William III: March 1698 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

'William III: March 1698', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1698, (London, 1933) pp. 118-172. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1698/pp118-172 [accessed 24 April 2024]

March 1698



Mar. 1. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Ld. Ambassador Williamson. I have to-day received your letters of the 4th and 7th inst. [N.S.], but have not had an opportunity of laying them before his Majesty. You have been long without receipt of any of our letters, but I suppose this change of wind will have brought you all the packets together.
	I have nothing to trouble you with but the enclosed account of our affairs, which I fear have not yet made a progress to satisfy our friends abroad. To-morrow I hope we shall bring on the ordinary of the navy, in which it will be endeavoured to comprehend three or four marine regiments. That being the last of the quantums to be settled, they will next proceed to ways and means. It will be difficult to find funds for so much as is necessary, but I hope there is a good majority for carrying on the public service. Endorsed, Recd. Mar. 20. 1 p. [S.P.32. 15. ff. 43–44.]
Mar. 1–11. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to the same. Finding by your letter of the 7th inst., N.S., that the Comte de Bonde was stopped by the ice at Rotterdam, and presuming this S.W. wind may detain him in Holland, I send enclosed a list of the Ensigns of the Order of the Garter which are to be returned to the Sovereign.
	The Comte de Platen, envoy extraordinary from the Elector of Hanover, to notify his father's death to the King and his accession, is to have his first audience to-morrow at Kensington, and on Sunday the Court will be in mourning for that Elector. The King has been pleased to knight Mr. Germain and to make him a baronet. Endorsed, Recd. 20 Mar. 3 pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 292–293.]
	Enclosing: Ensigns of the Order of the Garter, which are to be returned to the Sovereign, upon the death of a knight. The surcoat of crimson velvet. The mantle of violet velvet. The Garter. The Collar of the Order. Two Georges, a greater and lesser. The Book of the Statutes. [Ibid. ff. 294–295.]
Mar. 1. Whitehall.	Tho. Hopkins to the same. This day the House of Commons had before them Mr. Burton and heard his counsel, what they could say against the Bill for punishing him. They could not say much towards extenuating his crime, but many things in his favour why his punishment ought to be mitigated; as that he had been very serviceable to the Government in promoting the loans, and had done several good offices to private persons during the late difficulties of the coin, and without any advantage to himself. Endorsed, Rd. Mar. 20th. 2 pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 296–297.]
Mar. 1. Whitehall.	R. Y[ard] to the same. [Parliamentary news.] The Duke of Shrewsbury intends to be in town next week. Endorsed, Rd. Mar. 20. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 298–299.]
Mar. 1. Whitehall.	Newsletter. Letters from Portsmouth of the 27th ult. relate that Brigadier Fairfax arrived there last Thursday with orders to break several regiments in garrison there. On Friday and Saturday he disbanded the regiments of Coote, Gibson and Bolton; their place is supplied by Colonel Seymour's regiment.
	We hear from Dover that Mons. Tallard, the French ambassador, was expected at Calais on Sunday last.
	The Macclesfield divorce Bill is to pass: the real estate which the lady brought on her marriage shall be restored to her, the children she may have had shall be declared illegitimate, and both parties be at liberty to marry again. Endorsed, Rd. 20 Mar. 2½ pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 300–301.]
Mar. 1.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 68. (Printed. In duplicate.) 2 pp. each. [Ibid. ff. 302–303.]
Mar. 1. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Lords of the Treasury. In accordance with the report of the Council of Trade that a present of four or five hundred pounds value, consisting of fine scarlet and crimson cloth, brocades, two gold watches and other curiosities, should be sent to the government of Tunis, the King commands that such a present be provided, to be sent to Mr. Chetwood, H.M. consul at Tunis, by the Mediterranean squadron. [S.P.44. 99. p. 459.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant to the Lords of the Treasury of Scotland, requiring them to pay to William, Earl of Crawford, the arrears of the pension of 300l. granted to him on April 28th, 1696. [S.P.57. 16. p. 520–1.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant to the same. We, understanding that the regiment lately under the command of Lord Lindsay was new clothed about two months before they were disbanded, and that by their being so soon disbanded thereafter (which was before the full year's clothing money fell due) there could not be a fond sufficient for the said clothing; and we, judging it reasonable that the merchants should be satisfied for the clothing, and Lord Lindsay and the other officers of the regiment relieved of their engagement for the same, require you to take such methods as you think fit that the merchants may be satisfied and the officers relieved. [Ibid. p. 521.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant to the same, reciting that the King is informed that there are several years' salaries granted in a patent to the deceased John Graham, general postmaster, in consideration of the great charges he was at in erecting and establishing the post offices in Scotland, yet unpaid: that he is willing to encourage all instruments of augmenting his revenues: and requiring the Treasury to state with Alison Fletcher, widow of John Graham, what salaries were due to her husband. [Ibid. p. 522.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	The King to the same. We have received a petition from Robert Martin of Bruntbrae, recommended to us by Parliament for reparation of losses that he sustained when he was tacksman of the additional excise of the shire of Aberdeen from June 1st, 1693, to May 1st, 1695. The loss the suffered is represented to be about 800l., wherein he has fallen short of his tack duty. You will examine and report. [Ibid. p. 522–3.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant to the same, reciting that — Countess of Sutherland was enfeoffed by the deceased Earl of Angus, her husband, in a house and some lands "lying near our palace of Holyrood house as a part of her jointure," which lands were thereafter purchased by King Charles II, who in lieu thereof ordered 1,000l. to be paid to her, and the annual rent thereof during her lifetime: that there are several years' rents resting to her. The warrant requires that these arrears be paid, preferable to all pensions, and that the arrears of a pension of 300l., given by the King to — Earl of Sutherland on Jan. 21st, 1696–7, be also paid. [Ibid. p. 523–4.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	The King to the same. By the establishment, for the pay of our forces and garrisons in Scotland from Jan. 1st last, there is named, amongst the general officers, a clerk to the Court Martial, and no mention made of a Secretary of War. Therefore the said two officers of Secretary of War and clerk to the Court Martial will be both in one person and exercised by John Aitkin, present Secretary of War, and no more will be paid to him than the 7s. per diem as in the establishment. [Ibid. p. 524.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant to the same, reciting that the King is informed that Alexander Robertson "lately one of the gentlemen of our troop of Guards" in Scotland, "who has served us as such since the Revolution," is become old and unfit for service; and requiring that he be received amongst the invalids at 2s. a day. [Ibid. p. 525.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrants to the same, to pay 20l. to Richard Godard, for his extraordinary pains in carrying the Scots packets and expresses to and from the post office: and 20l. to Agnes Logan, widow of David Logan, sometime quartermaster in the regiment of Scots footguards, "and who was killed in our service at Stanekirk." [Ibid. p. 525–6.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant to the same to pay to John Hamilton, under-keeper of the palace of Holyrood house, 50l., a year's fee for 1688–9, and 83l. 5s. 6d. expended by him in reparations and improvements upon the palace. [Ibid. p. 526–7.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant for a patent of knight baronet to Sir William Hope of Kirkliston. [Ibid. p. 527–8.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant for the appointment of Mr. John Murray, advocate, brother to Patrick Murray of Livingston, to be clerk of the Commissariot of Edinburgh, vacant through the dimission of Sir Patrick Aikenhead. [Ibid. p. 529.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Docket of the warrant appointing John Brysson, writer in Glasgow, to be commissary of Hamilton and Campsie, vacant by the dimission of Thomas Lockhart. [Ibid. p. 530.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant reciting that the commission for plantation of kirks and valuation of teynds have considered a petition of Mr. William Wardrope, minister at Anstruther Easter, a large parish of very many communicants, not less than 900 or 1,000, representing that the town of Anstruther Easter was dismembered from the parish of Kilrennie, and that Mr. Wardrope, as serving the cure at the said kirk, has but a very small stipend, not exceeding 600 merks Scots, and craving an augmentation out of the free teynds of the parish of Kilrennie payable by David Bethum of Balfour, heretor within the parish: that the commission recommended an addition of 400 merks Scots, making the stipend 1,000 merks yearly.
	The warrant ordains a charter to be passed granting to Mr. Wardrope, minister at the kirk, and to his successors the sum of 400 merks, making with the old stipend 1,000 merks Scots, yearly out of the parish of Kilrennie, to be allocated amongst the several heretors liable. The additional stipend is to be paid to the minister at the sight and care of Sir William Anstruther of that ilk and his successors of his lands of Anstruther. [S.P.57. 16. p. 531–4.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant appointing James Clark letterer and grainer of the edges of the coin of Scotland, with the wages of one pound Scots (according to use and wont) for each ston weight of silver to be edged by him, to be paid by the Master of the Mint out of the twenty pound Scots allowed to the Master for coinage of each ston of silver, discharging all others upon their peril to presume to letter or grain any money, or to attempt to fabricate or keep any engines or tools for lettering money about the edges.
	The warrant recites that the lettering and graining about the edges continues to be a good method for preventing false and counterfeit coin, and that it is absolutely necessary that the knowledge and art of graining and lettering be kept secret, and entrusted to as few persons as may be, who should be not only of skill but of undoubted reputation: that James Clark, engraver to H.M. Mint in Scotland, has ever since the beginning of the edging and lettering of H.M. Scots coin been always assisting in that work, and since the decease of John Mitchell has been trusted with it. [S.P.57. 16. p. 534–6.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Docket of the warrant for a charter granting to Patrick Herron now of that ilk, formerly designed of Kirruchtrie, in life rent, and to Patrick Herron his only son [in tail male] the — shilling land of Kirruchtrie, lands of Lessens Blackcraig Dermackmorran including Paloue as a part, the five shilling land of Craigdeus with the manor place fishings and pertinents within the stewartry of Kirkcudbright, the new house of Monigaff, the one mark land of Straneid, forty shilling land of Littlepark and lands of Craignyne Glenamer Polbrabuy Tonderghie Drumnaight and Torquhinock with teynds etc. in the said stewartry, proceeding upon the resignation of the said Patrick Herron elder, the deceased John McKie heir served and retoured to Patrick McKie sometime of Larg, John McKie now of Larg and Captain William Maxwell. The charter is to contain an erection of the said lands into a barony to be called the barony of Herron, ordaining the manor place of Kirruchtrie now Herron to be the principal messuage of the barony. These contain also an erection of the town of Kirruchtrie in a free burgh of barony to be called the burgh of barony of Herron. With power to keep a weekly mercate therein. The holding is changed from simple to taxt ward. [Ibid. p. 536–7.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Docket of the warrant for a charter in favour of Alexander Murray of Halmyres, granting to him the town and lands of Halmires, and of Wester Deans in the sheriffdom of Peebles as for the principal and the lands of Drummelziar in the said sheriffdom, with a change of holding from simple to taxt ward. [Ibid. p. 537–8.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Docket of the warrant for a charter whereby the King grants for himself and as prince and stewart of Scotland to Dame Margaret Hepburn, second daughter to the deceased Mr. Thomas Hepburn parson of Oldhamstocks, and relict of Sir Patrick Hepburn of Blackcastle [in tail] the lands of Dod and Buringreen Easter and Wester Arkengalls steid and pendicle thereof called the Neigle, and the lands of Westhall proceeding upon the resignation of the said Dame Margaret Hepburn, the deceased Dame Barbara and Anna Hepburns and of Isobell Hepburn sisters and heirs portioners to the deceased Patrick Hepburn their brother with consent of the deceased Sir Thomas Murray of Glendoig husband to the said Dame Barbara, and of the said deceased Sir Patrick Hepburn of Blackcastle and of Margaret Paterson mother and tutrix to the said Isobell, except the lands of Westhall upon the resignation of William Beatson to whom they have right by progress. These also contain a novo damus and an union of the lands and others above written in a free barony to be called the barony of Blackcastle, with a change of holding from simple ward to taxt ward. [Ibid. p. 538–9.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	The King to the Privy Council of Scotland, adding Lord Yester to their number. [Ibid. p. 539.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Warrant adding Sir James Scougall of Whitehill [in margin Lord Whitehill], a senator of the College of Justice, to the number of the Commissioners of the Exchequer of Scotland. [Ibid. p. 540.]
Mar. 1. Kensington.	Commission to Henry Grange, gent., to be lieutenant in Captain George Withers' company in Sir Mathew Bridge's regiment of foot. [S.P.44. 167. p. 327.]
Mar. 1–10.	"The Journals of the House of Lords," for Sir Jos. Williamson. 3 pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 304–305.]
Mar. 2. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of John Wilkins, a youth about 17 years of age; setting forth that he belonged to the Granado bomb ship, where he was unfortunately blown up at the bombarding of Dieppe on the 16 July, 1694, where he got a fracture in his left thigh and had a great part of the musculous flesh carried away, which has occasioned an ulcer. In consideration thereof he is allowed 10l. p. ann. out of the chest at Chatham. He desires an almsman's place at Oxford. The Clerk of the Signet is to prepare a Bill granting the next almsman's place (not disposed of) in the Cathedral Church of Oxon. [S.P.44. 238. p. 192.]
Mar. 2. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Charles Whitaker, esq., setting forth that James I by Letters Patent granted to Francis Morrice, esq., a house in the Old Palace Yard at Westminster, adjoining to the Upper House of Parliament, for 50 years from the death of one John Wyneard at the rent of 3l. p. ann. That Charles II granted to the petitioner the further term of 21 years from the expiration of the former term, which expired 1683. The house is very old and must be rebuilt, which expense the petitioner is willing to be at if his Majesty will grant him a concurrent lease under the seal of the Court of Exchequer, without fine, to make up the remainder of his term in being 50 years to come, under the old rent and covenants. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury. [Ibid. p. 193.]
Mar. 2. Kensington.	Warrant for a grant of the dignity of a baronet, of the kingdom of England, to Sir John Germain of Westminster, knight. [S.P.44. 347. p. 146.]
Mar. 2. Kensington.	Commission for Charles Dekin or Dakeyne to be sub-brigadier and eldest cornet of the third troop of Horse Guards whereof Richard, Earl of Rivers, is captain and colonel. [S.P.44. 167. p. 318.]
Mar. 2.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 69. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P.32. 9.f. 306.]
Mar. 3–13. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. After writing my last letter to your Majesty I made my entry on the day following. Mr. Prior will send you an account of the ceremonial, for the use of the ambassadors who may succeed me. The affair went off without any difficulty or dispute till I had been conducted to the hotel of the ambassadors. The King had sent the Duke d'Aumont, his first gentleman of the bed-chamber, to compliment me. After that the Duchess of Burgundy sent the Marquis de Villaserre. They then began to make new pretensions, wanting me to go and receive him half way down the stairs as in the case of the former, and I refused to receive him except at the door of the ante-chamber, which is at the top of the stairs. This gave rise to a lengthened dispute, during which he was standing halfway up the stairs, and I at the top, while messages were exchanged between us. At last I sent him word that I would come down a few steps to meet him, and, if he were not pleased with that, we had better each of us withdraw, and I should not have the honour of seeing him, as I should certainly do no more. Thereupon he came up. On his going out I had another difficulty. In conducting him back to his carriage I did not wait to see him go, whereupon the conductor of ambassadors made great complaints to me. A moment later the Marquis de Chassanage arrived, and the same differences arose. The introducer behaved impertinently in public, and I as your Majesty's representative was obliged to treat him as he deserved. Thereupon the dispute ended for a time, and I received the latter in the same way as the former; but the introducer was upset and irritated. Then the Marquis de la Rongère came, sent by Madame, but the introducer came to enquire whether I would receive him as he desired. I replied that I would receive him in the same way as the gentleman from Monsieur. He said that I ought at least to see him go, after having conducted him downstairs, and that otherwise he would not get out of his carriage. I replied that he could stay in it, but that I should not receive Madame's representative otherwise than the representative of Monsieur, that it was contrary to all precedent and contrary to the notes which I was obliged to follow. So he left without seeing me. The Duchesse de Chartres sent another, whom the introducer sent back without saying a word; and he then left abruptly, although he ought to have stayed to supper with me.
	The following day I sent to Versailles to complain of these incidents and of the introducer who had caused them, to M. de Pomponne and M. de Torcy; and to Monsieur and Madame to say how vexed I was at what had happened. I believed that, from the difficulties raised by M. de Torcy in his answer, I should have more difficulties at the audience. However I did not send to either of the introducers; but about noon they both called on me, first Sainctot, and next Bonneuil who had caused me this trouble. I spoke to him again as he deserved. He was abashed and speechless, for I believe that he had already had a lecture at Versailles, of which this was a second edition.
