William III: July 1700 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1700-2. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1937.

'William III: July 1700', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1700-2, (London, 1937) pp. 78-101. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1700-2/pp78-101 [accessed 23 April 2024]

July 1700



July 1. Hampton Court.	"Warrant for a new commission of trade, being the same as is entered in the old book of grants, page 506, dated 1st June, 1699, (fn. 1) except the following alterations and additions, viz: instead of to our chancellor of England or our keeper of our great seal [etc.] it is to our keeper of our great seal or our chancellor for the time being, and, instead of John Lock, Mathew Prior, esq., was inserted last." The addition is a clause revoking letters patent dated June 9, 1699. [S.P.44. 350. p. 86: S.O.3. 20. f. 198.]
	"An additional establishment of half pay for the several disbanded officers hereafter mentioned," with list appended. (Treas. Cal. XV., 397–8.) [S.O.1. 14. pp. 272–4.]
July 1. [Whitehall.]	Post warrant for William Merritt, John Vorhast, and Stephen Lembeck, from London to Margate. [S.P.44. 387. p. 185.]
	Proceedings upon the petition to the king of capt. William Passenger, of H.M.S. Shoreham, praying for a grant of salvage. Referred to the judge of the Admiralty Court. [S.P.44. 238. pp. 432–3.]
	Proceedings upon the petition to the king of col. Nicholas Purcell, shewing that upon the surrender of Limerick he shewed himself zealous for his Majesty and was employed in making the capitulation: but in 1693 a garrison was placed in his house at Loughmore, co. Tipperary, where they have continued ever since: they have rendered the house uninhabitable and have done more than £2000 worth of damage: the singularity of such a proceeding makes him appear obnoxious to the government, and this concerns him still more: he is satisfied these methods are contrary to H.M. instructions and not put in practice against any other, yet he forbore troubling H.M. as long as he was able to subsist in England, but being [about] to return to Ireland with an indigent, numerous family, and being now deprived of his dwelling house, he prays that the truth of his allegations may be enquired into, and that he may be relieved in proportion to his losses. Referred to the lords justices of Ireland. [S.P.44. 238. pp. 434–5.]:
	Proceedings upon the petition to the king of capt. Richard Long of the Rupert prize, shewing he was ordered in H.M. service to America, and happening into the gulf of Darien, which he esteemed a very advantageous place for treasure, and whosoever should be in possession thereof and of the great river of Darien would in a great measure command the empire of Peru, from whence are brought the greatest treasures in the world, and hearing there was a French fleet coming to make some settlement in America, and believing that to be the place they had a design on, the petitioner thought it would be for H.M. service to have possession thereof in an amicable manner with the natives, whom he accordingly treated with, and upon their invitation and earnest request: whereupon the petitioner put William Trenwith, midshipman, and one Robert Blan, ordinary, belonging to the ship, with two other persons from Jamaica, in possession of the gulf and great river of Darien, with 100 days' provision until H.M. pleasure could be known, promising the two men that belonged to the ship that they should be kept open on the ship's books till it was paid off:
	that the petitioner had accommodated matters with the Indians before the Scots came there, neither had they been in the gulf nor in any part of the great river before the petitioner had set up H.M. colours there:
	that Wm. Trenwith is now here attending, in hopes of his pay; but, as for Blan, he hath not been heard of since March 22, 1698–9:
	the undertaking being for H.M. service, to prevent any design of the French, which the petitioner supposed would have been attempted if none of H.M. subjects had been found there in possession: the petitioner, having ventured his life to endeavour the friendly accommodation with the natives, desires payment of Trenwith's wages to the time the Rupert prize was paid off; and Blan's wages to his master he was apprenticed to, to the time he was last heard of, and that he may be allowed the 100 days' provision in his accounts. Referred to the Admiralty. [S.P.44. 238. pp. 436–8.]
July 2. Hampton Court.	Licence to Charles, duke of Bolton, warden and keeper of New Forest, to hunt stags and bucks within the forest. [S.P.44. 350. p. 98.]
	Licence to Thomas Stratford, who went into the French king's dominions [etc.], to return. [S.O.8. 27. No. 38: S.P.44. 351. p. 63.]
	Pass for the ship Owners Goodwill; John Harrington, master; from London to Stockholm. [S.P.44. 387. p. 184.]
	Warrant for a privy seal directing the treasury commissioners to issue a warrant to Edward Pyle, woodward of the New Forest, as to his salary etc. (Treas. Cal., XV, 400.) [S.O.8. 27. No. 39.]
July 2. Hampton Court.	Commission to Philip Dormer, to be lieutenant of that company whereof Lieut. Henry Withers is captain in the 1st regiment of footguards. [S.P.44. 167. p. 413.]
July 2. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the dean of Windsor. Capt. John Baynes, one of the poor knights of Windsor, has applied for leave to go to Durham for his health. If it has been usual to allow of the poor knights' absence, the same favour may be shewn in this case. [S.P.44. 101. p. 135.]
	Proceedings upon the petition to the king of capt. Edward Rigby. (fn. 2) Having been sentenced in December, 1698, to stand on the pillory three times, which he has undergone, though almost to the danger of his life, and fined £1000, he prays his discharge, having been a close prisoner in Newgate for 20 months; he paying £200 down, and giving security for the remainder. [S.P.44. 238. p. 439.]
July 2. Hampton Court.	Royal warrant to the Treasury of Scotland to pay to the duke of Queensberry, as high commissioner, a daily allowance during the session of parliament and the intervals. [S.P.57. 17. p. 389.]
	The king to the privy council of Scotland. The present circumstances require our being in Holland for a short time, and we recommend you during our absence to give punctual attendance and to take care of the peace and quiet of the kingdom. We have found it necessary to adjourn parliament to Aug. 13 next, at which time we are firmly resolved it shall meet. We expect you will give us accounts of what occurs. [Ibid. p. 390.]
	Warrant [to the lords justices of Ireland], to discharge the earl of Albemarle, from certain rents in respect of the forfeited estates of Daniel, late viscount Clare, in co. Clare, and of Redmund and Hugh Mullady, in co. Westmeath. [S.O.1. 14. pp. 268–270.]
	The same, to collect the rents and profits of estates in co. Kildare and Queen's County intended to be granted to Philip Harman, and to pay the same to Thomas Moor as royal bounty. [Ibid. pp. 270–1.]
	The same, to pass the account of John Price, late receivergeneral of the revenues in Ireland, [appending the account and the auditor's report]. [Ibid. pp. 277–81.]
	The same, to pay £500 to Tregonwell Frampton, esq., as royal bounty. [Ibid. p. 282.]
	The same, to pay £50 per ann. for 4 years to Margaret Maurice, widow of the dean of Londonderry. [Ibid. pp. 282–3: Treas. Cal. XV., 401.]
