Minute Book: January 1690

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 9, 1689-1692. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1931.

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'Minute Book: January 1690', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 9, 1689-1692, (London, 1931) pp. 353-362. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol9/pp353-362 [accessed 19 March 2024]

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January 1690

1689-90. Jan. 2.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Earl of Monmouth, Mr. Hampden.
The Attorney General to attend on Tuesday morning next about the East India Company's dividend.
The Tellers of the Exchequer [and] Mr. Wardour and Mr. Low to attend next Tuesday morning.
The Customs Commissioners to attend on Tuesday afternoon next.
Mr. Blathwaite to attend to-morrow morning.
Mr. Shales [is] called in and promised that he would be answerable for such boards etc. as he had removed and that he would remove no more. Serjeant Ryley is to take a writing under his hand to that purpose.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 184.]
Jan. 3.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Earl of Monmouth, Lord Delamer, Sir Henry Capell, Lord Godolphin, Mr. Hampden.
Mr. Herne acquainted my Lords that upon the Victuallers sending their credits for the Mediterranean Squadron he would sign them and take care that they should be complied with : and my Lords have assured him that when the bills are drawn upon him they will take care [to so put him in funds] that they be complied with.
[Write] the Commissioners of Excise and Hearthmoney to give an account this afternoon what credit they are able to give (furnish) upon their officers of Excise and Hearthmoney in and about York.
The Attorney General came in and was ordered to exhibit a bill in Chancery against the East India Company and the Africa Company for such [? prizes dividend] money as is due their Majesties in the said respective Companies. Mr. Aaron Smith [Treasury Solicitor] is to follow same.
Mr. Harbord, Sir Matthew Andrews and the Attorney General are to attend on Tuesday afternoon next about the Duchy of Cornwall.
Mr. Dockwray and partners are to be heard on Tuesday afternoon next.
[Ibid, p. 185.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 155.]
Jan. 3, afternoon.
At Kensington.
Present : the King, Earl of Monmouth, Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Mr. Hampden.
The Navy Commissioners to attend at the Treasury Chambers on Tuesday morning next.
Mr. Talmach and Mr. Godfrey to attend on Tuesday morning next.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 185.]
Jan. 7.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
[No entry of any minute.]
[Ibid, p. 186.]
Jan. 9.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
The Attorney General to attend to-morrow at 9 in the morning.
Ordered that 2,000l. be issued to Capt. Studholme, his former letter in December last not being yet complied with.
[Ibid, p. 187.]
Jan. 10.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : ut supra.
My Lords being informed that Richard Bolton, Richard Ffluellin, Richard Wood, Zachary Bardon, John Tayler, George White, William Tibbutts, Joseph Hanford and other tenants of the buildings late of John Sharpe, esq., on Little Tower Hill and elsewhere within the Liberty of the Tower of London were willing to attorn tenants to the Crown and to pay their rent as my Lords shall direct (provided they may be saved harmless), do order that for their so doing they shall be saved harmless by their Majesties.
[Ibid.]
[? afternoon.]
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : ut supra.
Col. Talmach, Col. Godfrey, Mr. Scowen and Mr. Cornish called in touching the clothing of the Army in Ireland. Mr. Scawen and Mr. Cornish propose to furnish 10,000 red coats and breeches at 32s., 16,000l. ; 32,000 shirts at 3s., 4,800l. ; 32,000 cravatts at 9d., 1,200l., or 22,000l. in all : and to deliver 1,000 coats and breeches a week and proportionably of the linen, and all by the last of March, 1690. My Lords consent that the proposers shall be paid with interest at 6 per cent out of the Excise by 2,000l. a week, commencing from May 1, and to have tallies for same. They are not to pay the [deduction of] 12d. per £ which is usually deducted by the Paymaster, but only the Exchequer fees.
[Ibid, p. 188.]
afternoon. At Kensington House.
Present : the King, Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin.
The reports of Sir Christopher Wren and Mr. Talman concerning the works at Hampton Court, as also Mr. Emmett's petition, were read. Sir Christopher was called in and on hearing him the King ordered that my Lords should send for Mr. Talman, and that unless upon hearing him they find material cause to the contrary the works at Hampton Court are to proceed.
The King orders a week's subsistence to be paid to the Earl of Ranelagh for the Forces.
[Ibid].
Jan. 13.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir Henry Capell, Mr. Hampden.
