Warrant Books: November 1707, 1-15

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 21, 1706-1707. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1952.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Warrant Books: November 1707, 1-15', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 21, 1706-1707, (London, 1952) pp. 476-494. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol21/pp476-494 [accessed 19 April 2024]

November 1707, 1–15

November 1. Letter of direction for 5907l. 0s. 11¼d. to James Brydges, Paymaster General of the Forces Abroad: out of Contributions for Annuities anno 1706: and is for the service of the Forces abroad as follows: viz.
£ s. d.
in part of 222,379l. 5s. 10d. for the 10,210 men in Portugal anno 1706
towards paying the offreckonings and clearings thereof to 1706 December 23 2129 18 7¼
in part of 96,729l. 13s. 4d. for maintaining the5000 men in Catalonia anno 1706
towards offreckonings and clearings to same date 3777 2 4
£5907 0 11¼
Disposition Book XIX, p. 60.
William Lowndes to the Customs Commissioners to report on the enclosed letter [missing] of the Danish Envoy concerning a Danish ship called the White Swan which is under seizure at Whitehaven. Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 365.
Treasurer Godolphin to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to report on the enclosed petition [missing] of Brigadier William Villiers praying for the vacant pay of a Brigadier General on the Irish Establishment. Out Letters (Ireland) IX, p. 11.
November 1. Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to the Excise Commissioners in Scotland to collect the Duties of Excise of beer and ale according to the standard ale quart as the law directs.
Prefixing: (1) report by said Commissioners in reply to Mr. Lowndes's letter of October 24 last. We find that the standard ale quart is bigger in proportion than the standard ale pint and that the said ale pint is bigger in proportion than the standard ale gallon. But this difference ought not to create any difficulty in the collection of Excise as by the laws thereof this is directed to be charged by the ale quart.
(2) Certificate of the said differences between the said measures at the Exchequer.
the gallon 261 cubic inches 36 parts.
the quart 67 cubic inches 68 parts.
the pint 33 cubic inches 48 parts.
4 quarts exceed the gallon by 9 cubic inches and 100/36 parts.
8 pints exceed the gallon by 6 cubic inches and 100/26 parts.
2 pints are less than a quart by 100/72 parts of one cubic inch.
Out Letters (North Britain) I, pp. 157–8.
William Lowndes to the Excise Commissioners in North Britain enclosing a representation which the Duke of Queensberry has laid before the Lord Treasurer, from the Committee of the Justices of Peace for the shire of Edinburgh which was appointed for adjusting the difference between the Excise Commissioners in Scotland and the brewers on two points viz. (1) the allowance to be made to the brewers for wash and waste (2) touching the measures by which beer and ale Excise is to be charged.
As to the first the Lord Treasurer is well satisfied that by the laws only one tenth can be allowed for wash and dregs where the charges are made from warm worts and he thinks the accommodations proposed by you to the said Justices is all that can be done in the matter. (2) As to the dispute concerning the Duty demanded by you for the overplus measure contained in the 9 and 6 gallon trees, as it appears by the Representation that the brewers have made no advantage by the over-measure and that the allowance craved by them is only from the 20th of July to the 1st November inst. and that the Justices did ordain the brewers to reform their 6 and 9 gallon trees according to the true measure by that [latter] time whereby no prejudice can hereafter happen to the revenue upon that account, my Lord Treasurer thinks that if the Committee of Justices do ordain that a seventh be allowed for that time only it will not be worth while to controverse this point any further.
Appending: (a) Copy of the said Representation by the Committee of Justices of the Peace for the shire of Edinburgh appointed for adjusting the differences betwixt the Commissioners of Excise and the brewers. The most part of the brewers in and about Edinburgh complain (1) that for the wash and wart as they call it, or dreg and soakings as we call it here, a tenth part was too small an allowance and (2) that their 9 and 6 gallon trees which had always passed for such should now be questioned to contain more, to wit about 10½ gallons and that according to the rule they should be charged at least in a sixth part more than what they sold for profit.
The Justices had several conferences with the Commissioners and hearings of the brewers and gave judgment on the first point that seeing it was acknowledged the way of malting and brewing was different in Scotland from England and that the wort could not be so determined for the allowance of a tenth part as is done in England “and that the answer made by the Commissioners that they had ordered their gaugers so to set the backs or the coolers and the point of their gauging as [that] the dreg should not be gauged “was not a certain nor defined rule, therefore the Justices ordained an eighth upon the whole wort to be allowed to the brewers instead of the tenths of the wort [as] in England.” But the Commissioners still reclaiming that the Act of Parliament in England was the law and that they could not allow more than the tenth part defined by that law but would be careful so to direct their gaugers that the brewers should have no reason to complain; the Justices were inclined to agree to this accommodation. (2) As to the second point the Excise Commissioners did first clear that [point alleging that] seeing the 9 gallon trees were commonly reckoned 10½ gallons the brewers could not complain of a sixth but only of a seventh part of overcharge: which [argument] the Committee of Justices agreed to. As to demanding Excise for this seventh part the Commissioners maintained that the Queen should not be defrauded thereof whatever might be the agreement between the brewer and the venter. The brewers replied that they only got payment as for 6 and 9 gallons and that this continued till July 20 last: the Commissioners replied that what passed before [the Union] betwixt the brewer and the tacksman was not to be their rule and that if the old method continued until the 20th July it was only because the Commissioners could not settle their way of gauging sooner. Thereupon it was proposed that the allowance craved by the brewers was only from July 20 to November 1 by which latter date the brewers were to reform their 9 and 6 gallon trees and that the demand of Excise for this seventh part for the said intermediate period should be submitted to the Lord Treasurer.
