William III: October 1700 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1700-2. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1937.

'William III: October 1700', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1700-2, (London, 1937) pp. 124-139. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1700-2/pp124-139 [accessed 19 April 2024]

October 1700



Oct. 1. Whitehall.	J. Vernon to Mr. Blathwayt. Your letter of the 4th inst. arrived on Sunday. The Dutch mail of Friday last is not yet come in.
	I laid before the lords justices this morning the heads of a letter you sent me for the Czar, as also the draft of the letter put into form; which, they approving, I have given to Mr. Royer to engross with the usual embellishments, and it will be sent you next post.
	I suppose you will see Sir George Rooke at Loo before these letters arrive there, he having sailed out of the Downs with the yachts and convoy on Sunday last, and has had a fair wind. He intended to wait on his Majesty as soon as he had carried the ships into the Goree.
	I received a letter yesterday from Sir Martin Wescomb of Sept. 13. He expected to hear very soon of capt. Pincarton and the other Scotch prisoners being set at liberty, Monsr. Schonenberg having written to him to that effect. Lord Seafield should know it, and I sent him the account by this night's post.
	I send you a letter I have received from Mr. Osborne. He proposes a place for himself that I am afraid he will not be thought capable of. I supposed his Majesty would come to no resolutions in this affair till his arrival.
	I have just received yours of the 7th. You mention Mr. Aldworth's licence; but it was not in my packet. Copy. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 85–86.]
	Ja. Vernon to the lord mayor of York. I have yours of the 28th ult. The lords justices are very well disposed to deliver the city of York out of this new difficulty, as was done this time two years; but it is necessary the case should be particularly stated upon which the forfeiture of the charter arises. Perhaps the solicitor you mention has your directions. If I can see him before Thursday, or if he attends Mr. Attorney to instruct him, this matter may be despatched next Council day. [S.P.44. 101. p. 152.]
Oct. 3. Hampton Court.	Pass to Alvise Mocenigo, about to come to England as ambassador from the Venetian republic. Latin. [S.P.44. 387. p. 187.]
Oct. 3. Loo.	Royal warrant to the privy council of Scotland. We incline to extend our clemency to such persons as have been for some considerable time in prison or under confinement for disaffection or upon suspicion: we therefore require you to examine the case of such persons, and empower you to set them at liberty. [S.P. 57. 17. p. 412.]
	The king to the same. The earl of Balcarras has made frequent application for liberty to return to Scotland, and given assurances of living as becometh a dutiful subject. We therefore allow him to return, he presenting himself before you as soon as he repaireth thither and finding security for living peaceably. [Ibid. p. 413.]
	A similar letter, allowing John Byres of Coats to return to Scotland. [Ibid. p. 414.]
Oct. 3. Loo.	Warrant for a gift of the place of H.M. almoner to John Law, one of the ministers of the gospel at Edinburgh, in place of James Kirktoun [S.P. 57. 17. p. 415.]
	Warrant for a gift of the office of overseer and master of work of H.M. buildings in Scotland to Scott of Logie, in place of Sir Archibald Murray of Blackbarony, deceased. [Ibid. pp. 416–418.]
	Docquet of the warrant for a pension of £300 to Scott of Logie, master of work. [Ibid. p. 418.]
Oct. 4. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Mr. Blathwayt. You will now receive the draft of a letter to the Czar; if approved his Majesty will please to sign it. The Czar seems resolved to prevent all applications to him for peace.
	I send you the case of some of our merchants, whose effects were seized in the Danzig ships by John de Bart. They have not yet been able to obtain any satisfaction, notwithstanding the solicitations of H.M. ambassadors at Paris, and Mr. Greg's at Copenhagen, where the ships were brought in and sold with all the goods for the use of the French. They think this deputation from Danzig the proper opportunity for renewing their suit. I know not whether these deputies will come to The Hague while his Majesty is there, but if you move it I believe he will direct Mr. Stanhope to recommend to them the doing right to these gentlemen, as far as they shall be apprized of the property they had in the goods they claim, and that they use their endeavours that satisfaction be made to them. They say lord Manchester has all the papers, to whom I have written at their desire to make another effort upon the arrival of the deputies, and I hope H.M. pleasure will be signified to him to the same effect, and that he may be acquainted with what passes between Mr. Stanhope and the deputies at The Hague. Copy. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 87–88.]
