Volume 67: January 2-March 12, 1700

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Volume 67: January 2-March 12, 1700 ', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702, (London, 1871) pp. 367-381. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol2/pp367-381 [accessed 25 April 2024]

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January 2–March 12, 1700

1699–1700.
Jan. 2.
1. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of George Phelips, commander, and others, owners of the “Eaton” frigate, bound for China, in the service of the East India Company; complaining that 500l. in English money, which the captain had for the river pay of the seamen, and to buy fresh provisions, together with a dozen and a half of silver plates, which he had on board for the use of the President and other gentlemen who were going to China, were seized by the officer of Customs: they state that it seemed a very strange custom and contrary to the meaning of the law, that so great a sum should be on board after the ship's final clearing at Gravesend; it seemed more reasonable that these necessary accommodations should be supplied before clearing at Gravesend or by credit at Deal. The officer prayed a trial at law, to which they did not object. Dated 2 Jan. 1699.
Also the petition, a schedule of disbursements for the ship; eight affidavits and certificates, and a copy of an order of the board of directors, all relating to the case.
Minuted:—“Read 12 Feb. 1699. The pe[titi]on is rejected.” 14 pages.
Jan. 3. 2. “Auditor Parsons's certificate concerning sallaries.” Two papers with this docquet, relating to salaries of a few persons engaged in the collection of revenue, in pursuance of a command of the House of Commons, viz., in the southern and western counties. Dated 18 Dec. 1699 and 3 Jan. 1699. 2 pages.
Jan. 5. 3. “Letter from officers of New Forest, about 1,000 trees to be felled there for the navy,” addressed to the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 5 Jan. 1699. 1 page.
Jan. 5. 4. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Stephen Fagett and Peter Fauconnier, praying payment of 1,359l. 2s., and interest due since 1695 for clothing to Col. Colenbine's regiment, when under command of Col. Collier, and the Marquis de Rada. If their Lordships ordered anything they observed that the off-reckonings were paid to 1 Jan. 1697, and from thence to 25 July 1698, they amounted to 920l.; there remained due to one Key, for clothing in the year 1696, 387l. 3s. 9d. If their Lordships ordered the remaining 439l. 2s., it might be charged to the arrears of the regiment. Dated 5 Jan. 1699.
Also the petition.
Minuted:—“Agree wth the report.” 4 pages.
[About
Jan. 5.]
5. Memorial of Sarah Monck, widow and executrix of John Monck, deceased, late lieutenant of a marine company under the command of Capt. Samuel Odbert, in the regiment whereof the Hon. Sir Cloudesley Shovell, Knt., was colonel; setting forth her husband's services in 1695 in the West Indies, under the late Lord John Berkley, and on board the squadron whereof Capt. Wilmot was commodore, &c. Praying payment of what was due.
Minuted:—“Read 5 Jan. 1699. To be considered when any mony comes in applicable to this use.”
Also a certificate. 2 pages.
[? About
Jan. 5.]
6. Petition of Newdigate Owsley in behalf of the royal regiment of Dragoons, to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that in 1696 he made a loan of 2,100l. to procure a debt of 1,400l. and odd pounds, due to that regiment for their Irish service; praying for payment.
Minuted:—“Read 5 Jan. '99. Desire Mr. Fox to state this matter in a report to my Lords.” 1 page.
June 29
1699–Jan. 8
1699–1700.
7. “The case of the officers and messengers of His Majestyes penny post-office, and the mismanagement of Mr William Dockwra, the present comptroller,” in which they make a great variety of charges against him, which principally fall under three heads, viz., those affecting (1.) the revenue of the penny post-office; (2.) his treatment of his subordinates; and (3.) the public.
Minuted:—“29 June '99. To be sent in a letter to ye Post Mr Genll to examine ye allegacoñs & report.”
The report of Sir R. Cotton and Sir Thos. Frankland on the articles charged against the said controller. Dated 2 Jan. 1699–1700.
The examinations taken upon the articles exhibited against him. The article in one column and the answer in another.
A letter from the above Sir Robert and Sir Thomas, sending (at the desire of the parties) the whole examinations, together with the several certificates touching the same, to the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 8 Jan. 1699–1700.
Also the case of the said William Docwra, being his representation of it.
In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 62, 29 May 1700, is a long account of the examination into these matters, and the conclusion was as follows:—
“My Lords are of opinion that Mr Docwra is not fitt to be entrusted in the office any longer.” 65 pages or parts of pages.
