Minute Book: April 1672

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 3, 1669-1672. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1908.

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'Minute Book: April 1672', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 3, 1669-1672, (London, 1908) pp. 1057-1066. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol3/pp1057-1066 [accessed 19 April 2024]

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April 1672

1672.
April 1.
Monday.
Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household, Sir John Duncombe.
[Ordered] that the Controller of the Customs do forthwith deliver in an accompt of what moneys the Receiver General of the Customs has received from the several receivers in the port of London and from each collector in the out-ports for the half year beginning at Michaelmas last. This account to be delivered to Auditor Beale.
[Ordered] that the Trustees for sale of Fee Farms do, as soon as my Lords meet again after Easter, send in a particular of such persons as have passed contracts with said Trustees for the purchase of any fee farms upon which purchase money is not yet paid and of such for whom any fee farm rents are set aside and of such as have paid part of their purchase money and not finished the same: with the names of all said persons distinctly set against each item. (Out Letters General III. p. 104.)
Refer to Sir C. Harbord to report to my Lords the value of Bestwood Park in co. Notts.
The Excise Commissioners [called in and] tendered a paper of interest money, which was for moneys [advanced by the respective Excise farmers] before the days [prefixed. Said paper is] allowed by my Lords and signed.
[On the question which is raised] "about forfeitures of Farmers' leases of Excise [viz.] whether the month be reckoned by almanac month or four weeks to a month my Lords appoint the last day to be stayed for."
Mr. Collingwood's petition is referred to Sir C. [Harbord] to report what inconveniences there may be if his Majesty grants the petitioner's desire under the rent mentioned and whether the courts and his Majesty's prerogative may not be as well maintained.
Mr. Prettyman and Mr. Porter came in about said Prettyman's debt and they promise to pay it as soon as Sir Robert Carr returns: till when 'tis deferred.
The Auditor to bring in Mr. [Col.] Whitley's account and his [Whitley's] orders for such money as he has paid for the President of Wales are to be brought in and my Lords will take further order in it.
Mr. Tomkins' business is to be done as desired.
Mr. Hugh Holland's security is allowed.
Capt. Phill. Howard's business is to be done for [a grant of] 31 years of the [office of] steward of the bailiwicks and stewardship of Muchland.
Mrs. Jones to have her husband [Cadwallader Jones] discharged [on] paying 300l. The profits of the office to be [received] for the King till the money is paid.
Lord Willoughby came in. Ordered that he or one whom he shall appoint take a new muster of the [Barbados] regiment and have power to summon what persons he pleases and return an account of it with what speed he can. [Ordered] that Lord Willoughby dates and reviews the accompt of ships at the Barbados as may be directed in his paper. Vide paragraph 2. As soon as my Lord [Willoughby] comes to the . . . (struck through).
Mr. Weaver and a constable came in. The constable says that the officer of the Hearthmoney pulled a maid by the arm but did her no other violence, but the maid died and said at her death she was killed. Another said that Samuell Bernard, an apothecary, was with the maid and found her in a fever and applied remedies as blisters, which would not do good, and when he askt how she came ill her mistress said she was never well since she was frighted with the officer. The Attorney General moves to send for the Coroner's inquest and depositions. My Lords to send for the Coroner to-morrow. His name is Snelgrave.
The Attorney General comes in about exported beer. He says that they [the merchants at the time of entry] enter 23 barrels and pay Excise but for 20 barrels and they keep three barrels at home and when they export the twenty barrels they demand for it according to the Act. The question clearly is if they enter 23 barrels and pay for 20 what is the demand upon exportation, whether 23 or 20, [that is whether] as they paid or as they entered. The brewers are called in. The Treasurer of the Household says they have consulted [about] the business and are of opinion the Commissioners do right: that they should be allowed for no more than they pay excise for. The brewers say that 23 barrels make but 20 barrels. My Lords say they must trust to them then. Besides my Lords add that if there be inconveniency they need not transport. The Treasurer of the Household alleges that the King's officers have been ordered to come down [to the docks] about exportations and there has been no ship [which had the effect] to tire out the officers. A paper produced accordingly.
Sir Thomas Daniell's petition concerning Arcliffe Fort is to be read the first sitting after Easter for my Lords to take order in it.
[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 234–7.]
April 2. Present: Treasurer of the Household.
Adjourned till Friday in Easter week in the morning before [the meeting of the Privy] Council.
On Mr. Bray's petition [ordered] to put my Lords in mind for half a year's pension for him.
