Volume 188: February 2-March 14, 1715 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

'Volume 188: February 2-March 14, 1715', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719, (London, 1883) pp. 78-89. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp78-89 [accessed 26 April 2024]

February 2–March 14, 1715



2 Feb.	1. Memorial of Sir Christopher Wren to the Lords of the Treasury. Has made full inquiry into the behaviour of M^r James Browne, Clerk of the Works at Windsor, and finds that the accusation against him of being insolent and disorderly (for which he was dismissed) is false and malicious. Prays that he may be reinstated. Dated Whitehall, Office of Works. 2 Feb. 1714. Minuted:—“8 Feb. 1714–15. Read.” Also a testimonial in his favour, with numerous signatures. 2 large pages (one being parchment).
4 Feb.	2. Report of the [Com^rs] for Duties on Hides to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Thomas Lloyd, Esq^re, late receiver of Chester, Denbigh, and Flint, for stay of process; advising against the same. Dated Office for Hides, &c. 4 Feb. 1714. Minuted:—“Adhered to.” The petition 2½ pages.
1715. 4 Feb.	3. Report of the same on the petition of Sir John Conway, Bart., one of the sureties of the above receiver, also for stay of process; advising against the same. Same date. Minuted:—“Process not to be staid.” The petition. 2 pages.
5 Feb.	4. Thomas Worth, jun^r, Agent for tin, to John Anstis, Esq. M.P., at his house in Arundel S^t, London. Sends the totals of the quarter's tin coined at Penzance, and will be glad to have his thoughts of the farm, as the tinners are under uncertainty, and some threaten to take out their tin. Dated Penryn, 5 Feb. 1714. ½ page.
5 Feb.	5. Memorial of the Earl of Hay to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the right to present “the office of Clerk to the Borough Roll of the Exchequer of Scotland,” which had always been in the gift of the Clerk Register; praying for recall of the commission lately granted to M^r Dalrymple, it being contrary to the Earl's patent as Clerk Register of Scotland. Dated Feb. 5, 1714–15. Minuted:—“8 Feb. 1714/1715. To Barons Excheq^r of Scotland to examine and report.” 1 page.
[About 7 Feb.	6. Petition of Henrietta Maria Stainhurst, widow, daughter and executrix of Captain Charles Gifford, to the Queen, praying for payment of the arrears of an annuity of 300l. per ann. granted by King Charles II. to her father for services rendered to him at the Battle of Worcester. Also certificate of the amount due to Christmas 1701. Dated 7 Feb. 1714. 1½ pages.
8 Feb.	7. Com^rs for the care of the poor Palatines to the Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Sunderland). Detail the efforts that had been made to get the case of the Palatines considered. It is now before the Lords of the Treasury. Pray his Excellency, in order to prevent the ruin of so hopeful a Protestant settlement, to transmit their answer, there being the greatest necessity for it, as the spring is approaching, which is the only time for improving the farms of the Palatines. A great part of them are in a starving condition, and it is all they (the Com^rs) can do to keep them in the country till they receive his Majesty's answer. Dated Dublin, 8 Feb. 1714. 1½ pages.
[? About 9 Feb.]	8 and 9. Petition of Albertus Cruse, late belonging to H.M. ship of war, the “New Lyon,” to the Lords of the Treasury. Complains of being much wronged in his wages by Captain, “Warpoole,” late commander, and prays their Lordships' orders to the Com^rs at Chatham for speedy payment, &c. Also an affidavit on the same subject. Dated 9 Feb. 1714. 3 pages.
10 Feb.	10. Letter signed by the initials of four persons to the Paymaster-General (Howe), praying him to obtain their pardon from his Majesty in having been the instruments made use of by Mons. Crispe, in his frauds on Chelsea College, and for payment of what was due to them from the College. Dated 10 Feb. 1714–15. (French.) 1½ pages.
10 Feb.	11. Lord Townshend to the Lords of the Treasury, signifying the King's pleasure that some allowance should be made to James Carnaby, a prisoner in Newgate, who is in a distracted state. Whitehall, 10 Feb. 1714–15. Minuted:—“22 Feb. 1714/1715. M^r Borrett to pay him 8 shillings per week from the time of this significac[i]on.” 1 page.
