Volume 91: June 16-October 19, 1704

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 3, 1702-1707. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1874.

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'Volume 91: June 16-October 19, 1704', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 3, 1702-1707, (London, 1874) pp. 271-298. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol3/pp271-298 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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June 16–October 19, 1704

June 16. 1. Reply of Sir Edw. Northey, Attorney General, to a letter from Mr Lowndes, that he had never before heard from Mr Lowndes in the matter in question (as to export of woollen goods from Ireland), and had never received the memorial therein mentioned. Dated 16 June 1704. Parts of 2 pages.
June 17. 2. Report of Mr Henry Baker to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Richard Curtis, an inhabitant at Seaford, for services in preventing the export of wool, in watching the French shallops, in finding several of their letters, &c.; certifying the truth thereof. Dated June 17, 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 3 July 1704. To have 10li out of secret service money for the service menc[i]ond in this report. Paid 4th July 1704.”
Also the petition. 2½ pages.
June 17. 3. Report of Mr Edwd Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer, as to what might be raised in Waltham forest by the sale of dotard trees, or by any parts of trees blown down by the late storm (not being fit for any uses of her Majesty's navy), towards payment of the arrears to the keepers of the forest. He had surveyed the two walks called East and West Heynaults, the only parts of the forest wherein there were any woods or timber belonging to the crown; and he found great quantities of old decayed pollard oaks and hornbeams, fit for little but firing, from which money might be raised for these arrears, &c. If not shortly disposed of for her Majesty's use, they as well as windfalls would be sold by the woodward who claimed them as his perquisites. He (the woodward) should be obliged to produce his grant to settle his allowance, of wood &c. Dated 17 June 1704.
Minuted:—“26 July 1704. Write to Mr Jones the woodward to attend my Lord Tre[asure]r wth his claim in writing and his grant upon wch the same is grounded.” “L~re writ.” 1 page.
June 19. 4. Certificate of H. Bythel, deputy of Brook Bridges, Esq., auditor, to the Ld High Treasurer, as to “the charges of Mr Fotherby in bringing over & pay of the Danish officers in 1689.” Dated 19 June 1704. 1 page.
June 19. 5. Petition of John Peters to the Queen. Was first clerk to Guy Palmes, Esq., late one of the Four Tellers of the Exchequer, and had had losses by the coinage in 1695 and 1696. Had been encouraged to look out for something in his Majesty's disposal. He had discovered an estate claimed by the descendants of Sir George Carteret; but the Lady Carteret prevailed and had it confirmed to her and her children by Act of Parliament: asks for the grant of the particulars in an annexed schedule.
The schedule referred to.
Minuted:—“Read 19th June 1704. My Lord will see how this matter has been reported.”
“The report is wthin & what the petr now prays is, so much as is marked in ye sd report with *.”
“Not granted.”
There is no report as mentioned. 2 pages.
[About
June 19.]
6. Memorial of Captain Robert Gardner, on behalf of Col. Handasyd's and Col. Livesay's regiments in the West Indies, to the Lord High Treasurer for the allowance of the postage for their muster rolls.
Minuted:—“Read 19th June 1704. To be p[ai]d by a contingt warrt out of the money for the forces.” 1 page, quarto.
[About
June 19.]
7. Petition of Mr Wm Atwood to the Lord High Treasurer, for payment of his salary as Chief Justice of the province of New York, before Ld Cornbury suspended him.
Minuted:—“Read 19th June 1704. To have a quarter.” 1 page.
[? About
June 19.]
8. Petition of Mary Stephens, widow of Anthony Stephens, deceased, to the Lord High Treasurer, for an allowance of sallaries of two clerks of her husband, who was cashier of the navy, and the balance of whose accounts was upwards of 700,000l.
Referred to the Comrs of the Navy, 19 June 1704. A letter thereon. 2 pages.
June 21. 9. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lord High Treasurer, upon an estimate for 2,599l. 5s. 1d. for building a green-house at Kensington Gardens. Dated 21 June 1704.
Also the estimate. 2 pages.
June 21. 10. Memorial from the Comrs for Sick and Wounded Seamen and Exchange of Prisoners of War to the Lord High Treasurer. The debt of the office was estimated at 53,700l. They had sent as many prisoners to France as there were English there, but there remained about 2,000 French here, the cost of whom was 50l. a day; asking that these prisoners might be paid in money. Dated 21 June 1704.
Minuted:—“17 July 1704. My Lord resolves that 1,400l. every calendar month, for the subsist. of the prisoners of war, shall be pd to subsist them in money, and yt ye first paymt shall be made on ye 1st of Aug. next.” 2½ pages.
June 21. 11. Report of Mr Edwd Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer, upon a petition of Henry Portman, Esq., on the state of the palings of Hyde Park, which were so decayed that they would not keep the deer in, and on the state of the ponds, recommending a brick wall, the cost of which which would not exceed 3,600l., which might be paid for by the wood. Dated 21 June 1704.
The petition and an estimate also. 3 pages.
June 21. 12. Report of the Auditors of Imprest and the Comrs of the Navy to Mr Lowndes, on the claim of Sir Edward Seymour for a privy seal for several sums on his ultimate account as Treasurer of the Navy, ending 24 June 1681. Dated Navy Office, 21 June 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 25 July 1704. Prepare a privy seal for such of the articles as are proper to be allowed by authority of a privy seal, except the 3 last articles, wch are disallowed.”
Also the acct of the several sums. 4 large pages.
June 22. 13. Report of the Comrs of Stamp Duties, relating to the offices of Controller and Accountant General, viz., on the memorial of Mr Pawling, Controller and Accountant General, and the petition of Samuel Ross, one of the clerks; as to irregularities in making up the accounts, &c. Dated 22 June 1704.
The memorial and petition. 3 pages.
June 22. 14. Letter of Lord Cornbury to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the accounts exhibited by the Countess of Bellomont of her late husband, the Earl of Bellomont [Governor of New York], the examination of which was intrusted to five persons in New York, two for the Countess and three for the crown, who could not agree as to the method of stating the same. He had sent the accounts stated as he thought they ought to be. A large portion of the letter is taken up with the state of the forces there during Lord Bellomont's administration, and the rest with other matters of account. Dated New York, 22 June 1704. 12½ pages.
June 22. 15. Letter unsigned, but from the same to the same, in relation to the accounts of Captain Nanfan, as respected the four companies of Fusileers in the province of New York. Dated New York, 22 June 1704. 3 pages.
June 22. 16. Memorial of stamp officers for repayment of the taxes on officers whose salaries were below 50l. Dated 22 June 1704.
Minutes on the back showing such remissions had taken place in previous years. 1 page.
June 22. 17. Letter from C. Hedges to the Lord High Treasurer, with an extract from a letter of Sir Lambert Blackwell as to payment of his extraordinaries, that he might the better help the German generals in Italy, as he alleged he frequently did. Dated Whitehall, 22 June 1704. 2¼ pages.
June 23. 18. “Copy of an indenture between Mr Wilcox and a purveyor of ye navy, for timber delivered in Bushy Park and ye Middle Park at Hampton Court.” Dated 23 June 1704. 1 page.
June 24. 19. Report of the Comrs of the Navy to Mr Lowndes, on the memorial of Philip Papillon, cashier to the late Earl of Orford, late Treasurer of the Navy, as to his accounts for the victualling. Dated 24 June 1704.
Copies of two letters relating thereto. 4 pages.
June 24. 20. “Respitts on the troops and regiments from the 25th of April to the 24th June 1704.” Signed, J. Howe. 1 page.
June 24. 21. “A view of the gross produce of her Majesty's revenue in Ireland in the two quarters ending at Midsummer.” 1 page.
June 24. 22. Account and papers connected with the affairs of the Comrs for Sick and Wounded Seamen up to 24 June 1704. 5 pages.
June 24. 23. Memorial of the Treasurer of the Chamber for a quarter's allowance of sums due up to Midsummer 1704. 1 page.
June 24. 24. Letter of Lord Cornbury [Governor of New York] to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the accounts of the Countess of Bellomont and Captain Nanfan, the unwillingness to state the accounts of the Countess, &c. She had presented several petitions to the Queen, upon which the Hon. the Earl of Nottingham had signified that her security should not be prosecuted. He (Ld Cornbury) informs his Lordship of the truth of these matters. Had written to the Attorney General to take security of her ladyship for 10,000l., as she was about to quit the province. The Attorney Genl being informed that her ladyship intended to go privately on board her Majesty's ship Advice, took out a writ against her, and sent it to the sheriff of King's County (where her ladyship had gone under pretence of the sickness then raging at New York). The sheriff took the writ, and he supposed acquainted her ladyship with it, for on the next day he acquainted the Attorney Genl that he had executed the writ and had taken security for 10,000l. The Attorney, upon enquiry, found her ladyship had gone on board, and that the securities were not worth 10l. a piece. Dated New York, 24 June 1704. 2 pages.
