Entry Book: October 1680, 21-30

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

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'Entry Book: October 1680, 21-30', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 6, 1679-1680, (London, 1913) pp. 714-725. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol6/pp714-725 [accessed 26 April 2024]

October 1680

Date. Nature and Substance of the Entry. Reference.
Oct. 21. Treasury warrant to the King's Remembrancer to supersede process against John Loving for not accounting for 500l. paid into his office as one of the Tellers of the Exchequer by Thomas Knatchbull, late Receiver of the last Poll money payable by the Peers: the said Loving alleging that he is not chargeable by law with the said 500l. and promising to try the issue thereupon this next term upon a feigned action to be brought against him by said Knatchbull or by the Attorney General and that if he be found chargeable therewith he will pay same immediately into the Exchequer. Warrants not Relating to Money, p. 262.
Henry Guy to the Auditor of the Receipt for a certificate how much money has to this time been brought into the Exchequer of the Seventeen Months' Assessment for building the 30 ships and to whom and for what particular uses same has been issued. Out Letters (General) VI, p. 114.
Oct. 21. Henry Guy to Mr. Whorwood. According to the Treasury Lords' agreement with you to allow you 8 per cent. per an. for the 1,000l. you have lent to the king the 19th inst. upon the credit of the Wine Licence revenue my Lords have signed a warrant for repayment thereof with 6 per cent. per an. interest payable every six months. As the said interest grows due my Lords will take care to have you paid the further 2 per cent. interest pursuant to their agreement. Out Letters (General) VI. p. 114.
Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Edward Lawrence shewing that at the first putting the Customs into commission Christopher Williams was constituted collector of Chichester port with a salary of 40l. per an., who has behaved himself well ever since, but of late is indisposed and desirous to resign his office to petitioner: therefore prays to be constituted in his place. Reference Book I. p. 143.
Same to same of the petition of Dudly Hamond praying a place in the Customs for the loyalty of his family to the late King. My Lords recommend this petition. Ibid, p. 144.
Henry Guy to [the Auditor of the Receipt] to issue 388l. to the Lord Privy Seal for [one quarter on] his diet money: to be issued out of any money remaining of loans made into the Exchequer by Mr. Kent and Mr. Duncombe. Disposition Book II, p. 29.
Treasury allowance of John Langwith's bill, as Messenger of the Chamber, for his attendance on the Treasury for the half-year ended 1680, Sept. 29 (altered to Dec. 25). (Total 30l. 13s. 4d. at 3s. 4d. a day.) Money Book, p. 258.
Treasury warrant to the Customs Cashier to pay 31l. 6s. 8d. to abovesaid Langwith for the half-year ended Sept. 29 last on his 3s. 4d. a day for attending the affairs of the Customs. Ibid.
Oct. 22. Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Tho. Pilson, clerk to the collector of Plymouth port, praying the place of coastwaiter loco Mr. Buckley, deceased. Reference Book I, p. 144.
Same to same of William Kenward's petition praying for the abovesaid place, petitioner having been a tidesman in said port. Ibid.
Same to William Harbord, Surveyor General of Crown Lands, of the petition of William Williams et al. tenants of the manor of Lawhitton complaining of the oppression of Mr. Mannaton and others, farmers under the bishop of Exeter: same having been by order in Council of June 30 last referred to the Treasury Lords. Harbord is to certify my Lords whether the king has any right to the manor of Lawhitton or to the timber or any part thereof. Ibid.
Same to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of William Mordant for the place of Comptroller in the Custom house at Milford Haven now void. Ibid, p. 145.
Henry Guy to [the Auditor of the Receipt] to issue (out of such Excise money as shall be paid into the Exchequer this week) 3,000l. to Mr. Johnson for offreckonings [of the Forces]. Disposition Book II, p. 29.
Oct. 24. Report to the Treasury Lords from William Blathwayt on the order of reference of Capt. James Talbot's petition to be appointed solicitor or agent under said Blathwayt as Surveyor and Auditor of the Plantation revenue. I find that said Talbot has been long employed in the business and payment of the Barbados soldiers under the command of Sir Tobias Bridge and is well informed of several other particulars relating to the farm of the Four and a Half per cent. duty in the Caribbee Islands, touching which he has communicated to me divers material papers. I have nothing to object to his being employed as prayed. Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), p. 57.
