Minute Book: October 1715, 12-31

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 29, 1714-1715. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1957.

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'Minute Book: October 1715, 12-31', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 29, 1714-1715, (London, 1957) pp. 295-304. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol29/pp295-304 [accessed 25 April 2024]

October 1715, 12-31

FRESH TREASURY COMMISSION.
Memorandum. His Majesty King George by a Commission under the great seal of Great Britain bearing date the 11th day of October anno 2nd did determine his letters patent dated the 23rd day of May anno 1st, whereby Sir William St. Quintin, bart., and Paul Methuen, Esq., together with Charles, Earl of Carlisle, Sir Richard Onslow, bart., Chancellor and Under Treasurer of the Exchequer, and Edward Wortley, Esq., were appointed Commissioners for executing the office of Treasurer of his Majesty's Exchequer.
And his Majesty by this Commission doth appoint Robert Walpole, Esq., Sir William St. Quintin, Paul Methuen, Daniel Finch, commonly called Lord Finch, and Thomas Newport, Esq., to be his Majesty's Commissioners for executing the said office of Treasurer of the Exchequer: with power to confirm and approve all those warrants and orders which have been already signed by any late Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury or [Lord] Treasurer of the Exchequer remaining unexecuted which to these Commissioners shall seem reasonable or for his Majesty's service.
His Majesty by other letters patent dated 12 Oct. anno 2nd determined letters patent dated 13 Oct. anno 1st, which granted to Sir Richard Onslow, bart., the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer and grants the same office to Robert Walpole, Esq., to be executed by himself or his sufficient deputy or deputies during his Majesty's pleasure: with all wages, fees, rewards, robes, vestures, rights, jurisdictions, nomination of officers, authorities, commodities and profits to that office belonging.
And his Majesty by other letters patents dated 12 Oct. anno 2nd determines letters patents dated 13 Oct. anno 1st, which granted to Sir Richard Onslow the office of Under Treasurer of the Exchequer and grants the same office to Robert Walpole, Esq., with all wages, fees, rewards, vestures, liveries of robes and appurtenances thereto belonging: during his Majesty's pleasure. Treasury Minute Book XXII, p. 160.
1715. Oct. 12.
Treasury
Chambers, Whitehall.		 Present: Mr. Walpole, Sir William St. Quintin, Lord Finch, Mr. Newport.
[Write] to Mr. Aislabie to be here to-morrow at 12 o'clock.
Prepare a warrant for Lord Lincoln to be Paymaster of the Forces.
Mr. Horace Walpole in the place of Mr. John Taylour is admitted one of the Secretaries of the Treasury. Ibid.
Oct. 13. Present: Mr. Walpole, Lord Finch, Mr. Newport.
Make a list of the clerks, underclerks, doorkeepers, messengers and other officers of the Treasury.
[Write] to the Governors of the Bank desiring to see them here to-morrow morning.
[Write] to the East India Company to be here on Tuesday.
Prepare a sign manual for the Princess [see infra, p. 833]. Treasury Minute Book XXII, p. 161.
Oct 14. Present: ut supra.
[My Lords order the Auditor of the Receipt to] issue out of imprest money repaid per Mr. Walpole the sum of 3,972l. 17s. 6½d.: viz.
£ s. d.
to the present Treasurer of the Navy: for the Victualling 1,310 8 3¾
[to ditto] for the Navy, being to answer Navy and Victualling bills 2,662 9 2¾
The Governor and Directors of the Bank [are] called in.
The late Commissioners of Transports are called in. Their report of — is read concerning the four ships employed to carry soldiers to Placentia.
Prepare a warrant for William Clayton, Esq. (the Paymaster of the King's private pensions and bounties), to pay the pensions and bounty (lately paid per [the hands of] Mr. Godfrey) according to the two warrants entered for Mr. Heblethwait.
Prepare a sign manual to pay to Samuell Clerk, Dr. of Divinity, sole executor of the last will and testament of John [Moore], late Bishop of Ely, 6,450l. for the library of the printed books and manuscripts of the said Bishop, which were left at Ely House in Holborn at his decease or were lent out by him before his death: and Mr. Lowther [is] to pay the fees [on the issue of said money].