	We arranged everything for the audience of the following day, which passed off without any hitch so far as I know. I was very well received by the King, who renewed his assurances and expressions of esteem for your Majesty, and affirmed again his desire to cultivate your friendship and maintain the peace, in the most courteous and gratifying terms.
	No allusion was made by anyone to what had passed the evening before, and as I had not been the sufferer I did not think it proper to speak of it till my audiences were all over, except that of the Duchesse de Chartres, whom I was unable to see, because she is near her confinement.
	I afterwards went to the Marquis de Torcy, to whom I made great complaints. I told him all that had passed the day before, and of the impertinence and duplicity of the introducer, and of what he had alleged in order to get me to do what he wanted. [I said] that I had come to tell him that it was not through ignorance that I had had audiences of Madame and the Duc de Chartres, from whom I had received no complaints, but that I had done it to prove to the King that my only desire was to smoothe the difficulties which were put in my way. He said after my first complaint that I might have had my audiences without difficulty, since it was I who had declined to receive those who had been sent to compliment me, and had sent them away. I am to see all the princes and princesses of the blood in a few days.
	M. de Torcy tells me that orders were given to release the 11 French officers, prisoners, and the 12th who is condemned to the galleys. Portland.
	French, holograph, cf. Dr. Japikse I, p. 252, No. 212; Grimblot I, p. 220. [S.P.8. 18. ff. 87–92.]
Mar. 3–13. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. Your Majesty will have seen from my other letter, and my narrative, all that passed at my entry and at the audience. They caused me every possible difficulty and trouble, to such a degree that, though I am really too dogmatic and obstinate, I was obliged to accentuate these characteristics and become cavilling and captious, to maintain what is just and reasonable. Otherwise it is impossible to deal with the people with whom one is brought into contact on occasions such as these, and it is particularly difficult for me. Difficulties have been raised on every conceivable point, and, as I do not understand ceremony, I become embarrassed and can only meet them with obstinacy, which is somewhat necessary here. At my entry I was astonished to see such an extraordinary concourse, not only of the lower orders of Paris, whose curiosity is a matter of course, but all the people of quality in the city, of all ages and both sexes, were on the balconies and at the windows. When crossing the Pont Neuf some people exclaimed: "Good Heavens, what a sight! something worth seeing! the solemn entry of a king whom we have been burning on this very bridge for the last eight years."
	At my public audience I was received most graciously. The crowd was so great, and the pressure was such, that I was quite a long time in the room before I could get near the King, but I saw him and he saw me, though I could not reach him. When at last I got to him, he addressed me first. He said he much regretted the trouble I had had in entering, but that he rejoiced to see so many English and French met together. After I had spoken the King replied, in a speech quite as long as mine, and spoke in terms as strong and favourable to your Majesty as possible, and reiterated the assurances of his desire to cultivate your Majesty's friendship. He said a few things extremely flattering to myself, and dismissed me, as he had spoken, with a gracious smile.
	Your Majesty knows the French well enough to understand how the courtiers accentuate all this, and draw my attention to what the King said and did — that he had never been seen to speak to an ambassador first or in so familiar a manner. But it is comic that they are, or seem, surprised that I was not embarrassed, when I saw the King surrounded by such a multitude of courtiers. I have been careful, Sire, through all the incidents which have occurred with reference to Monsieur and Madame, to keep on good terms with them. Monsieur, who understands ceremonial, said I was perfectly right, and blames the introducers; so they at all events are satisfied with me.
	Yesterday I received your Majesty's letter of the 26th of last month, and I am delighted that you approve my conduct. It is an excellent thing that these rumours of the refusal come from the Jacobites, and have no appearance of being a pretence as coming from your people, though in neither case will Parliament be much affected, for it is insensible to anything but party interests. That is the result of the Triennial Bill.
	I hope that the return of Lord Shrewsbury will help to reunite the Whigs, and change their views about Lord Sunderland. It is very vexatious that I shall have to stay here so long: the expenses will be very heavy.
	Your Majesty says that I am very fortunate in being absent, to be spared seeing what I cannot prevent: but is it not the same here, where moreover they play me so many tricks about everything, both ceremonies and business? I am afraid they will do the same thing about Orange and Burgundy, particularly in favour of Madame d'Isenguien. I should not have failed to do all in my power for the Prince de Vaudemont, even if you had not written to me about him, as I know your views about him. He told me about them. If your Majesty has decided whom to send here to succeed me, it would be advantageous for him to be here before I leave. Otherwise he will have a great deal of trouble and will lack practice and experience at the outset. Lords Westmoreland and Hastings [Raby appears to have been struck out] are very short of money. The former has asked me to write to you about it, and the latter has been reduced to borrowing; I fear others will do the same, and it is all I can do to feed these gentlemen and all the people I have with me. Lowmans is leaving in a few days, and I shall be very sorry for it, as I am only beginning to get my expenses into shape. After my audience I returned home last night from the hotel of the ambassadors. I have answered your Majesty about your purchases.
	The Comte de Tallard is leaving for England to-morrow. He will go up the river in the yacht. Your Majesty will find that he thinks himself clever and a good talker. He might be both if he were not so conceited. I wish he were in England already. Perhaps things may be granted by him, which have been refused when I asked for them. I have often seen that happen with France in the past. (fn. 1)
	I write the annexed letter to your Majesty, which you will perhaps show to your Ministers. I have shown things as they are, but you may think it better from a Parliamentary point of view that I should not show so plainly how little I think you have to expect in this quarter; in that case I must ask to be informed of your views and wishes, that I may behave accordingly and give another turn to my letters so far as possible.
	I am badly served by the messengers provided, because they have not been supplied with money for carrying the post: I have to provide it.
	I have had a letter from Mr. Steyn of Haerlem, who asks me to recommend him to your Majesty for the post of Rhineland inspector (Heemraet de Rijnland), and to remind you that he has always been most zealous on your behalf. Mr. Ham also writes that he is afraid he will be recalled. Your Majesty will probably be of opinion, as he knows the Court where he is intimately, that it will be useless to send anyone else there, until Mr. Stepney arrives there and we see how things go. A newcomer would find it difficult to find his bearings, until things are settled, and I think they are a long way off that.
	Madame is much affected by the death of the Elector of Hanover. She showed me yesterday the portrait of the Duke of Lorraine in the presence of Mademoiselle, who is not a great beauty, but very pleasing. She has a very good figure; she seems very clever and amiable, and is highly spoken of by those who know her. Take her all round she is something of a beauty. Monsieur and Madameshow me every attention, and Madame shows the greatest affection for your Majesty.
	I shall wait till I come back to describe the beauty of Versailles. It seems very costly, but St. Cloud and Meudon are far better situated; especially the latter, which is most delightful.
	French, unsigned holograph, cf. Dr. Japikse I, p. 254, No. 213; Grimblot I, p. 223. [S.P.8. 18.ff. 93–100.]
	I admit that, if all I see in the person of the King of France is not genuine, the comedy is well acted, and this I have reason to think it. Since, from what the ministers tell me, (fn. 2) they will not even refuse decently what they do not intend to concede, nor assign plausible reasons for things which have no reason. This seems to me to be contrary to their own interest, which is to entertain us with fair words, as well as the Dutch, whose eyes they are opening in the commercial business.
	If I am not mistaken the Ministers of this Court don't really understand the character of the people of our countries: for, whatever may be their intention, they ought to give us different impressions; either to lure us, if they mean to deceive us, or to establish mutual confidence, if their intentions are sincere. French, unsigned; the original was apparently in cypher, and formed part of the preceding letter. Cf. Dr. Japikse I, p. 256 and p. 262, note 1. [S.P.8. 18. f. 101.]
Mar. 3.	[Report of proceedings in Parliament.] House of Commons. This day was spent in a Report from the committee of privileges upon a complaint against Mr. Owen, a member, who had made a forcible entry upon the estate of the late Sir Wm. Williams, who had given it to Sir Charles Kemish's sons, for their life, and the remainder to the King. The determination went against Mr. Owen.
	The House then went into a committee upon the Bill, sent from the Lords, against Profaneness and Atheism. By this Bill it is enacted that whoever shall deny the being of a God, or call in question the Trinity, upon the first conviction he shall be incapable of holding any employment; upon the second he shall be made infamous, that he can neither sue nor be a witness; and upon the third conviction he shall undergo 3 years imprisonment. It was observed that the law had already inflicted heavier punishment upon Atheism and Blasphemy, the first of which was always capital, and lighter penalties would be a less restraint; and, where there was no encouragement given to prosecute, nobody was like to undertake it. It was thought fit therefore not to proceed on this Bill till it were more fully considered how to proportion the penalties to the offence, and how the prosecution should be provided for, and therefore they would compare it with a Bill which they had likewise ordered to be prepared.
	4 March. The committee proceeded this day on the estimates of the ordinary of the Navy, which were all allowed except the last of 150,000l. for the repairs of ships and the finishing such as were ordered to be built, which is only deferred till a particular estimate be brought in.
	There was some debate upon the two Marine regiments, as if the motion for it were irregular, since the House had already resolved there should be but 10,000 men entertained this year for the sea, and the like number at land, and this was called an indirect establishment of a greater force than they intended. But Sir Richd. Onslow and several others represented the usefulness of them; that we had found great disadvantages at sea for want of men bred to the use of fire-arms, and that the provision we had made for manning our ships would very well require such an addition to be made to them; and it was proposed that these men should be applied only to sea service by being employed 2,000 on board at a time by turns, and 1,000 on shore and in the yards. Col. Churchill thought them so useful that it were to be wished they had a greater number of them: and Sir Robt. Rich further enlarged upon it; but there was no disposition to go higher, and the two regiments, computed at 55,000l., were carried without a division.
	There was a debate likewise whether the Registry of seamen should be continued, the charge whereof will amount for the next year to 37,000l. It was called an unnecessary expense, a badge of slavery and what the seamen were averse to, and therefore there were but 13,000 yet registered, and the officers went a great way in making up the number. On the other side it was argued it was but a new settlement, and the use and benefit of it not yet so well understood; and in time of war seamen may be backward from entering into the service; but, if the Registry were once completed, which one has the best prospect of in time of peace, and 30,000 men being thus listed, the use of it would appear; since it would save the great expense and trouble of pressing men, which caused a general complaint; and men would not be wanting for any sudden occasion to supply their ships, which often, for want of them, had lain till they were grown foul again; and they had been at the charge of keeping their great ships in pay all the winter, for fear they should not get them manned in the spring. This Question was likewise carried, some called to divide the House, but the majority was so great on sight that it was yielded.
	The Lords read Duncomb's Bill to-day, and a debate arose whether it should have a second reading. The Duke of Leeds, Duke of Bolton, Lord Rochester, Lord Nottingham, Lord Peterborough spoke against it, as a method introduced to intermeddle in their Judicature. The Marquis of Normanby, Lord Godolphin, and some others, were for retaining the Bill, tho' they did not think they should be for it as it was drawn. The House divided upon the question for the second reading, which was carried by 48 against 36. 4 pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 309–310.]
Mar. 3. Kensington.	Warrant to forbear to execute that part of the sentence which concerns burning in the hand, until further information has been received, in reference to the trial at the next Assizes for the county of Gloucester, of Edmond Chamberlaine of Maugersbury co. Gloucester, concerning the killing of Richard Dodge, in case he be found guilty of manslaughter. [S.P.44. 347. p. 144.]
Mar. 3. Kensington.	Warrant to insert Sarah Booth in the next general pardon for the County Palatine of Chester, without condition of transportation: she was convicted of high treason in clipping and counterfeiting the late current coin of the kingdom. [S.P.44. 347. p. 145.]
Mar. 3. Kensington.	Licence to Morris Bowen, sheriff of the county of Pembroke, to reside out of the county. [S.P.44. 163. p. 105.]
Mar. 3.	Votes of the House of Commons. (Printed.) 4 pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 307–308.]
Mar. 4. Treasury Chambers.	William Lowndes to Mr. Secretary Vernon. 1 p. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 311–312.] Enclosing,
	(1) Extract of a report from the Commissioners of Customs to [the Lords of the Treasury] dated March 2, with respect to two vessels stopped at Shoreham by Captain Trevor of H.M.S. Experiment, viz., the St. John bound to France, laden with wool, and the William and Mary, bound from Rye to Topsham with English wool.
	As to the St. John: a letter of the 5th ult. from Mr. Jackson, collector of Weymouth, relates that a French vessel was driven into that harbour by violent weather, laden with wool from Nantes to Rouen; he was intending to examine whether it was English wool. We answered by return of post that it was most likely English wool, which is easily to be distinguished from other wool. If it proved to be so, he was to seize both vessel and wool, sending us up a sample of the wool. To this he returned no answer. On the 7th ult. we heard from Mr. Wade, collector of Shoreham, that the day before Captain Trevor had stopped in that road a sloop called the St. John, Philip Mof . ., master, bound from Nantes to St. Valerie with between 40 and 50 bags of wool, each supposed to contain above 2 cwt. Upon examination the master said the wool was of the growth of Barbary. We received samples from four of the bags, which were pronounced by persons of knowledge to be Barbary wool. The vessel was therefore permitted to proceed on her voyage.
	As to the William and Mary: we wrote on the 26th ult. to the collector of Rye to inform us of what had taken place in this matter, but have received no answer from him. [Ibid. ff. 313–314.]
	(2) Copy of a letter from the same to the same, dated at the Custom House, London, March 3. Enclosing: Copy of a letter from Mr. Shuckburgh, collector of Rye, dated at Rye, 1st March, 1698. On the 9th ult. 20 bags of wool, each containing 280 lbs., were shipped here on the William and Mary of Rye, Thomas Waller, master, for Topsham. The master and William Batchelour gave security in 500l. for the landing of the wool at Topsham. [Ibid. ff. 317–318.]
Mar. 4. Whitehall.	[J. Vernon] to Mr. Hill. I have received yours of the 6th inst., and have acquainted the King with what you write of the behaviour of Mr. Barlow since his coming to Brussels, and I hope it may contribute to shorten his stay there. I shall put his Majesty in mind of it again, when I find him disposed to grant licences to those who have been sent abroad. I have had an account of Cox, your engineer, from one who was his fellow prisoner in the Bastille. He gives him but a very indifferent character; therefore I hope that both he and Vane will follow your advice, and return again to France. Copy, unsigned. ½ p. [Ibid. f. 319.]
Mar. 4. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to Ambassador Williamson. The Earl of Leicester is dying of the strangury and 80 years. The King got a small fall yesterday a hunting, but, God be thanked, received no hurt. Endorsed, Rd. 20 Mar. 3 pp. [Ibid. f. 320–321.]
Mar. 4. Whitehall.	T. Hopkins to the same (parliamentary news). Endorsed, Rd. 20th. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 322–323.]
Mar. 4. Whitehall.	R. Yard to the same. We are every day expecting the French ambassador, who intends to make a very splendid appearance. He has taken the Duke of Ormond's house for three years, and is building a chapel. Endorsed, Rd. 20 Mar. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 324–325.]
Mar. 4. Whitehall.	Newsletter. The Czar went on Wednesday to Woolwich, where Lord Romney showed him the bomb ketches, and afterwards entertained him at dinner.
	On Wednesday the Commons were in a committee upon the Supply and the estimates of the ordinary of the Navy for this year, amounting to 329,000l. The committee agreed to several particulars, viz.: 24,000l. for salaries, 28,000l. for half pay to Commanders. For wages of seamen and officers on board ships in harbour, 43,000l. For victuals for them, 19,000l. For pensions, 9,000l. For yards, docks, etc., 15,000l. For moorings, 5,000, and for musters, 1,300. There were 3 other particulars, viz.: 55,000l. for the 2 Marine Regiments (3,000 men), 5,000l. for ordinary repairs of ships, and for the registered seamen and hospital, 37,000. The consideration whereof they adjourned: as also the demand of 150,000l. for repairing and building of ships. Endorsed, Rd. 20 Mar. 2 pp. [Ibid. ff. 326–327.]
Mar. 4.	Proceedings of the House of Commons. The House went into committee on Supply and came to the several Resolutions following in relation to the Fleet [details similar to those above]. All which sums are to be raised within the year 1698, and amount to 266,882l. Endorsed, Rd. Mar. 20. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 328.]
Mar. 4.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 71. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 329.]
