Volume 64: October 16-November 30, 1699

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

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'Volume 64: October 16-November 30, 1699', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702, (London, 1871) pp. 335-349. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol2/pp335-349 [accessed 25 April 2024]

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October 16–November 30, 1699

1699.
Oct. 16.
1. The substance of the evidence given by divers persons before the Comrs [of Customs], viz., Mr. Clarke, Mr. Godolphin, Mr. Henley, and Mr. Overton, in relation to the office and duties of head searcher. Their sittings were between 11 and 16 Oct. 1699. 7 pages.
Oct. 17. 2. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the carrying out the King's instructions, to allow to each non-commissioned officer and soldier of the late regiment of Dragoons (who came with their regiment from Flanders, the Marquis de Miremont being their colonel), 6l. each for their horses, amounting to 1,596l. Dated 17 Oct. 1699.
The list of men which accompanied the letter is not now with it.
Minuted:—“See whether Mr Hill & my Lord Ranelagh have charged themselves wth the money for wch these horses were sold. See whether any deductions were made for these men for the time they were dismounted.”
There is a further minute for a warrant for the said amount. 2½ pages.
Oct. 18. 3a. Pensions and perpetuities other than such as are satisfied quarterly by tallies of pro; with their arrears stated to Michaelmas, 1699. Dated 18 Oct. 1699. 2 pages.
Oct. 19. 3b. An account to the Lords of the Treasury, by the “Agents for Taxes, of wt sumes of money have been reported by the said agents for extraordinary charges to any Receivrs Genll for taxes, and are not yet payd.” Dated 19 Oct. 1699. 1 page.
Oct. 20. 3c. “An acct of the number of days the Comrs sat in each county in England and Wales upon the 3s. & 1s. ayds and subsidies, and the sume due to them att 30s per diem.” Dated 20 Oct. '99. 1 page.
Oct. 20. 4. Representation of the Comrs for Sick and Wounded Seamen, &c., urgently pressing for a supply; they could not find words to express the poor people's resentment at being kept out of their money, there being 61,102l. 14s.d. due to them. Dated 20 Oct. 1699. 1 page.
[? About
Oct. 20.]
5. Petition of Thomas Armstrong to the Lords of the Treasury, for a watchman's or noon-tender's place in the Custom-house; with a testimonial in his favour by the Duchess of Grafton, dated 30 Sept. 1699.
Minuted:—“Read 20 Oct. 1699. My Lords cannot do this.” 2 pages.
Oct. 21. 6. Certificate of the sums paid by Henry de Nassau, Seignieur D'Auverquerque, master of the horse, at the receipt of the Exchequer. Dated 21 Oct. 1699.
Also a memorandum of what was due in the King's stables for that and the following year. 2 pages.
Oct. 23. 7. Order in Council for the Treasurers of the Navy to proceed with all expedition in perfecting and passing their accounts, which were not yet made up, and for the Comrs of the Navy to assist as much as they could. Dated 23 Oct. 1699. ½ page.
Oct. 23. 8. Presentment of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, in favour of allowing an additional 100l. per ann., for carrying on the duties of the office for Trade and Plantations, in consequence of a recent Act increasing the labour. Dated 23 Oct. 1699.
Minuted:—“Allowd. Wt signed.” 1 page.
Oct. 24. 9. Report of the Comrs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Timothy Parker, late supervisor of the duty on salt at Lemington, who they state had been very remiss in his duties, and was thought a person very unfit for that trust, and so dismissed. Dated 24 Oct. 1699.
With the petition, and a report made by Mr. Onslow to the Comrs of Excise on the case.
Minuted—“My Lords are satisfied that his dismission was just.” 6 pages and 2 halves.
Oct. 24. 10. Presentment of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, in favour of an allowance to Mr. Thomas Wolstenholme, collector of customs at Minhead, of a moiety of 68l. 4s. seized by him. Dated 24 Oct. 1699.
Minuted:—“Orderd.”
(One enclosure.) 1½ pages.
Oct. 24. 11. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of William Clayton and others, merchants of Liverpool, concerning certain tobacco shipped for Ireland in 1689; in favour of the petitioners. Dated 24 Oct. 1699.
Minuted:—“A warrt according to this report.”
(Seven enclosures.) 9 pages.
Oct. 24. 12. Letter of Mr. James Vernon to the Comrs of the Treasury, enclosing, by the King's direction, a bill of Lord Paget's disbursements, on account of the mediation of the peace between the Emperor [of Germany] and the Grand Seignior, as well of the 5,000l. already received, as of the further sums expended; applying for their payment. [The peace referred to is that of Carlowitz.] Dated 24 Oct. 1699.