[Oct. 24.] Henry Guy to Mr. Cooke. I have acquainted my Lords with the reasons you have given why Mr. Hasletine, the undersheriff of Northumberland, did not attend them this day. Since one of his pretences is that the high sheriff has a dispensation to live out of the county my Lords will move the King to take off that dispensation unless Mr. Haseltine attend my Lords this day fortnight, being Nov. 6. Out Letters (General) VI, p. 115.
[?] Same to Sir Richard Mason et al. [Agents for Taxes]. On perusing your weekly certificate the Treasury Lords observe that there is a great arrear standing out in the City of London upon the several taxes lately granted by Parliament; which my Lords are informed is occasioned by the Customs Commissioners not submitting to the charge laid and assessed upon them by the [Assessment Commissioners for the] City. My Lords have represented to the Lord Mayor et al. [such Assessment] Commissioners the great inconvenience which his Majesty's affairs suffer for want of such moneys, but my Lords find from them that they cannot conveniently re-assess such arrears until the said point in debate between them and the Customs Commissioners be determined, and that in order to his Majesty's service they are willing to put the difference to any speedy issue whatsoever. You are forthwith to represent the same to the Customs Commissioners with my Lords' desire that they agree to some speedy accommodation of that matter. Ibid.
Oct. 25. Money warrant for 25l. 19s. 0d. to Anthony Seagar. gent.; 15l. 19s. 0d. thereof for necessaries provided for the Treasury Office for last Michaelmas quarter and 10l. for same quarter's salary for attending the Treasury Lords. (Money order dated Oct. 26 hereon.) Money Book, p. 258. Order Book XXXVIII. p. 171.
Treasury warrant to the Excise Commissioners to allow to the Excise Farmers in their farm account to Michaelmas last 160l. as so much allowed by them to the owners, adventurers and fishermen of Great Yarmouth [for one year to said date] for the Excise of beer for their North Sea and herring fisheries under the proviso of due payment of said Excise by said owners, etc. Money Book, p. 259.
Royal warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a privy seal for a grant to Sir Edmund Windham, the King's Knight Marshal, and his executors and assigns of two third parts of all the arrears now remaining due and unpaid to the King of the monthly assessments received or levied by Tho. Davies, Receiver General thereof for co. Pembroke and Haverford West between 1649, Sept. 29, and 1651, Dec. 25, and also of several rents and revenues of churches and vicarages within said county and town and within the county of Monmouth levied or received between 1648, Lady day and 1660, Lady day: said arrears being vested in the King by Act of Parliament and being, as the King is informed, still unpaid to the Crown: with power to said Windham to sue for and compound for same in whose hands soever they remain and whether recoverable upon specialty or without specialty. King's Warrant Book VIII, p. 49.
Oct. 25. Treasury warrant to the Customs Commissioners for the delivery, Customs free, of the goods of Don Pedro Ronquillo, Ambassador Extraordinary from the King of Spain. Out Letters (Customs), p. 282.
Appending: schedule of said goods in French signed by Justus Colimor maitre d'hostel to said ambassador, said schedule including two cases of pictures (peintures), gilt leather for the ambassador's chapel, a case of flowers and a picture, a case "avec la molure du portrait du Roy d'Espagne," a case of tableaux [? pictures on panel], three couples of pistols, etc.
Henry Guy to Robt. Nott, deputy to the Master of the Great Wardrobe, to put 20l. into Mr. Poitevin's hands, being due to him in the Great Wardrobe. The Treasury Lords will take care that the Master of the Wardrobe has a regular warrant for the allowance thereof by Nov. 5 next. Out Letters (General) VI, p. 116.
Same to Mr. Blathwaite forwarding from the Treasury Lords a letter dated this day sent from Col. Norwood to [the Treasury] Secretary Guy concerning the quit rents received by said Norwood at Virginia. Ibid.
Oct. 26. Same to Auditor Done. The Treasury Lords are informed by Mr. Burton that the narrative concerning the Mint is in your hands. You are to despatch same for my Lords against Thursday [next]. Ibid.
Money order for 11,000l. to Richard Kent and Charles Duncombe in repayment of the like sum by them lent to the King [into the Exchequer] this day together with 6 per cent. interest and 4 per cent. reward. (With a later Treasury letter of direction dated 1680, Dec. 13. Let this order be satisfied by tallies on the Customs.) Order Book XXXVIII, p. 177.
Treasury reference to Auditor Shales of the account of Robert Rives's loan money ut supra, p. 698. Reference Book I, pp. 146–7.
