Minute Book: October 1697

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

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'Minute Book: October 1697', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698, (London, 1933) pp. 1-22. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol13/pp1-22 [accessed 19 April 2024]

October 1697.

Oct. 1.
forenoon.		 Present: The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
The Agents for Taxes [attend]. Mr. H. Baker is to prosecute Arthur Tailor a collector in Drury Lane for fraud in his office; and to take the advice and assistance of Mr. Dewy.
[Order for] Henry Baker, 500l. in malt ticquets.
[Write] to the Post Office for 2000l. [to be paid into the Exchequer] for secret service.
The Attorney and Solicitor General and the Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. The former think the Exchequer Bills that are filled up with indorsements may be renewed by taking them in and giving other Bills of the same dates for them.
The Earl of Ranelagh is to deliver, in salt tallies, 5000l. to complete 125,000l. as a security for the million of [Dutch] florins borrowed.
The clothiers desire the 15 per cent for taking the salt tallies. My Lords will lay it before the King. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. IX, p. 270).
Oct. 5,
forenoon.		 Present: The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
[Order for] 60l. for the [French] ministers in the Savoy.
A letter [of direction] for Mr. Ferne is approved.
The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend]. They will endeavour to find credit and my Lords [will endeavour to find] some money for them in about 14 days.
Write to the Attorney and Solicitor General to be here tomorrow morning about an affair of the Navy.
[Order for] 13000l. in Exchequer Bills to the Earl of Ranelagh for 14 days ending the 23rd inst. for subsistence [for the Forces] and 5000l. to pay a bill of exchange drawn by Mr. Hill and payable to Mr. Hugeton for subsistence in Flanders.
[Write] to Mr. Henry Harris to be here this day week.
The Commissioners of Transport [attend. Order for] 1000l. in Exchequer Bills for the Transport service.
Order for 1000l. in money on Mr. Packer's liberates, he accepting the 1000l. in malt ticquets. (Ibid. p. 271).
eodem die, afternoon. Present: all the five Lords.
The Customs Commissioners are called in. Mr. Colchester, the landwaiter, is suspended and is to be dismissed unless on this day week he can justify himself.
[Write] letters to him [the said Colchester], Ranton, Reve, Singleton, Enos, White, Baines to attend this day week.
Henry Serjeant the land surveyor is to attend at the same time with the rest of the land surveyors. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. IX, p. 271).
Oct. 6,
forenoon.		 Present: ut supra.
200l. to be paid to Mr. Baber for prosecuting for the estate of Lapierre, Stone et al.
20l. to be paid to Mris. Cuningham and [she] to be told it appears by the report nothing is due from the King and she is to expect no more.
Nevil's papers and Galliardet's are to be delivered to them.
[Write] to the Customs Commissioners to attend this afternoon concerning the receipt of the Impost Duties of tobacco.
[Order for] 3000l. in Exchequer Bills to [be issued to the Navy Treasurer for] the Victuallers for their course.
The remainder of the fine for the office of the Havenor (above 600l. for Mr. Travers) is to be paid to my Lord Chancellor on his pension. Ibid., p. 272.
eodem die, afternoon. Present: Mr. Chancellor, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Mr. Pelham.
The Customs Commissioners and Mr. Knight [attend] about the receipt of the money on the Impost bonds on tobacco. Mr. Wolstenholme is to proceed in the keeping of the bonds till Xmas next and by that time Mr. Knight is to prepare for it; and in the meantime to present to my Lords in writing what may be necessary as to room and assistance in order thereunto.
Mr. Moor and Mr. Baber to be heard this day fortnight.
Mr. Stanyon to be heard this day week.
The Excise Commissioners attend. Mr. Baber's memorial of the 15th September last is read. The Commissioners continue in their former opinion that Mr. Baber is not fit for his employment of solicitor and my Lords upon hearing them and considering the said memorial do resolve that he be dismissed.
Mr. Baber says the money has not been accounted for as it should be and the proceedings have not been regular; money hath been taken for the first process and something is not right as to fines: he says Sir Thomas Clarges asked the Commissioners whether ducks and drakes were made of the King's money: answer was made that the matter of the fines was laid before the Treasury Lords and no direction given.
Sir John Foche complains against Mr. Parry, the solicitor for lawsuits, and his deputy Stanlake for not doing their duty in the case of one Pride: see minute of 29 July last.
Mr. George Townsend is to be solicitor for causes before the Excise Commissioners and before the Commissioners for Appeals in Excise and Solicitor for prosecuting of lawsuits: with the salary of 200l. per an. for himself and his clerk.
The Excise Commissioners will be here again this day week.
A revocation of Mr. Baber's patent [is ordered] and Mr. Townsend is to be constituted [as above] in the same patent. (Ibid., pp. 272–3.)
Oct. 7,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
The Navy Commissioners [attend]. My Lords will endeavour to find money for three sets of clerks to pay wages.
The Agents for Taxes [attend]. [Send] to Mr. Squib to be here presently.
The Glass Commissioners are to attend next Wednesday morning with Mr. Allambridge.
[Write] to Mr. Roger Whitley to attend tomorrow morning. [Ibid., p. 274].
Oct. 8,
forenoon.		 Present: ut supra.
Mr. Squib and Mr. Whitley [attend]. My Lords reprehend Mr. Whitley for lodging the King's money in the Exchequer without charging it, whereby the King pays interest for it. (Ibid., p. 275).
Oct. 12,
forenoon.		 Present: ut supra.
Sir Robert Clayton and others come in. He says it was observed at the Committee for the City Loan that there is no certain time mentioned in my Lords' advertisement when the said loans shall begin to be repaid, or after what sum, out of the Aids of next year; and though he told the Committee he believed it would be as well provided for as the General Loan of last year yet he says he fears it will be a prejudice to the coming in of the loan.
Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer] says the Parliament have been always readier than could be expected in taking care of such loans as have been made on credit of the Exchequer, and that their Lordships cannot undertake to tell them when, or after what sum, the said loans will take place [on the Register for repayment] out of next year's funds [or supply]; yet they need not doubt but good care will be taken thereof, especially since it is of such public service.
Sir Robert says that another objection made at the Committee was that the loans in hammered money has only an encouragement after the rate of 3l. 14s. 0d. per cent whereas milled money has 5 per cent, for it is now current by Act of Parliament at 5s. 2d. an ounce and [against this] 5s. 4d. [sic] does not amount to above 3l. 14s. 0d. per cent.
Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer tells him that what they offer for old money they look upon as matter of favour, not thinking that the Parliament will ever concern themselves further with it, and though it may not be above 3l. 14s. 0d. per cent. [in the way of] encouragement to the lender yet the charge thereof to the King amounts to 6l. 14s. 0d. as by Dr. Newton's computation thereof, which is shewed to Sir Robert and a copy thereof given him. As to guineas he says the city makes a great clamour concerning their going at 21s. 6d. a piece and begin to part with them as fast as they can, and desires to know how they will be taken. My Lords say that was put in in hopes that it would make guineas more plenty in trade and not that any loans were expected at that rate; but however he said they would go [pass current] in all other payments to the King at 22s.
