Volume 214: May 2-July 31, 1718

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

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'Volume 214: May 2-July 31, 1718', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719, (London, 1883) pp. 372-398. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp372-398 [accessed 26 April 2024]

May 2–July 31, 1718

[? About
2 May.]		 1. Petition of Dame Marie Mordington, wife of the present Lord Mordington, to the Lords of the Treasury. By mistake was set down only for 20l. when the Civil List was re-established, and now that she has petitioned is kept in suspense. Is importuned by several persons of worth and honour, for the credit of the nation, to address their Lps to lay the case before the King, as usually has been done by the Lords of the Treasury. As there is no precedent that any peer in the land with his family has been suffered to starve in any reign since this has been a kingdom, especially a peer whose estate has been wholly exhausted for the service of the Crown, prays some present relief, being in great distress, and for an augmentation of her pension.
Minuted:—“2d May 1718. Rejected.” 1 page.
[? About
2 May.]		 2. Memorial of Lord Harley and the Lady Henrietta Cavendish Holles Harley, his wife, daughter and heir of John, late Duke of Newcastle, Lord Warden of the Forest of Sherwood. Her late Majesty granted the Duke 1,000l. a year during her life to provide for the deer and for the salaries of the keepers. 597l. 18s. 9d. remains due.
Minuted:—“2d May 1718. To be considered with other arrears of her late Mat's Civill List.” 1 page.
[? About
2 May.]		 3. Petition of John Gough to the Rt Hon. Lord Sunderland, First Comr of the Treasury. Petitioner has been 17 years in the public service, the greater part being in the Pay Office. Contracted to pay the four independent companies at New York their subsistence. Her Majesty's proclamation settled that the money there should not pass for more than 6s. 10d. per ounce from 1 May 1709, but no merchant, &c. would pay money under 8s. per ounce, or scrupled to receive it at that rate. Employed one Mr. Cockerill as his agent to pay the forces, and Lord Lovelace, the Governor, to show a strict regard to the Queen's proclamation, as well as for a good example, would not allow the agent to pay the forces at any other rate than in silver at 6s. 10d. per ounce, although he was forced to allow 8s. per ounce for the very same money, and so paid the same from 1 May 1709 to 24 June 1710. Thus petitioner's loss was not less than 1,400l. Prays relief.
At the foot there is a certificate that petitioner was heartily affected to the Government.
Minuted:—“2d May 1718. My Lords cannot advise ye paymt of his demand of money, but will gratifie him with an employmt upon a proper vacancy.” 1 page.
[? About
2 May.]		 4. Petition of Thomas Cross, “aged above 80 years,” to the same. Is a native of Denmark, and was servant to “that most illustrious Prince, the late George, Prince of Denmark,” and his brother, 45 years, and came to England with his Royal Highness, but has received no support from Government since half a year before her Majesty's death. Prays for payment of his arrears.
Minuted:—“2d May 1718. What is due to him in the Queen's time will be paid wth other servants when there is money for 'em.” 1 page.
[? About
2 May.]		 5. Petition of John Reynolds, son of the Rev. John Reynolds, a clergyman of the Church of England, to the King. Was apprenticed to Mr. Philip Bishop, of Exeter, bookseller and printer, and observing a notoriously seditious pamphlet, called Nero Secundus, brought to his master to be printed, which was accordingly printed by him, and containing many treasonable reflections against the King and Government, he gave information thereof to a justice of the peace; and William Webber, the supposed author, absconded till he took advantage of the Act of Indemnity, and is since returned to his own home in Exeter. Petitioner has thereby incurred the displeasure of all his friends and relations, who will do nothing for him, and has drawn on himself the inveterate enmity and hatred of all the disaffected. Has often been assaulted to the hazard of his life, so that he is obliged to leave the city, and is utterly destitute. Prays employment.
With a recommendation at the foot signed by the Bp. of Exeter.
Also this minute:—“The petitioner to be in the room of Mathias Sandwell, Landwaiter in Exeter.”
Minuted on the back:—“2d May 1718. Ref. to Mr Cracherode.” 1 page.
[? About
2 May.]		 6. Petition of Col. Geo. Burston to the Lords of the Treasury. Has served the Crown as a commissioned officer above 35 years; has served in Flanders and Spain. Was wounded in several actions, particularly at St. Estevan, besides which he sustained great losses at the siege of Lerida. Has applied to the late Queen and his Majesty for the royal bounty, but has hitherto been disappointed. Prays their Lps to make a favourable report that his family may partake of the royal bounty.
Six other papers connected with it.
Minuted:—“2 May 1718. To be read when my Lord Sunderland is present.” Again:—“16 July 1718. My Lords cannot advise anything on this petic[i]on.” 9 pages.
3 May. 7. Report of the Postmasters-General (Cornwallis and Craggs) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Henry Weston, who had enabled his father's estate to be sold, and sold his own, to discharge a debt to the Government. He also resigned his place in the Secretary's office in 1714, when he was appointed secretary to the Post Office, in which office he was superseded, but out of tenderness was promised a pension of 200l. a year. Directed the salary of the Secretary to be paid to Mr Weston from Lady-day 1715, to Christmas following, and then thought it necessary to permit their Secretary to receive his own salary. Recommend him as an object worthy of his Majesty's consideration. 3 May 1718.
Minuted:—“8th May 1718. To be considered when a proper office falls of about 200li or 300l p[er] anñ.”
The petition referred to. 3½ pages.
6 May. 8. Representation of Alexander Cleeve, of London, pewterer, to the Lords of the Treasury. The report that the Treasury are going to do something about the tin in the Tower stops the sale of that commodity. The sale of tin in London is in four or five hands, who sell it for the tinners to the merchants and pewterers, and receive one shilling per hundred for commission. Makes certain suggestions about allowance for prompt payment, &c. Cornhill, 6 May 1718.
Also a letter from the same to William Lowndes, Esq., about keeping up the price of tin, with this postscript:—“The expectation of tin being very shortly to be sold at ye Tower, at some low price, puts a mighty damp on our trade. I wish something were done that people might be easy.”
Minuted:—“29 May 1718. Sir Theo. Jansen, Mr Gibons, or Sr John Lambert & Mr Beranger & Dr Fauquier to attend to-morrow, prepared to show wt tin is remayning in their respective hands, and what sums remn due thereupon.” 2 pages.
8 May. 9. Report of Paul Jodrell, Clerk of the House of Commons, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the following memorial:—
“The humble memorial of Thomas Wibergh, Serjeant-at-Arms attending the honorable House of Commons, in behalf of himself and other officers of the said House. Showeth that Mathew Prior, Esqr, was, by the order of the honorable House of Commons, on the 9th of June 1715, committed into the custody of the said Serjeant, and remained till the 26 June 1716, and that the Honorable Mr Speaker was pleased to acquaint the said Serjeant, that he being committed for no offence ought to pay no fees, and was pleased to represent it to the Chairman of the Secret Comme, and then Chancelor of the Exchecker, who ordered the said Serjeant to aply to the Tressury, and he should be gratified for the same; and the said Serjeant humbly represents to your Lordships that by the command of Mr Speaker, every evening after the fatigue of attending the service of the House, for a great part of the time he attended himself and waited on him in walking out for his health, and that having rec[eiv]ed neither fee nor gratification (pursuant to the order of Mr. Speaker), from the said Prior, humbly hopes your Lordships will grant such recompence as to your great wisdoms shall seem meet.”
Here follows an account of fees due to ye respective officers:—
£ s. d.
“To Mr Jodrell for 2 orders of commitment - - - 000 13 4
To the Speaker's Secretary for 2 warrants - - 001 0 0
To the messengers for 384 days' attendance at 6s. 8d. - - - 128 0 0
To the serjeant for caption fee - 003 6 8
To ditto for 384 days in custody 384 0 0
—
517 0 0
Thomas Wibergh.”
Has considered the memorial. In pursuance of the order of the House, Matthew Prior, Esq., was taken into custody on 9 June 1715, and on 17 June 1715, the House was acquainted that Mr Prior had been examined before the Committee of Secrecy, and that in a long examination, there appeared matters of such importance, that the committee directed the House to be moved that he might be confined in close custody, and no person permitted to come to him. He remained in custody of the late Serjeant, and of John Hollingshead, his messenger, till 26 June 1716, when the Parliament was prorogued. As to the usage in such cases, a warrant has been produced for payment of 285l. 11s. 6d. to the Serjeant-at-Arms for disbursements and reward to messengers for serving and keeping in custody of Thomas Harley, Esq., within and for the session ending 26 June 1716, one item of which, 105l. 10s., was inserted in the bill of the Serjeant-at-Arms, and paid to him for fees, &c. and keeping in custody the said Mr Harley for 75 days.