[Sir Christopher Wren,] the Surveyor General [of the Works] and [Mr. Talman,] Comptroller of same, are called in and their reports are read. The Surveyor objects against Mr. Latham (in the Comptroller's certificate) for a madman and says the work [the new buildings of their Majesties' Palace at Hampton Court] has stood a new trial in a hurrycane. Mr. Tallman says my Lord Chamberlain's lodgings kept the winds absolutely from this building and that Latham is not mad. Mr. Banks says there are 24 peers [piers] next the garden and but 4 stones crackt, and the cracks no bigger than a hair's breadth ; that the building every day it stands is stronger and grows lighter. Mr. Tallman says every pier is cracked that one may put his finger in. Mr. Oliver says none of the masons Mr. Tallman brought understood so good work as this is. Mr. Talman says that Pierce, Tompson and another (in his certificates) are three masons that Sir Christopher employs, that the piers are all hollow and crampt with iron to keep them together. Sir C. Wren : "What was done for greater caution ought not to be maliciously interpreted." Tallman : "Pray let 6 be chosen by me and 6 by you to judge in this matter."
My Lords think they'l never agree, one part will say one thing, th' other another.
Wren : he putt it on this—a man cannot putt his finger in the cracks.
Mr. Talman says they are stopped.
My Lords say this is a matter of fact : that they'l appoint indifferent persons to view the same and (after the officers of the Works withdrew) agreed upon Serjeant Ryly, Sir Samuel Morland and Mr. Fitch, who are to have an extract of the reports, to examine the cracks etc. in the building and to give their opinion by Wednesday morning whether they think it will stand or no.
(Write the said Moreland, Ryley and Fitch to repair to Hampton Court and review the said new buildings there and to particularly examine whether there are such or so many cracks in the piers of the said building or such other defects as are mentioned in the extracts of the several reports ; and after examination to report the state and condition thereof and whether better to have the same covered in and finished or that the entire building or any part thereof be taken down and rebuilt.)
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 189.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 163.]
afternoon.
Present : ut supra.
Write the Attorney General to attend to-morrow afternoon, to which time the Earl of Kingston's business is put off.
Mr. Stephens to be put off to to-morrow afternoon.
The Commissioners of Wine Licences are to attend this day week and to bring their cases stated in writing.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 190.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 161.]
Jan. 14.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
The Customs Commissioners to attend on Friday afternoon.
Mr. Stephens [is] called in and [is] asked about the money received [by the Treasurer of the Navy out of the Exchequer] upon the money appropriated to the seamen. He said 47,000l. is already sent to Portsmouth. He is ordered to give a weekly certificate of such payments.
The Surveyor [General of Works] to attend on Thursday morning next about Mr. Gibbons' petition.
The Agents [for Taxes] to attend on Friday morning about the new Receivers for [the] 2s. [Aid].
The Attorney General in behalf of Lord Kingston, Chief Justice in Eyre, Trent North, and Mr. Ward for Mr. Mason et al. are heard upon the petition of the latter for permission to fell and carry away wood sold them by Mr. Corbyn in Sherwood Forest or else to have money back again. Mr. Ward says Mr. Corbyn, late Surveyor [of Woods, Trent North], had a warrant to sell the wood, and petitioners bought same and have paid 2,025l. and are to pay 275l. more and that they have not had half the wood ; that in the articles (which are read) there was no time limited for carrying away what they bought. The Attorney [General] observes 'tis a strange agreement to fell all the trees generally in such woods, viz. [in] Birkland and Billaigh, that this will deface the forest and perhaps amount to a de-afforestation ; that no time being limited they may make the soil their own for 20 years. Mr. Ward insists that the law is clear ; where a man sells wood growing on his ground the property passes and if no time be limited to take it away the law allows a convenient time, which might be hastened by a request ; that to give warrant for felling wood is their [the Treasury] Lordships' province and not that of the Justice in Eyre ; that the warrant was in May, 1687, and nothing could be done that year, and for about a year now past they have been hindered by Lord Kingston ; and so he desires the rest of the wood or that his clients may have so much of their money again. My Lords resolve that Serjt. Ryley shall make a survey and valuation of all that has been felled (as well as may be) and all that remains and certify how much has been carried off, how much felled and not carried off and how much remains standing and particularly how much of what remains felled or unfelled would (together with what has been carried away) satisfy petitioners' money. He is also to enquire how much that money is.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, pp. 191-2.]
Jan. 15.
Kensington.