(b) Covering letter from Lord Advocate Ja. Steuart to the Duke of Queensberry et al. Scotch Lords in London [original dated Edinburgh October 16]. Before my Lord Chancellor left this place [Edinburgh] there arose questions between the Commissioners of Excise and the brewers which being brought before the Justices of the Peace they endeavoured to settle the matter and gave their judgment in it. But the Commissioners not being satisfied applied to the [Scottish] Lords of the Treasury and Exchequer and they again recommended it to me to convene the Justices and to procure an adjustment. Since that time I have used my best endeavours to settle the affair betwixt a Committee of the Justices and the Commissioners with results as above. But in the meantime the brewers stop their payments and the Commissioners complain and I cannot possibly obtain a meeting of the Justices of Peace until the last Tuesday of October which is a long delay. Therefore I have sent the [above] Representation to your Lordships that you may acquaint the Lord High Treasurer with it.
The brewers will not yield, having the judgment of the Justices in their favour. I heartily wish that the Commissioners may have directions to pass the allowance “for there is another thing since fallen in, that occasions a new question,” which is that by the seventh Article of the Union the 12 gallons present Scots measure are rated to 34 gallons English barrel; and the English standards being now come and the trial made [of them] 'tis found that the 12 gallon Scots do make 37 English gallons; and (which makes the difficulty greater) the English quart standard sent down does not agree to the English gallon; and according to this English quart the 12 Scots gallons make 35¼ gallons and a fraction “yet this also differs from our Act of Parliament and the brewers will have the Scots 12 gallons to be measured and compared with the English gallon and not with the English quart.”
My Lord these differences are but small and I have done my utmost to persuade the brewers to pay up their sixth part and retain the seventh part till the 1st of November and then to expect that the measures shall be adjusted and the mistake of the Act of Parliament cleared: but they still refuse and we have no court here at present to determine the matter which puts a stop to public payments.” Out Letters (North Britain) I, pp. 158–163.
November 2. Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Samuel Dassell shewing that he prosecuted Stephen Elliott in 1699 for Customs frauds and petitioned for the 40l. fine set on him in the Exchequer: and that his petition was referred to the Customs Commissioners but by some accident is lost. Reference Book VIII. p. 286.
November 3. Same to the Transports Commissioners of the petition of the persons, unnamed, concerned in a transport debt, shewing that they have warrants made out directing Mr. Nutin to satisfy same but they are as yet unpaid; therefore praying allowance of interest thereon in like manner as is allowed on warrants of later dates. Ibid., p. 283.
Same to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Martin Killegrew shewing that his estate in Falmouth is gone to decay and uninhabited by reason the Lisbon pacquets boats are removed from thence to a place called Flushing opposite thereto and that same is a great prejudice to the Customs, the people there [at Flushing] subsisting chiefly by clandestine trade which was prevented when the pacquets put in at Falmouth: and that the inhabitants of Flushing refuse to shelter or lodge two tidesmen sent thither by the Customs Commissioners. Ibid.
November 4. Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to the Navy Commissioners to endorse the bills for the 4000l. purchase money for the 3 acres in or near Chatham Dock in such way as to entitle the several payees concerned therein to receive interest for the respective parts payable to them under the warrant of September 15 last supra p. 438. Money Book XIX; p. 106.
Letter of direction for 100,000l. 0s. 0d. to Sir Thomas Littleton, the Navy Treasurer: out of loans to be made by him on the Act for Continuing the Duties on Malt etc. anno 1707: and is to be reserved in his hands for the Wear and Tear of the Navy. Disposition Book XIX; p. 60,
November 4. Letter of direction for 6287l. 12s. 5d. to James Brydges, Paymaster General of the Forces Abroad: out of Contributions for Annuities anno 1707: for services as follows viz.
£ s. d.
in part of 445,350l. 14s. 2d. for the20562 men in Spain or Portugal anno1707
for one month's subsistence to the Officers and 30 privates of each Company of the Foot Regiments of Brudenall, Allen and Hans Hamilton from 23 October 1707 to November 23 inst 2217 0 6
in part of 186,296l. 4s. 2d. for the 8833 additional men in Spain or Portugal anno 1707
for the same month's subsistence to the Officers and 30 privates of each Company of the Foot Regiments of Farington, Mohun and Toby Caulfeild. 2104 2 6
for the net offreckonings of the Regiment of French Dragoons from 24 April last to December 23 next: to be paid over to Mr. Churchill and Mr. Harnage in part of their contract for clothing and accoutrements for said Regiments. 1966 9 5
£6287 12 5
Disposition Book XIX, p. 60.
November 5. Treasury reference to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands of the petition of William Gardiner of Richmond in Surrey for a new lease of a small parcel of ground called the Fryers in the manor of Richmond formerly leased by Edward Villiers, senr., to Sir Edward Wingfeild and Dame Martha his wife, which was assigned to petitioner by John Wood of London, merchant, only surviving son and sole devisee by the last will of said Dame Martha. Reference Book VIII, p. 292.
November 6. William Lowndes to the Customs Commissioners to pass the goods of the Ambassador from the King of Portugal as in the enclosed list [missing]. Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 365.
November 6, 7, 24, 29. Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to the Customs Commissioners to employ Thomas Drury as a tidesman and boatman in Whitehaven port loco John Moreland deceased.
Henry Tilson (an extraordinary tidesman London port) as a tidesman in the inferior list ibid, loco John Kent whose place the Lord Treasurer thought fit otherwise to supply.
John Dawson as a boatman at Shoreham in Chichester port, loco John Foster dismissed.
Joseph Ballot as a tidesman at Liverpool, loco Edward Spencer unfortunately drowned.
Lewis Lewis as a coalwaiter in Newcastle port, loco Richard Leake deceased.
William Legg as a tidesman in the superior list, London port, loco Benj. Smith deceased.
William Ward as a same in the inferior list, ibid, loco said Legg. Out Letters (Customs) XV, pp. 62, 67,
November 7. Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to the Salt Commissioners to allow 72l. 6s. 8d. to Walter Middleton, late one of the collectors of Salt Duty at Milford, for so much allowed by him to John Rickson for damaged salt brought into the said port.
Prefixing: report by the Salt Commissioners and opinion by the Attorney General on the case. Money Book XIX. pp. 107–8.
