Anne: November 1703 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Anne, 1703-4. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1924.

'Anne: November 1703', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Anne, 1703-4, (London, 1924) pp. 183-219. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/anne/1703-4/pp183-219 [accessed 23 April 2024]

November 1703



1 Nov.	Barbara Joblin to Lady Fretcheville.
	I live at Seaford and have come up to tell the Queen that my husband John Joblin found a letter concealed in a tin box there [details] on 22 September last; also a note containing the names of two or three inhabitants of the town, and was a letter of news to go for France.
	Sloops go and come from France almost daily, four or five a day in fair weather, bringing goods and letters, and take letters. An ancient gentleman from London, who lodged four months in the town, was suspected to manage the correspondence. He was arrested [details], and a dangerous letter found on him, as William Hubbard is come up with me to prove, and that letters have been found from France saying that the whereabouts of the tin box was discovered, and suggesting that another place be found for hiding letters.
	The sloops come to Cookmeer [Cuckmere], a place between two hills, where a great force may be landed before it be known.
	The bailiff sent up the original letters, but kept copies. We fear greatly they may not reach her Majesty, as no convoy or safeguard is sent to us nor at Cookmeer, "though the French come ashore frequently and boldly." I and my brother are ready to discover all we know.
	P. 1. Signed. Add. Endd. in Hedges' hand, "This matter has been before the Lords [?] before." S.P. Dom., Anne 3, 54.
1 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Lord Keeper.
	I read to her Majesty enclosed account of what passed at Monmouth in relation to the Sessions "that should have been held there, but was disappointed by the default of some of the Justices." Command:—Inquire and report on the matter.
	P. ⅓, with note of the enclosed extract of a letter from Monmouth of 20 October, 1703. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 363, 364.
	2. To the Prince's Council.
	The captain of the convoy from the Canaries to avoid all hostilities upon Spaniards there or near the coast.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 110.
	3. To Same.
	Command:—Report on enclosed memorial concerning Dr. Morley.
	Also note of Dr. Morley's memorial. He served at Port St. Mary's and Vigo as Commissioner for Sick and Wounded and Exchange of Prisoners, and did also the duty of a physician in the fleet.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 364.
2 Nov.	Note of Proceedings in the Irish House of Commons.
	Mr. Ludlow's report from the Committee of Ways and Means and three resolutions therein.
	For these see Commons' Journals (Ireland) for this date.
	P. 1 (small). S.P. Ireland 363, 116.
2 Nov. Whitehall.	Hedges' Letters.
	1. To the Prince's Council.
	Command:—To send you the Dutch Envoy's memorial to her Majesty in order to your giving instructions pursuant thereto to Rear-Admiral Beaumont for the security of the States' ships that are going to the rendezvous at Spithead and to join the convoy for the King of Spain. The Envoy has made his application and presentment, supposing that the instructions already given to Beaumont in that particular are insufficient.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 387.
	2. To Sir George Rooke.
	The Prince's Council have prepared sailing orders and instructions for you, and the Earl of Nottingham writes to you about the difficult point relating to the flag and orders to be given to the fleet, "which is to be softened in the execution," as the Portugal Envoy here has declared to "my Lords" by his Majesty's orders, and as Mr. Methuen assures us will be done.
	As to the commission for an Admiral pro tem., it is not thought fit to be given, "because it is yielding up a point that has always been practised, which is that the next English commander takes of course the superior command of the Dutch in case of the English Admiral's absence." The Envoy Extraordinary of the States being present, said he was satisfied with this.
	Prizes are to be distributed according to the convention. Details.
	P. ²/3. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 208, pp. 103, 104.
Same.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Prince's Council.
	I send a memorial of Sir Gilbert Heathcote, praying for a convoy for five ships laden with necessaries to Jamaica. Command:—Consider and report what should be done.
	Note of Enclosure.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 363.
	2. To the Duke of Marlborough.
	The Queen has ordered fifteen sergeants to be added to Colonel Stanhope's regiment and thirteen privates, i.e. one to each company. Command:—To tell you, so that you may give orders for halberds for the sergeants and firelocks for the soldiers; also two drums for the additional company in the regiment.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 109.
	3. To the Duke of Schonburg.
	Your memorial. My Lords see no grounds for the arrears mentioned and demanded in it; and nothing can be done therein. My Lords think Colonel Syburg should not go into Portugal, as he is your lieutenant-colonel and cannot be spared from his command in your Grace's absence.
	P. 1/6. Ibid.
	4. To the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
	Yours of the 25th October and the Representation of the [Irish] House of Commons received. My Lords approve your action in the matter; and, if there be occasion, you may own that you sent the Representation over to be laid before her Majesty, which there has not been an opportunity for doing yet. You may expect her Majesty's answer to it by next post.
	P. ¼. S.P. Ireland, Entry Book 3, p. 160.
4 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	On 29 October we asked in Committee of Ways and Means for a quantum of 170,000l. for the support of the Government for two years, but were beat down to 150,000l., which passed unanimously, but they obliged us to engage that what should appear due from the Government to the nation should go in part of that Supply, which was agreed to. What they seemed to insist on was the report of the Committee of Accounts, which brought in a debt of about 23,000l. over and above the arrears standing out, which were sufficient to discharge the debt of near 100,000l., which was demanded at the beginning of the Session. At the same time we thought that it would be made out that this 23,000l. would sink to little or nothing, and therefore that it were not worth insisting upon so small a matter. Sir William Robinson then brought in an explanatory paper to shew what payments he had made, by which it appeared he had not above 500l. in cash in his hands. It consisted chiefly of payments for the army, barracks &c. for this quarter. The paper was referred to the Committee of Accounts, and Monday was fixed for consideration of Supply. Towards making this debt of 23,000l. they had charged the Government with 15,000l., which was a quarter of a year's rents due at Midsummer.
	On 1 November the Committee brought in their state of the debt and charged us with 5,000l. or 6,000l., besides the 23,000l., but allowed the discharge of about 12,000l., leaving a debt, according to their reckoning, of 17,263l. But they have made a new demand of the quarter's quit-rent due and ending Michaelmas last, which was 14,000l. more. The Committee kept this very secret until they brought it before the House. A warm debate followed as to whether the half-year's quit-rents amounting to 29,000l. ought to go in part of the 150,000l., or only the remaining sum of 2,263l., which all agreed the Government had in hand or were responsible for. Details of the argument. Proceeds:—We argued on the contrary that it should not be so deducted, and that the Queen did not desire of them to be supported out of her own standing revenue. Details. Proceeds:—Everything possible was urged, but in the end we were beaten on a division, after six hours' debating, 112 to 130. Several of the majority said they thought themselves obliged to vote as they thought themselves under an obligation to allow all that was a debt for a part of the Supply. "The Speaker in this behaved himself very vigorously, and told us that our complaisance would prove fatal to the country. His friends often declared that the scantiness of Supply was to oblige to frequent Parliaments, and, in short, made all the opposition possible." The next day the matter was reported to the House, and we could not recover the point, "only passing a negative on it without a division."
	Yesterday we went into Committee of Ways and Means, and spent six hours in putting a value on the Excise Bill which had already passed. We showed them what it had yielded for five or six years past, an account of which I send your lordship; that it fell by 38,000l. last year by reason of bad trade and the poverty of the country and the stock laid in before the duty commenced, and that it could not be valued at above 30,000l., to which value we stuck. After Opposition speeches, the Speaker proposed 35,000l., and violently advocated that figure; but, finding the sense of the House against him, he would have given it up. "Some of his friends continuing still obstinate, he ran about from bench to bench to persuade them to desist," which was almost done; but we demanded a division on the figure of 35,000l., and succeeded [in opposing it] by three to one, "and upon their giving it up, we did not proceed to telling, so the valuation of 30,000l. was agreed to. A debated on such a question could not have lasted so long had there not been a plain endeavour to make everything go very hard. We then went on upon further ways and means, and the same duty of Excise was proposed for another year, which met with opposition immediately; however was taken down by the chairman upon his paper. Then Mr. Thomas Brodrick proposed to lay a tax on all Papists who had been restored by favour since the late war and were not mentioned in the Act of Resumption. We were able to show that this would be a very trifling fund, would not bring in more than 5,000l. a year, and would necessitate the setting up of a new Court of Claims and could never serve the present support of the Government, and, if it were fit at all, should be in a bill by itself, and proper only to be applied to the building of a citadel at Limerick, or barracks, or some such special purpose. He then proposed a duty on calicoes and linens. This was said would be very well if it were such a one as would amount to a prohibition, and thereby encourage our manufacture at home. He next proposed a duty on gold and silver lace. These proposals, instead of hurting us, did, I think, do us good, "for it showed a great deal of trifling and a plain design of giving ineffectual funds." The additional duties on wine, tobacco and linen were then as formerly offered to the House; but as the second year's Excise was first proposed, it was thought in point of order that ought to be first debated. The House seemed to receive it well, "which they perceiving, and it growing dark and candles being called for, they moved the chairman should leave the chair." We negatived this by 130 to 108, and "carried it for bringing in candles by 138 to 98," and shortly resolved to grant the Excise for one year more, which is to be reported on Saturday, when I think we shall pass it. "They moved for Tuesday to go on again on Ways and Means, which we could not get sooner, the Speaker quitting the chair instantly before the question could be put for a shorter day."
	We then intend to press on for the remainder of the additional duties, and if our computations will prevail the 150,000l. will be made up in this manner:—
			l.	s.	d.
	To two years additional Excise		60,000	0	0
	To two years on tobacco		50,000	0	0
	To the debt allowed		31,263	0	0
	To wine and linen about		16,000	0	0
			157,263	0	0
	The House did not meet to-day, being the late King's birthday, to-morrow (November 5) is also a public holiday: so we could not expect to go on with the business before Monday (November 8).
	Pp. 6¼. Endd. in Nottingham's [?] hand. S.P. Ireland 363, 117.
	Enclosing:—
	Produce of the additional duties in the following years (fn. 1) :—
	Year.	Add.Excise.	Tobacco.	Linen.	Wine.
