Volume 198: January 2-March 30, 1716 | British History Online

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

'Volume 198: January 2-March 30, 1716', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719, (London, 1883) pp. 183-202. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp183-202 [accessed 25 April 2024]

January 2–March 30, 1716



[? 1715 or 1716.]	1. Petition of Hugh Hughes, gent., to the R^t Hon. Robert Walpole, Esq., and the other Lords of the Treasury. When he had taken his degrees at Oxford, was called to the Secretary's office, where he remained until sent to Ratisbon. Was employed there several years. After his late Majesty's demise, petitioner being at Vienna, regulated the trade between England and “the hereditary countrys” till he was named “Commissary of the mediation of England and Holland,” and acquitted himself so well that both the Emperor and the States of Holland offered to provide for him comfortably. Since his Majesty's accession, has received but 20l. yearly, upon which it is impossible for himself and family to subsist. Prays for a competency to subsist during the short remains of his life. Undated, but ? 1715 or 1716. Copies of five documents in corroboration. 5 pages.
1716. [? 1715 or 1716.]	2. A list of petitions showing the names of the persons, the service rendered, and the amounts due from her late Majesty Queen Anne. Undated, but ? 1715 or 1716. 2 pages.
[? 1715 or 1716.]	3. Petition of Doctor Edward Coatsworth, Apothecary-General of the Army, to the Lords of the Treasury. Has served and supplied the army and hospitals in Flanders and Dunkirk with medicines and necessaries since the beginning of the campaign in 1712, and 15,283l. are due to him. Was so ill in the Earl of Oxford's graces as not to receive any part of his large debt. Prays a moiety of his debt, which may partly prevent his entire ruin. Knows that he need not urge the cruelty of making a gentleman risk his fortune for the name of serving the public. The utmost he can do is to stave off for 14 days the shame and disgrace of being publicly affronted in the streets by his creditors. Undated. ? 1715 or 1716. 1 page.
[Probably after 1715.]	4. Report of [? the Lords of the Treasury] to the King, on the petition of Sir Alexander Brand, whose case had been reported on by the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland. He had been found by a decree of the Court of Exchequer of Scotland of 22 Aug. 1707 indebted to the Crown, 3,997l. 6s. 5d., for the rent or tack duty upon a lease which he had obtained of the Crown rents and bishop's rents of Orkney. There were, however, certain set-offs, and the petitioner is recommended to his Majesty's bounty. Undated. 2 pages.
[? 1715 or 1716.]	5. Petition of Richard Woollaston, Esq., to the King. His grandfather obtained a lease of the lead mines of Wirksworth (Derby). Petitioner prayed the late Queen to grant a new lease of them. M^r Cooke, H.M. Vice-Chamberlain, and others demanded the same thing. The lease was granted to M^r Cooke, her Majesty promising to the petitioner an equivalent. Upon this encouragement, the petitioner asked for the reversion of the revenues of the Abbey of Furness, of which the “Demoiselle” Preston was then in possession. Petitioner obtained a lease thereof under the seal of the Duchy of Lancaster for 29½ years. The lease was not worth a third of that of the lead mines. The demoiselle Preston produced a lease under the great seal for 15 years, commencing the same time as that of the petitioner. She established her claim and obtained a decree of the Court of Exchequer. The petitioner hoped at the expiration of this lease that he would be admitted without contest for the rest of his term of 29 years, with a new lease of 15 years more; but finds that the demoiselle Preston, on payment of 1,000l., has obtained an order from the King for a lease of 31 years, by which his term is entirely absorbed. Prays the order may be revoked and for a grant of a new lease to the petitioner, so that he may enjoy the term of 14½ years which remains to run with the addition of 6½ years. Accompanied by another memorial in which he sets forth his services, amongst which he says that he lent the Prince of Orange, 10,000l. He served in Parliament for 14 years, &c. (Both French.) 2 pages.
[? About 1715 or 1716.]	6. Memorial of the officers “en second commissioned to the R^t Hon. the Lord Montjoys late regiment of foot, the 5^th March 1707–8,” to the Lords of H.M. Treasury. Praying the grant of a power to inspect the accounts and certificates of that regiment, and that the Controllers of the army accounts may be directed to examine their complaints in order that what was due should be restored to them. Undated. 1 page.
[? About 1715 or 1716.]	7. The Duke of Montagu to [? M^r Lowndes] in respect to the method of drawing a warrant to make good the charge of the 24 additional gentlemen pensioners out of the saving he proposed in the Wardrobe. Begs that it may be drawn in the way he has prepared it, and not as drawn at the Treasury. Undated. 5 pages, quarto.
[? 1716.]	8. Petition of Col. Richard Morris to the Lords of the Treasury, praying for consideration and relief, he having paid interest since April 1711 on 488l., which sum he laid out on clothes and accoutrements of his regiment of dragoons in Ireland. Undated, but after 1715 from mention of the late Duke of Ormonde. Copies of two reports and two certificates thereon. 5 pages.
1716.	9. An estimate of the charge of the Office of Ordnance for the year 1716. 1 page.
1716.	10. Copy of the same with an additional item. Also an explanation of one of the articles. 2 pages.
1716.	11. Estimates of (1) the charge of the guards, garrisons, and other his Majesty's land forces in Great Britain; (2) of his Majesty's forces in the plantations, Minorca and Gibraltar; (3) of the charge of the 6,000 men sent to the assistance of his Majesty by the States General of the United Provinces, with an estimate for the same; and (4) of the charge of several extraordinary expenses relating to his Majesty's land forces for the year 1716. Some being in duplicate for “M^r Lowndes.” 8 pages.
1716.	12. List of the general officers upon the establishment of guards and garrisons for the year 1716. 1 page.