11 Feb.	12. W^m Popple to John Taylor, Esq. His Majesty had on 13 Dec. 1714, appointed the R^t Hon. William, Lord Berkely of Stratton, Sir Jacob Asteley, Robert Molesworth, John Cokburne, Archibald Hucheson, John Chetwynd, Charles Cooke, and Paul Docminique, Esq^res, as Com^rs for Trade and Plantations. Asks him (M^r Taylor) to move the Lords of the Treasury that the usual privy seal might pass. Whitehall, 11 Feb. 1714–15. Also an urgent letter from him, pressing for a year's salary due to him and the clerks at Christmas last. He says he is in a dismal condition for want of it. If he only had what was due up to the time of the Queen's death, it would do him more harm than good. Minuted:—“A warr^t to be p[re]pared.” 2½ pages.
[? About 11 Feb.]	13. Petition of John Tasker, Thomas Buttery, and Thomas Bunce, for themselves and the rest of the under coal-meters of the City of London, to the Lords of the Treasury. Refer to a previous petition and unsatisfactory reports made thereon; pray to be heard by counsel, and to be allowed to prove by witnesses, or otherwise, the allegations made by them. 35 signatures. Minuted:—“11^th Feb. 1714/1715. Read, & my Lords leave this matter to be decided by law.” 1 large page.
11 Feb.	14. Docquet:—“11^th Feb^ry 1714/1715. From M^r Merryll, w^th some papers proposing a discovery of great abuses in Chelsea Hospital.” Minuted:—“The matter having been laid this day before the King, his Ma^ty directs an advertisem^t promising protection and due encouragem^t to the persons proposing to discover in case they make out ye same.” The above are on the back of a covering letter from M^r Howe. 1 page, quarto.
11 Feb.	15. Report of the Com^rs for Duties on Hides to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of M^r Edmund Giles Hooper, solicitor for the Hide Office, setting forth his services, and praying to be allowed to proceed in his duties. Corroborating his statements. 11 Feb. 1714. Minuted:—“22 Feb. 1714/1715. The place is disposed.” Two petitions, and a letter to M^r Lowndes. 6½ pages.
14 Feb.	16. Petition of Thomas Hewett, Surveyor-General of H.M. Woods, to the Lords of the Treasury. Sets forth his various services from his appointment as Surveyor of Woods, Trent North, about 20 years since. All his predecessors had windfalls in Sherwood Forest. His salary with taxes and fees is 30l. per ann. Entreats their Lordships not to obstruct him in having these windfalls. Dated 14 Feb. 1714. Minuted:—“Read Feb^ry 15^th.” 1 page.
15 Feb.	17. Draft of surrender to the King, by Robert Earl of Oxford, of the office of Keeper of S^t James' Palace, with the following note at the foot:—“We approve of this draught. Edw. Northey, W. Lechmere.” Feb. 15, 1714–15. 11pages.
[? About 15 Feb.]	18. Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury of certain merchants who supplied money for furnishing the train of artillery, &c. in the Canada expedition, for which they received bills of exchange; praying that the bills may be paid, the merchants having been nearly four years out of their money. Seven signatures. Minuted;—“Feb^ry 15^th 1714. Look out the reports from the 3 offices, viz^t, ordnance, victualling, and transport.” 2 pages.
[? About 16 Feb.]	19. “A state of M^r Molesworth's demands.” A paper thus headed in respect to the claims of John [? Robert] Molesworth, Esq., appointed as her late Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary to the Great Duke of Tuscany and Republic of Genoa. He was to receive 5l. a day, and the claim was for 750l. Minuted:—“16 Feb. 1714–15. My Lords cannot pay the 750l. he demands as due on his pay before he left England.” Again:—“28^th June 1715. A war^t to be drawne for this 750^li, to be paid out of the Queen's arreares.” Another paper urging various reasons why he should receive his pay from the day he kissed her Majesty's hand. M^r Harley promised that his detention in England should not be prejudicial to him. He resided near four years in Florence without receiving one farthing of his salary or extraordinaries. Another memorandum as to what was due to him. 5 pages.