July 3. Hampton Court.	Warrant for the reprieve of James Nelthrope, esq., who was to be tried at the Old Bailey for killing John Clack, in case he should be found guilty of manslaughter only. [S.P.44. 350. p. 87.]
	"Memorandum: there was several amendments made to the lords justices' bill and signed by Mr. Secretary, which is taken notice of in the lords justices' warrant entered in the books at the other office, dated 3 July, 1700." (fn. 3) [Ibid.]
	Warrant to insert John Smith, a prisoner in Gloucester castle, sentenced to death for the murder of John Harding, in the next general pardon for the Oxford circuit, without condition of transportation. [Ibid. p. 88.]
	Commissions to William Bretton, to be captain of that company whereof lieut. col. George Villiers was captain in the 1st regiment of footguards, with power to command as lieut. colonel of foot: to William Wilkes, to be lieutenant of that company whereof It. col. Newton is captain in the same. [S.P.44. 167. p. 413].
July 3. [Whitehall.]	Post warrants for 16 of H.M. servants, to Margate, procured by Mr. Merritt, harbinger: and for John Castellini, servant to Mr. Van Hults. [S.P.44. 387. p. 185].
July 3. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition to the king of Elizabeth Welbeloved, on behalf of herself and John Bowler. John Bowler served on several ships: being sick he had leave to be on shore from theDuke, and in returning was impressed for the Grafton, and thereupon made R. (fn. 4) in the Duke, so the petitioner can have no relief without particular order.
	The petitioner's servant, John Watson, served the whole term of his apprenticeship and much longer, and at last was drowned in his Majesty's services, but his wages is still unpaid.
	She prays that Bowler's "R." may be taken off, in regard he was but a month absent, above the time of leave, and sick, as likewise the speedy payment of Watson's wages, she being a widow in great distress. Referred to the Admiralty. [S.P.44. 238. p. 435.]
July 3. Hampton Court.	Warrant for a privy seal of Scotland giving to William, earl of Annandale, an additional pension of £300, making in the whole £700. [S.P.57. 17. p. 391.]
	Docquet of the warrant for a gift of the escheat of Alexander Farquhar of Mouney to Alexander Hay of Ardenbath. [Ibid. p. 392.]
	Royal warrant to the Treasury of Scotland for paying £178 to capt. Robert Taylour, expended by him in 1690 for maintaining a detachment under his command. [Ibid. p. 393.]
	Docquet of the warrant for a charter in favour of capt. Robert Taylour of Auchinbannald of lord Lorn's regiment, his heirs and assigns, of the town and lands of Achinbannald, otherwise called Achinbannow, half town and lands of Sovery loch and fishing thereof in the parish of Kilmadock, stewartry of Monteith and sheriffdom of Perth, and of the teynd sheaves of Auchinbannald and half of Sovery, proceeding upon the procuratories of resignations of the said capt. Robert Taylour, and of the deceased John Taylour of Sovery and Henry, lord Cardross, in favour of umquhill Robert Taylour of Auchinbannald, father to capt. Robert: with a new gift and dispensation for taking sasin at the manorplace of Achinbannald by tradition of earth and stone as sufficient for the whole. 'These also contain' a tax of the ward, non-entry and relief duties [etc.]: and a ratification of the rights of the lands of Creachans in the parish of Balquhidder and sheriffdom aforesaid and lands of Haltoun in the parish of Alloway and sheriffdom of Clackmannan, also belonging to the said capt. Robert Taylour. [Ibid. p. 394.]
	Docquet of the warrant for a privy seal of Scotland appointing John Ross of Nuck to be storemaster-general and keeper of all arms, ammunition [etc.] in Scotland, at a salary of 2000 merks. [Ibid. p. 395.]
	Warrant for a letter of remission under the great seal of Scotland, forgiving capt. John Crawford all accession to the slaughter of Roger Dun and Hugh Howalson, in August, 1688. [Ibid. p. 396.]
	Royal warrants to the Treasury of Scotland to pay £200 to Mr. William Carstaires, "our chaplain" [ibid. p. 397]: £200 to Robert Pringle, esq., secretary depute, for attending the king at Hampton Court during the absence of the Secretaries of State [ibid. p. 398]: and £50 to the same [ibid. p. 399].
	Commissions to Isaac Francis Petit to be captain lieutenant in the regiment of guards: Daniel Campaign to be lieutenant in major Hepburn's company in lord Portmor's regiment: Charles Maitland to be lieutenant of capt. Campbell's company in col. Ferguson's regiment: James Ferguson to be ensign of col. Ferguson's own company in the same. [Ibid.]
July 4. Canterbury.	Warrant to chief justice Holt and Sir Cha. Hedges, judge of the Admiralty Court: reciting that John Hales, concerned in piracy, has been very instrumental in the convictions of some pirates lately tried at a sessions of the High Court of Admiralty at the Old Bailey: and directing him to be inserted in the next general pardon for the poor convicts of Newgate, without condition of transportation. [S.P.44. 350. p. 89.]
July 4. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. His Majesty having received yesterday an account of the prisoners lately condemned for piracy, in order to deter others thinks it would be of use that some of these criminals after execution should be hung up in chains in proper places on the banks of the river. If convenient you are to give orders accordingly. [S.P.44. 204. p. 277.]
	The same to the Commissioners of Trade. The king is informed that lord Bellomont has represented that a great part of our naval stores might be supplied from the plantations in the northern parts of America, that are now brought at a dearer rate by the Eastland trade. These considerations are to be laid forthwith before the lords justices, with your opinion. (Cal. S.P., America & W. Indies, 1700, No. 609.) [S.P.44. 101. p. 136.]
July 7. Dublin.	Jo. Methuen to [James Vernon]. I have yours of the 25th past, in which I see your kindness and concern for me. I am the more easy in my own thoughts, because, whatever the king's resolutions are or the success may be, I believe my friends must approve my conduct. You seem with reason to be in some uneasiness to be alone Secretary, at a time when the prospect of affairs looks very angrily and I fear will be very troublesome in the next session. What were to be wished for you is that a person of quality, capacity, and interest, were named; which seems only what can render your continuance in your employment both necessary and easy to you. It may be such a person is hard to find, and my notion is that when a subject not proper should be Secretary you will be more uneasy than you are now.
	My son at Lisbon will rejoice to think that he is again under your care. His circumstances are very hard in the court of Portugal, and I enclose a copy of his last letter to lord Jersey for fear you should not have it. You will see his diligence and the exact account he gets of matters there and gives at home, whilst he sees the great advantage the ministers of France have in any court. This appears very hard to a young man who thinks his diligence and care could some way merit and distinguish himself. But in truth his task is much harder than he knows, because his Majesty is more engaged in honour to preserve measures with the king of Portugal by private letters, which I transacted directly with that king, by his Majesty's command, without communicating to my son or to any minister of Portugal. I am sure I need not request you to do what you can that he may have some light what the king would have him do, and that the king may be informed of his conduct in this matter.