Send to the Attorney General and Solicitor General the papers concerning the D[uke] of Ormond's forfeiture, and desire them to consider the same and to advise my Lords what methods in law are to be used for entitling the King [as] of record and for recovering the several parts of that estate in England or Ireland.
[My Lords direct] 500l. to Mr. Cracherode, [the Treasury] Solicitor.Ibid., pp. 161–2.
Oct. 15. Present: ut supra.
The matter of the dispute relating to the receipt of the taxes for Berkshire [is] to be heard on Monday morning and notice [is] to be given to the Solicitor General, the Taxes Commissioners and the parties concerned to attend at the same time. Ibid., p. 162.
Oct. 17. Present: ut supra.
Mr. Missing, contractor for victualling the Garrison at Gibraltar, and the Commissioners of the Victualling Office [are] to attend tomorrow morning.
Make an account of the charge of the [late Queen's] funeral and the [present King's] Coronation.
The Taxes Commissioners are called in with Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Shermer. The reports are read concerning the place of Receiver [General of Taxes] for Co. Berks. My Lords are of opinion that the testimonials in favour of Shermer are more credible than the attestations against him; and they order the consideration of his security to be referred to the Taxes Commissioners with direction that they make speedy report.
[My Lords appoint] Thomas Man to be [the Treasury] Office Keeper in the room of William Weket, but the said Mr. Weket to be continued Messenger [to the Treasury] to be executed by his deputy, T. Lowther. The rest of the officers belonging to the Treasury [are] to continue in their employments.
A list of the clerks, under clerks, doorkeepers and messengers and other officers belonging to the Treasury:
the two Secretaries:
William Lowndes and Horatio Walpole, Esqrs.
upper clerks:
William Glanville.
Richard Powys.
Christo[pher] Tilson.
Henry Kelsall.
under clerks:
Edward Webster, 100l. per an.
William Lowndes, junr., 100l. per an.
Mark Frecker, 100l. per an.
Thomas Bowen, 50l. per an.
Thomas Lowndes, 50l. per an.
Robert Burnbury, 50l. per an.
Samuel King, 50l. per an.
Charles Chevalier, 50l. per an.
William Wyat, 50l. per an.
under clerks for keeping accounts:
Matthew Dent, 60l. per an.
Benja[min] Power, 50l. per an.
John Beresford, 50l. per an.
office keeper:
William Weket, 400l. a year to him, out of which he pays Bayly 40l. per an. and 12l. per an. to Widow Williams and finds firing, candles, mops, brooms, grates, candlesticks and all other necessaries, and the rest [of said 400l. is his salary] for his own service [in looking after the Treasury Office].
doorkeeper:
William Bayly.
sweeper:
Widow Williams.
bag carrier:
William Empson, 20l. per an.
messenger (by patent):
William Weket, 60l. 0s. 4½d. per an., executes [this duty]
by Thomas Lowther, his deputy.
messenger (by patent):
Joseph Richards, 60l. 0s. 4½d. per an.
[messenger by patent]:
Samuel Clark: by his deputy, Edmund Serjeant: the like [salary].
[messenger by patent]:
John Barret: by his deputy, Edward Cooly: the like [salary].
messenger by Treasury warrant:
John Thorowkettle, by his deputy, John Farra: at 6s. 8d. a day.
letter carrier:
John Farra, the deputy [messenger], 20l. per an.Treasury Minute Book XXII, pp. 162–3.
Oct. 18. Present: Mr. Walpole, Lord Finch, Mr. Newport.
Direct Mr. Missen's [Missing's] deputy to attend [my Lords] tomorrow morning “and send to [Missing] himself to come up forthwith.”
My Lords desire to be informed how far the Board of Greencloth has proceeded in preparing the Establishment of the Household and that it may be brought to this Board.
The like for the Establishment of the Treasurer of the Chamber's Office and other [Household or Civil List] Establishments. Ibid., p. 164.
Oct. 19. Present: ut supra.