Present : the King, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
The Attorney General to attend the King on Monday next "if the Board [the Treasury Lords] come" ; [viz.] about the Duchess of Cleveland's pension and the farming the chocolate Bill.
Mr. Stephens to attend on Friday morning about the 3,000l. formerly paid for the Pendennis.
[Ibid, p. 193.]
Jan. 17.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Sir Robert Thorold [is] ordered not to remove any of the trees fallen in the [St. James's] Park till further order. Write Serjt. Ryley to take care of it. The Attorney General to attend on Monday next, when Thorold is to shew by what authority he has removed any of the fallen trees. Give Thorold notice hereof.
Mr. Herriot to attend on Monday next about 3,100l. [remaining] unpaid to Mr. Williamson.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 194.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 165.]
afternoon.
Present : ut supra.
Write Mr. Harbord to pay the Controller 2,000l. for buying carriage horses for Ireland.
(Write Mr. Montague for) the Clerks of the Council to send [to my Lords] the Order of Council made on Sunday last relating to the deteiner of some ships in the Downs.
Mr. Harbord to attend to-morrow morning.
Sir William Hayward to attend on Tuesday afternoon next.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 194.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 165.]
Jan. 18.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
The [Arch]bishop of Canterbury and Lord North [and Grey] are to be heard on Friday afternoon next on their caveats against Lord Sydney's grant.
Mr. Harbord to attend on Monday morning next.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 195.]
Jan. 20.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : ut supra.
Mr. Blathwaite informs [my Lords] that it will be requisite to provide 10,000l. for the Danes, to be paid them at Chester and thereabouts within ten days, and 7,000l. more to be paid them at and about Londonderry.
Write the Earl of Bath to acquaint my Lords by what authority from the Crown he has deputed Sir Robert Thorald to be Ranger of St. James's Park, the said Sir Robert having produced to my Lords an instrument under said Earl's hand deputing him to the said place under him and upon pretence thereof has removed (and does claim) several trees lately blown down. (Letter hereon dated Jan. 20.)
[Ibid, p. 196.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 168.]
Jan. 21.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Write the Attorney General to attend the King at Kensington to-morrow afternoon about the Duchess of Cleveland's grant on the Post Office and the farming the duty lately laid on coffee, chocolate etc.
Alderman Herne promises to be here to-morrow morning about the second payment to the Danes.
[Order for] 370l. 10s. 0d. for the Governors of Christ's Hospital.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 197.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 168.]
Jan. 21, afternoon.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Sir Rowland Gwyn to attend on Friday afternoon next.
The Queen Dowager's Council to be heard on Monday next on their caveat against Mr. Blathwaite's report concerning Lady Marshall's [Marischal's] house. The Attorney General and Mr. Harbord to attend.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 197.]
Jan. 22.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Earl of Monmouth, Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell.
Alderman Herne and Mr. Evance propose for the second payment of the money due to the Danes [as follows, viz.] that there be paid to them [the proposers here in London] 10,000l. in money and for the remainder they will advance it on the Additional 12d. [Aid] Bill and out of the 10,000l. they will pay the 16,000 crowns demanded here.
[Ibid, p. 198.]
afternoon. Kensington.
Present : the King and all my Lords.
The Attorney General, Solicitor General and Major Wildman to attend the King [at the Treasury Chambers] next Treasury day about the Duchess of Cleveland's case.
The Admiralty Lords and the Navy Board to attend the King "here" on Friday afternoon next. The Treasury Lords to be here then.
Mr. Herne and Mr. Evance to attend my Lords to-morrow morning.
Mr. Culliford and Mr. Edward May to attend my Lords on Friday morning next.
The Queen Dowager to have 500l. a week out of the Excise till her arrear be paid.
The Princess [of Denmark] to have 1,000l. a week out of the Excise till her arrear be paid.
[Ibid. The first five of the afternoon minutes are duplicated on p. 196 under date Jan. 20. This is apparently a clerical error.]
Jan. 23.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Alderman Herne and Mr. Evance agree to pay the Duke of Würtemberg the 16,000 crowns mentioned in the memorial sent by the Earl of Nottingham and to return [or forward by bills of exchange] the remainder of the money to Denmark, lending the whole money on the Additional 12d. [Aid] and Mr. Evance (struck through) upon the same allowance as they had for the former bills ; and they are to have 5,000l. out of the Excise by two weekly payments of 2,500l. and the remainder they will lend on the Additional 12d. [Aid].
