Volume 233: January 12-March 31, 1721 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 6, 1720-1728. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

'Volume 233: January 12-March 31, 1721', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 6, 1720-1728, (London, 1889) pp. 39-52. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol6/pp39-52 [accessed 19 April 2024]

January 12–March 31, 1721



[? About 1721.]	1. Shorthand notes, some of them apparently respecting subsidies having some notes in the margin in a hand resembling M^r Lowndes'. 6 pages.
[? 1721.]	2. “An account of all money granted by parliament for the service of the navy, from the 1^st day of January 1710; and how far the said money has been issued for that purpose.” Continued to 1721. Probably one of a series. 3 pages.
1721.	3. Petition of Lieut. Matthew Sempile to the Duke of Grafton, Lieut. General and Governor General of Ireland. Served twenty-eight years as commissioned officer in the late regiment of Col. William Carr, till it was broke. His Majesty in consideration of the hardships that the regiment had met with, &c., granted on Aug. 22, 1715, commissions en seconde to seven of them, &c.: but petitioner had not received one farthing since the date of the Commission, having lost his half pay by the same. Was ordered from Edinburgh to Col. Sidney's regiment, on which he has his Commission. Earl Galway found his commission good, but said he had no fund for his pay. The Duke of Bolton referred the case to the board of General officers, who reported that he should receive full pay. The Duke promised that he should be restored to his half pay, seeing there was no precedent for seconde officers to receive full pay in Ireland; and ordered M^r Webster to take petitioner's papers to England, that he might be restored. Notwithstanding which, he was left out of the list: prays for present relief and to be restored to his half pay from the date of his Commission. The copy of the papers referred to. [He had served 22 years in 1715, and now had served 28 years, so that the date appears to be 1721.] 2 pages.
1720–1.	4. New year's gifts or other annual gratuities for the Secretaries. Also for the Clerks. 6 pages.
[Probably after 1720.]	5. “The case of M^r Jeronimy Clifford, merchant and sugar planter of the Dutch Colony of Surinam, in America, now in London, humbly presented to the R^t Hono^ble Lords of his Maj^ties Treasury at Whitehall.” Concerning the strengthening the Colony, a gold mine there, &c. Undated. The first leaf only.
[After 1720.]	6. An account of the several sums of money paid into the Exchequer on account of the late Duke of Ormond. 2 pages.
[? After 1720.]	7. Representation of the Royal Burghs and Merchants in Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury. The Com^rs of Customs of Scotland and the magistrates of Edinburgh in behalf of the Royal Burghs, on 10 June 1716, agreed upon a table of fees and on general rules to which the taking of fees should be restricted. The reports thereon of the Attorney General and the Com^rs of Customs have laid several years before the Lords of the Treasury: pray for their L^ps directions. 1 page.
[? After 1720.]	8. “Petition of Captain Margaritte for reward for apprehending and convicting y^e commander of a pyrate ship.” The “commander” was one Charles Vane, who at a Court of Admiralty held at S^t Jago de la Vega in the Island of Jamaica was tried on 22 March 1720 and convicted of piracy and executed, as certified by Nicholas Lawes, Esq., then Governor. 1 page.
[After 1720.]	9. Notes with references to the page of some larger book or report of a Company having large stocks, some of the transactions in which were fictitious. Probably the South Sea Company. The following note is for p. 115 “Janssen pressing Knight to discover all. Who answered if he should disclose all he knew it would open such a scene as the world would be surprised at.” 4 pages.
[After 1720.]	10. Representation to the Lords of the Treasury of the officers of the Receipt of the Exchequer, relating to their allowances for the annuities. The officers of the “Receipt” are informed that their Lordships have under their consideration the settling the further allowances for the charges of management to be given to the South Sea Company pursuant to the Act 6 Geo. [I.]. The officers give their version of the Act as it affects the Receipt of the Exchequer. They remark that “the business of the officers of the Exchequer is to receive, direct, register, examine, record, enrol, and pay all orders for money, &c. None of which words nor any words meaning or importing the same thing (except paying) being used in the Act of Parliament, the business of the officers of the Exchequer is not described, and consequently they are not included.” As the Act has led to a considerable increase in their business, hope their Lordships will not lessen their ancient allowance. Remind their Lordships that since the making of the Act the officers of the Exchequer have had a considerable increase in their business by other annuities, viz., the 4 per cent. annuities granted for the service of the year 1720; the Army-debenture annuities and the Nevis and S^t Christopher's debenture annuities. 5¼ pages.