June 24. 25. Report of the Post Masters General to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of Mr Dummer as to the West India packet boats; advising that he should have 2,000l. imprested to him for the charges. Dated 24 June 1704.
Minuted:—“4 July 1704. A warrt to imprest the 2,000li.”
The memorial. 2 pages.
June 24. 26. Letter from the Earl of Ranelagh to Mr Lowndes as to the sale of reversionary annuity orders, dated 24 June 1704, enclosing the following, viz.:
The state of the reversionary annuity orders, amounting to 5,017-09-01, which by a clause in an Act passed in the last session of parliament are to be applied to satisfy the moneys due in the reign of his late Majesty King William the Third to the out-pensioners of Chelsea Hospital, &c. 2 pages.
June 24. 27. Report of Sir Edwd Northey to the Lord High Treasurer as to the petition of Anthony Row, Esq., to the Lord High Treasurer for the enlargement of the time for hearing his cause. Dated 24 June 1704.
With a minute for the hearing in next term.
There is also a paper relating to the suit between Lady Wood and Mr Rowe as to tallies of the hearth farm. 3 pages and 2 halves.
June 24. 28. State of the account of the Earl of Ranelagh, late Paymaster General of the forces, for seven years ending Lady-day 1699; presented by B. Bridges and E. Harley, auditors. Dated 24 June 1704. 23 pages.
June 27. 29. Letter from C. Hedges to the Lord High Treasurer as to the allowance of a brigadier's pay to Col. John Richards, going into the service of the King of Portugal as lieutenant-general of artillery. Dated Cockpit, 27 June 1704.
Minuted:—“My Lord thinks this may be ordered by my Lord Galway, col. of her Mats forces in Portugal, & will speak to his Lop herein.” 1 page.
June 28. 30. Report of the Post Masters General to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Sir Alexander Bruce as to several debts charged in the books of account of her Majesty's General Post Office due from such as had been post renters of Scotland. They propose that Sir Alexander should have a grant of the debts, paying the crown 1,000l. for the same. Dated 28 June 1704.
Also the petition.
Minuted:—“Read 3d July 1704. Shew this rept to Sr Alexr Bruce & know his proposal as to ye 1,000li proposed by the Postmr Genll to be pd for ye debt from Clarke.” 3 pages.
June 30. 31. Report of the Attorney Genl to the Ld High Treasurer on the petition of Simon Lynch, and the report of the Comrs of the salt duties on that petition, as to the remission of salt duties. Dated 30 June 1704. 3 pages.
June 30. 32. Debtor and creditor account of John Brewer, Esq., Receiver General for Prizes, from the commencement of his office to the 30th of June 1704. 2 pages.
July 1. 33. Memorial of the Cofferer of the Household to the Ld High Treasurer for the expenses of the household for the quarter ending 1 July 1704. Signed, “Sam. Edwards.” 1 page.
July 3. 34. Copies of four papers, the principal of which is the report of Samuel Travers, Esq., Surveyor General, on the petition of the Earl of Leicester, as to the stewardship, &c., of the honor of Otford, in the county of Kent, granted to David Polhill, Esq., 21 Feb., 12 Will. III., which grant determined by the King's death. Dated 3 July 1704. 2 pages.
[? About
July 3.]
35. Report of Lord Halifax to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of the officers and clerks of the Tally Court as to the tallies struck by them, for which they had received no fees.
Minuted:—“Read 3 July 1704. A warrt to be prepared.” 2 pages.
[? About
July 4.]
36. Petition of the deputy chamberlains for joining tallies in the Court of Exchequer, as to the counterparts of tallies received by them and sorted in order to be produced; praying for a warrant for payment of their labours.
Certificate of Lord Halifax of the same. Dated July 4, 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 6th Sepr 1704. Orderd.” 2 pages.
[? About
July 5.]
37. Copy of petition and other papers relating to the affairs of Robert Livingston, whose case had been referred to the Earl of Ranelagh and Mr Blathwayt. His demand for salary as secretary of Indian affairs for 20 years was referred by them to Lord Cornbury and the commander-in-chief and council of New York. The petitioner objected to this, and gave his reasons. He had made two voyages to England to get what was due to him; in the second (in 1703) he was taken by the French and stripped of all he brought for his support. If he were detained here until an answer were returned from New York it would be twelve months. The revenue appointed to pay his salary and other debts had been borrowed and applied to defray the contingent charges of the forces and fortifications. In the extracts enclosed there was a surplus of 2,457l. 14s.d. on the contingencies, &c. Prays his Lordship to intercede with her Majesty to take off his suspension, and to order him the arrears of his salary.
The extracts referred to.
The last of these is certified on July 5, 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 17 July 1704. Send this copy to my Lord Ranelagh & Mr Blathwayt and desire them to review their report, together with what has been done by the Comrs of Accounts,” &c., “to give his Lordship their opinion,” &c. 8 pages.
July 5. 38. Memorial of the Controllers of the Army to the Lord High Treasurer. They had been applied to for certificates by persons who had supplied clothing to certain regiments, but in regard the patterns had only been sealed by the colonels, and not with the general's seal, as her Majesty's instructions directed, they forbore to examine the clothing. Dated 5 July 1704. 1 page.
July 6. 39. Presentment from the Post Master General to the Lord High Treasurer for the addition of a fifth boat at Harwich to the four packet boats already in her Majesty's service for the mails between England and Holland. Dated 6 July 1704.
Minuted;—“Approved.” 1 page.
July 7. 40. Report of the Controllers [of the accounts of the army] to the Lord High Treasurer, relating to the clothing of the four regiments in New York. Dated 7 July 1704.
Another paper relating thereto.
Minuted;—“17 July 1704. Ordered, provided ye cloaths answer ye patterns. For yt end to be brot to comptrs.” 2 pages.
July 10. 41. Memorial of Richard, Earl of Ranelagh, late paymaster of her Majesty's forces, &c., relating to the state of his seven years account lately delivered in by the auditors. Dated 10 July 1704. 2¼ pages.
July 10. 42. Petition of John Key, clothier, to the Lord High Treasurer as to the off-reckonings of Brigadier Columbine's, now Col. Rivers', regiment.
Minuted;—“Read 10th July 1704.” 1 page.
July 10. 43. Report of Mr Edward Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer on the memorial of Edward Progers, Esq., for repairs required at Hampton Court in consequence of the late tempest. The works would amount to 198l., and might be paid out of wood sales. Dated 10 July 1704.
Minuted;—“Ordered.”
The memorial. 2 pages.
July 11. 44. An estimate of the charge of victualling 768 men for two months short allowance to be transported to Lisbon. 1 page.
July 11. 45. Report of the Duke of Ormond to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Sir James Jeffreys, praying that his pay as Governor of Cork and of a company of foot in Ireland might be continued to him for a certain term of years. As he was zealous and had quitted a beneficial employment abroad, to attend the late King in the war in Ireland, the Duke thought he well deserved a mark of her Majesty's favour. He quotes a similar case of allowance to Col. Tobias Purcell, and says the city of Cork was first formed into a government in the year 1692, but by its situation it was incapable of strength, and was inhabited by merchants, and there would be no occasion to continue a governor there after the decease of the petitioner. Dated Whitehall, 11 July 1704.
The petition, a reference to the Lord High Treasurer, another to the above Duke, and an epitome of the prayer of the petition.
Minuted:—“17 July 1704. To be layd before ye Queen. A wt to be prepared for granting this for 7 years.” 4½ pages.
July 12. 46. “Post master General's presentment touching Mr Dummer's West Indy sloops, that the expence in the same may be no longer on accompt, but settled on a certain foot of agreement. With a proposal of advancing the tax of letters to and from the West Indys, towards reducing the charges of the Post Office. July 12, 1702.” They proposed that on all single letters from the several islands a “bitt,” which was the lowest species of coin (equal to 7½d. English), should be paid, and two “bitts” for a double letter, or each ounce. Dated 12 July 1704.
Minuted:—“31 July 1704. Read; my Lord agrees to this report, and directs the Postmr[s] to prepare a draft of such a contract as they think proper to make wth Mr Dummer, leaving blanks for the rates, and lay the same before my Lord as soon as they can.” 2 pages.
