Minute Book: March 1698

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

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Citation:

'Minute Book: March 1698', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698, ed. William A Shaw( London, 1933), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol13/pp68-74 [accessed 8 October 2024].

'Minute Book: March 1698', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698. Edited by William A Shaw( London, 1933), British History Online, accessed October 8, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol13/pp68-74.

"Minute Book: March 1698". Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698. Ed. William A Shaw(London, 1933), , British History Online. Web. 8 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol13/pp68-74.

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March 1698

March 2,
forenoon Treasury Chambers at the Cockpit.
Present: all the five Lords.
[Write] to the Customs Commissioners to be here tomorrow morning with all their papers precisely at 8 o'clock.
The Victuallers [attend: order for] 1532l. 8s. 10¼d. out of money of the loans [on the Exchequer in General] to be paid to them for money furnished at Cadiz to the Victualling by Mr. Papillon and Capt. Ayles.
[Ordered that the sum of] 1447l. 14s. 0¼d. of the Salt tallies in the Victuallers' hands, at par, be applied to discharge so much due to Capt. Norris for provisions bought of him for the service of the Squadron which was at Newfoundland.
[Order for] 6000l. in Exchequer Bills of the loans [on the Exchequer in General] to be issued to the Victuallers to pay the Necessary Money to the pursers of the King's ships going upon foreign voyages.
Oliver Pierson to be land carriageman in London port loco John Wombel deceased. (Ibid, p. 122.)
March 3,
forenoon Treasury Chambers at the Cockpit.
Present: all the five Lords.
The Customs Commissioners [attend]. Their papers are read and the minutes are [endorsed or margined] on them.
James Smith, Customer of Chichester, comes in. The presentment against him is read and Mr. Smith's answer. The Solicitor [of the Customs] thinks Smith was right in making the composition with Hen. Smith; he informed James Smith [that] the Lord Chief Baron would be very angry for [his] keeping the King's money two years: then James Smith went away without saying anything and made up the matter: in case of the composition with Beach he says his keeping the King's money was forgetfulness, but he paid it in before a complaint.
An affidavit of B. Edbury is read. Mr. Smith proves by a letter from Geo. Harvy that the Duty of the wine and oil in that affidavit. . . .
The Commissioners' letter of 4 Feb. 1691–2 to Mr. Smith is read in which they approved his removing Mathew Earle to Cockbush.
Sir Hen. Hobart says Smith practised with Greg very unduly. Mr. Goring was a manager at the Custom House for Smith. Mr. Goring is a great smuggler of wine.
Greg's affidavit is read; that his team with others fetcht wine from the coast to Sir Hen. Goring's house and that Goring said he need not fear, for Mr. Smith of Chichester would clear them, &c.
Another affidavit of Stephen Greg dated 30 Nov. 1697 is read and Smith is charged to have procured the last affidavit from Greg and sent him out of town late at night that he might not appear at examination next day. At the hearing Goring at the Custom House threatened and after promised friendship to one of the witnesses not to give evidence against Smith.
The affidavit of John Whistler against Mr. Smith is read dated 7 May 1697.
John Freinds' certificate is read dated 20 Dec., 1697.
Wa. Young says Collis did affirm that Smith told him wine imported was for the use of particular gentlemen and if he did not cease prosecution it should be the worse for him.
An oath of James Winter 8 Feb. 1697 against Smith is read.
There are read on his [Smith's] behalf the affidavits of Oliver Penfold, Cha. Goring, Sir Hen. Goring. Sir Hen. says Whistler (living near the Gorings) owned what he said to them [?the Customs Commissioners] was to please them. When Mr. Goring compounded with the prosecutor Mr. Smith filled up and witnessed the bond.
The [Customs] Commissioners lay the stress on his detaining the King's money from the Exchequer longer than he should. They complaine against him for being hard on the under officers in sharing in their seizures.
