Minute Book: June 1700

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 15, 1699-1700. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

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'Minute Book: June 1700', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 15, 1699-1700, (London, 1933) pp. 91-105. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol15/pp91-105 [accessed 18 April 2024]

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June 1700

June 2,
afternoon. Hampton. Court.
Present: the King: Prince of Denmark; Lord Keeper; Lord President; Lord Steward; Earl of Bridgwater; Earl of Dorset; Earl of Marlborough; Earl of Romney; Earl of Jersey; Secretary Vernon; Charles Montague; and all the five Treasury Lords.
The proposal of Samuel Shepherd et al for farming the Excise and Salt Duties is read. Their Explanatory Proposal is also read.
The King observes that instead of going by a medium of several years they take the lowest year of all to be a ground of their proposal and offer less than the revenue makes in this present year.
The King thinks it almost impossible in point of time to give further notice.
The King would have been very glad if any proposals had been made having any appearance of benefit [to the State] but these proposals do not come up to anything one would accept of; and therefore orders the proposals to be rejected. Ibid., p. 65.
June 3.
afternoon. Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present: Earl of Tankerville, Sir Stephen Fox, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Hill.
[Write] to Mr. Shepard and his partners on the late proposal for the [farm of the] Excise and Hearth money [sic for Excise and Salt Duty] to be with W. L[owndes] at his house to-morrow morning at 7 of the clock to receive the answer the King gave to their proposal.
The letter for taking off Lieut. Col. William Culliford's respit is read and approved.
The doors to be shut next Friday afternoon [when my Lords are] to read petitions. Ibid., p. 66.
June 4,
forenoon. Hampton Court.
Present: the King: all the five Treasury Lords.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt are called in. Order [is given] for the issue of 7238l. 7s. 6d. [to the Earl] for 14 days' subsistence to the 19th inst.; upon the said Earl's [usual weekly cash requirements] memorial.
Instead of the allowance to the Horse and Dragoons for forage and provisions in the last warrant, the King will allow them one half of the sums charged upon them by the Transports Commissioners and others for the forage and provisions furnished to them for their transportation. Write to Mr. Blathwayt to this effect.
The whole charge of fire and candle on the Establishment [of the Garrisons &c.] including the Guards is not to exceed 1200l. [The Garrisons of] Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheerness and Tilbury are to have an allowance for fire and candle.
The officers of the Londonderry Regiment, late Col. White's, their petition is read. [The King orders that] Lord Coningsby is to state their accounts and lay them before the Commissioners of Accounts.
The petition of the inhabitants of Folkestone is read.
The petition [of] and report for Mris. Margaret Hamilton are read. It cannot be done.
The Judges of Ireland [their petition is read] for an arrear [due] on their additional salaries. Their report [the report thereon] is read. Ordered according to the report.
The report [is read on the petition] about 200l. per an. for a Library Keeper at Dublin. Not granted.
The Lord Privy Seal's allowances are [ordered by the King] to be paid.
The affair of the Penny Post, for a new Comptroller, is respited for some time.
The petition of the officers of the six Scots Regiments on the Dutch Establishment is read. The King orders an exact state to be made of the charge of the reduced men who were subsisted by Mr. Hill in Flanders after the 21st of Dec. 1697 and to charge the said subsistence of those men to the King's account; and to discharge the six Scotch Regiments of that expense: [to be done] by virtue of a contingent warrant [a warrant on Army Contingencies]. Treasury Minute Book XII, p. 67.
June 7,
forenoon. Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Hill.
Desire the Attorney General to be here on Monday morning at 10 o'clock as he goes to the [Westminster] Hall [struck through and altered to] on Monday afternoon about a judgment which concerns Sir P. Trant's estate [which judgment is] to be transmitted into Ireland; and also concerning the business of Mr. Bernard Grenville.
Write to Mr. Grenville and Mr. Henry Baker to be here then. Also the Solicitor General.
On Monday morning the [Treasury Chamber] door to be locked up.
[Write] to the undersheriff of Middlesex to be here this afternoon.
The Agents [for Taxes with] Mr. Gape and Mr. Fern are called in. Mr. Gape is to make oath to his charges; thereupon Mr. Fern will pay him. The extended estate is to be assigned to trustees for Mr. Ferne. Then Mr. Ferne is to pay the rest of the King's debt. Thereupon the bonds wherein Mr. Gape or his father are bound are to be delivered up to him.
The letter to Mr. Blathwaite [is read and approved] signifying the King's pleasure for charging the Horse and Dragoons with only half the sums charged on them for forage and provisions for their transportation.
Mr. William Tailor will state the whole matter concerning the coinage Duty [of tin] in relation to the laws of the Stannaries [and also] the duties of every officer &c.; upon Sir Joseph Tredenham's memorial.
Mr. London, from my Lord Portland, says that the contract for the gardens not being complied with, Lord Portland will not be obliged to that contract any further. My Lords desire Mr. London to speak to my Lord Portland to signify his demands in writing as well for the arrears as for the future payments.