Appending: said accompt.
Henry Guy to the Auditor of the Receipt to issue (out of such money as shall be paid into the Exchequer on account of the Excise Commissioners by Nicholas Johnson, late Treasurer thereof) 503l. 4s. 10d. to said Johnson on the order of March 13 last, supra, p. 466. Disposition Book II, p. 29.
Oct. 27. Report to the King from the Treasury Lords on the petition of Moses Pitt, bookseller, who prays a grant for the importation of such paper, maps and books from beyond the seas, Customs free, as he shall have occasion of for carrying on his Atlas and other undertakings. Great inconveniences and trouble may arise to the Customs by such grant. What your Majesty shall be pleased to bestow upon him will be best paid in money "as you were pleased to direct in the like case of John Seller and partners." Warrants not Relating to Money, p. 263.
Oct. 27. Privy seal for 3,000l. to the Earl of Sunderland, one of the Principal Secretaries of State: for secret service without accompt. (Royal warrant dated Oct. 25 for said privy seal. Money warrant dated Oct. 27 hereon. Money order dated Nov. 6 hereon.) King's Warrant Book VIII, pp. 49. 50, Money Book, p. 261. Order Book XXXVIII, p. 172.
Oct. 28. Henry Guy to William Tayleur to forthwith attend Auditor Done with all papers that you have relating to the Mint, the better to enable him to make an exact and perfect case of the Mint. Out Letters (General) VI, p. 116.
Same to Mr. Burton [Solicitor to the Treasury] to forthwith deliver to said Auditor Done the Attorney and Solicitor General's opinions touching Mr. Slingsby's suspension and all other papers that you have relating to the Mint ut supra. Ibid.
Same to the Customs Commissioners to inform the Treasury Lords how long Saml. Danvers, one of the patent waiters, was suspended. Ibid, p. 117.
Same to Mr. Trant to pay 95l. to Anthony Sagar (Seagar). The Treasury Lords will allow you this sum out of the 1,000l. a week you and your partners have agreed to lend from Sept. 29 last to Christmas next. Ibid.
Same to the Customs Commissioners enclosing a letter dated Oct. 27 from Robt. Tayer, customer of Chichester, praying to execute the place of collector, ibid. loco Mr. Williams, for only his [present] patent salary as customer. Ibid.
Treasury warrant to the same to deliver, Customs free, the goods of his Excellency the Heer van Leyden van Leeuwen, Ambassador Extraordinary from the States General. Out Letters (Customs), p. 283.
Appending: schedule of said goods (including tapestries and hangings, a chariot, four black mares, etc.).
Money warrant for 500l. to Henry Sidney, Envoy Extraordinary to the States General of the United Provinces, as in part of his bill of extraordinaries for 1,034l. 15s. 10d.: said bill being allowed by Secretary Sir Leoline Jenkins, June 23 last. Money Book, pp. 259–60. Order Book XXXVIII, p. 172.
Appending: said bill of extraordinaries—
Guilders. Stivers.
to the captain of the yacht that brought him over 200 0
to the seamen 50 0
for transporting his goods 331 4
for bringing them to the Hague 9 4
for a waggon from Delftshaven 7 0
to the captain of the Prince's yacht that carried him [Sidney] to Utrecht the first time 31 10
At his audience from the States General—
to the Prince [of Orange's] trumpeters 18 18
to the States' trumpeters 12 12
to the messengers of the States 18 18
to the Prince's drum[mer]s 12 12
to the hoboys [hautboys] 6 6
to the postmaster's servants 6 6
for his [Sidney's] journey to Dieren 200 0
for going twice to Houselaer Dijk 30 0
for his journey to Breda 100 0
for his two journeys to Amsterdam 400 0
to the French Gazetteer 63 0
to his secretary when he went to the Duke of Monmouth at Utrecht 63 0
to Mr. Serjeant for his journey to Amsterdam 20 0
for his [Sidney's] journey to the Prince at Soesdijk 200 0
sent to Mr. Serjeant to bring him from Amsterdam 100 0
letters from the 4th Aug. to the 4th Nov. [1679] 288 8
2,168 18
Given to the captain of the yacht and the seamen [on his journey] to go into England 200 0
for the barge and carrying his goods to the ship 30 0
to the captain of the Greyhound that carried him into Holland 200 0
for a boat to the Hague 10 0
to an express sent into England 350 0
to new year's gifts as appears by bill 450 0
given to the feast of the neighbourhood 100 0
given for intelligence to a gentleman 330 0
given to the burghers of the Hague in wine (May 1) 300 0
to a printer for several printed papers 49 14
to Mr. Campman for intelligence to the 1st of June 63 0
for letters from the 4th of November [1679] to the 5th of June [1680] 542 12
for entertaining the Prince, the States and foreign ministers during the space of 10 months 5,000 0
for paper, ink, wax, pens, gazettes, memoirs and other printed pamphlets 133 14
to the officers in the Exchequer for the [fees on my dormant and other] warrants and for fees [on my warrants] for 6 months' allowance, 3 months' advance [of ordinary] and 500l. equipage money 420 0
8,179 0
total 10,347fl. 18st., which makes 1,034l. 15s. 10d. sterling.
