Minute Book: April 1698

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

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'Minute Book: April 1698', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698, (London, 1933) pp. 74-86. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol13/pp74-86 [accessed 21 April 2024]

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April 1698

April 1,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
[Write] to the Exchequer for the names of those who have single estates for life in any of the annuities (whereof the reversions may now be purchased) whereupon any persons may now be contributors.
Mr. Thomas Strickland to be Comptroller of the Lottery Tickets and Sir William Scawen's brother to be considered for the next suitable employment.
A warrant [is ordered] for one year's pension to Christ's Hospital, [amounting to] 370l. 10s. 0d.
Sir John Banks will lend 9000l. into the Exchequer for the Civil List. He is to be repaid out of the first money (after 2000l.) [lent by Lancelot Burton] that shall come in upon the funds to be granted for the Civil List, with such interest as the Act [granting such funds] shall allow.
[Write] to the executors of Dr. Richards to send my Lords a list of the tallies and other effects belonging to the King in their hands as executors.
[Order for the issue of] 6000l. out of loans on the Exchequer to the Victuallers, to wit 3000l. for the [Victualling] course and 3000l. for imprests: and what is saved by them by [discounts on] converting any of this money into [Exchequer] Bills is to be surcharged [on the Victuallers] in their account, for the King's benefit.
[Order for] 2000l. to the Transport Commissioners, out of loans [on the Exchequer in General]; whereof 1000l. [is to be applied] towards bills of exchange and 1000l. for other services. (Ibid, p. 136.)
April 5,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith.
Mr. Hall having yesterday lent 2000l. into the Exchequer is to be repaid the same (according to the date of his tally) out of the first moneys to be given for the Civil List, to wit after 2000l. lent by Lanc[elot] Burton and after 9000l. lent by Sir John Banks; with such interest as the Parliament [will] give upon that fund.
Sir John Banks having lent his 9000l. for the Civil List without the discount of 5 per cent upon the lending, he is to be repaid with interest after the rate of 8 per cent per an. in new money or guineas at the end of one month; but if in the mean time my Lords do allow a discount to others for moneys lent for the Civil List he is to take his payment in course out of the fund [to be granted by Parliament] for the Civil List and to have such allowance of discount as my Lords give to others.
The [Principal] officers of the Mint to be here on Thursday morning.
[Write] to the Navy Commissioners to be here then.
[Write] to Mr. Hook and Mr. Lloyd, his Majesty's judges for Carnarvon and Anglesey, that my Lords desire to speak with them on Thursday morning, if they be not gone upon this circuit; otherwise at their return: to wit on the petition for Sir Bourchier Wray.
[The Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend]. They inform my Lords that the contractors with Colonel Gore for the [Artillery] Train in Flanders, to whom about 15,000l. is due, insist to have money and refuse salt tallies (struck through) for half [the debt] and will take the other half in salt tallies. [Write] to the Earl of Romney [Master General of the Ordnance] acquainting him that by reason the Office of Ordnance had salt tallies in their hands my Lords did think it a particular favour to these contractors to direct their satisfaction even out of those tallies, no provision having been made this session in Parliament for debts of that kind due to these or any other contractors in Flanders; and that my Lords cannot find ready money for this debt or agree to the depositing a greater quantity of tallies to raise ready money for the same as hath been proposed; and are of opinion that when these contractors have further considered the matter they will readily accept these tallies as they have been offered.
Mr. Crumpton is to have free access to the certificate of the Commissioners of the Lottery Tickets by which it appears in what course they [the tickets] are to be paid; and to have a copy or take abstracts thereof at pleasure.
[Write] to Mr. Hall that the fees for taking Mr. Crumpton's security be proportionable to what was paid by Mr. Hutcheson and Mr. Tailor.
Mr. Vernon may lend 1000l. on the fund for the Civil List and receive it again presently on his order for Secret Service.
