Lunæ, 16 die Januarii;

10° Gulielmi Tertii.

Prayers.

JOHN Dubordieu, Henry Dumairais, and James Martin, took the Oaths appointed, in Order to their Naturalization.

Farewell's Nat.

An ingrossed Bill, from the Lords, intituled, An Act for naturalizing Elizabeth Farewell, was read a Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Mr. England, Mr. Thornhagh, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Phillips, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Mounstevens, Sir Cha. Hedges, Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Wm. Drake, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Dyott, Mr. Conyers, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Mr. Mitchell, Sir Edw. Phillips, Sir Rich. Farrington, Mr. Boyle, Sir Fra. Windham, Sir Richard Cocks, Mr. Blofeld, Mr. Machell, Mr. Isaackson, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Lowther, Mr. Osborne, Colonel Drake, Sir Robert Eden, Sir John Garrard, Mr. Duke, Mr. Bertie, Sir Robert Napier: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Five a Clock, in the Speaker's Chambers.

Malt, &c. exported.

Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Customs do lay before this House an Account of what Malt or Barley has been exported since the making the Act for distilling low Wines, and Spirits, from Corn, to Michaelmas last.

Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Customs do lay before this House an Account of what hath been paid for Bounty-money, for Exportation of Corn, since the last Act was made for giving the same, to Michaelmas last.

Gifts to charitable Uses.

A Bill for the better and further Encouragement of Gifts to charitable Uses was read a Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Mr. Boyle, Sir Robert Davers, Sir Richard Cocks, Mr. Ekins, Mr. Tredenham, Sir Henry Furnace, Sir John Garrard, Mr. Probert, Mr. Hammond, Colonel Churchill, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Yates, Lord Downes, Sir Sam. Barnardiston, Mr. Blofeild, Mr. Villers, Sir Chr. Musgrave, Mr. Mountague, Sir Cha. Hedges, Sir Robert Eden, Mr. Bertie, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cook, Mr. York, Mr. Blaake, Mr. Lee, Mr. Harvey, Sir John Fleet, Sir John Packington: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Five a Clock, in the Speaker's Chambers.

Distillation from Corn.

A Petition of the Churchwardens, and Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of St. Giles's in the Fields, in the County of Middlesex, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Numbers and Necessities of the Poor are so increased, that they are become almost insupportable; which, in a great Measure, is occasioned by the Dearness of Corn, and other Provisions, as they conceive, by distilling Spirits, and Brandy, from malted Corn; which, if not timely prevented, will, in all Probability, occasion a great Scarcity: And praying, That the House will take some Care to prevent the like Mischiefs for the future.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table until the Bill to Prohibit the Distilling of Spirits, and low Wines, from Corn; and to prevent Frauds in Distillers; be read a Second time.

Russian Trade.

Sir Thomas Davall, according to Order, presented to the House a Bill for enlarging the Trade to Russia.

And the same was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time upon Thursday Morning next.

Poor Laws.

Ordered, That Mr. Popham, Dr. Davenant, Mr. Ekins, Mr. Moor, be added to the Committee, to whom it is referred to consider of Ways for the better providing for the Poor, and setting them on Work.

Duties on Leather.

A Petition of the Tanners, Curriers, and Shoemakers, in, and adjacent to, the Town of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Grievances in collecting the Duties upon Leather, and the Difficulties in redressing the same, are intolerable; and, unless some speedy Relief be given therein, must be their utter Ruin: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table.

Agmondesham Election.

Sir Rowland Gwyn reported from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, the Matter, as it appeared to the Committee, touching the Election for the Borough of Agmondesham, in the County of Bucks, and the Resolutions of the Committee thereupon; which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were read; and are as follow; viz.

Upon the Petition of Sir Roger Hill, and the Burgesses of Agmondesham, complaining of an undue Return of Sir John Garrard, to serve for the Borough of Agmondesham:

That the Petitioners Counsel insisted, That there had been a Majority of Votes illegally procured for Sir John Garrard; and also upon Bribery:

That the Right was in the Inhabitants of the Borough, Housekeepers not receiving Alms:

Which was agreed by the Counsel of the other Side.

That, to prove the Poll, they called,

Zachary Alnutt: Who said, He took the Poll for Sir Roger Hill and Lord Chenie, with the Consent of the Constables:

That, upon the Poll, there was,

And that he afterwards compared his Book with the Constables Poll; and it agreed.

That, as to the Bribery, the Counsel called,

John Winchester: Who said, He had a Vote at Agmondesham; and that James Norwood, that solicited for Sir John Garrard, treated with him to Vote for Sir John Gerrard: Thereupon he told Norwood, That he had an old Debt due from Sir William Drake; and, if Sir John Gerrard would help him to his Money, he would be for him, otherwise not: That Norwood said, He had Sir John Gerrard's Orders to give him a Note for 5£. and return him a Note he had given for 10£. to Mr. Drake; and, he refusing to vote upon those Terms, afterwards Mr. Norwood said, he had Orders to help him to 10£. and, promised him the aforesaid Note: That, accordingly, he gave a Note, the Morning before the Election, for 10£. which he afterwards paid him; and tore the Note he had given him for it, saying, It should not rise in Judgment: That, while he was writing the Note, Norwood said, You and your Father will vote for Sir John Gerrard and the Lord Cheyne; and he desired him to go home a Back-way, over the Pales, being the Day of the Election: But he owned Norwood used to lend him Money:

That, afterwards, he went to Sir John Gerrard, and thanked him; but Sir John said, He knew nothing of it: And that Sir John Gerrard had not spoke with him for Two Years before:

That, he believed, he received the 10£. for his and his Father's Vote; for that Sir John Gerrard had told him, There was no Way to recover it.

John Maycock said, That he knew James Norwood, who sent for him to an Alehouse, and asked him to be for Sir John Gerrard; and told him, The best Way to get his Money was, to be for Sir John:

That, on the Morning of the Election, Sir John told Maycock, He hoped he would not be against him: Thereupon he asked him for his Money: Sir John Gerrard desired him not to be against him, and he should have his Money: And that he did vote for Sir John Gerrard, and had it, which was 4£. 18 s. 1 d. next Morning:

And said, If it had not been for the Getting of his Money, he would have been for Sir Roger Hill and the Lord Cheyne.

