Volume 189: March 15-April 30, 1715 | British History Online

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

'Volume 189: March 15-April 30, 1715', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719, (London, 1883) pp. 90-104. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp90-104 [accessed 27 April 2024]

March 15–April 30, 1715



15 March.	1. Representation of the Com^rs of Customs at Edinburgh to the Lords of the Treasury. Are obliged to acquaint their Lordships as to the places where the officers of the Customs have lately been abused. Mobs in the several ports in this country (where military force is wanting) have become so frequent and terrible to the officers of Customs that they are afraid to do their duty. At ports Irwin and Ayr, within 10 days, the officers were so overawed by the mob that they were afraid to be seen at the keys of their ports; and though the collector of the former is son to the Earl of Glasgow, who has a considerable interest in that part of the country, yet the rabble became so insolent as to threaten his life. This would not have happened if there were military force. The like want was felt at Kirkcaldy and Preston Pans, and the two members Alloa and Anstruther. One regiment from Innerlochy [? Inverlochy] would be enough. Even in Edinburgh the officers are beaten from their seizures to the hazard of their lives. The town guards are ever backward in giving the Customs' officers assistance, and rather hinder than forward them in making good their seizures. The magistrates will not permit any of the soldiers quartered in the suburbs to come into the town to conduct a seizure (when made) to the King's warehouse at Leith. Ask for orders to be given to the General to place proper guards about the city. Custom House, Edinburgh, 15 March 1714–15. 2 pages.
15 March.	2. J. Burchett to the Secretary of the Lords of the Treasury, as to the stowage of the tin to be sent to the Straits. Admiralty Office, 15 March 1714–15. 1 page.
15 March.	3. Copy of a warrant relating to lands purchased for the better fortifying of Portsmouth, Chatham, and Harwich. 15 March 1714–15. On the back is the following memorandum:—“Sums issued towards purchasing the said lands, viz., 19 Jan^ry 1714, 12,000^li; 10 March, 12,000^li; 27 Aug^t 1715, 18,000.” 1½ pages.
16 March.	4. James Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury. By the King's directions transmits the case and petition of M^r John Arnold, who in 1698 was employed by the Secretary of State in some secret affairs for King William III. at Calais, and on a letter of his being intercepted was imprisoned there, and afterwards in the Bastille, in Paris, for 13 years and four months. His wife and family were allowed 5l. a month, and 100l. a year was afterwards allowed till the death of his wife and eldest daughter. Asks them to report their opinion on the case. Whitehall, 16 March 1714–15. The enclosures referred to. 3 pages.
17 March.	5. Report of William Blathwayt to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Micajah and Richard Perry, in behalf of William Byrd, praying that the said Byrd may have his warrant renewed as Receiver-General of his Majesty's revenue in Virginia. The petitioners were securities for him before, and are willing to become so again. Thinks Byrd is a fit person to be continued in the office, and that the petitioners are sufficient securities. Whitehall, 17 March 1714. Minuted:—“12 July 1715. To M^r Blathwayt to certify the nature of the office, with an estimate of the yearly am^t of the revenues, and how far the pet^r has past his acco^ts, & what ballance is remaining in his hands, &c.” The petition, with the report on the back. 2 pages.
18 March.	6. M^r Secretary Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury. Encloses memorial from M^r Paterson, which had been laid before the King, who desires their Lordships to report what is proper to be done on it. Whitehall, 18 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“4^th June 1715. Read.” The memorial states that he has made considerable progress with a scheme in relation to the taxes, impositions, and revenues, with the anticipations and debts charged and contracted thereon during the last 26 years, amounting to fifty millions. The great expense he has been at during that time, and the non-payment of a considerable sum of the equivalent money detained from him by a violent party, disables him from completing the design. Hopes to be useful in things relating to his Majesty's revenues and estates in Germany. Five or six hundred pounds present supply will enable him to go forward with this great work till further provision can be made. 2 pages.
19 March.	7. Copy of a report of the Com^rs of Customs, Dublin, to the Lords of the Treasury, with two papers enclosed. (1) A general state of the revenues and duties arising to the Crown in his Majesty's kingdom of Ireland in seven years and three months, from Christmas 1706 to Lady-day 1714, &c.; (2) an estimate of the produce of his Majesty's revenues in Ireland, now in being, and of the charges of managing the same for one year, from Lady-day 1714 to Lady-day 1715. The Com^rs observe that the arrears on the general state have been gathering since the commencement of the management in 1682, and have been greatly increased by the calamities to which this kingdom was exposed by the war that ensued upon the rebellion of the Irish in the year 1688. Custom House, Dublin, 19 March 1714. 5 large pages.