Minuted:—“A s. m. [sign manual] to be prepared. The bill being first signed p[er] Secry of State. Wt signed.”
The bill is not now with it. 1 page (quarto).
[? Oct. 25.] 13. “A list of the officers belonging to the Penny Post Office charg'd in this present ayd tax, for granting His Majestie the sūme of 1,484,015li. 01. 11¾.” from 1698 to 1699. Certified 25 Oct. 1699. 1 page.
Oct. 26. 14. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial and petition of William Hunt, concerning a complaint for a supposed neglect in proceeding to the recovery of the estate, by him discovered, of Michael Wicks, late receiver of the plantation duty; expressing their opinion that since Mr. Wicks had been covered with the privilege of Parliament, the clerks, attorneys, &c. had been very scrupulous and wary in proceeding against him. Dated 26 Oct. 1699.
Five enclosures, one of which is entitled,—“Writings and papers found in Mr Wickes his closet.”
Minuted:—“Read againe 5 Xbr. '99. My Lords can doe nothing in this at present” 18 pages.
Oct. 26. 15. Letter of Mr. James Vernon to Sir David Mitchell. The King was informed that the accounts of Sir David, as captain of a company of marines, were stated, signifying the King's pleasure that he should state the accounts with the men, that the money might be paid. Dated 26 Oct. 1699. 1 page (quarto).
[? About
Oct. 26.]
16. Memorial of Edward Eve, of London, merchant, to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that a petition lay in Mr. Glanvill's hand relating to the several carriers who were prosecuted in the Exchequer for carrying letters contrary to the statute of the late King Charles, by which there was a penalty of 5l. for every offence; praying a grant of the power to compound the King's moiety of the penalty and stop the prosecution.
Minuted:—“Read 26 Oct. '99. Rejected, but the carryers may apply to the Postmr Genll.” 1 page (quarto).
Oct. 30. 17. Report of Sir R. Cotton, Kt., and Sir Tho. Frankland, Bart., Postmasters General, upon a proposal made to the Lords of the Treasury, for improving the penny post, by letting it to farm. Dated 30 Oct. 1699.
Accompanied by the proposal, part of which was, to deliver letters from the general post in towns and places where the letters from the general post came not, otherwise than by special messengers, who took three pence, six pence, and sometimes twelve pence above the common postage of letters; whereas in the way proposed, it would be but one penny, or what the inhabitants pleased to give; and this to be performed by several persons, appointed to go the rounds and bring back letters and parcels. 3 pages.
Oct. 30. 18. Copy of the foregoing report. Dated 30 Oct. 1699.
Also “the answer of ye proposers for farming the Penny Post to the report of ye postmasters generall.”
Minuted:—“8 Feb. 1699. My Lords, upon discoursing wth the postmar, are of opinion that this branch cannot be farmed.” 4 pages.
Oct. 31. 19. Letter signed E. D. Colt, to Wm. Lowndes, Esq., seeking that the stop might be taken off, so that the captains in his regiment might receive their half pay. Dated 31 Oct. 1699. 1 page.
July 24
and
Oct. 31.
20. Copy of “Mr Sollr Genlls opinion on ye case of ye manufacturers of glass wares at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, wth respect to debentures past by ye officers of ye customes at yt Port.” Dated 24 July 1699. Together with a report signed by W. Whitfeild and two others, sending the above.
Minuted:—“Received ult. Oct. '99. 2½ pages.
[Oct.] 21. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor General on the petition of Isaac Marriott, gent., who prayed that a commission might be issued to inspect concealments, &c. Without date: but it was referred to them for their consideration on 12 July 1669, and it was subsequent to the other papers, one or two of which are dated late in September.
Also divers other papers (two printed), relating to concealments, encroachments, and other defective titles. 18 pages or parts of pages.
Oct. 22. Debtor and creditor accounts of specie cash in the management of the Trustees for exchanging Exchequer bills, on the fifth and sixth contracts, up to various dates between April and October 1699. 6 parts of pages.
[? About
Oct.]
23. [Indorsement]. “Petition of Francis, Earle of Carlinford, [addressed to the King], sheweth, That by the death of his two elder brothers, he inherits his father's estate. That he is informed his brother, the late Earle Nicholas, took up from Sr Patrick Trant and Rob. Arthur, to the value as some report, of 6 or 8,000l., but noe deeds can be found to charge the estate therewith. That His Maty caused the petrs castle of Ballimote to be demolished for publick convenience; for wch King Charles proposed to pay 4,000li. That his brother, being envoy to the Emperour, contracted a debt of 4,000li, for wch the petr became bound; there being due to him from the crown on that accot, 4,906li.
