Volume 247: January 9-June 30, 1724 | British History Online

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

'Volume 247: January 9-June 30, 1724', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 6, 1720-1728, (London, 1889) pp. 257-276. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol6/pp257-276 [accessed 18 April 2024]

January 9–June 30, 1724



[Beginning of 1724.]	1. New years gifts to the Secretaries, “the Lords” and the clerks at the Treasury. 4 pages, quarto.
[? Beginning of 1724.]	2. Petition of William Hawkins, Esq., Ulster King of Arms, of all Ireland, in behalf of himself and others of the State Officers. It has been the custom for the petitioners to have new robes every third year. The last were delivered to them on His Majesty's birthday, 1721. 820l. is the sum constantly allowed. All the materials must be had from London, and the work takes a considerable time. Prays the issue of the money so that the clothing may be timely finished for the birthday [28 May]. 1 page.
[? After 1723.]	3. “M^r Brownes case.” A case submitted for Counsel's or the Attorney General's opinion, on the claim of Robert Browne, executor of Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Browne of London, scrivener (to whom the Duke of Buckingham had assigned his pension of 2,500l. a year for advances thereon), the point being whether, under the patent 26 Car. II., the arrears could be paid out of the hereditary excise. The opinion is in favour of M^r Browne's demand. It has no signature. 2 pages. On the back is:—“1^o W. & M. 600,000^li for payment of the wages due to y^e serv^ts of y^e late King Charles y^e 2^d w^ch were his serv^ts at the time of his decease, to be paid in such manner and proportion, and to such of them, as his Ma^ty shall direct.” 2 pages.
[? 1724.]	4. “Equivalent Charter. The amended draught.” The King's will is that the Attorney and Solicitor General prepare a bill for the Royal signature in the words of the draft. 29 pages.
9 Jan.	5. Two memorials of the several established and supernumerary Tidewaiters who served in the last quarantine in the Port of Dublin, to the Com^rs and Chief Governors of the Revenue of Ireland for their case to be considered. Received Jan^ry 9, 1723–4. 2 pages.
13 Jan.	6. Petition of Ruperta Howe, widow, to the Lords of the Treasury. As relict and executrix of Emanuel Scroop Howe, Esq., is possessed of the office of Lieut. Chief Ranger or keeper of the forest and chace of Alice Holt and Woolmer (Southampton) with power of substitution of underkeepers or foresters for the remainder of the term of 45 years. Petitioner granted the office of Deputy or underkeeper of the Lodge or Walk, called Goose-Green Lodge, in Alice Holt Forest, to Col. Pendlebury for 29 years, he covenanting to do repairs and not to grant away the office, unless to a person qualified and approved by the petitioner. He has, however, in consideration of 800l. granted the same to Col. Charles Frampton, who has committed spoil in cutting down trees and taking deer and game, and he perseveres in the same. The Attorney General has reported on the case and petitioner asks that he (the Attorney General) may review his report and that their L^ps would give directions for the future preservation of his Majesty's interests. Jan. 13, 1723–4. 2 pages.
[? About 16 Jan.]	7. Petition of Jezreel Jones to the Lords of the Treasury for allowance of 30s. a day for interpreting, coach hire, &c. whilst attending audiences of his Majesty, the Prince and Princes[s], &c. and for his journey to Portsmouth, and for seeking for a house for the Morocco Ambassador. The amount claimed was 102l., viz., from 6 Nov. 1723 to 13 Jan. 1723–4. Minuted:—“16^th Jan. 1723–4 order'd.” 1 page.
22 Jan.	8. The Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Grafton) to the Lords of the Treasury. Transmits the petition of John Rathborne of Dublin, merchant, together with copies of the reports of the Attorney General and Surveyor General thereupon, to whom he had referred the petition. The petition sets forth that the passage from the Blind Quay to the Castle of Dublin, was very narrow and incommodious, and the Lord Lieut., upon the complaint of the House of Commons in 1710, ordered a new way or passage to be opened to the Castle. Petitioner was seised of two houses on Corke Hill standing on the ground required, and an agreement was made with him to give him all the ground over which the present passage to the Castle leads, also that piece adjoining whereon Toms Coffee House stood, in place of 30 feet of his ground for a way into the Castle: The plan at first projected for rebuilding the Castle was changed, whereby that side of the Castle, which lies next to Castle Street, was to be brought about 25 feet nearer to the street. This could not be done without encroaching on the ground intended to be conveyed to the petitioner to the extent of 25 feet in depth and 50 feet in length. The Government in 1712 came to a new agreement with him, to give him 600l. in consideration of this last piece of ground, &c. The petitioner further sets forth that he had pulled down his houses, &c. to carry out the arrangement and that there was due to him 1,198l. 17s. 6d. by the non-conveyance of the ground to him, &c. The Lord Lieut. asks for a warrant to pay him that sum and for the King's authority to convey the land. The petition, &c. referred to and abstract of the papers. 10½ pages.
23 Jan.	9. Order in Council on the memorial of the Com^rs of Admiralty proposing that his Majesty should give the produce of the pirate sloop “Ranger” condemned at Rhode Island, to the Commander and crew of H.M. Greyhound referring the matter to the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 23 Jan. 1723. Minuted:—“19th October 1725. Capt. Peter Solgard Commander of the Greyhound with his officers and ships Company is to have the sum of 314^li or thereabouts divided amongst them; being the produce of the pyrate sloop called the Ranger taken by them and condemned in the Admiralty Court of Rhode Island: provided no legall claime has been made to the said sloop on anything found on board her when taken within a year and a day since condemnation. This on reading an Order of Council relating hereto. Dated the 23 January 1723.” Also copy of the memorial. 2 pages and 2 halves.
29 Jan.	10. Report and supplemental report of M^r Christopher Tilson to the Lords of the Treasury upon the proportions to be allowed to the South Sea Company for additional charges of management in respect to the increase of their capital by virtue of the Act 6 George I. Dated 15 April 1722 and 29 Jan. 1723–4. Minuted:—“17 July 1722. Let y^e South Sea Directors have a copy hereof.” [This must apply to the report of 15 Apr. 1722.] There is also another paper on the same subject. 8 pages.