Mar. 4. Whitehall.	J. Vernon to Ld. Ambassador Williamson. The Dutch post not being arrived, I have only to acquaint you that I have laid your letters of the 4th and 7th inst. [N.S.] before his Majesty, who approves of your insisting not to admit any act of inclusion but such as is conformable to the treaty.
	I am sorry you have not had more care taken of you at the Treasury, and I am afraid they are not in a condition to be pressed at present. The exchequer is so low drawn, that they must stay for the new supply before they can satisfy demands upon them. I find that all who are in the King's business, in whatever station it is, must practise a little forbearance. I hope it will not be long before it mends.
	The committee, I think, have now done with the estimate of next year's charge, and it is a heavy one, amounting to near 5 millions. They will now entirely betake themselves to Ways and Means, and despatch it as fast as they can.
	I expect the Duke of Shrewsbury in town next week. Endorsed, Recd. Mar. 20. 1½ pp. [S.P.32. 15. ff. 45–46.]
Mar. 4. Kensington.	Commissions to Alexander Cockle, esquire, to be captain of Captain Christopher Leigh's company in Colonel William Northcote's regiment of foot. [S.P.44. 167. p. 333]; James Gibbons, esquire, to replace Captain Edgworth in Major General Thomas Earle's regiment of foot. [Ibid. p. 370.]
Mar. 5–15. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. Yesterday M. de Pomponne and M. de Torcy called upon me and informed me that they did so by command of the Most Christian King, to tell me that he desired my services in a matter of the utmost importance and secrecy; at the same time assuring me of his entire confidence. After I had made a suitable reply M. de Pomponne said that, as the sentiments of the King, his master, in regard to the maintenance of the peace, were sincere, and as he was convinced that those of your Majesty were the same, it was necessary to anticipate possible causes of disturbance with a view to avoiding it. [He said] that the death of the King of Spain, which might happen at any moment, was such a possible cause, as the same complications from which we had just escaped would then again ensue: that the Most Christian King therefore wished to enter into engagements with your Majesty to prevent such great calamities: that if Spain fell into the hands of the Emperor he would be able to make himself master of all Italy, and be so absolute in the Empire that we should have every reason to fear his preponderating power; that his Most Christian Majesty therefore desired to concert measures with your Majesty respecting that succession, and wished to know whether you were so inclined, and what conditions and securities you would require.
	I replied that I was surprised at his proposal; that though I must regard the death of the King of Spain as an event which would certainly plunge us again into war, yet it must be regarded as an unavoidable evil, and we could only hope it would not take place soon; that in my view the interests of England and Holland were so opposed to an arrangement, both as regards sea-power and world-trade, that I did not see how your Majesty could give any other than a general answer, unless I were informed of the views of the Most Christian King as to the details of his intended proposals. He answered that he could not enter into details till your general views were known; and that even then it would be necessary to ascertain from you what you might think proper, in the interest, and for the safety of the two nations.
	I said I was sure that if I wrote to your Majesty, in the general terms in which he spoke to me, I could not expect any other answer than that you were willing to listen to proposals; and as I saw finally that I could make no more of it, I gave him my private views in a conversational way and mentioned whatever I thought would be contrary to our interest. I won't repeat this to avoid prolixity.
	He replied that the question of the Low Countries could be easily arranged to your Majesty's satisfaction; that as regards Spain itself sufficient guarantees would be given that it would never fall under the dominion of the same king as France; but as to the Indies and the security of the Mediterranean trade, two points upon which I laid great stress, they made no answer, merely requesting me to inform your Majesty of what he (sic) had proposed and of what he had said of the views of the King his master, and to be informed of yours, Sire.
	I did not want to say anything to cause it to be thought that I had any knowledge of your Majesty's intentions, especially as they revealed little or nothing. I shall therefore wait to know your pleasure and the line you wish me to take. If however I have an opportunity, I will speak to M. de Pomponne again in conversation and try to induce him to be a little more frank.
	I beg your Majesty to excuse the mistakes in my letter, which is of such a character that it cannot be shown to a soul, and I have barely time to read it over, much less take a copy, because M. le Daufin has sent for me to go hunting with him immediately, and I did not want to make an excuse and I cannot put it off. I am just going to get into my carriage to go to Meudon.
	The Comte de Tallard leaves to-day. I think they waited so long, before speaking to me about this, on purpose, in order to be able to make use of him in this business if they are not satisfied with me; though the inflexibility which I have shown, in all the difficulties that have been thrown in my way, is approved by everyone at Court, and all the blame is laid upon the introducers, whom Monsieur himself calls ignorant and impertinent. Perhaps they think that I shall not let myself be drawn into matters, where my small intelligence shows me that I shall not further your Majesty's service nor the interest of the two nations. Paris, the 15th March, in the morning. Portland.
	French, holograph, printed by Dr. Japikse I, p. 259, No. 214; cf. Grimblot I, p. 290. [S.P.8. 18. ff. 102–107.]
Mar. 5. Dublin Castle.	Lord Galway to Secretary Vernon. While I was in Italy the republic of the Grisons always showed much devotion and zeal where the King and his allies were concerned, especially with reference to the free transit which they granted to our troops. Mr. Jean Gaudent of Capol, late governor of the Valteline, now head (chef) of the Ligue Grise, is one of those who most distinguished themselves in this way. I think it would be popular, now that peace has been made, if it were shown, in the person of Mr. de Capol, that these services are gratefully remembered. Moreover this is what is hinted to me in a letter which I have lately received from that country. It may be to the King's advantage to procure the adherence of a man who is influential there. The person to whom I refer occupies one of the highest posts in the republic and belongs to one of the most important families, which is now becoming still more important by alliance with the de Salis family. Some honorary distinction would suffice. He is already Knight of St. Marc. Something of that kind would suit him best, but I do not know whether it would be in accordance with the English practice. I shall be obliged if you will inform me on this point and let me know if you think I can write to the King on the subject, or whether you prefer to speak to him yourself.
	[P.S.] Be so good as to send on [faire rendre] my letter to Sir Wm. Ashhurst. French. 2 pp. Endorsed, Ea. of Gallway, about Monsr. Capoll to be a Knight. [S.P.63. 360. ff. 1–2.]
Mar. 5.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 72. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P.32. 9. f. 330.]
Mar. 7 and 8.	[Proceedings in the House of Commons.] 7 March. Sir John Philips brought in his Bill about religion. They say he has several Bills for reformation. This was only against Atheism, and denying the Trinity, and maintaining that the Christian religion is not true, and that the Scriptures are not of Divine Authority. The penalties for these offences are left in blank, but I find the person convicted may upon repentance and publicly owning his crime be made capable of pardon.
	The House then went upon the Militia Bill, which was read a second time and committed. Sir Wm. Williams only spoke against it as the most pernicious Bill he ever saw, which established the greatest and most lasting tax, and erected a standing army, which must either be dangerous to the King or to the liberty of the people. He wondered where this Bill was hatched.
	Sir Richd. Onslow took him up pretty severely, and told him that such as had accustomed themselves to make reflections at the Bar, should consider that it was not becoming in other places.
	Mr. Clark moved that his Bill for preventing the counterfeiting of the coin should be referred to a private committee, since the House seemed not to be at leisure to proceed in a committee of the whole House; which being irregularly moved, when it was too late, is put off.
	8 March. The House went into a committee upon the remainder of the Estimates. That of the 150,000l. for repair of old ships and building new ones was looked upon as comprehended within the 700,000l. agreed to for the Navy. The ordinary of the Ordnance was proposed at 99,000l. The first article concerning the establishment of the office, amounting to 16,000l., some would have reckoned to the civil list, which was opposed, and exceptions were taken to a demand for 500 ton of salt petre, since there never was so great a quantity of gunpowder in store. Sir Christopher Musgrave therefore proposed the lumping of the estimate at 50,000l. and it was passed at 60,000l.
	Sir Thomas Littleton putting them in mind of some papers they had postponed, a debate arose whether they should reconsider the subsidies due to the Allies, and Lord Coningsby proposed they should pay a sixth part, to satisfy those Princes that they intended to discharge their debt, and many came in to support it. Mr. Montague said that by paying a sixth they would shew they treated the foreign troops as they did their own. It was warmly argued that this was a matter already decided; that the Committee were before of opinion no part could be paid this year, and to shew they did not refuse it they took a softer term of postponing it. However a Question was put that the sixth part should be raised this year, but was carried in the negative by 72 against 59. 3½ pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 333–334.]
Mar. 7. Kensington.	Warrant to Major General Lord Cutts, Colonel of the Coldstream regiment of foot-guards, to hold a court martial on Captain Saurency of the first regiment of foot-guards, on a charge of misbehaviour towards his superior officer. [S.P.44. 167. p. 317.]
Mar. 7. Kensington.	A like warrant, including with the said captain the sergeants, corporals and private men on guard at the Tower on the 10th of February last. [Ibid. p. 319.]
Mar. 7.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 73. (Printed.) 4 pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 331–332.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Ambassador Williamson. I received your letters of the 1st–11th and 4th–14th inst. on Saturday last and yesterday morning. Both have been laid before his Majesty, who approves your answers upon all that has been proposed to you. He will still leave it to be considered there what is fit to be done as to the inclusion of Holstein. As to that of Hamburg, you are to keep to the answers you have hitherto given; if it be found advisable to alter these, you will make use of the expedient you proposed of making a declaration before the mediator, which his Majesty likes much better than giving anything under his hand, which would be yet a greater discouragement to that city.
	As to the Danes making a higher demand for their subsidies than were given in to Parliament, Mr. Blathwayt tells me he has satisfied you how that matter stands, and what may be answered to their way of reckoning. I find his Majesty is pleased to refer to what Mr. Blathwayt knows of those transactions.
	Lord Paget has lately sent his secretary hither from Adrianople with a letter from the Vizir to his Majesty, accompanying some propositions upon which they are willing to enter into a negotiation of peace with the Emperor, and for the concluding it Lord Paget thinks they will still moderate their conditions. His Majesty commands me to send you a copy of the Vizir's letter and proposals as the same are translated into Latin by Mauro Cordato, chief interpreter to the Porte, together with an extract of Lord Paget's letter helping to explain what their ultimate resolutions may be. You are to communicate the whole to the Pensioner, the States being equally concerned in this mediation. You will acquaint him that his Majesty intends to despatch this secretary within a few days with letters to the Emperor, to give him an account of this disposition of the Ottoman Court and to desire to know how he will have it improved, and accordingly that he would let the English and Dutch ambassadors in Turkey know in what manner, and upon what terms, he desires this negotiation should be put forward; and his Majesty will send at the same time directions to Lord Paget to govern himself accordingly, and to act in concert with the ambassador of the States. It happens unluckily that neither the King nor the States have any qualified minister at Vienna at present, who may press on this accommodation upon reasonable terms. I wish the difficulties and delays do not hereafter stick at Vienna.
	The King went yesterday to Windsor and intended to stay till Friday. I wish he had a little better weather for it. The Duke of Shrewsbury waited on him there, coming that day from his own house in Gloucestershire. Endorsed, R. 12–22. 2½ pp. [S.P.32. 15. ff. 47–48.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to the same. After the King had been at the Parliament yesterday to pass the Bills mentioned in the Votes, he went to Windsor, where he intends to stay till Friday afternoon. The Duke of Shrewsbury came from his house in Gloucestershire yesterday, in order to wait upon the King to-night. It is generally expected he will receive the Lord Chamberlain's staff, and the vogue will have it that Lord Wharton will have the seals. Many other changes are talked of, but with so little ground that I will not trouble you with them. I am told that M. Gersdorf has arrived from Calais, where he left Comte Tallard ready to embark. We shall repay on his arrival the honours done to the Earl of Portland in France. Endorsed, Rd. 12–22 Mar. 3 pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 335–336.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	Tho. Hopkins to the same. The Duke of Shrewsbury looks extremely well. You will see from the parliamentary news what ill fate still pursues Mr. Duncombe. Endorsed, Rd. 12–22 Mar. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 337–338.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	Newsletter to the same. This day the House of Commons went into a committee upon Supply, and voted 60,000l. for the Ordinary of the Office of Ordnance for land service for the year 1698. Mr. Yard is at present at Windsor attending the Duke of Shrewsbury. Endorsed, Rd. 12–22 Mar. 2 pp. [Ibid. ff. 339–340.]
Mar. 8.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 74. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 341.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	Journal of the House of Commons. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 342–343.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	James Vernon to the Lords of the Admiralty. The Lords of the Treasury have reported on the two ships laden with wool, stopped at Shoreham, viz.: the French ship St. John, bound for France, and the William and Mary from Rye, for Topsham. The wool on the former was grown in Barbary; the latter had given security for carrying the wool at Topsham. The St. John is to be discharged.
	I enclose for your consideration a letter from the Board of Ordnance upon a demand of stores for a bomb vessel.
	Upon a representation from the magistrates of Bristol, the King pardons Samuel Prieon [?], sentenced to death for mutiny on the Mary. [S.P.44. 204. p. 167.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	The same to the Commissioners of Trade. The King commands me to send you the enclosed information concerning the Leeward Islands.
	Vice-Admiral Aylmer being ordered with a squadron to the Mediterranean the King would have you consider whether it may be of use to employ him in making a treaty with the Emperor of Morocco, particularly for restraining the depredations of the Sally men. [S.P.44. 99. p. 459.]
Mar. 8. Whitehall.	The same to the Lords of the Treasury. I am commanded to send you the enclosed case of Mr. de Lorth, as to an engagement he and Sir Paul Rycaut entered into at Hamburg, which having been done by the King's directions he thinks they should be discharged of it.
	I am also to send you the petition of the widow of Lewis Compiegne de Veil. On account of her distressed condition and her husband's merits the King allows her her husband's pension for the present. The King intends to suppress that professorship which was only erected for Mr. de Veil's encouragement. [Ibid. p. 460.]
Mar. 8. Kensington.	Warrant to Robert, Earl of Lindsey, to cause a Court to be erected in Westminster Hall for the trial of Charles, Lord Mohun, as hath been accustomed upon the like occasions. [S.P.44. 347. p. 146.]
Mar. 8. Windsor.	Warrant for the reprieve of Henry Harding until April 8: he was convicted at the Old Bailey concerning the death of William Fisher. [S.P.44. 348. p. 24.]
Mar. 9–19. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. Yesterday I received your Majesty's letter of the 2–12 inst., with the answers to the note of M. de Lubières about the Orange business, and I will act accordingly.
	Yesterday I was at Versailles, and I spoke again to the Ministers on the subject which I wrote about in my last letter of the 15th. I told them that I did not expect any detailed reply or suggestions as to the proposals which they had made to me in such general terms without entering into any detail, since the matter is entirely new, one which your Majesty could not have anticipated and which would take you by surprise; and that the most that could be expected was that you would order me to listen to suggestions and report to you, as it would be difficult to do anything to suit the interests of the English and Dutch as regards their trade, of which both are extremely jealous. They replied that as this was the one thing which might disturb the peace, which both the Most Christian King and your Majesty wish to preserve, you must have thought of it for a long time past and have considered the means of preventing this misfortune. They also spoke to me about the note on the property in Burgundy which I presented some time ago to M. de Pomponne. They wanted to make difficulties in favour of the Princess d'Isenguien, saying that it was a matter of justice, and it would be difficult for the Most Christian King to dispossess his subjects of property which they legally enjoyed. I said that I had merely spoken to them to claim the carrying out of the treaties, which provided positively that your Majesty should be put again in possession of those estates etc., and that arrêts, sentences and edicts, which deprived you of them, should be quashed; that the Courts were open to all who might have claims to make. They asked, if the matter were dealt with in that way, to what Court and to what magistrates recourse could be had. I told them I was not a lawyer; that my instructions as ambassador were to insist upon the evacuation and the carrying out of the treaties, and, when that had been done, we could discuss the other matters. I added that it seemed odd that they were so much concerned on the one hand with preserving the peace, and at the same time made trouble about carrying out the treaties, upon which the peace depended. [I said] that your Majesty would not understand it, and that I thought you would scarcely be disposed to listen to suggestions as to fresh agreements, when the old ones had not been carried out. They said little in reply, which confirms me in my opinion that they will not do the one without the other, or that they will get the Comte de Tallard to do something to please you at the start, that he may get a better reception. I think you may speak to him on the point on which you contemplated speaking your mind, but, if I may say what I think, it seems to me you should speak rather strongly to express your surprise at the way you are treated, while they try to throw dust in everyone's eyes by civilities and welcomes to me.
	As to the affair of King James the flattering courtiers palliate it; but with regard to the assassins everyone shrugs his shoulders, for everybody talks of it, though I don't say a word, good or bad, to anyone about it.