Sir Ste. Fox's interest account to be the first thing proceeded upon when my Lords meet next.
[Ibid. p. 237.]
April 10.
Wednesday.
Present: Treasurer of the Household.
[Ibid. p. 238.]
April 12.
Friday.
Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household.
Lord Willoughby [called in] offering to my Lords [for their consideration as to] what terms he shall go upon [as Governor] to the Barbados, for the Excise on liquors is there taken off and the four and a half per cent. duty is settled [appropriated] for debt. But my Lords say that the island must provide for the Governor and do something in some other way. But withal my Lords say that Lord Willoughby should consult with the island about some better way than the four and a half per cent. so that upon the whole the debt now charged may be paid and the value of 4,000l. per an. at least remain clear for the King to dispose of.
Instructions for Lord Willoughby.
Where [as there are certain] extraordinary debts [viz.] to Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment and to impr. [losses and charges of privately owned] ships for the last Dutch war, by which the 4 and ½ per cent. is charged deeply, as also the pretence of the Earl of Kinnoul and Lord Willoughby's daughters, &c., and imposition on sugar taken off, Lord Willoughby, before he goes, [is] to state the account what's due to the soldiers, next what is due for shipping and then that his Lordship will endeavour the change of the 4 and ½ per cent. for revenue and settle a revenue for payment of soldiers and ships, &c., or raise money, as also [for] the support of the governor, and in the mean time in lieu of the [present] support of the governor that the island find some other way in the place of the imposition of the sugars for the governor. And that Lord Willoughby do this by such ways as may be most acceptable [to the island]. Notice to be taken of the fact that the revenue in all did formerly amount to 8 or 9,000l. a year. The Governor to have out of the 4½ per cent. 800l. per an. and to be paid as the rates of the sugar are there and the farmers [of the 4 and ½ per cent. duty] to be defalcked so much. To be done [drawn] against to-morrow; and Lord Willoughby makes no conclusion till the return from the Lords' approbation.
Petition from Lord Willoughby and Mr. John Cary, praying that upon surrender of several letters patent granted to them of the office of Keeper of His Majesty's Park of Bestwood, co. Notts, and upon Lord Willoughby's acquitting His Majesty of the arrears of his fee of 4d. a day [for said office] His Majesty will be pleased to ascertain to said Lord Willoughby [alone] only a lease of 21 years of said park and 4 loads of hay to commence from Lady Day last, with liberty to make waste, assarts, purprestures, and to plough, let and assign the same notwithstanding the penalty of forest laws: all at a pepper-corn rent. Said petition, being referred on the 9th inst. to the Treasury Lords from the King, who is well inclined to grant the request, is referred by my Lords to Sir C. Harbord. (Out Letters General III. p. 106.)
To have an account from Sir Rob. Long to-morrow morning what moneys have been paid in to the Exchequer on the [farm] rent of the 4 and ½ per cent. duty and what is yet due thereon to His Majesty. Send to Col. Stroud, the [deputy] Governor of Dover, to pay in his rent on account of said duty in the Barbados with all speed or process will issue: also for him to attend my Lords. (Out Letters General III. pp. 107, 108.)
Compare the bill of Monck and Plumer [to see] whether it doth contain no greater power than what hath formerly been granted.
[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 238–9.]
April 12.
Friday afternoon.
At Lord Arlington's lodgings. Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household.
Ordered that Sir Robert Howard write letters to Auditor Phillips and such others whom it may concern that they certify my Lords the particulars of such fee farm rents and other rents as yet remain unsold or contracted for and the money not paid, as also all such rents as are comprehended in the Queen's jointure unsold or contracted for as beforesaid and which lie within the Northern counties (that is to say the counties of Notts, Derby, Cheshire, Staffs, Lancs, Yorks, Durham Bishopric, Westmorland, Northumberland and Cumberland). Write to the Trustees for sale of Fee Farms to give all furtherance to the auditors in this service and in order hereto that said Trustees and their clerks afford a sight of their books and registers to said auditors. (Out Letters General III. pp. 106, 107.)
[Ibid. p. 240.]
April 13.
Saturday.
Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household.
Sir Robert Holmes's petition and Sir C. Harbord's report thereon are read. Ordered to be done accordingly but Sir Ro. Holmes to be spoken with about it and acquainted with Sir C. Harbord's report.
Mr. Roberts [to be appointed] according to the Prince [Rupert's desire] in Mr. Merriott's place [as Receiver] for Windsor.
