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Dec. 5.
|
Sir John Robinson's business of the Tower expenses is to be
settled [this day].
The Farmers of Excise are to attend [this day] about something
they have to propose.
Mr. Gelson [is this day] to be heard upon his exceptions to
Mrs. Fleetwood's letter, and the Wine Licence Commissioners are
to attend.
Mr. Norton to attend [this day] about his account of the works
of the Mews, and the officers of the Works are to attend.
Mr. Browne [is this day] to attend about Sir Robt. Viner's
complaint of his being prosecuted on an extent.
Mr. Dowle's case touching his prosecuting tobacco planters
at Winchcomb [is to be heard this day].
Sir John Trevor's petition about Dudley Rewse's estate [is
to be heard this day].
Mr. Brounker's petition to be then considered.
The account of Mr. Pley, senr., of Weymouth [is to be considered
this day].
[Day Book, p. 136.]
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Dec. 5.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Treasurer Danby promises Sir John Robinson to make effectual
his [Robinson's] assignments of 2,680l. upon Jno. Vaughan,
Receiver of South Wales.
Sir John Trevor's petition is read for a lease of the extent of
Dudley Rewse's estate at 25l. per an. Treasurer Danby directs
Sir Charles Harbord to attend him in this matter that his Lordship
may make his report to the King.
Mr. Browne and Sir Robert Viner with Alderman Backwell
are called in. Sir Robert prays that Mr. Brown may accept of
an asignment of interest and that he may be allowed to make his
application to the King in this behalf. Alderman Backwell
says that it is not the King's money [received by said Brown as
the King's Receiver, and deposited by said Brown with said
Vyner, not at interest, but to be by Vyner paid into the
Exchequer] because he paid Mr. Browne constantly interest
for it to the 30th of Dec., 1675.
Mr. Browne denies that he received any interest for the said sum
but that he had a current accompt with him.
Treasurer Danby directs that Mr. Browne's case be stated,
and then his Lordship will lay it before the King in Council on
Friday next.
The Managers of the Excise are called in, and their presentments
are answered [Treasurer Danby's instructions on the various
heads of their representations being written in the margin of their
said presentments].
Treasurer Danby refers to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
the consideration of the gratuity to be given to Mr. Giles Dowle
for prosecuting tobacco planters.
The officers of the Works are called in. Their presentments
are read, and directions are given thereupon [in the margin
thereof ut supra].
Mris. Fleetwood and Mr. Gelson's counsel are called in about
the office of [one of the] Commissioners of Wine Licences.
Sir Robert Sawyer says that Mr. Fleetwood's articles with
Mr. Gelson are not obligatory. The Solicitor General says that
in point of right the nomination of Commissioners [rests] in the
King. Sir Robert Sawyer maintains that the Commissioners have
the right of presenting.
Mris. Marsh's petition [is] to be called for.
Sir Charles Harbord is to attend Treasurer Danby upon the
[matter of the] exaction of fees by the officers of the Exchequer.
Mr. Evans' petition [is to be put among] the papers for the
King.
Treasurer Danby directs that 500l. be presently paid for Healing
Medals ; and the residue of that debt to be settled [on some
good fund].
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 12-13.]
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Dec. 7.
Friday.
|
The business of the New Forest [is to be considered this day]
and Sir Cha. Harbord is to attend.
Mr. Ralph's case is to be heard [this day] about his lease of
Blockhouse fields, near Gravesend fort ; and Sir Francis Leake
who entered a caveat against it is to have notice to attend. The
Master of the Ordnance, Sir Cha. Harbord and Sir Jonas Moore
are to be desired to attend.
Mr. Worrall to attend [this day] with Sir Charles Harbord's
last report [on his business].
Mr. Lindsay [is this day] to shew cause why he refuses to pay
any interest to Jonadab Balaam, a bond creditor of Mr. Colvile's.
In the margin : the parties are agreed.
Mr. Norton [is this day] to attend about his account of the works
of the Mews, and Auditor Bridges is to attend with said Norton's
accounts.
[Day Book, p. 137.]