As to the reasonableness of the demands lays before their Lordships the following items in the Table of Fees, settled by a committee, pursuant to an order of the House of Commons, entered in the journals:
li. s. d.
“To the Speaker's secretary for every warrant signed by the Speaker - - 0 10 0
To the Clerk of the House for every order of committment - - - 0 6 8
To the Serjeant-at-Arms for taking a gentleman into custody - - - 3 6 8
And to him for every day while in custody - - - - - 1 0 0
And to the messenger for attending a prisoner p[er] diem - - - - 0 6 8”
The fees for Mr Prior, according to the above table, amount to the sum claimed. 8 May 1718.
Minuted:—“13 June 1718. Desire Mr Speaker to give my Lords his opinion as to the reasonableness of this demand.”
Again:—“2d July 1718. Read & respited till Lord Sunderland is at the Treasury.”
The memorial and two other papers. 5 pages.
8 May. 10. Report of Walter Chetwynd, Esq., paymaster of certain annual pensions, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Guy Palmes, Esq. [a teller of the Exchequer], advising that half the petitioner's pension of 600l. per ann. should be paid to Mr Pembrok, trustee for petitioner's creditors, and half to the petitioner. 8 May 1718.
The last Minute on it is:—“11th July 1718. Rejected, my Lords taking no cognizance of matters of this nature.” 2 pages.
8 May. 11. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Bolton) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Rt Hon. William Viscount Mountjoy, praying a further lease from the King of the castle and lands of Mountjoy, in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, at the present rent. Referred the same to the Comrs of Revenue, Ireland, whose report thereon was sent to him (the Lord Lieutenant) by the Lords Justices. Observes that the premises are at present in the possession of the Lord Mountjoy, and his title derived therefrom. These are great inducements to him to make improvements as well as to desire a long term from the Crown. If his Majesty would grant to the petitioner and his descendants the premises for 60 years, at the rent of 3l. per annum, his Lordship's services might well recommend him thereto. Dover Street, 8 May 1718.
The letter of the Lords Justices, the memorial, letter from the Lords of the Treasury, and letter of Comrs of Revenue. 6 pages.
[After
8 May.]		 12. “Accot of the Encrease & Decrease upon the annual bountys since the passing of the 1st establishment thereof by his Maty the 12th day of August 1715, when Charles, Earl of Carlisle, was the first in the Commission of the Treasury.” 4 pages.
9 May. 13. Petition of Wm. Innys, bookseller, London, to the Lords of the Treasury, for an order on the Comrs of Customs for payment of the drawback on 60 reams of fine Genoa demy paper, and 4 reams of fine Holland Royal, imported for the printing at Cambridge University Press of a new edition of a book entitled:—Sancti Clementis Romani ad Corinthios, Epistolœ duœ, &c. in Greek and Latin; with dissertations and notes by Henry Wotton, M.A., of St. John's College, Cambridge. Dated 9 May 1718.
Minuted:—“13th June 1718. See if it is according to the Act of Parliament.” 2 pages.
12 May 14. Proposals of W. Wood to the Lords of the Treasury, for the delivery of fine British copper into the Mint at the Tower for coining halfpence and farthings.
Also a letter on the same subject, dated 12 May 1718. 2 pages.
14 May. 15. Report of A. Cracherode, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr Ralph Bethel, who sets forth that he did the Government an early and singular service in the beginning of the late Rebellion, by discovering a conspiracy against the King's life and all the Royal family, for which Captain Gordon, Capt. Dorrell, and Capt. Kerr were executed at Tyburn. Represents that in Aug. or Sept. 1715, a person who was, and is, a secret agent for the Government, discovered to the Government that a conspiracy was carrying on by the above three persons, in conjunction with the petitioner, and one ensign Meyer, and one Adams, a cook, and several others, for setting up the Pretender's standard at Oxford, and raising a rebellion there in favour of the Pretender. Upon which information, warrants were issued out against the conspirators, and the petitioner and Gordon, Dorrell, Kerr, Meyer, and Adams were apprehended and brought before a committee of the Lords, when the petitioner, Adams, and Meyer were admitted as witnesses against the others, who were convicted and executed. After the trials, the petitioner being in great want, had two several sums of 20l. paid to him, and has been ever since attending his Majesty's ministers, and soliciting them, sometimes to get him put on the list of half-pay officers, and at others, to recommend him to his Majesty for money to pay his debts. He is in very poor condition and utterly unable to pay his debts. 14 May 1718.
Also the petition.
There are three Minutes on the back, the last of which is:—“14th Augt 1718. My Lords have paid him already as much as they can, unless they receive his Mats special direcc[i]on for a further sum.” 3½ pages.
15 May. 16. Representation of the Agents for Tin in Cornwall to the Lords of the Treasury, relating to the materials bought for the several coinage towns and for the continuance of their salary to Lady-day 1718. In conformity with their Lordships' directions, proceeded to sell the goods and utensils which they thought appertained to the Crown, when the Receiver General of the Duchy of Cornwall delivered certain warrants, by which he is of opinion those goods belong to the Duke of Cornwall, and should remain in the respective coinage halls for the Prince's service. Have stopped the execution of that affair until they receive further directions. Tin Office, Truro, 15 May 1718. 1 large page.
15 May. 17. “Auditor Harley's state of the Accot of the charges of transporting the Dutch and Swisse troops, taken into his Majties service during the late Rebellion,” viz., for 6,000 Dutch and Swiss troops, for which a treaty or convention was concluded between Monsr Geldermalsen, on behalf of the States General, and the Rt. Hon. William, Earl of Cadogan, on the part of his Majesty. The Earl was also charged with the embarkation and marching of the troops. It was agreed that the pay of the troops should commence from the day of embarkation, but no mention is made of the charge of the march. It is alleged that there was no necessity for making the payments named for that purpose, in regard that the country was put into the possession of the Imperialists a month before the march of these troops, and an agreement made with the Emperor's ministers in a regulation annexed to the Barrier Treaty, that the country should not provide the troops with boats, horses, firing, and straw on their marches, as was practised whilst England and Holland had the joint administration of the Low Countries. It is further alleged that Monsr Geldermalsen, before he gave orders to the troops for their march, required that this charge should be defrayed by his Majesty, and that the same was complied with to prevent desertion and animate the men to march with the expedition which his Majesty's service then required, and that the same had so good effect, that there were but 30 days between the receipt of his Majesty's first orders for hiring the said troops, and their embarkation at Ostend, &c. The freight for the troops amounted to 56,667 guilders and odd money. The auditor observes that the allowance by the Transport Office in the time of the late war, for forces transported from the Thames to Holland, was 7s. a head; and there was paid 7s. 6d. a head for carrying back these Dutch and Swiss troops. Notwithstanding the ships were dispersed by the violence of the storms, the forces were transported to the several ports of Great Britain to which they were ordered. The charge for provisions and necessaries for the troops was 59,396 guilders and odd moneys, and the troops consisted of 6,338 effective officers and men, and there were allowed six women to each company of 38 men, and 196 servants attending the general and staff officers. The other charges for embarking the troops were 15,352 guilders and odd money. Dated 15 May 1718.
Minuted:—(1.) “Read 12th Feb. 1718/9.” (2.) “Read a 2d time 28th do.” (3.) “25th March 1718/9. To Audrs Imprests to prepare a P. seal.” (4.) “Warrt signd 9th May 1719.” 12 pages, brief size.
[? About
21 May.]		 18. Petition of Sir George Caswall, one of the representatives in Parliament for the borough of Leominster, to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that Edward Bangham, Esq., Receiver-General of the co. of Hereford, being an inhabitant of the borough at the late election, gave great numbers of bribes to corrupt the inhabitants to vote for Richard Gorges, Esq., to be their representative in Parliament, contrary to the duty of his office, and in defiance and breach of the laws made in that behalf. Is informed that he is largely in arrear, and now petitions to be Receiver for 1718. Complainant hopes their Lordships will not appoint him (Bangham) Receiver until he shall have paid into the Exchequer the sums already received, and discharged himself from the imputation of so base a practice as bribing the voters with the public money.
Minuted:—“21 May 1718. Mr Bangham, being very little in arreare, my Lords cannot remove him; but in regard of Sir George Caswal's services, my Lords will consider his brother some other way.”
