Volume 221: May 1-June 30, 1719

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. Public Domain.

Citation:

'Volume 221: May 1-June 30, 1719', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719, ed. Joseph Redington( London, 1883), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp449-466 [accessed 4 October 2024].

'Volume 221: May 1-June 30, 1719', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719. Edited by Joseph Redington( London, 1883), British History Online, accessed October 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp449-466.

"Volume 221: May 1-June 30, 1719". Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719. Ed. Joseph Redington(London, 1883), , British History Online. Web. 4 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp449-466.

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May 1–June 30, 1719

[? After
1 May.]
1. Memorial of John Cooke, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury, praying for the renewal of a warrant, that the present Attorney-General may be empowered to proceed to a final determination in respect to a debt due from the executors of Samuel Horne to the Crown.
Another petition to his Majesty from the same, on behalf of himself and Lady Cooke, who were jointly possessed of an estate in Antigua, formerly belonging to Mr Samuel Horne, who was collector of that island from 1688 to 10 May 1697, when he died indebted to the Crown. Pray relief in connexion with the balance due from Horne.
Also copy of a warrant and reference of the case to the Attorney General. The last dated 1 May 1719.
Minuted:—“Novbr 9, 1721. Refer'd to ye Attorney-Genll.” 5½ pages.
1 May. 2. Memorial of the Comrs for disposing of the Equivalent to the Lords of the Treasury. Had laid out 1,000l. in executing what they thought was their trust, and they must pay it out of their private effects, or detain it under the Act 6 Anne. This would entangle them in disputes, now that their commission is at an end. Pray for relief and for directions to be given to some person to be appointed by his Majesty to receive the dead stock, debts, and effects which belonged to the Scots African Company, so that they may be liberated from their charge. 1 May 1719.
Also another paper headed:—“Representation of the Commissioners for disposing of the Equivalent,” delivered to the Chairman of the Committee, explaining the matter of the incident charges above referred to. 4½ pages.
5 May. 3. Representation and petition of the Commissioners for relief of the poor proselytes to the Church of England from the Church of Rome, addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of London, and the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. The encouragement given to the proselytes by appointing a considerable sum for their relief, has induced many pious persons also to contribute liberally. After separating the bad, or pretended proselytes from those who are sincere, there are so many real objects of charity that both the public and private sums fall greatly short of answering the ends of the Commission, and the Commissioners have been obliged to borrow and incur a debt. Pray for speedy payment of what is allotted. 13 signatures.
“Recd 5th May.”
Minuted:—“16th July 1719. State the allowance of what is due.”
“The King's bounty to these petitioners is 15,000li p[er] ann., payable by the hands of Walter Chetwynde, Esqr, and thus to be distributed:—
li.
For the French ministers - - - 3,000
For the other French Protestants - - 12,000
15,000
The whole has been paid to Lady Day 1717, so that from thence to Midsomr 1719 is two years and one quar, wch amounts to 33,750li.” 2 pages.
6 May. 4. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Bolton) to the Lords of the Treasury. On the case referred to him of Col. Brinsley Butler, who prayed to be placed on the Establishment of Ireland, for a pension of 10s a day. Believes his allegation, that the loss of his commission upon his Majesty's accession was owing to a misrepresentation of his character, he having upon all occasions since shown a very steady and hearty zeal for his Majesty's service and Government in the House of Commons, whereof he is a member. Advises the grant of the pension, in regard the petitioner has a large family, and suffers in his character by the imputation for which he was removed from his former post. Dublin Castle, 6th May 1719.
Minuted:—“5th June 1719. Prepare a warrt to replace him.”
Also the petition of the Colonel. 2 pages.
6 May. 5. Proposal of John Shorey and Son, to the Lords of the Treasury, to take one hundred tons of his Majesty's tin at 3l. 4s. per hundred [weight] with three months' credit, or 200 tons at 3l. 5s. with six months' credit. Basinghall Street. May 6, 1719.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. To be considered when the other papers relating to tin are read.” 1 page.
[? About
7 May.]
6. “Abstract of the papers relating to Sir Thomas Smith, Bart.” Minuted:—“7th May 1719. Read, and ordered to be laid before his Maty.”
The principal paper is the following:—
Report of the Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Thomas Smith, Bart., praying his Majesty, upon the surrender of his patent, whereby he enjoys the office of Chief Ranger in Ireland, and Ranger of Phœnix Park, near Dublin, that he may have leave to change one of the lives therein, and to name another, in new letters patent. Encloses the Solicitor-General's (Rogerson's) report thereon, &c. Has no objection to the proposal, there appearing to be no difference in the value of the two lives. 25 July 1718. [The life proposed was Lord Bellew, in place of Wm FitzMaurice, Esq.] 6 pages.
8 May. 7. Report of the Controller (James Bruce), to the Lords of the Treasury, on six lists, enclosed, of the number of persons victualled, signed by the Deputy Governor of Gibraltar. There is due to the contractor thereon 4,281l. 10s.d. 8 May 1719.
Accompanied by “A state of provisions laid into the victualling storehouses at Gibraltar.” 3 pages.