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Dec. 7.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Chancellor of the Exchequer, Master of the Ordnance,
Sir Jonas Moore, Sir Cha. Harbord.
Mr. Raifes is called in concerning the renewing of his lease of
the remaining part of Blockhouse Field, near Gravesend blockhouse,
notwithstanding Sir Francis Leake's caveat and pretences
that the same is granted to him in his patent of [grant of the
office of] Governor there. Sir Francis Leake's patent and case
is read. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Master [of the
Ordnance] and Surveyor of the Ordnance and Sir Charles Harbord
were all of opinion that Sir Francis Leake's caveat ought to be
withdrawn and the lease pass. Ordered : That Sir Francis
Leake have notice that unless he shews cause by Wednesday
next the lease shall pass accordingly.
By the King's command the Lord Treasurer directs 100l. to
be given to the Baron de Mercye.
Mr. Ralph Widdrington's petition [is to be put among] the
papers for the King.
Treasurer Danby is to be [re]minded of Mr. Robt. Wright [on]
Sunday next at the Committee of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Henry Seymour's papers and request for 500l. (due on tallies)
to be paid out of the surplusage of the Hanaper office [is to be put
upon] the King's papers [which are to go up to his Majesty] on
Wednesday next.
The like order for Mris. Ursula Elliott's petition and case.
The like order for Mris. Margery Thomas's petition and case.
The business of (settling the accounts of sheriffs, particularly)
the sheriff[s] of (London and) Middlesex is to be heard on Monday
next (at 10 in the morning at the Treasury Chambers), and the
Barons of the Exchequer are to be desired to be there.
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 13-14.]
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Dec. 10.
Monday.
|
The business of the fees in the several offices, of the Exchequer
is to be considered [this day in the morning] ; and Mr. Lawrence
and Mr. Tho. Hall are to attend with a book being a copy of
a former examination of that matter.
[Day Book, p. 137.]
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Dec. 10.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord
Chief Baron, Baron Littleton, Baron Thurland. Attending :
Sir Cha. Harbord, Attorney General.
The accounts of sheriffs and particularly the manner of settling
the account of the sheriffs of London and Middlesex is taken into
consideration. The petition of the sheriffs of Middlesex is read
praying (1) that upon removal of any prisoner from Newgate,
Midd., to any other county the sheriff of such county may pay
the charges upon receiving of the prisoner ; (2) that the
surplusage upon the sheriff of Middlesex's accounts may be paid
from time to time out of the debit of any other sheriff. The
Attorney General and the Barons of the Exchequer are of opinion
that this may be done for the sheriff of Middlesex, but not for
any other. Mr. Hastings [is] called in and says that he would
willingly pay the 10l. allowed by his Majesty's proclamation,
but that he has no money in his hands and there is but
250 per an. coming to his Majesty [as revenue] in the charge of
the sheriffs of London and Middlesex.
Question [is discussed] what inconvenience there is in assigning
one sheriff [for payment of any surplusage by assignment] upon
another [sheriff's] debt [or remain due to the King]. Sir Robt.
Croke is called in and is told by the Attorney General that tis
observed he pays money without warrant from the Lord Treasurer
or Chancellor of the Exchequer in ordering the surplusage of one
sheriff's account to be paid by another's debt. Sir Robt. Croke
denies it, and says that this is done at the Lord Treasurer's
Remembrancer's [Office]. Mr. Barnard is called in and is asked
how this is done there [in that Office]. He answers that of old
time a record of surplusage used to be made (upon a certificate
of the surplusage of one sheriff and the debt of another) by warrant
of one of the Barons of the Exchequer. But of late by direction
of the late Lord Chief Baron Hale no such thing was allowed
to be done without the allowance of the [Exchequer] Court,
and [he] owns that the officers have no right to do it without the
Lord Treasurer's warrant.
Ordered : That no such record of surplusage be henceforth
made but by warrant of the Lord Treasurer.
Ordered also : That the manner of accounting in the Pipe
be taken into consideration by the whole Court of Exchequer
next term, when the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the
Exchequer will be in Court.
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 14-15].