21 March.	8. Bill of extraordinaries of James Scott, her Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Poland. Whitehall, 21 March 1714–15. At the foot is a note that it is allowed. Signed:“Townshend.” 1 page, quarto.
22 March.	9. Com^rs of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Benjamin Edmonds, late of London, merchant, in relation to a Bill of Exchange of 2,260l. 19s. 10d., drawn by Sir Hovenden Walker on their Board, for stores bought in New England for the supply of the fleet under his command, on the expedition to Canada. General Nicholson's report on the subject had been transmitted to the Auditors' Office, but the Com^rs did not know what was fit to be done. The Com^rs advise payment of 350l. 5s. 6d. for works at the Castle of Edinburgh, as that sum was not included in the 2,500l. for works done upon the late Queen's demise. Office of Ordnance, 22 March 1714. 2 pages.
23 March.	10. Report of William Pulteney to the Lords of the Treasury of the debt due to the magistrates of Dunkirk for bedding, firing, &c. of the troops there. Whitehall, 23 March 1714. 3 pages.
23 March.	11. John Copping to the [Secretary of the Treasury]. Sends his proposals for raising 1,800,000l. by way of lottery for the year 1715. Intended to wait upon him personally, but was unfortunately laid in gaol for a small debt under 5l., which he had not the wherewith to pay. Hopes his case will be included in the Act to Relieve Insolvent Debtors, &c. London, March 23, 1714–15. 2 pages.
[? About 23 March.]	12. Petition to the King of Sir Andrew Kennedy, “Conservator” of the privileges of the Scottish nation in the Netherlands. Thanks his Majesty for renewing his commission according to the report of Sir Edward Northey, his Majesty's Attorney-General. Received 100l. a year salary from King William, to which the King added another 100l. The last 100l. is in arrear since that King's death. Is in deplorable circumstances through his life-rent office being taken from him. Is 75 years of age, with a wife and eight children, and is wholly exhausted by a long law suit, which was carried to the House of Lords, concerning his life-rent office. Prays payment of his arrears. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury on 23 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“100^li p[er] an. pension from Lady-day 1715, during his Ma^ts pleasure, to be pd. in Scotland. Warr^t signed.” The report of Sir Edward Northey on his case, and his petition, praying his Majesty to grant a new posterior commission to him and his son in respect of the diminution of the perquisites of his office by the prohibition of wool, skins, &c. since the Union, and for 200l. per annum for the time past and to come. In the report the Attorney-General says:—“I am of opinion that in regard of the union of the two kingdoms, such grant can only be of the office of conservator of the privileges of the royal burroughs of Scotland at Campvere, and other places in Zealand, or elsewhere in the United Provinces, and agent and consul there for them; omitting the title of your Mãties Resident for that kingdom,” &c. 6 pages.
24 March.	13. Presentment by the Com^rs for Salt to the Lords of the Treasury, as to some officers necessary to be appointed, and for the removal of the restraint laid on them from appointing officers where there is occasion. Salt Office, 24 March 1714. Minuted:—“Read 15^th June 1715. My Lords do not thinke fit to take off this restraint, but to direct that where any new officers are necessary, the Com^rs do make a p[rese]ntm[en]^t thereof, and obtain a warr^t before they bring any new, or add^ll charge upon the Governm^t.” Again:—“L~re written 22 June 1715.” 1 page.
24 March.	14. “The Comptrollers [of Army Accounts'] report upon M^r Brydges' memorial about the off-reckonings of the regiments taken prisoners at Brihuega.” Comptroller's Office, Privy Garden, 24^th March 1714–15. The memorial and divers other papers relating thereto. Minuted:—“27^th June 1715. Read. There is no money to answer this demand, and my Lords can give no direcc[i]ons till the Act shall pass for examining & determining the debts of the army.” 24 pages.
24 March.	15. Petition of Harriet Ramondon, daughter and sole executrix of D^r Thomas Lawrence, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying that she may receive her father's salary as principal physician to her late Majesty, from the 1^st of Aug. to the day of her father's decease, which she is informed Sir John Shadwell (who was but the fourth physician) has received. She had received her father's salary as Physician-General of the Forces. Minuted:—“24^th March 17[14]–15.” Enclosed is:—“The state of S^r John Shadwell's case in answer to M^rs Ramonden's petition.” He says that D^r Lawrence died within a week after his Majesty's arrival in England. The Act upon which the executrix grounds her claim was intended to keep the great engines of Government in motion 'til his Majesty should happily arrive and assume the exercise of it himself, & not to burden his Majesty with unnecessary salaries to any, whose being or actual services were not essential to the Government. 2 pages.