(Money order dated Nov. 4 for 500l. hereon).
Oct. 28,
Oct. 9
et priora.		 Various reports dated Oct. 4 and 6 as below from William Blathwayt, Auditor General of the Plantations, were read to the Treasury Lords Oct. 9 and resolutions were thereupon made by my Lords the same day and letters as below dated Oct. 28 were thereupon despatched as in accordance with such resolutions: all as follows. Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), pp. 43–57.
Report, dated Whitehall Oct. 6, to the Treasury Lords from William Blathwayt, Auditor General of the Plantations, as to what might be fit to be recommended to the care of Sir Richard Dutton, appointed Governor of Barbados, in relation to the revenue arising in that island, ut supra, p. 697. The Lords of the Committee of Plantations have prepared a draft of said Dutton's commission and instructions and therein care is taken that the revenue arising by liquors, fines, escheats, forfeitures and other profits of the King and government [there] be duly collected and applied and accounted for. So that no further provision herein will be requisite after said Dutton has received a letter from the King and another from you, the Treasury Lords, on the lines of those sent to Sir Jonathan Atkins, supra. p. 599, in pursuance of the late regulation of his Majesty's revenue in that island. But as to the Four and a Half per cent. duty there is no notice taken of it in his commission or instructions, as the same is let to farm and more immediately remaining under your Lordships' directions. As the said farm is to continue for four years longer there is no room left for any directions to said Dutton relating to that revenue unless it is on the ground of the clause in the indenture of farm by which the King can commute the duty for some other imposition of more advantage to himself and more ease to the inhabitant and that a law for such new duty shall ipso facto void the said farm. If the King think fit to direct Sir Richard Dutton to propose or recommend to the Assembly of Barbados some such exchange for the Four and a Half per cent. duty, it will be necessary that Sir William Stapleton, Governor of the Leeward Isles, do receive the same instructions, so that they may proceed jointly in making this proposition to the respective Assemblies. "And it may be then also requisite that this Act of Four and a Half per cent. which is perpetual be not wholly superseded by any other law without very good consideration, but only suspended during his Majesty's pleasure." Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), pp. 43–5.
Same dated Whitehall Oct. 4, to same from same, containing said Blathwayt's general representation of matters concerning the Plantations revenue. On Aug. 3 last I attended your Lordships with the account of Col. Strode for 7 years of his farm of the Four and a Half per cent. in the Leeward Islands with my exceptions to the same. Your Lordships gave, then, no order therein. In said accompt several unreasonable defalcations are craved for short entries and other accidents. I submit that a warrant be signed for the allowances thought fit to be made him or that the said cravings be referred to three or four able merchants as was done in the case of the Barbados farm, and that Col. Strode be required forthwith to bring in such vouchers for his account as are yet wanting. Ibid, pp. 45–8.
On the 17th June last a letter ut supra, p. 574, was written to Col. Norwood and safely delivered at his house concerning his receipt of the quit rents of Virginia. No answer has been returned thereto. He should be reminded of what is expected of him.
There is come to my [Blathwait's] hands from Virginia by order of Lord Colepeper four accompts for the years 1676–80 of the receipt of the [duty of] 2s. per hogshead on tobacco exported thence, with the disbursements of that revenue for the support of the government [there]. These accompts are not so particular nor so attended with vouchers as may be fit for the future when all persons concerned therein shall have understood his Majesty's pleasure as lately signified. I have drawn them separately into a form for your Lordships' view and also contracted them into one general accompt with my exceptions to certain particulars which I shall transmit to the auditor there for further satisfaction or redress therein.