2 Jan.	13. Caleb Heathcote to the Lords of the Treasury. Has received his deputation as Surveyor-General of the Northern District, but the badness of the weather and the winter having set in with great severity, has prevented his passing through his district. Some time ago it was reported that Parliament was about to pass an Act to break all the “Charter Governments” on this continent, and put them into the hands of the Crown. Would be glad to have that news confirmed, as nothing is a greater prejudice to his Majesty's interest than their continuance. Until they are taken away it will always be very difficult to regulate things well in respect of trade. If that were done, and the Government reduced and more conveniently divided, and a revenue settled by a custom and excise on the whole continent, upon an English footing, believes it would produce sufficient to defray all needful expenses of the several governments, and for the ships of war guarding the ports. Nothing can be more reasonable than that all the plantations and dominions abroad should, as far as they are able, be made to bear the expense they occasion, and not remain a dead weight on the nation that severely groans under the debts of which they have been, in a great measure, the cause, two millions having been expended in both wars upon ships of war stationed on this continent only. If this should be approved of, and the Assemblies of the several provinces should refuse such a reasonable revenue as his Majesty shall think fit to require of them, supposes that the Parliament may with great reason and justice do it for them, it being very hard that the kingdom of Great Britain should be clogged and burthened with an expense the plantations ought and are able enough to bear, and that his Majesty's subjects on this side the water should lay claim to a larger share of privileges than those at home, and expect to be free from paying proper duty and acknowledgement to the Crown for the support of government, and for their own defence and safety; and especially when it can with so much ease be done as by a revenue on trade, “a burthen the people of Great Britain have always with great chearfullnesse layd on themselves, and is what they never expect to be exempt from.” New York, 2 Jan. 1715–16. 3 pages.
Beginning of 1716.	14. New Year's gifts (1) for the Lords of the Treasury; (2) for the Secretaries of the Treasury; (3) the clerks of the Treasury. Lists showing the names of the various offices and the amounts, some are to a great extent duplicates. 1715–16. 7 pages, and three parts.
[? About 5 Jan.]	15. “The case of the Earl of Manchester, as it lies before the Lords of the Treasury by his Majesty's order.” When ambassador at Venice, in 1707, the place of captain of the yeomen of the guard being vacant, the Queen's intention was to restore him to it, but Lord Townsend, then in Holland, writing for it, and the Lord Godolphin proposing to the Earl a pension of 1,500l. per ann. out of the Secret Service in lieu thereof, until her Majesty could do better for him, he accepted it, and received 2,000l. in part; but in 1711, 4,000l. more being due to him, Lord Oxford had the Queen's orders for the payment of it, and this would have been done “had not the debate of Spain come into the House of Lords.” As the Earl did not comply with the then measures, the pension was not paid, nor what was due to him from that time to the Queen's death. The Earl desires payment. Minuted:—“5^th January 1715. See in the Secret Service book at what time my L^d Manchester was paid 2,000l. p[er] ann. by the hands of M^r Taylour.” 1¼ pages.
11 Jan.	16. M[atthew] Prior to the R^t Hon. the Earl of Halifax. Has just received his letters of revocation, and as soon as he has read them, sits down to write a dunning letter to the Earl to make his Majesty's commands practicable. Begs that M^r Powys may state his account, and that M^r Shelton may wait on the Earl for his order. 1,200l. must be paid. Stands bound for it to Cantillon, and if he escaped must be arrested for it on his arrival at London. Begs him to consider the extraordinaries, for if they are not at present put into a method and acknowledged, plainly foresees his ruin involved in the irregularity in which they lie. Paris, Jan. 22–11, 1715. Letter from him to M^r Powys on the same subject, and the account stated. 4½ pages.
12 Jan.	17. M^r Burchett (Admiralty) to M^r Lowndes. As to the uselessness of the office of Surveyor-General of his Majesty's Woods in America, &c. filled by John Bridger, Esq. A Committee of the House of Commons and the Lords of the Admiralty had recommended the abolition of the office, and their Lordships now desire the same to be communicated to the Lords of the Treasury, and if they think proper to discontinue the expense, the Lords of the Admiralty think it for the King's service to recommend to the Governor of New England to cause his Majesty's woods in that country to be with all possible care preserved, especially those large trees which are fitting for masts for capital ships. Admiralty Office, 12 Jan. 1715–16. 2¼ pages. Minuted:—“Read 13 Jan. 1715–16.”
13 Jan.	18. An estimate (by a medium of three years) of how much the revenues settled for payment of the yearly fund of 600,000^li and 8,000^li to the Governor and Company trading to the South Seas may produce annually from the 25th of December 1715, and how much the same is like to fall short thereof. Signed, Halifax. Exchequer, 13 Jan 1715. Also a certificate signed by the same as to a sum paid into the Exchequer by the cashier of the above Company. 2 Jan. 1715. 2 pages.
16 Jan.	19. “An estimate of the money which will be wanting to make good to services of the Navy, so much as in the year 1716 is to be paid by the Treasurer of the Navy for the complement of the funds of the South Sea Company.” 16 Jan. 1715–16. “Signed, W^m Lowndes.” 1 page.
17 Jan.	20. James Stanhope to M^r Walpole. Earnestly recommends the despatch of the payment of 500l. towards the debts, &c. of the late Morocco Ambassador. Whitehall, 17 Jan. 1715–16. 1 page, quarto.
18 Jan.	21. Lord Guernsey to the Lords [of the Treasury.] Has demanded from Lord Bingley the plate delivered out of the Jewel Office to his Lordship upon his being appointed Ambassador to the King of Spain. His Lordship desires to be allowed such time as forms will permit to represent the hardships of his case in his demands on the Treasury. 18 Jan 1715–16. Minuted:—“To be read when M^r Walpole is here, and to enquire what L^d Bingley had for his equipage and entertainment.” 1 page.
24 Jan.	22. The Duke of Marlborough to M^r Lowndes. Draws attention to a letter he has received from one of his keepers as to the condition of the palings of Windsor Park. Fears they shall lose many of the deer. Hopes he will take the first opportunity of speaking to the Lords of the Treasury of this matter, and as he (M^r Lowndes) must know so much of the abuses of the surveyors, that he will help him to prevent such people having anything to do with it. Jan. 24, 1715. (Holograph.) The letter referred to. Letter of the Duchess of Marlborough on the same subject. M^r Hewet has viewed the park, and estimates the repairs at 2,280l. 9s. 8½d. Has seen the money so ill applied that if she is supplied with money and entrusted with the direction of these repairs she is willing to take the trouble of it. With autograph. Another paper, which is apparently of the nature of a postscript to the last. The writer says, “Tho' I have hitherto been so carefull to preserve the wood in the said park as not to allow hardly enough to be cut for my own firing for the little time I am there, yet I conceive that all the rotten, decayed, and dead trees by my grant are as much my right as the herbage within the park beyond what is sufficient for the deer.” On the back is this Minute:—“Search all the preced^ts. Duch^s Marlb^o.” Also a brief description of various warrants as to the repairs of these palings. Minuted:—“See what money has been directed to the rangers of this park for the repairs therein from the Revolution till 1709. Send this to M^r Hewett.” 9 pages.