Jan. 8. 8. A state of the debt due to clear the office of works up to Christmas 1698. Dated 8 January 1699–1700. 1 page.
Jan. 15. 9. An account of the sums due and owing on fees and salaries payable at the Exchequer, between Christmas 1698 and Christmas 1699. Dated 15 Jan. 1699.
A similar account for the same time, of sums due and owing on pensions and perpetuities. Of the same date.
These have probably been enclosures, and are marked 7 and 8. 5 pages.
Jan. 15. 10. Letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, upon the petition of Charles Chapon, heir and next of kin to Mr. Lassaigne, deceased, late Governor of Drogheda, praying for 1,186l. due to the deceased as Governor of Drogheda; they found by the certificate of Lord Conningsby annexed to the petition that he was appointed Governor on 6 July 1690 at 20s. a day, and 90l. only had been paid on 1 Jan. 1691–2, and 275l. were then due, but they were not authorized to pay the same as it was before the Irish establishment. Dated 15 Jan. 1699–1700. 2 pages.
Jan. 17. 11. Extract from a letter from Cadiz to Thomas Papillon, Esq., from Sir Wm. Hodges, dated the 17th of January 1700. Referring to security to be given to the Moors for the performance of Capt. Geo. Delavall's agreement for the captives in Barbary. The particulars of the agreement had not arrived in England, when the Lords of the Treasury gave their order, or they would have seen that Capt. Delavall came from Barbary after the agreement in Mequenez, to consult Capt. Munden about a truce with the Moors for six months, until the captives could be got off. A man-of-war was to carry two or three Moors for England, to buy certain things and bring them to that port, on which the captives were to be brought from Mequenez and other ports of Barbary to Tangier, and were then to be brought aboard. And after that a prolongation of a truce or a peace would be agreed on as our king should think fit. This was the substance of the agreement set on foot by Admiral Aylmer, according to instructions. The list agreed on was for 272 Christians, all His Majesty's subjects except some few of other nations taken under English colours; many of them were taken young, and were then very old. Of four presented to Capt. Delavall, one of them was 102 years old.
At the foot is:—
“A true copy. 19th Febry 1699–1700. Th. Papillon.” 1 page.
Jan. 18. 12. Report of the officers of the Board of Works on an extract from a memorial of works to be done in His Majesty's gardens at Hampton Court. They abated 1,930l. 9s., the estimate being 10,864l. Dated 18 Jan. 1699.
Also the “Extract of Mr Talman's memoriall given in by him ye 19th of Decr 1699 to ye Rt Honoble ye Lords of His Mats Treasury abt extraordry works to be done in ye gardens at Hampton Court,” &c.
Amongst the works was “A pedestall of Portland stone, for a Diana in brass to stand on, being 3 ft 6 high & 2 ft 6 square & 4 pannells each to be carved wth emblems.”
Minuted:—“To be layd before ye K. L~re writ for performing the work, but not to exceed the estimate as reduced by the office of the works.”
In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 258, 24 Jan. 1699, is:—“The report of the officers of the works on Mr. Talman's estimate for new works to be done in the gardens at Hampton Court (wherein. 1,930l. 9s 0d is abated) is read. Direct Mr. Talman to proceed in the work, but to take care that the estimate as reduced by the office of the works be not in any thing exceeded.” 5 pages.
Jan. 18. 13. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the tax upon the Commissioners of the Stamp Office, who were charged at Westminster and then refused to pay; leaving it to their Lordships. Dated 18 Jan. '99.
Minuted:—“21 Feb.'99. My Lds can doe nothing in this.” 1 page.
Jan. 18. 14. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, on three accounts, the first of works to the gardens at Hampton Court, being an imperfect estimate, signed G. London, the second about repairs at the mews, and the third of works at Bushey Park. Dated 18 Jan. 1699.
The first and third accounts are enclosed. 5 pages.
[About
Jan. 18.]
15. Petition of Frances Tipping, widow, to the King, showing that she was reduced to extreme poverty, her house at Portadown, in the county of Armagh, was made a barrack, was taken by the late King, retaken and made a garrison and furnished anew by her husband, so that their loss was upwards of 300l., her two brothers and her husband died in the service, and this was the second journey she had undertaken to obtain relief; she prayed commiseration of her condition and provision for herself and four children. “Recd 18 January 1699.”
At the foot is an order of the King in council referring it to the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 25 Jan. 1699.
Copies of two certificates in confirmation. 2 pages.
[About
Jan. 19.]