[My Lords order that] 10,000l. is to be paid to Mr. Ferne [for] secret service by 2000l. a month for five months beginning July 1 next; and 200l. more with the last payment. Ibid., p. 68.
Eodem die, afternoon. Present: ut supra.
The letter [of direction to the Exchequer] for payment of— to Mr. Nicholas for pensions and bounties [of the late Queen &c.] is read and approved.
The letter to Mr. Blathwaite for allowing 504l. and 1410l. 5s. 3½d. to the Regiment of Col. Hales is read and approved. Ibid., p. 69.
June 10,
Monday morning.
Present: all the five Lords.
Charles Best [is ordered] to be Customer at Hull instead of Mathew Appleyard deceased.
Direct the Postmasters General at the end of every quarter to make up a bill or account of all their incident charges expended in the quarter then ended; to be perused and examined by my Lords and to be approved by them before the auditor do pass the same in the [Post Office] accounts.
Let Mr. Bendy she take copies at the Exchequer of all inquisitions of the officers' fees which were taken in the reign of James I: "and [W. Lowndes is to] look out all the returns from the auditors &c. of their fees." Ibid., p. 70.
Eodem die, afternoon. Present: ut supra.
Write to the Excise Commissioners to attend on Wednesday at 5 o'clock.
The Attorney and Solicitor General attend. They think nothing can be further done to mitigate the damages in the action of trover by Bass and Lofting against the Earl of Bellomont amounting to 1800l. besides 90l. costs.
Mr. Row is to state in writing the case upon the judgment for 20,000l. on Sir Patrick Trant's estate and to present the same to the Board.
Mr. Granville is called in with Mr. Dod and Mr. Dobins. Mr. Henry Baker is also called in.
Dobins [says]: Mote Park is about 800 acres: the King has had the possession and is inclined to purchase [in order to lay it into Windsor Great Park]: Mr. Granville is willing to sell for the value of it: if his Majesty quits [possession of] it he desires he may be paid so much as the yearly value has been [worth] over and above what he has received [by way of 300l. per an. rent from the Crown for it]: the proceeding in Charles II's time with Christopher, Duke of Albemarle was no contract: the Duke was then under age and the King was to have it at a rent: Mr. Granville hopes to have a full price, the rather because his pension is in arrear and his debts are great.
Dod [says: he] desires [that] if the King will purchase there may be a despatch for ease of Mr. Granville's affairs: that it is worth 5–600l. a year. If the King will not purchase it's desired Mr. Grenville may have the possession.
The Attorney General says: Charles II was let into possession on a contract to purchase for 7000l. and in the meantime to pay a rent of 300l. a year; and the rent pursuant to that agreement hath been paid ever since.
The two privy seals in that behalf are read.
Dod [says]: the contract was made a long time ago and the D[uke of Albemarle] was never called upon to execute it and [he] hopes Mr. Granville shall not be compelled now [to execute it] and that he is not now bound by it.
It's owned that the rent hath been constantly paid except 1¾ years due at midsummer 1700. It is paid to Xmas 1699 [sic].
Dobins says: the King did not pay the 300l. per an. as interest of the purchase money but as rent and the land's worth much more than 7000l.
Dod says: the contract was to be executed on the Duke's coming of age but then the King would not proceed in the purchase but went on in the way of rent.
The Attorney General asks if Mr. Granville ever tendered a conveyance and the King refused? [he says further] that the 300l. a year is a consideration for the purchase money and the contract is binding.
The Solicitor General [says]: a contract with an infant if he accepts payments after he comes of age he is bound by the contract; and if this were the case of a private person the contract would be binding, and there is no colour to the contrary.
Dod [says]: we have from time to time petitioned the King and this [the Treasury] Board that this matter might be settled. He puts a case where one made a bargain for land, it slept 20 years and then he called for a conveyance alleging the mesne profits had paid the purchase money.
This case was not thought near the point in hand.
The Attorney General says: Mr. Granville claims under the litigated settlement of the Duke of Albemarle, which might reasonably [have acted to] delay the finishing the purchase.
Mr. Dobins desires a speedy end may be put to this matter.
The Attorney General thinks the King can compel the performance of the agreement.
The Solicitor General is clearly of the same opinion.
If Lady Perkins or any for her will advance the money to pay the charge of executing the Commissions to entitle the King to the remaining part of Sir William Perkins's estate my Lords will cause that money to be repaid in case the estate be not granted for the benefit of her and her children. Treasury Minute Book XII, pp. 70–1.
June 11,
forenoon. Hampton Court.
Present: the King: all the five Treasury Lords.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt are called in.
Ordered [that there be issued to the said Earl] 10,851l. 1s. 8d. for two months' clearings to April 24 last out of the funds in the Exchequer for this year's service for the Forces.