The Bank of England come in. The Governor acquaints my Lords that they have called a Court and proposed there the promoting of the General Loan; that they had not agreed to the proposition then made of lending to the respective members [shareholders of the Bank] money upon their stock but were adjourned till Wednesday to consider of subscribing as particular persons for the said loan; and asks my Lords what answer he shall make to them when they meet concerning my Lords' approbation thereof.
Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer thanks them for their great readiness to serve the Government but thinks in regard they are tied up by Act of Parliament not to lend to the Government but upon Parliamentary funds it is not adviseable to propose to the Court the contributing to this loan; that what was desired of them was the advancing of money upon tallies which my Lords knew were as good as money or might be turned into money if they should have any pressing occasion; that they will always be very tender of the Bank; that as particular persons my Lords hope they will advance the loan what they can, but not otherwise in any kind.
Mr. Herne and Mr. Twitty [attend] about endorsing the Exchequer specie Bills that shall be lent: to prevent their being specie Bills when they issue from the Exchequer 'tis proposed that the person who writes "now exchanged" upon the Exchequer Bills for the Trustees (whereby they become no longer specie Bills) may endorse these upon the day of lending: which is approved of.
Mr. Chamberlain [the Chamberlain of the City of London] at the same time complains that he is not able to distinguish every individual lender's specie according to the direction of the privy seal which directs the orders [of repayment] to mention it; but he says he will do it from time to time in the gross of his payments into the Exchequer.
Mr. Twitty therefore proposes that the orders [of repayment] may be drawn by virtue of this [privy seal] and the privy seal of 1689 March 25 without mentioning the species [specie] in which the loans are made and that certificates shall be made from time to time of what is lent into the Exchequer in milled money, hammered money or [Exchequer] Bills.
My Lords agree.
Mr. Reginald Marriot sends in that he has a matter of moment to impart to my Lords if they will please to hear him. He is called in: says he appears before them with the greatest shame and confusion: but he will acquaint them with the whole matter that he knows concerning the Exchequer Bills: that when he first came into the Exchequer he told Mr. Knight and Mr. Burton that as an auditor he had a very good correspondence with the Receivers [of Taxes] and could get them to exchange him a considerable quantity of Bills; that not being able to make good his promise he had wickedly done what he did to keep up his credit with Mr. Knight and Mr. Burton; that he believes he had endorsed in all about 20,000l.; that no one was privy to it any manner of way and begs my Lords' pardon.
They ask whether he received all the money of the Trustees [for Exchequer Bills] himself and what account he kept of the Bills that Mr. Knight and Mr. Burton entrusted him with to get exchanged.
He says he kept no account but to the best of his computation it was about 20,000l.; that the Bills were left with him perhaps 1000l. or 1500l. at a time; that he received the money himself.
He is asked whether he exchanged any with Receiver [of Taxes]. He says about 4000l. or 5000l. to wit about 2000l. with Berry [Receiver] of Co. Notts., about 600l. with the Receiver of Co. Northampton, 1500l. with the Receiver of Co. Suffolk, 500l. with the Receiver of Leicester.
My Lords tell him they cannot think this an ingenious [ingenuous] confession and will leave him to the law. (Ibid., Vol. X, pp. 1–3).
Oct. 12,
afternoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
Mr. Vander Esch is [called in and] told that the King's commands are to send over the two Dutch Regiments and [he is] asked what is due to them. He will bring an account by tomorrow morning.
The Customs Commissioners come in. Their report is read concerning the combination of the officers. Mr. Colchester a landwaiter, is called in: says he thought it for the King's service; that he is an old officer and troubled with a tissick and that this agreement to divide the fees equally "would be a means of getting a month or two's excuse from duty in the winter time without loosing."
My Lords say it is very visible it is not for the King's service. He says he thought by this association to be better able to prosecute for a seizure.
Mr. Smith says 'tis maintenance to make a public purse to carry on law suits; that if this be all 'tis no excuse.
They [my Lords] ask who was the first promoter hereof. He says he drew the heads of it but knew [not] nor intended no prejudice to the revenue thereby.
[He] withdraws.
Ordered that Mr. Colchester be dismissed from his office of a landwaiter.
Mr. Rainton, a king's waiter, is called in and examined: says that 'twas proposed to him by Mr. Colchester; that he conceived no prejudice nor intended none thereby.
Reeves, White, Singleton, Baines, landwaiters and Mr. Enos a king's waiter [are] called in severally and answer to the same effect and that they never came to any account with one another for above four months in all and that this Instrument would break of itself; and all beg pardon. (Ibid., p. 3).
Oct. 13,
forenoon.		 Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
Ordered that the 200l. to Lord Culpeper and 200l. to Lord Eure be paid in the earliest [dated] malt ticquets without prizes.
Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mr. Smith come in.
The Earl of Ranelagh [is called in and] reads a letter from Mr. Hill concerning a deposit of 80,000l. to be made on tallies with the Dutch Ambassador for [security of] 800,000l. guilders [to be advanced by the Dutch] for the Army in Flanders. My Lords agree that the deposit shall be as follows, viz. 60,000l. in malt ticquets; 14079l. 1s. 11d. in tallies on the Continued Impositions; 6000l. in salt tallies or 80079l. 1s. 11d. in all.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills are called in. Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer addressing them says:] Gentlemen what we desired to speak with you about was Mr. Marriot's coming to us yesterday to give us a further account of this villany relating to the Exchequer Bills: and being informed that you had something concerning that matter under your examination therefore we entreat you to give us the best account you can of it.
They produce a report made to them by Mr. Richard Taylor which is read. Mr. Jo. Knight [Customs Cashier] is askt what he can say to it: says he has been highly abused in the endorsements: that Marriot told him he could get off some Exchequer Bills with Receivers and that he did entrust Mr. Marriot with 2500l. Bills to get off and at other times with 5-6000l. more which he [Marriot] answered in money all but about 800l. which he still owes him; but how he so turned them [into money] is altogether unknown to Mr. Knight, he believing that they had been all exchanged by the Receivers as Marriot told him.
Mr. Dodington says if the hand[writing of the endorsement] be found out [i.e., the identity of the man] that endorsed the Bills which are produced by the Trustees it will clear the matter.
Mr. Sedgwick says the Trustees have fixt the Bills; that Mr. John Knight owns he had the Bills from the Trustees; that he carried them to Marriot.
Mr. Hern observes that the Bills were not endorsed "Marriot" but some of them "Darby."
Mr. Knight says he sends his Bills up to the Exchequer but knows not in what [Teller's] Office they are paid.
Mr. B. Burton says that some of the Customs [receipts] are paid in one [Teller's] Office, some in another.
Mr. Abbot says this transaction was at Mr. Knight's house; that Mr. Shallett's name is endorsed upon some of them as paid in for Customs; that they are dated on Bartholomew day when no business was done at the Custom House; that Mr. Shallett will easily know whether he signed or had any transaction with Mr. Knight on that day for Customs.
Mr. Knight says Shallet might leave the Bills with him endorsed with his name and date only and the rest [of the endorsement] as paid in to the Custom House might be left to be filled up, which is practised every day.