16. Petition of Brian Mortagh to the King for the grant of a letter to the Attorney-General to defend the King's right for the petitioner, to the lands of Boherboy and other lands in the county of Longford, Ireland, one Thomas Hoare claiming a title thereto, by a pretended lease from Col. James Dempsey, before his attainder; also praying for the grant of arrears. The petitioner had taken a lease of the lands from the Lord Ross, to commence from the expiration of the former lease made by his Lordship to the said colonel.
Minuted:—“Read 19 Janry 1699, to my Lords. Their Lops cānot advise the K. to do anything in this.” 1 page.
Jan. 20. 17. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Capt. Roffey, on behalf of himself and other captains employed in His Majesty's ships of war upon the Newfoundland expedition, who had been employed to divide the prizes taken therein, and were threatened with prosecutions; stating that they did not object to nolle prosequis being entered. Dated 20 Jan. 1699.
Accompanied by the petition and several other papers relating thereto.
Minuted:—“Enter noli prosequi according to the report.” 15 pages.
Jan. 24. 18. “An estimate of the charge of jewels and plate, provided by His Majties jewel house, since the making up of their last warrants.” Dated Jan. 24, 1699–700.
There are only two entries. ½ page.
Jan. 25. 19. Representation by the Trustees appointed for circulating Exchequer bills, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, viz., that their Lordships lately directed the payment of 100l. out of the new customs to Captain Scott, as a reward for his discovering the razing of Exchequer bills by Bellingham and others; but the Trustees could not obtain payment, Parliament having disposed of the money to the navy; desiring the money out of some other fund: the Trustees had received the annexed petition of Edward Crull, a linendraper, in Long Acre, who was instrumental in the discovery of Bellingham; they left it to their Lordships' consideration: the money subscribed to the sixth contract being one million at 3 per cent. premium, there would be 30,000l. due to the subscribers on 28 April next, and they prayed their Lordships to provide for it. It would be absolutely necessary speedily to set on foot another subscription to support the credit of the remainder of the Exchequer bills until a further supply should be granted by Parliament. Dated 25 Jan. 1699.
Also the petition referred to.
Minuted:—“The Trustees are to pay him 20li.” 2 pages.
Jan. 25. 20. Order in Council, approving of a representation of the Comrs of Trade and Plantations, and giving instructions for erecting new and finishing the old fortifications in the harbour of St. John's, Newfoundland, and for the sending workmen and materials for building barracks for the men there, and a chain and boom with an iron bridle and a crab and capstan for the security of the harbour; also for the sending the things in an accompanying list for the said company of foot. Dated 25 Jan. 1699.
Accompanied by the list.
Minuted:—“Read 6 Mar. '99. The K. orders this mo. to be furnished.”
In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 284, 28 Feb. 1699, is:—“Estimate of the charge of a chain capstand, &c., to be sent to Newfoundland amounting to 509li 15s 0d read. To be provided by the Navy on the head of Ware and Tare.”
The particulars of the above Order in Council are also entered there. 3 pages.
Jan. 26. 21. Report of the Auditors of Imprest, B. Bridges and T. Done, to the Lords of the Treasury, on an account by Mordecai Abbott, of pensions or perpetuities payable by the cashire of Customs, confirming (with one or two exceptions) the account. Dated 26 Jan. 1699. 2 pages.
Jan. 29. 22. Letter of John Sansom [Secretary to the Comrs of Customs] to William Lowndes, Esq., secretary to the Lords of the Treasury, informing him that Mr. Whiston had acquainted the Board of Customs that he had something of great importance to the revenue and nation to discover; particularly how to prevent the fraudulent importation of French wine and the exportation of coin, which he would not communicate except to the Lords of the Treasury, in the presence of the Commissioners; asking him to move their Lordships for a speedy day. The matter required despatch; there were great quantities of wine daily imported from St. Sebastian, vehemently suspected to be French. Dated 29 Jan. 1699.
In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 272, 12 Feb. 1699–70, is:—“Comrs of Customes & Mr Whiston. His papers are read; he proposes that Spanish barrs imported be reg[iste]red & have the King's mark at ye Tower, & soe exported, and that all goldsmiths carry their silver to Goldsmiths' Hall to be melted. That all wine from St. Sebastien, &c. pay as French wine (but Mr. Godolphin thinks the mercht should swear he believes the wine to be of ye growth of ye country from whence it entred). That wine be charged by weight, allowing a certain tare for ye cask. The Comrs think the merchts should import in casks cont. aliquot parts of a ton or lose ye 12 p[er] cent. Whiston would have the K. to be at liberty to go either way. That stalks are 1/6 of tobacco and be burnt, wch the Comrs think unreasonable, he thinks 3 or 4li a pipe more may be putt on Canarys. My Lords commend his zeal, & direct the Comrs to order their officers to be civil to him.” 1 page.