The King will allow to the four Troops of Horse Guards all the respits for horses wanted till 25th March 1699 and to the two Regiments of Foot Guards four months of the respited pay for every detachment that was made from them into Flanders [to wit] for so many as were detached. Write to Mr. Blathwayt for this purpose to prepare a warrant [for the King's signature].
The King thinks it too late to think of any proposal for a farm of the Excise and Salt Duties but looks upon it to be absolutely necessary to have good Commissioners that will indisputably improve the revenue by their industry, skill and integrity.
The King directs a warrant for the exceedings of the Concordatum money [Ireland] for the time past but will signify to the Lords Justices [Ireland] his pleasure that for the future the Concordatums be restrained to the allowance on the [Irish Forces'] Establishment and be issued to the uses and in the manner thereby prescribed and not otherwise.
The petition of Col. John Gibson [is read] relating to some bills he gave on account of the expedition to Newfoundland.
[The King orders it] to be considered of by my Lords.
The case of the Earl of Arran about his respits [is read and] referred to the Earl of Ranelagh.
The petition of Sir Charles Hedges [is read] for a further term in his lease of some land at Richmond. Referred to the Surveyor [General of Crown Lands]. Ibid., p. 72.
June 12,
forenoon. Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present: all the five Lords.
Send to the Receivers of the Two Millions the opinion of the Solicitor General concerning the deduction out of the last payment of the Two Millions; and direct the said Receivers to pay the tallies struck on them for the Treasurer of the Navy accordingly; and to make up their account and to present same to my Lords forthwith.
The Victuallers [attend]. My Lords direct them to give an account of all the interest of the tallies and orders which were put into their hands for payment of the debts incurred to 31 May 1697, distinguishing therein such of the tallies where the principal and interest were both bona fide delivered to the respective [Victualling] creditors for [payment of] their debts; and [shewing] what interest hath been received by the Cashier of the Victualling upon any of the said tallies and how and in what accounts the same are charged for the King's benefit: also an account how much is now due upon such of the said tallies as are remaining in their hands.
My Lords will thereupon direct the interest now due, to be issued at the Exchequer and to be charged by way of memorandum in the Prest [Imprest] Certificate for the service of the Victualling, and will also see that the interest which has been received at the Exchequer by the said Cashier be duly charged in the accounts.
Signify this to the Victualling Commissioners and direct them not to apply any more of those tallies till further order.
The Navy Commissioners are called in. They say that 15,442l. (part of the sum of 56,296l. which hath been issued out of this year's funds for the Yards) and no more is to be reckoned as part of the sum of 184,342l. [disposed] for the Navy ordinary: 20,427l. more thereof is to be put to the head of Wear and Tear and 20,427l. residue thereof is to be placed to the head of extraordinary repairs.
[Ordered that] 4800l. (being the residue of the 6000l. lent on the credit of the Exchequer in General) is to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh for the transporting two Regiments of Horse and one of Dragoons into Ireland, and to subsist them till their embarcation, in order to reduce the Forces [England] within the compass of the new Establishment.
My Lords have resolved that Mr. Boucher shall be repaid 6000l. by him lent upon credit of the Exchequer in General, [together] with interest at 6 per cent.: [to be issued to him] out of the first money applicable to the charge of reducing the Forces within the compass of the new Establishment.
Send Sir Charles Isaac's memorial to the Board of Greencloth and desire them to inform my Lords what remains due to him for last year's expense in Holland. Treasury Minute Book XII, p. 73.
Eodem die,afternoon. Present: Earl of Tankerville, Sir Stephen Fox, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Hill.
The letter [to the Receipt] for [the issue of] 6250l. to the Great Wardrobe is read and approved.
The Customs Commissioners are called in. They think, as far as they can judge as yet, that the proposition of Devereux is impracticable.
The said Commissioners' [divers] papers are read and the answers are [endorsed or margined] upon them.
The Excise Commissioners [attend]. Their papers are read and the minutes are [endorsed or margined] on them.
Mr. Clerk thinks himself indispensably obliged to discharge his trust in Parliament reposed in him by his country, and therefore is under a necessity to leave the Excise [Commissionership] at midsummer next; and desires he may be favourably represented to the King and that another may supply his place in the Excise.
Sir William Ashurst speaks to the same purpose.
Mr. Christopher Montagu the like.
Mr. Carr the like.
Mr. Onslow says if the King thinks him able and fit, he is willing to serve him in the Excise.
Mr. Meadows the like.
Mr. Fleming the like. Ibid., p. 74.
June 18,
forenoon. Hampton Court.
Present: the King: all the five Treasury Lords.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt are called in.
The 12,559l. 4s. 2d. as in the said Earl's [weekly cash requirements] memorial of this day is ordered to be issued out of the funds of this year.
[The King orders] 667l. 1s. 4d. to be borrowed [by the said Earl] and applied to the charge of reduced Forces, "except the proceed of the boards, casks &c. ordered to be sold per Mr. Atkinson."
Direct the Solicitor General to prosecute the security of the agent that received the money for the Invalids at Tynemouth.
The petition of Col. Luke Lillingston is read. No order is given upon it.
