Collection of letters signed by John Bradshaw (1602-1659), President of the Council of State, to various persons including the Commissioner of the Navy.

The items consist of orders, warrants and letters:

20 March 1648/9 Warrant to the Commissioner of the Navy, for trees to be felled for use of the Navy, oaks, elms and ashes from Eltham Park and Waltham Forest.
13 June 1649 Order in council to all Custom and Comptrollers, Searches and all other officers of the ports and customs.
6 October 1649 Order in council to Commissioner of the Navy.
14 November 1649 Warrant to the Commissioner of the Navy, to make ready the frigate PARADOX, supply her with victuals and stores and so on.
21 September 1650 Letter to the Commissioner of the Navy, for sixteen ships to continue on the coast of Portugal and make an estimate of their charge, and concerning 'this years Winter Guard.'
7 November 1651 Letter to the Commissioner of the Navy, order for victualling the NONSUCH ketch of the Winterguard.
12 November 1651 Letter to the Commissioner of the Navy, order for victualling the ELIZABETH and MARY ketches for four months upon the coast of Essex and Suffolk.
17 November 1651 Warrant for Henry Bosewell, to keep in prison for treason in invading England under Charles Stuart, to the Keeper of the Prison of the Gatehouse or to his deputy.

Administrative / biographical background
Bradshaw was a judge who took the role of President of the High Court of Justice for the trial of King Charles I. He then became first Lord President of the Council of State during the English Commonwealth. He was elected President for the Council of State on 12 March 1649 until Parliament was dissolved by Cromwell on 30 April 1653.

Record Details

Item reference: AGC/B/27; MSS/76/097 MS1976/097
Catalogue Section: Manuscript documents acquired singly by the Museum
Level: ITEM
Extent: 1 folder: 8 letters
Date made: 1648-1651
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London