[? Jan.] 23. A paper thus docquetted:—“Apportionment of the money now undisposed of 2,000,000l. subscribed for a new trade to the East Indies.”
Extending from Nov. 1698 to Jan. 1699–1700.
The apportionments were for various public services. 1 page.
Feb. 1. 24. Order in Council made upon a report from the Lords Comrs of Trade and Plantations, upon a proposal made by Mr. Louis Crommelin for encouraging the linen manufacture in Ireland, reciting the said report, approving it, and ordering the Lords of the Treasury to give the requisite directions for the effectual setting on foot the manufacture according to the report. Dated 1 Feb. 1699.
Minuted:—“Prepare a draught according to ye order. Wt signed.”
The report relates to the funds to be provided for carrying out the scheme, and the salary of the said Mr. Crommelin and his assistants.
Two copies of the petition of the said Mr. Crommelin and a letter by the Lords Justices in its favour, dated 13 April 1699.
In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 143, 16 June 1699, is:—“Mr Cromellin's papers for setting up a linnen manufacture in Ireland are read. Send the papers to Mr. Popple, that the Comrs of Trade may be pleased to discourse wth the proposers and consider what manufacture may be proper to sett up in Ireland with respect to the interest of England and of the methods & manner the proposers shall offer for ye effecting this & to give my Lords their opinion.” 10 pages.
Feb. 2. 25. Memorial of George Banister to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that he was by Mr. Newton deputed warden of the King's Mint at York, and discharged that trust with all imaginable care, and since that, he and Mr. Wyvill had trusted to their Lordships' promise to take care of them: praying for their Lordships' recommendation to Mr. Newton for the place of melter of the Mint at the Tower. Dated 2 Feb. 1699.
Minuted:—“Read 2 Feb. 1699. He must apply (if he pleases) to ye Mar of ye Mint.” 1 page.
Feb. 2. 26. “An estimate of the charge of building at His Maties yard at Sheerness, a new yacht, and of fitting her with rigging, groundtackle, boatswain's and carpenters' stores, being made in pursuance of an order from the Rt Honble the Lords of the Admty dated the 11th of September last.” Dated Navy Office, 2 Feb. 1699. 1 page.
Feb. 3. 27. Warrant from the Lords of the Treasury to the Attorney-General to enter nolle prosequi to the informations exhibited against Kerrill Roffey and other officers. Dated 3 Feb. 1699. (See No. 17, 20 Jan. 1699.) 1½ pages.
[About
Feb. 5.]
28. Petition of Major Thomas Handcock to the King, showing that he had applied for payment of a debt for overseeing in 1691 the building of stables, &c. at Athlone, for 1,000 horses and 1,500 foot, for repairing mills, erecting huts at Banegher, &c.; that he raised a militia troop of dragoons, and preserved the country from the ravages of Irish, so that his debts and losses amounted to at least 2,000l. His house was destroyed, and his estate laid waste by the army during the siege of Athlone. He and his father had been sufferers by the rebellion to at least 16,000l., &c. Praying for a remittal of his arrears of quit-rent, towards the payment of the debt due to him, &c.
Minuted:—“Read 5 Feb. '99. My Lords order it to be layd before the King.” 1 page.
Feb. 8. 29. Representation by the Victuallers of the Navy to the Lords of the Treasury, that their course of payment was considerably in arrear, having paid no part thereof for eight months; bills of exchange from Ireland for 1,200l. would be due in a few days; there was owing to Sir John Elwill, of “Exon,” 455l. 16s. 1d. for provisions, they were about to discharge labourers, but could not, without paying their wages; the 3,000l. given for short allowance fell below their requirements 3,000l. They had received orders to provision 61 soldiers for 13 months in Newfoundland, which would cost 688l. 5s. 3d. Praying that the remainder of the 40,000l. out of loans might be ordered to be paid, &c. Dated 8 Feb. 1699. 1 page.
Feb. 9. 30. Letter from John Povey to Mr. Lowndes, seeking to learn whether an enclosed certified extract of a letter from the late Col. Codrington, to the late Committee of Trade and Plantations, delivered in in the year 1693, by Mr. Hutchinson, relating to the pay of soldiers in the Leeward Islands, should be received as a voucher or not Dated 9 Feb. 1699. 1½ pages.