Money warrant for 285l. 2s. 6d. to Gilbert, bishop of Sarum, for half a year to September 29 last on the annuity for the Order of the Garter. Ibid., p. 108. Order Book VII, p. 74. Disposition Book XIX, p. 63.
Same for 20l. to Dr. Thomas Ayloffe for same time as Reader of Laws in the University of Cambridge. Money Book XIX, p. 108. Disposition Book XIX, p. 63.
Same for 1690l. 15s. 0d. to Dr. Robinson for extraordinaries as Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Sweden: to wit 105l. in completion of 2 bills of extraordinaries for 1703 April 2 to 1704 April 2 (being 505l. on which 400l. is already paid) and the remainder for 6 other like bills from 1704 April 2 to 1707 April 2. Money Book XIX, p. 111. Order Book VII, p. 75. Disposition Book XIX, p. 63.
Same for 1792l. to the executors of Geo. Stepney, late Envoy Extraordinary to the States General: 1120l. thereof for 224 days February 3 last (to which day he was last paid by way of advance) to September 15 last (the day of his death) on his ordinary of 5l. a day: and the remaining 672l. for the same time on his allowance as Plenipotentiary to same. Money Book XIX, p. 111. Order Book VII, p. 72. Disposition Book XIX, p. 63.
Same for 20l. each to James Thompson and Charles Cunningham, clerks, for the charge of their passage to Jamaica, whither they are going chaplains. Money Book XIX, p. 112. Order Book VII, p. 74. Disposition Book XIX, p. 59.
Endorsement by Treasurer Godolphin for the allowance of 5 per cent. interest on 10 orders of loan in the names of Joseph, Thomas and George Musgrave for 500l. each on the tenth 4s. Aid.
The like on orders of loan in the name of Harry Mordaunt [as Treasurer of the Ordnance] to wit 32 orders for 200l. each; 10 orders for 100l. each and 59 orders for 50l. each on Low Wines anno 1705: same being assigned to Paul Defour on October 9 last. Order Book VII, p. 74.
Letter of direction for 5000l. to Visct. Rialton, the Cofferer of the Household: out of Civil List moneys: and is in further part of wages, board wages and other expenses of the Household payable by the Cofferer for last June 24 quarter. Disposition Book XIX, p. 61.
William Lowndes to the [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance. Some time since you were directed to meet such bills as should be drawn by Christopher Crowe or Messrs. Scudamore and Henshaw for powder and ball provided for Sir Cloudesly Shovell. The receipts for the said powder and ball which are mentioned in said Crow's letters to the Lord Treasurer have not come to hand. You are to pay his bills notwithstanding the absence of such receipts. Duplicates of them shall be recovered and delivered to your Treasurer. Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 365.
November 7. William Lowndes to the Customs Commissioners for an account (for the Commissioners of Trade) of Naval stores imported into this kingdom between Xmas 1700 and Xmas 1701 and from Xmas 1703 to the present time. Ibid., p. 366.
Same to the Auditors of Imprests to state the accounts of John Brewer for one year to June 24 last as Receiver General for Prizes: as by the enclosed state thereof [missing]. Ibid.
Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to the Customs Commissioners to distribute the 511l. 15s. 0d. produce of the wines taken in the ship Princess Hedwick Sophia as follows viz. 146l. 15s. 0d. for the 15l. per ton appropriated on Prize Wines [by the Act 2–3 Anne c. 18 clauses 5 and 16] and the balance to the captors.
Prefixing: report by said Commissioners on the case. Out Letters (Customs) XV, pp. 66–7.
Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Mr. Cox in behalf of his brother Samuel Cox, a Commissioner of Customs in Barbados, desiring leave for him to come to England for his health and affairs and that his son-in-law Thomas Beckles be appointed his deputy in his absence. Reference Book VIII, p. 283.
Same to William Blathwayte, Auditor General of the Plantations of the petition of John Salkeld, clerk, shewing that he had a grant of a plantation in the French part of the Caribbee Islands from Col. Codrington to enjoy the same during the present war with France, he having been at great charges in planting and having suffered great losses by the landing of the French at Nevis where he was taken prisoner: therefore praying confirmation of said grant. Ibid.
Same to the Postmasters General of the petition of the Commissioners for Sick and Wounded shewing that a pacquet containing their officers' accounts at Lisbon lies now at the Post House there, 26l. being demanded for the same: and that if they should be obliged to pay for all their accounts that come from abroad at that rate the charge thereof would amount to above 200l. per an. Ibid.
Same to the Principal Officers of the Mint of the petition of Thomas Chambers shewing that he with others purchased from Sir Talbot Clerke their patent for making and refining copper and hath very much improved the copper works and brought it to that perfection that it equals in goodness that which was formerly imported from Swedland: therefore praying liberty to send 100 tons of copper made in England into the [Tower] Mint at the rate of 12 pence per pound to be coined into half pence and farthings. Ibid.
November 7. Same to Henry St. John of the petition of William Wallis et al. shewing that they were employed by the Earl of Ranelagh to clothe the [Invalids of the] Royal Hospital of Chelsea and the 4 Companies of Invalids quartered at Hampton Court, Windsor, Chester and Tynemouth from 1706 [sic for 1700] to 24 December 1702: during which time they furnished clothing to the value of 21,200l. 16s. 9d. towards which they received from the said Earl 15,668l. 4s. 10d. in tallies and debentures etc. by which [forms of payment] there was great loss and 5532l. 12s. 9d. remains still due to them, and the said Earl says he has no money in his hands with which to discharge the same: that on reference the Comptrollers of Army Accounts have made a considerable progress in the examination of the matter and intended to report thereon “but by reason of Sir Joseph's [Tredenham] death and Mr. [Arthur] More surrendering his office no report was made”: they, the petitioners, are entitled to the offreckonings of the 4 Companies of Invalids from 1702 December 25 to 1703 May 29 amounting to 2406l. 6s. 8d. but by reason no contract was made for the price of clothing the remainder of the debt could not be adjusted: but they are ready to make it appear that they demand no other rates than were given in those times by others. Reference Book VIII, p. 284.