	I have been here engaged in keeping up the spirits of the English, to prevent their despairing of the public safety. The trustees carry everything very high, and having settled very large fees, for all that claim, to pay, which seems to be no way the intent of the Act, they are now contriving to make all persons think it necessary to claim their own estates. I have not time to explain it to you this post, but you may judge by this instance: that if any person forfeiting was tenant to an Englishman of any part of his estate, this Englishman must put in his claim to his inheritance or lose it.
	But the difficulty I have had for fourteen days past hath been the trustees' pretence that the king must lose all his ancient quit-rents and Crown rents, out of all forfeited estates, until they are by them sold and granted, when only the future rents shall be paid. This is a great article, and the trustees have used all means to have the Commissioners of the Revenue here submit this to their judicature.
	I hope yesterday to have found and executed an expedient that will put an end to the dispute here, which was come very high. As I have hitherto kept the Commissioners of the Revenue in the right, without submitting the king's affairs to the trustees, I will give you a more particular account next post and let you know my success. The more you shall be informed of what passes here, the less reason you will see for anyone to desire the conduct of affairs here; unless he were willing to give up the dependance of this kingdom.
	I have seen Mr. Harrison and assured him of the utmost service I can do him. The matter of his recommending the particular commissaries is very difficult. I have disposed lord Galway as much as possible. But the thing is rather to be gained by management, when there happens particular occasion, upon every vacancy (of which I have great hopes), than to try in general to have that liberty of recommending settled. I will watch all occasions, and do more for him than I dare promise him.
	I do not mention anything of Scotland, hoping to hear in a day or two what passed on the fourth, and what effect this change of Darien hath in people's minds.
	[P.S.] I cannot forbear telling you that I made an end yesterday of the sittings in Chancery, the judges beginning their circuits tomorrow morning; and in three weeks just I have heard and despatched every cause depending in the Court of Chancery, and left not one motion unanswered. Notwithstanding I found threescore causes in arrear, besides many rehearings. I have indeed kept all the counsel in town and sat almost all day long, but have the satisfaction of seeing everybody satisfied. [Endorsed] Ld. Chancellor of Ireland. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 1–2.]
July 8. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. I send several papers received this morning from lord Jersey's office, containing the examinations of the nine prisoners lately brought from Boston by rear-admiral Benbow, and the accounts of the effects belonging to pirates sent home by lord Bellomont, with other papers giving an account of Kid's crew, and the agreement he made with them at New York. These are all the papers I find in lord Bellomont's packets that relate to pirates and their effects.
	"List of the papers enclosed": [see Cal. S.P., America & W. Indies, No. 466, XI-XV, and No. 354, XI-XVIII.]
	The same to the Treasury. I have the king's commands from Margate that Mrs. Simons, widow of the late clerk of the works at Hampton Court, be continued in the house she lived in in her husband's time, and that the present clerk have the house, in the same yard, that was inhabited by Mr. Cooper. [S.P.44. 101. p. 135.]
July 10. Dublin.	Jo. Methuen to [J. Vernon]. I have two letters of the 2nd and 4th inst. My son's equipage money would never have been obtained but for your kind importunity. I must still desire you to speak to Mr. Boyle and Mr. Hill that a favourable order may be despatched presently, since they have the king's direction.
	It is a great satisfaction that his Majesty accepts my endeavours to serve him here, and whilst I have that honour and think myself capable of doing him real service I am sure I will do it heartily without any other view. I must confess the present temper of his best subjects and servants here is such that I doubt whether any one else can do him the service I shall endeavour to do. When I say this my vanity cannot well be suspected, for it will be attended with that difficulty, uneasiness, and hazard to myself, which would make some others decline it.
	I hope to have found a temper [i.e. a compromise] that the trustees will suffer the king to receive the quit-rents, until they can lay the doubt before Parliament. As soon as it is over I shall at more leisure give you an exact account. In the meantime you will judge to what heighth the trustees were come by the enclosed letter to the Commissioners of the Revenue.
	If col. William Burk be in the circumstances he puts himself in, the king's licence to come into England is not sufficient for him to come into Ireland; but he must have a licence under the great seal of Ireland, which he will never obtain here from the Council unless he have the king's particular order. For the matter of wearing arms, he will hardly get more than the liberty to wear a sword himself; which is as much as those in his case have ever had fairly.
	You will be long before this out of your pain for your son and daughter Harrison, who were forced to come to Holyhead, and who are safe and well here. [Endorsed] Ld. Chancellor of Ireland.
	[Copy of the trustees' letter to the Commissioners of the Revenue.]
	Chichester House. 3 July, 1700. Gentlemen, your letter of 29th ult. is now before us, and we wonder who could advise you that to appear in a court to argue against its jurisdiction is to admit it, or that you should esteem it a derogation to his Majesty's rights to have argued in a court erected by his authority, with the consent of his parliament, when his rights are every day determined in his ordinary courts of justice. We are the king's court, constituted by parliament to raise money which is appropriated to his use and benefit, and we think it much misbecoming his Majesty's servants to distinguish him from the public, or to surmise that it's giving up his right to suffer it to be debated whether he has consented to dispose of his quit-rents, for the payment of his own and the nation's debts.
	We observe you have treated us more like a board subject to your directions, than a court that can order yourselves and all your advisers to obey their summons; otherwise you would not have been surprised that we expected your attendance, nor have proposed to have met us at a third place to discourse of matters subject to our own jurisdiction: but we must inform you that it's a derogation to his Majesty's honor (which you would be thought to vindicate) to suffer this matter to be debated anywhere but before us.
	We think it proper to acquaint you that we have proceeded in this matter with all possible caution; for though, upon perusal of the Act, it seemed very clear to us that the lands during our possession are discharged of quit-rents, yet we came to no resolution therein till we had given you an opportunity to offer your objections, and appointed you a time to appear before us for that purpose with the king's counsel. But you have contemned our authority and have refused to offer your reasons for it in such a manner as is usual in all courts, but by his Majesty's servants ought more particularly to be observed to a court so constituted. And therefore to prevent the misunderstanding you speak of, we require you to lay before us an account of all the quit-rents, Crown rents, and cheifries, that are collected out of the forfeited estates since Nov. 2nd last, and that no more be demanded without our leave: and herein, if you think we exceed the power given us, we are ready to accept your plea to our jurisdiction, and to have it agreed before us which is the proper method for applying in such cases to a court.
	We are [&c.] Jno. Isham. Fra. Annesley. J. Baggs. Hen. Langford. T. Harrison. John Trenchard. John Cary. James Hooper. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 3–6.]