	I am on the point of leaving to hunt to-morrow with M. le Grand at Royaumont.
	I am annoyed to have to tell your Majesty that the Duke of St. Albans left this place without making the usual present to the introducers, which has made a very bad impression, even as regards your Majesty. He has left debts unpaid in the shops, and borrowed 150l. from Lord Paston to avoid having his baggage seized. He promised to pay when he got home, and has forgotten both. This has 'gravelled' Lord Paston and will throw him on my hands I fear. Please let me know if I should do something about the introducers.
	I pray your Majesty to think of what you can do for your regiment of dragoons which is at Diest, and can no longer exist. For some time past the subaltern officers have eaten nothing but ammunition bread. I would not mention these things if I could help it or turn a deaf ear to the constant complaints of the regiment, which wants to complain to me. Portland.
	[P.S.] I forgot to tell your Majesty how the Royal Treasure stands. I am told that there are between 60 and 80 millions, and it increases every day. Paris, the 19th March, 1698.
	All letters from Holland and England speak of the great naval preparations (equipages de mer) that are made here. I have made the most careful inquiry possible, and I don't learn that anything much is being built, except eight large vessels and a few others in the other Ocean ports, which they say they intend to send to Toulon. At all events the number is not big enough to cause jealousy, and at the outside they are only eighteen. So I did not think I need write to you about them, or dissipate the scares, and have said nothing in my letters which are read at the Council.
	What I say in my other letter about the cash which the King has in his chest, is certain; and though this abundance of cash is not an indication of the wealth of the kingdom, but is really due to the lack of trade and the fear of the lowering of the standard of the coinage, he can make the same use of it, in case of need, as if it were due to prosperity. [Unsigned.]
	Paris, the 19th March, 1698.
	French, holograph, cf. Dr. Japikse I, p. 262, No. 216, and p. 264, No. 217; Grimblot I, p. 308. [S.P.8. 18. ff. 108–113.]
Mar. 9–11.	[Proceedings in Parliament.] 9 March. The Bill for increasing the Salmon Fishing, after the amendments were reported from the committee, was rejected, it being made a general Bill, whereas it could only have been advantageous in the northern counties and prejudicial everywhere else, by destroying the weirs and dams and invading property.
	The House then considered the Report of the Conference with the Lords about Duncomb's Bill, and resolved upon appointing a committee to draw up a state of the proofs and motives which induced to the passing that Bill. Some laboured hard that nothing should be said to the Lords about Duncomb's confession, pretending it was impracticable to prove it, and, not having been taken in writing, nobody could pretend to give such an account of it as was necessary in an evidence that should affect a man's estate, wherein there ought to be no variation, but the whole to be reported exactly, and that this would not be necessary, since the witnesses could prove all that Duncomb confessed, viz.: that he bought the bills of D'Acosta [etc.]. On the other side it was urged they should not support their Bill if they suppressed his confession; there was no need of being so nice as to put down every word he spoke; the general bent of his confession was understood and remembered by everyone; those who wished well to Mr. Duncomb were so satisfied at that time that they all left the House, and said he could cut his own throat. It was so much the more necessary to explain what his confession was, as he had lately, in his printed case, denied he had made any; and when his trial was at the Bar, he brought his own servant to give a testimony contrary to what he had confessed, and perhaps that servant might be brought again.
	10 March. Lord Hartington reported from the committee what should be delivered to the Lords at a conference in relation to Duncomb's Bill. The state of the fact it lays down is that the Bill is grounded upon Mr. Duncomb's confession and upon proofs. This report was debated paragraph by paragraph. It was again endeavoured to leave out the word confession. What was most insisted on was whether Mr. Duncomb told D'Acosta he might write other people's names as well as his own; many said they did not hear those words, but others positively affirmed it, viz.: Mr. Methuen, Mr. Hore, Ld. Wm. Pawlet and Ld. Spencer, and the others being but a doubtful denial it was determined it should stand. However there was a division upon it, which was carried by 90 against 68.
	It was offered to make an addition to that part of the confession which says he paid the Bills into the Exchequer, that he did it as a debtor and an accomptant, and as thinking he might do it by law. It was owned he said as much, but that was not so much his confession as his excuse.
	The last exception was that the Lords were referred to the Counsel, instead of telling them who the witnesses were.
	11 March. The House were this day in a committee upon the 3 shilling Bill, and have settled the main point, which was for charging the whole sum upon each county according to the proportion they paid to the first 4 shilling tax. There were two ways proposed for it; the one by leaving it to the Commissioners to make the assessment in their several divisions as they thought most equal; the other was that the respective hundreds should be charged with the proportion they paid formerly, and the Commissioners should only make the equal distribution to the parishes within those hundreds. This was excepted against as continuing an unequal burthen if it happened to be laid so formerly, and in that case the hardship would come from the Parliament without leaving any means for redress. The first way therefore was taken, that leaves the Commissioners at liberty to lay the assessment upon the county, without any regard to what particular places were formerly charged with. This was carried by 115 against 101. The inconvenience apprehended this way is that it will make great animosities in the county and occasion delays among the Commissioners, one side endeavouring to ease themselves and load another; but that supposition could not over-balance the reasonableness of making a new trial how near they could not come to an equal taxation. 6½ pp. [S.P.32. 9. ff. 347–350.]
Mar. 9. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Clerk of the Checque at Sheerness, directing a box containing the King's orders to Col. Codrington, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to be sent to the captain of the Eagle, advice boat, lying at the Nore. [S.P. 44. 99. p. 461.]
Mar. 9. Windsor.	Warrant to the Marquis of Carmarthen to order a detachment of 200 men from his marine regiment, for embarkation on several ships of war, to march from Canterbury to Portsmouth, being quartered on the way at various places mentioned. [S.P. 44. 167. p. 313.]
Mar. 9. Kensington.	Warrant to the same and to Sir Cloudesley Shovell, colonels of the first and second marine regiments, for quartering the regiments in various places mentioned, with directions as to the number of companies to be quartered in each place. [Ibid. p. 315.]
Mar. 9. Kensington.	Commissions to, Richard Treagagle to be ensign in Captain Bullock's company in Brigadier Trelawny's regiment of foot [S.P. 44. 167. p. 316]; John Scawen, gent., to be ensign in Captain George Morgan's company in Brigadier Richard Ingoldsby's regiment of foot. [Ibid. p. 318.]
Mar. 9.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 75. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 9. f. 344.]
Mar. 9. London.	Petition of Benj. Way, son-in-law of Samuel Lewis, late Commissary General and Deputy Judge Advocate in Jamaica, and aged about 56 years. On 13th December last the said Lewis was barbarously murdered by Peter Beckford, junior, aged about 23 years, who ran him through the body, Lewis's sword not being drawn out of the scabbard. Way prays that, before any warrant pass for a pardon to Beckford, he may be permitted to show that he is not worthy of it. He is supposed to have fled from Jamaica to the French at Petitguavas. A note by the penny post will find Way either at his house in Walthamstow, or at the Jamaica coffee house in Miles Alley, Cornhill. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 345–346.]
Mar. 10. Whitehall.	Pass for David Mitchell, Vice-Admiral of H.M. Blue Squadron, to go to Portsmouth, with 3 coaches and 6 horses each, and 12 horsemen. [S.P. 44. 387. p. 147.]
Mar. 10. Kensington.	Commissions to Mr. Robert Cecill to be captain of Mr. William Wansbrough's company in Colonel — Brudenall's regiment of foot [S.P. 44. 167. p. 330]; Mr. Robert Leek to be ensign to Captain Thomas Adams, in Colonel Northcott's regiment. [Ibid. p. 331.]
Mar. 10.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 76. (Printed.) 4 pp. [S.P. 32. 9. ff. 351–352.]
Mar. 11. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Ld. Ambassador Williamson. I have none of your letters to acknowledge, the Dutch post not being yet arrived; therefore I have nothing to acquaint you with but the enclosed account of our parliamentary affairs, which I hope hereafter will turn themselves more to the despatch of what the public is concerned in.
	The Countess of Essex has the smallpox, but will be favourably treated by them.
	I believe Lord Paget's secretary will be despatched about the beginning of the week: he will wait upon you at the Hague and receive whatever the Pensioner thinks fit to charge him with. Endorsed, R. 15–25. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 49–50.]
Mar. 11. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to the same. The King is still at Windsor; it is uncertain whether he will return to-morrow or next day. The Duke of Shrewsbury has been there ever since Tuesday night, but none of those alterations of ministers have yet happened, which we have long fancied to ourselves; something extraordinary was expected from the meeting of the King and Duke at Windsor.
	Baron de Simeoni, the elder of the brothers, has arrived here as envoy extraordinary from the Elector of Bavaria. Endorsed, R. 15–25. 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 9. ff. 353–354.]
Mar. 11. Whitehall.	Tho. Hopkins to the same. The King is not yet returned from Windsor, the open weather keeping him longer abroad than he intended. He hunted yesterday morning, and dined with Lord Lexington at his lodge near Windsor. Endorsed, R. 15–25. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 355–356.]
Mar. 11.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 77. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 357.]
Mar. 11. Whitehall.	Newsletter. Endorsed, R. 15–25. [Ibid. ff. 358–359.]
Mar. 11. The Hague.	Passes to Capt. Daniel Browne, late in the service of his Imperial Majesty against the Turks, having a certificate from Monr. Heemskirke; and to Edmund Davis, seaman, belonging to a collier of Sheels, cast away on these coasts. [S.P. 44. 386. p. 12.]
Mar. 11. Kensington.	Warrant to insert Edward Daunce in the next general pardon for the Oxford circuit, upon condition of transportation. He is in Worcester Gaol, convicted of felony. [S.P. 44. 347. p. 155.]
Mar. 11–20.	Minutes of proceedings of the House of Lords, for Sir Jos. Williamson. 4 pp. [S.P. 32. 9. ff. 360–361.]
Mar. 12. Windsor.	The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Montagu. Mr. Steel having put into my hands a note of particulars for the present to be sent to the government of Tunis, the King commands that the present be provided, so as not to exceed 500l. This and the presents to Algiers and Tripoli are to be delivered to Mr. Aylmer, appointed to command H.M. ships in the Mediterranean. [S.P. 44. 100. p. 300.]
Mar. 12. Kensington.	Licence to exempt Thomas Gale, D.D., dean of York, from personal residence and attendance as dean and residentiary of the Cathedral church of York, until such time as his service upon the King permits. [S.P. 44. 347. p. 147.]
Mar. 12. Kensington.	Warrant for a grant of a prize to Benjamin Holman and Michael Schade. Benjamin Holman, commander of H.M.S. John and William of London, hired last summer to carry provisions to the forces in Newfoundland, represented that being chased by a small French privateer called Le Mignon, near that coast, he reached about, and fought and took the privateer, and carried her into the harbour of St. John in Newfoundland in November last. His ship having no letters of mart, he cannot receive any benefit, and has therefore prayed to have bestowed upon him the French ship and the lading for the use of himself and his owners. The King is pleased to consent, reserving one full tenth part, in case the ship, so taken, shall be condemned in the high court of Admiralty. The tenth part deducted is to be paid to Michael Schade, late master of the ship Perseverance, 'in consideration of the loss of his said ship in our service.' [Ibid. p. 150.]
Mar. 12. Kensington.	Commission to William Windham, gent., to be cornet of Major — Davenport's troop in Colonel Windham's regiment of horse. [S.P. 44. 167. p. 315.]
Mar. 12. Kensington.	Warrant [for a licence] to Capt. Jno. Bradyll, who went into the French King's dominions since 11 Dec., 1688. [S.P. 44. 351. p. 49.]
Mar. 12.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 78. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 9. f. 362.]
Mar. 13. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Swedish ambassador extraordinary. I have informed the King that you desired a private audience, pending your public audience. His Majesty agrees, and the Master of the Ceremonies (le chevalier Cotterell) will inform you of the time fixed. French. [S.P. 44. 99. p. 461.]
Mar. 13. Kensington.	Warrant [for a licence] to Charles Cecil, esq., who went into the French King's dominions since 11 Dec., 1688. [S.P. 44. 351. p. 49.]
Mar. 14.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 79. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 9. f. 363.]
Mar. 15. London.	Sir Miles Cooke to Sir Joseph Williamson at the Hague. I must begin with my humble gratitude for your kind and obliging entertainment of my son at your table, of which he is very proud, and sent me word that it was the first happy stroke of fortune (except his Majesty's gracious pardon), that he has been sensible of since his first commitment.
	As for news, both Houses are so slow in their motions that hitherto they have made very little progress in paying off the debt of the nation, having gone but one quarter of the way; for the 3s. in the l. coming but to 1,500,000l., and the debt being 6 millions, they must have their wits about them, how to be able to raise such a sum, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are appropriated for that great undertaking, but the fund upon this new 3s. in the l. at 8 per cent. brings in money enough for the present to pay off the army, which are disbanding every day.
	My Lord Mackensfeild's Bill hath passed the House of Lords, my lady declaring her consent to it, she being as desirous to be rid of him and to be restored to all her land again (which by this Act she is to have) as he to be rid of her; so they may each marry again as soon as they can get new mates, which they may easily do this pairing time. And we believe the Commons (it being by the hearty consent of both parties) will be as ready to complement them both as the Lords were, though I must tell you that the restoring of her to her land was a forst put upon my lord, which he would not consent to till his best friends told him that otherwise they would not pass the Bill, it being proved that he turned her off, and notwithstanding all the application imaginable to him for a reconciliation (even by the late Archbishop Tillotson) he would never receive her nor give any reason why he turned her off at first, so that indeed he elopt from her rather than she from him, and thus is the end of a drawn battle.
	Charles Duncombe's business moves as slow in the Lords House as Ways and Means do in the Commons, for his crime being but quasi a breach of any law, and no proof upon oath (which the Commons can not administer), the precedent of bringing a Bill (upon so slender materials) the Lords thinking of very dangerous consequence, and hitherto there have happened so many blunders in the matter that I can not say it goes forward, only that the Bill is not yet thrown out (as it had almost like to have been after the first reading) but the getting and keeping of 200,000l. will find enemies and friends. Endorsed, Rd. 18–28 Mar. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 10. f. 2.]
Mar. 15. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to the same. We have been so busy upon our Turkey dispatches that I have not yet had time to inform myself, so thoroughly as is necessary, upon what terms books bound may be brought into England, a late Act of Parliament making it pretty difficult, but I hope by next post to be able to give you an exact account of that matter.
	Our news-mongers here have killed the King of Poland outright, but they are not agreed whether he died of poison, or a stab: but, whether there be anything in it or not, the story has mightily obtained here, and the discourse of Mr. Duncomb's wonderful good fortune is come opportunely to supersede the former. I wish this action of the Lords may have no ill consequences, but it is apprehended that it will make very much ill blood between the Houses.
	Sir William Trumbull desires your favour to the enclosed for M. Lillienroot. Endorsed, Rd. 18–28 Mar. 3 pp. [S.P. 32. 15. ff. 51–52.]
Mar. 15. Whitehall.	Tho. Hopkins to the same. The King returned last Saturday to Kensington from Windsor where he had been all the week a-hunting; the Duke of Shrewsbury met his Majesty there, designing to have come to town, but on Friday night was taken ill, which seems to be a return of the indisposition he has laboured under so long. He is now at Woburn, a house of my Lord Wharton's within 7 miles of Windsor; if his bleeding stops he intends to meet his Majesty at Windsor, who goes thither again on Friday next.
	This day the House of Lords have been upon Mr. Duncomb's Bill, and having heard the evidence for and against the Bill, the question was put whether the Bill should be committed, and after a long debate it was carried in the negative; yeas 47, noes 48. They then rejected the Bill and ordered Mr. Duncomb to be discharged from his imprisonment in the Tower. The Commons have done nothing material to-day besides passing Lord Macclesfield's Bill of divorce, and gone thro' the Bill against profaneness and debauchery in the committee. 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 10. f. 3.]
Mar. 15. Whitehall.	R. Y[ard] to the same. Having been all the last week at Windsor occasioned my not writing to your Excellency by the last post. The Duke of Shrewsbury designed to have come to town with the King, but his old distemper with spitting of blood returning upon him, he was obliged to stay behind, and I know not when we may now expect to see him here.
