Volume 222: July 1-October 31, 1719

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

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'Volume 222: July 1-October 31, 1719', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719, (London, 1883) pp. 466-479. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp466-479 [accessed 15 April 2024]

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July 1–October 31, 1719

[? June or
July.]
1. Copy of report of E. Wilcox and Edw. Younge to the Lords of the Treasury, on a claim by John Barton for works in the parks and forests for her late Majesty. Is of opinion that 804l. 16s. 9d. is due to him. [? June or July 1719.] 1 page.
1 July. 2. Report of R. Powys to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of William Sharp, Esq., praying that he may receive the salary of 2,000l. a year usually paid to the Governor of Barbadoes, he having been first counsellor of that island, and on the recall of Robert Lowther, Esq., the Governor in 1713–14, continued the government there. Leaves it to their Lordships' pleasure to determine whether he shall be paid the whole salary of 2,000l. or only half, and whether it shall commence from 7 April 1714 or from 24 April, when Mr Lowther left. 1 July 1719.
The memorial referred to, and five other papers on the same subject.
The memorial is minuted:—“23d July 1719. State so as to avoid a double paymt; 5th Sepr 1721. To be paid the halfe sallary for the time he acted. 12th Do. Warrt signd.” 9½ pages.
3 July. 3. Report of H. Cholmley, Surveyor-General, to “their Lps” on the memorial of the Rt Hon. William Clayton, Esq., who desired a lease for 50 years of a little piece of ground in St James's park, by mistake omitted out of a lease he lately passed, of a small tenement in the stable yard at St James's. The dimensions are 31 ft. 6 in. by 24 ft. 9 in., and the lease might be granted at a ground rent of 10s. per ann. July 3, 1719.
Also the memorial. 2 pages.
1719.
8 July.
4. Wm Popple (for the Comrs of Trade and Plantations), to Charles Stanhope, Esq. Sends copy of a paragraph of a letter from Sir Nicholas Lawes on the subject of his Majesty's proportion of seizures at Jamaica. Whitehall, July 8, 1719.
The letter referred to, in which he says that his Majesty reaps little advantage from seizures, the greater part being swallowed up in extravagant and unnecessary charges and salaries. 2½ pages.
8 July. 5. Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury of the original creditors and other proprietors of the public debts of Scotland residing there, for which provision has been lately made by Parliament. Memorialists apprehend the meaning and intent of the Act to be, that his Majesty may give suitable encouragement and powers for them to improve their stock and interest in the debt. Hope their Lps will appoint books to be opened at Edinburgh for receiving the subscriptions of the proprietors in Scotland, and books for transfer, &c. Edinburgh, 8 July 1719. 17 signatures. 1 page.
[After
14 July.]
6. “A copy of A. Cracherode's report on the petition of William Rhett, junr, and the claimes of Capt. Gordon and Capt. Brand, and several others for taking and convicting pirates.”
Mr Cracherode reports on the following matters, viz.:— The Governor of South Carolina (Robert Johnson, Esq.), appointed Col. Wm Rhett to be commander of two sloops fitted out to take certain pirates which infested the coast, and the Col., at Cape Fear River, took a pirate sloop called the “Revenge,” alias the “Royal James,” and the commander and crew, consisting of 35 men, were executed. Petitioner Rhett prayed an order for payment to him of 890l. for the captors. As to the claims of Capt. Gordon, of H.M. ship “Pearl,” and Capt. Brand, of H.M. ship the “Lyme,” the Lieut.-Governor of Virginia (Spotswood) certifies that two ships were hired and furnished with pilots at his expense, and armed by Gordon and Brand, and were sent to North Carolina to apprehend and destroy Edward Thatch, a notorious pirate, and his crew. Ten pirates were killed on Thatch's sloop, and eight more taken prisoners. Four other pirates, by name Wm Howard, Henry Mann, Wm Stoke, and Adult Van Pelt, were taken by Capt. Gordon, and were convicted before the Court of Admiralty. The Governor of the Bahama Islands (Woodes Rogers, Esq.) certifies that 13 persons were taken in the act of piracy by Capt. Benj. Heringold and Capt. John Cochran, who had his commission for that purpose. The Governor conceives the captors have merited the rewards promised, amounting to 380l. Mr Cracherode has considered the letter and instrument of Daniel Rossant and Benjamin White, inhabitants of Harbour Islands, in New Providence, respecting 200l. due to them for having delivered into the hands of the above Governor of the Bahama Islands five pirates, the reward being claimed under a scale quoted. [After 14 July 1719, from mention of letter of attorney of that date.] 8 pages.
