Volume 97: January 2-March 31, 1705 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 3, 1702-1707. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1874.

'Volume 97: January 2-March 31, 1705', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 3, 1702-1707, (London, 1874) pp. 402-427. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol3/pp402-427 [accessed 9 May 2024]

January 2–March 31, 1705



1705–6.	1. An estimate of the charge of the Office of Ordnance for the year 1706. Signed “C. Musgrave cl. ordñ.” 1 page.
[? 1705–6.]	2. Estimate of the guards, garrisons, and land forces in England, Jersey, Guernsey, and the plantations, and for sea service; with the charge thereof for the year 1706. 1 page.
1705–6.	3. “A scheme of her Maj^tys severall gardens and plantations, as now kept up, and as each division does require to be upheld, and as undertaken to be kept p[er] Henry Wise.” Early in the year 1706, for the contract was to commence from Lady-day 1706. 3 pages.
Jan. 2.	4. Letter of the Com^rs of Transport to M^r Lowndes as to the examination of M^r Nutin's accounts. Dated 2 Jan. 1705. 1¼ pages.
Jan. 2.	5. Report of the Officers of the Mint to the L^d High Treasurer, on the petition of the Governor and Company for smelting down lead with pit coal and sea coal. They found the Company was a body politic for smelting down lead ore with pit coal and sea coal for the preservation of timber. By Act 1 W. & M. they were bound to bring to the Mint all the silver extracted, and her Majesty and her predecessors had granted a mark of distinction to be stamped on the coin therefrom. In five months petitioners had brought eight bars of silver of 55 or 60^{l wt} (pounds weight) each, and were bringing a new bar every three weeks. A warrant was asked for the master and worker to coin the same, with the impression of which they had affixed the draft. Dated 2 Jan. 1705–6. 1 page.
Jan. 2.	6. Memorial of Edward Wilcox to the L^d High Treasurer, praying for warrant to cut and enclose 700 acres of wood in the Forest of Dean for six years, as he had proposed on M^r Foley's memorial. Dated 2 Jan. 1705, Minuted:—“Agreed.” 1 page.
Jan. 2.	7. “Jezreel Jones, his expenses on her Majesties service by virtue of her Majesties instructions of the third day of March 1703–4, and to goe with her Majesties royall letters and presents to the Emperour of Morrocco and his Viceroy, as also with letters and presents from her Majesties ambassadore extraordinary at Lisbon, and with instructions and orders from the said ambassador to negotiate with Alcaid Aly, the said viceroy, to obtain an immediate liberty for provisions and necessarys for Gibraltar, &c., being an account of what charges he hath been at, during the time of his being in Barbary and Gibraltar, and on the voyage from thence, with a letter from the said Emperour of Morocco to her Majesty, which he humbly craveth allowance of.” One of the objects of the presents was to break the measures of the French and Spanish consuls and friars, who had carried a great present, to engage Alcaid Aly and the Emperor in their cause, and to hinder the relief of Gibraltar, to redeem all the French and Spanish captives to the number of 1,500 and upwards, &c. The French consuls and friars were sent away the day after he (Jones) arrived, without obtaining the least of their pretentions, and with the answer that when they retook Gibraltar, he (? the Emperor) would treat with them. At the foot is a memorandum that it was sworn to on 5 Jan. 1705. Minuted:—“2 Jan^ry 1705. Upon his making oath to the truth of these articles the total is to be p[ai]d on y^e ord^r for ext^ry expence at Gibraltar.” There is also copy of a deposition in relation thereto. In the Minute Book, vol. 13, p. 176, there is an order to issue to M^r Jezreel Jones 565l. 7s. 6d. for this service. 4 pages.
Jan. 3.	8. Letter by command of the Com^rs of Trade to M^r Lowndes, sending a bill drawn by William Robertson, who acted as receiver general in Virginia on the death of Col. Bird. Dated 3 Jan. 1705–6. Minuted:—“4 Jan. 1705. Send y^e bill back to y^e p[re]sent gov^r, and direct him to take care y^t y^e 50^l be applyd to y^e publick service of y^e colony & not allowd in y^e rec^rs acco^t.” Also the bill, 1 page and 2 parts.
[? About Jan. 4.]	9. Petition of John Vaughan, deputy surveyor of his late Majesty's stables at Kensington, under M^r Bryenne, to the L^d High Treasurer, for the balance of a bill for work there. Minuted:—“Read 4^th Jan^y 1705/6. My L^d cannot take cognizance of this.” Copy of the report of the officers of works on the bill. 2 pages.
[Before Jan. 4.]	10. Copy of letter of Col. J. Dudley [to the L^d High Treasurer]. Acknowledged the receipt of her Majesty's commands as to the pirates' gold which he had lately seized in that province [Massachusetts bay]. Six of the pirates were immediately executed. The rest had her Majesty's pardon, and were, by her gracious commands, put into her service on board the Deptford, attending that province. Never intended to entitle himself to one penny of that treasure without her Majesty's grant, much less that she should bestow it on the province; the people there in no one thing having obeyed her Majesty since his arrival. Was informed that Mr. Carey, who was sent with no instruction but to deliver a packet at the Board of Trade, had petitioned her Majesty for a grant thereof to the province. When he had “improved” the sheriffs and officers in all the counties of that province, to seize the pirates and their effects, he appointed five Com^rs to receive, weigh, and seal every parcel of the gold and other treasure, and no penny of it was ever in his keeping. Had charged five per cent. for himself, being informed that in other plantations 10 per cent. had always been taken, but had withdrawn that charge. Nothing would so well convince that people that he did his duty as the payment to him of part of the treasure in reward thereof. Nothing would prevail with the assembly to settle his salary. If he had not a seat of his own, he could not support “the figure” of the government; the assembly acknowledged his care. Hoped for his L^ps favour to obtain her Majesty's bounty, and that M^r John Chamberlayne of Westminster might attend his L^p in that affair. Prayed his Lordship's favour in his account for sending Captⁿ Walton's company three years since to Jamaica. They were the first soldiers that ever went out of the province into her Majesty's immediate service. He had troubled Sir Joseph Tredenham with his letters in that matter. The people talked freely against this expedition, and boasted that he was disappointed in that payment. Was fearful it would discourage any such advance for the future, which was the only service of which that populous province was capable to render her Majesty. If he could obtain three or four of her Majesty's ships to go to Port Royal and Quebeck, it would put all the northern provinces as far as Virginia out of any danger of the French for ever. Prayed his Lordship that M^r Constantine Phipps, of the Middle Temple, might attend his Lordship in that affair, whom he had “betrusted” to receive that payment. Hoped the treasure would come safe. Had the hardest province of any of her Majesty's servants abroad, but if serviceable to her Majesty he was rewarded. Minuted:—“Read 4 Jan. 1705.” 3 pages.
Jan. 4.	11. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the appointment of M^r Thomas Treasham in another department, his qualifications not being such as to fit him for the accountantship of the distillery. Dated 4 Jan. 1705. 1 page.
[About Jan. 4.]	12. “The sums payable by her Maj^ty and the Coll^ls in the West Indies for levy money.” “Dđ in by Capt. Cartwright, 4 Jan. 1705.” 1 page.
[? About Jan. 4.]	13. Petition and case of Charles Palmer, craving a bounty sum for his now pressing occasions, in regard to his merit for having long since done a manifest service both to the crown and public. The service was at the time of the Revolution and of the convention meeting as a parliament at Westminster, and consisted of a proposal to change the excise on coffee, tea, and chocolate, into an impost. Minuted:—“4 Jan^ry 1705. 10^li out of secret service money. Pđ.” 1 page.
[? About Jan. 4.]	14. Petition of “Jam. Caldevert” and five others to the L^d High Treasurer. They were captains or lieut^ts, and went under command of Mons. de Guiscard, Marquis de la Bourlie, for a descent into Languedoc in France, but were prevented by four French gallies. They were forced to swim for their lives, leaving all they had in the “saties” wherein they had embarked. Seeing the men engaged in the enterprise were taken by the enemy, they went into Switzerland and Wirtemberg; pray relief. Minuted:—“Read 4^th Jan^y 1705–6. My L^d can do nothing in this.” 1 page.
Jan. 5.	15. “An acc^t of charges laid out p[er] M^r Lluellyn, late Commissary Gen^ell of provisions to her Majesties forces in Portugal, from the time of his arrival there in the year 1703 to the 5^th Jan^ry 1705–6.” Petition for payment addressed to the L^d High Treasurer. 1 page.