Prays his estate may be discharged from the said uncertaine debt of 6 or 8,000li; His Imperiall Maty and the Dutchess of Lorraine being suitors to His Maty on the petrs behalfe.”
Undated; but see the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 205, for 1 Nov. 1699, where is the following minute:—
“Letter from Lords Justices on the petition of Lord Carlingford, and the report concerning the same are read, for mortgages forfeited by Sr Patrick Trant and Robert Arthur, amounting to about 8,000li, and the damage by demolishing a castle; my Lords are to examine farther into this matter, by speaking with Mr. South; and if it be clear that his Maty is like to get nothing of those mortgages, he is inclined to gratify the petitioner.” 1 page.
Nov. 1. 24. Letter of Mr. James Vernon to the Lords of the Treasury, sending by the King's command, the state of the French demands, in relation to the goods found in York Fort, in Hudson's Bay, when the same was surrendered upon capitulation to Capt. Allen, in the year 1696: together with Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor's opinion thereupon, with which His Majesty would have their Lordships acquaint the Hudson's Bay Company, and press their compliance with the 8th article of the treaty of Ryswick; by the restitution of the goods that came to their hands, or by payment of the value thereof. Dated 1 Nov. 1699. [See also other papers on this subject, No. 62.]
Accompanied by,—(1.) a letter from him of 22 May 1699, to their Lordships, stating that the Comrs appointed by His Majesty to treat with the French ambassador, &c. upon the matter in the said article, had represented that they had adjusted with the French Comrs, the value of the goods taken from the French at Fort Bourbon in Hudson's Bay, which by the treaty were to be restored according to the capitulation made at the surrender of the fort, amounting to 7,086l. 17s., it being agreed that there were 19,623 beaver skins taken in the fort, at 7s. a skin, and 547 elk skins, at 8s. a skin; but it still remained to be resolved, by whom that sum should be paid [to the French], whether by the company or by His Majesty; leaving it to their Lordships to consider and report their opinion.
(2.) State of the matter concerning the French demands, in relation to the goods found in York Fort, in Hudson's Bay, and the report of the law officers thereon, viz., that the property of the said goods continued in the French. Dated 26 Sept. 1699.
(3.) The petition of Charles Fleury, authorized by the Court of France, to reclaim in England the effects belonging to the company, and to Mons. Gabriel Forrest, late Governor of Fort Bourbon, deceased; praying for payment of the 7,086l. 17s. previously mentioned.
(4.) Articles of composition between Wm. Allen, commander-in-chief in Hays river, and Mons. G. De “La Fores,” commander of York Fort, 31 Aug. '96.
(5.) Instructions to Capt. Allen, commander of the “Bonaventure,” relative to the surrender of York Fort, viz., if he became master of it to deliver the same to Capt. Bayly, for the use of the Hudson's Bay Company. 4 June 1696.
(6.) Letter of Sir William Trumbull to the Lords of the Treasury, asking them to give directions for the delivery up, to any person deputed by the Hudson's Bay Company, of the goods, chiefly skins, taken by Capt. Allen in York Fort; he having brought them away contrary to his instructions. 3 Nov. 1696.
In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 217, 15 Nov. 1699, is:—
“The minutes about Hudson's Bay Compa are read. My Lords are to send to the company again: that if they do not pay the money, the Attorney Generall shall proceed against them.” 10 pages.
Nov. 1. 25. Report of the Officers of the Mint to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Jonathan Ambrose, finding that the facts were truly stated by the petitioner; and that his account as well as the master and workers' could not be perfected and declared without their Lordships' warrant. Dated 1 Nov. '99.
The petition of the said Jonathan Ambrose, melter to the Mint in the Tower of London. Upon receiving the old money he was ordered to give their Lordships a proposal for melting and casting the ingots and seissell into small bars, and making up the sweep of each fund by itself, which he did at ¾d. a pound Troy, the King bearing the waste, &c.; praying an order to the auditor to allow the waste.
Minuted:—“A warrt according to ye report. Wt signed 10th Novr 1699.” 2 pages.
Nov. 3. 26. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Christopher Cole, recommending that he be allowed to exchange his employment as surveyor of Customs at Dublin, with the landwaiter at Bristol; as it seemed to the Comrs “an exchange for mutual accomodation.” Dated 3 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Agreed.”
(Four enclosures.) 5 pages or parts of pages.
Nov. 4. 27. Petition of the inhabitants of the parish of St. Martin-in-the-Fields to the Lords of the Treasury. The King had granted a passage for the use of the inhabitants through part of the wilderness into St. James's Park; praying them to appoint John Eldborough doorkeeper of the passage. 25 signatures.