		£	£	£	£
	1695		589
	1696		12,183	—	—
	1697		22,327	—	—
	1698	33,210	31,809	4,000	3,861
	1699	36,643	46,118	5,285	4,524
	1700	42,348	43,725	6,552	5,119
	1701	42,501	38,461	6,853	8,011
	1702	38,154	27,735	4,342	5,589
	P. ¼ Endd. Ibid, 117 A.
4 Nov. Council Chamber, Dublin Castle	The Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland to Nottingham.
	We send herewith under the Great Seal of Ireland a bill for "confirming an award made by the . . . . . Barons of the Exchequer between Mary Poor, alias Penefather, Richard, William and Thomas Poor and Walter Stephens, Esq., and for securing and settling the several interests as are therein designed and appointed."
	The heads of this bill have been prepared by the House of Commons, and we think them reasonable, being only intended to preserve peace in the family. We recommend it for her Majesty's approval and return under the Great Seal.
	P. ¾. Signed (autograph) by the Lord Lieutenant, Primate of Armagh, Lord Chancellor, and by Coningsby, Pyne, Dering, Doyne and Fielding. Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 118.
4 Nov. sick and Wounded Office.	The Commissioners of Sick and Wounded to Nottingham.
	Send enclosed as to money given by prisoners for their release.
	P. ½. Signed by Herbert, Adams and Morley. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 130.
	Enclosing:—
	A. Kympton Mabbott [agent to the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded &c. at Plymouth] to the Commissioners.
	The day after I received yours I proclaimed in the prison that if any persons would declare any sums of money paid either by them or any now in France by way of bribery for their going there, he should go by the next transport. One of them that spoke English advised me to go to their captains in town, who, he believed, would give me satisfaction. They affirm that most of those nominated in that list sent me by your orders by Mr. Burt gave money to their correspondents in London to get their names inserted therein. Details of sums paid (8 guineas to 2 guineas) by different prisoners. Proceeds:— I have as yet heard of the name of only one of these correspondents, a M. Pierre Diharce, a rich merchant in London, who, if examined, would possibly make a discovery of what Lord Nottingham hints at.
	I have "strictly examined my wife," who does protest she knows not the certain sum was given her nurse; but does believe it was more than those six guineas and 3l. I sent to France, "but being gone for Ireland with it so soon as I turned her out of doors," cannot now discover.
	P. ¾. Extract. Dated, Plymouth, 29 October, 1703. Ibid, 130 A.
4 Nov.	Return of Prisoners at this date at Plymouth, Fortune, Southampton, Farnham, Dover, Kinsale, Guernsey, Jersey, Hull, Bristol and Tower Hill, London. Total, 2,976. Numbers at each place given. There are also 172 ordered to be transported from Dover by Captain Gibson.
	P. 1 (small). Endd. Ibid, 131.
4 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to Sir George Rooke.
	As soon as you can, let me know the name of the captain of the ship whom you will choose to proceed from Lisbon to Morocco, as he is to have a commission to make a Treaty of Peace and Commerce with the Emperor of Morocco; and, since he is to be intrusted with this power, he should be a person of good credit and discretion; for although Mr. Jones will go with him in the quality of secretary, and is appointed by reason of his experience among those people to be assisting to him, yet the Treaty is to be concluded and negotiated by the captain.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 110.
4 Nov. Whitehall.	Hedges to the Prince's Council.
	Command:—Furnish the Dutch Vice-Admiral Vandergoes with two or three cables out of her Majesty's stores according to the memorial given to Sir David Mitchell by M. Vryberge; the Vice-Admiral paying for them or making good the same in specie.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 386.
5 Nov. Berwick.	Captain [or Colonel ?] Edmund Maine to [Nottingham].
	Lieutenant-Governor Nott came here last Wednesday and showed me yours to him of 21 August [q.v. at that date supra for details, which are here repeated]. This is the first I have heard of it. I have given directions for securing the passes to Scotland, but fear it may be too late to arrest him. I will try to find out if he is in Scotland.
	P. ²/3. (Hol.) Endd. in Nottingham's hand, "Captain [or Colonel ?] Maine . . . R. 9." S.P. Dom., Anne 3, 55.
Same.	Lieutenant-Governor Nott to [Same].
	I was forced by illness to stay at Bath till October 8, and only reached here on November 3, and got yours of 21 August yesterday. Details. I at once went to the Governor, who has taken all possible care to arrest Mr. Middleton here and at the passes into Scotland. Details.
	P. ²/3. (Hol.) Endd. in Nottingham's hand, "Maior of Berwick." Ibid, 56.
5 Nov.	George Clarke to [Same].
	I send copy of the order and list sent down to Plymouth for the purpose of finding exactly what sums were paid by prisoners in order to have their names inserted in that list. The matter was transacted here by M. Pierre De Hearce, (fn. 2) a merchant of London. He will, it is supposed, discover to whom he gave the money, or, if not, the prisoners at Plymouth who have signed the certificate (fn. 3) will make an affidavit of what they have said. I hope the true culprit will be found out. The money taken by my cousin's wife's nurse will be repaid as you direct.
	Pp. 1½. (Hol) Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 132.
6 Nov. Dublin.	The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to [Same].
	Yours of the 26th received with her Majesty's pleasure regarding the Plus Acres Bill. Mr. Southwell will tell you about it. The Lords are now very busy with Lord Meath's petition. I hope Monday will end it. " The Archbishop of Dublin does all he can to put the house into a ferment, but I hope he will not succeed in what he designs."
	Pp. 2 (small). (Hol.) Endd. in Warre's hand. S.P. Ireland 363, 119.
6 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	To-day the resolution of the Committee to grant the two years' additional duty of Excise was passed with only four or five negatives. The opposition is dying down as to the rest of the additional funds. I hope we shall be up in ten days. On Monday and Tuesday a stop will be put to receiving any new business, and all will be pushed on as fast as possible, "for whilst matters were balancing as of late we could not push them faster."
	"If these funds are all obtained according to our own valuation, I hope it will very well answer her Majesty's expectations, for the least opening of any trade to Spain will considerably increase the standing revenue."
	You will be sent opinions on the draft Bill of Popery, which I have received from you.
	I observe what your lordship writes in yours of the 26th regarding the issue of Provincial writs for the sitting of the Convocation. His Grace has done all he can to pacify them for the present and prevent them from asking it till a more convenient opportunity, " but his Grace has this day had a fresh attack from the four Archbishops," who have presented the enclosed Address from the inferior clergy. " They all seem extremely bent upon this affair. At the same time they all solemnly engage that there shall be no heat or divisions amongst them, that they desire only just to meet and address her Majesty. They hope under her happy reign to be restored to this ancient right and . . . they so much think it their right that if denied they will address the House of Lords and will endeavour to oblige the Chancellor to grant that writ, which, they say, ought always to go out with the other." They have promised to do nothing till your answer comes. Please receive her Majesty's pleasure herein for his Grace's government in this affair.
	We expect musters of the West Indian regiments soon. The sick soldiers recover daily, and all care is taken of them.
	P.S.—The Plus Acres Bill " is lain " on the table in the House of Lords on account of some material omissions, and a new one is preparing there. Lord Meath's business is put off till Monday. I wish it may then be further delayed.
	Pp. 4. (Hol.) Ibid, 120.
	Enclosing:—
	A. Address by the Lower Clergy of Ireland to their Archbishops and Bishops.
	The Deans, Archdeacons and Proctors of the Lower Clergy now in Dublin have deputed Deans Reeves and Synge, Archdeacons Hamilton and Chichester and Drs. Hall and Lambert to pray your lordships to inform the Lower Clergy by them whether you have received any answer to the address presented by your lordships and the Lower Clergy to the Duke of Ormond in order to obtain the provincial writs; and what the answer is if it is returned.
	P. ²/3. S.P. Ireland 363, 120 A.
6 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to Southwell.
	Yours of 29th. It is much wished the Irish Parliament were concluded and that we had here the troops designed for Portugal, for the King of Spain is hourly expected on our coast.
	But I am to tell you that you may inform the Lord Lieutenant that "her Majesty resolving to succour the Duke of Savoy in the speediest . . . manner that is possible, and he being in want of officers, especially refugees, who may by their conduct in those parts be able to raise men for his service, 'tis judged that such half-pay officers as are now in Ireland should immediately be sent hither in order to their proceeding to Savoy." It is intended that those who refuse this service shall no longer remain on half-pay, unless superannuated or disabled. For this purpose the Lord Lieutenant should immediately order the payment of their arrears and advance them six months' pay to enable them to take the journey and service. This will surely be no difficult matter, for 'tis the likeliest way to ease you of a burden which may otherwise continue long.
	P. ²/3. S.P. Ireland, Entry Book 3, pp. 160, 161.
6 Nov. Kirby.	Viscount Hatton to [Nottingham].
	I am so obliged to Dr. Keith of North[ampt ?]on for his care of me in my late sickness that I cannot but recommend his brother, at his request, for the "mathematique" professorship at Oxford, for which he is a candidate. He is, I know, very capable of it, "but if Mr. Halley (fn. 4) be thought of, or aim at it, he acquiesces and would by no means oppose him." I wish to add a request of my own that if (as I suspect) the Dean of Guernsey should present a petition asking that the Queen would take off some of the ancient and constant profits of the Governor of that island to make up a maintenance for the Dean, your lordship would put a stop to his pretensions. I do not concern myself in it for my own time, for I do not think that what is legally mine will be taken from me, and I am not like to live long to enjoy it; but I hear the Dean wishes to obtain something from the profits of the Governor after my time. I should be very sorry to see such a grant made, for my successor would think ill of me for having left the Government less valuable than it was when I came into it. I think no change should be made, that the Queen may have something of value to give to whomsoever she thinks worthy of it. I would not hinder the present Dean from any reasonable advantage. I brought him into the Deanery, and made him chaplain to the garrison, and he has sufficient salary from these and some perquisites. If he is out of purse, it is by expense in coming to England for "covetous soliciting for more."
	Pp. 2 (small). (Hol.) Endd. in Nottingham's hand. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 68.