1720–1.	11. Memorial of Edward Harley, Esq., one of the Auditors of his Majesty Imprests, to the Lords of the Treasury. The account of Col. Clement Neville, Paymaster of the Prisoners in British pay (who were taken at Brihuega, in Spain, from 24 Dec. 1710 to 3 Apr. 1713), was examined and prepared for declaration by him; the payments and receipts were examined by the Auditor: prays a warrant for an allowance for auditing the same; also prays consideration for other services rendered by him. Undated, but the present year, 1720–1, mentioned. Encloses:—A representation of the nature of the services performed in his office, pursuant to the precepts of the Com^rs for stating the debts of the Army, in the course of five years and a half. 4 pages.
[After 1720.]	12. Memorial of Fotherley Baker, executor of Nicholas Baker, Esq., deceased, to the Lords of the Treasury. M^r Nicholas Baker was Solicitor to the Treasury from 1695 to 1700, and a state of his account had lain before their L^ps since 1718, but process had issued against memorialist, which, however, was stayed in July 1720: prays that as process has again been issued, the account may be called for and read. 1 page.
12 Jan.	13. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor General to the Lords of the Treasury, on the draft of a Charter intended to be granted to the corporation called the Royal Exchange Assurance. Certifying that caveats have been entered on behalf of the Trustees of the Sun Fire Office and the Hand-in-Hand and Union Fire Offices against the passing of any Charter of this kind. Counsel had also attended them and raised objections. The parties concerned in interest decline to accept the same “upon the present scheme,” and desire it may be sent back to give them liberty to make a further application. Have returned the same to their Lordships without any alteration. 12 Jan^y 1720, i.e., 1720–1. The draft of the Charter above referred to and a copy of it, together with a Royal warrant for a bill to pass the Great Seal. The date not filled in, but probably a little later. 49½ pages.
[? About the same date.]	14. Draft of a warrant for a further Charter for insuring lives, houses, &c. in favour of the Corporation of the London Assurance. Undated, but probably about the same time as the last named. 1½ pages.
14 Jan.	15. Report of the Com^rs of Revenue in Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of Sir John Eccles, late collector of the port of Dublin, praying that, as he has put into their (the Com^rs) hands an estate of 1,800l. per ann. to answer any debt due to the crown, he may be restored to his employment, also for time to pay what was due from him. Had remarked some “managements” in his office which they did not approve, and ordered him to pass his accounts, which he neglected to do, and they dismissed him. Finding a much larger balance in his hands than he had charged himself with, they insisted that he should immediately convey his estate to his Majesty. Know not whether his clerk has deceived him, nor whether the cash has been employed in the South Sea Stock or other stocks. As to there being some connivance in some clerks of the Treasury or too much indulgence (having examined all the parties) find the suggestion entirely false and groundless. The accounts are now passed, and the balance amounts to 26,782l. 11s. 3½d., and the memorialist has promised to pay in a considerable sum in a few days, or they would by “public cant” be obliged to dispose of memorialist's estate so conveyed to his Majesty, that so great a sum may not lie out, which in this time of scarcity and want of trade would be highly detrimental to his Majesty's affairs. Advise against his further employment, or the giving him time. Custom House, Dublin, 14 Jan. 1720. A testimonial with numerous signatures highly in his favour. It states that, in the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, when he was Lord Mayor of Dublin, he distinguished himself for the House of Hanover and the protestant interest by opposing the Duke of Ormonde and his adherents in all their measures against the liberties of the protestant citizens of Dublin. He was also one of the three Aldermen in 1714 sent to London by their bretheren to defend the rights and liberties of the protestants of the city of Dublin at the hazard of their fortunes. He was also an eminent trading merchant. Also an affidavit of the memorialist. 4 pages and 2 halves.
14 Jan.	16. Memorial and recommendation by Adam Cockburn, of Ormistoun, Lord Justice Clerk, Sir Alexander Ogilvie, of Forglan, Bart., Sir Francis Grant, of Cullen, Bart., Sir Andrew Hume, of Kimmergham, Sir Walter Pringle, of Newhall, Knights, Lords Delegates of Scotland, in favour of their officers, to the Lords of the Treasury, announcing the appointment of Thomas Fordyce to be their principal clerk and register, and Alexander Pitcarn the second and assistant clerk and register, also a housekeeper at certain salaries mentioned, asking for directions to be given to the Barons of the Exchequer to pay their salaries. “Att the Court of Delegats Office in Edinburgh, 14 January 1721.” Minuted:—“Septbr. 20, 1721. Agreed.” 2 pages.
