Entry Book: May 1679, 1-10

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 6, 1679-1680. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1913.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Entry Book: May 1679, 1-10', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 6, 1679-1680, (London, 1913) pp. 40-54. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol6/pp40-54 [accessed 23 April 2024]

May 1679

Date. Nature and Substance of the Entry. Reference.
May 1. Reference from the Treasury Lords to the same of the petition from the Muscovy Company, setting forth that they are fitting out ships for Archangel to return for London laden with seal oil, as they do annually, and praying for a warrant to the Customs officers, London port, to permit the importation of said seal oil on its paying 6s. a ton, and no more, as they formerly paid, as was granted by Treasurer Southampton, 1661, April 6, and by Treasurer Danby, 1674, November 27. Out Letters (Customs) p. 22.
The like reference of the petition presented to the King by George Bouchier (Bourchier), only surviving son [of—Bourchier], setting forth his father's murder at Bristol in 1643, etc., ut supra, Cal. Treasury Books, Vol. V., p. 1387, and praying a landwaiter's place, London port: said petition being referred from the King to the Treasury Lords April 14 last, the King retaining the same favourable inclinations towards the petitioner as in the case of the former petition of July 7 [last] which was referred to Treasurer Danby and delivered by Prince Rupert, but nothing done. Ibid, p. 23.
The like reference of the petition of John Tomlinson, of the city of Bristol. Said petition sets forth that in 1673 he petitioned Treasurer Danby, praying to be settled in the place of Henry Carew, Surveyor of the Pill. Said Carew was then sick and had misbehaved him self and professed himself a Roman Catholic "and those that were not of his opinion exclaimed against, took the oaths as the [Test] Act directs: that he was formerly in orders in St. Malo: that Carew makes light account of the oath": therefore petitioner prays to be admitted to his office. Ibid.
The like reference of the petition of Robert Williamson setting forth that he was employed by Treasurer Danby for two years to make seizures of uncustomed goods and now knows of a parcel of goods worth 500l.: therefore prays a warrant to seize as formerly. Ibid, p. 24.
Memorandum: the petitioner lost this petition: afterwards brought another to the same effect, which was read and referred as above, May 7.
The like reference of the petition of John Burgh: setting forth the effect of a former petition to the late Treasury Lords, shewing that he was employed in the Exchequer, translated thence to the Custom House, put out from thence by the usurping powers, re-admitted after the Restoration, and there solely executed the place of Jerker for the English Plantations until 1671, Michaelmas, when he was omitted in the new establishment and therefore praying to be admitted to said office, therefore praying to be admitted to said office, there being no complaint or misdemeanours objected against him. Said petition was referred to the Customs Commissioners 1671–2. February 24. The present petition shews that the late Lord Treasurer [Danby] by his power always made super-numeries [so] that when any office fell they should always supply the vacancy; but petitioner could not obtain his former employment or any other. Has been educated in the Custom House. London port, 35 years, and has no other employment. Ibid, p. 25.
May 1. Henry Guy to Richard Gibson to pay 50l. to Robert Cooper, gent., in accordance with Mr. Bertie's and Mr. Shales's letters to you of March last: said 50l. is to be over and above the 25l. you have already paid him, and is to be allowed on your account. Out Letters (General) p. 32.
Same to the Treasurer of the Navy to apply the 17,000l. (directed to be paid to you out of the Excise Farmers' first year's surplus of the Excise) to the satisfaction of the pay due for 1678, Lady day quarter, to the Yards on account of repairs and the French war. Ibid, p. 36.
Treasury subscription for the execution of a money order of March 17 last for 365l. 14s. 3d. to Sir Richard Bulstrode for extraordinaries 1667, December 15, to 1678, June 24, as Resident with the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, ut supra, Cal. Treasury Books, Vol. V., pp. 1265–6. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 7.
The like of money orders dated 1678, October 10, and 1678–9, January 9, for 1678. Michaelmas and Christmas quarters' interest to Col. Anthony Buller on 3,436l. 16s. 10d. as by the privy seal of 1676, July 26. Ibid.
(In the margin: 51l. 11s. 0d., 51l. 11s. 0d., 51l. 11s. 0d. = 154l. 13s. 0d.)
May 2. Treasury warrant to the Receipt to issue 17,000l. to Edward Seymour on any orders in his name unsatisfied and unappropriated to particular uses by Act of Parliament: to be satisfied by tallies on the 27,666l. 6s. 4¾d., balance due from the Excise Farmers for their first year's Excise surplus money. Money Book, p. 21.
Money warrant for 350l. to Dr. John Taylor for last Lady day quarter on his 1,400l. per an. for secret service as by the privy seal of 1676, June 30. (Money order dated May 5 hereon.) Ibid, p. 21. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 8.
Treasury warrant to the Customs Cashier to pay 500l. to Prince Rupert for last Lady day quarter on his annuity or yearly pension of 2,000l. out of the Customs: and dormant warrant for the same quarterly in future. Money Book, p. 21.
