Volume 59: January 3-February 27, 1699

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

'Volume 59: January 3-February 27, 1699', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702, (London, 1871) pp. 259-274. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol2/pp259-274 [accessed 20 April 2024]

January 3–February 27, 1699



1698–9 Jan. 3.	1. Report of the Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Lieut.-Col. Gwillim, late of Col. Buchan's regiment of foot, as to 54l. for the relief of his wants, being his share of 800l. ordered to be distributed to his regiment on account of the arrear of subsistence due in Flanders; not objecting thereto. Dated 3 Jan. 1698–9. Also his petition. Minuted:—“17 Jan. 1698. Ordered. 54^l out of ye 2 m[illi]ons for this by a tally.” 1 page.
Jan. 3.	2. Report of the same to the same. On the petition of Arch. Hutcheson, Esq., praying to be repayed 400l. disbursed by him for some of the officers of Col. Holt's regiment in the Leeward Islands (to which he was agent) since 1 Jan. 1696; advising that if their Lordships ordered it, it might be charged to the arrear of subsistence due to the regiment. Dated 3 Jan. 1698. Also the petition. Minuted:—“10 June '99. Speak w^th my L^d Ranelagh.” In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 139, 12 June 1699, is the following:—“398. 16. 9. out of ye disbanding m^o in E. of Ran. hands, is to be paid over according to his report of 3 Jan. last to Arch. Hucheson for m^o he advanced here to officers of Holt's regiment in ye Lew. Isł^ds now disbanded upon account of their subs[istence], & w^ch is deducted from them by M^r Taylder.” 2 pages.
Jan. 3.	3. Report of the Com^rs of Prizes to the Lords of the Treasury, in respect to the “St. Peter” prize, about which they had received information that ill practices had been used by a Custom-house officer, and also by Captain Caldwell, of H.M. ship “Anglesea,” and Captain Cross, of the “Dovor,” in taking goods out of the ship; 1,713l. 12s. 3d. ought to have been divided amongst the seamen, but 650l. was stopped by order of the Com^rs of Prizes. The goods taken were valued at 18,000l., and the whole cargo at 40,000l. Also a copy of the minutes relating to the said prize, 23 Sept. 1698. 4½ pages.
Jan. 4.	4. Petition of Richard Bovett to the King. He had made several important discoveries, some relating to correspondence with the King's enemies, others of frauds and breach of trust at his own expense; not long before he brought proofs of a very great embezzlement out of the “St. Peter” prize, before the Lords of the Treasury, who were well satisfied therewith, &c., he could bring good proofs that the King was defrauded of above 50,000l., if assisted with the necessary charge, &c.; prays an order for such a sum as the King thought fitting. Dated 4 Jan. 1698–9. The following is entered in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 54, 11 Jan. 1698:—“The representation concerning the S^t Peter prize is read. To be laid before the Counsell. M^r Bovet is to have 100^li and no more 'till he discovers something else.” 1 page.
Jan. 4.	5. Letter signed T. T., to the Hon. Charles Montague, Esq., First Lord of the Treasury. As First Lord of the Treasury he was the fittest person to be acquainted with the ill practices of John Dutton Colt, collector of the King's Customs in Bristol, who was endeavouring to prevent Mr. Daniel Ballard, late cashier of the Customs, from informing against him by stifling his evidence. Mr. Ballard might be heard of at the Ship tavern without Temple Bar. He could prove the reception of gratuities by Mr. Colt, for taking clipped money at the Custom-house, when it was called in, to be re-coined. The writer heard Mr. Colt rejoice very much when Mr. Knight was accused, for it hindered him from finding out Mr. Colt's roguery; but it was principally the 3,000 odd pounds which Mr. Colt says Mr. Ballard was short in his accounts to the King that made Mr. Colt so eager to agree with Mr. Ballard, &c. There were accounts between Mr. Colt's wife and eldest son and Mr. Ballard, and money continually had for house-keeping. If Mr. Ballard were sent for, he could inform of several other ill practices, such as taking bribes for letting ships go, when under embargo, &c. Mr. Colt was almost illiterate, and ignorant of Custom-house business; he was wholly directed and governed by his wife's gallant, Mr. Robert Barnes, one of the surveyors, who understood little. He was formerly an A. B. C. schoolmaster, and had better to have remained in that employ, being so covetous and ready to make false seizures, by which the King was often put to unnecessary charges. The first thing that gave him credit was on the discovery of a fraud in 1690, which was wholly revealed to him by Mr. John Roe, a King's waiter, whom he cheated out of 1,200l., and gave only 100l. as Mr. Roe could testify. Mr. Colt brought from London a pickpocket, who went by the name of Wilkinson, who picked the locks at the Custom-house, and took several sums of money, and was caught in the act. The reason Mr. Colt brought the fellow there was, that he had an extraordinary handsome wife, with whom he (Mr. Colt) was intimate. Mr. Colt's securities should be looked to. Sir Harry Colt was one of them, and he was worth nothing if his debts were paid. He lived by the same profession his father did, viz., a common gamester and cheat. Old Mr. George Colt, the father, was proved perjured, and “forged a false will,” &c. There was not a viler generation on earth. Mr. Ballard had shown his honesty when entrusted with three score thousand pounds, and almost as much at another time, which he brought safely to the Treasury, which was a good argument for him against Mr. Colt, who endeavoured to lay the cheat of 3,000l. odd to his account. This collector, Colt, had forfeited his place by trading; he had insured several ships and traded to sea in hops, and his merchandizing was done in his wife's name. Dated 4 Jan. '98–9. P.S.—He enclosed this to Sir Tho. Littleton, because he believed a former letter had been intercepted by Mr. Colt or his agents. He asked that this might be acknowledged by advertisement in the Gazette. Minuted:—“A letter subscribed T. T. directed to one of ye Lds Com^rs of his Ma^ts Treasury, came to his Lo^p'^s hands; if the party that sent the letter has anything that he can make out, he may apply to ye Treasury board and be heard.” There are five entries in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., pp. 106, 108, 154, 235, and 240, in relation to Colt's money transactions with Mr. Cocks and Mr. Ballard. The last is under date 19 Dec. 1699, and finishes:—“Draw up y^e state of ye whole case & lay it before ye K.” 2 pages.