17 Jan.	17. Representation of the Directors of the South Sea Company to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of Matthew Barton and Robert Murray, Esq^res, Comptroller and Paymaster of the 1,400,000l. Lottery, 1714, which asked for instructions as to the payment of interest due at Michaelmas last, on the unsubscribed orders lying in the Controller's office, and as to whether the principal may not be discharged on such orders as remain unsubscribed into the capital stock of the South Sea Company. The Directors have no objection to the payment of the interest due at Michaelmas last, but ask for their Lordships' directions, as to the application of the 26,180l. for payment of the principal. South Sea House, 17 Jan. 1720. Minuted:—“18^th Jan^ry 1720. My Lords direct the paym^t of the int. due at Micħas last.” 2 pages.
22 Jan.	18. Fr[ancis] Nicholson to [? M^r Lowndes]. This is designed to be presented by M^r Thomas Moor (one of the Officers to the Society for Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts) in the behalf of Mess^rs — Clark and Francis Merry, who are going over as missionaries to South Carolina. Desires to obtain the Royal bounty of 20l. for each of them. Hoped to have the Royal Commission for trying pirates. Saw by the public prints that the Treasury had a great deal of business to do in Parliament, but had very great satisfaction in seeing also that the house of Commons (of which the person addressed was a member) had voted all the sums, &c., and had agreed to the scheme for restoring public credit. Congratulates him on the share he had in it, both at the Treasury and in the House. Begs that the Commission, if not already passed, may be promoted and sent to him by the first opportunity. Plymouth, Jan. 22, 1720. 1 page, quarto.
[? About 25 Jan.]	19. Petition of Timothy Goodwin, Jacob Tonson, William Taylor, and Bernard Lintot, to the Lords of the Treasury, for payment of 162l. 10s. for printing the special report from the Committee to enquire into several subscriptions for fisheries, insurances, &c. The work was done by order of the Speaker of the House of Commons. Docketed:—“Booksellers petition for allowance for printing the report of the Com^tee of Bubbles.” Minuted:—“25^th Jan^ry 1720. See what has been done in cases of the like kind.” The following is the report on that minute:—“30^th July 1719. 240^li was issued to Timothy Goodwin for printed reports of the Comm^rs and Trustees for forfeitures in Scotland, and for Reports relating to the equivalent delivered to the House of Commons. His Ma^ts Printers are paid for all printed papers delivered to both Houses of Parliament.” Minuted again:—“20^th Dec^r 1721. Order'd.” 1 page.
[? About 25 Jan.]	20. Petition of John Haynes, Gent., to the Lords of the Treasury. In 1698, Mr. Whitley, Receiver General of Taxes, of Chester and North Wales, failed, being indebted 90,000l. The Treasury was empowered to compound with his security, and the composition money reduced the debt to about 37,800l., and Whitley had effects to have cleared the debt, but concealed them. Petitioner can “discover” a large sum, and the 8,000l. may be recovered by his pains, if he has three quarters of what he shall recover. If he does not succeed, the Crown will be at no charge: prays for a warrant for three quarters of the money recovered. Minuted:—“25^th Jan^ry 1720. It being appropriated money, my Lords cannot make such grant as is desired.” 1 page.
