Minute Book: May 1697 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 12, 1697. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

'Minute Book: May 1697', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 12, 1697, (London, 1933) pp. 10-32. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol12/pp10-32 [accessed 25 April 2024]

May 1697



May 1, forenoon.	Present:—Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Memorandum. To speak to the Lords Justices [England] to appoint a day for the Trial of the Pix and that it may be the 3rd of June. Ibid., p. 136.
May 3, morning.	Present:—all my Lords.
	Isaac Jemmart and Chas. Jemet are to be recommended for brokers.
	[Write] to my Lord Ranelagh to be here at 5 o'clock to meet my Lord Galway and the merchants.
	[Order for] 38,777l. 9s. 8d. to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh for the Forces, being intended for stoppages and recruits for 3 months to Feb. 23 last. But Mr. Abbot (who is here) will acquaint my Lords "before he issues them out."
	Memorandum: Thomas Pelham, Esq. (a second time constituted one of the Commissioners of the Treasury) comes in and the Commission is read.
	My Lords do agree that the 10 per cent. interest to the subscribers [for circulating Exchequer Bills] shall commence from April 27 last being the day on which the subscriptions ended for the Exchequer Bills.
	Sir Joseph Herne, Mr. Eyles and partners who remit 100,000l. to Flanders for subsistence upon [credit of repayment by] Exchequer Bills are to have delivered to them 50,000l. of the said Bills in 10 days and the other 50,000l. in 20 days; and in the meantime the Bills are to be lodged with the Earl of Ranelagh, examined and sealed, to be delivered at the days aforesaid.
	As to a second 100,000l. which they are to remit into Flanders for subsistence, the bills are to be issued to my Lord Ranelagh as soon as the remittance is made; who is to deliver them out in such proportions as they shall agree, sealed up: they engaging not to open the same but at the Treasury, in manner following: to wit: 50,000l. at the end of 30 days after delivery and the other 50,000l. at the end of 40 days. And my Lords agree that this method be observed for the first 100,000l. at 10 and 20 days.
	Write to Sir John Houblon and some of the Directors of the Bank to be here to-morrow afternoon.
	An account of what is due to [his Majesty's ambassadors or . . .] foreign ministers is to be prepared.
	Mr. Mathews will advance ready money on the Exchequer Bills and circulate them in those parts for one per cent: whereunto my Lords agree.
	Monsieur Germain to have his 3,000l. by tallies on the Malt Duty with the discount of 10 per cent. (Ibid., p. 137.)
May 3. afternoon.	Present:—all the 5 Lords. (Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham).
	Mr. Cod, employed by the Earl of Portland to receive his rents lately granted to him at Windsor, says Mr. Roberts discouraged him when he came there some time before the audit. He says Mr. Roberts has received some of my Lord's rents. He reads a paper of some.
	Mr. Roberts says upon the notice he had from Mr. Cod of the Earl's grant he told him he [Roberts] was no officer that could judge of a patent but he [Cod] should repair to the auditor and if he [Roberts] could be discharged [of those rents] he would leave them to the Earl: that some of the rents are payable quarterly and monthly and that he observed one demisable rent in the conveyance from the Trustees [for Sale of Fee Farm Rents of the Crown] who, have no power to convey such rents: if he has any of the Earl's rents in his hands he is very ready and willing to answer the same to his Lordship, but the deed is not enrolled with the auditor.
	My Lords think the deed should be enrolled and Mr. Roberts promises if he has received any of the Earl's rents he will thereupon [upon such enrolment] immediately repay them.
	Sir Joseph Herne says he is advised by his counsel that he cannot deliver the tallies in his hands (which were lately intended for the Duke of Savoy) without a judgment at law.
	[Write] to the Customs Commissioners [to attend here] at 5 to-morrow afternoon and to the Excise Commissioners [to attend] at 6 to-morrow afternoon.
	[Write] to Mr. Hooker to be here to-morrow afternoon.
	Mr. Pilsworth to have 50l. by contingent warrant.
	Anne Ashbury to have 5l. Treasury Minute Book IX, p. 138.
May 4, forenoon.	Present:—all the 5 Lords.
	My Lords will speak with the Customs Commissioners on Monsieur Leyoncron's memorial:
	also about Lord Lonsdale's request that Mr. Hall be Comptroller of Milford port loco C. Powell.
	The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [are called in]. They say as to their tallies, about 300,000l. [which are charged] on deficient funds, some proposition will soon be made to my Lords: that a supply of at least 240,000l. is necessary at present, and 6,000l. for the Flanders [Artillery] Train must be paid to keep credit with the States General, which Mr. Meesters will return [forward by bills of exchange] at 10 guilders 10 stivers to Rotterdam and 10 guilders 10 stivers to Antwerp. Mr. Gibbons having tallies for 10,000l. on the Land Tax deposited for 8,000l. advanced in Flanders they cannot be turned into money at less than 36 per cent. for which [discount] they desire leave [from my Lords to contract]. My Lords order a warrant for 20,000l. for land service [of the Ordnance] and 50,000l. for sea service [to be issued or satisfied] by Exchequer Bills.
	The Transports Commissioners [are] to have 8,000l. in Exchequer Bills for the service of their Office.
	Mr. Palmes, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Peters and Mr. Machell [attend] about 1,440l. claimed by Machel for Lord Irwyn to be due from Palmes or Peters. There was so much clipt money sent by Lord Irwyn in June, 1696, to Mr. Palmes and it was, [together] with other money, charged in the Exchequer in the name of Ralph Williamson Receiver of Land Tax [for Northumberland, &c.] and Peters since gave his note to be accountable to Lord Irwyn in such proportion as he should receive from Williamson. Machel would have the whole 1,440l. [paid back] in new money or at 5s. 2d. an ounce. Palmes and Peters say they are to pay only in proportion as they receive from Williamson. Williamson says he is ready to pay at 5s. 8d. an ounce. At this rate Palmes and Peters say Lord Irwyn will get above 400l. more than his clipt money was worth.
	Memorandum: to acquaint the Lord Justices with the condition of the North as to the Scotch mo[ney].
	Mr. Brunskel and Mr. Dumar [attend] about derelict lands at Shoreham. My Lords will speak with the Attorney-General about this.
	My Lords resolve that the Agents for Taxes shall manage the survey of the Duties upon Marriages, Births, &c., and the Duty upon Houses.
	Mr. John Berry to be Surveyor of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for the said Duties.
	George Clewer, of Chipping Wycombe (recommended by Lord Wharton) to be [same] for Oxford.
	Mr. Gibson to be for Kent.
	Mr. Richard Paine of Lewes to be for Sussex.
	Mr. Alderton to be for Surrey.
	Mr. Twist to be for Cheshire.
	Mr. Goodall to be employed [therein] at London.
	Mr. Mason to be for Salop if [that county be] not provided for.
	Mr. Waties Corbet to be [employed therein] for some county.
	Thomas Orbell to be also employed [therein].
	Mr. Shuckburgh to be employed [therein] in London.
	Demetrius Grant to be employed [therein].
	David Price to be a clerk [in the said Duties].
	Henry Cope to be employed [therein] in or near London.
	Mr. John Whitly to be [employed therein] in North Wales.
	Lancelot Stephens [same] for county Worcester.
	Samuel Jones for county Hereford.
	Mr. Montagu for county Bucks.
	Henry Greenway, rec[ommended] by Mr. Ireton, [is to be employed therein] for county Gloucester. Ibid., pp. 139–40.
May 4, afternoon.	Present:—the same.