Write to Mr. Robinson to call upon Mr. Anderton for his accounts (of the provisions bought and sent to Ireland) and to examine same and report thereon with all speed.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 199.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 169.]
Jan. 24.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Write the Navy Commissioners to send an account of what money will be absolutely necessary for the carrying on such services of the Navy as are not within the appropriation ("as are not within the payment of the money lately appropriated by Act of Parliament").
Mr. Arnold Browne and Mr. Price to be heard on Tuesday afternoon next.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 200.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 170.]
afternoon. At Kensington.
Present : the King, the Treasury Lords, Earl of Pembroke, Earl of Carbery, Sir Jo. Lowther, Sir Jo. Chichley [Admiralty Lords].
The King acquaints the Board they are summoned to consider how the 200,000l. appropriated for the pay of the seamen shall be distributed. The Admiralty Lords say they do intend to apply it to the two months' pay now due and to pay off the turned over men and to reserve what remains to do the like when the next two months' pay grows due. The Board concurred with them and his Majesty ordered the same to be done accordingly.
Mr. Stephens to attend at the Treasury Chamber to-morrow morning.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 200.]
Jan. 25.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Sir Martin Beckman and Mr. Fitch to attend on Tuesday morning next.
Speak with Mr. Evance on Monday morning next to know if he can return [find bills of exchange for] 2,000l. to Edinburgh, to be paid there in a fortnight, and what further sum if there be occasion.
Write the Customs Commissioners to attend the King in Council on Monday afternoon next (concerning the ships left out of the list for sailing with the Straits convoy).
[Ibid, p. 201.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 171.]
Jan. 27.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Sir Rowland Gwyn called in on a petition from several of the [King's Household] servants above stairs and [is] asked why they were not paid. He says the King told him the establishment should be perfected in a few days and when it is finished he will pay what my Lords do order him.
Mr. Evance will come to-morrow morning and give his answer what money he can return to Edinburgh and at what rate for the exchange.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 202.]
Jan. 28.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Speak to his Majesty to-morrow about the fortifications of Hull.
Sir James Butler, Mr. Blathwaite and the Attorney General to be heard on Monday afternoon next about the house [of the] late Lady Marshall [Marischal].
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwaite to attend on Friday morning next to settle the list of small [Army] pensions.
The Customs Commissioners to attend on Friday afternoon next about Gravesend.
The Solicitor General to attend this afternoon.
[Ibid, p. 203.]
afternoon.
Present : all my Lords.
Mr. Aaron Smith to attend the Solicitor General about the manor of Dauntsey, which is pretended to by Mr. Danvers, and about a bill to be exhibited against the Trustees of the late Queen's jointure.
Mr. Young, Mr. Russell, Mr. Machell, Mr. St. Germain and Mr. Chayre [are] called in. It is proposed to Mr. Young that whereas he hath presented Mr. Machel and Mr. St. Germain, who are to have no perquisites, but a salary of 200l. per an. each, if the revenue makes it, whether he will admit Chair in the same manner or let the law decide whether he hath a right to nominate the [Wine Licences] Commissioners by virtue of the former contract. He answers that he has the opinion of the Attorney and Solicitor General and desires to rely upon his right at law. At length he agreed to admit Mr. Chaire upon the same terms with the other two, but all three are to sign a paper to renounce any share in the perquisites.
Eodem die.
Mr. Arnold Brown and Mr. Shaw.
My Lords are of opinion that if Thomas Price's estate be sufficient to pay the mortgages and the King's debt of 10,602l. with an overplus, then Mr. Browne shall be admitted to receive satisfaction out of the overplus ; and Mr. Lowndes and Mr. Smith [are] to make a particular valuation of each parcel seized, to see whether there be such overplus. All parties concerned are to attend. The [said] referees are to consider on what part Mr. Browne may best receive such satisfaction. Mr. Smith is to examine the validity of the mortgages.