28 Jan.	21. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury. Has considered the annexed petition of Edward Mackmanus setting forth that in 1714 the petitioner made a discovery to the Lords of the Treasury of divers frauds and abuses against the Royal Hospital, near Chelsea; whereby the government was saved in one payment to the pensioners 76,741l. 5s., besides yearly pensions of 5,046 persons, who were discharged and struck out of the books as disqualified; several of whom were evidence to prove petitioner's discovery before the Com^rs appointed to examine these abuses. The petitioner spent a good deal of time and money in the discovery of these frauds and abuses, besides others committed by persons who were established on half-pay as officers, under colour of forged commissions, and by infamous women under pretence of being officers' widows. By these means petitioner created abundance of implacable enemies, who have since that time, to screen themselves from justice, oppressed the petitioner, who has been several times tried for his life by their malicious revenge, and hurried from one gaol to another; where he underwent very barbarous usage, and must have perished had not the Court of King's Bench relieved him. He therefore prayed either to be admitted to make out the truth before their Lordships, or for compensation and relief. Certifies that petitioner produced two affidavits, a certificate, and a commission, as to the truth of the allegations (the purport of which documents he sets out). A joint affidavit of Elizabeth Atterbury and others states, “that the said pet^r Mackmanus hath for 5 or 6 years past been continually a prisoner, having been scarcely out of prison in all that time above a month or six weeks together, and hath been several times try'd for his life, on indictm^ts maliciously preferr'd against him, by John Le Mater, and others, his accomplices. That the Pet^r being a prisoner for twelve months together in the Marshalsea, the depon^t Atterbury carried him linnen, victuals, and other necessaries, but often received very ill-usage from the turnkeys and others, being often denyed entrance, and when she was admitted to defend^t she was always abused, and sometimes beaten by the turnkeys; that the Pet^r Mackmanus during his imprisonm^t in the Marshalsea was most inhumanly treated by the keeper, turnkeys, and others by wearing 30^li weight of iron for five months, and being loaded for nine days with 150^li weight of iron (viz^t) with two pair of fetters, a pair of shears, and handcuffs, and being chained to the floor for the space of three days, and by being often barbarously beaten by the turnkeys and convicts, who were hired (as believed) by the said Le Mater and his accomplices so to do, in order to murder him, w^ch was near effected; the said Pet^r Mackmanus being once so barbarously beaten, that by all the means his surgeons could use they could not stop his bleeding for nine days together.” M^r Cracherode certifies further, that on 21 Sept. then last past, he made a report to their Lordships, upon a petition of Peter Villeneuve and four others, concerning the frauds, &c. in Chelsea Hospital; by which it appeared how much money Mackmanus had received as one of the witnesses, and that neither the Com^rs for the affairs of the Hospital, nor the Lords of the Treasury, had made any distinction between Mackmanus and the other witnesses. Takes exception to Mackmanus claiming the whole merit of the discovery, as he was joined by four others in giving information: to prove which, sends copy of all the minutes of the Com^rs for the hospital relating to the subject. (The copy is embodied in the report.) Further certifies that M^r Stanwix, solicitor for the affairs of the Hospital, had delivered to him various papers on the subject. (These are also given.) Thinks it his duty to lay before their Lordships several other papers brought to him by other witnesses as to these abuses, and against Mackmanus's pretentions. (The titles and substance of the papers then follow.) As to the allegation of petitioner having been frequently thrown into prison and prosecuted, certifies that it is fully made out. (The evidence for which he supplies.) Submits it to their Lordships what further reward petitioner deserves, having received 106l. 16s. as his share. Minuted:—“9th Feb. 1720–1. My Lords adhere to their minute of the 18^th May 1720, which is as followeth, viz^t: “My Lords direct M^r Lowther to pay y^e witnesses for frauds committed in Chelsea Hospital the money for their subsistence due on Fryday next (being y^e 20^th May 1720), and to acquaint them with their Lordships' resoluc[i]on, that this is the last money they are to expect from the Crown on acco^t of their being witnesses.” 8½ pages.
28 Jan.	22. Report of the same to the same. Has considered the petition of Major Henry Irwin, of the colony of Virginia, setting forth that under two proclamations for suppressing piracy, he discovered and apprehended, in the Colony and dominion of Virginia, Tobias Butler, Daniel Degatt, William Lake, and Thomas Hall; who were at a Court of Admiralty sentenced to death; and by him the material evidence was procured, and a considerable sum secured for his Majesty's use; and that he (the petitioner) prays payment of 80l. or such sum as he is entitled to by the proclamations. Has further considered a certificate annexed, under the seal of the Colony of Virginia, signed by Alexander Spotswood, Esq., his Majesty's Lieut.-Governor, Vice-Admiral, and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony testifying to the same. Certifies what the effect of the proclamations was, viz.: offers of pardon to those who surrendered before a certain day, and 20l. reward for each private person arrested. Is of opinion that the Major is entitled to 80l., and that a warrant for the issue of that sum should be issued. 28 Jan. 1720. The petition and certificate referred to. 3½ pages.
28 Jan.	23. Similar report of the same to the same on the petition of Benjamin Bartholomew, who made a similar claim for the arrest of John Law and George Gaddis, who were convicted of running away with a merchant ship called “the Beginning.” Is of opinion that he should receive 40l. 28 Jan. 1720. The petition referred to and a certificate of Sir Henry Penrice, Kn^t, LL.D., Lieut. Commissary in the High Court of Admiralty and Judge and President of that Court, on the same subject. 2½ pages and a piece of parchment.
