House of Commons Journal Volume 12: 15 June 1698

Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 12, 1697-1699. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1803.

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'House of Commons Journal Volume 12: 15 June 1698', in Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 12, 1697-1699, (London, 1803) pp. 313-317. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol12/pp313-317 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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In this section

Mercurii, 15 die Junii;

Decimo Gulielmi.

Prayers.

Walrond's Estate.

AN ingrossed Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act to enable Humphrey Walrond Gentleman to sell Part of his Estate, for the making Provision for his eldest Son, and Elizabeth his Daughter, who are Lunaticks; and Payment of his Debts; and raising Portions for his other Children; was, according to Order, read a Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Mr. Burrington, Mr. Yates, Lord Cavendish, Mr. Cheney, Mr. Mounstevens, Mr. Done, Mr. Gery, Sir Marm. Wyvell, Sir Rich. Temple, Colonel Specot, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Trelawny, Sir Fran. Massam, Mr. Frewen, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Blofeild, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Manley, Mr. Bertie, Mr. Heveningham, Mr. Sandford, Mr. Champney, Mr. Pocklington, Sir Wm. Lowther, Mr. Sherrard, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Neale, Mr. Pagit, Mr. Lowther; and all that serve for the Counties of Devon and Cornwall: And they are to meet at Five a Clock this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Cecil's Estate.

An ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for vesting certain Lands and Hereditaments in Maidstone, and elsewhere, in the County of Kent, in Trustees, for the Benefit of Diana Cecil, and her Heirs, was, according to Order, read a Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Lord Cavendish, Sir Marm. Wyvell, Mr. Neale, Sir Tho. Hussey, Sir Richard Temple, Mr. St. John, Mr. Heveningham, Sir Wm. Lowther, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Watlington, Lord Conningsby, Mr. Mounstevens, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Fox, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Clerk, Lord Burleigh, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Colt, Mr. Bertie, Colonel Crawford, Mr. Cheney, Mr. Staynes, Sir Henry Colt, Mr. Farrer, Mr. Robert Harley, Sir Edward Abney, Mr. Apprice, Mr. Gery, Mr. Edward Harley, Mr. Foley, Sir Wm. Cooper, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Cowper, Mr. Lowther; and all that serve for the Counties of Kent and Surry: And they are to meet this Afternoon, at Five a Clock, in the Speaker's Chambers.

Collyns' Share of a Prise.

Ordered, That the Committee to whom the Petition of John Collyns, and others, Mariners, lately belonging to his Majesty's Ship the Bristoll, was referred, have Power to fit de die in diem.

Supply Bill; Poll Tax.

An ingrossed Bill for granting to his Majesty an Aid, by a Quarterly Poll, for One Year, was read the Third time.

And an Amendment was proposed to be made to the Bill, Pr. 22. L. *, after "Persons," to insert "Natives and Foreigners:"

And the same was, upon the Question put thereupon, agreed unto by the House; and the Bill amended at the Table accordingly.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the Title be, An Act for granting to his Majesty an Aid by a Quarterly Poll, for One Year.

Ordered, That Sir Thomas Littleton do carry the Bill to the Lords, and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

Russia Trade.

Ordered, That a Message be sent to the Lords, to put them in Mind of the Bill, intituled, An Act for encouraging and improving the Trade to Russia: And that Sir William St. Quintin do carry the said Message.

Accommodation of the House at Impeachments.

Sir Rowland Gwyn reported from the Committee appointed to draw up what shall be offered at a Conference with the Lords, upon the Subject-matter of their Lordships Message, the 9th Instant, relating to the Tryal of John Goudett, and others, upon the Impeachments against them, That they had drawn up the same accordingly; which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same was twice read, and agreed unto by the House; and is as followeth; viz.

That the Commons, having a Right, at Tryals upon Impeachments, to come as a House, or by a Committee, as they shall think fit, have always had a convenient Accommodation prepared for them, as in the Cases of the Earl of Strafford, and the Lord Viscount Stafford; and, therefore, may justly expect a convenient Place may be appointed for the Managers of the Impeachments against John Goudet, and others; whereby they may be the better enabled to make good their Charge against them.

Conference with Lords.

Ordered, That Sir Rowland Gwyn do go to the Lords, and desire the said Conference.

Sir Rowland Gwyn reported, That he having been at the Lords, to desire the said Conference, they do agree to a Conference presently, in the Painted Chamber.

Ordered, That the same Committee do manage the said Conference.