Several of the officers of Chichester certify the contrary.
My Lords for the reasons which have appeared to [them] will remove him from Chichester where he has settled a correspondence prejudicial to the revenue; but they will advise with the Commissioners of Customs about employing him elsewhere.
My Lords for the reasons which have appeared to [them] will remove him from Chichester where he has settled a correspondence prejudicial to the revenue; but they will advise with the Commissioners of Customs about employing him elsewhere.
My Lords cannot give Capt. Norris any other than the salt tallies already directed for his debt.
Richard Tailor, Paymaster of the Lottery tickets [is] to pay the same fees for his security as Mr. Hutcheson of the Custom House did; but Mr. Tailor must be required to attend his business with the Trustees and in his office of Paymaster.
The Earl of Ranelagh's memorial [for money for the Forces amounting to a total] of 22099l. 11s. 4d. is to be paid out of Exchequer Bills. (Treasury Minute Book X, pp. 123-4.)
March 4,
forenoon Treasury Chambers at the Cockpit.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Pelham.
[Order for] the Earl of Castlehaven to be paid his 100l. out of [any] disposeable money [in the Exchequer].
Sir Thomas Littleton comes in.
The Earl of Galway's account of the money issued for the Forces lately in Savoy [is ordered] to be referred to the Earl of Ranelagh to take care that this account contain all the sums which ought to be charged [debited] and to examine and report on the articles for all the payments, allowances, rates of foreign moneys, etc.
Order for 2305l. to the Earl of Ranelagh in new money or guineas of the loan [on the Exchequer in general]: to be for disbanding Col. Brudenel's Regiment.
[Order for] Capt. Thomas Seymour and Mr. Raleigh to have 50l. a piece in part of their arrears out of Hackney Coach money.
The [Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend]. The Chancellor of the Exchequer comes in. My Lords think Mr. Bertie should pay the 200l. (received at the Exchequer) to Sir Basil Dixwell and Mr. Math. Aylmer Esq. towards repairing the harbour at Dover. My Lords will as soon as they can supply their [the Ordnance] Office with money, which is very much wanting both for land and sea service [of the Ordnance].
Count Bonde, the Ambassador from Sweden, is to have his equipage brought to his own house [to be there opened by the Customs officers].
Order for 50l. to be paid per the Treasurer of the Chamber to Mr. Meritt upon account for insurance and other charges about the house hired for ambassadors. (Ibid., p. 125).
March 8,
forenoon Treasury Chambers at the Cockpit.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
[no entry of any minute]. (Ibid., p. 126.)
March 9,
forenoon Treasury Chambers, Cockpit.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Pelham.
Mr. Abbot comes in. Order [for the issue to the Earl of Ranelagh of] 268l. 5s. 6d. for subsistence for Langston's Regiment and 157l. 15s. 7d. for Web's Regiment: out of loans [on the Exchequer in General] in [Exchequer] Bills. (Ibid., p. 127.)
March 11,
forenoon Treasury Chambers at the Cockpit.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
[Order for] 576l. to complete the disbanding of eight Regiments of Foot, a Company of Miners and a Company at Upnor: out of the General loan in money [the loan on the Exchequer in General in new money and guineas].
[Order for] 500l. for Col. Webb on account of the subsistence in Flanders to make him equal with other Colonels: [to be issued] out of Exchequer Bills.
[Order for] 123l. in Exchequer Bills for Major Stuart on a contingent warrant [warrant on army contingencies].
The Customs Commissioners and the [Principal] Commissioners of Prizes are to be here on Monday morning.
My Lords agree to meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The Trustees [for Exchequer Bills attend. They] desire that the Bills may be given them for the interest of 10 per cent for the third Subscription to enable them to give Bills to the persons that pay money to them. They are told the warrant will be signed at my Lords' first attendance on the King. (Ibid., p. 128).
March 12,