31 Jan.	24. Report of the Attorney General to the same, on the memorial of the Duchess of Buccleuch, to the King. The memorial sets forth that on her marriage with the late Duke of Monmouth, King Charles II. agreed to make a settlement on them in Scotland, to the value of 40,000l., which was not done. Afterwards the King granted the manor of Spalding, and other manors in the county of Lincoln, said to be of the yearly value of 566l. 10s. 1³/8d., for 99 years, from the decease of the late Queen Dowager. On the outlawry of the Duke, the manors were granted to trustees, for the use of the Duchess. On the demise of the Queen Dowager, the Duchess came into possession, and received the rents. By an error of the Clerk, who made out the schedule by which the first grant was formed, the rents of the Manor of Whaplode (37l. 17s. 4½d.) and those of the Manors of Moulton, Bowesllas (75l. 13s. 8½d.) were not inserted, though the manors were granted and the advowsons to the livings were reserved to the crown. This shows the intention, and as the Duchess is advised, would have been good in law, if made by a private person; but may be disputable by the Crown. Memorialist prayed to be discharged from the rents which she had received from these manors, and for a lease for 31 years at the above rents. Certifies the effect of various grants (which he sets out) touching those manors, and is of opinion that the manors of Whaplode and Moulton, Bowsellas, and the premises, which make up the rents of 37l. 17s. 4½d. and 75l. 13s. 8½d. did not pass to the Trustees of the Duchess; but that the yearly rents of those manors and premises, from the death of the Queen Dowager, belonged to the late Queen during her life and ever since her death to his Majesty. It is in his Majesty's power to discharge the Duchess of those rents, by a proper instrument, if he please to do so. His Majesty may grant such parts of the premises as are not in lease, for a term of 31 years, under certain conditions (which are specified). Jan. 31, 1720. Minuted:—“April 1, 1721. The King consents that the Duchess be discharged of the arrears and that a new lease pass as is desired.” 6 pages.
31 Jan.	25. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury on a warrant for the Royal signature for granting to William Hall, Esq., one of the Clerks of Session, the lands of Churnside, Spence mains, and other lands lying in the county of Berwick, “proceeding on the resignations of M^r James Hume, Advocate, John Carmichaell, writer in Edinburgh, and John Dunce. The signature contains a De novo damus, but the Barons do not find that there are any non-entry duties or casualties and forfeitures, by recognition or escheat, affecting the lands, which will be affected by the grant. It also contains an erection of the lands into a Barony. “Edin^r, 31 January 1720–21.” Minuted:—“17 Feb. 1720. To be layd before the King for his signature.” The warrant is not with it. 1 page.
2 Feb.	26. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the question whether 1,000l. would be sufficient for the needful repairs of the palace of Holyrood House. Find that it is in much worse condition than when they had it inspected, and will rapidly run into ruin unless prevented. It will take at least 1,000l. to do what is necessary. Edinb^r, Exchequer Chamber, 2 Feb. 1721. Minuted:—“August 2^d, 1721. Agreed out of y^e mony of Scotland. Warr^t sign'd 31^st Aug^t 1721.” 2 pages.
6 Feb.	27. Report of R. Powys to the Lords of the Treasury on the state of the demand made by Martin Bladen, Esq., in a memorial annexed, praying to be paid his allowances, as far as had been paid to Daniel Pulteney, Esq., as he was joint Commissary with M^r Pulteney for transacting certain matters with the Court of France. Certifies that the memorialist was to have had 3l. a day, but it was to cease on 26 Dec. 1720. It would amount to 1,140l. after deducting 273l. advanced to him. Feb. 6, 1720–1. Minuted:—“11^th May 1721. Prepare a warrant.” The memorial and copy of the Commission to Daniel Pulteney and the memorialist. 5½ pages.
9 Feb.	28. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of John, Earl of Stair. Certify that the Earl and his family appear to be heritably entitled to the office of baily of the Regality of Glenluce, in the county of Wigtoun, with a yearly fee or salary of three “chalders” of meal, and that King William granted two tacks or leases to the Earl's father of all the lands, few and teind duties and others “payable out of the regality and ‘parochine’ of Glenluce to the Crown, as come in place of the bishop of Galloway,” the first for seven and the second for nineteen years. Both the leases are expressed to be in satisfaction of the fee of the three chalders of meal, and for relieving the crown of the stipends payable to the ministers of the old and new church of Glenluce. If his Majesty grants a further lease or tack of the few and teind duties to the Earl, it ought to be on the same conditions as are contained in the former tacks. Edinb^r, Excheq^r Chamb^r, 9^th February 1721. Minuted:—“20^th Feb. 1720–1. The signature to be layd before the King for his signing. 21^st D^o. Warr^t signd.” The memorial and copies of the two tacks. 8 pages.