Feb. 10. 31. Report of S. Travers, Esq., surveyor-general, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, upon a paper annexed relating to Sir Thomas Grosvenor's lead mines, in the hundreds of Colchilt and Ruthland, co. Flint, tracing leases from the year 1630, and giving various particulars about the same, and finishing with the opinion that Sir Thomas had a title to the inheritance of these mines if their Lordships permitted Samuel Davis to surrender his lease, or convey it to the use of the said Sir Thomas. Dated 10 Feb. 1699.
Also the paper referred to.
Minuted:—“Read 14 Febr. 1699. My Lords are of opinion that the lessee doe surrender his lease to the King.” 4 pages.
Feb. 10. 32. Letter from the Officers of Victualling to William Lowndes, Esq., enclosing a copy of the order they had received to provide and send provisions for the soldiers to Newfoundland. Praying him to lay the same before the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 10 Feb. 1699.
Copy of the said order, and a letter accompanying it.
Minuted:—“13 Feb. 1699. Lords acquaint the King that they cannot apply the navy money to this use.” 3 pages.
Feb. 12. 33. “Navy Office. An estimate of the charge of the chaine, capstand, & other materialls directed by an order from the Rt Honble ye Lords of the Admty, dated the 5th instant, to be provided and sent to Newfoundland for securing the harbour of St John's.” Dated 12 Feb. 1699.
Minuted:—“To be provided by ye navy on ye head of ware & tare. Lr~e writ 5 Mar. '99.” 1 page.
Feb. 13. 34. Letter from the Officers of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury, respecting a claim made to their master smith's house by the officers of the Mint, about which Mr. Charlton, their surveyor-general, had conferred with Sir Christopher Wren. They state that the annexed papers would show uninterrupted possession of the house by the Ordnance for above 120 years; they would venture to say that the officers of the Mint had twice as much room as they could make use of. Several of their houses stood empty, others were rented by persons no ways concerned with them, and one of the master smiths of the Mint had a house and several forges, sufficient for all the business. It would be an unavoidable expense of 1,000l., and facilitate embezzlement of stores, &c., and they strongly advised against giving it up. Dated 13 Feb. 1699–1700.
Also the papers referred to, including copy of the report of Sir Christopher Wren and two others, dated 12 Dec. 1699, on the subject.
[Their Lordships ordered that they should continue in possession, and that the new building of the house for the smith should be continued. See Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 39, 3 May 1700.] 9 pages.
Feb. 14. 35. Letter signed by the Earl of Feversham and five others, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, desiring their Lordships to direct their warrant to the woodward-general and the regarders of the forest of Whittlewood, co. Northampton, for the cutting trees in various coppices there. Dated 14 Feb. 1699.
Minuted:—“A warrt to be prepared.” 1 page.
[About
Feb. 14.]
36. Letter signed “Hen. Killegrew,” addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, asking them to call for the minutes concerning him before the King went to Holland, wherein directions were given in favour of his receiving 500l. or 600l., and upon a petition for Mr. Hunt's fine, the King allotted the writer a third part of it (2,000l. or 3000l.): seeking for payment thereof.
Minuted:—“14 Feb. 1699. Mr Killigrew to have soe much of the 300li to be paid by two of Hunt's sureties as will remaine after the King's charges are deducted.” 1 page.
[About
Feb. 14.]
37. Petition of John Russell, of the city of Norwich, merchant, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying to be appointed receiver-general of the land tax, the duties on marriages, houses, &c., for the city of Norwich, and part of the county of Norfolk, he having been employed on the same on the death of Mr. Smith, &c.
Also a letter from Mr. John Sansom to William Lowndes, Esq., in his favour. Dated 14 Feb. 1699.
Minuted:—“Ref. to the agents.” 2 pages.
Feb. 16. 38. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, upon the abstract delivered to their Lordships by Mr. Talman of the account of works done at Hampton Court the last summer, stating that they had caused them to be measured, and they amounted to 5,246l. 11s. 11d. Besides these works, which comprehend only the great stairs, &c., &c., the finishing the great bedchamber, &c., &c., would amount to 1,846l. 7s.d.
The Earl of Albemarle's lodgings amounted to 765l. 0s. 1d.
The works within the house specified in Mr. Talman's estimate of November last amounted to about 4,800l. Dated 16 Feb. 1699–1700. 1 page.