The petition of Col. Stanhope is read. The respite is to be taken off.
Col. Brudenell's petition is read. The King orders that the 55l. 16s. 0d. given them shall not be charged to the account of the Company.
The petition of the Colonels and Officers of the three French [Protestant] Regiments of Foot [is read] for taking off the charge for provisions upon their several transports. It cannot be granted.
The petition of the Reformed Captains of the three French Regiments of Foot [is read] for forage money due according to warrants. This will be paid when any funds are given [by Parliament] for discharging forage accounts.
The petition of Col. Edward Leigh is read.
The petition of the Engineers for their pay to 1699 May 25 [is read. The King orders them] to have their pay till the Troops were reduced to 7000 men viz. 25 March 1699.
Let Mr. Bulstrode make preparation in every Office that the new Excise Commission may be passed under the great seal before next Monday.
The petition of Nathaniell Castleton is read for the Office of Comptroller of the Penny Post. The Commissioners of the Post Office [the Postmasters General] are to restore him.
Mr. Latten's memorial is read and approved.
Sir Thomas Littleton's petition [is read] concerning a sum of money lost on board the Coventry man-of-war. Referred to the Navy Commissioners.
The officers of the Ordnance [their petition is read for the refunding of their assessments] for taxes. "Respited till the taxes upon other offices coming after the last 3s. Aid are . . . ."
Make a [scheme of] distribution for the rest of the 700,000l. for this year and then the French Protestants may come in.
The servants that [go abroad] with the King are to be paid half a year.
Write to Mr. Baker that the weekly payment to Mr. La Rue is is to cease. Ibid., p. 75.
June 19,
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present: all the five Lords.
The letter for Mr. Castleton is read and approved.
Desire the Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwaite to certify to what particular uses the sum of 3359l. 19s. 2d. in the [Army] Establishment, for Contingencies (including fire and candle) is to be applied.
Mr. Blathwaite is [directed] to prepare a warrant [for the King's signature] to direct the Paymaster of the Forces to adjust the pay of the four Companies at New York from 26 May 1699 to 24 Dec. following [to wit] according to the muster rolls which were taken in Feb. 1698–9 and [which were] transmitted hither.
When my Lords have received the certificate of the Contingencies as above directed they will write to the Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwaite to take special care that the whole expense on the head of [Army] Contingencies do not exceed 3359l. 19s. 2d. per an.; so as to leave any debt upon that head at the end of the year or to occasion the whole expense of the Forces to amount to above 300,000l. per an.
The letter [of direction to the Exchequer for the issue] of 12,221l. 9s. 1d. for the Forces is read and approved.
The wine merchants trading to St. Sebastian are called in. They desire the trials may be put off till next term. Their petition is to be referred to the Customs Commissioners.
The letter [to the Post Office] to dismiss Mr. Dockwra and restore Mr. Castleton is approved.
The letter for issuing 5000l. in the Treasurer of the Chamber's hands for bills is approved.
[Order for the issue to William Lowndes of] 1500l. for secret service.
[My Lords order that] 4500l. is to be paid over by the Earl of Orford or his cashier to Sir Thomas Littleton, present Treasurer of the Navy (out of the money remaining in his hands for Wages) for the use of the Chest at Chatham, to complete a year's pay [to the said Chest] to Lady day 1699.
The Agents [for Taxes] and Sir John Mainwaring are called in. Sir John desires that Mr. Whitley may have time till next Michaelmas term. My Lords recommend it to him forthwith to raise a good sum towards Whitley's debt; which must be done before any favour can be expected.
Direct the Auditor of Wales to state the [said Whitley's] account, and direct the Agents for Taxes to assist him.
Direct the [King's] Remembrancer to deliver the [Assessment] duplicates to the Auditors as they come in, taking the Auditors' receipts for the same; to the end the latter may proceed in the accounts and certify the duplicates which are wanting.
Mr. Burslan is to be Receiver [of Taxes] for Co. Stafford.
Direct the Agents for Taxes to prosecute Spendelove for his arrears.
[Order to the Receipt for the issue of] 100l. to the Agents [for Taxes] for incidents.
[Ordered that] 1123l. 9s. 6d. is to be paid over by the Earl of Orford or his cashier to Sir Thomas Littleton, present Treasurer of the Navy, out of the money remaining in the said Earl's hands for Wages: same to be applied as follows viz.
£ s. d.
for Capt. Symonds (Symmonds) Company from 17 Feb. 1689 to 31 Dec. 1693 390 12 2
for Capt. Plunket's Company from 10 Jan. 1690 to 21 April 1695 407 16 2
for the Company lately commanded by Capt. Ash and afterwards by Capt. Bradbury, for deductions from 8 Feb. 1689–90 to 30 Jan. 1696 325 1 2
£1123 9 6
Direct the Navy Commissioners to cause the said sum to be paid over to the Colonels of the said Companies: but send the papers between Ash and Bradbury to the Marquess of Carmarthen with caution that he see this money be duly applied as he will be answerable.