Again:—“The above Minute respited 10th June 1718. Edwd Bangham appointed.” 1 page.
23 May. 19. Representation of Sir Andrew Chadwick, Knt., late Paymaster of the Ten Pound Lottery, anno 1711, in relation to the petition of Reginald Ryley, Esq., the question being whether payments were rightly made on an assignment from the petitioner to his father, which was alleged to be counterfeited. Dated 23 May 1718.
Minuted:—“23 May 1718. My Lords can do nothing in this.” 1 page.
23 May. 20. A similar report or representation by Mr Jett on a similar petition of the same person, who was Paymaster of the Lotteries, anno 1712. Dated same day.
With the same Minute on it. 1½ pages.
[? About
23 May.]		 21. Colonel Kane's answer to the Minute of the Lords of the Treasury, upon his memorial in respect to the contingencies of the Island of Minorca, of which he was Lieut.-Governor. These contingencies he prayed might be allowed, as well those already paid, as for the future, without account, as it was impossible to get vouchers for the greater part of them.
Minuted:—“23d May 1718. My Lords can make no order upon this memll till the account is brought in.” 4 pages.
[? About
23 May.]		 22. Petition of Stephen Brown to the Lords of the Treasury. In August last laid before his Majesty in Council a petition and proposal for purchasing and settling 700 acres of the late French lands in St. Christophers, lying in Basse terre quarter, parts of which were known by the names of the College and Fountain plantations, and part of which was lately in the occupation or possession of John Thornton, deceased, in which petition he set forth his losses and services in the defence of the Colony, and that he was particularly a considerable sufferer in the plundering of Monserrat by the French, for which there was no reparation made. In his proposal he offered 3l. per acre for the lands, and to transport and maintain there for ever, for the better strengthening of that Colony, 35 white men, with other advantageous offers, for the good of that poor Colony. His Majesty referred his petition to the Comrs of Trade to report, who considered the same with several other proposals. Petitioner's case differs from all or most of the proposals, none else of the pur chasers having at all suffered as he has. Prays for compassion and despatch.
Minuted:—“23 May 1718. My Lords will appoint a day to hear the whole.” 1½ pages.
26 May. 23. Ro. Corker to John Anstis, Esq., Garter King-at-Arms, at the Herald's Office. Sends an account of the last four tin coinages in Cornwall, from Midsummer 1717 to Lady-day 1718. Dated Falmouth, 26 May 1718.
With this note:—“N.B. This last year the quantety has exceeded prodigiously at least half as much more as the preceding, wch is oweing to ye vast quantetys thrown up from Mr Trelawny's worke of Whele Vorr (the richest that ever was known), and Relistian, wch 'tis computed together, have produced as much tinn as all the county besides, and both are now failed, soe that next year it may be expected the quantity will decrease again.” 1 page.
[After
26 May.]		 24. Copy of report of William Pulteney, Secretary-at-War, to his Majesty and Privy Council, on the case of David Paget, formerly lieutenant in the land forces, praying to be put on half-pay. Is well assured that he has performed many and considerable services of great consequence without recompense, and is a proper object of compassion. He was captain of militia in the last Rebellion in the north, and thrice a prisoner in the last war.
Also copy of a certificate of the Bishop of Clogher and two other certificates, the last of which is dated 26 May 1718. All French. 2 pages.
27 May. 25. Representation of the Comrs for Duties on Stamped Vellum, Parchment, and Paper, to the Lords of the Treasury, that the salaries of the under officers are assessed under the Act passed in the last session. They have no manner of perquisites; their salaries are but a bare subsistence, suitable to their respective stations, and it must reduce those to great extremity whose salaries do not exceed 100l. per ann., if obliged to pay. There are but 13 whose salaries are above 70l. and exceed not 100l., and but 11 whose salaries are above 50l. and exceed not 70l., and the rest are all but 50l. or under. Pray a warrant for repayment to all whose salaries are under 100l. per ann. Stamp Office, Lincoln's Inn, 27 May 1718.
Minuted:—“13 June 1718. See if there be any precedent in this office.” Again:—“Warrants have been annually signed for repaying the taxes of the inferior officers of the Stamp Office, but these warts were only for salaries not exceeding 70l. p[er] ann. untill the two last years, on the representac[i]on of the Comrs, it was extended to sallaries not exceeding 100l. p[er] ann.” 1 page.
30 May. 26. A paper of Sir Theodore Janssen, showing the amount of tin in the hands of his correspondent in Holland, and the sum due to him. 30 May 1718. 1 page, quarto.
[May.] 27. Another paper containing an estimate of the tin in Hamburgh. ½ page.
2 June. 28. Mr. Dixon, Receiver-General of H.M. Revenues in New York, to —. Gives summary of several of his letters, fearing some of them may have miscarried. By his letters patent as Receiver-General, is to collect all duties, &c. for Customs, Excise, quit-rents, or in any other manner. These letters were never offered to be infringed till 1715, under the pretext of mismanagement by his predecessor, Mr Byerley, but that could not justify their laying aside such an officer, as Brigadier Hunter told them. But it was not in the power of the latter to prevent the deviation, and if he had not acquiesced in it they would not have raised him a penny towards the support of the Government. So for that, and some other prevailing reasons, he was forced to comply (as he told them), with an undutiful and contemptuous treatment of the Crown. The country is thus charged with creating new and unnecessary officers, and the collection of the duties is sorrily managed, there being no Crown officer to cheque the receipt. It causes inconvenience to the merchants, &c., who, before this Act, had only the King's Custom House to attend, whereas now they are obliged to enter their goods there, “must trot to an officer appointed to receive a tonnage duty on shipping and the duty on negro slaves, to an officer called a wey-master, and at last to the Treasurer to pay the duties.” His salary is 200l. per ann. This they have loaded with 2½ per cent. to this Treasurer, together with very good salaries to the other officers employed. This, in the end, will lead to the disuse of such an officer as Receiver-General or Auditor. The Government is very indulgent to this colony, in allowing four companies for their defence, at about 500l. per ann., a man-of-war to guard the coast (which may be as much more per ann.), and the charge of salaries to the officers of Customs; all which is paid at home, &c. What money they raise for the further support of the Government ought to be accounted for. The trade of this place can endure some duties to be laid on it, and be no burthen to the Colonists, would bring a pretty income to the Crown, and be the only means to prevent illegal and clandestine trade, which these parts are so incident to, and dexterous at. The quit-rents are in a lamentable condition. These reserved rents to the Crown had been neglected from 1660, and in 1715, when demanded, the people (not being used thereto) refused to pay them till the present Government opened a Court of Chancery, and compelled them to it.
The respective governors since 1660 have either for money, favour, or kindred, made most extravagant grants of lands throughout the colony. “Large tracts of 20 to 50,000 acres, 20 miles square, to single persons, and in companies, townships, with such inconsiderable reserved rents to the Crown as the country is ashamed of.” These excessive grants for little or no consideration, and corruptly obtained, have occasioned land to become a jobbing business, and instead of being tenants under the Crown, new purchasers must hold of these monopolisers, and pay them what price they think fit to ask, to the visible discouragement of settling and peopling the country, and prejudice to the Crown rents. Most of the best lands by this means lie unoccupied, tho' by law they are obliged to rid away the woods and improve their grants. In 1709 an order from the Queen in Council came, that no person should purchase more than 1,000 acres, paying 2s. 6d. per ann. for every 100 acres, and should be obliged to clear away 100 acres every three years, or forfeit his grant. All, or most of the old grants, are liable to this regulation, and when done will bring in a noble revenue, please the people in general, and people and enrich the country. Many of their titles are illegal. Many possess more lands and others less than they have a right to. Some pay in money, others in grain, deer, beaver, otter, bear, or other skins; some a peppercorn, and some nothing. They have passed an Act here for the running a division line between this colony and the Jerseys on the West, and Connecticut colony on the East. Wishes that care may be taken that neither of these “proprieties” may filch from this province any quantity of lands belonging to the Crown, on each of these confines. Great part of the traders and possessors of land are aliens, disabled by law, but in the first year of his present Majesty they became alarmed, and prevailed upon the Governor “to give into an act of naturalisation prospective as well as retrospective, thereby depriving the Crown of its prerogative.”
Asks his correspondent to obtain for him an order, with instructions to call in all the grants or patents for land and houses, &c., to make a complete register thereof, and to ascertain the true quantity of lands, and the reserved rents as they now stand. New York, 2 June 1718. 4 pages.
