Minute Book: June 1703

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 18, 1703. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1936.

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'Minute Book: June 1703', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 18, 1703, (London, 1936) pp. 54-62. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol18/pp54-62 [accessed 19 April 2024]

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June 1703

June 1, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Sir Henry Furnese is called in and also Sir Stephen Evance and his partners, with proposals for the remitting of 100000l. [for subsistence of the Troops in Flanders]. The latter offers to remit that sum by one third at sight, one third at 25 days and one third at 50 days sight at [the exchange rate of] 10 guilders 7 stivers per . It is agreed to, provided the days commence from this time.
[My Lord orders] 2000l. more to be imprested to Mr. Dummar for the [pacquet] boats. He promises to bring hither his first account within 14 days.
[Ordered] that one or two Commissioners of Excise and the Commissioners of Prizes attend [my Lord Treasurer here] to-morrow morning. Ibid., p. 97.
June 2, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers. Cockpit.
Present : ut supra.
[Ordered that] 16,000l. out of loans on the Land Tax be issued for Sea Service of the Ordnance for the year 1703.
[Likewise that] 30000l. out of loans on the Malt Duties be issued to the Navy for Wages.
[The Gentlemen of the Bank attend and inform my Lord that] the Bank will lend the complement to 600000l. on the Malt Act to begin from 24 June instant and 160000l. on the Subsidies of this year at the rates laid down in the respective Acts. And my Lord is resolved that in case the said funds or either of them be deficient in making good these loans so much as shall be unpaid for principal or interest at Michaelmas 1704 shall be made good to them [the Bank] out of some other funds.
The officers of the Navy and others who were to attend this day are to attend to-morrow afternoon. Ibid., p. 98.
June 3. afternoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : ut supra.
[The draft of a] letter [of direction to the Exchequer] for [the issue to the Paymaster of the Forces of] 2425l. 14s. 0d. to clear the 4 Companies at New York to 24 Dec. 1702 is read and approved.
[The draft of a] letter to Mr. Shakerly [Governor of Chester to pay the Queen's bounty of 20s. a man] to 26 reduced men is read and approved.
[My Lord orders the issue to Mr. Whitfield of] 1607l. 12s. 1d. for subsistence to Seymour's Regiment and 792l. 6s. 5d. for clearings to Mordaunt's Regiment to April 24 last : to be issued out of loans on the Malt Duty.
The Navy Commissioners and the Auditors of Imprests are called in. The Navy Commissioners say that on the 19th April last they signed the voluntary charge for Sir Edward Seymour's account [as Treasurer of the Navy].
Mr. Madocks junr. exhibits a paper of articles still in dispute viz. [between the said Commissioners and the said Treasurer concerning said account] (1) 453l. 18s. 7d. on tickets &c. [on this point my Lord orders that] Mr. Madocks bring his books and the [Navy] Commissioners will determine this on Saturday forenoon. (2) 256l. 10s. 10d. on double tickets [my Lord's decision is that this item be] disallowed. (3) The difference between 1931l. 9s. 3d. and 398l. 6s. 5d. due upon an account with the Governors of the Chest at Chatham. [My Lord's decision is to] refer this article to the Auditors of Imprests to examine the said account with the assistance of the Navy Commissioners and to make a state thereof with their opinion to my Lord. (4) 219l. 18s. 7d. on pursers' bonds for tobacco. [My Lord's decision is that] this sum is not to be allowed in the account but if the obligers can entitle themselves so as to give a regular discharge for what is due to any of these pursers they will be paid upon application to the Navy Board. (5) 55l. 12s. 3d. for dead men's clothes. [My Lord's decision is] this hath been adjusted already at the Navy Board.
Mr. Maddocks promises that in the beginning of the next week the [Navy Treasurer's] ledger shall be delivered to the Auditors [of Imprests].
Mr. Dodington is called in [and informs my Lord Treasurer that] Lord Orford's [Navy] account is almost dispatched. He says they are proceeding upon Lord Falkland's [Navy] Account and that his clerk Richard Burton shall attend [the despatch of] the first year's account when Capt. Shales was paymaster.