Mr. Lancelot Whitehall is to be Customer at Chichester instead of James Smith deceased; recommended by Mr. Hill [the Treasury Lord]. The next turn [rota for recommendation among the Treasury Lords for Customs places] is for the Earl of Tankerville. Treasury Minute Book XII, pp. 76–7.
June 21,
forenoon.
Present: Earl of Tankerville, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Hill.
German Ireton is to be one of the Agents [for Taxes] loco Mr. Ryly with the salaries which the latter had [in respect thereof] and the privy seal [for the Agents of Taxes as a body] in other respects is to stand as it does.
Write to the Commissioners of Customs and of Excise to be here this afternoon.
The letter to the Navy Board for 390l. 12s. 2d. and 407l. 16s. 2d. for the two Companies of Capt. Simonds and Capt. Plunket is read and approved.
Also the letter for 325l. 1s. 2s. for the Company late of Ash and afterwards of Bradbury is read and approved but send Capt. Ashe's letter of this day's date with the other papers between him and Bradbury to the Marquess of Carmarthen in a letter now also approved.
Desire the Attorney General to be here this afternoon before 6 o'clock.
"There being 12,918l. 10s. 0d. (as my Lords are informed by Mr. Papillon's account) due for interest [to the Navy Treasurer on moneys raised by him on loans or tallies &c.] my Lords desire Papillon that this interest may be paid according to the directions of the several Acts [of Parliament appropriating funds to the Navy] but to take care that the "Earl of Orford late Treasurer of the Navy be charged by memorandum in the Prest Certificate for all the interest which shall be paid on these orders for or in part of the said 12,918l. 10s. 0d."
Direct the Earl of Orford to deliver over all the tallies in Mr. Papillon's hands (amounting to 92,000l. principal money and all the interest to be received thereupon) to Sir Thomas Littleton, present Treasurer of the Navy; who is to be charged therewith in account.
My Lords will direct the principal and interest for the services of the Victualling.
My Lords are ready to issue the money for the [Household] servants that [are to] go [abroad] with the King when they know who they are.
Make an account what is due to Mr. Cowper and Mr. Conyers as King's Counsel: and to be placed on the scheme [drawn up for distribution of the Civil List] for payment.
If the 50l. to Mr. Howard for four months is due, Mr. Tailer is to pay it. Ibid., p. 78.
Eodem die, afternoon. Present: Sir Stephen Fox; Chancellor of the Exchequer; Mr. Boyle; Mr. Hill.
The Excise Commissioners are called in. Papers are read and the answers [are endorsed or margined] on them.
They commend the great skill, diligence and integrity of Mr. Bulstrode, their solicitor.
The Customs Commissioners are called in, the Attorney and Solicitor General being present, concerning the wines imported from St. Sebastian. The Attorney General thinks the trials are doubtful and so does the Solicitor General.
The wine merchants are called in.
The Customs Commissioners think it more for the public service to accept the composition offered of two thirds of the appraised value of the wines now in question, than to run the hazard of new trials.
My Lords will upon the informations of seizure now depending for the wines imported to London in the eleven ships mentioned in the paper annexed to the Customs Commissioners' report of to-day's date, accept so much by way of composition as two thirds of the appraised values of the said wines do amount to, including in such composition the money already paid for the Spanish Duties of the said wines; for the forfeiture.
Mr. Weedon and Mr. Kerne for themselves and all others concerned in the said ships do promise they will leave off this trade for the future; that they will discourage it in others so far as in them lies, and that they will lay open to my Lords the methods by which the said trade of fetching French wines from St. Sebastian and other Spanish ports has been and is managed, so that my Lords may be the better able to prevent it. Ibid., pp. 78–9.
June 22. Present: Sir Stephen Fox; Chancellor of the Exchequer; Mr. Boyle; Mr. Hill.
The letter for the broken [Companies of] Engineers for their pay to 25 March 1699 is read and confirmed.
Also the letter for taking off a respite of 160l. for Col. Stanhop.
[Write] to the Customs Commissioners and Henry Baker and Walter Devereux to be here on Wednesday afternoon; at which time my Lords will hear the matter upon the complaint of Devereux against Baker.
Peregrine Bertie hath leave of absence for six weeks.
Prepare a privy seal to pay the salary of the woodward of New Forest, (arrears and growing payments thereof) out of wood sales there.
Prepare a warrant for a year's wages to Lady day last to the keepers there.
Insert in the privy seal 50l. a year for a deputy woodward [of said forest].
The doors to be locked on Monday morning. Treasury Minute Book XII, p. 80.
June 24,
forenoon.
Present: ut supra.
[No entry of any minute]. Ibid., p. 81.
June 25,
forenoon. Hampton Court.
Present: all the five Treasury Lords.
Write to the Navy Commissioners to attend on Friday morning.
The King comes in.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt are called in.