Mr. Sedgwick says when the counterfeiting these indorsements was first practised care was taken to get divers hands to do it but after[wards] one hand did many of them.
Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer] remembers he told the Trustees he thought it absurd that any specie Bills should be made but [or solely] by their endorsements.
Mr. Darby is sent for from Lord Fitz Hardinge's Office.
Mr. Hern says when this matter was first discovered the Bills were shewed to Mr. B. Burton and he said he believed the endorsements were Mr. William Knight's.
Mr. Dodington [says] if Marriot put these Bills upon the Trustees they must first be signed by somebody [or endorsed as] paid into the Custom House.
Mr. Sedgwick [says] tis plain by this endorsement 10l. per cent is got and then tis to be enquired who got it.
Mr. Knight says no body as [far as] he knows has got a farthing by it.
Mr. Darby comes in; is askt if some Bills shewed him are his hand, which he owns; whether he ever received any Bills for Customs before they were endorsed, he answers no; whether he ever received any Bills from Marriot [he answers] no.
Mr. Knight [says] Bills for Customs are always brought ready endorsed except once Mr. Porter, his agent, brought some with endorsements not filled up and he made the said Porter fill them up before he would receive them at the Exchequer.
Mr. Herne says Mr. Knight at first owned that he might receive them at home but he sent them to the Custom House and put them amongst his cash as Customs money.
Sir Thomas Littleton observes that what Mr. Knight alleged, that these Bills might be thus endorsed at the Exchequer, is contradicted by Mr. Darby who affirms that he never received any Bills there [endorsed as] from the Custom House till they were duly endorsed.
Mr. Hodgkins of Mr. Howard's office is sent for.
Mr. Richard Taylour desires to know who Mr. Knight delivered these Bills to, to be carried to the Customs. He says he sometimes sent them and sometimes carried them; that they were always put amongst his [Customs] cash.
Mr. Porter called in [is] askt whether he looks on the Bills he carries to the Exchequer for Customs: says no, they are made up in bundles ready for the Tellers; says sometimes when they are sent up without the endorsement filled up he has been forced to write [on the back thereof] paid for Customs before they would be received [by the Teller]; he says sometimes Bills come from the outports with [endorsement of] a name only; asks [is asked] whether he put a date; says no; the date and name come ready endorsed and that he never writ more than "Customs" or "paid for Customs."
Mr. Taylour says he asked Mr. Shallet whether he had endorsed these Bills which appear to be paid in by him for Customs; that he owned to [it that he did] write the name but not the rest of the endorsement.
Mr. Eyles desires an account may be made of what [cash and Bills] have been paid into the Custom [Cashier's office] since April 27 last and in what specie and on what branch [of the Customs].
Mr. Sedgwick thinks pasting the Bills on the back will hinder the inspecting what are wrong indorsed.
Sir Thomas Littleton desires the like account from the Excise Office.
Mr. Hoskins comes in. My Lords shew him two Bills signed [endorsed] by him: is askt if it be his hand; answers yes: [is askt] whether he ever indorsed any Bills for Marriot; says no; that sometimes in a hurry of business Mr. Marriot had given him Bills to examine as they were paid into the Exchequer and some to Mr. Bolt; who is sent for.
My Lords observe that some Bills from the Custom House which never came to Marriot seem to be indorsed with the same hand with those signed by Marriot.
Mr. Marriot called in is askt how much he writ of the indorsement of some Bills shewed him besides his name and whether he ever writ an indorsement without setting his name. He says he writ all the indorsements when he set his name and owns his indorsing the Bills shewed him.
Mr. Pelham turns down several Bills of the same hand [writing in the endorsements] and shewing him the rest of the endorsement and asks him whether he writ which he owned he did, then he is shewed the name which is Darby or Bolt. Marriot says he is in a great consternation and may be mistaken.
Marriot [is] askt what made him when he was first taken [into custody] say that he thought these indorsements were but a small matter and [that it was merely] what all the Tellers' clerks did, [he] says, only to make his own crime seem the less.
Mr. Bolt called in is askt if ever he signed [endorsed] Bills for another [Teller's] clerk or set his name [thereon] before the rest of the indorsement was filled up: says no: [is askt] whether he ever received any Bills at the Exchequer till [or before] they were duly endorsed by the Receivers, [he answers] no.
My Lords direct Mr. William Knight and Mr. A. Shallet to attend tomorrow morning with the Trustees [for Exchequer Bills].
[Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 4–7].
Oct. 13,
afternoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
The Excise Commissioners are called in. Their report concerning the Register's Office [in the Excise] is read, as likewise a paper of observations concerning the execution of that office, particularly relating to the fines and penalties on brewers. My Lords order them to make an account out of the books in that [the Excise] Office of what they [the said fines] have or ought to have amounted to and to mention the respective Commissioners' names who were at the Board when the judgments were given, and that they attend this day week therewith.
Sir Scroop How and Mr. Story are to attend on Friday morning. Mr. Thompson to attend this day week. (Ibid., p. 7).
Oct. 14,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
The Agents for Taxes are called in and present a memorial for their salaries. My Lords order it to be paid out of seizures as it [the money of seizures] comes in.
Mr. Browne, a messenger, informs my Lords that Mr. Sweet an acquaintance of his (present with him) has a copy of a letter from one Durden to the Governor of Hurst Castle worth my Lords' consideration. Tis read and the purport seemed to be as though they held correspondence in such manner as that Durden should send down [Exchequer] Bills to the Governor and he from time to time should get them exchanged with the Receiver [of Taxes for Co. Southants]. Sweet says he has made discoveries of frauds in the Customs and in embezzling his Majesty's Ordnance stores with which he hath informed the Customs Commissioners and the Board of Ordnance and insinuates as though it were to be suspected the Bills mentioned might be counterfeit Bills.
Browne prays my Lords if they are of that mind that he may have a Secretary [of State's] warrant to search. My Lords thank them both for their care and will speak to the Secretary.
Mr. Shallet is called in. Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer tells him his name being made use of in an unfair thing relating to Exchequer Bills which 'tis supposed he has heard of he is desired to acquaint them what he knows of the matter. [He] says about the latter end of August, being no Custom House day, he went to Mr. Knight's to settle his account with him and appearing to be indebted he paid him the balance in Exchequer Bills which he gave him endorsed with his name only: that 'twas his neglect in not writing the day of the month and the rest of the indorsement as paid for Customs, which he will be more careful of for the future and this he says is all he knows or can say to the matter.
He desires my Lords will please to appoint a day for the Commissioners of Transports to attend about settling the salaries for business relating to Hawkers and Pedlars. My Lords appoint next Wednesday morning.
The Navy Commissioners come in. Order for 10,000l. [to be issued to the Navy Treasurer] out of the General Loan [loan on the Exchequer in General]; to be for bills of exchange: and for 3000l. to be for the course of the Victualling.
A direction [is ordered to be sent] to Mr. Clayton to make out new [Exchequer] Bills for those which are filled with endorsements, [to be] of the same date with the old ones with an indorsement on one end of the new Bills in words at length containing the principal and interest on the old Bills: which [old Bills] are to be taken in, crossed on the back and filed, to the end recourse may be had thereunto upon occasion.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills attend. Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer says Mr. Shallet had told my Lords he had put his name to some Bills he had paid Mr. Knight without writing anything else. Mr. [John] Knight says tis true and that he sent them to the Custom House and put them amongst his [Customs] cash.
