|
2 Dec.
Law Officers Entry Bk., 1762–95, pp. 189–91. |
933. Earl of Rochford to the Attorney and Solicitor
General. |
|
Enclosing the petition of John Annesley, of Ballysax, Esq.,
claiming the honours of Viscount Valentia and Baron Mount
Norris in Ireland. The case appears to be unprecedented, as
the person against whom he claims the above titles has been
called up to the House of Lords of Ireland by H.M.'s writ of
summons, and now sits therein, and is moreover attended with
the very peculiar circumstance of the House of Peers in England
having given judgment against the same person claiming the
Earldom of Anglesea in the same right. Directs them to report
their opinion whether the same can be properly brought under the
examination of the House of Peers in Ireland, or in what manner
redress can be given in case the petitioner should prove his allegations.—St. James's. |
|
The petition entered. |
4 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 42.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 9. |
934. Earl of Hillsborough to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Ebenezer Richardson, an inhabitant of Boston, in New England,
who had been convicted of the murder of a boy in that town,
having, upon the recommendation of the Judges and the Governor,
received His Majesty's pardon, a copy of H.M.'s warrant to the
Recorder of London, for inserting Richardson's name in the first
pardon that should come out for the convicts in Newgate, was
sent to the Governor in order that the prisoner might be released;
but the Judges having hesitated to release him without an authentic copy of the pardon itself, and it having been found that such
pardon has not regularly passed, and that in fact none has been
issued for many years, the King has consented that a general
Newgate pardon do pass the Great Seal. Acquaints his Lordship
therewith for the necessary steps to be taken.—Whitehall. A
draft. 1¼ pp. |
4 Dec.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 46. |
935. British Ships in Spanish Ports. |
|
Extract from a letter from Cork, giving an account "of what
the Captain of the 'Carysfort' said to the writer." It relates to
the refusal to English men-of-war of the right of entering Spanish
ports. 1 p. |
5 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 5.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 10. |
936. J. Pownall to Grey Cooper, Esq. |
|
Sends, in order to be laid before the Lords of the Treasury, the
memorial of Mr. Milligen, surgeon to H.M.'s garrisons in South
Carolina, praying an additional salary out of the quit-rent, and
also a letter from Lieut.-Governor Col. Bull accompanying the same.—Whitehall. A copy. ¾ p. |
| 5 Dec. |
937. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Three despatches of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v. 440, No. 63. |
(1.) Mentioning two Bills sealed the same time as the two
Money Bills, viz.:— |
|
An Act for licensing hawkers and pedlars, and for the encouragement of English Protestant schools; and, An Act for granting and
continuing to His Majesty the several duties, &c., for the use of
the Corporation for promoting and carrying on an Inland Navigation in Ireland.—Dublin Castle. 1½ pp. |
|
Ireland, v. 440, No. 64. |
(2.) Explanatory of the Money Bills mentioned in the above.
The Loan Bill excepted Prince Ferdinand, the Duke and Duchess
of Athol, Sir Edward Hawke, and George Charles, Esq., from payment of the 4s. tax, if exempted by H.M.'s sign manual. It also
enacted that this tax should not extend to colonels not having
regiments, nor to any officer under the degree of colonel, &c.—Dublin
Castle. 4 pp. |
|
The two preceding despatches received the 10th from Sir R.
Wilmot. |
|
Ibid., No. 65. |
(3.) Marked, "Most secret and confidential." |
|
Relative to the Act for granting rates, duties, &c. for Inland
Navigation, mentioned above. This Bill took its rise in the House
of Commons. May state in the utmost confidence that it is chiefly
a job of Sir Lucius O'Brien and the Speaker's. It grants certain
duties for 21 years, and there are several new clauses in it giving
extraordinary powers to the Commissioners of that Board. The
original Navigation Act, as it is called, passed in 1729, was granted
for 21 years, and renewed in 1751 for 21 years, the present Act
not expiring till next March. Reiterates his opinion, first given
in his private letter of 28 March last past, that in a country like
Ireland, and at this particular juncture, when there seems to be a
general design to distress and disgrace English Government, it is
excessively impolitic, not to say injurious to His Majesty's affairs,
that any duties should be granted for any purpose whatsoever for
a longer term than the supplies are granted to His Majesty, viz.,
two years. Mentions again the motions made in the course of the
Session by Mr. Brownlowe and Mr. James Fortescue, brother to
Lord Clermont, for shortening the term of supply to His Majesty.
If the disorderly spirit now raging cannot be controlled, and those
who from station and gratitude should support Government,
cannot be brought to make those returns which, in any country
but Ireland, would be looked upon as a first principle of duty, his
Excellency knows not what may happen in another Session of
Parliament with regard to the Money Bill. Thinks it absolutely
necessary, therefore, that all duties for national purposes should
for the future be granted only for the term of two years, that they
may go hand in hand with the supply. |
|
To the other Bill for licensing hawkers, &c., transmitted by this
messenger, his Excellency sees no objection, as the duties thereby
granted are to run only from 24 Mar. 1772 to 24 Mar. 1774 inclusive. Is of opinion, however, that both these Bills should be
kept back till after Christmas, and the Supply and Loans Bills
only returned for the present. It is very fortunate that the Revenue Bill does not expire till the end of the next Session of Parliament; and as it is a rule with Opposition always to keep that
Bill hanging over Government, it will be proper that this Navigation Bill, in the success of which Government is not at all
interested, should keep even pace with it, and the term accordingly
be altered from 21 to 2 years.—Dublin Castle. 3 pp. |
|
This despatch received the 10th, at night, by an Irish messenger. |
6 Dec.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 50. |
938. Php. Stephens to Richd. Sutton, Esq. |
|
H.M.S. "Levant," which is to carry Mr. Walpole to Lisbon, will
be ready to sail in the course of next week.—Admiralty Office.