Henry Guy to the Farmers of Excise. Sir Allan Apsley has informed the Treasury Lords that you refuse to pay what is due upon the 24,000l. per an. for the Duke of York, which is payable out of the Excise of several counties: your excuse being that you are to pay your daily cash into the Exchequer to satisfy the loans and interest upon the Fifth part of the Excise. The said 24,000l. is granted to the Duke by patent pursuant to Act of Parliament, and is to be preferred before other payments. So that the Treasury Lords do not see how the direction concerning the running cash can be any excuse for not paying what was due to the Duke at Lady day last, which ought to be paid out of the money you received before this direction was given. The Duke is to be forthwith paid accordingly. Out Letters (General) pp. 33, 37.
May 2. Treasury reference to Sir W. Jones, the Attorney General, and Sir Charles Harbord, the Surveyor General of Crown Lands, of the Earl of Burford's petition for passing a warrant for the King's promised grant to him of the reversion of certain lands: together with the draft of said warrant. (Reference cancelled and a new one signed. See infra under date 1679, December 20.) Out Letters (General) pp. 33, 35.
Prefixing: note of said petition and of the King's reference dated April 26 of same to the Treasury to report whether anything more be comprehended therein than what passed to the Earl of St. Albans in any former grant either from the King or the Queen Mother, or whether anything in the said warrant doth extend to encroach on any of the King's palaces or parks, gardens or courts belonging thereto: and also the value of the estates in reversion thereby intended to be granted.
Henry Guy to the Navy Board to make out bills of imprest for 2,800l. to Richard Brett and partners, the present Victuallers of the Navy, upon this year's Victualling declaration. Ibid, p. 33.
Same to Gyles Lytcott to let Mr. Stockdale peruse your books so far as relates to his accounts: Mr. Arnold and Mr. Dent, two of said Stockdale's sureties, having alleged that there are errors in said Stockdale's account. If any errors be. you are to rectify and adjust same, and present same to the Treasury. Ibid, p. 34.
Treasury reference to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands of Robert Spencer's petition for a fresh lease of lands in Ewell and Lydden, co. Kent, as granted to him by lease under the Exchequer seal dated 1672. May 20, for a debt of 15,717l. 15s. 6¼d. due from Miles Temple to the King. and to be held during the extent at 13s. 4d. per an. rent: which said lease contained a proviso that it should be void if petitioner fulfil not the directions of the Treasury as to revocation. surrender, increase of rent or otherwise. Petitioner prays a new lease without the said proviso but under the same rent, that he may dispose of it to his advantage. Ibid.
Henry Guy to Edward Griffin, Esq., to bring to the Treasury next Monday the establishment of the payments [due to be made in] your Office [of the Chamber] so that the Treasury Lords may see whether Thomas Neale, his Majesty's Groom Porter, be left out of the establishment: he having prayed for payment of the 600l. per an. (and the arrears thereon) which he is to have in lieu of bills usually formerly paid out of the Chamber. Ibid.
May 2. Henry Guy to the Customs Commissioners enclosing copies of a report from the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland touching Alderman Jarvis, of Dublin, and the state of his case representing an oppression done to him by Major Bayly and others who, it appears, are commissioned from England to prosecute ships that transgress the Navigation Act. The Treasury Lords desire you to peruse said papers, and to consider of some more proper and effectual way to prevent the carrying of the Plantation goods enumerated in the said [Navigation] law to Ireland without first coming to England and landing here. Out Letters (Customs) p. 24.
Treasury warrant to same to observe an order of the King in Council dated Whitehall, April 23 last. Ibid, p. 25.
Prefixing: said order for the Treasury Lords to direct the Customs officers to permit the masters or merchants of all ships bound for the Leeward Islands to carry thither 12 fire arms of 20s. or 25s. each and 12 swords. Customs free, for the term of three years: taking out a free warrant as in the case of bullion.
May 3. Treasury subscription for the execution of two money orders dated 1678, June 26 and October 1, for 75l. and 75l. to Dame Rebecca Williams for 1678, Midsummer and Michaelmas quarters on her allowance of 300l. per an. for keeping her house in New Palace Yard ready furnished for his Majesty's use to lodge such ambassadors and their train as the Lord Chamberlain of the Household shall think fit: as by the privy seal of 1660, September 29. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 7.
Treasury warrant to the Receipt to issue 5,000l. to Sir George Wharton on any unsatisfied orders in his name as Treasurer and Paymaster of the Ordnance: to be by tallies on the 27,666l. 6s. 4¾d. due from the Excise Farmers for the first year's balance of their Excise surplus: the present payment to be as imprest [and] only for the use of the fortifications at Portsmouth. Money Book, p. 22.
Same to same to issue 2,800l. to Edward Seymour on any unsatisfied, unappropriated orders in his name as Treasurer of the Navy. to be by tallies ut supra and be as imprest, to be paid over to Richard Brett, Esq., and his partners. the present Victuallers of the Navy, upon account for this year's Victualling declaration. Ibid.