[Order for] 500l. for Secret Service and 60l. for 'Godard's drops' for the Queen of Sweden: to be issued out of loans [on the Exchequer in General] for the Civil List.
Upon a memorial of his Royal Highness the Prince of Denmark for 85,000l. and interest for resigning the mortgage he had of some part of the Duke of Holstein's territories at his [English] Majesty's desire and upon his Majesty's promise to pay this money; which memorial was read at Kensington 16 March 1697–8 when the King said he could not pay this out of his Civil List money but was very desirous it should be paid by provision to be made in Parliament and that it might [should] be moved [in Parliament] next session; and was read again on 30th March when his Majesty ordered this debt should be stated by privy seal, but for the interest the Treaty in the Secretary [of State's] Office should be seen: the Earl of Nottingham's letter dated 9 July 1689 is this day read at the Board wherein it is contained thus.
"His Majesty having engaged himself to procure the payment of the money due to his Highness or to pay it himself and also in the meantime to satisfy His Highness for the interest of it." thereupon their Lordships order (pursuant to the King's command) that a privy seal be drawn for the said principal and interest.
(Treasury Minute Book X, pp. 137–8.)
April 6,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
[Write] to Mr. Travers to be here on Tuesday morning next with Mr. Morris.
[Write] to the Customs Commissioners and the Attorney and Solicitor General to attend on Friday morning upon a report concerning wines imported from St. Sebastian. Send a copy of the report to the Attorney and Solicitor General.
The Victuallers [attend]: their memorial is read. The minute is [endorsed or margined] upon it concerning interest.
The assessors and collectors in Lombard Street complain they cannot get the Capitation Tax on several persons payable at the Post Office. They must return them [their names] into the Exchequer.
[Order for] 300l. to the Countess of Clancarty out of Secret Service.
The Attorney and Solicitor General to be paid up [their salaries] equally with the Judges.
Mr. Smith is to repair to his employment at Chichester forthwith but the Customs Commissioners are to take care that he be removed to some other place as soon as opportunity presents.
Mr. Buckland's fine is to be 600l. less and to go in part of Mr. Larne's 1000l.
[Order for] 859l. out of loans for the Civil List to be paid as per a list presented by Sir Stephen Fox.
The Victuallers [are ordered to have] 4000l. for imprests and [the Commissioners for] Sick and Wounded 614l. 16s. 6¾d. for the sick and wounded at Gosport: [this latter item to be charged] on the head of Victualling.
If the [late] Contractors for the Hearthmoney do not by this day fortnight plead to issue so as to go to trial according to former direction the process [against them] is to issue. Notice hereof to be sent them. (Ibid, p. 139).
April 7,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Pelham.
The cause between Andrews and Newsham about the Receivership of Warwickshire is to be heard on Tuesday sevennight in the forenoon at 9 a clock. Each party to produce their own witnesses and to have copies of each other's papers that are or shall be delivered in by Tuesday and not afterwards.
The letter to the Victuallers for their cashier to receive and charge himself with interest of 100,000l. is read and approved:
likewise the letter for 160l. to the Earl of Romney and 50l. to Sir Basil Dixwell:
likewise the letter to the Agents [for Taxes] about the tax of the Church at Canterbury.
Sir Thomas Littleton comes in.
My Lords will make a disposition [provision by means of a letter of direction] for 10,000l. [required] in the Treasurer of the Chamber's Office, which [sum] the executors of Dr. Richards promise shall be answered in money, and their account [for the said Richards] shall speedily be made up and the balance answered.
The printer will have 100 [copies of the] Land Tax Act ready by the 12th [inst.] to be sent per the Agents [for Taxes] to the remote counties, and the rest [of the copies shall be ready] for the Agents by the 15th.
The warrants for [paying the salaries of] the Agents for Taxes are to be prepared and paid out of seizures [in course next] after the directions already given [for payments out of the said head of seizures.]