[After 10 Feb.]	29. “State of money issued to Sir Luke Schaub since his being employed at Paris.” It includes “the allowance which would have been due in case he had gone with the character of Envoy.” 1 page.
16 Feb.	30. Two accounts of disbursements, the 1^st by M^r Ro^t Dundass, the younger, of Arnistoun, the King's Advocate for Scotland, on account of the government during the time he was solicitor and since; and 2^nd by Walter Stewart, the King's Solicitor General for Scotland. Sworn 16 Feb. 1720–1. 5½ pages.
[? About 18 Feb.]	31. Petition of Peter Hartop, merchant, for himself and others, to the Lords of the Treasury. Windsor Sandys, Esq., obtained a grant from his present Majesty “for fishing upon all wrecks lost in and between the latitudes of 12 and 17 degrees North Latitude in the West Indies for a term yet unexpired.” Petitioner and several merchants have, at great expense, fitted out several vessels to fish for wrecks within the same latitudes. Is informed another grant is applied for. Prays to be heard by counsel before a grant is made. Minuted:—“18^th Feb. 1720. Sir Tho^s Mackworth and the pet^r may be heard at the same time. L~re writ accordingly.” 1 page.
? About 18 Feb.	32. Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury from Charles Delafaye in behalf of the proprietors of M^r Rowe's diving engine, and of the grant to Lord Harley and others to fish upon wrecks, praying a short day for hearing applications for the grant. Minuted:—“18^th Feb. 1720. My Lords appoint Tuesday next.” Another memorial and a note signed “Jn^o Ward” to Charles Delafaye on the same subject. Also “copy of a grant unto Edward Harley, Esq., commonly called L^d Harley, of all wrecks, &c., w^ch before the 24^th June 1713 have been cast away, &c., or w^ch before the 24^th June 1724 shall be cast away, in or between y^e latitude of 26 and 40 degrees of N^o lat., in y^e West Indies, with y^e variations in y^e grants to Morgan Randyll, Windsor Sandys, Andrew Becker, being y^e only grants whose terms are not ended.” With various notes. 8½ pages, besides short notes written on divers other pages.
[? About 24 Feb.]	33. Petition of Anthony Roig and John Colomer, citizens of Barcelona, contractors for bread and forage for the army of the High Allies in Spain during the late war. Furnished the army in 1707. For this there remained due for what was taken by the enemy, viz., 111,226 dollars; whereof Great Britain's proportion was 32,506, for which the petitioners have obtained the King's warrant; but the Com^rs for stating the debts due to the Army are directed to compute each dollar at the current price of exchange, which is 3s. 10½d.; whereas they hoped to have had 4s. 9d., for so the exchange was when the contract was to have been paid: viz., about thirteen years ago. By the 12^th article of the contract it is expressly agreed that the powers in alliance should bear the loss of exchange. Pray a suitable alteration to be made in the warrant; otherwise by this loss and the great discount now on debentures they and their families must be ruined. Besides their effects have already been seized and their persons imprisoned, because they displeased the King of Spain in serving the allies and afterwards the Emperor. Minuted:—“24^th Feb. 1720–1. To be considered when the Comm^rs army debts are here to-morrow.” 1 page.
2 March.	34. Memorial of Charles Wither, Esq., Surveyor General of the Woods, &c., to the Lords of the Treasury. Receives daily informations of spoil in all his Majesty's forests. The only way to deal with wood spoilers will be to exhibit informations in the Exchequer against the most notorious offenders, some few examples of which would be sufficient to terrify them in each forest. Nothing has been done to punish them lately, and they have become unreasonably bold. Submits that directions be given to M^r Cracherode to exhibit informations against such “offenders in Vert” and to prosecute them. 2 March 1720–1. Minuted:—“2 March 1720–1. L~re signed.” 1 page.
4 March.	35. Report of the Attorney General (Raymond) to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Abraham Gerard Borsholt, under prosecution for subornation of perjury by the Com^rs of Customs. The petitioner came over hither eight years ago, and has exercised the trade of a merchant, and by the prosecution has been put to 100l. charges. The crime charged against the petitioner he (the Attorney General) takes to be of a high nature, but whether he is guilty must depend upon the event of the trial. The Com^rs strongly oppose granting a nolle prosequi, but it is in his Majesty's power to grant it. March 4, 1720. Also an affidavit. Minuted:—“5 May 1721. My Lords cannot advise the King to extend his Royall favour.” 5 pages.