	The House of Lords have thrown out Mr. Duncomb's Bill by one voice; they would not allow of proxys. The Lord President, Lord Rochester, Duke of Bolton, Earl Peterborough, Archbishop of York, Bishops of London, Rochester, Exeter, Gloucester and St. David's were of the number that were against the Bill, and Lord Normanby, Lord Malborough and Lord Godolphin for it. After the Bill was thrown out they ordered Mr. Duncomb to be discharged; how this will be understood by the Commons I do not know.
	My Lord Paget's secretary, who lately arrived here from Turkey with an account of the overtures the Grand Signior had made for setting on foot a Treaty with the Emperor and his Allies, will be despatched back in a few days. 1 p. [S.P. 32. 10. f. 4.]
Mar. 15. Whitehall.	Newsletter. His Majesty returned last Saturday from Windsor and intends to go thither again towards the end of this week, and it's believed will make a stay of 8 or 10 days, and give public audience there to the Count de Bonde, ambassador from Sweden.
	We expect every day to hear of Count Tallard's arrival from France, and it is probable he would have been here before now, but that the late tempestuous weather has hindered his coming over from Calais, where he arrived last Wednesday.
	Letters from Dublin of the 8th inst. give an account of the arrival of Major-General Stewart's regiment at Waterford, and of Colonel Webb's, with four companies of Colonel Titcomb's, at Dublin. The rest were daily expected. Lord Mountjoy's regiment was disbanded at Dublin on the 1st inst., and Lord Charlemont's at Waterford the 5th, and orders were sent into the country for breaking the rest according to the directions from hence.
	In the House of Commons the Bills against Mr. Burton and Mr. Knight were reported, but the House added a clause in favour of Mr. Burton, by which the estate left him by his uncle (which is the greatest part of what he has) is excepted out of what he is to forfeit by this Bill. After this the House heard counsel on both sides concerning the Bill for a divorce between Lord and Lady Macclesfield, and all parties being agreed and desirous that the Bill passes, there was no difficulty made about it, and so the Committee went through the same without any amendment. Endorsed, Rd. Mar. 18–28. 2¾ pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 5–6.]
Mar. 15. Whitehall.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 80. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 7.]
Mar. 15. Whitehall.	Certificate that Thomas, Earl of Pembroke, Keeper of the Privy Seal, returned into the King's presence from his employment of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary for the treaty of a general peace, and kissed the King's hand the 26th December, 1697. [S.P. 44. 347. p. 148.]
Mar. 15. Kensington.	Warrant for a grant to Humphrey Hody, D.D., of the office of Greek Professor in the University of Oxford, void by the death of Dr. William Levinz, and in the King's gift, with the yearly fee of 40l. payable by the treasurer of Christ's Church College, for life. [S.P. 44. 150. p. 186.]
Mar. 15. Whitehall.	Caveat that nothing pass concerning a pardon for Mr. Peter Beckford, junior, who has killed Samuel Lewis of the island of Jamaica, esq., his Majesty's Commissary General and Deputy Judge Advocate in the said island, on the 13th Decr. last. [S.P. 44. 74. p. 8.]
Mar. 16–26. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. The Most Christian King only returned on Saturday from Marly, so I was unable to speak to him till yesterday (Tuesday) about the matters on which I wrote to your Majesty, in accordance with your orders brought to me by express from Windsor. I continued as I had begun, and in the terms which you laid down. The King replied, and expressed his satisfaction with the assurances which I gave him on this point. He said that your Majesty could not be surprised at his suggestion and must have thought of the matter, but he believed that you had not expected him to make these advances for the continuance of the peace, and that your Majesty could not have been convinced that he wished to maintain it. That he had, however, assured me of the contrary; that he did so again, and would always express that wish; that he had not surrendered twenty of the strongest fortresses in Europe for any other purpose; and that was a strong enough proof to convince everyone of his intention. I assured him in reply of the sincerity of your Majesty's intentions and of the pleasure with which you had heard of his Majesty's strong assurances to me, which were believed, and in which you trusted. I besought him to enable me to do what he wished by paying some attention to the remonstrances which I had made to him on various points, and so to remove any doubts. I said it was true that your Majesty had long thought of a matter which apparently must plunge us again into the war from which we had just emerged, but that you had not been sufficiently prepared for what I had written to have thought of a plan whereby things might be adjusted to suit the interest of two nations, who must be brought into it. This was a very difficult matter. That was why your Majesty had commanded me to give him these assurances, and that you would eagerly await his Majesty's detailed proposals. He said he would think the matter over as soon as possible and let me know his views; that he rejoiced to see your Majesty so minded, and that, if you were in real agreement with him, you could together command the world.
	As it is reported that the King of Spain is better, this may very likely slacken the pace a little; the more so as the same letters have told us of the changes in the Government against the Queen and the Admiral, for instance the restoration to office of the Comte d'Oropesa and of the Duc de Montalte, that the King's confessor has been changed, and that the Queen's confessor will be changed, and that she is to have a Jesuit.
	I have sent to your Majesty copies of the notes which I have presented, and the answers I have received to some points of the first. Your property in Burgundy and other property will be restored first, and you are asked to appoint Commissioners to settle disputes as to claims and the indemnities which I have asked for on your Majesty's behalf. They would also like the Commissioners to try the case of the Princess d'Isenguien and her claims on your Majesty. But I would not agree to that, though they claim that it is so stipulated in the Article of the Treaty of Ryswick.
	I am very grateful to your Majesty for your kindness to my family in the matter of my daughter's illness. I learn, thank God, by letters which I received yesterday from Mr. Vernon, that she is out of danger.
	I went to hunt at Royaumont with Mr. le Grand and his two brothers. We took two stags because the hounds separated. They are not nearly as fast, clever or well trained as your Majesty's. They are very handsome and well kept. The huntsmen sound the horn very well. The country is fine enough, but not as good as Velow. No family could show greater respect for your Majesty than this family, from which I have received innumerable attentions. Mr. de Bouillon is equally attentive. He wants your Majesty to receive some one whom he would send to present his compliments, and that you should not treat him as coming from a private individual, but from some prince of Germany. I said nothing to raise his hopes or to make him expect a refusal, as I was sure, Sire, that you would not like either.
	I have sent back Loomans and Lamb. I hope that your Majesty enjoyed yourself at Windsor, and that you found the Great Park cleared of rabbits. I shall await news of Lord Shrewsbury with impatience. Mr. Vernon writes that he was spitting blood when he left, and this makes me uneasy. Portland.
	Paris, 26th March, 1698.
	French, holograph, cf. Dr. Japikse I, p. 266, No. 219; cf. Grimblot I, p. 313 seq. [S.P. 8. 18. ff. 114–119.]
Mar. 16–26. Paris.	[Jean de Robéthon to William III.] A letter reporting that Lord Portland had been at Versailles on the previous day, and had delivered to M. de Pomponne and M. de Torcy two notes, "here annexed," concerning "the subjects of his Majesty who are in prison or at the galleys, whose release is claimed"; and that he asked at the same time for a reply to two other notes, annexed, which he had delivered on March 7th about the affairs of Orange and Burgundy. French. Not addressed or signed. Printed, from a text substantially the same, by Dr. Japikse I, p. 269–271, and ascribed by him to Jean de Robethon. [S.P. 8. 18. ff. 120–123.]
	Copy of the note, above referred to, relating to Orange, as delivered by Lord Portland to M. de Pomponne, the 7th March, 1698, N.S. French, 10½ pp. The text of this note is practically the same as that printed by Dr. Japikse I, p. 311–315, Arts. 1–17. [S.P. 8. 18. ff. 124–129.]
	Copy of the note, above referred to, relating to Burgundy, delivered by Lord Portland to M. de Pomponne the 7th March, 1698, N.S. French, 4 pp. The note begins with a recital of Art. 13 of the Treaty of Ryswick; there follows a statement of what King William claimed should be done by the King of France to carry out the Treaty; and there follows a list of places occupied by the Prince d'Isenghyen. The note is printed by Dr. Japikse I, p. 269 note 2; as to the list of places see the same note 2. [S.P. 8. 18. ff. 130–131.]
Mar. 16–18.	[Notes of proceedings in Parliament.] 16 and 17 March. The House went into committee these two days upon the Three Shilling Bill; it will require two or three days more to finish it, the charge that is to be laid in each county taking up time to examine; the commissioners' names have been often subjects of dispute and exceptions. The House was not well satisfied yesterday that the Lords had thrown out Duncombe's Bill, and discharged him from imprisonment immediately upon it; which they think the Lords ought not to have done, since he was committed by the Commons. On the other side the Lords looked upon him as their prisoner, after they had sent for him, and that they could not do less than discharge him after they had rejected the Bill, which was grounded on the crime for which he stood committed.
	The Lords have made another judgment in a civil cause, which some think extraordinary, about the disposition of old Mr. Cary's estate, the Master of the Buckhounds. He left his estate by will to his niece, in case she married Lord Guildford; in case that marriage did not take place, he gave the estate absolutely to Lord Falkland. The lady being married to a son of the Earl of Abington, the Chancery decreed the estate to Lord Falkland. Upon the appeal, the Lords have neither confirmed nor reversed the decree, but first declared that Mrs. Bertie ought to have relief, and they ordered this day that she should have the estate for her life, and that it should come to Lord Falkland in reversion; and for his present subsistence this young lord is left to Lord Arlington's courtesy, what he will allot him out of the estate.
	Mr. Bertie had printed his case, and given it to several lords. It containing gross reflections on the Lord Chancellor and the judges who assisted in making the decree, and complaint was made thereof to the House. Many of the Lords, who were for altering the decree, vindicated the Lord Chancellor against those aspersions, and nobody owning the paper, the printer was ordered to be sent for.
	March 18. The Lords had before them this day the printer, who readily owned he had the copy of it from Mr. Robert Bertie, another son of the Earl of Abington. The Lords have ordered the paper to be burnt, and have directed that a message be sent to the Commons, desiring Mr. Bertie may have leave to attend them, to give an account of that paper. I suppose it will end in his submission, and asking my Lord Chancellor's pardon. 2¼ pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 9–10.]
Mar. 16. Kensington.	Royal warrant to the Lords Justices of Ireland to pay 500l. to Robert Rochfort, esq., as Speaker of the House of Commons, Ireland. Cf. Calendar of Treasury Books Vol. XIII, p. 272. [S.O.1. 1. 14. p. 57.]
Mar. 16. Kensington.	The like warrant for 500l. to John Methuen, esq., Chancellor of Ireland, as Speaker of the House of Peers there. [Ibid.]
Mar. 16. Kensington.	The like warrant, directing the payment of 25,000l. for building barracks in Ireland. Printed in the Calendar of Treasury Books Vol. XIII, p. 279. [S.O.1. 14. p. 58.]
Mar. 16. Kensington.	The like warrant for a pension of 200l. p. ann. to George Fitzgerald, son of Capt. Robert Fitzgerald, late Comptroller of the Musters in Ireland. [Ibid.]
Mar. 16.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 81. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P.32. 10. f. 8.]
Mar. 17. Kensington.	Warrant appointing Mr. Hugh Dalrymple of North Berwick, advocate, to be constant President of the College of Justice in Scotland in absence of the Chancellor. The warrant recites that the office has been vacant ever since the decease of James, Viscount Stair, late president. [S.P.57. 16. p. 540–1.]
Mar. 17. Kensington.	Warrant for a pension of 500l. to Mr. Hugh Dalrymple as president of the College of Justice. The warrant recites the appointment of Mr. Dalrymple as president, in place of the late Viscount Stair his father; that it is necessary that a place of so much eminency be sufficiently provided for supporting the grandeur thereof, and that it is reasonable that the pension formerly given to Viscount Stair, while president, should be conferred upon Mr. Dalrymple. [Ibid. p. 541–2.]
Mar. 17. Kensington.	Warrants adding Mr. Hugh Dalrymple, President of the College of Justice, to the Privy Council of Scotland. [Ibid. p. 543]; and to the Exchequer there. [Ibid.]
Mar. 17. Kensington.	Warrant appointing Adam Cockburn of Ormistoun to be a Commissioner of the Treasury of Scotland. [Ibid. p. 544.]
Mar. 17. Kensington.	Warrant for disbanding the two troops added to the regiment of dragoons, now commanded by Lord Jedburgh, when the same was ordered for Flanders. [S.P.57. 16. p. 545.]
Mar. 17. Kensington.	Dockets of warrants for a pension of 300l. to Adam Cockburn of Ormistoun, as one of the Commissioners of the Treasury of Scotland [Ibid.]; for a pension of 400l. to Sir William Hamilton of Whitelaw, a senator of the College of Justice) Note: this letter was not made use of, but returned from Scotland) [Ibid. p. 546]; for a pension of 300l. to John, Earl of Crawford. [Ibid.]
Mar. 17. The Hague.	Pass to the Sr. de Schroustyn, employed in certain matters of importance, by H.E. the Ld. Ambr. Odyke, into England. [S.P.44. 386. p. 12.]
Mar. 17.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 82. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 10. f. 11.]
Mar. 18. Whitehall.	Newsletter. The King went yesterday to Windsor. It was expected that the Swedish ambassador, the Comte de Bonde, would have had his public audience at Windsor next week, but his train not being ready it is deferred for some time longer. We have yet no news of Comte Tallard's arrival. The Duke of Shrewsbury continues at Lord Wharton's house at Woburne.
	On Wednesday the House of Lords debated the matter of the appeal in the cause between Lord Falkland and Mr. Bertie: and, after several hours spent therein, they came to the question whether relief should be given to Mr. Bertie, instead of reversing the decree made in Chancery in favour of Lord Falkland, which was resolved by 59 against 33. Then they considered what the relief should be, and adjourned the debate till next day. The matter in dispute is concerning Mr. Cary's estate, which he left to his niece Mrs. Willoughby, upon condition she married Lord Guilford, and in case she did not, then he gave the said estate to another of his nieces, mother to the present Lord Falkland. And the said Mrs. Willoughby not performing that condition, but marrying Mr. Bertie, second son to Lord Abington, my lord Chancellor decreed the estate to Lord Falkland, from which the appeal is now made by Mr. Bertie.
	Yesterday the House of Lords adjudged the case between Mrs. Bertie and Lord Falkland, viz.: that she shall have the estate during her life only, and afterwards shall go to Lord Falkland. Their lordships ordered a pamphlet, reflecting upon my lord Chancellor's decree in Westminster Hall in this affair, to be burnt by the common hangman.
	The House of Lords this day sent for the printer of the paper reflecting upon the Lord Chancellor and examined him at the Bar of the House, where he swore that Mr. Robert Bertie brought him the paper; after which there arose a debate how to proceed in this affair, he being a member of the House of Commons; and at last they ordered a message to be sent to that House for leave that Mr. Bertie may attend their lordships when they shall send for him.
	Report being made in the House of Commons this day from the Committee that Mr. Duncomb was discharged by order of the Lords, they resolved unanimously to search precedents in what manner that House, in like cases, have asserted their ancient rights and privileges.
	Mr. Yard is gone to Windsor again. Endorsed, R. 21–31. 3½ pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 12–13.]
Mar. 18.	Thomas Hopkins to Lord Ambassador Williamson. The King went yesterday to Windsor, where he will stay till Tuesday next. The Duke of Shrewsbury has a fit of the gout, which will hinder his waiting on his Majesty. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 14.]
Mar. 18. Whitehall.	Newsletter. The House of Commons was ordered to be called over on Monday fortnight, and such as shall not then attend are to be sent for in custody, notwithstanding any leave to be absent, and Mr. Speaker is to write letters to the sheriffs of the counties to summon the members accordingly. 1 p. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 15–16.]
Mar. 18.	Newsletter. [Duncombe's case.] I hear the precedent that comes nearest to this case is that of 75, when the House of Commons committed Serjeant Pemberton and two other lawyers for pleading at the Bar of the House of Lords contrary to their order, in an Appeal where a member of the House was concerned. The Lords sent a warrant to the Lieutenant of the Tower for discharging the lawyers, but it was not obeyed. Sir John Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower, being of the Parliament, this contest was carried very high then, insomuch that the King prorogued the Parliament to put an end to it. It is not necessary to remark the difference in this case, when a person hath undergone a trial for the offence for which he was committed, and that, being brought to the Lords' Bar by their warrant, they look upon him as their prisoner from that time. 1¹/8 pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 17–18.]
Mar. 18.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 83. (Printed.) 2pp. [Ibid. f. 19.]