Jan. 5.	16. Letter signed “Cha. Harison” to William Lownds, Esq., asking him to move the Lord High Treasurer on his petition for the good service he did in discovering the silks lately seized by M^r Jenkins. The writer's brother was not likely to recover, being worse than of late with the “stone collicke.” Dated Lewes, 5 Jan. 1705. Minuted:—“Give M^r Harrison 100^li out of sec. ser. money in rew^d for his service. Pđ 22^th Jan^ry.” 1 page.
[About Jan. 6.]	17. Petition of John Rayner, Esq., to the Queen. By a Treasury order of 8 Dec. 1699, by command of the King, it was directed that the reversion of the manor and demesnes of Newark, and certain lands in the co. of Nottingham and Suffolk, should be conveyed to Richard Harris, gent., in trust for the petitioner for 1,150l., and at a rent of 6l. 13s. 4d., payable to the crown for ever. By the intended grant the reversion was to be charged with maintaining two public bridges, one over the river Trent in the high road from London to York, and a building where the sessions of the peace was held. By reason of certain Acts of Parliament the grant could not be completed without another Act of Parliament. But the agreement was made before the said Acts, and for a valuable consideration; and there was a necessity to build the bridges anew at an expense of 1,500l. and upwards, and the petitioner was not obliged by any covenant to do it. If not done it would be a great damage to the subject by stopping the passage of the public road; praying consent to the introduction of an Act of Parliament. “R. Jan. 6, 1705–6.” Minuted:—“Read & ref. to my Lord Treasurer.” 1 page.
[After Jan. 6.]	18. “An account of voyages made by two of M^r Dummers sloopes in one year from Gravesend to the Briell in y^e winter & to Rotterdam in y^e summer months.” Also, “A diary of five packett boats voyages in one year from Harwich to Holland.” The last voyage finished 6 Jan. [1705–6]. 2 pages.
Jan. 8.	19. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, in relation to the importation of goods duty free, by envoys and residents to or from any foreign princes for their own immediate use, the Venetian ambassador having brought certain lace and velvet. Dated 8 Jan. 1705–6. Also two other papers relating thereto. Minuted:—“Read 15 Jan^ry 1705. It was a favo^r dispene'd by mistake to y^e former ambassador, which afterwards was found not to be consistent w^th law.” 2 pages and 2 halves.
[? About Jan. 9.]	20. Petition of the Lieut., &c. of the two late marine regiments to the Lord High Treasurer, asking if the 7,202l. due to them for their arrears was to be satisfied by his L^p, or whether they must apply to parliament. Six signatures. Minuted:—“9 Jan^ry 1705–6. When there is mony applicable to this use my Lord will consider them.” 1 page.
Jan. 10.	21. Report of the Surveyor General to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Nath. Reading, Esq., who alleged that he had discovered that many of the revenues were “out of lease,” not granted away but unjustly detained, and to which he was willing at his own charge to make out her Majesty's title; and the better to do this, he prayed the power of keeping the courts belonging to the concealed manors, and for such part of the profits of the discovery as his Lordship should think fit. The surveyor found these consisted of a very large collection of exceptions out of the grant to the city of London, and of leases formerly made of crown lands in divers counties. He advised the petitioner to fix upon a few particulars that he had most assurance of succeeding in, and he fixed upon, (1) several messuages in Wallnut-tree Lane, alias Carter Lane, in S^t Olaves, Southwark; (2) the manor of East Smithfield (Midd.); (3) the manor of Reddriff (Surrey), with Southwark, S^t Saviour's, and Bermondsey. The surveyor reports fully what he had found as to these matters, and gives his opinion that if his L^p advised her Majesty to grant all these premises, with the stewardships, to the petitioner for 31 years, in order to his making out the Queen's title, then the old rent of 6l. per ann. for the Wallnut-tree tenements ought to be reserved, &c., and to account for the whole he should recover of the improvements within twelve months after such recovery, &c. Dated 10 Jan. 1705. Also a letter of M^r Henry Shales, auditor, to the above surveyor on the same subject, and the petition. 13 pages.
Jan. 10.	22. Report of M^r Edward Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer, respecting 1,000 oak and 100 beech trees required at Portsmouth by the Com^rs of the Navy out of the New Forest. The falling of so many at that time would be much to her Majesty's disadvantage, as they would afford a great quantity of lops, tops, &c., and the country had been lately glutted with windfalls. The underwoods had been directed to be sold to raise money for walling Hyde Park. Sir William Gifford, Com^r of the Navy at Portsmouth, by the surveyor's advice, had agreed to receive one half that number. Dated 10 Jan. 1705. Two letters from the Com^rs of the Navy on the same subject. 3 pages.
Jan. 12.	23. Orders and Instructions to be observed by Charles Medlicot, Esq., Commissary General of the provisions for our army in Portugal. Given at the Court of S^t James's, 12 Jan. 1705. 3 pages.
Jan. 12.	24. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d High Treasurer on the memorial from the Venetian ambassador, intimating that the Republic had deferred to 1 May next, the laying the new duties on currants which should be shipped on English bottoms, equivalent to those laid the last session of Parliament on Venetian shipping, in expectation that the duties might be taken off here. If Parliament thought fit to enter into the consideration of this matter, their (the Com^rs) opinion was it should not be insisted on in favour of English navigation. Dated 12 Jan. 1705–6. Minuted:—“Read 15^th of Jan^ry 1705.” 1 page.
Jan. 12.	25. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer touching the payment of the bounty for corn exported, and the addition of a clause to an Act of Parliament. Dated 12 Jan. 1705–6. Minuted:—“A clause to be prepared.” With this is a draft of “a clause ab^t salt lost, goeing for Ireland,” apparently not connected with the presentment. 3 pages, 2 parts.
Jan. 14.	26. Memorial of the Justices of the Peace of the county of Middlesex to the L^d High Treasurer in favour of the release from prison of Mary Mason, late of S^t James', Clerkenwell, spinster, otherwise called Mary the wife of Maddistor Jordan, late of the same parish, gent., fined 40l. and imprisoned for assaulting and imprisoning Phillis, the wife of Richard Chamblett, which Phillis was taken to the house of one Norman and “blooded,” had her hair cut off, and was locked up in a dark room for several hours, on pretence that she was distracted and that the said Norman kept a madhouse, and could cure her of her lunacy. Dated 14 Jan. 1705. With numerous signatures. Also the petition of Mary Jordaine, alias Mason, to the above justices. 2 pages.
[About Jan. 15.]	27. Memorial of “B. Woodroffe, D^r in Divinity, governor and tutor to her Majesty's scholars the Greek youths, now and for these 6 last years residing in Oxford.” Her Majesty had declared that there should be a grant out of the forfeited estates in Lancashire of a provision for the Greek youths, which provision had not yet been made. On the petition of D^r Woodroffe, who had for the last six years been at the whole charge of their maintenance (excepting 400l. of royal bounty), her Majesty had expressed her inclination that the Doctor should be relieved of a debt of 600l. and upwards owing by him to the Crown. Prays, in consideration of his charges (between 2,000l. and 3,000l.), and for the good work itself, that the process for the debt might be stopped till the grant should take effect. Minuted:—“Read 15^th Jan^ry 1705. Stay process till next Micħas terme.” ½ page.
Jan. 17.	28. Letter of the Com^rs of Prizes to William Lowndes, Esq^re, enclosing copy of their report on the petition of Henry Johnson. The report was given to the person who brought the reference to them, but they understood he had stifled and not delivered it to the Treasury. Dated 17 Jan. 1705–6. The copy of the report referred to, and an affidavit which concerned certain prize white wine sold. 3 pages, 2 halves.
Jan. 18.	29. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of John Aynsworth touching wines in the prize ship Pelican. They had directed an information against him. Dated 18 Jan. 1705–6. Minuted:—“Approved.” The petition. 2½ pages.
Jan. 19.	30. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d High Treasurer as to a clause to be added to the Act then depending, viz., “about English spirits carried coast ways.” Dated 19 Jan. 1705–6. Minuted:—“To be sent to the Com^rs of Excise for their opinion.” 1 page.
Jan. 19.	31. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d High Treasurer on the memorial of the importers and traders in whale fins, sending a clause they had agreed upon to be offered to Parliament in relation to foreign cut whale bone. Dated 19 Jan. 1705–6. The clause, the memorial, and a letter. 7 pages.