15 July. 7. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr James Smith. Refer to a former report made by them on the same subject. Mr James Smith was surveyor of the works in North Britain, and made several surveys and estimates of works to be done about the “Palace of Holyrood House, Fort William, and otherwise,” and received nothing for his services but 40l. from the Board of Ordnance, soon after the Union, for the surveys and estimates he then made, and what he has since received from the same Board, and the 100l. paid him as mentioned in the former report. Think him a proper object of the Royal bounty. Edinb. Excheqr Chambr, July 15, 1719.
The petition referred to. 3 pages.
[? About
16 July.]
8. Petition of John Leith, of White Haugh, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury. In April 1689, after King James's abdication, the Convention of States sitting in Scotland appointed the late Lord Forbes Lord Lieut. of the shire of Aberdeen, who prevailed with petitioner “to accept a commission to act as colonel of militia against the enemies of the King and the happy Revolution, who then absconded in the Highlands.” Petitioner was faithful to his trust and true to the King and the Protestant interest, for which the King's enemies assembled a considerable army of Highlanders, vassals to the Duke of Gordon and Earl of Mar, who plundered petitioner's tenants in the parish of Tillinessel and shire of Aberdeen, to the value of above 1,000l., which he had to make up to them. Petitioner never made any demand on the Government, but was forced to put his small fortune in some order after the depredations, and on account of his poor young grandson. The latter should of right be the representative of the ancient family of Tolquhon, but was driven by the descendants of his own family from his estate and house, particularly by Forbes of Ballogie, who several years ago brought that family to a morsel of bread. Has brought encumbrances upon himself by his real affection for Tolquhon and numerous family, they being on the 5th of Sep. 1718, most barbarously assaulted by a party of his Majesty's forces, belonging to Col. Egerton's regiment, sent out by Francis Fleming, commandant at Aberdeen, and Lewis Dean, ancient commander of that party. Petitioner says that his son-in-law did “not expect fire and sword, not knowing himself guilty of the least crime against his Matie, neither did he apprehend the Lords of the Session to have that power in Scotland without his Maties and Privy Council's orders, because contrary to the claim of right and articles of the Union. However it is, the poor gentleman was wounded himself, and the young man that taught their children shot through the body, who dyed the next day; it being the gracious Providence of Almighty God that preserved yor petrs daughter, being in the most apparent danger, they had the cruelty to shoot at her as in design, and at the children, as if design'd not to leave a mark of their generation upon the earth. They have kept Tolquhon himself (ever since) as prisoner to the Government. Especially, the time his wound was at the worst, the centinels was so strict that his spouse (having no servant allow'd) was oblig'd for several weeks successively not to partake of the benefit of common natural rest, nor allowed her to go to bed, but as it was, in open field; and their servants are ever since kept prisoners. 'Tis acknowledged the party came against them in the name of ejecting them,” &c. Prays for consideration. The family of Tolquhon is ruined unless redressed.
Minuted:—“16th July 1719. Left to the law.” 2 pages.
[? About
16 July.]
9. Memorial of David Casley, Deputy Keeper of his Majesty's and the Cottonian Libraries, to the Lords of the Treasury. The ruinous condition of the house wherein the libraries are kept has been represented to the Comrs of Works, but Mr Benson raised a doubt whether the repair belonged to them, because the House of of Commons have lately debated the building of a new library. Pray for speedy directions as to the repairs, as the damage which may be done by the rain will be irreparable.
Minuted:—“16th July 1719. My Lords conceive this repair ought to be a publique charge.” 1 page.
[? About
16 July.]
10. A state of the case of Sir John Lambert and other merchants, in relation to their provisions and stores embargoed and seized for the use of the English garrison in Alicant, in Spain. Addressed to the Comrs to state and determine the debts due to the army.
On the back is:—“Dđ by Mr Rudge and Mr Crosse. 16 July 1719.” 1 page, brief size.