Same dormant to same for tallies of pro or assignment to be stricken from time to time on the Excise for the annuity of 83l. 5s. 9d. granted to Henry Johnson. Esq., by the patent of March 29 last. Ibid, p. 23.
Same dormant to same for payment of the annuity or yearly pension of 200l. to Sir Edward Carteret: and warrant for what is now due thereon. viz., 100l. for half a year to Lady day last. Ibid, p. 25.
Money warrant for 750l. to the Duke of York for last Lady day quarter on the allowance of 3,000l. per an. for the maintenance of his children as by the privy seal of 1668–9, March 8: and dormant warrant for same in future as it shall grow due quarterly. (Money order dated May 6 hereon.) Ibid, p. 23. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 8.
May 3. Money warrant for 750l. to Duke of York for three quarters of a year to Lady day last on the 1,000l. per an. to said Duke for the maintenance of his Majesty's forts and garrisons of the Province of New York "for which he is to be accomptable only to his Majesty." (Money order dated May 7 hereon.) Money Book, p. 23. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 8.
Same for 250l. to Frances, Countess of Portland, for one quarter on her annuity or yearly pension of 1,000l. (Vacated: see infra under dates May 27 and June 11.) Money Book, p. 29.
Royal sign manual to the Treasury Lords to pay 108l. to Robert Morris and 65l. each to Nicholas Prinn and John Consit as reward for their good service and in consideration of their charge in assisting with their ships, whereof they were commanders, in suppressing the late rebellion in the Colony of Virginia; and 22l. to John Reeves for apprehending Nicholas Postgate alias Posket and procuring him to be committed to gaol, which said Postgate was at the assizes holden for co. Yorks, March 17 last convicted for being a seminary priest by authority derived from the See of Rome: all the abovesaid sums to be without account and to be issued out of the 10,000l. privy seal dormant of 1677, December 31. King's Warrant Book, p. 11.
In the margin. "this warrant not executed at the Exchequer but paid by Mr. Guy."
Same to same to pay 22l. to George Becket, minister of Eastham, co. Chester, as royal bounty, in consideration of his good service and charge in prosecuting the informations against Sir James Pool, of Poole Hall, co. Chester, coucerning the late horrid and damnable plot: to be issued ut supra. (The like marginal note ut supra.) Ibid, p. 12.
Royal warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a great seal for a grant to Robert Streeter (Streater) of the office of "our Serjeant Painter and of Serjeant Painter of all our Works as well belonging to our royal palaces and houses as to our Great Wardrobe, as also within our Office of the Revels, as also for our stables, ships and vessels, barges, close barges, coaches, chariots, caroches, litters, waggons and close cars, tents and pavilions, Heralds' coats, trumpet, banners and for funerals to be solemnized" all in place of his father Robert Streater, late Serjeant Painter, deceased: to exercise same by himself or sufficient deputy: and with the fee of 10l. per an and all other fees, liveries and advantages thereto belonging. Ibid, p. 11.
Same to same [for a same] accepting the surrender and cancellation of the indenture of 1665, November 8, made between the King of the one part and Sir Nicholas Crispe, bart. (since deceased), John Twisden, Esq., and Francis Pargiter, merchant, now living, and John Sams, gent., since deceased, of the other part, which said indenture granted them several alum works and alum mines for term of years: said cancellation to be upon the surrender of the premises by said Twisden and Pargiter and of all their interest and estate therein. Ibid, p. 19.
Henry Guy to Sir William Bowles to attend the Treasury on Thursday, the 15th inst., at 8 a.m., for the hearing of the business between yourself and Mr. Lestrange Symmes, Clerk Comptroller of Tents and Toils. Out Letters (General) p. 35.
May 3. Treasury warrant to the Customs Commissioners to deliver, Customs free, seven cases arrived in London port on board the Merchants Adventure, Thomas Gardner master, from France, containing prunellos, grapes, orange water, several essences, Jessamin, butter, syrop and sweet powder [all] for the King's particular use: "provided there be nothing in the said cases prohibited by the clauses in the late Poll Act which prohibit several French Commodities." Out Letters (Customs) p. 26.
Henry Guy to same to employ Alexander Trotter as a landwaiter, London port on the first vacancy, in accordance with your report of the 19th ult. Ibid.
Reference to same of the petition of Joseph Hext to the Treasury Lords, praying the collector's place Falmouth port, co. Cornwall, which is now vacant. Ibid.