The Navy Victuallers and Mr. Papillon are called in. The Victuallers say they are [engaged] on Mr. Sturt's account and have made a good progress [therein]. As to Mr. Papillon's account they have not had time to do much on it ; but difficulties appear to them every day. [My Lord orders that] they are to make a state of his account and propose their doubts to my Lord. It's the [Victualling] account of Lord Orford [presented] by Mr. Papillon.
As to Sir Thomas Littleton's [Navy] account, my Lord [after discoursing the Victuallers] thinks that where money is paid by way of imprest and that imprest is discharged by a perfect bill at any time before the account is closed the party ought not to be set in super : [further] that where persons receive money by way of imprest and have not brought their accounts into the [Navy] Office before the account is closed such imprests ought to be allowed to the [Navy] Treasurer.
[My Lord orders the issue to the Navy Treasurer of] 10,000l. more for wages and ships : out of loans on the Malt Duties :
likewise 16000l. [to same] to complete last Xmas quarter's pay to the Yards : to be issued out of loans on the Subsidies. Treasury Minute Book XIV, pp. 99-100.
June 8, forenoon,
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
[Send word] to the Agents [for Taxes] to be here to-morrow morning.
Write to Mr. Cardonal that Mr. Sweet calls from time to time upon Mr. Fox for money for the Augmentation Forces ; that 66095l. 15s. 6d. hath been already issued (include the 20000l. now ordered) and desire him to make it his business to get a formed [framed or properly drawn] Establishment as soon as he can so that my Lord Treasurer may know what he is to pay.
"Direct Mr. Fox out of the money advanced on the last 10000l. tallies on the Land Tax to apply 20000l. (struck through).
[My Lord orders] 12551l. 8s. 0d. out of the loans on the Malt Act to be issued to Mr. Fox upon his privy seal for the Augmentation Forces, the same being on account for the pay of the said Forces.
[My Lord orders] Mr. Staples to be paid one year's salary [fallen due] since the Queen's accession to the Crown : to be paid under the letters patent [the privy seal] dormant.
[My Lord doth] order Mr. Parkhurst to send an account of all moneys recovered and distributed since the commission was granted to him and Mr. Paschal.
[Write and] desire the gentlemen of the Bank to come here tomorrow morning.
[My Lord] ordered that the sums as follows be applied to the Victualling viz. 97000l. which is to be advanced on tallies in the Navy Treasurer's hands struck on the Malt Duties (and payable after 100000l.) and 25332l. 12s. 9d. out of the cash lent on the public funds before the 10th of April 1703 making in all 122332l. 12s. 9d. : the same to be applied as follows viz.
s. d.
to complete 140936l. 12s. 7d. due in Oct., Nov. and Dec. last to the [Victualling] course, whereof 37817l. 10s. 10d. hath been satisfied by tallies on the Salt Duties and on the fourth 4s. Aid lately sold 102332 12 9
for bills of exchange, Short Allowance Money, Necessary Money and other contingencies 20000
122332 12 9
Write to Col. Godfrey [Master of the Jewel House] not to prosecute [Robert Harley] the Speaker [of the House of Commons] for the plate in his hands [delivered to him by indenture out of the Jewel House] whilst he continues in the office of Speaker. Ibid., p. 101.
June 9, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : ut supra.
[My Lord] ordered that out of such money as is or shall be in the Exchequer, of the Queen's part of prizes, there be issued as follows to the Earl of Ranelagh on his memorial of the 1st inst. viz.
for clearing her Majesty's Troops and Regiments on the Establishment of the Guards and Garrisons from 25 Oct. to 24 Dec. 1702 inclusive according to the Establishment and the Muster Rolls 11982 14 9
for the full pay of the Garrisons for the same time 2408 17 3
for half a year's fire and candle for ditto [the Garrisons for same time] 950
for pay of the General Staff Officers from 25 August to 24 December 1702 1256 18 10
to clear the Company of Foot at Bermudas from 25 Dec. 1701 for the same time 331 19 8
for clearing the 4 Companies of Invalids to the same time according to the Establishment and the Muster Rolls 1393 13 9
18324 4 4
Write the letter [of direction to the Exchequer only] for the first two [sic for three of the above] articles at present. In the margin : Write the letter for these 3 last articles abating 435l. 0s. 8d. in his Lordship's [the Earl of Ranelagh's] hands of tallies on the Malt Duties.
