Volume 243: January 11-June 27, 1723 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 6, 1720-1728. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

'Volume 243: January 11-June 27, 1723', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 6, 1720-1728, (London, 1889) pp. 195-217. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol6/pp195-217 [accessed 19 April 2024]

January 11–June 27, 1723



[? Beginning of 1723.]	1. New year's gifts or other annual gratuities for the Clerks, also for the Secretaries, and further new year's gifts or other annual dues for the Lords, 1722–3. Four papers, one being in duplicate, and the other also to a large extent. 6 pages.
Do.	2. An estimate of the charge of the office of Ordnance for the year 1723. Signed. Also another similar estimate. 2 pages.
11 Jan.	3. Report of the Com^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the truth of the matters contained in certain papers “offered by one Josias Thompson and one Elias Barnes” to the Com^rs of Trade, and from them transmitted to the Lords of the Treasury. They (the Com^rs) were preparing a full and particular answer to show the malice and falsehood of almost every assertion in the papers, but finding it grew to a great bulk, and to relate to facts pretended to have been transacted near eight years since, they were unwilling to trouble their Lordships with so voluminous a reply, except they pleased to signify their further commands therein; especially as they were put on the task by the bare information of Thompson, who was an officer of the revenue, and dismissed about six years before, by a full board. He was a person of vile character, and affected to be zealous in seizing wool, but never brought any seizure to condemnation, and they believed used his commission to extort money, &c. They suspect that he and M^r Dymond took 12l. to drop a prosecution against one Pilkington, for carrying off men for the Pretender's service. State other misdeeds of Thompson, and what they (the Com^rs) had done to prevent the running of wool, so that smuggling in their opinion does not continue to nearly the same degree as formerly. Assure their Lordships of the groundlessness of his assertion that he had complained to the Com^rs of certain vile language used by M^r Sadler, one of the surveyors general, affecting his Majesty, and that they cannot without indignation hear such a charge. Also assure their Lordships of the falsehood of the memorial and letter signed by Thompson and Elias Barnes. Believe that the most substantial protestant merchants are of the same opinion as the Com^rs, that the running of wool is mischievous, and that dishonest trade has been mostly used by Papists, who may be presumed to be enemies to the Constitution and welfare of both nations. Allude to the practice of running East India goods into Ireland; the same having received the drawbacks in England. One Murphy gave information against thirty persons who assisted in seizing their officers while a French “dogger” was loaded with wool in the co. of Wexford, and the said Murphy assisting the Sheriff against the offenders, was taken up on the evidence of a person of vile character, who made him drunk, and conveyed two pewter shillings into his pocket, and immediately had him secured as a coiner and hanged on the evidence of the informer only. Custom House, Dublin, Jan. 11, 1722–3. Minuted:—“17^th Jan^ry 1722. To the Lords Commiss^rs for Trade and Plantations. Three other papers on the same subject. 13 pages.
14 Jan.	4. Copy of “A. Cracherode's Rep^t concerning the King's title to the mann^rs of Westm^r and S^t James's and the Baylywick of S^t James's.” Dat. 14^o January 1722.” Gives an epitome of the letters patent, &c. relating to the above title. 3½ pages.
[? About 15 Jan.]	5. “Memorial to the Right Hon^ble the Lords Commissioners of His Maj^ties Treasury, concerning the expenses of prosecutions for crimes and other suits carried on in behalf of the Crown in Scotland.” “Before the Union his Maj^ties Solicitors Gen^ll paid out what money was necessary for defraying charges of prosecutions for crimes and other suits carried on in behalf of the Crown, and were annually reimbursed of the money so laid out. “Since the Union no method has been established how such expence should be defrayed, but during the time Sir James Stewart was Solicitor, who continued in that office till the year 1701, money was impress'd by the Treasury into his hand for those purposes. “Since the year 1717 that M^r Dundas was called to be Solicitor no money hath been impress'd into the Solicitor's hands for those purposes, nor have they been reimbursed of what they have been obliged to lay out in such prosecutions or in defence of the rights of the crown.” It is a very great prejudice to the King's service that no fixed method is established how such expenses should be defrayed. There remains due to M^r Dundas of what was paid out by him when he was Solicitor, 181l., There remains due to M^r Stewart's son 60l., “laid out by his father when he was Solicitor anno 1720,” and there remains due to M^r Binning and M^r Sinclair, the present Solicitors, laid out before the 22^nd of December last, 165l. 5s. 8d., a copy of the accounts whereof is annexed. The copy of account referred to. Sworn 15 Jan. 1722–3. 5 pages.
21 Jan.	6. Copy of report of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lord Lieut. of Ireland on the petition of M^r Mason, eldest son and administrator of Sir John Mason, Kn^t, deceased, who had petitioned on behalf of his brother and sisters for a new lease for 61 years from the expiration of the present lease of the town of Passage, and of the lands in the petition named, set apart by the Act of Settlement for raising 300l. per ann. for the maintenance of H.M. Fort of Duncannon. Are of opinion that it is reasonable to comply with the proposal. The petition and reference thereof to the Com^rs, and copy of a letter on the same subject, signed “H. Lingen.” 6 pages.
[? About 22 Jan.]	7. Petition of William Underwood, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury. In 1717 petitioner applied to the Com^rs of the Treasury by petition setting forth his title to the remainder of a term of years in two old houses in the parish of S^t James', Westminster, and praying for a renewal. M^r Cholmley, the Surveyor General, had reported on the petition: prays that the General's “rate” may be read, and that orders for the renewal may be given. Minuted:—“22^d Jan^ry 1722–3. To p[re]sent Surv^r Gen^l to reconsider.” 1 page.
23 Jan.	8. “A. Cracherode's particular of causes now under prosecution with states thereof. 23 Jan. 1722.” 8½ pages.
[? About 23 Jan.]	9. Memorial of the Corporation of the Royal Exchange Assurance, to the Lords of the Treasury. The Corporation advanced 156,000l. for an annuity, on which sum they had tallies and orders struck at 4l. per cent. per ann. until the redemption thereof by Parliament: but they were mostly for large sums and not transferable or assignable: pray that on return of the same, others may be struck of 500l. value. Minuted:—“23 Jan^ry 1722. Orderd.” 1 page.
24 Jan.	10. A. Cracherode to Horatio Walpole, Esq. M^r Burkley has engaged him to assist in correcting the press for Layer's trial to be published next Monday. Asks that my Lords may be moved for the moneys mentioned in the enclosed memorial. Accompanied by a memorial from M^r Cracherode. The 500l. last imprested to him have been expended on Layer's trial, and the adjournment of the special Commission of oyer and terminer in Essex, and bringing several libellers to their trials, &c. Prays 100l. more on account, and 250l. for his half year's salary and allowance for clerks. 24 Jan. 1722. 2 pages.
31 Jan.	11. Report of J. Pulteney, Surveyor General, to the Lords of the Treasury. Has had under his consideration the state of the revenues belonging to the dissolved Hospital of the Savoy now in the Crown. Caused a particular view and inquiry to be made into the present condition and yearly value of the several tenements and other buildings belonging to the site of the Hospital, a plan whereof is now lying in his office. Finds that there are five messuages fronting to the Strand, and two other tenements situate backwards, all inhabited by persons whose names and pretensions for holding the same are mentioned in a copy of return annexed, made on the aforesaid inquiry, by which it appears that all the messuages are very much out of repair and require to be rebuilt, that the present occupants have no leases and are in very mean circumstances and incapable of paying a reasonable rent. Advises the letting of the property at a ground rent, whereon the seven houses stand. The other buildings which stand within the gate or precincts of the Hospital are either in lease or used as barracks or chapels for Divine Service to accommodate the several Protestant congregations. Asks that the books and muniments relating to the property, which are said to be in some offices in Doctors' Commons, may be delivered up to him. 31 Jan. 1722–23. The “return” referred to. Minuted:—“Feb^y 1722–3. Prepare a warrant for y^e delivery of y^e books, papers, &c. relating to y^e land revenues of y^e Hospital of the Savoy, as set forth in y^e s^d report, into y^e hands of y^e Surveyor Gen^ll.” 8½ pages.