[? About 29 Jan.]	11. “Memorial and humble petition” of Sir Lawrence Anderton, Bart., to the Lords of the Treasury. Memorialist in August last, presented a memorial to their Lordships setting forth:—that Francis Anderton, Esq., his younger brother, had wrongfully possessed himself of petitioner's estate, during his residence in foreign parts; and in 1716 had been convicted of high treason for being concerned in the Rebellion:—that the Trustees of the forfeited estates had seized petitioner's estate and dismissed his claim made thereto. On appeal, the Court of Delegates reversed the Com^rs decree, whereby the estate was declared forfeited by the said Francis to the public; but, in regard that petitioner had been educated in a Popish Seminary beyond the seas, contrary to the Statute 1 Jac. I., the Delegates decreed petitioner incapable of taking the Estate, otherwise than upon the terms of the Statute. The petitioner since his return to England, having been instructed in the doctrines of the Church of England, renounced his errors and conformed himself to the latter Church, and took the oaths, and hoped the Com^rs would have delivered to him his deeds and left him to get in the arrears of rent. Upon his petition the deeds were delivered over to him. The Com^rs received 3,591l. 6s. 10d. for rent of petitioner's estate, and paid it into the Exchequer, and part still remains in the hands of the tenants or of their Agents, and the tenants being terrified by the threats of the Agents refuse to pay petitioner the rents. Petitioner is advised by Counsel (opinions annexed) that he is entitled by his conformity as well to the money in the Exchequer, as to the money in the Receivers and tenants hands. When any estates were claimed in Scotland and the claim was allowed, the rents received by Com^rs Agents were refunded to the claimants: prays for issue of warrants to repay the money to petitioner which was paid into the Exchequer, and an order to the Agents and tenants to pay him the rents. Minuted:—“1 May 1724 S^r Lau. releases the m^o already paid for y^e pub. use. Prepare an authority for y^e Rem^r as desired.” The former petition and the opinions referred to: also some memoranda upon the case. The last dated opinion is on 29 Jan. 1723. 9 pages.
4 Feb.	12. Two letters of Jezreel Jones (1) to the R^t Hon. Robert Walpole, Esq., and (2) to the Lords of the Treasury explaining his accounts as well as errors in them in connexion with the Morocco Ambassador's affairs. In the first letter he says:—“I have known the Morocco Amb^r many years, I have been conversant with him and many others of his countrey and especially of the great ones.” In the second he complains that some persons had “lessen'd” him to the Ambassador, saying he was only sent to conduct him up, and was refused “to goe with his Ex^cy in the coach at his audience of his Maj^ty, the Prince, and the Princess;” as he used to do in her late Majesty's reign, with his Excellency's predecessors. His Excellency told him that he had desired M^r Mohamet to acquaint His Majesty, that he (Jones) had wronged him by receiving an imprest and had never paid him any part of it. The Ambassador complained also that he had charged a bill for money lent by his Excellency's landlady. He says, “I answered, I had paid her that bill, and other demands out of the imprest I had of the Governm^t for his ease and use; also in discharge of 300^li I had received, I discharged what I paid her for the time of his Ex^cy'^s being at her house with his retinue, Lyon, Ostrichs, and all other the expences which the Government had entrusted me with, on his account,” &c. Dated 4 Feb. 1723–4. The account referred to. 7 pages.
7 Feb.	13. Resolution of the House of Commons in Ireland for an address to the Lord Lieut. to lay before his Majesty the petition of George Roe and Simon Sherlock for themselves and sixty creditors of James Leathley and others, army clothiers, in relation to money illegally extorted from them. 1 page.
7 Feb.	14. “Address of the House of Peers in Ireland in favour of their officers.” There is a list of the officers whom the House proposed should be rewarded for their extraordinary services together with the sums. 1 page.
8 Feb.	15. Petition of Monsieur de l'Hermitage to M^r Walpole praying him to facilitate the payment of p[er]art of the pension of the Count de Heun, a German gentleman, who had changed his religion four or five years since and was in needy circumstances. Minuted:—“150 p[er] ann. p[er] M^r Chetwynd paid to Micħas 1722.” On the back is:—“Ordered.” At the foot is a letter from the brother of [Sir Robert Walpole] unaddressed; asking him to move his brother that part of the poor gentleman's pension might be paid as a great act of charity which would much oblige the Dutch Ambassador here. Dated Paris, February 8–19, 1723–4. 1 page.
8 Feb.	16. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Alexander Murray, Esq. For twenty years past petitioner has yearly paid the Crown “as come in place of the Bishop of Galloway” 5l. 11s. 1d. ⅓ in name of tack duty for the tithes of the lands of Broughton; and likewise yearly certain small flu duties for the lands of Outten Gallows and others held of the late Bishop of Galloway amounting to 3l. 15s. If the lease of the tithes of Broughton be renewed with the same reserved rent or tack duty, a composition will be due, of about 82l. It appears by the certificate of two of the Justices of the peace of the County of Galloway, and from information of others, that the want of a bridge over the river of Fleet (mentioned in the petition) which was lately carried off by a violent flood, is not only a great loss, but in the winter (for the most part) prevents all communication and travelling between Port Patrick and the Western Parts of Scotland, and Carlisle, and the Western Parts of England. The estimate for a bridge is 300l. The building of bridges is a public work, and by law ought to be done by the county; but from the circumstances of that country, it is not practicable to have the bridge built: propose that petitioner should have a new lease for 19 years on the same terms and rebuild the bridge, laying out at least 260l. Also the petition, the lower portion of which is lost. 3½ pages.
8 Feb.	17. Report of the same to the same on the memorial of M^r James Houston, minister at Kirkliston. Her late Majesty granted to the deceased M^r Thomas Miller, minister of the same church, for life, the flu duty payable to the Crown for the lands and tithes of Hallyeards, containing the lands and tithes of Halburys [Hallbarns in the memorial] and others extending to 66l. 19s. 8d. Scots, or 5l. 11s. 7d. ²/3 sterling. The memorialist was admitted minister 26 Sept. 1716, and has a numerous family, and it will be a proper act of his Majesty's bounty, if he will grant him the flu duties named, from the death of his predecessor during his ministry. Minuted:—“Warr^t signd 5^th Aug^t 1724. Also the memorial referred to. 3 pages.