Jan. 6.	6. Report of the Navy Board addressed to Mr. Lowndes, on the petition of Robert Waters, concerning his claims for building the King's new dock at Plymouth. Dated 6 Jan. 1698–9. The petition and the case of the said Mr. Robert Waters. A copy of the above report and Mr. Waters' reply to it, and a a copy of the reply. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 75, 23 Feb. 1698–9, is:—“The Com^rs of the Navy being present. The report concerning Rob^t Waters and his reply thereupon are read, & every article considered seriatim. And my Lords resolve that ye summes of 1873. 4. 4. for pumping, 1,536. 2. 2. and 826. 5. 0. for advance, interest, & discount, in the report mentioned, be allowed, and the rest of his demands in the report & reply, are disallowed. A letter to ye Navy board to make out bills, according to ye course of ye navy, for ye said three sumes, provided he submitts to this determination.” 9½ pages.
Jan. 7.	7. Letter of Mr. Burchett to Mr. Lowndes, sending copy of a letter received from Mr. Bridger in New England, employed in inspecting the production of naval stores there. Dated 7 Jan. '98–9. The said letter, which states that he had been a progress southward, from Cape Cod to Rhode Island, through the woods for 200 miles, and speaks of the state of the timber. He had also been to the westward 40 miles, where he had put in execution an experiment to manure the land, which of itself produced only small hemp; he had also designed to have gone to the east, where everything except hemp is better than at Piscataqua, but had put it off until the spring. He suggested that he should be allowed a small frigate and a sloop to carry away the specimens, and he relates other of his proceedings; adding, “I believe the French King is putting Mons^r Denys' project in execution; for the French are setling their east country, and are encroaching into our lines, as 'tis reported here twelve leagues; w^ch twelve leagues is as good as any of our land, for the production of naval stores,” &c. Dated 16 Nov. '98. 4 pages.
Jan. 10.	8. Letter of Mr. William Popple to William Lowndes, Esq. The Lords Com^rs of the Council of Trade and Plantations being required to hear Col. Fletcher as to his conduct in the government of New York, it was thought necessary that the Attorney-General should be instructed therein by Mr. Weaver, agent for the province of New York; desires that Mr. Lowndes would move the Lords of the Treasury, that Mr. Baker might accompany the agent and pay the usual fee. Dated 10 Jan. 1698–9. Minuted:—“Ordered.” 1 page.
Jan. 10.	9. Memorial of the agents for bringing in taxes, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, for the payment of the salaries of officers. Dated 10 Jan. 1698–9, enclosing:—“A bill of incidents laid out and expended in the office of the agents for bringing in taxes, &c. from the 29^th of September 1698, to the 1^st of January 1688–9.” Dated 10 Jan. 1698–9. Minuted:—“D^t w^t for them to be paid out of seizures.” 2 pages.
[? About Jan. 10.]	10. Petition of Robert Slipper to the Lords of the Treasury, for restoration to his employment as gauger in the duty of Excise, of which employment he stated he had been deprived by misrepresentation. It was considered on 10 and 31 Jan. 1698, and there is the following minute on the dorse:—“My Lords are fully satisfied there were sufficient reasons for his dismission.” 1 page.
[? About Jan. 10.]	11. Petition of Martha Balliall and Margaret Balliall, daughters of Peter Balliall, Esq., grandson of the Hon. John Balliall of Scotland. Their father served the Crown 33 years, and lent to the Crown and lost 50,000^li, and in the time of the war was plundered of all he had, and narrowly escaped with his life, being forced to fly to Guernsey, where he died in prison; their mother also died with grief. The present King granted to four sisters (of whom the petitioners were two) 20l. a quarter three years past, but 20l. had only been received; prays for payment to keep them from starving. Minuted:—“Read 10 Jan. '98. They must apply to the King, for my Lords can grant noe pensions.” 1 page.