	The fine of a lease [is ordered thus] to be issued, viz. 50l. for secret service and 50l. for Granger et al. on the order for the charge of the commissions.
	The Customs Commissioners' papers are read and answers are endorsed thereupon.
	The Navy Commissioners [attend]. My Lords order 50,000l. in Exchequer bills for the course of the Navy.
	The Excise Commissioners [attend]. Their papers are read.
	Write to Mr. Knight and Mr. Burton to be here to-morrow morning.
	The inferior officers of the Excise are to be allowed their taxes as in preceding years.
	The Victuallers [are called in]. Their memorial is read.
	Mr. Hooker [Deputy Receiver of the Duchy of Cornwall, is called in]. He is told that my Lord Chancellor and Monsieur Auverquere complain of him for not paying their pensions. He complains that his accounts since the king's accession are with the deputy auditor of the Duchy and [their passing is] delayed. He will pay what is due from him upon his accounts, "being but a trustee for an infant who is now come to age."
	Mr. Hooker is to attend to-morrow morning with Mr. Taylor and with the said Hooker's accounts. Write to Mr. Taylor.
	A letter [to be sent] from my Lords to the Lords Justices to know whether any grants [of lands] or other beneficial grants have passed in Ireland by warrants countersigned by any persons other than this [the Treasury] Board.
	[Order for] the Secretaries of State, each half a year for secret service.
	The Commissioners of Sick and Wounded to have 10,000l. in Exchequer Bills, viz., 6,000l. thereof [to be charged] on the head of [Seamen's] Wages and 4,000l. on the head of Victualling.
	My Lords agree that the goldsmiths [who are] receivers of the contributions for the lottery on the Malt Act shall have the whole allowance of 2d. per £ [as provided] in the Act.
	[Write] to Mr. Attorney-General that my Lords desire him to attend the Privy Council on Thursday next with the Proclamation prepared by him for putting the law in execution about the leather [Duty].
	Mr. John Cli . . . . Treasury Minute Book IX, pp. 140–1.
May 5, morning.	Present:—all the 5 Lords.
	Dr. Frazer to have 100l. [paid him] by the Treasurer of the Chamber upon his salary.
	Mr. Thurston to be an officer for [the Duties on] Marriages, Births &c.
	Mr. Burton, Mr. Knight and Mr. Abbot [attend]. My Lords tell them the [Excise] Cashier's agent at the Excise Office takes Exchequer Bills here [on private individuals' account] not for Excise but gives an office acquittance for the bringer to have [in exchange] money in specie from [Excise] officers in the country. Mr. Burton as soon as his security is given [for his office of cashier of Excise promises he] will take care of this practice.
	[Write] to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor-General to be here in the afternoon about the Exchequer Bills.
	Mr. Lamb is to be repaid 2,933l. 6s. 11d. due to him on a warrant for his last year's arrears: [to be issued] upon the Malt Act.
	Sampson Crompton to be a surveyor for [the Duties on] Births, Burials, &c.
	[Order for] 4,836l. 12s. 5d. to be paid to the [Army] apothecaries for the last year out of the tallies on the 3s. per £ in the Earl of Ranelagh's hands.
	The value of 96,608 guilders at the rate of a £ sterling for every 9 gilders is to be paid with interest, according to his Majesty's warrant, to Monsieur Odyke for the Zeeland transports: [to be issued] out of the tallies on the 3s Aid pursuant to His Majesty's pleasure signified by Mr. Blathwait from the Hague 29 April— 9 May inst.
	William Spencer to be surveyor [of the Duties on] Marriages &c. for county Warwick.
	A letter to go for Ireland for Marquis Puissar according to the King's pleasure [signified] from Margate.
	Mr. Tailer, deputy auditor [of the Duchy of Cornwall] and Mr. Hooker, deputy receiver for the Duchy [are called in]. Mr. Tayler says that on the accounts for the year 1695 there is an ipsum of 1,200l. on the Receiver. Mr. Hooker says he has overpaid 1,600l. to this time. My Lords direct the accounts to be forthwith carried to Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer]. Mr. Hooker says he will send into the country for the accounts of 1696 and all shall be ready within a fortnight; so that they may be passed completely within a month or 6 weeks. Ibid., p. 142.
Eodem die, afternoon.	Present:—all the 5 Lords.
	Petitions are read and the answers [are] endorsed [thereon].
	Mr. Pottinger (his custody of the Star Chamber being revoked) desires some of the rooms to lodge his goods. My Lords consent [on condition of] there being room enough for the Trustees for the Exchequer Bills.
	Mr. Hen Baker to inform himself from Nicholas Baker what proceeding has been about bona proditorum claimed by the Church of Westminster and to acquaint my Lords. The like about [the similar claim made by] the sheriffs of London.
	William Ellar, recommended by Sir John Banks, is to be referred to the Excise [Commissioners] to be employed in the leather [Duty].
	Mr. Robert Wright [is] to be employed in Essex to survey the windows, &c. Christopher Gardner the same for counties Wilts. and Sarum. Mr. Montagu to be same for county Bucks. Francis Carne to be recommended: respited.
	[Write] to Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer] to lay before the Board all the allowances to the Auditors of Imprests.
	See [find] the last [made] minutes or directions about Sir Edward Seymour's accounts.
	[Order for] 1,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to my Lord Ranelagh for the Forces in general.
	Mr. Thomas Corbett to be a surveyor of the windows. Ibid., p. 143.
May 6, forenoon.	Present:—all the 5 Lords.
	The following are to be surveyors for the glass windows [Duties], &c. viz. Daniell Jenkinson, Tho. Rookby, Tho. Bavan, Tho. Baker, Thomas Knight; recommended by Mr. Ryley: William Lamb recommended by Lord Coningsby: William Holbeach and — Chamberlain recommended by Serjeant Ryly: James Ayloff and William Ingram recommended by Sir Hen. Goodrick: Mathew Helder and Samuell Mead recommended by Sir Tho. Pope Blount.
	[Order for] 3,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh, viz. 800l. to discharge so much which is to be borrowed for the Commissioners of Transports for the service of the expedition to Newfoundland; and 2,200l. for arrears of pay to Col. Gibson's Regiment.
	My Lord Ranelagh to pay 150l. to Brigadier Hastings in further part of his warrant: out of the 1,000l. Exchequer Bills.
	[Write] to my Lord Galway and the Earl of Ranelagh to be here to morrow morning.
	[Write] to the Navy Board that the accounts be kept in the same method this year as were for the Commissioners of Accounts last year: with the same allowance for clerks.
	Lord Bellomont, Mr. Meesters and Mr. Standly to attend tomorrow morning about their respective affairs. Ibid., p. 144.
May 7, morning.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
	[Order for] 500l. more out of Exchequer Bills to the Earl of Ranelagh upon account of subsistence in Flanders for the second Regiment of Guards called the Coldstream Regiment, commanded by Lord Cutts.
	The Earl of Galway with the gentlemen concerned in his lordship's bills for the Forces which were in Savoy do attend. It is agreed that the sum due upon the said bills be forthwith stated: that in part thereof the Earl of Ranelagh shall deliver them 8,000l. in tallies on the Continued Impositions (part of those which he received back from the Bank of England); for which they are to be allowed a discount of 35 per cent. besides the interest due on the said tallies; that the remainder of their debt be assigned on the third 100,000l. upon the Malt Act after 55,000l. designed for the [Staff or] General Officers: that for security of this last remainder the Earl of Ranelagh shall deposit in their hands tallies on the 3s Aid for so much as the said remainder comes to and for 3,000l. to make good [the said] interest. They are to have 6 per cent. interest from the time the bills became due until they are paid.