John Batchellour said, He went to see Sir John Gerrard, and Sir John asked him to be for him: That Batchellor told him, He would, upon Condition he would pay the Charges he was at, in being bound over to the Sessions; which was 20 s.: That he voted for him; and, next Morning, went to Sir John Garrard, who offered him 5 s.; and that Batchellour refusing it, as too little, Sir John Gerrard gave him a Guinea:

And that Francis Reed afterwards told him, He had a Crown-piece also.

Thomas Nash said, He had no Money promised him; but he had Discourse with one Giles, his Master being a Friend of Sir John Garrard's; and he desired his Vote for Sir John; and said, He would be kind to him:

And Nash said, That, the Morrow after the Election, he received a Guinea of Giles; which Giles told him, he got of Sir John Gerrard, for him, being a poor Man: That Sir John Gerrard, some time after the Election, gave him a Crown-piece.

John Winchester senior said, He voted for Sir John Garrard and Lord Cheyne, in hopes his Son would have the Money; which, his Son told him, he was promised.

Elizabeth Johnson said, She knew Mr. Leper, Sir John Gerrard's Bailiff; and that he sent for her Husband; but her Husband would not come to him: That, afterwards, he told her, If she would go for her Husband, she should be satisfied; and told her, If her Husband would be for Sir John Garrard, he should lose nothing by it: And that she did go 14 Miles for her Husband; and, afterwards, received 5s. for it: And was the more willing to go, being afraid of her Mother's being turned out of an Alms-house.

John Dorset said, That Mr. Wingfeild, his Master, asked him to vote for Sir John Garrard; and threatened to turn him out of his Work, if he did not.

Dudley Pennard delivered in the Poll taken by the Constables; by which, he said, there was 79 for Sir Jo. Garrard: That Robert Perrot was polled with a Query; but no Scrutiny insisted on, because of the Majority.

William Statham knows John Winch; and, last Easter, he had Money of the Parish, to pay for his Wife's Physick: That he was not in constant Collection; but received Money when his Wife was sick:

That Robert Lee had Money, when he was lame, and to pay for Physick:

That Paul Darvill lives but in Part of an House of his own; which was divided about 12 Months since: That his Tenant voted for Sir Roger Hill and Sir John Garrard; and himself also for Sir John; and both voted for Sir John Garrard:

That Abraham Bening lives in Part of an House with Robert Lee:

That Giles Child lives in a Work-house belonging to the Town, and overfees the Work the Poor are employed in:

That Richard Hogtrough, Richard Shepherd, and William Goulder, were admitted to live in the Town upon Certificates only.

That Sir John Garrard's Counsel said, They had Witnesses to answer what was given in Evidence against Sir John Garrard; and could turn it upon the Petitioner:

But that the Committee were satisfied, upon hearing the Petitioners Evidence only; and came to these Resolutions;

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That Sir John Garrard is duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Agmondesham, in the County of Bucks.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the Petition of Sir Roger Hill Knight is frivolous and vexatious.

The First Resolution being read a Second time;

Resolved, That the House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution, That Sir John Garrard is duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Agmondesham, in the County of Bucks.

The Second Resolution being read a Second time;

And the Question being put, That the House do agree with the Committee in the said Resolution, That the Petition of Sir Roger Hill Knight is frivolous and vexatious;

It passed in the Negative.

Committees

Ordered, That all Committees be revived.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Owen have Leave to go into the Country, his Father being very ill.

Army Arrears.

The Earl of Ranelagh, according to Order, presented to the House an Abstract of what is due to the several disbanded Regiments and Companies, to the respective Times of their being disbanded: Also,

An Account of the Disposition of the 250,000£. appropriated last Session of Parliament for Disbanding.

The Titles thereof were read.

The said Abstract, and Account, are as follow; viz.

THE ABSTRACT.

The said ACCOUNT.

Ordered, That the said Account do lie upon the Table, to be perused by the Members of the House.

Passing Navy Accounts, &c.

Sir Robert Rich, according to Order, presented to the House an Account of what superior Orders have been given for the Passing of any Accounts for the Navy, since the Beginning of the late War; and to whom, and for what Sum and Sums, and for what Services: And also,

An Account of what Monies were in the Hands of the Treasurer of the Navy, upon the Head of Wages, from the Month of January 1697, to the Month of September last; and of the particular Times when the several Sums were paid to him: And also,

A Copy of the Instructions to the Commissioners of the Navy.

And the Titles were read.

The said Accounts, and Copy; are as follow; viz.

The ACCOUNT of superior Orders.

The said ACCOUNT of MONEY in the Treasurer of the Navy's Hands.

The aforesaid Copy of Instructions; viz.

The Duty of the principal Officers, and Commissioners, of his Majesty's Navy, jointly considered.

I.

TO Consult and Advise together, how to transact all Affairs, tending either to the well-being, or wellgoverning of his Majesty's Navy, and all subordinate Ministers thereof; wherein they are to proceed by Common-Council, and Agreement of most Voices; endeavouring jointly to advance his Majesty's Service, without any private or indirect End.

II.

They are to propose to their Considerations, the present State and Condition of the Navy, either in respect of the Number of Ships, their Tonage, Manner of Built, Age, Defects, &c. or of the Magazine of Stores of all Sorts whatsoever, how furnished soever in the general, or distributed to each particular Yard, where the Service may require their Expence.

III.

They are to consider, what Cordage is fit and requisite for twice mooring, and rigging, and setting to the Seas, all his Majesty's Navy, for Six Months, for home Service; and to state the Number of Tons required, as a competent Quantity for a Magazine of that Provision, to be always in Store, for Supply of all Services: In like manner, they are to proportion a certain Quantity of Masts, Anchors, Sails, Timber, Plank, Rozin, Tar, Deals, &c. to be either belonging to each Ship, or remaining in Store, as a sufficient Magazine of each Kind, for the Supply of any sudden Service.

IV.

They are to take a general Survey, in all his Majesty's Yards, Ships and Storehouses, of all Provisions then in Store; and compare the Magazine required, and the Survey together; balancing what Part of each Provision is in Store, and what is wanting; and contracting with Merchants for Supply of what is wanting of the full Magazine, if they have Estimate to bear it; or, there be no Estimate to maintain the Supply, then to present to the Lord Admiral the Balance of the Magazine, with the Survey and Demand, in way of an Estimate, for Supply of the Magazines of all Stores that shall appear to be wanting; to be rated and put into Money, as the Market of those Provisions may then be rated to be.

V.