Jan. 21.	32. Report of M^r Edward Wilcox to the L^d High Treasurer on the memorial of M^r Thomas Foley, son of M^r Paul Foley, as to a contract for cord wood [in the Forest of Dean], advising against his being allowed 10,000 cords, and that M^rs Bovey, who had iron works within the bounds of the forest, Lady Wintour, and M^r White, owners of other works in and near the forest, should not be excluded. If it all fell into the hands of one person the price would be deteriorated. Dated 21 Jan. 1705. The memorial referred to. 4 pages.
[About Jan. 21.]	33. Letter from D. Houstoune, “minister,” who “travailled 350 miles with ‘the letter’ and inclosed from Scotland” to the Lord High Treasurer, apparently asking for a reward for services. Minuted:—“40^li out of S.S. paid 21^th Jan. 1705.” ½ page.
[? About Jan. 22.]	34. Memorial of Sir Charles Hara to the Lord High Treasurer as to respites on the regiment of Fusileers. Referred to the Controllers of the Accounts of the army. 1 page.
Jan. 22.	35. Memorial of Mess^rs Buys and Vryberg to the Queen “for the payment of the extraordinaries due to the troops of Saxe Gotha to enable them to march to Italy.” “The Dutch envoys desire likewise the Queen's consent to the payment of two thirds of the allowance for a lieutenant-general to command these troops in Italy.” Dated at London 22 Jan. 2 Feb. 1705–6. Also specification of that which the Crown of England owes to the four regiments of Saxe Gotha upon their extraordinaries, in virtue of the accounts made to the Office of Finance of the States General, attested by Mons. the secretary of Slingelandt, for the years 1703, 1704, and 1705. Further:—A memorial of Brigadier Greffendorff to the Duke of [Marlborough] on the claims of those regiments, pressing on him that during his residence at the Hague he should recommend M^r Sweet, the treasurer, to pay these demands. Dated at the Hague, 19 Dec. 1705. Enclosing a specification of what was paid and what was owing. (All French.) 9½ pages.
[About Jan. 23.]	36. Memorial with six signatures to the L^d [High Treasurer]. There had been formerly a clock and bell in the New Palace Yard, Westminster, which was very necessary, not only to the Parliament, courts in Westminster Hall, officers in the Exchequer, and to all who had business there, but this structure being demolished, a good large sundial would be a great convenience, set up near the said place, and such a dial they understood was already delineated and prepared for that purpose, if his L^p would encourage so useful and necessary an instrument. Minuted:—“23^th Jan^ry 1705. My Lord is willing to pay the charge of this, provided it do not exceed 20^l. Paid.” 1 page.
[About Jan. 23.]	37. Petition of Charles Medlycott, Esq., to the Lord High Treasurer. Petitioner had been appointed commissary of stores and provisions in Portugal, and asked for an advance of 200l. on his pay. There are some minutes on the back; the first is on 23 Jan. 1705 and the last is:—“Read 28^th Jan. 1705. 91^li 10^s 0^d to be advanced.” 1 page, quarto.
Jan. 23.	38. Letter from M^r Savage to M^r Lowndes, enclosing another letter, a petition, and a memorandum concerning the collectorship of the Potomac (or Pocomoke) river, Maryland, desired by Mr. Edward Price. Dated 23 Jan. 1705. 4 pages or parts of pages.
Jan. 23.	39. “A list of all accompts of the parliamentary taxes that are passed, and also of those behind and undeclared within the division of M^r Auditor Shales.” Examined by the auditor, 23 Jan. 1705. 2 large pages.
Jan. 24.	40. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer. Thomas Forrest, who was lately imprest and carried on board the Chatham smack near S^t Katherine stairs, had been examined by the Com^rs, and had declared on oath that Captⁿ Gordon, commander of a Scotch ship of war called the Royal Mary, had at several times at night put on shore brandy, wine, &c., at a place called Sally-port, close by Tinmouth Castle, which were landed by Col. Villers and brought to his lodgings and cellars in the castle by his own coach horses and servants; they pray that Forrest may be set at liberty to attend the prosecution. Dated 24 Jan. 1705. Minuted:—“Send this to M^r Burchet to get him discharged.” With this is also another presentment and a state of the proceedings at law against Col. Henry Villiers, Governor of Tinmouth Castle. Dated 18 June 1706. 3½ pages.
Jan. 25.	41. Report of L^d Halifax to the L^d High Treasurer on the petition of Thomas Powell, who had purchased an annuity of 150l. per ann. and then wanted instead three orders for 50l. per ann. each to settle on his daughters Winifred, Elizabeth, and Ann Powell; stating the inconveniences, and suggesting that the original order should be lodged in his office, and the children should take assignments thereof. Dated Exchequer, 25 Jan. 1705. Minuted:—“Read 13^th Apr. 1706. My Lord agrees w^th this report.” The petition. 2 pages.
Jan. 26.	42. A monthly account of the cost of postage of letters during the years 1696–1705 for the service of the crown, in correspondence with the envoys, ministers, and consuls. Dated in Venice 6^th of Feb., i.e. 26 Jan., 1705–6, and signed “p[er] G. Broughton.” 4 pages.
Jan. 26.	43. Warrant of the Lord High Treasurer to the Com^rs for Prizes to issue their deputation to Thomas Kirke, John Scudamore, and George Henshaw, as joint Agents for Prizes at Genoa, &c. Dated 26 Jan. 1705–6. 1 page.
Jan. 28.	44. Petition of Philip Papillon, cashier to the R^t Hon. Edw. Earl of Orford, late Treasurer of the Navy, for further stop of process till Michaelmas term, when he hoped his accounts would be finished. Dated 28 Jan. 1705. 1 page.
Jan. 29.	45. Report of M^r William Blathwayt to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Robert Livingston of New York as to his claims as Secretary of the Indian affairs. M^r Blathwayt had nothing to object to the payment of M^r Livingston's salary from the accession to 29 Sept. last; but as to another sum defrayed to the garrison at Albany, which the latter asked to have allowed out of the customs and excise on goods imported or exported by him (upon explaining to him the irregularity of his demand), he had receded from it, &c. Dated 29 Jan. 1705–6. The petition. 3½ pages.
Jan. 29.	46. Letter from M^r W^m Squire to William Lowndes, Esq., asking him, in the Duke of Richmond's name, to press his (M^r Squire's) claims on the L^d High Treasurer. His Grace had also undertaken to speak to his Lordship. He asked for 3s. a day from 16 Aug. 1704, being the date of his L^ps order for him to be employed till further provided for, &c. Dated 29 Jan. 1705–6. 1 page, quarto.
Jan. 31.	47. Report of the Controllers of the Army accounts to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of M^r John Bingham as to his claims on Lieut.-Col. Ward, deceased, in the West Indies, being his principal creditor. Dated 31 Jan. 1705–6. 2 pages.
Feb. 1.	48. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of the wine merchants of London concerning the payment of interest on their bonds, and as to their grievances, one of which was that they paid more duties in the port of London than at the out-ports. Dated 1 Feb. 1705–6. The petition, with numerous signatures and another paper. 3 pages.
[About Feb. 1.]	49. Memorial of James Worsley and five other esquires in behalf of themselves and … hundreds others, gentlemen and freeholders, bordering on the New Forest, to the Lord High Treasurer. Being seized of lands on the borders of the New Forest, in the county of Southampton, they claimed in right of the same, estovers out of the woods of the forest, which they and their ancestors had enjoyed time out of mind. Their claims had been allowed at all times by the Lords Justices in Eyre at their several courts. They conceived they had as undoubted a title to the same as any of her Majesty's subjects could have to any estovers they enjoyed; and as the destruction of the woods tended to the great damage of them and their heirs, they represent that the woods of the forest had been exceedingly diminished of late years by warrants under the privy seal, and they had in a great measure lost the benefit of their right to fuel wood. They could not but complain that warrants had lately issued for the fall of the decayed wood to raise money for the repair of the lodges, and to pay salaries to the officers of the forest, and other woods also several times assigned to be cut down for estovers, when there were very great quantities of the stubs and decayed wood lying in the forest, which were blown down by the great storm in 1703, more than sufficient for the purpose, and also for supplying the fuellers' demands for several years. A sale of underwood was at that time ordered for raising 4,300l. for building a wall to Hyde Park. If by these means the woods were so far destroyed that those who had a right to estovers were in danger of being utterly deprived of it, they hoped his L^p would order that no more be cut down on any account, other than on assignments of fuel wood to [those who] have a legal right. And as to the decayed wood which was blown down, that it might be assigned to such of the fr … as had a right to fuel and then wanted it; they paying for cutting the same. Referred to the Surveyor General of Woods, Trent South, 1 Feb. 1705. 1 page, the right-hand side gnawed by vermin.