8 Feb.	18. Report of the same to the same on the petition of Margaret Macdonald, widow of Sir Donald Macdonald of Slate, on behalf of herself and the four daughters of Sir Donald. The Report sets out some particulars of the marriage articles of Sir Donald also of certain bonds providing for his wife and daughters. The Barons are of opinion that the widow and daughters would have been entitled to their jointure and several provisions but for the attainder and forfeiture of Sir Donald. Under the Act passed in the fourth (? sixth) year of his reign entitled:—“An Act for explaining the nature of conveyances to be made to the purchasers of the forfeited estates by the Commissioners and Trustees acting in Scotland, &c.” his Majesty may grant the same in the same manner out of his real and personal estate as if Sir Donald had not been attainted and his estate not forfeited. The Barons have caused the accompanying two drafts of signatures for grants to be made to the widow and daughters. Edinburgh, Exchequer Chamber, 8 Feb. 1723–4. Also the two “signatures.” On the back is:—“June y^e 5^th read and agreed.” 9½ pages.
10 Feb.	19. Copy of Order of the Court of Exchequer Chamber, confirming the appointment of M^r James Abercrombie as his Majesty's limner and painter in Scotland for life (Andrew M^cilraith having been nominated thereto). “Die Lunæ 10^mo Feb^rii anno 10^mo R.R^s.” Also copy of the appointment of the said James Abercrombie, jun^r, “of Glassaugh,” who is described as having a genius for the art. On the outside these are addressed to Captain Alexander Abercrombie of Glassaugh, Member of Parliament, at Oldmans Coffee House, near Charing Cross, who was father of the artist. 2 pages.
11 Feb.	20. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury. His Majesty had signified that John Earl of Rothes should be discharged from the balance due upon his account, as Chamberlain of Fife and Strathern, for the year 1720 and preceding years; and also from the sums chargeable on him as principal sheriff of the shires of Fife and Aberdeen, for the year 1721 and preceding. As Receiver and Chamberlain of H.M. rents of Fife and Strathern, the sum of 1,308l. 8s. 5d. was due to him on his salary of 320l. per ann., and he was chargeable for 607l. 17s. 8d. 2/12 as sheriff of the shire of Fife for 1721 and preceding, and with 328l. 12s. as sheriff of the shire of Aberdeen. Caused the annexed draft of a warrant to be prepared to discharge the Earl of the balance on passing his account. 607l. 17s. 8d. 2/12 are payable by the Earl of Leven, who petitioned his Majesty for that amount. 11 Feb. 1723–4. The draft referred to. 4 pages.
13 Feb.	21. Memorial of Jacob Tonson, junior, of London, bookseller to the Lords of the Treasury. Intends (as authorised) to proceed in the reprinting and publishing a new edition of Rymer's Fœdera in 17 vols., folio. The Treasury was at the sole expense of publishing the book now extant and the number fell short of supplying the Ministry and other Chief Officers of State, Foreign Ministers, and Societies of Learning, and the price of the book has risen to upwards of 100 guineas. Proposes to supply fifty complete sets or more in 17 vols., folio, at 30 guineas each, in quires; to be paid in three instalments. 13 Feb. 1723. Another paper containing some other particulars touching the same subject. 2 pages.
17 Feb.	22. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury as to (1) the passing of the accounts of money imprested to Charles Earl of Lauderdale, General, and John Montgomery, Esq., Master of the Mint at Edinburgh; (2) the putting a stop to the passing of the grant of 500l. a piece to the six children of John Balfour out of the estate of Burleigh until a representation thereof made by the Com^rs and Trustees for forfeited estates in Scotland had been examined; and (3) the allowances to the clerks of the Court of Delegates which they see no reason to stop. 2 pages.
[? About 19 Feb.]	23. Mons. Fabrice to M^r “Tillotson” introducing the bearer Capt. Gustavus Behre, whom he had sent for from Sweden, as a witness against the last conspirators, and whom Lord Townsend has sent here from Hanover as a witness for the confiscation of the vessel of the Pretender, named “the Revolution.” He was promised his subsistence, and Lord Townsend, M^r Walpole, the Duke of Newcastle and his brother had assured the writer twenty times it was a settled thing, but notwithstanding, they have put him off at the Treasury two months from day to day. Lord Townsend has promised that M^r Tillotson will give him (the Captain) a letter of recommendation to his brother at the Treasury. (French.) Similar letter from the same to the Hon. M^r Pelham, one of the Lords of the Treasury, giving the same particulars, except that he had then been seven months without receiving the pay promised him. Minuted:—“19^th Feb. 1723–4. See what has been paid to him and whether he has any settled allowance.” Also the following note:—“By minute dated 18 Oct. 1723, M^r Lowther was directed to subsist Capt. Bahr. at 5^s p[er] diem from 2 Aug^t 1723 and has paid him thereupon to the 22^d of Jan^ry last 43^li 5^s. Also petition (undated) of the same captain asking for a larger allowance. 5 pages.
22 Feb. 1723–24.	24. Report of Charles Wither to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of James Sammells and others, fullers; praying their Lordships to grant them a licence to dig fuller's earth, in a place called Clay-pitt bottom, in the New Forest, it being very scarce near the City of New Sarum, where petitioners dwell, and where there is great occasion for it to carry on the woollen manufacture in which they are concerned. Does not find that the licence they ask can be any detriment to the forest, provided they are confined to the spot of ground in their petition mentioned, which is an old clay pit in Ashby Walk, near the parish of Hale; nor does he apprehend that the petitioners have any design to export the clay they intend to dig to foreign parts, the pit being above 12 miles from any sea port. Advises that they should give security not to abuse the liberty granted them, and should give notice to the Keeper of the Walk when they design to remove any clay. Suggests also that they should pay some small acknowledgment for this liberty. February 22, 1723. The petition is annexed which has a minute on it from which the above report resulted. It has the following further minute: “My Lords agree to the report, and direct the Surv^r to advise what acknowledgment would be reasonable for them to pay to the Crown.” 2½ pages.