July 12. 47. An abstract of the pay of four regiments lately in the West Indies, under command of Lord Donegal, Lord Charlemont, Lieut.-Genl Earle, and Col. Gust. Hamilton. Dated 12 July 1704. 1 page.
July 12. 48. Copy of (1) an address of the Council and Assembly of the province of Massachusets Bay in New England, to the Queen, in praise of Col. Dudley, Captain General and Governor, for his success with the Indians, until the French emissaries had seduced them. Through their irruption the Governor had to garrison the frontiers for more than 200 miles, and to send parties into the desert, if possible to find out those bloody rebels in their obscure recesses, under covert of a vast hideous wilderness (their manner of living being much like that of the wild beasts), and give check to their insolencies. There were not less than 1,900 effective men in arms upon the eastern and western frontiers, besides the vessels and men on the coast, against the infestings of the French from Canada, Port Royal, and the West Indies, and they thought the neighbouring governments should bear a part of the charge. They express their detestation of the piracies and robberies lately committed by Captain Quelch and company, and hoped the speedy justice done on them would vindicate the Government from the imputation of giving countenance to them.
(2.) An application for stores of war for the province. Dated Boston, July 12, 1704.
(3.) A memorial for the same stores. 4 pages.
July 13. 49. Report of Mr Borrett to the Lord High Treasurer on the case of Robert Clare, printer, mentioned in Mr Secretary Hedges letter hereunto annexed, to be the person who discovered the printer of the libel called “Legions address to the Lords,” as to some small allowance for his subsistence. There was a proclamation of a reward of 100l. for discovery of the author, and 50l. to the printer. Dated 13 July 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 7th Aug. 30li out of sec. ser.”
The letter mentioned and his petition. He says masters and men were so incensed against him that they denied him business. 3 pages.
July 15. 50. Memorial of Sir Jos. Tredenham [Controller of the Accts of the Army] to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the accounts of the paymasters general and others. The agents of the regiments evaded giving accounts of the money they received, calling themselves servants of the colonels, whereas they were paid out of the regimental money. Their salaries, then uncertain, should be settled. Some were paid out of off-reckonings, others received a man's subsistence out of each company, and others 2d. per pound for the full pay of the regiments they served. Dated 15 July 1704. 2 pages.
July 17. 51. Petition of the late Comrs for sick and wounded seamen to the Lord High Treasurer, praying payment of their salaries and incidents in winding up the affairs of that commission. Those who had lived on the credit of receiving the same had in 6½ years received only 1½ years salary. Dated July 17, 1704.
Minuted:—“26 July 1704. Mr Powys to enquire & inform my Ld [in] wt state Mr Poveys accots are & wt ballance remains upon ym.”
Three other papers connected therewith. 4 pages.
[? About
July 17.]
52. Petition of Anthony Redhead, citizen and pewterer of London, to the Lord High Treasurer, to be enlarged from prison, &c., where he had been five years, for the penalty of a bond for 2,000l., given by him for the execution of the office of master and worker of the mint in the city of Norwich.
Minuted:—“17 July 1704. Lett ye reports be lookt out, and when my Lord comes to towne send for Mr Newton.” 1 page.
July 20. 53. Report of the Comrs of the Navy to Mr Lowndes, on the petition of Anthony Sturt, cashier to the late Treasurer of the Navy, on account of victualling; touching his accounts. Dated 20 July 1704.
Minuted:—“Direct Mr Sturt to hasten his voluntarily (fn. 1) charge to the comptr of ye victg.”
The petition. 2 pages.
July 21. 54. Letter of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the allowances made by the Navy Board to widows and children of persons lost in the late storm. Dated 21 July 1704.
Minuted:—“My Lord has no objection to these allowances, but send to Mr Borret to know what benevolence money has been collected, and how disposed.” 1 page.
July 22. 55. Petition of Sir James Hayes, Bart., to the Queen. Had been in the government service 30 years, viz., in Ireland as captain of Foot Guards in 1674, and in the wars of Hungary, Germany, and Flanders had sustained great losses, received many wounds, had a long imprisonment for debt, and sickness. He was admitted a pensioner in the foot guards. Prays a yearly pension. Dated 22 July 1704.
Minuted:—“14th Aug. 1704. Sr James Hayes to have 5li. to carry him to Scotld. out of secret service mo. Paid eođ. die.” 1½ pages.
July 22. 56. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Arthur North of London, merchant, as to the debts of his father, for which he had become answerable as executor; making proposals for the payment of the same, &c. Dated 22 July 1704.
The petition, a proposal, and certificate.
Minuted:—“26th July 1704. Agreed to the report.” 5 pages.
July 23. 57. Letter of Captn Francis Wivell to the Secretary of the Ld High Treasurer, asking him to read the enclosed memorial to the Lord High Treasurer with the other documents, and to ask his Lordship how he should proceed for a gratuity for having preserved two prize ships at Vigo. Counsel had advised him to petition the House, but he would not do so against his Lordship's opinion. Dated July 23, 1704.
His memorial. He conceived he had no reward for taking the Dartmouth man-of-war at Vigo, and preserving so much wealth for her Majesty at about 150l. charge, and also for the Tora galleon, forsaken by those who had taken her. He hoped he might be thought worthy of as great reward as Sir Thomas Hardy, who had 1,000l. given him by her Majesty, though he only brought the news and was not in the action. He had not now so much as the master and commander of the Isabella yacht, though a tender.
Copies of certificate of Sir Cloudesley Shovell and two affidavits. 5 pages.
July 24. 58. Report of the Comrs of Excise to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Thomas Drake, constable of the parish of Milton Abbott, in the county of Devon, as to reimbursing him for defending himself against two indictments. Dated 24 July 1704.
Minuted:—“Ult. Julij 1704. My Ld can do nothing in this.”
The petition. 2 pages (one brief size).
July 25. 59. Report of the Agents for Taxes, to the Lord High Treasurer, on a letter from several gentlemen in Leicester, seeking the removal of a surveyor for the duties on houses, &c., to London. The very same gentlemen in October last had applied for the removal of another officer and succeeded; and they could not but conclude they wished to have both the officers of their own recommending, and so they would have the officers and the duties wholly in the power of the commissioners, whom they (the agents) seldom found ready to advance these duties, but on the contrary often zealous to make them less. Dated 25 July 1704.
Minuted:—“26th July 1704. My Lord is of opinion wth the agents, and if anybody enq[ui]res after this matter, this report to be shown to 'em.”
A letter and a testimonial. 3 pages.
July 24. 60. A state of the account of the Right Hon. John How, Esq., paymaster of the guards, garrisons, &c., for the year ended 24 Dec. 1703; presented to the Lord High Treasurer by Mr Auditor Harley. Dated 24 July 1704.
On the back is ‘a minute for a warrant to the auditor of the receipt in relation thereto. 8 pages.
July 25. 61. Report of the Comrs of Prizes to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Captain James Littleton, as to the stop put on the payment of his share of tħe prize “Star of the East.” They conceived that whenever any ship of the enemy yielded without fighting or making resistance, all the goods and lading must be preserved to receive judgment in the Admiralty Court; but by the Queen's declaration of 1 June in her first year it was declared that all captains, seamen, &c., serving in ships of war or merchantmen in the Queen's service, might have as pillage, without account, the goods, merchandize, &c., found in any ship taken in fight upon or above the gun-deck. They were of opinion that this was to be taken with some restrictions. It might be proper to have the report of the Council of his Royal Highness on the case. Dated 25 July 1704.
The petition and an affidavit.
With these are also three other papers relating to the same matter of a few days later date. 7 pages.
July 25. 62. Earl of Ranelagh's and Mr Blathwait's report upon the memorial and demands of Robert Livingston, Esq. Dated 25 July 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 31th July 1704. The 994li 4s 7d to be pd by her Mats warrt out of the 30li p[er] cent. The demand for salary to be stated and referred to Mr Attorny Genll.” 2 pages.
[See also 5 July 1704, No. 37.]
July 27. 63. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition and bill of particulars of Thomas Seyliard, late Receiver General of Taxes for the co. of Cambridge and Isle of Ely, viz., as to allowances to be made him. Dated 27 July 1704.
The petition and an account. 3 pages.
July 28. 64. Report of Mr Wm Borrett to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of “Lord Preston, in the kingdom of Scotland,” who seeks to be discharged from certain liabilities. As to certain reserved rent on the manor of Arthurett and Randallington, and the capital messuage called Netherby Hall (Cumberland), the manor of Nunnington, and the capital messuage called Nunnington Hall, with the town and grange of Stonegra … (York). Dated 28 July 1704.
The petition and a certificate.
Minuted:—“To be laid before ye Q.”