The Navy Commissioners [attend]. Their letter is read with that of the Eastland Merchants insisting to have all the interest due (about 35 per cent.) on their tallies on the Additional Impositions. Mr. Dodington says they will be paid about 6 or 7 years hence.
Dr. Otes to have 30l. upon his pension. (Ibid, p. 140).
April 8,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
[Write] to Lord Edward Russell and Mr. Holbeck to be here on Tuesday morning with the executors of Dr. Richards.
Out of the tallies of loan in the hands of the Earl of Ranelagh there are to be paid the following sums in his Lordship's memorial presented this day, viz:
£ s. d.
for a week's subsistence [to the Forces in England] 8127 15 11
subsistence for Jacobs's Regiment 157 15 7
ditto for Rosse's Dragoons 244 18 10
Seven discharged men of Leveson's Horse 83 9
£8613 19
[Order for the issue to the Earl of Ranelagh for] the Marquess de Puissar of 200l. upon account of his memorial.
The Customs Commissioners [attend] with the Attorney and Solicitor General. The report concerning the wines from St. Sebastian is read. The Commissioners are to try the cause at the King's charge and the Attorney and Solicitor General will advise, (Ibid, p. 141.)
April 12,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
[Write] to Mr. Mathew, the Receiver, to attend my Lords in ten days with the suspected [Exchequer] Bill in his hands and to speak to the collector to come with him.
Mr. Travers [Surveyor General of Crown Lands] thinks that 500l. may be accepted of Mr. Bocland in regard Mr. Newman the steward lately filled up all the estates [by granting leases] almost for five lives and there has been a considerable loss by fire at Shepton Mallett "both since his report or not then known" [at the time of making the said surveyor's report]. My Lords agree to the 500l.
(Treasury Minute Book X, p. 142).
April 13,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: all the five Lords.
Lord Edward Russell [Treasurer of the Chamber attends] with Major Herne and Major Churchill. The latter two will within three days pay over to Lord Edward 10934l. 12s. 4½d. in new money or guineas in part of the balance in their hands as executors for Dr. Richards upon the account between Lord Edward and them. Upon receipt of that money the Treasury Lords will give them a discharge for so much in part of the said balance [standing on said Richards' account as late Treasurer of the Chamber] and the said executors will balance the whole account as soon as possibly they can. My Lords will send a particular [letter of direction for the] distribution of this money to Lord Edward.
[Write] to Mr. Sizar that he bring to-morrow to Mr. L[owndes] the particulars of all the totals in his paper [of demand] for 10934l. 12s. 4½d. And my Lords do order positively that Mr. Chudleigh, the Comptroller, do by himself or by Mr. Vanbrugh his deputy execute the trust reposed in him according to the instructions for his office and that he or his deputy do not intermeddle in the receipt or payment of the money otherwise than by way of cheque or comptroll.
Mr. Sloane produces the privy seal to prove that the 3050l. claimed by Col. Vaughan was a real debt due to him and not a bounty. A report of the whole matter is to be prepared. Set forth the words of the privy seal.
[Order for] 4702l. 12s. 2d. to Mr. Shales in part of his debt: [to be issued] out of a loan to be made by himself for the Civil List.
(Ibid, p. 143).
April 14,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
Mr. Day to have 200l. and the poor of St. Martin's and St. Margaret's parishes 100l. each; out of loans in the Exchequer for the Civil List.
[Write] to the Earl of Ranelagh [to pay as follows] out of the Land Tax tallies in his hands viz.:
£
for a week's subsistence [for the Forces in England] to the 23rd inst 8127 15 11
for 25 discharged men of Leveson's Horse 282 1 0
for 32 discharged men of Langston's Regiment 390 19 0
to Col. Montagu and Col. King on account of their arrears of pay as Captains of the Guards 150l. each 300 0 0
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. Their memorials are read.
The Victuallers [attend]. Their memorial is read.
[Write] to the Agents [for Taxes] to be here to-morrow morning about nominating Receivers.