Petition for the mayor and burgesses of Saltash. Ordered by His Majesty to be done as desired.
Warrant for Mr. Collingwood signed by His Majesty: to be done.
Mr. Blewstaine [warrant for] 100l. signed by His Majesty: to be done.
[Mr.] Carter [warrant for] 300l. signed by His Majesty: to be done.
Sir Walter Moyle to be discharged.
Warrant for 100l. for Mr. Edward Billingsley on the dormant warrant for service done.
Sir Rob. Viner and the Chimney Farmers are to attend my Lords.
[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 240–1.]
April 18. Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household.
Enter the letter from the Commissioners of the Navy written to Sir Tho. Osborne, as also the estimate, and draw up a letter from my Lords to them of their resentment of a false (struck through), unjust and scandalous complaint and a proceeding that seems designed against the honour of my Lords to charge them with taking offence at any attendance relating to the public and interpreting to so ill a sense my Lords' care for the most thrifty management of the King's business.
A privy seal to be drawn for 800l. per an. for Viscount Grandison during pleasure.
Upon Sir Tho. Morgan's letter my Lords order that he should give a particular at this time of what is to be carried to Jersey and they will order it, but [my Lords will] grant no general licences nor orders. In the margin: Abbot to enquire for Sir Tho. Morgan's agent about this.
The Commissioners of the Navy called in. My Lords will direct Sir Thomas Osborne to pay 1,500l. or 2,000l. a week towards the 10,000l. to enable the victuallers to defray the present charge of the extraordinary petty warrants for victualling the fleet till the 10,000l. is paid to the victuallers which they demand. My Lords will [also] order the fee farm order of the victuallers to be paid.
Upon the delivery of the petition of John Catcher ordered that enquiry be made of the Earl of Bath when the present covenant of the tin [farm] ended.
On Tuesday week in the afternoon Dr. Doble and Bannister are to attend my Lords and a copy of the petition is to be sent to Dr. Doble.
[Ibid. pp. 241–2.]
April 19. Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household.
Warrant for 12,000l. per an. for the Queen: to be paid quarterly upon the London Excise commencing from Xmas last. To pass by a great seal.
Warrant for 500l. for half a year to the Earl of Carlisle.
Warrant for Mr. Nicholas Coxe to be in the place of Mr. Bates, deceased, as Customer of Tynemouth.
A bill of exchange to be made upon the Collector of Newcastle for 1,000l. to be paid to Col. Villers or whom he shall appoint for the fortification of Tynemouth. The Master of the Ordnance will send directions to me [Sir Ro. Howard] to whom and how it should be paid.
Major Andros to have a copy of Lord Willoughby's report and to bring his answer forthwith.
A privy seal for Mr. Bostock (struck through) that the former privy seal for the city of London be explained and the city admitted to purchase reversions as well as rents in possession, the rents in reversion at 8 years' purchase. And also that [as for] the 5,000l. orders left by Sir Ste. Fox for the interest of the 60,000l. [loan from the city] that he be admitted to purchase [fee farms] with such orders as the city does.
In answer to the letter from the county of Lincoln a letter of thanks [is to be sent] to the Commissioners of said county for their care and [to inform them] that they should not proceed in trafficking any money till the event of the issue of the trial. Speak with Mr. Sherwin about it. There is one Collector that has money to pay: to be directed where to pay it.
A letter to be written to Mr. Hall, Mr. Hearne, &c., as in Sir Robt. Carr's paper that since they did name Mr. Robert Marshler head collector and he is faulty in his accompts that they must take care that he clear his accompts, otherwise process will go against them for the money.
Send to Sir Thomas Player to attend about some reward for him.
Warrant for Lord St. John and his partners [in the late intended farm of the Customs] to contract for the [fee farm] rents in possession [within the limits] of the several counties given in by Auditor Phelips, amounting to 10,374l. 1s. 6¾d. Also a privy seal to be prepared to convert their tallies into money. The said 10,374l. 1s. 6¾d. is in full satisfaction of their debt, charges and interest.
Warrant to the Receiver of the Bishopric of Durham to pay 70l. 5s. 6d. for passing Sir Fr. Goodrick's patent. Sir Fran. Goodrick to attend on Tuesday next with Mr. Arden.
Mr. Wood and Mr. Wyld to attend my Lords on Tuesday next about Mr. Wood's petition: and Mr. Bridges, who purchased Wyld's place [of an Auditor for Imprests] is to have no order to swear him [into his place] till Mr. Wood be satisfied [by said Wyld of the fees due to said Wood's late father taken wholly by said Wyld].