8 May. 8. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Michael Ayon, to be reimbursed his charge for attending the prosecutions of the persons concerned in the murder of Col. Parke, then late Governor of the Leeward Isles. The petitioner states that he was a material witness, and that having been sent over from thence to represent that affair to her late Majesty, he was a very great sufferer in his person and private fortune on that occasion. Was allowed 5s. a day to the time of the trial of one of the persons concerned in the murder, but did not receive any of the allowance till almost two years after the trial, nor any allowance for his loss of time and sufferings by that rebellion. Was shot through the body and otherwise much wounded, besides having his house plundered to his utter ruin, and prayed the allowance of 5s. a day. In a previous report Mr Cracherode gave his opinion that petitioner should be allowed 150l. for his voyage there and back, and 5s. a day for maintenance, from 3 May 1711, unless their Lps should think proper to consider him further. Upon reading this report, their Lps granted the petitioner a warrant to receive 531l., viz., 150l. for his expenses in coming over and going back to Antigua. and 381l. for maintenance, &c, Mr Cracherode is now of opinion that there was room to have carried on the allowance of 5s. a day, and for further consideration for his losses and sufferings. 8 May 1719.
Minuted:—“16 July 1719. My Lords finding by the former warrt dated 26th April 1717, that he is paid in full, cannot advise his Matie to give him any more.”
The petition and five affidavits connected therewith. 11 pages.
8 May. 9. Report of George Treby and James Bruce to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Rt Hon. the Earl of Lincoln, Paymaster-General of the Forces, praying for directions as to what part of 4,269l. 10s., allowed for contingencies upon the establishment of the forces for 1718, might be satisfied out of the moneys saved by disbanding the forces in 1718. Propose to satisfy these claims out of the moneys referred to. 9,609l. 7s. at least will be necessary. Whitehall, 8 May 1719.
Also three lists, (1) “of pensions and annual allowances payable in the Earl of Lincoln's Office”; (2) of such warrants as have passed the office upon the contingencies of the forces, for the year 1718, expressing for what services they have been granted; and (3) of the regiments that have demands upon the contingencies for the year 1718, for their marches, &c. 7 pages.
10. Petition of Nathaniel Boothe, Esq., Surveyor of his Majesty's Greenwax, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying for payment of his salary in arrear 2,805l. The Greenwax fines being of late years applied by the sheriffs in payments for apprehending clippers and coiners, and highway robbers, the petitioner thereby received very few sums upon that account.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. There is no money arising from the duty.” 1 page.
[? About
9 May.]
11. Petition of Mr George Chalmers, Principal of King's College, Aberdeen, to the Lords of the Treasury. The King having appointed a Commission for visiting the colleges and schools of Aberdeen, the petitioner and college laid before the Comrs the low necessitous condition of the college, the mean provisions of the several members, the ruinous condition of the old fabric (ready to fall if not speedily prevented), and the unseemly state of some new buildings which were begun and considerably advanced by the bounty of private persons under the reign of King William, whereof the funds for many years have been discontinued. This serves to increase the ruins wherewith the college is threatened. The debts amount to about 1,100l., and the annual revenues are greatly diminished by accidents, whereby the yearly charge of the college exceeds the revenue. Beseech their Lps' favour with his Majesty for their relief for the following reasons:—1. The old fabric is in danger of falling this winter. 2. The college was erected and supported for 300 years by his Majesty's predecessors, and his Majesty has lately newly settled it, to best serve the ecclesiastic and civil constitution. 3. The salaries of the members are so mean and precarious, that lately the Regius Professor of Mathematics was forced to demit, and that chair is still vacant, &c. 4. The professors and masters of the establishment equal in number any of the Colleges of Glasgow or Edinburgh, tho' the professors and masters in those places have greater encouragement, yet these colleges (be it said without envy) had an addition of 210l. yearly, by a royal grant begun by Queen Anne, and continued by his Majesty, whereas the King's College of Aberdeen has only had 105l. Pray their Lps to move his Majesty to provide for their subsistence and prevent their ruin.
Minuted:—“9 th May 1719. When Ld Sunderland is here.” 1½ pages.
[? About
9 May.]
12. Petition of Dame Katherine Waller, widow and relict of Sir William Waller, Knt, deceased, to the Lords of the Treasury. Upon the representation of petitioner's case to Queen Anne, by Lord Somers, then Lord President of the Council, and upon her petition stating that her grandfather, Sir Edward Stradling, and her father Sir Edward Stradling, each of them raised a regiment at their own charge, for King Charles the First, and that both of them lost their lives in his defence (which was acknowledged under that King's sign manual), her Majesty granted petitioner a pension of 200l. per ann., which was paid until that ministry was changed, when it was stopped. His present Majesty continued the pension till Lady Day, 1716, but she is now struck off. Is upwards of fourscore years of age, very lame and helpless, and has nothing to depend on but his Majesty's bounty. Prays for continuance of the pension.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. When Ld Sunderland is here.” Again, “To be paid a ¼ when the others are paid.” 1 page.
[? About
9 May.
13. Memorial of John Rawlins, sadler, George Willis, farrier, and Edward Aubery, coachmaker, “Esquires,” on behalf of themselves and other creditors, officers and servants of the late King William III. Supplied goods on credit to be paid for at times long since elapsed, great part of which were enjoyed in the royal palaces. Several lawsuits have been commenced against them, and many of them have been imprisoned and ruined, and others still struggle under like difficulties. Large sums in the Exchequer belonging to the King's Civil List (part of which was ordered to be paid to them), were appropriated to other uses. Her late Majesty gave her word to recommend their case to the House of Commons. Pray that some method may be adopted to pay their debts. [12 signatures.]