Mr. William Knight is called in and [is] askt if several Bills shewed him are his indorsement: says no: but that Bills frequently came from the outports with only a name endorsed and shews about 6 Bills unsevered with only a name endorsed in the middle and a letter of advise sent up with them, and that such Bills as come up with name and date any of Mr. Knight's clerks have usually filled up: that in town merchants send their servants many times to pay their Duties and the servant signs his own name.
My Lords desire the Trustees to attend again tomorrow morning and direct Mr. William Knight to bring his book wherein he enters his account of the receipt of the Customs. (Ibid., pp. 8–9).
Oct. 15.
forenoon.		 Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Mr. Pelham.
Mr. Story [attends] about the Excise accounts.
[Write] to Mr. Brewer, Deputy Auditor of Excise, to be here on Wednesday morning.
Sir Scroop How [attends]. He says he reduced his clerks from nine to seven because seven would do his business.
Ordered and consented to that Mr. Story do find himself an able assistant for the work of the General Accounts of the Excise or to perform the work about the tallies [so] that Mr. Tucker may be at liberty to assist about the General accounts and Sir Scroop will allow 100l. a year to this assistant for the time necessary: and with this help Mr. Story promises the General accounts [of the Excise] to Midsummer 1696 shall be finished within 6 months and from thenceforth my Lords will allow Sir Scroop How 2 clerks at the King's charge for the business of malt and leather and other extraordinary work of his office.
Mr. Story owns he is without excuse if the accounts be not finished within the time now prefixed.
The Trustees of the Exchequer Bills [attend]. Mr. [John] Knight desires Mr. Jones may be called in. He is his chief Teller. Jones says, the merchants sometimes come themselves, sometimes send their men, who bring notes mostly signed with a [single] name only: sometimes they write their own names and not for their masters': brokers often do the like for merchants. It's observed nineteen men in one day wrote the same hand and none of them are known.
Mr. [John] Knight says this man is produced to show Bills are often brought to the Custom House without his knowing the persons or who endorsed them; but in the case of the Bills endorsed per Mr. Shallet the question is how they were applied afterwards.
Sedgwick says they have fixt the nineteen Bills on Mr. Knight, that he owned he delivered them over to Marryot.
Mr. [John] Knight says he did deliver or send Bills to Maryot but he did not own the nineteen.
William Knight is produced with his book.
Mr. Sedgwick says Mr. Darby has acquainted Mr. Tailor with something.
Mr. Tailor says Darby told him Mr. Knight did come to him and did offer him a parcel of Bills to be taken in on the revenue which he refused and Mr. Knight was very angry with him: they were not indorsed at all for Customs or any other [branch of the] revenue.
Mr. Knight says he never changed a word with Mr. Darby.
Mr. Burton says he desired Maryot to take out his Bills from the Trustees for Exchequer Bills.
Mr. Sedgwick says Mr. Edwards told him that Mr. Knight was with him and would have had him take Bills that were not specie Bills.
Mr. Burton says Maryot did take out Bills for him and for Sir Richard Onslow, Mr. Fillingham, Lord Rivers et al and he employed Mr. Levi to do the same and that which was not done by Levi was done by Maryot.
Mr. Knight says he employed Maryot to take out Bills for him to the value of 7800l. and to turn them into money for him.
Mr. Herne says he found Mr. Knight and Mr. Edwards in a dispute and Edwards told him (Herne) Knight would have had him take back Bills (received for his subscription) without their being specie Bills as if they were; which he, Herne, was much surprised at.
Mr. Knight denies this but says he would have left his Bills with Edwards.
Herne says Mr. Knight said you told me I might do it, which he, Mr. Herne, was surprised at.
Mr. Burton says 5000l. for Fillingham, 4000l. for himself, 2000l. for Lord Marlborough, 3000l. for Lord Rivers, 2000l. for Sir Richard Onslow, 2000l. for Mr. Howard and 2000l. for Mr. Montagu in Bills on the first subscription were by him undertaken to be transacted. On the second Subscription 4000l. for himself, 2000l. for Lord Marlborough, 2000l. Lord Rivers, 2000l. Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer], 6000l. for Mr. Pitts, 1000l. Foot Onslow, 1000l. Mr. Clerk, 2000l. Mr. Gregory, 4000l. for Sir William Scawen were undertaken in like manner and he employed Maryot and Levi.
Mr. Edwards comes in. Mr. Chancellor tells him my Lords are acquainted with some discourse between him and Knight.
He says Knight came to him and desired his note to Tailor that he had received so much money and Edwards denied it because he [Knight] would have given him Bills that were not specie Bills. Knight did not actually show him the Bills but was angry because he would not take them. Edwards says Herne was present.
Herne says if Edwards would have connived at it those Bills with Edwards' name would have passed backward and forward as though they had been specie Bills and Edwards would not have been detected, but the Trustees' cash would have suffered by it.
Knight says he only desired Edwards to take his Bills by way of deposit.
Knight says it was done for other Trustees.
Edwards says Sir William S'Quintin left once 500l. Bills to answer 400l. next morning and from none other he ever accepted the like.
Edwards says he does not remember he ever took the note of any Trustees instead of Bills, but he is positive that Knight would have had him take notes [which were] not specie notes as if they were.
Knight says Edwards did take several Trustees' notes instead of money but if the cash was ready there seems no harm in it.
My Lords think this a practice not fit to be allowed, although this is not [relevant] to the case under consideration.
Mr. Sedgwick says he observed (looking over the accounts) that the cashier did sometimes take notes. Edwards says he never took a note instead of money, but the cash was answered presently [or there and then].
Mr. Darby says Porter came with a parcel of Bills only endorsed by the Trustees, not specie Bills endorsed by Mr. Knight. He refused them. Porter then endorsed them before him. Porter had a paper with the number of the Bills, the dates and the sums. Porter is the [Customs Office] Teller that brings up the Bills from the Customs House. When Porter endorsed them Darby took them as specie Bills because he thought Mr. Knight was to be answerable to him.
Mr. Knight says they were part of those Bills he were to sink [cancel and get replaced by or in return] for others.
Darby says there was no reward offered to him for this.
Knight says he had power to change them on the Sinking or Cancelling funds: that everybody had power to demand the money on the new Subscription and he might apply his Bills as well as anybody.
It's taken notice of that if they were on the new Subscription they would not be issued again but be cancelled.
Mr. Burton says he has seen Bills written upon [endorsed] "new subscription" issued out [again and] not cancelled.
Mr. Darby says he has refused taking Bills from the Receivers when he knew they had the King's money and ought to pay that [money].
All withdrew except Mr. Knight. He says he has done nothing but fears his brother has done it.
Mr. Knight will give an answer in writing on Monday.
The Trustees will attend on Monday morning.
[Order for] 3000l. in Exchequer Bills for the service of the Transport Office. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 10–12).