[About Jan. 13.]	12. Memoranda of sums due to the inhabitants of the city of Canterbury for quartering several companies of marines when commanded by the Hon. Marquis Carmarthen. Certified as a true copy by the Chamberlain of that city. Also a memorandum as to directions to be given by the Com^rs of the Navy, to the agents of the late marine regiments, to examine the captain's accounts, that more be not paid for quarters than their subsistence came to. With a minute to the same effect. The present month of January 1698 mentioned. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 55, 13 Jan. 1698, is:—“The money for ye Marine quarters at Canterbury being 865. 7. 3. is to be issued by Tallys on ye 2 m^ons, but the Coll. or his agent must take care that the money due for subsistence of every officer or soldier be not exceeded.” Parts of 2 pages (quarto).
Jan. 16.	13. Report of Samuel Travers, Esq., Surveyor General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Dr. Blomer, who prayed to be allowed to compound with their Lordships for a further lease of the third part of the demesne of the forest of Gillingham, and that on payment of a fine on such composition, the Duke of Leeds and his trustees might be directed to make such further lease; expressing his opinion that the assignment might be valued at 1,500l. Dated 16 Jan. 1698. Accompanied by the petition. Minuted:—“19 Apr. '99. Agreed to.” 4 pages.
Jan. 16.	14. Letter of Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes, sending lists of widows of officers. Dated 16 Jan. 1698–9. 6 pages.
Jan. 16.	15. Presentment from the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, about a debt due to them from the Com^rs for the Transport service. Dated 16 Jan. 1698. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 63, 31 Jan. 1698–9, is the following entry:—“350^l out of hered & temp[orary] Excise is to be issued to y^e Earl of Ranelagh, who is to pay over ye same to ye Com^rs of Transports, & they are to apply it in satisfaction of a bill in ye hands of ye Com^rs of Excise for transport service; and the Com^rs of Excise are imediatly to repay ye same into ye Excheq^r.” 1 page.
[About Jan. 17.]	16. Petition of Philip Packer, son and executor of John Packer, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury, praying for the payment of the debts due to his father. Minuted:—“17 Jan. '98. Lett him attend M^r Chancellor for declaring the acco^t of the works.” 1 page.
Jan. 17.	17. An estimate of the debt of His Ma^ties Navy on the heads of wear and tear, seamen's wages, victualling, sick and wounded, and register office, amounting to 2,245,957l. Signed by the Navy Board, 17 Jan. 1698. 1 page.
Jan. 18.	18. Letter of the Navy Board to Mr. Lowndes. They had collected the moneys issued for the purchase of the houses and ground for the service of the Admiralty. They send, on the other side, for their Lordship's information, “An account of what monys hath been ordered by the R^t Hon^e the Lords of the Adm^ty, to be imprested to M^r Edw^d Whitaker, solicitor for y^e affaires of the Admiralty and Navy, to be by him paid for the purchase of y^e Admiralty Office, & additions thereunto, &c.” Dated 18 Jan. '98. Also “Articles of agreement made 23 March 1694 between John Evans of the parish of S^t Martin's-in-the-Fields in the county of Midd^x, carpenter, of the one part, and the principal officers & Com^rs of the Navy of the other,” reciting that he had agreed to build a house for the Com^rs on the ground lately belonging to George, Duke of Buckingham, deceased, called Wallingford House near Charing Cross, and that the house was already for the most part thereupon built. The present agreement was in consideration of 500l. and a further sum of 100l. not to erect other buildings (except such as are afterwards specified) towards the High Street to hinder the light or encumber the court between the office and the street leading from Charing Cross to Whitehall during the term of eleven years, nor should erect any buildings from the street backwards into the court next adjoining to the office, but leave the court or entry between the office and any new building that should be erected during the said term 44 ft. in depth between such new buildings and the office, and in length 78 ft. clear from any buildings or annoyances whatsoever; and further, that such buildings as should be set up fronting the High Street should be only one story from the ground, 12 feet from the first floor to the ceiling; the roofs and top to be flat and covered with lead, with rails and banisters, with a “Mondition cornice” fronting the street around the top of the building for the better ornament thereof. There should be a space of 10 ft. beside the 44 ft. &c., on which 10 feet pillars should be set up in the nature of piazzas floored and covered at the top, intended as an enlargement of the court for conveniency of dry walking, &c. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 52, 3 Jan. 1698–9, is the following, which caused the above letter:—“To the Com^rs of Navy, to know what m^o has been issued for purch^a of houses or ground for ye service of ye Adm^lty, and how ye titles have been inquired into & settled, & where the conveyances are.” 7 pages.