[? About 16 Feb.]	20. Petition of Elizabeth Preston, widow, in behalf of Sir Thomas Lowther, Bart., an infant, to the Lords of the Treasury. Was lessee under the Crown for 13 years of the site of the Monastery of Furness, and had lately had a long and expensive suit in the Exchequer in connexion with the same. The estate ought to have descended to her husband, but the entail was cut off for his adherence to the Protestant religion, and it was forfeited to the Crown by being given to superstitious uses. Asks for the grant of a lease for 31 years, in accordance with the reports annexed. Copy of her petition to the late Queen, the report of the Attorney-General, and the report of Alex. Pendarves. Minuted:—“16 Feb. 1714. My Lords will pass ye lease.” 5¼ pages.
[? About 16 Feb.]	21. Petition of Michael Baker, gent., and Michael Baker, his son, to the Lords of the Treasury. The office of Marshal of the Marshalsea of the Court of Exchequer has been successively granted to the father and other members of the family from the reign of King Charles II.; pray for a renewal of the grant. Minuted:—“16 Feb^y 1714. Renew y^e patent.” Also a certificate in their favour. 1½ pages.
16 Feb.	22. Petition of Mary Hill to the Lords of the Treasury. Is widow of Nicholas Hill, late one of her Majesty's messengers, who had about 1,000l. due to him from King William, whom he served all the time of his reign. Lord Oxford often promised payment, but nothing was performed, so that it broke the heart of her husband. Prays payment. Minuted:—“16 Feb^y 1714. There is no m^o in y^e Excheq^r of K. W^ms arrears.” 1 page.
[? About 16 Feb.]	23. Memorial of John Netmaker, Commissary on the expedition to Canada, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying that Col. Samuel Vetch may be charged with the sum, for which he stands indebted to the Government for stores. Also copies of a writ and schedule on the same subject. Minuted:—“16 Feb^ry 1714–15. Gen^ll Nichollson and Netmaker to attend on Friday, and Netmaker to lay his acc^t of the whole cargo of stores before my lord. Write to y^e Compt^r for an acc^t of w^t has appeared to them relating to that clothing.” 5 pages.
18 Feb.	24. Board of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury. 53,000l. is most absolutely necessary for the immediate service of the office, besides the arrears due to the trains at Gibraltar, Port Mahon, Annapolis, Placentia, &c., amounting to 5,000l. and upwards. For the public service they have made use of the stores in the magazines and deferred replenishing the same, until the money given by Parliament is paid to the office, the arrears of which amount to 265,627l. 19s. 7¼d. The subsistence of the trains abroad amounts to 650l. per month, and they have not 1,000l. in cash. Pray for money to be ordered. 18 Feb. 1714–15. Minuted:—“Read Feb^ry 22^nd 1714. See what can be paid to them out of the last year's funds.” Also two accounts. 4 pages.
18 Feb.	25. Report of the Com^rs for Duties upon Hides to the Lords of the Treasury, on the report of the Attorney and Solicitor General, relating to the off-reckonings of General Lumley's regiment of horse. Office for Hides, &c, 18 Feb. 1714. Minuted:—“Respit to be taken off.” The report referred to, a petition, and an affidavit. 7½ pages.
21 Feb.	26. Comm^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords [of the Treasury]. Relating to ships and goods, more particularly wool, seized. P.S.—Have received an account of a ship seized near Waterford, with 7,000 pounds weight of combed wool, and several other seizures. Custom House, Dublin, 21 Feb. 1714. Enclosed is a letter from Richard Nuttall, detailing the legal proceedings connected with seizures of wool taken by order of the Commissioners. 2½ pages.
23 Feb.	27. Order in Council to the Lords of the Treasury, to report on a memorial from the Lieut.-General and principal officers of the Ordnance, as to the lands vested in trustees for the better fortifying Portsmouth, Chatham, and Harwich. Dated 23 Feb. 1714. Minuted:—“7^th March 1714–15. My Lords approve that a reparac[i]on be made for the wast com[m]itted by the proprietors of the lands vested in Trustees for y^e fortifications at Portsmouth, in the manner proposed by the Board of Ordnance, and direct the Surveyo^r Gen^ll to view the lands and hereditam^ts, and report a true state and condition with the nature and yearly value of y^e premisses respectively, and to make surveys thereof accordingly. A warr^t signed to y^e surv^r.” Report of the officers of Ordnance as to the waste, &c., and extract from the Minute Book of the Trustees on the same subject. 4½ pages.
23 Feb.	28. “An account of the money, tallies, &c. remaining in the late and present Treasurers of the Navy's hands on the 31^st of December 1714 (over and above the assignments on them from the Navy Board), and may be reckoned towards satisfying the debt of the Navy, in case it shall be all applied to the service thereof.” 1 page.