1 p. |
6 Dec.
Channel Islands, v. 15, No. 33. |
939. M. Corbet, Lieut.-Governor of Jersey, to Lord ——. |
|
Represents that the Trading Interest of the Island to England
think themselves aggrieved by the interpretation put in the Island
upon the third article of the Order of Council of 13 Feb. 1767, by
which the purser of any ship bound from the Islands to any port
of Great Britain or Ireland is to give a bond to His Majesty, to
be taken by the Governor or Deputy, forfeitable on his not producing within six months a certificate from the proper Customs
officer of some port in Great Britain or Ireland that the cargo was
duly landed. The inhabitants say that the produce of the Island
which is allowed to be exported, is to be imported into England
customs free, as well as stockings manufactured in the Island, and
that they are only subject to give bond for particular goods that
are not of the growth, produce, or manufacture of the Island; and
further, that if an English market should not answer for such
goods (the produce or manufacture of the Island), then that they
are at liberty to go elsewhere;—from which by the said article they
are debarred, and must at any rate unload their cargo. Asks for
his Lordship's sentiments on this head. Asks also to be put in
certainty with regard to other articles, which are grounded upon
old established custom, as handed down through Col. Burgess,
Commander-in-chief in the Island, and which may exist in consequence of settled regulations, though he knows of none such. There
are certain fees, viz., "1s. 3d. for every let pass to French vessels,
1s. for every Island and British, Dutch, &c. above 20 tons, and
6d. for such as are under; 1s. for every bond required as above,
since the establishment of Custom-house officers, and 3d. per
chaldron for every licence under 20 for coals to be imported free
of extra duty into the Island, and 5s. for every such licence though
exceeding that quantity." All these, however, are barely
sufficient to satisfy the person "necessarily employ'd to transact
that business," and are less than those demanded in the neighbouring Island of Guernsey. The income of his commission is
by no means equal to the unavoidable expenses, being now "short
of a company of invalids," which, till Col. Dean's time (who was
otherwise considered), had been time out of mind attached to the
Lieutenant Government, and he is obliged to add to it above 200l.
per annum from his private income; but, nevertheless, he would
by no means wish to continue any practice that might not be
approved of.—Jersey. |
|
[This letter is written in so very confused a style that it is
sometimes difficult to make out the writer's meaning. The above,
however, appears to be the drift of the letter.—Ed.] 3 pp. |
6 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No. 62, b. |
940a. Sir Robt. Wilmot to Stanier Porten, Esq. |
|
Encloses a copy of a letter from Sir George Macartney, stating
that Lord Bellisle now chooses the title of "Earl of Ross, in the
county of Fermanagh."—St. James's. |
|
The enclosure. 2 pp. |
7 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 32. |
940b. T. Francis to the Same. |
|
The grand jury have just now found the bill of indictment
against Dudley a true bill.—"Old Baily, Saturday, 4 o'clock." |
|
"R. 7 Dec., in the evening." 1 p. |
10 Dec.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 80. |
941. S. Porten to Mr. Wayte. |
|
The papers contained in the Lord Lieutenant's letter of 29 Dec.
1769, accompanying the petition of Andrew Thomas Stewart, Esq.,
in support of his claim for the title of Baron of Castle Stewart, in
the county of Tyrone, having been mislaid, begs for an exact list of
them, and copies, if possible, as it may save the time that may be
lost in searching for them.—St. James's. |
| 11 Dec. |
942. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Two despatches, &c., of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v. 440, No. 66 a, b, c. |
(1.) Sits down to give the best account he can collect of the
progress of the affair in the House of Commons concerning the
Commissioners of the Revenue. It was not till yesterday that
H.M.'s confidential servants were able to give their final determination upon the answer to be returned to the resolution. Some
few days before the resolution passed, Sir Wm. Mayne acquainted
the House of Commons that common fame had informed him that
an extraordinary measure had been adopted of dividing the Revenue Board into two departments; and that new Commissioners
were appointed, the very name of one of whom would make the
inhabitants of a free country tremble,—alluding to Sir Francis
Bernard. The leaders of Opposition, not being at that time fully
prepared, stopped Sir William, and our friends moved the adjournment of the House,—which was carried. On the Saturday following, viz., the 16th, Mr. Flood moved the resolution concerning the
sufficiency of seven Commissioners. The friends of Government,
observing the tendency of the motion, proposed the amendment,
"That evidence had been laid before the House to show, &c.;"—to
which the Opposition agreed. It was then urged on the part of
Government, that no evidence whatever had been produced to
prove it, and therefore that the whole ought to be rejected. Mr.