The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance are called in.
My Lords resolve that 13,500l. be assigned by Mr. Ayslaby out of his stock (on which the annuities of 5 per cent. are attending [under the Act 1 Geo. I., St. 2, c. 19]) to the Treasurer of the Ordnance to pay the East India Company for 300 tons of saltpetre now to be delivered: and that the second payment of 13,500l. [for the deliveries of saltpetre] which the Company will be liable to make in November next shall be issued to the Treasurer of the Ordnance for the service of that [the Ordnance] Office.
Mr. Aston, who acts for Mr. Missing, is called in.
[Send word] to Mr. Missing to come here immediately. “Send a copy of the paper concerning the victuall[ing] at Gibraltar direct to him [? which paper is from] a merchant in Portsmouth.”
Send [for an account] how far the [Civil List] debts of the [late] Queen [Anne] are paid and what [sum] will bring up [level] the payments [due] in every Office [on the Civil List] to the same time: [the same to be paid] out of her [late Majesty's Civil List] arrears. Ibid., p. 164.
Oct. 20. Present: ut supra.
[My Lords direct] 500l. for Major Maclean: as of the King's bounty.
Mr. Walpole being to clear the Forces under his pay for the muster ending 24 Oct. 1715, a letter [of direction to the Exchequer] was signed for issuing 9,555l. 5s. 7d. out of the funds anno 1715 to pay subsistence as therein mentioned to 24 Oct. 1715.
Issue 50,000l. to the Earl of Lincoln [as Paymaster of Guards, Garrisons and Land Forces and is for the Forces] in tallies on the Duties on Malt anno 1715 [as by the Act 1 Geo. I., St. 2, c. 2]: with interest from the dates [of the tallies]: and is to attend such services of the Forces as shall be [by my Lords] directed: [the said issue to be made out of loans to be made by the said Earl on credit of the Duties on Malt anno 1715, for which loans the interest at 4 per cent. is to commence from the dates of the tallies of such loans: the said issue is to go in part of 1,024,907l. 5s. 2½d. appropriated by Parliament for the service of the Forces anno 1715 and to be applied to such of the particular heads of that expense as my Lords shall direct].
Issue to the Earl of Lincoln 6,821l. 16s. 6d. of the moneys arisen by the sale of South Sea Stock for such uses of the Forces under his pay as shall be appointed.
Prepare a warrant for 400l. to James Craggs, Esq., for taking the field [in 1708] with [Charles III.] the King of Spain: to be paid out of the [Civil List] arrears due to the late Queen. Ibid., p. 164.Disposition Book XXIII, p. 104.
Oct. 22. Present: ut supra.
Isaac Manly, Esq., Deputy Postmaster General of Ireland, [is] to have 200l. per an.: upon the Irish Establishment of pensions.
State [draw up a statement for my Lords’ information of] the times to which the several branches of expense of the King's Civil List are paid. Treasury Minute Book XXII, p. 165.
Oct. 24. Present: ut supra.
Issue 1,200l. to the Treasurer of the Chamber: to be advanced to the Messengers [of the Chamber] as the Secretaries of State shall direct, to enable them to go on the services they are sent upon; [the Treasurer of the Chamber] taking care the sums advanced go in part of their [travelling and expenses] bills when they shall be made out.
Ibid.
Oct. 25. Present: ut supra.
Send to the Commissioners of Taxes to hasten the Receivers [General of the respective Counties] to bring in their money, particularly of this and last year's Land Tax.
[My Lords order the] taxes of the officers of the Navy [Office] to be paid out of money in the hand of the Navy Treasurer arising from the sale of old stores for the years 1713 and 1714 (struck through) that are due.
[My Lords direct] 7,000l. for one quarter's salary due to the Admiralty &c.: to be paid out of money to be raised on Land Tax tallies in the hands of the Navy Treasurer.