11 June. 29. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, giving a state of the proceedings against James Duke Crispe and Butler Nodes for frauds in Chelsea Hospital in Easter Term 1718. 11 June 1718.
Minuted:—“The tryal to proceed.”
Also petition of James Duke Crispe for the trial to be postponed. 9 June 1718.
In the Minute Book, Vol. 22, p. 226, 23 Nov. 1719, is:—
“My Lords on reading a letter from Mr Sollicitor-Genll relating to the prosecuc[i]on of Duk Crisp, and Nodes, for fraudulent practices in Chelsea Hospital, direct Mr Cracherode, or the person that acts for him, to attend Mr Attorney and Mr Sollicitor-Genll, and desire them to bring the information agst the sd Crispe and Nodes to a tryal as soon as possibly they can.”
Again, at p. 227, 24 Nov. 1719:—
“Mr Merryl, Mr Cracherode, and Mr Stanwix called in. My Lords think the informac[i]on against Crispe and Nodes will lye, for fraudulently entring fictitious names in the books of ye hospital, altho' no money was paid thereupon, and therefore still insist that the informac[i]on agst 'em, be brought to tryal as soon as possible.” 3 pages.
11 June. 30. Report of the same to the same. By their Lps' commands has sued in the Exchequer one George Gordon, by information and capias, for moneys received and not paid over nor accounted for by him as late agent to the garrison of Annapolis Royal. A judgment has been obtained against him for 1,217l. 5s. 2d. due from him. Gives other particulars of the proceedings connected therewith on Gordon's application for delay, &c. Dated 11 June 1718.
Minuted:—“11th June 1718. To attend on Thursday 19th instant. Mr Lynn, Mr Mulcaster, and Mr Gordon, Capt. Armstrong to attend at the same time. Look out the rept of the Secry at War and Comptrs.”
Again:—“19 Jun 1718. Lett Gourdon assigne all his interest in the securitys in Mulcaster's hands, to the sd Mulcaster, and thereupon the prosecution agt Gourdon to be stayed till he has had time to recover the rest of ye debt from Mawson. To be further considered on Wednesday, 25 June 1718.”
Also an affidavit. 5 pages.
[? About
13 June.]		 31. Memorial of the Accountant-General and Cashier of the Bank of England to the Lords of the Treasury. The interest on a great number of Lottery orders due 24 June 1717, is unpaid. Pray their Lps to direct some method of paying the interest.
Minuted:—“13 June 1718. Make an estimate of what interest is due, and my Lords will imprest money to ye cashire for ye paymt.”
“2,009l. may be sufficient on accot. C. de Gols.” 1 page.
13 June. 32. Observations made by J. Boughton to his Lordship [?] for the use and advantage of the revenue of Scotland, viz., as to vessels coming from Gravesend, &c. direct to the place of their discharge, and as to entry of burthen, contents, &c. It is to be observed, that almost the whole trade of Scotland from foreign parts is brought either into the Firth of Forth, Murray Frith, Cromarty Frith, or the River Clyde, and also that a certain time cannot be fixed for ships entering these rivers to come to the place of discharge as is enacted for the river Thames. The masters of ships making their reports in Scotland on their homeward voyage, take the greatest care to fall extremely short of the cargo taken in abroad, and afterwards help it out by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reports, by which the collectors give too great latitude to the masters to try their dexterity in cheating the Revenue, and in managing the tidesmen. The practice of London was (as he remembers) to stop the master's portage if he did not make a just report of his cargo at once. Suggests that, if it be thought worthy, a clause might be made in an Act of Parliament, whereby the goods remaining unreported might become forfeited; one moiety to the Government, and the other to the officers. This would advance the Revenue, especially in North Britain. London, 13 June 1718.
Minuted:—“31st July 1718. Read.” 3 pages.
13 June. 33. Petition of James Duke Crispe, late Secretary to the Comrs of Chelsea Hospital, to the Treasury. [On the same subject as previous petitions by him], praying that proceedings against him may be staid until the warrants, authorities, and vouchers, which were seized and taken from him, are restored. 13 June 1718.
Minuted:—“13 June 1718. To be read when Lord Sunderland is here. 14th Augt 1718. Rejected.” 2 pages.
[? About
13 June.]		 34. Petition of the officers and gentlemen of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners to the Lords of the Treasury. There remained due to them 3,000l. for half a year's salary ending Midsummer 1714. Have also been at great charge in putting themselves and their battle axes in mourning to attend her late Majesty's funeral, and also since, in buying rich clothes to support the honour of their places, and in laying out several hundred pounds in furnishing the band with new arms, the old being entirely useless; pray for relief.
Minuted: “13 June 1718. Respited till ye Qs arreares are considered.” 1 page.
[? About
13 June.]		 35. Petition of Sir Robert Constable to the Lords of the Treasury. Held his office at a salary of 360l. per ann. during pleasure, by an instrument from the Treasury. On the 8th of May 1718 this was revoked by another, and the salary seems to determine from and after 25 Dec. 1717, being many months before the revocation thereof. Petitioner submits that this is not a right construction of the first instrument. Prays payment until the revocation, as well as 24l. more for him and his clerk, for their travelling charges from Edinburgh to London. The whole sum is 159l.
Copy of the second instrument referred to.
Minuted:—“13 June 1718. My Lords cannot continue the sala from X~mas last, but as to ye 24li my Lords will desire the Comrs to insert ye same in their Incident Bill.” 2 pages.
16 June. 36. “A List of all the pencions decreased by deaths and otherwise, since the Honble William Clayton, Esq., was Paymaster.” 16 June 1718. 2 pages.
17 June. 37. Report of Robert Pringle [of the Secretary-at-War's department] to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of William Hamilton, of Greinge, First Commissary for the shire of Midlothian [for himself], and in the name of the Rt Hon. the noblemen and heritors of that shire, and of the shires of East and West Lothian and Lanark. In Jan. 1715–16, the time of the late Rebellion in Scotland, the Duke of Argyle being then General and Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's forces there, required the counties lying next to Edinburgh and Stirling to furnish a certain number of horses for carriages, and of carts and horses and men to attend, and the horses, &c. were to be presented to the commissaries appointed for that purpose, in the Abbey close, at Edinburgh, on the 16th of that month, and with each horse there was to be brought four pecks of oats and three stone of hay or straw, for which the Commissary-General was to pay 3s. 3d. sterling. The conditions in the warrant of the Commander-in-Chief were, that every county furnishing horses should name a commissary, and those counties that furnished above 200 horses to name two commissaries. [Other conditions are set out]. The horses and carts were to be appraised, &c. On the 20th of January his Grace directed a warrant to Commissary Burroughs to receive all the horses, carts, and drivers demanded from the respective shires in North Britain, and to keep an exact account of them, and to pay 3s. 3d. for the straw and oats each horse brought, 1s. a day for a horse, and 9½d. a day for each driver, including bread, and 6s. a day for every commissary appointed by the several shires, and to furnish them during that service with forage out of the magazines, allowing 20 lbs. of hay and half a peck of oats per diem to each horse. By warrant of 23 Feb. his Grace further directed Commissary Burroughs to make just and reasonable allowances to the commissaries appointed for the return of the horses to the proprietors. The petitioner, as commissary for Mid Lothian and three other shires, exhibited his account, showing a balance of 2,728l. 1s. 7d. due to him. When their Lps' reference came to this office, Commissary Burroughs was in Holland, from whence he has lately returned. It was necessary to take his answers to the complaints lodged against him by the petitioner, as well as such informations from him upon the pretensions of the several shires, as might contribute to the clearer stating of the petitioner's demand. A copy of the petition was transmitted to him, and he gave the replies herein set out in three columns.
All these matters the writer fully comments upon, and concludes that when their Lps have determined upon the price of the forage, and other disputable articles, the account may be adjusted and the petitioner paid out of the 10,000l. granted by Parliament in the year 1717, on account, for extrordinary forage and other expenses of the forces in their march from Stirling, and pursuit of the rebels into the Highlands and neighbouring islands.
Docqueted:—“Report of the Secry-at-War upon the memorial and account of Wm Hamilton of Grainge.”
Minuted:—“Read the 17th July 1718. Audrs Imprests to hasten Mr Burrough[s] accounts, and to lay the same before my Lords with all speed.” Again:—“30th May 1719. Read. To Mr Burroughs to attend on Tuesday. Mr Oakley to attend at the same time.” Further:—2d June 1719. My Lords consider this report again, Mr Burroughs being present. Mr Burroughs to state the accot of the lost horses and the rations of hay, at the rate of 9d p[er] ration, and lay it before my Lords to-morrow. My Lords will consider of the allowce to Mr Hamilton at the same time.”