[? About 1 Feb.]	12. Petition of his Majesty's servants belonging to the German Chapel at St. James's Palace, to Robert Walpole, Esq., First Com^r of the Treasury. They (and their families) depend for subsistence on their salaries, and they are reduced to great straits by the arrears remaining unpaid. On Michaelmas day last a whole year was unpaid: pray for payment. Minuted:—“To be paid what is [due]. 1 Feb. 1722–3.” 1 page.
2 Feb.	13. John Buchan to — [Apparently being charged with conniving at smuggling] declares that all he did was to send to M^r Paterson about sixteen loads of peats; but as to unloading or receiving any deals it is most malicious and notoriously false. Believes the Officers of Customs at Aberdeen will attest that as a Justice of the peace in this county, he has always rather been assisting in discovering frauds to the prejudice of the Public revenue, than conniving at, or encouraging, any such practices as M^r Howell seems to insinuate. Old Aberdeen, 2^d Febry. 1722. Minuted:—“Report read. Agreed to and the informers rejected and dismist.” 1 page.
2 Feb.	14. Report of M^r W. Lowndes to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Dame Anne Tipping [only daughter and executrix of Lady Letitia Russell]. King James the Second granted to Katherine, Countess of Dorchester, a pension of 3,000l. per ann. for 5¼ years out of the English Exchequer. This expired at Lady day 1691. By the same patent he granted her several quit rents in Ireland, amounting to 5,000l. per ann., for 99 years, “if she should so long live,” at a rent of 1,500l. per ann. The term expired upon the decease of the Countess about three years ago. By the same patent his late Majesty granted to Lord Preston and other Trustees “all the said quit rents” after the above term for 7 years at 6d. per ann. This term is now existent, and would be a security for arrears of the pension of 3,000l. per ann., which was granted for 5¼ years, and for the quit rents themselves during the term of 7 years. Their Majesties (by 4 Will, and Mary) in satisfaction for salary, arrears, &c. due to Thomas Cheke, Esq., Lieut. of the Tower of London, and in consideration of a release thereof executed by the Lady Letitia Russel, who was relict and executrix of the said Thomas Cheke (which arrears were computed at 10,000l.), granted to Conyers and Colladon an annuity of 600l. per ann., to be paid out of the reserved rent of 1,500l. per ann. payable by the Countess for the quit rents, and out of the residue of the quit rents of 5,000l. per ann., and out of the residue of the quit rents which during the seven years granted to Preston and others should be payable “in trust for their Majesties,” &c. The said annuity to be held for 31 years from Lady day 1692. This term will expire at Lady day 1723. [The report sets out some further particulars of the grant as well as the effect of other documents, and states that if the account last mentioned were admitted, there remained unpaid upon the 600l. per ann. 3,161l. 17s. 2d.: besides which the lady Russell's pension ran in arrear about 17 years before she received one penny, and the subsequent payments were made in a very dilatory manner. Reminds their Lordships of the effect of the Act of 11 Will. III. as to quit rents belonging to the Crown of Ireland on 13 Feb. 1688, &c. In case his Majesty shall be inclined to charge the existing terms or either of them with the arrears of the 600l. per ann., and with a sum in gross to make good the dilatory payments and the great trouble and charges sustained by the petitioner and her mother, he (M^r Lowndes) has no objection thereto. 2 Feb. 1722–3. Also two queries written on a separate paper. 3½ pages.
[? About 5 Feb.]	15. Petition of George Turbill, “Register to the Commissioners and Trustees for the Forfeited Estates acting in England,” to the Lords of the Treasury. By the act passed in the last session the forfeited estates in England which shall remain unsold after 29 Sept. next are devested out of the Com^rs and Trustees, and vested in his Majesty for the use of the public. The Com^rs have determined all the claims made before them, amounting to 2,000l., and have caused their determination to be entered of record. The forfeited estates have been sold to purchasers for 250,000l. and upwards. Frequent disputes will arise, and for the adjusting thereof it will be necessary to have recourse to the records, and it is necessary that the records should be deposited in some public office, and that some person should be appointed to have the custody of them, as was done upon the like occasion in Ireland upon the expiration of that Commission. As petitioner has acted as Register under the Commissioners, and has drawn up all their determinations and decrees, he prays that he may be appointed. Minuted:—“31^st July 1723. Agreed to. My L^ds think proper that a salary of 150^li p[er] ann. be allowed to him for his own trouble, the rent of an office, clerks, and all incident charges whatsoever. M^r Lowndes will prepare a proper instrum^t.” Letter from the Com^rs to the R^t Hon. Robert Walpole, Chancellor of the Exchequer and First Lord of the Treasury, recommending the petitioner. Dated 5 Feb. 1722–3. 3 pages.
7 Feb.	16. Certificate of the Comm^rs for building fifty new churches in London and Westminster, of the necessity that 20,000l. should be forwith raised by way of loan from natives or foreigners, bodies politic or corporate, willing to lend the same upon the credit of the fund of 21,000l. per ann. charged on certain duties of coal and culm. Palace Yard, Feb. 7, 1722. 1 page.
[? About 7 Feb.]	17. Petition of Elizabeth Cameron, widow, to the King. Petitioner is the widow of Major Daniel Cameron, deceased, son of Sir Evan Cameron, of Lochiel, in the north of Scotland. The Major was a person of great loyalty and zeal for his Majesty's interest, and procured leave to come home to Scotland in the beginning of the late Rebellion in hopes to have prevented by his endeavours his elder brother and other relations from embarking in so unnatural a design, and though his endeavours had not the desired effect as to his brother and some others, yet he had the honour of prevailing with many of his numerous and powerful clan to desist from it, and gave encouragement to others whom he knew to be well affected to his Majesty, by furnishing them with arms at his own expense for the suppressing and bringing in of the rebels. His great loyalty and zeal were the cause of his death, for having broken his constitution with the fatigues and hardships of that service and in bad weather, he died on the 26^th of March 1718 in the Highlands. All which facts are certified under the hands of the R^t Hon. the Earls of Southerland, Lauderdale, and Hindford, the Lord Terphuhen, Brigadier Preston, Col. Blackader, and other persons of note and distinction. Petitioner's “insuperable” loss was attended with circumstances very uncommon and inhuman, for while petitioner's husband lay a dying in one room, and petitioner in labour in another, the house was surprised by a party of the rebel brother's friends, who stripped her not only of all her goods, but likewise of the writings and other papers belonging to her, and to complete the scene of cruelty a set of bagpipes and drums were ordered to play upon them day and night for some time. Prays for support for herself and two small children. Referred, 7 Feb. 1722–3. Minuted:—“22 Feb. 1722–3. Nothing can be done in this.” 1 page.