The memorial of the Colonels of the Army is read, praying the respits may be taken off, transportation allowed, and for pay not yet allowed to four Regiments that came from Ireland in 1694.
The orders given by the King already will be observed so that there will be no charge for transportation on them; they will be allowed respits for two musters as others are; and for what concerns the intermediate pay of the Regiments from Ireland it is to be referred to Lord Coningsby and Mr. Blathwayt.
Col. Michelburne's petition is read.
The Officers of the four Companies at New York [their petition is read]. Examine how it came to pass that the muster rolls were not returned.
The Earl of Macclesfield's petition is read. He must submit to the general rules.
The petition of the Carabineers reduced out of Windham's Regiment is read: Ordered that if any money can be found out for them (about 1800l. or 2000l.) it is to be applied to their discharge.
Capt. John Le Wright's petition is read. The King will allow half-pay but [only] from the time the Regiment was broke.
Capt. Petit's petition is read praying a warrant for [pay of] his service as Engineer from 19 June 1691, the date of his commission, to 1 May 1692, the day he was discharged. Ordered.
Papers are read concerning Mr. Atwood and Mr. Broughton to be [respectively] Chief Justice and Attorney General of New York. Respited.
My Lords are to dismiss Mr. Nicho Baker and advise with the Attorney and Solicitor General whether such an officer be necessary.
So much of the money [due] to the [Household] servants that go with the King as is to be paid to those of the Stables, is to be issued immediately; and 800l. for transport and provisions for his Majesty's horses and for horse hire, waggons and other charges in Holland.
Write out all the appointments [orders] to the Work[s] (out of the lists) for the King; and enquire what works are doing.
[The King orders] half-a-year to be paid to the Buckhounds.
The Yeomen of the Guard to be paid a whole year.
Half-a-year to be paid to Lord Arran.
Mr. Lowman [his petition is read] praying that the grant of the officers of housekeeper and wardrobe keeper at Kensington may be granted to him and Mary his wife during good behaviour and that the custody and herbage of the fields about the King's house there, containing about 30 acres, may be inserted in the said patent. The herbage is granted during pleasure.
Mr. Tollett is to be Secretary to the Excise Commissioners.
[Order for the issue to William Lowndes of] 1000l. for secret service; 200l. more for secret service (intended for the William and Mary yacht); and 2000l. more for secret service. Ibid., pp. 82–3.
Eodem die, afternoon. [Hampton Court] Present: the King: all the five Treasury Lords.
Give the 200l. to Sir John Stanley for the yacht.
Col. Meautys [is ordered] to be considered in the list [payable] per Mr. Hill.
Lady Frechville [her petition is read]. The King cannot pay such debts now.
The King will dismiss Mr. Franklyn, Consul at St. Sebastian.
My Lords are to endeavour to recover the arrears to be received per Tilson's privy seal.
Mr. Randue is to have a year (where others have but half-a-year).
The letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland of 1699 Dec. 26 [is read] recommending Lords Meath, Longford and Blessington for some mark of his Majesty's favour for their services as Keepers of the Great Seal of Ireland in the absence of the Lord Chancellor.
To be considered by my Lords.
The petition of the executors of Roger Hewett [is read] praying the King to remit a sum of 1438l. 3s. 4d. due from Hewett at the time of his death. [The King orders the] Earl of Ranelagh to certify my Lords the truth of the allegations for the said release.
The petition of the Earl of Oxford is read praying a lease of the Penny Post Office for 21 years. It cannot be granted.
The King will speak with the Lord Chamberlain about sinking the Master of the Musick's place.
My Lords represent to the King that the charge of a housekeeper and wardrobe keeper at Greenwich be not continued. The King orders that the officer be dismissed.
Mris. Macartie Reagh's petition is read. The King orders her 100l. to carry her to Ireland, but she is not to apply again.
The petition of Lady Dorothy Bourk is read praying a lease in reversion, after the Queen Dowager's death, of part of the Forest of Braydon for 31 years. It cannot be granted.
The Earl of Montagu's letter [is read] for a year's salary [as Master of the Great Wardrobe] being 2000l. He is to be paid as far as others are paid.
The Earl of Jersey's petition [is read] for a lease for 61 years of his lodge in Hyde Park whereof he is Ranger. Granted for 51 years according to the Surveyor General's report.
The Keeper of Audley End is to be paid 51l. 10s. 0d. for hay for the deer there.
The petition of Capt. Elrington (who is appointed to disband Col. Fox's Regiment in the Caribbee Islands) [is read] praying 500l. for his trouble and expense in that service. My Lords are to consider and give order in it.
The petition of the Gentlemen Pensioners [is read] for remitting their taxes. The King is not pleased to pay the taxes for them.
The petition of Sir Richard Haddock and the rest of the late Commissioners of the Victualling [is read] praying 2000l. for four years' service of himself and three other Commissioners; 200l. to [meet the charge of passing] the account; and 200l. for two clerks and contingent services. The King orders 1000l. for the four Commissioners, 200l. for clerks and 200l. for incidents.