The Commissioners of Transports [attend]. Their memorial is read.
Samuel Wiseman to be Comptroller of the Malt [Lottery] tickets with the same allowance as the Comptroller for the Million Lottery.
(Ibid, p. 144).
April 15,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
[Write] to the Treasurer of the Chamber to pay (out of the money he receives from the executors of Dr. Richards) the lists this day presented by Mr. Sizer, Deputy Treasurer of the Chamber, which (after the sums disallowed) do amount to —.
In case the present Receiver of North Wales and Cheshire be removed Mr. Peter Pennant is recommended by Sir John Conway, Mr. Thomas Morgan and Mr. Buckley.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer comes in.
The Commissioners for Sick and Wounded [attend]. Their memorial is read. (Ibid, p. 145).
April 18,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: all the five Lords.
The Agents for Taxes [attend]. The person recommended per Mr. Bromley viz. Mr. Thomas Albert is to be Receiver of the Land Tax for Co. Worcester.
The [other] Receivers [for the said Land Tax] are appointed [with] some respits.
Write to Mr. Whitley to attend here to-morrow morning.
(Ibid, p. 146).
April 19,
forenoon. Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: all the five Lords.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. Their memorial is read. (Ibid, p. 147).
eodem die afternoon. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
Mr. Antho. Rowe's letter is read, praying further time.
Henry Baker [is ordered] to write this night to the Sheriff of Suffolk to forbear executing the process against John Salkeld for a fine of 100l. set upon him anno 35 Charles II: and a warrant [is ordered] to acknowledge satisfaction [upon the record of the said fine].
Upon a complaint of Thomas Newsham against John Andrews, Receiver of Taxes in Warwickshire, Mr. Sergt. Wright, Sir B. Shower, and Mr. Montagu appear for Newsham and Mr. Cooper and Mr. Dodd for the Receiver.
[Sergt.] Wright [says] (1) the Receiver has stopped 4d. in the £ from the collectors for himself: (2) he has stopped 1½d. poundage from the Commissioners' clerks and 2d. per £ out of their poundage for himself: (3) he would not receive the hammered money at 5s. 2d. an ounce as the collectors received it: so much of it as he liked well he took at 5s. 1d. an ounce: (4) when the country people brought Exchequer Bills he would not endorse them nor tell them (poor ignorant men) how to indorse them: (5) he had a person that brought Exchequer Bills to him [which had been] never received in [the collection of the] revenue, which he took without endorsements and brought to the Exchequer: he refused Exchequer Bills actually received in the revenue and brought by the collectors and the man of the house (where his receipt was made) procured him Exchequer Bills not taken in the revenue. [Sergt. Wright] avers Rogers is an agent for the Receiver. Those Bills which he refused because not signed, when they came to him from his agent Elderton, they were taken currently. (6) In his books there is about 15000l. paid in Exchequer Bills in the first three quarters [of the tax] whereas there were never so many paid paid for taxes by that little county: [there was] but one Troop [quartered] in that county during that time.
[Sir B] Shower [says] he has gotten a certificate from the country which was not signed by them: he cannot justify taking the 4d. from the collectors nor the poundage from the clerks by any law in being: he refused Exchequer Bills without allowing him [the payer] interest: and he cannot justify the payment of so much in Bills for that little county.
Montagu [says] the Receiver is by the Act to keep an account by which he should show from whom he received the Exchequer Bills.
Dod [for Andrews says] as to the poundage we will answer; as to the rest they must prove it.
Cowper denies the Receiver stopped poundage for his own use: he allowed Collectors poundage for every neat £ paid to the Receiver and to the clerks 1½ pence per £ for every neat £ paid in and did well in so doing.
Six affidavits are read viz. Edw. Morgan's, Nicho. Rothwell's, William Jordan's, Bidle & Flaxen's, Robert Repington's, John Mitchener's.