July 11. Dublin Castle.	The lords justices of Ireland to Secretary Vernon. Having received commands, signified by lord Jersey, for a noli prosequi to be entered on a late indictment for high treason now depending against Sir Lawrence Esmond, bart., we thought fit to advise thereupon with his Majesty's counsel and the lord chancellor, who all apprehending it may not be very proper at this juncture to issue such orders, while the indictment is liable to be prosecuted by the trustees, we enclose a copy of lord Jersey's letter with copies of the previous proceedings on Sir Lawrence's petition to his Majesty, whereby the whole case may appear before you, which we conceive should be further considered, and therefore intend to forbear any proceedings till we receive further direction.
	We have your letter of 25th ult., intimating lord Jersey's having resigned the seals. [Signed] Berkeley, Gallway. [Endorsed] R. 19 July, 1700.
	[i] Copy of Sir Lawrence Esmond's petition to the king [Cal. S.P. Dom. 14 Nov. 1699].
	[ii] Copy of a letter, Dublin Castle, 16 May, 1700, from lord Berkeley and lord Galway (lords justices of Ireland) to lord Jersey, Secretary of State, transmitting the report of the attorneygeneral of Ireland on Sir Lawrence Emond's petition.
	[iii] Copy of the report, 8 May, 1700, of Rob. Rochfort [attorney-general of Ireland] to the lords justices of Ireland [to the effect following], viz.:
	In obedience to your reference to me, dated 14 March ult., upon the petition of Sir Lawrence Esmond, bart., preferred to his Majesty, and by the earl of Jersey, transmitted to you, I have examined the petition. For proof of his allegations the petitioner produced several certificates, viz., from the high sheriff and grand jury of co. Wicklow of March 18 ult., and from the justices and chief inhabitants of co. Wicklow of the same date: two certificates from co. Wexford, dated March 22 ult.: two certificates from co. Catherlogh, dated April 1st ult., that the late Sir Lawrence Esmond of Clonegall, co. Carlow, died before the late troubles, leaving the now Sir Lawrence his eldest son and heir, then a minor of tender years, and that about the beginning of the late troubles the now Sir Lawrence, being not above the age of 12 years, was sent into France for his education by the hon^ble. col. Richard Butler, his grandfather and brother to the late duke of Ormond, and that he did not return to this kingdom till after the surrender of Limerick, and that neither he nor his father was concerned in the late rebellion.
	The petitioner produced four affidavits of Barbara Esmond, widow, William Tobyn, John Esmond and James Neal, gentlemen, that the petitioner was born at Clonegall, alias Huntington, in the county of Catherlogh, in December, 1676, and that his father died Sept. 3, 1688; and that the petitioner was in March, 1689, sent into France for schooling by his grandfather col. Richard Butler, and by his son Walter Butler, who sent for the petitioner to Barbara Esmond's house in November and December, 1689, and she went with Sir Lawrence to col. Butler's house, in co. Tipperary, and left him with his grandfather about the beginning of March, 1689.
	The petitioner has also produced the affidavit of col. Walter Butler of Montfin, co. Wexford, of March 25 ult., who deposes that the now Sir Lawrence never raised, or headed any company against their Majesties and was never in any office against them: that about March or April, 1689, Sir Lawrence was (by his relations purposely for his education and to shun the inconveniencies of war then raging in this kingdom) sent into France, and the deponent's cause of knowledge is that Sir Lawrence always dwelt in his neighbourhood, and the deponent is one of his feoffees in trust.
	The petitioner obtained her late Majesty's pass to return, dated March 21, 1691–2, and landed at Harwich, Nov. 15, 1692, as appears by the affidavit of John Butler, sworn Feb. 21, 1692–3. Soon after the petitioner came into this kingdom, and on 6 Feb. 1692, took the oath of allegiance.
	I find that a former petition, preferred in behalf of the petitioner to her late Majesty, that a stop might be put to proceedings upon an indictment of high treason, was referred on 4 Oct., 1692, to the then lord lieutenant to report: and Sir Richard Levynge, then solicitor-general, reported on 16 Feb. 1692, mentioning that in pursuance of her Majesty's order he directed a stop of process on the indictment and that a supersedeas was ordered.
	The petitioner has produced another subsequent petition to his Majesty, praying a noli prosequi on the several indictments, which was referred to the then lord lieutenant by order, March 28, 1692–3, of the earl of Nottingham, then Secretary of State.
	By order of the Court of Exchequer May 31, 1693, an amoveas manus was directed to issue to several sheriffs, and was issued to co. Wexford, whereby the petitioner came into that part of his estate, and has continued in the possession thereof, and I am assured that the petitioner has ever since behaved dutifully.
	On Feb. 5, 1697, the petitioner gave security before Sir Richard Pyne, now Chief Justice of the King's Bench, to be of good behaviour for a year, according to the late Act of Parliament relating to such as went into France during the late troubles.
	On March 18 ult. I desired the commissioners for managing the forfeitures &c., to consider the papers to me referred, and to give me what account they could relating thereto. They by letter, April 22 ult., acquainted me that a commission on the statute of foreign treasons being sped in June last in this city by directions of the government, Mr. Daniel Garey, and some others he procured, did give in examinations to the jury against Sir Lawrence Esmond, whereupon the indictment was found against him; which examinations (as they are informed) are annexed to the indictment, and they sent me a copy of a letter to them from Mr. Garey of April 10 ult. with the papers sent them.
	I find there are several examinations taken on oath of persons who swear that Sir Lawrence was an ensign in the late lord McCashell's regiment in France, in the Irish army, and continued in that station near two years; on which examinations the bill of indictment was found.
	Sir Lawrence has produced the affidavit of Edward Scott, of April 23 ult., who swears that one who goes by the name of Major Garey, being at the deponent's house at The Globe tavern in Dublin about November last, in company of lieut. John Walsh and the deponent, said that he knew the deponent had money to command and that if the deponent would give him 200 guineas he would get Sir Lawrence acquitted. The deponent answered that Sir Lawrence would not give him 200 pence and did not value the worst Garey could do. And the petitioner has produced another affidavit by Darby Long, esq., to the like effect.
	It also appears by certificate from Daniel Wybrants, deputy clerk of the Crown, of 2 May inst., that he does not find any person indicted or outlawed by the name of Sir Lawrence Esmond, senior, but that Sir Lawrence Esmond of Ballytrammon, co. Wexford, stands indicted as of Michaelmas term, 4 W. & M., for high treason, on which process was superseded by order of Feb. 7, 1692.
	I certify that in obedience to your Excellencies' order of March 16 ult., requiring me to stop proceedings on the indictment therein mentioned, I accordingly stopped them. Upon the whole case I am of opinion that the petitioner is a proper object of his Majesty's grace and favour. [Endorsed] Attorney-general of Ireland's report upon Sir Lawrence Esmond's petition. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 7–20.]
July 11. Whitehall.	'To Mr. Chetwynd.' The Indian ladies began to make their appearance at the Ring in Hyde Park; and I believe will look like other folks in a year or two more.