Feb. 1.	50. Letter of Henry Shales, auditor, to the L^d High Treasurer, laying before him a state of the account of Robert Lucey, Esq., late Receiver of the Temporalties of the Bishopric of S^t Davids, and certifying that the whole amount due to the crown was 2,038l. 9s. 6d. The auditor was a stranger to M^r Lucey's pretences for compensation out of the temporalties of the bishopric during the vacancy, otherwise than what was contained in his petition, case, and affidavits annexed. Dated 1 Feb. 1705. Four documents annexed. 7 pages or parts of pages.
Feb. 1.	51. Letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Duke of Ormond. They had considered the vast advantage that had lately arisen to that kingdom by the advancement of the linen manufacture in the north, which was of no manner of consequence seven years before, but by the endeavours of M^r Lewis Cromelin was brought to great perfection. Before he was engaged, what linen cloth was made in the kingdom was wrought in the north, where the inhabitants were most inclined to that manufacture; yet it could never have been advanced as it then was but by the endeavours of M^r Crommelin, or some such skilful undertaker, because the inhabitants in the north were entirely ignorant of the art of managing and working flax, spinning the yarn, and whitening the cloth, and were absolute strangers to the looms and other utensils necessary for that work; yet he had made them perfectly masters of the whole art and mystery, insomuch that from cloth of 12 and 15 pence a yard, which was generally the finest made in the country, he had brought them to make linen to that fineness to be worth 8s. and 9s. the English yard. As this was only done in the north, and the knowledge of this art and mystery was communicated to a people generally Scotch and of that extraction, they would most certainly engross that manufacture to themselves, and never suffer it to come out of that country. They (the Lords Justices) offer it to his Grace's consideration, whether it would not be of the greatest good and consequence to that kingdom if M^r Crommelin could be prevailed on to remove himself and family to the centre of the kingdom, and by settling a colony and erecting this manufacture, it would not soon equally diffuse itself into the other three parts of the kingdom, which was then generally inhabited by English and those of that extraction. M^r Crommelin was willing to remove upon fitting encouragement, and doubted not to bring this manufacture to greater perfection in the south than in the north. Kilkenny (near the centre of the three provinces) he said was a most proper place, as well for the goodness of the air as the water and soil. To settle at Kilkenny he demanded 2,500l. in hand, to remove himself, family, looms, and utensils, and to build a bleaching yard there, and an addition of four years to his patent, which had six years to come. As the revenue was not in condition to advance such a sum, he had offered to undertake it if the patent were enlarged to 12 years without any ready money. They hoped the proposal might be agreed to. They had no doubt it would be of so considerable advantage as to answer vastly more than the expense to her Majesty, by the addition of the years desired, besides the great benefit England would receive by it, in taking off many of the hands then employed in the woolen manufacture [in Ireland], which by that means would be so discouraged as to oblige that kingdom to import so much more of the woolen cloths. If his Grace approved, they had enclosed a draft for her Majesty's signature, that the work might be immediately set about. Dated Dublin Castle, 1 Feb. 1705. The draft referred to is not now with it. 4 pages.
Feb. 2.	52. Reply of M^r T. Foley addressed to the L^d High Treasurer to the answer M^r Wilcox had given to his memorial as to the 10,000 cords of wood contracted for by his (M^r Foley's) father. M^rs Bovey had but one or two forges at most, but he was concerned within or adjacent to the Forest of Dean in seven furnaces, besides forges. He did not oppose M^rs Bovey's contracting in proportion to her works. It was plain M^r Wilcox, if he could help it, would not admit him to any of the overplus. He thought it no crime to apply directly to his Lordship instead of to him, and hoped he should not suffer for it. He knew not what he meant by his pretending promises to others, unless he designed they should overbalance his L^ps promise to him (M^r Foley). Lady Winter's works were formerly supplied by her own woods, which were the most of any private person in that country. She never dealt before for any woods of her Majesty. And considering that lady's circumstances relating to the preseut government, he thought her name would not openly have been made use of. If 7s. a cord did not answer M^r White's profit, it would his revenge; he having had an old quarrel with his (M^r Foley's) father. There was not more wood than for the works already there, and the consequence of setting more up would be the destruction of those in being. It was false to insinuate that he designed to engross all the works. He desired that his estate should not be torn from him. M^r Wilcox had not named who the gentlemen were who would be disobliged by his having his former share of the forest wood. He prayed that he might contract according to his memorial. Dated 2 Feb. 1705. Minuted:—“7 Feb. 1705. Ord^r M^r Wilcox to attend at my Lord Tr[easure]r h^o on Fryday morn^g.” In the Minute Book, vol. 13, p. 199, 27 Feb. 1705, is:—“M^r Foly & M^r Wilcox cald in. M^r Foly is to have 8,000 cords in Dean Forrest yearly, for 6 yeares, at 6^sh p[er] cord for thorny wood, & 6^sh 6d. p[er] cord for the better wood, and if in any yeare more be cutt then 12,000 cords, M^r Foly is also to have two thirds of such overplus above the said 12,000 cords at the y^e same rate.” 3 pages.
Feb. 4.	53. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lord High Treasurer, touching spirits carried coast-ways. Dated 4 Feb. 1705. Minuted:—“To be read wⁿ y^e Com^rs Customs next attend.” 2 pages.
Feb. 6.	54. “Memorial relating to the pretentions of the troops of Lunebourg for the campaign 1705.” 6 Feb. 1705–6. 1 page.
Feb. 7.	55. Letter from M^r Richard Savage to M^r Lowndes, signifying the approval of the Com^rs of Customs of the clause touching the interest on merchants' bonds. Dated Custom House, 7 Feb. 1705–6. The clause referred to. 3 pages.
Feb. 7.	56. Report of M^r E. Harley to the L^d High Treasurer, certifying that there was due to the Deputy Chamberlains, for joining and entering tallies relating to the Customs, at the allowance of 2s. for every 1,000l., 140l. 2s. 9d. Dated 7 Feb. 1705. Minuted:—“16 Apr. 1706. Orderd.” Petition from the Deputy Chamberlains. 2 pages.
Feb. 7.	57. Order in Council that direction be forthwith sent to the governor and commander-in-chief of the city and garrison of Gibraltar, not to permit any duties for ships, merchandize, &c., imported or exported at that port; but that it be free and open for all vessels, merchandize, &c. The port having been declared to be free, duties had been demanded and received. Dated at the Court at S^t James's, 7 Feb. 1705–6. [This is a more modern copy than 1706.] 1 page.
Feb. 7.	58. Order in Council to empower the Board of Ordnance to contract in foreign parts, for the 10,000 muskets for Ireland ordered 5 Dec. last, it having been represented to the Board by the Duke of Marlborough, Master General of the Ordnance, that the stores were much reduced, and the gunmakers could not supply more than 2,000 a month, &c. Dated 7 Feb. 1705. A letter and a copy of another, of a little later date, in relation to these arms. 4 pages.
Feb. 7.	59. Order in Council referring the petition of Elizabeth Wagget, deceased, who prayed, in consideration of her husband's services (who was killed at Badajos), a pension for herself and three daughters. Dated 7 Feb. 1705. The copy of the petition and a certificate. In the Minute Book, Vol. 13, p. 242, 10 June 1706, on this petition, is:—“To have 60^li p[er] ann. on M^r Nicholas, his list.” 2 pages and 2 halves.
Feb. 8.	60. Letter from M^r S^t John to M^r Lowndes, as to additional levy money of 3l. per horse for the two dragoon regiments in Flanders. Dated 8 Feb. 1705–6. Paper containing the particulars. 1 page and 2 parts.
Feb. 8 & May 2.	61. Report of the Controller of the army accounts to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of Capt. Rogers, as to taking off the respit from his pay from the death of M^r Myvod, late brigadier of the second troop of Horse Guards. Dated Feb. 8. 1705–6. A brief addendum to the report. Dated 2 May 1706. The signatures to these reports are crossed through. Also copy of a warrant. 3 pages.