6 Nov. Whitehall.	Hedges to the Prince's Council.
	My Lords hear that three of the transports are got over the flats, and that a fourth was going over on the 4th inst. without convoy, and that they will not be long from Portsmouth if a convoy be ready for them. My Lords desire you to give such orders as may be necessary for their security if this has not been already done.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 388.
8 Nov. St. James'.	Instructions to Martin Llewellyn, appointed to be Commissary General of the Provisions to the Forces in Portugal.
	You are to receive the provisions from the Commissary or officer of the King of Portugal in such quantity or proportion as our General or the Commander-in-Chief of our forces shall direct; for which you are to give your receipt and charge yourself therewith in a book kept for that purpose under several distinct heads, which you are to issue out weekly to each company or regiment, as directed by the General or Commander-in-Chief, taking the officers' receipt of each company or regiment to whom you shall deliver the same, which shall be entered in the said book on the credit side. Once a month you shall prepare an account of what you receive and issue for our General or the Commanderin-Chief, by which it will appear what remains in your custody.
	In case you are required to supply the army with provisions, you shall do it with all good husbandry and frugality best for our service, taking receipts of the persons from whom you buy the same. You are to charge yourself with such provisions and issue them as aforesaid.
	You are with what provisions you shall be furnished with, and what bills you draw to pay them, to charge yourself debtor in account, and take credit in the said account of provisions bought, giving frequent account thereof to our Commander-inChief.
	You are to take care that the provisions you receive be good and fit for our service.
	Pp. 1½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, pp. 111, 112.
9 Nov. At Mr. Pettifer's over against the Red Cow, near Shadwell Church.	John Sudbury to Nottingham.
	I send a copy of a letter from James Durrant to Mr. Horne. It relates to the discovery I made to your lordship in a letter signed B.J., dated 25 September, 1703. I hear Reed is in custody.
	P. ½. Overwritten with copy of:—
	Durrant to Horne.
	I received yours of 28 October concerning the writing I had, in which you inform me you have shewn it to a person of quality and desired me to make affidavit to the best of my knowledge. I have not been wanting in this, and have got another master's affidavit. I hope to see you soon. Details.
	In all p. 1. (Hol.) Add. Endd. Postmarked. S.P. Dom., Anne 3, 57.
9 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	Nothing was done in the House (fn. 5) yesterday except a resoluton to receive no new bills. To-day we went again into Committee of Ways and Means, and proceeded to the valuation of the second year's Excise Bill. We said it could not yield so much as the first year, but that the half-year preceding the expiration would yield very little. Endeavours were made to show that it was worth a great deal more, and they seemed to put 35,000l. on it. "Upon which we had a division and so great a majority that it was yielded to us without telling"; and so it was fixed at 30,000l.
	Brigadier Cunningham then proposed that there might be a credit given for 50,000l. or 60,000l., for which the hereditary revenue might be pawned; by which it was proposed that the Government should have all their money at once and that it would bring a great sum into the kingdom, with an engagement that the next Parliament should clear it off. But the ill-effects of running into debt were explained, and the project was soon dropped. Coming to the tobacco duty, we showed how this had fallen off in two years, (fn. 6) and that, by reason of great importations whilst the duty was off, it ought not to be put above 41,000l. There was a disposition to agree on this, and after an hour the Speaker proposed 20,000l. for the first year and 30,000l. for the second; with which we at once closed. The duty is to commence from 9 November, and is to be 3½d. per lb. above the present 2½d. We were very pleased to see the House in so good a temper. We were much helped by our obligation not to have a retrospect since Midsummer last, "which if we had insisted on would have embroiled our whole business and could not have been carried."
	The next fund we proposed was the duty on linen, to which the House readily agreed and valued it at 8,000l. for two years, with some further duty on calicoes, "which have been imported hither in great quantities, and have greatly prejudiced the linen manufacture of this kingdom."
	"We were now got pretty near our journey's end, for we having got the two years' Excise, tobacco and linen at our valuation of 60,000l. and 50,000l., and 8,000l. . . . add to this 29,000l., the half-year's quit-rent due at Michaelmas, and 2,263l. debt acknowledged by us, this amounted to 149,263l. We then moved that they would proceed to the additional duty of 3l. a tun on wine," and said, as an inducement, that though this would create an apparent surplus there were several contingent charges of the Government for which no provision had been made, such as the 1,100l. a year allowed by the Queen to carry on the linen manufacture, powder and stores &c. But the House would not come into this duty, but "proposed laying 4s. per 1l. on some grants out of the quit-rents and some pensions, such as my Lady Dorchester's and Mr. Brydges' &c., which amount to 10,000l. or 12,000l. per annum. The House agreed to this, and will to-morrow report the same.
	We all think that, as circumstances have stood of late, we have made a very happy ending, and by the next post your lordship may know what day we are likely to rise."
	Pp. 2½. Endd., in Warre's hand, "Mr. Southwell. R. 15, Nov., 1703." S.P. Ireland 363, 121.
9 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	Yours of 2nd. Repeats briefly substance of foregoing. Proceeds:— The ships are still detained at Cork. I could have wished these troops had gone from hence directly to Portugal. Healthier and quicker voyage. I see your opinion on the Representation, and shall expect your further thoughts on it in your next letter.
	P. ²/3. (Hol.) Endd. Ibid, 122.
9 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
	I enclose her Majesty's answer to the Representation.
	P. ¼. S.P. Ireland, Entry Book 3, p. 161.
	Enclosing:—
	The Queen's Answer.
	The Queen has considered the Representation, and has ordered this answer to be returned:—
	"That the first part of it seems to relate to matters passed in Parliament, and the other part consisting only of things in general, her Majesty can give no particular answer at present, but will take them into her consideration."
	P. ¼. Ibid.
	2. To the Postmasters General.
	Send orders to-night to Falmouth to delay the packet-boat for Lisbon till further orders; but send the mail to-night with the merchants' and other letters.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 365.
9 Nov. Dublin.	The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to [Nottingham].
	The bearer is the son of Judge Echlin and a member of the House of Commons here. He has shown great zeal and forwardness in all things relating to her Majesty's service, and can give your lordship a particular account of every transaction here during the Session. He is now going over on his private affairs, but desired to be made known to you and to have the honour to kiss the Queen's hand.
	P. ⅓. Signed. Endd. in Warre's hand. S.P. Ireland 363, 123.
10 Nov. Dublin.	The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to [Nottingham].
	I am glad that what I did as to the Representation is approved of. There will be no need to answer it yet, but may be when the bills are returned. Yesterday the additional duties were granted for two years by the House [of Commons]. The Lords have postponed Lord Meath's business to the latter end of the Session.
	Pp. 1²/3. (small). (Hol.) Endd. in Warre's hand. Ibid, 124.
Same.	Southwell to [Same].
	The House to-day was occupied with a hearing at the bar against Mr. Asgill on a complaint of Mr. Hamond's of breach of trust in him in purchasing Lord Kinmare's [Kenmare's] estate for himself when he was employed by Mr. Hamond, who was trustee for that family. Mr. Asgill was acquitted. Details.
	We hear from Cork that the fleet cannot stir yet.
	P. ²/3. (Hol.) Endd. in Warre's hand. Ibid, 125.
11 Nov.	Dr. Joseph Gaylard to Same.
	Asks what he is to do with some medicines lately received. Some have been used, and the rest are preserved with care. Wishes directions at once as the ship has been, or will soon be, discharged.
	P. ²/3. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 133.
11 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Postmasters General.
	On receipt of these orders the packet-boat to sail as soon as possible from Falmouth to Lisbon; but don't send this away till you have received the letters which the Envoy of Portugal will send you to-night.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 365.
	2. To the Lord Treasurer.
	The Queen approves enclosed (fn. 7) list of presents suggested by Mr. Jones to be sent to the "King of Morocco" on the conclusion of the Peace, and commands me to send it that you may give the necessary orders therein.
	P. ¼. Ibid, pp. 365, 366.
	3. To the Prince's Council.
	Yours of yesterday, reporting news of M. D'Arteloire's coming to Cadiz with five ships [details] with a supposed design of going thence to the West Indies. Command:—Send the news to Sir G. Rooke with directions to do his best to intercept any such ships coming from West France to Cadiz; and if, at Lisbon, he finds the news confirmed, to do his best, consistently with other services, to disappoint any French design to send a squadron to the West Indies. Her Majesty desires you to hasten the squadron to the West Indies pursuant to your memorial of 3 September last.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, pp. 112, 113.
11 Nov. Whitehall.	Hedges to the Prince's Council.
	Command:—To furnish the Dutch squadron coming out of the Mediterranean with Sir Cloudesly Shovell with such cables and anchors as they shall have occasion for and can be spared from the stores at Portsmouth, provided they pay in ready money the cost of their purchase or replacement.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 388.
12 Nov.	S.S. to Nottingham.
	Though an enemy to all informers, I inform you for your own sake that John Tutchin, the author of the Whiggish Observator, values himself highly on discovering and tracing against you that you had in March last information of a certain French spy who lodged in a Popish painter's house at the Two Golden Balls in Lincoln's Inn Fields, and had him arrested and detained [details], but that subsequently he was allowed to go free without examination or bail, whereby he had more liberty than before "to pick up—to the prejudice of the Government." I don't know what advantage they can draw from such a dishonourable charge [details]. They pretend the person in question is a brother of the famous M. Poussin, now resident in Denmark, and passed here for a Lorrainer. My only motive in writing is to protect your lordship against "such a crew." Details.
	Pp. 1¾. (Hol.) Add. Postmarked. Endd. S.P.Dom., Anne 3,58.
12 Nov. Whitehall.	Hedges to Sir George Rooke.
	Yours of the 29th October and 2nd November, with copies of Count Wratislaw's letter to you and your answer to it, and your former letter have been laid before my Lords. I am to tell you that they quite agree with you that the longer the King of Spain remains now in Holland the greater will be his risk from the ill-season of the year rather than from any force M. St. Paul can bring out to sea against you. They have therefore approved your pressing his Majesty to come away, and would have you continue to urge him to lose no more time.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 389. Also S.P. Dom., Entry Book 208, p. 104.