29 Feb.	25. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Grafton) to the Lords of the Treasury. On an application of Lord Harry Powlet, Colonel of the Battle Axe Guards, and of William Hawkins, Esq., Ulster King-of-Arms, for the usual allowance of clothing against the King's birthday. Finds that it has been the constant custom to grant these allowances every third year. 29 Feb. 1723. 1½ pages.
29 Feb.	26. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury. Laid the annexed petition of Daniel Cox, Gent., late Under-Sheriff for the co. of Warwick, before the three judges who went the Midland Circuit, praying for payment of 277l. 15s. for his disbursements in executing the Office of High Sheriff for the county upon the death of Randal Croxhall, Esq., in obedience to the late act. Encloses the judges' opinion on the case. Also the covering letter from the Treasury, the petition which gives the items of the disbursements and the opinion of the judges, which is that the Crown ought to bear the expenses of the Under-Sheriff, but that they are not proper judges of the particulars although there is nothing that appears extravagant. 4½ pages.
2 March.	27. Sir R. Raymond [Justice of the King's Bench] to —. His patent bears date 31 Jan. last, and upon the General warrant for payment of the judges salaries, payment of any salary, more than from the date of the patent, is refused, without there are directions from the Lords of the Treasury. Is informed that such directions have been generally given for payment of the succeeding judge, up to the time his predecessor was last paid; which in his case would be from 28 Nov., the last day of Mich. term, to which day the Lord Chief Baron Eyre was paid. This has been done in the cases of all the judges lately and was so, so long ago as when his father was made a Judge, now nearly 45 years previously. Asks that this may be mentioned to M^r Walpole and that an order may be procured for him. Mar. 2, 1723. The following memoranda are on the back of the document:— “S^r Jam^s Montague paid to the day of his death and S^r Rob^t Eyre who succeeded him, paid, not only the whole term, as one of the Justices of the King's Bench, but also so much more as, together w^th what paid to Montague, made up the whole term as L^d Chief Baron. “Chief Baron Bury paid to the day of his death, and Gilbert, who came in a Baron thereupon, was paid the whole Trinity Term, tho' his patent bore date but 6 days before the end thereof. “Many other instances may be found to make it appear that the King is to save nothing by the death or removal of any the judges; for the judge who comes in, always prevails to get so much as, with what paid his predecessor, shall make the salary compleat and more, I believe, sometimes.” 3 pages, quarto.
[? About 3 March.]	28. Petition of Robert Peter, late Receiver General of the taxes for the county of Hertford, to the Lords of the Treasury for allowance or remittance of 7,305l. 7s. 4d. interest at 10l. per cent. and allowance of 580l. 10s. for extra charges [arising out of the settlement of an old debt to the Crown]. Minuted:—“3^d March 1723. My Lords adhere to their resolution not to make any allowances of this kind for the future.” A report and certificate (which should accompany the petition) are not now with it. 1½ pages.
12 Mar.	29. “Address of the Commiss^rs of the late Gen^l Assembly of the Church of Scotland & reference.” The address is to the King and is sis follows:— “The state of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland with regard to the multitude of Papists is very lamentable, for some of the remote Islands are wholly inhabited by Papists, and in diverse parishes on the continent the greatest part of the people are popish, and many of these are perverted of late years by the cunning and industry of popish priests and jesuits who traffick amongst them in great numbers. “These parishes are of so great extent, being from thirty to fourty miles and upwards of length, and so embarrassed with lakes, rivers, and impassable mountains and marishes, that one minister in each of them, and one school for which only our law makes provision, cannot suffice for instructing the inhabitants, so as either to recover the seduced, or preserve the rest from infection: especially when in some parishes for every protestant teacher, there are six popish traffickers practising incessantly amongst them. “It will be evident to your Majestie in what eminent danger this increase of popery puts our holy religion, and the protestant succession in your Royal Family, upon which, under God, the security of our religion and of all our other valuable interests does depend, and that it is of the greatest importance to find out effectual remedies to this growing evil. “The instructing of these poor, ignorant, misled people in the knowledge of the principles of the true Protestant Religion and of virtue, seems to be the only effectual way to make them both good christians and loyal subjects; to this end, the ministers in these parts labour with indefatigable industry, and the Assemblies of this Church, for the assistance of these ministers, have made provision out of the yearly allowance given by your Majestie to the Church, for as many preachers and catechists as they can maintain, and the Society in Scotland for propagating Christian Knowledge have settled as many charity schools in these parishes, as the interest of their stock will support. Yet all these helps come far short of what is necessary for preserving and recovering that people from the contagion of Popery and Jacobitism, with which they are infected. “The late General Assembly having had this matter under their most serious consideration, did appoint us, in the most dutiful manner, to lay the same before your Majestie, and most humbly and earnestly to plead, as we now in their name beg leave to do, that your Majestie will be graciously pleased, out of your Royal bounty, to allow a suitable fund yearly during your Majestie's pleasure, toward the assisting the ministers of this Church in instructing the people in the knowledge of the protestant religion, preventing the growth of popery, and recovering such as have been misled by popish emissaries, and for maintaining more preachers and catechists to travel through the foresaid counties, where Popery so much prevails, and for defraying the expences of processes that may bee needful toward the suppression of popery and preventing the ‘furder’ growth thereof. Edinburgh, 12^th March 1724.” Referred to the Lords of the Treasury, 30 March 1724. 2 pages.
13 March.	30. Report of the Com^rs for forfeited Estates, to the Lords of the Treasury, in explanation of their account, which differed with an account of sums paid into the Exchequer on account of Forfeitures. Also offering facilities for further explanations, if necessary. Fig Tree Court, Inner Temple, 13 March 1723. Also a statement of the account. 5 pages, injured.