And they went to the Conference.

And, being returned;

Sir Rowland Gwyn reported, That they had been at the Conference, and delivered to the Lords what they had in Charge.

East India Company.

The House resumed the adjourned Debate of Yesterday:

And an humble Representation of the Committee of the East-India Company, holden the 15th of June One thousand Six hundred and Ninety-eight, being presented to the House; the same was read; and is as followeth; viz.

The humble Representation of the Committee of the East-India Company, holden the Fifteenth June 1698, to the Honourable the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, in Parliament assembled.

May it please your Honours,

The said Committee having perused a Report made to this Honourable House, by a Committee appointed to inspect the Books of the East-India Company, they do humbly, for such Answer as they can, in so short a time, give this Honourable House, say;

That, about the End of the Year 1691, an Account was laid before this Honourable House, which was truly stated from the Company's Books, and amounted to give this more than 744,000l.:

That many of the Adventurers, being well assured of the Truth thereof, did offer themselves, Security, to make the same good, 744,000l.:

East India Company.

That the Company did afterwards continue to send out large and rich Ships for India.

By all which, they do not doubt to make it appear, their Losses being considered, That, at the time of calling in the 50l. per Cent. the 3d May 1693, they had a good Estate, to that Value.

To carry on the Trade effectually, the 3d of May 1693, a Sum of 50l. per Cent. was agreed to be advanced by the Adventurers, and repaid them again, with the Concurrence of the new Subscribers; as appears by the following Orders of the General Court, hereunto annexed.

At a General Court of Adventurers for the General joint Stock to the East-Indies, holden at the East-India House, the 3d of May 1693.

The Governor representing unto the Generality, That a considerable Sum of Money was requisite to be provided, for the effectual carrying on of their Trade, both at home and abroad; and that the Court of Committees were of Opinion, That if 50 per Cent. were brought in by the Adventurers, as an Addition to their present Stock, it would give a great Reputation to their Affairs; and thereupon had prepared Proposals, to be laid before the General Court, to that Purpose: Which were now presented unto them, and read: On Consideration whereof had, the Court unanimously agreed for the raising and bringing in 50l. per Cent. on the Terms following; viz.

Resolved, That the Adventurers in the General joint Stock of this Company, may pay into the said Company's Treasury any Sum of Money, not exceeding one Moiety, or Half-part, of their present joint Stock, on or before the 30th Day of June next; which shall be placed to their present Credit, as follows;

For every 100l. paid into the Treasury, by any Adventurer, on or before the 20th Day of this instant May, such Adventurer shall have an additional Credit of 100l. in the said joint Stock; and also an Allowance of 3 per Cent. for prompt Payment thereof; and so proportionably for a greater or lesser Sum:

For every 100l. paid into the Treasury, by any Adventurer, on or before the 31th of this instant May, such Adventurer shall have an additional Credit of 100l. in the said joint Stock; and also an Allowance of 2 per Cent. for prompt Payment thereof; and so proportionably for a greater or lesser Sum:

For every 100l. paid into the Treasury, by any Adventurer, on or before the 10th of June next, such Adventurer, shall have an additional Credit of 100l. in the said joint Stock; and also an Allowance of One per Cent. for prompt Payment thereof; and so proportionably for a greater or lesser Sum:

For every 100l. paid into the Treasury, by any Adventurer, on or before the 30th of June next, such Adventurer shall have an additional Credit of 100l. in the said Joint Stock; and an Allowance of One-half per Cent. for prompt Payment; and so proportionably for a greater or lesser Sum:

That, besides the said Allowances for prompt Payment, the respective Adventurers shall have Interest allowed them, after the Rate of 6l. per Cent. per Annum, from the time they shall so pay in their Money, to the last Day of June aforesaid:

That, from and after the said last Day of June, it is hereby declared, That no Adventurer shall have Liberty to pay in any Money on the Terms afore-mentioned.

At a General Court of Adventurers, &c. holden the 10th November 1693.