25 March.	16. Representation of the Com^rs for granting wine licences to the Lords of the Treasury. Send a draft of the establishment of the office, with an account of the duty of each particular officer; also an account of the produce of the office. Ask to be furnished with a list of the free vintners of London, and for power to be restored to them over their own officers. Have discovered that several very considerable retailers who pretend to be free vintners have sold wine without being returned by their messengers. Also the two papers named. 3½ pages.
[?Same date.]	17. Another list of the same officers employed, and their salaries. Undated. ½ page.
25 March.	18. A valuation of the Civil List funds existing at Lady-day 1715. 9 pages.
25 March.	19. Memorial of Lord Westmoreland to the Earl of Halifax, praying the intercession of his Lordship with his Majesty to order the prosecution against him to be discharged, for cutting timber belonging to the Crown in the forest of Rockingham. The timber is all unfit for her Majesty's docks, and he claims the right under a patent granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Anthony Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer. Minuted:—“25 March 1715. Send this to Surv^r Woods to report a state, with his opinion.” 2½ pages.
25 March.	20. Memorial from James Murray and Sir Joseph Martin, Com^rs appointed by Queen Anne to treat with those of France for settling commerce between the two kingdoms. Pray that the order made on 10 July 1714 for 150l. for paying their clerks may be discharged. Also ask for an additional 50l. for a clerk, &c. retained for the contingencies of the office, after the dismissal of the rest. They have had no allowance for themselves and their secretary. London, 25 March 1715. 2 pages.
26 March.	21. The Attorney-General (Northey) to —. Desires that the warrant for passing a grant under the great seal to the executors of D^r Ratcliffe of the estate of M^r Carlton, in Surrey, may be presented to the Lords of the Treasury. The doctor deposited the purchase money with the Cashier of Customs above a year since. March 26, 1715. Minuted:—“Read 28 March 1715. My Lords have directed the Com^rs of the Customs to put up this estate to y^e best bidder.” 1 page.
26 March.	22. Report of William Pulteney to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the officers of the regiments in the Island of Minorca, as to the pay of the officers' servants. Is of opinion that the officers serving in Minorca and Gibraltar may have the pay of their servants added to their personal pay, &c. Whitehall, 26 March 1715. Minuted:—“13^th Sep^r 1715. My Lords will issue the money for y^e officers' servants, accord^g to the direcc[i]ons of the Act of Parłt.” The memorial, copy of warrant and certificate relating to the same business. 7 pages.
26 March.	23. Report of the Com^rs for Duties on Hides, &c. to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of M^r John Marlow, respecting frauds in connexion with leather duty. Office for Hides, &c. 26 March 1715. Minuted:—“Read.” The petition, and two other papers on the same subject. 6 pages.
28 March.	24. Report of Edward Wilcox to the Lords of the Treasury, enclosing a schedule of the books, papers, &c. delivered to Thomas Hewett, Esq., Surveyor-General of his Majesty's Woods. Very few of them were delivered to him (M^r Wilcox) by his predecessor, and he has not collected the rest without considerable expense, for which he has neither had nor claimed any allowance. 28 March 1715. Minuted:—“28 March 1715. My Lords can do nothing in this.” 1 page, and the schedule on parchment in a state of great decay.
29 March.	25. Order in Council referring a report from the Principal Officers of the Ordnance touching a supply of bedding for the four independent companies at New York, and the charge thereof, to the Lords of the Treasury. 29 March 1715. The report referred to. 2 pages.
30 March.	26. Report of the Com^rs for licensing hawkers, pedlers, and petty chapmen to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Hodgson and two other sureties for Thomas Wells, late a riding surveyor for the duties arising by licences granted to hawkers and pedlers, viz.:—as to his claims for salary, &c. The latter had been guilty of misdemeanours and irregular practices, and the late Lord High Treasurer considered that he deserved punishment beyond his being dismissed. Office for Licensing Hawkers and Pedlers, 30 March, 1715. 2½ pages.
[? About 30 Mar.]	27. Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury, of George Hay, Esq. Lieut.-Governor of Montserrat, William Matthew, Esq., Lieut.-Governor of S^t Christophers, Edward Byam, Esq. (in behalf of his father, Edward Byam, Esq., L^t-Governor of Antigua), and Joseph Martin, Esq., in behalf of Daniel Smith, Esq., Lieut.-Governor of Nevis; praying for an order to be prepared for his Majesty's signature for their salaries of 200l. per ann. each. Minuted:—“30 Mar. 1715. Warr^ts to be prepared as usuall.” 1 page, quarto.
