Treasury Warrants: January 1718, 11-20

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 32, 1718. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1962.

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'Treasury Warrants: January 1718, 11-20', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 32, 1718, (London, 1962) pp. 145-163. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol32/pp145-163 [accessed 3 May 2024]

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January 1718, 11–20

Jan. 11. Money warrant for 304,000l. to the South Sea Company for half a year to 1718 June 24 on the yearly fund of 600,000l. and 8,000l. for charges of management.
Together with: dormant money warrant for 500,000l. per an. (in place of the said 600,000l. per an.) and 8,000l. per an. for management, to be paid quarterly from and after the said 24 June 1718, from which date the said 600,000l. per an. is to cease: the first payment on the new annual sum being to be made at Michaelmas 1718. (Money order dated Jan. 15 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 192. Order Book X, p. 57.
Treasury reference to the Taxes Commissioners of the petition of Thomas and Charles Wilkinson proposing their securities for the Receivership of Arrears of Land Tax last half 1717 and 1717 arrears first half for Cos. York, Durham and Northumberland: being a second petition in place of that of Charles Wilkinson alone of Dec. 24 last. Out Letters (Affairs of Taxes) II, p. 248.
William Lowndes to Sir Isaac Newton. The Treasury Lords direct you to attend them here on Monday morning next about 10 a clock to take their Lordships' directions for preparing a new Indenture for the Mint. Out Letters (General) XXII, p. 258.
Jan. 11. Treasury warrant to the Customs Commissioners to pay to William Burnet, Comptroller General of the Accounts of the Customs, 450l. for bringing up [to date] the arrears of the accounts of the several new Duties: and further to allow him 200l. per an. as from Xmas last for making up the accounts of the said several Duties.
Prefixing: memorial of said Burnet shewing that in 1685 the Comptroller General's salary was settled at 1,000l. per an., out of which he was to pay his clerks; the Branches of the [Customs] revenue then being:
Customs.
Impost on Wine.
Impost on Tobacco.
Impost on Poundage Goods.
Four and a half per cent.
Enumerated Duties.
Coinage Duty.
But since the settlement of the said salary there have been laid 22 other Duties which require distinct accounts to be kept of them; for which the petitioner desires allowance as follows for clerical work, the sums desired being in proportion to the produce of the respective Duties: viz.
per an.
£
New Subsidy 25
One Third Subsidy 10
Two Thirds Subsidy 12
Additional Impost 10
New Duty on coffee &c. 10
Additional Duty on coffee, calicoe &c. 18
New Duty on whalefins 5
Second 25 per cent, and per ton 10
Coals, 3s. per chalder 30
Coals, 2s. per chalder 20
Fifteen per cent. on muslins 10
Duty on pepper, raisins &c. 6
new Duty on candles 1
Additional Duty on candles 1
new Duty on hides 2
Additional Duty on hides and drugs 10
new Duty on hops 4
new Duty on rocksalt 2
new Duty on soap, paper and linen 6
new additional Duty on soap, paper and linen 4
new Duty on sail cloth 2
new Duty on coals exported 2
£200
Further, in 1685 the outports accountable to London were only 49, but several member ports are now made principals and accountable to London, which has increased the number to 72. The said increases in Duties and in ports have at least doubled the work of [petitioner's] Office since 1685. Another addition is the keeping of the Outport Collectors' monthly abstracts and framing from thence for the Treasury Lords and for the Customs Commissioners a monthly list of the debts in the hands of the outport collectors. Lately also it is increased by preparing for the outports collectors the states of their receipts and payments for the whole year on the several branches of the revenue. “These accounts were never made out till now, but will be of great use to the revenue in speedily comparing with the collectors, which has been heretofore much neglected.” The Acts of Parliament for the new Duties provide for allowances for additional trouble in the accounting for them and such increases of allowances have been made to other Offices. I have brought up [to date] my predecessors' accounts, which I found completed no further than Xmas 1709.
Followed by: (a) (1) the schedule of salaries and additional allowances.
(a) (2) schedule of the annual fees allowed to the Auditor [of Imprests] for [preparing and stating] the General Accounts of the Customs.
(b) Report dated 2 Jan. 1717–18 from the Customs Commissioners, London, on the said Burnet's representation. Out Letters (Customs) XVII, pp. 49–53.
Jan. 11. Treasury reference to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands of the petition of Joseph Barret for a further lease in a messuage in Market Street on the west side of St. James's Market, now in the possession of John Lyon at the rack rent of 30l. per an.; being parcel of Pall Mall Field. Reference Book IX, p. 366.
Same to Mr. Cracherode of the petition of John Winteringham, Petty Constable of Leeds in the East Riding of Yorks, shewing that he was indicted for a misdemeanour in the execution of his office and thereupon fined 40l., but upon an advice he brought a writ of error upon the said judgment and a writ of restitution was awarded to Fairfax Norcliffe, Esq., late Sheriff of Yorkshire, to restore the said 40l.; but having passed his accounts, including the said 40l., Norcliffe had no money in his hands: therefore praying payment of same out of the Exchequer. Ibid., p. 367.
Same to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands of the petition of Richard Tregoning for extension of lease of a house in Jermin Street and a reversionary lease of two more in the same street, three in Piccadilly and one in Duke Street. Ibid.
Same to the Commissioners for Duties on Hides &c. of the petition of Robert Methuen and John Rogers, leather [Duty] officers of Bridgwater, shewing that they detected a fraud of one Row, a tanner at Bridgwater, and prosecuted him at law for same, but have met with some discouragement; therefore praying relief. Ibid.
Same to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands of the petition of Eliza[beth] Nichols for extension of lease of a house in St. Albans Street and seven poor bad tenements in Market Lane, all which want rebuilding. Ibid.
Same to same of the petition of John Pashley and his wife for extension of lease of a piece of ground called Davis Stable Yard in Market Lane. Ibid.