forenoon Treasury Chambers at the Cockpit.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
[Write] to Sir Christopher Wren that my Lords have perused his memorial for 823l. for scaffolding [for Westminster Hall] to try Lord Mohun; but they cannot by any means agree to the increase of 150l. On the contrary they expect that the excessive charge of the last [estimate] be now moderated and they recommend it to him to take care that the expense of the Office of Works for this service be reduced [if it be possible] so far that it may not exceed 500l.
Ordered that Mr. Richard Tailor do state [for Counsel's opinion] the case on the Lottery Act whether the weekly payments of the 9d. per barrel Excise coming into the Exchequer after 1698 March 25 can be applied to proceed in the payment of the [Malt Lottery] tickets grown due at Michaelmas 1697 and [in case the opinion be adverse] how the tickets of Michaelmas 1697 and Lady day 1698 are to be satisfied by the Act.
[Write] a letter to the Excise Commissioners forthwith to hasten the payments of the 9d. per barrel for the Lottery tickets; that as much of the money collected for that Duty as is possible may be brought into the Exchequer by Lady day next.
Mr. Crumpton is to allow the interest of the Exchequer Bills to those that take them in his Office [as in exchange] for their [Lottery] tickets; [reckoning such interest] from the times when they are issued at the Exchequer.
The Victuallers [attend: ordered that] 1000l. out of loans [on the Exchequer in General] in Exchequer Bills be issued to them for necessary money to pursers whose ships are bound out upon foreign voyages.
[Order for] 9000l. more to the Victuallers out of the like loans whereof 6000l. for the [Victualling] course and 3000l. for imprests.
[Order for] 10,000l. to the [Treasurer of the] Navy for wages [of seamen]: to be issued in Exchequer Bills of the loans [as above].
[Write to] the Navy Commissioners to attend on Thursday morning next about the tallies that are to be assigned on the course of the Navy.
[Write] a letter to the Navy Board to make out bills [according to the form of the Navy Office] for 400l. and 682l. 10s. 0d. paid by Mr. Dodington and Mr. Corbet for discounts; as per their memorial of this day.
An advertisement to be inserted in the Gazette that persons may purchase the annuities for 96 years.
The Commissioners of Customs and [the Principal Commissioners] of Prizes are put off till Tuesday morning.
[Ordered that the] 363l. 8s. 7d. in small remains [arrears of the small branches of the revenue] at the Exchequer be issued as follows, viz., 325l. 3s. 7d. to the Navy for wages and 38l. 5s. 0d. to the Earl of Ranelagh for the Forces. (Treasury Minute Book X, p. 129.)
March 15
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
Mr. Israel Hayes presents a memorial for money to pay the debt in the Exeter Mint.
[Order for] 60l. to Mr. Hume for 'Godard's drops' for the Queen of Sweden.
The Commissioners of Customs and [the Principal Commissioners] of Prizes [attend]. Their papers are read and minutes [are endorsed] on them.
His Majesty having signified his pleasure that the Prizes Commission be continued no further than Lady day next the Commissioners are forthwith to put an end to the charge and dismiss all their officers: but there being accounts to make up and arrears to be brought in they promise to continue the exercise of their power without any salary. (Ibid, p. 130).
March 16,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
[Write] to the Commissioners of Wine Licences to prepare and present to my Lords their account of the revenue of Wine Licences until Xmas last. (Ibid, p. 131).
eodem die, afternoon Kensington. Present: the King; all the five Treasury Lords.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt [attend]. The Earl's memorial is read [and issues as follow are] ordered, viz.,
£ s. d.
for a week's subsistence [to the Forces in England] to the 26th March inst. 8785 15 11
for two weeks' subsistence to three Companies of Horse to March 26 inst. 74 9 0
for the like to a Company of Stuart['s Regiment] at Scilly [ordered] for Ireland 22 19 0
for a week's subsistence to Ross's Dragoons [ordered] for Ireland 244 18 10
for arrears of subsistence to discharged men from Fl[anders] late of Lumley's Regiment 36 18 4