Issue to Mr. Walpole 9,500l. upon his order [as late Paymaster General of Guards and Garrisons] for the Forces: to be issued out of money arising by the sale of 5 per cent. annuities [1 Geo. I., Stat. 2, c. 19] to be paid into the Exchequer for this purpose by the Cashier of the Bank of England [who is Receiver of the said money]: which sum is intended to be applied to the services following:
£
in further part of 37,192l. 14s. 9½d. for the service of Gibraltar anno 1715.
to complete 4,944l. 8s. 0d. for two months’ subsistence to Regiments and Officers there [at Gibraltar] till 24 Oct. 1715 4,000
in further part of 57,759l. 14s. 7d. voted for services at Minorca anno 1715.
to complete 6,625l. 4s. 8d. for two months’ subsistence of the Regiments and Officers there [at Minorca] till 24 Oct. 1715 5,500
£9,500
Issue to Lord Lincoln [present Paymaster of Guards, Garrisons and Land Forces] 5,600l. as follows: out of the like money arising as above: viz.
£
in further part of 57,759l. 14s. 7d. voted for the services at Minorca anno 1715.
towards 6,652l. 6s. 1d., whereof 6,318l. 1s. 6d. is for 61 days’ subsistence from Oct. 24 inst. to Dec. 24 next to the four Regiments there and 334l. 4s. 7d. for Contingencies for the same time 500
and out of money now remaining in the Exchequer of Contributions for the said 5 per cent. Annuities:
in further part of the abovesaid 6,652l. 6s. 1d. for the said service 5,100
£5,600
Michaelmas term 1715.
A particular of the causes now under prosecution and the states thereof [as submitted by Mr. Cracherode, the Treasury Solicitor]:
The Attorney General v. Sarah Whitfeild, executor of Walter Whitfeild, late Paymaster of the Marines, and the Lord Isla [Ilay] and his Lady and others.
A Bill was filed in the Exchequer in Michaelmas 1713 to which some of the defendants put in their answers: since which Mrs. Whitfeild has paid about 4,000l. into the Exchequer; but there being more money due the cause may be heard as soon as my Lord Isla and his Lady's answers can be obtained.
The King v. Hayward and others for the riot at Taunton in Co. Somerset.
The record was carried down and the cause came on to be tried the last Lent Assizes there and after swearing about 80 witnesses, one of the Jury was taken so ill that a juror was then withdrawn: the cause was to have been tried at the last Assizes, but Mr. Baron Montague, who had begun to try the cause at the last Lent Assizes, having certified that in his opinion (who had heard most of the King's evidence) it was not for his Majesty's service to bring on that trial again, my Lord Townsend ordered that the said cause should not be tried at the last Assizes. Marginal minute: The King is to be at no further charge.
The King v. Isaac Stanton and others for a riot at Birmingham in Co. Warwick.
This cause was tried at last Lent Assizes and several of the defendants were convicted and judgment signed against them in Easter term last and the defendant Staunton is now in custody and judgment may be given against him this term; and a capias is issued against the rest to bring them into Court to receive judgment.Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against John Taylour and others for a riot in Tewkesbury in Co. Gloucester. The cause was tried at last Lent Sessions at Gloucester and defendant Taylour and Wilkins, the only two that pleaded, were convicted and judgment signed against them in Easter term last; and a capias was sent down in order to bring them into Court: but they could not be taken, and as for the rest some are now proceeding [being proceeded] against in order to be outlawed and judgment is signed against the others for want of pleas. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Penruddock and others for a riot at Salisbury in Co. Wilts. The information was amended last term and the record was carried down and the cause was tried at the last Assizes at Salisbury and the defendants were convicted and are to be brought into Court this term to receive judgment. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Paul for seditious words spoken at Norwich. The cause is at issue and may be tried at the Bar this term, but the defendant having made his submission it is now under consideration whether it be most for his Majesty's service to try him or forgive him. Marginal minute: the King to be at no further charge.