	[Order for] 50,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Navy for the Victuallers: to be applied by them only for the fitting out the Grand Fleet and paying necessary money to the pursers.
	[Write] to Mr. William Vernon to attend on Tuesday afternoon. Treasury Minute Book IX, p. 145.
May 7, afternoon.	Present:—All the 5 Lords.
	A dormant warrant [is ordered] for Mr. Booth's 600l. per an. out of Tenths.
	A warrant [is ordered] to be prepared for my Lord Bellomont for 2,000l. for 2 years' rent due the 1st inst. out of an estate granted him in Ireland: to be paid by the Receiver General in Ireland.
	[Write] to Mr. Abbot to be here to-morrow morning.
	[Write] to Sir Robert Howard to hasten the drawing and registering of all the orders for loans on the Salt Act.
	Memorandum: to speak to the Victuallers to-morrow morning about paying 1,000l. to Mr. Fox and Lord Coningsby in part of the sum of about 8,000l. which was advanced in Ireland for the Victuallers out of the revenue there.
	[Send] a letter to the Navy Commissioners, pursuant to their own proposition, to pay the officers' wages out of such tallies and orders in the Navy Treasurer's hands on the head of wages as they [the said officers] shall accept; and the interest due is to go along with the tallies.
	[Write] to the Navy Board to send an account what sums for contingencies have been issued to Commanders of Fleets and Squadrons since the Revolution and how the same have been respectively accounted [for] and are cleared or what balances are due on them.
	Mr. Crompton and Mr. Bateman [attend]. Crompton says he gave a paper of complaint against the Glass Commissioners but has no copy here. He says he had a commission to be surveyor and receiver for several counties and afterwards the Commissioners allotted him other counties. He demanded the money of the officer at Hull who answered he had order from the Commissioners "to receive it themselves." He received about 12l. before that. At Pomfret there was about 100l., where the officer told him he had subsequent order to pay to Mr. Dean the Treasurer. In Lancashire there was no money nor in Westmorland or Cumberland. At Newcastle there was business, but they gave him order not to go thither. At Sunderland there was no money. Afterwards he had order to go another survey in December [1695]. Then he received several sums of money part by tale before May 4 [1696] and part by weight which he carried to York and 'tis now in York Mint. The money by tale he took and paid by affidavits. Then he desired his salary of Mr. Dean, not having received above 40l. or thereabouts. He answered that he (Crumpton) was to pay himself: afterwards told him he might have it at 5s. 8d. per ounce and he believes the money he received was the only money paid pursuant to the Act of Parliament. He says the bags were opened. But for this he refers to Bateman.
	Bateman says the bags he sent to town were opened by Mr. Dean and the current money was taken out but he was paid his salary at 5s. 8d. an ounce and Dean could not swear it the same [identical pieces as paid in].
	Crumpton says the reason why he was not suffered to receive was because then money was 2 per cent. better at York than here.
	Bateman says the new money or gold he brought up was about 30l.
	[Write] to the Glass Commissioners and Mr. Dean to be here on Tuesday afternoon. Ibid., p. 146, and a paper of insertions between pp. 180–181.
May 8, morning.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	The Victuallers came in with Mr. Tutchen. My Lords say they are as willing here [at the Treasury] to redress any miscarriage in the Victualling as any persons can be. He [Tutchen] says he began in Parliament and is desirous to end there unless my Lords shall command him. He desires to have time to bring his witnesses together. Some are at sea and others gone elsewhere. My Lords say at any time when he is ready they will be ready and that they have a disposition to hear and redress, upon any just complaints. The doorkeeper says Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Johnson were without but went away just before the Victuallers were called in.
	Mr. Main says the Excise Commissioners have refused the Exchequer Bills at first, but since have declared they shall be taken. He vouches Mr. Wright for this. But their refusal was the occasion that their creditors were forced to sell them at discount.
	[Write] to Mr. Phinees Bowles that my Lords hearing that he is going to sea have commanded me [William Lowndes] to acquaint him that they do expect his account with the Victuallers for the affair of the victualling in the Straits should not be left unfinished and that they desire him to perfect the same with the Victuallers before his departure.
	The Victuallers came in again with Mr. Johnson of Reigate. My Lords tell him they are very desirous to receive any information about the victualling. He says he served in 6 load of oatmeal on Sir J. Paston's account about 6 or 7 years ago and had half the money. He cannot tell whether Sir John [Paston] or Mr. Papillion paid him but the rest is unpaid and 22l. 10s. has been unpaid 6 or 7 years to his daughter.
	Mr. Tutchin complains they have dismissed him because he did not attend them when he followed the business in Parliament.
	[My Lords order a] letter [of direction] for [issues as follows to be made by] loans on the Malt Act for the Treasurer of the Chamber, viz., for 100l. to Dr. Frazer; 50l. to Shelmardine; 50l. to Burton for discount of 1,200l. and 495l. to me [Lowndes] for secret service, making 1,845l. in all.
	[Write] to the Navy Board to apply the tallies struck for [seamen's] wages to that [wages] use.
	Prepare the form of a licence for the brokers that are to deal in tallies. Ibid., p. 147.
May 10, forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Hugh Champneys to be constituted a supervisor for the [Duties on] windows in Norfolk or Suffolk.
	[Order for] 370l. 10s. 0d. to Christ's Hospital for King Charles II's foundation: to be satisfied out of the first disposeable money coming in.
	Moses Barrow, Benjamin Levi and Joseph Ferdinando, brokers, to be licensed to deal in tallies &c.
	A warrant [is ordered] for 200l. to Mr. May on his pension.
	[Write] a letter for 16,000l. to complete 19,000l. to the Household out of the first 100,000l. on the Malt Act.
	[Order for] 5,000l. to the Gentlemen and Grooms of the Bedchamber; and 7,851l. to the Treasurer of the Chamber and 2,000l. to the Wardrobe: out of the first 100,000l. ut supra.
	Mr. Methwyn is told the King's pleasure not to allow his son's equipage but the rest of his demands, which is for his and his son's ordinary allowances.
	To desire the Admiralty Lords that my Lords may speak with them here on Thursday evening about the affairs of the Navy, particularly the Victualling. Summons [to be sent] to the Navy Board and the Victuallers to attend them about the debts of the Navy and Victualling and the best way of carrying on the service with regard thereunto.
	[Order for] 1,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Treasurer of the Navy for the Victuallers, who are to deliver them to Mr. Fox and Lord Coningsby in part of the bills from Ireland for provisions furnished there for the Victuallers.
	A discount of 10 per cent. to be allowed with the tallies which the Judges are to have on the Malt Duty [for their salary], but no discount for any other loans on that Act unless they [such loans] be made in specifical money.
	Mr. Standly to find out a jeweller that will furnish the Portugal ambassador's [gift from the King in the shape of a] jewel and my Lords will find the best payment for it that they can.
	The Commissioners for taking subscriptions to enlarge the capital of the Bank of England are to attend on Wednesday morning.
	Order for 2,000l. for secret service: 6,975l. 6s. 8d. for the Judges of England and Wales, the Masters of Chancery and the Attorney and Solicitor General: and 5,983l. 6s. 8d. for the Stables and the Master of the Horse: to be satisfied by tallies on the Malt Act. Treasury Minute Book IX, p. 148.
May 11, forenoon.	Present:—ut supra.