23 Feb.	29. Report of Thomas Hewett to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Earl of Godolphin, Ranger of the Little Park, at Windsor, on the state of the repairs of Windsor House Park. By letting a piece of waste land, lying between the park wall and river, worth about 10l. per ann., the fences might be repaired without charge to the Crown. In this park there are no oak timber trees, nor any other but for ornament, and these he finds are cut for browse for the deer, which ought not to be practised anywhere, since hay is much better. Has broken that ill custom elsewhere, and the deer do very well. It would be a great charge to make up the pallisadoes at the end of two walks towards the river. The people cut the staves for the hares to get out and dogs to get in. It would be more beautiful and secure to wall up the gaps and place handsome seats against the wall. It would save money at present and prevent future charge. The fences of the new walk leading to the Great Park, above two miles long, lately repaired at great expense, where hay is got for the deer, are near the town and in great danger of being pulled to pieces by thieves. Thinks he can prevent it by having a man to look after it for 5l. per ann. Gives estimate of repairs. Feb. 22, 1714. Minuted:—“The old materials to be sold, and to take care y^t no browse be cut down, and to bring an estimate of y^e charge of w^t y^e other work he proposes to do will amount to.” The memorial referred to. 3 pages.
24 Feb.	30. Report of Henry Lee of the parish of Aldgate, Middlesex, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury, in respect to the account of M^r Gyde, deceased, late agent and undertaker for sick and wounded seamen at Jamaica; a dispute having arisen, as to whether Madeira wine should be allowed on his contingent charge or not. 24 Feb. 1714. Three other papers enclosed. 9 pages.
24 Feb.	31. Copy of report of the Com^rs for Trade, &c. to the King, on the petition of Elizabeth Salenave, widow, relating to a plantation in that part of the Island of St. Christopher which was lately subject to the French. Petitioner had, in 1690, been restored to her estate, when the Island was conquered by the English; but on the Treaty of Ryswick was, as a Protestant, obliged to abandon it. Advise the extension of the Royal favour to her. Dated Whitehall, 24 Feb. 1714–15. Also duplicate of the same and notices of three other documents relating to the same subject. [These are copies probably made a good deal later.] 7¼ pages.
26 Feb.	32. “The Comptrollers (Medowes and Bruce's) report of all their proceedings upon the stores sent under the care of M^r Nettmaker, w^th the expedition to Canada.” 26 February 1714–15. “R. 28 Feb. 1714–15.” 8 pages.
28 Feb.	33. The same “Controllers' report upon the off-reckonings of Lieu^t-General Harvey's regiment.” 28 Feb. 1714–15. Three enclosures. 4 pages and 2 halves.
28 Feb.	34. Report of the Com^rs for disbanding the marines (Nicholas Roope and Thomas Layton) to the Lords of the Treasury, upon the petition of the clothiers, viz., as to what proofs they had that the soldiers received their clothes. Scotland Yard, 28 Feb. 1714–15. Minuted:—“9 Mar. 1714–15. Must attend till the acc^ts adjusted.” 1 page.
28 Feb.	35. Report of Thomas Hewett, Surveyor-General, about moneys due to the officers of Windsor Forest for salaries and allowances. 28 Feb. 1714. Encloses petition of the rangers, &c. 2 pages.
Feb.	36. “Funds for Exchequer Bills. Charges thereon at Christmas, 1714, and a proposition for 800,000l. more.” A paper thus docquetted, apparently drawn up in February 1714–15. 3 pages.
[? About Feb.]	37. Balance sheet docquetted:—“Acco^t of sales of S.S. Stock for Genouese loan.” 2 pages.
1 March.	38. “M^r Hewett's report, w^th M^r Marshall's petic[i]on, & M^r Wilcox report annex'd, about building 2 new stables & repairs in Hampton Court house park, with an estimate of necessary repairs, &c.” March 1, 1714. Minuted:—“10^th April 1714. Agreed.—W^t signed.” Also the papers referred to. 3 pages.
1 March.	39. Report of the Earl of Carnarvon to the Lords [of the Treasury], on the petition of Don Joseph Cortizos, as to his claims for provisions and other credit, with which he supplied the Portuguese army, in their retreat from Madrid, in the year 1706; advises that his debt or part of it, should be paid out of the subsidy due to the King of Portugal, when it is provided for by Parliament. Whitehall, March 1, 1714–15. Minuted:—“Ref. to y^e Comm^rs for stating ye debts of ye army.” 2 pages.