	We have three new matches on the anvil. Lord Macclesfield is courting the daughter and heiress of Will Harberd, the paymaster, who died on his embassy to Turkey. They say she will have £16,000. Mr. Chaplain's pretty niece, who went to your church (Stonehurst, I think her name was), is contracted to a gent of £3000 p. annum; and Mrs. Shorter, granddaughter to Lady Phillips (I suppose you have seen her at our house), is to be married to Mr. Walpoole, (fn. 5) of £2000 p. annum. Thus the world goes.
	Lord Kingston is going to France, and Mannering with him. It will soon appear if the latter of these or Harry Boyle sits nearest to the heart of your lady Windham. She carries matters so swimmingly between both that we may be at a loss in our guesses.
	To-day has appeared in print (by the help of Baldwin) (fn. 6) the famous treaty for the division of the Spanish monarchy. It will afford you an afternoon's entertainment in politic reflections: and for the ordinary occurrences here the paper which accompanies this will give you some small extracts from Post Boys.
	The changes on the king's going for Holland are not near so many as we expected. Lord Jersey (you know) has the White Staff, and the office becomes him as if it had been made for him. His lodgings at the Cockpit are fitting up. Sir John Stanley continues under him, for Mr. Prior is otherwise provided for, being made one of our Council of Trade in the place of Mr. Lock, who resigned by reason of age and infirmities. My lord has disposed of his hereditary employment of knight marshal in favour of Mr. Philip Meadows. I suppose the inducement may have been near£5,000, which is part of the purchase my lord has lately made for £15,600 of an estate and house in Sussex, which formerly belonged to Sir Nich: Crisp.
	The earl of Romney (as first lord of the bedchamber) has succeeded lord Portland as groom of the stole, and has attended his Majesty to Holland. The others are lord Arran, lord Selkirk, and lord Essex, whom the king took at his word when he only thought to make a compliment in offering his service. The earl of Carlisle is come into the bedchamber, and is very well approved of.
	Lord Romney is likely to sell his house at Greenwich to the duke of Ormond.
	We shall have no Secretary of State (except Mr. Vernon) till the king's return; and then we suppose lord Lexington will be the man.
	The king got well to Holland in 26 hours, and has lost the pain he complained of at his stomach.
	The lords justices begun to act yesterday.
	Lord Ranelagh is made intendant of the king's buildings and gardens as lord Portland was, and begins his directions by a terrass of 1,900 foot along the Thames, to begin from the bowling green at Hampton Court. The water gallery comes down.
	The privy purse is not yet disposed of. Some think lord Grantham will have it, others little Sir John Sayer. [Endorsed in pencil] Newsletter from Stepney Collection. [S.P. 32. 12. ff. 50–51.]
July 12. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Monsr. Marmande. I have yours of 16th inst. N.S. I am glad to hear that there is like to be a repeal of the prohibition of foreign manufactures; but, when that is done, I can't tell how this new duty of 15 p. cent. will accommodate us.
	I suppose lord Jersey may have concerned himself to procure a letter from the elector of Bavaria to the king of Spain; in behalf of capt. Pincarton and about twenty Scotchmen more, who went with those who first settled at Darien. These men were employed in a sloop to try to go among the islands and to get provisions for the colony in exchange of their goods, but had the misfortune to be driven by stress of weather or the defects of their ship towards the coast of Cartagena, where they were taken prisoners; and some of them have been sent to Spain, and as it is said are there condemned to die. His Majesty is very desirous that these men should be spared and be sent home; which perhaps would be no disservice to the Spaniards, since such an execution may be long kept in remembrance: and, as they are come to an agreement with the whole colony that they should return home, it may be a very proper time to shew an act of generosity towards these few of their companions; who may be said to be within the benefit of the treaties, which provides security for those who are forced on a coast by stress of weather, though otherwise there is to be no commerce with them. Capt. Pincarton is a man of a very good family in Scotland, so that a kindness shewn to him may not be lost, and severity may meet with unforeseen returns.
	I believe the king will again interpose in this matter. The Secretary of Scotland intends to desire it by this post; but, since any delay may put it beyond remedy, I wish you could so represent it to the ministers there that they would write to Spain, and at least get the execution of these men deferred till their case has been further considered. Copy. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 52–53.]
July 12. Dublin.	M[ichael] Harrison to [James Vernon]. I presume you are not unacquainted with the character of the bearer, capt. Bellew, the occasion and manner of his coming into the king's service, which was most remarkable to his advantage. He is the only protestant of his family. He lately had the king's letter for a company, which has not succeeded as he desired, and begs you to favor him, he having, besides his being broken out of the army, suffered extremely by the commission of forfeitures. He leaves his merit to the character of many in London that have known him all the war. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 21–22.]
July 13. [Whitehall.]	Post warrant to Mr. Richard Gregson, to Lowther in Westmorland. [S.P.44. 387. p. 185.]
July 13. Dublin Castle.	Lord Galway to Mr. Vernon. I have been unable to write since Mr. Harrison's arrival in consequence of a severe attack of gout, the first I have ever had. I am beginning to walk, and I hasten to assure you that I will do what I can for Mr. Harrison during the short time in which I can be of service.
	I have had a letter from Lloid informing me of his return. For three years I have been unable to find him a job, and I shall be very glad if there is a chance of doing so in the next two or three months. I have received your letter of the 4th inst. and that of the king. French. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 23–24.]
July 15.	Report to the king of Sir Charles Hedges, judge of the Admiralty Court, upon the petition of captain William Passenger, commander of H.M.S. Shoreham. The petitioner, cruising between Start Point and Cape La Hague on July 16, 1699, took possession of a forsaken ship, The King David, and sent her into Dartmouth. Thereupon a monition was taken out of the Admiralty Court to call all to shew cause why the ship and goods should not be condemned to your Majesty as a derelict and a perquisite of Admiralty. Upon return of the monition the ship and lading were claimed by Paul Vogt and others of Christiana in Norway, subjects of the king of Denmark. Upon a hearing the claim was established. The Court ordered ship and goods to be restored to the claimers, but ordered one eighth of the value thereof to be paid for salvage to your Majesty by the claimers. The petitioner has been at some charges in bringing in this ship, but the certain sum does not appear; however it is my opinion he may hope for the salvage. [Signed] C. Hedges. [Endorsed] Sir Ch. Hedges report upon capt. Passenger's petition for a grant of salvage. [Enclosure] Capt. Passenger's petition, referred to Sir Charles Hedges by order, signed Ja. Vernon, dated Whitehall, July 1st, 1700. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 54–57.]