Jan. 11. Treasury reference to Thomas Jett, one of the Auditors of the Land Revenue, of the petition of John Colton, Esq., shewing that the offices of Bailiff of the Monastery of St. Mary's near the walls of the City of York, Collector of the rents, Keeper of the House of Evidence and Clerk of the Courts there became void by the demise of the late Queen, and that there hath not been any Courts held since that time; by which means the annual rents and profits of Courts will be in danger of being lost: therefore praying a grant of the said offices with the fee of 8l. 18s. 4d. per an. as granted to William Whitehead, gent., 29 Oct. 1703, who hath not rendered any account thereof to the Auditor since that time. Reference Book IX, p. 368.
Same to same of the petition of John Tomlinson, gent., praying a grant of the office of Steward of his Majesty's Courts of St. Mary's abovesaid, similarly void: with the usual fee of 5l. per an. as granted to Thomas Adams 10 March 1703, who hath not returned any Court Rolls thereof to the Auditor during the whole time of his stewardship. Ibid.
Same to the Commissioners of Taxes of the petition of Joseph Gace, Esq., late Receiver General of Taxes for Co. Lincoln, shewing that by mistake he hath overpaid 79l. 2s. 2d. on his account of House Duties: therefore praying repayment. Ibid.
Jan. 13. Treasury warrant to the Receipt to take in loans on the Land Tax anno 1718: up to 30,000l. at 3 per cent. interest. Money Book XXVI, p. 180.
A like warrant for 100,000l. loans on said Land Tax at 3 per cent. interest. Ibid.
Letter of direction for 130,000l. to Henry, Earl of Lincoln, on the unsatisfied order in his name as Paymaster General of the Forces: out of loans made or to be made on credit of the Land Tax anno 1718: and is to be taken as part of 581,196l. 8s. 0d. voted by Parliament to make good the Deficiency of the grants for the year 1717: and is intended to be reserved in the said Earl's hands for such uses of the Forces as the Treasury Lords shall think fit to direct. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 64.
C. Stanhope to Sir Isaac Newton. The Treasury Lords direct you to attend them on Tuesday next about 10 a clock in the forenoon and in the meantime to send their Lordships an account how much tin remains in the Tower and particularly how much [out] of the last quantity ordered to be sold. Out Letters (General) XXII, p. 258.
Same to the Directors of the East India Company to attend the Treasury Lords on Thursday forenoon next. Ibid.
Treasury reference to the Comptrollers of the Accounts of the Army of the petition of Samuel Green praying to be relieved with respect to the offreckonings due to him from the Royal Regiment of Dragoons now under the command of Lord Cobham. Reference Book IX, p. 373.
Jan. 14. William Lowndes to [John Aislabie], Treasurer of the Navy. By your memorial of the 13th inst. you represent that 87,783l. 8s.d. in 4 per cent. Annuities still remains in your hands and that you desire directions for disposing thereof at the best price that can be got. My Lords are pleased to direct you to dispose of the said Annuities accordingly at the present current price and to lay before them a particular account of the moneys arising by sale thereof; and to reserve the same in your hands for such uses of the Navy and Victualling as they shall think fit to direct. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 64.
Jan. 14. Same to Mr. Burchet [Secretary of the Admiralty]. You will please to acquaint the Admiralty Lords that the Treasury Lords do agree to their proposition of assigning to Thomas Colby, Esq., as a Commissioner of the Navy, that part of the public business which relates to the Transport service, having a person under him in the quality of a chief clerk with 180l. per an. for himself and two more to be maintained by him. They therefore desire the Admiralty Lords to give the proper Instructions to the said Colby for performing as a Navy Commissioner and (jointly with the other business of that Board) the affairs of the Transports and to allow him a chief clerk with 180l. per an. for himself and two other clerks; to date as from the date of Colby's patent: from which day the former annual charge of the Transports in all. particulars is to cease and determine. Out Letters (General) XXII, p. 258.
Same to Mr. Popple. There is as yet no return made to a letter of 1712 April 24 [ut supra, Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. XXVI, p. 253] transmitting the draft of a bill for preserving the right of British built ships. The Treasury Lords desire you to move the Commissioners for Trade to hasten their report on the said draft. Ibid., p. 259b.
Order by the Treasury Lords to the Surveyor General [of Crown Lands] jointly with the rest of the officers of the Board of Works to contract and agree with William Hatton for the purchase of the meadow at Kingston, Co. Surrey, which the Commissioners of Works have entered for drainage purposes &c., ut supra, Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. XXXI, p. 624. Reference Book IX, p. 350.
Treasury reference to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands of the petition of Thomas Ingoldesby, son and heir of Richard Ingoldesby, for a new lease of the scite of the manor of Ingleby, called Ingleby Hall, and the demesne lands and other the premises granted anno] 2 Anne to John Marriot and William Colmore, executors of said Richard Ingoldesby. Ibid., p. 368.
Same to same of the petition of the Earl of Carlisle for a lease of several lands in Co. Cumberland that are descended to the Crown, he being willing to defend the Crown title. Ibid., p. 369.
Same to Edward Young, Surveyor General of his Majesty's Woods, of the petition of the Earl of Halifax, Ranger and Keeper of Bushey Park, shewing that new gates, pales, scouring and opening of drains &c. are much wanted in said park and that he hath disbursed a considerable sum for hay for the deer and keepers' wages, which expenses have always been disbursed by the Crown: therefore praying satisfaction. Ibid.
Jan. 15. Money warrant for 25l. to Lyme Regis Corporation for 1717 June 24 quarter on their annuity for repair of the Cobb pier. (Money order dated Jan. 18 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 144. Order Book X, p. 59. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 77.
Same for 25l. to the Mayor of Macclesfield for half a year to June 24 last on the annuity for a preacher to instruct the people of Macclesfield and the villages thereto belonging. (Money order dated March 22 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 148. Order Book X, p. 77. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 76.
Same for 50l. to Philip Horneck, gent., who is appointed one of the Solicitors for negotiating and looking after the affairs of the Treasury; and is for 1717 Xmas quarter on his salary of 200l. per an. (Money order dated Jan. 17 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 19 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 156. Order Book X, p. 58. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 75.