	A letter [is directed] for the half year's salary due to the late Commissioners of Accounts: and for the Speaker's allowance (for which a warrant is [already] signed): to be paid out of the next disposeable money after the 370l. 10s. 0d. for Christ's Hospital.
	Inquire whether the Scotch money be not debased from its former allay and why the English Standard [Trial Piece] was formerly sent into Scotland.
	The tallies for 2,648l. 11s. 3d. in the hands of the executors of Sir Leonard Robinson for moneys by him advanced to the Works (being tallies of sol or anticipation without interest) are to be paid by 100l. a week from this time; out of the overplus of the Post Office revenue arising above [the] 600l. a week [directed thereout for the Works].
	[The Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend]. My Lords take into consideration their memorial of the 6th in behalf of the artificers, offering to take the tallies on salt at 25 per cent. discount [on their] receiving at the same time one third part in Exchequer Bills to enable them to buy Bank Bills to subscribe into the Bank of England.
	Mr. William Hatton, a broker, will endeavour to discount tallies on the Land Tax, after 1,208,000l., for the Ordnance at the lowest rate. The said Hatton is to be licensed to deal in tallies.
	The Officers of the Ordnance will attend again on Friday morning.
	Mr. Barrow, broker, will endeavour to discount tallies for the Ordnance ut supra.
	Mr. — Hathaway, of Hereford, to be surveyor [of the Window Duty] for county Hereford, and [my Lords decide] to stop naming any other for that county till he comes up to be examined.
	The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [are called in]. They make a presentment [for my Lords] to establish their officers, amounting to 730l. per an.: which my Lords approve.
	[Write] to the Agents for Taxes to prepare letters for my Lords to sign to the [Assessment] Commissioners for London, Middlesex and Westminster, to hasten the collection and paying in the taxes of this year in such method as the Act directs.
	A warrant [is ordered] for 300l. to be paid to Lionel Herne for charges incident to executing the trust relating to the Exchequer [Bills]: [to be issued to him] without account other than such as he is to render to the said Trustees.
	A warrant [is ordered] for 43,435l. to pay a year's allowance at 10 per cent. to the subscribers for the Exchequer Bills: [to be issued] for the Trustees.
	An advertisement to be inserted in the Gazette that although the [Act for the] Exchequer Bills do except [their tenderability for] the 3s. Aid yet by a subsequent Act and by the King's proclamation they are to be current [money tenderable] to the Receivers as well of the said 3s. Aid as of all other his Majesty's taxes, aids, or revenues.
	[Order for] 4,500l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh to be by him paid over to Mr. Francis Eyles in satisfaction of the loss on discount at the rate of 15 per cent. on tallies and orders for 30,000l. charged on the 3s. Aid; which tallies he accepted [in repayment] for bills of exchange to Flanders at 11 guilders to the £ sterling; for subsistence for the Forces there.
	[Order for] 1,500l. to be issued like manner to paid over to Sir Theodore Janssen in satisfaction of the loss on discount on the like tallies and orders for 10,000l. remitted [to Flanders] ut supra.
	[Order for] 6,000l. more in such bills to be issued [to said Earl] and paid over to Mr. James Bateman in part payment of Mr. Hill's bills of exchange payable to him and drawn on the Earl of Ranelagh for money furnished in Flanders for subsistence.
	[Order for] 10,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh towards payment of Mr. Hill's bills in the hands of Mr. Eyles [representing remittances] for subsistence and if [ready] money can be [borrowed upon or] made of them without discount the same is to be paid to Mr. Eyles.
	[Order for] 2,910l. in Exchequer Bills more [to said Earl] that out of them 2,908l. 19s. 3d. may be applied to the discharge of several of Mr. Hill's bills [representing remittances] to officers on account of their subsistence in Flanders.
	[Order for] 500l. more in Exchequer Bills to said Earl, to be paid over in part of 2,800l. in 2 bills drawn by Mr. Robinson, his Majesty's Agent at Stockholm, 1696, Nov. 25 on William Lowndes, Esq, and payable to Mr. William Cowper.
	[Order for] 6,406l. 2s. 4d. [to said Earl] for 4 weeks' subsistence for the 8 Battalions from 1697, May 1, to enable them to march and embarque: [to be issued by] 1601l. 10s. 7d. per week.
	[Order for] 286l. 13s. 0d. [to said Earl] for 3 months' half pay for the Officers of the Battalion of Scots Guard.
	[Order for] 3,545l. 3s. 0d. for the other 7 Battalions.
	The 6d. an ounce which Mr. Hall receives out of the House [Duty] money in repayment of the 6d. an ounce which was advanced by the King at the several Mints till 1696, Nov. 4, shall be applied to defray the works and charges of the several Mints.
	Mr. Glanville to put Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer] in mind to move the Lords Justices for the Trial of the Pix and the letters to disgrace [cancel] the Exchequer Bills.
	A warrant [is ordered] to Sir Robert Howard that my Lords finding by examining into the Tellers' vouchers that many payments [out] amounting to a very considerable sum are comprehended in his weekly certificates when in truth the money is not really paid and the King and his Exchequer is not discharged, they do direct him forthwith to appoint an able and trusty person who together with such other person as my Lords shall appoint may daily or weekly, at least, examine the Tellers' vouchers to prevent the damage which may happen to the King and the irreparable disgrace to the public credit by so great a neglect. Treasury Minute Book IX, pp. 149–151.
May 11, afternoon.	Present:—The same.
	The Customs Commissioners [are called in]. Reports [from them] are read. The answers are [endorsed] upon them.
	Write to Sir John Shaw to be here this day sevennight.
	The Excise Commissioners [are called in]. Their memorials and papers are read. The answers are [endorsed] upon them.
	Mr. Burnaby is called in [about frauds in the Excise]. He says if there were 4 riding Commissioners instead of 10 supervisors it would be more for the King's service and these many frauds may be detected. The frauds of brewers amount to 300,000l. per an. The [Excise] Commissioners say there are but 6 supervisors. He says the malt Duty will not be subject to such frauds as the Excise.
	[Write] a letter to the Mint and the Tower to hasten the coinage of the money in course.
	Mr. Dela Rose is called in. His petition with the Commissioners' report [thereon] and his answer are read. The Excise Commissioners are to permit him to search what allowances former Receivers of Excise in Hants. have had.
	The Commissioners of Glass [and] Mr. Crumpton and Mr. Bateman are to attend on Friday morning.
	[Write] to Mr. Rupert Browne to be here on Friday morning. Ibid., p. 151.
May 12 forenoon.	Present:—ut supra.
	Mr. John Jenkins, a cheesemonger in Bishopsgate Street [is called in]: he would pay Exchequer Bills into the Exchequer on the account of Mr. Cocks, a Receiver, viz., for 150l. which the correspondent of Jenkins received from Cox and has drawn a bill on Jenkins for the money. My Lords will take the bills from Jenkins but they would [know] how Cox (whom they suspect) has behaved himself in this matter. Mr. Jenkins, with Mr. Chapman, will come again in the afternoon.
	The Commissioners for taking subscriptions to enlarge the capital of the Bank of England [are called in]. They say people defer subscriptions [in order] to save interest: that it is not plain who shall have the interest from the last quarter to the 24th of June, whether the old stock or the new stock. They propose that the subscribers should have this interest to the 24th of June by way of encouragement.
	Write to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor-General to be here on Thursday morning about the interest of tallies subscribed to the Bank.
	[Order for] 400l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh for the Battalion of the First Regiment of Guards in Flanders: and 100l. more for the Fusiliers. Both these sums are respited till the Earl informs himself what the consequence may be. (In the margin: ordered the 14th inst.)