Jan. 19.	19. Report of Mr. Thomas Trevor to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of William Petre, Esq., at whose suit Sir Augustine Palgrave was outlawed, and a debt of 1,200l. recovered. It was reasonable to grant a privy seal to enable the petitioner to receive the profits of the seizure of Sir Augustine's goods. Dated 19 Jan. 1698. 2 pages.
Jan. 19.	20. Letter of the Navy Board to Mr. Lowndes, concerning 369l. 1s. deducted by way of poundage at 1s. in the pound from the officers of the Marine Regiment in May 1691, and granted to Anthony Stevens, deceased, late cashier to the Treasurer of the Navy, for his services. Dated 19 Jan. 1698. 1½ pages.
Jan. 20.	21. Memorial of Lionel Herne, appointed to receive any sum or sums not exceeding 200,000l. by way of imprest, and upon account out of the money lent on the credit of the Act for granting 1,484,015l. 1s. 11¾d., with which money he was to purchase Exchequer bills; showing what amounts he had received and paid, and praying an order to direct the issue of 43,840l. by the auditor of the Exchequer. Dated 20 Jan. 1698. Minuted:—“Ordered.” 1 page.
Jan. 20.	22. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Dutch ambassador, “touching a case of silke, called sattins, wrought with gold, said to be made in the city of Amsterdam,” but supposed to be of the fabric of India or China, of that sort which is called Atlas or Cuttances. Not objecting to their being returned to Holland, otherwise they must be prosecuted. Dated 20 Jan 1698. (Three enclosures). 4½ pages.
Jan. 20.	23. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of John Russell, claiming the ship “Fortune,” seized by John Wakefeild upon a supposed breach of the Act of Navigation. Dated 20 Jan. 1698–9. Minuted:—“Read 31 Jan. 1698. If the King's part be discharged my Lords can do no more in this matter.” 1 page.
Jan. 21.	24. “Accompt of what is oweing by the Victualling Office on debts due before the 1st May 1697. Also, Accompt of the debts oweing by the Victualling Office from 30 Apr. 1697 to the last of December 1698.” Dated 21 Jan. 1698–9. 1 sheet.
Jan. 24.	25. Letter of Mr. Burchett to Mr. Lowndes, as to directions having been given to Mr. Whittaker, from the Lords of the Admiralty, to attend the Lords of the Treasury, with the deeds of conveyance of the house and buildings then used for the Admiralty office. Dated 24 Jan. '98–9. Part of 1 page (quarto). [See also 18 Jan. 1698–9, No. 18.]
Jan. 25.	26. Letter of the Officers of the Household of the Queen Dowager to the Lords of the Treasury, desiring them to direct their warrant to the wood-ward general and the regarders of Her Majesty's forests of Salcey and Whittlewood, to mark and set out such convenient number of trees as would be necessary for gateing, stiling, cabening, and staking the several coppices to be felled. Dated 25 Jan. 1698. Indorsed:—“Ordered, Queen Dowager stakewood.” 1 page.
Jan. 25.	27. Letter of the Com^rs of the Navy to Mr. Lowndes, on the petition of Messrs. Culliford and Evernden, proposing to serve the Navy with 1,000 bolts of English cloth for sails for the “Sovereign,” building at Woolwich: approving the cloth, but declining to advance money by way of imprest thereon. Dated 25 Jan. 1698. Also their memorial and proposal. Minuted:—“31 Jan. 1698[9]. 1,000^li on the next May payment of the 2 millions to the Navy, to be imprested to M^r Culliford & Evernden for sail cloth,” &c. The above minute is also entered in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 63, 31 Jan. 1698. 4 pages.
Jan. 26.	28. Letter of the Com^rs of the Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury. They had received a letter from Mr. Lowndes to Lord Romney, intimating that it was their pleasure that (fn. 1) 133l. 6s. 8d., issued to the treasurer of that office for gunnage of 20 guns taken by Captain Waters in the “Subtile prize,” should be paid to him; but they should respite paying over the money till their Lordships had further considered the matter. Dated 26 Jan. 1698–9. Minuted:—“Another letter to ye Earl of Romney to cause this sum to be paid for extra service performed by Capt. Waters, by way of bounty. “This minute not complyed with; but a letter to pay as at 1^st directed, and not to be made a president (sic) for y^e future.” 1 page.
Jan. 26.	29. Letter of the Navy Board to the Earl of Orford, desiring him to solicit for a supply of money for imprests for carrying on the works of the new docks at Portsmouth. Dated 26 Jan. '98. 1 page.
Jan. 27.	30. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury concerning several papers of the Earl of Bellomont, which treated of the state of the revenue of New York, the disbursements, &c. of Col. Fletcher, the late governor, the corruption of Col. Fletcher and Mr. Brooks, the seizure of ships and some East India goods, the importation of East India goods brought from Madagascar and obtained there by barter with the pirates, some of whom had Col. Fletcher's commission and other similar matters. Dated 27 Jan. 1698. 2 pages.