They are to take care, that no Provision of any considerable Quantity, or Price, be served into his Majesty's Stores, without Contract made for the same at a publick Meeting, where both the Provisions, its Quantity, Goodness, Dimensions, and Price, may be maturely scanned, and accordingly specified in the Contract; which being once passed, they are to send its Copy to the Clerk of the Cheque and Store, subscribed by the Clerk of the Records, with their Commands to them, to compare the Provisions with the Contract, as it shall be, from time to time served into Store; and if, in point of Quantity, Goodness, and Dimensions, it shall not agree with the Contract, then to refuse its Receipt, and certify their Reasons, under their Hands, to the Officers, of their Refusal.

VI.

When the Magazine is stated, and the Defects of it supplied by Contracts, they are to consider of an equal Distribution thereof unto all and every of his Majesty's Yards, according to the Number of Ships, either riding in each Harbour, or repairing, or in Likelihood to be repaired, in each Dock or Yard: that so Abundance may not glut the Stores, and waste the King's Treasure, for want of present Use, in one Yard; or by Wants or Necessities, either in unnecessary Charge of Supply from another Yard, or the Supply of more than the Magazine, at an excessive Rate, from a private Man's Store or Yard.

VII.

Navy Commissioners Instructions.

They are, by themselves, or Purveyors, at the Season of the Year when the East-Country Commodities come into the River, to inquire the Market-Price of all those Provisions, as Masts, Deals, Spars, Hemp, Tar, Pitch, &c. and then to buy where there is best, and best cheap; not lying themselves to any particular Man; nor to suffer the Goods to be first delivered into the Yards before the Contract made, (but Inspection to be in the Yards after, to see whether they are according to Contract) left, after the Delivery in, the Merchant may, by undue Means, induce the inferior Instruments in the Yards, which he will then have Knowledge of, to give such Testimony of them as may delude the Officers in their Contract, and induce the giving exorbitant Rates.

VIII.

They are to take Order, that an Invoice be weekly brought them, from the Custom-house, of such Goods as have been entered, and are useful to the Navy, with the Names of the Merchants who entered them; that so the Purveyors may not delude them with Pretence of Scarcity, when Choice may be had; or oblige them to one Merchant, when divers might afford more Choice, and easier Rates.

IX.

It being supposed, that, of late times, Persons employed in the Affairs of the Navy, and many inferior Officers in the Navy, traded for such Commodities as were used in the Navy, they are, from the ill Consequences of it, to take care, that neither themselves, nor any inferior Officers in the Navy, trade in any such Commodities, or any way go share with any Merchant, in any way, for Commodities sold to the Navy; and, if any shall be detected so to do, they are to inform the Lord Admiral of it, that such Officers may be dismissed the Service; since it is more than probable, that such Practices, if allowed, would make way for serving, and receiving in, unfit Commodities, and at exorbitant Rates.

X.

Once every Year they are seasonably to present to the Lord High Admiral an Estimate, under their Hands, of the whole Charge of all his Majesty's Navy, in Harbour, both for Victuals and Wages; distinguishing the particular Charge of each Yard; that so Assignments may be settled by the Lord Treasurer, to the Treasurer of the Navy; and thereby all Clamour from poor Men, for want of their Pay be prevented: In like manner, upon all extraordinary Services in setting to the Seas, all or any of his Majesty's Ships, distinguish Time and Place of Service, home or remote, according as they shall receive Command from the Lord High Admiral.

XI.

They are, from time to time, to direct, by Instructions under their Hands, all inferior Ministers of the Navy, such as the Clerks of the Store, Cheque, Master-Attendant, Master-Shipwrights, and their Assistants, Boatswains, Pursers, Gunners, Cooks, Porters, &c. how to govern themselves in their several Places, for the best Advantage of his Majesty's Service, and Welfare of the Navy; and, at all times, to carry a strict Watch over them, that they observe their Commands therein; and, upon all Demands, to be able to render an Account to them of their several Demeanors in each several Service, falling within the Compass of their several Places and Duties; wherein they are to use their utmost Care and Power, as to enable themselves, in the particular Ways and Duties of each Minister acting under them; so to discover who are honest, diligent, and active, in and for his Majesty's Service; and who are careless, unfaithful, and remiss; and accordingly to commend the one to the Lord High Admiral for Preserment, as Places may fall; and certify against the other for the Cheque, Suspension, or Dismission, from the Service, as to the Lord High Admiral shall seem sitting.

XII.

Navy Commissioners Instructions.

They are to issue all Warrants to the Victualler, for his Supply of Victuals of all Sorts, for all extra Services, and, at the End of each Service, or the Year, to cancel their Warrants, and sign his Accounts, to be fairly digested into a Ledger-Book, giving him Allowance, according to the Articles set down in his Contract, of all Victuals expended either upon their own Warrants for Sea Victuals, or the Clerks of the Cheques for the ordinary or extra petty Warrants; wherein they are to take great Care, and be able to trace by themselves, and not their Clerks, first, the Account by the Warrants; then the Warrants by the Sea-Books; and then the Sea-Books by the Muster-Books, which oftentimes vary; left want of Care and Experience in the Officers to search, or find out, those Savings for the King, which the Variety of the Services may admit, both in respect of Time, Number of Men, Short-Entries, Ante-Discharges, Runaways, Exchanging of Victuals, Supply of other Ships, should procure much Damage to the King, in the Victualler's Accounts: They are also to be able to charge the Victualler with all Remains returned, all Rents received, and all other Abatements whatsoever, which, on the King's behalf, are to be made on the Victualler's Account.

XIII.

They are, for the more Benefit of the Subject, to live as near together as conveniently they may; and appoint, and publish, certain and known Times for their meeting at the Navy-Office, twice every Week at the least, to hear and determine, consult and advise, upon all Affairs and Causes whatsoever, recommended by the Lord High Admiral to their Care, or otherwise proper to their Power or Trust: And, for the more easy and more methodical carrying on his Majesty's Service (the late Enlargement of the Navy-Office permitting it) the Comptroller, Surveyor, and Clerk of the Acts, are to keep distinct Offices within the Navy-Office, where they are to keep all Transactions belonging to their particular Duties, methodically digested in Books; that so, the Duties of the several Officers relating the one to the other, each Officer, as he shall have Occasion, may the better inspect the Transactions of the others: And they are also to meet, at convenient Times and Seasons of the Year, in all or any of his Majesty's Yards, to transact all Affairs proper to each Yard, and take an Account of Storekeepers, &c.