Same for 20l. to James Robertson towards the charge of his passage to Virginia, whither he is going minister. (Money order dated Jan. 16 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 6 hereon. In this entry the name is given as Robinson.) Money Book XXVI, p. 159. Order Book X, p. 58. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 69.
Same for 5l. 6s. 8d. to Sir John Cotton, bart., for one year to 1717 June 24 on a perpetuity. (In the margin: this warrant was cancelled and another made out 1721 March 25.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 170; XXVIII, p. 328. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 77.
Treasury warrant dormant to the Customs Cashier to pay the salary of 52l. per an. to Bartholomew Swartz as a King's waiter, London port. Money Book XXVI, p. 194.
Treasury warrant to Anthony Cracherode, Solicitor of the Treasury, to retain in his hands the sum of 358l. 0s. 5d. (out of moneys imprested to him for Crown law charges), being for his expenses and demands in relation to the trial of the Earl of Oxford in Parliament: the said Cracherode being appointed by the House of Commons June 14 last to be Solicitor to the Managers for that trial.
Prefixing: (1) said Cracherode's petition shewing that he has expended 185l. 18s. 9d. in printing and fees and journeys and searches and that his expenses in drawing and printing the brief of all the Articles of Impeachment come to 122l. 1s. 8d. “Your petitioner had also prepared breviats of the evidence to prove ten of the said Articles before the difference arose between the two Houses of Parliament concerning the method of the said trial, which hindered his proceeding therein. Your petitioner hath not charged anything in the said account for his daily attendances upon the said Managers nor for his many attendances at several Offices and places to search for Treaties and translations of Treaties and Speeches from the Throne and Addresses of Parliament to be given in evidence at the said trial.”
(2) Report by Sir Edward Northey, Attorney General, on the reasonableness of said items. Cracherode attended on the Managers de die in diem as their Solicitor from the 14th of June to the 24th, when the Trial began, and attended the said Trial and the debates that arose thereon to the day that the Lords acquitted the said Earl.
(3) an account of money expended by Anthony Cracherode as Solicitor to the Managers to make good the Articles of Impeachment against the Earl of Oxford:
£ s. d.
1717 June 18, paid John Wall for printed Articles of Impeachment and answers, and Reports of the Secret Committee 3 2 0
1717, June 22, paid Peter Moreton for printed Articles and answers 0 5 0
1717 July 3, paid Mr. King for ditto and a printed Report from the Secret Committee 1 11 6
1717 June 27, paid Thomas Harris for his expenses in Post Horses to Amesbury in Wilts and Basingstoke to bring Mr. Gordon to town to attend the Managers 3 8 0
1717 June 29, paid Mr. Gordon's expenses 5 0 0
1717 July 4, paid Richard Combes for books of printed Treaties, Speeches from the Throne, Addresses &c. 0 18 6
1717 July 6, paid Thomas Blessington for carrying letters to the Managers to appoint them to meet at the Cockpit 0 10 0
1717 July 8, paid Michael Letten for many journeys to find out and serve the witnesses 2 7 6
1717 July 12, paid John Ozell and his assistant, Richard Millar, for searches for translations of Treaties and examining them with the Originals in the Prothonotary in Chancery's Office and attending the trial to prove such translations to be true 4 6 0
my expenses on that occasion 0 11 6
1717 July 12, paid Thomas Shorter and John Blenner, Chamber Keepers to the Managers at the Cockpit, for attending all their meetings 4 6 0
1717 July 15, paid Mathew Snow, Prothonotary of the Court of Chancery, for several searches in his Office for Treaties enrolled and attending the examination of such Treaties with the translations and five days' attendance at Westminster Hall with the records 10 15 0
1717 July 17, paid Thomas Wibery, Serjeant at Arms to the House of Commons, for attending the Trial 2 3 0
paid Richard Nicholson, Thomas Gregory, Robert MofFett and John Hollinshead, the Doorkeepers and Messengers of said House, for like attendance 4 6 0
1717 July 18, paid Thomas Owen for four days' attendance to take the Trial in shorthand and for writing the proceedings of one day 10 15 0
1717 July 22, paid Thomas Smith, Housekeeper to the House of Commons, his bill for refreshments for the Managers 17 19 0
1717 July 23, paid Francis Tyrrell for attending the Managers at Westminster and keeping the door into their room 3 4 6
1717 July 23, paid Zach. Hamlyn for Mr. Jodrell for engrossing the Articles, Reply, Addresses &c. and for their attendance at the Trial 50 2 10
1717 July 23, paid the Clerk of the House of Lords for copies of Speeches from the Throne 10 17 8
1717 July 24, paid Mr. John Jennings, one of the assistant clerks of the House of Lords, for searching and attending with the Original Journal of the House of Peers during the Trial 2 3 0
paper for briefs 1 6 0
paid many Clerks Extraordinary hired by me upon this occasion and who were obliged to write day and night 33 0 0
coach hire and wateridge 3 7 6
£185 18 9
(4) The said Cracherode's account for business done as Solicitor to the said Managers (exclusive of his attendance):
£ s d.
for making a breviate of the first Articles, being 245 copy sheets at 4d. per sheet 4 1 8
the like of the additional Articles, being 115 copy sheets 1 18 4
the like of the Earl of Oxford's Answer, being 401 copy sheets 6 13 8
making breviats of the Evidence to prove 10 of the said Articles at 40s. the Article 20 0 0
making four copies of the Breviats, amounting in all to 596 sheets written close at 3d. per sheet 89 8 0
£122 1 8
Money Book XXVI, pp. 200–3.
Jan. 15. Money warrant for 287l. 10s. 0d. to William Popple, Secretary to the Commissioners for Trade: for the 1717 Xmas quarter's salaries of himself and clerks employed under said Commissioners. (Money order dated Jan. 21 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 6 hereon.) Ibid., p. 205. Order Book X, p. 59. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 69.
Same for 250l. to Charles, Duke of St. Albans, for 1717 June 24 quarter on his annuity in lieu of his yearly pension out of the Logwood Duty. (Money order dated Feb. 17 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 207. Order Book X, p. 69. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 71.