Mar. 18. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to Ambassador Williamson. Thinking Mr. Sansom, the secretary of the Customs, the properest person to inform me what the method is of bringing in books, in relation of the duties to be paid for them, he tells me that it has been the common civility of the Custom House to pass the books of a private man's study, not imported for merchandize, but for his own use, custom free; but if they are imported for merchandize and sale, there is an imposition of 15 p. cent. on the value of the books, besides 25 p. cent. on the value of the paper, in all 40 p. cent., which amounts to a prohibition.
	His Majesty went yesterday unexpectedly to Windsor. The Duke of Shrewsbury is so ill at present that he cannot go from Woburne thither, though it be but 7 miles. His Majesty, it is thought, intends to receive the French ambassador at Windsor, but we have yet no news of him on this side of Calais.
	Lord Paget's secretary left for Holland this morning. Mr. Cresset is appointed to make the compliments of condolence and congratulation to the Elector of Hanover.
	The Commons are endeavouring to get Mr. Duncomb again within their reach, or to take some revenge on the Lords for snatching him out of their hands in so violent a manner. Endorsed, R. 21–31. 4 pp. [S.P.32. 15. ff. 53–54.]
Mar. 18. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Lords of the Admiralty. Lord Romney states that the office of Ordnance cannot, out of this year's allowance, bear the charge of two bomb vessels to accompany the Mediterranean squadron, without disappointing some other necessary part of the service. The King would know of you whether one bomb vessel might be sufficient. [S.P.44. 204. p. 168.]
Mar. 18. Windsor.	Warrant for affixing the Great Seal to a duplicate of the commission to Christopher Codrington of 3rd Jan. last. [S.P.44. 167. p. 306.]
Mar. 18.	Grant of the next vacant almsman's place in the Cathedral Church of Oxford to John Wilkins. [S.O. 5. 31. p. 116.]
Mar. 19–29. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. I am infinitely grateful to your Majesty for letting me know that my daughter was out of danger. I received your letter last night.
	The Prince de Vaudemont writes that I made a great blunder in sending him a letter for your Majesty, and apparently to your Majesty one intended for the Prince de Vaudemont. There is no great harm done, as I wrote nothing very important the morning that I went to Royaumont. I hope I shall be able to see the Prince de Vaudemont on the way. On his way to Champagne he will be thirty leagues from here. I hope your Majesty will not object if I leave this place to see him. I send herewith a letter from M. Schonenberg for your Majesty, and one for me from Mr. Stanhope. You will see that their style is not at all the same. During this Easter season I have been unable to speak to ministers or see the King. Portland.
	Paris, the 29th March.
	French, holograph. Printed by Dr. Japikse I, p. 272, No. 223. [S.P.8. 18. ff. 132–133.]
Mar. 19. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Mayor of Dover. It is not worth the charge of sending for Thomas Fletcher, come from France, lately as you say a servant to Sir Robert Gayer's lady. You will take a recognisance from him. I do not forget the gaol-keeper's bill. [S.P.44. 99. p. 462.]
Mar. 19. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Alexander Jennings of London, gent.; setting forth that he has been at great cost in being concerned in several wrecks, and believes that something valuable may be discovered and taken up on the western coast of England. He desires a grant of all silver, gold, jewels, pearls or any other thing of value that shall be taken up by him for the term of 7 years, he to be accountable after the rate of 12% for what shall be taken up, free of charge. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury. [S.P.44. 238. p. 194.]
Mar. 19. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Elizabeth Disney, daughter of William Disney, esq., deceased; setting forth that her father was, in the reign of King James, falsely accused, condemned and executed for high treason, and all he had taken away and the petitioner left destitute. Her grandfather spent and sold in the service of the Crown of estate of more than 10,000l. p. ann., and served as colonel of a regiment in Holland under his Majesty for seven years and upwards. There belongs to the petitioner's family the Barony of Hussey in Norton Disney in the county of Lincoln, if poverty does not prevent the recovery of the same. In consideration of which and that the petitioner has never been able to seek in Parliament for the reversal of the unjust sentence against her father, his Majesty had settled upon her and her brother, William Disney, a pension of 20l. p. ann. each, payable out of the Exchequer. Her brother is lately dead in the service at sea; and the petitioner, having a large family to maintain, prays that her brother's pension may be continued to her, and that the arrears may be paid for her relief. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury. [S.P.44. 238. p. 196.]
Mar. 19. The Hague.	Pass to John Kinkid, soldier, of Capt. Lamier's company in the regiment of Scotch foot belonging to Col. Murray, having a discharge from the colonel dated Grave, Jan. 23, 98. [S.P.44. 386. p. 12.]
Mar. 19.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 84. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P. 32. 10. f. 20.]
Mar. 20. The Hague.	Pass to Mr. Jo. Good, chaplain to Lord Strathnaver's regiment in the States' service, having his certificate from Major Wood, dated Maestricht, March 4, 98. [S.P.44. 386. p. 12.]
Mar. 21. Windsor.	R. Yard to Lord Ambassador Williamson. I have nothing to write from this place, where the King passes his time in hunting and taking the air. We are like to stay till the end of the week. About the 3rd of next month his Majesty intends for Newmarket for 10 days or a fortnight. On his return Count Tallard may be ready to have his public audience, which is to be given here. 1 p. [S.P.32. 10. f. 21.]
Mar. 21.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 85. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 22.]
Mar. 21 & 22.	[Notes of proceedings in the House of Commons, for Lord Ambassador Williamson.] March 21. The Judges brought the message this day from the Lords about giving Mr. Robert Bertie leave to attend them, on account of a scandalous paper printed with reflection on my Lord Chancellor. Mr. Norris proposing that they should send an answer by messengers of their own, nothing more was said of it, and the Judges were sent back with this message.
	A Bill for a general Register was then read a second time, and the difficulties that would attend it were laid open. However, it was committed to a committee of the whole House, which the friends to the Bill think the most dilatory way, and therefore have little hopes that it will pass this Session.
	Sir John Philips made his report from the committee upon the amendments to the Bill of Religion. A pretty long debate arose whether this Bill should reach the Jews. And there seeming to be no intention to except them by a proviso, it was thought very hard and impudent to banish them or make it impossible for them to stay here; which amendment therefore was disagreed to, and the Bill stands, as it was at first drawn, that those only shall be liable to it who were either educated in the Christian religion or have made profession thereof. There was a division upon this Question, but it was carried in favour of the Jews, by 145 against 98.
	The Militia Bill is to be considered on Thursday. Some are grown so indifferent to the Militia Bill that they do not care whether any day were assigned for it.
	22 March. Lord Hartington reported the precedents about Commitments, which were numerous, and most concerned the breach of privilege, in which cases the Commons had asserted their privilege of maintaining their commitments against the Lords or other discharges under the Broad Seal or by Habeas Corpus; and it was argued that the cause of the Commitment was not so much to be considered as the authority by which it was done; and what was exerted in one case could not have been omitted in another if the like occasions had happened.
	Upon this Report the House came to two resolutions. The first was that discharging a prisoner whom they had committed was contrary to their privilege. The second was that Mr. Duncomb, being committed by the Commons and discharged by the Lords without their consent, should be taken into custody by their serjeant-at-arms.
	This is all they intend to do till they hear whether Duncomb can be found, and, if he be taken, they will then consider how to proceed against him.
	Mr. Montague moved that the message from the Lords about Mr. Bertie should be considered, and proposed a committee to consider the answer to the Lords, that they might not be too easy in sending their members to them without being first informed what they had to say to them, and whether they were to appear criminally before them, or only to give evidence in cases they were not otherwise concerned in. This was not much opposed; only Sir Christopher Musgrave desired to know what was meant by it, and why they shewed more difficulty to grant leave for this gentleman than they had formerly for others.
	A committee was appointed, and they were ordered then to withdraw and prepare the answer to be delivered to the Lords at a conference. In the meantime the House went into a committee upon the 3 shilling Bill, and proceeded to lay the charge on some remaining counties, till they came to those that are postponed. The committee being grown very thin before the House was resumed, it was thought best to defer the answer to the Lords' message till to-morrow. 4 pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 23–24.]
Mar. 21–28.	Journals of the House of Lords. 3¹/6 pp. Rd. 3–13 April. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 25–26.]
Mar. 22. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Mr. Monnooch. An extract of your letter of 19th inst., relating to suspected persons intending to come from France, having been communicated to me by the Admiralty, I think the notice given you by the master of the passage boat of six of his Majesty's subjects lying at Dieppe, ready to embark for England, to be of so great importance that you will use your utmost endeavours to have them seized immediately on landing, with their papers, whether at Rye or Bourn or elsewhere on the coast, and that you will give notice to look out for them. [S.P.44. 99. p. 462.]
Mar. 22. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to Lord Ambassador Williamson. I have [sent] to Comte Bonde here a list of the ornaments of the Order of the Garter, which are to be delivered up. It is very probable he may receive the like again for his young master, if it will be taken in part of satisfaction for damages, which we are told he is to demand for ships brought up in the late war; but this is only a conjecture.
	I cannot so much as guess how long your Excellency may be continued at the Hague; there is no discourse of sending you a successor, nor perhaps will be, unless you please to move it first yourself, because the Court are well satisfied with your management of affairs there.
	Yesterday the King dined with the Duke of Shrewsbury at Woburn. On Monday Comte Tallard is to have a private audience at Kensington. He refuses to give the first visit to the Secretary of State, alleging the French ambassadors never use to do so; but we believe we have precedents of their having done it, as well as all other ambassadors. I am told Mr. Wolseley, who was envoy at Brussels, is dead. Old Sir Joseph Seymour died suddenly to-day at a coffee-house in Westminster. Endorsed, R. Ap. 6th. 4 pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 27–28.]
Mar. 22. Whitehall.	Tho. Hopkins to the same. The King still continues at Windsor, and intends not to return before the end of this week. On Saturday last he made the Duke of Shrewsbury a visit at Wobourn, and found his Grace in bed, lame of the gout. Yesterday his Majesty killed a stag and this day was a-hare hunting. Count Tallard arrived at this place last Saturday, he landed at Greenwich and came to his house in St. James's Square about a 2 a clock in the afternoon. His Excellency dines to-day with the Duke of Ormond. I don't hear that he has yet desired a private audience of the King. 1¹/6 pp. [S.P.32. 10. f. 29.]
Mar. 22. Whitehall.	Newsletter to the same, with parliamentary news. 1 p. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 30–31.]
Mar. 22. Whitehall.	Notes of proceedings of the House of Commons. Endorsed, News. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 32–33.]
Mar. 22.	Another account of the same. Endorsed, Proceedings in the House of Commons. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 34.]
Mar. 22.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 86. (Printed.) 2pp. [Ibid. f. 35.]
Mar. 22. Kensington.	Warrant for a grant to John Fisher, gent., of what may become due to the Crown in case a French ship, the Madona di Carmine, laden with silks, be adjudged as perquisite of the Crown. The Madona di Carmine was taken by the ship Charles, Capt. Cha. Pickering commander, about July, 1696, in the Mediterranean Seas. [S.P.44. 347. p. 151.]
Mar. 22. Windsor.	Commission for Hannibal Hall to be chirurgeon to Major General Leveson's regiment of horse. [S.P.44. 168. p. 230.]
Mar. 23./April. 2. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. Yesterday I was at Versailles till the evening. I went in the morning to see M. de Pomponne and M. de Torcy to ascertain whether they had consulted the King as to what answer they should give me to what I had said to them before Easter about Spain, and to hear what proposals they were prepared to make on the part of the King. The substance of their reply was: that the King, having considered what I had said to them at the first conference on this subject, and the jealousy of your Majesty and other nations which might result if Spain were united to France under one King, (1) was content, notwithstanding that M. le Dauphin had an incontestable right to that Crown and succession, to leave it entirely separate, and he would let the Spaniards choose between the Duc d'Anjou and the Due de Berry, and he would send the one chosen by them to Spain, to be educated by natives of the country without having a single Frenchman with him; (2) that to secure the States and leave them the barrier for their safety, he would cede to the Elector of Bavaria the hereditary possession of the Low Countries, as Spain possessed them, and that M. le Dauphin would renounce them for ever, for himself and his successors; (3) that such treaties should be made for the security of the trade of the English and Dutch nations as might be desired, and would give them every satisfaction.
	When they had concluded, I expressed my surprise at hearing such proposals. They asked why I was surprised, and showed how jealous we ought to be of the power of the Emperor, if the Spanish succession were united in its whole extent to what he possessed already, and [said] that in that event we had everything to fear from him, both by land and sea, with regard to trade. As to this I gave them again the answer which you had told me to make, and said it was all I was instructed to say. I then asked them to give me in writing the proposals they had just made, with their reasons at length, and said that this would perhaps be more satisfactory to your Majesty than a report from me, as I thought that such proposals would seem as extraordinary to you as they did to me. Upon this they stated all their reasons in support of the proposals, and such as they conceived would make them attractive to your Majesty. I replied that I had no orders except to listen and report, and that I would do so faithfully, but that, as they began to argue about the matter, I should like to give them my private opinion. And, taking what I thought would be your Majesty's point of view both as regards your interest, the interest of your kingdoms and that of the States:
	[I said] that I did not see, knowing the Emperor's affairs, that the addition of Spain to the Empire was more to be feared than a union with France, whose forces were nearer at hand and more formidable by sea and land, and more dangerous to our trade; that, if the King of France thought to separate the two monarchies by sending to Spain a prince who would be the brother of the future King of France, the Emperor might make a similar separation by sending the Archduke there, who would be the brother of the future Emperor; but that this analogy was not the question; that your Majesty expressed no opinion on the point, and that possibly the son of the Elector of Bavaria had a better right to the Crown than any other; that evidently an Archduke, King of Spain, would not pay more attention to his brother the Emperor, than a Duke of Anjou or Berry would pay to his brother the King of France; but that it was clear that the Electoral Prince of Bavaria would have no prepossession for the one or the other, and would pursue his own interests and those of the monarchy; that as to giving the Elector only the Low Countries, which Spain now possesses, for our barrier, (fn. 3) it was merely a sieve, which gave us in no way the security we desired; that moreover I did not see what satisfaction we could get from the renunciation of M. le Dauphin, which was offered to us, because in the same breath they upset the renunciation of the Infanta of Spain to the succession of the King her father, who confirmed it, as had the King of France, in the most solemn way before her marriage; (fn. 4) that the Emperor had perhaps just claims to other kingdoms or countries under the dominion of Spain; that, as regards trade and the other interests of the nations mentioned by your Majesty, they could not but expect that you would take all possible care of them; that the Mediterranean trade would be absolutely lost whenever a French King of Spain might so desire, since he would be master of the Straits and of all the countries and ports of that sea, assisted or supported by France; that they perhaps remembered that in previous discussions we had talked of Ceuta, Oran, and Gibraltar and fortresses at the entrance to, and in, the Mediterranean, of which the English and Dutch must be in possession: and lastly that they must be assured as to their interests and trade in the Spanish Indies (Indes Espagnoles), which were so important to them that they could in no way renounce or risk losing them.
	Thereupon they made some meaningless replies, too long to be communicated.
	And finally they told me they could not give me the proposal in writing without the King's command; that there was to be a meeting of the Council at 2 o'cl.; they would report to him, and after the meeting would inform me of his views. They asked me to wait till 3.30, when they would see me.
	It was 5.30 when they left the King, and then they came to see me and told me they had made him a full report; that his Majesty had laughed at my asking for the proposal in writing, (fn. 5) as, from what he had just heard, he thought me well enough informed to be able to dispense with it; that he wished me to support him; (fn. 6) that it was merely his Majesty's first idea, and he would much like to hear the views of the King my master; for a matter of this nature and of such importance must have been in his mind long enough to enable him to express his views and propose himself what suited him best; which they would be very glad to know, in order to agree as to what could be done, and what line should be taken by agreement, in the event of the death of the King of Spain.
	We then separated, and I promised to send an express to your Majesty forthwith, to give you an accurate account of all that had taken place. I think that your Majesty cannot avoid saying at least what you would wish in this event, without leaving out anything, for they will always want to make some reduction; and, if one wants to compromise, it is well to have something in hand. It is easier to abate one's demands than to raise them.
	I do not know whether your Majesty would think it advisable that something should be said to the Portuguese and Venetian ambassadors, not of the proposal of which I have just been writing, but of what might be done in the event of the death of the King of Spain, whose life is so uncertain, though at the present moment he is better. This might perhaps induce the French to make more haste to do what your Majesty wishes. The mediation of your Majesty, which the Turks have requested in order to make peace, and which the Venetian ambassador has published here, as communicated to him from Italy, has produced a great sensation.