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Dec. 12.
Wednesday.
|
Sir John Trevor's petition to be further considered [on this
day].
Mr. John Portman to shew cause [this day] why he refuses to make
assignment to Mr. Lampen of interest upon the Excise proportionable
to the debt he [Portman] owes him [Lampen]. Portman
to have a copy of the petition. Struck through.
The business of the New Forest is to be considered [this day]
and Sir Cha. Harbord is desired to attend.
Mr. Warrall to attend [this day] with Sir Charles Harbord's
last report.
Mr. Norton to attend [this day] about his account of the
works of the Mews : and Auditor Bridges is to attend with the
accounts.
Sir Robt. Atkins, junr., to attend [this day] about his account
and his privy seal of allowance. Auditor Aldworth is to attend
with the account.
Sir Francis Leake is to shew cause [this day] why Mr. Raife's
lease should not pass.
Mr. Wade's petition to be further considered [this day].
Mr. Ofley's case to be considered and determined [this day].
[Day Book, p. 138.]
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Dec. 14.
|
The businesses of the 12th are referred to this day.
Mr. Grabu to attend [this day] about a caveat entered by
him against an assignment that he made to Mr. Lapp.
[Ibid.]
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Dec. 14.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mr. Deputy [John] Portman called in about refusing assignments
to one Mr. Lampen out of his [Portman's] perpetual interest on
the Excise. Treasurer Danby directs that Mr. Portman without
delay give Mr. Lampen satisfaction in this particular.
Mr. Portman desires time till after Christmas to examine his
books before he makes any assignment. Mr. Lampen made a
difficulty to grant it [such delay] whereupon Mr. Portman
moved Treasurer Danby that Mr. Lampen might respite any
proceedings till Wednesday next : which was granted and Portman
is then to give his final answer.
Mr. Worrall moved Treasurer Danby for 500l. satisfaction
for his house at Greenwich. [Ordered] : he to be paid as others
who have had their lands taken into his Majesty's forts and to be
placed on some fund.
Mr. Griffin called in with Mr. Offley, agent for the groom porter,
about settling 600l. a year for providing such things as the duty
of his office requires him to furnish. Mr. Griffin said it could not
be allowed out of the ordinary establishment of 30,000l. a year,
[for the Treasurer of the Chamber] that [sum] being but 170l.
a year more than what [is] payable by the establishment [this
small saving arising] by reason that the 2,000l. a year paid to the
Secretary for Council warrants usually comes short [by] about that
sum. Besides [says he] this [item] of the groom porter's is an
extraordinary one. Treasurer Danby [decides that he] will
consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer with Sir Charles Herbert
[Harbord] and give Mr. Ofley his answer in a few days.
The petition of the 95 yeomen of the Guard is read and ordered
to be put into his Majesty's papers.
The imprest of the Treasurer of the Chamber is to be called
for and examined.
The case of Dudley Reuse's extent of lands [the extent of D.
Reuse's lands] to [the value of] 22l. per an. in co. Bucks is taken
into consideration. Treasurer Danby directs a state of all the
petitions and proposals [relative hereto] to be drawn up to be
laid before the King in Council on Wednesday next. But upon
Sir John Trevor's desire tis deferred till after Christmas to [give
time to] enquire whether the 400l. mortgage to Mr. Pen on part of
this land be precedent to Mr. Dudley Reuse's becoming bound to
the King. The heir of said Reuse is directed to make up said
Reuse's account which Mr. Brent says he promised to do.
The Barons of the Exchequer with the Attorney General are
to attend Treasurer Danby on Monday forenoon at ten o'clock
about the business of bringing in [making up all collectors' and]
receivers' accounts. Sir Charles Harbord to attend with the
Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Sir Robert Atkins, junr., is called in with Auditor Aldworth
about the allowance craved by him in his half year's account
for the Law duty from May 24 to Oct. 23 last. Treasurer Danby
refers the consideration thereof to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
to allow as he shall see cause upon his [Sir Robert's] claim [as
above : said claim being for allowance] of 112l. for poundage
of 4,000l. odd hundreds paid for interest of advance money ;
and [of] the 90l. craved for charges of privy seals and passing the
account : and so the auditor to proceed to finish the account
accordingly.