30 Mar.	28. M^r Secretary Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury. Transmits the petition of Joseph Denham for their opinion and report. Whitehall, 30 March 1715. The petition. Petitioner had lost 30,000l. by the clandestine practices of Morgan Whitley, late Receiver-General of Chester and North Wales, If authorised, would bring into the Exchequer 8,000l. of the debts belonging to Whitley. Also copy of Treasury letter to the Com^rs for the Land Tax. 3 pages.
31 March.	29. Proposals made by M^r Vanbrugh to the Lords of the Treasury for various alterations in the mode of conducting the business of the Board of Works. The last is to incorporate the Office of the Works at Windsor with the General Office of Works at Whitehall. Office of his Majesty's Works, 31 March 1715. 3 pages.
31 March.	30. Copy of an account of the supply for the year 1714, and the deficiencies of the same. It includes an account of sums granted for public services in the session of Parliament begun the 16^th day of February 1713, and ended the 9^th day of July 1714, how much the grants were deficient, the payments made thereupon until the 31^st day of March 1715, and the remains thereof. At the end is:—“This acco^t in obedience to his Ma^ts command upon an address of the hono^ble House of Commons is humbly presented by W^m Lowndes.” 10 pages or parts of pages.
2 April.	31. Report of the Com^rs for Sick and Hurt Seamen to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Christopher Clarke of London, merchant, touching his claims for the supply of provisions to the hospital at Gosport. M^r Clarke cannot be paid because he has not the tickets, and M^r Colebrook, who has them, cannot be paid because they are not indorsed or assigned to him. April 2, 1715. Minuted:—“6 Aug^t 1717. The pet^r, if he thinks he has right, to pursue his remedy at law or equity.” Also proposals from his clerk, and a letter from James Colebrook on the same subject. 5½ pages.
2 April.	32. Lord-Lieut. of Ireland (Sunderland) to the Lords of the Treasury. According to their Lordships' letter of 16 March last, has considered the petition of Catherine Power, alias O'Hara, praying a pension on the Irish Establishment, and has perused the report of the Auditor-General, and two letters from the Duke of Ormonde and the Earl of Wharton, late Lord-Lieutenants of Ireland. The grant of a pension of 5 shillings a day will be well bestowed. London, April 2, 1715. Minuted:—“14 June 1715. Prepare a w^t.” All the papers above named and 4 certificates. 10 pages or parts of pages.
2 April.	33. Lord Chamberlain of the Household (Shrewsbury) to the Lords of the Treasury. Desires them to order 300l. to be paid to Sir Clement Cotterell, Master of the Ceremonies, for a present to the Marquis Durazzo, Envoy Extraordinary from the Republic of Genoa, who is on his departure. Cockpit, 2 April 1715. Minuted:—“W^t signed.” 1 page.
2 April.	34. M^r Secretary Stanhope to M^r Lowndes, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that the Com^rs of Customs in England and Scotland lay before the House of Commons an account of all woollen manufactures, lead, tin, and fish exported from Christmas 1708 to Christmas 1714; of the gross and net produce of the Customs for the same time; of the woollen manufactures exported from England from Christmas 1697 to Christmas 1699; of all logwood, fustic, indigo and other materials for drugs or dyeing sent to France since the peace; and of the gross and net produce of the Excise and Customs in Scotland since the Union. Whitehall, 2 April 1715. 2 pages.
2 April.	35. Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lords of the Treasury. The justices for the shire of Edinburgh used, before the malt duty commenced, to meet in Edinburgh every Thursday, to determine complaints concerning the revenue; but since that time they have refused to act, whereby the arrears are much increased. The magistrates of Edinburgh have now complied with their (the Com^rs') request, and have given judgment in the terms of law against all persons in arrear in Edinburgh and precincts (except maltsters.) This good service has brought in a considerable sum. Excise Office, Edinburgh, 2 Apr. 1715. Minuted:—“13^th Sep^r 1715. A l~re to be writ to the Com^rs of Excise, returning the thanks of this board to the magistrates of Edinburgh. L~re sign'd 19^th Sept. 1715.” 1 page.
4 April.	36. Report of H. Cholmley, Surveyor-General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the lands purchased for the better fortifying Portsmouth, Harwich and Chatham. The lands and premises at Harwich are valued at 9,149l. 13s. 2d., those at Portsmouth at 15,119l. 14s. 9d., and those at Chatham at 16,734l. 16s. 4d. It is very hard to ascertain what they may be worth, several being out of repair, &c. The best plan would be to let the lands, houses, &c., under an Exchequer lease at an annual rent to the fairest bidder. 4 April 1715. Also letter from the Board of Ordnance (11 March 1714), praying to be put in possession of the lands, and a letter and minute of the Com^rs for these lands, as to the profits of the same and spoil committed on the houses. Minuted:—“Read 15 July 1715.” 6½ pages.