The Earl of Jersey's letter is read about Consul Cole's extraordinaries. The King says the Consul's bill is not reasonable.
Sir Thomas Littleton's petition [is read] for allowance of 500l. lost from on board the Coventry. The King will allow it but my Lords are to advise with the Navy Commissioners how it is to be done.
A letter dated 1699 May 18 from the Lords Justices of Ireland [is read praying] for 100l. for Baron Donnelan for the Lent Circuit preceding that date, which he could not go by reason of indisposition. Not to be allowed.
Sir Francis Windham's petition [is read] for his arrears on a pension of 600l. per an. [Ordered] to be paid half-a-year.
Mris. Grove's petition is read. [Ordered] to have 100l.
Mr. Dormer's petition is read for his arrears on 120l. per an. as a late Page of Honour. Ordered to be paid as far as the rest.
The petition of Col. Kirkby, Governor of Chester, is read, praying that his salary which is reduced may be made up and that his garrison may be put upon the same foot with other garrisons.
"Answered: that the Establishment is settled."
The petition of Baron Ronsele [is read] praying the King's bounty.
[Answered]: He is in the list of pensions.
The petition of Mr. Halsey ex[ecutor] of Mr. Henshaw, late Secretary of the French Tongue [is read] for the arrears due on the said Henshaw's salary. Not granted.
Lord Macclesfield's letter to my Lords is read to his Majesty concerning the plate delivered to the late Earl of Macclesfield out of the Jewel House, which is now recalled; and [concerning] the great arrear due to himself the present Earl, on a pension of 1000l. per an.
A representation from the Duke of Devon[shire], by Mr. Welbye, is read to his Majesty concerning 2000 ounces of plate lent by the Duke (out of his allowance of the late King's plate [out of the Jewel House]) to the Earl of Pembroke when he [the said Earl] went Plenipotentiary to Holland; and therefore desiring that the order for recalling [into the Jewel House] the Duke's plate at this time may be dispensed with and the rather because he is obliged to keep two tables, one at Hampton Court and another at London. Ordered that when my Lord President [the said Earl] brings in [to the Jewel House] the plate lent him when he went into Holland the Duke may have what is desired.
Reports are read made by the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament in Ireland concerning allowances formerly made to the officers of the said Houses and recommending the present officers for some reward. My Lords are to examine this and to advise the King what is reasonable to be allowed.
The Earl of Roscommon's petition is read for some mark of the King's royal favour and bounty. Nothing ordered.
The petition of Richard Sydenham is read for a small pension for the life of himself and wife. Nothing granted.
Margaret Maurice her petition is read for 200l. residue of 500l. which was intended to be paid to her in Ireland by a warrant signed by the late Queen dated 5 Oct. 1694. Ordered to be paid by 50l. a year in Ireland.
The memorial of the Bishop of London is read, for the King's bounty to the Greek youths at Oxford for their support. The King will give them 100l. for once, but no more afterwards.
The letter from the Lords Justices [of Ireland] dated 24 Oct. last is read concerning the Governor of Sligo and French pensioners.
Sir Samuel Barnardiston's petition is read praying that 1905l. 18s. 10d. remaining in the Exchequer of a fine of 10,000l. imposed on him in the late reign, and the interest thereon since the King's accession, may be satisfied to him.
The King [declares that he] will pay so much of the 1905l. 18s. 10d. (which remained in the Exchequer on the 5th Nov. 1688) as hath not been already repaid.
Brigadier D'Offarrell's petition for 693l. due to him for levy money is read, together with the Earl of Ranelagh's report thereon. Nothing is ordered.
Dr. Brady's petition is read setting forth that there remains 2000l. due to the King on a bond of 7000l. entered into in 1665 by Sir Richard Maleverer et al; and praying a grant thereof. Ordered to be referred to the Agents for Taxes and [to be] granted.
My Lord Falkland [his petition is read: ordered] to have 100l. [as royal] bounty.
The petition of James St. Pierre, Captain in the Royal Regiment of Dragoons, [is read], praying a warrant to take off his respits. Referred to the Earl of Ranelagh. Treasury Minute Book XII, pp. 83–6.
June 26,
forenoon. Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present: all the five Lords.
The letter to the Earl of Ranelagh for stating the account of Lord Raby's Regiment is read and approved.
Desire Levi and Casserez and Sir Stephen Evance and Sir Theodore Janssen to be here on Friday morning.
The letter [of direction to the Receipt for the issue to William Lowndes of] 3700l. for secret service is signed [by my Lords].
[Ordered that] 9000l., part of 18,000l. for Bounty Money to the Officers of the Fleet, is to be paid out of the money come in or coming into the Exchequer of the 25 per cent. on French goods; and the other 9000l. out of the first money to come in of the 15 per cent on East India silks. "Direct this" [send a letter of direction to this effect to the Exchequer].
[Order for] 20,000l. for Sick and Wounded to be paid out of such money as is in or shall first come into the Exchequer of the arrears of the new Customs [of] 22d. per pound weight on wrought silks and [of the] purchase money of annuities.