Flood thereupon desired that a resolution of 22 April 1758 might
be read, and insisted that it contained sufficient ground to support
his motion. The following is a history of this resolution:— |
|
During the Parliament winter of 1757 and 1758 a Committee
of the House of Commons of Ireland was appointed to enquire
into the state and management of the revenue for 20 years then
preceding. The Duke of Bedford (who at that time resided in
Ireland) promoted the enquiry with a view to lay open to the
public the particular conduct of Mr. Ponsonby, who was at that
time at the head of the Revenue Board, and had given his Grace
great obstruction in conducting the business of Government that
Session. Mr. Ponsonby's influence in the House, however, was so
great that his Grace was defeated in his design, and on the 22nd
April 1758 the House of Commons resolved, nem. con., "That the
Commissioners of the Revenue have acted in the management
thereof with honour and integrity, and for the service of His
Majesty and the public." The number of the Commissioners,
it will be seen, was no part of this enquiry in 1758, and therefore
Mr. Flood's motion was fallacious in that respect; nevertheless, it
soon appeared that the Opposition came determined, in all events,
as much as in them lay, to put a stop to the establishment of the
new Boards of Excise and Customs; for, with that glaring falsehood in the front of the resolution, it was carried by a majority of
46. The debates on that occasion were very warm and long. In
the course of them Sir Wm. Mayne produced a letter, which he
said was from London, and read to the House a paragraph from
it, of which the purport was, "That the Boards were divided;
that Sir Francis Bernard was one of the number; that he was to
bring over with him his Boston secretary, and rule with a rod of
iron; and that we might be assured that it was the determined
resolution of the English ministry to prorogue the Irish Parlia"ment as soon as the Money Bills were passed." The ignorance
and absurdity of this gentleman were properly exposed and
ridiculed; but his letter, notwithstanding, made some impression;
and thus matters stood till Tuesday the 19th, when Mr. Brownlow
moved that the resolution of the 16th might be laid before the
Lord Lieutenant as the sense of the House. This was strongly
objected to by the friends of Government; and Sir Geo. Macartney,
by his Excellency's order, informed the House that he had
authority to say that the King's letters for appointing the new
Commissioners were come over. It was imagined that this
information would have stopped any further proceedings of
this kind. Mr. Commissioner Bourke (who is at present at the
head of the Revenue Board, and has been a Commissioner near
25 years,) authorised Mr. Prime Serjeant to declare from him that
he was fully of opinion that the establishment of separate Boards
of Excise and Customs would be of great advantage. Sir Henry
Cavendish, who had been many years a Collector, and for eight
years a Commissioner of the Revenue, declared in his place that
the business was so much increased in his time (viz. 16 years ago)
that he thought the number of Commissioners was not then
sufficient, and he confirmed Mr. Commissioner Bourke as to the
utility of two Boards. The Opposition, however, were deaf to
these authorities, and chose to rely on the assertions of Mr. Ponsonby and Sir Edward Newingham (a Collector of the Revenue),
who declared, that, in their opinion, this alteration would be
prejudicial to the Revenue; and the resolution was carried by a
majority of 22. It was brought up the next day, and his Excellency
returned the answer already transmitted, which was settled
by Mr. Prime Serjeant, the Attorney and Solicitor General, and
Sir Geo. Macartney, and approved of by the Lord Chancellor and
Mr. Malone. Since the 20th, the gentlemen first mentioned have
had several meetings to consider what notice ought to be taken of
this resolution by His Majesty, but it was not till yesterday that
they delivered the enclosed paper. They are of opinion that His
Majesty may carry the measure into execution of his own authority,
and they appeared to be doubtful whether he should take any
notice at all of the resolution. But if he does, they apprehend it
should be in the form which they have prepared, as it would bring
the matter again before Parliament upon new ground, and open
the fairest opportunity for the concurrence of all those who wish
to support the authority of the Crown. His Excellency concurs
with their opinion, that in the present state and ferment of parties
no certain judgment can be formed, until after the Christmas recess,
of the disposition of gentlemen; wherefore they would be glad for
his Excellency not to receive any directions upon the point until
after the 25th of this month. The Chancellor concurs in the
propriety of the draft, if any answer is to be returned at all. For
himself, his Excellency is fully satisfied of the rectitude and
necessity of the measure, and humbly advises His Majesty by no
means to give it up. The gentlemen recommended to be appointed
Commissioners are all men of business, men of character, faithful
and firm friends to His Majesty and his Government. Is confident
this establishment will produce the greatest benefit to the public.
The Prime Serjeant and the Attorney and Solicitor General are
of opinion that the revenue may be collected under the two Boards
without any inconvenience, and without the aid of an Act of
Parliament; but in such case they recommend that the two Boards
should sit under the same roof in adjoining rooms, to assist, consult,
and co-operate together. The Prime Serjeant, who has bestowed
uncommon pains in considering all the objections made against
the measure, has stated his opinion very fully on every particular
in the enclosed paper, transmitted herewith at his request.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosures. The Prime Serjeant enters into particulars of
the statutable duties and powers of the Commissioners of Excise
and Commissioners of Customs, &c. He was of opinion that the
part of the instructions of collectors acting in a double capacity
relating to the Excise should be signed by the Commissioners of
Excise, and the part relating to the port duties by the Commissioners of the Customs. 17½ pp. and 2 lines. |
|
Ireland, v. 440, No. 67. |
(2.) Marked" Separate and secret." |
|
After the success of the last Session of Parliament, the great
majority with which he opened the present, and the strong and
repeated assurances received from gentlemen whom his Excellency
has served in many instances, and who promised to support him
to the utmost, it will be thought extraordinary that he should
find a majority against him in a question concerning the new
Revenue Board, on the face of it so defensible. It has long been
his opinion that there are few, if any, gentlemen in Ireland who
wish to see H.M.'s hereditary revenue increased. The ablest
officers in that service make no doubt that by the establishment
of those Boards it might be raised to 150,000l. a year. Lord North
has long had the papers showing the foundation of such an
increase. It is generally allowed that the revenue might be collected to much greater advantage; and as such an emancipation of
it from party interests, and a new mode of collection, similar to
the practice in Great Britain, might possibly produce enough for
the expenses of Government without the aid of Parliament, it is
no wonder that the old and sage politicians of the country should
be averse to any measure that would lower its importance, and so
materially strengthen the hands of Government. It is also
perceived that thereby an end would be put to those annual
bargains which Government is at present under the sad necessity
of making with ungrateful servants or prostitute opponents. |
|
Is informed that on the 16th, the day on which Mr. Flood made
the original motion, Sir George Macartney and Mr. Solicitor
General exerted themselves very ably against it, but that Mr.