Same for 300l. to John, Earl of Sutherland, for 1717 June 24 quarter on an allowance or yearly sum of 1,200l. 200l. to Thomas, Earl of Haddington, for same on 800l. per an. 150l. to Thomas Patterson for same on 600l. per an. to be distributed by direction of the Earl of Sutherland et al. (Money orders dated Jan. 20 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 209. Order Book X, pp. 60, 61. Disposition Book XXIV, pp. 75, 76.
Jan. 15. Same for 200l. to David, Earl of Buchan, for same quarter on his annuity or yearly sum.
200l. to Patrick, Earl of Marchmont, for same on same. 200l. to James, Earl of Bute, for same on same. 100l. to John Haldane for same on same. 100l. to Charles Erskine for same on same. (Money orders dated Jan. 20 hereon, except for Erskine.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 210. Order Book X, p. 61. Disposition Book XXIV, pp. 75, 76.
Same for 50l. to Alan, Lord Cathcart, for same quarter on same. 25l. to William, Lord Forbes, for same on same. (Money orders dated Jan. 20 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 210. Order Book X, p. 63. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 76.
Same for 75l. to John, Earl of Crawford, for same quarter on same. (Money order dated Jan. 21 hereon.) Order Book X, p. 64.
75l. to George, Earl of Dunbarton, for same on same. (Money order ut supra.) Ibid.
50l. to William, Earl of Kilmarnock, for same on same.
50l. to Alexander, Lord Elibanck, for same on same.
50l. to George, Lord Rea, for same on same.
50l. to John, Lord Ballenden, for same on same.
50l. to Patrick, Lord Oliphant, for same on same.
50l. to John, Lord Napier, for same on same.
50l. to James, Lord Torpichen, for same on same.
25l. to John, Lord Elphinstone, for same on same.
25l. to David, Lord Lindores, for same on same.
25l. to William Maxwell, Esq., for same on same
25l. to Major Aikman, for same on same.
25l. to Capt. John Campbell, for same on same. (Money orders dated Jan. 20 hereon. In the case of Lord Lindores there is a later marginal confirmation dated 9 April 1718 hereof by the Treasury Lords.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 211. Order Book X, p. 62. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 76.
Same for 200l. to James, Earl of Hyndford, for same quarter on same. (Money order dated Jan. 20 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) Money Book XXVI, p. 212. Order Book X, p. 61. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 75.
Same for 500l. to Hugh, Earl of Loudoun: for 1717 June 24 quarter on an annuity or yearly pension. Money Book XXVI, p. 80. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 75.
1,000l. to Anne, Duchess of Buccleuch, for same on same. Money Book XXVI, p. 81. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 75.
Jan. 15. Treasury subscription for the execution of a money warrant of date 1716–17 March 6 for 10l. to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield for one year to 1713 Xmas on their perpetuity. Money Book XXVI, p. 205.
Money warrant for 37l. 10s. 0d. to Richard Topham for 1717 Xmas quarter for three clerks for digesting the Records in Caesar's Chapel. (Letter of direction dated Feb. 6 hereon.)
25l. to George Holmes for same quarter as chief clerk for the said work. Ibid., pp. 17, 18. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 69.
Money order for 54,600l. to Thomas Madockes, the First and Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, as imprest and upon account: 53,950l. thereof to answer and pay all the annuities due and payable for one year from 1717 Sept. 29 under the three Acts of Parliament of 1 Geo. I. (to wit (1) 1 Geo. L, St. 2, c. 12, for enlarging the Fund of the Bank of England; (2) 1 Geo. I., St. 2, c. 19, for raising 910,000l. by 5 per cent, annuities; (3) 1 Geo. I., St. 2, c. 21, for enlarging the stock of the South Sea Company).
and the remaining 650l. is to satisfy the salary of the said Madockes himself and of the Accomptant General of the said Bank for their services incumbent on them under the said Acts. Order Book X, p. 56.
Treasury reference to the Stamps Commissioners of the petition of Thomas Goddard of Norwich, bookseller, shewing that he has suffered much for his zeal for the House of Hanover, therefore praying as a reward to be made Distributor of Stamps for Norwich and Norfolk; “recommended by Sir John Holland, [and] by the Mayor, Sheriff and Recorder of Norwich.” Reference Book IX, p. 369
. Same to the Attorney General of Auditor Harley's report on the petition of Harriet Ramondon concerning her father's salary as Principal Physician to the King, ut supra, Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. XXXI, p. 288. Ibid., p. 324.
Treasury warrant to the Stamps Commissioners to depute Nathan Tilson as a stamper loco Robert Delaval, deceased.
Prefixing said Commissioners' presentment of said Tilson for said office. The said Tilson, a cardmaker, has been very serviceable to this revenue in the discovery of a counterfeit stamp for marking cards and one John Seal, a cardmaker, has been convicted on his evidence. Warrants not Relating to Money XXIV, p. 367.
Same to Auditor Edward Harley to allow items of incidents, detailed, in the accounts of the Commissioners for [Duties on] Hides for the year 1714, viz. 258l. 4s. 9d. for disbursements by country collectors on account of the old Duties on hides from 24 June 1713 to 24 June 1714, and 154l. 8s.d. for the like on account of the Additional Duties on Hides for the same year, the said sums being for postage of letters, carriage, gratuities, “carrying the portmantua for the Collectors on the Round when the supernumeraries have been obliged to officiate in sick officers' business,” charges of prosecution &c.; likewise 38l. 19s.d. for premiums paid by several Collectors for returning divers sums of money to London on account of the old Duties; and 23l. 7s. 10¼d. for the like on account of the Additional Duties.
Prefixing: (1) memorial from said Commissioners dated 8 Oct. 1717 and signed by N. Vincent, Antho. Dawley and Hartcourt Masters. (2) report thereon by said Edward Harley. The allowance to Collectors for returns of money from the Country to the Head Office in London are charged [made] at several rates between 4s. per cent. (100l.) and 15s. per cent, in proportion to the distance of the collections. The same rates were allowed on the preceding accounts. Ibid., pp. 368–9.
