosed account. Cowes is a very unjust and uncivil place, and the customer over nice. He is afraid that Capt. Scras will be out of square in these tumultuous times.Incloses, 26. i. Note of sugar and tobacco brought into Cowes by Capt. William Scras.
April 11. London
41. Letters of marque authorizing Capt. William Scras and others to set forth the Bevis, of Southampton, to take ships of the King of Spain and any of his subjects. [Cancelled.]
'Warrants for Issuing Letters of Marque', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 151-156. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52089&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013. 17 Jan 1629:
owner: Tuppin Scras and others ship: Dolphin, of Shoreham, 120 tons, Capt. Henry Wheeler ship: Fortune, 80 tons, Capt. Thomas Squibb
'Charles I - volume 155: Undated 1629', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 143-150. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52086&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
33. Note by Capt. Wm. Scras of his charges and damages sustained in taking and keeping of the St. Andrew of Rotterdam; total 592l. 15s.
April 11, 1629:
Captain William Scras and others ship: Bevis, of Southampton, 200 tons, captain Thomas Bridges ship: William and John, tonnage not stated, captain Thomas Needler
'Charles I - volume 141: April 17-30, 1629', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 521-534. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52054&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
April 21, Southampton
25. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Sends him the preceding, to deliver or not as he thinks convenient. Gives further details of the tenths in his hands. A ship of 100 tons, said to belong to Ostend, has been brought in by Capt. Needler for Capt. Scras.
'Charles I - volume 142: May 1-21, 1629', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1628-29 (1859), pp. 534-554. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52055&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
May 12, 1629 Southampton
70. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Various prize intelligence. Dispute with the Customs as to the quantities of Capt. Scras's sugars. Incloses valuation of the St. Francis, of Nantes, and Joan, of Nantes, taken by Capt. James Reskeimer. Irregularity with which Capt. Scras has proceeded in the execution of a commission for a Dutch prize with salt. Inclosed, 70. i. Appraisement and valuation above mentioned.
from “New Shoreham”, an article by Burton Green in Sussex Archaeological Collections no. 27
“Several valuable prizes were brought in here, and letters of marque were granted to a few privateers belonging to the port. They did not all make proper use of this permission, and not content with making war on the French, hoisted the death’s head and crossbones, and set to work to pillage any ship or cargo that was worth taking. In 1631, the “Dolphin,” Richard Scras, owner and master, was forfeited for piracy, and sold; she was bought again by Captain Scras for £230, who at once applied for and obtained a letter of marque. This may be accounted for by the fact that an influential person at court, named Nicholas, was associated with Captain Scras in the venture.”
'Charles I - volume 162: March 1-14, 1630', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 200-213. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52095&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
March 3 1630, Southampton
19. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Sends appraisements of two prizes of Capt. Scras; one supposed to be of Calais and conjectured to be called the Estridge, the other of St. Giles in France.
'Charles I - volume 168: June 1-16, 1630', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 273-284. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52101&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
June 14/24 1630, Conquet
54. Depositions of Matthew Gelvouet and others, part of the crew of Capt. Scras, of Southampton, respecting their capture of a Spanish carvel and its subsequent recapture: they being thereupon put ashore at Conquet. Fr.
'Charles I - volume 169: June 17-30, 1630', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 284-297. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52102&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
June 22 1630, Southampton
32. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Reports the arrival at Cowes of Capt. Wm. Scras with a Dutch ship taken on the coast of Spain, and a Spanish frigate. He brought also a carvel as high as Ushant. She is in the West Country or has met with the Dunkirkers. His man-of-war he has left on the coast of Spain, under Capt. Burste
'Charles I - volume 170: July 1-14, 1630', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 298-307. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52103&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013..
July 6 1630, Southampton
30. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Sends copy of appraisement of the two small prizes brought into Cowes by Capt. William Scras. The tenths amount to 17l. 3s. 9d. Sends also a letter thereon of Ellzey's substitute at Cowes. Inclosed, 30. i. Appraisement of the Hope of Porte de Porte, and of Our Lady of Rosario. [Copy.] 30. ii. John Cornelius to Ellzey. Sends the above copy of appraisement with comments thereon. Cowes, 1630, July 5.
'Charles I - volume 172: August, 1630', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 319-336. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52105&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
August 17, 1630 Southampton
77. John Ellzey to Nicholas. Expected Nicholas there, and to take a hard lodging with him, when the King was in the New Forest; but he had been there four nights. Sends account of tenths received out of the Phœnix, of Homflett [Honfleur ?], taken by Capt. Chantre. Wishes order for the sale of these tenths, and those of Capt. Scras's prizes.
'Charles I - volume 184: February 1-14, 1631', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 496-508. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52119&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
February 14, 1631
87. Depositions respecting four several contempts made by Capt. William Crase [Scras?] and his company of the Dolphin against warrants out of the Admiralty for arresting that ship, and also against John Bewley [Beaulie], Lieutenant of Cowes castle. The ship was ultimately arrested, but not without considerable resistance.