5 April.	37. M^r Secretary Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends petition of Thomas Vaws, George Tartar, and William Dorrington, for their Lordships' consideration. Whitehall, 5 Apr. 1715. The petition. They pray for 199l. 18s. 8½d. due to them for their costs about the deer sent to Barbary as a present to the Emperor of Morocco, and for bringing the lions and tiger, and other creatures, as a present from the Emperor to her late Majesty. 2 pages.
5 April.	38. Lord Townsend to the Lords of the Treasury. Encloses the petition of William Hawkins, Ulster King of Arms of all Ireland. Desires them to obtain his Majesty's letter for 825l., that the several state officers of Ireland may be clothed with all convenient speed, his Majesty having altered the royal arms which are to be wrought on the robes and liveries. April 5, 1715. Minuted:—“Prepare a w^t.” The petition. 2 pages.
6 April.	39. Report of the Com^rs for Sick and Hurt Seamen to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Joseph Lister and James Wilson. The sums claimed were due to them for quartering sick seamen, till they could be admitted into S^t Thomas's Hospital. M^r Savery, their late treasurer, had not complied with their warrant. 6 April 1715. Also, “Instructions to be observed by Joseph Lester and James Wilson, quarterers in S^t Thomas's, Southwark.” 3 pages.
7 April.	40. M^r Secretary Stanhope to M^r Lowndes, signifying the King's pleasure that an account be laid before the House of Commons, of the deficiency at Michaelmas, 1714, of the yearly fund of 186,670l. of the Classis Lottery, 1711, and of the fund of 168,003l. for the Classis Lottery, 1712. Whitehall, 7 April 1715. 1 page.
8 April.	41. The Board of Ordnance to M^r Secretary Stanhope. Respecting the account of Col. Samuel Vetch, as captain of gunners and matrosses raised in New England. Col. Nicholson was directed by the Board to examine the several accounts in North America. The imprests then standing out against Col. Vetch amounted to 5,317l. 2s. 9d. Col. Nicholson set forth many indirect practices of Col. Vetch, as to pay, clothing, and victualling, by which it appeared that he had overcharged in his account 2,011l. 9s. 9½d., &c. They cannot procure satisfaction from Col. Vetch as to his accounts. What light they have they owe to Col. Nicholson. Office of Ordnance, 8 April 1715. 2½ pages.
8 April.	42. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of William Young and six others, who were apprehended and carried to prison as owlers, for exporting wool, and afterwards removed to the Fleet, where they remain in a distressed condition, the other six having died there in June and July last for want of necessaries. The Com^rs confirm this relation, and add that their wives and families have come to the parish. The fines amount to a considerable sum, and it is not expected substantial persons will bail them, and they are too poor to bear the charge of a trial, &c. Have directed their solicitor to allow them 6d. a day each to keep them from starving, as they are not entitled to the common charity of the prison. They are looked upon as notorious offenders, and the Com^rs cannot recommend them to be admitted as bail for one another as they ask. The great difficulty is, they are obstinate and refuse to plead, and cannot be brought to a trial. Suggest a law to be made to meet their case. Custom House, London, 8 April 1715. Minuted:—“Read 13^th Sep^r 1715. My Lords agree to this report, and direct the Com^rs to prepare the draught of a bill for the purposes menc[i]ond in this rep^t, to be offer'd to the House of Co[m]mons in the next Session.” Again:—“L~re writ.” The petition. Also a list of owlers in the Fleet. 4½ pages.
8 April.	43. Report of the same to the same on the petition of Francis Snell, praying to be allowed to succeed an aged landwaiter, allowing him a sufficient maintenance out of the salary. Although there have been some few instances of this kind, they are of opinion that the practice should not have any encouragement, “forasmuch as officers of the best experience in business may pretend to be infirm, and being permitted to quit the service on the terms aforesaid, become pensioners to the revenue, and for that the succeeding person by reason his salary will be less than that of other officers of the same rank, may the sooner be guilty of exactions, in the execution of his office, thereby to make up whatever he shall pay out of his salary upon such agreement.” 8 April 1715. Minuted:—“13 Sept^r 1715. My Lords are of y^e same opinion w^th the Com^rs Cust.” The petition, and a certificate of the competency of the petitioner for the duties. 3 pages.