[? About
17 July.]
11. Representation of Jezreel Jones to the Lords of the Treasury. Sets out the grounds of the charges in his petition to their Lordships, viz.:—He was appointed by Queen Anne(l) to treat with the Morocco Ambassador for settling the articles of peace, and was employed as interpreter; (2) to treat with the Viceroy of Morocco; (3) he was sent with presents to the Emperor and Viceroy; (4) he received instructions and powers from the Comrs for the redemption of captives in Barbary. Besides other services, he was constantly at great expense during the residence of Ambassadors from those parts, and in translating Spanish and Arabic letters, and interpreting at audiences, &c.
Ten other papers relating to the same affairs, and a duplicate of the above representation.
Minuted:—“17th July 1719. Read.” 17 pages and 2 halves.
[? About
17 July.]
12. Petition to the Lords of the Treasury of David Kiragos, brother-in-law and executor of Don Benturi de Zari, late Ambassador from the Emperor of Morocco. Petitioner, in April last, petitioned on the subject of his claims on the 500l. ordered by his Majesty to defray the charges of the Ambassador's sickness and funeral, &c. The matter was referred to Mr Cracherode, who reported that the facts were true. Their Lps respited the petition. Prays that they will resume the matter and make an order thereupon.
Minuted:—“17th July 1719. Rejected.” 1¼ pages.
[? About
17 July.]
13. Petition of John Martin, keeper of the lions, to the King. The keeper of the lions, by former grants for a 100 years past, had 18d. a day for the office, and 12d. a day for provision for each lion, lioness, and leopard. There are now nine lions and leopards, besides other creatures, and he has not had a penny allowed him for their charge, whereby he is very much impoverished. Prays that he may have a grant of the office for 40 years, with the usual allowances.
Minuted:—“17th July 1719. Send to the office where the Tower bills are paid, to know whether he be left out, (if so) for what cause; but my Lords will not advise the King to grant for life.”
Again:—“22 Augt 1719. He accepted the office exclusive of the fees and allowances he now pretends to, and by his grant it will appear those fees were meant to be extinguished and annihilated for the future.” Also:—“22d July 1719. Rejected.”
With it is another petition, pretty nearly to the same effect, minuted:“9 May 1719, rejected.” 2 pages.
[? About
17 July.]
14. Memorial of John Saffin, late Collector of Customs at the port of Montrose, to the Lords of the Treasury. During the Rebellion in Scotland in 1715 and 16, the town, being in the hands of the rebels, he was offered by them to be continued as collector. This he refused, upon which, and his advising several of the gentlemen in the neighbourhood to oppose and prevent the designs of the rebels, he was committed by them to prison, robbed of all they could lay hands on, and used in a most barbarous manner till the Pretender left the town and embarked for France, on which he made his escape to the King's army, which he met near Dundee, and acquainted the Earl of Cadogan with all that related to the Pretender and his flying army His Lp said he had heard of the hard usage he had received, but now was an eye-witness of it, and would recommend him for consideration, and on his return from the north of Scotland to Edinburgh his Lp obtained leave from the Comrs of Customs for him to go to London with his Lp; but as there were several thousand pounds worth of goods secured by the memorialist, which had been landed in the time of the Rebellion, and the duties paid by the late Ld Marr's order to his collector, he declined going to London till the duties were again paid to the Crown. He afterwards went, and waited seven months under the promise that he should be preferred. Then he returned to his duties until superseded to make room for James Scot. Prays for the grant of 50l. per annum until he is provided for.
Minuted:—“17th July 1719. Ordered. See if it can be paid by the Comrs Cust. in Scotl.” 1 page.
[? About
17 July.]
15. Memorial of James Brudenell, master of the Jewel House, to the Lords of the Treasury. Asks that the staircase leading up to the Jewel House in the Tower of London, which is in danger of falling, may be rebuilt, and for some convenience in lieu of the apartment taken down by the Office of Ordnance, it being too near the Grand Armoury.
Minuted:—“17th July 1719. My Lords cannot advise the King to be at any expense out of the Civil List revenues for this building.” 1 page.