[? About Jan. 27.]	31. Petition of Lieut.-Col. Thomas Gillery to the Lords of the Treasury. He served in Ireland in 1691 as major to the Prince of Hesse's brigade, when the prince lay ill of wounds received at the battle of Ackrin [Aghrim], the command having devolved on Lord Cutts. The petitioner was also wounded, and had a horse shot under him. Praying to be allowed as other majors of brigades were, viz., 92l. 10s. Rec^d 27 Jan. '98. “Minuted:—“27 June '99. Ref. to E. Ranelagh.” 1 page.
[About Jan. 27.]	32. “An acc^t of moneys laid out by George Townsend on acc^t of Sir W^m Williams estate, devised to His Maj^tie.” Minuted:—“27^th Jan^ry 1698. P^d 460^l 2^s 10^d.” 1½ pages.
Jan. 31.	33. Letter unsigned, by order of the Lords of the Treasury, addressed to the Officers of Ordnance, touching 133l. 6s. 8d., which had been ordered into the hands of the treasurer and paymaster of the office of ordnance for Capt. Walters, on account of gunnage: desiring them to order the treasurer to pay the captain that sum not on account of gunnage, but as bounty for extraordinary service. Dated 31 Jan. 1698. 1 page.
[About Jan. 31.]	34. Petition of Robert Weddell, deputed warden of the mint at Chester by Isaac Newton, Esq., which said Robert apprehended and committed to prison and prosecuted more than 20 persons, for clipping and counterfeiting the coin, and making stamps to counterfeit stamped paper. Praying for payment of his bill, amounting to near 56l. Rec^d ult. Jan^y '98. Also the said bill or account, in which are some particulars of the charges, &c. against the delinquents. Minuted:—“12 June 1699. To be read when ye officers of y^e Mint are here.” 5 pages.
[? About Jan. 31.]	35. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning Andrew Clayton, late one of the collectors of Excise, who had free access to the accounts afforded him, with a view to assist him in making up his account, and was found indebted 5,601l. 13s. 1d., and had been under prosecution for the greatest part of the time since June 1694. Minuted:—“Read 31 Jan^ry 1698. The Com^rs of Excise are to take care this debt be recovered as soon as may be from M^r Clayton & his sureties.” 1 page.
Feb. 1.	36. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the sum that would probably be recovered from several seizures made in various ports, the total appraised value of which amounted to 7,822l. 13s. 11¾d. Dated 1 Feb. 1698. Two enclosures. 5½ pages.
Feb. 1.	37. Report of the Com^rs for Transportation to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the owners of the ships “Mountfort,” “Eaton,” and “Rebecca,” hired to carry men and horses to Holland, and detained by Lord Villiers on account of the intended invasion from France; and further agreed with, by his Lordship's orders, to bring part of the King's army, but afterwards countermanded and ordered to sail without them, under convoy of two men-of-war; which ships were fallen in with by about 12 sail of French privateers, and taken by them to Dunkirk: viz., submitting the consideration for the loss of the ships to their Lordships. Dated 1 Feb. 1698–9. Three enclosures. 6 pages.
Feb. 1.	38. Report of the Com^rs of Victualling to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Elizabeth Ayles, as to certain moneys due to Capt. Humphrey Ayles, her husband, for carrying soldiers to Jamaica, under command of Capt. Robert Wilmott, Commander of the Fleet, in November 1694. Dated 1 Feb. 1698. (Five enclosures.) In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 75, 23 Feb. 1698, is the following:—“Capt. Humphrey Ailes is to be p^d per y^e vict^rs, according to their report of 1^st instant.” 6 pages or parts of pages.
Feb. 3.	39. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury about duties on vinegar beer. (A very lengthy report.) Dated 3 Feb. 1698. 5 pages.
Feb. 3.	40. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, mentioning the reception of an address from the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, which recommended the Baron of Corthuy or Cortling Ronsele for a pension, in consideration of his good services and extraordinary charity to the distressed Protestants, he and his family being reduced to the last extremity: heartily concurring in the recommendation. Dated 3 Feb. 1698. (Two enclosures.) Minuted:—“Ref. to L^ds Justices to find for him 200^li a year out of forfeited estates.” There is a similar minute to this in the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 129, 26 May 1699. 4 pages.
Feb. 3.	41. Letter of R. Grey, Governor of Barbadoes, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the muster of the men under Major Garth, recommending him, the officers, and company to their Lordships' favour and consideration. They had been reduced to great necessities for want of their subsistence. Dated Barbadoes, 3 Feb. 1698. 1 page (quarto).
Feb. 3.	42. Letter from the Navy Board to the Earl of Orford, Treasurer of the Navy, sending a copy of a letter from Capt. Byng, commissary to the four marine regiments, desiring that he and his deputy might be paid the subsistence due, and that for the future it might be in the demands to be made for subsisting the marines. Dated 3 Feb. 1698. Accompanied by the said copy. 2 pages.