Geo. Robins, a collector, says the Receiver took old money of him at 5s. 2d. in January: that he (Robins) had about 12 or 14 ounces left; he pressed him to buy it; he would not; but he told him he believed Rogers would buy it: Robins carried it away. The Receiver, refused this and 'twas made good in new money though he, Robins, had received it for the tax. Andrews told him twas not silver, twas naught: Rogers told the money for Andrews. Rogers offered him 3s. 6d. an ounce for the said remainder. He says his whole receipt was about 300l. or 400l. towards which he paid but two Exchequer Bills one of 20l. and the other of 10l. Rogers told him (when he first came) that he could tell him an easier way to pay the tax; took him by the sleeve and carried him to Elderton to whom he paid 30l. in new money for the Bills. Elderton is the innkeeper. Capt. Andrews had before asked him whether he brought him any Exchequer Bills and was answered no and afterwards Andrews made no scruple in taking them.
John Ryland, a collector, says in Oct. he came to pay his money in the room where Andrews, Rogers and Elderton were. Rogers bid him pay Elderton 20l. in new money and guineas for a Bill and he endorsed the Bill. Andrews was present: Rogers drew all the money ever paid by Ryland: he believes the 20l. was all on the 3s. Aid: Elderton had many more Bills in his hands and took a great deal of money that day: he [Ryland] allowed Elderton 8s. and odd pence for interest on the Bills: Ryland signed the Bills by order of Rogers: Rogers afterwards desired Ryland's hand for Capt. Andrewes: he signed to a blank parchment to which there was only a name or two.
William Nightingale says on 26th January they were going to Colehill but met men that told them the Receiver would not take the money [which they carried]: he refused the old money which the collector took but [save] at 5s. 1d. an ounce and he deducted out of his salary 4 groats: there was some odd money left which Rogers refused: Rogers received for Andrews: it wanted something of an ounce for which Rogers gave him 3s. The Receiver never refused it at the rates by the ounce according to the Act till the 26th January but he (Nightingale) received this money before the 10th [of that month]. His whole payments came to 274l. towards which he paid but six Exchequer Bills of 5l. a piece which he took for the tax. He lost 7s. or 8s. by the 1d. an ounce besides his salary which was 19d. He thinks two or three pieces of the parcel which he sold Andrews was good money.
Shower [says] we have proved Rogers was agent [to Andrews], drew all the money and that Andrews was present at the table; that he confided in Rogers; gave acquittances when Rogers told the money.
The article for refusing of Exchequer Bills is not insisted on.
To the 6th article the affidavit of Sadler and Chattock are read that their names were put to the certificate for Andrews without their knowledge.
Shower [says] let the Receiver shew where he had all his Exchequer Bills.
For the Receiver
Mr. Cowper [says] a strict inquisition [has been] made and little made out. When the collectors came to pay their moneys he allowed them poundage for what they paid [but] not for their own salaries. He observed the letter of the law (which is 4d. for every £ paid). Reason is for him. They should not be paid poundage for their own salaries. Common practice is for him. The Receiver in London does so. If the law were doubtful he told them I'll put nothing in my pocket; if it be allowed me on my account, you shall have it. When he accounted to the Clerk he said I cannot allow you poundage for all collected but taking out the poundage of the salaries of the clerks and receivers they were paid a like salary for the rest [for the balance of receipts after deduction of salary]. As to the hammered money, after the 10th January old money was not to go [pass current]: the Act did not come down till the 20th: no artifice could be: on the 26th was the receipt and they brought this money: he told them he could not receive it: they desired him to take it for their ease: he took it at 5s. 1d. an ounce: what advantage could he have? He is responsible to the Exchequer for the whole money and he makes them good for 1d. an ounce. The collectors would not swear 'twas all received for the tax. Mr. Rogers bought 12½ ounces after the tax was paid. 'Twas not brought to London but is still in Rogers' hands, who is a tradesman in the town: he offered to the collectors to allow him interest to the day they brought them but they obstinately insisted on interest afterwards, whereas he needed not to have allowed them interest beyond the day. One brother [or fellow] collector set his hand for another; as soon as we knew it the hand was struck out. As to Elderton, the town had soldiers quartered there. All the innkeepers came to him being a Bro[ther or fellow innkeeper] and desired him to get their [Exchequer] Bills changed for changeable money; which the Receiver could not deny and therefore might [pardonably] see it done: the capitation or 1s. per £: There was a penalty for refusing these Bills. Its erroneous to infer by the rule of proportion because so many Bills and so much money came from one part therefore the same must hold in other parts. The books are producible for this.