Minuted:—“My Lords will speak wth Mr Ryly about this.”
The last minute at the end of the next letter is in reference to this petition.
Letter of the Earl of Bath (not addressed, but most likely to Mr. Lowndes), stating that he had seen a warrant of their Lordships to Philip Ryley, Esq., relating to encroachments in St. James's Park; reminding their Lordships that he had a grant as ranger of the park, and that though they might appoint a surveyor to inspect such abuses, &c., yet when that was done and any new orders made he was the proper officer to carry them out; praying for a recall of the said warrant [Minuted:—“The orders to be sent to ye E. of Bath]; he conceives the orders in the warrant are very good, with certain exceptions, which he states. He mentions that a piece of ground was annexed to the lodge planted with a wilderness and nursery for the does and fawns to retire into, especially when big with young; and further, when he purchased the lodge of the Rt. Hon. William Harbord, Esq., deceased, he found it was converted into a public house of entertainment, which he thought unfit and scandalous, and therefore restored it to its proper use. The letter also mentions some other particulars touching the park, such as the proposed stopping up of a door, proposal for the supply of the soldiers with refreshments by the gatekeepers, and accounts of expenses of the deer. Dated 4 Nov. 1699.
In the margins are the following minutes:—
“My Lords do not see any reason to move ye K. for any [other] direction concerning this dore then that wch His Maty gave for shutting it up.”
“All the alehouses & publique houses to be putt downe.”
“Lett the accots [i.e., the payments for the deer] be brought to W. L.”
“Lett Mr Travers & Mr Ryly doe this [i.e., survey unlawful encroachments].”
“To the E. of B. That my Lords, on recommendation of the parish, approve of John Eldborough to be dore keeper, & desire his Lop to imploy him, but so that ye K. be at no charge.” 4 pages.
Nov. 6. 28. Letter signed James Roach, to John Smith, Esq., Chancellor of the Exchequer, saying that he had attended the Lords Justices with the papers relating to his petition to the King, and those from the Lords of the Treasury; and their Excellencies had made a very kind report thereon to their Lordships, which he had delivered to Mr. Lownds, with a list of forfeited estates, amounting to 95l. 19s. 4d. per ann.; their Excellencies recommended a grant thereof to him, and that he should relinquish his titles to all the ferries but Ross; the report was drawn when he was sick and away from Dublin, or he would have acquainted their Excellencies that besides Ross he had sold that of Waterford and Dungarvan, and those of Narrow Water, Laughill, Donegall alias Passage, Rock Coursey, and Kinsaile, all the rest he would gladly surrender, and accept the 95l. 19s. 4d. a year, and never more trouble His Majesty, though he was the most miserable subject living; no words could express his pain; he had come over at the hazard of his life, and from Chester, in a horse litter, with a surgeon attending him day and night; he had come over for the sake of his five children, and prayed for some royal bounty in addition to the land. Dated 6 Nov. 1699.
Accompanied by copy of two medical certificates, that he was suffering from fistula.
Minuted:—“Read 29 Xber 1699. My Lords can do nothing in this; he must be contented wth what ye K. has ordered.”
In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 213, 10 Nov. 1699, is:—“James Roach for forfeited lands in Ireland, amounting to 95l. 13s. 4d. (sic) per annum, on a surrender to be first made, prout ye report of ye Lords Justices, is granted without making any surrender.” And again at p. 269, 7 Feb. 1699:—“James Roch to have 50li.” 2 pages.
[? About
Nov. 6.]
29. Memorial of Mary Burton, wife of Charles Burton, lieutenant in the late second marine regiment, commanded by Sir “Cloudsly” Shovell. She had petitioned the Board for 100l., part of the arrears due to her husband, who was a prisoner for debt; which petition was minuted that it should be paid; prays for her husband's liberty.
Minuted:—“6 Nov. '99. See whether any money can be found applicable to this.” 1 page.
Nov. 8. 30. Memorial of the Victuallers of the Navy to the Lords of the Treasury, for the assignment of moneys to pay bills of exchange, for salt, for necessary and extra-necessary money for ships, for provision of beef, pork, and peas. Dated 8 Nov. 1699. 1 pape.
[About
Nov. 8.]
31. Petition of Nathaniel Lacey, one of the executors of John Jones, deceased, to whom John Shales and John Hinde, deceased, were indebted in 6,000l., who were also indebted to Sir Edw. Wood and Anthony Stephens, deceased. Wood and Stephens had obtained an assignment of Hinde's estate to secure their respective debts; prays that after the charges of Wood and Stephens had been satisfied any other portion of estate of the said Hinde might be proportionally divided.