Oct. 18,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
Write to the Chamberlain [of the City of London]. Mr. Tompson will give him notice to be here tomorrow morning.
Mr. Knight [attends]: he presents an account [which is] read: then he offers a longer paper to justify himself; which is also read.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills come in. The longer paper is read again.
Mr. Sedgwick says these papers are nothing in answer to the charge, which was for irregular indorsing and not for having Bills and dispos[ing] them.
Mr. Burton offers an account of Bills transacted by him; which is read.
Sedgwick says Knight had a charge of individual Bills received at such a time from the Trustees with such numbers: these Bills were all carried [some] to Maryot, some to others: as to the endeavour of corrupting, the officer could signify nothing; whereas if Edwards had taken those Bills for money it could never have been found out; there would have been no suspicion.
Mr. Abot and Doding[ton] say they were told of Knight's tampering with Edwards a good wh[ile] ago.
Mr. Dodington says the Bills endorsed by Porter were observed by Mr. Bolt to be endorsed for the Impositions; whereas Mr. Knight on Friday pretended they were sunk on the new Subsidy.
Mr. Knight says whether Bills might be sunk on Clarges's Impositions was a question.
My Lords are of the contrary opinion clearly.
Sedgwick observes Knight gave the Bills to Maryot that he might get them changed by Reeves: now he says he brought them to the Exchequer to be sunk; which is contradictory.
Bolt and Darby are sent for.
The Trustees give a further information against Mr. Knight and Mr. Burton signed per Mr. Tailor; which is read.
Mr. Bolt says he believes the Bills were on the Additional Impositions because Porter said it was [? new minted] money brought from the Tower: Porter and Bolt must give him a tally as if [for] money in specie: Mr. Knight came in and he was very angry and said the Bills were to be cancelled on all the Acts of the last Session: Bolt replied, the Impositions were not for the war: Knight was angry and said he gave him more trouble than any young man in town.
Derby says he charged these Bills as Additional Impositions to be issued out again. He goes to fetch his book or an account from it.
My Lords desire the Trustees to present Rules to prevent future frauds.
Mr. Derby brings his book, in which there is Additional Impositions Continued 54247l. which Derby says Knight would have had him taken as Bills to be cancelled on 18 June, 1697.
Mr. Knight denies his remembering anything of this.
Mr. Knight's paper is delivered to the Trustees.
Two Bills endorsed as paid on the Customs in feigned names and as issued at the Exchequer by Mariot belonging to one Powell are produced per Mr. Abbot, the first endorsement for Customs is supposed to be John Knight's hand. (entry struck through; see 21 Oct., 1697).
(Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 13–14).
Oct. 19.
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
Upon the motion of Sir Stephen Fox my Lords will require Mr. Knight to deposit tallies for 30000l. as a security for the Customs [as Cashier of the Customs] and that he forthwith make up his account.
The Chamberlain [of the City of London is called in and] is directed to take guineas at 22s. a piece for the taxes.
My Lords having new matter against Reg. Mariot desire Mr. Ellis that he may [be] take up again.
The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend]: order for 10000l. out of the loans and Exchequer Bills on the credit of the Exchequer in General; to be issued to the Ordnance for discharging the Train of Artillery in Flanders.
The 10 per cent. for the last Subscription is to be paid in Exchequer Bills out of loans on the Exchequer in General.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. (Ibid, p. 15).
eodem die,
afternoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
[Write] to Mr. Nicholas and Henry Baker severally to bring in forthwith their accounts to Michaelmas last.
The Customs Commissioners [attend: their] reports, &c. [are] read and answered. (Ibid.)
Oct. 20,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
The letters to the Receivers of Excise, and of Customs &c. [requesting them respectively] to list the [Exchequer] Bills brought [by them] into the Exchequer are read and approved.
[Order for] 200l. to Mr. Baber for carrying on the suit about the La Pair's estate.
[Order for] 26312. 4. 8 to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh out of Exchequer Bills coming in by the loan on the Exchequer in general: [to be applied by said Earl] for clearing and disbanding the 2 Regiments of Dutch Horse commanded by Baron de Rechtereen and Count Steenboch.
The Victuallers to have 6000l. in Exchequer Bills by loans on the Exchequer in General; 3000l. [thereof] for the [Victualling] course, 2000l. for imprests and the remaining 1000l. [to be applied] by the hands of the Earl of Ranelagh for provision for the soldiers to Newfoundland.
Reginald Maryot [is called in]. Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer says my Lords desire before his going to prison again he would unfold the mystery of iniquity which they think he has disguised. Maryot says he has told them all. He says he believes all the Bills he has endorsed are within 15–16000l. He says he sank about 5000l. by his own interest on Receivers fairly according to the Act.
My Lords think he does not take upon himself more crimes than he has been guilty of without consideration or inducement from others. He has nothing to say.
[Order for] 17000l. to the Navy for wages: [to be issued] in new Exchequer Bills to be made forth.
[Order for] 13000l. to the Earl of Ranelagh for 14 days' subsistence [for the Forces] from the 24th inst.
The Commissioners of Transports [attend] and Mr. Shallet with others concerned in the Irish transport debt. Mr. Shallet says Nedler, solicitor, should have 50l. per an. and the Commissioners and others will have trouble [or pains and charges therein] which he thinks ought to be rewarded. (Ibid, p. 16.)
eodem die,
afternoon.		 Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
Henry Baker and Horatio Moor [attend] by their counsel. Jenings for Moor offers [reasons] against the grant of the Tennis Court: says 'twas built at the charge of Cook at the instance of Charles II who at the desire of Cook made a lease to Cornwallis; afterwards a lease to Moor to commence after the decease of Cook or determination of the lease to Cornwallis: Mr. Moor is advised this [lease] is good in law. The lease to Baker will be inconvenient because Moor's grant is to take place after Cook's death.
Mr. Radford for Baker hopes Baker's grant shall pass: his Majesty has power to make it: Charles II on May 1675 granted to Cornwallis for 21 years; in November 1676 he grants to Moor for the like after the death of Cook &c. ut supra: the 21 years is gone but Cook is living so Moor cannot enter: in Moor's grant the Crown may reassume giving such reward as the Treasury thinks fit: his Majesty being acquainted with this power and [in consideration of] Baker's services does intend to [make a] grant to Baker and give Moor a recompence: in this grant Moor has the place of Master of the Tennis Courts (with salaries) except this and the Tennis Court at Windsor.
Jenings says his Majesty has not signified any such intention: the grants will be repugnant and inconsistent: the life [Cook] is above 80 and is bed rid: if Baker will take a lease for 31 years to end on Cook's death it is not opposed: Moor has merit; he carried in a Troop to the king's service.
Radford admits Moor's lease good in law.
Jenings says the King has declared Moor shall enjoy it and desires the matter be respited till the King's return.
Mr. Smith [one of the Treasury Lords] comes in.