Dod insists that Andrews has behaved himself with all fairness and has large certificates: that he has not deducted to his own use any of the said poundage but told them if it were allowed they should have it, though no reason for it. On the 26th January when the hammered money was brought Andrews desired them to seal up their money and attend [await] directions from the Treasury: he could not receive it for the King and has not brought one penny [of it] to the King's account. After many intreaties he took it on his own account at 5s. 1d. and they might have had it again at 5s.
Joseph Rogers says he was with Andrews in all his receipts: he inspected and told the money for him and Capt. Andrews took it and gave all the collectors satisfaction. The Captain began his receipt the 13th January and received near 1000l. at 5s. 2d. before he knew of the Act. The Act came down the 22nd and on the 26th they had another receipt and told the people [the collectors] they could not take their old money. They were dissatisfied. The [Assessment] Commissioners interceded, Mr. Dugdale and Mr. Chetwynd, that he would take it at 5s. 1d. an ounce: they desired him to split the loss with the collectors. He, Rogers, examined the money and refused none that was good. Andrews was averse to taking the money but the Commissioners were instant with him to divide the loss with him [them]: he did not buy 40s. worth of all the collectors. He has it in his pocket and now produces it. He does not remember he ever directed Ryland or others to go to Elderton for Exchequer Bills but he might do that. Elderton told him that he and his neighbours had [received] the Bills for [soldiers'] quarters. He denies he got the collectors to sign to blank parchment.
Being asked whether he gave any Bills to Elderton to change for himself he answers he does not remember that.
Edward Elderton's affidavit is read; likewise that of Val. Barford and John Parsons.
The certificate of the [Assessment] Commissioners is read.
The certificates of the nobility and gentry of Warwickshire are read.
The petition of the collectors for [on behalf of] the Receiver, signed by about 500 is read.
Capt. Baghaw says he acted with the greatest fairness and integrity to the King and country.
Sir Joseph Tyley gives Rogers a good character.
Thomas Good says he saw above 200 collectors sign the petition.
Ryland says Rogers did tell him of a certificate and he believes he might have seen it if he would.
Cornet Calvert says Capt. Sandys' Troop lies at Stratford and the innkeepers brought their Bills to Elderton who received all the interest to the day from Capt. Andrews. He lodged at Elderton's and he knew of no Bills Elderton had but for the quarters of this Troop except two that he had from Godard's Dragoons who came thither before them.
My Lords do not think the accusations against Mr. Andrews are made out. But on the contrary they find that he has carried himself fairly in his office and to the satisfaction of the gentlemen and others of the county and will continue him as Receiver.
[Write] to Mr. Sizer to be here on Thursday morning.
(Treasury Minute Book X, pp. 147–151.)
April 20,
Kensington.
Present: all the five Treasury Lords.
[Write] to Mr. Richard Taylor to attend the Treasury tomorrow morning.
The King comes in.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt [attend]. The Earl's memorial [for money for the Forces] is read. His lordship is [directed] to pay as follows out of the money advanced on the tallies, charged upon the Land Tax, which were put into his hands: viz.