[Oct. 4. Loo.]	Ro. Pringle to the earl of Melville. The king being informed of your lordship's being at the Bath, and that perhaps your lordship may think fit to come to London and wait his Majesty's return to England, but the time of the sitting of the parliament in Scotland drawing so near that it will not be possible for your lordship both to wait on H.M. and be in Scotland at the sitting down thereof, and H.M. judging that your lordship's presence may be of very great use in this juncture, has commanded me to signify that your lordship should repair to Scotland as soon as possibly you can. [S.P.57. 17. p. 418.]
Oct. 4. Loo.	The same to lord Portmore. It is H.M. pleasure your lordship should repair to Scotland to be present at the meeting of Parliament, where H.M. thinks you may do him service in this juncture.
	P.S. Parliament stands adjourned to the 22nd inst., but as H.M. inclines he should be in England before it meet, so probably it may be adjourned for 8 or 10 days longer, which will be the utmost. [Ibid. p. 419.]
	Royal warrant to the Treasury of Scotland for paying considerable arrears due to Sir William Douglas, "without prejudice to the subsisting of the present standing forces." [Ibid.]
	The king's letter to the parliament of Scotland. (The Acts of the parliaments of Scotland, X, pp. 201–2). [S.P. 57. 17. pp. 420–1.]
	Additional instructions to the duke of Queensberry, high commissioner to the parliament of Scotland.
	1. You are to observe all the instructions both public and private that you received, in May last, except the instruction about presenting the letter about Darien, and such as we have expressly altered.
	2. You may observe all the particulars mentioned in our letter to this session of Parliament, as if contained in distinct instructions.
	3. You are to pass an Act wherein it may be provided that men should not be made or continued prisoners without a case signified, and in what manner persons imprisoned may bring themselves to a trial or recover their liberty.
	4. You are to pass an Act allowing the commissioner of the treasury and exchequer to set tacks of the annexed property, and particularly of Orkney and Zetland, by way of roup to the highest offerer, not exceeding 21 years, notwithstanding any Acts of annexation or other Acts in the contrary.
	5. You are to let parliament know that we judge it necessary that forces be kept up for the safety of the kingdom, and you are to endeavour to get suitable supplies for as many troops, and so long a time, as you can obtain.
	6. You are empowered to continue this session till the — of —, and to appoint the next meeting of parliament the — day of —. [Ibid. p. 422.]
Oct. 7. Loo.	Private instructions to the duke of Queensberry, high commissioner to the parliament of Scotland. Notwithstanding what is contained in the second of your instructions of the 4th inst., if anything is proposed relating to the particulars mentioned in our letter to this session of parliament that derogates from our royal prerogative, and for which you are not expressly instructed, you are in that case to [await] our orders. [Ibid. p. 423.]
Oct. 8. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Mr. Blathwayt. We have two mails due from Holland, but we heard yesterday by way of France of the little hope of the king of Spain's life, which makes all stocks fall apace.
	One Monsr. Villeneuve, a lieutenant of the first regiment of guards, is lately dead. I believe you will hear of a great many solicitors for the vacancy. Give me leave therefore to name one capt. Philips, a relation of mine, who had a company in col. Brudenall's regiment of marines till it was broke. He served very well during the late war, both at sea and in Ireland. If lord Berkeley were living he would give a very good character of him, having made use of him as an aide-de-camp all the time he commanded the fleet. I suppose H.M. will bestow all military vacancies on the disbanded officers, and the rather since parliament is not like to make further provision for them. I was in doubt whether he might hope to come into the guards till he told me that col. Shrimpton would recommend him to lord Romney. I don't expect he should succeed but with his lordship's good liking, to whom I desire you will mention it.
	One capt. Carter, who had a troop in col. Lee's dragoons had desired I would name it to you upon the same occasion, but I understand by him that lord Dorset will recommend him. Copy. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 89–90.]