[? About 13 March.]	31. Petition of the Merchants of London to the Lords of the Treasury. In the annexed petition the merchants of London complained of the many holidays kept at the Custom House (contrary to law), and that the officers do not duly attend at other times, and that the Searchers take exorbitant fees. This petition was referred to the Com^rs of Customs [on 13 March 1723–4]. The present petition represents that the Com^rs are the chief cause of so many holidays. By their want of attendance they have no power over the Searchers (being patent officers). Petitioners cannot expect any redress from them. Pray that they may be heard at the board, and that their L^ps would order that no holidays be kept but such as are appointed by law, and that one Commissioner attend every morning at 9 o'clock in the Long Room to dispatch merchants' business, and that if, for the future, the searchers presume to take more fees than warrantable by law, the Com^rs will proceed against them with the utmost severity. Also the petition referred to, in which the merchants complain that ships are often disappointed of their voyages by not being ready to embrace a fair wind, and that sometimes goods cannot be taken ashore to reap the benefit of a market before other ships come in. Both petitions have numerous signatures. 2 large pages.
23 Mar.	32. “Observations on the Treãry warr^t to the Surveyor Gen^l of woods. Dated 2^d October 1723.” The observations relate to various matters in connexion with Woolmer Forest and Alice Holt Forest, of which M^rs Ruperta Howe was Chief Ranger. It was proposed that the latter, joined with the verderers, should prepare proper instructions for the under-keepers to observe. Dated “March the 23, 1723–4.” 2½ pages.
[About 24 Mar.]	33. Report of Walter Chetwynd, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury on the “pretensions” of M^rs Margaret Swintoun to a pension of 50l. per ann. payable out of the Civil List. It appears that the said Margaret Swinton (formerly Margaret Douglas) was the true and lawful wife of Col. Charles Swintoun, and that the petitioner and complainant, Alice Swintoun, was not his wife, but is one Alice Newman (who takes upon her the name of Swintoun) by whom the Colonel owned he had had children, but always denied he was ever married to her. Also the petitions of Margaret, widow of Col. Charles Swintoun, and of “Ailce” Swinton, widow and relict of the late Col. Swintoun, a letter, a marriage certificate, and two affidavits. 8½ pages.
[? About 25 Mar.]	34. “An acco^t of what was wanting at Lady Day 1724 to clear all fees and salaries payable at the Exchequer to that time.” It gives a list of all the persons and the amounts due to them. 4 large pages.
26 March.	35. A schedule of deeds, writings, and papers relating to the late dissolved Hospital, commonly called the Savoy made pursuant to a warrant of the right Hon^ble the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury and delivered to John Poulteney, Esq., Surveyor General of His Majesty's lands, &c. by John Huggins, Esq., this six and twentieth day of March 1724. A book of 12 pages.
28 Mar.	36. “An account of the copper coynage of half pence and farthings for the service of Ireland as it appears by the several abstracts transmitted from Bristoll to the 28th of March 1724.” 1 large page.
31 March.	37. Report of the Com^rs for Taxes to the Lords or the Treasury on the petition of the Lady Biddulph, widow and relict of Sir Michael Biddulph, Bart., deceased, one of the sureties of Morgan Whitley, formerly receiver general of Cheshire and North Wales. Sir Michael (having obtained an Act of Parliament) compounded for his part of Whitley's debt and paid the composition (5,859l. 1s. 10d.) into the Exchequer Morgan's debt after Sir Michael's payment, amounts to 32,221l. 13s. 1d. Are of opinion that where estates and effects of Receivers are concealed, it would be for the benefit of the public, if an Act of Parliament were obtained, to empower their L^ps to gratify discoverers of any estates out of the produce of the same. By this means their L^ps might show indulgence to the petitioner. 31 March 1724. Minuted:—“15^th April 1724. My Lords think they have no power to dispose of moneys recovered on acco^t of taxes, the same being appropriated.” The petition referred to. 3 pages.
31 March.	38. “Copy of the Auditors of Imprests' Report on Capt. Martin's and Col. Arnott's acco^ts as Paymasters of the Almanza Prisoners.” Also the memorial of Col. John Arnott. Minuted:—“Read & the nec[essa]ry w^ts to be prepared for his disch^a.” 19 pages.
13 April.	39. Representation of Sir Isaac Newton to the Lords of the Treasury concerning the proposed trial of the Pix, of copper moneys coined by M^r Wood at Bristol, viz., that the moneys there reserved for a trial are kept locked up in a box or pix, under the keys of M^r Wood and the Controller of that coinage, or of their deputies. The trial thereof may be most authentic and satisfactory, and something cheaper if the box, before being opened, be brought up to London and the moneys be tried in his Majesty's Mint in the Tower, by his Majesty's Assay Master, before such person, or persons, as their L^ps or his Majesty in Council shall appoint to see the trial performed, and to report the event to their L^ps and before the officers of the Mint and the parties concerned, viz., M^r Wood and the Controller of that coinage (who are both in town) and before their deputies and one or two gentlemen of Ireland. And at the same time any other copper moneys, old or new, may be tried there, before the persons above named, and the weight and value ascertained and compared with the value of the copper moneys now coined at Bristol, and the trial may be reported to their Lordships. But if their L^ps had rather that the copper pix be tried at Bristol, he will look out for a man to do it and treat with him and see him instructed. 1 page.
21 April.	40. Petition of John Mackpheadris, merchant, to the Lords of the Treasury, asking that his proposal for the payment of his debt to the Crown and for his release from confinement may be accepted. Petitioner traded and employed several hundred men and paid yearly about 10,000l. to the Customs and Excise, and at one time acquired 100,000l., but by misfortunes of the seas, &c. lost the greatest part of it. 1 large page.
30 April.	41. The Lords of Trade to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Charles Cox, praying for an arrear of salary due to his brother Samuel Cox, Esq., as President of the Council and Commander-in-Chief of Barbadoes. By his Majesty's instructions to the Governors of Barbadoes, the Presidents of the Council there, acting as Commanders-in-Chief of the Island, during the absence of the Governor, are entitled to the moiety of his salary; but they do not see how M^r Cox can justly claim any pay whilst another person actually discharged the duties of the office. April 30, 1724. A copy of the above and a copy of H.M. Instructions. (19^th and 111^th clauses.) 6 pages.