Minuted:—“8 Nov. '99. Send this to Sr Edw. Wood & Mrs Stephens to know if they have any objection thereunto. 1 page.
[About
Nov. 9.]
32. Letter of Wm. Holman to the Rt. Hon. Mr. Smith, Chancellor of the Exchequer, praying their “Lordships” to direct payment to be made him out of the tallies on salt or leather, of 2,697l. due to him for hire of his ship in carrying provisions to Newfoundland.
Minuted:—“Read, 9 Nov. 1699. The Comrs of Victualł present; this is a debt in ye transport office, and they could not apply tallys (if they had them) to this service.” 1 page.
Nov. 9. 33. A memorial of Mr. Henry Baker, proposing that an itinerant collector of the journals to be kept by the riding officers on the coasts, and the supervisors of the same officers, be appointed, and if their Lordships approve of such an officer, recommending Mr. Parker, who had lately been at Calais and Dunkirk, and had made many useful observations amongst the dealers in wool there, as a fit person for the office. Dated 9 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Read, 14 Nov. '99. My Lords expect that he take care to have this service performed wthout any further charge. And my Lords approve Mr. Parker as a fitt person for the service, and think that Mr Baker should employ him.” 1 page.
Nov. 9. 34. Report of Sir Robert Cotton, Kt., and Sir Tho. Frankland, Bart., Postmasters General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Henry Finch, postmaster of Sandwich, for allowance of certain sums for which he was denied credit. Dated 9 Nov 1699.
Also the petition and two other documents.
One is Minuted:—“Wt signed 18 Nov. 1700.” 4½ pages.
Nov. 9. 35. Memorial of Christopher Tilson to the Lords of the Treasury. At the passing of the accounts of the land revenue to Michaelmas 1698, the auditors were required to transmit schedules, containing the arrears depending in super upon the foot of the accounts, and thereupon the auditor of the Duchy of Cornwall had transmitted a schedule of the like supers. He had nominated Mr. Thomas Gouch to levy and collect the arrears, and proposed that instead of payment by fees, an allowance of poundage be made of 3s. in the pound for arrears of 10 years standing, and 2s. in the pound, under 10 years. Dated 9 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Read 10th Novr 1699. Tilson to prepare such orders for this as well as the matter in his other memll as shalbe necessary.” 1 page.
[About
Nov. 9.]
36. Petition of Alice Wilson, widow, to the King. Her husband often hazarded his life for the preservation of the King and government in the late Lancashire plot; the petitioner's fortune was spent in the service; the King allowed them 20s. a week; her husband died, and she parted with all her goods during his sickness: prays the allowance of some subsistence.
Recd 9 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Read 24 Jan. 1700. My Lords canot advise the granting of this pension.” 1 page.
Nov. 9. 37. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr. Overton. The under-searchers in the port of London having obtained the office of head searcher in that port, to be in them, they were become a comptroll upon themselves, which might prove a great detriment to the revenue: they show the proceedings which had taken place, to ascertain whether the under-searchers had so obtained the office of head searcher or not. Dated 9 Nov. 1699.
(Three enclosures.) 8½ pages.
Nov. 9. 38. Petition of the officers, ministers, and attendants of His Majesty's English and Dutch trains of artillery, employed for reducing Ireland, for payment of their arrears. Dated 9 Nov. 1699. 1 page.
Nov. 10. 39. Letter of the Duke of Schonberg, unaddressed. The Comrs of the Post Office could no longer defer stopping the 3s. aid out of the 4,000l. per ann. payable to him; and the King having ordered the deduction to be made good, in consideration of the small interest paid him for the 100,000l., it was done by warrant from the Treasury. Mr. Montague and Mr. Smith promised to lay the matter before the King, that a warrant might be obtained as formerly; and further to lay his petition before the King, relating to the ground rent of a house purchased, and since built for his own dwelling in Pall Mall. He adds that he should endeavour to make a suitable acknowledgment for the favour expected from the person to whom sent. Dated 10 Nov. 1699. 2 pages.
[About
Nov. 10.]
40. Petition of the yeomen of the guard to the King, to take the tax off their pay.
Minuted:—“10th 9ber '99. The King orders their taxes to be remitted. A bill to be made out & to be satisfyed by the Treãr of the chamber.”
There is also a minute to the same effect in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 213, on that day. 1 page (quarto).
[? About
Nov. 10.]
41. Report of William Vanburgh, treasurer of the Chamber, on the taxes of the yeomen of the guard, from 1697 to 1699. 1½ pages.
Nov. 11. 42. Presentment of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, proposing an additional establishment for the better guard of the coast from Beaumaris to Carlisle, at the suggestion of Mr. James Strangwayes, the riding surveyor for the coast of Lancashire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland. Dated 11 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“To prepare the establishmt. Wt signed.” 1¼ pages.