13 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	I think we shall rise about this day week. "His Grace has advised therein in the best manner, and is very uneasy at the delay; but he is told by those who wish most zealously to the service that it will be better to let them tire themselves and spend three or four days extraordinary than by seeming to hurry them give an opportunity for them to say they had not time given them to do the country's business."
	I have told many how greatly the Council Board and all concerned in passing the bills will be taken up at this time with the business of England. We will all stick close to the House next week and forward everything all that is possible. There is a great number of public and private bills. Of the former, many are, I am sure, not digested enough to pass, and against they are sent I will endeavour to give your lordship the best account I can of them.
	The fleet is still at Cork. Enclosed speaks for itself. I sent word to the Victualler to continue to keep up their provisions. His Grace has sent a man-of-war to Bentry [Bantry] Bay in Kerry to fetch away the Dorrell transport, which was forced in there with five companies of Colonel Hamilton's regiment, and is almost a wreck. The man-of-war has got there, and will bring her to Kinsale; and will then go to Galway and fetch away the Windsor man-of-war and the transports there to England. The Windsor is disabled. Details as to arrivals from Jamaica.
	P.S.—During the last two days Lord Coningsby and family, Lord "Montjoy" and his lieutenant-colonel, the Bishop of Cloyne, Mr. Annesley, Brigadier Tidcomb, and some M.P.'s (here) left for England.
	Pp. 2½. (Hol.) Endd. in Warre's hand. S.P. Ireland 363, 126.
	Enclosing:—
	A. William Roberts to Bartholomew Van Homrigh.
	Several of the transport masters have been with me to-day, including William Bowman, master of the Pearl of Whitehaven. They say they take all possible care to keep their vessels sweet and clean, scraping &c. the platforms and between decks every day. I also met Major Hamilton of Lord Monjoy's (fn. 8) regiment this morning, who speaks very highly of the masters and seamen. The officers and soldiers are at present very well. They have not as yet drawn on any of the provisions taken in at Dublin for their voyage to Lisbon.
	P. ²/3. (Hol.) Dated, November 9, Cork. Add. to Vanhomrigh at Dublin. With seal and postmark. Ibid, 126A.
13 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	We have not yet heard her Majesty's views on the Representation; but there will be time enough to concert with you on what is to be done on it. They have settled to have it printed at our next meeting, which may bring on obstruction. I do not find that Mr. Speaker was concerned in bringing on the printing.
	P. ²/3. (Hol.) Endd. Ibid, 127.
13 Nov. Dublin.	[Southwell to Nottingham.]
	Encloses votes in the House of November 10. Proceeds:—Since then Thursday was taken up by a matter brought into the House by Mr. Annesley. "It was a book called The Million Project, writ some years ago by Mr. Thomas Brodrick to show the value of the Forfeitures here, and, it containing in it (as many thought) some matters of ás high reflection upon the country as, anything that was said in the Trustees' Report, Mr. Annesley was willing to have had a censure pass thereon. But indeed very few seemed willing to join with him therein, fearing it might have a contrary effect, and that if it should not be carried for a censure it might turn to his advantage, and we having lately had many come over to us that were of his sentiment, we feared it might startle them and drive them back again to come to any severity upon him, and which at last, if it had, would have signified little or nothing, so that after some hours' debate the matter fell."
	Yesterday we prepared the heads of several bills. This morning, in a house of forty-five, it was proposed to print the Representation lately sent over, and passed nem. con. We had soon notice thereof at the Castle; and thereupon his Grace sent for some of the principal members of the House to discuss what should be done, for he did not think this should appear in print till it was known what her Majesty thought of it. It was agreed that I should mention the thing to the Speaker to see if he would move it again to the House to have it delayed; which I did about one o'clock. "But he said that it being an order of the House he did not think it proper to intermeddle therein; whereupon I moved it to the House and according to the opinion of his Grace and the permission of your lordship's letter that the having sent it over might be owned, I told the House that this paper having been transmitted for England it was not a decent respect to her Majesty to have it appear in print till some answer were returned to it, and therefore that the further consideration of that matter should be put off to another time. Others alleged that the paper importing a request to her Majesty to obtain from the Parliament of England some favour for this country, it would look very strange (by having it printed here) to have it handed into the House by any other way than what her Majesty thought fit. There was a pretty deal of argument on both sides, but in conclusion the House came to a resolution of the deferring the printing of it till the second day after our next meeting."
	A good part of the day was also occupied in examining a seditious book found in a Popish printer's hand.
	Pp. 2. Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 128.
13 Nov. Sick and Wounded Office.	The Commissioners of Sick and Wounded to Same.
	We send enclosed, brought us by one whom we employ in the transportation of prisoners. He promises to bring some of the returned prisoners to this office on Monday, when, if they add or take away anything, you shall hear it.
	P. ¼. Signed by Lee, Herbert and Morley. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 134.
	Enclosing:—
	Abstract of a letter by one who came from St. Malo's the 2nd inst.
	It is said the French are fitting out three-deck ships at Brest and Port Louis, and its reported there they are to join a fleet to oppose the new King of Spain's going to Lisbon.
	At St. Malo a ship of 40 guns is fitted out for China. Three more of same force are to join her, also for India, and are to sail in about a month.
	There are also three ships at Murlace [Morlaix] of 24 guns, each loading bail goods for Cadiz, which will be ready in a little time. There are thirty-two sail of privateers out of St. Malo, and more are building.
	The prisoners who came from Toulon say that, about nine weeks ago, when they were there, the Count of Thoulous [Toulouse], Admiral of France, was there, and that there was ready fitted twenty-five sail of from sixty to one hundred and ten guns, and that they had six months' provisions aboard and wanted nothing but men to put to sea when they pleased. Men were not plenty, and there were ten sail of frigates out besides, cruising in the Streights; and they had thirty-five galleys in the Streights.
	They add that several ships have been sent with stores from St. Malo to Cadiz, and that they detained the packet-boat till their store ships were sailed.
	P. 1. Dated, 12 November, 1703. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 134A.
13 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Mayor of Dartmouth.
	Yours of 7th, with annexed affidavit. Your zeal is commended.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 366.
	2. To the Lord Treasurer.
	Sending, by command, an extract of Ambassador Methuen's of November 10, n.s., that the necessary orders may be given.
	P. ¼. Ibid, p. 367.
	3. To the Prince's Council.
	Sending extract of a letter from Portugal re French and Spanish ships, for consideration and report to-morrow.
	Three lines. Only a memorandum of this letter is entered in the Entry Book. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 112.
14 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded.
	Yours of the 19th re Janurain. Though little credit is to be attached to him yet, as he is to be exchanged, there is no great harm in sending him away a little sooner than in due course. Send him in custody to me before he goes.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 374.
15 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Mayor of Folkestone.
	Yours of the 9th with enclosed examination &c. Her Majesty has ordered the persons you have secured to be brought up in custody. As to M. Pigault's suggestion of releasing fisher boats on each side, find out what such boats belonging to your own or any neighbouring town have been released gratis by the French, and when and why this liberty was allowed, and report.
	Your zeal in arresting these persons is commended. Please continue it.
	P. ²/3. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 367, 368.
	2. To the Commissioners of Transports.
	To give orders for Mr. Martin Llewellyn, who is Commissary General of the provisions for the forces for Portugal, to be taken with his servants and equipage on board some of the transport ships at Portsmouth, and to let him know on what vessel he is to go.
	P. ⅓. Ibid, p. 368.
	3. To the Lord Treasurer.
	Sends, by command, enclosed for orders to be given according to what is therein proposed.
	P. ¼. Ibid, pp. 368, 369.
	Enclosing:—
	Extract of a Representation made by the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations.
	We hear further from the several Plantations that while your subjects, since the declaration of war against France and Spain, forbear to trade or correspond with the Spanish nation in America, and are thereby deprived of considerable advantages, "the Dutch with a different regard to their interest do contrive by all ways and means to engage the Spaniards in those parts to a commerce with them," and have called in their privateers for that purpose, and trade with the Spaniards more than ever. This discourages your Majesty's subjects and causes them to sell to the Dutch for re-sale to the Spaniards or carriage to Europe, contrary to the Acts of Trade. The same inconvenience happens between your Majesty's Plantations and the Danish settlement at St. Thomas. To prevent this, we suggest that strict orders be sent by the Commissioners of Customs to their officers in the Plantations, "and more particularly in the propriet[ar]y and Charter Governments where the Acts of Trade and Navigation are least regarded," to prevent this trade and take security for observance of the acts in reference to trade with foreigners.
	P. ½. Dated, Whitehall, 29 October, 1703. Ibid, pp. 369, 370.
	4. To the Prince's Council.
	Consider suggestion enclosed as to sending a convoy to New York in February, and report.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 370, 371.
	Enclosing:—
	Extract &c. [as foregoing extract].
	We suggest that, in addition to the convoy to be settled for the beginning of winter (by ordering the Governors of New England and New York to send the ships of war attending those Colonies as convoys to the ships trading with provisions and other commodities between the Northern and Southern Plantations), another convoy should be ordered to sail from England in the month of February, so as to be ready at New York or some other of the Northern Plantations by the month of April to convoy trade from the Northern Plantations southward.
	P. ½. Dated, 29 October, 1703. Ibid, p. 371.
16 Nov. Sick and Wounded Office.	The Commissioners of Sick and Wounded to Nottingham.
	Send examinations as to France and Spanish coast, also an information of a plot amongst the French prisoners at Southampton.