Letters patent by Treasurer Godolphin constituting William Vanbrugh to be Comptroller of the Accounts of the Treasurer of the Chamber loco Hugh Chudleigh, lately deceased: with 150l. per an. salary as from September 29 last, from which time his present allowance of 100l. per an. as Deputy Comptroller is to cease. Warrants not Relating to Money XX, p. 87.
November 8. Letter of direction for 22,052l. 14s. 6d. to the Navy Treasurer: out of Contributions for Annuities anno 1707: and is to be applied as follows: viz.
£ s. d.
for the Ordinary of the Navy 12000 0 0
for Wear and Tear 4836 18 6
for Wages to seamen 4306 6 8
for Sick and Wounded under the head of Wages: and to be paid to Thomas Savery Esq., Treasurer for Sick and Wounded 909 9 4
£22052 14 6
Disposition Book XIX, p. 61.
William Lowndes to the Navy Commissioners. The Lord Treasurer directs the Navy Treasurer to raise money as soon as he can at par on the 100,000l. tallies and orders on Malt anno 1707 which were lately issued to him; and also on the 9083l. 12s. 6d. tallies and orders remaining in his hands on the Land Tax anno 1707. Out of the proceeds thereof together with 12,000l. for the ordinary and the 4836l. 18s. 6d. for Wear and Tear appointed this day as above so much is to be applied as will satisfy 2 months to the Course to wit for January and February 1705–6 and the residue is to be applied towards paying 1706 Xmas quarter to the Yards. Ibid., p. 62.
November 8. William Lowndes to [Sir Thomas Littleton] the Navy Treasurer. The Lord Treasurer directs you to dispose of 15,693l. 13s. 4d. remaining in your hands of tallies and orders on the Land Tax anno 1707 to any persons willing to accept same at par and to apply same (together with the 4306l. 6s. 8d. this day directed as above p. 483) to the payment of wages to seamen. Disposition Book XIX, p. 62.
Letter of direction for 66,473l. 8s. 6d. to Mr. Brydges, Paymaster General of Forces Abroad: out of Contributions for Annuities anno 1707: and to be applied to services as follows: viz.
£ s. d.
in part of 893,706l. 8s. 6d. for the 40,000 men anno 1707
towards 2 months subsistence from October 24 last to December 23 next to the Subject Troops and full pay to the foreigners composing said body 49968 10 8
in part of 37,012l. 7s. 6d. for the agio etc. to the Prussians
for the 40,000 men to complete the above 2 months' subsistence and is in lieu of so much directed for the said 40,000 men on the 24th and 30th December 1706 to pay the agio, bread and forage for the said Prussians to 1707 April 30 13981 17 0
in part of 186,296l. 4s. 2d. for the 8833 men in Spain or Portugal anno 1707
to answer bills of exchange drawn for the subsistence of the prisoners taken at the battle of Almanza 1487 4 4
in part of 445,350l. 14s. 2d. for the 20,562 men in Spain or Portugal anno 1707
to be paid over to Capt. John Pitt, late Deputy Commissary of the Musters in Spain, as royal bounty: out of Contingencies: as by royal warrant of November 1 inst. 200 0 0
to answer bills of exchange for the Almanza prisoners as above 835 16 6
£66473 8 6
Ibid., p. 64.
William Lowndes to the Customs Commissioners to open at Whitehall the baggage of the Duke of Marlborough lately arrived from Holland. Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 366.
Same to the Navy Commissioners. The Lord Treasurer long since ordered that the timber delivered by the Surveyor General of Woods to the Navy should be placed to the account of Wear and Tear. The account thereof certified by said Surveyor General is as follows:
£ s. d.
anno 1705 as part of the quota for Wear and Tear
value of timber out of New Forest 11684 9 0
the like out of Rockingham Forest 1405 7 0
the like out of Hampton Court Parks 261 15 0
£13351 11 0
anno 1706 as part of said quota
out of New Forest 970½ load of oak 3154 1 6
anno 1707 as part of said quota
out of New Forest 1355 load of oak 4744 11 10
out of Bere Forest 467 load of oak 1635 9 8
out of Rockingham Forest 52 load 200 1 4
out of Windsor Forest 11½ load 51 15 0
£23658 1 6
Ibid., p. 367.
November 9. Money order for 1740l. to the executors of John Methuen, late Ambassador Extraordinary to the King of Portugal, as in part of 2400l. due to him on 2 bills of extraordinaries from 1703 August 15 to 1705 August 15. [There appears to be no money warrant for this payment, which would seem to have been inoperative. For the regular series of money warrant, money order and letter of disposition for a similar amount see under date 1708 September 14 infra Treasury Calendar Vol. XXII]. Order Book VII, p. 80. Disposition Book XIX, p. 63.
November 10. Royal sign manual for 1000l. to John Smith Esq., Speaker of the House of Commons: as royal bounty towards providing his equipage as Speaker of the said House. (Money order dated November 19 hereon). Queen's Warrant Book XXIII, p. 263. Order Book VII, p. 75. Disposition Book XIX, p. 69.
Same for 91l. to Capt. James Jefferys (“whom we have directed to attend our good brother the King of Sweden as a volunteer in his army”) for 3 months on his allowance of 20s. a day “which we are graciously pleased to make him for his ordinary entertainment”: as from August 26 last. (Money warrant dated November 7 hereon). (Money order dated November 24 hereon). Queen's Warrant Book XXIII, p. 270. Money Book XIX, p. 111. Order Book VII, p. 76.
Letter of direction for 6093l. 15s. 4¼d. to Visct. Fitz-Hardinge, Treasurer of the Chamber: out of Civil List moneys: to be applied as follows: viz.