Desire the Attorney General and the Agents for Taxes to be here this day fortnight. Desire the Lord Chief Baron to be here then about the duplicates [of the Assessment Rolls].
[The draft of a] letter [of direction to the Exchequer for the issue] of 4110 15s. 0d. to Sir W. Galwey (in the margin incorrectly Mr. Galway) and others is read and approved. Ibid., p. 102.
Eodem die afternoon.
Treasury chambers, Cockpit.
Present : ut supra.
[The draft of a] letter [of direction to the Exchequer for the issue] of 2065l. 10s. 0d. to Cha. Hodges and others is read and approved.
The Customs Commissioners are called in.
On the second Wednesday in Michaelmas term my Lord will hear Sir Peter Killigrew and the gentlemen concerned for the ports of Penryn as to the commission desired for the ports of Penryn and Falmouth. [Send notice accordingly to] Mr. Ennis, Mr. Buscowen, Mr. Trefuses, and Mr. Vernon.
Ordered that the sum of 5091l. 11s. 1d. now in the hands of Mr. Dobson, warehousekeeper, which he received in further part of the compositions for the wines and brandies in the 47 ships from St. Sebastian and the 661l. 16s. 5d. deposited by Mr. Denis in Mr. Ferne's hands upon the aforesaid account be forthwith paid into the Receipt of the Exchequer and that the moneys which shall be received of 2664l. 14s. 6d. remaining in the merchants' hands of the said compositions be in like manner paid into the said Receipt as [and when] it shall be recovered.
Desire the Attorney and Solicitor General to be here this day fortnight in the afternoon about 5623l. 16s. 2d. applied by the Receiver General and Cashier of Customs to the head of Impositions which should have been received for [or put to the account of the head of] Compositions in the Exchequer. [Send word] to the Customs Commissioners to be here then.
Ordered that the 3687l. 3s. 4d. received in London for the composition after the rate of 4l. per ton for French wines from St. Sebastian which passed [the Customs] before the fraudulent trade was discovered be forthwith paid into the Receipt of the Exchequer and the 1245l. standing out [in bonds] for the same in London be similarly paid in as fast as it can be recovered.
[My Lord Treasurer makes] the like order for the 1425l. 10s. 0d. received and for the 781l. 3s. 4d. standing out [similarly on bonds] in the outports on the same account.
The Navy Commissioners are called in with Mr. Dodington and Mr. Madocks junr. [Upon hearing them my Lord finds that] as to the 453l. 18s. 7d. on tickets &c. Mr. Madocks has delivered 10 books to the Navy Commissioners but 2 others are not yet found : he hath written to his father for them. It is agreed by all that the ledger be carried to Auditor Bridges to-morrow morning.
The Excise Commissioners are called in and their papers are read and answered [and my Lord's answers are endorsed thereon]. Treasury Minute Book XIV, pp. 102-3.
June 15, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : Lord Treasurer.
[The draft of a] letter [of direction to the Exchequer for the issue] of 6014l. 3s. 1d. for the Treasurer of the Chamber's Office for Lady day quarter 1703 is read and approved.
[My Lord orders the issue to the Paymaster of the Forces of] 54747l. 6s. 8d. for subsistence of the subject [English] Troops and for the full pay of the Foreign Forces that compose the 40000 men [to wit] from 9 July 1703 to 5 August following : to be satisfied out of the Land Tax tallies and orders in Mr. Foxe's hands.
Desire the Attorney General to be here to-morrow afternoon.
Memorandum : Mr. Blackhull [Blackhall and the General] Postmasters to be here then.
[My Lord Treasurer orders] 2000l. to be imprested to Mr. Gold and Mr. Hall on the head of Wear and Tear and to be for providing pitch and tar : to be issued out of cash of the last year's funds. Ibid., p. 104.
June 16, forenoon,
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
[The draft of a royal] letter [to the Clerk of the Signet] for a commission to enquire of the Queen's right to lands adjoining a common belonging to the inhabitants of Aldeburgh is read and approved.
[Send word] to Mr. Henry Baker to be here this day week in the morning.
[The draft of a] letter [of direction to the Exchequer for the issue to the Navy Treasurer] of 122332l. 12d. 9d. for the Victuallers is read and approved. Hereof 97000l. is [to be] advanced by the Bank on Malt tallies registered after 100000l.