[? About Feb. 8.]	62. Memorial of Rebecca, Viscountess Falkland, to the L^d High Treasurer, for stay of process, and for time to obtain a privy seal in relation to the passing her deceased husband's accounts as Treasurer of the Navy. Certificate in relation thereto. Dated 8 Feb. 1705. 2 pages.
[About Feb. 11.]	63. Petition of Thomas Gill, late messenger and informer in the Office of Excise, to the Lord High Treasurer. Petitioner had been at the cost of a suit against John Fuller, distiller in Middlesex, who was convicted of having several concealed backs, and fined 600l. A moiety belonged to the petitioner. On a writ of error judgment was confirmed for the 600l. Asks that his L^p would give judgment in the Exchequer Chamber. Minuted:—“11^th Feb. 1705. My Lord Keeper has put this off till next term.” 1 page.
[About Feb. 13.]	64. “Abstract of the Duke of Leeds grant” relative to the site of the tenement called Nethercomb, alias Eastcomb, “and several other lands, rents, & tenem^ts contained in the said grant,” to be held for 31 years after the death of Katherine the Queen Dowager. Minuted:—“Read 13^th Feb^ry 1705–6.” 1¼ pages.
Feb. 13.	65. Petition of John Parker, Agent for the Prizes at the port of Falmouth, Penzance, S^t Ives, &c., to the Lord High Treasurer. No embezzlements had been made of her Majesty's goods, but his enemies had represented him as guilty of a crime in letting some of the worthy gentlemen in Cornwall have each a hogshead of claret, first paying the customs, and being ready to pay the price the rest of the wine sold for, which was done before the wines were lotted or tasted for sale. Describes his services, and prays to be appointed a sub-commissioner of the port of Plymouth, and he would do the business of that port, the port of Falmouth, and the rest of the ports in Cornwall. Minuted:—“Read 13^th of Feb^ry 1705. My Lord will speake with M^r Boscawen ab^t this.” 1 page.
Feb. 13.	66. Letter of the Lord Godolphin to the Lord Lieut. of Ireland, referring to his L^p for his report the petition of Margaret Blanchevile, praying her Majesty's aid to recover her late husband's estate of about 62l. a year in the town and land of Kilmodimoge, in the co. of Kilkenny. Dated 13 Feb. 1705. 1 page.
Feb. 14.	67. Warrant from the [Lords of the Privy Council] to the L^d High Treasurer for payment of one year's salary to the under clerks of the Council. Dated 14 Feb. 1705. 1 page.
Feb. 14.	68. Certificate in behalf of M^r Arthur Anderson, of London, citizen and haberdasher, who had erected salt works at Blyth, in the county palatine of Durham, and sold the same to one William I'Anson, lately a prisoner in the Fleet. Before he received payment the effects were seized for a debt to the Crown, and I'Anson became insolvent. Anderson asked to be reinstated in the works, paying 600l. per ann. Recommending his case. Dated 14 Feb. 1705. 1 page.
Feb. 15.	69. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer as to considerable frauds committed at the port of Liverpool by Edward Scarborough, late collector, John Colquit, late surveyor, and Marmaduke Deane, the controller. Dated 15 Feb. 1705–6. Five other papers relating thereto. Minuted:—“25 Feb. 1705. Read.” 31½ pages.
Feb. 6 and 16.	70. Report of M^r S. Travers, Surveyor General, to the L^d High Treasurer. The manor and bailiwick of Westminster were granted by the Crown, in trust for John Hall, Esq., for 80 years, from Christmas 1676. Edward Progers, Esq., became entitled to the Great Gate House leading from King Street into the New Palace Yard, and divers messuages, &c., parcel of that manor and bailiwick &c. The whole remaining interest in the Gate House which was granted to the trustees had become vested in Thomas Lamb, merchant, with the reserved rent of 38l. per ann. The Gate House, which the justices of the peace for Westminster in their petition desired might be pulled down, to enlarge the passage to the New Palace Yard, was formerly leased by the Crown under the old rent of 6s. 8d. a year, and 17l. of increase, to the house keeper of Whitehall. It had, however, become so old and decayed that little could be made of it but by pulling down and new building, &c. Dated 6 Feb. 1705–6. Another report from him pursuant to his L^ps commands. He had caused an estimate to be made of the value of the Gate House leading into New Palace Yard, with respect to the Crown, as well as to M^r Progers, who had an interest in the same for near 51 years. The estimate was omitted in the above report. The Gate House, with two little rooms built at the south-east corner, he conceived must be taken down to enlarge the passage to 25 feet, the same wideness with the street. Considering the decay and nature of the building, which had been used for a prison, and was then left, and that when the street was carried through to Palace Yard, what would remain of the Gate House ground would be valuable for frontage to M^r Progers's house on one side, and some back ground belonging to the Dog tavern on the other, he could not estimate the damage at more than 300l. The reversion belonging to the Crown he valued at two years' purchase (60l.), the materials at 200l. The stone having lain very long pressed might not prove so well as expected when removed, &c. Dated 16 Feb. 1705–6. The petition referred to. There is also the copy of the letter which directed the last report to be made, and a copy of the report, with this note:—“This agrees with the entry in the Surv^r Gen^lls office.” [The Gate House was not pulled down until 1777. See Historical Memorials of Westminster Abbey, by Dean Stanley, p. 403.] 11½ pages.
Feb. 18.	71. Letter of M^r Anth^y Hammond to [? M^r Lowndes], introducing M^r Chambers, who attended on behalf of M^r Wells, of whom he (M^r Hammond) spoke in the lobby of the House of Commons. M^r Wells' case merited consideration and compassion, he having expended a very great sum under an order of the L^d Treasurer, which would ruin him and his family unless relieved by the L^d High Treasurer. The L^d Keeper was well acquainted with his case. Dated 18 Feb. 1705–6. Accompanied by “the case,” from which it appears M^r Wells obtained from the L^d Keeper a grant of the living of Aldgate, the right to which living the L^d Treasurer had ordered to be tried. M^r Wells applied himself to M^r Borrett, and proceeded to try her Majesty's right, and instead of M^r Borrett furnishing the money, amounting to 553l., M^r Wells had supplied it himself. 2½ pages.
Feb. 18.	72. “An estimate of the debt of the course of the Navy for three months from the 31 Octob^r 1704” [to January]. Dated 18 Feb. 1705. Similar estimate for the victualling. Parts of 2 pages.
Feb. 20.	73. Letter of M^r Popple, by order of the Lords Com^rs of Trade and Plantations, to W^m Lowndes, Esq^re. The Com^rs had considered the petition of Thomas Byerly, receiver and collector of New York, as to the prosecution of seizures made in New York. Dated 20 Feb. 1705–6. 1½ pages.
Feb. 20.	74. “An estimate of the extraord^ry expence accruing to her Majesty for carrying on the war in Italy for the year 1706.” Dated 20 Feb. 1705–6. 1 page.
Feb. 21.	75. Report of M^r William Blathwayt to the Lord [High Treasurer] on the papers transmitted by Col. Edward Nott, Governor of Virginia, containing the proceedings of the council there in relation to her Majesty's revenue. Dated 21 Feb. 1705. Minuted:—“Read 13^th Apr. 1706. Send to M^r Blathwayte to inform my Lord why the ballance due from the ex^rs of M^r Byrd are not answerd into the Excheq^r.” 3 pages.
21 Feb.	76. “A copy of the order of the Court of Exchequer about Dame Annis à Cleerewell, in Oldstreet, in com. Midđx.” A note at the head states that this is among the orders in Hilary term, 4 Anne, 21 Feb. It relates to proceedings about an arrear of 115l. demanded from Henry Halstead, clerk, a prebendary of S^t Paul's, London. 1 page.
Feb. 22.	77. Letter from M^r Popple, by desire of the Com^rs of Trade and Plantations, to W^m Lowndes, Esq., as to a letter from M^r Caleb Heathcote to the L^d High Treasurer, containing his proposal for providing naval stores at New York. The transmission to him of English goods to the value of 450l. for building each ship, according to his proposal, would compel the employment of an officer here to purchase the goods, &c., and he (Mr. Heathcote) was not particular enough as to the iron work necessary for the ships. His proposal to make sail cloth at New York ought not to be encouraged; it would be more advantageous to have it manufactured in England, &c. Dated 22 Feb. 1705–6. The letter of M^r Heathcote. 6 pages.
