Treasury Books and Papers: April 1742

Calendar of Treasury Books and Papers, Volume 5, 1742-1745. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1903.

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

'Treasury Books and Papers: April 1742', in Calendar of Treasury Books and Papers, Volume 5, 1742-1745, (London, 1903) pp. 22-33. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books-papers/vol5/pp22-33 [accessed 27 April 2024]

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

April 1742

April 1.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers.
58. Present: Earl of Wilmington, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Mr. Gybbon.
Mr. Paxton's report read on Mr. Carleton's letter concerning a discovery. Carleton called in.
General Clayton's memorial for 150l. for finishing the roads from Stirling to Crieff read and the necessary warrant ordered.
The report from the Surveyor General of Crown Lands on Viscount Bulkeley's petition for renewal of a grant of a ferry in Wales read and the necessary warrant ordered.
The Treasurer of the Navy's memorial of this day's date for 50,000l., to be considered next week.
The report from the Surveyor General of Crown Lands concerning renewing the lease of the Bargemaster's house and barge houses at Lambeth read and returned to him to review it.
Order for the issue to Mr. Stuart of 400l. to be paid over to the Lord Almoner for half a year to 1742 Lady day, on the King's private pensions and charities, and 50l. for the two Arabic professors.
Same for same to the Treasurer of the Chamber of 400l. to be paid to the said Lord Almoner for the ensuing Maundy and 179l. 15s. 0d. for 1742 Lady Day quarter's allowance for the daily alms and poor at the gate.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. p. 25; Letter Book XX. p. 34.]
April 2. 59. Articles of agreement between John Macarrell, of the city of Dublin, and the Rt. Hon. Luke Gardiner, Deputy Receiver General of Ireland, for the transport of forces (900 horses and 4,177 men) from Ireland to Great Britain, viz., from Belfast to Scotland, and from Dublin to Chester. 1 large sheet.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCVII. No 35.]
April 6.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers.
60. Present: The Earl of Wilmington, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Mr. Gybbon.
Viscount Lymington's petition for the office of Keeper of New Park in New Forest read and referred to the Surveyor General [of Crown Lands].
Mr. Verelst's memorial read for a further imprest for 3,218l. for General Oglethorpe's bills. Verelst to attend the Treasury Thursday next concerning Oglethorpe's receipt of the Treasury notice not to draw any more bills. Also to bring with him Oglethorpe's authorisation to draw bills upon the Government.
A memorial from the Provost of Glasgow read for renewal of a lease of tithes. Referred to the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland.
Order for the issue of 3,000l. to the Privy Purse.
Carleton's application for a third part of a discovery relating to Mary King, bastard lunatic, deceased, considered. The facts do not amount to a discovery. The claim of one third to discoverers in general is a proportion not warranted by any law. Petitioner recommended to the heirs at law for 50l. reward.
Order for the issue to the Navy Treasurer of 50,000l. for services as in his memorial of the 1st instant.
Memorandum: This, with the 8,780l. 11s. 1d. issued to him March 31 last, is to be esteemed part of the deficiency of the Navy, 1741, contained in the vote of 263,731l. 7s. 1d. for the deficiency of the grants for the service of 1741.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 26–7; Reference Book X. p. 206; North Britain Book XIII. p. 273; Letter Book XX. p. 36.]
April 6. 61. Treasury warrant to the Surveyor General of CroWn Lands for a constat or particular of the following ferry with a view to a lease thereof to James, Lord Bulkeley, Viscount Cashel, at the ancient rental of 4l. 10s. 0d. and fine of 50l., viz.: Southcrook passage, “the ferry situate near the mouth of the river Menai opening to the Irish Seas, having a ferry house and 2 boats kept for carriage of horses laden from Anglesea to the market town of Carnarvon and from South Wales to Holyhead in the way to Ireland … the house is in middling repair at the charge of petitioner, and the boats and tackle at the charge of the undertenant.”
Prefixing: Surveyor General's report on said Viscount Bulkeley's petition for same.
[Crown Lease Book VI. pp. 132–3.]
April 8. 62. Treasury warrant to the Board of Works to execute works as below in fitting up the late Treasury Office in Privy Garden as an office for Lord Carteret.