Accompanied by William Hamilton's petition, the Duke of Argyle's order to the justices of Midlothian and West Lothian, and the account referred to. Also several other papers relating to these commissariat papers. 56 pages or parts of pages.
17 June. 38. Representation of Comrs of Stamp Duties in relation to the loss on gold in their several officers' hands at the time of the reduction thereof, with the sums to be allowed them at 6d per guinea. Stamp Office, Lincoln's Inn, 17 June 1718. 3 pages.
19 June. 39. “Mr Powys, his report upon Col. Douglas, his papers.”
Mr Douglas was Governor of the Leeward Islands, and had demands on the Treasury. These Mr Powys had previously reported on as coming to about 375l.; and a warrant was ordered for that amount, but the sum ordered not to be delivered till their Lps knew who was authorised to receive it. A subsequent petition was also presented by him, making a further claim, on which the Attorney-General and Mr Cracherode reported. 19 June 1718.
Minuted:—“9th July 1718. Rejected.”
The three reports referred to, one of Mr Douglas' petitions, and a clause in an Act of Parliament.
Mr Cracherode in his report states that in the trial of Walter Douglas, Esq., he was found guilty of the indictment, viz., that he had disobeyed Her late Majesty's orders by refusing for six months after his arrival at Antigua (as Governor there) to issue a proclamation of pardon which he was commanded to issue forthwith for quieting the minds of her Majesty's subjects, and which he might have issued three months sooner if he had thought fit; that he demanded of one Daniel Mackinnon, and insisted upon having 10,000l. paid him by the inhabitants of Antigua before he would publish any proclamation of pardon at all. That he exacted and had of the same Mackinnon, and other inhabitants, a bond for payment of 4,000l., for his own use, in consideration of the issue of the proclamation. That he exacted of, and on behalf of several other inhabitants there, 20 black slaves of the price of 40l. sterling each, and a piece of plate of 60l. value, as a further consideration for his publishing the pardon. That he exacted of one John Elliot, another inhabitant, a Bill of Exchange for 100l. for his own use, for not excepting Elliot out of the pardon to be published by him; that he committed further contempts of her Majesty's commands by inserting doubtful and uncertain clauses and exceptions in the pardon, &c. That the Court of Queen's Bench afterwards gave judgment against him, viz., to pay a fine of 500l. and suffer five years' imprisonment. Upon petition the fine was however remitted, but he remained in the King's Bench prison. 12 pages and 4 halves.
19 June. 40. Lords of Trade to the Lords of the Treasury. Sometime since proposed for the better settlement of the French lands in the Island of St Christopher, that about 3,000 acres should be given gratis, in small plantations of from eight to ten acres, to poor families who would settle there for the defence of the island. The inhabitants long waited in hopes of an order being given thereon, and had very much pressed the Governor for leave to remove to Sta Cruz, or some other of the Virgin Islands; and in case of refusal seemed resolved to settle with the Dutch in the Island of St Martin, in the first of which cases they would be dispersed, and become less serviceable to the public, and in the last, be entirely lost to Great Britain. Their Lps would see by an extract from another letter of the Governor that he had repeated his instances on the subject. Whitehall, 19 June 1718.
The extract referred to. 3 pages.
19 June. 41. “Auditor Godolphin's certificate of wt recruit money remains unsatisfied to sevl Recrs of the Land Revenue wthin his division. Dated 19th June 1718.” 1 page.
[? About
19 June.]		 42. Memorial of Henry Worsley, Esq., Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Portugal. Claims for the ordinaries due to him from 1 March 1713 to 1 Aug. 1714 (150 days), at 5l. a day, 765l., and for extraordinaries 150l. Prays payment out the moneys appointed for the discharge of the late Queen's debts.
Minuted:—“19 June 1718. There is no money in ye Excheqr applicable to the paymt of these demands, but when any money arisen by sale of her late Mats tin comes into the Exchequer, my Lords will reconsider the same.” Again:—“Moiety paid.”
Also two bills of extraordinaries. 3 pages.
20 June. 43. Samuel Penhallon to the Lords of the Treasury. Upon the death of Wm Blathwayt, Esq., late Surveyor and Auditor-General of H.M. Revenues in America, the office devolved on Horatio Walpole, Esq. Is receiver of H.M. revenues in the province of New Hampshire, but seizures, prizes, and some other branches of H.M. revenue are specified for him to account for; and these ever belonged to other officers. Is directed to transmit accounts to the Auditor-General, but it was never yet practicable to do so, as the revenues are paid in but once a year, and the accounts are audited by a committee of both houses, and are then laid before the Assembly, with proper vouchers, and after that, sworn in Council before they are allowed. The two last years' accounts have been examined by Paul Dudley Esq., Deputy Auditor. Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, 20 June 1718. 1 page.
21 June. 44. Report of the Controllers of the Army Accounts, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Col. Phillips, representing the complaint of his officers as to the insufficiency of the allowance of the provisions supplied to the garrisons of Placentia and Annapolis by the Comrs for Victualling here, and proposing the furnishing a greater allowance at a less expense. The Commissioners in answer to the complaint state, that the victualling these garrisons is foreign to their business, and that they send provisions there by particular order only, and conceive it very necessary to have the victualling put under better regulation, as was done for Gibraltar, and that Col. Phillips's proposals seem advantageous. They admit the insufficiency of the allowance, it being what they call short allowance, viz., six men to four men's provisions. Annapolis can be supplied at least for a halfpenny a day cheaper than Placentia. The men would be supplied with nearly double the amount of provisions which they received in the Navy Office. As the garrisons are very remote from Great Britain, and Boston in New England is the nearest from which provisions can be had, and they do not hear from thence sometimes in three months, the Controllers propose that the contractor be obliged to have always 12 months' provisions in the stores beforehand. Whitehall, 21 June 1718.
“4th July 1718. The Comptrs to prepare a draught of an advertisemt to be transmitted to my Lords for their approbation.”
The memorial referred to, and two papers subordinate thereto. 6 pages.
21 June. 45. Mr Secretary Craggs to the Lords of the Treasury. The King having under his consideration the state of the Island of Minorca, and finding some new regulations should be made, recommends their Lps to consider the revenues, and the general improvement of the island, in order to the better support of the troops and inhabitants there, as they are at present obliged to have provisions from foreign parts. Col. Kane, the Governor, has orders to afford information. Whitehall, 21 June 1718. 1 page.
24 June. 46. “Account of interest due on tallies of sol. taken in by the Accomptant General and Cashier of the Bank of England, for annuities at the rate of 4li p[er] cent. p[er] annum, according to an Act of Parliament passed in the third year of his Majestie's reign.” Signed:—“Jno Monteage, Accomptant Genl of the Bank of England.”
The interest is due to 24 June 1718. 1 large page.
26 June. 47. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Sir Peter Halkett. By a grant of Queen Anne, confirmed by the Scots Parliament in 1707, in favour of Dame Janet Halkett, spouse to Sir Peter, her Majesty, in consideration that the said Dame Janet and her predecessors, proprietors of the lands of Pittferran, had been at considerable expense in winning and working the coal heughs there, that they had enjoyed the immemorial possession of exporting coals to foreign countries free of any custom or bullion by their former rights and infeoffments, and that the nature of the coal was such that it was absolutely necessary to be exported out of the kingdom, not only ratified and confirmed the former rights, but also did “of new” grant and perpetually confirm to the said Dame Janet and her successors the full privilege and liberty of transporting the coals from any parts or places of Scotland free from any customs, bullion, or duties imposed or to be imposed. By the 6th Article of the Treaty of Union all private grants are reserved, and on the faith of this article petitioner did not apply to Parliament at the laying on of additional duties on coals, for any clause in his favour. The Comrs' predecessors thinking the case dubious, did not exact the duties of his coals on exportation, but only took bonds for the duties, in case they were found due by law. The Comrs are of opinion that if the coal be not allowed to be exported duty free, the working of his coal must cease. Custom House, Edinburgh, 26 June 1718.
Minuted:—“31st July 1718. To Sir David Dalrymple for his opinion.”
Also the memorial and copies of three other documents. 10 pages.
1 July. 48. Speaker of the House of Commons (S. Compton) to —. Has received his letter and several papers. The fact is so clearly stated by Mr Jodrell that he can add nothing to it, and cannot judge of the reasonableness of the demand, the Speaker having no control over the bills of the Serjeant-at-Arms. 1 July 1718. 1 page.