Prime Serjeant and Mr. Attorney General were most remarkably
languid; that Mr. Malone spoke and divided against Government;
and that no less that 31 gentlemen, counted as fast friends, of
whom Col. Pomroy was one, went over to the Opposition; from
all which his Excellency cannot help thinking there was a good
deal of concert and preparation against Government. The three
lately-made privy councillors, Sir Arthur Brooke, Mr. James
Fortescue (brother to Lord Clermont), and Mr. Cary (Lord Tyrone's
brother-in-law), divided against Government. Mr. Gorge, also
considered as one of Lord Tyrone's followers, did the same; and
Col. Cuninghame and Lieut.-Col. Burton not only divided but
spoke against Government, and used all their abilities to animate
others to follow their example. On the 19th, the day on which
Mr. Brownlow made his motion, the Attorney General and the
Prime Serjeant, particularly the latter, spoke admirably against
the motion, and Mr. Malone divided with Government. It is very
unfortunate that those two gentlemen, who spoke so well that day,
should not have exerted the same abilities against Mr. Flood's
original motion, when it might have been of more use. Sir George
Macartney acquitted himself also on this day with the same
abilities and credit that he had done on the 16th; but the three
privy councillors before mentioned persevered in their opposition,
and Col. Cuninghame and Lieut.-Col. Burton were more vehement
than upon the first question. Did not expect such a return from
Col. Cuninghame, having recommended him for the first regiment
that became vacant after his Excellency's appointment to the
Government of Ireland; nor has he, on the exchange with Col.
Luttrell, and on other occasions, any reason to complain of want
of attention. His part was very decided, and had a great effect
on Sir Arthur Brooke, Mr. Fortescue, Col. Pomroy, and Mr. Westenrow, who married a sister of Col. Cuninghame's wife, and who,
as Lord Clermont assured his Excellency when he asked for his
peerage, would be as steady and firm to Government as any person
that could be named; yet, since that time, this very Mr. Westenrow
has asked a place, and, because he could not immediately obtain
it, divided against Government. It will be found, on turning to
the Duke of Bedford's correspondence during his residence in
Ireland, that Col. Cuninghame has acted up to his Grace's idea of
him at that period. Col. Burton may perhaps think he has much
more reason to complain of his Excellency, as, in the variety of his,
Col. Burton's, pursuits, it has not been in his Excellency's power
to gratify him with a seat at the new Revenue Board in particular,
to which he had turned his eye, though not yet out of the army. |
|
It is with pain that he is obliged to recur to the private views
of men for this strange defection, when so many have been so
largely and so recently obliged. Had for some time observed
Lord Tyrone's disapprobation strongly marked to the division of
the Revenue Board. Mr. Beresford, who had talked with Lord
North upon the subject in London, did not arrive in Ireland with
his friend Mr. Underwood, who is in Parliament, and to whom his
Excellency lately gave a good employment, until after the addresses were passed; and on the 16th, excepting himself and
Mr. Theophilus Jones, Collector of Dublin, all Lord Tyrone's
intimate friends and connexions voted against Government, or
stayed away. The division of the Revenue Board, and the subjecting the appointment of its officers to the approbation of the
Lord Lieutenant for the time being, according to the plan now
proposed, clearly destroys that political influence which was so
long exercised by Mr. Ponsonby without control, and which in
reality superseded H.M.'s service in Ireland; and it would seem
as if those who loudly exclaimed against it under Mr. Ponsonby
cannot bear the disappointment of sharing only a proportion of
that gentleman's power. It may not suit their views that recourse
should be had to Government for favours which used to be at the
absolute disposal of the First Commissioner of the Board. But it
is, notwithstanding, a regulation so essentially necessary to H.M.'s
service that his Excellency humbly advises His Majesty never to
depart from it, nor to suffer a combination of little interests to
succeed to such importance as enabled Mr. Ponsonby for many
years to distress and hold Government in subjection. At Lord
Tyrone's request, his Excellency recommended his brother, Mr.
Beresford, to be the first of the two Commissioners appointed on
Mr. Ponsonby's dismission, and in so doing passed over Sir William
Osborne, much his superior in Parliamentary abilities. His Lordship has asked a marquessate. In the interim his connexions are
to be gratified upon every opportunity. Mr. Fitzgibbon, who is
an eminent lawyer, and in Parliament, asks a bishopric for Lord
Tyrone's brother, who married his daughter; and although this
gentleman is not qualified by the Canon Law to take a bishopric
on account of his youth, Mr. Fitzgibbon, who moved the address
to his Excellency at the conclusion of the last Session, now makes
that a reason for opposing Government with great rancour and
vehemence. His Majesty expressed his inclination to reward
Mr. Beresford's conduct with respect to the Chair; but as a pension
to any part of his family is by no means acceptable, Lord Tyrone,
on his Excellency acquainting him with His Majesty's determination some few days before the event of the 16th, and desiring to
know his further wishes, laid before him a list of six great employments in Ireland, requesting that some of his brother's children
might succeed to the one first vacant among them, assuring him,
the Lord Lieutenant, at the same time, that all reports of his
indisposition towards Government were utterly false. |
|
The division of the Revenue Board has been under the contemplation of this Government for a long course of years, and has
been long expected by members of Parliament, who complained
very much that there was so little to bestow. How much at a
loss for reasons to justify their opposition those of the friends of
Government who left must have been, will be judged when the
appointments of Sir Francis Bernard, Mr. Allan, and Mr. Montgomery were made the pretence. Is satisfied that, whatever the
pretence, the real though latent motives were, in some, the dread
and dislike of an increase in the hereditary revenue, which it was
apprehended these new Boards would produce; in particular
families, a jealousy that their importance would be lessened
thereby; and in others, resentment merely because they could not
obtain seats at the new Board themselves. Must confess that
upon the whole this attack upon this measure has opened such a
scene of ingratitude in the conduct of many persons, that there
are few indeed in whom he can place much confidence, especially
where the honour and strength of English Government are interested. On looking back, is rather surprised that he has met