[? About 1 May.]	42. Petition of Andrew Trebeck to the Lords of the Treasury. Officiated in the Royal Chapel during the absence of the Court for several years in the reign of the late Queen and that of his present Majesty, for which the usual allowance is 15l. for reading prayers and a guinea for each sermon. From Aug. 1713 to Aug. 1714 the Queen continuing at Windsor till the middle of February, he read daily prayers and preached 32 sermons in the said chapel, for which there is an arrear of 48l. 12s. Prays payment. Certificate in corroboration. Dated 1 May 1724. 2 pages.
[? About 1 May.]	43. Memorial of Peter Capon to the Lords of the Treasury. There was an order of the Treasury to pay 50l. for memorialist's charges in going to New England to purchase provisions for the garrison of Annapolis Royal and Placentia. By his detention at the Treasury for the above order, the vessel sailed, in which memorialist had embarked his baggage, and he could not overtake it in the Downs, or at Plymouth. These journeys and the charges of provisions bought at Boston in New England, far exceeded that sum, and almost ruined petitioner, and necessitated his selling his commission, and the 50l. has become a charge on the regiment where he has no effects: prays that the Paymaster General may remove the charge from him and place it to the account of provisions for those garrisons. Minuted:—“1 May 1724. My Lords can give no directions herein.” 1 page.
2 May.	44. Petition of Edward Shaftoe, gent., to the Lords of the Treasury. Petitioner was father to the late Captain John Shaftoe, one of the four officers shot at Preston, and was drawn into the Rebellion by the latter; but soon after the town was taken offered himself as a witness against the rebels to prove the Rebellion and the proclaiming of the Pretender in all the market towns through which they marched. Petitioner, with M^r Calderwood, proved this upon every trial at Liverpool, and at most of the trials elsewhere. M^r Calderwood was rewarded with a sum of money and a pension of 40l. per ann., but petitioner received no more than subsistence of meat and drink, and was discharged with only 40s, and after six years was ordered 40l. Is 78 years of age, and now reduced to extreme necessity. Prays speedy relief. Also two certificates in his favour, one being dated 2 May 1724. 3 pages.
2 May.	45. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Grafton) to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends several parliamentary recommendations presented to him during the last session, viz., addresses (1) in favour of Luke Netterville, Esq., for some provision to educate his children. He is the first of his family received into the Communion of the Church of Ireland. (2.) On the petition of Nicholas Grueber, merchant, for 1,000l. to be granted to him to encourage him in making gunpowder to supply the Government. (3.) Recommending a grant of 2,000l. to Richard Stewart, Esq., and partners to enable them to carry on the colliery of Ballycastle, Antrim. (4.) On the petition of Brigadier General David Crichton, recommending him to be replaced on half pay. (5.) In favour of Lieut. Col. Freeman for his long services and misfortunes. (6.) In behalf of Major Philip Dunbar for services in the War of Ireland, Spain, and the West Indies (for half pay). (7.) On the petition of Quarter-Master Charles MacFaden, of late Brigadier Wolseley's regiment of Horse (for half pay). (8.) On the petition of George Roe and Simon Sherlock, in behalf of themselves and other creditors of James Leathley and others, partners in clothing several regiments. This concerns sums illegally extorted from them by Sir William Robinson, deceased, when Deputy Vice Treasurer. (9.) On the petition of William Molesworth, Esq., H.M. Surveyor General of Lands, for increase of salary. (10.) In behalf of Gustavus Hamilton and others of the late Lord Wharton's regiment for an arrear of half pay. Minuted:—“Prepare w^ts accord^g to y^e addresses.” 5 pages.
4 May.	46. The same to the same. It being customary for the Crown to grant to several officers both in England and Ireland, through whose hands the bills of every session of Parliament pass, certain allowances, for their trouble; he (the Lord Lieut.) sends a list of allowances due, and prays their L^ps to obtain H.M. warrant for payment (the sum being 1,266l. Irish, and 843l. English). The only account with the letter is for 145l. for 21 Public Bills put into form by the Clerk of the Council—the titles of the Bills are given. There is also a memorandum of the fees due to the Usher and Keeper of the Council Chamber in Ireland for the same bills. 3 pages and 3 parts of pages.
[After 4 May.]	47. Sums issued to Sir Luke Schaub upon account of his journey to, and residence at, Paris, between the 4 of March 1720–1, and the 4th of May 1724, being 3 years and 61 days. At the foot is a memorandum which shows that his claim was for 12,120l. 1s. 11d., and that he “stood his Mat^y for the above mencōned time in about 4,030^li p[er] ann.” 1 page.
4 May.	48. Report of the Surveyor General (John Pulteney, Esq.) to the Lords of the Treasury. Has viewed the buildings adjoining H.M. Palace of Somerset House, to see whether there are any encroachments and nuisances that may endanger or annoy the same. Finds that in 1694 King William and Queen Mary, by letters patent, granted to the late Earl of Dorset, the inheritance of thirty-two tenements standing on several pieces of ground, heretofore part of the lands belonging to Somerset House and adjoining the palace; the greatest part of which front the Strand, and are situate between Strand Lane, East, and the Duchy Lane, West. The closets, or back parts of those situate East of Somerset House Gateway, are set upon the Palace wall, about four inches; and the inhabitants of several of the houses have taken down some parts of the wall, to gain light to them; which may be of ill consequence in case of fire. The vaults belonging to those houses are close to the palace wall, and the “currents of them” are laid into the drains belonging to Somerset House. There is standing in that part of the palace called the cistern yard a building near adjoining to the wall, and a closet or small building between the yard and the long court adjoining to one of the front houses; both of which might be taken down to prevent fire. In the Strand Lane there is a tenement inhabited by one of the beadles of the parish of St. Clements Danes, which is built across the lane, with a passage underneath. The timbers are fastened into the wall of Somerset House, part of which has been pulled down, and a chimney belonging to the Beadles house is built up with the wall, and stands thereon. Adjoining to which last-mentioned house is a building called the Old Waterhouse, belonging to the palace, which is also built across the lane and joined to the palace wall. It is a decayed building of no use. If both are pulled down, the garden wall on that side will be clear of any building for the full breadth of the lane. In the same Lane, and adjoining the East side of the Palace, there is a house called the Fish, Ale House, which stands close to the Palace wall, through which two window lights are made. And the vault belonging to the ale house (which lies to that part of the Palace where the Countess of Dalhousie now lives) having sometime since soaked through the wall, it annoyed the said lodgings, but the clerk of the works says this has been amended. On the West side of the Palace, Mr. Brysan (the tenant or assignee of S^r Robert Davers who is lessee of several houses in Duchy Lane) has erected a building close to H.M. stables—inclosed with a pale of about six feet, the backyard, &c. This is an encroachment. Gives some other particulars of the vaults of the tenants. The letter which led to the above report. 4½ pages.