Oct. 9. Admiralty.	J. Burchett to Mr. Ellis. The lords of the Admiralty having received an account from capt. Fairborne, who commands the ships last sent to Newfoundland, that he has suspended lieutenant Lilburn, chief officer of the forces at Newfoundland. I send you the copy of his letter and of the affidavits and complaints which led him to the doing thereof, to be laid before Mr. Secretary Vernon. Enclosures:
	1. A letter from S. Fairborne [to the Admiralty], dated [H.M.S.] Tilbury, St. John's, Newfoundland, Sept. 7, 1700.
	2. Petition of the soldiers in King William's fort to capt. Fairborne.
	3. The petition of Humphrey Haven, ensign of the company in Fort William in St. John's, Newfoundland, on behalf of himself and the soldiers of the company and at the request of the inhabitants.
	4. Affidavits of capt. Michael Richards, Humphry Haven and John Haxford, and Arthur Holsworth.
	5. Observations upon lieut. Lilburn's accounts.
	6. Petition of John Collings of Tarrbay in Newfoundland.
	7. A certificate of masters of merchant ships in favour of lieut. Wm. Lilburn.
	8. Statement that at a hearing on H.M.S. Tilbury, Aug. 7, 1700, in St. John's harbour, present capt. Fairborne, commanderin-chief, capt. Thom. Cleasby and capt. Tudor Trevor, these officers, upon complaints of lieut. William Lilburn's pitiful and scandalous behaviour, had suspended him from his command. [Endorsed] Admiralty, 9 Oct. 1700, Mr. Burchett concerning lieut. Lilburne (Cal. S. P., America and W. Indies, 1701, No. 142, and Ibid. 1700, No. 742, iv). [S.P.42. ff. 3–20.]
Oct. 10. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the lord mayor of York. The lords justices have ordered this day that the writ should be issued as formerly to enable the city to proceed to the election of another sheriff, and Mr. Attorney will despatch it. [S.P.44. 101. p. 153.]
Oct. 11. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Mr. Blathwayt. Three Dutch posts are arrived. I congratulate your coming to The Hague, and am very glad we are like to see you so soon in England. I hope the wind will be more favourable to you than Sir George Rooke has found it. I thank you for the letter for Portugal, but I hear nothing yet of young Aldworth's licence.
	Mr. Lewis, secretary to lord Manchester, writes that Maxwell and Hare, two of the assassins, were in private with king James the night before he went to Fontainebleau. They have disappeared since, and nobody knows which way they are gone. Not knowing whether he has sent you this advice, I would not omit doing it. I would have sent you their descriptions, but those are not mentioned in any of the proclamations.
	I had a letter by these posts from the Comte de Tallard, who encloses a copy of the letter Ralph Grey writ to Monsr. d'Amblimont, requiring him to recall the French out of the island of St. Lucia, or otherwise he must put his orders in execution for removing them; to which Monsr. d'Amblimont shows no intention of compliance, but in his answer asserts the king of France's right to that island, and consequently his obligations to maintain the French subjects in their possessions there. The ambassador desires I would despatch orders to Barbados for preventing any ill accidents that may arise out of this controversy, to the disturbance of the good correspondence between the two Crowns.
	I have writ to the ambassador that I would inform myself how that matter stood, and what directions had been given to Mr. Grey, which I was not yet apprized of, they not having passed through my hands; but I would prepare myself to give his Majesty an account of it at his arrival, and receive his pleasure thereupon.
	But I will tell you beforehand that I always apprehended something would happen amiss in this business, tho' it had been managed with more caution than Ralph Grey has used; who, I think, has misunderstood his instructions, and gone further than they required. (fn. 1) His orders were, as I find them drawn up by the Council of Trade and despatched by lord Jersey after they were approved at Council, that he should assert his Majesty's title to that island; but how? Not by demanding possession of it from Monsr. d'Amblimont, but by giving notice to the French or any other foreigners that were settled there, or should hereafter pretend to settle there, that, unless they remove within a time he should appoint them, he should be obliged to send them from thence by force.
	I understand no more to be intended by H.M. than that this notice should be given in Sta. Lucia to the inhabitants there of any kind that were not English; and that H.M. should have had an account how it operated with them, before anything was said to the general governor for the French in those parts. It could not be expected he should make any other answer than what he has done; whereas perhaps the poor planters might have taken the alarm and have moved of themselves. But now they will be commanded to stay, and it is likely their numbers will be increased.