[? About 4 March.]	36. Petition of Jane Robson, of North Shields, in the county of Northumberland, widow, “aged 75 years,” to the Lords of the Treasury. Had complained to their Lordships of the great losses she sustained by the prosecution of Mongoe Chrisop and William Williams, of North Shields, for receiving and collecting from the inhabitants of that town above 100l. more than they had warrant to do, or than was paid the Crown for the land tax. Prays repayment of what she had lost by the prosecution. Also a letter signed by various of the inhabitants agreeing that petitioner should receive their shares of what had been wrongfully charged. Dated 4 March 1720. 2 pages.
8 March.	37. Report of the Board of Works to the Lords of the Treasury relating to the appointment of an engine keeper at Windsor. Conceive it absolutely necessary to have an engine keeper, and being informed that the engine was out of order, Sir Thomas Hewett, the present surveyor, and M^r Gibbons went down to Windsor to view it, and found that the pipe that conveys the water to the castle was not more than 2 inches diameter, and in some places less, and was not wide enough to receive the water of so great an engine. The pipe ought to have been 4 inches diameter. Therefore ordered that one of the two forcers belonging to the engine should not work, for if both were employed they would either burst the pipe or break the engine. [The appointment seems to have laid between M^r John Rowley, who made the engine, and M^r Thomas Rowland, clerks of the works at Windsor, both of whom claim to have taken care of it.] 8 March 1720. Copy of two subordinate documents. 2 pages.
11 March.	38. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Robert Linass, who had prosecuted Michael Idle, of Broughton, in the parish of Appleton-in-the Street, in the county of York, yeoman, for a debt of 198l., who was thereupon outlawed. The goods of Idle were appraised at 85l. Their Lordships may very properly grant their warrant to the Attorney General, empowering him to consent (on his Majesty's behalf) that the 85l. in the hands of the Sheriff of Yorkshire may, by the Court of Exchequer, be ordered to be paid to the petitioner. 11 Mar. 1720. The petition and two affidavits. 5 pages.
[13 March.]	39. “Memorial concerning the charges of prosecutions for crimes, and the maintenance of public prisoners in Scotland.” Before the Union the charges of prosecutions for crimes, carried on at the suit of the King's Advocate, were ordinarily advanced by the Solicitor General, and were refunded at least once a year by the Treasury upon demand; but when there were more numerous prosecutions, money was imprested by the Treasury into the hands of the Solicitor for that purpose. The Keepers of the Prisons in Scotland, before the Union, advanced what was necessary for the aliment of public prisoners who could not maintain themselves, and “fitted their accounts yearly” in the Treasury, and had the money allowed without any charge or difficulty. Since the Union, the Exchequer in Scotland refuses to pass all those accounts, there being no fund for payment. This is a very great prejudice to the public service, for since the King's Accession, there having been frequent disorders committed, and insults against the Government in “different corners,” a vigorous execution of the laws would necessarily have demanded a considerable advance of money for defraying such expense, which none would take upon them where they saw no way of reimbursement. Public prisoners have in effect starved, having no fund of maintenance but what they received in charity; which makes Justices of the Peace very unwilling to commit persons to prison for crimes, though the keeping of the peace seems necessarily to require it; and the magistrates of Burghs do, as in law they can, refuse to receive criminals into their prisons where they see there is no fund for their maintenance till trial. The Memorialist [whose name is not mentioned] proposes that the Solicitor to the Exchequer in Scotland (M^r Bowles) and his successor in office should be empowered, by the direction of the Advocate or Solicitor General in Scotland, to defray the charges of prosecutions at the instance of the Crown, whether in criminal matters before the Court of Justiciary, or in civil cases before the session, where the interest of the Crown is concerned, and that the Exchequer should be directed to pass his accounts, or else that a sum of money should be imprested yearly into the hands of the Solicitor General for defraying those charges, and that he should “fit an account for it yearly” in the Exchequer: and that the Exchequer be likewise directed once a year to receive and fit the accounts of the Keepers of the Prisons for maintenance of public prisoners. If no method be fixed as to these things, the public service must suffer and the quiet of the country cannot be preserved. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury for their report. Mar. 13, 1720–21. 3 pages.