8 Feb.	18. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury. Have examined the warrant prepared for H.M. signature for granting and conveying to John Mercer, writer in Perth, and his heirs, the lands of Craigie Miln and others, all lying in the shire of Perth, “proceeding upon the resignation of M^r John Paterson, of Craigie.” The signature contains a De novo damus and “taxing of the Waird holding,” but they do not find that there are any non-entry duties or casualties and “forfaultures by recognition or escheat” affecting the said lands which will be discharged by the De novo damus if his Majesty grant the same. The yearly value of the rents is 40l. 16s. 8d. Edinb^r, 8 Feb. 1722–3. 1 page.
9 Feb.	19. Memorial of John Pulteney, Esq., Surveyor General of H.M. lands, &c. Has had under his consideration a referred petition of Francis Taylor, gent., for a lease of Colstable Farm and Chesworth Lodge, in the county of Sussex. Finds, by a return made to him by some gentlemen living in that neighbourhood, that there were growing on the lands in the possession of Jesse Walder (one of M^r Taylor's under tenants) 300 trees, making 150 loads of timber, and that some time before, 25 trees had been cut (in breach of the lessee's covenant), though when this view was taken no more than 21 trees were lying on the ground, computed to make 20 loads and 22 foot of timber, and that upon the premises there are between 30 and 40 acres of underwoods, which they say belong to the tenants. Thinks these 21 trees had better be sold for his Majesty's use, and that strict inquiry should be made after the other four, and that other trees judged fit should be cut and sold for H.M. benefit, reserving sufficient timber for the use of those farms, and excepting such trees as are now growing on that part enclosed within M^r Eversfield's Park, from whom he (the Surveyor) has a memorial desiring their Lordships to grant him a lease of that land (about 44 acres). M^r Eversfield hopes the trees will be left standing as an ornament to his park. All which he (the Surveyor General) intended to have laid before their Lordships in his report upon M^r Taylor's petition (whose name is used in trust for M^r Hoar, of London, goldsmith), but some doubts have arisen as to part of the lands adjoining to Chesworth Lodge, whether the same are thereto belonging, which may retard the report. Minuted:—“11 Feb^y 1722–3. To be done accordingly.” 2 pages.
14 Feb.	20. Memorial of Sir Thomas Hewett, Kn^t, Surveyor General of H.M. Works, to the Lords of the Treasury. Is informed by Sir James Thornhill that M^r Walpole had ordered him to put a memorial into the Treasury relating to the painting of the large square room at Kensington. Before Michaelmas last he attended his Majesty at Kensington about finishing the three large rooms in the new building, and showed H.M. several sketches of mosaic work, &c. for painting the ceiling of the great square room. His Majesty chose one of them. He (the Surveyor) ordered a model to be made, and Sir James Thornhill painted it, and his Majesty approved of it, and commanded him (the Surveyor) to tell the Vice-Chamberlain to treat with Sir James Thornhill for the price, and that it should be done out of hand. Scotland Yard, 14 Feb. 1722. 1 page.
16 Feb.	21. A. Cracherode (in answer) to Christopher Tilson, Esq., as to what weekly or daily allowances have been paid to prisoners of State for their maintenance. By order of the Lords of the Treasury, “dated in Sept. 1716,” he paid Lord Duffus, a prisoner in the Tower, three pounds a week for his subsistence, and by another order from them “in March or April 1717” he paid the Earl of Cornwall and the Lord Nairn (two other prisoners in the Tower) three pounds a week a piece, for their maintenance, which are all the State prisoners he ever had any orders to subsist. Thinks himself obliged to observe that he believes their Lordships, in settling those allowances, had regard not only to the quality of the prisoners, but to their having forfeited their estates by the high treason of which they stand attainted, and to the public being in possession of their forfeited estates. 16 Feb. 1722. 2 pages (quarto).
16 Feb.	22. Copy of the petition of Sir William Seton to the Lords of the Treasury, of the reference of the same to the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland, and of their report on the petition. The last named certifies that her late Majesty by letters, under her privy seal of Scotland, of 1 Oct. 1705. constituted Sir William Seton General Collector of the rents of the several Bishoprics mentioned in his petition, with powers to retain money for remuneration of himself and sub-collectors. Sir William continued the receipt 'till 1714. Upon presentation of his account the Court did not pass the same, but directed processes against the Receivers to oblige them “to produce their rights thereto.” Most of the difficulties are now removed, so that the petitioner's accounts will now be carried on and passed. The craving of 108l. per ann. for incident charges they conceive may be reasonable to be allowed. Edinburgh, Exchequer Chamber, 16 Feb. 1722–3. 3 pages.
16 Feb.	23. Memorial of John Anstis, Esq., Garter King of Arms, to the Lords of the Treasury. The memorial delivered to their Lordships by the Officers of Arms for their largesses consisted of two articles: (1.) Largesses due upon the creations of the nobility, which have been constantly paid to them even to 7 Oct. in the 1^st year of H.M. reign, as appears by certificate annexed. (2.) Largesses or rewards due to these officers (13 in number) for waiting on His Majesty to chapel on high festivals, amounting to 41l. yearly, which sum has been annually paid from the commencement of the reign of Edward III. [Refers to places where the payments are recorded.] The Heralds in all foreign Kingdoms not only enjoy the like rewards, but which is very remarkable, if foreign heralds attended here on any of the festivals the Crown likewise ordered them payments upon this account. [Again refers to recorded evidence.] Heralds' Office, 16 Feb. 1722–3. Also two copies of documents in corroboration. Minuted:—“11 Sept. 1723. Prepare a state of what is due for the K'^s time for creation fees. The Largesses to be revived from this time only being 41^li p[er] anñ.” There is also on the back of the document:—“Due for Creation Fees for 42 Titles of Honour 215l.” 3 pages.
22–28 Feb.	24. Petition of the six poor Gate-keepers in his Majesty's private Road leading to Fulham, to the Lords of the Treasury, for payment for three years' work on the road, the Surveyor of His Majesty's private Roads (William Watkins, Esq.) having promised to obtain for each of them 5l. per ann. Minuted:—“22^d Feb. 1722–3. The allow^ce of 5^li p[er] ann. each to be established in the Office of Works, and to be p^d from the time they were employed in this service.” Accompanied by two letters from the Surveyor, one of which is addressed to M^r Tilson; both relate to the above claims. The second states as follows:—“The gates on the Fulham roads are 6, viz.:—The first at the entrance at the backside of Buckingham house, the 2^d over against Chelsea Colleige, the 3^d at Chelsea Lane end, for which I pay ten shill. p[er] an., the 4^th at the World's End, for which I pay 3 pound p[er] an., there being about half an acre of garden ground belonging to it. The 5^th at Sandy End, the sixth and last at Fullham 20 shill. rent; in all 4l. 10s. ground rent. The Gate-keepers have workt on the road thro 3 years past, w^ch is ever since the houses were built, in hopes and upon my promise that I would use my endeavours to obtain some small allowance for them.” 4 pages.
7 March.	25. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Francis Woodcock, Keeper of H.M. Gaol for the county of Bucks, who sets forth that, at his own charge, he provided for and subsisted the several persons (in the schedule delivered in with the petition), prisoners in H.M. county gaol, from the times of their respective sentences of transportation till they were transported; for which he never received one penny from the Sheriff. By the certificate of M^r Jonathan Forward it appears that he received the sixteen prisoners named in the schedule, on 17 Oct. 1721 (except Robert Walter and Richard Harris, who, the petitioner insists were to transport themselves, and did transport themselves), and that he transported them. Two shillings and sixpence a week was the rate charged for each of them; but the petitioner had not been at the charge of maintaining them, and if he had been, the Sheriff of the county was the proper person to make him satisfaction. Since this is the first application that he (M^r Cracherode) knows to have been made to their Lordships by any gaoler upon this head for maintenance of convicted felons to the time of their transportation, submits whether their L^ps will make a precedent in favour of the petitioner. 7 March 1722. Minuted:—“15^th Mar. 1722. Write to the Under Sheriff to know whether these demands are just, and if they are, why they are not paid by him and to be allowed on the Sheriff's acco^t.” The petition referred to. 2½ pages.