Mr. Monke's business to pass.
The Earl of Rochester's petition for a grant of His Majesty's interest in the Chase of Kingswood, co. Gloucester, is referred to Sir C. Harbord to report what was the nature of Sir Baynham Throckmorton's grant of his Majesty's interest in said chase. (Out Letters General III. p. 108.)
On Tuesday afternoon the Earl of Peterborough's petition about begging [a grant of a fine of] 500l. and the state of the [said] fine is to be shewn to my Lords.
Sir Allen Apsley called in. My Lords, upon his motion, consent that he should go on with the suit.
Ordered that, if the King pleases, my Lords are content that Mr. Hamilton should have the effect of his petition.
Mr. Morris to have warrant to apply the money paid upon his contract for fee farm rents to his purchase for other rents in regard Prestott's rents contracted for were sold to the Earl of Bath and Prestott's name only [used as] in trust for Mr. Morris.
[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 243–5.]
April 20.
Saturday.
Present: Treasurer of the Household.
Mr. Blaithwait's money allowed. To have a privy seal.
Petition from Sir Robert Long for a new lease of Higham Ferrers Park, co. Northampton, with the change of a life. Referred to Sir C. Harbord. (Out Letters General III. p. 109.)
Sir John Benne[t], Mr. Fanshaw, Sir Samuell Sterlinge and Mr. Dawson are to attend my Lords on Tuesday afternoon.
[Ibid. p. 245.]
April 23.
Tuesday.
Present: Lord Ashley, Sir John Duncombe.
Send to Mr. Porter and Mr. Prettyman to attend my Lords on Friday next.
Sir George Charnock to have half a year upon his petition. And a warrant for half a year for Bull.
Mr. Green, Capt. Kingdome, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Auditor Aldworth and all the Commissioners of the Wine Act are to attend my Lords on Thursday morning.
Speak with Sir Robt. Long how the Exchequer may be cleared if the Collector of [Customs at] Newcastle pay 1,000l. to the order of the Ordnance [Office] in those parts.
Petition from Sir Edward Savage for the roots and stumps of all such trees as have been felled in Sherwood Forest, co. Notts. Referred to Sir C. Harbord. (Out Letters General III. p. 111.)
Col. Mostyn's account of the Hearthmoney for part of North Wales is not yet sworn to by his deputy, David Jones, now attending the Auditor for passing the same. Write to Deputy Auditor Tudor to swear him and to draw up his account for declaration accordingly. (Out Letters General III. p. 110.)
Mr. Sherwyn and Mr. Fillingham are to attend my Lords on Friday morning about that part of the revenue referred to them.
The Trustees of the fee farms are to attend my Lords on Thursday morning.
Write Auditor Wild (Wylde) to attend my Lords on Tuesday morning, May 7 next, about the business depending between him and Mr. George Wood, administrator of Auditor Wood, deceased. (Out Letters General III. p. 110.)
Sir Francis Goodricke and Mr. Arden called in about Durham [rents and the following decisions are taken hereon].
My Lords will have old tenants continued where they pay as formerly. To let for the present for a year.
S0ir Gilbert Gerrard to rent Auckland at the rent it was usually.
Write the Chancellor of [the Palatinate of] Durham to satisfy the tenants that they shall hold the lands and go on with the bargains and where the old tenants will not hold, to put in others.
To put Sir Gilbert Gerrard in mind of Mr. Eggleston.
Mr. Wharton's business about renting his lot in Durham is to be considered on Friday.
[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 246–7.]
April 24 Present: Lord Ashley, Sir John Duncombe.
"To set the business of Moat Park in order according to the Duke of Albemarle's business."
The petition of the Governors of the Hospital of St. James is to be granted if that [institution] be not a debtor to the King [for taxes].
Find out whether Heatly and Gold's debt on the Navy be registered, being for 5,179l. 18s. 6d.
Mr. Statesmore to pay 10l. and give security for his debt. Then to be freed. Name the [amount of the] debt.
A day to be appointed for Mr. Duarts' petition and the Trustees [for sale of Fee Farms] to be summoned on Friday next. Notice to be given immediately.
The letter from the Commissioners of Norfolk is to be sent to Mr. Sherwin and Mr. Webb to report whether the account agrees.
Enquire of Col. Eubanke what his discovery is, whether it is not in the cognizance of the King already; and my Lords will then do something for him.