Mr. Agar, Mr. Strode and Major Dickins, woodward of New
Forest, are called in. The two former as Surveyors [General of
Woods Trent South] complained of abuses about the undue cutting
[of] wood by the woodward. By a decree in chancery some
wood is to be allowed to the King's tenants. Treasurer Danby
says that the woodward ought not to assign [such allowances
of timber] but to tenants of the King's manors. The woodward
says he will not assign any wood henceforth without the Lord
Treasurer's order. Treasurer Danby directs the woodward
to certify constantly to the Surveyors [General of Woods] what
wood he fells. Mr. Dickson [Dickins] the woodward [is ordered]
to give Treasurer Danby a particular account by next term of
all the king's tenants and cottagers of the [said] forest and by
what title they demand wood and what quantity they claim.
A copy of Sir Charles Harbord's report concerning the New
Forest is [ordered] to be sent to Sir Henry Titchborne, to Mr. Agar
and Strode, Surveyors of his Majesty's forests and Major Dickson
[Dickins] the woodward. All of them are appointed to attend
Treasurer Danby next Wednesday to reassume the consideration
of that forest. Only the woodward had Treasurer Danby's
licence to go home to the country.
To write to Mr. Noell to know how he would advise the disposal
of the wood lately cut by Mr. Rodney and seized.
The officers of the Works present Treasurer Danby with a paper
comparing the expense of the Works in the last King's time
with the present establishment ; whereby it appears that the
charge at present is not greater than formerly.
Treasurer Danby directs that the 70l. odd money for Richmond
Park wall be allowed upon the extraordinary of the Works.
On Treasurer Danby's minutes [of papers carried to the King.]
Erased.
By his Majesty's command Mr. Rodney. Erased.
Mr. Bradshaw was called in about a demand of [allowance of]
500l. paid by him to Mr. Holland his predecessor by direction
of Lord Clifford, which sum he desires may be allowed him in
his account. Treasurer Danby told him he would move the
King.
On the King's papers [the following minuted resolutions are
brought from the King by Treasurer Danby].
By his Majesty's command Mr. Rodney (who without the Lord
Treasurer's warrant cut down a great parcel of the King's timber
in New Forest, Hants) is pardoned for that offence.
By like command Sir Gilbert Talbot is to have a pension of
400l. per an. out of the new year's gifts [annually given to the
King].
By like command Margery Thomas, the widow of Henry
Thomas (late private letter carrier to his Majesty when in exile)
is to have 100l. as free gift instead of her pretensions to 200l.
supposed to be due to her husband upon his pension of
200l. per an.
By like command Mris. Ursula Elliot, the widow of James
Elliot, late one of the grooms of his Majesty's Privy Chamber,
is to have a pension of 60l. per an.
By like command Mr. William Killegrew is to have a grant
of the estate of one Toms (Tomes) lately executed at Gloucester
for [counterfeit] coining ; the said estate [being] valued at 117l. :
and of the estate of one Clements (then executed) valued at 10l.
By like command Mr. Geo. Evans is to have a grant to some
[person] in trust for his son of the reversion of his own place of
Clerk of the Irons and Surveyor of the Melting in the Mint.
By like command Mr. Ralph Widdrington who lost his eyes
in the Dutch war is to have a pension of 200l. per an.
By like command Sir John Booth is to have a grant of the
estate of his son Capt. Booth, lately executed for a murther at
Yarmouth.
By like command Mr. Rich [Raphael] Foliard, his Majesty's
barber in extraordinary is to have his pay or salary to commence
from the date of the warrant.