26 Jan.	23. Report of E. Harley and T. Foley, Auditors of Imprests, on the memorial of the Earl of Carnarvon, and lists annexed of his payments to the several regiments therein named upon account of their subsistence, pay, and clothing. 26 Jan. 1715. The last Minute on it is:—“7^th Feb^ry 1715–16. Read. Prepare a sign manual accordingly.” The papers referred to. 12½ pages.
30 Jan.	24. James Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends letter received from Col. Congreve, Lieut.-Governor of Gibraltar, as to their want of provisions by the neglect of the contractor. For their Lordships' directions. Minuted:—“2 February 1715–16. Read.” The letter refered to. 2 pages.
31 Jan.	25. Report of Tho. Hewett to the Lords of the Treasury, on a memorial of the Lord W^m Powlet, forester or master keeper of Rynefield Lodge, in the New Forest, in Hampshire, as to the cost of the repair of the lodge and stable. 31 Jan. 1715. Minuted:—“10^th April 1716. My Lords agree to the report, but order the old stable not to he enlarged.” The memorial and a plan. 3 pages.
31 Jan.	26. “M^r Topham's case,” A paper thus headed, stating that the office of Register of the forfeited estates in Ireland is an office of national concern, having the care of all the late trustees' books, papers, and surveys of all estates by them sold. The books and papers must be preserved, and the office as established. The Commons of Ireland have made an address to that effect, and for M^r Topham, the present officer, to be provided for on the Establishment of Ireland, the fees from searches not making a competent provision for “the very clerks of the office.” January 31, 1715–16. Also letter from James Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury for M^r Topham to be put on the Irish Establishment with a salary of 300l. per ann. Minuted:—“28 February 1715–16. Order'd.” 2 pages.
31 Jan.	27. Report of Thomas Hewett to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Lord Godolphin, relating to the repairs of the fences in the Little Park at Windsor. Is informed that the keepers are two years and three-quarters in arrear, &c. There are two or three spring woods near Chertsey, in Surrey, which would raise about 500l. M^r Sayers claims a right to them. The repairs would come to 50l. 1s. 7d., besides wood. 31 Jan. 1715. Minuted:—“Approved. W^t signed.” The memorial referred to, which gives the following particulars of the state of the Park:—“1. The pallisades w^ch are in y^e Park Wall and grateings are so broke down, that people get in and both steal and disturb the deer, and y^e hares are in a manner all destroyed. 2. There are wanting two deer pens and 16 deer racks and a deer house, that the deer may stand dry in bad weather; y^e want of one hath been y^e death of a great many every year. 3. Six vermin trapps are as much wanted, to preserve the hares that are left. 4. The pales round the plantations are very much broke down, that the colts come in, and bark and spoile y^e young trees, they have greatly damaged and destroyed sev^ll trees in y^e walks, by reason y^e boxes that were about them are gone so much to decay. 5. The locks upon y^e gates should be altered, for they have been on so long, and so many people of y^e town have got keys, that y^e Park is almost become common.” 2 pages.
Jan.	28. “Memorial concerning the Principality of Wales.” Showing the value of the same, the outgoings, &c. For many years past the “neat” produce of all the land revenues in general in Wales, when actually returned into the Exchequer, has scarce been worth anything to the Crown. January 1715–16. 3 pages.
1 Feb.	29. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor-General (Northey and Aland) on the letter of Viscount Townshend, stating that he has received information that the stewards and other officers of the Lords and gentlemen who were taken at Preston are raising what money they can from their estates, by collecting all arrears of rents and fines, and cutting down wood, &c. Certify in regard to these wastes, spoils, &c., that by law the Crown is not entitled to the real estate or the profits thereof, of any person guilty of high treason, till such person shall be legally attainted thereof by judgment or outlawry. As to the mesne profits thereof, the Crown will be entitled only from the time of the judgment given, and therefore the offenders may, until attainder, receive the profits of their real estates; but upon conviction by verdict or confession, such offenders forfeit all their goods and chattels, which will extend to the arrears of rent grown due. As to the goods and chattels of persons guilty of high treason not convicted of the same by confession or otherwise, they may dispose of the same for the maintenance of themselves and families until conviction, and before conviction no seizure can be made. But voluntary and unnecessary gifts and dispositions of their personal estate, after treason committed, will be fraudulent against the Crown, and will not prevent the forfeiture thereof, when they shall be convicted. As to the felling of timber, if it be not out of necessity for the support of the offenders and their families, are of opinion the same ought not to be allowed, tho' before conviction. And where there is a conviction, the trees, when severed, will become personal estate, and be forfeited by the conviction, and therefore the removal of such as are felled may be stopped, and directions given not to fell more. 1 Feb. 1715. The letter referred to. In the Minute Book, Vol. 20, p. 228 is:—“Send a copie of the Report of the Attorney and Solicitor-General,” &c. “to M^r Cracherode, who is to govern himself thereby accordingly.” 3½ pages.