The Excise Commissioners [attend]. A paper of abuses in the management [of the Excise] is read. Mr. Clerk says there is nothing in the paper but [what] is examined and agrees with the books in the [Excise] Office: it is signed by 5 Commissioners but refused by Foche and Parry. Parry refused to sign because it looks like an accusation. He believes the matters of fact and the paper are truly taken out of the books but he can give satisfactory answers as to what was in the time of King Charles and King James (which he is obliged to answer as the only remaining Commissioner of those times). In King James's time the Commissioners were questioned by Pen & Wilcox and Newman concerning these cases and he [Parry] has the answers which were then made.
The informations against Halsey et al were delayed, but the Solicitor [of Excise] must give an account of the reason.
Foche says they know of no causes till the day of hearing: the solicitor must answer.
Mr. Clerk shews how (since his coming in) the hearings of causes are more expeditious.
Mr. Parry owns they were not so expeditious before; the Commissioners then looking more after the management abroad than the business of penalties.
Foche says 15 July 1690 was the first information for altering a back case of Buckley: upon hearing counsel he thought there was no penalty by Act of Parliament for the 50l. for altering a back, so he, Sir John, was against giving judgment. He reads the opinion of Sir Edward Ward in the case.
It has been judged otherwise and the judgment affirmed on appeal.
Six cases were delayed 2 or 3 years and no reason given for it.
My Lords think it a neglect of the then Commissioners.
Secondly hearings and proof were made in above 40 cases and no judgments whereby above 1000l. lost.
Parry says as to Furnis the proof was not clear he was owner of the house: informations were against Coffee men to bring them to compound; if they came in then the composition was made and no further proceeding against them.
Parry says in many cases they thought it best for the King that no public judgment should be given.
Clerk says in the major part of these instances there was full evidence and in many no defence.
Foche says in 12 of the 40 cases he was concerned in he does not think there was any reason for judgment partly because the law did not extend ut supra. Sir John [Foche] goes over the 12 cases denying the fact as alleged in the report.
Thirdly: There are judgments where no informations are entered.
Mr. Noel says most usually he enters the allegation of the information, but it was a neglect in him not to have done it in the case of Freind, but [it was] no prejudice to the King: there are 6 of these [cases]
Upon a complaint, if no judgment [be entred] the King has the Duty.
Fourthly: penalties have been adjudged and levied where no information or judgment [was] entred: two [instances] in the case of Cross et al. Noel says when a man in the Commission room confesses he enters it, the clerk draws up the judgment, it is signed and the money levied; and that sometimes the Commissioners permitted the brewer and officer to compound.
My Lords think that practice should not have been.
Fifthly: warrants on judgments not given out and not executed in several years. Verbal orders were given by one or two Commissioners to suspend the orders of the Board.
Mr. Fairfield was directed not to charge John Shorter with any Duty, by a letter of Noel by order of the Board. The man paid no Duty for a good while. There was a subsequent order to that purpose by a Commissioner which Mr. Noel says was Mr. Strong. Noel has Strong's original order. Innis made an affidavit about this and the reason given was because the man's wife was subject to fits.
Mr. Noel is [directed] to bring the order and affidavit when Mr. Strong is in town.
Other cases where warrants are not executed for a long time. In the case of Clerk mitigations from time to time till one judgment was quite reduced. Parry says 'twas done on Crosse's affidavit: but no affidavit [appears] in the book.
The [Excise] Commissioners will be here again on Wednesday morning next.
Mr. Stanian [to be here] on Wednesday afternoon. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 16–19).
Oct. 21,
forenoon.		 Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
[Write] to Mr. Vernon that the Lords Justices having intimated to my Lords that the two Dutch Regiments of Horse now in England be paid off in order to their imbarcation for Holland. My Lords desire to have that matter signified to them in writing with such orders as are to be observed in the doing thereof.
Sir Stephen Fox comes in.
The Navy Commissioners [attend, and my Lords ordered that] they proceed in paying off ships.
[Write] to the Postmasters [General] to respite the payment of the 1000l. [part] of the 1200l. for a fortnight or three weeks.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend and] present a paper of their observations on Mr. Knight's answer; which observations are read. Two Bills of Mr. Powel are shewn to my Lords with counterfeit endorsements, one supposed to be Mr. Knight's own [hand].
My Lords resolve that all bills of exchange drawn to be paid in specie for Customs, Excise or any [other branch of the] revenue or tax whatsoever shall be paid in the same specie wherein they are drawn; and where the collectors in the country receive new money or guineas they do [must] not send bills of exchange for other species.
[Write] to the Customs Commissioners that one or two of their number attend my Lords tomorrow morning.
[Write] to the Excise Commissioners to observe the resolution as above about bills [of exchange drawn for the purpose of remitting to London any Excise moneys]: and that one or two of them attend my Lords tomorrow morning.
[Write] to Mr. Hume and Mr. Cremer to be here tomorrow morning.
The Agents [for Taxes are directed] to write to the Receiver of Taxes that where Exchequer Bills are tendered for any taxes pursuant to law they take care that the party tendering do endorse with a date and sign the endorsement before the same be received and that they [the said Receivers] give the like direction to the parochial collectors to take the like care that the persons paying in Exchequer Bills do make the like endorsements. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, p. 20).
Oct. 22,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
Write to the Trustees [for Exchequer Bills] to proceed in their enquiries and examinations in the matters contained in their several representations to my Lords concerning false endorsements on Exchequer Bills and such other matters as may occur to them in relation to the said Bills.
Mr. Knight called in is told his paper is answered by the Trustees: that my Lords expect security: He says he is ready to give any security he can to answer his receipt of Customs etc. Sir Stephen Fox (in his behalf) proposes a security of orders and tallies [amounting] in all [to] 29,300l. Mr. Knight says they shall be deposited. He says, my accounts are declared to Michaelmas 1694, the other [accounts for 1695 and 1696] are in great forwardness: he says the account to Michaelmas last shall be ready before Xmas and that to Xmas before Lady Day.
Mr. Godolphin, Sir Wa. Yong and Sir Henry Hubard are called in. My Lords tell them they have found great abuses in the Office of the [Customs Cashier and] Receiver and they would have all bills coming in for Customs to be examined per the Commissioners. Godolphin says the practice of late has been that the collectors in the Long Room has [takes] neither money nor bills but the merchants carry them to Jones (Knight's clerk) who receives the same and sends a note to the collectors: examining there he finds there is kept a particular account of the bills from the outports by the numbers, dates, etc., but the like is not done for the port of London.
My Lords are of opinion that one Commissioner should examine every Bill brought into the [Customs] Receipt daily [checking same] by the entry thereof in that office and sign the ex[aminatur] and that the Commissioners take their turns weekly for this. They are to consider of this and of a fit person to take on him the receipt [of cash] whilst Mr. Knight [devotes himself to] accounts. They are to give their opinion [hereon] on Tuesday.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. They give opinion to refuse guineas at 22s.
[Write] to Auditor Bridges and Mr. Knight to be here on Monday morning.
The Excise Commissioners [attend]. My Lords desire them to consider [of] a cheque on Exchequer Bills and to give my Lords their opinion. They will examine and sign by one Commissioner all the Exchequer Bills for Excise.
Baber is to deliver to Townsend all his books and papers concerning his office, by inventory.
Mr. Knight to have copies of the [Exchequer Bill] Trustees' representations. (Ibid., p. 21).