My Lord will speak with the Customs Commissioners about Mr. Knight upon a recommendation from the Duke of Somerset.
See this afternoon what is unpaid on King William's [Civil List payments] scheme.
[The Gentlemen of the Bank attend and inform my Lord that] the Bank will furnish the 97000l. on the Malt Duties [tallies].
An estimate having been laid before the Queen of works to be first done at Windsor and directed by her Majesty amounting to 882l. 9s. 6d. [my Lord Treasurer orders that] the officers of the Works are to be proceed therein. Ibid., p. 105.
Eodem die afternoon. Present : ut supra.
[Send word] to the Agents [for Taxes] to be here this day week in the morning concerning a letter from Col. Edw. Berkley.
[My Lord orders] the Commissioners of Prizes to be directed to sell the pieces of 8 ingots of silver plate and the gold remaining uncoined to the best advantage and to pay her Majesty's part of the proceeds into the Exchequer.
The Attorney General comes in. He thinks the point (viz. whose duty it is to transmit the ordinary Imprest Rolls to the Remembrancer) should be determined by the Court of the Exchequer and that the officers concerned in the dispute should submit to such a decision [as the said Court may arrive at]. Ibid.
June 22, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : ut supra.
[My Lord orders the issue of] 433l. 7s. 5d. to the Wardrobe for linen for the Queen's royal person.
[My Lord orders that] when arrears [of the late King's Civil List revenue] come in my Lord Montagu is to have a letter for 2000l. for a year's salary [as Paymaster of the Great Wardrobe, due] in King William's time.
[My Lord orders] payment to be made to the Judges and Masters of Chancery for last term and quarter.
[My Lord orders] 23923l. to be issued to Mr. Fox out of Civil List money [as part of the Queen's Contribution of 100000l. to the War] : viz. to pay for 100000 crowns in Holland which Sir H. Furnese will remit at 10 guilders, 8 stivers per , to be paid there to Monsieur Keysersvelt, Agent for the Circle of Swabia, to encourage them to continue in the interest of the Allies and not accept of the Neutrality : and is to be issued on Mr. Fox's order for 200000l. for Treaty Subsidies].
[Send word] to the Commissioners of Prizes to be here to-morrow morning at 9 of the clock.
The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance are called in. My Lord Treasurer acquaints them that the charge of the demand made by the Earl of Nottingham of 5 field pieces and 5 battering pieces &c. is to be borne out of the appropriated moneys [which] the Office [of Ordnance] will receive for land services.
"Send the draft of the lease from Mr. Frederick back to the Commissioners of Excise and intimate that my Lord approves the same."
[My Lord orders the issue of] 6000l. to the Duke of Somerset for the extraordinaries of the Stables.
[Send word] to Mr. Dummar to be here to-morrow afternoon with the Customs Commissioners.
[Send word] to Mr. Henry Baker and the 2 Auditors [of Imprests] to attend on Friday morning about his [Baker's] account. Ibid., p. 106.
June 23, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
[The draft of a] letter [of direction to the Exchequer for the issue to the Paymaster of the Forces of] 926l. 10s. 8d. for transports to Holland this year is read and approved.
The Principal Commissioners of Prizes are called in. They make report concerning the French East India prize. They intend to sell her goods on the 27th July.
The Lord Chief Baron [attends as also the] Agents for Taxes. [Upon hearing them my Lord Treasurer orders] a Distringas to issue against the [Assessment] Commissioners for London for [their slackness in not returning into the Queen's Remembrancer's Office the Land Tax Assessment] duplicates of the year 1702. And [my Lord orders the Taxes Agents to] prepare letters to all the other [County Assessment] Commissioners in England and Wales to return the duplicates : otherwise there will be process [issued against them just] as there is against the Commissioners in London. Treasury Minute Book XIV, p. 107.
Eodem die afternoon. Present : ut supra.
The Customs Commissioners [are called in together with the] Attorney and Solicitor General. The Attorney and Solicitor say they have considered the warrant for rectifying the [entry of the] payment of 5346l. 6s. 9d. and do approve thereof (being money applied to the head of Impositions instead of Compositions in the accounts of the Customs).