	[Order for] 50,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh for subsistence in Flanders.
	[Order for] 2,500l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to Mr. Fox and Lord Coningsby, to be paid over to the Transports Commissioners for the charge of transports [carrying troops] to Holland.
	[Write] to Mr. Bridges, Solicitor of Customs, Mr. Metcalf, his deputy, and Mr. Tompson, a clerk in the Exchequer Office, to be here to-morrow at 9 o'clock. Ibid., p. 152.
Eodem die, afternoon.	Present:—ut supra.
	Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Chapman [are called in]. My Lords tell them the Exchequer Bills will be received at the Exchequer.
	My Lords give a strict charge to Sergt. Ryly to prevent encroachments in St. James's Park.
	Petitions are read and the answers [are endorsed] upon them.
	The messengers of the Receipt and also the ushers and messengers of the [Exchequer] Court are to be paid their bills and liberates out of loans [to be made] by themselves on the Malt Act. Ibid., p. 153.
May 13, morning.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	The Admiralty Lords come in. To consider with my Lords whether from the general state of the funds in the Navy Treasurer's hands provision can be made for the [Navy] Bills, particularly of the Victualling and how the service can be carried on: 665,000l. is due for wear and tear besides salaries, bills of exchange, &c., about 80,000l. more:
	This year's funds owe to [are charged to] the wear and tear about 611,000l. and to the ordinary 85,000l.: so there is wanting about 47,000l. for the debts, and this year's contracts for next year would be to be provided for in Parliament.
	The question is whether the tallies for the wear and tear [struck on the Duty] on Salt and other deficient funds should not presently clear the whole Victualling debt [so] that they may begin upon a course. It is unanimously agreed that it will be a great advantage to the service if the creditors of the Victualling will accept them [the said tallies].
	The Navy Commissioners are called in. [They say] 355,000l. of the Salt [Duty] tallies belong to wear and tear and [there are] more for other uses amounting to near 500,000l. which the creditors will not take. They say they can make no use of these tallies at present. They [the said Commissioners] think if their creditors be cleared with this year's funds they will contract for next year upon the funds which the Parliament shall give in the next session as they have always done; and that they will do this more willingly if they were out of fear of the [solvency of the] salt tallies.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer asks if there be any hurt if these tallies were applied to another service of the Navy.
	Mr. Sergison answers for the Navy Commissioners that if that be done they shall depend on the provision to be made in Parliament for next year as they have always done; but if it be thought fit that any of these tallies be reserved for the wear and tear they desire it may be those [tallies which are] upon the Additional Impositions. But they wholly submit this also and then they withdraw.
	The Victualling Commissioners are called in. They think if their debt were provided for they could carry on the service for this year out of their remaining funds of this year. My Lords propose to them the tallies above-mentioned for their debt [struck through]. Being asked [whether] if they had tallies given for their debt it would not ease the service they answer, 'tis a critical time and tallies will not be taken for some part of this debt and that people are now generally disgusted with tallies.
	They withdraw. My Lords will lay this matter before the Lords Justices.
	The Victuallers being called in again are told by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer that my Lords recommend this matter to their consideration. There are tallies for 400,000l. or 500,000l. on the Salt Act and on Additional Impositions. [My Lords ask them to] consider whether these tallies for their debt and the remaining funds of this year for the current service will not be an advantage to their creditors and help their credit: [and to] consider how far this will be reckoned a good payment amongst the creditors: and if this will not do, what other way they can propose to carry on the service.
	They [reply that they] will consider all circumstances and return an answer.'
	[Order for] 30,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Navy [Treasurer] for imprests and bills of exchange.
	The Navy Commissioners will be here to-morrow afternoon. Treasury Minute Book IX, pp. 154–5.
May 14, forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Write to the Earl of Bath to cause a stop to be put to the work before the Duchess of Norfolk's door in St. James's Park and to cause what is set up to be taken down if not done [taken down] by her Grace's order in some short time.
	The Paymaster of the Works, Mr. Lloyd, is to pay over to Mr. William Roberts, Receiver and Paymaster for Windsor Castle, 2,000l. for the Works at Windsor by tallies and orders on the Excise levied in or about March, 1695–6.
	A [royal] warrant to the Earl of Ranelagh [is ordered] to be procured by Mr. Blathwayte [to authorise said Earl] to pay the debt to the Works (alleged to be 2,045l. 18s. 7¾d.) for building the Guardhouse barn and other necessary offices in Hyde Park and St. James's Park: to be paid out of money for the contingencies of the Army.
	Write a letter [ to the auditor of the Receipt] to pay 125l. to Mr. Granville out of loans [to be made] by himself and 25l. out of any disposeable money in the Exchequer.
	Mrs. Nedham's pension out of the Lotteries [is] to be paid: and half a year to Mr. Fanshaw.
	A privy seal to be prepared for the Commissioners of Trade and their trade [sic for clerks] to warrant payment of their allowances.
	Mr. Browne and Mr. Vernon [attend]. Brown says he arrested Col. Vernon in Ireland (who recovered Clantaff that term). He was protected [by privileges] and Lord Chancellor Porter committed the officers: but the Colonel proposed (Clantaff being mortgaged to Mr. Wolfe) the equity of redemption for Browne's security and a deed was executed to [sic] one of the Six Clerks in Ireland who has the deed. Mr. Browne says he never saw the deed. Browne proceeded in the suit but does not know whether judgment was obtained before his death. Wolf has a mortgage of 2,200l. and 22 years' interest. It's let for 350l. a year. Mr. Browne is willing to assign all his securities from Col. Vernon let the value be what it will.
	Two surveyors for windows, &c., to be in Sussex, as offered by Mr. Pelham.
	A warrant [is ordered] for the rest of the Gentlemen and Grooms of the Bedchamber for a year apeice.
	Mr. Smith comes in.
	[Write] to the Agents of the [various Regiments of the] Army to be here this afternoon at 6 o'clock.
	The sum of 200l. on the order for the charge of the new Lottery is to be paid by tally and order on the Malt Act and Mr. Hume must take what care he can to raise the money at the lowest discount for which it may be had.
	The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance come in. Money cannot be raised on the remote tallies on the 3s. Aid to buy Bank Bills to subscribe with other tallies.
	The surplusage on Mr. Meester's finished accounts is to be paid out of the Malt ticquets when they came to be distributed.
	Mr. Rush says he did not discredit the Exchequer Bills in the manner 'twas represented. He is sorry if he spoke hastily but he is a subscriber and friend to the Bills and shall do all in his power to make them go at par.
	Mr. Gustavus Yong and Robt. Mason to be surveyors for the glass windows, &c., in the East Riding of Yorkshire; recommended by Sir William St. Quinton.
	[Order for] 43,435l. to be issued to the Trustees for Exchequer Bills: [to be issued] in such Bills: to pay to the subscribers a year's allowance at 10 per cent. for 434,350l. subscribed: but the Commissioners will send a certificate of the precise sum. A sign manual [for this issue is] to be prepared.
	[Write a] letter to the Navy Board to make out a bill for allowing the Navy Treasurer 1,275l. for discount at 25 per cent. on 5,100l. tallies and orders on the Duties on wines, vinegar and tobacco, whereupon 3,825l. was advanced to pay bills of exchange to Sir Jos. Herne and Mr. Haistwell.
	The business of the ship Lyon is to be considered this day sevennight afternoon. Treasury Minute Book IX, pp. 156–7.