[? About 9 May.]	49. Petition of John Lawton, one of the Deputy Chamberlains of the Exchequer, to the Lords of the Treasury. Petitioner and a brother officer (in 1718 and 1719) laid the condition of the Records under their care before their L^ps, and the House of Lords delivered an address thereon to his Majesty. Was in hopes of receiving some commands thereon, but as he has not, informs their Lordships that many very valuable records in the Chamberlain's office are in a very perishing condition, and a great number of others are in much confusion for want of a person to methodize them, &c. asks to be employed thereon. [The records referred to are those in the “Court of the Receipt of the Exchequer.”] Minuted:—“Prepare proper warr^ts appointing John Lawton, gent., to methodize & abstract these records at a salary of 200^li p. ann. for himself, 100^li p. ann. for his first clerk, 70^li for a second & 50^li for the 3^d.” Also a certificate of the necessity of the work and of Lawton's fitness for the same. Dated 9 May 1724. 1½ pages.
9 May.	50. Certificate of the Auditors (signed) addressed to the Lords of the Treasury as to the condition in which the Earl of Cadogan's accounts, as Master of the Robes, remain. If the Earl deliver in his accounts for two of the three years for which he is in arrear, to wit from Lady day 1721 to Lady day 1723, and proceeds to exhibit his accompt for the next year within the time prescribed, there will be no objection to their L^ps granting a warrant for stopping the process which is issuing againt him. 9 May 1724. Minuted:—“8 June 1724. Agreed to.” 1 page.
13 May.	51. Memorial of John Pulteney, Esq., Surveyor General of H.M. lands, &c., to the Lords of the Treasury. Since his memorial of 31 Jan. 1722–3 relating to the tenements and other buildings within the precincts of the dissolved Hospital of the Savoy, has had under his further consideration the state of the land revenues formerly belonging thereto, but now vested in the crown. Finds that the revenues consist for the most part of small parcels of land scattered in several counties, some whereof where granted under the common seal of the Hospital, for twenty-one years, and others for three lives. Shall only trouble their Lordships with an account of (1) such of them whereof the leases for years are expired, and (2) of others granted above thirty years ago for three lives, which may probably be determined. None of these estates appear to have been renewed since they came to the Crown. Under head No. 1 are:—Lands called Greenthwait in the county of York; lands forming part of Sutton Grange in the parish of Galtres in the county of York; Abingdon Mills in the county of Northampton; lands in East Haddon in the same county; and Harpool Mills in the same county. Under head No. 2 are:—Houses and lands at Mile End in the county of Middlesex; two messuages and lands in Cudworth in the county of York; houses and lands in Sharleston in the same county; the site of St. Dewes Hospital in the county of Northampton; lands in West Haddon in the same county; and lands in Garstang and Agberth in the county of Lancaster. Advises that the receiver be directed at his next receipt of rents to demand of the lessees whether any, and how many, of the persons for whose lives his premises were granted, be then living, and what proof he has, &c. The great charge of passing an Exchequer lease may discourage the tenants of small holdings from renewing their leases, and from paying fines; so that the fines must be greatly lessened or the passing of Exchequer leases of small estates will be impracticable. Draws attention to his memorial of 30 May 1723, in which he proposed that such persons as their Lordships should think fit should advise in what manner small estates not exceeding 20l. “on the rack” may be leased. 13 May 1724. Minuted:—“Read.”—Again:—“M^r Surveyor & M^r Scroop to consult ab^t easing y^e exp. of Ex^r leases.” 6½ pages.
15 May.	52. Report of S. Godolphin, Auditor, to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Nathaniel Boothe, Esq., for a reversionary lease of the Pre and Post fines in Cheshire, Chester, and Flint, upon more easy terms than his former grant, as some years came short of the reserved rent to the Crown; and to make up the term in being, to 31 years. He (the Auditor) has annexed an account of the profits of those fines from 1714 to 1720 whereby their “Lordships will be best able to value the premises.” 15 May 1724. The petition and account referred to. 3 pages.
18 May.	53. Report of Sir Isaac Newton to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of M^r John Walker in respect to claims of D^r Justus Brandshagen who (with Thomas Hamilton) went down to Scotland to survey Sir John Erskin's mine. Objects to his claims, he having been paid and having given receipt in full. He (Sir Isaac) knows of nothing more due to either of them from the Crown than what they have already received. Mint Office, 18 May 1724. Minuted:—“Read. “My Lords agree to the rep^t.” Docketed:—“Report on the petition of John Walker creditor of Justus Brandshagen for 10^li 10^s 0^d.” 1 page.
18 May.	54. Extract of report of 18 May 1724 on Jamaica laws made by the Attorney and Solicitor General to the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. No revenue, except the rents reserved, will subsist after the determination of the present Revenue Act. The laying on new taxes on the people will depend upon the question whether Jamaica is to be considered merely as a colony of English subjects, or as a conquered country. If a colony of English subjects, they cannot be taxed but by the Parliament of Great Britain, or by the consent of some representative body of the people of the island; but, if a conquered country, they may be taxed by the authority of the Crown. Also another and more brief extract from the same opinion. [The extract was probably made at a later date.] 3 pages.
20 May.	55. Memorial of Jacob Tonson, junior, of London, bookseller, being a repetition of his memorial of 13 Feb. 1723/1724. May 20, 1724. Minuted thus:—“W. H. at Hampton Court to g^e [? give] M^r Tench ball^ce Equivalent.” There is also a copy of the subordinate paper noticed at p. 263, under 13 Feb. 2 pages.