	I hope at least Mr. Grey will stop at what he has done, and proceed no further till he knows his Majesty's pleasure.
	[P.S.] I have met with a description of the two assassins and send it enclosed. Copy. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 91–93.]
Oct. 11. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Sir Chs. Hedges. I send you a letter and some papers I received this morning by the Dutch post from the French ambassador. He writes on behalf of six more of the French prisoners in the Marshalsea, whom they take to be innocent, and therefore desire their trial may be put off for some time, that they may bring proof that they had no piratical intention, but embarked accidentally on capt. Lewis's ship for saving their lives, when they were cast away in a desert place.
	I had some discourse yesterday in the Council Chamber with lord Bridgewater, lord chief justice Holt and Mr. Solicitorgeneral, concerning the three French prisoners that the French ambassador and lord Manchester writ about before.
	My lord chief justice was of opinion that there could be no inconvenience in deferring those men's trial, and allowing them some reasonable time for producing the proofs of their innocence, and this he says has been done upon the parties themselves making oath in court that they have material proofs to produce for their justification.
	Mr. Solicitor was of the same opinion, and said he would speak to Mr. Whitaker about it. If it be allowed to those three men to defer their trial, it appears as reasonable to extend the same favour to the six now mentioned. If they cannot clear themselves justice will be done upon them at last, and if they should be hurried on to their trial the French court would think we treated them with great neglect, and that we were unwilling that any of their subjects should have an opportunity to make their innocence appear.
	I submit it therefore to your consideration that all fitting care may be taken in a matter that seems of some consequence.
	[Note.] The papers enclosed in this letter were Count Tallard's letter to Mr. Secretary, dated at The Hague, Oct. 12, a letter from Monsr. Hocquart, dated at Nantes, Oct. 2: extract from the roll of the crew of the ship La nostre Dame, sent to the Bureau des classes de Nantes, 30 June, 1699: a letter from six French prisoners, formerly belonging to the ship La nostre Dame, and now in the Marshalsea, to the Commissaire général de Nantes. [S.P.44. 204. pp. 293–4.]
[Oct. 11.]	Docquet of the appointment of Benjamin Bennet, lieutenantgovernor of the Bermuda or Summer Islands, and the governor for the time being, the vice-admiral of the said islands for the time being, "and several others," to be H.M. commissioners for trying piracies at the said islands. [S.O.3. 20. f. 201, October, "immediate, 11^mo."]
Oct. 11. Dublin.	M[ichael] Harrison to [James Vernon]. This night came in six packets, by which I had two letters from you. I thank you for your constant kind remembrance of me. I have been for these ten days past confined to my chamber, under a very uneasy, troublesome distemper. I have some intervals of ease but not very long, but live very strictly to rules; and sum up all my patience, as the only means to relieve one. My physician seems not to want hopes of my recovery, and [I] wish it for nothing more than to make a return to the best of wives.
	So soon as I can stir abroad I will wait on the lord chancellor, and exactly follow your orders.
	Our goods came safe last week. I thank you for the cabinet, which is a very fine one.
	By next week's packet I must trouble you in an affair relating to the commissioners of accounts, who are resolved to put me to as much trouble as possible; and [I] hope you won't have an ill opinion of me in it, since what is done is with the approbation of the justices; and every one here [thinks] not that it is of moment, but a caprice of their's, and to save their contingent charges. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 59–60.]
Oct. 12. [Whitehall.]	Warrants to apprehend — Connell, — Lacy, and — Roch, for suspicion of high treason. [S.P.44. 349. p. 133.]
Oct. 12. Dublin.	Jo. Methuen to [James Vernon]. Yesterday six packets, which had been detained by contrary winds, came safe, and I received three of your letters, the 24th ult. and the 1st and 5th inst. Nothing can be more kind than your intentions relating to the Government here, and you choose the best certainly not to mention any thing of us till the king returns: so that I need say nothing on that subject, save that, as nothing is more for the advantage of this kingdom and of the king's service in all respects than to have lord Galway here, so the matter is very nice; for those who really most admire him (as Sir Ed. Seymour particularly), instead of being more easy to have him by an exception to continue here, are really or pretend to be the more jealous of him; thinking his being, as they say, in effect alone governing here. For the matter of being lieutenant-general, that can for the present give no jealousy, if my lord's commission be not altered and that he come over to England; because it is no more than major-general Earle's, and hath no government at all of the army when he is not here.