This revenue of 2s. per hogshead was formerly raised by an Act of the Assembly for defraying the charges of the government [of Virginia] without mention nevertheless of his Majesty's name and with a proviso that no part thereof should be issued otherwise than by order of the Assembly. Lord Colepeper has lately presented to the Assembly the draft of a bill prepared by the Committee of Plantations for raising the same revenue and in this draft it is mentioned to be unto his Majesty, his heirs and successors for ever to and for the better support of that Government [sc. of Virginia] and for no other use whatsoever, without any clause that restrains the issuing the money to the Assembly. This bill is accordingly enacted there and contains with all [withal] such special clauses for the better collecting that revenue that whereas before it seldom amounted to above 3,000l. per an. it may now produce 3,500l. at least, and is become subject to your Lordships' examination and directions in like manner as the Four and a Half per cent. [duty] in the Caribbee Islands. I have a copy of said Act ready for your Lordships' view.
I do not find that Lord Vaughan, late Governor of Jamaica, has passed any accompt of the revenue received by him during his government. For this he may be called upon when your Lordships shall command it.
I have received from the Earl of Carlisle, present Governor of Jamaica, an accompt of the revenue of that island from 1678, July, to 1679, July, with the issues made for the support of the Government there. I have prepared a state thereof for your Lordships' view. There are divers vouchers and particular accompts requisite to prove the same which are not transmitted by the officers who were not yet informed of his Majesty's late regulation in respect of that revenue. I will require the same by the first opportunity. I have nevertheless made such exceptions as are most apparent and have not allowed of what the collector claims for charges of lawsuits upon seizures made by him, to which I conceive he has no right, as one moiety of such seizures belongs to him as the informer, which [moiety] is sufficient for him to defray such charges.
Certain persons that have been long conversant in Barbados have offered to discover the value of 4,400l. due to the King for prize-ships and goods and escheated estates, which they will undertake to recover for the King if they may have a third thereof and be permitted to prosecute in his Majesty's name, the King bearing two-thirds the expense of such suits. I represent this for your Lordships' directions therein. There is a clause in the indenture of the farm of the Four and a Half per cent. duty that (to the end the King may from time to time be fully satisfied of the true yearly value of that duty) the Farmers shall keep distinct and fair-written books of what is levied and received and of all compositions, deductions and distributions whatsoever, submitting to such control therein as the King shall appoint and permitting such books to be viewed and copied as the King shall appoint, and at the King's charge. If directed by your Lordships I am ready to undertake this.
Memorandum. The abovesaid two reports [to the Treasury Lords from W. Blathwait, Auditor General of the Plantations] were read to the said Lords on Oct. 9, who upon that (a) supra concerning Sir Richard Dutton directed Mr. Blathwayt to alter a clause in the draft of the letter from his Majesty which had been sent to Sir Jonathan Atkins June 30 last, ut supra, p. 599, the said alteration being as follows: "and that you give all such persons and others whom it may concern to understand that as we are graciously inclined to provide for the support of that our government out of such revenues as shall accrue within the same, so we are resolved to hold a strict hand upon the execution of their respective duties abovementioned and that their neglect therein will draw upon them the consequences of our just displeasure. And these our commands we do hereby direct and require to be entered in the public register of that our island together with a duplicate of our said letters patent delivered unto you by the Commissioners of our Treasury, in case the said letters patent be not already entered there, [so] that no person may pretend ignorance thereof and that the same be deemed good and effectual in the law to all intents and purposes whatsoever within our said island. And so we bid you farewell from our Court at Whitehall this 28th day of October." Which letter so altered was accordingly signed and delivered to Sir Richard Dutton. Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), pp. 48–9.
Mr. Blathwayt was also directed to prepare an instruction to Sir Richard Dutton pursuant to a covenant in the farm of the Four and a Half per cent. duty in the Caribbee Islands for commuting that duty; and to present said draft to the Treasury Lords on Monday next [after Oct. 9]. And a letter dated Oct. 28 to Sir Richard Dutton was signed by their Lordships ut supra, p. 599, concerning the revenue in Barbados like that formerly sent to Sir Jonathan Atkins, with this difference "of all rents, etc., as shall accrue during your government." Ibid, pp. 49–50.