Feb. 7.	43. Report of the Officers for Prizes concerning moneys received by Mr. John George, agent for prizes in New England and the islands adjacent, and payable to the said officers. Dated 7 Feb. 1698–9. 1 page.
Feb. 8.	44. Letter of the Navy Board to the Earl of Orford, applying for an issue of 1,013l. 0s. 4d. from the Treasury, for paying the quarters and other charges for sick and wounded seamen. Dated 8 Feb. '98. With an enclosure. 2 pages.
March 25 1698 to 10 Feb. 1698–9.	45. Weekly accounts of the state of Exchequer bills received and issued by the four tellers of the Exchequer and Receiver-General of the Excise, the first week ends 25 March 1698 and the last on 10 Feb. 1698–9. They were drawn up according to the certificates returned to the trustees for exchanging the said bills. Many weeks are missing. 20 pages.
Feb. 11.	46. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury about land-carriage officers, recommending the establishment in fee of Richard Claridge and Edward Ebdon, whereby there would be an effective establishment of 16 land-carriage men to perform duty, &c. Dated 11 Feb. 1698–9. Minuted:—“Tho. Pistoll & Charles Walter to be land carriag men in the two vacancies. Ap. 18^th 1699. W^t signed 28 Aprill 1699.” There is a minute in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 102, 18 April, to the same effect, except that the name is William Walter and not Charles. 1¼ pages.
[About Feb. 14.]	47. Petition of Robert Weddell, warden of the Mint at Chester, to the Lords of the Treasury praying that his bill amounting to 56l. for apprehending counterfeiters, &c. might be paid. Referred to the officers of the Mint, 14 Feb. 1698. Accompanied by his account of disbursements. [These are nearly word for word the same as the papers noticed under 31 Jan. 1698–9, No. 34.] 5 pages.
Feb. 16.	48. Report of Agents for Taxes to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr. Thomas Richards, late Receiver of Taxes for the county of Hertford, who was in arrear 274l. 7s. 5d., offering no objection to the staying of process against him. Dated 16 Feb. '98–9. Minuted:—“A warr^t for this.” 1 page.
Feb. 16.	49. Certificate of the four Tellers of the Exchequer of the number and value of guineas remaining in the offices of the tellers, which had been received for the King's use from the receivers of his revenues, taxes, &c. Dated 16 Feb. 1698. 1 page.
Feb. 16.	50. A letter signed Emery Arguis, addressed to William Lowndes, Esq., asking him to remind their Lordships of the 5l. for His Majesty's house at Kensington, for the poor of St. Margaret's, Westminster. Dated 16 Feb. 1698. 1 page.
Feb. 16.	51. Memorial of Trustees for the Exchequer bills to the Lords of the Treasury. In addition to presenting the accounts they ask for payment of 2,400l., being 8 per cent. upon 300,000l. subscribed to the fourth contract. They laid open the rolls for taking subscriptions to a sixth contract for advancing money for circulating Exchequer bills, and had accordingly obtained subscriptions for one million of money at 3l. per cent. premium. They asked their Lordships to sign the fifth and sixth contracts. Also they asked for half a year's salary due to themselves, amounting to 2,530l., and for 900l., being a quarter's interest upon 60,000l. loan deposited in the hands of the trustees, as a quick stock for circulating Exchequer bills, &c. Dated 16 Feb. 1698–9. Minuted:—“For 24,000^li for 4^th subscription. W^t signed for half a year's salary. Warr^t signed for 900^li for a qu^rs int. of 60^ml.” 1 page.
Feb. 16.	52. Copy of an Order in Council, on a representation of the Council of Trade, upon a proposal made by Sir Bartholomew Gracedieu and Mr.…. Heathcote, agents for the King in the island of Jamaica, that no patents might be granted by His Majesty, except to such as should reside there and execute the same; complying with the proposal and ordering that all patent officers in the King's plantations be obliged to reside and execute their offices personally. Dated 16 Feb. 1698. 1½ pages.
[? About Feb. 16.]	53. Petition of David Evans, late lieutenant in the 2nd Marine regiment, lately commanded by the Hon. Sir Cloudsley Shovell, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury. He had faithfully served His Majesty ever since the revolution, and there were 20 months pay due to him. Praying for payment. Accompanied by a certificate showing that 138l. 2s. 8d. were due to him. Rec^d 16 Feb^y '98. Minuted:—“There is no m^o to pay his arrears, but he will have half-pay according to y^e vote of ye H. of Commons.” 2 pages.
Feb. 17.	54. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Matthew Deane, a prisoner in Wood St. compter, who was a surety for Thos. Smith, an officer of Excise at Ashwell, in Bedfordshire, who had appropriated 20l. of the Excise money. Dated 17 Feb. 1698–9. Also the petition. Minuted:—“A warrant to inlarge him.” Warr^t signed 2^d March 1698. 2 pages.