Memorandum : This day Mr. King's account was compared
with Treasurer Danby's settlement of his debt and interest, and it
appeared to be as follows, viz. :
|
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At Mich., 1676, Mr. King's debt was stated
and there then appeared to be due to him
for principal
|
4,000
|
|
And for interest thereof
|
1,750
|
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5,750
|
My Lord Treasurer then [at that time] directed that 750l., part
of the said 5,750l. should be paid to Mr. King and that for the
remaining 5,000l. there should be paid unto him a yearly interest
amounting to 300l. per an., which for one year and a quarter due
at Christmas next will be 375l. which added to the said 750l. makes
in all 1,125l. of which Mr. King has received at several times 800l.
so that at Christmas next 1677 there will be due to him 325l. which
he prays may be forthwith paid unto him, Christmas being so near.
Struck through : and underneath is written : "My Lord
Treasurer disowns this account."
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 15-19.]
|
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Dec. 17.
|
The Attorney General to be spoken with by Mr. Brent about
some papers that concern the Irish [revenue] farm [granted]
to Sir James Shaine, etc.
Treasurer Danby desires to see Sir Thomas Armestrong's account
of what [he] expended for the [horses presented to the] Prince of
Orange and [for] horses presented into [to personages in] France
before giving order for more money [of that sort].
Dr. Browning [is ordered] to attend the Lord Treasurer next
Treasury [meeting] day, with a state of his case to see if his pretences
be within the order of Council made in his behalf.
Serjt. Ramsey, Mr. Fillingham and Mr. Hall are to be wrote
to to attend at the Treasury Chamber next Thursday with the
names and debts [balances owing to the King] of [all] the Receivers
and Collectors [who are] in arrear to the King. The Barons
[of the Exchequer], the Attorney General and Sir Charles Harbord
are to be wrote to [to attend then] and the Chancellor of the
Exchequer is to attend then also about the same business.
The Treasurer of the Chamber is to pay Mr. Chase 352l. forthwith :
for which he [Griffin] is to be allowed usual interest.
[Ibid., p. 19.]
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Dec. 19.
Wednesday ;
|
The Alum Farmers and Mr. Lindsay are to attend [this day].
Mr. Grabu (Graby) and Mr. Lappe to attend [this day] about
entering a caveat against an assignment that he [Grabu] made to
Mr. Lappe.
The Surveyors [General] of the Forest[s Trent South] and Sir
Charles Harbord [are to attend] this day about New Forest.
Mr. Portman has time given him to this day to state his account
with Mr. Lampen and make him an assignment of interest on
the Excise proportionable to his debt [owing to said Lampen].
The bidders for the Four and a Half per cent. duty at Barbados
are to be here this day [as] published in the Gazette. (Erased.) The
bidders for the [farm of the] duty of Four and a Half per cent.
at Barbados are to be at the Treasury on Thursday next, Dec. 19,
at 10 o'clock.
The Attorney General to be spoken with about. ...
The Lord Treasurer to be reminded [this day] of Sir John
Robinson's business.
Mr. Edward Seymour to attend [this day] and answer to the
Farmers of the Law duty's complaint against him, and the Farmers
are to attend also.
The officers of the Works and Alderman Backwell are to attend
this day with Auditor Aldworth touching the settling the [exchange]
value of the [remittances of the Queen's dowry arrears or]
Portugal money.
[Day Book, pp. 139-40.]
|
Dec. 19.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The present Farmers of the Law duty complained that
Mr. Seamour and Mr. Madwell do not deliver up their bonds
to them according to the Lord Treasurer's warrant of May 9
last. Mr. Seamour answers that if the bonds were delivered
up they could not make up their accounts. The Chancellor of
the Exchequer directs Mr. Seamour and Mr. Madwell [in stating
their own accounts] to charge [or debit] the present Farmers
with what they [the Farmers] have received due to them [Seymour
and Maydwell] in the time of their [Seymour's and Maydwell's]
collection, and the same [cross or counter] charge to be made
by the Farmers upon Mr. Seamour and Mr. Madewell and a schedule
to be delivered in by both accordingly.