Nov. 11. 43. Report of the Comrs of Revenue for Ireland to the Lords [of the Treasury], on the petition of Robert Smalman and other merchants, relating to the duty of 1d. per pound on tobacco imported between 24 Dec. 1698 and 26 Jan. following. Dated 11 Nov. 1699.
Accompanied by an account of the tobacco imported at the different ports in Ireland during that time.
Minuted:—“Read 21 Nov. '99. My Lords are of opinion that the sum in dispute ought to be paid.” 2½ pages.
Nov. 14. 44. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Richard Levit, in behalf of himself and other merchant adventurers, for the coast of Guinea, to be allowed to export 15 hundredweight of worsted spun yarn, to complete the ship's lading, as had been usually granted in like cases, to the company trading to Guinea. Dated 14 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“My Lords cannot give the liberty now desired, and lett the lycence granted to the compa be sent for, and layd before ye counsel as fitt to be recald.”
(One enclosure.) 2 pages.
[? About
Nov. 14.]
45. Petition of Richard Poyke, Thomas Smith, William Buckingham, and Solomon Smith, showing that since they proved the disaffection and ill practices of the messengers, they had been prosecuted at the King's suit in the Court of King's Bench, and further, that their prosecution would be rather a grateful revenge to the Jacobite party, (whose practices they had often discovered,) than an advantage to the King; praying that they might not be sacrificed to the interests of malicious persons, that proceedings might be stopped, and that the matter might be referred to an unbiassed person.
“Read 14 Nov. 1699.” 1 page.
[About
Nov. 14.]
46. Report signed “Chr. Montagu,” to the Lords of the Treasury, on his examination of lists or accounts of three of the chief clerks in the office of Tellers of the Exchequer, concerning guineas received by them at 22s. a piece, and as to whether they ought to remain unissued.
Minuted:—“Brought 14 Novr 1699. A warrant to issue these guineys at 1l 1s 6d apiece, and the 6ds are to be allowed to the respective tellers by the audr of the rect & clerk of the Pells, in their accounts of the respective fonds and branches upon which these guineas are recd and paid. Wt signed eod. die.
The said lists and other papers. 4 pages and 2 halves.
Nov. 15. 47. Letter of the Navy Board to Mr. Lowndes, on the petition of Mr. Philip Papillon, respecting victualling affairs. Dated 15 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Read 21 Nov. '99. The late Comrs of Victuall ordered to be here on Friday morn at 9 a clock.”
Also the said petition. 2 pages.
Nov. 15. 48. Report of Sir. Chr. Wren and other officers of works, on the memorial of James Frontin, yeoman of His Majesty's ice wells at Hampton Court, viz., as to the amount required to put them in repair. Dated 15 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Approved.”
The following, which relates to the above, is in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 255, 17 Jan. 1699:—“Estimate of 68li for the ice-house, approved.” Parts of 3 pages.
Nov. 16. 49. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the estimate for building the barracks, which would be exceeded by about 19,662l. 0s.d.: proposing the payment of the same out of the money that would be saved by the disbanding five regiments, and on other matters connected with the pay of the army. Dated 16 Nov. 1699.
The estimate referred to.
Minuted:—“14th Mar. '99. What is desired as to the barracks is orderd.”
In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 7, 14 March 1699–1700:—“Lords Justices letter read concerning the barracks, & a new regulation of subs., &c. What is desired as to ye barracks is orderd. As to the other matters in the said letter, my Lords are to speak wth ye Earl of Ranelagh & Mr Blathwaite.” 4 pages.
Nov. 16. 50. Letter of the Comrs for the Revenue in Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the expenses for prosecution of persons supposed to be guilty of the late rebellion; and concerning the management of the money arising from the forfeited estates. They report that for carrying on the inquiries and prosecutions 850l. had been expended the last summer, and that 800l. more would be necessary. Dated 16 Nov. 1699. 1½ pages.
Nov. 18. 51. Letter of the same to the same, applying for their consent that they might agree with Mr. Chas. Steuart, who had brought in a hearth-money bond of considerable value, and with such others as should offer the like service, upon the best terms they could [Minuted:—“Approved, not exceeding ¼th; but they are to make as good a bargain as they can.”]; also concerning encumbering the accounts with desperate arrears of Inland Excise and licences, occasioned by the late troubles. [Minuted:—“These arrears to be carryed forwd in ye accounts in one genll article, under ye name of insolvent arreares.”] Dated 18 Nov. 1699. 1 page.
[? About
Nov. 19.]