July 16. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the mayor of Dartmouth. I have yours of the 9th inst., with the affidavit of Edward Weymouth. If he can give any further account of the two pirate ships at Newfoundland, he should send it, particularly if any of that crew informed him whence their ships were fitted out, and of what country they are, whether English or a mixture, and by whom commanded. I don't doubt that the lords justices will send the letter [etc.] to the Admiralty, that these men may be apprehended. [S.P.44. 101. p. 137.]
	Caveat that no pardon or noli prosequi pass for Hugh Appleby, of Plumpton in Yorkshire, without notice to Mr. John Carpenter, attorney-at-law, at his chamber at New Inn, London, on behalf of Mr. Tho. Dodson. [S.P.44. 74. p. 11.] He assaulted one of the king's collectors of taxes in Lancashire. [S.P.44. 75. p. 7.]
July 16. Dublin.	M[ichael] Harrison to [James Vernon]. When we received your letter of the 6th my wife and I were a little way out of town, and were more pleased with the entertainment you sent us than any we can meet with. My wife continues very well, though she has a little transgressed orders, in eating fruit; and, since we have such plenty of good wine, I hope there will be no temptation to venture on malt drink, which is the only danger I apprehend.
	My lord chancellor was pleased this day to send for me to dine with him; where, after dinner, I had an opportunity to return him thanks for speaking to lord Galway and to acquaint him what discourse I had with lord Galway, and his answer; which suited altogether to my lord chancellor's opinion, that the government never would give such a thing out of their hands, but when an opportunity happened he would be my friend, and that they would have a regard to my recommendation, and put no one in without letting me know in time. I assured his lordship I was satisfied.
	My father is now in the country with Sir Ed. Seymour, and I hope, by the progress already made, his affair with him will come to a very good end. Sir Edward seems mightily inclined to root out the Scotch in his estate, and discourages both them and their religion.
	Mr. Palmer has made an end with Mr. Poultney, and is acquitted by everyone, very much to his honor.
	I beg pardon for a letter I lately writ by one capt. Bellew, which I would not have done but by his importunity. I humbly beg you to present my duty to my mother and service to my sister: your most obedient son and humble servant M. Harrison.
	[P.S.] My wife, being engaged all this day in visiting, begs pardon for not answering the favour of your last. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 25–26.]
July 19. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. I have this day received the enclosed letters from capt. Tibbot and capt. Ellis, who have brought home some of the pirates from Virginia, which were taken by the Shoreham. They are coming for the river, and desire to know how the prisoners are to be disposed of; which you will give directions about.
	[Memo.] Capt. Richard Tibbott's letter, dated in the Downs, July 18, gave an account that by the governor of Virginia's order he took in 4 prisoners, taken by the Shoreham, to transport them to England. One died by the way.
	Capt. Edwd. Ellis's letter, dated on the Gloucester in the Downs, July 17, gave an account that by the governor of Virginia's order he received 4 pirates, viz. Abraham de Rochell, Peter Misigino, François Sone and Oliver Sylvester. [S.P.44. 204. p. 282.]
July 20.	"The method of a scheme mentioned in a precept to the auditor of the imprest, and to the clerk of the pells, dated the 20th of July, 1700;" being the heading a blank form divided into 13 columns, viz.: (1) times when issued [and] name of each respective paymaster: (2) dates of the orders of the lords of the Treasury: (3) dates of the privy seals: (4) in money: (5) in tallies: (6) in Exchequer bills: (7) in lottery or malt tickets: (8) in bank-bills: (9) what funds: (10) after what sums payable: (11) rate of interest allowed: (12) number of orders: (13) dates of tallies. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 58–60.]
July 20. Whitehall.	Post warrant to Mr. Joseph Richards from [London] to Portsmouth and Maidstone. [S.P.44. 387. p. 185.]
July 20. Dublin.	Jo. Methuen to [James Vernon]. I received yesterday two letters of 11th and 13th. We are here very quiet, endeavouring the carrying on the king's service and preserving in his friends some hope of overcoming the present ill prospect of affairs.
	The matter of Scotland concerns us very nearly, and therefore is the subject of thoughts daily; and by very good hands from Edinburgh I am assured of the ill humour the people are in, and the king's friends being more and more alienated; but that this will not proceed to extremity, because of the danger that will attend the persons who are the heads of the party; but that all the ill effects must be expected without coming to open extremity. This is only what I hear, but what I am certain of is that by many, and often messengers very proper for that purpose, our people in the north have been tried to be engaged with their friends in Scotland. But after great consideration all things of that kind have been unanimously refused, and all our most violent people there have been very discreet on this occasion; and this has been now carried so far as to take all hope from their friends in Scotland of any correspondence in this matter. I [have] been obliged in this to the interest I have preserved in the dissenters; by favouring whom, as far as reason will allow, I have attained such a confidence as to be able to do more in governing them than can be done by rigour.
	I am obliged for all your news, but especially what concerns the king's health. The thoughts of his danger are so terrible that I came from England very uneasy.
	For Mr. Harrison I find him very discreet, and shall endeavour to keep him in a good opinion of my intentions for his service. What at present we labour is that he become entire master of his business, that he behave himself so in it as to gain the confidence of the government: and then I dare promise he shall have more than strict right. I have satisfied him that in his pretention to recommend commissaries under him there is a great deal to hope from lord Galway and others, not by any settlement, of which the thing is not capable, but by improving his interest.
	I beg your care of the enclosed to my son, who will hope your favour, even when you do not remain in his province. The French were willing the treaty should be known, but desired what they endeavoured with the king of Portugal should be a secret: and I doubt whether the envoy know how far the king, his master, will be engaged with France in this matter.
	[P.S.] I can now assure you that my expedient has gained our point with the trustees, who now acquiesce in it; and we remain in possession of the king's quit-rents, and have thereby avoided the worst point of dispute on the whole Act, of which I am not a little proud; being forced to take the whole thing upon myself, a little contrary to the mind of both the lords justices. [Endorsed] Ld. Chancellor of Ireland. 20 July. R. 26. 1700. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 27–28.]
July 20. [Dublin.]	[Mrs.] Mary Harrison to [James Vernon]. Honrd Father I have reseved tow of your letter I should have geven you thanks last post had I not bing ingagead a broad all the neues wee have heare is a duel betwixt my lord Shalborn and Courenel Cuningame wich has a occasiond anagreement of a law suite be tuext them. Wee get ynto our house nex week I will indever to aqueat my self hear as weel as I cane. I am glad my Brother nedey (fn. 7) is like to be in no dangar. I ame glad you have time to go to hadly and to heare you are well. My father is stele in the counetre. My mother gives har serves to you and Mr. Harreson his humble duty. I remane your most Duty full Dotter Mary Harrison. [Ibid. ff. 29–30.]
July 21. [Whitehall.]	Post warrant to capt. William Berry and capt. Cha: Howard, to Chester. [S.P.44. 387. p. 185.]