Whereas, in or about the Month of March last, his Majesty was pleased to send down to the Company Heads of Regulations for increasing their Stock, and for the better carrying on their Trade to the East-Indies; which were agreed on, submitted to, and accepted of, by them: And whereas this Court did, on the 3d Day of May last, agree to a voluntary Addition of 50l. per Cent. to the then General joint Stock, after the Rate of 100l. for 100l. Stock, for the better carrying on of their said Trade; for which the Adventurers were to have Credit given them in the Company's Books: In pursuance whereof, the Sum of 325,565l. 0s. 4d. was paid in by several of the said Adventurers, and Credit given them accordingly: And whereas this Court is informed, That their Majesties King William and Queen Mary have been graciously pleased to direct the passing the said Regulations into a Charter, under the Great-Seal, which may suddenly pass the same; whereby it is directed, ordered, and appointed, That the Sum of 744,000l. should be new-subscribed, and added to the Company's Stock, in such Manner as will be provided for in the said Charter: This Court, taking the Premises into their serious Consideration; and to the end that the General joint Stock may be reduced to what it was, when valued by an Act of the last Sessions of Parliament, and at the time, when the said Heads of Regulations were proposed to, and accepted of by, the Company, as aforesaid; and for the better Encouragement of the said new Subscriptions; and that the Trade to the East-Indies may be more national and diffusive; do therefore think fit to declare and agree, That the several Adventurers, or their Assigns, who advanced the said Sum of 325,565l. 0s. 4d. may receive back the respective Sums of Money, by them so advanced, and paid in, amounting thereunto; with Interest for the same, after the Rate of 5l. per Cent. per Annum, from the 30th of June last, till repaid: Which Repayment, it is declared, shall commence Thirty Days after the passing of the said Charter, and so shall continue daily to be made from the said Time, till the First of January next, if demanded, and no longer; and that thereupon, each Adventurer's Account of Credit in the Company's Books, by reason of the said Advance, be lessened and abated, in proportion to the Money so repaid back.

A General Court of Adventurers, holden at the East-India House the 16th Day of November 1693.

Present,

Sir Tho. Cook Knight and Alderman, Governor;

Francis Tyssen Esquire, Deputy;

With most of the Committees; and very many of the Generality.

The Governor acquainted the Generality with the Occasion of their Meeting; viz. That their Majesties Charter of Regulations was passed the Great Seal: Which was read now in Court: And thereupon represented to them, That the Court of Committees had considered of what was requisite to be done, in pursuance of the said Charter; and had drawn up a Preamble, to be offered unto them, containing the Terms and Conditions on which the new Subscribers of the 744,000l. were to come in: Which were now read; and follows, in hæc verba;

Whereas their Sacred Majesties King William and Queen Mary, by their Royal Charter, under the Great Seal of England, bearing Date the 7th Day of October now last-past, have been graciously pleased to confirm and establish the East-India Company, under the Provisoes and Limitations therein expressed: And whereas their said Majesties, by Advice of the Lords of their Majesties most Honourable Privy-Council, have, by another Charter, under the Great Seal of England, bearing Date the 11th Day of this instant November, been likewise graciously pleased to ordain, constitute, and appoint, amongst other Things, That the Sum of 744,000l. of lawful Money of England, shall and may be added to the General joint Stock of the said Company, by the new Subscriptions of such Persons who shall be minded to adventure any Share in the said General joint Stock; and that a Book, or Books, for the said new Subscriptions, shall be provided by the said Governor and Company, within Six Days after the Date of the said last-recited Charter; which are to lie open every Day in the Week, Sundays excepted, at the East-India House in Leadenhall-street, London, from the Hour of Eight to the Hour of Twelve in the Morning, and from the Hour of Two to the Hour of Six in the Afternoon, until the 10th Day of January next, inclusive; in which said Book, or Books, it shall and may be lawful to and for any Person or Persons whatsoever, being natural-born Subjects of this their Majesties Realm, or Persons naturalized and indenized, to pay and subscribe, on or before the said 10th Day of January now next ensuing, such Sum or Sums of Money, to be added to the said joint Stock, as they shall think fit to adventure in the said Trade; so as no one Person shall subscribe more than 10,000l.; and that, in case the said new Subscriptions shall exceed the Sum of 744,000l. the Governor, Deputy, and Court of Committees, shall lessen and reduce the said new Subscriptions to the said Sum of 744,000l. rata pro rata, and in proportion to the respective Sums so newly subscribed; and that every Person so subscribing shall, at the time of their Subscriptions, make Oath, That the Monies by him or her subscribed, is his or her own proper Money, and subscribed for their own Use, and not in Trust, or for any other Persons whatsoever; and that every Person, at the time of their Subscriptions, shall actually, and bona fide, pay down, to the Committees of the Treasury for the said Company, or their Cashier, One entire Third-part of the Sum of Money by each of them respectively so subscribed, and the Remainder thereof on or before the 10th Day of January now next coming: Now, in Conformity to the said last-recited Charter, it is hereby ordered by this General Court, That the Accountant-General do forthwith provide One or more Book or Books, made of Vellum, for taking of the said new Subscriptions for 744,000l. that the same may be laid open, as is directed by the said last-mentioned Charter; wherein any Person or Persons, qualified as aforesaid, may subscribe such Sum and Sums of Money as they shall think fit, not exceeding, in the Whole, the Sum of 10,000l. according to the Direction of the said Charter:

And, for the better Encouragement of the said new Subscriptions, and bringing in of the Sums so to be subscribed, this Court thinks fit to declare and agree;

That for every 100l. of the said additional Stock that shall be subscribed, and paid in, on or before the 10th Day of January next, every Person so subscribing, and paying in, the same, shall have Credit in the Company's Books for 100l. Stock; and so proportionably for any other Sum:

And in case any Person shall subscribe any Sum of Money, as before is directed, and pay in one Third-part, or any greater Part, of such his or her Subscription, on or before the 10th of December next, every such Person and Persons so subscribing, and paying in, as aforesaid, shall have 10l. per Cent: allowed for prompt Payment of the Monies by them so paid in:

Any Person or Persons subscribing any Sum of Money, as before is directed, and paying in One Third, or any greater Part, of such their Subscription, on or before the 20th Day of December, shall have 6 per Cent. allowed for prompt Payment of the Monies so paid in:

Any Person or Persons subscribing any Sum of Money, as before is directed, and paying in One Third, or any greater Part, of such their Subscriptions, on or before the 31st of the said Month of December, shall have 4 per Cent. allowed for prompt Payment of the Monies so paid in:

Any Person or Persons subscribing any Sum of Money, as before is directed, and paying in, One Third, or any greater Part, of such their Subscriptions, on or before the 10th of January, shall have 3 per Cent. allowed for the Monies so paid in.

Which said several Allowances of 10 per Cent. 6 per Cent. 4 per Cent. and 3 per Cent. to be made to the several Persons subscribing, and paying in, their Money, on or before the several Days and Times before-mentioned, shall be paid to them, and every of them, by the Governor and Company, on or before the last Day of February next, in proportion to the several Sums of Money, for which the respective Subscribers shall have Credit in the Company's Books, upon the Reduction of the whole Subscriptions, in case they shall exceed the Sum of 744,000l. pursuant to the Charter afore-mentioned.

East India Company.

On serious Consideration had of the Proposals beforementioned, made by the said General Court, We, whose Names are subscribed, do, by these Presents, consent and agree thereunto; and do promise and oblige ourselves, and our respective Executors, Administrators, and Assigns, to the said Governor and Company, to pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said Governor, or to the Committee of the Treasury, or their Cashier, the several Sums of Money by us herein subscribed, at the time before limited, by their Majesties said Charter, to be added to the said General joint Stock; that is to say, the One Third-part thereof at the time of our respective Subscriptions, and the Remainder on or before the 10th Day of January now next coming: And, in Default of such Payment, we do hereby covenant and agree with the said Governor and Company, That it shall and may be lawful for the said Governor and Company to deduct and retain, for the Use of the Adventurers in the said joint Stock, after the Rate of 10l. per Cent. of the Monies, by us so paid in, out of the First Dividends to be made, or upon the Sale or Alienation of the same, which shall first happen; and that we are to have no more Credit in the Company's Books, than what shall be so actually paid in by us on or before the said 10th of January next.

On Debate of which said Preamble, the General Court were pleased to consent thereunto, in terminis.

They also ordered and agreed, That the Adventurers, upon their new Subscriptions, be allowed their Proportions of the Three hundred and Twenty-five thousand Five hundred Sixty-five Pounds and Four-pence paid in, by Order of the 3d May last, with Interest for the same, from the 30th June last, according to what was proposed to them from the Court of Committees:

They also agreed upon the Oath to be taken, by the new Subscribers, as penned by the Court of Committees; and referred it to the said Court, to make Publication of such Part of the Preamble, in the Gazette, and on the Exchange, and to give Directions for printing the said Preamble, as they should think fit.

At a General Court of Adventurers, holden the 8th December, 1693.