20 July. 16. Mr Auditor Walpole to “My Lords.” In reply to the inquiry whether there is any revenue in the plantations under his audit unappropriated, to furnish 324l. 14s. 8d. to be laid out in presents to be made to the five Indian nations. As to the revenues of New York, the quit-rents there, for want of a rent roll, are in such confusion that they bring in scarce sufficient to answer the charge of collection. As for the money raised for the civil government, the Assembly there, having in an extraordinary manner displaced the Crown officers from the receipt and audit of those revenues, he (Mr Walpole) is unable to give any account of them. Mr Roscow, the Receiver in Virginia, has money in hand above the charge of the civil government, from which the sum required may be remitted. 20 July 1719.
Minuted:—“23d July 1719. Read and respited.” 2 pages.
21 July. 17. Representation of the Comrs for Stamp Duties to the Lords of the Treasury, that they have laid before their Lps both an account of gold in the hands of the Receiver-General of the Stamp Duties and of the distribution of stamps for London and Middlesex, as also in the hands of the country distributors, with the amount allowed them on the reduction of the gold. Not having received their Lps' warrant for making the allowances, they cannot discharge the same on their respective accounts. Stamp Office, 21 July 1719.
Minuted:—“22 July 1719. To be considered when the Parliamt meets.” 1 page.
[? About
22 July.]
18. Report to the Lords of the Treasury of Mr Auditor Harley, on a report of the Comrs for stating the debts of the army, and as to the relief of several regiments from which detachments were made in 1710 and 1711 to garrison Annapolis Royal, from the charge laid on them for provisions furnished to the non-commissioned officers and private men of those detachments. The charge of the provisions will fall upon the personal pay of the captains, unless allowed by his Majesty. Certifies that the garrison was taken from the French in 1710, by a detachment made out of six regiments of Marines and the country troops of New England, to whom it is alleged it has been the custom always to allow both pay and provisions when they are upon service. Col. Vetch, who was appointed governor after the capture of the fortress, by direction of the Council of War, promised the garrison, whilst they served, pay and provisions to prevent mutiny and desertion and the loss of the place, which was immediately besieged again by the French and Indians. He avers that he received no direction from General Hill to discontinue the allowance of provisions as well as pay to the detachment out of the seven regiments of foot under his command, sent by him to relieve the first garrison of Marines and New England troops, and declares that as the place continued under a blockade by the enemy, and the soldiers laboured under great hardships and necessities, as well by want of clothing as provisions in that cold climate, he promised them the allowances both of pay and provisions, given to the former garrison, and directed their officers to supply them with shoes, stockings, brandy, tobacco, and other necessaries as far as their pay would go; and the officers took up money upon their bills on New England for procuring these necessaries. Further certifies that the charge is for effectives only, and for provisions at the rate of 7½d. a day for each man, whereas the full subsistence of a private man is but 6d. a day. The charge made on the several regiments for the provisions, amounting to 5,693l. 16s.d. will fall upon the personal pay of the captains unless allowed.
The report mentioned, which is minuted, to be referred to the auditor on 22 July 1719. 5 pages.
[? About
22 July.]
19. Representation to the Lords of the Treasury of the Rector and his Assessors, and of the Principal, Professors, and Masters of the University and King's College of Aberdeen. His Majesty's Comrs of Visitation have represented the ruinous condition of the buildings, the extent of the debts contracted before the late settlement of this university, the deficiency of the funds, and mean provisions of the several masters, &c. His Majesty referred these things to their Lordships, who appointed Sir John Anstruther, Master of His Majesty's Works in Scotland, to estimate the charges of repair, &c. The buildings are in such a ruinous condition that the principal is forced to hire lodgings elsewhere. Gentlemen are discouraged in sending their children to the university, and Unless some repairs are made they cannot, without danger, attend upon their duties. Have already purchased a considerable quantity of materials. Pray that his Majesty may be moved to appoint supplies from the Royal bounty.
Minuted:—“22d July 1719. To be read when Mr Baillie comes.” 1 page.
23 July. 20. Memorial of the South Sea Company to the Lords of the Treasury, desiring their Lps to grant a warrant to ascertain the sum to be paid by them into the Exchequer. Signed “Rob. Knight.” Dated 23 July 1719. 1 page.
28 July. 21. “An abstract of the total charges for ye present expedition mentioned in the memorial from the Board of Ordnance.” 28 July 1719. 1 page.
29 July. 22. Ch. Delafaye, for the Lords Justices, to the Lords of the Treasury. Asking that orders may be given for three months' pay to the staff and other officers and the forces under Lord Cobham, whom his Majesty has appointed to be employed in an expedition beyond sea, and for 2,000l. for the contingent expenses. Whitehall, 29 July 1719. 1 page.