with no greater mortifications.—Dublin Castle. 8½ pp. |
|
Both despatches received the 14th, by an Irish messenger. |
12 Dec.
Ireland v. 440, No. 68. |
943. The Same to the Same. |
|
The advantage gained by Opposition in the affair of the Commissioners of the Revenue encouraged them to try their strength
upon the new Board of Accounts; for which purpose a motion was
made in the House of Commons on the 5th inst., "That it was the
opinion of the House that an increase of expense in auditing the
accounts of the nation would be unseasonable." They were in
hopes to have met with as little difficulty in bringing the House
to agree at once to this question as in the resolution of the 16th
Nov., and they came with all their strength to determine the
matter by an immediate decision; but Mr. Conolly and Mr. Fortescue, who had declared their dislike to the establishment of new
Boards, expressing their disapprobation of a hasty question, and
urging that it was not decent to condemn the intended measure
without hearing upon what foundation it was to be established.
our friends took advantage of that favourable opening, and argued
the reasonableness of such an examination so forcibly that at
length Mr. Conolly was induced to move that the House resolve
itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the 11th, to take
the motion into consideration. The leaders of Opposition saw very
plainly that if time was to be given for evidence to be produced,
it might be very fatal to them, and used all their abilities to prevail on Mr. Conolly to withdraw his motion; but as he persevered,
and was very powerfully seconded by our friends, the House, after
a very long and warm debate, divided, and it was carried for the
Committee by 122 to 114. Between that day and the 11th
several motions were made on the part of Government for different
patents, papers, and accounts, all tending to show the necessity of
the measure, and yesterday the Committee met accordingly. They
sat till 2 o'clock this morning. Believes that Opposition had
brought into the field all the members they were able to collect
from every part of the kingdom; but upon a division in the Committee we carried it by 124 to 119, that an increase of expense in
preparing and auditing the accounts of the nation would not be
unseasonable; which resolution having been immediately reported
to the House, and the question put that the House do agree with
the Committee, it was carried in the affirmative without a
division. |
|
Thus ended this affair, to the very great disappointment and
mortification of the Opposition, who had taken uncommon pains,
and exerted every influence, to procure a majority. Has been
informed that Mr. Ponsonby made no scruple of saying he would
lay five hundred pounds to three that he would carry the question,
and that he would never quit the office of door-keeper in the
House till he had driven Lord Townshend out of the country.
Is told that Mr. Prime Serjeant and Sir George Macartney
acquitted themselves with great honor and activity on this
occasion; that Lieut.-Col. Burton spoke extremely well in support
of the question; that Col. Cuninghame and Mr. Carey, Lord
Tyrone's brother-in-law, and Mr. Westenrowe, voted with Government; but that Sir Arthur Brooke and Mr. James Fortescue voted
against, as did Mr. Malone and his nephew; that Col. Pomeroy
left the House before the division; and that Sir Edward Newenham was as violent against Government as ever. |
|
By the advice of Mr. Prime Serjeant, Mr. Attorney General, and
Sir George Macartney, his Excellency this day signed the necessary
instruments for establishing the new Board of Accounts. Expects
the letters patent will be passed under the Great Seal to-morrow,
which puts a final conclusion to that matter. It is given out that
great numbers of the gentlemen in Opposition propose going into
the country to-morrow, and that they will not return during the
Session. It may be true, but he, the Lord Lieutenant, will not
be amused by such reports. Is satisfied that Opposition will show
him no favour, and that they will renew their attacks upon him
whenever they have the smallest prospect of success. — Dublin
Castle. |
|
Received the 19th. 5 pp. |
13 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 27. |
944. Mr. Stephens to Mr. Pownall. |
|
Intelligence has been received of the arrival of the "Carysfort"
at Cork, the 3rd of this month, in seven weeks from Jamaica.—Admiralty Office. 1 p. |
14 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 2, No. 42. |
945. Earl of Suffolk to the Postmaster General. |
|
For the future no Jews are to be permitted to come to England
on board H.M.'s packet-boats, except such as are able to pay the
usual freight, or else such as have a pass from one of H.M.'s
Ambassadors or Ministers residing abroad. This regulation has
been thought necessary to prevent the too frequent importation of
vagrant and vagabond Jews, who cannot be considered as either
beneficial or useful to society. A draft. 1 p. |
14 Dec.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 79. |
946. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. |
|
Relative to the Bills transmitted, received by the messenger
last Tuesday evening. Returns by the same messenger the two
Money Bills with some inconsiderable alterations. The other two
Bills are under consideration.—St. James's. |
16 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 33. |
947. John Berens to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
On a subject of very serious consideration to a great number of
the inhabitants of the parish of Edmonton. Samuel Carter, a
criminal lately convicted and reprieved, had settled in this neighbourhood, found associates, and made it the scene of his robberies.