	My hopes really are that if my lord should come over, as a man submitting to the misfortune of being included in that Vote, when the pretence of opposition is over, it will be easy to soften things so as to have even an exception in his favour; for by major-general Earle's being here almost the whole disgust and anger of the officers of the army are removed.
	The matter of the minister and the liberty of preaching in Oporto is too long and of too great moment to write, in the haste I am in to acknowledge the receipt of yours by this post. What you observe of Monsr. Sconenburgh is true: if a subject of the king's be sent, with the character, it will prevent notice being taken.
	What you write concerning Mr. Harrison shall be sure to be done. I will always hear his pretentions, and give him first my advice freely and then my assistance heartily, being always present at all the resolutions taken by my lords justices; and in both will do as for my own son if in his place. I say that only that what I am going to say may have the weight it ought to have.
	Mr. Harrison's post is really very considerable, and upon the good execution of it and the capacity of the man that enjoys it a great part of the affairs on the establishment depend. This office has been generally executed by deputy, and neither understood nor taken any care of. I have therefore put Mr. Harrison upon making himself entirely master of the business, [and] have made lord Galway do the same, and at the same time made him observe Mr. Harrison's being very capable of it: and indeed he hath gone a great way in it, and shall go through it if I can. For when he is master of it, the thing is of that consequence as will render him by degrees one of the most considerable officers, and introduce him of necessity into all the public business: and he will be so necessary that all his now pretentions and more will be easy to him. I am so clear in my opinion that I shall press him extremely to be satisfied in it.
	Our affairs go well and quiet here. The trustees go but slowly on with their claims. They are much divided amongst themselves, which gives me a great advantage, not only of knowing but of sometimes influencing their resolutions: each side doing me sometimes the honour of proposing to me the points both of law and prudence that come before them. They must now certainly make a representation of difficulties and circumstances to the House at their first sitting. My present business is to secure that nothing of heat or censure shall be in it that may give occasion for any anger in our House, hoping by that means anything designed either for the king's service or his friends here may have the better quarter.
	I have had lately a most nice transaction with them, for they started a point whether they were not now so by the Act in the place of the king that they could use all his prerogative to avoid all incumbrances and equities, so far as the king might, on the forfeited estates; and they desired the attorney and solicitorgeneral to argue for them. They spoke to me likewise in private to know my opinion. I told them the king from the beginning had never exercised any prerogative in that nature: the Exchequer had order to the contrary: that such prerogative would have ruined the protestants as much as the papists: that, the estates being granted, the grantees had by law no such advantage, and that my opinion was likewise against them in law.
	The king's counsel waited on them, and declared they would always serve them and be of their counsel whenever desired; but in this matter, their opinions being against them, they desired to be excused. Thus the solicitor, who is more immediately my friend, did; and I think Mr. Attorney did much the same. The resolution was to lay the doubt before parliament at their sitting, which I was very glad of. The post stays for my letter. [Endorsed] R. 24. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 61–62.]
Oct. 14. Whitehall.	Warrant to commit to Newgate Michael Harold, who had informed against Thomas Fitzmaurice and others. [S.P.44. 349. p. 134.]
Oct. 15. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Mr. Blathwayt. I have yours of the 22nd [N.S.] and have great satisfaction in the news that H.M. will be here soon. As the wind is now fair I hope you will be come away before this letter gets over; which is only to wish you a good voyage. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 94–95.]
Oct. 15. Dublin.	M[ichael] Harrison to [James Vernon]. I am very sorry I can send you the melancholy news of my father's death, on Saturday the 12th. He died with that calmness and quiet that those who watched him knew not when he left them. I have all the reason imaginable to be under very great affliction, having not only lost the best of fathers, but of friends, who all his life and particularly in one of the latest acts of it did sufficiently manifest it. He has left me more than my settlement in marriage mentions, considerably, and nothing from me but legacies to brothers and a portion to one of my sisters; which portion he has moderated in consideration to me, and has barred my sister for ever that married against his consent, by mentioning her act of disobedience in his will and leaving her only twenty shillings. My illness unfortunately hindered me from being with him at his death. My mother is in the country yet, but I believe will live with me, which my wife is very well satisfied with. I keep my chamber yet, and this day is the first of any ease I have had during my illness.