“A wt to be prepared for passing a privy seal for discharging the Lord Preston, &c.” 4 pages.
July 29. 65. A letter from Philip Howard to the Lord High Treasurer. If Mr Taylor had not subsisted him he would not have been in being to trouble his Lordship. 'Twas now the time to supply him for the recovery of his declining health by going into the country, or to keep him from starving whilst above ground; there was no medium in the case but death. Dated “July 29.”
Minuted:—“4th Aug. 1704. Orderd 100li out of secret service moneys.” 1 page, quarto.
July 29. 66. Report of Sir Christopher Wren to the Lord High Treasurer, on the bills of John Hisenbuttle, joiner, and Josiah Kaye, locksmith, for 27 presses for the Cotton Library, approving the charges as well as the work. Dated 29 July 1704.
The petition and the two bills.
Minuted:—“Read 31th July 1704. Order'd.” 4 parts of pages.
July 30. 67. Report of the Comrs for Sick and Wounded and Exchange of Prisoners at War to the Lord High Treasurer, showing the state of their debt, the number of sick and prisoners. The fleets came home so sickly that the number brought on shore was as large as after the greatest engagements. Dated 30 July 1704. 3½ pages.
[? About
July 31.]
68. Memorial of Brigadier Shrimpton to the Ld High Treasurer, in relation to the Earl of Galway, for a supply for the army of shoes, stockings, &c., forthwith at Lisbon, where none could be had; also as to a new establishment for general officers.
Minuted:—“Ult. Julii 1704. My Lord will adva his pay to X~mas next. Bring a cert. from the office of this mo. See how much will be necessary to be pđ on their pay for shoes, &c. My Lord will speak wth Mr St John about the genll officers.” 1 page.
[About
July 31.]
69. Memorial from the same to the same for advance of half a year's pay for his equipage.
Minuted:—“Read 31 July 1704. Advance so much as will carry him to X~mas.” ½ page.
July 31. 70. Dormant warrant in favour of Sir Roger Mostyn, Bart., Controller of the fines for the counties of Chester, Flint, and Carnarvon. Dated 31 July 1704. 1 page.
Aug. 1. 71. Letter of the Duke of Ormond [Lord Lieut. of Ireland] to the Lord High Treasurer, respecting the lighthouses in Ireland. The Parliament of Ireland having observed upon the establishment an allowance of 500l. per ann. for maintaining lighthouses, proceeded to an enquiry how they were supported. They found that the patent which Lord Abercorn had, obliged him to maintain six lights, but two only were insufficiently maintained. They resolved that the six lights should be maintained. The Attorney General reported on the case that his Lordship must maintain the same. The Comrs of Revenue were instructed to examine into the matter and report. The Comrs had reported and sent estimates for erecting and repairing the lighthouses necessary That at Dublin was estimated at 1,200l. The two lighthouses cost Lord Abercorn near 200l. per ann., and his clear profit did not exceed 300l. per ann. His (the Lord Lieut.'s) opinion was, that the whole matter had better be placed in the hands of the Comrs of Revenue. The repairs ought to be immediately proceeded with. He would give directions for the one in Dublin. Asks that the matter may be laid before her Majesty, and for orders to be given. Dated 1 Aug. 1704.
The following are abstracts of the reports and other documents referred to:—
Report of the Comrs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords Justices there. In accordance with their Excellencies' order of 1 April last, and with a former order of reference relating to lighthouses, directing them to inform themselves, in the best manner they could, from the captains of men-of-war, expe[rienced] masters of ships, and such others as they thought most capable to advise them therein, upon what places lighthouses might most conveniently be erected for the benefit of trade, the security of her Majesty's ships, and the lives and goods of her subjects and allies, they had used the best means they could to be rightly informed therein, and having formerly reported their opinion on the lighthouse already erected on the Hill of Hoath, they now, in relation to the second lighthouse mentioned in the former reference, acquaint their Excellencies that they were informed the most proper situation to build it on was Cor Castle, but even there it would not be effectual, unless one or more lights were placed in the harbour of Dublin, in such manner as was proposed by the Surveyor General of Works, &c.
As for the lighthouses in the out ports which were mentioned in their Excellencies' reference, they had transmitted certain reports, draughts, and estimates for erecting such lighthouses as were necessary in the ports of Kinsale, Waterford, and the Isle of Magee. Dated 10 June 1704.
From the reports and other papers enclosed (the maps and plans are wanting) may be learnt, amongst much other information, that at the lighthouse on the Hill of Hoath, the hearth on which the fire was made was about 20 inches diameter, declining inwards towards the centre, where there was a grate of about 6 inches square for the ashes to drop through; and that there was a pair of the smaller sort of smith's bellows, the nose of which was at least 5 feet from the fireplace, that the fireplace was not rightly made, and the bellows of little or no service. The surveyor proposed that a strong cylinder should be made of iron bars, of 2 feet diameter and 2 feet high, set upon a brick cylinder hollowed within, of near the same breadth in the clear, and about 4 feet high; by that means the bottom grate would be large enough (being 2 feet diameter) to let all the ashes through, that so the fire might burn the clearer, and the upright bars, without hindrance to the light, would enclose a large quantity of coals and make the fire so much the greater, and less subject to be extinguished by rains, or hid from the sea by its smoke in westerly winds, and a larger bellows should be provided and placed nearer the fire. He proposed to place lighthouses, one at Cor Castle between the Lord Hoath's house and the Warren house, one at the upper end of Polebegg, and one at the most northern part of Ringsend; and he explains his reasons for so doing. The lights to be kept in the lighthouse at Pool-beg should be large lamps; for this house standing in the sea, the waves beating violently against the underwork might extinguish a coal fire, and the light of the lamps (36 in number) would be more steady and constant, and cast a much greater light, and require much less attendance than any coal fire, and it was presumed would not be more expensive. The estimate for the same was 1,221l. 13s.
Kinsale.
—As to the expense of building lighthouse and maintaining lights at the Old Head of Kinsale and Barry Oge's castle, Captn Corneile the engineer, Mr Edw. Bridges, architect, the officers of her Majesty's yard, &c. had been consulted. They believed that the very same places where the former houses were erected, were the most useful and commodious to be built on again, in regard that any ship or vessel that kept “both them lights open” might on the darkest night come with great safety into the harbour of Kinsale. The lighthouse which stood at Barry Oge's castle was entirely demolished, and that at the Old Head of Kinsale was so defective that it would want considerable repairs. [There is a diagram with the estimate.]
Waterford.—The lighthouse at the Tower Hook of this harbour was 140 steps to the top, and above that a large oval lanthorn, glazed, very much in want of repair, and to make the light serviceable an alteration should be made in the light or lanthorn wherein the light was kept. The lighthouse stood in the most convenient part of the harbour's mouth, and was formerly kept by Henry Loftus, Esq., who employed a person who was a smith, and allowed him only 12 barrels of coals yearly to keep up the light, which was no manner of use, &c. It was the opinion of the most knowing men of those parts that the light being once put into sufficient repair could not be kept with less than 200 great barrels of coals every year, at a cost of 30l., and that 40l. per ann. should be given to a careful person to look after it, with two servants to blow up the fires.
Isle Magee.—For the trade to the Lough of Carrickfergus the opinion was there should be a lighthouse on one of the Copeland Isles, commonly called Crosse Isle, and that a lighthouse on any part of Isle Magee would be no way comparable thereto. A lighthouse would be most useful on the South Rock, but was scarce practicable, or would be very chargeable. If there must be one on the Isle Magee, the place where the last lighthouse stood was the most proper. The light on the Isle Magee had been abandoned nearly 36 years. In the estimate it states the person would oblige himself to keep the light in it wth candles of 4 in the pound, 5 at a time, or to burn 10 at a time of 8 in the pound, for 15l. per ann.
A petition of James, Earl of Abercorn, in behalf of himself and Elizabeth, Countess of Abercorn, his wife, and their eight children, to the Queen. King Charles II., by patent dated 13th November in the 17th year of his reign, caused certain lighthouses to be built in Ireland by Robert, afterwards Sir Robert Reading, Bart., and lights to be maintained there. On surrender of this patent he granted a second patent (16 July, 19th year) to Richard, Earl of Arran, in trust for the said Robert Reading, and Jane, Countess Dowager of Mountrath, his wife, to hold six lighthouses and towers lately built by Sir Robert, and to receive for their support, from all ships and vessels trading to or from any of the harbours or ports of Ireland, 1d. per ton outwards, and from all ships of strangers 2d. per ton both inwards and outwards, and from fisher boats 10s. yearly for 61 years. Upon complaint to the English House of Commons that this was grievous to trade, the ships of subjects were exempted from payment, but the lighthouses were continued. Sir Robt Reading and his wife had expended in building the lighthouses 2,600l., and considering the loss they would sustain (instead of the benefit intended by the King to the Countess and family for their services at the Restoration), the King granted to Sir Robert 500l. per ann. from the Exchequer in Ireland, during the rest of the term of 61 years, and the duty on foreign ships.