Minuted:—“9 May 1719. There are no arrears. They may apply to Parlt.” 2 pages.
[? About
9 May.]
14. Petition of several sufferers and agents for sufferers in the Islands of Nevis and St Christopher, to the Lords of the Treasury. Praying for despatch, that they may receive the interest on the debentures made out for their losses. Four signatures.
Also another petition of sundry proprietors of similar debentures, “which were provided for by subscribing them to the capital stock of the South Sea Company, but were defeated of that subscription.” The Parliament provided three years' interest for that debt, which was paid by the Lords of the Treasury, but there is now no further provision. Petitioners intend to apply to Parliament and ask for assistance. 20 signatures.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. My Lords can make no order in this.” 2 pages.
[? About
9 May.]
15, Petition of John Hollinshead, one of the messengers of the House of Commons, to the Lords of the Treasury. Matthew Pryor, Esq., was, on June 9 1715, committed to the custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms, and petitioner took care of him till 26 June 1716, when the Parliament was prorogued. The late Serjeant-at-Arms petitioned for the fees of himself and other officers, and his petition was reported on by Mr Jodrell. Petitioner is entitled by the table of fees to 6s. 8d. per diem for attending prisoners. During petitioner's attendance “he could not otherwise get anything to support himself and family, being so closely confined, that he could not stir out of doors till ye said Mr Pryor was allowed by Mr Speaker to take the air, or ordered to attend ye Committee of Secrecy. Petitioner had no more than thirteen pounds per ann. for his salary.” Prays for payment
Minuted:—“9 May 1719. Rejected.” 1 page.
[? About
9 May.]
16. Petition and case of Charles Goateley, Esq., to the King. Obtained a lease of certain houses and land lying at Chatham, in Kent, at a rent of 330l. It cost him near 1,000l. to repair the same, half of the houses being empty, and the old materials run away with, and most of the others inhabited by poor people, by reason the estate had lain a considerable time waste before her late Majesty purchased it of the proprietors, under an Act of Parliament. Petitioner likewise, upon the rumour and talk of a garrison being about to be made, was forced to abate 30l. a year rent on his own houses and lands within the supposed garrison. Petitioner holds from the Lords of the Treasury his houses and ground, on condition of delivering them up for a fortification to be made when his Majesty commands the same. Petitioner is at about 100l. a year charge for repairs, (the houses being old, and one sea wall being broken in already, and another in danger of breaking). By all which means he is in much worse condition than he was before taking the lease. Petitioner was Serjeant-at-Arms in the late Queen's time, and was a considerable sufferer thereby, being forced to spend his own fortune in providing servants and horses to do the Queen's business, and at last was threatened to be put out of the office if he did not readily comply to dispose thereof, which he was forced to do. And when a person had articled with petitioner for the same, petitioner was obliged to pay a considerable sum rather than be put out without any consideration. Complains of having suffered several other great grievances, and says he could never be charged with neglect of duty, or indecent behaviour. True it is, that he has a vote for the city of London, county of Middlesex, and some other counties, and did (even in the worst of times) upon the change of the ministry and dissolution in the year 1710, nay at all other times, both before and after, vote in the interest of the late King William and the House of Hanover. Prays for the grant of the lease, rent free, for as many years as his Majesty shall please.
Minuted:—“My Lords can do nothing in it. 9 May 1719”
Also a translation of the same into French. 2 large pages.
[? About
9 May.]
17. Petition of Anne Rochford to the Lords of the Treasury. In 1716 obtained from his Majesty, a grant for 31 years, of a small piece of ground near the “Meuze,” containing only 7 ft. 7in. one way, and 47½ ft. the other, at a rent of 13l. 15s. Was at the expense of 40l. and upwards for passing the lease, and has laid out 1,200l. in building; prays for the lease to be annulled and a new one granted at a more moderate rent.
Minuted:—“Rejected. 9 May 1719.” 1 page.
[? About
9 May.]
18. Petition of George Monck, Esq., Surveyor-General of Customs in Ireland, to the King. In consideration of services done to King Charles II., in his Restoration, by petitioner's father, Henry Monck, Esq., the King granted to the latter the place of Surveyor-General of Customs in Ireland, on the death or surrender of Thomas Maule, Esq. States other particulars about the grant of that office, and further that it was in farm for several years, whereby the salary of 100l. a year was discontinued to petitioner's father. Petitioner has exercised the office since his father's decease, and visited all the ports every year, &c. Prays for an order for the salary to be restored Signed.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. Send this to Ld Lt.”
Accompanying this is a petition of the above Henry Monck for the salary and arrears, which was referred for the report of the Lord Lieut. of Ireland on 13 April 1683. 2 pages.
[? About
9 May.]
19. Memorial of the merchants, makers, and exporters of herrings in North Britain, by Richard Savage, to the Lords of the Treasury. A stop has been put to the making out debentures for some part of the herrings, occasioned by some doubt or dispute about the size of the herring barrel in Scotland, viz., whether it consisted of the Scots barrel of 29 gallons 1½ gill, wine measure, or the English barrel of 32 galls., like measure. The delay in making out the debentures is very prejudicial to the merchants and others. A clause in an Act of Parliament has been brought in to settle the barrel at 32 English gallons; pray that the debentures may be forthwith made out according to this clause.