	P. ²/3. Signed by Lee, Adams and Herbert. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 135.
	Enclosing:—
	Information of John Cock of London, master of the Swan, and of William Ackland of London, master of the Susanna galley, vizt.:—
	Both were taken by the French and carried into Thoulon [Toulon] about the beginning of June last, and kept prisoners there until the beginning of August last, when they were sent away down the canal for Bordeaux, with114 prisoners, and thence to "Nants" [Nantes], and to Dinant and St. Malo. Came thence on 2 November and landed at Dartmouth on 5 November. Whilst at Thoulon they observed the French were continually at work getting their fleet ready, as they pretended, to go out to oppose Sir Cloudesly Shovell who, they said, was coming into the Streights with a fleet of forty men-of-war. They got their fleet ready, and put on board all sorts of stores and provisions, the ships being all hauled ready out of the basin into the harbour. The Count of Toulouse hoisted his flag on board a new ship of 110 guns, but when they heard that Sir C. Shovell was fifty men-of-war, it put them to a stand, and they talked of sending their seamen away again to West France, but did not do it. Their hospitals were all filled with sick seamen, "insomuch that they laid many of them in tents in the fields." Twenty-five ships of the line of battle lay ready, and there were ten sail of frigates they sent to look after Sir C. Shovell's fleet, some of which returned almost every day to acquaint the Admiral what they could hear. They were in fear Sir Cloudesly would come there, which caused them to add to their fortifications all they could, and built a new platform under the Castle in which we were, planted mortars upon the hills, and often tried guns and fired shot out of them into the sea. We were so near the fleet that we rid with a sattee two days under the Admiral's stern. The strength of the ships was as follows, John Cock having been on board half of them, and William Ackland only on the one which took him:—
	9 three-deck ships from 80 to 110 guns.
	16 " " " 60 to 70 "
	10 frigates " 50 to 60,,
	and there were there great ships building, "one of which was to have three decks, and which they boasted was to be the finest in the world."
	And we heard there were forty sail of galleys at Marseilles ready to join the fleet when they put to sea. The French fleet lay all out ready to put to sea at the beginning of August. When we came away there seemed to be a want of seamen, "in so much that out of the four Dutch men-of-war they forced all that were in them and not Dutch born, as Danes, Swedes and Hamburghers &c. to go into that service, and endeavoured all they could to entice the English seamen into their service, and offered them three months' pay in hand and assurance that they should be at liberty at the end of the campaign to go where they pleased." Several English prisoners did so take service, and we believe that if orders had not come to bring them away more would have done so.
	"While we were at Thoulon there were two Spaniards, prisoners of State and great Churchmen, who were brought from Naples, who told us that kingdom was so much in the interest of the House of Austria that upon the English fleet's arrival at Naples (which they heartily prayed for) that the whole kingdom would rise for the new King, and that the island of Sicily would do the same.
	"As we came down the coast we saw the fires of the Camisars, and people told us they were between twenty and thirty thousand strong, and are a great terror to that part of France, for that they neither gave nor took quarter."
	While we lay at Dinant and St. Malo we heard of ships with stores being sent, as some said, for Cadiz, and seamen were sent to Brest to man the ships fitting out there, which were said to be twelve sail, which were to go for Lisbon, or intercept the new King.
	There were several Irish masters of ships and seamen who belonged to England and Ireland whom the Commissary at St. Malo would not suffer to come away with us, which so troubled them that they said that in case they could not be exchanged like other English prisoners they would be forced to take service under the French rather than remain in prison.
	"And as we came down from Thoulon the prisoners were used very barbarously by the officers that brought them down and almost starved them, allowing only a few horse beans to a man and not one-third of them enough neither, and a little bread and wine and no flesh, which made the men so weak that they could hardly stand, and yet forced them to work and tow down the boats like horses and knocked them down like dogs; all which we do affirm to be true and are ready to make oath thereof when required," and accordingly sign.
	Pp. 3½. Copy, and signed (copies) by the deponents. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 135 A.
	B. Further information of Cock (as aforesaid).
	Was taken, on passage to Leghorn from London, by the French in the Streights' mouth in April last. Their captors stopped with them at Malaga, where there was almost a famine, but the Spaniards were very kind to the English prisoners and gave them bread, out of their scanty supply, and money. Stopped at Cadiz in May last. Saw twelve French galleys and galliasses there. People were hard at work repairing their fortifications and adding new ones at a place called the Porgus. After that stopped at Gibraltar. The Castle and Point were being fortified.
	At Malaga he met three French men-of-war with 600 men and all sorts of building materials and stores [details] bound for Cadiz. Proceeded along Spanish coast. Searched all ships they met for English and Dutch goods, especially the Genoese. Put ashore great guns and necessaries to be planted in Almeria Bay. Stopped one week at Port Mahon, Minorca.
	Engineers sent ashore, who took a "draught" of the port, and the French spoke of making it much stronger, in order whereto a ship with stores of all sorts was brought from Thoulon and left there when the fleet came away. They seemed to fear the English would come and take it.
	Arrived at Thoulon early in June, and were put into the Grand Tower or Castle. "At most places where we came in Spain the priests and Jesuits and gentlemen came on board to see the English prisoners, and were very kind to us and asked when the English fleet would come, and seemed to long very much for their coming, and, as they had opportunity to express it, did very much despise the French and showed a great hatred to them." Ready to swear to this if required.
	Pp. 1½. Copy. Signed (copy). Endd. in Warre's hand. Ibid, 135 B.
	c. Examination of Leonard Coote, sergeant in Major John Aspin's company of Colonel Mordaunt's regiment, taken before the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded on 16 November, 1703.
	Says:—At Southampton on 11 November, spoke with John Ferronet, of Captain Coshart's equipage. Ferronet said that if he were allowed to come to London [details] he could disclose a conspiracy between the prisoners and some people of the town, and also some spies lately come from France. Ferronet and Coote spoke in the presence of William Bottom, a soldier, servant to a lieutenant-colonel of "Fuziliers," quartered at the "George" in Southampton.
	P. ²/3. Copy. Signed (copy). Endd. in Warre's hand. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 135 c.
16 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To Colonel Maine.
	Yours of the 10th. Stop Mr. David Lindsay, who is mentioned in it on his return if you can, and report. Further pleasure.
	P.1/6;. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 371, 372.
	2. To the Attorney and Solicitor General.
	Sends, by command, an Irish bill for confirming an award of the Court of Exchequer between Mary Poor alias Penifather, (fn. 9) Richard Williams and Thomas Poor and Walter Stephens for settling their several interests, which has been sent over for her Majesty's approval in order to its being passed in Ireland. Consider and report on it by Thursday next or as soon as possible.
	P. ½. Ibid, p. 372.
	3. To the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
	Yours of the 6th and 9th November, &c. Command:—Order the provincial writs to be issued, since the clergy press so for it.
	The Queen delayed only because the forms and methods of Convocation in Ireland were unknown and deserve some consideration.
	I think there are some words in that writ which restrain the sitting of Convocation to the time of the Parliament. Care must be taken to adhere to the restriction, which is observed also in England. Yours and the Council's of the 4th, with a bill confirming the Exchequer between Mary Poor &c. has been, by command, referred to the Attorney General, and I will get his report as soon as possible, that it may be returned in form if approved by her Majesty.
	"I congratulate the fair prospect of a good and speedy conclusion of the Parliament."
	P. ²/3. S.P. Ireland, Entry Book 3, p. 162.
17 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to the Prince's Council.
	Command:—Examine Vice-Admiral Graydon why he did not attack the French ships on his way to the West Indies, and report his reasons as soon as possible. Examine him also about a report of his pressing men in the West Indies, and report thereon to me as soon as you can.
	Her Majesty would also have you enquire regarding the sea provisions supplied this. year, as there has been great complaint of them, that the grounds of complaint and source of the abuse may be discovered.
	Complaint having been made of Commodore Walker for having left Guadaloupe sooner that he ought, command:—to send me any letters from him or others, or any other papers which you have concerning that expedition, by Thursday next at noon.
	P. ²/3. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 113.
	2. To Colonel Mordaunt.
	Leonard Coote, a sergeant in your regiment, came to me on the 12th on her Majesty's service, and was not discharged till to-day.
	P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 373.
	3. To the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded.
	Yours of the 16th, with examination of Leonard Coote. Order John Terronet, a French prisoner, to be brought up in custody, hear what he can say as to his discovery, and report.
	P. ⅓. Ibid.
Latest date, 18 Nov.	News from Kinsale.
	November 13. Arrival of trading vessels [named] with sugar, indigo &c. from Jamaica, and with oil, logwood and molasses from New England, all for London.
	Nov. 14. Arrival of Her Majesty's ship Bridgewater from cruising, and of trading vessels [named] bringing sugar, cotton &c. from the West Indies. Her Majesty's ship Colchester arrived at Bantry on the 8th from the West Indies. Met bad weather. Arrival of the Conger of Bideford with wheat and barley, bound for Lisbon. She has 14 guns, and fought a privateer of 28, and lost men. Details.
	Admiral Dilkes, with his squadron, the merchantmen and transports left the Cove [of Cork].
	The Prince George of London arrived at Cork to take in lading for Portugal. Another vessel came in bound for Portugal with corn. Details as to meeting with a privateer of 28 guns from which they escaped, and of capture of the Prince George.
	18 November. Ringsend. The Seafort man-of-war, arrived disabled. [Details.] The Feversham man-of-war is in the bay [of Dublin] with the Seafort.
	Pp. 1½. Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 129.
18 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	Describes the enclosed examination, which he has had taken before Chief Justice Pyne. Joy broke prison in Ireland, and is got over. Proceeds:—McKenna has just come out of gaol, where he was for a year or two for perjury and a fine on it, and got to know Joy there, and I think they are all of a gang. He importunes me to know when he and his witnesses are to go to England to make out all these matters, and craves a present maintenance for them, "but as yet they have had but one guiny."
	Pp. 1½. (Hol.) Endd. Ibid, 130.
	Enclosing:—
	A. Examination of Patrick McKenna, of the Nag's Head in Lough boye, in Dublin, farmer.
	Sworn, he says:—He had continual correspondence and communication with Redmond Joy, and read several letters and messages that passed between Joy and Patrick Hurly and their confederates, out of France, Holland and elsewhere, all relating to their having contrived a plot to kill the Queen, ruin her Government, and by foreign power and support of the disaffected bring about a French invasion and bring in the pretended Prince of Wales. Hurly sent Joy assignments for payments of various sums conditioned and on the consideration that Joy should not prosecute Hurley or his confederates. Deponent can prove that Joy accepted these bribes and was enabled, by Hurly and his friends, to escape from prison. Joy told deponent, before his escape, that if he and Hurly could get free they could, by foreign help and that of the disaffected, and "by supressing and so assassinating her Majesty's person," in a short time pull down the crown of England. Believes the Queen will be always in danger if these people are not prosecuted.