The six lighthouses might have been kept up with good profit out of the tonnage of all ships, the benefit being upwards of 1,600l. a year; but they could not possibly be supported out of the 500l. and the tonnage on foreign ships, and so the governors of Ireland were satisfied with two lighthouses only in the kingdom. The petitioner married Elizabeth, the daughter of the said Sir Robert and the Countess, and this 500l. per ann. was involved in the marriage settlement and for portioning the children.
In the last sessions the House of Commons in Ireland voted it necessary that lights should be maintained in the above lighthouses, and the petitioner was unable to comply with the vote by reason of the charge; praying for an acceptance of the surrender of the patent and the grant of an equivalent.
The report is minuted:—“A wt to be prepared for authorizing the Comrs of ye revenue to take care of repairing & keeping up of light hos upon my Lord Abercorne's surrendr of his title thereunder.” 14 pages and 3 halves.
Aug. 4. 72. Copy of the treaty between England and Savoy, 4 Aug. 1704, by which his Royal Highness of Savoy entered the grand alliance made at the Hague, 7 Sept. 1701, to provide for the common quiet and safety against the vast power and designs of France, which threatened the destruction of the public and universal liberty.
It is divided into nine separate articles. 6 pages.
Aug. 5. 73. Letter from S. Lovell to William Lowndes, Esq. Query as to a grant of Horton's estate in Cotton Abbotts and in Chester. The writer was going on his Chester circuit in 10 days, and would be glad to have the matter despatched. Dated 5 Aug. 1704.
Minuted:—“A warrt to be prepared to ye survr.” 1 page.
Aug. 7. 74. Report of Sir Chr. Wren and estimate of alterations at St James, viz., for converting the apartment of Lord Delawar into a chapel for his Royal Highness, and adding what was then the chapel to Madam Hill's apartment. Dated 7 Aug. 1704. 1 page.
[? About
Aug. 7.]
75. Petition of Sir Edward Dering, Knt., to the Lord High Treasurer, for his accounts and his case to be submitted to another auditor. The Navy Comrs had reported on it in 1680.
Minuted:—“7 Augt 1704. The Comrs of ye navy are proper judges of this matter & not an audr.” 1 page (brief size).
[Aug. 7.] 76. Memoranda arising out of the accounts of Mr Fox and Mr Pauncefoot with Sir H. Furnesse for making remittances.
Minuted:—“7 Aug. 1704. These accots wth Mr Lowndes observations to be sent to Mr Fox to peruse, and to make a true state of what has been remitted by Sir H. F. for the services of the forces in Flanders by Comn, the times when, and at what rates, and also of what ought to be allowed to the said Sr H.” 1 page, quarto.
[About
Aug. 7.]
77. Petition of Jone Heard, butcher, and other tradesmen belonging to his late Majesty's household and stables. They had contracted with the Board of Greencloth to supply provisions upon a solemn assurance of constantly receiving their money every quarter, but there was a very considerable arrear due to them, and they were in danger of arrest by their creditors; praying for payment.
Minuted:—“7 Augt 1704. There is no mo for arrears.” 1 page.
[? About
Aug. 7.]
78. Letter of Robert Clare to the Hon. Charles Hedges. His petition (and he supposed Mr Borrett's report), lay at the Treasury unread. Complains of the necessities of his family, which they would not have known had he “not made the discovery;” praying for compassion.
Minuted:—“Read 7th Aug. 1704. 30li to be paid to Robert Clare out of sec. service mo.” 1 page, quarto.
[? About
Aug. 7.]
79. Petition of John Bromfeild, riding forester in the New Forest, to the Lord High Treasurer, for an arrear of 6d. a day, and a salary of 5l. a year, due for five years; also that in future it might be paid in the forest.
Minuted:—“7 Augt 1704. Ref. to Mr Wilcox.” 1 page.
Aug. 8. 80. State of the Public Debt between England and Ireland. Dated Whitehall, 8 Aug. 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 18th Augst 1704; to be further considerd.” 2 pages.
Aug. 8. 81. Letter of the Duke of Ormond to the Lord High Treasurer, on the demand for the expense of holding the late sessions of parliament in Ireland. It ought to be allowed, being usual on the like occasions, the number of bills being more and the sessions longer than heretofore. Dated 8 Aug. 1704.
The particulars of the demand, also an “address of the House of Lords for their clerks.” 4½ pages.
Aug. 9. 82. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lord [High Treasurer] on the bills of Mr Anthony Vernatty for setting up lights in the Court of Requests for the accommodation of both Houses of Parliament, from 4 Nov. 1703 to 3 April 1704, recommending the allowance (128l. 4s.). Dated Aug. 9, 1704.
Minuted:—“Orderd.”
The petition and the bill. 3 pages.
Aug. 9. 83. Report of the same to the same, on the demands of Capt. Michael Studholme, Keeper of the Roads, “for keeping the roads upon the establishment of the stables;” recommending the allowance (135l.). Dated 9 Aug. 1704.
Minuted:—“Order'd.” 1 page.
Aug. 10. 84. Representation of the Comrs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lord High Treasurer. They met with great difficulty in getting in the debts; scarce any would pay without being compelled by law, which in course of proceeding admitted of great delay, and though the debtors were put to some expense, it bore no proportion to the interest of the money, which had never been insisted on in that country. If the persons indebted to the Queen by bonds were obliged to pay interest from the time the bonds became due, it would bring in the money with more expedition than all the process at law that could be used. Dated 10 Aug. 1704. 3 pages.
Aug. 10. 85. Letter of Mr Robert Cole to the Lord High Treasurer Describes his zeal and pains in maintaining her Majesty's interest against the arts of the French king and his ministers, who were incessant to work a rupture with us. Ships were there furnished with provisions, and were satisfied with the Dey's friendship, and this made the French king so anxious to purchase a war. It was a great hardship to have half his bill (for money disbursed) postponed. Want of speedy payment of his bills brought him under straights, &c. The French king sent his agent yearly 3,000 crowns, without deduction, and 2,000 more for extras. When the consul's reputation sunk, that of the peace must follow. He besought his Lordship to reflect on the many destructive consequences a war with Algiers would draw on us, and that the 4s. in the pound out of his salary might be remitted to him, or he could not keep a constant open table for her Majesty's friends. Dated Algier, 10 Aug. 1704. 2 pages.
Aug. 10. 86. Letter of Mr Secretary Hedges to the Lord High Treasurer, sending a petition of Thomas Kirke, Esq., her Majesty's consul at Genoa, setting forth his expenses upon several occasions for the service of the nation; also several papers therewith, for the consideration of his Lordship; asking for payment. Dated 20 Aug. 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 23 Xbr. 1704. He shalbe considered for his services (if any) in the Queen's time, but these are old pretences.” 15 pages or parts of pages.
Aug. 10. 87. Letter from the Secretary to the Comrs of Customs to Mr Taylour on a memorial of the Portugal envoy concerning some arms intended to be shipped from Portsmouth to Portugal, said to be stopped by the officers of Customs; ordering a deposit to be taken for the Customs. Dated 10 Aug. 1704.
Also an extract from a letter of the collector at Portsmouth and the Comrs reply. 2¼ pages.
Aug. 10. 88. Memorial of Colonel Robert Lundie to the Lord High Treasurer, asking for a further advance on his pay, to enable him to go to Portugal to serve in the station as adjutant-general, his circumstances being such that he could not provide his equipage. Signed.
Minuted:—“To be laid before ye Queen. 10th Aug. 1704. 108li to be paid out of secret service money. p[ai]d 12 Aug. 1704.” 1 page.
[About
Aug. 10.]
89. Application of C. Godfrey, Master of the Jewell Office, for six quarters pay.
Minuted:—“10th Augst 1704. Orderd that 200li be paid to Collo Godfrey out of sec. ser. money, and to menc[i]on in the acquittance that 'tis intended the same shall be repaid to her Matys use when the arrears due to him in his late Mats reign, as Mr of the Jewell Office, come to be paid.”
Pd. 12th Aug. 1704. 1 page.
Aug. 11. 90. An abstract of wt is due in the office of ye works for half a year ending ye last of June 1704. Dated 11 Aug. 1704. 5½ pages.