Upon reading [this abstract is still apparently dealing with the Treasury session of Oct. 9] the [abovesaid general] report [of Oct. 4] concerning several parts of the [Plantation] revenue Mr. Blathwayt presents to the Treasury Lords the state of accompt of Col. Strode for the farm of the [Four and a Half per cent. duty] of the Leeward Islands with two exceptions thereto. Whereupon it is ordered [by my Lords] that the particular of the short entries amounting to 1,256l. 10s. 6d. [be referred] to the examination of Sir George Downing. Col. Byar and Capt. Freeman by letter as follows:—
Henry Guy (dated Oct. 18) to Sir George Downing et al. (Col. Byar and Capt. Freeman, merchants. concerned in the Leeward Islands) to examine the allegations of Col. John Stroud, late Farmer of the Four and a Half per cent. duty in the Leeward Isles, who craves several defalcations by short entries alleged to have been made by the inhabitants of those islands. Report to my Lords on the reasonableness of his pretensions and what, if any, allowances ought to be made him by reason thereof. Out Letters (General) VI, p. 112. Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), p. 50.
Col. Strode is [by my Lords further] on this day [? Oct. 9] ordered to bring in his vouchers for the other parts of the defalcations craved by him. A letter is accordingly written to him as follows dated Oct. 18:— Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), p. 50. Out Letters (General), p. 112.
Henry Guy to said Strode, informing him of the abovesaid reference, the state of said account having been presented to the Treasury Lords by William Blathwayt together with his exceptions to said defalcations. You have not delivered to Mr. Blathwayte several vouchers which are necessary for the passing your accompt. Send them forthwith.
And whereas the said Col. Strode demands an abatement of 1,379l. 14s. 4d. for the release of three years' duty granted by the King to the Island of St. Christopher from 1672, March 25, to 1675, March 25, the Treasury Lords [further on this same day: ? Oct. 9] direct the Customs Commissioners to cause search to be made in their books for [an idea or account of] what goods have been imported into England from St. Christopher during that time [in order to the proper valuation of the allowance to be made for the duty lost thereon]. Accordingly a letter dated Oct. 18 as follows is written to said commissioners:— Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), p. 51. Out Letters (General) VI, p. 111.
Henry Guy to the Customs Commissioners for a particular accompt of what goods have been imported from St. Christopher into any part of England from 1672, March 25, to 1675, Sept. 29.
It is also further ordered that Col. Strode have a copy of his accompt drawn up by Mr. Blathwayt with his exceptions, and of the abovesaid references to Sir G. Downing, etc., concerning the short entries. Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), pp. 51–2.
And it is further ordered that Auditor Aldworth bring in the account and tallies of the first Barbados farm [of the Four and a Half per cent. duty], said tallies being necessary for the passing this [present] account [of Col. Strode for the farm of said duty] of the Leeward Islands.
Memorandum: A letter was ordered [by the Treasury Lords on the 8th Oct. being] the day before [the present detailed proceedings of Oct. 9] to be sent to Col. Norwood (see this letter, supra, p. 699) to require an answer to Mr. Guy's letter of June 17 last concerning the Virginia quit rents.
The accounts of the 2s. per hogshead of tobacco exported from Virginia for four years ended 1680, June 21, are presented and read to the Treasury Lords and a general accompt drawn from the [said] four particular accompts is read; and my Lords order Mr. Blathwayt to proceed according to [his proposals] in the report ut supra, p. 721.
As for the accompts of Lord Vaughan during his government, it is said that they are in the hands of Auditor Done ready to be passed; but my Lords order that Mr. Blathwayt be furnished with a copy of them.
The state of the accompt of Jamaica for the revenue ended 1679, July 18, is presented and read to the Treasury Lords and Mr. Blathwayt is ordered to proceed therein according to the [proposals in his] report ut supra, ibid.
As to the discovery of 4,400l. due to the king in Barbados, for which the discoverers desire a third of the proceed with liability for only a third the charges of prosecution, the Treasury Lords think fit that they be allowed one third [profit, but take all the charges of prosecution] without putting the King to any charge whatsoever.
In relation to the matter of the copies of the books of accompts of the Farmers of the Four and a Half per cent. duty my Lords order that said Farmers do permit their books to be viewed both in the West Indies and here [London] and copies to be taken [and the following letters are accordingly sent]:—
(a) Henry Guy dated Oct. 27 to [Robert Spencer, Jon. Stroud. Charles Tucker and Henry Daniel, the Farmers of the Four and a Half per cent. duty in the Leeward Islands] to permit all your books both in England and in the Caribbee Islands to be viewed and copies thereof to be taken, viz. by Edwin Stede in Barbados, by Sir William Stapleton in the islands under his government and by William Blathwait here in England. Out Letters (Plantations Auditor), pp. 52–4, 54–7. Warrants not Relating to Money, pp. 263–4, 265–7.