'Charles I - volume 185: February 15-28, 1631', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 508-522. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52120&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
February 26, 1631 Cowes Castle
71. John Beaulie, Lieut. of Cowes Castle, to Sir Fulke Greville, Captain of the same. Having received warrants out of the Admiralty for arresting Capt. William Scras's ship, Scras stood on his guard with pikes and shot. William Fry having got aboard, arrested the ship. They took away his warrants from him, and wiped out the broad arrow; and now they say if he will come aboard, and be ducked and shaved, they will give him his warrants Begs him to acquaint the Lord Treasurer and Sir Henry Marten.
'Charles I - volume 186: March 1-18, 1631', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1629-31 (1860), pp. 522-542. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52121&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
March 3, 1631
20. Statement of William Manfield, a gunner of Cowes Castle, as to the resistance offered by Capt.Scras and his crew on the first attempt to arrest their ship, and the subsequent arrest of Manfield on a charge of false imprisonment.
82. Petition of Capt. William Scras to the Lords of the Admiralty. Apologizes for the resistance of his servants to the arrest of his ships, and for procuring warrants to arrest the Lieutenant and gunner of Cowes Castle. Prays for his discharge out of custody, and the release of his ships.
March 18, 1631
116. Petition of Capt. William Scras to Lord Treasurer Weston. Has made contempt by disobeying two warrants out of the Court of Admiralty and approving the arrest of the Lieutenant and gunner of Cowes Castle of which the Lord Treasurer is Governor. Craves pardon and discharge.
March 18, 1631
Nicholas to Sir Fulke Greville. On submission of Capt. Scras, the Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Dorset are pleased that he and his ships shall be discharged. [Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book, p. 92.]
'Charles I - volume 192: May 21-31, 1631', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1631-3 (1862), pp. 51-65. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52145&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
May 21, 1631
9. Petition of Francis Moundeford, attorney in the Court of Common Pleas, to the Lords of the Admiralty. On a letter from Capt. Scras, petitioner caused a writ to be issued against John Beaulie and William Manfield, of Cowes, who, as it now appears, are officers of his Majesty. The thing done is usual among attornies, and if he has offended it was merely out of ignorance, and he is most heartily sorry. Prays his discharge.
'Charles I - volume 196: July 1-19, 1631', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1631-3 (1862), pp. 97-114. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52149&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
July 15, 1631
77. Account of Richard Jolliff of the receipts and payments of his Vice-Admiralty of the Isle of Wight from 25 March 1629 to 25 December 1630. The profit was 128l. 4s. 8d., of which the King was entitled to a moiety. The receipt consisted of 230l., at which sum the Dolphin, of Shoreham, was sold to Capt.Scras, the former owner.
'Charles I - volume 260: February 1634', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1633-4 (1863), pp. 447-479. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52255&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013
February 22, 1634
91. Exceptions taken by the Lords of the Admiralty against Sir Thomas Button, concerning his employment as Admiral on the coast of Ireland. The charges here are ten in number. The principal are, that he left his ship in the command of Capt. William Thomas, whom he had been forbidden to employ, and who by his misconduct occasioned the loss of a prize ship worth 6,000l. That in 1630 he sheltered from justice, aboard his ship, Capt. Scras, accused of piracy and murder. And that he was guilty of various frauds in the victualling of his ships, which victualling he took upon himself by contract with Sir Allen Apsley, especially in applying to his own use a quantity of salt found aboard a captured Dunkirker. [One page and a half. It appears from Nicholas's indorsement that these charges were settled by the Lords of the Admiralty at their meeting this day, and a copy delivered to Sir Thomas Button on the 26th inst.]
'Charles I - volume 263: March 18-31, 1634', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1633-4 (1863), pp. 511-535. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52258&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
March 1634
90. Answer of Sir Thomas Button to the charges against him delivered to him from the Lords of the Admiralty and the subsequent article put into the Admiralty Court. Sir Thomas replies seriatim to every article. He denies that he ever left his charge to his lieutenant in the manner stated; he defends Capt. William. Thomas against the allegation of having tortured the gunner of the St. John of Dunkirk, and also against another charge of refusing to give up the Portugal ship to Sir Thomas Harris; he alleges that he took on board Capt. William Scras as a prisoner to bring him to the High Court of Admiralty, and asserts that he cannot be responsible for Turks having carried away 120 persons from Baltimore, and made them slaves at Algiers, inasmuch as he was then, by the Lords' Justices' order, at Chester in convoy of 120 sail that came out of Ireland. Every charge is answered or explained away in the most direct manner. [Two pages and a half.]
'Charles I - volume 274: September 1634', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1634-5 (1864), pp. 202-221. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52291&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
September 18, 1634 Cowes Castle
25. Capt. Humphrey Tourney to Nicholas. The bearer, Capt. William Scras, is this day landed at Cowes. He has these two years been employed in the States' service, with a commission from the Prince of Orange, in the Dolphin of Flushing, and upon the relation of the proclamation to the contrary, in obedience to the same, has relinquished that service. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.]