£
for a week's subsistence to the Forces in England to the 30th instant 8785 15 11
for arrears to three discharged men of Leveson's Horse 38 17 0
for arrear to one reduced man of Lumley's Regiment of Horse 14 4 5
for Col. Billingsley: laid out in disbanding Denbigh's Dragoons 102 0 4
to clear several corporals, drums and private men of Saunderson's late Regiment; due before 1692 April 1 60 0 0
arrears to two discharged men of Langston's Horse 25 12 10
£9026 10 6
My Lords will endeavour to procure 10,000l. to be lent for the Civil List [in like manner] as the loans [on the Exchequer in General for same] have been made already.
Marquis de Puissar's report [the report on his case is read]: 200l. more [is ordered] to be paid.
The Engineers' petition [is read]. They cannot be paid out at present.
The Earl of Lindsay's petition is read. Referred to the Surveyor [General of Crown Lands].
Joseph Brooksby [his petition is read]. To be heard at more leisure.
Eliz. Cooper's petition [is read]. The King orders nothing.
John Dackin [his petition is read. Ordered] to have 2s. a day but not to expect the place at the Custom House.
The Commissioners for Transports [their memorial is read] about their taxes [the taxes on their officers]. Respited.
Mary, Ann and Magdalen Rosse [their petition is read. Ordered] to have 10l. a year more for each of them which will make up 30l. per an. a piece.
The bill [of exchange] for 2500l. from Mr. Robinson in Sweden [is ordered] to be paid out of [Army] Contingencies of last year.
Alexander Higons' (Higgons') petition is read. Lord Mountrath to have a copy and the petition to be [then] heard.
Joseph Ayloffe's petition [is read]. Referred to the Attorney General to examine whether a probable title. (Ibid., p. 152).
April 21,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: all the five Lords.
My Lords require Mr. Richard Tailor, when any matter of complaint happens in his office, that it be forthwith communicated to this Board.
Dr. Otes to have 30l. (Treasury Minute Book X, p. 153).
April 26,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: all the five Lords.
According to their minute of 25 June 1697 my Lords agree that Mr. Stephens be appointed supernumerary Agent for Taxes without salary, upon the death of Mr. Hall; and do direct that a warrant be prepared for allowing Mr. Dartiquenave and Mr. Clayton the full salary [as Agents for Taxes].
The Attorney and Solicitor General to attend to-morrow morning concerning the charging of shop windows and malt houses to the Window Act.
Mr. Dodington, Mr. Palmes and Mr. Peters to attend on Thursday morning about two orders on the late Quarterly Poll for 500l. directed to be paid in Mr. Palmes's office [as a Teller of the Receipt] in August last, which have not yet been satisfied.
Mr. Serjeant Ryley to be directed to attend the House of Lords with counsel for the bill for preserving the timber in New Forest.
Mr. Morgan Whitley, Receiver of North Wales and Cheshire comes in. My Lords tell him they find an extraordinary arrear due from him that they shall not think of appointing him Receiver [of the new Land Tax] till he has discharged those arrears. He promises to take the best care that he can. My Lords will speak with Sir John Mainwaring, who is one of his securities, as soon as he comes to town which 'tis said will be next Thursday.
Mr. Abbot to attend tomorrow morning.
[Send a] letter to Mr. Briggs, Receiver of [taxes for] Norfolk forthwith to attend my Lords and to clear his accounts, otherwise my Lords will cause him to account in custody. [Write] Mr. Cock his deputy who is in town to attend on Friday morning. (Ibid, p. 154).
April 27. forenoon Kensington. Present: the King, all the five Treasury Lords.
The Earl of Ranelagh's memorial [for money for the Forces] is read. The King orders the following sums to be paid out of the money in the said Earl's hands advanced upon the Land Tax tallies, viz.:—
£
For a week's subsistence [to the Forces] in England to May 7 next 8785 15 11
To complete 130l. for several officers and men late of Sanderson's Regiment for arrears due before 1 April 1692 70 0 0
For 2 weeks' subsistence in advance for 50 Troopers to attend at Windsor 361 19 0
£9217 14 11
The letter from the Lords Justices [Ireland] for adjusting the accounts of the Army [there] is read and referred to Lord Coningsby, Mr. Fox and Mr. Blathwayt.