19 March.	26. M^r Christopher Cass to the R^t Hon. Robert Walpole, Esq., Chancellor of the Exchequer. Upon the demise of M^r Edward Tufnell, mason to Westminster Abbey, in 1719, applied to the Dean and Chapter, “and offered a proposal of 20^s per cwt. less than the then prices,” upon which the R^t Rev. the B^p of Rochester desired him to set down the prices proposed against the former ones given, which he did. He was assured that no person should either read or copy the same, or use them to his prejudice. In his absence his Lordship sent for the present mason and read the prices to him, which he accepted, and was given possession of the business. His Lordship ordered the Clerk of the Works to inform him (M^r Cass) that he was under some obligations to employ the present mason, and that he would make him (M^r Cass) some satisfaction. Waited on his Lordship at Bromley, who told him that he was writ to by his brother, the minister of Highgate, in behalf of the present mason, but he would endeavour to procure him (M^r Cass) 100 guineas for his services. Could not but think himself highly injured. Thinks that his Honour (who, with the L^d Chief Justice of the King's Bench, are Comm^rs for repairing the Church) will be of opinion that he has been hardly used, and that he should be put into the possession of the business. March 19, 1722–3. 1 page.
21 March.	27. A minute of the Com^rs for building Churches, ordering that the Treasurer to the Commission (Nathan Blackeby, Esq.), advise with M^r Lowndes, Secretary to the Lords of the Treasury, to ascertain whether it is proper for the Board to direct the interest to be paid to the workmen employed in building New Churches from the date the tallies bore to the day they were issued to them. Dated, Old Palace Yard, Westminster, 21 March 1722–3. Minuted:—“8^th April 1723. Deliver the tallys and orders to the workmen with the Interest due thereupon.” Also the petition of the workmen to the Commissioners. 2 pages.
21 March.	28. Report of the Surveyor General of his Majesty's Woods to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of the Earl of Rochester praying their Lordships to supersede so much of the Royal Sign Manual for raising 2,000l. by wood sales for his especial service as relates to felling wood in Richmond Park and Whichwood Forest, of which park and forest he is Chief Keeper and Lieutenant. Finds that there are (notwithstanding the late sales) several thousand pollard trees fit for nothing but fuel, and unless now taken for the King's service will be entirely lost to the Crown. The wood in Richmond Park is rather for ornament than profit. Has been very careful in the choice of the trees to be felled. If their Lordships indulge Lord Rochester in his request the sum of 2,000l. required by his Majesty to be raised for his especial service cannot be raised this year. Also the memorial. Minuted:—“26 Mar. 1723. Send a copy to Lord Rochester and let him know the Surv^r is to proceed and y^t their Lord[shi]ps believe he will meet with this favour and assistance.” 2 pages and 2 halves.
25 March.	29. “An Acco^t of what was wanting at Lady day 1723 to clear pencõns and annuities payable at the Exchequer.” 5 pages.
25 March.	30. Order in Council on the petition of the Governor and Company of Copper Miners in the Principality of Wales praying that his Majesty will grant them the like privileges as were allowed to other Companies in having some particular marks impressed on such silver as they shall carry to be coined in the Mint: referring the matter to the Lords of the Treasury. 25 March 1723. Minuted:—“May 22, 1723. Sign Manuall to be prepared as in y^e case of ye S.P.C., &c.” The petition referred to, in which they mention that the “elephant” was struck on the gold imported by the Royal African Co., the “Feathers” for the Mine Adventurers, and “Roses and Feathers” on the silver refined by the Governor and Company for smelting lead with pit coal and sea coal. The petitioners asked to have impressed on their silver “the letters W.C.C. under the head” and on the reverse side “Feathers quartered and [symbol]” 2 pages.
25 March.	31. Order in Council on a report of the Lords of the Admiralty made by them on the petition of Edward Vernon, Esq., relating to his expenses for bringing from Jamaica to England, Richard Tookerman, to answer for the felonies, piracies, and other illegal practices committed by him in the West Indies, of which the petitioner, when Commander-in-Chief of H.M. Ships attending on the Island of Jamaica, thought it incumbent on him to take cognizance. Refers the Report to the Lords of the Treasury to consider how petitioner may be reimbursed. Minuted:—“Aprill 9, 1723. Orderd out of old stores. 26^th D^o. Warr^t signed.” 7 pages.
[After 25 March.]	32. Memorial of Charles, Earl of Lauderdale, General of the Mint in Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury. By an Act of 1 Geo. I. the Lords of the Treasury are empowered to defray the expenses of the Mints of England and Scotland, so that they do not exceed 15,000l. By a sign manual petitioner (out of money to be issued to him out of the Exchequer) is charged with paying the salaries of the officers of the Mint in Scotland, and with the charges of the coinage, &c., and the repair of the dwelling-houses of the officers. And he is commanded to cause his Majesty's moneys of gold and silver to be coined of the same forms with those coined in England, and with the same inscriptions, and to set under His Majesty's effigies the letter E., to distinguish the moneys coined at Edinburgh from those coined at London. Since the year 1709 there has been no coinage in the Mint in Scotland, and this has caused a scarcity of coin, &c. The last sum issued for defraying salaries, &c. was 1,400l. for one year and a quarter to Lady day 1721. Two years is now due. Prays that a suitable sum may be imprested for defraying the coinage for the salaries and for the fabric. 2 pages.
26 and 27 March.	33. Copy or draft of Treasury Minutes for 26 and 27 March 1723. [The importation of Tobacco is the principal subject of the Minutes.] 2½ pages.
27 March.	34. “An accompt of the debt due and owing on the pensions payable in the office of Walter Chetwynd, Esq., from Lady day 1722 to Lady day 1723.” Dated 27 March 1723. 7 pages.
28 March.	35. Lord Carteret to the Lords of the Treasury signifying the King's pleasure that, as a special bounty, 100l. should be allowed to M^r Andrew Pfeffer, printer, of the city of Coire, in the country of the Grisons, who had some time since dedicated to the King a translation of the Bible into the “Romansh” tongue, or to M^r Francis Manning, H.M. late Resident in Switzerland, for the use of the said Pfeffer. Whitehall, 28 March 1723. Accompanied by a letter from M^r Manning (unaddressed) begging that the above letter may be complied with out of hand. 3 pages.
26 and 29 March	36. Two affidavits in proof that Sir Valentine Browne, Bart., deceased, was in the year 1688, and for many years before, in possession of the town and lands of Ross Castle and Islands thereunto belonging: and that he, about the year 1688, built a dwelling-house adjoining to the Castle, with a large Court surrounded with a wall, &c., which was finished in the year 1688, and must have cost at least 2,000l., and since the year 1691 they have been made use of as a garrison, whereby the house has been ruined and the woods have been destroyed by the garrison. Dated 26 and 29 March 1723. 2 pages.