Prefixing:—The Board of Works to the Treasury dated April 5. Have consulted with the under secretaries as to what could be omitted from the previous estimate so as to lessen the expense; who agree that the fitting of a room (to the south on the ground floor 56 feet long) with presses and shelves and some other works intended may be omitted and the wheels and other things belonging to the Lottery Office may still remain there, provided another way be made into the said room without coming through the Lord Carteret's office. These changes will reduce the estimate to about 750l.
[Lord Chamberlain's Warrant Book II. p. 178.]
April 8. 63. J. Scrope to the Customs Commissioners to deliver 35 pictures belonging to Monsr. Narisckin, Envoy Extraordinary from the Czarina to England, being part of the furniture of his house at Paris, and intended for the same purpose here.
[Customs Book XV. p 221.]
April 8.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers.
64. Present: Earl of Wilmington, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Mr. Gybbon.
Order for an advertisement of reward concerning the wounding of some watchmen at Clerkenwell Green by smugglers.
The woodward of New Forest to execute the office of Surveyor of Woods with respect to felling timber this season in said Forest, till a surveyor be appointed.
Five presentments of Customs officers, detailed, from the Customs Commissioners, Scotland, agreed to and warrants ordered thereon. Said Commissioners to be asked why William Maxwell, tidesman at Dumfries, has been suspended.
The Taxes Commissioners' report about the extent against Mr. Carter, receiver of land tax for — read and agreed to.
Edward Jasper's memorial read concerning the “St. Joseph” and “St. Jago” prizes; also a same from Captain Cooper of the “Chester” man-of-war relating thereto; also the like from Mr. Paul. Said Paul called in and discoursed with thereon. Barrow's claim on the “St. Joseph” prize to be sent to Mr. Greenly, his Majesty's Advocate, with orders to expedite the affair.
Mr. Verelst called in and questioned as to Oglethorpe's power to draw bills. Ordered that all the bills in said Verelst's memorial of the 6th inst., be answered by him at the public charge as low as the last of November, 1741. “And likewise that Mr. Verelst do defray the expense of the Spanish prisoner sent over by General Oglethorpe amounting to 17l. 4s. 4d.
Pay Lady Bellenden her pension to Lady day last.
Mr. Lowther to pay out of the King's money in his hands 5l. to Edmund Longbridge as of His Majesty's bounty.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 28–9; Customs Book XV. p. 221; Letter Book XX. p. 36; North Britain Book XIII. p. 273.]
April 13.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers.
65. Present: Earl of Wilmington, Mr. Chancellor of Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
“Read a precept from the Secret Committee for a copy of the minutes and other things relating to the remittances of money to the West Indies since the commencement of the warr with Spain. And for the heads of all acts, orders and warrants during the last month that Robert Earl of Orford was Chancellor of the Exchequer and First Commissioner of the Treasury. And my Lords direct the said copy and extracts to be forthwith made.”
Order for the issue to the Paymaster of the Forces of 113,701l. 10s. 0d. to complete his memorial of the 22nd ult. for 190,875l. for services therein.
Same for same of 34,375l. 12s. 6d. to the Paymaster of Marines to complete his same of the 23rd ult. for 68,751l. 5s. 0d. for 4 months' subsistence and pay to 1742, April 24.
Same for same of the following out of the Civil List funds:—
£ s. d.
To Mr. Guy Dickens 852 10 0
To Mr. Basket in part 1,000 0 0
To the Master of the Horse for extraordinaries of the Stables 2,000 0 0
To the Great Wardrobe, 1742, Midsummer quarter 1,303 3
A memorial from Messrs. Chandler and Hayton concerning duty on quicksilver, of which 150,000l. worth has been taken into Jamaica in a prize ship, read and referred to the Customs Commissioners.
William Corbett to be Comptroller of Dumfries, loco John Young, preferred. The Customs Commissioners to grant Capt. Ashe six months' leave of absence.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. p. 30; Reference Book X. p. 206; North Britain Book XIII. p. 273; Customs Book XV. p. 221.]
April 14. 66. Thomas Lowther, gentleman's, account of money received by him at the Exchequer, and disbursed for His Majesty's service from 1740, May 23 to 1742, March 20, amounting to 31,710l. 17s. 5d. Referred to William Lowndes, who is to examine same with the vouchers to be produced by said Lowther, and report thereon to the Treasury.