[About Feb. 17.]	55. Report of Mr. Richard Taylor to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Eliz. Freeke, as to certain unpaid tickets being identical with those lost by the petitioner by a fire at St. James'. Referred to Mr. Tailer's consideration. 17 Feb. 1698. The report is written on the back of the petition. 2 pages.
[About Feb. 17.]	56. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Bridget Adams, respecting certain lottery tickets destroyed by fire, and concerning other tickets lost by fire or other casualties. Referred 17 Feb. 1698. Written on the back of the petition. 2 pages.
Feb. 18.	57. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, sending the report of the Commissioners of the Revenue and Forfeitures, together with a list of certain forfeited lands undisposed of, exceeding the value of 300l. per ann., which were petitioned for by Major John Pepper. Dated 18 Feb. 1698. (Four enclosures.) Minuted:—“26 May 1699. Respited.” 6 pages and 2 halves.
Feb. 18.	58. Letter of W. Lowndes to the Lords of the Treasury. He had spoken with Mr. Twitty and advised with him about the method of discharging the bills mentioned in the annexed memorial of Christopher Montague, Esq., auditor of the receipt of the Exchequer. Dated 18 Feb. 1698. Accompanied by the memorial. 2 pages.
Feb. 20.	59. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, respecting loss sustained by Mr. Lassells on repaying the money lent to the King on the security of the quit rents of Ireland. Stating that it appeared to the Lords Justices that there was 13l. 0s. 10¼d. per cent. loss in repaying him. Also, reporting on the account of the Com^rs for Victualling the Navy concerning 8,488l. 13s. 8d. advanced by the receiver-general there. Dated 20 Feb. 1698. With two enclosures, one of which is headed:—“A state of the account of Richard Lassells, and of the losse arising in the repaym^t of 33,050^li, lent by him to His Ma^tie, occasioned by raising the money in Ireland from 23^s to 26^s per guiney.” 5 pages.
[About Feb. 20.]	60. Petition of Katherine Taylor, the daughter and executrix of Ann Goulding, deceased; showing that her mother had a pension of 120l. per ann. for the services of her husband, Capt. John Goulding, who was killed, and that 300l. were due at her death: praying for 150l. of the same to pay debts incurred. “Rec^d 20^th Feb^y '98.” 1 page.
Feb. 21.	61. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury. Concerning a dispute between the Earl of Bellomont, Governor of New York, &c. and Col. Bass, Governor of East and West New Jersey about the settlement of a port at Perth Amboy. Advising that the establishment of a collector at Perth Amboy, was not intended to exempt the inhabitants of New Jersey from the payment of duties with which they were before chargeable to the government of New York, and they were wholly different from those with which the collector of the customs was charged at Perth Amboy and were not under their direction. Dated 21 Feb. 1698–9. Minuted:—“Done.” 2 pages.
Feb. 21.	62. Representation of the Com^rs of Sick and Wounded to the Lords of the Treasury, acquainting them that there were 3,000l. in bills of exchange drawn on them, and the persons (especially country gentlemen) were very uneasy and pressing, and the poor people at the ports were grown impatient for their arrears. Dated 21 Feb. 1698–9. 1 page.
Feb. 21.	63. Report of the Lord Walden, Commissary-Genl. of His Majesty's forces addressed to the King, on the petition of George Herlackenden, Esq., confirming the statement in the petition, viz., that the petitioner bought his place of deputy commissary or muster-master of the forces for 700l., and by His Majesty's order he turned him out without his being guilty of any misdemeanour, to make way for Mr. Uthwatt, which seemed a hardship unless he were relieved or granted half pay. Dated 21 Feb. 1698. [This is written on the back of the petition.] Another petition on the subject of the arrears (182l. 10s.) due to him: praying to be paid. Minuted:—“28 June '99. There is no m^o provided this year for the paym^t of arrears.” 3 pages.
Feb. 22.	64. Report of Henry Shales, auditor, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the several rents set apart for payment of pensions, with the arrears to be collected in the counties of Westmoreland and Cumberland, to satisfy the stipends in those counties and in the county of Lancaster. Dated 22 Feb. 1698. 2 pages.
Feb. 23.	65. Memorial of the Trustees for exchanging Exchequer bills, offering to their Lordships the states of the accounts; craving directions whether they should call in the other half of the 300,000l. subscribed to the fourth contract, before the contract determined, they not having been able to deliver back bills to the respective subscribers for the first half; further showing the present state of the first call on the fourth contract. Dated 23 Feb. 1698. 1 page.
March 23, 1697–8 to Feb. 23, 1698–9.	66. Weekly balance sheets entitled, “Specie cash in the management of the Trustees for circulating Exchequer bills on the third and fourth contracts.” The first week ends 23 March 1697, and the last 23 Feb. 1698. Many weeks are missing. 22 pages.