XIV.

They are to attend all Payments, rate (controul the Rating of) all Wages, make Contracts, take Account of all Purveyors, &c. give Rewards for all Piloting, Land and Water-carriage, Travelling Charges, &c.; warrant the Treasurer in all Issues of his Majesty's Treasury; and, at the End of every Year, sign his Accounts, and cancel their own Warrants; warrant all Storekeepers for the Receipt and Issuing all Provisions; and once every Year balance their Accounts.

XV.

They are not to pass any Bill for any Provision whatsoever, though never so small, without the same Bill be first drawn to their Hands by the Clerk of the Cheque of that Yard where the said Provision is served, and the same Bill vouched both by the Clerk of the Cheque and Storekeeper there attending, signifying the Receipt of it into his Majesty's Stores; excepting the Case of Purveyance, where, in regard the same Purveyor may, and oftentimes doth, serve Timber, Plank, &c. into sundry of his Majesty's Yards, and is to have other Allowances, more than the Price of the Provisions served, the Certificate of the Storekeeper, and Clerk of the Cheque, is sufficient to lead the Officers to give Allowance for that Provision, by making the Bills themselves, provided they take care to affix the Storekeeper's Certificate to the Bill, and to charge the Storekeeper, upon the Balance of his Accounts, so to be at all times shewed, as the Ground of ther passing the Purveyor's Bill.

XVI.

They are not to pass any Bill, or pay any Wages, by way of Innovation, beyond the Precedent of the Office, without either acquainting the Lord High Admiral therewith, or a serious Debate thereof, at a publick full Meeting, weighing the Equity of all Circumstances, either for or against it; that so his Majesty's Treasure be not wasted by the private Opinions or Favour of One or Two Officers; whose Act being Warrant to the Treasurer, and that Warrant a Precedent and Record in his Accounts to succeeding Officers, may much prejudice the Service.

XVII.

No Provision whatsoever ought to be paid for by Bill, from all or any of the Officers, without a Certificate from the Storekeeper and Clerk of the Cheque of that Yard where it is served, of the Goodness of that Provision, if sold without a Contract; or, if served by a Contract, both of the Goodness, Length, Breadth, Depth, Size, Colour, or Defects thereof, and all other Circumstances whatsoever, which may or do vary the Goodness, and so the Price, of that Material.

XVIII.

They are to be able to trace one another in their distinct and several Duties; having, as a particular Trust of such an Officer; viz. the Treasurer, Comptroller, &c.; so the general Trust of an Officer; which extends (in point of Trust and Ability to trace) to the Duty of each particular Officer; so as the Surveyor may, or ought, if need be, comptrol the Comptroller, in point of Rating or Allowance, if he conceive him, either out of Friendship, or other Ends, to give more than is sitting; so also the Treasurer may refuse Payments of Bills sufficiently warranted; thus likewise the Comptroller may consult all Survey-Books, and balance all Boatswains and Carpenters Accounts; and so all may inspect each other's Actions by their general Power, as Officers; there being no Difference in their Trust, though otherwise a Distinction in their Places, and particular Duties.

XIX.

They are, by themselves, or their Clerks, once every Quarter, and oftener, if need be, to muster all Ships employed in the narrow Seas, or in any other Service wherein there is not a particular Muster-master, stated by Warrant from the Lord High Admiral, to execute that Duty; returning under their Hands, or the Hands of their Clerks, exact Musters to the Treasurer, or his Paymaster, according to which he may, from time to time, trace all Tickets or Passes, for Men discharged before the Pay; and, at the Pay, the Pursers Sea-Books for all Mens Names, Entries, Discharges, and Attendance, that shall come to receive their Pay; and thereby right the King in all Arrearages that may happen either by the Ignorance, Neglect, or Wilfulness, of the Purser.

XX.

In like manner they are, by themselves, or their Clerks, to take and keep Musters and Counter Books, with the Clerk of the Cheque, for all extra Men entered upon all or any of his Majesty's Ships, commanded to the Seas, during the Time they are in petty Warrant; vouching, together with the Clerks of the Cheque, according to their said Musters, all petty Warrants, Warrants of Increase, &c. for Victuals, for all extra Men serving in each Ship respectively.

The Treasurer's Duty.

I.

TO receive and pay all such his Majesty's Treasure, as by his Patent, or other sufficient Warrant, he shall be enabled to receive and issue for his Majesty's Naval Affairs, whether ordinary or extra, remote, or home Service.

II.

To sign all Estimates and Contracts, as thereby to induce the Lord High Admiral, and his Fellow-Officers to warrant his Payments, according to their particular Demands and Agreements; so to signify, both to the Lord High Admiral, and them, his own Judgment and Consent therein, in case of future Queries, either for their Making, Appraising, or Payment.

III.

At the End of every Year, to digest his Account, for that Year, in Ledger-Books, fairly written for the rest of the Officers signing; stating all Books and Bills, either for Wages or Provisions, upon the proper Heads and Titles of each Service proper to that Year; that so it may appear what, and how much, hath been paid upon each Service, what is yet to pay, why it was not paid, &c. and such Course be taken, either for the Receipt or Payment, as shall, upon Consideration, be thought fit.

IV.

Upon the passing of all Estimates, for ordinary or extra Service, to solicit the passing the Privy-Seals proper to each Estimate, and settling either the Payment, or Assignation for the Payment, of such Monies as are by the Privy-Seals warranted to be paid to him, out of his Majesty's Revenue; that so the Service may neither be retarded, nor Men discouraged for want of Monies to pay and discharge them, from time to time, according to the various Occasion of Each Service, or Necessity of the Men employed therein.

V.

Once every Year, or oftner, if need be, to remonstrate, under his Hand, to the Lord High Admiral, the State of all Services, and of his Assignations and Payments of all Monies proper to those Services, for the present Year; that so the Lord High Admiral may be enabled to satisfy his Majesty, upon all Commands, in all Points respecting his particular Trust and Place, and take such Order for more speedy Payments, certain Assignments, or further Demands or Surcharges, as, upon View thereof, shall appear to be requisite for his Majesty's Service.

VI.

He is not, by himself, or his Deputy, to pay, or suffer to be paid, any Bill or Allowance whatsoever, where either the King, or the Party to whom the same is due, may be damnified; although the same Allowance may be warranted by One or Two of his Fellow Officers, according to the Tenor of his Patent, or the usual Course of the Officers of the Navy.