52. Petition to the King, of the daughters of William Harbord, Esq., deceased, who had been paymaster of the forces in the reduction of Ireland, and whose executors were anxious to pass his accounts, on which there was a balance of 651l. 5s.d. due: pressing for payment. They urge that their father died at Belgrade on his embassy to the Ottoman Port, which was very prejudicial to their fortunes.
Referred to the Lords of the Treasury, 19 Nov. 1699.
Accompanied by, “A particular of the demands of the petitioners which the auditor, before whom their account now lies, requires His Majesty's further warrant for allowing thereof.”
There are divers minutes in the margin against the particular items, and the following is at the foot:—“My Lords order that this acco be forthwth passed, & yt the ballance be paid into the Excheqr of England.” 2 pages.
Nov. 21. 53. Report of the Comrs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the establishment of a Bank of Charity for disabled officers of the Salt Office, according to the rules prescribed for disabled officers of Excise by the warrant dated 1 Feb. 1686, which directed the deduction of 3d. in the pound from the salaries of the officers. Dated 21 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Agreed.” 1 page.
Nov. 21. 54. Report of John Parkhurst and John Paschal to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Poulton, executor of Capt. Thomas Poulton, and of Patience Misters, administratrix of Capt. George Misters, commander of the King's ship the “Coventry,” concerning a prize captured by Capt. Rigby and carried into Leghorn; for the proceeds of which the petitioners prayed. Dated 21 Nov. 1699.
(Three enclosures.) 3 pages and 2 halves.
Nov. 23. 55. An order in Council, on the petition of Margaret Maurice, widow of the late Dean of Londonderry, praying for a pension of 60l. per ann., lately belonging to Mrs. Ann Humphreys, deceased, until the remaining 200l. of 500l. granted to the petitioner were paid; referring the matter to the Treasury. Dated 23 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Read 7 June 1700. To be layd before ye King. The petrs allegations are true.
“25 June 1700. The rest of the 500l. to be paid by 50l. a year in Ireland. Wt signed.”
The following is also in the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 85, 25 June 1700:—“Margt Maurice['s] petition for 200li, residue of 500li, wch was intended to be paid to her in Ireland, by a warrt signd by ye late Queen, dated 5th Oct. 1694, read. Ordered to be paid by 50li a year in Ireland.” 3 pages.
Nov. 28. 56. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, about an overcharge of 547l. 10s., on the head of military contingencies, &c.; asking for the King's order thereon. Dated 28 Nov. 1699.
Minuted:—“Prepare a letter.” 1½ pages.
Nov. 28. 57. Copy of letter of the same to the same, concerning small quantities of woollen manufacture found on board outward-bound vessels, &c. Dated 28 Nov. 1699. 1½ pages (quarto).
[? About
Nov. 28.]
58. “Necessaries de termino Sancti Michaelis, anno regni xjo Gulielmi tertii Ris, anno dom. 1699.”
The expenses in the schedule are such as would chiefly be paid by the stationery department.
[Michaelmas term ended 28 November.] 1 long page.
Feb. 15–
Nov. 29.
59. Sixteen letters of H., Bishop of London, to the Lords of the Treasury, soliciting the “usual bounty of twenty pounds” for the following chaplains going abroad:—
1. Mr. Rogerson (Feb. 15)
2. Mr. Bolton (May 8) [It is not stated where they were going.]
(Another brief note accompanies this.)
Minuted:—“To be paid.”
3. Mr. Thomas Walton, chaplain to the Barbadoes. Dated 25 May 1699.
4. Mr. Wm. Gordon, schoolmaster to the Barbadoes, 27 May '99.
5. Mr. Peter Kippax, chaplain to Virginia, 3 June '99.
6. Mr. Lithgo (July 7), going to the plantations.
7. Mr. Rudd (Aug. 7), going to Virginia.
Minuted:—“To be pd by warrts.”
8. Mr. Owen (Aug. 8), going suddenly to Maryland.
9. Mr. Samuel Thomas (Aug. 9), going to America.
10. Mr. Walker (Aug. 30), going to Virginia.
11. Mr. Morison (Sept. 4), going to the Leeward Islands.
12. Mr. Jones, chaplain to Maryland (Sept. 5).
13. Messrs. Coliere, Thursby, and Owen (Sept. 14), going over with the Governor to Maryland.
14. Mr. Young (Oct. 6), going to Virginia.
15. Mr. Wait (Oct. 19), going to Maryland.
16. Mr. Alsop (Nov. 29), going to Jamaica.
Minuted:—“A warrt for this.”
Twelve of these are imperfectly dated, the year being left out; but by comparison of them with the money-book they probably belong to 1699. 13 parts of pages.
[About
Nov. 30.]