9 April.	44. Copy of a letter from General Hamilton to the Lords of Trade, sending proposals for the speedy settlement of that part of the Island of St. Christopher, formerly belonging to the French. 9 April 1715. The proposals. The French part of the island has generally been computed at 20,000 acres of “manurable land.” It will be to the interest of the Crown, &c. to dispose of the lands at easy rates, the object being to encourage population capable of bearing arms. Recommends the encouragement of emigration from Britain, Ireland, or the colonies of America; also the division of this part of the island into parishes. “There ought to be a proportionable number of divisions in this part to the other part of the island, capable of sending representatives or assembly men to the General Assembly, that they may not be taxed by men who have no interest in this part, nor bound by law made by assemblies wherein they are not represented.” Also suggests that certain portions should be laid out for building. 7 pages.
9 April.	45. Report of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland (Sunderland) to the Lords of Trade, on the petition of Ensign Walter Dawes. Is of opinion that he has a just title to be established on the list of half-pay, and to receive the arrears due to him. April 9, 1715. The letter of reference, the petition, and a certificate. Minuted:—“Prepare a w^t.” 4 pages.
11 April.	46. Report of the Surveyor-General (Cholmley) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Thomas Boughton, gentleman, as to a lease of corn mills and other demesne lands of the manor of King's Cliff, alias Cliff Regis, in the county of Northampton. Thinks that additional terms to make up 31 years may be set at a fine of 40l., continuing the reserved rents of 62l. per ann. April 11, 1715. The petition referred to. 2½ pages.
11 April.	47. Petition of Mary Johnson, of Great Yarmouth, widow and relict of Colonel John Johnson, deceased, to the R^t Hon. Charles Lord Viscount Townshend, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. Her husband had served the Government for near 40 years, and about 12 years before was made Governor of the Carribbee Leeward Islands, in America, and after three years was murdered, and his whole effects (about 8,000l. in value) were embezzled. 1,321l. were due to him for his salary as Governor; prays that the sum may be paid. Certificate by the mayor and others as to the truth of the petition, and recommending her case. Dated 11 April 1715. 1½ pages.
12 April.	48. Representation from the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lords of the Treasury. Have previously represented that several difficulties in the management of the office required a parliamentary remedy. Again lay the same difficulties before their Lordships. The difference between the Scotch and English gallon (see Vol. ciii., 16) much perplexes their accounts, so that it would be of great service to the revenue to have this matter settled in Parliament, the arrear on account of the 17th part to the 1st of May last, amounting to upwards of 4,000l. The distillers have refused payment of the duty as charged, and the justices have given judgment that the distillers shall pay no more than 3d. the Scots pint (two whereof make nearly the English wine gallon) upon spirits, &c. Obtained a decree against the distillers of Edinburgh for the duty of low wines and spirits, but almost all of them refuse to pay the duty, and stand out upon contempt, by reason they are very poor, and know that by the law of Scotland, if they (the Com^rs) put them in prison, they must maintain them there. The victuallers in many of the isles and remote parts of several shires have so small a trade, that the duties of Excise are not worth the expense. Advise that the duties be let to farm. Excise Office, Edinburgh, 12 April 1715. 2 pages.
12 April.	49. Report of W^m Borrett to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Anne Britten. Previously reported on her case, that she was convicted of receiving stolen goods and fined 20l., and remained a prisoner in Newgate. Finds that she has not done anything criminal since his last report, and is still a prisoner on the common side, in miserable starving condition, and utterly unable to pay the fine. Minuted:—“Agreed, and a w^t to be prepared to acknowledg sattisfacc[i]on on record.” Also the petition. Duplicate of the above report. 3 pages.
14 April.	50. Report of the Com^rs for Duties on Hides, &c. to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Mellish, Esq., late Receiver-General for the county of Southampton, advising the transferring of 4,530l. 11s. 4d. paid on the land tax by mistake. Office of Hides, &c., 14 April 1715. Minuted:—“W^t drawn.” The petition. 2 pages.
14 April.	51. Com^rs of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury. Are daily importuned by the late proprietors and tenants to come to a resolution about letting the lands and tenements purchased for the fortifications at Portsmouth, Chatham, and Harwich. The buildings are decaying for want of repair. Office of Ordnance, 14 April 1715. 1 page.
16 April.	52. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the same, on the petition of John Heather, of Balham, in the county of Surrey, Esq., in regard to his debt. Have no objection to his obtaining an Act of Parliament to empower their Lordships to accept a composition for the bonds wherein the petitioner is surety. 16 April 1715. Minuted:—“14 June 1715. My Lords cannot encourage these applicac[i]ons.” The petition referred to, and five other papers. 12 pages or parts of pages.