Prefixing: copy of the abovesaid clause [supra. p. 722] in the said Farmers' indenture of lease of said duty in the Caribbee Islands requiring them to keep distinct and fair-written books of accompts of said duties, to submit same to comptrol and yearly audit and to permit same, at the King's charge and as he shall think fit, to be viewed and copies thereof to be taken.
(b) Letter from the Treasury Lords (dated Oct. 28) to Sir William Stapleton, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to view and have copied the abovesaid books from the commencement of the present farm to Michaelmas last and so henceforward half-yearly and to transmit same to William Blathwait to be by him examined and presented to us. We will see that due satisfaction be forthwith made you for what shall be expended by you in this work.
(c) The like letter dated Oct. 28 to Edwin Steed, esq., Secretary and Marshal within the Island of Barbados, who is hereby requested to permit the like viewing and copying of such books from the commencement of the present farm of said duty to Michaelmas last; and further to give said Blathwaite all assistance in the settlement and execution of his office of Auditor General of Plantations.
Oct. 30. Treasury reference to the Customs commissioners of the petition of Thomas Graves praying some place in the Custom House, he being disabled by losses from pursuing his way of merchandizing. Reference Book I, p. 147.
Same to same of the petition of Henry Hales, praying for a tidesman's place, London port. My Lords recommend this petition. Ibid.
Same to Sir Richd. Mason, Bartholomew Fillingham and Jon. Ramsey [Agents for Taxes] of the petition of Fra. Hollingshead; said petitioner setting forth that his late father Fra. Hollinshead, deceased, was collector of Hearthmoney in co. Lancs. and Receiver of the Eighteen Months' Assessment in cos. Chester and Stafford and at his decease was indebted to the King in 4,500l. and at the same time owed above 6,000l. to other creditors: that petitioner has been very careful and desirous to pay the King's debt, 2,000l. whereof, being his wife's [marriage] portion, was paid into the Exchequer all in one day; and that if petitioner had not undertaken his said father's debts and managing of estate the King's debt would have been in great danger to be lost because of many mortgages contracted and two statutes acknowledged by petitioner's father long before he was Receiver; that the encumbrances upon the estate were more than it was worth; that petitioner became bound with his uncle Ralph Hollinshead for the late Eighteen Months' Assessment, who [Ralph] has incurred a great arrear, which is still due to the King, and all the lands whereby petitioner hoped to give his family bread is extended by the Treasury Lords' order. Therefore prays, as his whole estate is under extent from my Lords and under mortgage to others long before the King's debt [was] contracted, that the Treasury Lords will discharge him from the said debts, such extent upon his estate excepted. Ibid, pp. 147–8.
Oct. 30. Treasury reference to Sir Richd. Mason, Bartholomew Fillingham and Jon. Ramsey [Agents for Taxes] of the petition of Charles Duncomb: petitioner shewing that he was Receiver, within the three years last past, of the Seventeen Months' Assessment co. Bedford and performed said service satisfactorily to the State, but to the great loss and damage of himself, for that during the time of his receivership he was under the necessity of keeping and maintaining great guards to defend himself in carrying his Majesty's money from one part of the county to the other and for the safe keeping thereof at his own house and secure sending it up quarterly to the Exchequer, being often very dangerously beset upon the roads by thieves and his house broken open, whereby a considerable part of his estate will be very much impaired if not relieved by my Lords. Therefore prays some allowance. Reference Book I, p. 149.
Same to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Charles Lewis praying a landwaiter's or under-searcher's place in London port or a surveyor's place in the outports, being in a capacity to serve the King. Ibid, p. 148.
Treasury warrant to the Customs Cashier to pay 22l. 10s. 0d. to John Needler for three quarters to Sept. 29 last on his fee as Comptroller of the Great and Petty Customs London port. Money Book, p. 261.
Henry Guy to the Auditor of the Receipt to issue (out of such Excise money as shall this week be paid into the Exchequer) 2,000l. to Mr. Johnson for offreckonings [of the Forces] and 1,000l. to the Cofferer of the Household. Disposition Book II, p. 29.
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