3 Feb.	30. The Board of Trade to the Lords of the Treasury. M^r Bridger has informed them that the Lords of the Admiralty have transmitted to their L^ps some reasons against the continuance of his office of Surveyor of the Woods of the Northern Continent of America. Having considered the same they see no reason to alter their opinion of the 3rd of August last to M^r Secretary Stanhope. The Lords of the Admiralty are of opinion with them, that the woods in those parts ought to be preserved with all possible care. Several New England planters and merchants affirm that the New England masts of 24 inches diameter and upwards are as good and durable as those from Riga and Gottenburgh. The necessity of a surveyor, commissioned to preserve the woods, will more plainly appear by the copy of a letter of Sir Matthew Dudley and M^r Usher, late Lieut.-Governor of New Hampshire. In justice to M^r Bridger, observe that he made several seizures of masts, which were discharged by the partiality of the courts there, and they do not find the complaints against him supported. Whitehall, 3 Feb. 1715–16. Minuted:—“25^th July. 1716. All these papers relating to this affair to be brought in to-morrow.” The copies of the two letters referred to; the first inclosed the copy of the one transmitted by M^r Usher, late L^t-Gov^r of New Hampshire (not now with it), the second proposes that all the woods and waste lands in and about New Hampshire, should, as soon as possible, be got by purchase or otherwise into the hands of the Crown. Further asks, If a 100 years should be thought sufficient for the growth of proper timbers, would not those countries, if divided into 100 districts, each sufficient for annual consumption, supply us by rotation for ever? 11 pages.
3 Feb.	31. “Order for payment of the bounty of corn in Scotland, 3 Feb. 1715.” A paper so docqueted, containing directions to the auditors by the Barons of the Exchequer, for making up the accounts of Charles Grayden, Cashier of Customs. A copy. 3 Feb. 1715. 1¼ pages.
4 Feb.	32. Representation of the Com^rs for building 50 new churches, to the Lords of the Treasury. There remains about 3,000l. in the hands of Henry Smith, Esq., late Treasurer to the Com^rs, imprested to him for those churches. Several warrants were sent to him to pay 2,200l., but he neglected to pay the same, and they conclude that the money is in danger, especially since his security, Robert Cotton, Esq., is in custody, being one of the persons taken at Preston. 4 Feb. 1715. Minuted:—“10^th February 1715–16. Write a łre to M^r Smith to pay his ballance into the Exchequer.” [Also entered in the Minute Book, Vol. 20, p. 231.] Again:—“L~re writ & signed 11^th.” 2 pages.
6 Feb.	33. Post Office, London. An accompt of receipts and payments by Arthur Onslow, Receiver-General there, from the 30th of January 1715 to the 6th of February. 1 double page.
7 Feb.	34. Report of Edward Young to the Lords of the Treasury. Has considered the memorial of M^r Edwards, which states that the keepers in the little park at Windsor, have almost five years' wages due. The keepers' wages of H.M. forests and parks being so slowly paid is of great disservice to the Crown. They cannot subsist so long without money. It is to be feared that it generally falls heavily on H.M. woods and venison. Proposes that he shall receive money out of the Exchequer for payment of their salaries. Feb. 7, 1716. The memorial. 2 pages.
8 Feb.	35. Memorial of Philip Horneck, Solicitor to the Treasury, to the Lords of the Treasury. The negotiating and soliciting the regular issuing out of commissions by the clerk of the Petty Bag Office, for seizing and securing the real and personal estates of persons attainted or outlawed for high treason was performed by the preceding Solicitors to the Treasury. Prays that the negotiating and soliciting the commissions for the estates of the Earl of Derwentwater, Lord Widrington, and others may be executed by him. 8 Feb. 1715–16. Minuted:—“27^th February 1415–16. Read. My Lords will consider ab^t. this.” 1 page.
9 Feb.	36. Report of Charles Dering, Auditor-General [Ireland], to the Lords Justices of Ireland, on the petition of the Lady Catherine Jones, one of the daughters of Richard, late Earl of Ranelagh, deceased, praying for a pension of 100l. per ann. King Charles II. granted to the late Earl and his heirs, the manor and castle of Athlone, &c., at a Crown rent of 100l. King William and Queen Mary, in consideration of the ruin of the property in the late wars, freed the Earl from payment of the rent for 21 years from Lady-day 1692. The Crown rent is 2½ years in arrear. Suggests that their excellencies should recommend her case to His Majesty. Dated 9 Feb. 1715. The petition, “the case,” and copy of another petition. 6 pages.
13 Feb.	37. Lord Townshend to the Lords of the Treasury. The King having given 500l. to Major James Stewart, who came express from the Duke of Argyle, with the news that the rebels had abandoned the town of Perth, desires the necessary orders to be given for payment of the same. Whitehall, 13 Feb. 1715–16. 1 page.
13 Feb.	38. Francis Palmer to William Lowndes, Esq. M^r Lowndes' approval of the proposals for laying on a duty on bleached hair has emboldened the writer to acquaint him that the bleachers are beginning to prepare their grounds for bleaching their hair this ensuing year. His discoveries of frauds in the Customs should have been laid before the Lords of the Treasury much sooner, but indisposition has prevented it. Painter's Coffee House, in Bucklersbury, 13 Feb. 1715–16. 1 page.
[About 13 Feb.]	39. Petition of Thomas Whitaker to the Lords of the Treasury. On the Restoration, Charles Whitaker, Esq., petitioner's grandfather had a grant of the office of Foreign Apposer in the Court of Exchequer, as a compensation for an estate well nigh ruined during the Rebellion. He was succeeded in the office by Charles Whitaker, serjeant-at-law, father to the petitioner, who surrendered it to his brother Charles in 1702. In 1711, by the death of Charles Whitaker, the office fell to the Crown, but was in a short time granted to — Masham, Esq., brother to Lord Masham. Prays to be considered, as but for his father's untimely tho' indulgent surrender, the office would in all probability have been enjoyed by petitioner. Minuted:—“13^th February 1715–16. See how the office is granted to M^r Masham. The place is granted by constit., bearing date the 15^th June 1713, signed by the Earl of Oxford, for life, in which manner it hath been always granted.” 1 page.
15 Feb.	40. Report of Thomas Hewett to the Lords of the Treasury, on a memorial of Admiral Aylmer, about the great waste made in Greenwich Park by felling trees, the neglect of fencing, &c. Finds that great destruction has taken place; one grove of chestnuts has been cut down and entirely destroyed, &c. Needs not represent the beauty and situation of Greenwich Park (great numbers of persons, both foreign and domestic, walk there), nor that the walks, &c. were designed by the great Mon^r Le Notre, &c. Estimates the cost of what should be done at 684l. 17s. 6d. Feb. 15, 1715. Also the memorial. Minuted:—“10^th April 1716. M^r Hewett to find timber out of Windsor Forrest for these repairs of the fences. W^t signed.” 2 pages.