2 March.	40. Copy of petition of Francis Manning, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury. Was employed as H.M. Secretary to the Grisons from July 1709 to Sept. 1711, and was then recalled, having received 10 wounds from French assassins. Being ordered home, he could not return for want of money to pay his debts, and the Treasury did not remit any. When at last he returned, the Lord Treasurer ordered only 1,200l. in lieu of 2,455l. Prays payment of the remainder. 2 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“M^r Manning's papers to be brought in to-morrow.” 3 pages.
4 March.	41. Fiat to the Clerk of the Pipe for appointing Henry Stevens, Esq., Serjeant-at-Law, as steward of his Majesty's honor and manor of Ewelm, in the counties of Oxford and Berks, &c., with the fee of 2l. 13s. 4d. per ann. Dated 4 March 1714. 2 pages.
[? About 4 March.]	42. Memorial of Charles Forman, Agent to the Garrison and Four Independent Companies of Foot at Placentia, in Newfoundland, to the Lords of the Treasury, pressing for provisions to be sent. Minuted:—“4 March 1714. Qu^r what is desired by this.” 1 page.
5 March.	43. A warrant from Lord Shrewsbury to the Treasurer of the Chamber to pay 200l. for a year's rent of a house, &c. for the Com^rs appointed to settle the commerce between England and France. Dated 5 March 1714. 1 page.
7 March.	44. Report to M^r Lowndes of William Blathwaite, Esq., Auditor-General of his Majesty's Plantations in America, on the petition of Arthur Slingsby, Esq., late Attorney-General of Barbadoes, for money due to him for prosecution of criminals, &c. Has sent to his deputy to make inquiries, &c. Whitehall, 7 March 1714. Minuted:—“6 Aug^t 1717. To write to M^r Blathw^t to know if y^e answer (he menc[i]ons in his rep^t) is yet returned to him by his Dep^ty in Barbadoes, & if it is, that he transmitts y^e same to their Lopps.” The report is written on the back of the petition. 2 pages.
7 March.	45. Petition to the Lords of the Treasury from several merchants concerned in tobacco burnt and destroyed by the late fire in Thames Street; praying an inquiry to be ordered by the Com^rs of Customs, and that they might have relief as the duties had been paid. Dated 7 Mar. 1714. Minuted:—15^th March 1714. My Lords will speak with the Comm^rs of the Customes upon this petic[i]on at their next attendance.” Also:—“Their case.” Minuted:—“Not proper of this board.” 2 pages.
8 March.	46. The Bailiff and Magistrates of Dunkirk to — praying payment for furniture, firing, &c. supplied to the troops of the garrison in the citadel, Fort Louis, and Risban. M^r Daniel Arthur is sent with authority to receive payment. The statement sent contains only the expenses to the end of October 1713, but since then they have been continued. Dated 8 March 1714. 3 pages. Also three accounts of the particulars of the supplies to the citadel, &c., and to the hospital. (All French.) 17 pages.
8 March.	47. Robert Pringle to M^r Popple. Encloses, by M^r Secretary Stanhope's orders, for the use of the Com^rs of Trade, a paper relating to the better disposal of the French part of the Island of St. Christopher. Whitehall, 8 March 1714–15. The paper referred to. It proposes the parcelling out of the lands adjoining to the sea in very small plantations, with conditions in these grants to prevent the uniting them into greater plantations, and the setting apart of some of them for the use of the chief governor of the Leeward Islands and the lieut.-governor of St. Christopher's, for glebes for the several parishes, and for a free school. 5 pages.
8 March.	48. Report of the Com^rs for Duties on Hides, &c. to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of James Taylor, Esq., Receiver-General of her late Majesty's Palaces of Whitehall and St. James's. The petitioner has paid into the Receipt of the Exchequer all the money collected for above six years, yet he and his securities have bonds standing out to the crown, amounting to 90,000l. Dated 8 March 1714. The petition and the opinion of Henry Stevens on the question how far the Com^rs of the Treasury can indulge the petitioner with relation to his security, bonds, &c. 5 pages.