July 22. [Whitehall.]	Warrant to apprehend Edwd. Adams,— Horn, — Kenedy, John Prendergast, and William O'Bryan, for treason; for having been in the French king's dominions and returning without licence. [S.P.44. 349. p. 131.]
	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. I have this day received the enclosed from capt. Aldred, which I send to you that he may have directions.
	Memo. Capt. Aldred's letter, was dated the Essex prize, in the Downs, July 20, and gave an account that since his last to Mr. Secretary he had received the commander of the pirates, Louis Gita [Guitter], which makes the number on board him 26.
	Memo. 24 July. Mr. Hopkins wrote to Mr. Burchett enclosing two letters to be laid before the lords of the Admiralty for their directions. (1) Hen. Hooke, Royal Citadel, Plymouth, 21 July, to Mr. Secretary, that the Roger & James of Plymouth was arrived from Virginia, and delivered to his custody 4 French pirates, viz. Charles Demoone, Peter Proye, Michael Daniell, and Nicholas Vinegar, and he desires directions. (2) The captain of the George of Plymouth, 19 July, to Mr. Secretary, that he had brought from Virginia Lewis Guitter, captain of the French pirate taken by the Shoreham, and had delivered him to the governor of Plymouth: the said captain was since put on board the Essex prize: that the governor and council of Virginia told him that Mr. Secretary would order him a gratuity for his great hazard and care in securing the said captain. [S.P.44. 204. pp. 283–4.]
July 22. Rigsby.	Tho. Jackson to Henry, bishop of London, at Fulham. There was brought before me, as a justice for the county of York, John Smith, who pretends to be a near relation of your lordship by the mother's side. He confesses he was introduced to begging by one Timothy Crone and James Crone, whose father and his wife are the parents of Matthew Crone, (fn. 8) who was tried for plotting against the king nine years ago before lord chief justice Holt and the rest of the judges; and now his father goes under the name of capt. Crow, and the family hopes a change of government, and does much mischief by pretending and making use of your name and lord Cutts'. They now lodge in Hedge Lane, over against the Sun near Great Drury Lane in St. Giles, and I hope your lordship will take all the care imaginable for their discovery. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 61–62.]
	The same to Sir Salath: Lovell, recorder of London, in Baseing Hall Street. There was brought before me one John Smith and Edward Lark for robbery. I committed them to gaol. They confessed they were introduced by Timothy Crone and James his brother, together with their father and mother, who are the parents of Matthew Crow who was tried for high treason. They confess they have a secret design to destroy the city by fire. The parties having broke gaol I inform you of such felons and incendiaries, that a speedy search may be made. [Ibid. ff. 63–64.]
July 23. Loo.	Warrant for a privy seal for an assignment to Nicholas Brady, D.D., one of the king's chaplains in ordinary, of a debt of £2572 2s. 9½d. (Treas. Cal. XV, 421.) [S.O.8. 27. No. 40.]
July 23. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. I send an extract of a letter that came by the last post from Mr. Stanhope, envoy extraordinary at The Hague, giving an account of the notice he had from the Moscovite ambassador of the orders that the Czar had given to his admiraltys to treat H.M. subjects with all manner of humanity and kindness; and that he hoped for the same proofs of H.M. friendship towards him. The lords justices direct you to intimate to Sir George Rooke the great regard the Czar had shewn to H.M. in issuing the above orders, and, H.M. being very much disposed to correspond with him in all acts of friendship, that Sir George be ordered to treat the subjects of the Czar with the like civility. [S.P.44. 204. p. 286.]
	The same to the same. The king directs you to take the petitioner into consideration for further employment in the navy upon the first opportunity. [Enclosed] The petition of John Phillips, late assistant to the surveyor of the navy, setting forth that he has been bred in the service of the navy, and during the late war assisted the late surveyor. He has declined foreign services, for which great advantages have been offered him, to withdraw him from his country and H.M. service. [S.P.44. 204. p. 288.]
July 23. Custom House, London.	Jno. Sansom to John Ellis, secretary to Mr. Secretary Vernon. Concerning the French vessel stopped at Dover with brandy, the commissioners are not satisfied by the examination of Green, whose name they have frequently heard of for illegal practices. They are informed by their solicitor that he is now under process of contempt, and they have the attorney-general's opinion. They are obliged to insist, but the master may proceed with his vessel.
	The report concerning the port of Penryn may be finished before the rising of the Board. If it be, I will send Mr. Secretary a copy. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 65–66.]
July 23. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the lords justices of Ireland. The lords justices approve your reasons for not proceeding according to the former directions in the case of Sir Lawrence Esmond, till it has been further considered. Copy. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 31–32: S.P.44. 101. p. 137.]
	Post warrant to John Jefferson, esq., and Mr. Henry Harrison, to Holyhead. [S.P.44. 387. p. 185.]
	Grant of the next almsman's place in Gloucester cathedral to Robt. Feild, seaman, disabled when serving on H.M.S. Oxford, Dec. 20, 1695. [S.O.8. 27. No. 41.]
	Grant of the next almsman's place in Carlisle cathedral to Edward Haines of Carlisle, formerly a soldier in the service of Charles II. [Annexed.] Certificates of the dean and chapter of Carlisle, the mayor, recorder, and others. [S.O.8. 27. No. 42.]
July 25. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. I send two more letters giving an account of the arrival of some of the pirates in the river. One I received this morning from the lord chamberlain, the other from capt. Aldred this afternoon. I believe you have already given orders for bringing up the men.
	Memo. The letter to lord Jersey was from capt. Bellingham West of the Bristow of London, dated Gravesend, July 24, stating that he has three of the pirates taken at Virginia and desiring they may be fetched.
	Capt. Aldred's letter to Mr. Secretary was dated Sheerness, July 24, giving an account of his arrival there, and that the pirates were still on board. [S.P.44. 204. p. 285.]
July 25. Whitehall.	The same to capt. Aldred. I have yours of the 24th, I had a former letter from you, which I sent to the Admiralty, to whom it belongs to give orders for securing persons accused of piracy. [Ibid. p. 286.]
July 25.	Hugh McDonald, examined, says he was born at Madrid. He was never in France till after the peace: then, having occasion to go into Spanish Flanders to see a relation, intending to take shipping at Gravesend as soon as he could, the first ship that presented was bound to Boulogne, where he embarked himself, rather than spend too much time at Gravesend. He had previously lived in the service of the lady Lanesborough, the earl of Dorset's sister, and never was in arms since the king's coming into England. He had no acquaintance with Cary till he saw him at Ostend, on his return from Flanders to England. Finding him in a low condition, he and other passengers assisted him and brought him to England, and since he has had little correspondence with him, not thinking it for his credit so to do. [Note] Mr. Mathewsan, upholsterer in Green Street: Mr. Auret, a distiller near the Admiralty: Mr. Robinson in Berry St.: Mr. Vernati in Ax-Yard. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 67–68.]