[After 19 April.]	53. “A list of warrants prepared for your Lordships' signing for paying what is due in his Ma^ts reign to the foreign ministers on their ordinary and for extraord^rys to those who have brought in their bills (to wit) from the 1st of August 1714 to the respective daies following.” The last day that appears is 19 April 1715 The names of the ministers are given. 1 page.
21 April.	54. Report of the Attorney-General to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of several merchants, inhabitants of the islands of Jersey and Guernsey, representing that by very ancient charters they are free from all customs, taxes, subsidies, &c. in England and other his Majesty's dominions, and that the stocking manufactures in those islands were imported into England custom free, and that the wool of which they are made is transported from England, custom free, by Acts of Parliament; 20 per cent. duty has been claimed by the Com^rs of Customs at Southampton; 40 bales of these are detained there, to the destruction of the trade and the famishing of 20,000 or 30,000 souls who are maintained thereby. Confirms their statement as to their charters, but is of opinion that such charters of exemption, cannot, in point of law, discharge the payment of customs given to the Crown by Acts of Parliament subsequent to those grants. Advises the giving up of the stockings stopped, and that a clause should be inserted in a public Bill for discharging the duties on importation of the goods of the produce and manufacture of those islands. April 21st, 1715. In the Minute Book, Vol. 20, p. 107, 20 June 1715, is:—“Report of y^e Com^rs of the Customes about stockins imported from Guernsey is read. My Lords order the stockings to be deliv[ere]d upon bond to pay the duty by the end of this Session of Parliam^t, if not relieved by some Act before that time, and my Lords direct that a copy of the Order of Council menc[i]ond in the report for taking off the officers in 1709 be brought to the Treasury.” Again at p. 137, 12 Aug. 1715, is:—“Com^rs Customes called in. My Lords take into considerac[i]on the matter relating to the duties on imports from Guer[n]sey, Jersey, Alderney, and Sarke, and do direct that the Com^rs do cause bonds to be taken for the duties till the end of next Session of Parl^t, and that this order shall relate as well to the stockins for the duties whereof bonds were to be taken to the end of this session, as to the future importac[i]ons, and that the said bonds be renewd & taken to the end of the said next session.” The petition and another memorial drawn up by M. Gruchy, solicitor for the petitioners, reciting portions of various charters, &c. to sustain their claims. 6½ pages.
22 April.	55. M^r Secretary Stanhope to the same. Encloses the petition of Anna Milner & Co. to the King for their opinion and report. 22 April 1715. The petition, asking to be allowed to apply to Parliament for relief, having paid the duties on a quantity of tobacco which was burnt in a warehouse adjoining the Custom House. 2 pages.
25 April.	56. “Abstract of the accomp^t of his Maj^ty'^s revenue of 2s. p[er] hh^d &c. arising in Virginia, for six months ending the 25th of April 1715. Nath. Harrison, Esq., Deputy Receiver.” 1 page.
27 April.	57. A state of the supplies for the year 1714. 27 April 1715. Enclosed is a paper of memoranda relating to the South Sea Company. 1½ pages.
[About 27 April.]	58. An account of the moneys issued for the service of the navy out of the funds granted by Parliament for the service of the year. 1714. 2 pages.
27 April.	59. Copy of indenture as to certain fuel or timber for repairs for the service of the Royal Navy, delivered by the Surveyor-General of his Majesty's Woods, south of Trent, to Owen Sutherland, Gent., purveyor of his Majesty's Navy at Portsmouth. 27 April 1715. Also a particular of the value. 3 pages.
27 April.	60. Lord-Lieut. of Ireland (Sunderland) to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends the report of the Lords Justices and Auditor-General of Ireland on the petition of Lewis Armand, formerly a lieutenant in Count de Paulin's regiment. Is of opinion that petitioner should have 3s. a day allowed him. Minuted:—“Prepare a war^t.” The reports and petition referred to. 5 pages.
28 April.	61. Com^rs for Stamp Duties to the Lords of the Treasury, approving of the recommendation made by William Farrer, Esq., M.P. for the town of Bedford, relating to placing Mr. John Weaver in the room of Thomas Bidford, Distributor of Stamps in the county of Bedford. Stamp Office, Lincoln's Inn, 28 April 1715. Minuted:—“Ordered.” The letter of William Farrer. 2 pages.