£ s. d.
to complete last June 24 quarter s wages on the Establishment payable in the Office of the Chamber 3633 1 3¼
to Mr. Randue, Housekeeper at Windsor Castle for 1707 September 29 quarter's wages 80 0 0
to the Gamekeeper of Berks., Bucks., Hampton Court and Richmond by way of advance for their liveries for next year pursuant to the Queen's sign manual 60 0 0
to John Cocks and Richard Colinge, Council Chamber Keepers, in full of their accustomed allowances and extraordinary expenses for a year to June 24 last: by 2 Council warrants 156 18 4
to John Incledon, Housekeeper of Westminster Palace on his 6s. 8d. a day by the Lord Chamberlain's warrant grounded on the Establishment 30 2 6
to the rat killer, by like warrant, in full of his bills for destroying vermin in all the palaces and both Houses of Parliament for half a year to September 29 last 28 19 0
to William Churchill for stationery wares furnished to both Secretaries of State's Office for last June 24 quarter 291 16 8
to 39 messengers in full of their bills of services to Lady day last 1777 7 11
for the surplus etc. of Lord Edward Russell's final account (as former Treasurer of the Chamber] 35 9 8
£6093 15 4¼
Disposition Book XIX, p. 65.
November 10. William Lowndes to Mr. Burchett to lay before the Lord Admiral the enclosed petition [missing] of Samuel Trefusis alleging that there are large quays built by him at Flushing [near Falmouth] where her Majesty's men of war not exceeding 50 guns may anchor, careen or water: as likewise an extract [missing] of the Postmaster General's report relating thereto. Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 369.
Treasury reference to William Borret of the petition of William Hill et al. prosecutors and creditors of Thomas Patching, late of Rusper, co. Sussex, praying that till they be heard no grant be made of his [Patching's] estate which is forfeited on account of murther of the daughter of said Hill. Reference Book VIII, p. 284.
Same to the Agents for Taxes of the petition of Sir Richard Everard son of Sir Hugh Everard, late Receiver General of Taxes for co. Essex, praying to be allowed till February 12 next for the sale of his estate to clear the public debt. Ibid.
Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to the Queen's Remembrancer to deliver up the bonds of Sir Stephen Evance and John England as sureties of John Nutin gent, late Receiver and Paymaster for the Transport service; Evance having paid the 2200l. and England having paid the 200l. as by the Lord Treasurer's warrant of April 25 last: and further to supersede process against said Nutin as soon as the sum of 654l. is paid into the Exchequer on said Nutin's account; for which last named payment Frederick Pryor and Samuell Wood have given bond in 800l. each. Warrants not Relating to Money XX, p. 86.
[?] Entry of the Treasury signature of the docquet of an in custodiam lease under the Exchequer Seal to Thomas Cowslad of closes of arable land in Shalbourn co. Wilts. parcel of the lands of Hugh Mundy outlaw. Ibid.
November 10. Royal warrant dated St. James's to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to insert Lieut. George Thompson in the half pay list of Ireland as from 1 July 1702 at the allowance he formerly had on the late Establishment from 1698 until 1702 at which time another gentleman of the same name having got a commission of Lieutenant in Col. Meredith's Regiment the petitioner was upon the making of a new Establishment returned as provided for and thereupon left out of the half pay list. Out Letters (Ireland) IX, pp. 11–12.
November 10. Same to same for a pension of 4s. a day to Alexander La Plaigne and Elizabeth his wife, or the survivor: during pleasure. Ibid., p. 12.
November 11. William Lowndes to the [Principal] Commissioners of Prizes. The Lord Treasurer has accepted the resignation of Fleetwood Dormer and Nicholas Pollexfen, two of your number. Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 306.
Same to same. The Lord Treasurer has accepted the resignation of Antho. Duncombe, one of your number. Ibid.
Same to the Auditors of Imprests to lay before the Lord Treasurer a state of Mr. Vincent's accounts which were some time since referred to you. Ibid.
Same to same to report on the enclosed memorial [missing] of Charles Fox relating to his account from 1703 December 25 to 1704 December 25, as late Paymaster of the Forces, containing items for the allowance of which a privy seal will be necessary. Ibid., p. 368.
Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to Charles Graydon, Receiver General and Cashier of Customs in North Britain, to pay the September 29 quarter's salaries of the officers of the Customs there: total 1928l. 1s. 8d. being 1288l. 5s. 1d. for Edinburgh and Leith and 639l. 16s. 7d. for the outports.
Prefixing: detailed Establishment of said officers for Edinburgh and Leith and for the outports (Aitoun or Dunbar, Prestonpans, Borrowstowness, Kirkcaldy, Perth, Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Inverness, Caithness, Kerston [Kirkwall] in Orkney, Lewis, Shetland, Fort William, Campbeltown, Newport Glasgow, the town of Glasgow, Irwin [Irvine], Ayr, Port Patrick, Wigtown, Dumfries). Out Letters (North Britain) I, pp. 165–172.
November 12. Royal warrant dated St. James's to Spencer Compton, Paymaster of the Queen's Pensions and Annual Bounties, to pay 12l. per an. to Isaac Crocker, one of the Queen's watermen as from 1702 June 24; for marking and nesting her Majesty's swans and preserving them from the ice: the said allowance having been constantly paid by King Wm. III. and the said Crocker having performed the said service since the Queen's accession. Queen's Warrant Book XXIII, p. 247.
Same, dated Kensington, to Treasurer Godolphin to enrol in the several offices of the Exchequer here (such that is as are concerned in the passing of accounts according to the course of the Exchequer) the duplicate of the account of Sir William Robinson and Bartholomew Van Homrigh, Commissaries of the Army in Ireland, of the moneys with which they stand charged in the accounts of William Harbord deceased and of Charles Fox and Thomas, Lord Coningsby, late Paymasters of the Forces in Ireland: the said account having been taken, stated and determined by the Commissioners of Public Accounts of Ireland: and thereupon to discharge the said accomptants from the supers set upon them by the said late Paymasters. Ibid., pp. 263–5.