Minuted:—“See the resolutions of Parlt. 9 May 1719.” 1 page.
[? About
9 May.]
20. Another petition of the same merchants, &c., to the Lords of the Treasury, referring to the settlement of the same subject by the Treaty of Union, and what has been the practice since. Also as to the stoppage of the debentures. “By these uncertainties, and the discouragemts put upon ye traders and poor fishers in ye small burrows, great damage has happend, and more must follow, for ye foreign salt being imported chiefly for ye service of ye fishing, the traders lay out ye best part of their stocks to bring or cause to be brought home foreigne salt, and give bonds for ye dutys payable in six months; relying on the faith of ye public law, that they shall not only get up their bonds, but receive ye further premiums allow'd by law for encouragemt of ye fishing within that time, but ye dutys becoming due and ye certificates not granted, these people will be for the most part broken, the small burrows along the coast (where ye herrings are ye chiefe entertainmt of ye people & support of ye rents of ye country) ruined, and the fishers will be forced for want of bread to hire themselves into foreigne service.” Pray that directions may be given to make out debentures for the herrings exported from Scotland, at 10s. 5d. a barrel, to be computed according to the Scotch or English barrel, as their Lordships shall think fit.
Minuted:—“9 May 1719. The Parlt hath settled this.” 2 pages.
[? About
9 May.]
21. Petition of Charles Dennis and Thomas Moor to the Lords of the Treasury. Petitioners gave information about cutting trees in the New Forest, and the woodward compounded with the delinquents, whereby they, as informers, have not received the moiety allowed by Act of Parliament; pray for their Lordships' order for their relief.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. To be considered when papers relating to New Forrest are considered.” 2 pages.
[? About
9 May.]
22. Petition of Ed. Shafto, gent., to the Lords of the Treasury. Is father of John Shafto, one of the gentlemen that was shot at Preston, and was by his son unfortunately drawn into rebellion. Soon after the town was taken, proffered himself as a witness against the rebels, and “to prove the rebellion in the English joyneing ye Scot[c]h and proclameing ye Pretender in all ye markett townes thorroughe which they martcht,” and this the petitioner, with Mr. Calderwood, did upon every trial at Liverpool, and several other trials elsewhere, for which Mr. Calderwood has been rewarded by a good sum of money, and a pension of 40l. or 50l. per ann., but petitioner never had any reward but subsistence for meat and drink during the trials, and was discharged with only 40s. By giving evidence has drawn upon himself the hatred, displeasure, and malice of all his friends and relations; prays relief from the royal bounty or to be placed in some hosp[ital].
Minuted:—“Money hath already been given him. 9 May 1719. 1 page, decayed.
[? About
9 May.]
23. Petition of Edward Courtney to the King. Petitioner's mother was maid of honour to the King's grandmother, the Queen of Bohemia, and his father, under three successive Princes of Orange, deputy governor and commandant of their town of Breda. Formerly served the Crown of England faithfully in several employments by sea and land. Is now 75 years old and bed-ridden, and with his brother of 72, and two sisters of between 60 and 70 years of age, has of late years lived upon an employment of 100l. per ann. in the Transfer Office of the 1710 Lottery, which is now going to be determined by a Bill in Parliament, for vesting the fund of this lottery in the South Sea Company, whereby they will all be left destitute; prays for some other provision to be made for them, that their grey hairs may not go down to the grave in sorrow and want.
Minuted:—“9o Maij 1719. My Lords will consider this if the office sinks.” 1 page.
[? About
9 May.]
24. Petition of Capt. George Lee and Richard Martin, Esq. to the Lords of the Treasury. Their Lordships referred to the Comrs of Revenue in Ireland the case and memorial of the petitioners, praying for stay of proceedings, on account of a balance due from Lee, as collector in the district of Loughreagh, in Ireland; and against Martin as his security. The Comrs reported several good services done by Martin to his Protestant neighbours during the late rebellion in Ireland, and great disbursements by him made to the army under King William; also that petitioner, Lee, had suffered very much by the frauds of a clerk, and that he served with reputation in the army of the Crown in Flanders and America, &c. Are informed that the Comrs of Revenue for Ireland threaten them with prosecution. Petitioner Martin's estate lies in a wild country is subject to many prior judgments and encumbrances, and petitioner Lee lost all his substance in the unfortunate expedition to Canada. Pray for relief and a cessation of proceedings.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. Rejected.” 2 pages.
[? About
9 May.]
25. Representation or memorial of William James, of Soilwell, in the county of Gloucester, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury. Draws attention to certain paragraphs in the Act 20 Car. II. for preservation of timber within the Forest of Dean. Paragraph 13 provides that the Act shall not make void certain letters patent granted to Sir John Wintour, Kt, Francis Finch, and Robert Clayton, Esqres, in 14 Car. II., which related to certain woods and iron works in the Forest of Dean, for a term of years yet unexpired, which term had 12 years to run. The family of the Wintours have, under colour of that term, continued in possession of several hundred acres of wood, and from time to time have cut the same. The present Lady Wintour is a papist, and has married one Mr Nevill a papist. They have lately cut at least 1,500 loads of wood, part of the forest. Prays that directions may be given for inquiry into the aforesaid matters, that his Majesty's rights may not be diminished, and that petitioner may be considered.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. To be considered when the forests are.” 1 page.