	I acquainted you in my last of some difficulties the commissioners of accounts have put on me. I followed the precept from them exactly to make up the accounts of musters and the respites, which were by lord Galway's advice sent over by post directed to York Buildings, and each abstract of a muster and respites signed by my deputy, I not having taken the oaths nor can't till 23rd November. The commissioners' precept requires they should be attested upon oath. Every one here was of opinion the deputy's signing was sufficient. The commissioners, when they received the abstracts, there being a considerable charge of postage on them, returned them to the Post office general, and require that some one should be sent over with them to make oath they are the true ones received from me, though I sent them word that my deputy should attest them before the lords justices or chancellor. If you will speak to Sir Tho. Frankland that the papers may be returned to me, I may then do as is required. [S.P.63. 361. ff. 63–64.]
Oct. 17. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to capt. Pitman. I would have laid your letter before the lords justices if they had met this morning; but, as the king is expected very soon, nothing can be done till his arrival. In the meantime care will be taken that the committing of convicted priests to your custody shall not be a charge to you, if they are not supported by their friends.
	What you want from the Ordnance will be best moved for when lord Romney comes over with the king. [S.P.44. 101. p. 153.]
	Allowance of bills for stationery delivered by William Churchill; and of a bill for stationery delivered to Mr. Blathwayt July 1, 1700, for his Majesty's service in Holland. [S.P.44. 350. p. 104.]
Oct. 18.	Ja. Vernon to Mr. Blathwayt. Yours of the 15th arrived this morning. I expected rather to hear from you from Margate that the king was landed. I hope you embarked yesterday; otherwise I am afraid you must wait for another opportunity of a wind, which is here changed to the westward. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 96–97.]
Oct. 19. Chatham Dock.	Jer. Gregory to Edmd. Drommer, (fn. 2) esq., at Batson's coffee house in Cornhill. I pray your pardon I returned no speedier answer to yours of the 14th inst.; being truly, ever since I saw you, in a hurry, attending the payment of the yard and navy here. I am most ready to oblige Mr. Secretary Vernon in what you mentioned relating to the young gentleman his son, who I suppose by this time is returned with Sir George Rook; and, tho' unknown, present my humble duty to that honourable person.
	Sir Edward Gregory and the officers here will inform his son in all business relating to the navy transacted in this port, which will be of advantage to the young gentleman towards informing him in the first principles of navy affairs, by having opportunity to see the springs that give motion to so many wheels, a matter worthy his observation. The young gentleman's apartment is ready, and he shall be extremely welcome to me.
	[P.S.] If you please render Sir Edwd. Gregory's humble duty acceptable to Mr. Secretary Vernon tho' unknown. Seal. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 98–99.]
Oct. 20. Chatham Dock.	Cha. Finch to Edmd. Dummer, esq. Our messenger not going up on Thursday last as usual put by my, and I believe Mr. Gregory's, answering yours. We are ready to do our very best towards the furtherance of that honourable gentleman's son in the rudiments of the navy; and will between us take care of him in other necessary matters, when we are honoured with his company.
	I wish you a good journey to and from Plymouth. [Ibid. ff. 100–101.]
Oct. 21. Hampton Court.	The king's letters to the high commissioner, nominating lord Montgomery and viscount Seafield to have place and vote in the Scottish parliament, as lord treasurer and Secretary of State respectively. (The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, X, pp. 200–1). [S.P.57. 17. p. 424.]
Oct. 21. [Whitehall.]	Post warrant to lord Windsor, Mr. Windsor, and 2 servants, to Dover. [S.P.44. 350. p. 100.]
Oct. 24. Hampton Court.	Additional instructions to the duke of Queensberry, high commissioner to the parliament of Scotland.
	You may give our assent to an Act for rescinding the 27th Act parliament 1668, intituled an Act asserting his Majesty's prerogative in ordering and disposal of trade with foreigners: any Act that shall be offered for providing against the marriage of a king or queen of Scotland to a papist, conform to the article of grievances 1689: an Act prorogating the temporary privileges in favour of the African Company contained in the 8th Act parliament 1695, intituled Act for a company trading to Africa and the Indies. [S.P.57. 17. p. 425.]