May 5. Royal warrant to the Clerk of the Signet to prepare a privy seal for the payment of the running cash of the Excise into the Exchaquer as follows. By the Act of 29 Car. II. for the Additional Excise the King was empowered to raise loans to the total of 200,000l. on the credit of a fifth part of the whole receipt of the Excise from 1677, June 24 [such fifth part] to be kept separate and apart from the rest of the Excise and to be paid into the Exchequer by the Excise Commissioners as security for said 200,000l. loans and interest thereon. The King has received information that said Fifth part has not been duly answered and paid into the Exchequer as directed above, whereby the King's credit may be diminished, and the lenders of the said moneys discouraged and the debt continued at more than ordinary interest. It is therefore hereby commanded that no further payment of any the moneys or running cash of Excise be made to Sir John James and Robert Huntington, Commissioners or Treasurers of Excise, but that from henceforth the same, as it shall come into the hands of the Excise Farmers, shall be paid by them into the Exchequer for the discharge of the moneys borrowed on the credit of said Fifth part till the same be fully paid and satisfied. The tallies for such payments in by said Farmers are to be in the name of said Farmers and interest is to be allowed to said Farmers for so much of said running cash as is already detained from April 28 last and paid into the Exchequer: and for what shall be hereafter paid into the Exchequer in accordance herewith, interest shall be allowed to said Farmers in such manner as it has been allowed to them by the Excise Commissioners until the respective days limited (by the patent of their farm) for payment of rent on pain of forfeiture of interest. King's Warrant Book, pp. 12–13.
Same to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a great seal for a new Commission of Excise: the Commissioners to be Sir Deny Ashburnham, bart., Sir Robert Southwell, Kt., Robert Huntington, Esq., Charles Davenant, Dr. of Civil Law, and Edward Wingate, Esq.: with salaries of 500l. per an. each and with power to proceed on all matters left undetermined by the former Commission. The first quarter's salary to be payable at June 24 next. Ibid, p. 15.
May 5. Royal warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a great seal for a new Commission for Appeals in Excise: the new Commissioners to be Robert Spencer, Charles Fanshaw, Sir Paul Neale, Kt., John Trelawney, and George Doddington; with the salaries of 200l. per an. each: said salaries to commence from Lady day last. King's Warrant Book, p. 15.
Same to same for a same containing an indenture to be made between the King of the one part and George Dashwood, Thomas Rowney, Samuel Dashwood, Felix Calverd, John Freind, William Strong and Edward Buckley, of London, Esqs., Farmers of Excise of the other part. By two several indentures of lease dated 1676–7, February 26, and 1677–8, February 21, said Farmers have a lease of said Excise for three years from 1677, June 24. Under the covenants of the 1676–7. February 26, indenture said Farmers are to pay to the Commissioners of Excise the overplus of the excise revenue above the various allowances therein agreed to (See supra, Cal. Treasury Books, Vol. V., pp. 830–2). The said Farmers did on October 30 last for supply of the King's urgent occasions lend 30,000l. to the King, and for securing repayment thereof the King by patent under the great seal dated 1678, December 19, agreed that they should be satisfied same by way of detayner out of such surplus as above, with interest at 6 per cent. By an account of the whole produce of the Excise revenue for the first year of said farm, viz., for the year ended 1678, June 24 (as stated by Elias Ashmole, Comptroller of Excise, and audited by John Shales, one of the Auditors of the Revenue), it appears that (bad debts and arrears included) said revenue for said year had made a surplus of 68,496l. 17s. 3d. over and above the farm rent of 560,000l. and the covenanted allowances of 55,000l., 5,000l. and 10,000l. Deducting out of said surplus the allowance of 3¾d. per £ and the said loan of 30,000l. with interest thereon there remains due to the King 27,666l. 6s. 4¾d. The present indenture witnesseth that as said Farmers have paid or have agreed forthwith to pay said 27,666l. 6s. 4¾d. into the Exchequer for the King's use the King doth hereby acquit, release and discharge them from the said surplus of 68,496l. 17s. 3d. and from all accounts to be had relating thereto for the year in question ended June 24 last and that for the remaining period of said farm they shall only be obliged to account for the surplus accruing during such remainder period without any respect had to the said first year of the term. Tallies to be struck accordingly for the absolute discharge of said Farmers from said first year's surplus. And said Farmers hereby acquit. release and discharge to the King said 30,000l. and further covenant to pay the surplus for the remainder period of their farm in such manner as they ought to have done if this present indenture had not been made. Ibid, pp. 16–18.
Henry Guy to the Auditors of Imprests to despatch the accounts of the Treasurer of the Chamber with all speed, Out Letters (General) p. 36.
May 5. Henry Guy to the Commissioners for Inspecting the Mint, enclosing a paper [missing]. presented to the Treasury Lords by Mr. Taylor as a narrative of proceedings before you. If you own same to be true sign it and return it to me. Out Letters (General) p. 36.
Same to Mr. Seymour, Treasurer of the Navy, to pay the following sums out of the 3,200l. which you will receive of Mr. Kent (for the remainder of a tally of October 20 last for 10,000l.) and 1,300l. which you shall receive out of the first overplus of the weekly payments for the Navy out of the Customs: viz.:— Ibid.
l. s. d.
To the Company of the Marigold prize 2,000 0 0
To pay foreign bills of exchange 2,000 0 0
To Mr. Pierce for the quarters of sick and wounded seamen 500 0 0
£4,500 0 0
Also out of the overplus of the weekly payments you are to pay 277l. to Sir Robert Southwell and 459l. 6s. 8d. to Mr. Knapman due to them on bills.