8 March.	49. Board of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury. Sending a memorial by the Governor of Dartmouth, representing the condition of that castle and the blockhouses there, which the town, by contract, was obliged to keep in repair in consideration of 40l. yearly paid by the Treasury. The office has nothing to do with the castle, except in supplying it with powder and ordnance stores. Office of Ordnance, 8th March 1714. The petition referred to, which gives an inventory of the guns, at the end of which is this memorandum:—“There is part of an iron chain that was formerly made to reach over the harbour from Dartmouth to Kingsweare Castle, about 4 tunn weight whereof was by direction or connivance of one Sparke, late mayor, and M^r Newman, alderman of Dartmouth, put into the custody of Joseph Martin an anchor smith.” Also copy of a letter on the subject of the petition. 2½ pages.
9 March.	50. John Lansdell, on behalf of the Board of Ordnance, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying for a minute to be made for borrowing 7,000l. of the bank on tallies in the Treasurer's hands and for an order for 12,000l. out of the money for South Sea Subscription for payment of the lands purchased at Portsmouth and Harwich. 9 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“Ordered. L~re written accordingly.” 1 page.
9 March.	51. A state of the supplies for the year, made up to the 9th March 1714–15. 1 large page.
9 March.	52. Report of the officers of the Mint on the petition of M^r Richard Barrow, deputed to prosecute clippers, coiners, and utterers of false money, praying payment for his services; advising the payment, and that he should continue to act in prosecuting Sarah Harris and other offenders. Mint Office, 9 March 1714–15. The petition. 2 pages.
[After 9 March.]	53. A schedule of sums issued to the Cofferer of the Household since the King's accession to the Crown. Amongst the items are two for provisions for the yachts to receive his Majesty and retinue, and for bringing over her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. 1 page.
11 March.	54. Report of R. Powys to the Lords of the Treasury, on the demand in the memorial of William Chetwynd, Esq. (who was her late Majesty's envoy at Genoa) praying payment of 658l. 17s. 6d. by him expended. The sums expended were principally for postage of letters. The Earl of Dartmouth certified that most of the articles were reasonable. 11 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“20^th July 1716. To be paid out of the Queen's arrears.” A schedule of the articles and the memorial. 4 pages.
12 March.	55. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of North Britain to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Duke of Douglas. The allegations as to the honours, antiquity, and dignity of his family are true. King Charles II. signified to the Lords of the Treasury of Scotland his concern for the welfare and education of [Archibald] Lord Angus, eldest brother to his Grace, and his intention to relieve the family of Douglas, by directing them to call for the Marquis of Douglas, the father of Lord Angus, and to take an account of the condition of his estate; and further the King recommended to the Treasury in Scotland to pay yearly 200l. for the education of Lord Angus. King James the VII^th also directed the payment of 200l. per ann. to him (Lord Angus). Her late Majesty also granted a yearly pension of 400l. to his Grace out of the lordship and lands of Dunbar. The Barons advise the continuance of the same marks of favour. Edinburgh, 12 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“To be considered another time.” The memorial, which states:—“That his predecessors have for many ages had distinguishing marks of Royal favour conferred on them, as rewards of their loyal and dutiful support of the Crown; such as titles of honour, and considerable heritable offices, the first seat and vote in all parliaments and conventions of the states in Scotland, the leading of the van of the army in time of war, and the carrying of the crown at the opening of parliaments, and other public processions; which privileges and offices are hereditably conveyed to the said Duke by his charters, but are now rendered useless by the union of the two kingdoms. “That the said Duke's ancestors have often allyed with the royal families of Scotland and England, particularly in the year 1514, Archibald, Earl of Angus, married Margaret, Queen of Scots, daughter to King Henry the Seventh of England, and by her had issue the Lady Margaret Douglas, who was married to Mathew, Earl of Lenox, by whom she had Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, father to King James the Sixth, and lately in the year 1639, King Charles the First was party contractor, as parent for the Lady Anne Stewart, daughter to Louis, Duke of Lenox, his cousin, in the marriage articles between Archibald, Earl of Angus, and the said Lady Anne Stewart, grandfather and grandmother to the present Duke of Douglas.” 4 pages.
12 March.	56. Representation of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury in respect to “a short scheme of proposals made by the Lord Glenorchy and M^r Alexander Fraser for a tack and collection of the property, lands, and other revenues of the bishopric of Caithness.” Generally approving of the scheme of M^r Fraser. Edinburgh, 12 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“13 September 1715. To speak with Baron Scroop about this.” The scheme referred to. 3 pages.