VII.

To be present at, and attend, all or most of the Payments of the Ships, or other great Payments whatsoever, respecting Wages, as to right the Subject in all lawful Demands; so to see that his Majesty's Treasure be truly and punctually paid, according to those Rates and Allowances settled by his Majesty, for Sea Services, or by the Discretion of himself, and his Fellow Officers, to whom the Trust of the Disposition and Payment thereof is committed.

VIII.

At the End of every Year, he is to charge himself, on the Front of the Ledger, with all Abatements, or other Receipts or Discounts of Monies, paid him out of any Bills, Books, or any other Allowances, proper to that Year's Account; that so the Auditor may add the same to his other Charge, out of the Receipt of the Exchequer, and balance his Account accordingly.

Gentlemen,

UPON Report made to the Council-Board, from myself, and the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, to whom, and others of the Lords of the Council, with your Assistance, the same was referred, by Order of the Council-Board, touching the Drawing up of some Instructions, in Explanation of, and Addition to, the ancient Instructions of the Lord High Admiral to the Treasurer of the Navy; which Report being read, and debated, at the said Council-Board, his Majesty present, and yourselves attending the same, was approved; and thereupon his Majesty, present in Council, was pleased, by his Order of the 6th of September instant, to direct, That the said Instructions, as they were so reported, and are hereunto annexed, should from thenceforward be held obliging, as well to every of yourselves in general, as to the Treasurer, and Comptroller of the Treasurer of the Navy's Accounts, in particular; and that therefore myself, now Lord High Admiral, and that the Lord High Admiral for the Time being, shall, from time to time hereafter, see the same duly observed by every one of your Board, in pursuance of his Majesty's said Order in Council:

Navy Commissioners Instructions.

I desire you will take great care, That the said Instructions to the Treasurer of the Navy, hereunto annexed, be, from time to time, and at all times hereaster, strictly observed, and put in Execution, as is required and directed by his Majesty's said Order in Council.

I am

St. James, 25 Sept. Your affectionate Friend,

1671. James.

Instructions to the Treasurer of the Navy.

I.

THE Treasurer of the Navy for the Time being shall, upon Saturday in every Week, deliver to the Board of the Navy, in Writing under his Hand, a perfect Account of what Monies, or Assignments for Monies, he hath received within the said Week; and how much of the said Monies, or Assignments, or any former Monies, or Assignments, are at that Day remaining in his Hands; specifying also, as well the particular Fund or Assignment upon which the said Monies were paid him, as the Fund upon which every of the said Assignments, so received, or resting in his Hands, are placed.

II.

The like Certificate he is, in the same manner, under his Hand, to deliver weekly to the Board, of each Payment by him made within the said Week, whether by Bill, Book, Ticket, or other Warrant; specifying the Name of the Person to whom, the Nature and Date of the Warrant upon which the said Payment was made, with the Value of each Sum paid; as also what Part thereof, if any, was made by delivering up of Assignments instead of Money; and what such particular Assignments were.

III.

Which Certificates are, after Perusal by the Board, to be by them put into the Hands of the Lord Viscount Brounker, or such other Person, for the Time being, as shall be intrusted with that Part of the Duty of Comptroller of the Navy, which respects the comptrolling the Accounts of the Treasurer thereof; in order to the enabling him, at all times, to inform the Lord High Admiral, Lord Treasurer, or Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and the said Board, in all things relating to the Treasure, Expence, or Debt, of the Navy.

IV.

Which Certificates are also to be made in such Form as shall, from time to time, be directed to the Board, by the Lord High Admiral, Lord Treasurer, or Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, or by the said Board itself; and to be, at all times, vouched by the Books of the said Treasurer, as often as either the Board of the Navy, or Comptroller of the Treasurer's Accounts in particular, shall think fit to call for, and compare, the same.

V.

And, for preventing the great Inconveniencies which may arise by the Treasurer's disposing of any Order of Assignment, or other Fund, which may have been, by the Board, otherwise pre-engaged, the Treasurer of the Navy is strictly forbid to dispose of any Assignments, whether for raising of Money, or satisfying of Debts, without Direction first given him, at the Board, by Three or more of the said principal Officers and Commissioners, whereof the abovesaid Comptroller of the Treasurer's Accounts to be One.

VI.

Navy Commissioners Instructions.

That as no Payment whatsoever is, by the present Practice of the Navy, to be made by the Treasurers thereof, without Warrant from under Three or more of the Hands of the rest of the principal Officers and Commissioners of the Navy, (the Case of Tickets excepted, which, after due Examination in the said Comptroller's Office, are, by the Practice of the Navy, made payable by the Treasurer, upon the single Hand of the said Comptroller, or in his Absence, of any other principal Officer or Commissioner of the Navy); so shall no Payment whatsoever, whether by Bill, Ticket, or other Warrant, be made by the Treasurer, though otherwise fully warranted thereto, as above, where the Fund out of which, and the Order in which, the said particular Payments are to be made, is not specified upon the said Bills, Ticket, or other Warrant, under the Hand of the said Comptroller: And in case the said Treasurer of the Navy shall, either in any of the said weekly Certificates, or at the Time of his passing his Accounts, be found to bring to Account any Payments by him made, either without, or contrary to, the Course directed, as above, the Comptroller abovesaid (to whom the Care of seeing his Majesty's Pleasure in this Article obeyed, is, in an especial manner, committed) shall not give any Allowance of the said Payments to the Treasurer of the Navy, in the Balance of his said Certificates, or Accounts, until the said Comptroller, upon reporting the same, in Writing, to the Board, shall, from them, receive the Lord High Admiral, the Lord Treasurer, or Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, their Directions therein; nor is any Bill, Book, Ticket, or Warrant, so signed and directed, to be by the Treasurer, upon any Consideration, denied or delayed in its Course of Payment, otherwise than for so long as shall be necessary for his representing to the Board any Error which he may happen to discover therein.

VII.