[Reference Book X. p. 207.]
April 15.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers.
67. Present: Earl of Wilmington, Mr. Chancellor of Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
Joseph Chitty's petition read concerning the duty on great raisons for Lexia raisins, being a lesser fruit, imported by him Referred to the Customs Commissioners.
William Smith to be a tidesman at Newcastle, loco William Hutton, deceased.
A petition of the soap makers of Tiverton, concerning stamping soap to prevent frauds, read and referred to the Excise Commissioners.
John Devall to be Serjeant Plumber to the Works, loco Joseph Roberts, deceased.
A representation of the British planters in the Sugar Settlements in America read in reply to the report of the Excise Commissioners on their former petition for the warehousing of rum on bond. Referred to said Commissioners to reconsider this affair.
“Mr. John Gore is to give in his proposals to my Lords for remitting 50,000l. to Genoa for the Queen of Hungary.”
The Customs Commissaries to permit the free delivery of clothing for the 4 regiments coming from Ireland to Chester, as by the request of the commanders thereof, viz.. Bragg, Ponsonby, Bligh, and Johnson.
Order for the issue to the Paymaster General of the Forces of 1,501l. 5s.d., out of Exchequer bills on malt, 1740, to answer Governor Trelawney's bill of exchange from Jamaica for victualling the sick and hurt belonging to the American regiment, 1740, Oct. 29 to 1740–1, January 23.
The report from the Surveyor General of Crown Lands of the 9th instant on Jane Kingdon's petition for a lease of a house in Scotland Yard read and agreed to.
The draft surety bond in 2,000l. for Mr. Bladen as Lieutenant Governor of Maryland to be sent to the King's Remembrancer to take same accordingly.
Thomas Cowper's petition read, for leave to apply to Parliament for a remaining debt for clothing Lord Hinchinbroke's regiment in 1718. My Lords say it is now too late for such application.
Order for the issue to the Treasurer of the Navy of 13,000l. for services as in his memorial of the 13th instant, and 9,000l. for same as in same of this day.
Same for same of 10,000l. to the Treasurer of the Ordnance in part of 82,728l. 9s. 1d. granted by Parliament for services performed last year, and not provided for.
See what has been done in Sir William Seaton's case, who was collector of rents of several bishoprics in Scotland, and in whose favour the Barons of the Exchequer, as is alleged, made a report, 1722–3, Feb. 16, for allowing him 108l. yearly for expenses.
A petition of John Eyles, Warden of the Fleet, read, concerning the prosecution for the escape of Edward Johnson, a smuggler. Referred to the Customs Commissioners.
Mr. Verelst called in and exhibits General Oglethorpe's letters of advice of bills, detailed, to the amount of 315l. 11s. 0d. Allowed to be paid as being previous to 1741, Nov. 30, the day limited by their Lordships for answering no more of General Oglethorpe's bills.
The petition of Edward Farley, a printer of Exeter, to be discharged from Exeter gaol, referred to the Stamps Commissioners.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 31–3; Letter Book XX. p. 37; Reference Book X. 207, 208, 209; Customs Book XV. pp. 220, 223.]
April 15. 68. Memorial to the Treasury from the Customs Commissioners, England, dated Custom House, London, concerning the complaints made by the merchants of London about the advantages accorded to the traders at Hull, in being exempt from the strictness of examination required at other ports, and on account of the irregularities and loose management of the officers there. Have had one of the most experienced land surveyors there for some time, and on his report are of opinion a further provision of officers is necessary at Hull. There is at present only one land surveyor there, and the officers are obliged to examine and discharge goods sometimes on shore, sometimes on board at the option of the merchants. Propose to establish another land surveyor to visit the land waiters whilst delivering the goods as well on water as on land. Propose William Long for this post. As there is a great want of tidesmen and boatmen, there being only 12 tidesmen on the establishment and 8 paid by incidents, and 11 boatmen on the establishment and 4 paid by incidents, propose to add another 6, to alter the establishment and to change the method of pay so as to ensure a more diligent performance of duty, and further, to send two experienced land waiters from London for a time to ensure that the same care will be taken in the method of discharging foreign goods as is done at London. 4 pages.