	P. 1. Signed by McKenna. Sworn before and signed by Chief Justice Pyne on 29 October, 1703. Endd. with note, "Convict of perjury, and another indictment against him for another perjury."
	Followed by:—
	Examination of Thomas Dillaney, in Page's Alley in Corn Market, Dublin, yeoman.
	Sworn, he says:—He was present and served at the table at the O'Brien's Arms on the Merchants' Quay, Dublin, when Patrick Hurly, Redmond Joy, Captain Ullick Burke, Peirse Power, Lieutenant Urry, and several others from England and Ireland [were there]. They were all sworn by Hurly; who said that by assistance from France from the late Lord of Clare and others, he could raise his fortune and those of others by "supressing and killing her Majesty." He proposed to get an opportunity for this by going over to England and pretending to prosecute some other persons for high treason. Similar to last deposition as to bills of assignments &c. and Joy's escape.
	P. 1. Signed by Dillaney and sworn &c. as foregoing. The whole pp. 2. Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 130 A.
	B. Examination of Roger McCann, of Thomas Street in Dublin, surgeon.
	Sworn, he says:—He was continually employed by McKenna and Joy from May last till Joy made his escape. Was privy to several letters relating to the plot. Corroborates McKenna's deposition.
	P. ²/3. Signed and sworn &c. as foregoing. Followed by:— Examination of Francis McKenna, of Meath Street, surgeon.
	Corroborates Patrick McKenna and McCann, whose examinations he has read. Is willing to appear for the Queen against Hurley, Joy and their confederates.
	P. ¼. Signed by Francis McKenna. Sworn &c. as foregoing.
	The whole p. 1. S.P. Ireland 363, 130 B.
18 Nov. Sick and Wounded Office.	The Commissioners of Sick and Wounded to Nottingham.
	Send enclosed offer from a French prisoner.
	P. ¼. Signed by Lee, Herbert, Adams and Morley. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 136.
	Enclosing:—
	A. Françlois Janurain to the Commissioners of [Sick and Wounded and] Exchange [of Prisoners].
	Will be glad to serve the State, if he is thought capable of it, and namely to give the signals [sisneaux for signaux] of the French privateers of St. Malo and the place where they are going to cruise, if he is sent by the first packet-boat or opportunity to France. Asks that leave may be given to the Governor of Guernsey to let him come and go there with a boat. Will send news every fortnight as to what is passing at St. Malo and elsewhere. Asks that two ships of fifty guns may be ready to oppose the privateers. He will bring news [from St. Malo] when the corsairs are going out, and they can then be captured when leaving.
	P. ²/3. Signed. In indifferent French. Endd. Ibid, 136 A.
19 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Same.
	Stormy weather. Five packets due from England.
	The House meet daily, and sit long over several bills, which do not seem of much moment. On Wednesday the heads of the Money Bill were brought into the House, and it was committed for next Monday. We could not well oppose this, because it will soon be done; and gentlemen were willing to have that kind of security for time to go through the rest of the bills. We are as anxious as your lordship about the prolongation of the sittings, but believe it will be Wednesday or Thursday before they rise.
	Pp. 1½. Signed. Endd. S.P. Dom., Ireland 363, 131.
19 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to Jones [at Falmouth].
	If this [packet] comes in time, deliver it to the master of the packet-boat sailing with the mail for Lisbon for Mr. Methuen, her Majesty's ambassador there.
	P. 1/6. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 366.
Same.	Hedges' Letters.
	1. To the Prince's Council.
	I send enclosed from the Postmasters. Let me know if you have any such vessel to carry the mails as they propose; and, if you have, give the necessary orders for it.
	P. 1/7. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 389.
	2. To M. Rosencrantz.
	Sends Queen's answer regarding the Catherine. Regrets delay in sending it.
	P. ¼. French. S.P. Dom., Entry Book, 105, p. 17.
20 Nov. Kirby.	Viscount Hatton to [Nottingham].
	I have asked Sir Edmund Andros to give you enclosed, received to-day. The condition of the islanders, from weakness of the garrison and multitude of French prisoners, deserves compassion. Our strength at sea may be sufficient "to secure the loss of the island"; but an insult from the French would ruin many of the Queen's subjects there, for whom I intercede.
	P. 1 (small). (Hol.) S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 69.
	Enclosing:—
	The Bailiff and Jurats of Guernsey to Viscount Hatton.
	Two of her Majesty's ships have arrived here, which are to take two companies from this island. The other two will scarce suffice for the garrison of the Castle, so that none will remain, as we believe, in the island. We have, nevertheless, about three hundred French prisoners lodged in a house on the sea shore and opposite Havre. These prisoners are in despair at learning that they cannot be exchanged, and we hear from some of our people who have escaped from France that there will be no exchange for them the Guernsey prisoners in France unless those the French here can also be exchanged. We hear from escaped prisoners returned from France that hundreds of English and French prisoners are being exchanged at St. Malo; and because we have many of theirs here ours cannot be exchanged.
	We only lay stress on this matter, my Lord, as one affecting in particular the interest of her Majesty and the safety of the island and her subjects. By want of a garrison we are exposed to visible danger. The French prisoners are just outside our town, which has no defence, and we in fear that they will break prison. They are desperate, and may risk anything if not set free. We have the enemy, so to speak, at our doors, and the bravest of our men are away on privateers cruising against the enemy, and may at any time bring in many more prisoners, which will expose us to further danger and accidents in the harbour, which is crowded with vessels, and generally in the island.
	We beg you to move for the reinforcement of the garrison and to direct that the prisoners here be either exchanged or sent to England, and that the same be done with prisoners which hereafter come here, or that some one be appointed to exchange them.
	We have written to our bailiff to concur in this &c. We feel sure that you (complimentary remarks) will take particular care in this contingency. We hope for your good health.
	Pp. 1¾. French. Signed by Eleazar le Marchant, James de Beauvoir, Thomas de Lisle, W. le Marchant, Pierre Careye, Jean Renouf, A. Andros and H. Bonamy. Add. to Hatton at Kirby, Northamptonshire. Endd. S.P. Dom., Channel Islands 2, 69 A.
20 Nov. Kirby.	Viscount Hatton to Nottingham.
	I apologise for writing two letters on same subject and day, but the letters will be delivered to you by different hands, between whom there is no good correspondence. Mr. Martin, who bears this, will, I believe, propose some way of exchanging French prisoners from Guernsey without any extraordinary increase of charges, and, I believe, will perform what he undertakes. The islanders complain of Major Aspin [or Asprin?], who commands the garrison, for not complying with some projects of theirs; but I must say he is not to be blamed for mounting guards first on the Castle and pier with soldiers in her Majesty's pay, for which he can best answer. I wish poor Ellis was there, but he has been very ill since he came over for his health. He may recover.
	Pp. 1½ (small). (Hol.) Endd. in Nottingham's [?] hand. Ibid, 70.
After 20 [Nov.].	News from Waterford.
	Mr. Kent, collector at Waterford, in his letter to the Commissioners of the 20th, (fn. 10) says that last Wednesday came in a ship of about 50 tons to anchor in Tramore Bay; but that night she was driven against Brownstown Head by a very violent storm and broken to pieces. No lives were saved, and the Surveyor of Passage, who sent to look for wreckage, reports that nothing worth salving was found [details]. The bodies of dead men beaten to pieces against the rocks were found. Enclosed papers, including a fragment of a commission from Lord Granville, Lieutenant-General of Ordnance [details], give rise to the belief that the vessel was a fireship or bomb-vessel belonging to the Queen.
	P. ¾. S.P. Ireland 363, 132.
22 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Lord Treasurer.
	Sends by command enclosed from Commissioners for Sick and Wounded for consideration, and such orders as the Lord Treasurer thinks right.
	Note.—The enclosed report was relating to a petition of Captain Taylor, Keeper of the Gatehouse, for his lodging the French officers and others, late prisoners at war in his custody.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 374.
	2. To the Victuallers of the Navy.
	It has been represented that the forces on board the ships at Portsmouth, as well as those which are coming with the King of Spain, may probably spend a large portion of their provisions before they sail from Portsmouth. Command:—To supply those ships with provisions for two months from the time of their starting.
	As 116 men have come from Ireland, besides the 2,000, you must supply provisions for them; as also for 128 women who are to go with the regiments, vizt., 24 with Brigadier Harvey's, 52 with Lord Mountjoy's, and 52 with Colonel Brudenel's.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 375.
	3. To [Commissioner] Roope.
	Yours of the 18th and 19th. Recites foregoing. Proceeds:—You must dispose the men into such of the transports as shall be most convenient and proper for the service; but, for fear of infection, do not use any West Indian ships which have had any number of men aboard them.
	P.½. Ibid.
	4. To John Lee.
	Yours to Mr. Cardonnel of 17 November, in which you speak of information by a French prisoner that he lately saw near Southampton a gentleman who, four years since, was a brigadier in King James' Guards at St. Germains, whose name is Sharbon or Charbon, with two others whom he [the French prisoner ?] thinks he saw in France at the same time. Enquire for and, if possible, arrest these men. Detain them till they have been examined and you have reported on their examination.
	P. ½ Ibid, p. 376.
23 Nov. Dublin.	The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to [Nottingham].
	I have two of your lordship's, and her Majesty's answer to the Commons' Representation. I will not think of sending it to them till after the bills come back, and "if I can avoid the giving of it, then I will."
	"I find by your lordship's to Mr. Southwell that the Queen does intend to send some of our French reformed officers to serve in Savoy. I should be glad to know how many of them and of what sort, for here are two gentlemen that have served there, one in the post of brigadier-general, which is M. de Loche, a native of Dauffiné, and the other M. Debusarques, Colonel of Dragoons." There are several others; so I should know what number and sort I have to provide for. Details. I believe the House may adjourn on Friday next.
	Pp. 3. (Hol.) Endd. in Nottingham's hand. S.P. Ireland 363, 133.