And, for the Treasurer's better Guidance herein, those of the said principal Officers and Commissioners who, by their Places, are concerned in the keeping Entries of all Bills, Tickets, or other Warrants, for Payment of Monies, are, before their Entering of any such Bills, Ticket, or Warrant, in their respective Offices, to see that the Comptroller of the Treasurer's Accounts, as above, hath, to their Satisfaction, affixed, in Writing, in the Margin of each said Bill, Ticket, or Warrant, the Course wherein, and Fund upon which, the said Bill, Ticket, or Warrant, is to be paid; observing, as to the Course, such Instructions as are, or from time to time hereafter shall be, given to the Board, by the Lord High Admiral, Lord Treasurer, or Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, for their Method in Payments; and, as to the Fund, the Service to which the said Bill or Warrant appertains, and the PrivySeals, or Assignments, properly appointed thereto.

VIII.

For the more regular Obtaining of which Privy-Seals and Assignments, and the better enabling the Treasurer of the Navy to perform his Duty in soliciting for the same thereby, as well to enable the Officers of the Navy timely to proceed upon any Works or Services required from them by his Majesty, or the Lord High Admiral, as to prevent the great Increase of Charge his Majesty is otherwise subjected unto, of keeping Seamen and Workmen in unnecessary Pay, for want of Money to discharge them; the aforesaid Comptroller is, from time to time, seasonably to prepare proper Estimates of the Charge of all such Works and Services, as aforesaid, and which are not provided for in any former Estimate; which particular Estimates, together with the general annual Estimate of the ordinary Charge of the Navy, being, from time to time, so prepared by the said Comptroller, and presented to his Fellow-Officers, they are after their Examination, and Signings thereof, to deliver to the Treasurer of the Navy, in order to his presenting them first to the Lord High Admiral, for his Approval, and Signing also, according to the present Practice of the Navy; and then soliciting the Lord Treasurer, or the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for the Time being, for Supplies of Monies answerable thereto.

IX.

That the Treasurer of the Navy shall, for the future, be paid by Salary, and not by Poundage; who, in the same Condition of Trust, Quality, and Power, wherewith the rest, without Distinction, perform their joint Duties of Officers of the Navy, though each in his particular Place subservient to the Judgment and Direction of the Whole, shall sit with, advise, vote, and join, in the Execution of all Matters relating to the joint Duties of that Office, saving in the Making or Signing to Contracts, Bargains, Bills, Tickets, or other Acts of the Board, upon which any Monies are to be issued or paid: And, in his particular Place, as Treasurer of the Navy, he is, by himself, or, in his necessary Absence, his Cashier, to attend all Meetings of the Board, there to give Satisfaction to, or receive Directions from, the said Board, in all Matters relating to his Office.

X.

And, as well for the more certain and speedy Dispatch of all Orders directed to the said Treasurer from the Lord High Admiral, or the Board, in the Intervals of their publick Meetings, as for the greater Ease and Satisfaction of the Merchants, Seamen, and others, concerned in attending the said Treasurer, and his Office, he is, as the rest of the said principal Officers by the Admiral's Instructions are already obliged, to make the House and Office, provided by his Majesty for that Purpose, the Place of his constant Residence and Habitation; and to be accountable for the Actions of every the Paymaster, Cashier, Clerks, and other Instruments, by him to be employed therein.

XI.

That, for the Removing of the several Inconveniencies arising from the Interfering of Accounts between the Treasurer and the Victuallers of the Navy, occasioned by their separate Receipt of the Monies allotted for the common Expence thereof, the Treasurer of the Navy shall from henceforth receive and issue, as well all Monies appointed for the Use of the Victualling, as for any other Part of his Majesty's Marine Service; and, in the soliciting, receiving, issuing, and accounting for the same, to proceed in the same manner he is obliged in other Cases to do.

XII.

And, for the better preventing, for the future, the just Clamour of the poor Mariners belonging to the Chest at Chatham, for want of the seasonable and full Payment of the Monies defalked out of the Pay of those serving his Majesty at Sea; also the Inconveniency his Majesty's Service often suffers in the Unhealthiness of the Seamen abroad, by the want of Cloaths, arising from the like ill Payments of the further Defalcations made out of their Pay, for the Use of the Slop-seller; the Treasurer of the Navy shall, at the Payment of the Wages of every Seaman, whether by Book or Ticket, actually reserve in his Hands, and from thene forth be accountable to the Chest, Minister, or Surgeon, for their several Proportions and Shares in the 12 d. customarily defaulked out of the monthly Wages of each Seamen serving his Majesty and to the Slop-seller, for what Monies shall or ought to be stopped out of any Man's Pay upon the Account of Cloaths &c.; and the same to be always ready to pay to the several Parties interested, without Delay, taking the Receipt of every the said Parties, as the only Voucher upon which he is to be allowed the same in the Balance of his Accounts.

The Comptroller's Duty.

I.

To attend all Payments of Wages to Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers, &c.; and, with Advice with his FellowOfficers, if they be there, to trace, or otherwise comptrol, the Rating of all Wages, rateable either by his FellowOfficers, Master-Shipwright, Master-Caulker, Joiner, or Carver, in case, upon Sight of the Parties rated, he finds too little, or too much, given them, in the King's or their own Wrong.

II.

To inform himself, and the other Officers, from time to time, at what Rates all Provisions for the Ships are sold in the Market, and what is commonly paid by the Subject for Battalage, Workmanship, Labourers Hire, Attendance, and such like Charges; and to see those usual Prices be not exceeded in rating any Bills of Payment to be made by the King.

III.

To peruse and examine the Storekeeper's Books, at the End of every Quarter; and, at the End of every Year, to take a general Audit of their Accounts of all Provisions received and issued, and expended, upon all Works and Services proper for that Year; distinguishing the Warrants both for Receipts and Issues, upon every particular Head proper to each particular Service; and presenting to his Fellow-Officers the Balance both of the general Store, and particular Expence of each Service; that so the same may be either allowed by the Board, and kept as a Record in the Office, as reasonable, and according to Warrant, or further scanned and debated, as the Service may require.

IV.

To be present at all Meetings, and principal in all Ratings, or Allowances, to be given as Rewards to Pilots, or others, for Travelling-charges, Water-carriage, Purveyance, &c.; and, by and with the Consent of his FellowOfficers, to rate all Bills of Provision already served into Store, or make Contracts for the Rate and Service of any Provision for the future: In all which, as his Place of Comptroller gives him a more special Interest, both to lead the rest of his Fellow-Officers, and to control their Act, if there be just Ground and Cause; so likewise the other his Fellow-Officers, as before, in their general Duties, are neither excluded from advising, nor yet from controuling him, when, either from his Inexperience, Infidelity, or otherwise, the Service or Subject may be prejudiced, or his Majesty's Treasure, without just Ground, given away.