May 6. Treasury warrant to the Customs Commissioners to deliver, Customs free, to the Marquis de Bourgomene, Ambassador from Spain, a coffer and a case, come from Brussels on board the Kitchin yacht. Capt. Anthony Crow and containing his equipage. Out Letters (Customs) p. 31.
Appending: said ambassador's request for delivery and note of said goods in French.
Henry Guy to the Customs Cashier. You scruple the payment of the patent officers of the outports by reason of the clause in the warrant that you should not pay such of them as the Treasury Lords have directed [you] to put in the general establishment [of the Customs]. This I think fit to explain to you. Upon the presentment of the Customs Commissioners desiring that several Customers in the outports might be put upon the establishment, the Treasury Lords did intend to have paid them that way, but afterwards thought fit rather to pay them by dormant warrant, as they have been formerly paid, and have signed warrants accordingly for the following persons (viz., Mathew Appleyard. of Hull, Richard Breton, Customer of Sandwich, Charles Orchard, Customer of Barnstaple, James Vernon, Customer of Chester, William Christian, Customer of Carlisle, Robert Jones, Customer of Poole). You may therefore proceed to pay the rest of the patent officers upon their Lordship's warrant of April 28 last, notwithstanding that exception. Out Letters (General) p. 37.
Same to the Attorney General to send by Mr. Phillip Burton, this bearer, your report on the late Treasurer Danby's exceptions to the account of the officers of the Mint: as referred to you by said Danby. Ibid, p. 38.
Same to Mr. Porter to attend the Treasury concerning Mr. Prettiman's debt and his still keeping the receipt of First Fruits and Tenths. Ibid.
Money warrant for 3,000l. to James. Duke of Monmouth, Master of the Horse. for an immediate provision to be made of coaches, waggons, litters and chairs for the King and Queen as by the privy seal of April 29 last, supra, pp. 38–9. (Money order dated May 7 hereon.) Money Book, p. 25. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 8.
May 7. Treasury subscription for the execution of two money orders of January 15 last for 500l. and 500l. to Sir Stephen Fox for last Christmas quarter on the 2,000l. per an. for secret service as by the privy seal of 1674, July 27: (in the margin: for the Earl of Lichfield) and on the 2,000l. per an. for secret service as by the privy seal of 1674, August 25: (in the margin: for the Earl of Sussex). Order Book XXXVIII. p. 8.
Treasury warrant to the Customs Cashier to pay to the Company of Royal Fishery of England 35l. for last Lady day quarter of what is due to them on the yearly sum of 20l. for each of the doggers they were owners of, in accordance with the patent of 1677, September 25, supra, pp. 1–3: it being certified by Geo. Elton, Surveyor of the Navigation Act, that there are now seven doggers belonging to and employed by said Company, viz., the King's Fisher, Success, Experiment, Frogg, Speedwell, Holy Island and Adventure, which certificate is sworn to by Robert Cragg, husband of said Company. Money Book, p. 25.
Same to the Receipt for tallies on the Excise for 125l. to Sir William Killegrew for last Lady day quarter on his pension of 500l. per an. Ibid, p. 26.
Same to the Customs Cashier to pay 6l. each to Richard Goodlad, Charles Beavoir, Thomas Burton and John Evance; for half a year to Michaelmas last on their salaries as undersearchers, London port. Ibid.
Privy seal for 200l. to Phillip Burton as imprest for disbursements made and to be made in the prosecution of law suits in the King's behalf and in soliciting divers affairs relating to the revenue. (Royal warrant dated May 3 to the Clerk of the Signet to prepare said privy seal. Money warrant dated May 8 hereon. Money order dated May 10 hereon.) King's Warrant Book, pp. 10, 19. Money Book, p. 26. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 9.
Royal sign manual to the Treasury Lords (by virtue of the privy seal of 1677, December 31), to pay 1,000l. to Henry Guy for secret service without account: to be satisfied by tallies on the Excise Farmers in part of the 27,666l. 6s. 4¾d. due from them for the overplus of Excise for the year ended June 24 last. (Money warrant dated May 8 hereon. Money order dated May 9 hereon.) King's Warrant Book, pp. 19–20. Money Book, pp. 31–2. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 8.
May 7
(altered to
May 17).		 Treasury reference to Sir Charles (altered to William) Harbord, Surveyor General of Crown Lands, of the petition to the King from Capt. William Legg and Capt. Lyonell Copley, which petition was referred by the King (who is inclined to shew the petitioners all reasonable favour) to the Treasury Lords, April 30 last. Said petition prays a grant in reversion for 60 years after the Queen's death of the manor of Barnsley and Dodworth (said Copley being tenant of the greater part of the demesnes thereof by lease from the late Queen Mother and from the present Queen Consort; with about 28 years yet to come and at a yearly rental of 51l. 3s. 4d.) and also of divers lands, tenements, granges and woods called Fewson Grange, parcel of Meaux Abbey, in the parish of Waghen and Sutton, co. Yorks, also parcel of the said Queen's jointures (wherein there is the like term of 28 years to come under a reserved rent of 81l. 2s. 2d.). Out Letters (General) p. 38.