May 14, afternoon.	Present:—ut supra.
	Mr. Aldworth is to deliver over to Auditor Bridges the books, accounts and papers relating to the late contract of Sir Henry Dering, Mr. Yong and their partners for the revenue of Wine Licences, that Mr. Bridges may make up the account according to the contract.
	The Navy Commissioners [attend]. My Lords will do something to encourage the contractors for English sail cloth.
	[Order for] 10,000l. in Exchequer Bills to the Navy Treasurer upon the head of wages; being intended to be imprested to the slopsellers.
	[Write] to Mr. Clayton [to] despatch 30,000l. or 40,000l. in 5£ Bills and all of one date, by Wednesday morning.
	On Wednesday morning my Lords will hear the Glass Commissioners, Mr. Crumpton and Mr. Bateman: and nothing to intervene.
	The Agents of several Regiments [attend] about tallies which they have kept in their hands above a year and now offer in payment, with the Exchequer Bills, for subsistence.
	[Write] to Sir Robert Howard to stop the taxes out of the salaries of the Gentlemen and Grooms of the Bedchamber. Ibid., p. 158.
May 18, Tuesday forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	The Agents for Taxes give my Lords an account of the Receivers' money in the Mints, and how much [remains] in their own hands. They will hereafter attend on every Thursday morning instead of Tuesday morning.
	The [said] Agents to be paid their salaries out of loans on the Malt Act; and for the future [to be paid] out of the small branches [of the revenue].
	[Letter of direction for] 1,953l. 8s. 0d., viz., 1,663l. 8s. 0d. for the officers of the Tally Court; 190l. for the Deputy Chamberlains and 100l. for Mr. Henry Baker: on their orders already signed for the said sums: to be paid out of loans to be made by themselves on the Malt Act.
	[Write] to Sir Robert Howard that my Lords being informed that Exchequer Bills to a considerable sum are stopped for [Exchequer] fees of money issued [being] for the service of the war out of several funds, do desire that the bills so stopped be forthwith delivered and that himself and the rest of the officers [of the Exchequer] do take their fees for payments upon the several funds out of such money, bills or tallies in which the payments on those respective funds are, or shall be, made.
	[Order for] 455l. for 3 months' advance [of ordinary] and 530l. for extraordinaries to be paid to Mr. Methwyn and his son: to be issued out of loans on the Malt Act.
	[Write] a letter to renew the Commission for the Revenue in Ireland, with Sir Thomas Southwell bart., as in the room of Mr. Carlton.
	Mr. Steven Seignoret and Mr. Boit being called in (the Earl of Galway and Ranelagh being present) they concluded with my Lords to this effect: viz.:
	the 8,000l. tallies having been delivered for part payment of the bills of exchange drawn by my Lord Galway upon my Lord Ranelagh for payment of the Forces in Italy, the account of the remainder hath been stated, viz., 11,934l. 1s. 9d. due to Stephen Seignoret and Company; 5,898 0s. 10d. due to Robert Caillé 677l. 16s. 0d. due to —Cottin: total 18,509l. 18s. 7d.: and whereas by a particular direction of the King the said money ought to be now paid, and because that cannot be done at this time, it is ordered that the said 18,509l. 18s. 7d. shall be paid (with interest from the 14th inst.) by the money that shall come in by the contribution for the ticquets upon the Malt Act in the third 100,000l. after 55,000l.: and in case the said money shall not come in by the said contribution so that the said creditors should be freed to take the ticquets as adventurers, in such case ticquets shall be delivered by July 15 next to the said creditors in such manner and with such advantages mentioned in the said Act as if the said creditors had brought in [subscribed] the said 18,529l. 18s. 7d. for the obtaining the said ticquets: and the bills of exchange are to remain in their hands till the ticquets are delivered. Ibid., p. 159.
May 18, afternoon.	Present:—Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	The Customs Commissioners are called in. They present the Attorney General's opinion concerning the Canary Fleet. They are to speak with the Solicitor General.
	Reports [from the said Commissioners] are read and the answers [are endorsed] upon them.
	[Write] to the Customs Solicitor to prosecute the bonds for imposition upon tobacco that are in arrear upon Mr. Wicks' account [as Receiver in London port of the tobacco Duties].
	Sir John Shaw comes in and is told that his clerk, Mr. Tower, brought Exchequer Bills not endorsed to the Receiver General [of Customs]. Sir John says he [?the clerk] endorsed them, but the merchants should. It was an error. He tenders 4 affidavits to justify his clerk. My Lords gave Sir John a caution of his clerk as one that in two instances is suspicious, to wit, this of the Bills and another in charging Mr. Stiles to pay aliens duty when it was not due or brought to the King's account.
	The Excise Commissioners are called in.
	[Write] to the [Principal] Officers of the Mint to give direction to their several officers in the respective Mints to send an account weekly to the Commissioners of Customs and of Excise of the weekly receipts of hammered money from their [the said Commissioners'] officers and from whom by name and of the new money paid back [out of the said respective Mints] to the said officers respectively for the proceed thereof.
	Memorandum: to speak to the Victuallers about securing the debts owing to the King for Excise from the brewers they deal with.
	[Write] to the Attorney and Solicitor General to attend this day week afternoon about a business of the Excise.
	[Write] to Mr. Blathwayte representing that my Lord Galway's grant doth not proceed because my Lady Stapleton has a decree for a debt of — principal money owing from Sir Patrick Trant to her: that so great a debt charged on Lord Galway's grant may render it of little value; and if it be his Majesty's pleasure that other forfeited lands be granted to Lady Stapleton and that Lord Galway's grant be discharged of her debt, his Majesty will be pleased to signify same to my Lords.
	[Order for] a sign manual for the Lords Justices of Ireland for their entertainment and wool licences [dividend].
	[Write] to the Agents [for Taxes] to prepare letters to the Receivers [of Taxes] to observe the laws concerning the Exchequer Bills.
	Sir Henry Ashurst [is called in]. He desires to have Exchequer Bills for the 4,000l. about which he lately wrote to the Government in New England [requesting] that they would furnish so much (if desired) to Col. Gibson for the service of the expedition to Newfoundland. My Lords offer to deposit the bills in the Earl of Ranelagh's hands or, if Sir Henry will give bond to restore the bills in case Col. Gibson does not make use of the credit at New England, my Lords will put them into his hands. He refuses the latter. But if the bills be deposited for 4,000l. in the hands of the Earl of Ranelagh with direction that, upon advice that Col. Gibson has received any part of the credit in New England, [Exchequer] Bills to the value thereof shall immediately from time to time be delivered to Sir Henry for the use of the Government of New England Sir Henry will to-morrow write to the said Government to acquaint them herewith. And for the exchange it's agreed that for every 112l. paid in New England there shall be paid 100l. here in Exchequer Bills. A warrant [is ordered] to issue these Bills to the Earl of Ranelagh for this purpose. Treasury Minute Book IX, pp. 160–1.
May 19, forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Mr. Hall has leave of absence till Monday sevennight.
	[Write] to Mr. Palmes to be here to-morrow morning.
	The Earl of Montagu demands 2,200l. on an estimate for necessaries to be forthwith provided by the Wardrobe.
	[Write] to Mr. Wardour, Mr. Twitty and Mr. Clayton to be here to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.
	[Order for] 10,000l. in Exchequer Bills to the Office of Ordnance for land service.
	The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance come in. Their salaries, for which warrants are signed, are to be paid out of loans [to be made] by themselves on the Malt Act. They will come again on Friday afternoon.