30 July. 23. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr George Ogilvie. Finds that he was left out of the quarterly list (therein mentioned) of salaries as his Majesty's limner, upon a suggestion that he was concerned in the late Rebellion in 1715, but being deaf and dumb, and not having been prosecuted, they have no objection to his being restored to his salary. Edinb. Excheqr Chamber, 30 July 1719.
Also the petition. 2 pages.
31 July. 24. “The representation of George, Earl of Halifax, for the repair of the road in Hampton Court Park, with their Lordships' order of reference to Mr Watkins, Surveyor of the Roads, with his report and estimate thereon.”
Minuted:—“5 Aug. 1719. The charge not exceeding this estimate shalbe p[ai]d him eno to have ye work done next spring before the K. goes to reside at Hampton Court.”
The report is dated 31 July 1719. 2 pages.
3 Aug. 25. Report of Edward Young to the Lords of the Treasury. Has inquired by what right and title the present possessors of the woods and ground called Snead and Kiddenhalls in the Forest of Dean, have lately cut and coaled the woods there. Traces the same from 1 James I. to the grant of the reversion of the same to Sir John Winton, but inasmuch as the right to the said woods and ground claimed by the Lady Winton, or by [James] Nevill, Esq., her husband, is matter of law, conceives it falls under the inspection of the Attorney-General. 3 Aug. 1719. 1 page.
8 Aug. 26. Comrs of Forfeited Estates, Scotland, to the [Secretary of the Treasury]. Ask him to lay the enclosed and their last quarterly bill before their Lordships. The defence of the rights of the Crown and public against the exceptions that have been lodged before the Court of Session, the arrears to their officers and clerks, &c. require a present supply, or the business will be at a stand. If assisted, they hope to be able to put some of the forfeited estates to sale, and thereby bring in a considerable sum. The 2,000l. mentioned in their letter to the Lords of the Treasury would carry on their business to Michaelmas. Edinburgh, 8 Aug. 1710.
Accompanied by the account of salaries and incident charges of the Comrs, &c. and by the letter of the Comrs to the Lords of the Treasury, which states that the necessary demands of money for the defence of the rights of the public against such as pretend to forfeited estates, by exceptions presented to the Court of Session, and for prosecuting in the Exchequer those who refuse to pay the moneys they have levied from the forfeited estates without process, together with the arrears of salaries due to their officers and clerks, make them entreat their Lps to order 2,000l. to be advanced to their account. Edinborough, 6 Aug. 1719.
Also an account of the moneys issued to the Comrs for payment of salaries, &c. 4 pages.
[After
25 Aug.]
27. Rt Gardner to the Lords of the Treasury. Delivered a memorial in November last relating to the provisions and hardships of the garrisons of Annapolis Royal and Placentia. Those at Placentia have been long without bread; prays their Lps' directions. The last provisions were sent in July 1718 for one year only. They have no fund to pay the 4d. a day stopped for a complete regiment, &c. The regiment was formed on 24 Aug. 1717, &c. There have been great murmurings and complaints amongst the men, almost to mutiny, about their stinted allowance and badness of the provisions. Entreats their Lordships to contract for their supply or allow them to receive their complete subsistence from 24 April last, with one penny a man more per diem.
Minuted:—“Mr Missing (if he thinks proper to undertake this matter) is to make a proposal immediately.” 1½ pages.
1 Sept. 28. Mr John Bridger to the Hon. William Lowndes, Esq. Learns that the Comrs of Trade and Plantations have recommended him to the Treasury as entitled to the salary, whilst he does the duties of his office. Will continue the care of his Majesty's woods. No person has as yet appeared to suspend him. Hopes their Lordships will give an order for his salary to be paid. Boston, New England, 1 Sept. 1719.
Minuted:—“22 Octr 1719. My Lords think Mr Burniston's patent be revoked before any salla be paid to Mr Bridger.” 1 page.
[After
12 Sept.]
29. A paper containing various observations respecting Acts touching hawkers and pedlars, and as to concealment of Revenue for five years. Also Treasury Minutes connected with these affairs. The last is dated 12 Sept. 1719. Further, copy of a letter, dated 19 March 1718–19, from Mr Wm Lowndes to the Auditor of the Receipt of the Exchequer, giving directions from the Lords of the Treasury for an account to be made of the surpluses of the Aggregate Fund, the South Sea Company's Fund, and the General Fund, and for them to be entered in a book in his office. 3 pages.