Another [letter] from them for 868l. 10s. 2d. for a new building is read and respited.
Col. Blakiston [his petition is read] for an arrear of 360l. He will be paid one year when the rest are paid by the provision [now] making in Parlianemt.
Hellen Lady Kenmare [her petition is read]. Referred to the Lords Justices [Ireland].
The Duchess of Buckingham [her petition is read. Order given for a] sign manual for one year [on her pension] abating so much as is advanced to her already.
Lieut. Col. Duncanson (Duncanston) [his petition is read] for arrears of subsistence in Flanders. [Ordered] to be paid when the provision [now] making by the Parliament becomes effectual.
The Earl of Essex [his petition is read] for 867l. 17s. 5d. arrears at Richmond. Respited.
Hugh Speke [his petition is read] for relief, at least 200l. [Ordered] to be paid 50l. when there is money.
Brigadier Trelawney [his petition is read] to have the King's aid [in the Exchequer Court] against his [Regimental] agent and [against the said agent's] securities.
John, Lord Fitz Hardinge [his petition is read] for a tenement purchased of Lady Roscommon etc. The King will not grant it.
The petition of Michaell Lange (Long) [is read] for discovering prizes. Referred to the Admiralty.
The report [is read] about goods furnished at Hounslow. To be paid when there is money.
The Earl of Oxford [his petition is read]. Ordered to have 200l. more. (Ibid., p. 155).
April 28,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: [attendance not given].
The Excise Commissioners to attend to-morrow morning at 8 a'clock with Mr. Connet. (Ibid., p. 156).
April 29,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Pelham.
Col. Whightman is to have 150l. by a contingent warrant [a warrant on Army Contingencies].
Peregrine Bertie has leave of absence for a month, [on condition of] his office being carefully provided for in the interim.
The Excise Commissioners and Mr. Connett attend. The papers are read. My Lords take notice he jest on Mr. Everard's name. Mr. Parry says they have duplicates and affidavits against him.
Connet says he was present at the [Excise] Board when Everard uttered the words in his information.
Mr. Everard positively denies them. The other Commissioners remember nothing of it.
Onslow says he thought a great while Connet was in the right but Yapp having had a hearing at [the Privy] Council Mr. Secretary Trumbul delivered him the papers for the Board and he was convinced that Connop [Connet] was in the wrong. It appeared the crimes alleged against Yapp were committed by Connet. So Yapp (who had been turned out) was restored and Connet was removed; it being found also that he had been taking up the King's money. His dismission was upon affidavits, certificates and a full hearing at the Excise Office. He was charged with 3s. 3d. but insists that his own book was right.
My Lords direct the Commissioners to examine the whole case and to state the same in a report to them.
Mr. Onslow and Mr. Noel to confer with W[illiam] L[owndes] about the drawbacks for malt.
My Lords recommend it to the Commissioners to adjust their difference with the housekeeper [of the Excise Office] about the lodgings.
My Lords' salary for half a year [is ordered] to be paid out of loans in the Exchequer.
[Order for] 1000l. for Secret Service payments out of like loans.
The 10000l. lent per James Bateman, Mr. D'Costa, Peter Henriquez, junr., Gomes Serra and Solomon de Medina is to be charged, according to the dates of their tallies, upon the supply for the Civil List and if [in the grant of Supply by Parliament] any premium be allowed above the [legal rate of] interest they shall receive the same as others do.
The clothiers [of the Army] come in. My Lords will give them their best assistance.
[Order for] 3000l. for the Stables out of the loans in the Exchequer.
[Order for] 1000l. for the Cofferer; 50l. for Hugh Speke; and 200l. to the Duchess of Buckingham, out of the like. (Treasury Minute Book X, pp. 156–7).