8 July. 49. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Sir Bibye Lake, Bart. No proceedings at all have, since 23 May, been had in Chancery between Sir Bibye Lake and General Wills relating to the two assignments of the off-reckonings of General Wills's regiment for the several sums of 2,475l. 11s. and 4,333l. 9s. 4d., deposited in the hands of Mr Thomas Taylor deceased, nor between General Wills and Mr Turner and Mr Leheup, to whom the two assignments were severally mortgaged by Mr Peters, and who afterwards assigned their respective interests therein to Sr Bibye Lake, all matters having been settled by a decree in Chancery, and by two reports of Mr Rogers'. Further certifies that on the 16th of June last a decree was pronounced by the Court of Chancery concerning Peters' estate, to which cause General Wills is not a party, the minutes of which decree are annexed. 8 July 1718.
Minuted:—“Read.”
The memorial and the minutes referred to. 2½ pages.
9 July. 50. Solicitor-General (Wm. Thomson) to—. A merchant has offered to him to contract for the transportation of all convicted felons throughout England at 3l. per head from hence (out of which he must pay 20s. per head for fees of officers), and 5l. per head for those transported from other parts, where he must have correspondents and pay some fees also. His name is Mr Forward. He took away 40 the other day without reward, but cannot do so any more, considering death, sickness, and other accidents. There are now about 100 lying ready for him, for which he has ships prepared. No one else is ready to take them at so low a rate. It would be of great service to the public to have them carried away every year. By the late Act there is no power in the court to order the under-sheriff to defray these expenses.
P.S.—Believes the Government will save considerably in rewards for highwaymen and housebreakers by this method. The last contract was 40s. per head, delivered on board, but the charges of irons and other expenses to get them to the ship cost the Government as much more per head, so that this is really cheap. 9 July 1718.
Minuted:—“9th July 1718. To be consider'd when the Clerk of the Pipe hath returnd an account of the charge the Crown hath been at for apprehending felons.” 2 pages.
[? About
9 July.]		 51. Memorial of William Berner, Esq., late sheriff of the county of Norfolk, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying payment of 101l. 15s., the sum which he is entitled to receive under the Act for the better enabling sheriffs to sue out their patents and pass their accounts.
Minuted:—“9th July 1718. The 4.000li wilbe set apart as the Act directs, out of wch all the sheriffs will have their proporc[i]ons when they become payable.” 1 page.
[? About
9 July.]		 52. Petition of Mrs Darel Careye and Peter Careye of the Island of Guernsey, to the King in Council. The laws of that Island are so strict in preserving real estates of feme couverts to their heirs, that the magistrates never admit or enter into the records any contracts or covenants whereby any such estates are sold, mortgaged, or encumbered, unless the baron and feme couvert have previously obtained a leave from the president and seven of the twelve jurats of the Royal Court so to do, called “Conge de justice.” States the method of procedure to obtain the same. Mr Nicholas Careye and his wife purposing to sell the real estate and ancient patrimony of the said feme couvert, and well knowing how impracticable it was for them to obtain any leave of the Royal Court so to do, went over to England and there sold and transferred three quarters of the feme couvert's ancient patrimony, without observing any of the formalities. These things were done during petitioners' minority. Pray (for these and other reasons given) that King would appoint when the appeal thereon should come on.
Minuted:—“9th July 1718. My Lords have no cognizance of this matter.” 2 pages.
[? About
11 July.]		 53. Petition of Major George Roane, citizen and brazier of Dublin, to the Lords of the Treasury. Sets forth his services. Took up arms in defence of the Protestant interest in Ireland in company with the now Lord Southwell, Col Southwell, his brother, &c., at the time of the Revolution, and was with these gentlemen all sentenced by the Popish party to be hanged and quartered, and remained prisoners under sentence of death, until released by King William after the battle of the Boyne, and after that served his Majesty all through the war of Ireland. Since that served King George, and was a great sufferer in the loss of his trade. Served as major in a militia regiment of Dublin, and in the Common Council of Dublin. Prays for a patent for the coining of halfpence and farthings at Dublin, or for some other provision.
Also copy of certificate of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of Dublin in his favour. Dated 11 July 1718. 2 pages.
13 July. 54. Report of Mr Thomas Hewett, Surveyor of the King's Forests [Trent South], “relating to sundry services in his Majesty's forests and woods, with a true account of all moneys received and paid by him during his surveyorship: and also two duplicates of two indentures for the quantity of navy timber delivered to Mr Sutherland annexed.” July 13, 1718.
Minuted:—“7th August 1718. Read.”
[When he was turned out of office, he says, there were 500l. due to him.]
Also the papers referred to. 7 pages.
15 July. 55. Report of H. Cholmley, Surveyor General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Girle, mason, who prayed to have a lease of H.M. quarries and ways and cranes, together with the power of making what other ways and cranes he shall think fit in the Island of Portland, at a rent of 20l. per ann., above all duties now paid for any stone there got; and also to furnish the King with whatever stone shall be wanted at any of his Royal palaces or houses, at the rate of 30l. per cent. cheaper than his Majesty is now served. Finds his Majesty now pays 2s. 5d. per cubic foot, and deducting 30 per cent., the price will be 1s, 8d. a foot. Thinks it will be an advantageous bargain. July 15, 1718.
Report of the Board of Works on the same, and the petition.
Minuted:—“16th July 1718. My Lords cannot advise this grant at present.” 4 pages.
[? About
16 July.]		 56. “Observations on the petition of Jeremiah Garrard and ye Auditrs Report.”
Minuted:—“16 July 1718. My Lords gave a full answer the 2d of May last, in which he must acquiesce.”
Report of Edward Harley, auditor, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Jeremiah Garrard, praying allowance of several cravings for charges defrayed by him, and a consideration for his services, in soliciting and passing the accounts of the Comrs for Sick and Wounded; recommends him for consideration on account of his long service, great fidelity, industry, and great necessities.
The petition and “explanatn of cravings in the petition.”
Minuted:—“2d May 1718. He is paid in full, and my Lords cannot advise more.” 4½ pages.
[? About
17 July.]		 57. Copy of Minute of the proceedings of the Directors of the Bank of England. The Court was acquainted that the Lords of the Treasury desired a loan of 100,000l. for Mr Hampden, Treasurer of the Navy, on a deposit of malt, 1718. The Court ordered the advance.
Minuted at the foot:—“17th July 1718. My Lords, on the King's behalf, do agree to the loan to be made pursuant to this order.” 1 page.
17 July. 58. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, as to a conference he had had with the Attorney-General, on the subject of a memorial of his (Cracherode's) of 15 July. The question was whether the King's proclamation under the greal seal, with printed copies, would not be as effectual as 10 new commissions for pardoning pirates in the plantations. The Attorney-General is of opinion that such proclamation will not be effectual. 17 July 1718.
The memorial and two other papers. 4½ pages.
18 July. 59. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Thomas Kennedy, Esq. The facts in the petition are true, and Mr Kennedy is entitled, on account of his service as Advocate-General to her late Majesty, to the further sum of 167l. 4s. 9¾d., and to his present Majesty to the sum of 180l. 10s. 0¼d., which will make his salary 1,000l. per ann. Edinburgh, 18 July 1710.
Minuted:—“29th May 1719. Make a warrt for what is due in the King's time, and the memorialist is to produce a certificate from the Recr-Genll of what is in his hands.
The petition referred to. 2 pages.