6 April.	37. Certificate of Francis Ligo, Deputy Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, to the Lords of the Treasury, that the several prisoners in an enclosed account were convicted and transported at the several times contained in the account; and that they were, from the times of such their several convictions to the times of their transportation, subsisted and provided for by Francis Woodcock, for which he had no allowance, although it had been craved. Conceives that till the year 1720, no persons being particularly appointed by the Judges of Assize to contract for the transportation of felons, it was not known, on the sheriff's last petition for allowances, when the charges of subsisting the convicts would end; the general directions in the Act of Parliament for transportation of felons being found not sufficient for that purpose. Aylesbury, April 6, 1723. On the other side is the warrant for the payment of the claim. There is also the account referred to, an affidavit and a certificate of the receipt of the prisoners and of the transport of the same. Signed “Jon^a Forward.” Minuted:—“18^th April 1723. Prepare a warr^t.” 5 pages.
[? About 8 April.]	38. “Memorial and petition” of the Mayor, Aldermen, &c. of the town and port of Bideford, in the county of Devon, to the Lords of the Treasury. Allude t o a memorial presented to their L^ps by the port of Barnstaple in respect to “a cavil” raised about Dispatches issuing from the Custom house for shipping and unshipping goods at Appledore. Set forth that Bideford is an ancient and very considerable trading port, and that the revenue has amounted to some hundred thousand pounds, and has deserved better of the present Establishment than Barnstaple, as they furnished their late Majesties with several thousand men for the Royal Navy, and with above fifty sail of stout transport ships for the reduction of Ireland, when Barnstaple could not or did not set out five: that their river being within these twenty years so altered and choked with sand that a vessel of 80 tons, without being lightened, cannot even on spring tides come within the prescribed limits of this port (although before, their ships of three or four hundred tons came up to the Key), and the limits of Barnstable being unnaturally extended so far on both sides of their River it is “impossible to bring in or send out their laden ships above them”; and the only place in the whole harbour for ships to ride afloat to complete their lading when outward, or to lighten when inward bound, is the Pool between, “or made by the rivers of Bideford and Barnstable”: that therefore the prohibition of this well-known ancient and agreed method of their Dispatches, and the taking them from Barnstaple must unavoidably be attended with such hardships as well as charge to the Crown and the merchants as must destroy their open fair trade, thereby lessen H.M. revenue, starve the poor, and prove the great impoverishment if not utter ruin of this large populous town: * * * that an attempt was made before the Civil Wars by the people of Barnstaple to subject the merchants of this port to the discharge of their goods and to the payment of the keyidge there (which would now be the consequence of taking out Dispatches thence), but the latter being the right of, and ever paid to, the noble ancestors of the present noble proprietors of this manor, the R^t Hon. the Countess Grandville and Lord Gower, and the former appearing impracticable, their designs proved ineffectual. Notice instances of fraudulent dispatches from the other port. Hope they shall not be sacrificed to the false insinuations of their envious neighbours or of unthinking officers, who have, for some years past, fomented the present differences: pray that their ancient privileges may be continued. Minuted:—“8^th Apr. 1723. Read.” 1 large page.
10 April.	39. Com^rs of Customs, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury. Acknowledge the receipt of their L^ps' order to prosecute, by English bills in the Exchequer, such persons as they suspect of fraudulent practices in the importation of tobacco into Scotland. Will prosecute without loss of time the persons referred to, as they have hitherto upon several occasions attempted to recover the King's duties by bills of this nature without success. Ask for an experienced lawyer from England to carry out the same. Custom House, Edinb^r, 10 April 1723. Minuted:—“Aprill ye 16, 1723. A letter to be drawn in answer that my Lords wonder that they, having so often tryd to recover the King's dutys by English bills, which method (as they acquaint my Lords in this l~re) has constantly fail'd, yet have never represented the same to the Trea[su]ry. “That their Lord[shi]ps, who are determin'd to obviate such ineffectual attempts of prosecutions for the future, do direct the Comm^rs to transmit to them the several instances wherein they have preferred English bills to recover the King's dutys; together with all the forms and progress of each particular prosecution, that their Lord[shi]ps may inform themselves of the defects in this method, and give the proper instructions to prevent the like for the future.” 1 page.
12–23 April.	40. Bill of extraordinary expenses of Charles, Lord Whitworth, H.M. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary at the Congress in Cambray from 10 Dec. 1722 to 9 March 1722–3. Dated Cambray, 12–23 April 1723. With a notice at the foot that it was allowed by Lord Carteret. 1 page.
[About 16 April.]	41. Report of M^r Christopher Tilson to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of Gilbert Pepper, Esq., late undertaker for sick and wounded seamen and prisoners of war for the Kingdom of Ireland. The claim is for 403l. 4s. 9d. interest and charges on bills of Exchange drawn by the memoralist on the Com^rs for sick and wounded in the last war, but returned by the merchants (tho' accepted by the Com^rs), for non-payment in time. Memorialist must have well understood that there would be delays in time of war, and the Com^rs must have submitted to greater rates. A multitude of dormant demands and an immense sum will be revived if their L^ps give way to the memorialist. Minuted:—“Aprill y^e 16, 1723. Agree to ye Report.” The memorial (the above report being written on the back of it) and a report of the Com^rs for sick and wounded on the same subject. 3 pages.
[About 17 April.]	42. Memorial of Francis Burton, Esq., Receiver General of the deductions of 6^d per lib., to the Lords of the Treasury. Is passing an account of the deductions, and lays the annexed account of the charges which he has been at before their Lordships. Prays that they may be allowed. Also asks to be allowed for an office and a clerk. Minuted:—“17 Apr. 1723. 100 p[er] ann. for clerk h^o rent and all conting.” The account referred to. 2 pages.
17 April.	43. Petition of Leonard Woodeson, Clerk to M^r Surveyor and the rest of the Com^rs of the Board of Works, to the Lords of the Treasury. Petitioner, in pursuance of their Lordships' warrant, was prevailed upon by the Surveyor, and Board of Works, to lease the House called Essex House in Essex Street, for the use of the Cottonian Library, at a rent of 140l., beside the parish duties and other outgoings reckoned at about 12l. per ann. more. A half year's rent is due, and 6l. for the parish duty, but the landlord will not submit to the defalcation of the Civil List tax of 6^d per £ deducted at the Exchequer; but will force the petitioner by law to pay the full sum. Prays that the money may be paid to the Paymaster of Works, to be by him paid to the landlord; and that he (the petitioner) may be saved harmless. Minuted:—“17^th April 1723. My Lords agree to the petition.” 1 page.
9 May.	44. Report of Walter Chetwynd, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of James King, Clerk. In consideration of a debt of 4,000l., and about 1,500l. interest due from the Crown to Thomas King, Esq. (petitioner's father), upon account of the Royal fishery of herrings in King Charles the Second's time, a pension of 300l. per ann. was granted by King Charles II. to the above Thomas King, who received it during life. By his death it was reduced to 100l. per ann., and continued to Alice, his widow, who received it till her death. Petitioner is “the only child” of the above Thomas and Alice, and is advanced in years, and had a considerable loss by the pulling down of the late Chapel in Spring Gardens (where he was preacher, and from whence he had his chief maintenance), and the principal debt has never been repaid. Thinks the petitioner so far an object for his Majesty's bounty, that his mother's pension of 100l. per ann. might be continued to him in satisfaction of all pretensions. 9 May 1723. Minuted:—“16 Julii 1724. Vid. the Minutes.” [The Minutes for this period are not known to exist.] Also the petition. 2 pages.