Jan. 15. Same to same to similarly allow incidents in the accounts of the Salt Commissioners for the year ended at Lady day 1716: amounting in all to 614l. 11s. 5d.
Prefixing:
the said Auditor Harley's report on the said incidents. The service has not required the same number of officers this year at some of the collections, but several other officers have been appointed to oversee salt works newly opened. The officers employed at the sea ports for collecting the Duties on foreign salt imported have been made the same allowance of poundage as upon preceding accounts. Ibid., pp. 370–72.
Same to the Commissioners of Customs and Salt Duties in Scotland to regulate and govern their proceedings in the matter of unsizable cask for exported fish in Scotland in all points conformable to the report [from the Lord Advocate and the King's Solicitor in Scotland] as below.
Prefixing: representation to the Treasury Lords from the said Commissioners dated Custom House, Edinburgh, 2 Nov. 1717. The frauds that have lately been discovered at the port of Inverness led us into a more narrow search into the practices upon the export of fish from Scotland, and having reasons to believe that most of the barrels designed this year for the packing of salmon and herrings were not of the size directed by law we informed all our officers to be very exact in the gauging of all such salmon and herring barrels. In return thereof we find many of the herring barrels to be under the size of 32 gallons wine measure in several of the ports, and finding ourselves under some difficulties (as the law now stands) in allowing our officers to pass debentures for such as are under the legal size we stated a case to the Lord Advocate and King's Solicitor for their opinion therein. We annex a copy of their opinion.
And they seem to question whether a herring barrel of 32 gallons wine measure, as stated in 13 Eliz., c. 11, should be the standard size of a herring barrel in Scotland (notwithstanding the 17th Article of Union says the same weights and measures established in England shall be used throughout the United Kingdom, and [notwithstanding] the 5th clause in the 7th Anne, c. 11, for ascertaining the allowances to be made on exportation from Scotland of fish &c. cured with foreign salt imported before May 1707, which expressly says that all laws in force in England or Scotland for preventing frauds on importation and exportation of fish &c. shall be in force and extend to Scotland): and they are rather of opinion [that] though the cask be unsizable a regard should be had to the quantity of herrings exported and that after the rate of 32 gallons to the barrel Debentures ought to be nevertheless made out agreeable to rules of equity and proportion.
“In regard therefore that the merchant exporters who are now pressing us for the passing Debentures conform to the said opinion may not meet with delays therein or any unnecessary stop in the course of their merchandise” we pray your directions for our guidance in this affair.
Followed by: said statement of opinion dated 26 Sept. 1717 by David Dalrymple [Lord Advocate of Scotland] and R. Dundas [the King's Solicitor in Scotland] on the following statement of case. The Act of 4th Session of 1st Parliament [Scotland] of Wm. and Mary anent the loyal curing and packing of herrings and salmon (prescribing that ilk barrel for exporting of herrings should contain 8 gallons and 2 pints and ilk barrel for exporting salmon 10 gallons; to be tried by an honest cooper appointed by the magistrates or Dean of Gild of the respective boroughs and marked by a burning seal) and likewise the Act of the 1st Parliament of Queen Anne for advancing and establishing the Fishing Trade (prescribing the seizing of fish if not in barrels made and marked as aforesaid), and likewise the 8th Article of Union (prescribing that the laws of Parliament in Scotland concerning the pining, curing and packing of herring, white fish and salmon for export with foreign salt only without any mixture of British or Irish salt &c. shall be continued in force in Scotland), and the 17th Article of Union (as above concerning weights and measures):
The case: It is found by experience that since the Union barrels made for exporting of salmon and herring are often very undersized (by 1, 2 or 3 gallons), by which means the exporter very unjustly obtains the allowance for fish in sizable cask.
Query: (1) Whether the several penalties imposed on the makers and visitors of casks may not be inflicted for herring casks of under 32 gallons or salmon cask of under 42 gallons?
Answer: The query takes it for granted that the size of the barrels are to be according to 13 Eliz., c. 11, and that the sizes established in Scotland before the Union were altered by the 17th Article of Union: as to which we are of a contrary opinion. And therefore we think that the penalties imposed by Acts passed in the Parliament of Scotland and which are still in force by the 8th Article of the Treaty cannot be inflicted with regard to the sizes mentioned by the query: but that when these penalties are inflicted it must be with regard to the sizes contained in the Scots Acts of Parliament.
2dly: We beg leave to observe that the Rules settled in Scotland before the Union as to the marking and visiting of casks of fishes exported have scarce ever been in observance either before or since the Union: and the merchants who have this year fish to export and bestowed great sums in that branch of trade have probably gone on in the hopes of having their drawbacks and premiums this year according to the former usage.
3dly: This being the case, we are of opinion that timeous intimation ought to be made to the Royal boroughs and chief places of the fishing to observe the rules precisely in time coming and that the officers of the Customs and all others concerned conform themselves thereto.
Lastly: We are of opinion that without such previous intimation the several penalties imposed on the makers and visitors of casks may not be inflicted when the barrels are found under the size required by law.
2d Query: When makers and visitors of cask neglect to affix their seals and marks as the law directs, whether the Customs officers may not seize and confiscate the fish in barrels under the size of 32 and 42 gallons as above?
Answer: As the law stands when markers [sic for makers] and visitors of cask neglect to affix their seals and marks as the law directs the Customs officers might seize and confiscate fish in barrels under the sizes directed by the Scots Acts of Parliament. But in respect of the general disuse abovementioned, wherein both the officers of the Customs and the exporters of fishes have concurred, we are of opinion that in a poenal case there ought to be such intimation made as is above advised before penalties be inflicted.
3rd Query: Whether the officers of the Customs may not refuse to make out Debentures for fish exported in unsizable casks or if they may calculate and proportion the allowances granted upon exportation according to the size of the cask? If so, by what authority can they warrant their so doing?