Feb. 16. 39. Report of the same to the same, on an estimate of works directed to be done with all expedition in the parks and gardens at Hampton Court; stating that they had already reported on a portion of the estimate, and when they could be brought to measurement the remainder should be exhibited. Dated 16 Feb. 1699–1700.
Accompanied by “the proposalls of Henry Wise,” for carrying out the works, amounting to 6,638l. 14s. 3d.
In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 5, 12 March 1699–1700, is:—“The letter to Mr Fred. Hening, for his paying over to Mr Wise for the gardens at Hampton Court, 6,638. 14. 3., is read and approved.” 2 pages.
Feb. 19. 40. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the widow Vaux, who complained against the Governor of Surrat that he had seized the goods of her husband soon after his death, pretending that they belonged to the King, as her husband died without children; that she paid 12,000 rupees for licence to come from Surrat with her goods, and sailed for Europe in a French ship, with certain of her goods, and being ill on her arrival in France her goods were sent on and seized, being valued at 993l. 4s. 9d.; praying for remission of the King's part of the forfeiture. Their opinion is, that as the officer had compounded with her and received more than his share, the King ought not to have less than what was due for Customs, and then they did not object to their Lordships' favour being extended to her; but her relief ought not to come out of the King's purse and be put into the officer's private pocket. Dated 19 Feb. 1699.
Also the petition and three other papers.
Minuted:—“Read 1st March 1699. A warrt (upon paying the 331. 1. 7.) to repay to her the 82. 4. 1. by way of incidts, and lett this report be brought in again when ye Comrs of Customs are here.” 6 pages.
Feb. 20. 41. Report of the Comrs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of George Brewer, the elder, and Fabian Stedman, clerks in the office of the Auditor of Excise, expressing the opinion that Sir Basil Dixwell, who was auditor of the Excise, ought to make them a suitable allowance, as he had 500l. per ann. salary, and 260l. per ann. for clerks. Dated 20 Feb. 1699.
Minuted:—“Sir Basil Dixwell to be writ to, to pay the allowances for malt & leather to George Bruere & Fabian Stedman, who are the clerks that perform the service relating to those accounts.” 2½ pages.
Feb. 20. 42. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Eliz. Glanvill, widow, informing their Lordships that the petitioner's husband had been employed as gauger and afterwards as examiner of the country office books, and was entrusted with the sale of certain old office books, which brought 33l. 3s., for which he had not accounted when he died. There was, however, 17l. 5s.d. due to him for salary. Dated 20 Feb. 1699.
Also the petition.
Minuted:—“19th April 1700. Ordered that the salary be paid to her, & she discharged of the debt for the old books sold. Wt signed.” 2 pages.
Feb. 20. 43. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Gape, jun., Esq., who was a security for Thomas Richards, gent., late receiver of several taxes for the county of Hertford, against whom the petitioner had to sue out an extent, by which his debt was reduced to 274l. 7s. 5d., the process on which, at the receiver's petition was stayed: submitting it to their Lordships whether the receiver should be further indulged or the petitioner should have liberty to proceed. Dated 20 Feb. '99.
Also the petition. 2 pages.
Feb. 20. 44. Report of the Comrs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Edw. Ward, the executor of Patric Gilmore, late collector of Excise, his children and sureties; advising that the petitioners ought to pay 283l. 14s.d. due on Gilmore's account. Dated 20 Feb. 1699.
Also the petition.
Minuted:—“19th Apr. 1700. Agree wth the report.” 3 pages.
[? About
21 Feb.]
45. Petition of the officers and messengers belonging to the General Penny Post Office, showing that they had exhibited divers articles as to the mismanagement of that office by Mr. Wm. Dockwra, the controller, and fully proved them at divers hearings before the Postmaster-General; praying for his removal as he was so irregular, vexatious and troublesome, and not fit to be any longer borne with.
Accompanied by a certified copy (dated 21 Feb. 1699–1700) of six certificates by officers of the post office of the truth of the matters contained in a printed paper annexed, entitled, “Part of the illegal practices of the Penny Post Office.”
And another certified copy of two affidavits on the same subject. Certified on 6 Feb. 1699–1700.
The printed paper states that it was proved that letters were opened and read publicly, goods taken out and detained, &c. 5 pages.
Feb. 22. 46. A warrant or order of the Lords of the Council to the Lords of the Treasury, for payment of 200l. to Philip Madoxe, to be distributed amongst the under clerks of the Council for their great pains in writing letters and orders to the Lords Lieutenants, officers of the Treasury, Admiralty, &c. Dated 22 Feb. 1699.