10 May.	45. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor General on the memorial of the Chief Cashier of the Bank of England in relation to the carrying out the Act passed in the “present session of Parliament,” and praying directions whether Trustees may be permitted to receive the principal, notwithstanding the minority of their wards, and whether such infants as have stocks in their own names may receive the same by their guardians. Certify that in respect to the first question they are of opinion that where trustees are appointed by deed or will, in whom the legal interest of the annuity is vested, in such case the Cashier may safely pay the principal money payable for the redemption of any annuity to such Trustees, notwithstanding the minority. As to the second question, they conceive that the principal money payable for the redemption of any annuity cannot be safely paid to an infant, but in cases where there is a guardian appointed by the deed or will of the father, the principal money may be paid to such guardian, and he may give a discharge; and in other cases where there are no such trustees or guardians, the course of the Court of Chancery is, upon a bill preferred in the name of the infant by some person as his next friend, to direct the money to be brought before a Master of the Court, and to be placed out at interest for the benefit of the infant. 10 May 1723. The memorial referred to. 3 pages.
13 May.	46. Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland (Smith and Scroop) to Horatio Walpole, Esq. Upon consideration of the account of prosecutions in the Court of Exchequer in Scotland for the recovery of duties lately transmitted to the Lords of the Treasury by the Com^rs of the Customs (Scotland), think that considering the circumstances of juries in Scotland the most effectual method to bring in the Crown duties will be by way of English Bill. As to the particular instances of prosecutions already carried on that way, it appears they are very few. That as to the determination in relation to the Prizage Duty, the Court was divided in opinion, three against two: that wherever any prosecutions are carried on that way, for duties, if the defendants can cover themselves by any claims of exemption by private rights, the determinations in such causes will in all probability go against the Crown. In other instances where proper care is taken rightly to found the demands of the Crown, if the solicitors effectually prosecute the same, there will be a reasonable expectation of success. There ought to be directions to the Commissioners of Customs to imprest into their [the solicitors] hands, from time to time, so much money as will be necessary for carrying on such causes; the want of which has been alleged as an excuse for not doing it. Some of the persons appointed by the Crown have not seemed to attend upon that business as by their duties they ought, and without diligent and skilful officers it is not to be expected the business of the Crown should be carried on as it ought. Cannot say whether there be any mistake in the return made by the Attorneys of the Court in the cause in which the demurrer is said to be overruled; but it is very plain there might have been a prosecution carried on either by an amended Bill or Enforcing Answers to the Bill upon which the Demurrer is founded. That, and the cause against Williamson, to which they say there was no answer put in, appear by the said account to be the only causes carried on in the said Court since the Union, for the recovery of duties of Customs, where there was no pretence of private rights, though the Court has often intimated to the proper officers that to be the most effectual way of prosecuting for the Crown revenues. Several causes of that nature have been carried on in the Exchequer with effect in respect to Excise Duties, but why no more have been commenced with respect to Custom duties they know not. Serjeants Inn, Fleet Street, May 13, 1723. At the foot is the “Establishm^t of the Customs” (Scotland). Report of the Com^rs of Customs, Scotland, sending an account of the instances wherein they have prosecuted by English Bills in the Exchequer, &c., also their solicitor's letter and a copy of a letter written to him by the Com^rs. Accompanied by the documents referred to. 10 pages.
14 May.	47. Thomas Scott to M^r Walpole. By command of the Duke of Roxborough acquaints him that he has laid the papers he received before the King, and has by his Majesty's order sent directions to the Advocate in Scotland to make a strict inquiry into the matters whereunto those papers relate, and to prosecute the offenders when discovered. His Grace has likewise signified his Majesty's pleasure to Brigadier Preston that, in case the troops already quartered at Perth are not sufficient for that service, he should forthwith send such a number thither as shall be necessary to assist the civil Magistrates in the legal execution of their offices, so that the like disorders be prevented for the future. This letter is to be laid before the Com^rs of the Treasury. Whitehall, 14 May 1723. Minuted:—“Read.” 2 pages.
14 May.	48. Report of the Com^rs of Customs, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury, in reply to a letter of M^r Walpole of the 1st inst., on the discovery they had made of the collusion amongst their officers with respect to the seizure of the mother-of-pearl shells. Dated 14 May 1723. The following is given as the abstract of it:— “They sent the Collector of Dumfries to view the shells at ‘Kerkenbright,’ and by what he writes, and by a letter come to their hands (copy whereof is enclosed), they are confirmed in their suspicion of the Collector of Kerkenbright being concerned in the collusive seizure. The Com^rs send inclosed a particular acco^t of the shells, samples whereof they have sent to the Com^rs of the Customs here, to show the East, India Comp^a and others that they may be bid for in the Excheq^r in Scotland the next terme, w^ch begins the 1^st June. And since they find them of such value, the Com^rs to secure them have ordered them to be brought up under a guard to the warehouse at Leith. They say wrong samples of these shells were at first showed them.” There is also the account above referred to. 6 pages.
23 May.	49. The Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Grafton) to the Lords of the Treasury. Has thought himself obliged to recommend to his Majesty the petition (copy enclosed) of the surveyors, tidewaiters, supernumeraries, watermen, and their families at Ringsend belonging to H.M. Customs of the Port of Dublin and other protestant inhabitants there, setting forth that that place is distant from their parish church above a mile and a half, that a river interfering in several places of the Road with it, renders the passage in the winter season and after any sudden rains very dangerous and often impracticable; that a great number of the inhabitants are moreover obliged to so constant an attendance on their duties of their respective charges, that they dare not venture to be so far absent even on Sundays; that an Act of Parliament was some time ago obtained for building a chapel there for their more easy attendance on Divine service, which chapel has been hitherto provided with a Lecturer every Lord's day by the charitable care of the Archbishop of Dublin, as they have no fund for the support of a resident curate to perform the offices of christenings, burials, visitations of the sick, &c., the occasions for which daily occur in a place so full of it's own inhabitants, and which is besides a common resort of many seafaring persons who frequent the harbour of Dublin; wherefore the petitioners pray his Majesty to establish some yearly allowance out of the revenue of the port of Dublin to maintain a constant resident curate amongst them. His Majesty has lately signed a warrant for establishing such minister or curate. Asks for an allowance of 100l. per ann. to be placed on the revenue establishment of Ireland for the same, to continue till some other provision should be made for him in the way of a parochial assessment, which design there is a probability of effecting. Bond S^t, 23 May 1723. The copy of the petition referred to. 6 pages.
25 May.	The same to the same as to the expense of shipping and provisions procured for the embarkation of the six regiments of foot brought over from Ireland to this Kingdom the last summer. Asking for the money to be reimbursed to the Deputy Vice-Treasurer of Ireland. Bond Street, 25 May 1723. 2 pages.
25 May.	50. Copy of letter of the same to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before their Lordships the minutes and resolutions of the Barrack Board in Ireland, by the last of which (of 20 Jan. 1721) he is desired to represent to his Majesty the necessity there is of supplying the barracks of Ballinrobe and Cork with bedding and utensils, and to endeavour to obtain his Majesty's letter for the payment of 828l. 4s. 4d. to put the barracks in order, that sum having been embezzled by Col. Richard Morris, Quarter-Master. 25 May 1723. Minuted:—“28^th August 1723. Prepare the proper l~re.” The minutes and resolutions referred to. 4 pages.
27 May.	51. Lord Carteret to the Lords of the Treasury, “signifying the King's pleasure to pay M^r Davenant 1,300^li for his service at Rome and other parts of Italy after his allowance as envoy ceased.” May 27, 1723. 1 page.