	M. de Pomponne asked me yesterday what was the meaning of the warlike preparations (armement) which your Majesty and the States were making. I said I knew nothing, except what had been decided upon, before I left, for the safety of trade. He said it was generally attributed to the illness of the King of Spain and to a wish to be in readiness. I said that might be so, as it was fairly natural, but I had no news and did not think your Majesty had increased your warlike material (equipages).
	I think your Majesty may so much the more freely express your views and ask what suits you, as I begin to think that that is what they really want.
	The Most Christian King has suffered for some days from erysipelas in the leg, which has turned to gout. It merely makes it difficult for him to walk. Your Majesty ought, it seems to me, to have an ambassador here to succeed me, before I leave. I could tell him many things which he ought to know, about the constitution of this kingdom and the government, which I cannot put into writing but will tell you personally. One has to appear not to know these things. One dare not trust them to anyone to be put into cypher, and that would take too long.
	I am leaving the day after to-morrow for Champagne, to meet the Prince de Vaudemont on his way. I shall not be away more than three or four days. I am sending to your Majesty the notes I have presented about your affairs of Orange and Burgundy.
	Paris, 2 April, 1698. Portland.
	The present abbess of Orange, a relative of the Maréchale de la Motte, the governess of the children of the French royal family, asks to be continued. She was elected, without your Majesty's vote, when there was another government. By granting her this your Majesty would confer a favour on Made. de la Motte and all her relations, without affecting your rights.
	French, holograph, cf. Dr. Japikse I, p. 274, No. 225; Grimblot I, p. 327. [S.P. 8. 18. ff. 134–143.]
Mar. 23–25.	Proceedings in the House of Commons. Mar. 24. The House went into a committee upon the Militia Bill. Some would have had the Bill of Religion come on, and there was a Division upon it, which was carried for the Militia Bill by 94 against 57. There was no great progress made by the committee; the exceptions to the Bill appear considerable. So few attended as if the Bill were not designed to pass.
	March 25. The House was this day in a committee upon the 3 shilling Bill which they have gone through with, and have ordered it to be reported on Tuesday next; a clause is then to be brought in, the better to enable the recovery of what is in arrear of Parliament Taxes, as well on account of the Poll Taxes as other Aids, and to that end all privilege is taken away, by which some pretended to exempt themselves from the Exchequer process. 2¹/5 pp. [S.P. 32. 10. ff. 37–38.]
Mar. 23. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Capt. Young, commander of the Grave galley. Lord Paget has sent me an information against one Thomas Evans, who is on board your ship. He is to be brought before me on a warrant. [S.P.44. 99. p. 463.]
Mar. 23. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Sir Cyril Wich; desiring a grant for two fairs in a year at Gaywood near Lynne Regis, co. Norfolk. Referred to the Attorney General. [S.P.44. 238. p. 194.]
Mar. 23. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of the Earl of Romney, lieutenant of the county of Kent, steward of his Majesty's house at Greenwich and the manor there [similar to his petition of Jan. 25 v. sup.]. He desires a grant to him and his heirs of a public market to be held at Greenwich. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury. [Ibid. p. 195.]
Mar. 23. Kensington.	Commission to Edward Stedman, gent., to be ensign in Captain John Tailor's company, in Sir Mathew Bridges' regiment of foot. [S.P. 44. 167. p. 318.]
Mar. 23. Whitehall.	Warrant to receive into custody on board the De Grave galley, lying at Earith, Thomas Evans for suspicion of high treason. [S.P.44. 349. p. 63.]
Mar. 23.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 87. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P.32. 10. f. 36.]
Mar. 24. Windsor.	Warrant to the Earl of Romney, Master General of the Ordnance, to cause all the brass guns belonging to the Royal William (the lower tier excepted) to be put on board the Boyne, one of the squadron proceeding to the Mediterranean under the command of Vice-Admiral Mathew Aylmer. [S.P.44. 167. p. 318.]
Mar. 24.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 88. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P.32. 10. f. 39.]
Mar. 25. London.	Sir Miles Cooke to Sir Joseph Williamson, at The Hague. The judges of late have had but bad success in the Lords' House with their judgments upon the fundamentals (as they call them) of the common law; particularly a judgment given in the King's Bench in a case of perpetuities, wherein Mr. Bescawen was concerned. The Lords, finding the judgment had too much of law and too little of equity, reversed it. Another writ of error was brought by Lord Bath; whereon by reason of a mistaken innuendo the judges of the King's Bench acquitted two rogues found guilty of a notorious perjury; but the Lords, in a writ of error, have reversed the judgment, and they are to stand in the pillory (notwithstanding the misplacing of the innuendo in the indictment): at which the judges are not over well pleased, the rather because they thought the doctrine of perpetuities and innuendo was orthodox, both which now proves to be but apocryphal. But last of all, in the great cause between Lord Abington's son that married Mrs. Willowby (heir at law to Jack Carey), and this present Lord Faulkland, both the Chief Justices and the Lord Chancellor gave a decree for Lord Faulkland, that by the will (the young lady not marrying Lord Guilford, indeed, he refusing her), the estate was to vest immediately in this Lord Faulkland; but the Lords (after two days' debate) have given the estate to Mrs. Bertie for her life, by an equitable construction (though the law was flat against her); and to show you how the law and the Gospel may differ, it was observable (and I never knew it so before in 24 years) that all the 14 bishops then present voted as one man against the Lord Chancellor's decree. But it unfortunately happened that Mr. Robert Bertie (a son of Lord Abington's, and towards the law), in drawing up the brief for his brother, out of his too much zeal, gave some remarks upon the Lord Chancellor's decree, which were not very decent, and which (upon complaint to the Lords) were voted scandalous, whereupon they sent a message to the Commons to give leave to their member to attend their lordships to vindicate himself. How it will end I can not foresee.
	As to the affair of Charles Duncombe, after the Lords had rejected the Bill by one vote it was late, and in haste they discharged Charles Duncombe from his imprisonment, though he was committed to the Tower by an order of the Commons: which alarmed the Commons, and, after some days' debate upon the matter and perusal of precedents, they ordered him to be recommitted, and he is now their prisoner under the serjeant-at-arms, of which the Lords take no notice, the fault of discharging him (without a conference with the Commons) being I fear on the Lords' side.
	Lord Leicester amongst other great legacies left near 20,000l. to a natural daughter. Endorsed, Rd. 3–13 April. 2 pp. [S.P.32. 10. f. 40]
Mar. 25. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to the same. His Majesty will be in town to-morrow, and the Duke of Shrewsbury is so well as to be expected here shortly. It is now believed that he will have the Chamberlain's staff, but it is not said who shall have the seals.
	Mr. Duncomb has surrendered himself to the serjeant of the House of Commons: wherein he is thought to have done wisely, it being much safer to submit than contend with that House.
	Mr. Stepney is appointed to carry his Majesty's compliments to the King of Poland upon his accession. 2 pp. [S.P.32. 15. f. 55.]
Mar. 25. Whitehall.	J. Vernon to Mr. Hill. I hope Cusack's case may be relievable, as well as Mr. Barlow's, when it may be a proper time for it. At present the House of Commons call upon us to print a list of the names of such as have had licences to stay. I do not know but some intend to cavil at our indulgencies, while others find fault with our severity. It is not with foreign princes only that a House of Commons will now and then do irregular things.
	Lord Hide and Mr. Gwyn spoke to me to-day about Mr. Nortleigh; they will write to you that he send over a petition setting forth his case. Before that comes hither, we shall see whether Parliament leaves us liberty to show any acts of kindness or justice. I am in your debt for some lace you sent several months since to my son. 1½ pp. [S.P.32. 10. f. 41.]
Mar. 25. Whitehall.	Newsletter. The House of Lords ordered all their members to be summoned within 20 miles of London, to consider the reasons of the House of Commons concerning Mr. Bertie. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 42–43.]
Mar. 25. Whitehall.	Another newsletter, with similar news. ¾p. [Ibid. ff. 44–45.]
Mar. 25.	Affidavit of Tabor Hoskins, peruke-maker in Aldermanbury, before John Ellis. He has known Thomas Evans for five years past, during some of which time he was a cabinet-maker in Aldermanbury. About two years since he went as joiner on board the Cloudsley galley bound to Turkey, the deponent being his security for the performance of the voyage. He several times made interest for Evans to serve as a "reformade" on board some of H.M. ships. He was generally reputed a man well affected to the present government. 1 p. [Ibid. ff. 46–47.]
Mar. 25.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 89. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 48.]
Mar. 25. Whitehall.	Warrant to the keeper of Newgate to receive into custody — Grant and Elizabeth Lamb, upon an information that they endeavoured to hire witnesses falsely to swear a rape against Capt. Geo. Porter. [S.P.44. 349. p. 63.]
Mar. 25. The Hague.	Pass to Andrew Swan, lately an inhabitant of Strasburg, having a certificate from the minister of the reformed Church there. [S.P.44. 386. p. 12.]
Mar. 26–29.	Notes of proceedings in Parliament for Lord Ambassador Williamson.
	26 March. The House went this day into a committee upon Mr. Clark's Bill for preventing the diminishing and counterfeiting the coin. [The remedies proposed are specified.] It was visible there must be some inconveniences at first in the putting this in practice, but the mischief would be so much greater if there were not a speedy stop to the debasing of the coin, which so many are concerned in, that this would be very easy to be borne.
	28 March. The House was this day in a committee upon the Bill for the African trade. The points in debate were that the Company would reserve to themselves the trade to the northernmost parts of that coast, pretending the Plantations were little concerned in it, there coming but few negroes from thence, the traffic there being most in gold and elephants' teeth; and the charge upon that coast would be most considerable, since the fort at Gambia was to be rebuilt, which would cost £16,000: and they were willing to bear all that expense, with the maintenance of the fort, provided they might have that trade entire to themselves, though it did not amount to above £10,000 per annum: or otherwise, if that trade were to be laid open, it would cause so much a higher duty to be laid upon it that the Plantations would have no benefit by the Bill in having their negroes cheaper, which was chiefly aimed at. On the other side it was pressed that the trade might be free to the whole coast of Africa, and there might be distinct rates laid upon goods, according as they were freighted for the northern or southern parts; and the committee have agreed upon 10% to be laid upon the trade from Cape Mount to the Cape of Good Hope; what shall be paid between Cape Blanc and Cape Mount, where the river Gambia is, is not yet settled, but it is supposed it will be at least double to the other.
	29 March. The House sat till 7 this evening upon the Report of the Money Bill, which is finished. The appropriating clause is added, which allows the remainder of that tax to be applied to the sinking of Exchequer Bills, after the loan of £850,000, what is due to the Annuities, and the £250,000, which from the beginning was declared that it should go to the disbanding of the army. Some expected it should have been taken out of the £850,000 that was allowed to be borrowed for that and other uses: but, it appearing that part only hath been taken out of that sum, the remainder must be supplied out of the whole. And there is no ill distribution made of it, since the Parliament credit is made good in the Annuities, and by the proviso for sinking Exchequer Bills, the credit and usefulness of them will be supported. There was mention made of satisfying the arrears of Quarters out of this Fond, which some apprehended would have been preferred to the Annuities. It being late before the clause was offered, it was endeavoured to put off the consideration of it till to-morrow, and there was a division upon it, but it was carried for proceeding by 122 against 37. I think the greatest apprehension was lest there should have been other clauses still behind, which they would have liked worse. Endorsed, Rd. 3–13 April. 3½ pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 51–52.]
Mar. 26. Dublin Castle.	Lord Galway to Mr. Vernon. Lord Winchester and I are writing to you in answer to your letter to us about Lord Jersey's claims. On examining my account, there is £66 owing to me from the Treasury, for my salary as Lord Justice and LieutenantGeneral. If I had the wherewithal to pay back what I have received of the third of the salary claimed by Lord Jersey, I would have given it (reporté) at once to Mr. Robinson, in order always to obey the King's commands without questioning them. But the fact is I have not £20.
	When Lord Jersey arrives here, he will defray one third of the extraordinary expenses; but, if the King thinks fit to order that he be paid in future the third of the salary, though absent, we shall have to reduce the public expenses; and that will not be creditable to the Government: but the King is master. French. 2 pp. [S.P.63. 360. ff. 3–4.]
Mar. 26. Whitehall.	Warrant for the payment of the extraordinary expenses of Sir Paul Rycaut, resident for his Majesty with the Hanseatic towns of the Lower Saxony, from July 1, 1697, to Jan. 1, 1697–8. The account is dated Hamburg, Dec. 31, 1697, and includes payments "to English seamen and soldiers deserted from the French service, by whom they had been made prisoners, and to French protestants." [S.P.44. 347. p. 153.]
Mar. 26. Whitehall.	Certificate that Robert, Lord Lexington, returned into the King's presence from his employment as envoy extraordinary to the Emperor of Germany, and one of the ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentaries for the treaty of a general peace. He kissed the king's hand 13 February, 1697[–8]. [Ibid. p. 161.]
Mar. 26.	Affidavits taken before John Ellis, J.P. for Middlesex, concerning Thomas Evans. Thomas Green, of the parish of St. Pancras, Middlesex, yeoman, says that when he married the mother of Thomas Evans, the said Thomas was aged 5; he was bound apprentice to Robert Coleman, joiner. He never observed any tendencies in him to the Romish religion, or against the present government.
	Robert Coleman of St. Botolph's without Aldgate, joiner, and Lazarus Stiles of St. Mary Aldermanbury, joiner and cabinetmaker, observed him very inclineable to the Protestant religion; and Robert Stanton, John Denham and John Smith of the parish of St. Andrew's, Holborn, and Joseph Pendock of the parish of St. Giles in the Fields, wheelwright, depose to the like effect. 1 p. [S.P.32. 10. f. 49.]
Mar. 26.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 90. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 50.]
Mar. 27. Whitehall.	The Commissioners of Trade (Philip Meadows, William Blathwayt, John Pollexfen and Abraham Hill) to Mr. Secretary Vernon, recalling to his attention their report of the 24th ult. on the regulation of Turkish passes, which they regard as an urgent matter. 1 p [S.P.32. 10. ff. 53–54.]
Mar. 27. Kensington.	Warrant [for a licence] to Daniel Arthur to return from France. [S.P.44. 351. p. 49.]
Mar. 27. Kensington.	Commission to William Barrell, esq., to be lieutenant in Lieutenant-Colonel John Seymour's troop in the first regiment of Guards. [S.P.44. 167. p. 319.]
Mar. 27. The Hague.	Pass to John Coffin, an Englishman, having served several years in the English brigade in Germany and Savoy, having a discharge from Capt. Talloyne: and to Mr. John Spencer, steward to the Marquis of Tavistock, and two servants. [S.P.44. 386. p. 13.]
Mar. 27. Kensington.	Warrant for the insertion of Richard Holmes in the next general pardon for the Norfolk circuit, without condition of transportation: he was convicted for horse stealing and is now in gaol at Great Yarmouth. [S.P.44. 347. p. 154.]
Mar. 27. Kensington.	Warrant to insert David Jenkins, now prisoner in Newgate, convicted of murder for killing his wife, in the next general pardon for the poor convicts of Newgate, without condition of transportation. [S.P.44. 347. p. 155]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the postmaster general. As to your memorial concerning the renewing of the treaty with the Post Office of France, the King does not think it convenient at present to put down the Corunna packet boats, and therefore he would have you give directions for finishing the treaty with Monsr. Pajot upon the best terms you can, without entering into any engagement about the Corunna boats. [S.P.44. 99. p, 464.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	The same to the Lord Chief Baron. Lord Paget, ambassador at Constantinople, ordered the seizing there of one Thomas Evans, and sent him hither in custody upon the informations of Thomas Holland, Charles Score and John Kirke, whom he bound in recognisances for giving evidence. I am commanded to send the prisoner to your lordship, together with the witnesses, that, upon hearing all parties, you may commit or discharge him. [Ibid.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	The same to the Commissioners of Trade. As to your representations relating to instructions for the commander of the squadron to be employed for suppressing pirates in the East Indies, also as to a treaty of peace with the Emperor of Morocco, the King commands that you inform yourselves from the East India Company how H.M. ships, to be sent on this expedition, should be supplied with provisions, when their stores shall be expended, and in what places.
	As to your proposal about an Act of Parliament to be passed here for the more easy and speedy trial of pirates in any part of the king's dominions, his Majesty would have you confer with Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor that the heads of a Bill may be prepared, and that it be considered whether, in the Bill, the support and encouragement the pirates receive from the colonies in America may not be prevented.