With signatures. 1 page.
Feb. 23. 47. Affidavit of James Tyrrill, a King's waiter in the Customhouse, setting forth that he had obtained leave of the Comrs of the Treasury to transfer his place to his kinsman Shuckburgh Sill, averring that he did not sell the place, nor was to receive money or other consideration for it. Dated 23 Feb. 1699.
Also copy of the report of the Comrs of Customs on Tyrrill's petition seeking to transfer the said office; approving thereof. Minuted:—“20 Feb. '99. If he will make a voluntary oath that noe mony or other consideration is given, their Lordships will consent to what is desired.”
The petition. 2½ pages.
Feb. 23. 48. Letter signed W. Popple, to Mr. Lowndes, enclosing a letter from Mr. Thurston, agent for the company of soldiers at Newfoundland, by direction of the Comrs of Trade and Plantations, asking him to move the Lords of the Treasury thereon. Dated 23 Feb. 1699–1700.
Minuted:—“Carry this & the other papers containing this to ye K. on Wednesda.”
The letter referred to, asking for no delay in ordering the money for the soldiers at Newfoundland, as Mr. Birchett assured him all the King's ships would sail at the beginning of the next month. Undated.
Also a paper containing memoranda of totals for necessaries for the company at Newfoundland, which it was desired should be forwarded by the men-of-war about to proceed there. 3 pages.
Feb. 27. 49. Memorial of Thomas Burdikin, Geo. Banister, Robert Weddell, Ben. Wodnoth, Mich. Tewly, and John More, on behalf of themselves and some others, late officers and clerks in the country mints, to the Lords of the Treasury, complaining that though they had discharged their duties faithfully (now completed 18 months since), and sent in their claims in the previous April, they could obtain nothing satisfactory, but were put off from time to time; praying for speedy redress. Dated 27 Feb. 1699–1700.
Ten signatures. 1 page.
Feb. 27. 50. Letter signed “Will. Tailer,” addressed to William Lowndes, Esq., respecting the accounts of Mr. Tregagle for the Duchy of Cornwall, which he had requested him (Mr. Tregagle) to bring in. “The greatest part of the revenues are casual, arising by fines for renewing estates, or by coinage duty of tynne,” &c. Dated 27 Feb. 1699. 1 page.
[? About
Feb.]
51. A list of the widows of slain officers, and the amounts of their bounty, together with the dates of the warrants for the same.
The last one that appears is on 7 Feb. 1699, about which time the list perhaps was drawn out. 2 pages.
[About
Feb.]
52. Letter from Thomas Mathews to William Lowndes, Esq., begging him to put the Lords in mind of his petition that he might be put on the “scheme,” according to the prayer and their Lordships' order of 3 Feb. '99.
Also the petition of the said Thomas Mathews, gent., to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that he was receiver-general for Hereford, Brecon, and Radnor, and brought up the taxes from time to time with a strong guard, and was at great charge in bringing and carrying hammered money to and from the mints; by the agents of taxes report on his extraordinary charges he was at least out of pocket 370l., and had declined the receipt of the last 3s. aid; praying that the 851l. 4s. 0d., acknowledged to be due to him, might be settled on some particular fund.
Minuted:—“Read 31 Oct. '99. My Lords will pay this 851l. as soon as they can, and as to ye remayning part my Lords will speak wth the agent. 3 Feb. '99. To be put on ye scheme when 'tis made.”
In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 257, 25 April 1701, is:—“Mr Thomas Mathews having cleared his accots to 851l. 4s. 0d., wch is due to him on an Excheqr ordr, my Lords order that sum to be paid him out of ye Civil List mo on the 4th day of Jan. next.” 1½ pages.
[After
Feb. 1700.]
53. Extract from a letter of the Earl of Bellomont to the Lords Comrs for Trade and Plantations, stating that he sent over Lieut. Hunt this second time for recruits, and in charge of the pirates' effects, in the “Advice” frigate; recommending him strongly to their Lordships. If a company of foot were raised for New York, he hoped he might deserve it, for he had served the King honourably these several years as lieutenant. Dated 28 Feb. 1699–1700. 1 page.
March 4. 54. Report of Sir Thomas Trevor, Attorney-General, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, on certain articles of agreement, made between Anthony Sturt, Esq., and Daniel Neale, relating to certain shares which Mr. Sturt had, in a brewhouse, in partnership with Sir John Freind, lately executed for high treason. Dated 4 March '99.