27 May.	52. M^r Vice-Chamberlain Coke to —. Reminds his correspondent that the report from M^r Surveyor, relating to the piece of land adjoining to his Majesty's garden house at Windsor, of which one Hawkings is endeavouring to get a lease, is returned to the Treasury and will pass if his correspondent does not stop it. It would be a great inconvenience to his Majesty's house being so very near. There is an estimate at the Treasury for altering the windows in the presence chamber at Kensington, which he begs may be despatched that the “works” may do it before the Princesses go to Kensington: it being the room through which the company is to come to the Drawing Room. S^t James's, Monday, 27 May 1723. The Report of the Surveyor General, which describes the above land as “a peice of wast ground containing about three quarters of an acre lying upon the Castle Hill in Windsor (in the county of Berks), southward from the Castle Wall, and adjoining to the petitioner's house.” Also a rough plan, and the petition. Minuted:—“6^th June 1723. My Lords being informed by M^r Vice-Chamberlain Coke that y^e granting what is desired wilbe a great inconvenience to his Ma^ts house, their Lord[shi]ps do thereupon forbid any further proceeding on this report.” 6 pages.
28 May.	53. Lord Carteret to the Lords of the Treasury. His Majesty having occasion to employ Salomon Negri, a native of Damascus, in the interpretation of the Oriental languages, desires their Lordships to give the necessary directions for paying him a yearly allowance of four score pounds. Whitehall, 28 May 1723. Minuted:—“3^d Jan^ry 1723–4. Prepare the proper warrant.” 1 page.
[? About 28 May.]	54. Petition of William Hamilton, H.M. Almoner in Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury. The allowance on His Majesty's birthday to bedesmen and other poor is only 108l. 6s. 8d., and falls short of the charges, which increase according to the number of His Majesty's years. The increase this year (1723) is 32l. 9s. 6d. Prays for a dormant warrant to pay the surplus. Undated, but ? about 28 May (the King's birthday). Also the “account of the charges.” 2 pages.
29 May.	55. Lord Carteret to the Lords of the Treasury. Henry Davenant, Esq., H.M. late Envoy extraordinary to the Great Duke of Tuscany, the Dukes of Parma and Modena, and the Republic of Genoa, having returned from his employment, his Majesty grants him a pension of 500l. a year during pleasure or until again employed: their L^ps are to give the necessary directions. 29 May 1723. 1 page.
29 May.	56. The same to the same. Thomas Crawfurd, Esq., the King's resident at the Court of France, has represented to His Majesty that his appointments as Secretary of the Embassy at the Court of France were, upon the revocation of the Earl of Stair, determined at Midsummer 1720, and that his appointments as Resident commenced at Midsummer 1722; during which two years he did, by order of the then Secretaries of State, constantly correspond with and transact affairs for his Majesty's service at the Court of France; but has received no allowance for the same. His Majesty is willing that he should receive 40s. a day, as if he had been continued Secretary to the time of his being appointed Resident: and their Lordships are to give the necessary directions. Also a note from M^r Crawfurd, unaddressed, reminding the person to whom sent, of his promise. On the back is:—“200 bounty.” There is a docket on the back which states that the sum due will amount to 1,460l., and adds:—“Mem^dm 265^li was paid him in May 1722 as soe much expended for his Ma^ts service at Paris. Q^ry if that sūme is to be deducted.” 2 pages and a few lines.
31 May.	57. Report of M^r James Moody to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of “Rafel Romen Lorenzo Garrido and Iame Juan Leonardo, Undertakers for his Majesty's fortifications of S^t Phillip's Castle, in the Island of Minorca,” as to whether a demand for 862 dollars 6 reals for work done in that castle was not included in Brigadier Petit's accounts certified by the late Commissioners of Army Debts, or whether the same was ever before that Board, and in what manner it was considered by them. Does not find that any application was ever made to the Commissioners for the Army Debts for the payment of the said 862 dollars during any of the commissions for determining those debts. Also two other papers on the same subject. 7 pages.
[? About 1 June.]	58. Petition of Thomas Barlow to the King. Has made “a large road directly from Hanover Square Buildings by Oliver's Mount to the walls of Hide Park for coaches and horses only for the accommodation of the noblemen, gentlemen, and other chief inhabitants in the new buildings adjacent.” Asks his Majesty to permit a passage to be made from the road into Hide Park as a very great conveniency to the same inhabitants and no detriment to his Majesty. The Ranger of the Park has no objection thereto, as appears by his letter annexed. 32 signatures. The letter referred to, signed Henry Portman. Dated Bryanstone, 1 June 1723. 2 pages.
1 June.	59. A certified copy from the Council Book “of all the Journals of the General Assembly” of the Province of New Hampshire from the 10^th of December 1722 to 1 June 1723. Signed:—“Richard Walden, Cler. Con.” 33½ pages.
[After 2 June.]	60. Memorial of Margaret, the widow of James, late Earl of Panmure, to the King. Soon after the attainder of the late Earl, His Majesty was, by Act of Parliament, enabled to make such provision for, and settlements upon the memorialist, as she would have been entitled to in case her husband had been naturally dead. The Barons of the Exchequer reported on a petition which she presented, but a doubt arose how far the interest of a bond granted to the memorialist by her husband could legally be granted by his Majesty. It being now decided that the memorialist has a right thereto from Whitsunday 1723, she prays his Majesty to grant her the same. The copy of the report referred to, and copy of “signature” in her favour, dated 28 Aug. 1718. [This relates to the castle, office, house, and yards of Brechin, and yearly annual rent of 10,000 marks “Scots money” to be taken from the Baronies of Brechin and Navarr and the Barony of Panmure and the teinds of “both the said Baronies,” and other properties are also therein specified.] 12 pages and two halves.
6–17 June.	61. The draft of the Minutes of the Commissioners of the Treasury between the 6^th and 17^th of June 1723. [The Minute Book which includes this period is not known to be in existence.] In the Minute of 12 June their Lordships ordered a warrant for various sums, amounting to 1,730l., in favour of various persons (specified) who were “witnesses or otherwise in the business of the conspiracy.” [The conspiracy was that of which the King was said to have received information in the beginning of May 1722.] 12 pages, quarto.
[? About 10 June.]	62. Petition of Richard Tonson, Esq., to the Com^rs and Chief Governors of H.M. revenue of Ireland. Prays relief for the loss of his boat used as a Customs boat by the officers of the port of Baltimore. The same being lost in quarantine service. Received June 10, 1723. Also two affidavits and a certificate thereon. 2 pages.
14 June.	63. “A particular of the causes now under prosecution with states thereof.” Signed: “A. Cracherode. 14^o Junij 1723.” 10½ pages.
14 June.	64. Resolution passed at a meeting of the Directors of the subscribed Equivalent debt, recommending thirteen persons to be the first directors in the Charter for Incorporating the Proprietors of the Equivalent Debt, and another resolution as to their qualification. Friday, 14 June 1723. 1 page.
[About 15 June.]	65. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Simon, Lord Lovat, as to payments out of (1) the lands of Beaufort and others, part of the estate of Alexander M^cKenzie, late of Frazerdale, and (2) out of the priory of Bewlie and lands of Kilmaroch, part of the same estate, which stand charged in the Bishop's rental with the payment of a few duty to the Bishop of Ross. The petition (referred 15 June 1723). Also copy of an unfinished warrant granting the few duties above named to Lovit William Fraser, merchant and Baily of Inverness. Minuted:—“11^th Sept^r 1723. Respited.” 3 pages.