for 8d. a week to each private man of three Companies of Erle's Regiment due to them 61 5 11
£9226 6 11
Of the above total 226l. 6s. 11d. [is to be issued] in [new] money [or guineas] of the loans on the Exchequer in General and the rest in Exchequer Bills of the [like] loans now in the Exchequer.
Mr. La Rue to have 1000l. to pay his debts and put some money in his pocket and to have 5l. a week from the 1st inst. And he is to be told he must not expect further till the King makes a provision for him in lieu of the 5l. a week.
[Order for] 300l. to the Earl of Lincoln. (Ibid.)
March 17,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chamber.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Pelham.
[Order for] 40l. to be advanced to Col. Phillip Howard: out of secret service: on account of his Lottery pension: to bury his wife. (Ibid, p. 132.)
March 24,
forenoon. Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: all the five Lords.
The list of officers which have been in the Ordnance [is ordered] to be sent to the Earl of Ranelagh.
The Navy Commissioners [attend]. They are to treat with the Eastland Merchants upon the terms for their acceptance of the tallies on the Additional Impositions; and to report to my Lords.
The paper concerning the Commissioners of Taxes is to be carried to [the King at] Kensington again.
The Victuallers [attend: ordered to have] 3000l. in money for imprests and 3000l. in [Exchequer] Bills for their [Victualling] course.
The Transports [Commissioners attend: ordered to have] 1000l. in money.
A month's subsistence [is ordered in Exchequer] Bills for the two Marine Regiments.
The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]: their memorials are read.
An advertisement to be [inserted] in the Gazette that any persons having or not having estates for lives [in the annuities or pensions] may purchase reversions as by the Act. (Ibid, p. 133).
1698. March 25,
Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
The [Principal] Commissioners for Prizes and the Commissioners for Sick and Wounded and Mr. Brounjohn are to attend on Tuesday morning; and Brounjohn's papers are to be there ready.
A warrant [is ordered] to supersede the process lately issued against Sir Joseph Smart, Charles Chamberlaine et al [Assessment] Commissioners and [against] the collectors of Lime Street Ward for 8100l. which was assessed on the East India Company to the third 4s. Aid; the matter being under examination and to be determined next term. (Treasury Minute Book X, p. 134).
March 29,
forenoon Cockpit, Treasury Chambers.
Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith.
The [Principal] Commissioners for Prizes [attend with] the Commissioners for Sick and Wounded and Mr. Brounjohn. The said Prizes Commissioners are to make up and adjust their account as soon as possible and if there appear moneys due thereon not appropriated but that may be applicable to Mr. Brounjohn's debt (about 1200l.) then this debt is to be paid out of such moneys: but if there be no such balance this being a just demand it is to be satisfied some other way.
Mr. Lowndes is to raise 3000l. for the King's journey to Newmarket; to be [re]paid by 100l. or 150l. per week [out of the Post Office revenue] next after 2000l. already advanced per Mr. Floyer on the Post Office. The lender to have tallies and such consideration [by way of discount] as Mr. Lowndes can agree for.
[Ordered that the] 78767l. 7s. 9½d. to be lent this day by the Earl of Ranelagh on [credit of] the Exchequer in General, or so much as will exactly complete 850,000l. [for the Forces]: is to be issued to his Lordship for the Forces.
Look out the papers about the owlers against to-morrow morning.
(Ibid, p. 135).
March 30,
afternoon Kensington.
Present: the King; all the five Treasury Lords.
The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt [attend]. The Earl's [weekly] memorial [for money for the Forces] is read. The sums marked [in the margin thereof] are to be paid out of loans in the Exchequer, [the same] amounting to 12051l. 9s. 5½d.
[Write] to Mr. Hall, Cashier of Excise, to attend at the Treasury to-morrow morning.
Mr. Papillon's petition is read. See the endorsement [for the King's resolution thereon.]
Mr. Buckland [is] to have his lease for 700l. (Ibid.)