'Charles I - volume 291: June 19-30, 1635', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1635 (1865), pp. 129-168. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52610&strquery=scrace Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
June 26. 1635 Frogfirle.
73. Thomas Choune to Nicholas. Edward Scrace of Blatchington, Sussex, not long since a sea-captain, has procured from the French ambassador a commission for seizing those goods driven on shore by the Dunkirkers, and has charged the writer not to deliver the goods until express order from the ambassador. The writer showed him the order from the Council, but did not find him satisfied therewith. Whether the ambassador intends a seizure of the goods for preserving them for the French merchants, or for a forfeiture, in regard they were consigned to Spain contrary to the edict of the French King, the writer knows not. Desires Nicholas to acquaint the Council with the business, and to procure an order so direct that after his delivery of the goods there may be no after trouble. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
'Charles I - volume 293: July 1-16, 1635', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1635 (1865), pp. 237-280. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52615&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
July 4, 1635
Order of the Lords of the Admiralty on petition of Nicholas Snooke. Petitioner showed that CaptainScras made stay of a Dutch ship in the Isle of Wight, in which was found a letter full of scandalous matter and divers prohibited goods. His Majesty released the ship to gratify the then States Ambassador, paying such charges to Capt. Scras as Sir Henry Marten should think fit, who made certificate of 392l. 15s. Sir Fulke Greville, then Captain of Cowes Castle, cleared the ship without payment of these charges, notwithstanding strict orders to the contrary, neither are the same paid.Scras has assigned over the 392l. 15s. to petitioner. There are ordnance in several parts of Sussex, and other goods which have come out of Dutch ships, as certain guns at Brighthelmstone. Petitioner prays the Lords' order that petitioner might sell the said guns and goods by appraisement, paying salvage and rendering account. The Lords ordered his Majesty's proctor to certify what he conceives fit to be done. [Copy. Ibid., fol. 143a. ¾ p.]
July 4, 1635, Westminster
Nicholas to Thomas Choune. Has acquainted the Lords with Choune's letter concerning the order given by the French ambassador to Captain Scras. At the same time they received a memorial from the French ambassador desiring the goods saved out of the French bark to be delivered to such person as the ambassador had appointed to receive the same for the use of the owners. The answer of the Lords was that there being order already given by the Council to deliver the goods to the proprietors they could give no order for altering the same. Nicholas's opinion is that Choune should apply himself to the performance of the Council's order, taking witnesses hands to the parties' receipt to whom he delivers the same, according to their lordships' order and the bills of lading; he conceives the same will be a sufficient discharge. [Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book, Domestic, James I., Vol. ccxix., p. 112.]
'Charles I - volume 311: January 1-20, 1636', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1635-6 (1866), pp. 141-174. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52653&strquery=scras
January 13, 1636
61. Information of John Gardiner, of Ditchilling [Ditchling, Sussex], taken this day. Capt. Scras came to examinant's house (being an innkeeper at Ditchling) upon Sunday last was a fortnight, and told examinant there was some company coming. Upon Wednesday following there came to Ditchling three score and ten persons or thereabouts, whereof thirty lay at the examinant's house, and with them one whom they called Capt. Drury, Ancient Rookwood, Serjeant Roe, one Field, and Mr. Greene, and said they were all to serve Capt. Winkfield, who with his wife were to come after them, and the next day those that lay at examinant's house went to Brighthelmstone, and one "Tee Greene," an Irishman, went with them to Brighthelmstone. They were to take shipping at Brighthelmstone and Shoreham, but did not say whither or for what service. One Stockden, sometime an attorney (as he said) went clerk of the company. [1 p.]
'Charles I - volume 392: June 1-14, 1638', Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1637-8 (1869), pp. 486-513. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=52793&strquery=scras Date accessed: 13 October 2013.
June 7 1638
Petition of Nicholas Pescod, of Southampton, to the King. There has been a chargeable suit between petitioner and Richard Uvedale, concerning 1,000l. which Uvedale challenges to be due to him, on a promise which he alleges that petitioner made when Tuppin Scras and Uvedale were discoursing about Uvedale's adventuring 330l. in a ship with Scras, that whatsoever agreement Scras made with Uvedale, petitioner would see it performed, which petitioner utterly denies. There have been several suits brought by Uvedale first against Scras and since against petitioner, in Chancery, in the Court of Requests, in the Exchequer, and at Salisbury assizes before Lord Chief Justice Finch. Prays a reference for finally determining the matter. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 303. ⅓ p.] Underwritten, i. Reference to the Lord Keeper, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Chief Justice Finch, and the Lord Chief Baron. Greenwich, 7th June 1638. [Copy. Ibid. 1/6 p.] ii. Minute that his Majesty, for that this business has been already tried by the Lord Privy Seal, and by him referred to a trial at law, reserving the equity, and several trials had, some with him [petitioner] and some against him, that the Lord Privy Seal, calling to his assistance the two Lord Chief Justices, shall in open court hear the cause again in equity, and end the same, according to the merits. Whitehall, 19th January 1638–9. Copy. Ibid. 1/6 p.]