Appending
:—(a) A list of the tidesmen and boatmen at Hull hitherto paid by incidents, and now proposed to be placed on the establishment. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCVII. No. 39.]
April 20 69. J. Scrope to the Commissioners of Excise, forwarding from the Treasury a precept from the Committee of Secrecy, dated the 19th instant, and directing the preparation of such matters and things as are required in such precept.
The like respectively to the Commissioners separately of Customs, Stamps, Salt, Hackney Coaches, Hawkers and Pedlars, Navy, Victualling, Ordnance, and Taxes.
[Letter Book XX. p. 37.]
April 24. 70. Harman Verelst to the Earl of Wilmington, dated from Queen Square, Westminster. Forwards for his perusal in the meantime, (a) infra, being a copy of what will be laid before the Treasury on Tuesday next. Hopes same will explain everything to satisfaction, so that General Oglethorpe's bills drawn since November, 1741, may be honoured as those before that date have been. “If these bills are ordered to be accepted pursuant to my memorial I will waive the application to replace General Oglethorpe's cash drawn out of my hands.” Quotes a paragraph from Oglethorpe's letter to Captain Horton of 1741–2, January 12, to the effect that Oglethorpe never had orders to reduce the men raised at the beginning of the war. As to Captain Horton, a report from the Comptroller of Army Accounts has lain some time before the Treasury for provisions for his company for six months after their landing in Georgia, which they will be in want of if not soon sent. If ordered, there is a ship now ready. 2 pages.
Appending
:—(a) [Verelst's] state, directed to the Treasury, of Oglethorpe's proceedings for the King's service in America and the expenses created thereupon from his arrival in Georgia in September, 1738, to Christmas, 1741. “The Spanish minister at London, having claimed the extension of Florida as far as 33½ degrees north latitude, preparations were made by the King of Spain for invading Georgia. But before the last intended succours from Cuba sailed for Augustine the King of Great Britain, having insisted upon an order from the King of Spain to forbid the Spaniards committing hostilities in Georgia, such order was sent to Augustine, and part of the former succours returned to Cuba, which ended that design. In June, 1739, General Oglethorpe received in Georgia an account of the convention with Spain, together with orders not to fortify, dated March 18, 1738–9: during which tranquility he visited the Indians in the West of Georgia at the Assembly of the Upper and Lower Creeks in the Cowketa Town, 300 miles from Savannah. On his return to Savannah he met with His Majesty's orders, dated June 15, 1739, for His Majesty's subjects to annoy those of Spain in the best manner they were able, and to put himself into as good a posture of defence as possible to oppose any attempts that may be made against Georgia by the Spaniards, taking care to get the earliest intelligence he could of their designs. On the 13th of November, 1739, the Spaniards attacked the Island Amelia, and surprized and killed 2 Highlandmen, cutting off their heads and dismembering their bodies in a barbarous manner.” Oglethorpe thereupon granted commissions to privateers applying for them, raised 2 troops of Rangers or Horsemen, called down the Creek and Cherokee Indians to hinder the Spanish Indians and the runaway slaves from Carolina from harassing the country and procuring a revolt of the Carolina slaves, bought and hired armed boats (Georgia and Carolina towards the sea coast being divided into islands by all the rivers, near 400 miles from the Santee in South Carolina to St. John's River in Florida, communicating with each other by channels), kept up the garrison at Fort Augusta for communication with the Cherokee and Creek Indians, reintrenched and fortified Frederica, making a road from the fort at the entrance of Jekyll harbour to the town of Frederica. “Upon advice that the Spaniards had again landed on Amelia and lain hid in the woods he prepared to get boats to land on the Spanish main, which he did on the 9th December, 1739, with several Indians who joined him, and ravaged Florida as far as Fort St. Diego, burning the craft he met with in the river St. John's. He then prepared for attacking Fort St. Francis, which was pretty expensive, as well in the hiring boats as for provision, ammunition, and a small train of four pounders. But he took it, as also Picolata, on the 7th of January following. On examining with Captain Pearse the prisoners there taken concerning the distress of the garrison of Augustine, he met the field officers and captain of his regiment, with Captain Pearse, and by their advice resolved to desire the assistance of the people of Carolina against Augustine. But the Carolina preparations were slow, and he did not receive His Majesty's orders by the “Colchester” man of war till April the 28th, 1740.” No particular accounts have yet been received of the above expenses from 1739, Oct. to 1740, April. Gives in detail an estimate of the cost of the preparations for attacking Augustine, and of the subsequent expenditure to 1741, December, and of the imprests issued to satisfy same. (Total estimated expense, 21,384l. 10s. 8d.; total imprests issued, 18,890l. 4s. 5d.; imprest applied for, 3,123l. 0s. 4d.) The order to Oglethorpe not to draw any more bills for the King's service till further order was sent in July, 1741.