Feb. 22.	78. “Acco^t of w^t [has been] paid in p[er]t of y^e 250,000^li for K. of Spain.” Dated 22 Feb. 1705. 2 pages.
Feb. 23.	79. Report of Sir Edward Northey to the Lord High Treasurer on an inquisition taken in Lincolnshire relating to some derelict lands there which James Graham, Esq. had petitioned to have leased to him for 30 years, and on the report of the Surveyor General thereon. Being required by his L^p to give an opinion whether her Majesty had a probable title thereto and might legally lease the same, he certified that it was found by inquisition that the lands therein mentioned were overflowed by the sea flowing into the rivers Trent and Humber. They had become dry land, being left by the sea, and thereby, primâ facie, her Majesty had a good title; notwithstanding which, the soil between high and low water marks, where the sea flowed, might be parcel of the adjoining manor, if there were sufficient evidence to prove the manor extended so far. He found by the annexed report that the tenants of the adjoining manor of Aulkbrough pretended that the derelict lands were part of the manor, and they claimed as such, common in them; and although the lord of the manor waived his pretence to the lands, yet that would not prejudice the tenants (who claimed common therein) from proving them to be part of the wastes of that manor; and the observation in the plan of the ground that there were lands therein mentioned formerly left by those rivers (which had been ever since enjoyed by the commoners as part of the manor, and which were not comprised in the inquisition) made the pretence of the commoners probable, so that he was doubtful if it were worth the petitioner's while to take the lease desired, if her Majesty would grant the same, &c. Dated 23 Feb. 1705–6. With this are (1) a previous joint report of the same Attorney General and the Solicitor General, dated 22 Apr. 1703, on the same subject, (2) the petition referred to, (3 and 4) two affidavits, (5) the report of the Surveyor General, dated 6 Dec. 1704, on the same lands, (6) the report made to him by his clerk, M^r Tailer, who had made an actual survey and valuation of the premises, and (7) a carefully prepared plan (somewhat imperfect). 10 pages, 2 halves.
Feb. 23.	80. Certificate of Henry Shales, auditor, to the Lord High Treasurer, as to whether there was any of the Lord Griffin's estate in charge for the crown, and how much. The estate was in Braybrooke, Northamptonshire. Dated 23 Feb. 1705. Report of the Attorney General on the petition of Edw. Littleton, Esq., and Sir Henry Gough, executors to Major Walter Littleton, deceased, for satisfaction out of the estate of Lord Griffin, attainted for high treason, viz., as to a debt of 800l., &c. Four other documents, including the petition. There are two minutes on the back of these papers. The last is:—“24 Nov^r 1707. My Lord will speak with M^r Attorney about applying the profits of this estate to all the creditors proporc[i]onably.” 8 pages.
Feb. 23.	81. An affidavit of John Jemmett, of S^t Margaret's, Westminster, as to frauds committed by some custom-house officers at New Romney. Dated 23 Feb. 1705–6. 1 page.
Feb. 25.	82. Petition of Sir Gilbert Heathcote, of London, merchant, to the Lord High Treasurer. After the public store-houses at Jamaica, belonging to the crown, were swallowed up by the earthquake, petitioner's brother hired a warehouse for the public stores, and paid the rent for three years and eight months. The Com^rs of the Navy would not pay the charge. They must have either hired such a place or taken one by force, or the stores must have lain in the streets. Asking that the rent might be ordered to be paid. On the back is 25 Feb. 1705. 1¼ pages.
Feb. 25.	83. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d High Treasurer, as to a reward to M^r Smith, comptroller of Pool, and M^r Bower, collector of Weymouth, for services by them performed in prosecuting smugglers. Dated 25^th February 1705–6. Minuted:—“Read 25^th Ap^r 1706. Agreed as w^thin.” 2½ pages.
Feb. 25.	84. Report of the Postmasters General to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Dame Frances Killigrew, widow of Sir Peter Killigrew. M^r Rogers had not been appointed agent to the packet boats at Falmouth in place of the late agent in regard to the private interest of M^r Trefusis. The late agent was removed for indiscreet conduct. The packets constantly cleaned on the Flushing side of the water, the beach being softer and finer than the Falmouth side. The former had lately been much improved by a large key built by M^r Trefusis, to the side of which the packets could come and be cleaned with expedition, and, by the help of cranes, could land and ship their guns, &c. They saw no reason why their agent should be enjoined not to remove from Falmouth. If the passengers preferred Falmouth, it was equally easy for them to go on board there as from Flushing, and for the despatch of the mails to and from Portugal. Flushing was two miles nearer than Falmouth. Dated 25 Feb. 1705–6. Minuted:—“Read 21^th March 1706. My Lord agrees w^th this report.” 3 pages.
[? About Feb. 25.]	85. Papers relating to a claim made by M^rs Alice Cæsar, afterwards the wife of M^r Higgons, to certain of the land on which Chatham dockyard is built. N^os 1 to 6 consist of one set of copies of papers, viz.:— (1.) A petition of John Higgons, gen., in right of Alice his wife, formerly Alice Cæsar. (2.) Report of the Surveyor General. Dated 18 June 1700. It appears from this that the matter of this title had been in litigation in 1692. The claim was for recompense for three acres of land whereon the docks and buildings were placed. In 1695 witnesses were examined thereon. In 1696 a second examination of witnesses. In 1699 an order in council referred it to the Attorney General, who reported on the case. The report of the surveyor goes deeply into the case and states that the buildings were erected in the time of James I., and the evidence as to title goes back to the year 1627, when Sir Richard Leveson, Kn^t of the Bath, sold to John Duling of Rochester, gen., in consideration of 1060l., the manor of Westcourt, with the site and very many parcels of land in Gillingham, and three acres of salt and fresh marsh in Chatham, at or near the King's new docks there, late in the occupation of Peter Buck, Esq. (3.) Order in council, dated 22 Feb. 1699, referring the petition and Attorney General's report to the Com^rs of the Treasury. (4.) The Attorney General's report, dated 3 Feb. 1699. He says it did not appear to him that the inheritance of the three acres claimed was ever conveyed to his Majesty's predecessors. (5.) Another petition of Alice Cæsar, alias Higgins, for the deposition to be heard by the Admiralty and to report their opinion. (6.) Report of Sir Ed. Northey, Attorney Gen^l, dated 7 Aug. 1703, on the previous reports and evidence, and the deeds and depositions. In addition he had caused M^r Lechmore to survey the docks and land there. His (the Attorney General's) opinion was, that the petitioner appeared to have a title to the three acres of marsh land in Chatham, and it was probable that those three acres were in Chatham docks. The suit if carried on would be doubtful, and as the title to the docks was of great consequence, and it would be a charity to the petitioners to put an end to this intricate question, it would be for her Majesty's service to give the petitioners reasonable satisfaction. (7.) Copy of M^r Lechmore's letter to the Com^rs of the Navy sending copy of his report. Dated 15 Jan. 1701–2. (8.) The copy of his report. He considered the claims groundless, and that his Majesty had an undoubted title to the premises and every part thereof. Dated Jan. 15, 1701–2. (9.) Letter from Jo. Higgins to M^r Lowndes. He and his wife were willing to convey to her Majesty the land for principal and interest of 2,500l. to be computed from A.D. 1656, with reasonable charges, they having spent 1,000l. and upwards in prosecuting the suit. Dated 25 July 1704. (10.) Letter from the same to the same. If the claim were not settled they must sell to a private hand, who would endeavour to exact the utmost improved value. Dated 31 July 1704. (11.) The petition of John Higgons, gent., Alice his wife, and four daughters, referring the whole matter to his Lordship. Read “ult. Julij 1704.” (12.) M^r Higgons's case. It might modestly be presumed that above 100,000l. had been laid out on the land, the full advantage whereof belonged to the owner of the soil. After spending 1,000l. and several years in prosecuting his right he submitted his case to his Lordship. There are two minutes on the back, the last of which is:—“25 Feb. 1705. The Com^rs say a state of this case has been made by M^r Lechmore w^ch shows the pet^r has no colour of title. The Com^rs are to send a copy of that case.” 33 pages.
[About Feb. 26.]	86. Petition of Lieut. Gen^l Lumly to the Lord High Treasurer, as to payment for clothing the kettle-drummer and trumpeters of his regiment, formerly Sir John Laniers. Minuted:—“26 Feb. 1705/6. Granted.” Five other papers on the same matter. 6 pages or parts of pages.