Mr. Lindsey and the alum farmers are called in about a former
difference of 1,500l. debt pretended to be owing from the said
Mr. Lindsey to the Farmers. Sir Robert Sawyer [of counsel
for Lindsey] says that upon examination 'twill be found to be
a private debt and none of the King's money, and that his Majesty
has declared that the order of Council should not be interpreted
in favour of those who laid [up] his [the King's own] money at
interest in any of the goldsmiths' hands. He further says that
the inquisition was unduly obtained. Mr. Gennor, counsel for
the Farmers, says the new matter pretended to be offered was
four years ago insisted on in the Exchequer ; that the 1,500l. does
bona fide belong to the Farmers and that Mr. Colvill was employed
by them to pay their money into the Exchequer, that the Deputy
Remembrancer did report to the Court that it did appear to him
that this 1,500l. belonged to the Farmers. Mr. Cowart swears
that 1,500l. of the note of 2,000l. was the Farmers' money deposited
by him in Mr. Colvill's hands to pay [the Farmers'] rent due at the
time he took a note to be paid with interest.
Treasurer Danby observes that interest was payable for this
money by the note, and therefore he conceives they [the Farmers]
will not demand it as the King's money. If they do they ought
to pay 12 per cent. for detaining it. Treasurer Danby respites
the determination of this matter for some further time.
The case between Mr. Lapp and Mr. Grabu was heard.
Mr. Grabu confessed by his counsel that he had made a letter of
attorney to Mr. Lapp to receive an order for money due out of the
Exchequer for satisfaction of some goods he [Grabu] had of him
[Lapp], but that being under some former obligations to trustees
at marriage he thought fit to revoke it, and so he had. Sir George
Geffrys [of counsel for Lapp] said that by virtue of that letter
of attorney they were in possession of the order and desired
Treasurer Danby to defer payment of the money till they [the
parties] were agreed. Treasurer Danby told them he could not
pay Grabu, for he [Grabu] had not the order, nor could he pay
Lapp, for though he had the order and a letter of attorney, yet
it was revoked as all acknowledged and [as] the caveat mentions.
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 20-1.]
|
Dec. 20.
Thursday, in
the morning.
|
The Barons of the Exchequer, Attorney General and Sir Charles
Harbord are to attend Treasurer Danby [in the morning of
this day] about settling the business of the several receivers
and collectors [who are] in arrears to the King and also [the
business of] the Receivers of the [Crown lands or] revenue touching
the pensions [or fixed annual charges charged on the separate
county receipts of the Crown land revenue, which charges can
now no longer be met by reason of the sale of fee farm rents].
The bidders for the [farm of] the Four and a Half per cent.
duty at the Barbados are to be here [at the Treasury Office in the
morning of this day] with their proposals.
To settle [this day the question as to] the Exchequer fees.
The [Exchequer] officers [concerned] are to attend.
Treasurer Danby to be minded of Sir John Robinson.
Treasurer Danby to speak with the Attorney General about
Ireland.
[Day Book, p. 140.]
|
Dec. 20.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord
Chief Baron, Baron Littleton, Attorney General, Sir Charles
Harbord.
The business of the several Receivers and Collectors [who are]
in arrear to the King upon the several assessments [is] taken
into consideration. The case of Walter Strickland, Esq., Receiver
of Yorkshire, is debated : 700l. within his receipt said to be
remaining uncollected upon the city of York. The Barons [of
the Exchequer] are of opinion that his Majesty [should] be at the
present charge of making up and passing the account which
[it] is computed will be about 20l. and if the King shall grant away
the arrears the party that shall have the benefit thereof is to
reimburse the [said] charge of [making up, etc.] the account.
[They are further of opinion or? it is upon debate agreed and
ordered that] all accountants and their executors and administrators
[are] to be prosecuted to an account at their own charge if may
be, if not [then] at the King's own charge : that where the Receivers
are indebted and their land [is] extended, they either be leased out
or sold for his Majesty's use according to the statute of Edw. VI :
that the accountants themselves who appear to be in arrear upon
Mr. Hall's and Mr. Fillingham's list of old arrears be taken into
custody by a serjeant if they will not account, but [the arrest
to include] not their sureties.