May 7. Henry Guy to the Auditor of the Receipt for an account what moneys have been paid to the Treasurers of the Navy and Ordnance respectively for building or furnishing [the thirty] ships of war under the late Act of Parliament [for the Seventeen Months' Assessment]; and what remains of the money of that Act to be applied to the uses thereof. Out Letters (General) p. 39.
Treasury instructions to Giles Dunstar, one of the Surveyors General of Customs, and similarly to Charles Osborne, a same. (1.) To peruse and survey from time to time all books, registers, entries, etc., in any the offices of the outports, copying or extracting as you see fit: and to take care that no goods be shipped or landed in any of the said ports but at lawful quays, and where no quays are by law established to report to the Customs Commissioners what places you think fittest for such quays and how bounded. (2.) In all the ports survey the allowances made for damaged goods particularly wines, tobacco and linen, informing the Commissioners of any frauds or undue practices. (3.) Examine the fitness of all the officers of the outports and get a true and constant information by all good and lawful ways of all offenders in matters relating to the Customs, and the practices of merchants and others in corrupting officers. (4.) Take great care of all incident charges and allowances, the retrenching of officers' salaries and preventing them taking unlawful fees and enquire whether they grant any bill of store without having direction so to do "and whereas there is no table of fees in the outports you are strictly to inform yourself in your respective surveys what fees are taken by all the officers in the respective outports." (5.) Keep a correspondence with any officer or other fit person in the outports: and keep a full and just account of all seizures, returning same to the Customs Commissioners so that they may direct the Customs Solicitor to prosecute. (6.) Examine the sufficiency of sureties for coast bonds, more especially for lead, tin and coals, and the due return of such bonds timely into the Exchequer, and what certificates are brought of the landing of such coast-shipped goods, and what frauds are practised in forgeing or otherwise obtaining such returns and whether such returns are not made sometimes cursorily by the officers without the view of the actual landing of such goods. (7.) Inspect the practice of all ports in passing foreign imported goods coastwise by transire, especially wine, linen and tobacco, and to instruct the collectors that such transires are to be delivered to the officers and not to the merchant, and that the surveyor or landwaiter see the goods put on board and certify on the back of the warrant the execution thereof. In the case of wines such endorsement to express the quantity, kind, quality, colour and condition. (8.) Great frauds are committed in the coal duty. You are diligently to examine the practices of the officers and merchants in shipping and discharging coals as well for the coast as over sea. (9.) Notice what ports or places are fit to have boats or other vessels to secure the coasts, and to advise as to the distribution of same at present in use. (10.) Enquire how the creeks and members are guarded and where not sufficiently secured report how they may be better secured. (11.) Charge the officers not to presume to pass unrated goods upon a supposed value, but to take the oath of the importer according to law. (12.) The surveyors to direct the waiters to conform to the book of tares. Where no tare is mentioned, or a man is aggrieved, the collector and merchant are to agree a certain number of casks, chests or packages to be stripped and tared for regulating the whole parcel. (13.) The Collectors are to charge the landwaiters not to deliver any goods without warrant or otherwise than as in the warrant nor to take any deposit without consent of the Collector and also of the surveyor where there is one [such consent] being attested in the waiter's book: and in no case to take a deposit where the Custom exceed 5l. inwards and no deposit for goods outwards "which is also to be registered in the warehouse." (14.) When ships with wine, tobacco or linen are in port the surveyors are to visit them frequently by night as well as day to see that the tidesmen and other officers do their duty. (15.) Charge the surveyors and waiters that without the signature of the patent officers and Commission Collector they execute no warrant, cocquet, bill at sight or other dispatch whatever, inwards or outwards or for the coast: the patent officers not to sign any such warrant or despatch before the Commission Collector has first signed same. (16.) In the case of ships coming from Holland and other foreign parts with goods and entering for the Plantations the officers of some outports do not strictly observe the rule of law in causing such goods to be entirely unladen and actually put on shore. You are to inform yourself the practice in this case and also whether upon ships coming from the Plantations bound for foreign parts the like care is taken. Give this strictly in charge to the collectors and officers in every port. (17.) On your return from each survey you are to give one duplicate of your survey to the Treasury and one to the Customs Commissioners. (18.) When not in the outports you are to be in your place at the Custom House from 9 to 12 noon on all Custom House days. (19.) Suggest any improvements you think fit for the service. (20.) You are empowered to seize all goods shipped or landed contrary to law: (21) and thereto to enter any ship, vessel, house, warehouse, vault or cellar as by law directed. (22.) Charge the outport officers to pursue such directions as they have or shall receive from the Customs Commissioners according to the opinion of Counsel relating to French prohibited goods imported contrary to the Poll Act. Out Letters (Customs) pp. 27–30.