	Mr. Meesters is to be paid 12,096l. 1s. 8d., viz., 6,000l. out of tallies on the Salt Duty and 6,096l. 1s. 8d. out of lottery ticquets, viz. to discharge 5,096l. 1s. 8d. being the surplusage [resting due to him] on two finished accounts and 7,000l. upon account of moneys paid by him since 1695 Nov. 1 to Dutch pilots, store, sink and other ships with the officers and attendants belonging thereto. This total of 12,096l. 1s. 8d. is to be apportioned between the Navy and Ordnance and my Lords for that purpose will speak with the [Navy] Commissioners and Principal Officers [of the Ordnance].
	[Order for] 800l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh to be distributed as follows, viz. 100l. to each of the 8 Companies of Col. Edw. Dutton Colt's Regiment quartered at Sheerness, Tilbury and Landguard Fort.
	[Order for] 80l. more [in like Bills to same] for Col. Leigh's Dragoons, being 10l. a Troop to enable them to pay the carriages upon their march: to be placed to the account of Army contingencies.
	[Order for] 1,500l. more [in like Bills] to same to pay part of Mr. Hill's bills drawn on said Earl payable to Mr. Isaac Pereira for [moneys remitted for] subsistence in Flanders; he [Hill] delivering up the bills.
	[Order for] 783l. more [in like Bills to same] for pay to 5 engineers going to Flanders, viz. 228l. to Alexander La Martiniere; 228l. to Elias Menting; 145l. to Jean Petit; 91l. to Theodore Collier; 91l. to Thomas Keer.
	[Order for] 880l. more [in like Bills to same] to pay a contingent warrant for bounties to widows.
	The arrear to the Earl of Abingdon for his salary is to be paid out of a loan [to be made] by himself on the Malt Act.
	[Order for] 2,335l. 14s. 4¼d. more in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh; to be paid over to the Victuallers for provisions for 3 months furnished to Col. Gibson for 512 soldiers in their passage to Newfoundland.
	Charles Toriano, broker, [is ordered] to be licensed to deal in tallies.
	Sir Stephen Evance [is called in] with Mr. Standly. Sir Stephen says he will provide the jewels now directed by the Lord Chamberlain and that he will perform the service justly. My Lords are resolved he shall have good payment.
	[Write] a letter to the Navy Board to make out a bill for Richard Povey for 150l. for discount of 750l.
	Capt. Richard Aplin's petition is read.
	Mr. Herne to have 300l. on his warrant for incidents as soon as there is money. Ibid., pp. 162–3.
May 20, forenoon.	Present:—Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	[Write] to Auditor Done to certify the arrears of Tenths in the Diocese of Lincoln.
	Mr. Wardour, Mr. Twitty, and Mr. Clayton [attend] about charging and discharging Exchequer Bills. It is proposed to my Lords and approved and directed by them that the Tellers shall take care when any money is brought into the Receipt to specify in his [Teller's] bill (so that it may be expressed in the tally) whether it be in specifical money or in Exchequer Bills or how much in each; and that the Tellers do require the Receivers General [of any branches of the Revenue or Taxes] or those that bring the money or Bills to specify the one and the other in all their payments for every respective tax, revenue or other fund whatsoever.
	[Write] to Sir Robert Howard to view the Teller's cash.
	[My Lords order] an appointment for Mr. Humes (Hume) to act jointly with Mr. Creamer who, as my Lords are informed, is appointed by Sir Robert Howard to examine the Tellers' vouchers from time to time beginning from Easter last.
	The Navy Commissioners [attend]. My Lords desire them to explain to the Eastland Merchants the nature of the funds they are to have and that they may tell them their lordships will make up 200,000l. for them in Exchequer Bills "and my Lords keep up to the several proportions in the respective funds."
	[Order for] 6,673l. 12s. 0d. to be issued to the Navy Treasurer in Exchequer Bills for the following, viz., 396l. 8s. 0d. for bills of exchange; 2,234l. for pressing seamen; 1,100l. for imprests to pay 20s. per head: 2,943l. 4s. 0d. for bedding. And as for the other articles in the Navy Commissioners' memorial for 24,452l. 14s. 5d. the same may be paid out of any of the tallies in the Navy Treasurer's hands as was lately directed for the sea officers.
	[Write] to Mr. Clayton to make as many 5l. [Exchequer] Bills as he can amongst those he is authorised to make.
	Mr. Bridges to have 110l. and the two auditors [of Imprests whereof he is one are to have] their salary on the Malt Act.
	Mr. John Harington to have 300l. [as royal] bounty. Treasury Minute Book IX, p. 164.
May 21, forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	[Write] to Mr. Clayton to make no Exchequer Bills higher than 5l. or 10l. Bills.
	[Order that] 2,335l. in Exchequer Bills of 5l. each (all to bear the same date with those for 35,000l. lately intended) [is] to be issued to the Navy Treasurer for a quarter's wages to the Yards due at Michaelmas, 1696. A warrant [is ordered] for the whole 37,335l.
	[Order for] tallies for 10,000l. on the Malt Act for the Privy Purse.
	Lunt to be a tidesman at Plymouth and to be struck out of Mr. Baker's list of pensions.
	[Order for] 200l. for Mrs. Kay and 200l. for Lady Berkley: out of loans on Malt.
	Nicho Baker and Alexander Johnston to be heard this day sevennight in the afternoon. Ibid., p. 165.
Eodem die, afternoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Several petitions are read and the answers [are endorsed] upon them.
	The Commissioners of the Admiralty come in and the Navy Commissioners. The latter say the Eastland merchants will not abate a farthing of their demand of 34l. per ton for hemp. The Navy Commissioners will come again on Tuesday before 5 about the furnishing the hemp.
	[Write] to the Victuallers to come to-morrow morning with the book of the particulars of their debt. Ibid.
May 22, forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Order for 585l. to be paid to W[illiam] L[owndes] for secret service: out of loans on the Malt Act.
	The Trustees for Exchequer Bills are called in.
	[Write] to the Agents for Taxes to write to the Receivers [of Taxes] that they duly comply with the Act in paying the Exchequer Bills which shall be tendered to them out of the funds of this year for the war except the 3s. Aid and that as there shall be new money or guineas in their hands of those funds and no demand upon them for Bills, and as any new money or guineas shall be received by them from the collectors or from the Mint [arising] from any other aids or funds that the same be brought into the Exchequer in specie and "that they do not return the same [forward to the Exchequer by bills of exchange by such men as will not answer into the Exchequer in [the same] specie as they receive": [underlined in the original] and that they be very careful in keeping the accounts required by the Parliament.
	The like [letter] to the Excise Commissioners. Lay it aside.
	[Order for] 5,096l. 1s. 8d. to be paid to William Meesters upon his two finished accounts: out of the tallies and orders on the Salt Act in the hands of the Navy Treasurer and the Treasurer of the Ordnance.
	Mr. Charles Vere, a brewer, at Execution Dock, is to attend here on Tuesday afternoon about his prosecution by the Excise Commissioners. Mr. Mayn will give him notice.
	Order for 70l. to be paid by W[illiam] L[owndes] to Sir Joseph Tyley for so much which he expended to raise 1,000l. by discounting tallies in June 1696 to circulate the Exchequer Bills of last year. Ibid., p. 166.
May 25, forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Write to the Attorney and Solicitor General to attend this day week instead of this afternoon.