Same.	Southwell to Same.
	Six packets arrived 21st. The clergy are much transported at her Majesty's action in allowing the provincial writs. They promise to do no more than meet and pass loyal and grateful addresses.
	I hope to send soon a list of French officers, from which your lordship may choose. I suppose their rank and post will be settled in England. It will require a good sum to pay them a third part of their pay due for the year past, and six months' advance. We have not 6,000l. in the Treasury, and want what we have to pay the army [details] which we hope may be done by Christmas.
	We await Brigadier Hamilton's return to complete the musterrolls of the West Indian regiments; and I hope by next post to get the charge of the forces sent to Portugal.
	We have no news of Dilkes' squadron, so think he must have got to England. Stormy weather. One shipwreck.
	Pp. 2. (Hol.) Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 134.
23 Nov. Dublin.	[Southwell to Nottingham.]
	Details. Last night we had a very full Committee on Lord Abercorn's lighthouses, when it was decided that he should keep up all the six mentioned in his patent; "and not keeping them this twenty or thirty years' past was voted detrimental to trade, and an address ordered to my Lord Lieutenant to take effectual care that the same be performed."
	To-day we made a considerable progress. The Money Bill was reported and ordered to be carried to my Lord Lieutenant and two other bills, which the House are very fond of, were this evening brought to his Grace by the whole House, which is that for Popery and for encouragement of the linen manufacture. The former has some additions to the draft which was approved of in England, which I believe will not meet with much alteration and shall be fully explained when it is sent over.
	To-morrow the House have a hearing at the bar against some arbitrary proceedings of the family of the Annesleys, who live in the co. Kildare. I am told it is chiefly brought in for the name's sake, but it will take up the best part of the day; after which the Report about the lighthouses is to be made.
	I think we may now say that the House will be up by the 26th; and although more business might have been done in the time, yet they would have made difficulties if they could have alleged that they were being hurried by the Lord Lieutenant, and not suffered to finish what lay before them.
	I believe it will take up at least eight or ten days to dispatch these bills at the Council Board, so that by what we can compute the House can hardly meet again before January 10.
	Pp. 1½. Not signed, Add. or Endd. Ibid, 135.
23 Nov. Sick and Wounded Office.	The Commissioners of Sick and Wounded to Same.
	Ask whether John Decise, who was taken with Captain Coshart, and has been detained for four months as a spy [details], but not prosecuted, should be now prosecuted or detained further as a prisoner of war, which, when he gave himself up, he pretended to be.
	Send copy of a letter from their agent in Guernsey re insufficient guard for prisoners there.
	Pp. 1½. Signed by Lee, Herbert, Adams and Morley. Endd. generally and "The enclosed papers sent to the Admiralty, November 29th." S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 137.
23 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to Dr. Gaylard.
	Yours of 15th and 20th. Command:—Take the medicines from on board the ship and deposit them with her Majesty's Apothecary General, Mr. Isaac Teale, to await further order. Get a receipt.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 376.
Same.	Hedges' Letters.
	1. To the Prince's Council.
	I have laid before her Majesty the petition of John Brookes, master of the Mayflower, Thomas Rogers, master of the Joseph and Thomas, and John Frost, master of the Two Sheriffs; all transport ships [details.] Command:—To send it to you for transmission to the Commissioners of Prizes for their report thereon: which send. Further pleasure.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 390.
	2. To Same.
	Directions for clearing Paul Lawrenson, a Swedish subject, at M. Leyoncrona's request. Details.
	P. ¼. Ibid.
23 Nov.	[Richard Warre] to Josiah Burchett.
	Yours of to-day as to the captain going to Morocco. [Details.] I am to tell you that it was never intended the captain of the ship sent to Morocco should go ashore, but that the Treaty thould be concluded by one to be deputed by him. The Commission will be drafted accordingly. Mr. Izreel Jones, who prolonged the truce, is for this purpose to go with the captain, but it is more for the Queen's honour to constitute the captain himself than this gentleman. I believe it was so in Captain Delavall's case; but this is a thought just come into my head, and I may be mistaken. However, my Lord desires you will send me the captain's name as soon as possible.
	P. ²/3. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 146, pp. 18, 19.
24 Nov. Council Chamber, Dublin.	Proclamation by the Lord Lieutenant and Council Of Ireland.
	Under a recent Act passed in Ireland (fn. 11) for suppressing Tories, Robbers and Rapparees, the Grand Jury of Meath, at Trim, on 28 June last, presented that Owen Bawn MacDonnell, late of Rathmacrackan, Patrick MacDonnell, of Balrenny, and Owen Boy Gilsenan of Hamlinstown, all in Meath, "are notorious Tories, Rapparees and Robbers out on their keeping and in actual arms." The Grand Jury at Clonmel, on 1 September last, made a similar presentment with regard to William Braddagh Bruk of Carrigeene, William Geran, weaver, and Dennis Roe Ryan, shoemaker, both of Gurtnacoologh, Teig Kennedy, near Cullen, James Cunningham and Daniel Dwyer of Insologher, all in co. Tipperary. The Grand Jury at Dundalk (Louth), on 30 June last, made a similar presentment as to Owen Bane MacDonnell, late of Longstown (Louth), yeoman, and Patrick McDonnell, late of Ballyrenny (Meath), yeoman. These presentments are duly returned [details], and we therefore give notice that these persons have been so presented.
	We hereby require each and all of them to surrender to a Justice of the Peace in the county where they are presented before 22 December next, as prisoners to answer the charges against them, who shall send them to the county jail [details], there to await trial at the next Assizes. Any of them who do not so surrender shall be convicted of high treason, according to the Statute, and suffer accordingly.
	And whereas Donough Carty alias Garruffe, late of Drishane, co. Cork, yeoman; Dermod Leary alias Mountagh, of the same, yeoman; Philip Nonane and Morris Nonane, his brother, of Aghasollus, Peter Leary, otherwise called Tubrid, of Shanacrane [Shanacloon?], yeoman, and Cornelius Callaghan alias Carty, of Cumber, yeoman, all in co. Cork; and John and James Feanagh, of Cleanliss in co. Limerick, and several other proclaimed Tories are still in arms and robbing her Majesty's subjects, and having lately murdered Pierce Green, of Abbey, co. Limerick, we hereby order all magistrates and other persons to do their best to apprehend them. No person shall harbour or assist them [usual clause], and all who knowingly conceal or succour them shall be guilty of felony without benefit of clergy.
	Any person herein proclaimed who, while at large, makes discovery of any two more of such persons by which they are apprehended and convicted, or who kills any two of the other proclaimed persons, shall be pardoned for any burglary or robbery committed by him before the time of such killing or discovery.
	Further clause, offering in addition to the benefit of this proclamation, 20l. to any who shall take or kill Owen Bane MacDonnell, and 10l. to any who shall take or kill Patrick MacDonnell; and 20l. and pardon for all crimes except murder to any who shall apprehend or convict the murderers of Green [as above].
	Further clause, offering pardon and 10l. reward for the discovery of harbourers of the proclaimed persons.
	Pp. 2¾. Print. Overwritten by the Lord Lieutenant and signed by eleven Councillors. Printed by Andrew Crook, Printer to the Queen on the Blind Key [Dublin]. S.P. Ireland 363, 136.
24 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to the Attorney General.
	Enclosed gives Dr. Drake's reasons for desiring to have his trial put off next term. Her Majesty desires only that all her subjects should have fair and equal proceedings, and sends the matter to you, who can best judge whether he should have longer time to prepare his defence.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 377.
25 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	The votes enclosed tell of our proceedings. All yesterday the House was busy examining the petition against the family of the Annesly's. One of them was convicted of extorting undue fees when Sheriff. The allegations of the second were very frivolous, and the third was brought in "for namesake only, and nothing offered against him."
	To-day the report about my Lord Abercorn's keeping up six lighthouses was approved, and they despatched three or four of the bills depending. There are still nine or ten on the table, so that it will be Saturday before they can rise, "and since it does not any way obstruct the public business or that there is any likelihood of any cross motions, his Grace is the more easy in that particular and willing to let them be heartily tired."
	There are fourteen or fifteen Rapparees abroad on the borders of Limerick and Kerry. Proclamations [see above] and soldiers ordered out. We do not hear of any others.
	Pp. 1¾. (Hol.) Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 137.
	Enclosing:—
	Note of Votes of the House of Commons [in Ireland] for 24 November, 1703.
	For these see Commons' Journals (Ireland) for this date.
	Pp. 2½. Endd. Ibid, 137 A.
25 Nov. Sick and Wounded Office.	The Commissioners Of Sick and Wounded to Same.
	We formerly sent a certificate from a minister and certain other French Protestants that one Claude Prigent, a prisoner at war, was a Protestant. He has since been offered his return to France among others now gone to be exchanged, but prays he may be allowed either to serve on board one of her Majesty's ships or to live in England.
	P. 1/3. Signed by Lee, Herbert and Adams. Endd. S.P. Dom., Naval 118, 138.
25 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Victuallers of the Navy.
	To send orders to Portsmouth for providing Commissioner Llewellyn with victuals for himself and his three servants for their voyage to Lisbon.
	P. 1/6. S P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 377.
	2. To Colonel Gibson.
	Yours of 23rd, re a vessel which put into Portsmouth from Lisbon, has been referred on petition of Peter Laws to the Judge of the Admiralty, from whom you will receive further order.
	P. ¼. Ibid, p. 378.
	3. To the Prince's Council.
	The Queen desires you to direct Sir George Rooke to inform himself, when he arrives at Lisbon, of the strength of the French at Cadiz or Gibraltar, and, according to the strength of the French ships which are or may be reasonably expected there, to detach such ships as may be necessary to defend the Turkey merchant ships in their return against the French vessels in those parts, with the necessary cruising orders to the Commodore of the detached vessels; and to direct that if Sir George be come away before any such news or before he has made any such detachment, he give orders to the Commander-in-Chief of the squadron left at Lisbon to do as he (Sir George) is directed, for the security of the Turkey merchants coming out of the Streights.