28 Sept 30. Mr Secretary Stanhope to Mr Lowndes. As the King has signed a warrant for 1,000l. as a present to Mr Chiphausen, the King of Prussia's minister, who is sent over to Mr Bonet, Lord Sutherland desires the money may be paid at the Treasury as soon as possible. Mr Lowther is to discharge the fees. Gohre, Sept. 28 1719, O.S.
Minuted:—“10th Oct. 1719. Mr Lowther is to receive ye warrt when it is brot.” 1 page, quarto.
29 Sept. 31. Memorial of the Comrs of Customs, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury. The city of Edinburgh and towns adjacent have been supplied with East Indian goods, groceries, &c. imported from Holland at the port of Borrowstoness, and instead of the goods being brought from London, a great part of what has been clandestinely imported has been conveyed over the borders into England. This gave reason to suspect the officers of the port of Borrowstoness. Find that two of the officers and most of the tidewaiters have received bribes and rewards from the masters of ships and merchants for conniving at this unfair trade. Have given directions to prosecute the officers and merchants, and have dismissed the officers and appointed others. Custom House, Edinburgh, 29 Sept. 1719.
With a note to Mr Lowndes asking him to lay the above before their Lordships.
Minuted:—“15 Oct. 1710. Read.” 1 page and 2 halves.
[? About
29 Sept.]
32. “Orders which our pleasure is shall be observed for our better service in the office of our works, to begin from Micħas. 1719.” 13 pages. A draft.
[? About
29 Sept.]
33. [Docquet.] “Charges in erecting several offices at the Bank of England for payment of annuity's.”
“This sent to the Auditor.”
The last of the incident charges is to Michaelmas 1719. 6 pages.
5 Oct. 34. [Docquet.] “Produce of small branches of the Civil List for one year ended at Micħas. 1719.”
A paper addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, from the Auditor's Office of the Exchequer, signed Hopton Haynes. Dated 5 Oct. 1719. 1 page.
7 Oct. 35. J. Holbech to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends an account of the debt to H.M.'s servants and others in the office of Treasurer of the Chamber, from Lady-day to Michaelmas 1719.
The account or “estimate” referred to. 2 pages.
7 Oct. 36. A computation of the produce, &c. of the office of Alienations, sent by the Comrs of Alienations to the Lords of the Treasury, in answer to a letter of Mr Lowndes of 2 Oct. 1719. Dated 7 Oct. 1719. 1 page.
30 July
and 10 Oct.
37. Comrs of Forfeitures to [? Mr Lowndes]. Enclose certificate of the absence of Richard Grantham, Esq. and Sir Richard Steele, to be laid before the Lords of the Treasury. The absence of these gentlemen from their duty for two years has been a great hindrance to the business of the Commission, and a considerable detriment to the country. Edinburgh, 30 July 1719.
The Same to [the Same]. Enclose a “third” similar certificate. Have sold four of the forfeited estates, amounting to 129,246l. 13s.d. 10 Oct. 1719.
In the Minute Book, Vol. 22, p. 200, 23 July 1719 (relating apparently to a previous representation) is:—“Sir Richard Steele, one of the Commrs for Forfeitures, is call'd in. My Lords acquaint him that the Commrs in Scotl. are at a stand in their business for want of two of their brethren's attendance. He promises to set out in a few days, and to make amends for his former neglect by his future diligence.” 2 pages.
[? About
10 Oct.]
38. Petition of Thomas Sabourn, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, tailor, to the Lords Justices. About May 1717, delivered a memorial setting forth his case and sufferings by his being chiefly instrumental in raising for the service of his Majesty and Government about six or seven hundred Protestant dissenters in one day at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, at the time of the late most unnatural Rebellion in Northumberland, when the rebels were within a few miles of Newcastle. His Majesty referred the memorial to the Lords of the Treasury, with directions for them to provide a place in the Customs for the petitioner. As the result, their Lps gave him only 40l., whereupon he applied again to his Majesty, who promised he should be taken care of. Lord Stanhope proffered him any place he thought himself capable of; but the Schism Bill being then in force, petitioner could not accept of the same, and Lord Sunderland and Mr Secretary Craggs, considering the hardness of his case, each gave him a present. Petitioner returning to Newcastle was employed by several gentlemen well affected to the Government, and the officers of Col. Kirke's regiment, out of regard to petitioner's sufferings, employed him in making their clothes, so that he was in a fair way of doing well, which so exasperated the disaffected that they contrived his ruin by setting his creditors upon him, who seized what he had. Prays for the first vacant place under his Majesty as footman, messenger, yeoman of the guards, &c.