November 12. Royal warrant dated St. James's, to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a great seal of Great Britain to appoint Charles Godolphin as Registrar to make and keep the general register of all trading ships belonging to Great Britain, with power to him to enter in the General Register already kept by him of trading ships all such ships or vessels as shall be certified to have been Registered in Edinburgh on account of their having been duly proved to belong to some of the subjects of Scotland on the 16th January 1706–7 being the day whereon the Treaty of Union was ratified in the Parliament of Scotland: in order to allow [to] all such ships or vessels (though foreign built) whereof the property shall be duly proved Scotch as by the 5th Article of the Treaty of Union [all] the privileges of ships of the build of Great Britain: and further to extend the said Register to all ships or vessels trading inwards, outwards or coastwise in any of the ports of Scotland in the same method as the Register hath been already kept by him of all the trading ships in England: with a clause to direct the chief officer of Edinburgh port and the Collectors of any other ports in North Britain to correspond with the said Godolphin in such manner as he shall propose in order most effectually to answer the Queen's royal intentions herein for the equal encouragement of the trade and revenue in all parts of the United Kingdom: and the said office is hereby to be called the Office of Register General of all Trading Ships belonging to Great Britain: to be held during pleasure: with the salary of 500l. per an. as from September 29 last and without any charge to the merchant or burthen upon navigation: all by reason that under the 5th Article of the Treaty of Union all ships or vessels belonging to subjects of Scotland at the time of the ratifying the said Treaty of Union are to be entered in the General Register kept in London of all trading ships belonging to Great Britain: and the Customs Commissioners have reported that no such General Register hath been hitherto kept but by the said Charles Godolphin one of the Commissioners of the Customs pursuant to a special clause in the Customs Commission directing him to keep such Register and further that the extending the said Register to North Britain (in the same method that it is now kept for England) by a constant correspondence with the Collectors of all Scotch ports will be a great cheque on irregular voyages and illegal trade: and the Queen being very desirous to do everything to preserve the privileges allowed by the Treaty of Union to all ships and vessels (though foreign built) which shall be proved to belong to the subjects of Scotland, by a due entry in the said General Register in London. Queen's Warrant Book XXIII, pp. 266–7.
Same to Treasurer Godolphin to pay 6000l. to Prince Charles of Denmark, brother to the King of Denmark, for 1½ years from 1706 April 10 to October 10 last (the day on which the said Prince quitted his pretensions to the Bishopric of Eutin at the instance of the Queen of England and the States General and for the good of the common cause of the Allies) on the 4000l. per an. which the Queen agreed to pay to him as in part of the said Prince's damage by such relinquishment in such manner as by the Treaty in that behalf is stipulated. (Money warrant dated November 14 hereon). Queen's Warrant Book XXIII, p. 267. Order Book VII, p. 75. Disposition Book XIX, p. 67.
Same to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a great seal for a grant and confirmation to Charles Hedges of the annuity or allowance of 1200l. as from September 3 last for good and faithful services to Wm. III.: same having been granted to him by her Majesty some time since for the life of Sir Richard Raines, Judge of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury: the same having been satisfied to him up to September 3 last out of secret service and the Queen being resolved that same shall be granted under a great seal in order to the better ascertaining and continuing it. Queen's Warrant Book XXIII, p. 268.
November 12. Letter of direction for 10,245l. 19s. 7d. to Sir Thomas Littleton, Navy Treasurer: out of Contributions for Annuities anno 1707: and is to be paid over to Walter Whitfeild, Paymaster of the Marines, for services as follows: viz.
£ s. d.
to answer Col. Wills's bills from Lerida payable to the order of John Mead for so much received of him there for the subsistence of the Detachment of Marines under said Col. Wills 5245 19 7
for the Marines on shore, on account of their subsistence 5000 0 0
£10245 19 7
(William Lowndes to the Navy Commissioners to assign payment of said sum to Whitfeild accordingly by bill of imprest). Disposition Book XIX, p. 66.
Same for 5890l. 17s. 6¾d. to Charles Dartiquenave, Paymaster of the Works: out of Civil List Funds: to clear the debts [in the Office of the Works] to artificers and others in and for the months of January, February and March last. Ibid., p. 68.
Same for 1266l. 8s. 11¼d. to William Roberts, Paymaster of the Works at Windsor: out of Civil List moneys: and is to be applied for discharging the debt for works done in and about Windsor Castle in January, February and March last. Ibid., p. 69.
William Lowndes to the Deputy [Queen's] Remembrancer for a certificate of what allowances have been made by the Barons of the Exchequer for double taxes since those comprehended in your certificate of October 17 last “and what claims of that kind, if any, remain undetermined.”Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 367.
Same to the [Principal] Officers of the Mint to report on the enclosed memorial [missing] relating to the melting of silver in the Mint at Edinburgh. Ibid., p. 368.
Same to the Navy Commissioners to attend the Lord Treasurer on Friday next with your answer to the enclosed letter [missing] from the Ambassador from the Czar of Muscovy relating to some wrought plate which is arrived here for his own use. Ibid.
Royal warrant dated St. James's to [Thomas, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery] the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to continue the late Lord Blaney's pension of 10s. a day on the Military List of Ireland to Cadwallader, Lord Blaney, his son, towards the support and maintenance of the Countess Dowager of Blaney and her children: all in accordance with the said Lord Lieutenant's letter of August 19 last on behalf of the said Countess Dowager and the request therewith of the House of Commons of Ireland. Out Letters (Ireland) IX, p. 13.