May 7. Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of Thomas Tuder's petition praying for a searcher and waiter's place void by the death of Thomas Stephens; petitioner having been formerly recommended to the late Lord Treasurer for his service in quenching a fire in the storehouse at Deptford, but having been disappointed several times. Out Letters (Customs), p. 32.
May 7. Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Philippes Thirio (Thirrio) who is lately come from Paris with his family and prays a discharge of the seizure of his wearing apparel. Out Letters (Customs) p. 32.
May 8. Same to the Auditor of the Receipt of the petition of Francis Terrence and Martin Dynence praying an order for their receiving the money due on an assignment of 468l. 8s. 7d. (with 248l. 5s. 0d. for interest) in part of 1,000l. upon an order of loan on the fee farms in the name of William Gawen, the elder, which money Treasurer Danby paid to the Lord O'Brien who had no authority to receive it. Out Letters (General) p. 44.
Treasury subscription for the execution of two money warrants dated 1678, Oct. 15, and 1678–9, January 9. for 12l. 10s. 0d. and 12l. 10s. 0d. to Nicholas Estoll for last Michaelmas and Christmas quarters respectively on his pension of 50l. per an. granted by the privy seal of 1668, Aug. 26, for discovering a plot against his Majesty's person and other treacherous designs. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 8.
Money warrant for 18l. 5s. 0d. to John Whynyard for two years to Lady day last on his fee of 6d. a day as Keeper of his Majesty's house at Westminster. Money Book, p. 26.
Treasury warrant to the Customs Commissioners to give warrant to the Customs Cashier to pay 387l. to Giles Dunstar for his riding charges in his survey from 1677–8, Feb. 4, to 1678–9, March 2, as one of the General Surveyors of the Customs (being 20s. a day for 392 days and 5 of them abated in which he had liberty to be upon his own business); and 96l. 12s. 2d. for his charges in destroying tobacco [plantations]: as certifyed by Giles Lytcott, Comptroller General of Accounts of the Customs. Ibid, p. 27.
Henry Guy to Mr. Froud. The Treasury Lords are informed by Joseph Champion, an officer of the Customs, that parcels of fine lace are very much suspected to be brought over in the mails from France and Flanders, and that he lately followed the mails to the Post Office and desired to see them opened, but was evilly treated by the officers there. Please attend the Treasury Lords hereon. Out Letters (General) p. 39.
Treasury reference to Auditor Aldworth and Mr. Arden of Henry Ewbancke's petition to the King. Said petition (as referred from the King to the Treasury, April 28 ult.) prays a confirmation of the King's promise to grant him the arrears charged in supers upon the accounts of the four Commissioners employed by the Commissioners for the managing and receiving the profits of the bishopric of Durham during the three years' vacancy of that see. Said referees are to report the nature of the said arrears and why the same have not hitherto been levied. Ibid.
Same to the Customs Commissioners of Phillipp Jordan's petition for the next vacant tidewaiter's place London port: with a certificate from four tidesurveyors of his fitness. Out Letters (Customs) p. 31.
May 8. Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of John Shaw's petition [for leave] to resign his office of Surveyor of Customs for Blackwall to William Tillyard, Shaw being very old. Out Letters (Customs) p. 31.
Like reference of Henry Kingsley's petition for a weighing porter's place [London port]. Ibid, p. 32.
Like reference of the petition of Edward Allen, of London, merchant, praying that several debentures for export of corn from Ipswich, Lynn and Pembroke amounting to about 500l. may be allowed towards the payment of several bonds for new import and additional duty on wines for which he is prosecuted in the Exchequer. Ibid.
Like reference of Humphrey Willett's petition praying for the return of 20l. odd deposited in the hands of the Collector of Minehead for the 5s. per ton duty on a French vessel put in there by extremity of weather. Ibid.
Dr. Batty desires to be heard before the docquet pass for revoking the privy seal for granting away Conventicle fines. [He] will call here [at the Treasury Office] every day for such notice. Caveat Book, p. 2.
May 9. Henry Guy to [Richard] Kent [Customs Cashier] enclosing, for his answer thereto, a petition [to the Treasury Lords] of Mr. Brown et al., slopsellers [to the Navy]. The petition is for 2,600l. which was assigned [to them] to be paid out of the weekly money payable to the Treasurer of the Navy out of the Customs, "which [weekly money] falling short this money is unpaid." Out Letters (General) p. 40.
Treasury reference to Sir Charles Harbord, Surveyor General of Crown Lands, of the petition of John Tooker for a ratal of the particular of Welton farm, co. Somerset, parcel of the duchy of Cornwall, petitioner having a warrant from Treasurer Danby for two lives therein. Ibid, p. 41.
(Marginal note. 1679, May 29, referred to William Harbord, Surveyor General of Crown Lands.)
Like reference to the Navy Board of the petition of Edward Dering, Esq., for settling and allowing his account of money due to him for provisions served into the stores and for money disbursed for his Majesty's service: together with an account of said debt amounting to 9,720l. 4s. 3d. Ibid, p. 42.