Aug. 11. 91. Report of Sir Edward Northey, Attorney General, to the Lord High Treasurer on the case of Robert Livingston, Esqre, and on a clause in an Act of Parliament made for punishing mutiny, desertion, and false musters. He was of opinion that her Majesty might direct the moneys advanced at New York to be repaid out of the remainder of the surplusage, &c. [that is, that Mr Livingston's salary might be paid therefrom]. Dated Aug. 11, 1704.
The case for the opinion and the clause of the Act. 4½ pages.
[? About
Aug. 14.]
92. Petition of Thomas Bureau and Claude Fonnereau to the Lord High Treasurer, asking that the auditor of the Exchequer might not register an order and tally fraudulently transferred from them to Anna Dubois.
Minuted:—“Windsor, 14th Augt 1704. My Lord can give noe direction in a matter of right between party & party.” 1 page.
[? About
Aug. 14.]
93. Petition of James Cardonnel to the Lord High Treasurer. He had purchased the “place of court post” from William van Hulse, Esq., which he desired to resign in favour of Henry Andrews, Esq., son of Sir Matthew Andrews; praying that a patent might pass for the same.
There is also a memorandum reminding his Lordship that the Duke of Marlborough had prayed his Lps favour for the same.
Minuted:—“Windsor, 14th Augt 1704. My Lord Trea[sure]r conceives there is intended to be a pecuniary consideration for the parting with this place, & her Maty has made an order that noe places shall be sold.” 1 page and a few lines.
[? About
Aug. 14.]
94. Petition of — Argill, widow and relict of Captain Argill, late of the Earl of Barrymore's regiment, to the Lord High Treasurer, for payment of certain respits due to her husband in 1696, but which were stopped to pay his debt.
Minuted:—“Windsor, 14th Augt 1704.”
“The proper time for making such like application is elapsed.” 1 page, quarto.
Aug. 15. 95. Letter of the Comrs of Victualling to Mr Lowndes as to provisions delivered to Mr Hezekiah Marshall, late commissary general of the provisions for the forces sent to the West Indies. Dated 15 Aug. 1704.
Other papers relating thereto. 7 pages.
Aug. 17. 96. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of John Andrews, Esq., receiver general in the co. Warwick and city of Coventry; recommending the transfer of a surplus. Dated 17 Aug. 1704.
The petition and a certificate. 2¼ pages.
Aug. 17. 97. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lord High Treasurer in favour of an allowance of 35l. to Walter Wyatt, one of their officers for the county of Gloucester, for his good services. Dated 17 Aug. 1704.
Minuted:—“Orderd.” 1 page.
Aug. 19. 98. Memorial from the Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lord High Treasurer, concerning (1) the division of Baron Ronsele's pension of 100l. per ann. between the baron's daughter and the Lady de Vie; (2) the omission of 3s. a day to Mons. De Prade on the last establishment; (3) Capt. Thomas' pension; and (4th) the payment of debts in quarters in Ireland. Dated 19 Aug. 1704. 2 pages.
Aug. 21. 99. Letter from the Duke of Ormonde to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the payment quarterly of Lord Mountalexander, one of the Lords Justices, and Master of the Ordnance in Ireland, as to 300l. per ann. to Lord Ranelagh, as to a warrant for unpaid pension to Mrs Walter, and as to an additional company to Col. Stringer's regiment. Dated Whitehall 21 Aug. 1704. 2 pages.
Aug. 21. 100. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, upon a letter signed Philo Patriæ touching Mr Raworth and Mr Maxey's trade from the Canaries. Dated 21 Aug. 1704.
Also the letter. 3 pages.
Aug. 21. 101. Letter from Mr Wm Borrett to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the benevolence money collected towards the relief of the widows and children of such persons as were lost in the late violent storm, and how the same had been disposed of. Dated 21 Aug. 1701. 1 page.
[? About
Aug. 21.]
102. Petition of Daniel Pelcome to the Ld High Treasurer to be her Majesty's receiver of land revenue in Staffordshire, &c., John Digby, gent., having been formerly appointed thereto, but his “constitution” not renewed since her Majesty's accession.
Minuted:—“21 Aug. 1704. Ref. to Mr Audr Shales.” 1 page.
[? About
Aug. 21.]
103. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lord High Treasurer, as to works to be done by Mr Wise in St James' Park; approving thereof. (The lower half torn away.)
Minuted:—“Orderd 21th Aug. 1704.” ½ page.
[? About
Aug. 21.]
104. Petition of Captn Gilbert Edwards, late “Exoñ” under the Duke of Ormond, to the Queen. He had served the crown 27 years. He could not obtain a debt due to him of about 450l. promised to be paid to him when Sir Patric Trant's estate was settled. He had a pension in Chelsey College, but it was in arrear 2¼ years; praying for preferment and for the arrears.
Minuted:—“21st Augst 1704. The Queen doth not thinke fit to grant any new penc[i]on. 1 page.
[? About
Aug. 22.]
105. Copies of Reports of the Exchequer and of the Auditor General, and other papers in reference to Lieut.-General Steward and Katherine Viscountess Grandison his wife, as to a debt of 2,000l. and interest charged on the estate of William, late Earl of Clanricard, which became vested in Rickard, Earl of Clanricard, the Lord Galway, and the Lord Bophin, the last two having been attainted of high treason.
The copies are sworn as correct on 22 Aug. 1704. 9¼ pages.
Aug. 23. 106. Copy of Salt Comrs memorial, touching a late riot committed in 31Merionethshire in consequence of the capture of some salt. Dated 23 Aug. 1704. 2 pages.
Aug. 24. 107. Report of the Attorney General to the Lord High Treasurer upon an examination of the vouchers of annuities directed and due on or before Midsummer, 1702, viz., as to payments made or pretended to be made by Mr Robert Squibb, who seems to have been charged with embezzlement. Dated 24 Aug. 1704. 1 page, and a roll of three or four sheets of paper decayed and in pieces.
Aug. 26. 108. Memorial of Mr Edward Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer. He had viewed the ground within and without Swinley rails in Windsor Forest, where the rabbits were ordered to be destroyed, viz., about 1,000 acres. As near as he could tell, it would cost about 450l. to trench the burrows and make it fit for hunting. Dated 26 Aug. 1704. 1 page.
Aug. 28. 109. “Mr How's acct 28th Aug. 1704.”
An abstract showing the full subsistence and clearings in Mr How's office. A double page.
[About
Aug. 28.]
110. Petition of Henry, Lord Walden, Commissary General of the Musters, to the Queen, as to the appointment of a deputy commissary in the West Indies.
Referred 28 Aug. 1704 to the Lord High Treasurer.
Minuted:—“Read 9 Jan. 1704–5. The D. of Marlborough and my Lord Tre[asure]r are of opinion that by reason of ye distance of Jamaica, Barbados, and the Leeward Islands, the appointing such a Depty Comry as is proposed would rather delay then hasten the rolls over; & are of opinion that the govr & councill should however continue to have ye inspecc[i]ons of ye musters & sign the rolls.” 1¼ pages.
Aug. 29. 111. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Mr Philip Vincent, late collector of Dundalk, who was in prison for the deficiency in his accounts. They were prosecuting his securities, but could not find that he had any effects. Dated 29 Aug. 1704.
His petition for his liberty. 2 pages.
Aug. 31. 112. Report of Sir Edward Northey, Attorney General, to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Major General Feilding, praying her Majesty's directions to the Lord-Lieut. of Ireland to give the necessary orders to her Majesty's Court of Exchequer there, to adjust and ascertain what remained due and unpaid of a debt of 25,500l. and interest for the same, claimed by the petitioner, as administrator of Margaret, Viscountess Purbeck, deceased; the same having been decreed in the year 1682 to be paid to her by William, late Earl of Clanrickard. By the said decree it was charged on the earl's estate, and allowed to the petitioner by the trustees for the sale of the forfeited estates in Ireland, and to apportion what share thereof the lands vested in her Majesty by the attainder of Ulick, late Lord Viscount Galway, and the Lord Viscount Bophin, sons of the said late Earl of Clanrickard, ought to bear; and that the Court of Exchequer should grant the petitioner a custodiam of the lands so vested in her Majesty until paid out of the yearly profits thereof the proportion of the debt the lands ought to bear. The Attorney General was of opinion that if the first of the three payments of the 25,000l. and interest had not been paid, the estate was absolutely vested in her Majesty for the use of the public, &c. &c. Dated Aug. 31, 1704.
Also the petition, which is torn in three pieces. 4¼ pages.