Upon hearing the Customs Commissioners and the Attorney and Solicitor, my Lord Treasurer is of opinion that the present practice of ascertaining the Customs payable by the East India Companies for goods ad valorem is very prejudicial to the public and not warranted by law ; and therefore his Lordship desires that some of their Directors may meet with the Customs Commissioners to settle a better method.
[My Lord orders the issue of] 1000l. for the Running Horses at Newmarket to Xmas 1701 ; to be issued out of arrears [of the late King's Civil List revenue accrued before that date]. Ibid.
June 25, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : Chancellor of the Exchequer.
[No entry of any minute]. Ibid., p. 108.
June 29, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
[My Lord orders] the Auditors of Imprests and Mr. Hen. Baker to attend to-morrow morning.
[My Lord orders] Dr. Bentley to be paid one year's arrear.
Desire some of the [gentlemen of the] Bank to be here to-morrow morning.
[My Lord orders the] issue of 178l. 9s. 0d. to the Earl of Ranelagh as part of 87125l. 10s. 0d. for part of 10,000 men [in sea service] for the year 1702 : to be issued out of prize money : and to be paid over to Col. Dudley or his assigns for raising a Foot Company in New England and sending them to Jamaica for her Majesty's service there.
[My Lord orders that] Col. Seymour is to be allowed 400l. for his transportation to his Government of Maryland to which he was nominated before the rule was made against allowing money to Governors for their transportation but [requiring them] to provide shipping for their own goods ; which rule my Lord Treasurer resolves to observe for the future pursuant to the Queen's command.
Bring in the paper concerning the [Civil List] arrears due from the [late] King [to his servants &c.], against to-morrow afternoon.
On Wednesday week in the morning my Lord will hear counsel for Lady Wood and Mr. Anthony Row and partners concerning the issues levied upon the latter.
[My Lord orders the issue out of Civil List funds of] 200l. to Mr. Verrio.
[Send word to] the Attorney General to be here to-morrow morning. Ibid., p. 109.
June 30, forenoon.
Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present : ut supra.
Write to the Bishop of London that my Lord Treasurer thinks it to no purpose to proceed in the commissions [for inquisitions] in Lancashire, but if he pleases to have a bill of discovery for any particular estate to which the Queen has a probable title the Attorney General will take care thereof.
[Write and] desire Mr. Stratford to be here on Tuesday morning.
[My Lord orders the issue out of Civil List Funds of] 10170l. for salaries and pensions due at midsummer last and 5000l. to be issued to the Household for disbursements for that quarter.
[The draft of a] letter [of direction to the Exchequer for the issues to the Earl of Ranelagh, Paymaster of the Forces] of 4916l. 7s. 7d. for the Officers employed last year in the expeditions to Cadiz and Vigo and for other uses is read and approved [as in further part of 87125l. 10s. 0d. for 10000 soldiers in sea service anno 1702].
The Agents for Taxes and Mr. Holbech [are called in]. The said Agents' report is read and the letters of Holbech's frauds are produced. [My Lord orders that] the Agents are to prepare articles of instruction to be annexed to a commission and to present the names of persons fit to be named as Commissioners to enquire of frauds in the taxes in Co. Devon and Exeter.
[My Lord orders a] warrant to stay process ad computandum against Mr. Hen. Baker till next Michaelmas term and to supersede the process [actually] issued.
[My Lord orders the issue of] 1500l. to Mr. [Charles] Shales [goldsmith, for plate delivered in the late King's time] out of arrears [of Civil List revenue due before the late King's death].
[My Lord orders the issue of] 2200l. to the Earl of Montague in part of his arrears of salary [as Master of the Great Wardrobe] out of the like arrears [of the late King's Civil List] as in part of his arrears of salary in case any such arrears are due to him during the late King's reign.
[My Lord orders the issues] out of same of 1000l. to Mr. Roberts [the late King's Plumber] and 1000l. to Mr. Wise, the gardener.
[Likewise the issue of the] Cambridge [University perpetuity] arrear of 10l. per an.
[Likewise the issue out of the present Queen's Civil List moneys to William Lowndes of] 2000l. for secret service.
[Likewise the issue of] 395l. 2s. 3d. to Mr. Mathews on his order : to be paid out of the late King's Civil List arrears due before 8 March 1701-2.
[Likewise the issue of] 120l. to the Housekeeper at Westminster : out of [the late King's Civil List] arrears. Treasury Minute Book XIV, p. 110.