November 13. Letter of direction for 32,157l. 5s. 9¾d. to John Howe, Paymaster General of Guards and Garrisons: out of Contributions for Annuities anno 1707: and is to be applied as follows:
£ s. d.
in part of 264,874l. 10s. 0d. for Guards and Garrisons anno 1707
for 32 days' subsistence from November 22 inst. to December 23 next for the Troops and Regiments in England 9465 3 3
for the subsistence of the Battalion of Guards in Holland to same time 3731 16 0
on account of subsistence for the men raised to complete the Detachment lately in Spain 500 0 0
for 61 days' clearings for the Troops and Regiments in England from August 25 last to October 24 last 8494 1 10
for the disabled outpensioners of Chelsea College towards their maintenance from 24 June last to December 24 next “the charge whereof is meant to be borne out of the savings of this Establishment” 2792 12 0¾
in part of 87,125l. 10s. 0d. for the 5000 men in sea service anno 1707
for 32 days' subsistence November 22 inst. to December 23 next for the Regiments of Mordaunt, Erle, Paston, Townsend and Livesay 4111 1 4
for 61 days' clearings from August 25 last to October 24 last for the Regiments of Mordaunt, Erle, Townsend and Livesay 3062 11 4
£32157 5 9¾
Disposition Book XIX, p. 67.
November 14. Same for 6000l. to Sir Thomas Littleton, Navy Treasurer: to be applied to pay bills of exchange and to be placed in the Navy Accounts as part of the quota for Wear and Tear in the respective years 1703–6: to be issued out of funds of the said years as follows: viz. 131l. 3s. 8d. out of Subsidies anno 1703 and 1703l. 1s. 7d. out of Malt of the same year: 2260l. 7s. 10d. out of one third Tonnage and Poundage anno 1704 and 366l. 4s. 7d. out of the seventh 4s. Aid for that year; 132l. 19s. 7d. out of Malt 1705; 1406l. 2s. 9d. out of Contributions for Annuities anno 1706. “These issues being directed out of several funds upon which loans have been made, you [the Auditor of the Receipt] are to take particular care that the said respective loans and interest [charged or registered on the said respective funds] be satisfied or that sufficient be reserved to satisfy the same before this direction be executed.”Ibid., p. 68.
November 14. William Lowndes to the Customs Commissioners to make out for the Commissioners of Trade the several accounts which they desire as in Mr. Popple's letter enclosed [missing]. Out Letters (General) XVIII, p. 368.
Same to John Chetwynd Esq. The Lord Treasurer has agreed with Sir Theodore Janssen for a letter of credit to be sent to you by this night's post for any sum not exceeding 6000l. sterling towards defraying hex Majesty's share of the expense of transporting the Palatine [Troops] and other Troops from Italy to Spain. You are to give receipts for the money when received by you, in order to Sir Theodore's reimbursement; and the Lord Treasurer desires you to keep an account of the application you make of such moneys. Ibid.
Same to the Duke of Marlborough to report on the enclosed memorial [missing] of Capt. John Webb, Commissary of the Garrison and works of Gibraltar, touching his bills being protested that were drawn on the Board of Ordnance for the works and fortifications of the said garrison, amounting to 3713l. 17s. 1½d. Ibid., p. 369.
Same to Mr. Burchett [Secretary of the Admiralty], enclosing the petition [missing] of the Russia merchants relating to their contract with the Navy Board for 2400 tons of hemp. Please inform the Lord Treasurer what has passed at the Admiralty Board in relation to the said matters and what convoy hath been usual in such cases. Ibid.
Treasurer Godolphin's fiat for royal letters patent to constitute Charles Tyrrel as a Queen's waiter London port, loco William Williams gent, lately deceased. Out Letters (Customs) XV, p. 67.
Treasury reference to the [Principal] Officers (the Warden, Master and Worker and Comptroller) of the Mint of the petition of Charles Pellew et al., masters of tin vessels, setting forth how much they have suffered for want of constant convoys and therefore praying an allowance for demurrage or more certain convoys for the future. Reference Book VIII, p. 284.
Same to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of William Sparkes shewing that he is a labourer in a woodyard at Lambeth where his wages are so small that he is unable to maintain his family; that his wife's father and uncle were Customs officers many years and he is qualified for a tidesman's place: therefore praying employment. Ibid., p. 305.
Warrant by Treasurer Godolphin to the Queen's Remembrancer for stay of process against the inhabitants of several parishes in co. Surrey where the Collectors collected the money on whose deficiencies a super was set in the account of Leonard Child and John Nuthal, Receivers General of the Duties on Houses [for said county] for the year ended 1703 March 25. Warrants not Relating to Money XX, p. 87.
Treasurer Godolphin to [Thomas, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery] the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to report on the enclosed petition [missing] of James Talbot and Matthew Ormsby for a grant to said Ormsby of the reversion in fee of the town and lands therein mentioned [not here detailed] of which the said Talbot is seized of an estate tail. Out Letters (Ireland) IX, p. 13.
November 14. William Lowndes to George Allardes Esq., Master of the Mint at Edinburgh, enclosing the report from the Principal Officers of the Tower Mint on your representation. Please communicate same to the officers of the Mint at Edinburgh for their better guidance.
Prefixing: (a) Memorial from said Allardes to Treasurer Godolphin. It has been found by experience here that in melting the silver and lading it out into moulds the allay fumes away while the silver is so lading out so that when the silver first laded out is standard that which is last laded out proves three half penny weight finer than standard and the scissell when remelted proves all finer than standard, and some of it without remedy; whence it has been the practice of the said Mint to add 12 grains of copper to each pound weight of silver for supplying the waste of the allay by its fuming, and to put this copper into the pot when the silver is half laded out. We use Scots or pit coal which causes a greater heat than that coal used in the Tower and so makes the copper fume away the faster. The coal used in the Tower Mint is not to be had in Scotland and at present here is no time to try experiments for regulating the fire nor any artificer in London who is experienced in melting with Scots coal. I, therefore, pray that the officers of the Edinburgh Mint may still be allowed to follow their ancient method as above until the present recoinage of the money in Scotland be finished, it being otherwise unpracticable at present in that Mint to make the money of a due standard as the law requires or to coin with despatch and without danger of transgressing the remedy.