Answer: That the officers of the Customs might refuse to make out Debentures for fish exported in unsizable casks if it were not for the disuse abovementioned and the said Collectors might seize the fish packed in such cask. But because it would be an hardship to seize such fish for the reason so often above expressed it seems at least consonant to reason and equity that the exporter should only have Debentures proportioned to the allowances granted upon exportation according to the size of the cask, and this seems to be founded on the words of the 8th Article of Union, “that all fish exported from Scotland to parts beyond the seas which shall be cured with foreign salt only and without mixture of British or Irish salt shall have the easies, premiums and drawbacks as are or shall be allowed to such persons as export the like fish from England”: which words do first expressly contain an agreement that easies, premiums and drawbacks shall be allowed to the exporters of fish mentioned in the Article; and next that the proportions shall be as the exporters of the like fish from England have allowances. And therefore thirdly if the quantities of the barrels are either become unsettled by the custom abovementioned or had not been clearly settled in the Articles yet still the allowances would be due, and there occurs no other more equitable proportion than that mentioned in the query excepting only that the query still supposes that the statutes made in England before the Union regulate the quantities of the barrels, which with submission we take to be otherwise.
Further followed by: statement of opinion dated Jan. 11 inst. by Sir Edward Northey [Attorney General of England] and William Thomson [Solicitor General of England] on the above report from the Customs Commissioners of Scotland and in answer to the order of reference, ut supra, Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. XXXI, p. 678.
As to the First Query: We agree with the Counsel of Scotland that although by the 17th Article of Union weights and measures are directed to be the same throughout the United Kingdom as used in England at the time of the Union, yet the contents of the barrels of herrings and salmon are to be by the 8th Article of the Union in Scotland as before by the words “the Laws and Acts of Parliament in Scotland for preventing of frauds in curing and packing of fish to be continued in Scotland.”
However we cannot agree with them that any notice or intimation ought to be given before the Scotch laws reserved by the Union ought to be executed: and since by this opinion the packing &c. was to be according to the Scotch laws we are of opinion offenders against them ought to be punished according to law without any previous intimation. And it seems somewhat perverse that the North Britains would not pack according to the English law or their own though prescribed in the 5th of Queen Anne [the Act of Union, 6 Anne, c. 11].
As to the Second Query: We are of opinion the general disuse alleged will not repeal or suspend the laws, but they may and ought to be executed according to the directions of them without any intimation. For it is everyone's duty to take notice of an Act according to the laws in being.
As to the Third Query: We are of opinion the officers of the Customs may and ought to refuse to make out Debentures for fish exported in casks not sizable according to the law of Scotland, such casks and fish being to be forfeited for not complying with the law. And the officers have no authority to allow Drawbacks for such illegal exportations in any proportion whatsoever. And the clause in the 8th Article of Union touching Drawbacks allows the same only on lawful exportations and not on such exportation where the fish is forfeited, which is plain was the intent of that clause, it following the provision that the laws for packing of fish should be continued in Scotland after the Union. And although the legal measures of barrels in England and Scotland for fish by their respective laws are different yet the measure of each is certain and a Drawback is to be allowed for fish exported in legal barrels from Scotland in proportion to what is allowed for barrels of fish exported from England, which will be easily settled, the North Britains observing the barrels directed by their laws, but cannot be without very great inconvenience should the contents be left to the pleasure of the exporter. Out Letters (North Britain) IV, pp. 223–8.
Jan. 15. Treasury allowance of the incidents bill, detailed, of the Salt Duty officers in Scotland: total 103l. 12s. 9d. Ibid., p. 228.
Treasury warrant to the Taxes Commissioners to give power to George Houlme of London, merchant, or any other nominee or attorney of George Trenchard and John Henley (securities, for John Bowdidge, late Receiver General of Taxes for Co. Somerset) to correspond with Messrs. John and Samuel Pitt, and Messrs. Brown and Butler of Cadiz, merchants, and with Messrs. Hanbury and Halsey of Hamburg, merchants, or any others who have in their hands any effects of the said Bowdidge and to use all lawful means for securing and recovering the same for the indemnity of the said sureties; in regard no danger or inconveniency can arise to his Majesty thereby.
Prefixing: report by said Commissioners on the memorial of said Trenchard and Henley. Out Letters (Affairs of Taxes) II, p. 255.
Jan. 16. Same to Geo. Murray, Paymaster of the 1,400,000l. Lottery anno 1714 [13 Anne, c. 18], to pay 98l. 4s. 6d. to Thomas Madockes and other the Cashiers of the Bank of England, concerned, for the charges in passing their account as Receivers of the Contributions for the said Lottery.
Prefixing: report by C. Tilson, T. Cornwallis, N. Arnold and C. Rhodes on the demands of the said Cashiers as by the order of reference of Dec. 20 last.
Appending: bill of said charges of passing said account. Money Book XXVI, p. 191.
Same to Thomas Jett, Paymaster of the late Fond for the 10l. Lottery anno 1712 [10 Anne, c. 18], to pay (out of moneys remaining in your hand of the said Fond) 72l. 19s. 10¼d. to Edward Stawell, late Comptroller of the [said] Lotteries Nos. 1, 2 and 3 anno 1712, to answer his cravings for incidents and clerical and other assistance from 2 June 1713, the time of his entering upon his said office, to the 19th Feb. 1714–15, the time of his leaving the same.
Prefixing: report by Auditor Edward Harley on said Stawell's petition for said cravings. Ibid., p. 199.
Jan. 16. William Lowndes to the Comptrollers of the Accounts of the Army to report on the enclosed memorial [missing] of Joseph Shaw, Esq. My Lords desire you to examine the nature of the claims amounting to 6,737l. therein mentioned. Out Letters (General) XXII, p. 259.
Treasury reference to the Excise Commissioners of the petition of William Delarose praying to be restored to his employment as Collector of Excise in Co. Hants. Reference Book IX, p. 369.
Treasury subscription for the execution of a warrant dated 1717 Dec. 31 from the Duke of Newcastle, Lord Chamberlain, to the Duke of Montagu, Master of the Great Wardrobe, for the delivery to Sir Robert Sutton, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary at Constantinople, of a Cloth of State and the usual necessaries for his Chapel: to an estimate of 382l.: being verbatim as in the case of Abraham Stanyan, supra, Calendar of Treasury Books, Vol. XXXI, p. 695. Lord Chamberlain's Warrant Book I, p. 60.