The order for allowing 18d. per l. upon money levied by the
sheriffs upon seizures for the King's debts is to be thus altered
and explained, viz., that out of the first year's profits brought
in upon seizures the 18d., per be thus divided, 12d. thereof to the
sheriff that made the seizure and the 6d. to the sheriff that first
levies it, and afterwards during the continuance of the extent
6d. to the extender and 12d. to the levier. Mr. Hall to draw
up this order and present it [to my Lord Treasurer].
Ordered that unless the present collectors of the fee farm rents
will collect and pay the perpetual pensions [charged on and]
payable out of that rent [i.e., each for his own particular collection]
for [the commission or salary of] six per cent. their patents [are
to] be revoked, being during pleasure only.
To send to Sir James Hays to bring or send me [Treasury
Secretary Charles Bertie] immediately the agreements or copies
of them made between him and Sir James Shaine and partners
about any matters relating to the present [revenue] farm of
Ireland, and particularly the 80,000l. or any defalcations out of the
same, or the late undertaking of Earl of Ranelagh and partners.
Entered verbatim according to my Lord's [Treasurer Danby's]
paper.
To summon the Lord Chancellor, Earl of Essex, Chancellor of
the Exchequer, both the Secretaries [of State], Earl of Ranelagh,
the Attorney General and Mr. Rider (Ryder) to be at the Treasury
Chamber on Friday, Dec. 21, at 4 in the afternoon about the
Irish business. "Entered verbatim from my Lord's [Treasurer
Danby's] paper."
The settlement of fees both in the Exchequer and in the other
Courts is to be taken into consideration when his Majesty is
present to-morrow. Treasurer Danby to be put in mind of
moving this business.
"Former minutes entered this day."
Upon memorials from the Farmers of Excise [to Treasurer
Danby] his Lordship thus ordered :
That Capt. Shales bring a state of the matter from the
Commissioners of the Excise concerning the making of the
interest of 13,800l. to commence from June 24 last in the
additional grant of Excise which the Attorney General
stops.
That the Attorney General be attended with affidavits and
letters in order to remedy the abuses of Richard Strong
a merchant in Poole who smuggles the duty of great
quantities of brandy and threatens and assaults the officers
that would enter his house to take account or seize.
The Attorney General to prepare a warrant to the Customs
Commissioners to direct their officers to take the same
care of the brandy duties as of other commodities and to
search men-of-war for brandy for that they [such men-of-war]
import divers small parcels into the outports.
A letter to be wrote from my Lord Treasurer to the Marquess
of Worcester, President of Wales, to permit the officers
of the Excise to survey the brewings in Ludlow Castle.
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 21-3.]
[Day Book, pp. 140-1.]
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Dec. 21.
Friday.
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The proposals for the [farm of the] Four and a Half per cent.
duty for the Barbados and Leeward Islands are to be taken
into consideration [in the afternoon of this day].
[Day Book, p. 141.]
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Dec. 21.
Treasury
Chambers.
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Present : The King, Duke of York, Lord Chancellor, Lord
Treasurer, Earl of Essex, Secretary Coventry, Secretary
Williamson, Earl of Ranelagh, Attorney General.
Minutes taken this day about the Irish [Revenue] Farm.
Treasurer Danby acquaints the King with the Duke of
Ormonde's proceedings upon the Irish [Revenue] farm and reads
a great part of his Grace's letter dated the 4th Dec. inst., wherein
he informs that Sir James Shaen had been with him to give him
warning that if the commission was altered the farm must break.
And Treasurer Danby further acquaints his Majesty that the
Farmers (as he was informed) had remitted 7,000l. or 8,000l. into
England, and that there were other suspicious circumstances
in the case.
Upon some debates of this matter Mr. Ryder was called in
and directed by Treasurer Danby to inform his Majesty what
he knew or had heard of the contrivances or practices of the
Farmers of the [Revenue] of Ireland. Mr. Ryder says he understands
they have made a new establishment of officers ; that they
have remitted several sums of money into England for their
private occasions ; that they have purchased Mr. Sheredon
and Mr. Hill out of the farm with his Majesty's money ; that of
60,000l. they had only advanced 40,000l. and that the 20,000l.
was part of the profits of the farm and was the king's own money
for which nevertheless the King paid interest ; that they have
also endeavoured to make the profits of the farm seem greater
to the Commissioners of inspection than they really were by
giving in an account of more than they received.