[? About
9 May.]
26. Petition to the Lords of the Treasury of John Caswall, of London, merchant, in behalf of several merchants at New York, concerned in bills of exchange drawn by Col. Robert Hunter and Col. Francis Nicholson, for 214l. 5s. 8d. Petitioner, two years before, addressed the Lords of the Treasury in respect to this debt, which was for building a chapel for the Indians, and a place for the missionaries to dwell in, to be secured by a fort. Asks for payment of the bills.
Also the former petition and copy of the instructions to Governor Hunter, dated 21 Feb. 1710–11, in respect to the building of the chapel and fort.
Minuted:—“9th May 1719. See the resolutions of the House.” 3 pages.
14 May. 27. “Auditor Harley's report on Collo Moore's memorial in relation to the issuing of debentures for the services late under his care as Paymaster of the Forces abroad.”
[Thomas Moore was late Paymaster-General of the Forces and Garrisons abroad.]
The Auditor observes that the issue of debentures may be performed, and the accounts passed, as regularly in one office as in more. And the charge will be less than if offices are kept by the several late paymasters, and separate accounts passed by each of them for their respective transactions. As to the case of Mr Moore, certifies that he finds he has issued debentures to the value of near 10,000l. to satisfy the debts due to eight regiments of the nineteen under his care. And his account will soon be ready for declaration, &c. 14 May 1719.
Minuted:—“9th June 1719. Approved.” 3 pages.
21 May. 28. Report of the Earl of Carlisle (signed) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition to the King, of Thomas Serjeant, Gate Porter of the Tower of London. Finds the contents of the petition true, that besides the fee of 2s. 2d. per day, there were formerly some houses upon Tower Hill which belonged to the office of Gentleman Porter, and that when those houses were granted away by King James I,, in lieu thereof, a rent of 60l. per ann. was reserved to be paid to the Gentleman Porter until 1666, when, on account of the great fire the houses were demolished for the greater safety of the Tower. The office of Gentleman Porter is one of trust, he having the care of the Tower gates, and it being his duty to see them locked and well secured every night. 2s. 2d. per day is now a very small salary for such a trust. Is of opinion that it may be proper to add a salary of 60l. per ann. to the office. 21 May 1719.
Accompanying are:—(1.) A memorandum for him to be inserted on the Establishment for an additional salary of 60l. per ann. (2.) Letter from the Earl of Lincoln, referring the petition to the Earl of Carlisle for his report. (3.) The petition, which states in addition, that King Charles II., in consideration of the great loss sustained by Mr Robinson, the gentleman porter, granted him 135l. for compensation for his houses, and 60l. yearly out of the Office of Ordnance, and, that his successor, Major Hawley, was denied the yearly payment by the Comrs for Ordnance, and for no other reason as he could apprehend, but that he had been a commissioned officer under the Duke of Monmouth, and put into his place by the Duke, but who at that time was in disgrace at Court. He, however, on petition, received the arrears in King James the IInd's time. In 1693 Major Hawley petitioned for a revival of the allowance, and the case was favourably reported on, but an objection was taken to its being paid out of the Ordnance Department. Petitioner succeeded to the office in 1696, but was discouraged from making any application, and for 22 years has not had the allowance revived or anything in lieu of it. Prays to be put on the Establishment for such an augmentation of salary as to his Majesty may seem meet. (4.) Copies of two warrants.
Minuted:—“24th Novr 1719. My Lords do not think it reasonable to encrease the Establishment.” Again:—“25th Novr 1719. My Lords will speak to Mr Treby, Sec[reta]ry-at-Warr, to insert on the Establishmt an additional sallary of 60li p[er] ann.” 4 pages and 2 lines.
23 May. 29. Report of W. Lechmere to the Lords [of the Treasury], on the petition of Sir Roger Mostyn, late Paymaster of Marines, and on the letters patent and instructions therewith, and likewise the several reports annexed, touching allowances claimed by Sir Roger for salary and charges connected with his office. Finishing thus:— “As to the continuance of the salary, I am humbly of opinion that ye disbandment of the corps, tho' by the Commission under the Great Seal, did not determine the grant of the office of Paymaster, the duty of the office still continuing, and being in fact exercised in many particulars, from time to time after the severall disbandments, and there being no determination of the office under the Great Seal, so that ye letters patents subsisting in point of law to the end of the nine months after the demise [of his late Majesty], for ought appears to me, the right to the salary or poundage will go along with ye office, and continue till that time, for which reasons I think it proper for your Lordships to gratify ye petitioner's request in this particular.” Dated 23 May 1719.
Accompanied by the memorial and 11 other papers. 33 pages.
26 May. 30. Order in Council referring to the Lords of the Treasury the petition of Benjamin Joules, praying to have a grant of some enclosed or concealed lands belonging to his Majesty, now in possession of persons having no title thereto, “in lieu of clay to be taken from the petitioner's land called Stanshaw, near Portsmouth, for the use of his Majesty's docks.” 26 May 1719.
Minuted:—“22d July 1719. He must exhibit a particular describing ye lands he desires.” 3 pages.