Together with (1) a copy of the preparations for attacking Augustine, with the establishments for the various troops and boats, &c.
(2) A copy of Oglethorpe's letter to Verelst of date 1741, April 20, received 1741–2, Feb. 7. “I have been obliged to send Captain Dunbar to the Indians, having found that the Spaniards were very busy in drawing them into their interest. I have ordered him to urge the Creeks to carry on the war vigorously, and have given him bills for 1,230 odd pounds sterling to enable him to buy presents and horses to carry them. This is by way of imprest towards raising one thousand Indians. The Spaniards have raised the Floridas, and if we do not beat theirs out of the field with our Indians the King's affairs here will suffer greatly.” In the letter of advice of these bills, has described them as only for horses, as it would be dangerous to divulge the intention of raising the Indians before the captain's arrival in the Nation. “My Secretary, Moore, has behaved in a very wrong manner, which puts me under some difficulties till I can get another clerk.”
(3) Oglethorpe's proposals relating to the war in Georgia and Florida.
(4) an account of the expenses performed in the defence of South Carolina and Georgia, both (3) and (4) verbatim as under date August 5, infra, p. 65.
(5) articles of Oglethorpe's expenses in Georgia, Dec. 7, 1741.
9 pages.
(b) Copy of an undated letter from General Oglethorpe to Mr. Harman Verelst, dated from Frederica in Georgia, and received [by the latter] 1742, March 29. In April, 1740, pursuant to His Majesty's commands, ordered troops to be raised, amongst them a company of boatmen, but not being able to unite them into a company, not having time to get men sufficient, saved the appointments of commissioned officers by having only sergeants or coxswains. Before November the boatmen were out of their time, being engaged for only 4 months, and the dangerous situation at Frederica making men unwilling to enlist. In October appointed Captain Carr captain of the company, naming it the Marine Company of Boatmen, and with orders to raise recruits in Virginia. Capt. Carr raised some in Virginia, and Major Heron raised 8 men in Charleston. This company has been of great service by garrisoning a place upon the main, where Captain Carr's plantation was burned by the Spaniards, and a guard of ours cut off; and also by keeping communications open with the islands without making the soldiers row in boats, and dispersing the regiments in boats. When Capt. Carr was in Virginia the winter came on so hard that he could not get back nor have any communication, which obliged him to draw for 100l. for the subsistence of the recruits of the company of boatmen. The bills were payable to Taylor and Tucker. “Nothing but necessity would have obliged him to have done this, and I find by yours it has had the ill effect which was natural to expect from it, since thereby the ministry as well as you must have been apt to believe that this was a new expense of levies made by me upon my own head, whereas in reality it was no other than part of the pay of those who was ordered to be levied pursuant to His Majesty's commands for the siege of Augustine, and the necessity for the defence of this province having made it as needfull to continue them as to raise them, I did not dare disband them having received no orders for reducing…. The case of the Rangers and the Highland Company is much the same. I therefore ordered all to be recruited: the full establishment made a saving which is the fund for defraying the charge of the recruits. The full establishment of the company of boatmen from the siege of St. Augustine for the first 6 months you will see, of which there was a saving upon the commission officers pay…. From the 1st of October, 1740, the Company began at the low pay which you will see according to the establishment, and thereby you will find that I have not drawn for near as much as the pay of this company of boatmen amounts to, having subsisted the other part of the company by means of the provision, &c., I drew for; for they are paid to this time and having not been able intirely to complete them I was forced to keep other boatmen at an advance pay. I hope this account will enable you to explain the matter. I send you Captain Carr's certificate that the company was paid and cleared to the 25th day of September 1741, and their subsistence to the 25 of November following. I have also drawn upon you for the payment of the sloop and schooner. It is very dangerous to write the strength of what is supplied here, since letters are often intercepted by the enemy. However I may say in this letter what I shall give more particular accounts by a sure hand. Besides the regular troops it was absolutely necessary to keep up the two troops of Rangers raised for the seige of St. Augustine, also the Highland Company and the company of boatmen as well as