The King against Jonathan Burr and others for a riot at Canterbury. The cause is at issue and might have been tried at the last Assizes had the judges gone to Canterbury and will be tried the first time the judges of Assize go to Canterbury. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Muckleston and others for a riot at Shrewsbury. The cause was tried at the last Assizes at Shrewsbury and many of the defendants were found guilty and are to be brought into Court this term to receive judgment. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Benj. Perkes for seditious words spoken at Worcester. The cause is at issue and is to be tried at the King's Bench Bar this term by Rule of Court. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Daniel Deffoe for a seditious libel. This cause was tried at Guildhall the sitting after last term and the defendant was found guilty and is to be brought into Court this term to receive judgment. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against John Hanmer, alias Hunt, for exercising the function of a Roman priest. This cause was at issue and might have been tried at the last Assizes in Essex but upon the defendant's humble petition to his Majesty for leave to go to the waters at Aix la Chapelle for recovery of his health his Majesty was pleased to send his orders to the Attorney General to put off the trial till his return if he should live to return. Marginal minute: the King to be at no further charge till his return.
The King against John Wine for a libell. This cause was tried at a sitting after last term and the defendant was found guilty and is to be brought into Court this term to receive judgment. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against James Watson: the like. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Tho. Gipps: the like. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Jasper Oldham for a libel. This cause was tried at the last Assizes held for the county of Surrey and the defendant was found guilty and is to be brought into Court this term to receive judgment. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Tho. Kelsal for a libel. This cause might have been tried the last term but upon the defendant's humble petition to his Majesty the trial was ordered to be put off. N.B. The evidence seemed very slight and defective, which was the principal reason of adjourning the trial.Marginal minute: the King to be at no further charge.
The King against Walter Douglas, late Governor of Antigua. An indictment was found against him the last term by the Grand Jury of Middlesex for high crimes and misdemeanours, and he may be tried thereon this term. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Merrick Jenkins for a libel published in Oxfordshire. This cause is at issue and may be tried at the next Assizes for that county. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against James Duke Crispe and others: to be prosecuted for frauds and abuses committed about Chelsea Hospital. The examinations and affidavits relating to these frauds are very numerous and but lately transmitted from the Lords Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital to the Attorney and Solicitor General for their perusal and directions.Marginal minute: proceed with all vigour.
The King against John Southby: to be prosecuted for a libel. The defendant may be charged with an information this term. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against John Bennet for seditious words spoken at Shaftesbury. This defendant may also be charged with an information this term, which is already drawn. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Joseph Scriven, junr.: an indictment was found against defendant at the last Sessions for speaking seditious words. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Arnold Rokeby: the like. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Daniel Bayes: the like. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against John Chapon: the like. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against William Smithson: to be prosecuted by indictment, for seditious words, at the next Sessions. The indictment is ready. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Cha. Saville: the like. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Phil. Bishop: to be prosecuted for publication of a libel at Exeter. A certiorari was sent down the last vacation to remove proceedings from the Sessions of the City of Exeter into his Majesty's Court of King's Bench.Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against John Bray and others: to be prosecuted for seditious practices at Andover in Co. Southampton and an information to be filed this term. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Lowe and Abbis. The defendants having been found guilty of wilful murther by the Coroner's inquest for what they did in defence of the Meeting House at West Bromwich in Staffordshire, I [Anthony Cracherode] was ordered to send down a certiorari to remove all the said proceedings from the Assizes to the Court of King's Bench, which was done accordingly the last vacation. Marginal minute: Mr. Cracherode to attend the Attorney General in order to the pardon of Low &c.
The King against Springate: to be prosecuted for seditious words and an information to be filed this term. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Stone and others for a riot at Worcester. This cause was also tried at the last Assizes and the defendant Stone (who was the only defendant that had been taken) was found guilty and is to be brought into Court this term to receive judgment. Marginal note: proceed.
The King against Giles Bingley: to be prosecuted for seditious words and an information is to be filed this term. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against Joseph Sabbarton and John Wingfeild of Norwich. These defendants were maliciously indicted at Norwich for misdemeanours and their case having been represented to his Majesty he was pleased to order writs of certiorari to remove the said indictments into the Court of King's Bench, which were accordingly sued out the last vacation. Marginal minute: [Mr. Cracherode is] to attend the Attorney General in order to their discharge.