Lord North and Grey [is called in] with Sir Robert Sawyer and Sir William Williams, his counsel : also Mr. Watson and Mr. Ward, his [Watson's] counsel, and Mr. Ince for the tenants of the late Archbishop of Canterbury at Deal ; concerning lands said to be derelict by the sea there. Counsel for Lord North and Grey insisted that the discovery was made by his lordship, that he at his own charge prosecuted an inquisition and had the late King's warrant for a lease which passed to the privy seal, and that he renewed his petition to the present King as soon as he was King, and claims nothing but by his Majesty's favour. Mr. Ward says a preceding inquisition was taken 14 Car. II ; that Mr. Watson petitioned to his Majesty when Prince and was afterwards referred to Attorney General Pollexfen, who reported it fit that a lease should pass to Mr. Watson, and that he relies on his Majesty's favour. Mr. Ince says the Archbishop's tenants fear to be disturbed by an illegal proceeding ; that the inquisition 14 Car. II relates not to the lands in question, but only lands within [between the] two castles [at Deal] ; that the second inquisition was executed by persons (some of them Papists) when the Archbishop was in the Tower ; that by the statute there should have been a jury, but here was none ; that it is a matter of right to have a new one fairly executed. The counsel [Ince] says he must apply to Chancery as to my Lord North and Mr. Watson.
My Lords will lay the matter before the King.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, pp. 203-4.]
Jan. 29.
Kensington.
Present : the King, Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Mr. Hampden.
Mr. Herne and Mr. Evans to attend at the Treasury Chambers to-morrow morning.
Mr. Blathwaite and Mr. Williamson to attend at the same time.
Lord Marlborough is by the King's command to give an account of the [Army] Contingent money.
The Committee for the late City Loans are to attend on Friday morning.
Sir R. Haddock and Mr. Stephens to attend on Friday morning about the [Navy] Yards.
The present Victuallers to attend on Friday morning.
Write Sir Rowland Gwyn to attend the King next Treasury day (as below) with the establishment of his office [of Treasurer of the Chamber], [to be signed by the King] but request him to bring it to the Treasury Chambers so that my Lords may peruse it before it be offered to the King.
Write the two Lord Chief Justices (Holt and Pollexfen) and the Lord Chief Baron to attend the King next Treasury day (at Kensington on Wednesday next at five in the afternoon) about Lord William Pawlett, the Duke of Bolton's [son's] petition for a grant of the Greenwax.
A direction [is ordered to be sent] to Major Wildman to pay one quarter to Lady Cleveland in three weeks' time.
[Ibid, p. 205.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 175.]
Jan. 30.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Godolphin, Mr. Hampden.
Mr. Blathwaite desires 200l. to be paid to the officer commanding the Danes arrived at Portsmouth and 1,000l. at Newcastle to the officer commanding the Danes lately arrived at Newcastle. [Write to] Mr. Fox [the Customs Cashier] to write to the [Customs] Collector at Portsmouth, Cowes or Southampton to pay the abovesaid officer there and for his, the said collector's, reimbursement to draw bills on Mr. Harbord.
Mr. Williamson promises to pay 1,000l. to the Danes lately arrived at Newcastle and to draw bills on Harbord ut supra.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 206.]
Jan. 31.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Delamer, Lord Godolphin, Sir H. Capell, Mr. Hampden.
Write Sir Rowland Gwyn to send to my Lords on Monday morning next a list of the establishment prepared for his Office [of Treasurer of the Chamber] for their perusal before it be offered to the King.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwaite to attend on Monday morning next about the list of small [Army] pensions.
The Committee of the late Loans in the City are desired to attend my Lords this afternoon.
[Ibid, p. 207.]
[Out Letters (General) XII, p. 175.]
afternoon.
Present : the whole Board.
The Customs Commissioners are called in and are ordered to send down a trusty officer to inspect the proceedings of the searchers at Gravesend ; my Lords having informations that they do not do their duty there. The Commissioners will take care accordingly.
Mr. Blathwaite and Mr. Williamson [are] called in about getting money for the Danes at York. Mr. Williamson will pay all he can there ; and to enable them to march Mr. Blathwaite says there must be (besides what Mr. Williamson can pay) 10,000l. or 12,000l. sent in specie to Yorks. Upon discourse Mr. Blathwaite says that if there be at York on the 17th of February 15,000l. it will be sufficient. Mr. Williamson undertakes to pay 5,000l. by that day to Mr. Fotherby and my Lords will take care to send 10,000l. in specie.
Ordered that 100l. be issued to Mr. Stephens to be by him imprested to Capt. Ackerman in pursuance of a letter from the Admiralty Board of the 30th inst.
The Excise Commissioners and Alderman Duncombe to attend on Monday afternoon next.
On Tuesday afternoon next my Lords will meet to consider of the Commissioners for the review of the Poll "and the doors to be locked"
Auditor Philips to attend on Tuesday morning next.
[Treasury Minute Book VII, p. 207.]