Mr. Ryder [is] commanded to withdraw. Treasurer Danby
moves that his Majesty would please to take it into consideration
whether some way might not be found to continue the farm
without a new bidding, or that it might be put into such hands
who have stock to support it. The Attorney General offers
[advice] that his Majesty would call for the 20,000l. advance,
which would be a further security to the farm and in case the
Farmers should deny payment thereof, then his Majesty might
fairly be quit of such of them as he did not approve of.
Mr. Ryder is called in. Treasurer Danby demands to know
of him whether in case his Majesty should find means of shutting
those persons out of the farm as he [his Majesty] dislikes he
[Ryder] will then undertake the farm upon the same terms [as
the present Farmers] and represents to him some advantages
of above 25,000l. per an. more than the former Farmers had.
Mr. Ryder says he cannot hold the farm at the same rent,
although his Majesty should give him leave to choose his own
partners and adds that if his Majesty please to examine the
matter it will be found that he has but very slender security for
the present farm.
Mr. Ryder withdraws. The Earl of Ranelagh is of opinion that
new Farmers may be found who will undertake the farm on the
same terms.
The Earl of Essex proposes that the Duke of Ormonde take
care to be very quick with the Farmers in calling for their payments
and that the Commissioners of inspection may be directed
to sit constantly.
His Majesty directs (1), that Mr. Ryder's allegations may be
transmitted to the Lord Lieutenant to be examined with all
speed ;
(2), that some of the Farmers may be sent for [to come] over
[to London] to make their answers to Mr. Ryder's allegations ;
(3), that his Grace [the Duke of Ormonde] would give his opinion
whether the 20,000l. advance money may be called for without
hazard of breaking the farm ;
(4), that his Grace upon inquiry into the whole matter do give
his Majesty his opinion thereupon ;
(5), that in the meantime his Grace would constantly inspect
the cash in the hands of the Farmers and quicken their payments
as soon as they become due.
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 24-6.]
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Dec. 24.
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In pursuance of his Majesty's command Treasurer Danby directs
that Mr. Richard [Raphael] Folyard's warrant for his fee of
100l. per an. as his Majesty's barber in extraordinary be filled
up for one year to be due at Christmas next, viz., to commence
from 1676, Michaelmas.
[Likewise Treasurer Danby orders] that tallies be always struck
for the particular sums due to each creditor.
Mr. Lindsey's business about giving the Earl of Peterborough
and others credit beyond sea is to be considered on a Treas[ury
meeting] day and then to discourse him about allowing [charging
him] 12 per cent. for keeping the King's money in his hands as
Receiver of Essex.
At reading petitions [the following orders are made by Treasurer
Danby].
To examine the pretensions of Sir William Blackett, etc.,
assignees of Lord Townsend [as farmer of the duty on
exported coal] about custom of coal exported from
London custom free : and to grant them their right.
Capt. Cogland to have 10l.
Sir Edward Farmer to have an assignment of Mr. Peter's
security [on condition of] paying the King's debt
and giving security not to defraud the creditors.
William Byshopp, serjeant at arms in the House of Commons,
is to have 78l. expended [by him for the said House] in
necessaries.
Jerrome Lacy, underhousekeeper of Audley End, is to have
a year of his agreement : 370l.
Matthew Johnson [is] to have a grant of lands escheated
to the King by attainder of Henry Smith.
[The] Serjeants at Arms [are] to have 200l.
Mary Grove [is] to have 50l.
John Mayow [is] to have his tin released [same having been]
seized for not carrying [it] to the next [nearest] coining
house.
John Tyler [is] to have the first vacancy of a noon tender
or watchman's place in London port.
Lodowick Bray [is] to have 20l.
The Treasurer of the Navy [is] to assign old orders to
Mr. Robert Reeves according to Mr. Stevens his certificate.
Mr. Bradshaw [is] to be allowed 500l. on his account in
recompence of his service and to pay 17l. into the
Exchequer.
[Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 23-4.]
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