The Governor acquainted the Generality with the Occasion of their present Meeting: Which was, That the 10th of this Instant, being the Time limited for the prompt Payment of the 10 per Cent. to the new Subscribers, happening to fall upon a Sunday, it was thought requisite, by the Court of Committees, That the Day following, being Monday, might be included: And further represented unto them, That several of the Adventurers had made their Desire, that the Time for the prompt Payment of the 10 per Cent. might by enlarged to the 20th Instant; Which the Court of Committees, in regard of the Shortness of Time allowed for the whole Subscription, were of Opinion, might be for the Company's Service; and that the Monies to be drawn back on the 50l. per Cent. with Interest, might be then also made payable: On Consideration whereof had, the General Court, unanimously, declared their Consent thereunto; and ordered, That the Time be enlarged accordingly; and that the prompt Payment of 4 per Cent. and 3 per Cent. do remain payable, as in the Preamble.

And it is also ordered, That, for the future, when any prompt Payments, to be appointed in this, or any other Cases relating to the Company's Affairs, shall, through Mistake or Inadvertency, happen to fall upon a Sunday, or upon any Days which, by publick Authority, shall be ordered for Times of Fasting or Thanksgiving, the said prompt Payment shall extend to the Days following.

At a General Court of Adventurers, holden the 20th December 1693.

East India Company.

The Governor now acquainted the Generality with the Occasion of their present Meeting: Which was, That several of the Adventurers have made it their Desire, that the Time for the Allowance of the 10l. per Cent. prompt Payment, which determines the 20th Instant, might be further continued unto the 31th of this Month: Which the Court of Committees, in regard of the Shortness of Time allowed for the whole Subscription, were of Opinion, might be for the Company's Service, and be of fered to the Generality, for their Direction therein; and that the Monies to be drawn back on the 50 per Cent. with Interest, might be then also made payable: On serious Consideration and Debate thereof had, the General Court were pleased, unanimously, to declare their Consent thereunto; and ordered, That the Time be enlarged accordingly.

At a General Court of Adventurers, holden the 1st January 1693.

The Governor now acquainted the Generality with the Occasion of their present Meeting, viz. That the Court of Committees, understanding that several of the Adventurers were desirous to have the Time for the Allowance of 10 per Cent. prompt Payment, on the new Subscriptions, continued until the 10th of January next; that so all that become Adventurers may be made equal with others, on that Account; and they being of Opinion, That it may be for the Company's Service; do offer it to the Consideration of the General Court, That the said Time be enlarged, as is proposed: Upon Debate and Consideration thereof had, the General Court thought fit to order and direct, That the Allowance of 10 per Cent. be continued to the 10th Instant; and that the 50 per Cent. to be drawn back, be made payable at the same time.

The 30th October 1695. The Company, by reason of their great Losses at Sea, for the Support of their Trade, did agree, in a General Court, to make a Loan of 25 per Cent. upon their Stock.

24th September 1697. The Company, by reason of the like Losses, did agree in a General Court, to advance 20 per Cent. on their Stock, for carrying on the Trade; as appears by the following Orders;

At a General Court, holden the 30th October 1695.

The Governor acquainted the Generality, That, upon Occasion of the said Disasters befallen the Company, by the Enemy's Taking of their Ships, the Court of Committees had, on the 28th Instant, agreed and resolved upon Proposals, necessary to be made to the General Court, for the Carrying on, and Continuance, of their Trade: Which Order was now read: Wherein it being set forth, That these Losses have happened, notwithstanding the utmost Endeavours of the said Court used for their Preservation; it was moved, That the Generality might understand what had been done in order thereunto:

Thereupon, the several Memorials, presented unto the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of England; as also the Company's Petition to their Excellencies the Lords Justices of England; between the 13th of June and the 26th of September; were now read; and the Answers that had been given to them: The Generality were fully satisfied, that the Court of Committees had done what in them lay, towards securing the said Ships, in their Return:

The Governor then caused the Order of the said Court to be again read; which follows, in hæc verba, viz.