Oct. 25. Hampton Court.	Commissions to William West to be lieutenant of the company of granadiers whereof lieut.-col. John Newton is captain in the first foot guards, to rank as captain of foot: to Thomas Brown to be ensign of the company whereof lieut.col. Watkins is captain in the same. [S.P.44. 168. p. 270.]
Oct. 25. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the mayor of Dover. Admiral Aylmer brought me this evening your letter of Sept. 26. I have paid him the bill for Pinchbeck's diet and prison fees. I thought the messenger had discharged it. I shall order them in future not to leave anything of that kind unpaid. Mr. Aylmer will speak to the Treasury about the bill you mention. [S.P.44. 101. pp. 153–4.]
Oct. 25. Hampton Court.	Docquet of the warrant for a gift of the single escheat of Gideon Murray, merchant in Edinburgh, to James Pittillo, servitor to Sir Walter Pringle, advocate. [S.P.57.17. p. 426.]
Oct. 26. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. A yacht is to carry the duke of Shrewsbury from Dover to Calais. [S.P.44. 204. p. 295.]
Oct. 27.	Ber. Head to [J. Vernon.] One Rottiers is lately parted from hence (fn. 3) for London. He carries with him quantities of the Prince of Wales' medals and pictures and of the king, queen, and princes; and there's one Baly, that was poulterer to the king, goes frequently to England with the same commodities, and he is now in England. Rottiers takes shipping at Dieppe or St. Valery and may be found at the Bull's Head tavern upon Tower Hill, or at Vavasor's in Westminster. I may give you other information of greater consequence, for I am in a station that gives me very good opportunities. As a protestant I will serve you faithfully, and direct à monsieur North, gentilhomme Anglais, chez le cafetier Arménian vis-à-vis le grand Counsell, Rue St. Honoré, Paris. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 102–103.]
Oct. 28. Hampton Court.	His Majesty having been moved upon the petition of Sir Charles Duncombe, referred the same to the attorney-general. [Signed] Ja. Vernon. [Annexed]. The petition to the king of Sir Charles Duncombe, knt. and alderman of London, sheweth, that your Majesty, before your last going to Holland, having been pleased to intimate your gracious intentions to your attorney-general for the discharge of an information formerly exhibited against your petitioner, your Majesty's attorney general, for the perfecting such discharge, desires your Majesty's warrant, as is usual, for that purpose.
	[Annexed]. The attorney-general's report, Nov. 9th, 1700. There have been two informations exhibited in the King's Bench against the petitioner for falsely endorsing Exchequer bills, one in Middlesex and the other in London. The information in Middlesex was tried in Trinity term, 1699, and the petitioner was acquitted: after which your Majesty's council met, to consider whether it was proper to proceed upon the other information, and upon consideration it was not thought proper to proceed: and the petitioner having given bail thereupon, his bail cannot be discharged whilst the said information continues undetermined. Therefore I am of opinion it may be reasonable for your Majesty to give directions for a noli prosequi to be entered thereupon. [Signed] Tho. Trevor. [S.P.32. 12. ff. 240–1.]
Oct. 28. Whitehall.	Allowance of the bill of Robert Sutton, H.M. secretary at the court of Vienna, for extraordinaries from Feb. 1 to May 1, 1700. [S.P.44. 350. p. 124.]
Oct. 28. Hampton Court.	Pass to Robert Maister and Gabriel Dowker, of London, merchants, to return to Narva on the Baltic, where they had recently resided, to look after their business, and to proceed to Pskov and Novgorod in Russia. Latin. [S.P.44. 387. p. 186.]
Oct. 28. Whitehall.	Proceedings upon the petition to the king of the principal inhabitants and freeholders of the town of Kellygare in Glamorganshire, showing that, the town and parts adjacent being very populous and there being no markets or fairs within several miles, they are put to great straits in obtaining provisions: the same not being a town corporate, the inhabitants can't receive his Majesty's favour in redress of the aforesaid inconveniency: they therefore pray a grant to Thomas Lewis of Lanishen (fn. 4) in the said county, of a market at Kellygare on Wednesdays, for all sorts of provisions and merchandise usually sold in markets; as also four fairs for horses, live cattle, leather, wool and merchandise, to be held on April 18th, and the Wednesdays before Whitsunday and the feasts of St. John Baptist and St. Luke. Referred to the law officers. [S.P.44. 238. p. 440.]