[? Aug.] 113. Report of the Duke of Ormonde to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Sir Thomas Smith, Bart., praying that on the surrender of the present grant of the office of Ranger of the Phœnix Park, near Dublin, and of a piece of ground annexed thereto (which he enjoyed during the lives of William Fownes and Henry Petty, Esq.), the grant might be renewed to him (the petitioner) during his own life and the life of William FitzMaurice, Esq. Certifying that the petitioner held the same by assignment from Fownes and Petty, to whom it was granted 14 March, 11 Will. III. A part of Newton Lodge had always been enclosed with a hedge, and kept separate from the park, for the use of the chief ranger and keeper of the walk called Newton Walk, which had then been enclosed with a stone wall at the charge of the Ranger, and there was some allowance for keeping more cows. It would be well for the safety of the petitioner to have this ground granted to him. A surrender of the former patent should be obtained, and a new grant made to the petitioner of the “office & offices, lodge, walk, & fee of 50l. per ann., with the piece of ground mentioned,” &c. Undated, but ? Aug. 1704.
The petition, and a letter of the Ld High Treasurer referring it to the Ld Lieutenant to report. 5 pages.
Sept. 5. 114. Presentment of the Comrs of Excise to the Ld High Treasurer, as to their great care in their duties, &c., and praying for favourable consideration of their services and of their extraordinary charges, payments, and expenses. Dated 5 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“8 Sepr 1704. To be laid before ye Queen.” “My Lord will speak to them. Victrs taxes alld.” 1 page.
Sept 6. 115. Letter from the Comrs of Customs to the Ld High Treasurer, returning a packet of papers from Col. Nicholson, Governor of Virginia, as they did not concern the revenue or their management. Dated 6 Sept. 1704. 1 page.
[The papers not now enclosed.]
Sept. 6. 116. Letter of the Prize Comrs to Mr Lowndes, as to payment for the brass and iron guns and the stores in the custody of the Board of Ordnance. The Navy Board had not paid for the prize men of war taken at Vigo. Several buyers of the Vigo booty had not paid for the same, and were under prosecution, and Sir William Hodges had a claim for goods in one of the galleons, depending before the Lords of Appeals. Dated 6 Sept. 1704. 1 page.
Sept. 6. 117. Report of Sir Chr. Wren, Messrs Wm Lowndes, William Petyt, and John Anstis, to the Lord High Treasurer. They had viewed Cæsar's Chapel within the Tower of London, which was a large room at the top of the White Tower. They found there multitudes of records of several reigns lying confusedly, in danger of utterly perishing, unless speedy care were taken for their preservation. Drawers, shelves, and presses should be immediately provided to receive them, as they should be cleaned from the dust. After diligent perusal of such as were written on one side and of value (and not writs of course at the common law), they should be fixed into books, in the same manner as the ancient deeds were in the Cottonian Library, with paste prepared with colliquintida to secure it against worms, by which means the small pieces of parchment would be much better preserved than by putting into bundles. This method could not be expensive, since paper fit for the purpose might be had at cheap rates. They conceived it would be a labour of too great difficulty to range those instruments according to the exact series of time, or their respective subjects. The records of each king's reign should be glued on indiscriminately as they were cleansed, and when a book was finished and bound an index should be carefully made thereto of the subject matters, under proper heads, according to succession of time, referring to the numbers of the original instruments, and not in the dry form wherein the calendars in the Office of Records (which were kept in another part of the Tower) were imperfectly composed, as they contained little more than the names of persons and places, being prepared only for the service of the Court of Wards, to discover tenures and descents. Such bare tables of names could not be of that use to the public as repertories of things would prove, containing abstracts of records digested according to their various natures under distinct and methodical titles. In this manner the public service seemed to require that like calendars should be made, as well as to the 429 Foreign Rolls (whereof there were no abstracts at all in the office) as to those which should be reduced to order.
The office consisted of three rooms, in one whereof the records were “reposited.” On one side the wall was damp, and the wainscot should be removed at a further distance from it, and drawers might be made, &c.
Presses, drawers, and shelves might be placed in the two other rooms for 150l.
Minuted:
—“Done.”
There was a building of boards contiguous to the room, which was lately on fire and with difficulty extinguished, whereby the whole office was in danger of being destroyed. The building ought to be taken down for the security of the records and the Tower.
Minuted:—“Done.”
The sorting these records and compiling calendars would be the fruit of great pains and industry, and take a long time. It was not possible to get a considerable number of clerks conversant in the old French language, the characters and knowledge of those ages; nor was the office convenient for many clerks. They conceived that three would suffice, besides Mr. George Holmes, who had been 14 years in the office, and was qualified to be chief clerk at 100l. yearly. The three other clerks might have 150l. annually amongst them, to be employed under the directions of the Keeper of the Records, to report yearly to the Treasury. Dated 6 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“Approved.” 3 pages.
Sept. 8. 118. Letter of the Duke of Ormonde to the Lord High Treasurer, laying before the latter the reports of the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer and Auditor General of Ireland, as to what proportions the estate of the Lord Bophin (which vested in Her Majesty) and that of the Earl of Clanrickard should be charged with the residue of a debt of 2000li. and interest, due to Lieut.-Genl Stewart and the Lady Grandison; for further orders to be given. Dated 8 Sept. 1704. 1 page.
[The reports are not now with the above.]
Sept. 9. 119. Report of Mr St. John and the Controller of the army accounts, about the clothing of the four companies at New York. Dated Sept. 9, 1704. 1 page.
Sept. 11. 120. “A computation of the fees through the severall offices in passing nine commissions for trying pirates in America, with duplicates of the same under the great seal. Signed ‘Henry Baker.’” Dated 11 Sept. 1704.
Also a petition. 2 pages.
Sept. 12. 121. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer on the memorial of Doctor Davenant as to the allowances to the clerks in his office, as Inspector General of Exports and Imports of the Customs. Dated 12 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“My Lord agrees with this report.”
Also two memorials. 8 pages and 2 halves.
Sept. 13. 122. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Francis Smalley of London, merchant, as to bringing his effects from the Canary Islands. Dated 13 Sept 1704.
Minuted:“Read 16 Oct. 1704. He must make his application to her Maty in Counsel.”
Copy of another report on the same subject, the petition, and two other documents. 5 pages and 3 parts.
Sept. 13. 123. Report of the officers of works, on the petition of Richard Stacey, bricklayer, to the Lord High Treasurer, advising the advance of 800l. on the works of a greenhouse at Kensington, estimated, when complete, at 1,560l. Dated Sept. 13, 1704. 1 page.
Sept. 15. 124. “A particular of the loss of Joseph Gyde, by his being taken by the enemy in his passage to Jamaica on the 15th of September 1704.” (Copy.) 1 page.
Sept. 17. 125. Letter of the Duke of Ormonde to the Ld High Treasurer. He had lately received from the Lords Justices of Ireland a report of the Comrs of the Revenue upon the petition of the clergy of Ireland, praying her Majesty to grant to them the first fruits and twentieth parts, as her Majesty had lately done in England. Sends the report to be laid before Her Majesty. Dated 17 Sept. 1704.
The report mentioned.
The last minute on the back is:—“4 Apr. 1705. The Queen will declare her pleasure in some short time.” 2 pages.
Sept. 17. 126. From the same to the same, as to the clothing and arming of the company of Battle-Axes in Ireland. Dated 17 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“Read 18th Sepr 1704. My Lord Tre[asure]r is of opinion that the sum my Lord D. shall thinke necry for the cloaths & accoutremts be advanced to them, & be deducted out of their future pay.” 1 page.
Sept. 21. 127. Report of Jos. Tredenham and Arthur Moore, controllers of the army, to the Ld High Treasurer, on the petition of Mr Richard Lawrence, asking for payment of 100 pounds for five chests of medicines delivered to Doctor Gaylard, for the use of the five regiments in the late expedition to the West Indies; recommending the payment. Dated 21 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“Approved.” 1½ pages.
Sept. 21. 128. Order of Council referring the consideration to the Ld High Treasurer of a pension to Sir George Barnewell, in return for the loyalty of his family, whose estates in Meath in Ireland were sequestered in the time of Cromwell. Dated 21 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“Prepare a S. M. to com[m]ence from Micħas last.” 4½ pages.
Sept. 27. 129. Letter from Mr Edwd Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer, asking to be allowed to plant with acorns the waste ground of the New Forest. Dated 27 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“Orderd accordingly.” 1 page.
Sept. 28. 130. The constitution or appointment of George Holmes, gent., as chief clerk under the Keeper of the Records at the Tower of London. Dated 28 Sept. 1704.