Also Mr. Lowndes' letter, referring the accompanying memorial of Anthony Sturt to the Attorney-General, 3 pages.
March 4. 55. Establishment for the company of Foot at Newfoundland.
Docquetted:—“Establishment and method of payment of a company of Foot at Newfoundland, wth wt is now demanded for them. March ye 4th 1699–700. Report of Mr. Pancefort.”
In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 250, 9 April 1701, is:—“The King will have the new establishment for Newfoundland be supplyd out of so much of the pay of the gunners now on the establishment of the guards and guarrisons.” 1 page.
[? About
March 6.]
56. Petition of the Lady Katherine Fitz Gerald to the King, showing that she lent her brother, Captain Robert Fitzgerald above 3,000l., to be repaid from his salary of checkmaster-general of the musters in Ireland; that he died, and his son, who procured the salary of 200l. per ann. and an order for 1,500l. to satisfy the arrears, refused to pay any part of her claim: praying the King to direct the payment of part thereof.
Minuted:—“A stop to be of all further paymts to him till she is satisfied.”
Undated, but in the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 3, 6 March 1699. is:—“Lady Katherine Fz Gerald's petic[i]on read: if her nephew do not come to an agreemt to her satisfaction by the first of May next, so much of his arrear of 1,500li as is not yet recd, and his penc[i]on shalbe applyed to her as she desires.” 1 page.
March 7. 57. Letter signed “Th. Grosvenor,” to “Wm Lownes,” Esq., stating that he had received the enclosed note from Mr. Tailer, and had since spoken to the Surveyor-General, who believed that Mr. Davies delayed the business till the rising of the house; desiring that the Lords of the Treasury would send a summons to Mr. Davis and Mr. Hornby to demand the lease. Dated 7 March 1699.
Also the note referred to.
In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 8, 15 March 1699 is:—“Sr Tho. Grosvenor wth Mr Chetwynd & Mr Wm Tailor. Mr Chetwynd, upon the first of May 1699, signed an irrotulatur upon Sr Thomas Grosvenor's deed of trust for ye lead mines in Flintshire, & on the 13th of May '99 signed the particular for Davis's lease; my Lords think it was done for the sake of ye fees. My Lords direct that a scire facias be prosecuted by Mr Attorney for vacating the lease to Samll Davis in case he doth not forthwth surrender it to the K.” 2 pages.
March 7. 58. Report of S. Travers, Esq., surveyor-general, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the Lord Maynard, praying for a new lease for 50 years in reversion, of premises whereon seven tenements were erected, at a small rent and such fine as was reasonable. The surveyor states that the premises formed part of land called St. James' Field, or Pall Mall Field, and the Old High Way, then divided and laid to the several tenements on the south side of Pall Mall Street, leading from Charing Cross to St. James' House, extending from the house built by Sir Philip Warwick on the east, westward to a house intended to have been built by Sir John Denham, now built into tenements near adjoining to the new chapel at St. James', and that the land was held in trust for the Earl of St. Albans: advising that if the lease were granted 500l. was a reasonable fine, together with a rent of 40s. Dated 7 March 1699.
It contains other particulars of the leases of the property, and amongst the rest that the manor of St. James' was in jointure to the late queen mother, Henrietta Maria.
There are three minutes, the last of which is:—“12 July 1700. The King has resolved not to grant for above 3 lives or 31 years, unless for improvement, and not to grant for any term exceeding 51ty years from ye date to incourage building, soe if his Lop will fill up his term to 51 years, it may be done.” 3½ pages.
[About
March 12.]
59. Petition of Richard Poyke, late clerk of the cheque, to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that the minutes at the hearings before their Lordships relating to the differences between several of the messengers and the petitioner were ordered to be laid before the King in Council; praying that certain affidavits which he had might be annexed to their Lordships' report.
Minuted:—“Read 12 March 1699. He may have the affts againe to make what use of them he pleases, but their Lordps will not annex any affts but such as were read at ye hearing.”
A prosecution against him was ordered to cease. (See Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 191, 27 Jan. 1700–1.) 1 page.
March 12. 60. Petition and proposal of John Farthing, gent., for improving the revenue of Excise 100,000l. a year; and drawing attention to his former petition and proposal, dated 16 April 1689, for improving the revenue of Excise on beer, ale, and other liquors, 80,000l. a year, and to a second petition and proposals in Oct. 1689 for the improvement of the same, 100,000l. Dated 12 March 1699–1700.
With a postscript, promising, in the event of his being appointed, to introduce various improvements into the management of the Excise. 2 pages.