It was natural to those more immediately exposed to his attacks
to be observant of his fate. Tried and convicted on two indictments, it caused surprise to see him become an object of the Royal
mercy, but much more so when common report made him out to
be a felon returned before his time. Gives a list of the man's crimes,
learnt at Sir John Fielding's office. As it is possible the circumstances of this man have not reached the Royal ear, thinks it his
duty to his King and his country in general, but more particularly
to his neighbours, and family, and himself, to endeavour to convey
the knowledge thereof to H.M.'s Council, that means may be
devised to prevent this man being again let loose among them;
for, of his two associates, one absconded on his being apprehended,
but is now returned; and both, from the professions which they
affected to follow, are well acquainted with the inlets to every
dwellinghouse and outhouse in the neighbourhood. Alludes to a
robbery committed at his own house in town.—Southgate. 2 pp. |
16 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No. 71 a, b, c. |
948. Thos. Waite to Stanier Porter (sic), Esq., at the
Secretary's Office, St. James's, London. |
|
Relative to the claim of Andrew Thomas Stewart, Esq., to the
title of Baron of Castle Stewart, in the county of Tyrone. As
desired, encloses a copy of Mr. Stewart's petition, taken from the
entry in the books of the Second Secretary's Office. Finds upon
enquiry that Mr. Stewart being very pressing to have the papers
sent over without delay, the petition only was entered at full
length, and a list taken of the others. Copy of the list also
enclosed.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosures. 7 pp. |
To 18 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 84, No. 30 a to i. |
949. Town-Clerkship of the Borough of Sudbury. |
|
Papers relative to this office, arising out of the following circumstances:— |
|
Stockdell Clarke, appointed town clerk of the borough of
Sudbury in 1749, having been convicted of bribery in connexion
with the election of a member of Parliament for the borough, was,
on the 5th March 1771, nearly three years after the election,
removed from his office by the Corporation on account of his conviction, and Mr. Dansie Carter, an attorney and an alderman of
the borough, appointed in his place. The petitions in Mr. Clarke's
favour state that the attempt to displace him arose out of political
dissensions. He himself says (c) that Thomas Fonnereau, Esq.,
the late member for the borough, having been disappointed at the
previous election, had ever since been gratifying his resentment
against his opponents,—first by a petition to Parliament against the
members returned, and after failing therein, then by employing
his power and influence in distressing the freemen of the borough
who had voted against him; and that although he (Mr. Clarke) had
given him one of his votes, yet, because he was not wholly in his
interest, Mr. Fonnereau had, by his ascendency over the members
of the Corporation, prevailed on the major part of them to vote for
his, Mr. Clarke's, dismission, and the appointment of Mr. Dansie
Carter in his stead. |
|
Mr. Clarke refused (i) to recognise the legality of his dismissal,
and to give up the books of the Corporation, on the pleas that he
held the office for life, and that his successor's appointment had
not received the King's approbation. The Corporation applied to
the King for his approbation. The matter was referred to the
Attorney General, who was of opinion (h) that His Majesty should
not be advised to grant his approbation to one so as to prejudice any
serious claim which another might have in law to the same office
if he should use due diligence to prosecute it. Upon receiving a
copy of this report the Corporation submitted, on 5th July, for the
reasons in their representation given, whether Mr. Dansie Carter
might not be approved by His Majesty to act in the office of Town
Clerk until his predecessor should, by a judgment of law, show a
better title to that office. (See other abstracts, Nos. 645, 647, 730,
761, 812.) |
|
Previously, on the 17th June, Mr. J. Blake and Mr. Wm. Hanmer
had written (f) to Lord Rochford, (directions having been signified
to Mr. Clarke that he should speedily support the legality of the
possession of his office in a Court of Law,) submitting that it would
be improper as well as hard upon him to be obliged to commence
any suit, he being legally seised of his office, and having up to that
hour attended every Common Hall with the Mayor and Corporate
body, so that not the least inconvenience had arisen or could possibly
arise to the Corporation. In a postscript they say that the Mayor
and Corporation had filed a bill in the Court of Chancery against
Mr. Clarke for not delivering up the books of the Corporation,
which would bring the matter of the town-clerkship to a trial at
law, so that it was put in a fair way of legal determination. |
|
On the 18th Dec. Mr. John Madocks, writing from Lincoln's
Inn, (i) sent what he conceived to be the true state of the controversy in the Court of Chancery. The question appeared to
him ot turn upon the legality of the order of removal, which the
Court must determine before the official papers could be taken
away. If the order was void, and Clarke lawfully possessed of
the office, then the appointment of Carter (if approved) was of no
consequence. |
|
The papers are the following:— |
|
a. |
Petition to the King of the "inhabitants within the
borough of Sudbury," in favour of Mr. Clarke (with
numerous signatures). |
|
b. |
Petition to the King of the "clergy, capital burgesses, and
other principal inhabitants" of Sudbury, also in favour
of Mr. Clarke (with numerous signatures). |
|
c. |
Petition of Stockdell Clarke to the King. |
|
d. |
7 June.—Resolution of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital
Burgesses of Sudbury, representing the inconvenience
of the delay in His Majesty's approbation of the election
of Dansie Carter. |
|
e. |
Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, &c. of Sudbury to the
King. |
|
f. |
17 June.—Letter from J. Blake and Wm. Hanmer to Lord
[Rochford], dated at Langham. |
|
g. |
5 July.—Letter from Wm. Humphrey, Mayor of Sudbury;
and enclosed— |
|
h. |
" " Minutes of the meeting of the Corporation. |
|
i. |
18 Dec.—Letter from John Madocks to —— |
18 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v.8, No.28a to g.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, pp. 29–37. |
950. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Hillsborough. |
|
Send copies of a letter from Vice-Admiral Sir George Rodney,
Commander-in-Chief of H.M.'s ships at Jamaica, dated 7 Oct.
last, and enclosures, viz., a letter he had sent to the Governor of
Carthagena, and the answer received thereto; and the remonstrance
he had sent to the commandant of his Catholic Majesty's ships at
that port, touching the behaviour of the guarda costas under his
orders. |
|
The enclosures. They relate to the insult offered to the "Sir
Edward Hawke" schooner. The remonstrance (28 c) is directed
against the practice of the Spanish guarda costas of searching
British vessels found within 12 leagues of the coast, ships from
Jamaica bound to Curacoa and the British Windward Islands
being in their track frequently obliged to stretch near the continent (g). |
|
17 pp. or parts of pp. |
19 Dec.
Dom. EntryBk., "Dom.