garrisons at Fort Augusta, at Mount Pleasant, at Mount Venture, and fortify different places. The prizes taken off Charleston barr shews that the men of war could not be spared from thence and that two were not sufficient to protect that trade, and if we had not vessels to defend us in shoal water think what must have become of a frontier settlement. These vessels have already forced one of the enemy's sloops on shore and we engaged that privateer which did so much mischief and forced him over the barr insomuch that it was six weeks before he was again fit for sailing. The fortifications and building barracks for the Company's removal from St. Andrew's are a continual expence. This I have paid weekly, and have not drawn particularly for them, but shall send you an account of them. The barracks are built with lyme and mortar, and are 90 feet square. They are now finished except the flooring the officers rooms. There is continually a body of Indians employed by me acting against the Spaniards of St. Augustine. They have straitened that place extreamly and frequently bring in prisoners here. Amongst the last was a Lieutenant of horse belonging to that garrison by name Don Romualdo Ruiz del Moral, nephew to the last Governor. The entertaining the Indians is very expensive, but they are absolutely necessary. I am mighty unwilling to make any expence much less would I venture to pretend to or make use of an unlimited credit since you know I draw upon my own credit first, and it is in the judgment of the Government to reimburse me. I make no expences but what are absolutely necessary, and employ all I have from His Majesty in his service. You know that all my appointments are paid to you to answer the bills which I draw and lay out for the service here. As for my personal expenses they are mighty inconsiderable. The expences for vessels, Indians, &c., are so necessary that we could not hold the country without them. If I did not draw for them how must I answer the loss of it by the want of their assistance. It is a great misfortune to me to have no accomptant, for these things would appear very plain if I had. When I came out from England I depended upon Mr. Jones, but he is so taken up at Savannah that he cannot spare time to come to my assistance. You know I do not understand accounts myself, beside the crowd of other business and service prevents my having time. Moore as you know is not an accomptant or bred bookkeeper, besides which he has took such a turn as Mr. Carteret can inform you that of a long time he has been of little service to me. As I look upon holding the province to His Majesty to be of the utmost importance I risque everything for it, and the Spaniards for the same reason strive all they can to destroy me as well by employing agents in stirring up lies and calumnies against me to lessen my reputation at home as by open force. There is nothing puts me under more difficulty than the wanting a direct correspondence to England. Seven out of eight letters by Charleston miscarry.” Encloses a list of his daily expenses besides contingencies, also a certificate of the sloop, &c. Dares not transmit the several establishments lest they should fall into the hands of the enemy. 3 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCVII. No. 44.]
April 26. 71. J. Scrope to the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, to attend the Treasury on Thursday next at 11 a.m. about adjusting the times for payment of the 1,600,000l. “which their Lordships are at present of opinion will best be settled in case the Bank agree to make their payments as the Treasury shall find the public occasions shall call for the same.”
[Letter Book XX. p. 38.]
April 27.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers.
72. Present: Earl of Wilmington, Mr. Compton, Mr. Chancellor of Exchequer, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
The Revenue Commissioners, Ireland, to inform their Lordships what was the price of provisions there in 1740 and what it is now with respect to the allowance made Mr. Revell for Gibraltar and Messrs. Burrell and Bristow for Minorca on account of the dearness of provisions.
A memorial from the Paymaster General of the Forces of this day read representing that his deputy there had paid the forces there at 125l. Jamaica currency for 100l. sterling which money he had taken of from Messrs. Gray and Wooley, agents for Burrell and Bristow. But that said deputy is of opinion he can procure any sums required for the said forces at 140l. Jamaica currency for 100l. sterling. Therefore desires directions as to whether said deputy is to observe the contract with Burrell and Bristow or to procure sums at the best rate he can, drawing bills on said Paymaster for same, and keeping a distinct account in writing of the difference arising by exchange, to be subject to future directions. Ordered to direct his deputy to proceed in the latter way.