15 Feb.	41. An estimate of the yearly amount of His Majesty's revenues arising in the Island of Minorca from the three last years. February 15, 1715. Also yearly charges and salaries on the royal revenues in the Island of Minorca, according to the ancient settlement by the Kings of Spain. 3 pages.
16 Feb.	42. Lord Townshend to the Lords of the Treasury. Has laid the enclosed petition of the Lady Catherine Waller, widow of Sir W^m Waller, before the King, who was moved with the circumstances of the case, and desired directions to be given to restore her pension. Whitehall, 16 Feb. 1715–16. Minuted:—“28 February 1715–16. Order'd.” The petitioner states that in the reign of K. Charles I. Sir Edward Stradling, the father, and Sir Edward Stradling, the son, her grandfather, and father, at their private cost and by their interest raised several regiments to assist the King, and both of them lost their lives in his service. Sir William Waller, petitioner's husband, was Governor of Bremen and Lunenburg, &c. Her late Majesty granted her a pension of 200l. per ann., of which she had received some payments only, and now prays for the restoration of the pension. 3 pages.
18 Feb.	43. Report of H. Cholmeley, Surveyor-General, to the Lords of the Treasury, as to what persons are in possession of the shops in Westminster Hall, and by what title they hold the same. States that Queen Anne, by patent of 2 July, in the 12th of her reign, granted to John Huggins, Esq., the office of Warden of the Fleet, also the office of Keeper of the Palaces at Westminster, and the the letting of the shops in Westminster Hall. These offices were also granted to John Huggins, his son, in reversion. The leases of the shops are granted by the Wardens of the Fleet, and the rents are payable to them and not to the use of his Majesty, and the shops are worth 240l. per ann. Thirteen messuages are also granted and no rent reserved to the Crown, which he takes to be contrary to the limitations in the Civil List Act. Is of opinion that the legality of the patent should be questioned. 18 Feb. 1715. 2 pages.
20 Feb.	44. Order in Council referring to the Lords of the Treasury, for their inquiry and report, a proposal of William Cotton, Esq., lord of the manor of Bedhampton, and proprietor of the river there, from whence he proposes to supply Portsmouth with fresh water. 20 Feb. 1715. Minuted:—“5^th March 1715–16. Send this to the Adm^lty, who are to consult with the Com^rs of the Navy how far they think it for the service of the Navy.” His scheme was for pipes to be laid from the river at the public expense for the service of the garrison, dock, and shipping, and also for the service of the town. As a compensation he proposed to be constituted conservator or manager, with a reasonable allowance for keeping the pipes and engine in repair, and that after the public was served he might be at liberty to supply the inhabitants with water for their private use. 2½ pages.
[? About 20 Feb.]	45. Petition of Joseph Ashe, Esq., to the King, for a lease in reversion of the lodge or house called the Great Lodge, in the Forest of Braydon, Wilts, and divers parcels of land within or near the forest, formerly belonging to Katherine, the Queen Dowager. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury to consider and report on. 20 Feb. 1715–16. Minuted:—“28^th February 1715–16. My Lords cannot come into a thing so injurious to the tennants' right.” 1 page.
21 Feb.	46. James Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury. It is his Majesty's pleasure that they cause 110l. to be paid to Don Emanuel Mercador, “Deputy” from the Island of Minorca. Whitehall, 21 Feb. 1715–16. Minuted:—“Prepare a warrant.” 1 page.
21 Feb.	47. Representation of the state of the office of the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer in the Court of Exchequer, exhibited by Henry Thomson and Thomas Madox, two of the sworn clerks of the office, for his Majesty's service, giving an account of the disorders that have crept into the office. It is a carefully prepared paper, divided into 31 articles, viz.:— 1. Important entries used to be written on parchment rolls, and these, when put together, were called Memoranda Rolls, and are called a Remembrance. A repertory in parchment ought to be made to them. No rolls have been made up for 50 or 60 years. 2. These memoranda consisted chiefly of the Adventus Vicecomitum et aliorum computantium &c., the Commissiones et Literæ patentes, the Communia, the Fines, Reditus, &c., the Brevia directa Baronibus, and lastly, the Status et Visus Compotorum. In these rolls of States and Views were entered the accounts of sheriffs, escheators, collectors of customs, collectors of dismes and quinzimes, and of subsidies a clero or a laicis, accounts of Keepers of the Wardrobes of the King or Prince, Keepers or Clerks of the Hanaper, Wardens and Masters of the Mint, and in brief all the great and less accounts which by the course of the Exchequer were to be entered in this office. In opposition to this ancient course, M^r John Tayleure (now eldest sworn clerk) has, since the reign of Charles II., used a new method, and entered the accounts in paper books only, and has left them out of the respective Remembrances, &c. Within the last forty or fifty years there have been more accounts that ought to have been entered on record in this office, and for greater sums than there were within 300 years before, and if the present senior sworn clerk die before these accounts are entered in the respective Remembrances, the burthen will be intolerable to his successor. 3. This new method, by M^r Tayleure's means, is carried into the Exchequer of Scotland. The remaining articles are largely taken up with complaints against M^r Tayleure, who is charged with using various artifices to get the business of the other sworn clerks into his hands, besides which, other information is given of the internal management of this department. The representation finishes by saying that the articles are not presented to their Lordships out of any ill-will to any man, but out of a just regard to the service of his Majesty and of the public, to preserve and support the common rights of the present and future sworn clerks, to reduce the office (if possible) to an orderly and flourishing state, and in truth to prevent its impending ruin. Dated 21 Feb. 1715–16. Then follow two schedules corroborative of certain of the articles. 22 pages.
21 Feb.	48. Representation of the Com^rs for Hides, &c. as to the difficulty the duties on houses lie under, and the remedies the Com^rs propose to obtain through Parliament. The complaints are: that the Justices of the Peace, who are Com^rs, excuse whom they think fit; the poundage allowed to the Com^rs' clerks is so small; the latitude allowed for stopping up of lights; the largeness of the divisions appropriated to the surveyors and the smallness of the salaries; and the inconsiderable poundage allowed to the Receivers-General. 21 Feb. 1715. Minuted:—“Read.” 2½ pages.