With a memorandum at the foot that it is entered in the office of the Auditor of the Receipt of the Exchequer, 19 Feb. 1704. On vellum. 1 page.
Sept. 28. 131. Letter from the Earl of Ranelagh to the Ld High Treasurer, complaining that he had no money to satisfy a warrant received by him for the paymt of 182l. 10s. to Deputy Commissaries of the Musters. Dated 28 Sept. 1704. ½ page.
Sept. 29. 132. Report of Mr J. Howe on the petition of James Patterson, “an invalid reduced at Tinmouth,” recommending him for the royal bounty. Dated 29 Sept. 1704.
Also the petition. 2 pages.
[Sept. 29.] 133. Abstract of public accounts from Michaelmas 1701 to Michaelmas 1704. 5 pages.
Sept. 30. 134. Letter of the Verderers of the New Forest to the Lord High Treasurer. At the Swainmote Court held in the New Forest, one Furzer, an under officer of the surveyor, was tried and found guilty of cutting and selling the Queen's wood and timber, contrary to the laws of the forest and of the late Act made for the preservation of the wood and timber there. There was great latitude to defraud her Majesty of wood and timber there. One Crampton, a groom-keeper in the New Forest, had counterfeited and used to the Queen's prejudice a marking axe, like the Queen's officers in the New Forest used to mark timber and wood. His grace the Lord Warden had directed a strict enquiry to be made thereof. The Lord Warden had promised to confer with the Lord High Treasurer thereon. Dated 30 Sept. 1704.
Minuted:—“16 Oct. 1704. To the survr to give an answer in writing, upon wch my Lord will appoint a day of hearing.” 1 page.
Sept. 30. 135. “Debt of the Office of Ordnance for stores deliver'd and services performed to the 30th of Septber 1704, with an acct of what contracts and warrants for stores were made and issued for stores deliver'd and ready to be deliverd.” (Copy.) 1 page.
Oct. 2. 136. Report of the Attorney General to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of the Lord Bophin, who was restored to his estate in Ireland forfeited by the Act of the Irish forfeitures, charged with the payment of 25,000l. to the crown, at the times mentioned in the Acts set forth in the petition; in default of payment whereof, the estate was to be vested in the crown for the purposes therein mentioned. The two last of these payments not having been fully made, the petitioner prayed her Majesty that he might have further time for the payment of the remainder; and that Lieutt Genl Stewart, and the Lady Grandison his wife, might not be relieved by her Majesty for the debt claimed by them out of the said estate, and allowed to them on their claim before the trustees for the Irish forfeitures; but might be left to their remedies by law or equity. The Attorney Genl certifies as to Margaret, Viscountess Purbeck's transactions with this estate, as well as the transactions of William, late Earl of Clanrickard (father of the Ld Bophin), and of Richard, late Earl of Clanrickard, &c. He was of opinion that as the two last payments had not been fully made, the estate restored was vested in her Majesty for the use of the public, but not as an absolute estate. He also advises other things about the same. Dated 2 Oct. 1704.
The following minute is on the back of the last paper:—“Read the 16 Oct. 1704. The debt to be ascertained in Irełd as proposed by Mr Attorney.”
The petition referred to, and a black letter copy of an Act of Parliament “for advancing the sale of the forfeited estates in Ireland,” &c., “and for explaining several Acts relating to the Lord Bophin and Sir Redmond Everard,” a duplicate of the report, also two lists showing the sums paid and by whom, towards the 25,000l., and another paper. 31 pages.
Oct. 3. 137. Report of the Comrs of Prizes to the Lord High Treasurer, as to a complaint made by Mr Nathaniel Blackmore, formerly lieutenant of H.M. ship the Litchfield, commanded by the Lord James Dursley, as to certain prize ships, about which there was a prosecution against the latter. Dated 3 Oct. 1704.
Minuted:—“18 Oct. 1704. Order no further prosecution of Lord Dursley on this acco and take off the stop of the prize mo due to him.”
Four other papers. 6 pages.
Oct. 3. 138. Report of the Attorney General to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of Sir Salathiel Lovell, recorder of London, concerning the reward of 40l. for apprehending highwaymen. Dated 3 Oct. 1704.
The memorial.
Minuted:—“My Lord will speak wth Mr Attorney.” 3 pages.
Oct. 5. 139. Copy of Royal Commission appointing Master David Crawfurd, junior, of Drumsoy, Historiographer for Scotland. Dated 5 Oct. 1704. 2 pages.
Oct. 6. 140. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Maurice Birchfield, applying to succeed Mr Culliford in returning an acct of tobacco & other certified goods landed in Ireland. Dated 6 Oct. 1704.
Minuted:—“20 Oct. 1704. A warrt to constitute him to the office,” &c.
The petition. 4 pages.
Oct. 9. 141. Mr. Taylor's statement of the case on the petition of Anne Bowtell, widow of William Bowtell, late of London, merchant, for 100l., being the balance due to her husband for money expended for redemption of English captives. Dated 9 Oct. 1704.
Written on the back of the petition.
Minuted:—“A warrt for this 100li in full.” 1 page.
Oct. 10. 142. Letter signed “M. Aylmer” to Wm Lowndes, Esq., as to the stay of process in connection with the account for the repair of Dover pier. Dated 10 Oct. 1704. 1 page.
Oct. 12. 143. Report of the officers of the Mint to the Lord High Treasurer concerning “the gravers place,” viz., as to the qualifications of Col. Parsons, Mr Croker, Mr Rose, Mr Fowler, and Mr le Clerk, in place of Mr Harris, deceased. Mr Harris being only a seal cutter had employed Mr Croker for the Mint, who was “a very able artist.”
There should be a set of gravers constantly brought up in the Mint to propagate their art to probationers or apprentices. Mr Harris was also graver of seals for Her Majesty. Mr Rose desired to succeed Mr Harris in that place, and by a seal shown to them for the Duchy of Lancaster he seemed qualified. Col. Parsons and Mr Fowler did not themselves grave, and therefore were not fit for the service of the Mint. Dated 12 Oct. 1704. 2¼ pages.
[About
Oct. 16.]
144. Petition of Richard Dalton to the Lord High Treasurer, for a warrant for payment of 20l. due on an annuity purchased.
Minuted:—“16 Oct. 1704. My Lord dos not conceive the Act of Parliamt allows his Lop to do this.” 1 page, quarto.
[? About
Oct. 17.]
145. Report of Mr Henry Wise to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition (enclosed) of William Clark, who had been 28 years employed in looking after the fences of St James' Park. Petitioner had asserted that it was her Majesty's pleasure that he should be employed in St James' Park, and produced a minute to that effect, but her Majesty told him (Mr Wise) that she never ordered such a minute. Read 17 Oct. 1704. 2 pages.
Oct. 17. 146. Letter of Lord Ormonde on the memorial of Captain William Wanless, who in his passage to Jamaica was taken by the French and suffered several months imprisonment, viz., as to his pay, &c. Dated Whitehall, 17 Oct. 1704.
Minuted:—“Prepare a łre as to ye remaindr of his pay.” 1½ pages.
Oct. 18. 147. A brief account of papers awaiting decision at the Treasury, with minutes added, entitled: “Business of Ireland depending at the Treasury.” Signed by Lord Ormonde. Dated Whitehall, 18 Oct. 1704. 2¼ pages.
Oct. 18. 148. Memorial from the Comrs of sick and wounded to the Lord High Treasurer, as to their pressing necessities. They had paid 5,000l. out of the 10,000l. ordered them for the sick and wounded brought home in the fleet under Sir Geo. Rooke, &c. Dated 18 Oct. 1704.
With an acct of the moneys due at the various ports.
Minuted:—“2,800 orderd and to be further considerd.” 2½ pages.
Oct. 18. 149. An account of money voted for the navy during the last war and since, by the House of Commons, over and above the usual proportions for the general heads.
Memoranda of sums applied for victualling.
Also: An abstract of the number of ships diminished and added to the Royal Navy since her Majesty's accession to the throne, as also the number of ships building. This last is dated Navy Office, 18 Oct. 1704. 4 pages.
Oct. 19. 150. Copy of report from the Comrs of the Excise, relating to some Spanish prize brandy at Plymouth. Dated 19 Oct. 1704.
Also memorial of prize comrs thereon. 2 pages.
Oct. 19. 151. Report of the officers of works to the Lord High Treasurer, on an estimate of Henry Wise of various works in several gardens and parks. Dated 19 Oct. 1704.
The estimate referred to. Her Majesty had ordered the works to be performed during the winter season.
Minuted:—“1500l in pt.” 2 pages.

Footnotes