Also copy of a certificate in his favour.
Minuted:—“10th Octobr 1719. Read & respited till Ld Sunderland is here.” 2 pages.
[? About
10 Oct.]
39. Memorial of the several officers belonging to the garrison and companies at Placentia, to the Lords of the Treasury. John Mulcaster has made considerable progress in making up the accounts of the garrison from 24 Apr. 1713 to 24 Aug. 1717, but finds he cannot make a perfect state of the accounts unless the officers be relieved. Pray that proper warrants may be directed to relieve them in the particulars of which they complain, and that the companies may be abated one third of the charge made on them for the Canada clothing, to prevent their utter ruin.
Minuted:—“10th Octobr 1719. Respited.” 2 pages.
[? About
10 Oct.]
40. Petition of Mary Baker, executrix of Capt. Henry Baker, late Solicitor for the Affairs of the Treasury, to the Lords of the Treasury. The auditors, on a reference of his accounts, were of opinion that 14l. 6s. 8d. ought not to be allowed on the claim, but that the rest was not unreasonable. Nothing further was done during his life time, as he was immediately sent into Kent upon the affairs of the Government, to prevent persons coming that way on the then intended invasion, and he died about 10 days after his return. Petitioner received Henry Baker's salary about a year since. Has endeavoured to get his final account passed, and has paid 140l. for fees in passing his former accounts; but the auditors cannot finish the account without their Lps' directions. Prays that the report may be taken into consideration and directions given.
Minuted:—“10th Octor 1719. Respited till my Lord Sunderland is at the Treasury.” Again:—“Allowances made p[er] wt.”
Also two reports of the auditors and a memorial of Henry Baker. 6½ pages.
[? About
10 Oct.]
41. Proposal of Francis Nicholson to the Lords of the Treasury, viz., that the garrisons of Annapolis Royal and Placentia be victualled from Great Britain, the species being thought much better in quality and for keeping than any to be got in New England or parts adjacent; that a year's provisions be kept always in store; that the provisions be had at Plymouth; that the men-of-war bound to Newfoundland as convoy to the fishery, transport part if not all, and if they cannot, then that it be shipped by vessels from Poole, Weymouth, Plymouth, Falmouth, or Bideford, “bound thither a fishing,” which go almost empty, and would be glad of a freight; “and as for those that go to Annapolis Royal (if they have a mind now there is a Governor)” they may make as good a voyage on the coast of Nova Scotia as at Newfoundland, there being as good fishing, if not better; that the provisions be sent by divers ships; that notice be sent of the provisions to be shipped and for the garrisons to unlade, &c.
P.S.—A good quantity of fish should be kept in garrison and a sufficiency of oil and butter.
Minuted:—“10th Octor 1719. Read 15 Octr 1719. Ref. to Commrs victualling to give their opinion hereupon.” 2 pages.
14 Oct. 42. Board of Green Cloth to the Lords of the Treasury. Are obliged by the many complaints received from H.M. servants and others who are injured by a grant claimed by Mr Benson, in Whitehall, to represent that he pretends to much more ground than was in the grant made to Sir Stephen Fox. He has taken out of the Woodyard, which was before divided between the King and Prince of Wales' purveyors, above 20 feet by 12. He claims a right also to the old granary or storehouse over the dock which has been employed ever since the Revolution to lay up goods used at coronations and entertainments of ambassadors, and was also used upon his Majesty's going beyond sea and return home, to lodge the King's goods and baggage, &c. The want of this will be attended with great inconvenience, there being no place in Whitehall in room thereof. He lays claim to a lodging of the Second Clerk of the Kitchen, which he and his predecessors have enjoyed by virtue of their office for many years, and which never was any part of Sir Stephen Fox's grant. Besides which, the only passage that leads to several lodgings and offices is shut up, whereby the inhabitants would be deprived of the use of their lodgings, &c., if Mr English, his Majesty's Yeoman of the Woodyard, did not permit them to pass through the same. This never was or ought to be a common thoroughfare. Board of Greencloth, 14 Oct 1719.