Feb. 26.	87. Report of the Duke of Ormonde to M^r Secretary Hedges, on the petition of John Travers, Esq., as to the surrender of the letters patent for the office of customer of the city of Cork, and the grant of the same to Philip Crofts, gent. Dated 26 Feb. 1705–6. The petition and three other documents. 5 pages or parts of pages.
Feb.	88. “An account of bankers annuity orders, delivered in the month of February 1705, and for which fees have been received after the rate of a penny per pound.” 3 pages.
March 1.	89. “Com^rs Prizes presentm^t of Joseph Gyde & Tho. Wood to be agents at Jamaica.” Dated 1 March 1705–6. Minuted:—“Agreed, but direct ye Com^rs to acq^t my Lord what acco^t they have of prizes brought into Jamaica.” Letter transmitting the above. 2 pages.
March 1.	90. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d High Treasurer, sending an account of what customs were due from the East India Company the 28^th Feb. 1705–6. Dated 1 March 1705–6. The account referred to. Minuted:—“Read 6^th March 1705/6. Send a copy to ye New Comp^a & exhort them to quicken their paym^ts & y^e sale of their goods, &c.” 2 pages.
March 4.	91. Copy of a letter of M^r Jemmett, who was dismissed from some office at the port of Lydd to [? the Com^rs of Customs] bringing various charges against Captain Baker, his man M^r Wombwell, &c. Also as to embezzlements by M^r King. Captain Batson was afraid to complain of M^r King. The great skill of Captain Baker was to bring in to their honours a bill of two or three hundred pounds in a term [with] “allowed by me Henry Baker.” He was fair to the owlers, for after he had cast them, he let them owl and smuggle for seven or eight years. It had been a custom formerly if any man spoke against the great Captain Baker, to arrest him with a sham action, as he did Captain Ellesden not long ago. There would be more owlers when Captain Baker had done than when he began. Dated 4 March 1705–6. 3 pages.
March 4.	92. Report of M^r W^m Borrett to the L^d High Treasurer, on the petition of Peter Fabre, a refugee from France, praying a grant of the estate (value 250l.) of one Bourdet, a subject of that kingdom, who died intestate, not having any relation. Her Majesty might grant administration to him, or such other as she pleased. Dated 4 March 1705–6. The petition. Minuted:—“Read 13^th Apr. 1706. To be laid before y^e Queen, & move her Ma^ty to bestow p[er]t of this upon some other necessitous refugees. “M^r Borret being acq^ted that my Lord intended l~res of administrac[i]on should be granted to him, says there ought to be an inq^o taken first.” 2 pages.
[About March 5.]	93. Memorial of M^r William Palmes to the Lord High Treasurer. The many misfortunes he had undergone on account of his son's office, occasioned by the change of the money in 1696, were not unknown to his L^p. The last decree of the L^d Keeper Wright, affirmed against him by the House of Lords, had given the finishing stroke to his small estate, unless his L^p would favour him. He had prepared a schedule of fee farm rents, &c., as an equivalent for Cookham and Bray. The schedule referred to. Minuted:—“Read 5^th March 1705–6. My Lord thinkes these fee farm rents are such as are come to the crown by the death of y^e Q. Dowager, and it is too soon to make any application of this kind, because the said Q^s exec^rs have not yet deliverd over the books, papers, & surveys, relating to her said Ma^ty[^s] jointure.” 3 pages.
[? About March 6.]	94. A debtor and creditor account of the Com^rs of Prizes made ? about 6 March 1705–6. 2 large pages.
March 7.	95. Warrant of the Chamberlain of the Household to John Charleton, Esq., Master of her Majesty's Jewel Office, for the supply of a new silver trumpet to M^r John Seignior, trumpeter to the third troop of guards, who was appointed to attend on the Duke of Marlborough abroad this campaign. Dated 7 March, 4 Anne. Minuted:—“26^th March 1706. Q. w^ts become of the old one.” 1 page.
March 9.	96. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d [High Treasurer] on a deposition concerning the running of some East India goods in Ireland out of the ship Anna. Dated 9 March 1705. Three other documents relating thereto. 5 pages.
March 11.	97. Report of the Controllers of the Army Accounts to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of Charles Noden in behalf of Robert Henley, lieutenant to the independent company at Bermudas, who was found guilty of threatening the Lieut^t Governor of Bermudas, fined 500l. and imprisoned. The fine and imprisonment had been remitted. As to the taking off his respit they saw no cause, unless her Majesty extended her compassion still further. Dated 11 March 1705–6. Minuted:—“Read 22^th Apr. 1706. My Lord agrees w^th this report.” 1 page.
March 12.	98. Letter of George, Bishop of Bath and Wells, to the Lord [High Treasurer]. A great indisposition, for which he was directed to go immediately into the country, had kept him from coming abroad some weeks. This had deprived him of the ordinary opportunity of waiting upon his L^p, and of presenting Bishop Kenn's humble thanks for the bounty received through his L^p. He enclosed Bishop Kenn's letter, and wished to know if his Lordship thought fit to order any part of that royal charity for Bishop Kenn to be paid into his (the writer's) hands before he left town, or whether anyone should be deputed to receive the whole at Lady-day. Dated 12 March 1705–6. Bishop Kenn's letter. He says he had no title to the continuance of the royal bounty but his Lordship's unmerited goodness to him, which he besought God plentifully to reward, and if his Lordship should forbear to continue it, the discontinuance would not obliterate his (the Bishop's) grateful sense of past favour. Indorsed:—“From the B^p of Bath & Wells late and present.” 3 pages.
March 14.	99. Report of the Com^rs for Salt to the Lord High Treasurer, upon the answer of Thomas Stanwix, Esq., to the representation made against him by the Com^rs of the Customs and the Com^rs of the Salt. Dated 14 March 1705. Various other papers connected therewith. 39 pages or parts.
March 14.	100. Report of the Controllers of the Army Accounts to the L^d High Treasurer, on the memorial of Charles, Earl of Arran, asking that respits might be taken off Major la Bastide, “guydon” of the third troop of horse guards, towards defraying the charges his L^p had been at for the loss of horses in that troop, which was under his command; they found no precedent for the same. Dated 14 March 1705–6. Minuted:—“22 Apr. 1706. It does not seem reasonable, nor can it be done by law.” 1½ pages.
March 14.	101. Report of the Attorney General to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of William Rider, and the report thereon made by the Solicitor General as to stay of proceedings on a bond, wherein the petitioner became bound for a debt of Edward Lord Griffin. Petitioner's case was very hard and deserved compassion. It relates to claims on the Lord Griffin's estate, the moiety of the manor of Braybrook having belonged to him. Dated 14 March 1705–6. Copy of the above, with this addition:— “Read the 10^th of June. “My Lord is willing, upon consideration of these several reports, to move her Majesty that, after some provision made for Lady Essex Griffin out of the within menc[i]oned estate, her Ma^ty will please to lett the other part thereof be applyed to the satisfacc[i]on of the creditors, according to their titles with respect to priority of time.” This is further minuted:—“Read 5^th Aug. 1707. Ref. to M^r Borret to inform himself in y^e best manner he can of the severall debts & demands on y^e forfeited estate of y^e Lord Griffin, and how they stand in respect to priority of time.” 6 pages.
March 15.	102. Report of the Controllers of the Army Accounts on the memorial of Col. Southwell in behalf of the late Col. River's regiment, as to respits and levy money of the regiment. Dated 15 March 1705–6. Minuted:—“Read 22^th Apr. 1706. Ordered according to the report.” 2 pages.
March 16.	103. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the L^d [High Treasurer] on the memorial of Lieut. General Steuart in right of his wife, the Lady Grandison, widow and executrix of Brigadier Villers; praying payment for the services of the Brigadier in Ireland in the late war; deducting poundage and hospital, 633l. 13s. remained due to him. Dated 16 March 1705–6. The petition and a certificate. Minuted:—“Read 31 July 1706. My Lord knows of no money applicable to this.” 2½ pages.
[? About March 18.]	104. Petition of Charlotte-Rycaut to the Queen. Her husband, Peter Rycaut, Esq., was a lieut^t in my Lord Donnegall's regiment at Gibraltar during the siege, where for his merits his L^p promoted him to be captain-lieutenant. Being eldest lieut^t at Barcelona “the Prince of Hesse, out of a just esteem for his bravery, distinguished him for the attack of Mount Joyce, where he was killed along with that noble prince.” Prays relief for herself and five fatherless children. At the foot is a certificate of the Earl of Sunderland that she had nothing in the world to live on. Minuted:—“18 March 1705–6. Some method is under considerac[i]on for y^e support of these widows.” Again:—“10^th Sept. 1706. 30^li out of sec. ser. mo. paid 13^th.” 1 page.