26 May. 31. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of David Kiragos, Executor of Don Bentura de Lari, late Ambassador from the Emperor of Morocco, to the King, whereby he set forth that having married the Ambassador's sister, he consigned to him from Smyrna to England a considerable cargo of Smyrna goods, which the Ambassador promised to dispose of, and to remit to the petitioner the produce in British commodities, but failed so to do. On petitioner's arrival, the Ambassador alleged that the late Queen Anne had ordered a gratuity of 8,000l. to be paid to him for his good services in promoting the British trade in the Empire of Morocco. The Ambassador made use of petitioner's effects to the value of 2,000l. and upwards before his death, promising to satisfy the petitioner out of the 8,000l. He prayed that he might have the preference in a sum of 500l. ordered by his Majesty as a free gift to defray the charges of the Ambassador's sickness and funeral, and to be distributed to his creditors. Finds that petitioner was a creditor of the Ambassador for about 1,500l., and is well entitled to the receipt and distribution of what moneys his Majesty shall order towards payment of the debts. 26 May 1719.
The petition referred to, list of the debts, and two affidavits.
Minuted:—“27 [May]. Read and respited.” Again:—“Rejected 17th July 1719.” 8 pages.
26 May. 32. Samuel Peploe to “My Lord.” Sends the enclosed that his Lordship may see what is said for Mr Attorney's delay in his “affair at Manchester.” The doubt as to the Crown's prosecution of the cause against the Bishop of Chester is not agreeable to the assurances he (the writer) has had, that his Majesty would support his presentation. 'Tis a great pleasure to the Papists, and other disaffected persons to the Government, to see any of those who are friends to it, disappointed. Preston, Lancashire, May 26, 1719.
Minuted:—“11th June 1719. Speak to Mr Cracherode that although the King's title to the presentation is not disputed, yet it will be for his Maties service to defend.”
The enclosure referred to is a letter from A. Cracherode to the above Rev. Samuel Peploe at Preston, explaining the reason why nothing has yet been done in his affair. The single point in question is whether Mr Peploe is qualified to be presented or not. 3 pages.
29 May. 33. “A particular of the causes now under prosecution (vizt the 1st day of Trinity term 1719) with states thereof.”
These particulars of the causes were drawn out for the consideration of the Lords of the Treasury, and in the margin are their Minutes opposite many of the entries. 29 May 1719. 6¼ pages.
1 June. 34. Sir Roger Mostyn, late Paymaster of Marine forces, to —. Transmits an account of the services done by him, &c. from the time the last regiment was “broke” to the end of nine months after the demise of the Queen, in which is an account of the numbers of men paid off and disbanded in that time, and of the sums of money paid them. 1 June 1719.
Also the account referred to, a letter, and two other papers connected with Sir Roger's affairs. 19 pages.
2 June. 35. Certificate of W. Jessop and W. Ashburnham, Comrs for Alienations, to the Lords of the Treasury, of the gross produce of their office from Mich. 1718 to 22 May 1719. June 2, 1719. 1 page.
2 June. 36. Treasurer of the Chambers' account for the quarter ending at Lady-day 1719. 2 June 1719. 3¼ pages.
5 June. 37. Christopher Tilson to Edward Young, Esq., Surveyor of his Majesty's Woods. Transmits by their Lordships' command affidavit of William James relating to waste and spoil committed by the Lady Wintour and James Nevill, Esq., her husband, in his Majesty's Woods, called the Snead and Kiddenhalls, in the Forest of Dean, and their Lordships direct inquiry and report to be made thereon. Treasury Chambers, 5 June 1719.
The affidavit named. 2 pages.
[? About
5 June.]
38. Petition of William and Richard Gwynn to the Lords of the Treasury. King Charles II. granted to petitioner's father, grandfather, and uncle, Richard Gwynn, of the co. of Glamorgan, and Richard Mathews of the co. of Rutland, Esq., the office of customer and collector of Cardiff for their lives. In the year 1688, Richard Gwynn, with his son Richard and petitioner William, on the landing of the Prince of Orange, raised upwards of 100 men in the town of Swansey and county aforesaid, and entertained them for upwards of five weeks. Petitioner William and his brother served several years in Flanders. On the death of the father, Richard Mathews succeeded and resigned the patent, and the Lords of the Treasury granted the office of customer of Cardiff to petitioner and his brother, Richard Gwynn, and petitioner William has exercised the office for nine years. To prove his affection for the present Government, states that he obtained the commitment of one Richard Whitmore, alias Kavanagh, for treasonable practices, and Whitmore stood in the pillory in three places in the county. In consequence, petitioner William had his patent renewed for Cardiff, and his son Richard's name added. Understand that the office is disposed of to one Mr Tho. Hoskins. Pray for restoration, or the first patent employment vacant, and, in the meantime, for continuance in the collection of Swansey.
Also two certificates in their favour.
Minuted:—“5 June 1719. To be read when Ld Sunderland is here.”
Again:—“Mr Stanhope will write to Sir Hungerford Hoskyns.” 4½ pages.
8 June. 39. Edw. Riggs to Charles Stanhope, Esq., Secretary to the Lords of the Treasury. Thought it his duty as a surveyor of the highways of the parish of Binfield, to desire his neighbour, Grey Nevill, to recommend the enclosed petition to the Lords of the Treasury, that so they may be supplied with timber out of the forest as usual, “without which, notwithstanding a full performance of the six days' labour in laying gravel,” the bridges and ways cannot be rendered passable. It is two months since the petition was sent. Asks him to lay it before their Lordships, if not already done, and to recommend it. Binfield, 8 June 1719.