Feb. 24.	67. Letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, recommending the Right Hon. John Methuen, Esq., Lord Chancellor of Ireland, speaker of the House of Lords, and Robt. Rochfort, Esq., Attorney-General speaker of the House of Commons, to be allowed 500l. a-piece as was usual for their entertainment during each session. Dated 24 Feb. 1698–9. 1 page.
Feb. 24.	68. Letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Hugh Rowley, Esq., praying to be considered for his great losses, services, and sufferings in the late troubles in Ireland; reporting that “for his misbehaviour in the office of a justice of the peace and otherwise, he was, upon the complaint and at the instance of the society of London concerned in the plantation in the county of Londonderry, and at the request of several members of Parliament, put out of the commission of the peace, and from the command of a militia troop by the late Lord Capell, when in the government here;” and further charging him with making suggestions contrary to truth. Dated 24 Feb. 1698–9. 2 pages.
Feb. 24.	69. Letter of the Navy Board to the Earl of Orford, as to the want of money to pay bills of exchange, for imprests for the yards, for contingencies, &c.; Chatham being almost without timber: praying him to solicit their Lordships for money. Dated 24 Feb. '98. 1 page.
Feb. 24.	70. Report of Sir Thomas Trevor to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Anthony Evernden, sen., praying for a “nolle prosequi” on the informations exhibited against him for importing and receiving into his custody foreign silk and lace; certifying that what the petitioner alleged was true. Dated 24 Feb. 1698. Accompanied by the petition, which states that he was one of the first promoters of the manufacture of sail-cloth; and another paper headed:—“Reasons humbly tendered to the Right Hono^ble the Lords Comissioners of His Ma^tyes Treasury for moderateing the satisfaction to be given by Anthony Evernden to M^r Ford the prosecutor.” Minuted:—“A warr^t for a noli pros., first giving satisfaction to M^r Ford.” 3 pages.
Feb. 24.	71. Letter from the Navy Board to the Earl of Orford, Treasurer of the Navy, sending a copy of a letter from Mr. Reynolds, signifying the want of a further supply of money for subsistence of the four marine regiments; urging him to apply to the Lords of the Treasury thereon. Dated 24 Feb. '98. Accompanied by the copy. 2 pages.
Feb. 24.	72. Letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, recommending to their Lordships Col. Toby Purcell, who was seeking a grant of the estate of Thady Quin, of Adare, in the county of Limerick, said to be forfeited; or for such other lands as were worth 400l. per annum, in reward of his services. Dated 24 Feb. 1698. Also his petition. Minuted:—“26 May 1699. Ref. to L^ds Justices for a list of forfeited lands to the value proposed.” 1 page and 2 parts of a page.
Feb. 28.	73. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the duties on brandy; craving their advice as to what was fit to be done. Dated 28 Feb. 1698. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 94, 31 March 1699, is the following:—“Com^rs of Excise. My Lords are of opinion that the Acts for the dutys on brandys want an explanation, soe that there be paid on the Anuity Act for 6^d per gall. for 99 years on the Deficiency Act for 2^sh per gall^o till 1 Aug. 1708, on the Lottery Act for 2^sh per gall. for 16 years, and on the Bank Act for 6^d per gall., no more than 3/5^ths; and proportionably for double brandys.” 3 pages.
Feb. 20 and 28.	74. Two letters from Mons. D'Herbaud, without address, the first stating that he had received the letter sent, exempting his vessel from the entry dues, which the King had granted him; as the matter was finished, he would not apply to the Treasury for the money paid. He was sensible of the King's kindness, and thanked his correspondent for his advice. Dated 1 March 1699. The second stating that now he was better informed of the laws of England, and the dues on what came from France, he did not think he could receive the bank note, and returned it, seeing that the King or the Treasury must pay him 100l.; also expressing his thanks to his correspondent and Mr. De Vernon. Dated 10 March 1699. [French.] By the docquets it would appear that the dates are 20 and 28 Feb. 1698–9. 3 pages (quarto).
Feb. 27.	75. Letter of the Com^rs for Victualling to Wm. Loundes, Esq., secretary to the Treasury, as to bills drawn, on them by Admiral Aylmer; asking their Lordships' directions. Dated 27 Feb. 1698–9. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 88, 17 March 1698, is the following:—“Vict^rs. My Lords say the bills of Adm^ll Aylmer for 10,000^li shalbe paid as soon as my Lords have money applicable to such uses; and for what shall be wanting to their Agent at Cadiz, to carry on ye service there, my Lords will take care that the bills for the same shalbe satisfied.” Again, at p. 101, 14 April 1699:—“6,108. 15. 2½. out of y^e loans in the Excheq^r on ye land tax is to be paid to ye navy for ye Vict^rs to clear a bill of exch^a[nge] of 10,000^li drawne by Adm^ll Aylmer for the victuall supplyed in ye Streights whilst it was managed by him.” 1 page.