	P. ¾. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 114.
26 Nov. St. James'.	Draft of Royal Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General.
	For a bill &c., &c. Great Seal containing a grant to Charles, Earl of Berkeley, of the office of holding and keeping Courts of Pleas and Courts Leets for the hundred and Mine law Courts of, in and for the Forest of Dean, which Court were heretofore held by the Constables of the Castle of St. Briavel's while the said Castle was in the possession of the Kings of England; but as this Castle is now enjoyed by the Queen Dowager Katherine and her trustees under a grant from Charles II, no Constable of it can be appointed, but it belongs to us to appoint who shall hold the Courts and keep the deer and woods in the forest [to which post Lord Berkeley is also appointed]. To hold by self or deputy. All usual fees. Power to appoint bailiffs, beadles, and also six foresters, with 40l. a year to be divided amongst them, which is to come from the revenue of the forest. The foresters to hold during good behaviour and till removed by the Earl. Effectual clauses.
	Pp. 2½. Draft. Overwritten with Royal Sign Manual and countersigned by Nottingham (copies). Endd. "Copy," &c. S.P. Dom., Anne 3, 59.
26 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Prince's Council.
	Please inform me what orders Sir Cloudesly Shovell gave to the commanders of the Turkey convoys before he left the Mediterranean and what more you know of the measures taken by them for their return with the merchantmen: that I may lay same before her Majesty.
	Please also send an account how you intend to make up the Queen's part of the squadron intended to be at Lisbon, how many of them must be fitted before they can go hence, and how soon any or all of them will be ready.
	Her Majesty would also have you consider whether a sufficient number of ships can be ready to convoy the troops [now] at Spithead to Lisbon in case her Majesty should resolve to send them before the King of Spain comes, without weakening the convoy designed to carry him and the troops from Holland to Portugal.
	I send an extract from Mr. Methuen. Do you not design some officer with the stores for Lisbon, and will he not have power to buy there such things as the squadron need? Command:—Attend the Queen in Council on Sunday night (fn. 12) to answer on all these matters.
	P. 1. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 115.
	2. To the Agent of the Packet-boats at Harwich.
	Arrest John Campbell and Robert Monro, and their servants, if they have not gone abroad, and come to Harwich, and detain them till further orders. If they are aboard, but not yet sailed, bring them ashore. Do this in respect of any or all of them, notwithstanding any pass granted by me. Report.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 377, 378.
26 Nov. Whitehall.	Hedges' Letters.
	1. To the Postmasters General.
	If there is no packet-boat on this side, hire one to take to-night's mail to Holland.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 105, p. 22.
	2. To the Prince's Council.
	I send by direction several proposals transmitted by the Commissioners of Trade and for furnishing the Navy with pitch and tar from the Plantations in America for your consideration how they may best and soonest be put in practice for her Majesty's service.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 204, p. 391.
26&27 Nov.	Notes of Votes of the House Of Commons in Ireland.
	For these see Commons' Journals (Ireland) for these dates.
	These Notes are for the most part not so full as the Journals, but in the notes for the 27th it is stated (and this does not appear in the Journals) that it was ordered that the word "sufficiently" in the vote of 24 November as to James Annesly, Esq., be entered as an erratum; and that Mr. Delamar have the protection of this House during the recess.
	Pp. 6¾. and pp. 3¼. Both Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 138 & 139.
27 Nov. Dublin.	Southwell to Nottingham.
	To-day I signified to the House that it was his Grace's pleasure they should adjourn to January 11th. There was no desire to sit longer. We reckoned that this was the earliest date when any of our bills could return, but it may be a fortnight or three weeks later, which can easily be notified by proclamation.
	We shall lose no time here and, by next post, your lordship shall have a list of what bills are likely to be sent over. All of them need not now be sent, and even of those which must be some are purely from the obligation his Grace is under of transmitting them. You will see from the printed votes now sent the great stress laid on the two bills of Popery and linen manufacture. They were brought by the whole House, and the Speaker was ordered to enlarge upon them.
	"The House had information that as to that about Popery the Papists had made large contributions in order to oppose it." A letter we intercepted some months ago confirmed this.
	His Grace will send over with the Linen Bill the address made on it. This is comprehended in the Speaker's speech, and is to beg her Majesty "to interpose with Parliament that we may have leave to transport our linen directly to the West Indies, whereas now it must be carried to England and entered there. Indeed, my Lord, I cannot see this can be of any great prejudice to the trade of England. The Crown and Parliament of England have of late years seemed very willing to encourage the manufacture here, to make some compensation for the total deprivation of the woollen; and if some steps could be made in that affair by that time we meet again, it would give great life and despatch to the affairs here, and perhaps that single easing is almost the only thing can at present be done to help this poor country."
	His Grace did not think it proper at this time to give in the answer which her Majesty sent to the Representation. "It will be expected at our next meeting, and if anything in favour of this country offered between this and that, his Grace does submit it to her Majesty's consideration whether some mention might not be made thereof."It must go back to you for a new date.
	Stormy weather of late, but only one shipwreck.
	Pp. 3. (Hol.) Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 140.
	Enclosing:—
	A. List of Bills sent to the Government.
	Bills dealing with the following matters or persons:—
	Mr. Stephens, Naturalization, Impeachment of Succession, Fees of Sheriffs, Against Butchers being Graziers, Habeas Corpus, Workhouse, Justices of the Peace, Elections, St. Mary's Church, Mr. Philips, Interest to 8 per cent, Prohibitions in Ecclesiastical Causes, Regulation of Markets, Colonel R. Morres, Colonel J. Browne, Mr. Blake, Ballast Office in Dublin, to quiet Ecclesiastical persons in their possessions, For easier recovery of Tithes, Mr.Stopford.
	List of bills lying on the table, not yet ordered to the Government.
	Bills dealing with the following subjects:—
	Royal Mines, Small debts, Against Popery, Registering Popish Clergy, Salmon fry, Toll, Burying in Woollen, To examine Public Accounts, To make Minors liable to the debts of Ancestors, Poor Prisoners, Blasphemy, Against High Commission Court, Salt to be Sold by Weight, To enable Bishops to make leases for lives, To encourage the consumption of this Country's Manufactures, Against illegal raising money by Grand Juries, To encourage the Linen manufactures, To dissolve the Corporation of Butchers, To empower Churchwardens to raise Money by Vestry.
	Pp. 2. Endd. Ibid, 140A.
	B. Bills lying before the Council Board.
	These are divided into two classes, public and private bills.
	Mentions most, but not all, of the bills mentioned in the preceding list, and also the following:—
	Public:—
	Money bill, To purchase Glebes, To take away Benefit of Clergy in some cases, Ease of Subject in Trials, Small Tithes, Clandestine Marriages, Lanesborough bridge, Exchange of Glebes, Collectors' receipts for Quit Rents, Against Valuation of Houses for maintenance of Ministers.
	Private:—
	Colonel Walter Butler, Colonel Garett Coghlan, Lord Rosse, Sir Hans Hamilton.
	P. 1. Endd. S.P. Ireland 363, 141 B.
27 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham to Dr. Brampston.
	Colonel Gibson sends me the following account of a small bark of about 25 tons, laden with oranges, which came lately into Portsmouth harbour, that she has two masters on board, one English the other Portuguese, with the King of Portugal's pass for London, and also an Irish Papist, who pretends to the cargo; that, on inquiry, he finds the master carried this ship from Topsham to Lisbon with corn, and there sold her to a Portuguese, notwithstanding which the charter-party is in his name. They pretend to put in there for want of an anchor, but he thinks it strange they did not put into Plymouth, Falmouth or Topsham, where the English master's owners live; or that, having a fair wind and good convoy, she did not pursue her voyage. He has therefore secured the vessel, and the whole matter is referred to you on the petition of Peter Lews.
	P. 1. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, pp. 378, 379.
29 Nov.	The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to Nottingham.
	House adjourned. Will send over money and other bills. Hopes they will be despatched. Southwell will send list of French reformed officers.
	Pp. 1½ (small). (Hol.) Endd. in Warre's [?] hand. S.P. Ireland 363, 141.
29 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded.
	The number of prisoners at Guernsey is excessive and dangerous. Command:—To see to their exchange and, as most of them were taken by Guernsey men, to see that captives in France who belong to that island have preference in that exchange.
	P. ⅓. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 380.
	2. To the Victuallers of the Navy.
	Have enough victuals ready at Portsmouth to complete the victualling of the ships expected from Holland, and those to come from Ireland and which are designed for Portugal, for two months before their sailing thence. Order such victuals to be put on board them as may victual them for that time.
	P. ¼. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 116.
30 Nov. St. James'.	Instructions for Sir George Rooke, Vice-Admiral of England and Admiral of the Fleet designed for Portugal.
	Recites Articles 19 and 20 of the Treaty with Portugal. (fn. 13) Proceeds:—In pursuance of our orders our Minister in Lisbon has endeavoured to obtain such an explanation of them as was more agreeable to former practice in like cases with other Kings or, at least, that the execution of these Articles might be made so easy as that it might not be derogatory to our honour; and our Ambassador having lately assured us of the King of Portugal's willingness to comply with us in this matter as the said King's Envoy has also assured us that his master was well disposed to prevent any dissatisfaction to us on that account:—You are therefore, when you arrive at Lisbon, to speak to our Ambassador there and concert with him such measures as may be proper for the preservation of our dignity and the advantage of us and our Allies . . . taking . . . care to avoid all occasions . . . of giving disgust to the King of Portugal, "to whom we are willing to shew as much respect as our predecessors have shewn to him or any other King."
	Pp. 1¼. Ibid, pp. 122, 123.
30 Nov. Whitehall.	Nottingham's Letters.
	1. To the Archbishop of York.
	Transmits, by command, the widow Marshall's petition.
	Three lines. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 104, p. 394.
	2. To the Prince's Council.
	Command:—To employ Claude Prigent, a French prisoner, on one of her Majesty's ships or discharge him. Certificates [details] state that he is a Protestant, and prayed that he might have liberty either to serve on one of her Majesty's ships or else to live in England.
	P. ½. S.P. Dom., Entry Book 209, p. 117.