21 Feb.	49. Another representation from them, asking for some clauses to be added to the Hide Act. 21 Feb. 1715. 3 pages.
22 Feb.	50. Memorial of the Officers of the Mint to the Lords of the Treasury, for the renewal of the warrant whereby the gravers at the Mint should engrave medals in order that they might improve their skill when not employed upon coins. Signed: Rich. Sandford. Is. Newton. Mint Office, 22 Feb. 1715. Also copy of a previous warrant of 2 Nov. 1706. 2½ pages.
27 Feb.	51. Report of the Attorney-General (Northey) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of George, Earl of Halifax, whereby he applies to his Majesty to enlarge his estate in the offices of keeper, paler, and mower of Bushey Park, and in the office of house keeper of the palace of Hampton Court, and of feodary thereof, and of lieutenant and keeper of the chase of Hampton Court, and of keeping the game in and about the honor of Hampton Court and Hownslow Heath, and in the office of keeper of Middle Park, alias the North Park, at Hampton Court, and of paler and mower thereof, and of keeper of the warren, called the Hare Warren, at Hampton Court. Is of opinion that on the surrender of the patent granted to the uncle of petitioner, Charles, Earl of Halifax, the King may grant the offices, with the salaries and fees granted in that patent, to the petitioners for three lives. 27 Feb. 1715–16. Minuted:—“9^th March 1715–16. An abstract to be made by M^r Corbiere, to be layd before the King.” “23^d March 1715–6. Granted.” The petition referred to. “Particular of the offices to which the aforegoing petition does relate, and the fees payable in respect thereof,” and a translation of the report into French. 11 pages and 2 halves.
27 Feb.	52. Report of Thomas Hewett, Surveyor-General of Woods, to the Lords [of the Treasury], on the petition of Sir John St. Barbes, setting forth his right to be allowed wood out of the New Forest for repairs, house-bote, &c. Admits the petitioner's claim, and prays their Lordships' warrant. Sends also the clause in the lease touching the same. 27 Feb. 1715. Minuted:—“10^th April 1716. Order'd.” The petition. In the Minute Book, Vol. 20, 10 April 1716, is:—“M^r Hewett call'd in, his memorialls and reports are read relating to repairs, &c. in the several parks and forests, and minutes are taken thereon.” “My Lords order that in all warrants for repairs of lodges, clauses be inserted to oblige the keepers to preserve them in repair, and that the surveyor take care that all subsequent keepers be obliged accordingly.” 2 pages.
[? About 28 Feb.]	53. Petition of Sir Bibye Lake, Bart., to the Lords of the Treasury. The Lords of the Treasury had agreed to petitioner's proposal on 15 Dec. 1714, viz., that on his payment of 2,257l. 4s. 10¼d., and making certain assignments amounting to 13,149l. 10s. 7½d. in full discharge of the debt of Robert Peters, late Receiver-General of Hertfordshire, all the estates of Peters should be granted to petitioner. Prays directions to be given therein. On the back is:—“R^d 28^th F.” Three other papers connected therewith. 5 pages.
28 Feb.	54. “The proposall and agreement of S^r Thomas Johnson, humbly presented to the Committee in Council for transporting the rebells taken at Preston.” Forty shillings per head were to be allowed for the transport, and the rebels were to serve Sir Thomas Johnson, or his assigns, in any of his Majesty's plantations for seven years. February 28, 1715. 1 page.
29 Feb.	55. Representation of the Com^rs for Works to the Lords of the Treasury. The city water that supplied Somerset House from the 2nd year of King Edw. VI. till 1706 is entirely taken away, and his Majesty put to the charge of paying for the New River water. Send copy of the original grant to the Duke of Somerset, and copy of the Attorney-General's opinion thereon. Ask that the water may be restored. 29 Feb. 1715. The copy of the grant referred to. The supply of water consisted of “a certain small pipe of lead through w^ch pipe there runneth as much water as within one hour's space running may or will fill a vessell containing the measure of a puncheon and eighteen gallons of wine measure, accounting the puncheon at fourscore gallons, as the same pipe now lyeth currant and levell with the kitchen of the s^d great place, and issueth and runneth out of a great pipe of lead that lyeth in the ground in the High Street by the Stronde without the Temple Bar, in the said county of Middlesex, over against the said place or house of the said Duke, now called Somerset Place, and lately called Chester Place, which great pipe of lead cometh from a conduit head belonging to the said city, called Piddington head, in the said county, and runneth to the conduit in Fleet Street in London.” Also the copy of the Attorney-General's opinion thereon. 4 pages.
[? About 29 Feb.]	56. Memorial of John Flamstead, his Majesty's Astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, to the Lords of the Treasury. The late Prince of Denmark, having been entirely satisfied with the great pains and continued labour of memorialist for 30 years in making observations for the improvement of astronomy, geography, and navigation, in the year 1704, ordered 1,200l. out of his own purse towards the printing and publishing the said observations, with a catalogue of the fixed stars and maps of the constellations, to gratify the public and to make amends to the memorialist. His present Majesty has signified his pleasure to the referees of his late Royal Highness and to M^r Churchill by the Duke of Bolton that 300 copies out of 340 copies remaining in M^r Churchill's hands be delivered to memorialist as a present from his Majesty. Prays an order for the immediate delivery of the 300 copies. Minuted:—“29^th February 1715–16. My Lords order a letter to be writ to the referees to hasten their report. L~re sent accordingly.” Also the copy of the Duke of Bolton's warrant. 2 pages.
2 March.	57. The Duke of Devonshire to the Lords of the Treasury. Has received a petition from Francis Milles, Esq., High Bailiff of the Dean and Chapter, and of the city, liberty, and manor of Westminster, claiming under patent the goods and chattels of the Earl of Marr, attainted of high treason, and praying leave to enter the Earl's dwelling house in Privy Gardens to seize and take away the same. Asks their L^ps' opinion, Devonshire House, March 2, 1715. Minuted:—“5^th March 1715–16. The Attorney & Sol^r-Gen^ll to be here on Wednesday morning next.” 1 page.