17 March.	40. Petition of the Noblemen, Gentlemen, &c. of the Western Shires of Scotland to the King, showing “that by several laudable and standing laws the importation of oatmeal and cattle from Ireland is forbidden under severe penalties. That notwithstanding the said laws vast quantities of oatmeal and cattle are yearly imported to this country, to the manifest discouragement of tillage and pasturage, and consequently to the ruin of the landed interest. That the excessive and unrestrained running in of French brandy, without paying the legal duties and excise, contrary to many good laws made against the same, is a heavy grievance which this country groans under: for thereby money is carried out of the kingdom, the fair trader is “prejdged,” and the profitable art of distilling spirits from corns and sugar is absolutely discouraged.” Petitioners pray that his Majesty would order the laws to be put in execution against the same. Referred on 17 Mar. 1720–1 to the Lords of the Treasury to consider and report. There are twenty-four signatures. 1 large page.
[? About 23 March.]	41. Memorial of Edward Harley, Esq., one of the Auditors of Imprests, to the Lords of the Treasury, respecting the account of Col. Clement Nevil, paymaster of the prisoners taken at the action at Brihuega, in Spain. The account consists of the payments made every two months to the officers and privates of the British troops and the officers and privates of the Imperial, Spanish, Portuguese, and Palatine troops in British pay. States how the same were audited. Prays a warrant to pay him an allowance for auditing the same. Also states other services for which he seeks consideration. Minuted:—“23^d March 1720–1. Ref. to M^r Baillie and to M^r Lowndes.” 2 pages.
23 March.	42. Memorial of John Ward, one of the persons concerned in the ships fitted out by Lord Harley and others under a grant for fishing upon wrecks, to the Lords of the Treasury. Their Lordships appointed M^r Phillip Lascells, Agent, to take care of his Majesty's tenths that might be recovered under this grant. He was to give 2,000l. security. This he could then have done; but owing to the delay, &c. the persons he proposed now refuse to give bonds. The ships are ready to sail at Gravesend, and if their Lordships would appoint Capt. Crawcroft, who goes pilot, to be Agent for his Majesty, without security, he would effectually discharge the trust. The ships would give all proper accommodation to any one appointed. March 23, 1720. 1 page.
25 March.	43. An account of the debt of the Great Wardrobe to Ladyday 1721. Signed:—Tho. Dummer. 2 large double pages.
25 March.	44. “An acco^t of what was wanting at Ladyday 1721 to clear all fees and salaries payable at the Exchequer.” 3 pages (brief size).
[? About 25 March.]	45. A paper indorsed “Westminster Abbey, &c.,” but which contains notes of various Acts of Parliament relating to the funds for building churches, Greenwich Hospital, &c., propositions for taking loans, &c. [The date is inferred from an entry stating that the duties were deficient in answering the payments charged on them at Ladyday 1721. 7,151l. 9s. 8½d.] 3 pages.
28 March.	46. A representation of the nature of the services performed by Auditor Harley, in preparing acco^ts, making searches for papers, and copies of vouchers for the use of the Commis^rs for the debts of the Army, since their appointment in September 1715; being now five years and a half. 28 March 1721. The docket states that the service was required of him by precepts or orders from the Com^rs and for making up Col. Nevill's account of prisoners in Spain. 4 pages.
31 March.	47. Letter of William Popple, on behalf of the Com^rs of Trade and Plantations, to Charles Stanhope, Esq., on the case and petition hereafter described. The Com^rs have no objection to the petitioners being relieved as desired. Whitehall, 31 March 1721. Encloses copy of an extract of a letter from Col. Spotswood to the Hon. M^r Secretary Craggs thereon, and:— “The case of Francis Stevens, Abell Grant, Thomas Melton, and Samuel Allen and Samuel Fry, merchants and owners of the ship ‘Callabar-Merchant,’ of Bristol.” The ship was fitted out with a cargo proper to purchase negroes and carry them from Guinea to Virginia. The ship was attacked by pirates, was captured, and the master and men kept prisoners for nine weeks, the cargo being made use of or taken away; but at last the master was allowed to depart with his ship, and, at the parting, twenty-one negroes were given him as a satisfaction for the damage. On arriving at Virginia the master gave information to the Hon. Alexander Spotswood, Esq., the Governor, who seized the negroes for his Majesty's use, and only allowed 126l. for the same, which is not one fourth of their value, whereas the owners sustained the damage of 1,200l. At the foot is the petition of the owners to have the negroes delivered up or satisfaction for them. Minuted:—“Warr^t signed, 15^th May.” 4 pages.