	Proceedings upon the petition to the king of George Parker, esq., showing that he is seised in fee of several parcels of land at Plymton St. Mary, co. Devon, now in his possession, on the east side of and abutting on the highway leading from Plymbridge towards Ridgeway, and extending to the four crossways called Norther Cross and from thence on the norther side of a lane unto Broomhill Gate, and from thence by the west of a lane to Mare Park Gate, and from thence by the south of a lane leading to Camdown Gate, and from thence bounding on a place called Camdown and so extending to Plymbridge Lane Gate, and from thence into the highway leading to Norther Cross; which parcels contain 220 acres more or less: that there is not nor hath been any roadway or footpath leading through any part of the said lands. He prays for letters patent empowering him to enclose the said lands and to keep deer therein. Referred to the law officers. [S.P.44. 238. pp. 441–2.]
Oct. 29. Hampton Court.	Pass to Charles, duke of Shrewsbury, about to go to Montpellier for the recovery of his health. Latin. (The pass is struck out). [S.P.44. 348. p. 172.]
Oct. 29. Admiralty.	J. Burchett to Mr. Ellis, secretary to Mr. Secretary Vernon: enclosing extract of a letter from capt. Tho. Legge, H.M.S. Fowy, dated Port Royal, Aug. 9, 1700. "The 21st I received sailing orders for Corisoe and Pettit Guavas, in search of one Boulton and Burke, dealers with capt. Kidd, and to endeavour to seize them and their effects, as likewise in my way to call in at the isle of Ash. (fn. 5) Being within there at Port St. Lewis watering, came in the said Boulton in a sloop of 8 guns and 30 men, whom I seized; and being well assured Burk was at St. Kitt's amongst the French, I returned to Jamaica with her. She has a Guiney cargo aboard and it's reported cost about 2000 crowns: all which I have delivered to the governor to be ordered as he thinks fit, the said Boulton pretending [to be] no ways concerned therein." [Endorsed] Concerning one Bolton, a pyrate. [S.P.42. 6. ff. 21–24.]
Oct. 30. Hampton Court.	Warrant for the presentation of Thomas Scot, M.A., clerk, to the vicarage of Wakefield, Yorks., void by the death of Obadiah Lee. [S.O.8. 27, No. 51: S.P.44. 151. p. 64.]
	Warrant for a privy seal, to pay £1,000,000 to Sir Thomas Littleton, treasurer of the navy. (Treas. Cal., XVI, 141). [S.O. 8. 27. No. 52.]
	The same, commanding the treasury commissioners to appoint receivers general of the continued duties on marriages [etc.] (Treas. Cal., XVI, 142.) [S.O. 8. 27. No. 53.]
	Royal warrant to pay £12 to Gideon Royer, writer and flourisher, for a letter sent 'from us unto the czar of Muscovy,' upon the occasion of the differences between him and the king of Sweden. [S.P.44. 350. p. 101.]
	Warrant to the lords justices of Ireland, for continuing the payment of disbanded officers on the former establishment of half pay, as well as those on the additional establishment lately transmitted to them. (Treas. Cal., XVI, 142). [S.O.1. 14. p. 293.]
Oct. 30. Kensington.	Warrant for a privy seal requiring the navy commissioners to sell old ships and stores specified in a schedule annexed. (Treas. Cal., XVI, 142.) [S.O.8. 27. No. 50.]
Oct. 31.	Memorandum. 31 Oct., 1700, Mr. Secretary sent summons to Sir Charles Hedges and to the recorder of London to attend his Majesty, with the account of the last sessions at the Old Bailey, on Sunday next at Kensington. [S.P.44. 101. p. 154.]
Oct.	In the docquet book there is a memorandum that five documents entered as having passed in September and October "did not pass at all in this month," the privy seal not being delivered to the lord privy seal, nor his lordship sworn until the next month. [S.O. 3. 20. f. 201.]
	Note for the dividend. There was no lord privy seal in this month. (S.P.32. 12. f. 164.]