Order for the issue to the Navy Treasurer of 50,000l. and 12,000l. on his memorials of the 16th and 19th instant.
John Storeaker, junr., to be surveyor of windows in Yorkshire loco John Storeaker, senr.
A memorial from the Admiralty read inclosing a copy of a clause drawn by the Attorney General to be put into a bill for importing all provisions for the forces duty free.
Order for the issue, out of the Civil List funds, of 12,633l. 0s.d., to Mr. Stuart, to clear pensions payable by him for 1741, Midsummer quarter.
Mr. Paris to carry on the Earl of Pembroke's cause with the Countess of Portland, during the confinement of Nicholas Paxton.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 34–5; Irish Book IX. p. 255; Letter Book XX. p. 38.]
April 29. 73. Treasury warrant to the King's Remembrancer in the Exchequer to take the securities, detailed, of Thomas Bladen, approved of by His Majesty, as Lieut. Gov. of Maryland, he having been nominated and appointed thereunto by the Rt. Hon. Charles Lord Baltimore, Proprietor of the said Province: all under the condition of his performing and obeying all such directions and instructions given him, or to be given him, by His Majesty for putting in execution the several acts of trade and navigation relating to the Plantations, said acts being instanced in detail.
[Warrants not relating to Money XXVII. pp. 49–52.]
April 29.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers.
74. Present: The Earl of Wilmington, Mr. Chancellor of Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
Order for the issue of 110,417l. 4s. 5d. to the Navy Treasurer on his memorial of the 28th instant, for 210,456l. 17s. 4d.
Same for same to the Treasurer of the Ordnance of 10,000l. for sea, and 10,000l. for land services, as by his same of this day.
Same for same to the Paymaster of the Forces of 50,000l., as by his same of the 28th instant, in part of 500,000l. granted for the support of the House of Austria.
The Paymaster of the Forces desiring by his memorial of the 28th instant to know in what manner and at what rates of exchange the several corps ordered upon foreign service shall be subsisted during their continuance abroad, their Lordships agree to Mr. John Gore's proposal for that service as follows, viz.: bills of exchange on Amsterdam for the sums found requisite at 10 guilders 11½ stivers current money of Amsterdam, per £ sterling, two-thirds at eight days' sight, one-third at one month.
The said Paymaster's said memorial to be sent to the Auditors of Imprests to certify their Lordships how the exchange was fixed as to the pay of the troops in the like service during the last war.
Sackville Bale's letter of the 28th instant read relating to differences continually subsisting between the Customs Commissioners and the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, in whose behalf he applies, about the custody and duties of goods wrecked, jetsam, flotsam and lagan. To be transmitted to the said Commissioners to state a case for the Attorney and Solicitor General.
James Lumley's petition, now read, for establishment of a certain Customs officer at Arundel port referred to same Commissioners.
The report of the 24th instant read on the Duke of Newcastle's letter enclosing a memorial from Monsr. de Bussy, the French minister in London, complaining of the seizure of the French vessel “Sea Horse.” Their Lordships are of opinion the law must take its course.
The Customs Commissioners' report of the 28th instant read on the memorial of Chandler and Hayter concerning the excessive duties on quicksilver taken as prize by ships in the West Indies, and imported here from Jamaica. Said Commissioners to take the opinion of the Attorney and Solicitor General as to whether the Act 10 Annæ for relief of merchants importing prize goods from America is still in force, and if not, then to prepare a clause for the relief of petitioners and others, and for preventing the like inconveniences in future.
Thos. Tompkins admitted an underclerk in the Treasury loco Thos. Gibson, deceased.
Mr. Secretary at War comes and acquaints their Lordships that no provision is made in the estimates for clothing the American regiment commanded by Col. Gooch. Desired to prepare an estimate of the charge of said clothing, which their Lorships will consider when the Paymaster of the Forces' report on the memorial of Mr. Wilson, the agent [of said regiment], relating to said clothing is laid before them.
Said Secretary also acquaints their Lordships that a sum for contingencies for the forces going abroad will be necessary. Their Lordships agree thereto, and are of opinion the sum to be provided should not exceed 10,000l.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 36–8; Letter Book XX. pp. 39, 40.]