despatched,"
1771–6, p. 11. |
951. W. Knox to John Robinson, Esq. |
|
Transmitting, for the information of the Lords of the Treasury,
copies of a letter from Thos. Shirley, Esq., Governor of the
Bahamas, dated 30 May last, and of the enclosed joint address
from the Council and Assembly of those Islands, representing the
insufficiency of the salaries of the civil officers, and the inability of
that Government to make any further provision for them, and
praying for some allowance from His Majesty. Sends also an
estimate of their present salaries and emoluments.—Whitehall. |
19 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No. 73 a, b, c. |
952. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Relative to the new Board of Accounts. Yesterday, in the
House of Lords, Viscount Mountmorris moved a resolution to
address His Majesty, "That it is the opinion of this House that the
appointment which His Majesty hath been advised to make of
five members of Parliament to examine and pass certain of the
accounts of this kingdom, with the power specified in His
Majesty's letter dated 31 Oct. 1771, the present circumstances
of this country being considered, is unnecessary and inexpedient;
and praying that His Majesty will be graciously pleased to
direct his Attorney General to cause the legality of said
appointment to be tried according to true course of law." The
Lord Chancellor and Lord Annaly spoke very fully, both as to the
legality and expediency of the matter; and the former declared
that his other duties made it impossible for him to examine
properly the accounts directed to be passed by the new Board.
Lord Drogheda declared in his place that the accounts of the
Board of Ordnance over which he presided had not been passed for
many years; that the Duke of Leinster, when at the head of that
Board, endeavoured to get these accounts passed; and that the
then Commissioners, viz., the Lord Chancellor and Barons of the
Exchequer, absolutely refused to receive and examine them. Lord
Bellamont and Lord Mountmorris were those who most strenuously
supported the motion, but after a debate of three hours the House
divided (including proxies), contents 18, non-contents 36. Encloses
a list of the Lords who were present and voted; also of the proxies,
and in whose hands they were entrusted. The Lords Roden,
Farnham, Altamont, and Eyre were at too great a distance from
town to attend on this occasion. After he gives the assent to the
two Money Bills, the Parliament will be adjourned till towards the
end of January. It is now given out that at the meeting after
the recess, the House of Commons will be as full of members as at
any time during the Session, and that not one of the Opposition
will be absent. Is satisfied that their intention is to distress and
teaze him as much as in their power, but as he considers the supplies
to be now safe, all that they may aim personally at him will give
him very little concern. |
|
P.S.—Encloses a list of such members as, while considered friends
of Government, voted for the resolution of the 16th Nov. relative
to the Commissioners of the Revenue.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosures. The following is a copy of the last-mentioned:— |
|
Lord Dunluce.—His father asks a marquisate, and his Lordship solicits a
place for his tutor. |
|
Hugh Skeffington—obtained (through me) a pension of 200l. for his
brother's widow. |
|
Wm. Skeffington—obtained a cornetcy and a company in two years. |
|
George Montgomery.—I gave a friend of his, on his request, an employment of 80l. a year. |
|
Robert Birch—solicits a resignation of then livings from the Crown. |
|
Edwd. Broderick.— |
|
John Creighton—has an employment of 250l. a year. I recommended
and obtained a peerage for his father, who promised every support, but is always, as well as his other son, against Government. |
|
Robt. Scott.—I made him a Commissioner of the Linen Board, and he
has since asked for a place. |
|
Sir Arthur Brooke.—I procured him the Privy Council, and likewise
very lately a majority of Dragoons, without purchase, for his
brother. |
|
Richd. Gorges—is connected with Lord Tyrone. He asks for a place. |
|
Edwd. Carey—brother-in-law to Lord Tyrone. I procured him the
Privy Council; and several things have been done to oblige him. |
|
James Fortescue, Lord Clermont's brother.—I procured him the
Privy Council. He wants a peerage in remainder. |
|
Col. Cunninghame.—I recommended him for the first regiment that fell
during my administration. |
|
Mr. Westenrowe—was brought in by Lord Clermont, and promised
always to support Government. He asks a place. |
|
Col. Pomeroy—obtained leave of absence from America to attend Parliament. He has a regiment. |
|
Henry Pritty—asked and obtained a promise of Church preferment a
few days before this question. |
|
Thos. Coghlan.—I made him a Commissioner of the Linen Board, and he
asks for a place. |
|
Hugh Massey—solicits a peerage for himself, and an advance in the
Revenue for his son. |
|
Charles Smith.—I made his brother a judge. |
|
Thos. Conolly.—A Deanery was given to this gentleman's friend; a
seat at the Revenue Board to his brother-in-law, Mr. Staples;