The petition from Price (George Peirce, the vintner) about decayed wines [viz.] for his Wine Act bonds to be delivered up, is referred to Col. Birch and [Mr. Waring and Mr. Wingate] the rest [of the Wine Act Commissioners]. (Out Letters General III. p. 113.)
Petition from Mr. Hudson. Half a year to be granted.
Petition from Col. Gifford. My Lords will do nothing in it. Mr. Lawrence to make a lease of the estate to himself [in trust for the King].
Petition from Lady Williams. [Ordered] to have half a year.
Something to be found for Mrs. Lisle (Mrs. Lesley) to the value of 100l. or 200l.
Petition from Mr. Walden. Another [person is ordered] to collect the arrears. His office of 80l. a year to be enstalled or 60l. of it.
On Tuesday next Mary Ruth's petition is to be heard.
On Lord Digby's petition my Lords can do nothing.
Sir Tobias Bridge and Mr. Kirke to attend my Lords another time.
Mr. Jay to have liberty till Michaelmas in order to pay the King's debt. Meanwhile if he pays in proportions fitting he may have further favour. Mr. Lawrence to be consulted with.
"The Prizage Farmers' petition [is] to be discoursed with the King: would have it if they press for a day to have." In the margin: If these come to enquire about their business enquire of me [Sir Ro. Howard].
Petition from Snape, [the King's] Serjeant Farrier, for making void a lease of his house at Hampton Court and obtaining a new one, with power to retail wine. Referred to the Wine Licence Commissioners. (Out Letters General III. p. 111.)
Mr. Lawrence to have some money for the [King's] private highways.
Send to the Auditors to know why the late Farmers of the Customs have not made up their accounts and to Sir Edmund Turner to attend my Lords on Friday morning about the [additional] duty of 4l. per tun on wines.
[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 248–50.]
April 26.
Friday.
Present: Lord Ashley, Sir John Duncombe.
An order to be made to the Trustees [for sale of Fee Farms] that they should not sell any Castle ward rents but reserve them and to sell such other rents in their room as are yet reserved for defraying perpetuities [and other fixed charges fixed on the Crown revenues in the respective counties].
Col. Kerby to attend my Lords on Monday afternoon.
Mr. Lawrence to fee the King's Counsel for argument of the demurrer joined in the Exchequer between the King and the Commissioners of Suffolk, concerning supers in the account of Mr. Gips for the Royal Aid.
Mr. Porter and Mr. Prettiman promise to pay in, in the present term, the money which they owe.
Write Mr. Dobson by Exchequer messenger that if he do not come over on Monday about Mr. Banister's money of the subsidy a messenger shall go for him.
Write to the Trustees [for sale of Fee Farms] to give an account on Friday to my Lords of what contracts have not been performed ("for a particular of the names of all such persons as have contracted for any of his Majesty's fee farm rents and have not, in every point, performed their contracts, as also of such persons for whom any fee farm rents are set apart") and in the meantime that they expose for sale all such rents as are contracted for by persons who have any way forfeited their contracts. Also that the Trustees attend my Lords on Monday. (Out Letters General III. pp. 110–11.)
The warrant for giving liberty to Mr. Jay is to be stopped.
[Ibid. pp. 250–1.]
April 29.
Monday.
Present: Lord Clifford.
Send to Col. Stroud [Lieutenant] Governor of Dover Castle, a copy of Sir R. Long's certificate of his debt on the farm of the 4 ½ per cent. duty [in the Barbados] and let him know that there is such great occasions for paying the four companies that are to be horsed for dragoons that if he does not speedily pay 1,500l. of the 3,598l. 2s. 4d. certified as due process of extent will issue out. (Out Letters General III. p. 111.)
Send the Marquess of Worcester a copy of the letter from John May to take order for an exact state of the fire of the Forest of Dean.
An order to the Excise Commissioners to stop the extent against Sir James Smith.
Col. Middleton and Mr. Pepys to attend my Lords on Friday morning. Mr. Upton's petition to be read then.
"An order for allowing incident charges and salaries from June 24 last to Feb. 16 last concerning exported beer."
To proceed no further against Col. Warcup on account of his Excise farm till further order.
Petition from Mrs. Hext. Warrant for half a year.
Next Saturday the Navy to have 20,000l. and Sir William Temple 100l.
Mr. Howland to pay in money from time to time without delay as it comes into the Exchequer.
On Friday morning to offer the paper of expenses from the Excise Commissioners.
[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 251–2.]