12 March.	57. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Duchess of Hamilton, heritable keeper of his Majesty's Palace of Holyrood House, in respect to the repairs necessary there. On calling the workmen together, they insisted on having half the sum required advanced to buy materials. Whatever is ordered they can get no workmen to carry on the same, unless empowered to advance money. Edinburgh, 12 March, 1714–15. Minuted:—“13^th September 1715. Read.” The petition named. 3 pages.
14 March.	58. The Lord Chief Baron Smith to the Hon. John Taylour, Esq. Mr. James Erskine of Grange has waived his applications for the new gift, formerly by him desired, and has passed his signature for the lands therein mentioned, in common form. He (the Lord Chief Baron) and his brothers are in doubt as to what their Lordships desire in respect to the rules for passing signatures in Scotland. So many errors and mistakes have been made in the Customs' accounts in relation to distributions and remittances upon the several heads of duty, that it has been necessary to put the accounts into a new form. If M^r Crookshanks had attended to his duties, most of the errors would have been avoided. Several claims have been made which are not warranted to be paid by the establishment, also other claims for salaries due at Whitsuntide, 1707. The report finishes:—“We have done what we could towards setting everything here, and I am now setting my face towards Leicestershire, and I believe my Brother Scrope will be pretty soon with you at London, where I think he may be useful in what concerns the service here.” Edinburgh, 14^th March 1714–15. Also four enclosures touching the same subjects. 8½ pages.
14 March.	59. Report of M^r Christopher Tilson to the Lords [of the Treasury], in relation to the purchase from the R^t Hon. the Earl of Uxbridge, of his mills called Longford Mills in the co. of Middlesex, together with the river and streams of water belonging thereto, with the intent that his Majesty, having the command of that stream, may always be supplied with sufficient water for his parks and gardens at Hampton Court. The Earl proposes to sell the same for 1,300l. (clear of charges) the right of fishing which belongs to the customary tenants excepted; and this is not unreasonable; especially since it is proposed that his Majesty shall have the command of the point, about half a mile above the mills that divides the main water that supplies this stream of the one side, and the stream that runs to Thistleworth of the other side. Advises the purchase to be made. 14 March 1714–15. Minuted:—“Agreed.” Also:—(1) A corrected draft of the same; (2) another corrected draft of portion thereof, with additional notes and a covering letter on the back from M^r Tilson to Peter Walter, Esq., who was the Earl of Uxbridge's agent; (3) memorial of the Earl, asking what he should do as to leasing the mills, with long minute on the back touching the value of the property; and (4) copies of three other papers in the year 1713 on the same subject (one of them being the report of the officers of works). 8 pages.
14 March.	60. A collection of letters, reports, petitions, and other documents corroborating the same in relation to the claims of Dr. Henry Newton, Envoy to the Grand Duke of Tuscany and to the Republic of Genoa. He claimed 2,602l. 1s. exceeding the regulation. M^r R. Powys' report states, that Dr. Newton was allowed 5l. a day, and that he was the first that was allowed that sum for his ordinary entertainment. In the Doctor's letters and petitions he says that he was put to great expence by public mournings for the late Emperor Leopold and Catharine, Queen Dowager of England. Further, he had to follow the Grand Duke to Pisa and Leghorn, for about three months every year, and was at the charge of buying a house and furniture; the states he was sent to, viz., Florence and Genoa, being far removed one from the other. The same equipage would not serve at Genoa as at Florence, from the very nature of the place, since chairs were used at the former, and not coaches. One of the memorials has the following minutes on it:—“16^th Feb. 1714–5. My Lords cannot exceed the regulac[i]on.”—“15^th March 1714–5. My Lords cannot alter their former resolution.” The last letter appears to be dated 14 March 1714–15. In this he says he shall be a loser of nearly 3,000l. for having served the public. In one of the letters, viz., that for 9 April 1714, it is stated that Sir Lambert Blackwell had only 1000l. per ann. allowance for being Envoy at Florence, but he was actually at the place, and was at the same time Consul at Leghorn, and Agent of Prizes, and had the care and profit of victualling the men-of-war in the port, and thereby raised a very considerable estate. 33 pages or parts of pages.