March 19.	105. Memorial of M^r E. Dummer to the Lord High Treasurer. He had long lain under the misfortune of a losing contract for the packet boats in the Lisbon service. Gives the reasons why it was not successful. Asks that the Postmaster General might pay him for his vessels according to their first valuation, or to direct a new contract to be made with him. Dated March 19, 1705–6. Minuted:—“Ref. to the Postma^r Gen^ll.” 2 pages.
March 19.	106. “Com^rs Prizes presentm^t of Archibald Cuming to be agent for prizes at Newfoundland.” Dated 19 March 1705–6. Minuted:—“Disposed of.” 1 page.
[About March 19.]	107. Petition of John Egerton, Esq., to the L^d High Treasurer, for the grant of a new lease of a pool or lake called Hatchess more [or Hatchew mere], in the Forest of Mara, and Mondrem or Delamere in the county of Chester, with the fishing. Also the lake or pool called the Fishpool in that forest, a lease of which had been granted by King Charles II. to his father, Sir Philip Egerton, Kn^t, deceased. Referred 19 March 1705–6 to the Surveyor General. Minuted:—“Read 6^th June 1707. My Lord thinkes it reason^ble to renew the lease to M^r Egerton, because it would be a hardship to him to grant one to any other person of y^e premises.” With this is another paper entitled:— “The case of John Egerton, Esq., concerning an arrear of rent, claimed by M^r Gilleflower to be due to her Ma^ty for Hetchew meer, and the fish poole in the forest of Delamere in the county of Chester.” 2¼ pages.
March 20.	108. Letter from the Earl of Limerick to the Lord [High Treasurer]. Mere necessity obliged him to trouble his L^p. The purchasers of his estate “from Lord Athlone” got a decree against him out of “the Chancery of the Exchequer” for making the estate over to the registrar of the same court; “by him to be sold in ten days for payment of the purchase money, the Lord Chief Baron himself being the principal purchaser.” If by his L^p'^s (the Lord Treasurer's) intercession he did not get what was due to him from her Majesty to pay off these people, he and his family would be utterly ruined by an usage without precedent to any loyal subject of the crown. He had disbursed against the French in America upwards of 10,000l. The interest at 6 per cent. was still due from A.D. 1688. The accounts had been audited three times. A pension of 500l. per ann. settled on him by King Charles II. was due since 1688, which would make upwards of 23,000l. or 24,000l. There was a petition of his before his L^p, for a piece of land in America called Penmaquid. If his L^p would get him a grant of the third or fourth part of the money, with the land, he would quit claim and title to the rest. He adds this postscript:—“Really, my Lord, it would be better for a man of my opinion to live in Turkey than here.” Dated March 20, 1705. 2 pages, quarto.
March 21.	109. Petition of Anthony Count Brandé of Bosnia and Hungary, “reformer,” to the L^d High Treasurer. Being subject to the Emperor (though of the reformed religion) he had suffered much from the cruelty of the rebels in Hungary, and was deprived of friends and estate. He had been about four months in London. Asks assistance, being almost starving. He desired to go to Catalonia, to venture his unfortunate life under Charles the Third. Minuted:—“21^th March 1705–6. 20^li to be given him out of secret service moneys.” 1 page.
[Before 25] March.	110. Letter from the L^d Lieut. of Ireland to the L^d High Treasurer, advising the superseding of Lieut.-Col. William Culliford and Major William Oglethorp, in regard to their infirmities, and the placing them on the list of military pensions in Ireland for 250l. each, Lord Mohun's regiment being about to embark for Catalonia. Dated Mar. 1705–6. “Read 24 Apr. 1706. To be laid before y^e Q.” 1 page.
March 25.	111. Order in Council on reading the report of the Archbishop of York on the state of the French church at Wapping. The report states that this church was set up four years ago by Mons. de la Prade, a French minister, licenced by the B^p of London, at the desire and and for the use of the Jersey and Guernsey people who inhabited at Wapping. They were unacquainted with the English language, and living at a great distance from any French church, could not resort to the public worship of God. M^r de la Prade hired the house where they assembled, for which the people were to pay 10l. per ann., and at his own charge he set up a pulpit and built pews to fit it for a chapel or meeting place. For the last four years he had performed the office of minister, preached twice every Lord's day, and hoped at least for a subsistence from the people; but they being very poor, their contributions would hardly defray the house-rent, and the minister, so far from getting anything, was 50l. out of purse. But for the intercession of M^r Russell, the English minister, the pews and pulpit would have been seized for rent. The congregation consisted of about 50 families (M^r de la Prade says 84, viz., 80 families of Jersey and Guernsey people, and four families of other French). The persons who commonly attended were about 100, and when the seamen were at home about 140. At the first their worship was after the way of the French Protestants abroad, but for the last 12 months they had used the English Liturgy translated into French. The Archbishop was of opinion the church should be kept up, and asks for the royal bounty. The order refers it to the L^d High Treasurer. Dated 25 March 1706. Minuted:—“2 May 1706. To be laid before ye Q.” 3 pages.
[March 25.]	112. Acco^t of the Civil List Revenues for one entire year; to wit, from Lady-day 1705 to Lady-day 1706, and of the payments made out of the same. 2 pages.
March 26.	113. Report of M^r J. Brydges to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the pay of Major Gen^l O'Farrell, Brigadier Montandre, Col. John Richards, and Adjutant General Lundie, who served as general officers in the King of Portugal's army, the deduction of which the King would not allow out of what was to be paid to the 13,000 Portuguese troops. Dated 26 March 1706. Minuted:—“Read 26^th Mar. 1706. My Lord thinks the best way for the bearing of this charge will be to add so much to the conting^t on the establishm^t for the forces in Portugal.” 1 page.
March 26.	114. Certificate of Mos. Giraudeau of the allowances payable on the establishment of the Treasurer of the Chambers office to the Master of the Buckhounds. Dated 26 March 1706. 1 page.
March 27.	115. Letter of Thomas Langhorne to the L^d High Treasurer, as to the bills drawn by the former. Dated “Genoua,” 27 March 1706. 1 page.
March 30.	116. Memorial of J. Brydges to the L^d High Treasurer, as to 26,666l. 13s. 4d. to be paid to the Duke of Savoy. Dated 30 March 1706. Minuted:—“Read 30th Mar. 1706. S^r Theod. Janssen will give his bills for this remittance to go by next Tuesday's post at 59½^d p[er] crown, and will bring his proposall in writing to y^e Tre[asur]ry to-morrow in order to be entred, my Lord having agreed thereunto.” 1 page.
March 30.	117. Report of M^r Edward Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of the minister, churchwardens, and other inhabitants of the parish of Porchester, in the county of Southampton, representing that in the Dutch war their parish church was made use of by King Charles II., together with Porchester Castle, for securing prisoners of war, and it was by them set on fire and the greatest part ruined. With hard shift divine worship had been celebrated in part of it until lately, but it had become so ruinous that it could no longer be used until new built or repaired at an expense of 400l., which the poor parishioners were unable to raise. About 50 loads of timber would be required, worth about 125l., which might be cut in the forest of “Bier;” but the timber was fit for the navy, and he advised that money should be given instead of timber. The money might be raised in Windsor Forest by sale of old dotard and decayed trees fit for nothing but fuel, and which the neighbouring people were daily cutting down. Dated 30 March 1706. The petition referred to. Minuted:—“Read 4^th Sept^r 1706. To be laid before y^e Queen.” 2 pages.
March 30.	118. Report of the Controllers of the Army Accounts to the L^d High Treasurer, on a memorial of Col. Hans Hamilton, relating to the off-reckonings of his regiment lately commanded by the late Lord Lucas. Dated 30 March 1706. Minuted:—“Read 22 Apr. 1706. My Lord agrees to this report.” 2 pages.
March 31.	119. Letter from W. Houstonne (fn. ) to the [Lord High Treasurer], asking that M^r Taylor might be ordered to pay him two years of subsistence, being in continuation of 40^li annually remitted and paid for 15 years, “nemini notum,” save one or two select persons about their Majesties. Minuted:—“Orderd 31 March 1706. 40^li out sec. services.” P^d 1^st April. 1 page.