[After May.]	56. Memorial of Thomas Lewis, Clerk to the Comptroller of H.M. Stamp Duties in North Britain, to the Hon^ble Baron Scrope, Secretary to the R^t Hon. the Com^rs of the Treasury. Gives an account of his having left his employment in England, to go to Scotland, and of his employment in the Stamp Office, Edinburgh until the Comptroller desired his dismissal. The latter would have had him deliver up his keys, but he refused. This brought down his creditors on him and forced the memorialist to take a journey to London on foot, and since his arrival he understands M^r Anderson is put in his room. Altho' he has not the honour to be personally acquainted with Baron Scrope, yet he believes the latter has several times seen his writing when employed by M^r Bowles in the Exchequer; prays the Baron to use his interest that he may be replaced, or for other employment. Undated, but ? after May 1724, because Scrope was Baron of the Exchequer of Scotland in that year (see North Britain Book, Vol. VII., p. 161), and by the last clause of the memorial he had ceased to fill that office. 2 pages.
[? About 5 June.]	57. Petition of Richard Dowdeswell and Pakington Tomkyns to the Lords of the Treasury. Are security, in 6,000l., for the late Secretary for licensing Hawkers and Pedlars, who, not being proof against the temptations of Change Alley, was deeply involved in the general calamity of the South Sea and other bubbles. Petitioners have not such a sum of ready money at command as they stand engaged for, and hope for time to raise the same. Petitioner Tomkyns labours under the further difficulty that what small estate he has, is all settled, excepting a third share of the ground rents of Spittle Fields Square and the Market; and the Rev. W^m Lucy, lately suddenly deceased, was the proprietor of another third, and was empowered to sell the whole; which his death prevented. He has now left the same by will to be disposed of; and the will is likely to be controverted; pray that no process may be ordered out against them. Minuted:—“5^th June 1724. To be considered when the Attor. Gen^ll makes a return to the reference touching this matter.” 1 page.
8 June.	58. Certificate of arrears due from her late Majesty Queen Anne, unto Sir John Shadwell, third Physician to her late Majesty. The amount was 295l. 2s. 9d. His salary was 200l. per ann. Treasurer of the Chambers Office, June 8, 1724. Minuted:—“19 June 1724, a w^t for 800^li. Warr^t sign'd.” 1 page.
[? About 8 June.]	59. Memorial of John Preston, Esq., Remembrancer of the City of London, to the Lords of the Treasury. There have been, time out of mind, paid and allowed yearly to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs and Principal Officers of the City of London, certain sums in lieu of wine impost, which money was formerly paid at the Custom House without any fees. Upon appropriating the several duties on wines the money has been, for some years, paid at the Exchequer by order from the Treasury and the fees attending the receipt have been directed by their Lordships to be repaid to Christmas, since which they are in arrear, viz., 62l. 12s. 6d. Minuted:—“8^th June 1724. Rejected.” Also the Account. Also a letter ? of a previous date from the same to the Lords of the Treasury to the same effect. 2 pages and 2 halves.
[? About 19 June.]	60. Memorial of Captain Thomas Scott to the King. Had under him the command of some of H.M. Ships in the Mediterranean and repaired to Algiers in 1721, and again in 1723, with instructions from His Majesty on several heads to be negotiated with that Government. Had the good fortune to accomplish the business agreeably to His Majesty's intentions, and for the advantage of the Trade of his subjects. It has been customary on affairs with the States of Barbary to make presents, and the Dey of Algiers intimating his expectations of that kind, memorialist, in his own name, made considerable presents to the Dey and his principal ministers, which facilitated the bringing matters to a prosperous issue. These negotiations led memorialist into extraordinary expense, besides the presents, and as he acted in a ministerial way, and foreign to his ordinary employment as Commander of H.M. Ships, he submits his case for Royal consideration. Minuted:—“19 June 1724. A w^t for 800^li. Warr^t signd.” 1 page.
[? About 22 June.]	61. Petition of Samuel Grey to the King. King Charles II. by lease in the 20th year of his reign granted to Henry, Lord Arlington, the manor of Mariebone (Middx.), and the park or late park, or enclosed grounds disparked, called Mariebone Park, for 60 years, at a rent of 36l. 14s. 6d., which will expire at Lady Day 1728. His late Majesty King William III. in the year 1696 granted the manor, park, and premises, to Charles Bertie, Esq., and others, as trustees for the then Duke of Leeds, from the death of the then Queen Dowager, for 31 years at a rent of 3l. 18s. 4¼d., which term commenced 2 Dec. 1705, the day of the death of the Queen Dowager, and will expire about 3 Dec. 1736. It is in his Majesty's power to grant such further term in the estate as, together with the remainder of the term granted to Charles Bertie, Esq., and others, will make up 31 years at the rent of 36l. 14s. 6d. Prays for a grant of the same. Minuted:—“19^th May 1724. The Surv^r Gen^ll to make a particular in order for a lease.” Referred to the Surveyor General 22 June 1724. 2 pages.
25 June.	62. Report of the Com^rs for Salt (Scotland) to the Lords of the Treasury. It is referred to them to report on the petition of Robert Dalrymple, Esq., in behalf of the Earl of Wemyss, and on the state, nature, and forwardness of the proceedings against the Earl in the Court of Exchequer; and in case there be no objection, the reference directs process to be staid upon so much of the petition as relates to 6,962 bushels of native salt shipped at the harbour of Methel. Have previously reported thereon on 18 March 1717–8; and the Barons of the Exchequer also reported thereon on 31 Dec. 1719. For the reasons given, and as his Lordship now regularly accounts with their officers for the duties of all the salt he makes, they have no objection to the staying of process. Salt Office, Edinburgh, 25 June 1724. Also the two reports referred to. 8 pages.
30 June.	63. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of Robina, Countess Dowager of Forfar on the behalf of John Lockhart of Lee. It appears that there is due to the Crown by the enfeofment of John Lockhart in January then last, “in the barony of Lee and others,” as heir to James Lockhart, deceased, his late father, 75l. 0s. 9¼d., which sum his Majesty may remit as desired. Also the memorial. Minuted:—“Warr^t signd 30 July 1724.” 3 pages.