The King against Robert Thompsone: to be prosecuted for publishing a libell (entituled ‘English Advice to English Freeholders') in Bedfordshire: and an indictment was sent down and found against the defendant at the last Assizes for the said county of Bedford. Marginal minute: proceed.
The King against James Crutch and Richard Mathews: to be prosecuted for seditious words spoken at Oxford, and an information to be filed against them this term. Marginal note: proceed.
The Attorney General against Charles Eversfeild, Esq., late Treasurer and Paymaster to the Office of Ordnance, and John Middleton, Esq. (his security): to be prosecuted for the moneys in the hands of the said Mr. Eversfeild which he received for the use of the said Office. Marginal note: proceed.
Signed, A. Cracherode,
24 Oct. 1715.
Treasury Minute Book XXII, pp. 166–70.
Oct. 27. Present: Mr. Walpole, Lord Finch, Mr. Newport.
Write to the Barons [of the Exchequer] in Scotland to know what money remains [whether uncollected or actually in the hands of the Receiver General of Crown Rents for Scotland, or in the Customs Office or in the Excise Office] in Scotland upon any heads for the public [use] or for the [late] Queen's [Civil List] arrears or his Majesty's Civil List [and which may be applicable] towards another month's subsistence [for the Forces] in North Britain till Dec. 24 next [in order] that a proper order may be sent for applying the same and for the Paymaster of the Forces to replace the same to the proper heads [to the Civil List uses &c. as above] by way of [bills of exchange as for] remittance.
[My Lords desire] the Earl of Lincoln to borrow of the Bank 50,000l. for the service of the Forces upon a sufficient deposit of malt tallies and orders now remaining in his hands: and my Lords do agree on his Majesty's behalf that the same shall be repaid within two months with 6 per cent., altered to 5 per cent. per an. interest.
[Write] to Mr. Ferne, Mr. Bridges and the Receiver of the Post Office [Revenue] to be here to-morrow at 11 of the clock.
[My Lords direct] 13,000l. more to be issued to Lord Lincoln for the [service of the] Forces: [to be issued] out of loans to be made by himself on the Malt Act [1 Geo. I., St. 2, c. 2]. Treasury Minute Book XXII, p. 171.
Oct. 28. Present. Mr. Walpole, Lord Finch, Mr. Newport.
Mr. Burroughs is called in. My Lords tell him they will write to the Secretary at War to prepare a constitution for him to be Commissary of Stores and Provisions in Great Britain: with power to contract with persons for furnishing the same to the best advantage and [with] instruction for him to transmit hither [to the Treasury] from time to time the copies of the contracts he shall make and accounts of the stores and provisions which shall be furnished and of the rates and prices: and [my Lords] will desire Mr. Poultney to propose what allowance is proper for Mr. Burrows and his clerks or instruments.
Write to the Secretary at War accordingly.
[My Lords order that] 2,000l. is to be paid to my Lord Cornwallis, which with the 3,000l. he had upon the Tin Register [the Register of loans on tin] is to complete the 5,000l. for the absolute purchase of the Aulnage Duties in Ireland which he [Lord Cornwallis] is to surrender to the use of the Crown.
Prepare a warrant for Mr. Burroughs to succeed Mr. Sidney as Comptroller of Excise.
[My Lords order] Hugh Speke to have 50l. [to be paid to him] per Mr. Lowther.
[Write] to Mr. Elliot to attend on Tuesday morning.
[Write] to Mr. Barrenger [Beranger] to attend on Tuesday morning.
My Lords resolve that the sums in Lord Lincoln's two memorials of 27 and 28 Oct. inst., viz. 23,100l. and 59,414l. 18s. 10d., making in both 82,514l. 18s. 10d., be satisfied [out of funds as follows]: viz.
£ s. d.
by money borrowed of the Bank on a deposit of 55,000l. in malt tallies 50,000 0 0
by money raised on Land Tax tallies by Mr. Aysleby for which he is to have malt tallies from my Lord Lincoln 22,000 0 0
out of [money now in the Exchequer of] Contributions for 5 per cent. [annuities 1 Geo. I., St. 2, c. 19] 10,514 18 10
£82,514 18 10
Ibid., p. 172.
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