Jan. 17. Royal sign manual for 11,900l. to Henry Kelsall for the value of 10,000l. South Sea Stock to be transferred to the King. (Money warrant dated Jan. 18 hereon.) (Money order dated Jan. 18 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Jan. 18 hereon.) King's Warrant Book XXVIII, p. 497. Order Book X, p. 56. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 64.
Letter of direction for 1,946l. 3s. 10d. to Harry Mordaunt on the unsatisfied order in his name as Treasurer and Paymaster of the Ordnance: out of loans remaining in the Exchequer on credit of the Land Tax anno 1718: and is intended to be applied to defray the charge of such guns, ammunition and other warlike stores as are to be provided by the Office of Ordnance and delivered to Capt. Woodes Rogers, who is going Governor of the Island of Providence; for the defence of that and other the Bahama Islands: and is to be esteemed as part of the 2,858l. 13s. 0d. voted by Parliament Dec. 7 last for Ordnance stores and provisions for the Independent Company in the Islands of Bahama and Providence in the year 1718. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 65.
Same for 16,165l. 12s. 0d. to Henry, Earl of Lincoln, on the unsatisfied order in his name as Paymaster General of the Forces: out of loans in the Exchequer on Land Tax anno 1718: and is intended to be applied to the services following: viz.
£ s. d.
in part of 57,613l. 14s. 7d. voted for the Forces and Garrisons in Minorca anno 1718.
for two months' subsistence from Dec. 25 last to Feb. 23 next to the Forces provided for in this sum
9,248 5 6
for Contingencies for the same time 353 16 0
in part of 39,382l. 14s.d. voted for the Forces and Garrison in Gibraltar anno 1718.
for the same two months' subsistence to the Forces provided for in this sum
6,396 8 3
for Contingencies for the same time 167 2 3
£16,165 12 0
Disposition Book XXIV, p. 66.
Jan. 17. William Lowndes to the Commissioners of Trade. In obedience to his Majesty's command upon an Address of the House of Lords [Lords Journals XX, p. 575] you are forthwith to lay before that House an attested copy of the Representation made by you touching the exportation of silver and the Balance of Trade since his Majesty's accession to the throne. The Treasury Lords also desire you to send to the Treasury another copy of the said Representation. Out Letters (General) XXII, p. 259.
Same to Sir Isaac Newton in obedience to the King's command upon an Address as above to lay before the said House of Lords an account of all the silver money coined at the recoinage of the silver money of England at the Tower Mint and the several Country Mints: and also of all the silver moneys and gold [moneys] coined at or in that time to Michaelmas last. The Treasury Lords also desire copies of the said account. Ibid.
A like letter to Henry Martin [Inspector General of Imports and Exports] to similarly submit an account of the balance of trade for seven years last past and an account of all the silver exported and imported during the said seven years: and similarly to send copies thereof to the Treasury. Ibid.
Henry Kelsall (in the absence of the Treasury Secretaries) to the Customs Commissioners to examine into the character of the Collector of Exeter port “as to his principles in relation to the Government” and his abilities and behaviour; and to send my Lords an account thereof with all speed. Out Letters (Customs) XVII, p. 53.
Treasury reference to the Excise Commissioners of the petition of William Cross proposing to increase the revenues of Excise [by] 20,000l. per an. provided he may have 2,000l. per an. for his life and the life of Major Mason. Reference Book IX, p. 370.
Jan. 18. Royal warrant dated St. James's authorising and empowering James, Visct. Stanhope, in the King's name and behalf to accept the transfer of 10,000l. in South Sea Stock and to sign the King's attestation of his acceptance thereof: which stock Sir Justus Beck bart., hath this day transferred to the King, having on the same day received from his Majesty the full sum of 11,887l. 10s. 0d. in full for the said 10,000l. capital stock. King's Warrant Book XXVIII, p. 538.
Same to the Treasury Lords to pay 100l. to Constantine de Renneville as royal bounty: without account. (Money warrant dated Jan. 20 hereon.) (Money order dated Jan. 24 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 6 hereon.) Ibid., p. 538. Order Book X, p. 59. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 69.
Jan. 18. Same to Henry, Earl of Lincoln, Paymaster General of Guards, Garrisons and Land Forces, to pay (out of Army Contingencies) 350l. to Robert Munro, Esq., for services as follows: viz: upon notices that were had immediately upon our accession of designs that were formed or forming in Scotland against our person and Government, the Regency there acting in our absence despatched Col. Robert Munro to Scotland to assist Major Gen. Whiteman, who then commanded our Troops there, and also to take care of affairs for our service and to correspond with the Lords of our Regency. To enable him to the said service he received 200l. by way of advance from Thomas Moor, Esq., then Paymaster General of the Forces, and a further 150l. was remitted to him by — Westcombe, then Agent of the Royal Regiment of Foot, of which the said Munro was then a Captain. Upon stating the accounts of the said Regiment the said 350l. is placed to his debt as received on account of his [own pay] or his Company's pay whereas the same was meant and intended to recompense his good and faithful services to the public and his charges and expenses therein. King's Warrant Book XXVIII, p. 539.
Same to same to pay to the Excise Commissioners in Scotland 10,000l. clear of all deduction of poundage and thereupon to take up the acquittances given for the like sum by John, Duke of Argyll, in pursuance of the royal sign manual of 8 Sept. 1715 for so much received by him from the said Commissioners upon account for his Majesty's service, he being then Commander in Chief of our Army there: the Parliament of Great Britain by a clause in an Act of 3 Geo. I., c. 7, cl. 41 (appropriating the Public Supplies for the year 1717) having granted 10,000l. to replace the said sum. In case an account has not yet been rendered by the said Duke of the said sum he is, by virtue of the said receipts, to be charged in super, on your the Paymaster General's accounts, for the said sum until he is discharged therefrom [by his own account thereof]. Ibid. XXIX, p. 9.