5 March.	58. James Stanhope to the Lord Chamberlain. His Majesty's pleasure is that he issue his warrant to the Master of the Great Wardrobe, or the Treasurer of the Chamber, to reimburse Captain Scott, who, when upon service in the Mediterranean, was commanded to attend the King of Sicily to Piedmont, viz., for the costs of furnishing the “Romney” man-of-war. Whitehall, 5 March, 1715–16. Also representation of the Duke of Bolton on this subject, who says that when any sovereign prince has been transported beyond the seas in ships of war, those ships have been provided and furnished out of the Great Wardrobe, by warrant from the Chamberlain of the Household, at the expense of the Crown. The Queen of Portugal's was the last embarkation. 3 pages.
5 March.	59. Duke of Bolton to the Lords of the Treasury. Asks them to give orders to the Surveyor-General of the Works to examine into the title of a little ale-house adjoining S^t James's House, between Osand^rs coffee house and the wall of the House, which is very dangerous to the palace in case of fire, and to report his opinion whether there is a grant as is pretended, and what will be fit to be done to get possession of the house for the Crown. Cock Pitt, 5 March 1715–16. 1 page.
5 March.	60. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor-General to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Frances, Viscountess Bolingbroke, in relation to the real and personal estate of her husband, the late Lord Viscount Bolingbroke, forfeited by his attainder, and also on Viscount Townshend's letter, signifying his Majesty's pleasure to grant her the personal estate for her own use, and the real estate towards her maintenance during life; certifying that the agent has delivered an inventory of the goods and chattels forfeited, and that the King may grant them, by privy seal, without office or inquisition, but as to the real estate the forfeited lands must be ascertained by inquisition, for the taking of which a commission is now being prepared. 5 March 1715–16. The inventory referred to. The goods were at Bucklebury (Berks), and Ashdown Park (Wilts). Minuted:—“23^d March 1715–16. The K. gives her all but arrears of sall^a. 18^th April 1716. Warr^t sign'd.” 15 pages.
[? About 8 March.]	61. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor-General to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Com^rs of Revenue in Ireland, relating to the forfeited estate of the late Duke of Ormond in that kingdom. Are of opinion that the taking of inquisitions as directed is the proper and legal method for ascertaining the real estate and lands forfeited, and putting the same in charge in the Court of Exchequer there. But the Com^rs represent that that method will be chargeable, and that great difficulties will arise from the real and pretended incumbrances of the late Duke's creditors, as well as from the new deed, which is said to be for the assigning the whole estate to the Earl of Arran for securing him against the several debts for which the Earl stands bound. They do not think these difficulties very great, for when the lands are ascertained, the claims of the creditors must be determined by the Court of Exchequer on their pleas, and not otherwise. Do not approve of a proposal made by one M^r Henry, a banker, to prevent any hazards by the rents lying in the tenants' hands. Undated, but the memorial of the Com^rs was referred on 8 March 1715–16. Minuted:—“May 1716. To the Cl^k of y^e Councill for a copy of the bill transmitted from Ireland relating to the late D. Ormond. 27^th June 1716. Read again and aprov'd.” The memorial referred to. 2 pages.
[? About 9 March.]	62. Petition of Benjamin Bedford to the Lords of the Treasury, for payment of what was due to him for the house and furniture his Excellency Baron Schack, the Muscovite Envoy, still possesses. Report and two other papers relating thereto. Minuted:—“9^th March 1715–16. Lett M^r Powys state how much due fro ye Q., how much from ye K.” Again:—“20^th April 1716. Prepare a warr^t for 336^li 10^s.” 5 pages.
10 March.	63. Jo. Bentley to the Hon. S^r W^m Quintin, Bart., one of the Lords of the Treasury, asking him to stand his friend, having known him many years, as there is a report that some persons at the Treasury are endeavouring to get his place. Has never been reprimanded, but on the contrary, a handsome report was made on him, and a minute for his preferment. The Lord Godolphin gave him 150l. as a gratuity. Has made several discoveries in the Customs, which have brought in great sums to the revenue, and lately, at the approach of the rebels to Lancaster, he scowered off to the mountains and fells with above 400l. of the King's money, and tho' there were two parties out to look for him, and 100l. offered for his discovery, he escaped. Rode his own horses in a night express when there were neither horses nor men to be got. Custom House, Lancaster, March 10, 1715–16. P.S.—We have taken several rebels escaping from Ireland, one of whom is hanged, and confessed that he killed seven soldiers and one captain, and wounded the Lord Forester. 2½ pages.
[? About 14 March.]	64. Memorial of Geoffry Walpole, Esq., Treasurer of Greenwich Hospital, to the Lords of the Treasury. 11,388l. 0s. 2d. remain due to the Hospital on abatements when ships were paid, and there is not sufficient in the hands of the executors of Sir Thomas Littleton (late Treasurer of the Navy) to pay the same. Prays their L^ps to direct the payment thereof. Minuted:—“To be brought in to-morr. L~re signed 14 March 1715–16.” 1½ pages.
15 March.	65. “Copy of a presentment concerning the Collectors of the Customs in the plantations receiving the duties on enumerated goods in pieces of eight.” Dated 15 March 1715. This is an enclosure marked P to some other paper. 4¼ pages.
15 March.	66. Report of Thomas Hewett to the Lords of the Treasury, on a letter of the Duke of Kent, touching the arrear of salaries due to the officers, &c. of Windsor Forest, repairs, &c. The sums arising out of the Navy timber would be sufficient, and the sums not yet accounted for by the late surveyor would pay the arrears. 15 March 1715. The letter referred to. Minuted:—“24^th March 1715–16. The repair of Swindley rail is granted. W^t signed 8^th June 1716. Read.” 5 pages.
15 March.	67. Similar report on the memorial of M^r Negus, Ranger of Bigshot Rails and Sandhurst Walk, in Windsor Forest, as to the repair of the lodge and rails. Recommends the felling and selling trees for the same, Same date. Minuted:—“Agreed. W^t signed.” The memorial. 1 page.
17 March.	68. Report of M^r Baker and M^r Gosselin, agents for bringing in arrears of prizes, on the petition of M^r Nicholas Davy, who claims 100l. as due to him, besides his agency and attendance. The agents consider that his agency is included in his account. Prize Office, Covent Garden, 17 March 1715. Also the petition. 3 pages.