Minuted:—“15th Octobr 1719. Read.” 2 pages.
15 Oct. 43. Docqueted:—“Auditor Harley's Report in relation to Sir Solomon de Medina's demand for bread, payable out of the arrears due to the Landgrave of Hesse Cassell.”
The Auditor submits whether his Majesty's warrant may not reasonably be granted to authorize the Comrs for stating the debts of the army to satisfy the demand out of the arrears due to the Landgrave upon the accounts settled with and signed by his Commissary-General, notwsthstanding the lists of effectives, orders of the generals and the particular receipts have not been produced. 15 Oct. 1719.
Also copy of the 4th and 5th article of Sir Sol. de Medina's contract.
Minuted:—“30th Oct. 1719. Send the Commrs' report to the Audrs to prepare a wt as usuall.” 7½ pages.
30 Oct. 44. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor-General to the Lords of the Treasury, on a draft of a minute upon a hearing between the Commissioners of the Customs and the East India Company, relating to the duties demanded for the stores by them shipped off for their forts in India, together with the report made by the late Attorney-General thereupon. The East India Company claim an exemption from the payment of customs for the stores exported by them for the use of the forts in India. Are of opinion there is no ground, in point of law for the exemption, and that the stores are liable to the payment of customs. 30 Oct. 1719.
Minuted:—“5 Nov. 1719. My Lords agree wth the opinions of Mr Attor. and Mr Sollr. Comrs say the dutys of these stores are 3 or 400li a year. But when ye Compa applys, there may be an order for a deposit for sometime to be applyed if not releived by Parlt within that time.”
The draft of the minute referred to and three other papers on the same subject. 7 pages and two halves.
30 Oct. 45. Memorial of Sir Bibye Lake, Bart., to the Lords of the Treasury. Represented in August last that the Lord High Treasurer, in 1713, directed that 3,007l. 3s. 11½d. South Sea Stock, then in the hands of the Paymaster-General, should be used to pay the two last clothing assignments belonging to petitioner, and also the three first clothing assignments of the Marine regiments belonging to him, amounting to 7,885l. 5s.d., and directed to be paid by Sir Roger Mostyn, late Paymaster-General of the Marines. The latter, however, had only 5,053l. 4s.d. in hand, which was ordered by their Lps to be paid to petitioner. These sums being diverted to other uses, petitioner had paid 2,257l. 4s. 10½d. into the Exchequer, and deposited the assignments in discharge of the debt of 13,149l. 10s.d., due from Robert Peter to the Crown. Petitioner prayed their Lps to order the replacing the stock, and to grant Peter's estates to petitioner, pursuant to his agreement with the Lords of the Treasury. Their Lps directed that petitioner might apply to the Comrs for stating the public debts for the two first assignments, and for the remainder due to the Marines of the three last-mentioned assignments, after the 5,053l. 4s.d. should be paid by Sir Roger Mostyn. Petitioner by this method would be a very great sufferer, as he would lose all the dividends paid on the stock, &c., and the said Peter's estate is much impaired, and goes daily to ruin. Petitioner entered into articles with Mr Robert King, one of Peter's sureties, to discharge the Crown, debt, and being now under prosecution in Chancery to perform his contract, has been arrested, and has given 12,000l. bail, and will be ruined, unless the debt to the Crown is discharged, which can only be paid out of the assignments. Prays their Lps to find out a speedy method for discharging the Crown debt, and for granting a conveyance of Peter's estate. Oct. 30, 1719.
Minuted:—“Read 6 Novr 1719. He must apply to the Comrs of the Army debts for part. As to what is in the hands of Sir Roger Mostyn, my Lords will require him to pay it as soon as he comes up.” 2 pages.
31 Oct. 46. Fr. Negus to “My Lords.” Has, pursuant to his Majesty's warrant of 8 May 1719, examined and stated the account of Richard Marshall, stud-master, for the expenses of the royal stud and running horses. There is a balance of 133l. 14s. 3d. due to the latter. Annexes the account. October 31, 1719.
The account referred to. 6 pages.