Same to the Treasury Lords to pay 322l. to Sir Clement Cotterell, Master of the Ceremonies, 300l. thereof to be by him paid over as a present from the King to the executors of Count Guidiceardy [Fabrizio, Conte Guicciardi], deceased, late Envoy from the Duke of Modena: and the remaining 22l. to be for [Exchequer and other] fees on the receipt of the said 300l. (Money warrant dated Jan. 24 hereon.) (Money order dated Jan. 28 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 6 hereon.) Ibid., p. 10. Order Book X, p. 60. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 69.
Royal sign manual for 2,600l. to Francis Negus: as imprest for the extraordinary expense of the Stables. (Money warrant dated Feb. 5 hereon.) (Money order dated Feb. 10 hereon.) Ibid., p. 22. Order Book IX, p. 483.
Same for 500l. to Moses Beranger, merchant, without account: for the value of a bill of exchange drawn on the Treasury Lords from Gibraltar Nov. 23 last by Charles Cornwall, Esq. (Vice Admiral Cornwall), payable to the order of Messrs. Francis Trobrydge and Company, merchants in Cadiz; “the said Cornwall having received the said sum towards carrying on our service in such manner as we have directed upon the present negotiation in order to a Treaty of Peace between us and the Emperor of Fez and Morocco, for concluding whereof the said Charles Cornwall is appointed our Plenipotentiary.” (Money warrant dated Feb. 13 hereon.) (Money order dated Feb. 28 hereon.) (Letter of direction dated Feb. 25 hereon.) King's Warrant Book XXIX, p. 28. Order Book X, p. 71. Disposition Book XXIV, p. 76.
Jan. 18. Royal sign manual for 50l. to Don Emanuel Mercador, Deputy from the inhabitants of Minorca: and is for two months Nov. 5 last to Jan. 5 inst. on his 300l. per an. allowance. (Money warrant dated March 18 hereon.). (The money order of 20 March 1717–18 for 100l. to March 5 incorporates the above sum.) King's Warrant Book XXVIII, p. 497. Order Book X, p. 65.
Royal warrant dated St. James's to William Clayton to pay an annual pension of 20l. to John Mellon: during pleasure. King's Warrant Book XXVIII, p. 497.
Treasury reference to Mr. Cracherode of the petition of Quarter Master James Miller of Sir Charles Hotham's Regiment of Dragoons, praying payment of 100l. for apprehending Daniel O'Brien pursuant to an advertisement in the Gazette No. 5311. Reference Book IX, p. 370.
Royal warrant dated St. James's [to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland] to pay 200l. to the Lord of Howth clear of all charges pursuant to an agreement between him and the Commissioners of the Revenue of Ireland, for the granting [by him] to a nominee for the use of the Crown of the land on which the Lighthouse of Howth was erected and does now stand, to wit to reimburse the expense he hath been at in making a proper key at Howth for the landing of coals for the use of the said Lighthouse: all as represented by the said Lord Lieutenant in his representation of Dec. 21 last, “which the Commissioners of our Treasury have laid before us.” Out Letters (Ireland) X, p. 161.
Jan. 19. Same to the Attorney or Solicitor General for a great seal to revoke and determine the great seal which granted to John Leacroft the office and place of Treasurer and Receiver of the moneys for Building Fifty New Churches in and about London and Westminster: and in his place to grant the said office to Thomas Robinson, Esq.: to hold during pleasure. (In the margin: “Cancelled.”) King's Warrant Book XXIX, p. 29.
Jan. 20. William Lowndes to Mr. Cracherode [Treasury Solicitor]. The Treasury Lords direct you to attend the Board of Trade for the purpose of the following letter.
Prefixing: letter from William Popple and Charles Stanhope [at the Treasury] dated Whitehall 18 Dec. 1717. The King has referred to the Commissioners for Trade a petition from Col. Codrington praying a confirmation of a grant of 763 acres of land in the late French part of St. Christopher and desiring to be heard by counsel. The Commissioners of Trade think that such hearing should be attended by the Attorney and Solicitor General and desire that Mr. Cracherode may be directed to attend the said Attorney and Solicitor General “with such papers as we [the Commissioners of Trade] shall furnish him with in behalf of his Majesty in this particular.” Out Letters (General) XXII, p. 259b.
Jan. 20. Same to the Comptrollers of the Accounts of the Army enclosing three lists signed by the Deputy Governor of Gibraltar of the number of persons victualled in that Garrison between 12 Aug. 1717 and 3 Nov. following; and a certificate signed by same of the quantity of provisions laid into his Majesty's storehouses there by the Contractor on Sept. 30 last. The Treasury Lords desire you to examine same and to report thereon what sum is due to the Contractor on them. Ibid., p. 260.
Treasury reference to the Customs Commissioners of the petition of Robert Jackson praying a noli prosequi to an information against 70 tons of iron seized by Mr. Saltonstall as Swedish, which he [Jackson] says he bought in Holland as German iron. Reference Book IX, p. 370.
Same to the Secretary at War of the petition of the Officers of Sir Charles Hotham's Regiment, shewing that from 25 Oct. 1715 to 24 Aug. 1716 the sum of 153l. 1s. 4d. is stopped out of the pay of said Regiment on account of respits in the several muster rolls; that the said Regiment marched against the Rebels under the command of Lieut. Gen. Carpenter, the severity of which march on their return to Newcastle occasioned so great a desertion that it was impossible for them to show their Companies complete, but that they completed as soon as possible: therefore praying removal of said stoppage. Ibid.
William Lowndes to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The King signed a letter (countersigned by the Treasury Lords) dated the 27 Nov. last authorising you to pass letters under the great seal of Ireland for an annuity of 3,000l. to the Duchess of Munster. The said letter has lain some time in the Treasury Office without being followed or being till very lately entered at the Signet Office. I am commanded by the Treasury Lords to enclose the same to your Grace with their desires that effectual letters patent thereupon may be speeded under seal according to his Majesty's pleasure therein. Out Letters (Ireland) X, p. 161.