Oct. 25. Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
Write to the Tellers to present to my Lords their chief clerks, who are to be approved and sworn pursuant to the Act.
Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer comes in.
Mary Dymock to have 20l.
[Write] to Mr. Twitty to send my Lords an account how far payments are made on the several Annuity Acts and upon the first Lottery Act and if some are paid further than other he is to represent the same and [to state] by whom my Lords' orders have been disobeyed.
[Write] to the Custom House to send by one of their officers to St. James's House two boxes and a packet come from Holland and directed to Her R[oyal] H[ighness the Princess of Denmark] to be there opened and delivered, being for her own use.
Mr. Auditor Bridges and Mr. Knight [attend]. My Lords think Mr. Knight is to have the custody of his vouchers to make up his account.
Sir Walter Yong, Sir Hen. Hobard and Mr. Overton (attend). They [inform my Lords that they] have been informed the ship from the West Indies is not sickly as was reported and leave letters to that purpose. They present a memorial for a control relating to Exchequer Bills.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. They inform [my Lords] it would be necessary to see the books of Mr. Millerd who receives for the Bank and says Mr. Knight's Bills have been brought from the Bank to the Trustees. My Lords desire these gentlemen that are of the Bank would speak to Mr. Millard to go to the Trustees.
Dorington [Dodington] says he had many orders to reserve on the Poll Tax for the Navy, amongst which were some taken from the Pells [Office] per Mr. Burton who filled up his receipts (that were blank) without his knowledge or paying the money.
Mr. Burton says Wardour [Clerk of the Pells] sent up all the orders and took Bolt's receipt for them and everyone might have their money [by] coming for it, but Mr. Dodington did [not] come till lately.
[Write] to the Exchequer to receive guineas at 22s. a piece according to the advertisement. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, p. 22).
Oct. 26.
forenoon.		 Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
Mr. Everard brings a proposal for preventing frauds about Exchequer Bills [received] for Excise.
[Write] to Mr. Harris to be here on Friday morning. The [Principal] Officers of the Mint will be here [then]. (Ibid., p. 23).
eodem die, afternoon. Present: ut supra.
[Write] to the Attorney General to let him know the matter against Reginald Maryot is of a very high nature, himself having owned that he has forged endorsements for above 20,000l. and therefore my Lords desire him to take care on the King's behalf that there be sufficient bail and my Lords desire to speak with him to-morrow morning concerning this matter.
[Write] to Nicholas Baker to be here then.
The Customs Commissioners [attend]. A new memorial for preventing frauds in Exchequer Bills for Customs &c. is read.
Mr. Jefferys' report [the report concerning Jefferys] is read again, himself being present. My Lords adhere to the report.
Write to the Glass Commissioners and Mr. Allambridg to attend next Tuesday morning.
Sir John Talbot [attends]. My Lord direct that the auditors send to them an account of all the fee farm and other rents in charge before them remaining unsold and of all the pensions [and county payments] &c. charged thereupon.
The case of the lott and cope [of the lead mines in Wirksworth, Co. Derby] is put off to Friday week. Notice to be forthwith given to Serjeant Montagu and Mr. Molyneux (In the margin [Oct] 27 Friday 3 weeks peremptorily).
Mr. Hawson, Mr. Shales, and Mr. Aldworth are to attend on Friday morning with the accounts. (Ibid. p. 23).
Oct. 27,
forenoon.		 Present: ut supra.
Dr. Otes [is] called in. My Lords will advance 20l. now but pay no more beyond the 200l. per an. till the King's order [be had thereupon.]
The Commissioners of Transport [attend].
The Excise Commissioners [attend].
To the 6th Article in their memorial [viz.] of penalties not mitigated but in arrear per Noel's account, Mr. Noel says Watts was very poor and the Commissioners referred it to Mr. Walker to make an end with him: it was 14 years ago, no part of Watts's penalty was levied: Austin died and left nothing to pay his penalty and besides he left a great arrear of duty [unpaid]. Mr. Noel says it was an omission not to enter in the book the cause why not levied.
Everard says the warrants directed that if the money could not be levied the cause should be returned.
Mr. Noel says where he d[elivere]d out the warrants he thought himself no further concerned.
To the 7th Article (Woodward's fine mitigated) several of the instances are of Coffee men where nothing was intended to be levied but only to bring them to compositions: Selby was hanged; Sleigh ran away to Battersea: he [Noel] can say nothing to some of them; Samuel Chappell ran away: there are six mitigations, Phillips et al; he [Noel] wrote the order and gave it to Mr. Haynes, but they were not entered in the books: he has shewed the petitions with the orders of mitigation to some of the Commissioners but that method has not been practised of late; the mitigations of Ledbeter et al are entered in the wrong book viz., the book of Judicial proceedings: no great matter in that.
To the 8th [Article viz.] of penalties not regularly distributed, Noel says it was done by the Commissioners. Clerk thinks that out of the King's part when it is in cash the officers may be rewarded by warrant of this [Treasury] Board by way of incidents.
Mr. Parry gives the reason in the case of Halsey.
Strong says most of the discoveries are by informations from others, who contract for 5l. 10s. 0d. or the like before they'll discover: the distribution is irregular: it should be by way of incidents.
Noel reads the order in 1692 for distributing Sturt's penalty; another in 1694 for the same; he says he takes receipts for all.
Everard says ten informations against Sturt, seven of them went by default. Knowles an officer was sent for at the request of Sir Jno. Freind to be an evidence and had 10l. from the King. Knowles was a favourite [and was] made a supervisor of [Excise at] Bristol at 90l. a year without a horse; [but was] turned out a year ago: the King's money [was] given away against the King.
Noel says Woodward's fine was mitigated: read the orders of distribution, but the King had not his proportion.
[The case of] John Mills: he [Noel] reads his order.
John Fuller: the like.
Partington: the like: ordered 13 March 1693–4 to be divided: the poor's part should not be lessened.
9th [article] Mr. Noel does not in his account discharge himself of so much as is charged by 1218l.
He says it's only a matter of form. Another account is brought in.
Mr. Strong's case is examined: Ennis' affidavit is read, that Mr. Strong ordered him not to charge Shorter for his drink. Strong's note is produced.
Strong says Shorter was a little brewer, 1 or 2 barrels in a fortnight: he came to the Board [saying] that he must leave off [brewing] his wife being crazed: a year after he came crying with a note ready writ: he [Strong] signed thus "if he don't sell you need not survey" whereas the affidavit said Strong directed him [Ennis the surveyor] not to trouble him: the officer mistook him: he said Shorter was a knave, you must look after him: he is no relation to him: this matter was heard at the Board 3 years ago: that which made him [Strong] write was he [Shorter] came in a passion and said his wife was in convulsion fits: 27 Jan. 1693–4 was Strong's note: Mr. Noel's note was [written] before by order of the Commissioners.
Noel says the Board ordered him to write it.
Clerk observes if there were a minute it would not be a justification [for him] to lay aside the King's duty: no care taken to levy his arrear: afterwards Noel writes by order but Mr. Fairfeild being dead Strong writes relating to the first order: the matter was heard at the Board and Mr. Strong's answer was general [viz.] he had done the King no wrong.