	Warrant of James Vernon, Secretary of State, to Henry Allen. Whereas William Miniter and Michael Harold have voluntarily given informations upon oath against several popish priests for exercising their functions here, and have since withdrawn themselves and refused to give evidence, you are to search for Miniter and Harold and seize them. [In the margin.] The like warrant directed to Henry Legat, 21 May, 1700. [S.P.44. 349. p. 131.]
July 25. Dublin Castle.	The lords justices of Ireland to Secretary Vernon. We have your letters, and perceive the lords justices of England do not approve the erecting a corporation for managing the barracks in this kingdom, but that the conveyances of the lands given to H.M. or bought by him, whereon the barracks are erected, and the leases of grasing grounds for the horses, should be rather made to the commissioners of the revenue or persons appointed for that purpose. We are advised that where the fee of any ground is to be given or purchased, without any reserved rent to the present proprietors, the conveyance may be made immediately to H.M, but where a yearly rent must be reserved the present proprietors will hardly be induced to make the conveyance in that manner, and should it be made to the chief governors of this kingdom, to the commissioners of the revenue, or to any other commission which may be altered or determined at pleasure, we are advised that such conveyance would be actually void in law, and the case will be the same for leases; so erecting a corporation seemed to us the most effectual, if not the only, method. [Signed] Berkeley, Gallway. [Endorsed] R. 2 Aug. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 33–34.]
July 26. Loo.	The king to the privy council of Scotland. The circumstances of our affairs continue such as will not allow the sitting of parliament on Aug. 13th next, to which it was last adjourned, and, judging it may be necessary we return to Britain before the meeting thereof, we require you to issue a proclamation adjourning parliament to Oct. 22nd next. [S.P.57. 17. p. 400.]
	The king to the same. We heartily wish that the last meeting of parliament had proceeded so as that the kingdom might have been made partakers of those advantages for which our commissioner was so fully instructed. If it had been possible for us to have agreed to the resolve for asserting the right of the African company's colony in America, though that method had appeared to us more unnecessary, yet we had from the beginning readily done it, at the earnest desire of our ministers and for our people's satisfaction, all other considerations set apart, but now that things are much changed (wherein we are truly sorry for the nation's loss) and we being most willing to grant what may be needful for the relief and ease of the kingdom and advancement of its welfare have thought fit to declare this our good mind to all our loving subjects. And, for the company's concerns, we assure you that we will be so ready to concur with parliament in everything that can be reasonably expected of us for aiding their interests and repairing their losses that our good subjects shall have just grounds to be sensible of our hearty inclinations to advance the wealth and prosperity of that kingdom.
	As for captain Pinkertoun and the other prisoners in Spain, we have already, and we hope effectually, interposed for their liberation.
	In the next place, as we fully instructed our commissioner, we are still resolved to pass all such laws as shall be offered for better establishing the true protestant religion and the presbyterian government of the church which you at present enjoy, for the more effectual preventing the growth of popery justly feared, repressing vice and immorality, securing the liberty of men's persons, encouraging trade and manufactures, and generally to assent to such other laws as shall be brought in for further clearing and securing men's civil rights, promoting the administration of justice, and settling the peace and quiet of the kingdom: demanding nothing on our part save what shall be necessary to maintain that kingdom in so happy a settlement against our and their enemies. And this declaration we are confident will be satisfying to all good men, who will certainly be careful both of their own preservation and of the interest and honour of our government, and not suffer themselves to be misled, nor to give any advantage to enemies and ill designing persons; ready to catch hold on every opportunity, as their practices too manifestly witness. Our necessary absence has occasioned the late adjournments; but, as soon as God shall bring us back, we are firmly resolved parliament shall meet, where we again assure all our good subjects nothing shall be wanting on our part that may contribute to their welfare, and this our resolution and declaration we allow you to publish for the satisfaction of all concerned. By H.M. command, Ro. Pringle. [S.P. 57. 17. pp. 401–2.]
July 26. Loo.	Royal warrant to the Treasury of Scotland. We understand that — Dundas of Briestmilne continues to uplift the vacant stipends, by virtue of a commission formerly granted by us to him. We hereby recall the commission and empower you to nominate others for uplifting the stipends. [Ibid. p. 402.]
July 27. Dublin Castle.	The lords justices of Ireland to Secretary Vernon. We have received advice lately from Belfast, and other ports in the north of this kingdom, that for some months considerable numbers of horses, bought up on account of persons in Scotland, have been shipped for that kingdom: and what has made it more remarkable is that, whereas the horses formerly sent into Scotland were for the most part of low price, about £4 or £5, those lately sent are of about £20. We are told that the oats lately transported to Scotland has been mostly in grain, whereas formerly very little was sent otherwise than in meal. We believe it our duty at this juncture to lay [this matter] before the lords justices of England. [Signed] Berkeley, Gallway. [Endorsed] R. 2 Aug. 1700. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 35–36.]
July 29. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. I send you a copy of a letter from the secretary of the East India Company to me, giving notice of three pirates brought home in their ships. I think their pretentions to H.M. mercy are frivolous, and hope you will send your warrant for them.
	[P.S.] Robt. Culliford was one of those that run away with the Mocha frigate, after they had killed capt. Edgecomb. [S.P.44. 204. p. 287.]
July 30.	An inscription, beginning, "Depositum illustrissimi principis Gulielmi ducis Glocestriæ . . . obiit in castro regali apud Windesor xxx^o. die Julii MDCC. Anno ætatis xii^o. ineunte." Printed. [S.P.32. 12. f. 69.]
July 30. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Mr. Edisbury. My son being taken suddenly ill, the packet boat, that Sir Robt. Cotton gave you notice should have carried him to Holland, is not to be made use of, but, Mr. Lyster carrying the letters he should have done to the king, you are to stop the mail till he comes. [S.P.44. 101. p. 137.]
	The same to Mr. Blackborne. I have laid your letter concerning three pirates brought from India in the company's ships before the lords justices. Sir Charles Hedges desires to have the informations, in order to send a warrant. [Ibid. p. 138.]
	The same to Mr. Macky. Francis Bulkeley, a youth of whom a description is herewith, is lately gone away from Westminster school. He may have been seduced to go into some popish seminary abroad. You are to take particular care, if he comes on board any of the packet boats, to have him secured.
	The like to Mr. Edisbury at Harwich, capt. Nash at Gravesend, and to the mayors of Rye and Deal. Description. Mr. Francis Bulkeley, aged about 15, very fair, wore a light coloured suit and a short, light wig, and hath a fresh wound upon his knee, a little below the pan. [S.P.44. 101. p. 138.]
	Warrants to apprehend capt. George Bonan, for suspicion of treason, and — Herrington, alias Etherington. [S.P.44. 349. p. 130.]
July.	Note for the dividend. [S.P.32. 12. f. 70.]