The petition of the inhabitants of the parish of Binfield in Windsor Forest referred to.
Minuted:—“17th July 1719. Ref. to Survr of Woods.” 2 pages.
9 June. 40. “Auditor” J. Walpole to “my Lords.” Lays extracts of several letters before them relating to the revenues of New York, by which it will be seen that the whole management of what is raised for the support of his Majesty's Government there, is by the Assembly taken from the officers of the Crown and put under a particular administration of their own, contrary to the ancient practice and natural dependence which that colony ought to have upon the Government here. Their Lordships will easily perceive how much his Majesty's prerogative, as well as the protection of his subjects in those parts, will be rendered precarious, if the levying money be lodged in particular persons' hands appointed by the Assembly, without any check from the officers of the Crown. The continuance of such an incroachment must, in time, make the colony of New York independent of the Crown in the most essential part. Proposes that their Lordships should direct the Board of Trade to lay before them all clauses in the Governor of New York's instructions relating to the revenue there, and a full account of all the acts of Assembly for the last 10 years on the same subject.
[Minuted:—“Write a łre accordingly, & also what instruct[ions] have been given to Govrs of New York in relation to grants of lands & reservations of rents.”]
The quitrents of the colony are in the utmost confusion and disorder, and at present produce little or nothing to the Crown, but if put under good regulation, might raise a considerable revenue. If appointed, is ready to consider (with others) of means for recovery and improvement of the revenue. With their Lordships' approval, will write to Mr Dixon, a Collector of Customs in Maryland, and late Receiver of Revenue of New York, to know on what terms he will undertake to bring the revenue into good management.
[Minuted:—“Mr Audr to write to Mr Dixon upon the sevll matters herein proposed.”] 9 June 1719. 1½ pages.
10 June. 41. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Richard Oglethorp, gent., who states that after the murder of Col. Parke, Governor of the Leeward and Caribbee Islands in 1712, he was sent for from Antigua, as evidence for the Crown against several persons concerned in the murder and rebellion there. He also applied for his expenses for loss of time, &c., which he valued at 1,291l. 1s. 8d. Mr Cracherode gives his opinion as to the allowance which should be made to him. Petitioner holds the post of Deputy Provost Marshal and Messenger to his Majesty's Council in the Leeward Islands, and, if he returns, is in danger of his life from the friends of those against whom he appeared at the trials. He has contracted several debts, and is threatened to be thrown into gaol. A previous memorial in 1716 of Oglethorp's was referred to and reported on favourably by Mr Cracherode on the same subject, and on the trial of Henry Smith, the Lord Chief Justice Parker's opinion was, that the Government ought to pay Oglethorp's necessary charges. Mr Crachrode says that there was room, not only to have carried on the allowance of 5s. a day to the time their Lordships ordered him the 323l. 3s. 5d., viz., to 28 Jan. 1716–17, but to have considered the petitioner further for his loss of time, &c. 10 June 1719.
The petition referred to and an Order in Council referring it to the Lords of the Treasury.
Minuted:—“16 July 1719. My Lords finding by the former warrant that he is paid in full, cannot advise his Maty to give him any more.”
Again:—“12 Augst 1719. My Lords adhere to the former Minute.” 7½ pages.
11 June. 42. Three Orders in Council to the Lords of the Treasury for passing a privy seal.
(1.) For the sale of decayed and unserviceable stores in his Majesty's yards. 11 June 1719.
Also a tabular account of the stores, showing the yards where they remained.
(2.) On the petition of 13 poor livery servants of the late Prince George of Denmark, praying to be provided for; referring the matter to their Lordships.
Minuted:—“30 June 1719. See the answer to their former petition.”
Also the petition.
(3.) On the petition of John Fish, together with a report from the Lords of the Admiralty as to Fish being rewarded for his good services done in the navy; referred also to their Lordships.
The petition and report named. The petitioner states that in the late war, he engaged two French privateers four hours, which had on board 140 men, and his pink only 13, yet he forced the privateers after three desperate engagements to bear off, leaving their “crapling” and chain behind, for which service he was promised by his late Royal Highness to be preferred; but the then ministry soon after changing, the same was frustrated. Also, that at the time of the late rebellion he did, with all the zeal of a dutiful subject, “and with the greatest expedition, not only transport himself the soldiers from Holland, but lent his pilot to the hazard of his life,” to transport others, by which five more transports were able to follow with soldiers.
Minuted:—“22d July 1719. Report that these services (if per formed) can be rewarded only out of navy money.” 9 pages, 2 halves
[? After
17 June.]
43. “An account of the several persons standing in debt to the revenue on salt in Trinity Term, 1719, and the proceedings that have been made against them, and what has been recovered.” [Trinity Term ended 17 June]. 7 pages.