	Mr. Medina [is called in]: [order for] a warrant for 33,600l. in Exchequer [Bills]: to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh for Monsieur de Machado and [Monsieur] Pereira, the contractors for the bread and breadwaggons for the army in Flanders, as in full for 360,000 guilders which was to be allowed him [Medina] in advance upon his said contracts for the present campaign at the rate of 10 guilders per £ sterling.
	[Write] to Mr. Palmes to be here this afternoon.
	The [Principal] Officers of the Mint are called in. Mr. Neal delivers a paper wherein he proposes that 1,500l. tickets may be delivered after June 24 for the service of the Mints in the country to pay for plate to be brought in and that he will find persons to advance the money. He says the Moneyers will advance it. My Lords order that the Moneyers do put their proposition in writing and bring it hither on Thursday morning.
	The [Principal] Officers of the Mint present their report on the petition of John Day, which is read. My Lords order that the money shall be allowed if he proves he received it at 5s. 8d. an ounce. Ibid., 167.
Eodem die, afternoon.	Present:—The same.
	The Excise Commissioners [attend]. Ibid.
May 26.	Present:—ut supra.
	The Admiralty Lords are called in. The Victuallers' stated debt is 626,622l, besides other claims not adjusted. Of tallies not assigned to anything there are 131,417l. 18s. 6d. on Additional Impositions and 786,129l. 5s. 8d. on the Salt Duty, out of which the Victuallers may be paid.
	The two Boards [Treasury and Admiralty] tell the Victuallers (who are called in) that there shall be tallies assigned for the whole debt [so] that the money remaining of this year's funds may be applied to the current service.
	The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [are called in]. Their memorial is read. They will come again to-morrow afternoon.
	The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [are called in]. They demand the 10 per cent., [and] the 300l. for incidents. The warrant for the farm is gone to Flanders. The latter is directed. Mr. Pottinger having desired of them the use of the garrets [at the Star Chamber] for his goods for some time it is granted. My Lords will cause notice to be affixed to-morrow in the offices of the Chamberlains [of the Exchequer] and an advertisement in the Gazette that one eighth part of the sum subscribed by every person be further paid upon their respective subscription to the Trustees at their office near the Exchequer at Westminster by the 31st of this instant May or within 14 days then next ensuing.
	[Write] to Sir William Ashurst to [attend for my Lords to] speak with him on Friday morning about proceeding in the [above] Trust.
	[Write] a letter to the Navy Board to contract with Mr. Tailor for importing 2,000 tons of hemp by commission in the like manner as in the year 1694 save only that the computation of the cost which for that year including his commission at 3 per cent. was 26l. 10s. 0d. per ton be now 25l. per ton and the payments [to be] made in Exchequer Bills by 3,000l. a week for 5 weeks from the 24th inst. and 2,500l. a week for 14 weeks following.
	A warrant [is ordered] for 4,268l. 12s. 2½d. to the Victuallers: [to be issued] in Exchequer Bills; for payment of short allowance money to the ships at the Nore.
	The hearing about Sir Roger Strickland's estate is to be put off from Friday afternoon next to Thursday week forenoon. Summons [or notice] to be sent as desired by Mr. Woodcock on behalf of Sir Roger.
	[The Earl of Ranelagh requests] a week's subsistence more to the 8 Battalions ready to embark for Flanders. "Instead of the latter" my Lords approve that Mr. Clerk give order that for the time they continue in quarters they give bills.
	[Order for] 160l. to be paid to Mr. Clerk for 2 clerks upon a contingency warrant: [to be paid] out of Exchequer Bills.
	The Transport Commissioners [attend]. Their warrant is read. Treasury Minute Book IX, pp. 168–9.
May 26, afternoon.	Present:—ut supra.
	[Order for] 50,000l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Navy for the course thereof.
	[Write] to Mr. Casseres to be here to-morrow morning.
	[Write] Mr. Knight to be here then.
	[Write] to Mr. Aldworth to . . . . . Ibid., p. 169.
May 27, forenoon.	Present:—ut supra.
	[Write] to Ralph Williamson that my Lords are informed he hath in his hands 1,000l, which should be cash in the Exchequer in the [Teller's] Office of Mr. Palmes. My Lords direct him forthwith to replace that money or give them the reason why he don't.
	The Duke of Schonberg [attends]. Send to the Post Office to know how much is assessed on his Grace for the capitation [Poll Tax so] that it may be repaid. Ibid., 170.
May 28, forenoon.	Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	[Order for] 100 guineas to be paid to Mr. Felton or his order for the plate at Newmarket: [to be issued on the head of or] "out of secret service."
	[Write] to Mr. Hosier to come to me [William Lowndes] forthwith.
	[Order for] 20l. to be paid out of secret service to bury Mr. John Lloyd.
	Sir William Ashurst [attends]. He will continue in the [Exchequer Bills] Trust. Mr. Knight says that he and some other of the Trustees will give him [Ashurst] all the ease they can.
	[Write] to Mr. Wardour and the Deputy Chamberlains [of the Receipt of the Exchequer] not to lock up any Exchequer Bills as cash till first compared and examined with the counterparts.
	Mr. De Casseres will remit 10,000l. to Flanders at 10 guilders 8 stivers; for which he is to have 10,000l. in Exchequer Bills from the Earl of Ranelagh: [the said remittance being for the army in Flanders] for subsistence.
	Mr. Browne informs my Lords he has an order for 500l. and interest directed on Mr. Palmes [a Teller of the Receipt] and cannot get the money. Mr. Palmes is present. My Lords will take such care that he shall immediately have the money. Mr. Palmes [says] he may have [it] when he pleases. Mr. Palmes says if Peters may have his effects in his own hands he will clear 4,000l. or 5,000l. presently.
	[Order for] 100l. to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh in Exchequer Bills to march the Troops that are to encamp on Hounslow Heath.
	[Write] a letter to the said Earl to apply 270,802l. 18s. 8d. in tallies and order on the Salt Act to the offreckonings for the [army] clothiers.
	My Lords order that a warrant be prepared for 15,000l. to Mr. Peter Hume, to be applied to a particular use and service without account.
	The Lords Justices having approved a proposal offered to them by my Lords of the Treasury and of the Admiralty of paying off the debt owing to the Victuallers to 30 April, 1697, by tallies and orders charged on the Salt Act with an allowance of 15 per cent. to be given to the creditors, the Treasury Lords direct that letters be written to the Navy Board and the Navy Treasurer to cause the sum of 732,227l. 6s. 10d. to be applied to the Victualling, viz., 626,622l. 12s. 3d. for the debts under the present Commission and 10,096l. 16s. 3½d. for the arrears of the debt in the time of the late Victuallers making together 636,719l. 8s. 6½d.; and 95,507l. 18s. 3½d. for an allowance of 15 per cent. on the said sum making in all 732,227l. 6s. 10d.
	[Order for] 300l. for incidents [incurred] in the execution of the Commission for taking subscriptions to enlarge the Bank [of England's capital]: to be paid by tallies on the Malt Act.
	Sir Henry Ashurst giving bond that he will repay to the King so much of the sum not exceeding 4,000l. (for which [he] gives a credit to New England) as shall not be received [from the New England Government] by Col. Gibson or by the Commander-in-Chief [of the expedition to Newfoundland] or by their order before Lady day next, and giving his [Ashurst's] own bills accordingly for the said 4,000l., is to have [by way] of repayment Exchequer Bills for the [corresponding] value allowing 25 per cent. for the difference of money between that place [New England] and this: to wit for 3,000l.
	Lord Cutts' order for 216l. 12s. 10½d. is to be satisfied by tally on the Malt Act. Treasury Minute Book IX, pp. 171–2.