This Court, taking into their Consideration the great Losses which the Company have lately sustained, by several of their Ships falling into the Enemy's Hands, notwithstanding the utmost Endeavours of this Court used for their Preservation, do judge it of absolute Necessity, That a Sum of Money be forthwith raised by the Adventurers, for setting out the next Year's Shipping, supporting their Credit, and carrying on their Trade; not doubting of the future Protection of the King and Government for their Preservation: And, as the only Expedient that occurs to this Court, do offer it as their Opinion, That this General Court will agree and order;

That every Adventurer do pay into the Company's Treasury 25 per Cent. on their present Stock, on or before the 15th Day of December next; and that, for their Encouragement, they be allowed 20 per Cent. for prompt Payment:

That Bonds, under the Company's Common-Seal, be given to each Person who shall so advance their said Money on or before the said 15th of December next, payable the 30th of September, which shall be in the Year of our Lord 1697; in case any one of the Ships hereafter named, now in the Service of the said Governor and Company, and now being, or reputed to be, in the East-Indies, or on their Way thither, or from thence; viz. the Mary, Thomas, Armenian Merchant, London Frigate, Nassau, Dorothy, Martha, Amity, Mocha Frigate, Benjamin, Tonqueen Merchant, or King William; shall, before the 13th of September 1697, arrive in any Port of England; with lawful Interest for the same:

On serious Consideration whereof had, the Generality, being fully satisfied with the Reasons given by the Court of Committees, for the Advancement of the said Money, did agree and order, Nemine contradicente, That 25 per Cent. upon each Adventurer's Credit in the General joint Stock, be paid in, upon the Terms in the said Proposal mentioned.

At a Court of Committees, holden 21th Sept. 1697.

This Court, re-assuming the Consideration of the present State of the Company's Affairs, now the Peace is concluded; and having, for divers weighty Reasons, resolved to send out Eight or more Ships, for the several Parts of India, the ensuing Season; do judge it of absolute Necessity, That a Sum of Money be forthwith raised by the Adventurers, for the setting out the said Ships, and carrying on their Trade to the full: And the best Expedient that occurs to them is, That the General Court be summoned on Friday Morning next; and that it be represented to them, as the Opinion of this Court; viz.

That every Adventurer do pay into the Company's Treasury 25 per Cent. on their present Stock, by the 20th of November next, in milled Money, or Guineas:

That for their Encouragement, each Person bringing in 100l. shall have the Company's Bond for 120l. payable with Interest, as is hereafter mentioned; and so in proportion for a greater or lesser Sum: And that such as pay in their Money by the 20th of October next, shall have One per Cent. prompt Payment, allowed them; and if after the said 20th of October, and on or before the 10th of November next, then Half per Cent. prompt Payment:

That Bonds, under the Company's Common-Seal, be given, as aforesaid, to each Person who shall so advance, or bring in their Money, on or before the said 20th of November next, payable the 30th of September, which shall be in the Year of our Lord 1699; in case any one of the Ships hereafter named, now in the Service of the said Governor and Company, and now being, or reputed to be, in the East-Indies, or on their Way thither, or from thence; viz. the Benjamin, Tonqueen, King William, Charles the Second, Scepter, Chamber Frigate, Dorrill, Sampson, East-India Merchant, Sydney, or Madrass Frigate; shall, before the said 30th Day of September 1699, arrive in any Port of England; with lawful Interest for the same, from the Date of the Bonds, payable half-yearly, after the Arrival of any one of the Ships aforesaid:

Upon Debate whereof had, the General Court, unanimously, agreed, That the said Sum of 25 per Cent. be accordingly raised, upon the Terms and Conditions therein proposed.

Upon a Motion now made, Whether the Monies due on the Bottomry Bonds, at Michaelmas next, should be then paid, the Court declared, That the same were equal with other Bonds the 30th Instant; and Interest, due thereon, should be satisfied accordingly.

The said Allowances were not apprehended to be more than ordinary Encouragements to the Adventurers, the Difficulty and Dangers of the Times considered; insomuch that it does appear, that many of the great Adventurers, and monied Men, did not advance their Proportions.

Signed, by Order of the said Committee,

Ro. Blackborne, Secr.

Resolved, That the said adjourned Debate be further adjourned until Friday Morning next.

Supply Bill; raising Annuities. [New E. I. Co. incorporated.]

The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider further of the Bill for raising a Sum, not exceeding 2,000,000l. by settling a perpetual Fund for Payment of certain Annuities, after the Rate of 8l. per Annum, for every Hundred Pounds, and by further Advantages therein mentioned, redeemable by Parliament.

Mr. Speaker left the Chair.

Sir Tho. Littleton took the Chair of the Committee.

Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.

Sir Tho. Littleton reported from the said Committee, That they had made a further Progress in the Matter to them referred, and had directed him to move, That they may have Leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this House will, To-morrow Morning, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider further of the said Bill.

Committees.

Ordered, That all Committees be adjourned.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Nine a Clock.