Strong says the Board was satisfied.
Mr. Clerk reads a paper of what passed at the hearing, to which Mr. Strong does not object.
In 1692 Shorter was indebted above 8l.: he was dispensed with from that time till he was sent to for the arrear.
Clerk and Danvers say they were dissatisfied at the hearing.
The Commissioners present another paper of mismanagements.
The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend. They] desire the rest of their last year's proportion. My Lords will take care of them next Tuesday.
[Write] to the Auditors to attend on Tuesday morning with the accounts of the Ordnance and other accounts ready for declaration.
Mr. Baker is directed to prosecute Reg. Maryot on the new matter and to get as good bail as he can.
Mr. Dodington [attends] about the difficulty of reckoning the interest in the pay of the Yards. He'll come again tomorrow.
Mr. Abbot [attends]. He'll come again tomorrow. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 24–26).
Oct. 27,
afternoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
Mr. Stanyan [attends]. The former reports and matters concerning the farm of [the Irish Revenue by] Sir James Shaen et al are considered. The last report of Mr. Lowndes is read. As to their demand of 12,000l. for loss by the Tangier contracts being broken Mr. Lowndes is to attend the Earl of Rochester when he comes to town to know if his Lordship remembers the promise of King Charles II for the said 12,000l. or what further light he can give on that matter.
My Lords are of opinion that in case it shall appear that the Farmers at the end of the farm were creditors [to the extent of] 16,494l. or more (the allowances which shall be thought reasonable and just to be made to them for their loss by the process against them or other just causes for which they have remaining demands being first adjusted) then they are to be allowed interest for the 16494l. of their money which was seized at Tangier and applied to the pay of the garrison.
Mr. Stanyan demands the 1124l. 3s. 35/8d. difference between 4364l. 19s. 2¾d. allowed on the Lowndes's report as the Farmers' money paid to John Price, subsequently Receiver General, and 5489l. 2s. 63/8d. owned by Mr. Price in his late account to have been received of their money. My Lords direct Mr. Lowndes to examine this demand and if it be well grounded they think it ought to be repaid in Ireland to Mr. Stanyan.
And he (Lowndes) is to enquire about 320l. discharged to Mris. Hanway. (Ibid. p. 26).
Oct. 28,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
[Order for] 500l. in malt ticquets to Serjeant Ryley for repairs in Greenwich Park and Windsor Park.
The letter to be signed by William Lowndes directed to Mr. Hume and Mr. Cremer for [directing their] keeping books and accounts to prevent frauds in the Exchequer concerning Exchequer Bills is read and approved.
When the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded attend speak to them about Sir William Scawen's bill drawn by Richard Walter from Barbados for 500l. dated 23 July 1696 and presented 24 Nov., 1696.
[Order that the] 1682l. 5s. 7d. due to the Bank for two stivers per £ on 168228l. furnished to the Forces in May 1695 is to be paid. Write letters to Mr. Clerk and the Earl of Ranelagh to pay same.
A letter [of direction] for 201l. 5s. 10d. for secret services and other uses is approved.
A warrant [is ordered] for 1924l. 17s. 10d. for the undersheriff of Middlesex.
The sum due to Mr. Hunt for bedding sent to Newfoundland and to Capt. Holman for — are to be paid by Exchequer Bills for those purposes.
The Commissioners of the Navy are present. They are of opinion and my Lords are resolved that the interest due on Exchequer Bills lent at the Exchequer to the time of the loans (and which is part of the principal of the loans) cannot be given away but must be reckoned in the payment of the Yards, &c.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. Their papers are read.
[Write] to the [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance and some of the East India Company to be here on Tuesday concerning settling a fund for the payment for the salt petre.
[Order for] 3900l. in Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh for 2 weeks' subsistence for the Troops first expected from Flanders:
also for 30,000l. to the Navy for wages.
[also for] 10,000l. to the Ordnance for land service.
[also for] 6,000l. to the Victuallers, 3000l. thereof for the [Victualling] course and 3,000l. for fresh provisions and short allowance for the West India ships.
the above 3 sums are to be paid out of loans on the Exchequer in General in Exchequer Bills.
[Write] to the Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Clerk to be here tomorrow morning. (Ibid., p. 27.)
Oct. 29,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
Mr. Charles Bertie [attends]. The Queen's [Dowager jointure] patent is to be entered in this [the Treasury] Office and a direction to be given thereupon to the Warden of the Mint to take off his hands from the goods and chattels in the manor of East and West Deeping forfeited by the treason of William Hawkins and — Harrison.
[The Principal] officers of the Mint [attend]. Mr. Pauncefoot will carry a messenger to them who is to receive the [standard] weights for Ireland and gave them a recceipt to deliver them to the Lords Justices [there].
Mr. Harris says that out of his 325l. a year Mr. Croker shall have 175l. a year as Mr. Rotier had and he's to get one or more young men to be instructed. Croker's salary to commence from Feb. last and my Lords will allow the taxes of the whole 325l. a year. Mr. Harris will make a settlement on him [Croker] accordingly. He is to live in the [gravers'] house [in the Mint] but to pay for his diet and he is to be ready to assist in the instructing of others.
Mr. Clerk and Mr. Abbot [attend]. My Lords consider the rules for disbanding some of the Forces.
[Write] to Mr. Vanderesch to be here tomorrow morning.
[Write] to the Trustees of Exchequer Bills and the Excise Commissioners to be here to-morrow morning. (Ibid, p. 28).
Oct. 30,
forenoon.		 Present: all the five Lords.
My Lords approve the project lately brought by Mr. Everard to prevent frauds in Exchequer Bills paid for Excise, and do direct a letter to be written to the [Excise] Commissioners to execute the same.
The watch [is ordered] to be taken off from the ship Isabella according to the Lords' Justices direction.
My Lords approve the project lately brought by the Customs Commissioners to prevent frauds in Exchequer Bills paid for Excise [sic for Customs], and do direct a letter to be written to them to execute the same.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills are called in. They offer a report of Mr. Taylor which is read and Mr. Tailor is called in. The Trustees produce Mr. Burton's book. Mr. Herne clears himself of some aspersion upon him and some of the [Excise] Commissioners justify him. Sir Joseph Herne observes from Burton's book that the Bills brought in weekly from the Excise are entered regularly except Bills for 708l. 15s. 8d. on Aug. 5 entered at the Excise Office and on the 1st for [?£—.] at the Exchequer. They were Burton's Bills for part of his subscription money and the endorsements forged in several names; whereas they were never received for Excise nor paid at the Exchequer but by the forged endorsements [were] carried to the Trustees to change them into money.
[Write] to Mr. Bartholomew Burton to attend the Trustees and produce to them such of his books as they shall desire; and direct such of his clerks or agents as they shall desire to attend them; and that he come hither with the Trustees on Monday morning.
My Lords thank the Trustees for their diligence and faithfulness.
[Order for] 1000l. in Exchequer Bills [forming part] of the Loan to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh towards disbanding 3 Regiments of Horse viz. those of [the Earl of] Macclesfield, Harvey and Windsor. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, p. 29).
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