17 June. 44. Comrs of Victualling to Mr Lowndes, concerning foreign salt imported into Scotland before the Union, and lying at Glasgow. To bring it to London for sale, will amount to more than the salt will sell for. The freight for every 26 bushels and 56 pounds is 13½d. per bushel, whereas the first parcel sold for no more than 10d. per bushel. The 452 bushels put up to sale on Monday last, sold for no more than 8¼d. per bushel. The Crown will lose considerably by bringing it here. There is no prospect of procuring freight much cheaper by vessels to be sent from Plymouth. It will be difficult to persuade the Plymouth merchants to undertake the voyage, the coast being dangerous and rocky. It will not be possible to bring it all at once, because vessels of that port are generally small, and most of them are gone to Wales for coals. Submit whether it had not better be sold where it lies. Victualling Office, 17 June 1719. 4 pages.
17 June. 45. Four reports of Charles Harison concerning licences granted by the Court of Exchequer to compound upon penal laws, &c. Between 21 Oct. 1718 and the last day of Trinity Term, 1719 [17 June.]
Made out in tabular form. 15 double pages.
19 June. 46. Report of the Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Robert Baillie, upholsterer, for payment of 507l. 8s. 8d. due to him for furnishing the castle of Dublin, and the house of Chapel Izod. Believes the reason why the payment was not readily ordered after his petition and accounts, might be, because the Concordatum Fund, out of which those disbursements have usually been made, was as that time considerably overdrawn. If his Majesty shall think fit to direct payment out of the revenue at large (which is the method of payment by concordatum), it will be a just relief to the petitioner. Dublin Castle, 19 June 1719.
Minuted:—“5th August 1719. Order'd accordingly.”
The petition referred to, and a copy of the same, and a copy of a report on the same subject, dated Council Chamber, Dublin, 3 May 1717. 5 pages.
23 June. 47. Report of the Earl of Halifax to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Charles Farnaby, Knt, Auditor of the several Lotteries, in respect to the disposal by the late Paymaster and Controller of the Classis Lottery of the vacant apartments in or near the Exchequer, lately occupied by William Lechmere, Esq., late a Controller of Lottery, and others. Exchequer, 23 June 1719.
Minuted:—“22d July. Respited.”
Also the petition. 2 pages.
[? About
25 June.]
48. Petition of Thomas Wells to the Lords of the Treasury. Was the first discoverer of the Rebellion in April 1715, and was “instantly” employed by the Government to gain further information of the designs of the conspirators. Gave daily informations of the motions, resolutions, and intended enterprises of the abettors in the said Rebellion. In particular, in a letter of 18 July, is contained petitioner's reason for apprehending that the conspirators had fixed upon the night between the 21st and 22nd of July, to put some part of their rebellious enterprises in execution. Upon the 20th of July, his Majesty declared in Parliament his certain advices of a Rebellion actually begun, to be supported from abroad. The several regiments of militia of London and Westminster were under arms on the day specified in the letter above mentioned. Petitioner, by a letter at 2 o'clock on the 21st signified by the best information he could learn, that the designs of the conspirators were dissipated for the present. The several regiments of militia under arms were dismissed about 8 o'clock that evening, and the guards, infantry, and cavalry were commanded to encamp in Hyde Park, Petitioner procured some of the principal heads of the Pretender's proclamation, which he sent to Lord Townshend, with a supplication that he (petitioner) might not be ruined. His Lp instantly withdrew from the board, and said that the intelligence must not on any account be omitted. Was employed by the late Postmaster-General, and attended the Lord Cornwallis, and gave certain reasons why he could not carry on his intelligence without manifest danger of his life, except he were instantly discharged from the letter office. Whereupon he was instantly discharged on the “favour” that he should be otherwise provided for. On the 13th of August gave information of preparations making at divers ports in France for the Pretender to make a descent in England about the 2nd of September, and that a rebellion in Scotland was privately talked of with like assurance about the time fixed for the descent, which was confirmed by the public accounts on the 19th of September. Prevented designs upon several important fortresses. Attended Viscount Towshend every night during a considerable time in the height of the Rebellion by his Lp's express commands. Caused a most treasonable libel, written by a papist (entitled the Supplement to the Church of England's Advice to her Children, &c.), to be seized. Applied to Lord Somers to move the Government in his favour, and Lord Somers referred the matter to Lord Townshend, and a promise was made that care should be taken of him. Petitioner remains a great sufferer, excluded from the reversion of an estate of 180l. per ann., adjoining to the “Duke of Gloucester's Head” tavern in St James' Street, Westminster, on account of his secret service, and by the surrender of his employ in 1715. Has a wife and “several small infants.” Prays relief.
On the back is an Order in Council referring the matter to the Lords of the Treasury. 3 pages.
26 June. 49. Robert Armstrong to Charles Burniston, Esq. Has this day received his “deputation.” This province has been the only place for 60 years that has supplied the Crown with masts, yards, and bowsprits. With continual diligence of the Surveyor it is possible to keep the inhabitants from cutting the trees. The province is of such consequence to the Crown that Mr Bridger, the late Surveyor was obliged to continue altogether in the province, which rendered him incapable of attending the other parts of the survey. The officer should have such encouragement as not to render him liable to temptation from the inhabitants, by which the Crown has been no small sufferer. It was always the opinion of the Lords of Trade and the Treasury that the Collector of this province was the proper person to take care of the woods of New Hampshire. New Hampshire, New England, June 26, 1719. 1½ pages.
30 June. 50. A general debt or demand for transport service to 30 June 1719.
Minuted:—“15th July 1719. Direct the Comptrs of the Army Accounts to hasten their Report upon these deductions.” 2 pages.