28 April.	62. Report of the Com^rs for Duties on Hides to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Weston, Esq., formerly Receiver-General for the county of Surrey, for such allowance to be made to him as had been made to former receivers. Do not find that any were made to his predecessors. He still owes 2,289l. for the window tax. Office for Hides, &c., 28 April 1715. Two petitions, the one to the Lords of the Treasury and the other to the above Com^rs. 3 pages.
29 April.	63. Representation of the Com^rs for determining the titles of lands, &c. at Portsmouth, Chatham, and Harwich, to the R^t Hon. the Lieutenant-General and the rest of the principal officers of his Majesty's Ordnance, laying before them an account of their proceedings. Inspected deeds and writings, and examined witnesses to ascertain the respective interests of the proprietors and their tenants, as to the sums agreed for by the Com^rs or assessed by juries who valued the lands in 1709. Have drawn up their judgments and decrees, and made out certificates for the sums each proprietor is to receive. The following cases are not yet provided for by the Act of the 8th year of Anne, but they have no power to make satisfaction for them. At Portsmouth a rood of land in West Dock Field, now belonging to Joseph Robins, of the value of 5l.; and at Winchester College, loss of tithe in the Common Field. Submit to the Government whether any allowance shall be made to the College for the same. Then at Rochester, the Dean and Chapter of Rochester conceived too little was allotted to them in proportion to what was allowed to their tenants. The Act of Parliament having ratified the inquisition, they have no power to alter it, &c. Brazen Nose College complains of loss of tithe to their rectory of Gillingham, by the lands taken. At Harwich, part of the lands taken are held of the manor of Dover court-cum-Harwich, and are valued at 18 years' purchase to the tenant, and there is no sum fixed, either for the purchase of the quit-rents or the enfranchisement, &c. The Com^rs say they have made out a certificate for 15l. for valuable royalties, &c., between low and high water, belonging to Thomas Daval, Esq., an infant, lord of the manor of Dover Court and Harwich, situate on Manningtree water. (Enclose Memorial No. 1.) The corporation of Harwich have represented that they will be great losers if this ground should be vested in the Crown by not being able to sell ballast. M^r Daniel Smith, jun., desires to be considered for improvements since the vesting the lands in the Trustees. John Rolfe has no allowance for pumps on the top of the hill near Harwich. M^r Curtis, vicar of Dover Court and Harwich, claims for damage by loss of tithe. There is a dispute as to Rudland's wharf, whether the whole is taken or not (plan and certificates annexed). Dated 29 April 1715. The enclosures referred to, including the plan. 16 pages.
30 April.	64. Order in Council referring to the Lords of the Treasury for their report a petition of Robert Hunter, Esq., Governor of New York, for payment of disbursements made by him for subsisting 3,000 Palatines employed in the province of New York, in the production of naval stores. 30 April 1715. The petition. 2 pages.
30 April.	65. Similar order, on the petition of Major Robert Kemp, Major Humphry Cory, Margaret Collingwood, widow, &c., on behalf of themselves and the rest of the officers and the widows and children of the Hon. Col. Foxe's late regiment of foot (formerly Col. Collingwood's) for payment of their arrears. 30 April 1715. Minuted:—“6^th August 1717. To Com^rs for stating the debts of the Army.” The petition, and a state of Col. Collingwood's regiment from 24^th April 1700. 5½ pages.
30 April.	66. Representation of the Com^rs for Duties on Hides, &c. to the Lords of the Treasury, asking for a warrant for the payment of the salaries of their officers. 30 April 1715. Minuted:—“Agreed.” The petition of their solicitor (George Wilson) on the same subject. 2½ pages.
30 April.	67. Memorial of the Right noble Evelin, Lord Marquis of Dorchester, Chief Justice and Justice in Eyre of Forests, North of Trent, to the Lords of the Treasury, drawing attention to the damage done in the Forest of Sherwood by the violent tempest of of wind on the 1st of February, which was valued at 2,473l. 9s. 4d., as appears by the certificate of the verderers. The certificate referred to. Dated Mansfield Woodhouse, April “the last,” 1715. 2 pages.
[After April.]	68. Memorial of the late Com^rs for disbanding the Marines, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying payment for their services after Jan. 1713–14 in settling various claims, &c., down to April 1715. 2 pages.
[After April.]	69. Memorial of Awnsham Churchill to the Lords of the Treasury, praying to be allowed various sums for binding sets of Rymer's Fœdera. The last seems to be in April 1715. One set was for the Prince of Wales, and another for the library at Wolfenbuttel. The docquet mentions that the claim was also for binding several volumes of the Historia Cœlestis. Minuted:—“Read 4^th July 1715. A warr^t to be p[re]pared.” 1 page.