(b) Report, dated November 14, from the Principal Officers of the Tower Mint, Sir J. Stanley [Warden of the Mint], Sir Isaac Newton [Master and Worker of the Mint] and John Ellis [Comptroller of the Mint] on (a) supra. As the silver melting in the Scotch Mint refines is as alleged above, and the moneys coined by the ancient method of that Mint have upon Trial of the Pix proved standard, and there is no time at present for making experiments to bring the matters to an exacter regulation we are of opinion they may be still allowed to use their ancient method till the present recoinage in Scotland be finished, “the indenture of the Mint prescribing no particular method for melting provided it be standard.” Out Letters (North Britain) I, pp. 172–4.
November 15. Same to the Customs Commissioners to present some one from the inferior list of tidesmen, London port, to succeed Benj. Smith in the superior list: and to present William Ward to succeed same in the inferior list: this to be in place of your presentment of the 12th inst. of Edward Wightman (an extraordinary tidesman in the hundred list) to succeed said Smith. Out Letters (General) XIX, p. 369.
Same to the Excise Commissioners, London, enclosing (a) infra. Please prepare a draft of such a Bill as upon the whole you think necessary for the improvement, good order and regular management of the Excise [in Scotland].
Appending: (a) Representation from the Excise Commissioners [in North Britain]. There are many retailers in several parts of the country who, by reason of their distance from market towns and burghs, cannot be surveyed by the officers without extraordinary charge. As they are apprised thereof they cannot be brought to a reasonable composition. We therefore pray the help of a clause [in an Act of Parliament to be drafted] as follows: viz.: (1) If any brewer or victualler who has been in use to brew for sale gives over without the allowance of the Justices of the Bound or of the Excise Officer they may be discharged from brewing for 5 years and that those who brew and will not compound but make entries be obliged to make such entries upon oath. (2) That in default of Justices, the sheriffs, bailiffs of Regalities and other inferior magistrates be authorised to give judgment in all matters relating to the Excise (as they are in other cases) on receipt of reasonable notice from the Excise Officer to come to the Excise Office nearest their place of residence: this by reason that although Justices are appointed for this [northern] part of Great Britain yet in several shires there are so many that will not act that the officers are at a loss in collecting the Duty. (3) To the above clauses which the Lord Advocate approves, he has proposed a third that all Acts of Parliament and of Privy Council as have been in Scotland for levying and inbringing of the Excise be still understood as in force so far as they are not inconsistent with the laws of England. (4) That the officers be empowered to charge the distillers with what they really draw from the brewers' wash: all by reason that by reason of the weakness of the said wash the distillers cannot draw above an eighth into low wines and not more than a third of those low wines into spirits “and there being no difference appointed by law in charging the proportions between low wines and spirits drawn from the wash and what is drawn from malted corn, which [proportions] are a quarter into low wines and three fifths into spirits, will occasion a total defection of the distillery here.” (5) That a discretionary power be given of compounding small Isles and remote parts of several shires, where retailers, though numerous are so very small that compositions with them severally would not answer [the expense].
Upon comparing the English and Scotch standard measures the Justices have adjudged 36 English gallons to be allowed for a barrel as answering to the 12 gallons present Scots measure. This will occasion great confusion in our accounts. We desire direction whether we are to continue to charge as hitherto viz. 34 gallons English to the barrel or submit to the judgment of the Justices.
(b) Copy of the Justices' determination, dated Edinburgh, 28 October 1707, “that the 2½ barrels of each 23 barrells is sufficient allowance for filling wort and is conform to the Act of Parliament”: and that the brewers reduce their measures (9 and 6 gallon trees and others proportionally) to the standard of the shilling jug by 1 November next: and that the present Scots measure must be standard here and in the meantime that one seventh part be deducted from the brewers' charge in consideration of the difference of the measure of the trees above the true standard and that from July 20 last to 1 November next the brewers pay up the sixth part of their charge and retain the seventh part till further order: and that the officers allow to the brewers 36 English gallons of 282 cubical inches each for each 12 gallons Scots measure from July 20 last onwards for all time hereafter.
(c) Report dated 1707 October 22 from the Excise Commissioners, London, to Treasurer Godolphin in answer to Mr. Taylour's letter of September 22 last supra p. 442. The present method of the officers in North Britain of surveying and charging in the most populous towns and compounding the residue is the best method that the present circumstances will admit and the present laws are sufficient except in the detail of vinegar. But by the laws of Excise of England penalties and forfeitures etc. must be sued in a court of record but by law and by the Articles of Union no process from any of the Courts at Westminster can extend to the northern part of Great Britain, so that there seems to want a jurisdiction to settle those matters. We therefore propose that a Court of Exchequer be established in North Britain in accordance with Article 19 of the Treaty of Union. Also, seeing the lack of a competent number of Justices of the Peace we propose an Act to authorise such magistrates as preside in the respective counties and corporations there to determine such matters as in South Britain are determined by Justices of the Peace.
By the 14th Article of Union any malt to be made and consumed in Scotland during the present war is not to be charged with any imposition. As there is no provision against the importation of such into South Britain we think the Duties charged in South Britain should be charged on all importations of such malt; with proper provision against clandestine importation. This we conceive is no way contradictory to the said Articles.
The Excise Commissioners, Scotland, have remitted to us 4500l. We desire direction how same is to be paid into the Exchequer and how the accounts shall be kept and passed, viz. whether as part of the English Excise or separately.
(d) Account of the said 4500l. cash remitted as above by a 10 days' bill on the Bank of England.
“The above cash was received on account of the 2s. Duty, which if to be applied to the several funds according to the proportions that 2s. bears to the 4s. 9d. Duty is as undermentioned” £ s. d.
Hereditary and Temporary Excise 2390 12 6
99 years 9d. [4 Wm. and Mary c. 3] 703 2 6
Lottery 9d. [5 Wm. and Mary c. 7] 703 2 6
Bank 9d. [5 Wm. and Mary c. 20] 703 2 6
£4500 0 0
Out Letters (North Britain) I, pp. 174–9.
PreviousTable of contentsNext