18 July. 60. Report of the same, on the several petitions of Anna, wife of James Seaton, late Viscountess of Kingston; of Margaret, wife of Alexander Carnegy, late of Balnamoon; and of Dame Margaret, wife of the late Sir John Preston, of Preston Hall. Certify (1) that James Seaton, late Viscount Kingston, settled on Anna, his wife, by the name of Countess of Kellie, in case she survived him, certain lands, being part of the Barony of Whittingham, in the “constabulary” of Haddington, so far as would extend to the yearly payment of 20 “chalders” of victual, estimated at 166l. 13s. 4d. That by marriage contract, the late Sir John Preston, in consideration of 15,000 marks, Scots (833l. 6s. 8d. sterling), as the marriage portion enfeoffed and seised the said Dame Margaret in life rent all her days, in case she survived him, in an annuity of 2,500 marks, Scots (138l. 17s. 8⅓d. sterl.) to be received out of his lands of Thomastone, now called Prestonhall, with the miln, miln-lands, &c., in the stewartry of Fife; as also out of his lands of Castlefield, Brunton, Dalginch, and Pittencreife in the same sheriffdom, but if there were an heir male the annuity should be restricted to 2,000 marks (111l. 2s. 22/3d. sterl.), to which she is only entitled, there being sons of the marriage existing. (3.) That, by marriage contract, Alexander Carnegy enfeoffed and seised Margaret, the petitioner, his wife, for life, of the lands of Lidmore, Kirktoun of Menmuire, “with that of Pendicle, called Howsleys, the lands of Easter and Wester Tullochs, the lands of Crossbank and Pitmudie, the lands of Auchpherise with appurtenances in the parish of Menmuire and sheriffdom of Forfar, free from all burthens, except 4l. sterl. yearly to the minister of Menmuire, which lands extend to 53l. 9s. 4d. sterl.” Are of opinion his Majesty might grant so much yearly out of the rents of their husbands' estates [as was desired].
[These estates were forfeited by attainder for rebellion.]
Edinburgh, Exchequer Chambr, 18 July 1718.
Minuted:—“Read 5th August 1718. Upon considering these three petitions, with the report of the Barons of the Excheqr in Scotland thereupon, and other reports in the like case, made by his Maties Attor.-Genll in England, my Lords, as the case now stands, cannot advise passing the grant desired.”
[This minute is also entered in the Minute Book.]
The three petitions mentioned. 8 pages.
20 July. 61. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Bolton), to Mr Secretary Addison, on the petition of Aramintha Somers, daughter of Colonel Robert Lundie, who had been Adjutant-General in her late Majesty's army in Portugal, praying that the pension of 200l. per ann., now on the establishment of Ireland, in the name of John Outing, may for reasons stated be fixed in the new establishment in her own name; has nothing to object. Whitehall, 20 July 1717.
Also a letter from Mr Secretary Addison on the same subject. 2 pages.
22 July 62. Report of the Attorney-General to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mary Errington. Finds that she would be entitled out of the forfeited estate of her husband, if he were naturally dead, to the Manor of Hallington, and the tithes of certain lands in Hallington, in the co. of Northumberland, for her life, being settled on her by way of jointure, the annual value being 205l. 10s. Under a clause in an Act passed in the last sessions, his Majesty is enabled to make provision for the wives of forfeiting persons out of rents of their husbands' estates paid into the Exchequers of England and Scotland, &c. Till the claims of creditors are settled by the Comrs it is very difficult to adjust a proper provision. July 22, 1718.
Minuted:—“Read 5th August 1718. Upon considering this petition, with the report of his Maties Attorney-Genll thereupon, and other reports made by the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotl. in the like cases, my Lords (as the law now stands) cannot advise passing the grant desired.”
The petition and two affidavits. 7 pages.
22 July. 63. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Katherine, the wife of the late Sir David Threipland. By her marriage contract she was entitled to an annuity of 1,000 marks, Scots (55l. 11s. 1⅓d. sterling) to be taken out of the late Sir David's lands, and Barony of Fingask, as well as to 33l. 6s. 8d. sterl., provided by her former husband. Are of opinion that his Majesty, under a late Act of Parliament, may grant to the petitioner so much out of the estates of her husband, as shall be paid into the Exchequer of Scotland, &c. Edinburgh, 22 July 1718.
Minuted:—“Read 5th August 1718. Upon considering this petition, with the report of the Barons of Excheqr in Scotl. thereupon, & another report in like case by his Maties Attorney Genll in England, my Lords (as the law now stands) cannot advise passing the grant desired.”
In her petition she states that she has 13 children, nine being too young to work, and that her house was “plundered to the ground by a body of Highlanders, pretending to be the van-guard of his Majesty's army.” 4 pages.
23 July. 64. Thomas Bartram, senior, to the Earl of Sunderland, “Lord High Treasurer.” Acquaints his Grace that there may be six or seven thousand a year go out of the Treasury to some persons disaffected to the Government. There are ill practices in the Navy and other offices; for the first day any man gets a warrant, he enters upon double pay, so that since this practice has been first set on foot there has gone out of the Treasury upwards of 100,000l. Woolwich, 23 July 1718.
Minuted:—“30 July 1718. Read.” 1 page.
23 July. 65. Report of the Attorney-General to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Lady Philippa Standish, suing for provision out of the forfeited estate of her husband, who was attainted of high treason. Certifies that by the settlement made on the marriage of the petitioner, the daughter of Henry, late Duke of Norfolk, the capital messuage called Standish Hall, with the demesne lands and water corn mill, and divers lands, &c. in Standish, Sherrington, Barnacre, and Winmarly, in the co. of Lancaster, of the yearly value of 400l., are settled on petitioner for life by way of jointure in case she outlive her husband, and the whole value of the forfeited estate of her husband, 671l. 10s., subject to a jointure of Cecilia, mother of petitioner's husband, of 100l. per ann. The petitioner, it is admitted, professes the Popish religion, but her marriage settlement was antecedent to the Act passed 11 & 12 Will. III., for the further preventing the growth of Popery. The estate therein, limited to her for her jointure, was a vested interest in remainder in her before that Act passed, and so not affected with the disability thereby put in that respect on persons professing the Popish religion. His Majesty may, therefore, make provision for the petitioner out of her husband's lands. 23 July 1718.
The petition and three affidavits.
Minuted:—“Read 29th July 1718. My Lords, upon reading this report cannot (as the law now stands) advise passing the grant desired.” 7½ pages.
25 July. 66. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury. Has considered the petition of John le Master, one of the witnesses against James Duke Crisp, concerning the frauds and abuses committed in Chelsea Hospital, setting forth that he has been a great sufferer on Crisp's account, by being imprisoned for some months, and afterwards obliged to go to Calais, from whence he came to attend a trial, the expense of which journey he could not obtain. Is of opinion there is no ground for the petitioner to expect their Lps to order him to be reimbursed the charges of the suits, nor of his charges in coming from Calais. 25 July 1718.
Minuted:—“13th Augt 1718. Petic[i]on is rejected upon this report.” 4 pages.
28 July. 67. J. Craggs to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends extracts of Mr Dayrolle's letters relating to the exportation of silver and gold into Holland. Whitehall, 28 July 1718.
Minuted:—“29th July 1718. Read.”
[In these extracts Mr Dayrolle says, that the reasons of the exportation are, “the situation of the change, both here and in France. It has been very low here for sometime, and by the transporting of species from England, there is a difference of above 3 per cent. profit.” Further:—As to the methods used to convey the coin from England, they are practised by masters of ships and passage boats, who resort to Rotterdam. The trade is carried on by Jews, and some other considerable merchants at Rotterdam; among them is one Mayers, a Roman Catholic, who is trusted with considerable sums from London.]
There is also a duplicate of the extracts. 6 pages.
28 July. 68. Robert Pringle to the Secretaries of the Treasury. Has laid the establishment of the forces in Minorca and Gibraltar, commencing 25 Dec. 1717, before his Majesty, and transmits the same for countersignature of the Lords of the Treasury. Has likewise sent a draft of a warrant to allow five discontinued men on the muster rolls of each troop and company in Great Britain, from 25 June 1717 to 24 Dec. following. Col. Kane, Lieut.-Governor of Minorca, has moved for a warrant of the same kind. Asks their Lps' directions thereon. The Lord Lieut. of Ireland has represented that he should be authorised by warrant to form an establishment for the reduced officers of the 13 regiments of foot and dragoons, disbanded in June 1717, to be paid out of the arrears of the army in Ireland till the Parliament should provide for them. Transmits the draft of a warrant for that purpose. Incloses for their Lps' approbation a warrant empowering the Lord Lieut. to order payment of the assignments made by the Colonels of the three regiments lately embarked for the Mediterranean. War Office, 28 July 1718.
Minuted:—“15th August 1718. To Secry-at-War, that my Lords have no objection.” 2 pages.
29 July. 69. Copy of report of the Board of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, on the question as to which of the places or towers in the Tower of London might be most proper or commodious to make a repository for the records of Chancery, at present lying in great confusion, and in danger of being spoiled. Have viewed all the places in the Tower that seemed applicable, and are of opinion that the rooms in Cæsar's Tower, commonly called the White Tower, which were formerly proposed by Sir Christopher Wren, are the most proper and convenient, as well as most capacious, for containing the records, and may be fitted up for about 400l. The Tower is made use of for cooperage, provisions, &c., which would be more conveniently placed at Woolwich, among the other stores of ordnance. The magazine of gunpowder, belonging to the Tower, is at present under the rooms where the most valuable records of the kingdom are kept. Whitehall, Board of Works, 29 July 1718.