V.

To be First, not only by Priority of Place, but of Duty, that shall sign the Treasurer's Accounts, and cancel all Bills and Books, digested into his Leiger-Book; the better to enable him, upon Sight of all Books and Bills, to controul all wilful Neglects and Oversights in the Treasurer himself, or his Fellow-Officers, in all Payments made proper to those Accounts.

VI.

To state upon all Bills and Debentures to be passed by himself, or his Fellow-Officers, the Titles or Heads upon which those Bills are proper, according to the Estimate of the Service for which those Provisions were supplied; as to govern the Treasurer in disposing them to their proper Place or Service; so to enable himself to keep his Controul or Counter-Book of the Treasurer's Account exact and even, in the Expence and Issues of each Store.

VII.

To prepare and keep, fair written and ingrossed, a Leiger-Book or Books of Controul of the Treasurer and Victualler's Accounts; that so, at the Signing of them, he may be the better able to trace them; and, after they are signed, there may be a Record in the Office, to consult, upon all Occasions, both the Rate of Provisions, the Precedent of Rewards, Travelling-Charges, Purveyance, or other Allowances, at any time given, to any Man, for any Service whatsoever.

VIII.

To be able, by his Compter-Book (to be always kept exact with the Treasurer and Victualler), to satisfy the Lord High Admiral, upon all Commands, what, and how much Money the Treasurer and Victualler hath issued upon all or any Service proper to that Year; and to render a Reason of the Greatness or Shortness of that Expence; and cheque the Treasurer, in case, upon his Remonstrance premised in his particular Duty, he shall insert more paid than indeed is paid, or more required to be paid than the Service may expend.

IX.

To keep a distinct Account of all Imprests passed to all Purveyors, or others; and, upon the Balance of each particular Service, to abate and defalk the Imprests formerly paid; as to prevent all double Payments; so to enable himself the better to trace the Treasurer's Accounts, and know what is paid, imprested, and cleared, upon every particular Service, and what is yet uncleared; calling upon the Parties to balance their Accounts; and charging the Treasurer with what remains in his Hands, proper to all or any particular Service for that or any preceding Year.

X.

Navy Commissioners Instructions.

To copy all Estimates, Privy-Seals, Assignations, or other Orders for Monies, from time to time passed, and allowed unto the Treasurer and Victualler, for any Service whatsoever; and once every Quarter, or oftener, if he thinks fit, to consult the Treasurer's and Victualler's Accounts, and see what, and how much, of those Monies assigned they have received; that so he may, by his Warrant-Bills, and Compter-Book, compare the Issues and Receipts together, and be able to satisfy the Lord High Admiral the State of present Services in the Navy, together with what Treasure remains in their Hands, what is unreceived of their Assignments, or required to perfect the Work in hand.

XI.

To balance, as an Auditor, the State of the Treasurer and Victualler's Accounts, from the first Entry into their Places, or the Determination of their last declared Accounts, to the End and Determination of the present Year; thereby to discover whether there be any of his Majesty's Treasure remaining in either of their Hands; and, upon Discovery, to inform the Lord High Admiral thereof; that so he may settle the Payment upon the Discharge of succeeding Services; and thereby save to his Majesty other Assignments or Interests to the Treasurer upon Anticipation, &c.

The Surveyor's Duty.

I.

To present, at the End of every Year, to his FellowOfficers, what he conceives a fit Proportion of Hemp, Tar, Masts, Canvas, Deals, Timber, Boats, Anchors, and other Provisions, for a Magazine for his Majesty's Navy, for the Year succeeding; what thereof he finds in Store, upon the Survey-Book, or the Balance of the Storekeeper's Accounts; and what is to be supplied, of all kinds, for Service.

II.

Upon Survey, taken by himself, the Master-Shipwright, Master-Attendants, and their Assistants, attending, to present to his Fellow-Officers, once every Year, the true State of all the Hulls, Masts, and Yards, of all his Majesty's Ships and Vessels, with an Estimate of the Value of the Repair, or Carpentry-work; that so, upon Consideration taken thereof by the Body of the Office, the Lord High Admiral may be moved therein; and such Course taken therein, for the Ransacking, Grounding, Graving, Docking, Mooring, and Repairing, of them respectively, as to the Lord High Admiral shall be thought most convenient for his Majesty's best benefit.

III.

To take care, by himself, or his Instruments, that all Provisions served into his Majesty's Stores be surveyed, in their several Conditions, both for Goodness, Length, Breadth, and Depth, according as either such Provisions ought to be, and have, in their several Kinds, or according to such Contracts as shall be made by and between himself and his Fellow-Officers, for and on the behalf of the King, and the Venders of them, respectively; that so, before the Bills be passed for the Price of any Provisions whatsoever, himself, and his Fellow-Officers may be able to moderate the Price, and right the King for all Defects certified on the Back-side of the Bill, respecting either Goodness or Dimension of each particular Provision.

IV.

Navy Commissioners Instructions.

To keep an exact Account of all Provisions whatsoever that shall, by himself, or the Warrant of all or any of his Fellow-Officers, the Commander of a Fleet, or any private Captain of any of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels, in case of Necessity, or for the Supply or Accommodation of private Service, be sent out of his Majesty's Stores, Yards, or Ships; and, at the End of every Year, to present to his Fellow-Officers the said Account, under his own Hand, for all Loans in general for that Year, attested with the Hands of all Store-keepers, Clerks of the Cheque, Captains, Boatswains, &c. that either warranted or issued each particular Loan; that so, upon Consultation thereof, it may appear to the Body of the Office, both what hath been lent that Year; what thereof is returned into Store; and if any be not returned, it may be recorded with the Clerk of the Acts, and the Messengers sent to the Parties, or other Order taken, for the Righting of his Majesty, as shall be thought convenient.

V.

He is, by Indenture, to charge all Boatswains and Carpenters with all Provisions issued to them for Rigging, Ground-tackle, or Sea-Stores, when any of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels are commanded to the Seas; and, at the End of every Voyage, to compare and balance their Expences with their Issues and Returns, upon Survey; calling unto his Assistance the Master-Attendants and Master-Shipwrights, for that which concerns them in their several Motions and Places respectively; and, at the End of every Year, make a publick Declaration thereof to the rest of his Fellow-Officers; that so they may, if they please, inspect his Trust, and, together with him, either allow the said Accounts to be recorded as moderate, for such a Service, or question those Boatswains and Carpenters whose Expence shall appear to be exorbitant.