	As to a treaty with the Emperor of Morocco, you think it would not be so much use as two or three light ships, that may cruise in proper stations for intercepting the Sally men-of-war, and the King is informed that some ships of this sort are to go with Vice-Admiral Aylmer. [S.P.44. 99. pp. 465–6.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Sir Charles Hedges. The Earl of Portland has sent over the petitions of some who remain prisoners in France, carried thither as hostages till the ransom of their ships were paid for, which the owners have hitherto neglected. The King commands me to send you the petitions, to consider and report whether any relief can be had in their cases from the Court of Admiralty, or what else you think fit to be done for procuring these men's liberty. [S.P.44. 99. p. 466.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	The same to the Lords of the Treasury. The King is informed that the pernicious practice of exporting wool into France is carried on as much to the prejudice of the nation as ever. Mr. Henry Baker drew up proposals some months since for its prevention, and they were sent to you for your report. You are to prepare the report, to be laid before the King in Council on Thursday. [Ibid. p. 467.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	The same to the Earl of Romney. The King intended, for the ease of the charge in the office of Ordnance, to send one bomb ship only to the Mediterranean, but the Admiralty having represented how little advantage that would be, two bomb vessels are to be fitted out at the cheapest rates possible. [Ibid. p. 467.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	The same to the Lords of the Admiralty. The service on which H.M.S. Centurion is ordered admitting of no delay, she is to be dispatched forthwith, and notice given that what is due to her company shall be paid to those who have their letters of attorney to receive it, as fast as provision can be made for the same. [S.P.44. 204. p. 169.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	The same to the same, transmitting for their consideration a proposal made to the Earl of Portland, ambassador extraordinary in Paris, by some persons of that country, for making a new sort of tar, more beneficial for preserving ships than any now used. [Ibid. p. 170.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	The same to the same. You lately desired the King's instructions for Captain Richard Long, commander of the Rupert Prize, fitted for a voyage to America for the discovery of gold mines and wrecks. The captain has entered into an agreement with the Lords of the Treasury under which, in consideration of the King's expense in fitting out a sixth rate frigate, the King is to receive all the benefit, until he shall be paid 10,000l.; after that is satisfied, the King for seven years shall receive nine-tenths of the whole advantage made, the said Long, one-tenth. He shall bring home to the port of London all treasure found, and shall, in two years' time from 6th July last, when the said agreement was made, deliver the frigate again to the commissioners of the navy, danger of the seas, enemies, fire and restraint by piracies only excepted. After he has been in search of treasure, as aforesaid, he shall have liberty to sail with his Majesty's ship, to search for and take up such wrecks as the Duke of Schonberg and Leinster has a grant to fish for in America, bringing all gain from such wrecks to the port of London. The King leaves the contractor free to pursue his voyage in such manner as he thinks best. [Ibid.]
Mar. 28. Kensington.	Commissions to, William Wansbrough, esq., to be captain of that company of granadiers whereof Captain John Barkman, deceased, was late captain in Sir Henry Belasyse's regiment of foot [S.P.44. 167. p. 321.]; Mr. Jacob Artsen, to be ensign of Sir Henry Belasyse's own company in his regiment. [Ibid. p. 347.]
Mar. 28. Kensington.	Warrant for payment of £10 to Gideon Royer, writer, flourisher and embellisher, for writing and embellishing, as also gilding and adorning in Cratisco the royal arms, ornaments and badges, for a letter sent from the King to the Grand Vizier. [S.P.44. 347. p. 156.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	Warrant to receive into custody Thomas Fletcher for high treason, for going into France and returning without leave. [S.P.44. 349. p. 64.]
Mar. 28.	Warrant for the apprehension of John Dee, and Robert, his son, for high treason in counterfeiting the late current coin of this kingdom. [Ibid. p. 66.]
Mar. 28. Whitehall.	Warrant for the apprehension of William Snipp, William Stone and — Tompson, for going into France and returning, since 11 Dec., 1688, without licence. [Ibid. p. 81.]
Mar. 28.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 91. 2 pp. (Printed.) [S.P.32. 10. f. 55.]
Mar. 29. Whitehall.	J. Ellis to Lord Ambassador Williamson. According to the account I had from the secretary of the Customs, the French gentleman may bring over his library free from custom. A book of all the Acts of Parliament that have passed in Ireland, in his Majesty's and the late Queen's reign, was sent to me this morning for your use by Mr. Nathaniel Castleton.
	The Duke of Shrewsbury is expected in town on Thursday. It is not doubted but that he will have the stick; Lord Wharton seems the likeliest for the seals; the Earl of Jersey puts in hand [?] for them. I enclose a letter from Mr. Molesworth for his son. Endorsed, R. 3–13 April. 3 pp. [S.P.32. 15. ff. 56–57.]
Mar. 29. Whitehall.	R. Yard to the same. It falling now to my lot to follow the Court, I have lately made two journeys to Windsor, and am preparing for a third to Newmarket, where the Duke of Shrewsbury intends likewise to wait on his Majesty. The talk that has been here concerning a new Lord Chamberlain and Secretary of State is pretty well over; in all likelihood we shall go on in this manner for some time longer.
	The news of the King of Spain's death, and the little appearance there is of his recovery, does very much alarm people here, considering the consequences that are like to attend his death.
	Count Tallard, the French ambassador, had a private audience of the King yesterday; his Majesty received him without any formality in his closet, and the ambassador stayed afterwards with the rest of the company in the bedchamber, and talked with his Majesty. I do not hear that he intends to make such a show here as Lord Portland does in France; and the reason may be, that he, being to stay here several years, cannot make such an expense as another may do, whose stay is but short. Signed R.Y. 1 p. [S.P.32. 10. f. 56.]
Mar. 29. Dublin Castle.	Lord Galway to Secretary Vernon. I thought I ought to send you the three documents annexed, as you may be able to use them for the public good. If you think fit to send the letter to France, you will be able to get it delivered without difficulty; and it is probable that it will be the means of obtaining useful information from that quarter. The writer has promised to communicate to us all the answers he gets. French. 1p. [S.P.63. 360. f. 5.]
Mar. 29. Whitehall.	Newsletter to Sir Joseph Williamson. The King returned last Saturday from Windsor, and yesterday in the morning Count Tallard, the French ambassador, had a private audience of his Majesty at Kensington in his closet, where he was alone with his Majesty about a quarter of an hour. Sir Charles Cotterell accompanied him to Kensington.
	The King intends to go the next week to Newmarket, where several horse races are appointed, and will stay there about 10 days.
	Mr. Goodwin Wharton, one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, continues very ill.
	The Czar of Muscovy is returned from Portsmouth, where he saw the squadron designed for the Straits, and went out with them several leagues to sea, and saw them fire in the nature of an engagement.
	[Amongst other items of Parliamentary news.] The Commons were yesterday in a committee upon the business of the African Company. They have resolved that the trade to Guinea, within a certain tract of land, shall be carried on by a joint stock, as the company proposed, and that the traders to other parts of Guinea, from whence the Plantations may be conveniently provided with negroes, shall pay 10% to the company, towards defraying the charges of the forts and garrisons, which it is necessary to maintain on those coasts, for the security of commerce and traffic.
	The Commons sat till seven this evening, their time being taken up with the report of the Bill for the 3 sh. Aid, which is very long. They added a clause, by which £850,000 of this tax is appropriated to the paying off what has been borrowed, pursuant to the Vote of the House, for the fleet and army, after which the arrears due for the year 1696 upon the Annuities and Lotteries are to be paid, and the rest of this tax is appropriated towards paying and sinking Exchequer Bills. Endorsed, Rd. 3–13 April. 2¾ pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 57–58.]
Mar. 29. Whitehall.	Newsletter. This morning Colonel Wharton (brother to Lord Wharton) one of the Commissioners of the Admiralty, and Lieut.-Col. of the Earl of Macclesfield's regiment, was given over by the physicians, but is now somewhat better, and it is hoped will recover. Endorsed, Rd. 3–13 April. 1 p. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 59–60.]
Mar. 29–30.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 92 and Numb. 93. (Printed.) 2 pp. [Ibid. ff. 61–62.]
Mar. 29. The Hague.	Pass to John Butler, belonging to West Chester, having been eight years a slave in Sallee, and brought from Cadiz by John Johnson, master of a vessel bound to Amsterdam. [S.P.44. 386. p. 13.]
Mar. 29 to April 4.	Notes of the proceedings of the House of Lords, sent to Sir J. Williamson. 2¾ pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 63–64.]
Mar. 30–April 1.	Notes of proceedings of the House of Commons, sent to Sir J. Williamson. March 30: The Bill of Religion was read this day the third time and passed. Some, who could have wished the Bill laid aside, offered a rider to it against polytheism, as a doctrine that was pagan and idolatrous, and whoever maintained that there were more gods than One should be liable to the penalties of that Act. The meaning of this clause was understood to go further than they intended to explain, and the exceptions taken to it were likewise disguised, the objections being chiefly on account of form, that it was brought in with a penalty, which ought to have been left in blank, to be filled up by the House. The clause was at last withdrawn, when it could not be carried that the consideration of it should be put off to another day, by which it was intended to have laid the Bill asleep, as if it were unfit for a House of Commons to be enacting matters of faith, and to be setting up inquisitions that may bring men into snares and make conversation unsafe. On the other side it was found necessary to lay some further restraint upon the liberty taken of appugning the established doctrines, and, the Question being put for passing the Bill, it was carried by 122 against 58. But there was first an amendment made in the Bill, if not pursuant to the rider yet in conformity to the doctrines of [the] Church, as well against the opinions that there were more gods than One, as against the denial of the Trinity.
	31 March. Lord Hartington moved that Mr. Duncombe might be recommitted to the Tower. Those who did not like it proposed rather that they would have a conference with the Lords, to let them know what their rights were; but that was easily understood would have no effect, and the Question was carried with little opposition for his recommitment. 1 April. The House has been this day in a committee of Ways and Means, but it was rather to hear what anybody would propose. There was most said about coals, and it looks as if that would be the first duty proposed. 2¾ pp. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 65–66.]
Mar. 30. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition of Armand de Bourbon, Marquis of Miremont, setting forth [that] there is a certain parcel of waste lands left by the sea in or near the parishes of Long Sutton, Holbitch, Quaplode, Molton and other parishes in co. Lincoln, which of right belong to the Crown; praying that his Majesty would grant the same to the petitioner, and that a warrant be directed to the Attorney General for a commission of enquiry to see whether the lands belong to the King. Referred to the Treasury. [S.P.44. 238. p. 197.]
Mar. 31./April 10. Paris.	Lord Portland to William III. I have received your Majesty's letter from Windsor of the 20 Mar.–1 April. I await impatiently the answer to the proposal. I have also had a letter from the Pensionary on this subject, and, after thinking the matter over, I think it will be difficult for your Majesty to propose anything without exposing yourself to the risk that they may talk of it to the other interested parties, in order to arouse jealousy between us, with a view to making their own proposals to the others, and coming to an arrangement to our prejudice with the one who offers the best terms. However, as what the Elector is doing in the Low Countries will render them defenceless, and it will be impossible to preserve them except in so far as France may be willing to leave them as they are, perhaps an arrangement might be made with the Emperor, and even with the ministers in Spain, as to what could be done for their security and preservation, and it might be possible by initiating or concluding this agreement to prevent the jealousies which France might arouse, even if your Majesty made no proposals. However, when I see the ministers here, I shall take the same line, and shall say that there is not the least likelihood that your Majesty will make proposals or answer their proposals, which are so unreasonable, and thus arouse the jealousy of the Allies; for already foreign envoys have warned me that they have heard that suggestions have been made to me with regard to the Spanish succession in the event of the King's death.
	I have written at length to Mr. Vernon about Count Tallard's pretensions, and the discovery of a fresh, abominable St. Germains plot. To avoid repetition he will give your Majesty the details. God preserve your Majesty from all misfortunes.
	The members of the council of The Hague write to me that they could not send here commissioners from their assemblies without prejudice to your other estates (domaines), and they suggest that the deputies of Orange and Burgundy, or two of them, should be appointed for that purpose: but I don't think that is in any way suitable, because they do not carry enough weight or inspire enough respect, and they are people who, though full of zeal for your Majesty, don't understand give and take, and, by asking too much, will get nothing. So I think your Majesty might appoint a commissioner of authority to act with two of these gentlemen, either a member of your Council or Mr. Heemskerck, who is on the way. I receive no answer to what I wrote to your Majesty about my stay here, which I am afraid will be too long. I returned the day before yesterday from Notre Dame de Liesse, where I found the Prince de Vaudemont fairly well, considering his condition and his journey. No one could show greater gratitude for your kindness than they do. They show your diamonds, all they have saved from the Lombard, to all their relatives and friends who go to see them, as I did. My journey took five days, and I stayed three with them. This is why I have not seen the ministers since I last wrote. The difficulty about Mr. de Tallard, and the King's journey to Marly, will prevent my seeing them so often in future, but I shall try to remedy this. What I find tiresome is that, although the King has given me leave to go to Marly when I like, he only wants me to go when he can show me the gardens and fountains at their best, which won't be for another week perhaps. Portland.
	[P.S.] I annex the answer given me to the first five articles of one of my notes, which I imagined did not admit of contradiction. I am delighted that your Majesty seems satisfied with Windsor Park and what is being done there, and that you have had some sport there. The March moon makes its departure felt, and the weather is most abominable here at present. According to news from Germany the evacuation of the fortified towns is always postponed. The disbandment of the infantry is delayed apparently by the news of the King of Spain's illness, although letters of the 20th said that he was recovering.
	French: holograph. Printed by Dr. Japikse I., p. 280, No. 227. [S.P.8. 18. ff. 144–149.]
	Enclosed is a copy of Arts. 1–5 of Lord Portland's note of Feb. 25–Mar. 7 with regard to Orange, with the answers of the French Government [for the note v. sup. under date Mar. 16th]. The answers are dated Apr. 3rd, 1698. As to Art. 1; the King's orders had been sent to Mr. le Bret, 1st President and Intendant of Provence, as requested. As to Art. 2; widow du Cros had been allowed to leave Bourges in order to return to Orange. As to other points inquiries were being made. [Ibid. ff. 150–151.]
Mar. 31. Kensington.	Warrant reciting that a maritime cause was commenced for the Crown in the Admiralty Court against John Broome, late commander of the America Merchant: upon a full hearing by Sir Charles Hedges, judge of the Admiralty Court, sentence was given for the Crown and Broome was condemned to pay to the Crown £3,505. Broome appealed to the Court of Chancery, and obtained a commission of Delegacy under the great seal directed to certain persons to hear and finally determine the appeal, who confirmed the sentence. By the sentence Broome and his sureties, Samuel Heron and Joseph Martin of London, merchants, bound for him in the Court of Admiralty, are to be monished and compelled by process of the Court to pay to the Crown the said sum. By the warrant the said sum is ordered to be paid to Henry, Earl of Romney, and John Glover, gent., for the use of the Crown: and Sir Thomas Pinfold, knt., Advocate General, Henry Newton, advocate of our admiralty, and Samuel Franklin, Procurator General, are required to appear and procure a decree for payment from the judge. [Marginal note.] "Having perused this draft or form of a warrant, do conceive it to be an usual form and agreeable to the drafts and forms used in the Court of Admiralty of England. Tho. Pinfold." [S.P.44. 348. p. 25.]
Mar. 31. Kensington.	Warrant [for a licence] to Sir John Colleton, bart., to return from France. [S.P.44. 351. p. 49.]
	A like warrant to Cha. Long; Thomas Gardner; Sir Henry Bond. [Ibid. p. 49.]
Mar. 31. Kensington.	Warrant for a reprieve for Captain Steuart Spycer, to be tried at the next Assizes at Warwick, concerning the killing of Lieut. George Noble, in case he be found guilty of manslaughter. [S.P.44. 347. p. 157.]
Mar. 31.	Votes of the House of Commons. Numb. 94. (Printed.) 2 pp. [S.P.32. 10. f. 67.]
Mar.	Docquets of the grant to Sir John Crew and his heirs of the office of forester, etc., of the forest of Delamer: to Sir John Germain of Westminster, knt., of a baronetcy: to Humfry Hody, D.D., of the office of Greek Professor in the university of Oxford: to Charles Cecill, esq., who went into the French King's dominions since 11 Dec., 1688, of a licence to return. [S.O.3. 20. ff. 143 v. –144.]
Mar.	'Note for the divident' of office fees, payable during the month, on certain grants, commissions, licences, etc. 1 p. [S.P.32. 10. ff. 68–69.]