[Ordered that] 128,900l. is to be paid to the Navy for the ordinary viz. 115,604l. 19s. 4¾d. thereof out of the 15 per cent. on East India silks and 13,295l. 0s. 7¼d. out of the ready money of loans on the 2s. Aid.
[Ordered that] 69,573l. [herewith directed to be issued] for the extraordinary repairs of the Navy is to be placed [upon or paid out of funds as follows] viz. 27,000l. out of the produce of the 15 per cent. on East India silks and muslins after payment of 124,604l. 19s. 4¾d. [thereout]; 33,333l. 6s. 8d. out of the Land Tax after payment of 900,000l. thereout; and the remaining 9239l. 13s. 4d. out of the overplus of the Civil List funds for the year 1700 after [payment of] 45,000l. [thereout].
[Order for a letter of direction for] 74,698l. for Wear and Tear of the Navy to be placed [or paid out of funds] as follows viz. 37,349l. out of the Land Tax after payment of 862,651l. thereout and 37,349l. out of the overplus of the Civil List funds after . . . . Treasury Minute Book XII, p. 87.
June 26,
afternoon.
Present: all the five Lords.
The Excise Commissioners [attend]. My Lords give them a charge to use their best endeavours for improving the revenue and recommend to them unanimity; and my Lords will give all assistance requisite.
The Customs Commissioners [attend, also] the Attorney General.
Mr. Devereux and Mr. H. Baker [are called in].
Mr. Devereux' articles against Mr. Baker are read and Mr. Baker's answer, to wit, article by article in either. As to the first article Devereux desires the matter thereon may be left to law because, as he says, Baker has caused him to be arrested.
As to the second [article] one affirms, the other denies.
As to the third, Devereux says he gave him an information at Folkestone. Baker says he does not remember it, but if he had he should have given no great credit to it.
Mr. Baker shews the Spna [Subpœna] mentioned in the fourth article of his defence.
The other articles in both are read.
Mr. Baker says Mr. Devereux shall pick out any one of his articles and if he can prove it he'll confess the rest.
Devereux says he would have made good his articles if Mr. Baker had not arrested him, and designed [to do] so, but Mr. Baker having arrested him he will answer in Westminster Hall.
My Lords tell him if he is ready to make good his charge they are ready to hear him here.
Devereux says he does not intend to proceed upon his charge at this Board. Ibid., p. 88.
June 28,
forenoon.
Present: all the five Lords.
[Write] to the Customs Commissioners to attend this afternoon.
Ordered that 2807l. 5s. 7d. [be issued] to the Treasurer of the Chamber for half-a-year's wages to [those of] the servants [of the Household &c.] that go into Holland [in attendance on the King] according to a list signed by Mr. Sizer.
[Order for the following issues]
£ s. d.
to the Cofferer for half-a-year's wages to the servants of the Household 1523 9 0
to ditto for the like to servants of the Chamber 1429 1 0
to ditto for the like to servants of the Stables 3321 15 0
to ditto for the three Chaplains 300
to ditto for William Merit, harbinger 25
£6599 5 0
[the above] "to be issued according to Mr. Burton's list for half-ayear's wages to the servants that go into Holland."
Order likewise for the following issues to same on the like occasion] for four Gentlemen of the Bedchamber being 500l. each 2000
for the Earl of Arran, more 500
for four Grooms of the Bedchamber being 250l. each 1000
to Mr. Beaubuisson for half-a-year 190
to the Master of the Horse for transports and provisions of the King's horses 600
to ditto towards the expenses of horse hire, waggons and other necessary charges in Holland 200
The Navy Commissioners [attend. Ordered that] 1400l. is to be issued [to the Navy Treasurer] for half-a-year due at midsummer last to the Sick and Wounded: [to be issued] out of loans on the Land Tax: three-fifths of said sum to be charged to the head of Wages, and two-fifths to the head of Victualling.
Signify the King's pleasure to the Navy Board that they make out a bill to Robert Trevers for the 500l. lost on board the Coventry [to be issued] as a bounty; assigning the said bill for payment on any money in the Navy Treasurer's hands for Victualling.
[Ordered that] 13,295l. 0s. 7½d. is to be issued to the Navy Treasurer in further part of the proportion for the head of ordinary of the Navy: to be issued out of ready money [in the Exchequer] of the loans on the 2s. Aid: and to be applied to imprests and bills of exchange.
[Write] to the Navy Commissioners and the Board of Ordnance to be here on Wednesday morning. Ibid., p. 89.
Eodem die, afternoon. Present: Sir Stephen Fox; Chancellor of the Exchequer; Mr. Boyle; Mr. Hill.
The letter for 3777l. 5s. 8d. for Mr. Cardonel and divers others is read and approved.
[Order for the issue of] 125l. to the Treasurer of the Chamber for a quarter's salary due at Lady day last. Ibid., p. 90.