17 June.	66. Report of the Surveyor General (J. Pulteney) to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of Charles Wither, Esq., Surveyor General of His Majesty's woods, so far as the same relates to his proposal that all the woods of his Majesty's lands be surveyed as the leases come hereafter to be respectively renewed, and that proper certificates be made of the timber growing thereon: gives his method of proceeding, when any application for a lease of crown lands is referred to him, to ascertain what trees are growing on the estate, &c. The returns are seldom as satisfactory as that which was made in the case of Colstable Farm in the memorial mentioned. Believes that great waste is committed by the tenants in cutting down timber trees. Thinks that all such trees should be duly in charge before the proper auditors, in like manner as the lands whereon they grow. If the covenant which is or ought to be in all crown leases of lands, whereon timber trees are growing, were duly complied with, the lessees being obliged to deliver to the auditor every seventh year “terrars” or true accounts of the number of timber trees, and if future leases obliged the tenants to certify the growth of the trees, and how many were fit to be cut, he hopes it may answer M^r Wither's proposal. 17 June 1723. Extract from Memorial of 30 May 1723 on the same subject. Letter referring M^r Wither's memorial to the Surveyor General for the above report. The Memorial minuted “16^th May 1723. Make copies of these warrants mentiond by the Surv^r that my Lords may give proper directions thereupon.” 5 pages and 2 halves.
[? About 17 June.]	67. The Chairman of “the Committee to enquire into the project commonly called the Harburg Lottery,” and of three other Committees, to —, recommending their clerk, M^r Lucas Kenn, for recompense for his attendance on the Committees. Minuted:—“June 17, 1723. My Lords cannot encrease the charge of clks. beyond w^t it has hitherto been.” 1 page.
20 June.	68. Memorial of the Duke of Richmond to the Lords of the Treasury. The late Duke, about thirteen years ago, obtained a grant of a lease from Queen Anne, of a piece of ground in the Privy Garden in Whitehall, for 31 years, at the rent of 20l. a year, whereon he built a house at a very great charge: prays for a renewal for 31 years, and for the inclusion in the lease of a small piece of ground, containing about 60 ft. in length and 30 ft. in breadth, lying contiguous to the house. June 20, 1723. Minuted:—“21^st June 1723. Refer the first part to the Surv^r, the latter part being engaged.” 1 page.
[After 24 June.]	69. Petition of John Rowley, master of the mechanics to his Majesty, to the Lords of the Treasury. Pursuant to His Majesty's orders, “petitioner has lately repaired the great solar systeme & made several new additions to the same, particularly a new pedestal & sphere richly carved, gilt, glazed, &c.,” for which he conceives that he deserves 500l.; has likewise made for his Majesty's own use a curious silver universal pocket dial, value 30 guineas, and there is due to him upon a late allowance of 100l. per ann. 150l. by sign manual, dated 24 June 1723: prays payment. 1 page.
[After 24 June.]	70. Memoranda of accounts to be stated of what is due (1) to M^r Wych, his Majesty's resident at Hamburgh, and (2) to the widow of Mons. De Robethon for her pension. The state of the debt to them is on the back. There was due to M^r Wych at 3l. a day from 14 Feb. 1712–3 (three months being advanced to him) at the Queen's death 231l. and for half a year's extraordinaries 150l., and there was due to the widow 125l. Parts of 2 pages.
[? About 25 June.]	71. “Memorial and petition” of James Woodside, late Minister of the Gospel at Brunswick, in New England, to the Lords of the Treasury. He, with about 40 families, consisting of 160 persons, in the year 1718 embarked on a ship at Derry Lough, Ireland, to settle at Casco Bay, in the province of Maine, New England. They made a settlement at a place called by the Indians Pegipscot, but by them Brunswick, within three miles of Fort George. After petitioner had built a large garrison house (at his own expense), which was fortified with palisadoss and two large bastions, and after he had made considerable improvements, the Indians came and drove out the inhabitants upon “pretence they had no right to settle there. Upon this surprise the inhabitants fled (most of them naked out of their beds) into petitioner's house, and those next Fort George fled thither and were supplied with provisions in both garrisons until the Indians withdrew.” The Indians being prevented from murdering his Majesty's subjects, in revenge to petitioner, “killed all his cattle with all his provisions & moveables they could come at,” and as petitioner had about 40 head of cattle and about 60 swine, petitioner and his family were great sufferers, as appears by the certificate of the Governor. The copy of the certificate referred to. Dated London, June 25, 1723. Minuted:—“5£ p[er] M^r Lowther.” 1 page and a few lines.
[? About 26 June.]	72. Memorial of William Minshull, of Gray's Inn, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury. “Was ever stedfast to the protestant interest, and so far distinguished himself in the worst of times that he was prosecuted, together with the late Earls of Rivers, Macclesfield, Warrington, Lord Brandon, and other worthy patriots at the assizes held for the county of Chester, by a presentment brought down by the then Chief Justice Jeffreys and form'd to cast an odium and leave defenceless those noble Lords, and other persons of quality, to the number of twenty-six, who vigourously opposed Popery and arbitrary power: which unprecedented presentment was carried on after by Sir Edward Herbert, Chief Justice for y^e said county of Chester, upon the late King James his Accession to the Crown; but was baffled by the noble stand that was made by the presented Lords & Gentlemen & so ‘droped,’ upon barely taking security for their well abearing to the Government.” Memorialist was zealous for the late Revolution, and was one of the first that appeared in arms and is well affected to the present Settlement. For his services King William appointed him attorney for the counties of Chester and Flint, and memorialist put a stop to the frequent riots and treasonable practices of the malcontents, and brought several of the ringleaders to condign punishment. Memorialist also broke the knot of clippers and coiners in the counties of Chester, Flint, and Staffordshire; having prosecuted several hundreds of them and other criminals, with no allowance for the prosecution. Memorialist made the breviates himself, there being no solicitor for the Crown for Chester and Flint. Hoped to have succeeded to be Puisne Judge as was usual, but on the accession of Queen Anne was removed to make room for M^r Winnington, who was made her Majesty's Attorney for Chester and Flint, and some time after Puisne Judge of Chester for life. Memorialist is past 70 years old, and had his whole fortune intr[usted] with his nephew, late member of Parliament for Bramber, in Sussex, who has ruined himself and family, and has absconded, leaving memorialist indebted several hundred pounds, and wholly incapable to pay the same: prays his Majesty's bounty. Minuted:—“26 June 1723. My Lords cannot do anything in this petition.” Another undated memorial setting forth the same matters at a little later period. 2 pages.
27 June.	73. Memorial of Sir Roger Mostyn, Bart., late Paymaster of the Marines, to the Lords of the Treasury. The Auditor of Imprests having finished his account, he (Sir Roger) lays before their Lordships his cravings for the expenses he has been at to the officers employed in his office, and for the incident charges. Begs that the nature of his services may be considered, and the great charges and difficulties he has laboured under since the termination of his patent, viz., by having his account lie open so many years, and his estate subject to extents and other things which he states: prays their Lordships' favour in granting his cravings, and such compensation as shall seem most fit. Minuted:—“3^d July 1723. See what allowances have been made to former Paym^rs of the Army & Trea[su]rers of the Navy in passing their Accounts & for their Clerks & Deputy, & to examine the particular articles in the annexed cravings. M^r Tilson to state & examine.” The schedule of cravings. Also a memorial of 11 June 1719 on the same subject, and six other papers connected with his affairs. 13 pages.