VI.

He is to keep a Survey-Book of all the Rigging, Ground tackle, Furniture, Stores, and other Provisions, issued or belonging to all or any of his Majesty's Ships commanded to the Seas; and at their Return, upon a new Survey taken, and Allowance of the Boatswain's and Carpenter's Expence for the Voyage, to charge the Storekeeper with what shall appear to be returned upon each Ship respectively; and either deliver the same on Shore to the Storekeeper, or in Charge to the Boatswain or Carpenter, who are to give their Hands to the Storekeeper for the same; specifying in the said Book of Survey, the Length, Goodness, and Use, of each particular Provision; that so, upon all Demands, the Magazine in Store may be stated both for Quantity and Quality, and Care taken of a seasonable Supply of the Defects thereof, for the succeeding Year, as the Number of Ships, or present Service, may require.

VII.

To survey all his Majesty's Store-houses, Yards, Docks, Wharfs, Gates, and all other Passages; and, at the End or Beginning of every Year, to present to his FellowOfficers, under his own and the Master-Attendant's and Master-Shipwright's Hands, what they conceive fitting to be new-built, repaired, and enlarged, and what the Charge of each particular Expence will arise unto; that so the same may be included in the ordinary Estimate for the Year ensuing, or otherwise demanded in an Estimate for the particular extra Charges thereof.

VIII.

Whereas the Business of the Surveyor, by the Increase of the Navy, and by its lying in several Places far distant, it is impossible for the Surveyor to execute it wholly by himself, but must rely much upon his Instruments: For the better Security of his Majesty's Service, it is always to be understood, that when the Duty of the Surveyor shall be executed by any Clerk of the Survey, the Surveyor nor any principal Officer or Commissioner being present, that the Clerk of the Survey shall not give Warrant for any Issues, nor allow the Accounts of any Boatswain or Carpenter, without the Advice and Approbation of the Master-Attendant, or Master-Shipwright, respectively; and, in case of extraordinary Expence, not to allow it without first acquainting the Surveyor, who, if he see Cause, may acquaint his Fellow-Officers with it.

The Clerk of the Navy his Duty.

I.

Not to be absent, but in case of Necessity, at any publick Meeting of the rest of his Fellow-Officers; as to record all Orders, Bills, Contracts, Warrants, and other Business transacted that Day; so to present to them, and their Considerations, in a List fairly written, whatsoever Suits, Controversies, Commands, or Complaints, Demands for Supply of Stores, Warrants, Estimates, Contracts, Tenders of Sale, &c. that shall be required, or were before that Meeting, by Petition or otherwise, proffered, or depending before them, and had not received a full Issue, or final Determination, from the Board, at their last or former Meeting.

II.

To present to the rest of his Fellow-Officers the present Market, or Price, of all manner of petty Provisions, proper and requisite to the Expence of the Naval Affairs; the Place where, the Men from whom, the same may, at all times be best had, and best cheap; and especially, the Price of those Provisions that are at present necessary to be supplied, and wanting in Store, for pressing Services; that so his Majesty be not forced, for want of true and timely Information of the Market, to give exorbitant Price, and take his Commodities, without Choice, from one Man, when as divers Men, that have the same Materials, would gladly serve cheaper and better.

III.

It hath formerly been esteemed Part of the Duty of the Clerk of the Acts to purvey petty Emptions: But since the Navy, and the Business thereof, hath increased, they have not been able to do it, and perform the other Parts of their Duty: And therefore, for the future, as to that Regard, it shall be their Part to supervise the Performance of such as are appointed to purvey all petty Emptions, from time to time required, for the Supply of the Stores for present Service; wherein they are to be directed by him, according to the quarterly or monthly Certificate, from the Storekeepers, of the Want of each Yard respectively; and to act by the Warrant of Two or more of the principal Officers: And the Clerk of the Acts is to call on the Persons so appointed, to render an Account of all their Actions unto the principal Officers, and pass their Bills for Emptions, once every Year at the least, producing the Warrants of the principal Officers, the Storekeepers Demands, and the Parties Receipts from whom he purveyed or bought, with Specification of the Time, Quantity, Rate, and Goodness, of each Provision.

IV.

The Clerk of the Acts is to take care, that, upon all Wants, there may, by the Purveyors or others, be several Persons proposed for furnishing the same; that so, through want of Information, the King may not be forced to buy of any particular Man, and be thereby enabled to exact upon the King.

V.

To keep an exact Record of all Conclusions, Orders, Petitions, Debates, Estimates, Warrants, Letters, Answers, &c. agitated at all Meetings; that so, from time to time, there may be Precedents produced of the Opinion of the Board in like case; and the Subject, upon all Accidents of Fire, and other Miscarriages, or Mislaying of their Bills, Books, Warrants, &c. may know where to find true Copy of the Original, the Time of the passing it, before and by whom, with other the like Circumstances, leading the Officers to his Redress.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Accounts and Instructions be referred to the Committee of the whole House, who are to consider of the State of the Navy.

Disbanding the Army.

Mr. Conyers, according to Order, reported from the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for the speedy and effectual disbanding the Forces in England and Ireland was committed, the Amendments, made by the Committee, to the said Bill; which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were once read throughout; and then a Second time, one by one; and, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House: And other Amendments were made by the House to the Bill.

Ordered, That the Bill, with the Amendments, be ingrossed.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Miles Cook and Sir John Franklyn:

Mr. Speaker,

Earl of Darwentwater's Estate.

The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act for the more easy and certain Payment of the Debts of Edward Earl of Darwentwater, by Sale of Woods and Timber; and for enabling him to raise Money for Discharge of Incumbrances upon Part of his Estate: To which they desire the Concurrence of this House. Also,

Lepell's Nat.

The Lords have agreed to the Bill, intituled, An Act for the naturalizing Nicholas Lepell, without any Amendment.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

Distillation from Corn.

A Bill to prohibit the Distilling of Spirits, and low Wines, from Corn; and to prevent Frauds in Distillers; was, according to Order, read a Second time:

And a Debate arising thereupon;

Resolved, That the Debate be adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Eleven a Clock.

State of the Navy.

Resolved, That this House will, upon Thursday Morning next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider further of the State of the Navy.

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