60. Report of Sir Chr. Wren and the other principal officers of the King's works, on an estimate of certain trifling works at Kensington. Referred to them on 30 Nov. 1699. 1 page.
Nov. 61. An estimate for building a guard-house, 16 feet long, 13 wide, and 8 feet high. Dated Nov. 1699.
With a certificate signed Chr. Wren and Matthew Bankes, that they were of opinion that the guard-house, with the alteration made by the King's direction, would amount to 83l. 1 page.
[? About
Nov.]
62. (1.) Petition of the Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson's Bay, to the Lords of the Treasury. They were the first that settled the beaver trade in that north part of America called Hudson's Bay; they had a flourishing trade, until the French at Canada formed some piratical expeditions against them in 1682 and 1686, and took some of their places and quantities of beaver [? skins] and other goods; which was a notorious breach of faith between the two crowns: upon an examination of the case the late King James demanded full satisfaction and restitution, which was agreed to, and would have been performed, but for the Revolution. They had trusted to receive satisfaction for damages at the conclusion of the war; but the Comrs who had to determine the rights and pretensions the King had to Hudson's Bay (which, by the treaty of Ryswick, was the first point to be considered), had yielded to the French a demand for 7,000l. for goods of the petitioners, rightfully recovered from them, which was out of order in itself, as the right of the natives had not been answered; the petitioners had a demand upon the French for above 120,000l.; the petitioners were utterly unable to meet the demand for the 7,000l.; it would be their ruin and that of above 50 families. They pray their Lordships to represent their case to the King, and to intercede with him to use his authority to obtain satisfaction of their damages, and restitution of their places.
(2.) “Minutes relating to the Hudson's Bay Company,” containing an account of what the gentlemen of that company testified on 10 Nov. 1699, before the Lords of the Treasury, in relation to their company, viz., they were unable to restore the value of the goods taken in Fort Bourbon, according to the King's pleasure; they were robbed by the French of 120,000l. It cost 15 or 16,000l. to recover the fort; by the policy of the French they had little or no trade there the last year; the goods were over-rated, those rated at 7s. per pound were worth but 5s.; they had paid near 2,000l. for customs and taxes, and the value would be but 3,000l.; they desired all parts of the treaty to be performed; the war was in part through their wrongs; the French retook the fort, and were obliged by the treaty of Ryswick to restore it; but they kept it. The company was incorporated in 1670. In 1680 the stock rose from 100l. to near 1,000l. In 1682 the French invaded them and took away 15,000l. value. In 1682 Mons. Armond took a ship, value 10,000l. In 1686 King James demanded satisfaction from France; then the Jesuits procured a neutrality for America, and knew by that time they were in possession of Albany Fort. In 1687 they made infraction of their treaty and took the Hayes sloop. In 1688 they took three ships, value 15,000l. In all 113,000l. dammage, in time of peace. The war was made in part for these dammages. In 1692 the company set our four ships to recover Albany Fort, taken in 1686. In 1694 the French took York, alias Bourbon Fort. In 1696 the English retook it from them. On the 4th Sept. 1697, the French retook it and kept it. The peace was made 20 Sept. 1697.
By the seventh or eighth article, there should be a treaty for the right to the whole bay. The French intercepted the trade, and the company could not hold out two years. They desired the right of the whole bay might be settled, and that Fort York might be delivered to them according to the treaty, and that their poverty might be represented to the King. [The paper of which this is the abstract is copied from the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 211.]
(3.) The case of the Hudson's Bay Company briefly stated; recapitulating a great deal that is set out in the above papers.
(4.) An account of custom and impost paid His Majesty upon beaver and other skins, brought to Plymouth from Hudson's Bay, in the ship “Bonadventure,” anno 1696; and other incident charges.
(5.) An account of beaver skins, &c. which were by His Majesty's order delivered to the Hudson's Bay Company for their use in December 1696, valued at 5,127l. 19s.
Minuted:
—“To be layd before ye K.” 5 pages and 3 halves.
[About
Nov. 30.]
63. Petition of Henry Olding to the King. He had previously petitioned the King, in respect of the service done him, in being instrumental in preserving his life when threatened by two dangerous ruffians, viz., Patick Conningham and William Smith, upon which the Lords of the Treasury ordered him 50l. for present relief, in part of his three years' charges, amounting to more than 300l., besides the King's accustomed bounty. Prays for the King's bounty and that the case might be referred to the Lord Chief Baron Ward and the Attorney-General.
Minuted:—“Read 30 Nov. '99.”
Also copies of two certificates as to the facts made out by the petitioner. These were enclosed in an Order of Council, of which nothing but the back remains. 3 pages.