19 March.	69. Report of the Controllers of Army Accounts (Meadows and Bruce) to the Lords of the Treasury, on M^r Missing's contract for victualling the garrison of Gibraltar, and on other papers, and on what was due to him as contractor. Privy Gardens, 19 March 1715–16. Also two Bills of Exchange, a receipt, and list of provisions. 10 pages or parts of pages.
20 March.	70. Robert Cannon, Sub-Almoner, to [the Secretary of the Treasury]. Desires that the Lords of the Treasury will order 400l. to be issued to the Treasurer of the Chamber for the Maundy, which is to be on Thursday next. There may remain after the necessary expense about 50l., which will be given as a “bymaundy” among such poor petitioners as cannot be admitted to be maundy men or women, their number being limited to 56 of each sort by the number of the years of his Majesty's age. [20] March 1715–16. Minuted:—“20^th March 1715–16. Order'd. L~re signed 21^st March 1715–16.” 1 page.
[? About 20 March.]	71. Petition of the mayor, aldermen, minister, and inhabitants of the borough of Macclesfield and villages thereunto belonging, to the Lords of the Treasury. King James I., taking notice of the smallness of Church livings within the county palatine of Chester, and that they were great in circuit, and most of them impropriate, and but few incumbents of learning (whereby the people wanting instruction, lay open to the seduction of priests, “who crept much among them from foreign parts”), granted a pension of 50l. per ann. to be paid by the receivers of that county to the mayor of Macclesfield, to be by him issued to such learned minister as the Bishop of Chester and he (the mayor) should appoint to preach and instruct the people. King Charles I. and King William III. also made similar grants. Pray for a new privy seal for paying the pension and arrears. 25 signatures. Minuted:—“20^th March 1715–16. A privy seal to be passed for all that is due and to be due.” 2 pages.
20 March.	72. Lord Townshend to the Lords of the Treasury, asking them to direct 1,000l. to be paid to Sir Thomas Johnson, who had contracted to transport to the plantations in the West Indies such of the prisoners taken at Preston as petitioned His Majesty to be so transported, in part payment of his contract. Whitehall, 20 March 1715–16. 1 page.
20 March.	73. Com^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury. Enclose the account of the produce of the revenue in Ireland for nine months ending 25 Dec. last. Custom House, Dublin, 20th March 1715–16. The account referred to. Signed:—“W. Burgh, Comptr. & Acc^t-Gen^l.” 4 pages.
23 March.	74. Report of H. Cholmley, Surveyor-General, to the Lords [of the Treasury], on the petition of John Child, Esq. Finds that the petitioner had the site of the Castle of Guildford, in the co. of Surrey, granted to him for 31 years. Traces the grants of the same. The site was granted to William Lerven and Philip Eden, Esq., 6 May, 9 Charles I., to them and their heirs for ever. Caused search to be made at the Rolls, where the grant is enrolled, and nothing appears but that it is in full force, although he does not find in surveys or books in his custody any account thereof, and is therefore of opinion that her Majesty granted what was not at that time in the Crown. Is further of opinion that the 90l. prayed for should be allowed to the petitioner, and that his lease should be surrendered. 23 March 1715. The petition and three other documents. 6 pages.
[? About 23 March.]	75. Petition of “Cross Martin, an Armenian, now naturalised,” to the Lords of the Treasury. About December 1715 one Sali Aga came to England as an envoy from Tripoli in Barbary, and petitioner served him as interpreter for four months without reward; afterwards it was agreed that he should have 40s. a week. Instead of paying him his wages Sali Aga threatened his life, and he cannot sue him at law as he (Aga) insists on his privilege. Prays that he may be ordered to pay the demand out of the 15l. a week, which petitioner is informed he receives out of the Treasury. Minuted:—“23^d March 1715–16. My Lords cannot intermeddle in a matter between these persons; but enquire where he is paid, & what.” 1 page.
23 March.	76. A state of the debt due in the office of His Majesty's Great Wardrobe to Michaelmas, 1715. Signed:—“Tho. Dummer, 23^rd March 1715.” 2½ pages.
26 March.	77. Ro. Pringle to M^r Lowndes. No orders were sent “from this office” for settling an allowance of 15l. on the Ambassador from Tripoli; but as ministers from Barbary used formerly to be provided with lodging by the Lord Chamberlain, and with diet by the Lord Steward, it is very probable they have made him this allowance of 15l. a week in lieu thereof. Whitehall, 26 March 1716. Minuted:—“28^th March 1715–16. To enquire w^t character he has.” 1 page.
28 March.	78. Petition of William Edgar, late Inspector-General of the ports in North Britain, now secretary and solicitor to the Commissioners of the Duty on Salt made in Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury, for a reward for his pains and charges, in publishing his book, entitled, “Vectigalium Systema,” &c. The book found its way to the Lord Treasurer, who sent for the petitioner, and ordered him to print it. It was useful to none so much as the officers of the Customs, for whose service it was indeed principally intended, and has been bought by very few besides the officers, so that petitioner has lost about 200l. by it, besides his pains and trouble. Edinburgh, 28 March 1716. Also certificate of the Com^rs of Customs in Scotland, in his favour. Minuted:—“War^t signd the 5^th Feb^ry 1716–17.” 3 pages.
30 March.	79. Caleb Heathcote to the Lords of the Treasury. Wrote to their L^ps on 28 Jan. (encloses the copy of the letter), and was in hopes long since to have proposed ways and means to save the Treasury from being drained of vast sums needlessly wasted. In a circular letter to several collectors in his district, directed them to give him information on several heads, but has not received their answers, by which their L^ps will see in what a strange and unaccountable manner things are at present managed and established on this continent. New York, 30 March 1716. The letter referred to and a duplicate thereof. In this he says there are abundance of mistakes in the management of affairs here relating to the revenue which greatly wants regulating. Has often wondered why measures have not been taken to settle a revenue, not only on this coast, but in all other his Majesty's dominions abroad, which enjoy the benefits in all the acts of trade with his Majesty's subjects in Great Britain, and ought in common justice to pay to the Crown a duty on trade. It would be a great satisfaction for all the Governors, &c. to receive their bread from the hands of the King, without a slavish dependence on the uncertain humours of assemblies. 5 pages.