Like reference to [Sir Charles Harbord] the Surveyor General of Crown Lands (altered marginally May 29 to William Harbord, Esq., Surveyor General of Crown Lands) of the petition of Richard Mogg and Solomon Kelston shewing that they had an interest by several assignments in a great part of a leasehold tenement called Welton farm, part of the manor of Midsomer Norton, co. Somerset, and parcel of the Duchy of Cornwall, and in 1677 petitioned Treasurer Danby for adding a life on the death of petitioner Mogg's father: that one John Tooker endeavoured to procure a lease of the whole tenement to himself against which petitioners entered a caveat and procured a reference from Treasurer Danby to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands who never reported, but who was of opinion that a lease of the whole farm should be granted in trust for petitioners and Tooker and that such trustee should grant to every tenant his respective proportions. Therefore pray another reference to the Surveyor General. Ibid.
May 9. Henry Guy to the King's waiters [London port]. The Treasury Lords will hear the matter in difference between you and Capt. Edw. Agberow on Monday the 22nd inst. at 4 p.m. Out Letters (General) p. 45.
Money warrant for 200l. to Catherine Gunter for one year to 1675, Sept. 29, on her annuity or yearly pension of 200l. Money Book, p. 27.
Same for 193l. 2s. 6d. to Thomas Chudleigh for extraordinaries ut infra from 1676, December 30, to 1678, December 30, as Secretary to the Extraordinary Embassy of Mediation at Nimuegen, the two last articles in the bill for said extraordinaries being disallowed. Ibid, p. 28. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 24.
Appending: said bill—
l. s. d.
For entry books, papers, etc. 35 10 0
For postage of letters sent and received 157 12 6
Paid [x.y. banker] for advancing 200l. upon my assignment on the Hearth-money 8 0 0
Charges in my returns of money, my merchant's provision out of all returns and by loss in the exchange I am a loser in these two and the former year 46 6 0
£247 8 6
Followed by: allowance of said bill by Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson, dated Whitehall, 1678–9, February 3. "The two last articles of this bill I must leave to my Lord Treasurer's judgment, being not within my power to allow. As to the rest I see no cause to except to them: only the accomptant must at his return be obliged to swear to the truth of all his accompts and so I must expect: in the mean time I allow this bill as to the first two articles.
(Money order dated May 12 hereon.)
Same for 50l. 3s. 9d. to Thomas Charnock for half a year on his fee and allowance for board wages as a Serjeant at arms. (Vacated: see infra, p. 69, under date May 27.) Money Book, p. 29.
Treasury warrant to the Customs Cashier to pay 50l. to Thomas Doyly for half a year to Lady day last on his annuity or pension of 100l. per an. to encourage his diligence in discovering, apprehending and prosecuting clippers and counterfeiters of the coin. Ibid, p. 30.
Same to same to pay 250l. to George Nicholas for half a year to Lady day last on his fee as Surveyor General of Customs. Ibid.
Treasury fiat for letters patent to constitute Ralph Williamson as Comptroller of Customs Newcastle upon Tyne, loco Martin Forster, deceased, late Controller. Warrants not Relating to Money, p. 10.
May 10. Treasury reference to Sir Richard Mason, Serjt. Ramsey and Mr. Fillingham of the petition [to the King] of Jane Adderley, relict of Capt. Richard Adderley on behalf of herself and her infant son Ralph Adderley, which petition was referred April 10 last to the Treasury from the King who "has a favour for the petitioner in regard of her husband's loyalty and services." Said petition sets forth that her husband was security for John Adderley, his brother, Receiver of the [1672] Eighteen Months' tax, co. Derby; the co-sureties with him being Hervey Bagott and Ralph Adderley: that said John Adderley is 3,000l. in arrear and that petitioner's husband being prosecuted [on that account] paid 1,000l. into the Exchequer to raise which petitioner consented to mortgage her jointure which is not redeemed. Out Letters (General) p. 40.
Henry Guy to Mr. Newcombe, printer, to deliver to Mr. Anthony Segar 4,000 [copies] of the Act of Parliament now passed for money for disbanding the army. Ibid, p. 42.
Same to the Auditor of the Receipt to certify what moneys have been assigned by Mrs. [Dorothy] Colvile which remain unsatisfied upon orders under the stop [of the Exchequer] and to whom. Ibid, p. 43.
Money warrant for 49l. to Lancelot Thornton for 3½ years to 1675, Christmas, on his fee of 14l. per an. as Clerk of his Majesty's Wardrobe. (Vacated: see infra, p. 68, under date May 27.) Money Book, p. 29.
Same for 500l. to the Treasurer of Christ's Hospital for half a year to Christmas last upon the annuity of 1,000l. to the Governors of said Hospital for the support and maintenance of the schoolmaster and 40 boys of the new royal foundation. (Vacated: see infra, p. 68, under date May 27.) Ibid, p. 30.
Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of William Hodgson's petition for a tidewaiter's place [London port]. Out Letters (Customs) p. 33.
PreviousTable of contentsNext