The petition of the six clerks of H.M. High Court of Chancery on the same subject. 3 pages and 2 halves.
29 July. 70. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Sir William Menzies for himself and partners. The Treasury of Scotland in 1697 set to farm to Sir Archibald Muire, of Thornton, deceased, and John Anderson, of Dowhill, also deceased, for themselves, and in behalf of the royal boroughs of Scotland, the customs and foreign excise of that kingdom, for five years, from 1 Nov. then preceding, for 33,033l. 16s. 3d. The memorial prays that they may be acquitted of 5,000l., and may have other allowances.
The Barons report that it may be reasonable for his Majesty to discharge the balance of the account upon Sir William Menzies renouncing all cravings, which he is content to do. Edinburgh, 29 July 1718.
Also the memorial.
Minuted:—“Agreed to. Warrt signd.” 7 pages.
[? About
29 July.]		 71. Petition of Helen, the wife of John Lyndesay, of Pitscandlie, to the King. Upon her marriage with John Lyndesay she had by the marriage contract or articles, settled upon her for life, “the rents of the lands of that half of the land, town, and manors of Pitscandlie, called Weems of Pitscandlie, and the town and lands of Westertown of Baldardie, and the town and lands of Milnhill of Baldardie, with the heall houses, bigginge mosses, muires, and pertinents whatsomever, lyeing in the parishes of Rescobie and Sherrifdom of Forfar, which amounted in value to no more than six chalders & a halfe of victuall yearly, att one hundred merks, Scots money, the chalder.” By rebellion, these and other of the lands of John Lyndesay were vested in his Majesty, but by a late act vesting the forfeited estates in trustees, his Majesty can make provision for the wives of the persons forfeited. Her husband enjoys a free pardon, but she and her three daughters are destitute. Prays a grant of the lands provided by her marriage articles.
With a note on 29 July 1718 referring the matter to the Lords of the Treasury.
Minuted:—“Read 5th August 1718. Upon considering reports made in this like case, as well by the Barons of Excheqr in Scotl., as by his Maties Att.-Genll in England, my Lords, as the law now stands, cannot advise passing the grant desired.” 1 page.
29 July. 72. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland, on the petition of Alexander Brand, of Brandsfield in North Britain, Knt. Find that he obtained from the Lords of the Treasury and Exchequer of Scotland, a lease of the Crown and Bishops' rents of Orkney, for three years, and that the said Sir Alexander, not having accounted for the rent or tack duty of the said lease, a prosecution was commenced against him in the Exchequer of Scotland, before the Union, at the instance of Sir Alexr Ogilvie, of Forglane, the Receiver-General of the … carried on by George Mackenzie, as assignee from the Crown to … of the rents of Orkney, till he was satisfied of the sum of 2,009l. And that the Exchequer of Scotland by their decree, dated 22 Aug. 1707, found Sir Alexander debtor to the Crown 3,997l. 6s. 5d. The decree was, upon appeal, brought before the House of Lords and affirmed, except as to 677l. Of the third parcel of arms mentioned in the petition and refused to be allowed, because the Government had not received them, it appears that the number of 399 firelocks, 880 bayonets, and 900 “patrontashes” were received into the castle of Edinburgh of the value of 880l. 11s. sterling, and should be allowed the petitioner. It appears that the Crown will not be entitled to more than 866l. 6s. 5d. out of the 3,997l. 6s. 5d. decreed against him by the Lords of the Exchequer, and that he has received some hardships. Edinburgh, 29 July 1718.
The petition named and the order referring it for report. 5 pages.
[? About
29 July.]		 73. Supplication of Marion Bennet, spouse to Robert Rollo of Powhouse, to the King. Her husband engaged in the late Rebellion, but surrendering to his Majesty's mercy, was sent prisoner to Carlisle. His Majesty, by a late Act, put a mark of favour upon him and four other gentlemen, by a clause enabling his Majesty to make provision for their respective children. The suppliant has a small jointure of 55l. sterling. Prays for relief.
Referred to the Lords of the Treasury for their opinion on 29 July 1718.
Minuted:—“Read 5th August 1718. To Barons of Excheqr in Scotl., to consider that part of the petition wch relates to the petr's children, & to report their opinions.” 1 page.
29 July. 74. Representation of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury. By the acts concerning forfeited estates, all sums arising from forfeitures are to be paid into the Receipt of the Exchequer in Scotland, but as there is no Receipt of the Exchequer, they have appointed the Receiver-General of the Land Rents and Casualties to take the receipts from those forfeitures. Pray for power to re-issue the same moneys when received. Edinburgh, 29 July 1718.
Minuted:—“14th August 1718. My Lords approve their appointing the Recr-Genll to receive & desire them to prepare the draft of the Privy Seal they want.” Again:—“9th May 1719. Warrt signd.”
Also signification from the Lords of the Treasury of their approval of the appointment, &c. 19 Aug. 1718. 2 pages.
29 July. 75. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Mr. James Hart, minister of the Gray Friars church in Edinburgh. The Minister of that church, in the time of Episcopacy, was one of the prebends to the Bishop of Edinburgh, and had an allowance from him of 10l. per ann., and it appeared to have been ordered for some years since the Revolution by the Treasury of Scotland, to be paid to one of Mr. Hart's predecessors. Conceive Mr. Hart cannot legally claim payment, the office being abolished, yet his Majesty might grant the allowance out of the revenues of the bishopric of Edinburgh, but the rents are already so burthened that they will not allow of this addition. Edinburgh, 29 July 1718.
The petition referred to. 2 pages.
29 July. 76. Copy of the petition of John Philp, pursebearer, and Mrs. Ogilvie, widow of David Ogilvie, mace-bearer to the Earl of Find-later, Chancellor of Scotland after the Union. Also the order referring the same to the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland, and their report on it, which certifies that John Philp and the deceased David Ogilvie acted as purse and mace-bearers to the Chancellor of Scotland, in the year 1708, and that the allowances were as represented. Conceive they are entitled thereto, unless by the payments made to the Chancellor of Scotland in England for that service, the salaries were provided for and included. Edinburgh, 29 July 1718. 2½ pages.
30 July. 77. Report of R. Powys to the Lords of the Treasury, on the representation of Thomas Crawford, Secretary to his Majesty's Embassy at the Court of France, in relation to extraordinaries. The Secretary states that for two years and three quarters these amounted to 1,027l. 15s. Mr. Stanyan, his predecessor, who served in no such conjuncture of affairs, had near 600l. allowed him for three quarters of a year (the time of the Earl of Manchester's residing ambassador in France) and Horatio Walpole, Esq., as Secretary to the Embassy, while Lord Townshend resided at the Hague, had extraordinaries allowed him. The report certifies that a demand for extraordinary disbursements was laid before King William, who declared (he giving a large allowance to ambassadors for extraordinary disbursements), that the postage of letters, stationery, &c., for the secretary ought to be defrayed out of the allowance to the Ambassadors, and directed that thenceforth no allowance should be made for extraordinaries of the Embassy, and this has been ever since observed, except in the case of Mr. Horatio Walpole. How the Secretary of State came to pass the warrant for Mr. Crawford's privy seal, with a clause for an allowance of extraordinaries, he cannot say, but the docquet had no mention thereof. 30 July 1718.
Minuted:—“7th August 1718. 300li as a present for bringing over the convention, & 500li bounty in consideration of all his good services, & in particular during the absence of the Earl of Stair from Paris, & in full satisfaction for the same.” 2 pages.
31 July 78. Abstract of three reports from the Ld Lieut. of Ireland which were read and ordered to be laid before his Majesty. Dated 31 July 1718, viz.:—
1st, of Capt. Richard Wolseley, M.P., who prayed to be placed on the establishment of half pay in Ireland.
Minuted:—“My Lords will reco[m]mend this to his Maty.”
2nd, of Theophilus Jones. Recommended by several Parliaments in Ireland for recompense for the services of his uncle, Lieut.-General Jones.
Minuted:—“To be laid before the King.”
3rd, of Ann Phillips, widow of Capt. Phillips, recommended by several Members of Parliament in Ireland for a pension for her husband's services; a pension of 30l. a year will be charity well bestowed.
Minuted:—“To be laid before the King.”
Minuted on the back:—“12th August 1718. His Matie agrees.” 1 page.
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