and several other things, both in the Army and Revenue. |
|
Col. Wm. Burton—wants to purchase the office of Quartermaster
General, and to sell his Lieutenant Colonel's position at an
advanced price, &c. |
|
Rich. Jones—is connected with Col. Burton through Lord Connynghame. |
|
Anty. Malone—has been obliged in everything which he asked. |
|
Mr. Malone—nephew to Antony Malone. |
|
Sir Marcus Crofton—wants to be made a Privy Councillor, and wants a
cornetcy for his son. |
|
John French.—His brother was made a Dean; he has had an ensigncy
for a nephew, and a pension for another. |
|
Tobias Caufield.—I recommended and obtained a lieutenancy of
Dragoons for him, without purchase, about half a year ago. |
|
Guy Moore Coote.—I got an addition to his pension. |
|
John Croker.—I promised him, and have since recommended, an
ensigncy for his son. |
|
Sir Richd. Steele.—I recommended and procured him a baronetey,
made him a Commissioner of the Linen Board. He promised
always to support Government. He now asks for a pension. |
|
Clotworthy Rawley—asks for a place. |
|
The other enclosure is a list merely. |
|
Received 25th by a messenger. 8 pp. |
19 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, Nos. 76, 77. |
953. The Same to the Same. |
|
Two letters:— |
|
(1.) Acknowledging receipt of letter of the 14th, with the
account of the restitution of Port Egmont, &c. |
|
(2.) Acknowledging letter of same date with the two Money
Bills.—Dublin Castle. |
|
Both received the 27th. 2 pp. |
20 Dec.
Criml. Papers, 1767–72, p. 332. |
954. Stanier Porten to Mr. Berens. |
|
In answer to his letter of the 16th inst., relative to the convict
Samuel Carter. The Recorder of London in his last report laid
before the King and Council the case of the said convict, whose
execution was only then respited. Lord Rochford will lay his,
Mr. Berens', letter before His Majesty. |
20 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 29. |
955. Mr. Stephens to Mr. Pownall. |
|
Sends in original, to save time, the papers mentioned in the
Board's letter to the Earl of Hillsborough of this date. Begs him
to return them when done with, that copies may be made if necessary.—Admiralty Office. 1 p. |
20 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 30 a-z.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–75, pp. 38–9. |
956. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Hillsborough. |
|
Send copies of a letter from Vice-Admiral Sir George Rodney,
Commander-in-Chief of H.M.'s ships at Jamaica, dated in October
last, and of its enclosures, viz., several despatches from Lieut.
Botham, who commands the "Earl of Egmont" schooner at the
Bay of Honduras, relative to the behaviour of the logwood cutters
at that place. |
|
The enclosures. The enclosures from Lieut. Botham consist of
copies of addresses from inhabitants of the Bay of Honduras to
Hon. George Mackenzie, Esq., Commander-in-Chief of H.M.'s
squadron on the Jamaica station, a letter from Lieut. Botham
to the same, and various letters from the logwood cutters to
Lieut. Botham, his replies, applications to the Spanish Commandant at Baccalar for the restitution of runaway slaves, depositions
relative to these slaves, replies from the Commandant, an application from the Spanish Governor of Merida for the return of certain
Indians who (30 e) had left his province during the time of a
famine occasioned by vast swarms of locusts, which destroyed
all the grain, and by which 40,000 Indians were starved to death,
&c. It appears (30 e) that one of the oppressive acts which
the logwood cutters complained of was the being restricted by
the Spanish Governor in the extent of their works, which were
confined to the Honda River, New River, and Balise River, where
the logwood from its constant consumption was become exceedingly scarce. However, those who had attempted to remove to
other parts of the bay had been molested by the Spaniards from
Baccalar, and, with the loss of property, driven from their new
settlements. On this subject Lieut. Botham remonstrated with
the Spanish Governor, and demanded a friendly reception for
them for the future. Lieut. Botham in his letter asserts that all
the depredations made on the English settlers were but dishonest
methods made use of by the Spanish Governors to enhance the
emoluments of their own Governments, and that they relied on
their remoteness from the seat of Government for their own safety
in these unjustifiable proceedings, which had become so habitual
to them that they did not hesitate in the least to deprive the
British settlers of their property by any unfair method. The
British community itself was in a very lawless state, for although
there were several of the most substantial people who were well
disposed, and wished for some power to preserve order among
them, yet the licentious and ungovernable disposition of others
had ever prevailed, and whatever salutary measures had been
pursued by men of a prudent and laudable conduct had been
defeated by a few leading men thus badly disposed, under whose
banner every rascal served, so that their quay was a scene of riot
and confusion. Lieut. Botham, indeed, endeavoured to convince
those who were inclined to live under some order that there was
not anything wanting but unanimity amongst themselves to
subdue these turbulent spirits; but that, he says, they never would
be able to effect, on account of the continual animosities subsisting
among individuals. The value of "prime seasoned" slaves, male
and female, was, in most cases, estimated at 100l. Jamaica currency; if the slave were a tradesman, at 118l. 15s. in the same
currency. (30 s.) 26 documents. 82 pp. |
20 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 6 a, b, c.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–75, p. 37. |
957. John Robinson to John Pownall, Esq. |
|
Transmits copies of a memorial of Alexander Dun, Collector of
H.M.'s Customs at Newfoundland, and of a paper annexed, stating
the great disadvantages and inconveniences he and the Comptroller
of the Customs there at present labour under for want of a due
support, as a number of the trading people there have refused to
pay any fees whatever on the shipping; and praying that instructions be sent to the Governor for the time being, to give him and
the Comptroller for the future his support and assistance. The
Lords of the Treasury desire that such instructions as Lord Hillsborough shall think proper may be sent accordingly.—Treasury
Chambers. |
|
The enclosures; the paper accompanying the memorial containing orders from the Governor (Hon. John Byron), with tables of
fees. 10¼ pp. |
20 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 7.
Dom.
Entry Bk., "Dom.
despatched,"
1771–6, p. 12. |
958. J. Pownall to John Robinson, Esq. |
|
Sends an extract from a letter of 25 July 1771 to Lord Hillsborough from General Melvill, late Governor of the Southern
Charibbee Islands, containing his sentiments with regard to the
disposal and settlement of the King's lands in Bequia, that the
Lords of the Treasury may take such steps as they think proper
thereon.—Whitehall. A copy. ¾ p. |
20 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 43.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom.
despatched,"
1771–6, p. 11. |
959. Earl of Hillsborough to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Transmitting a copy of a letter received from the Lords of the
Admiralty, enclosing the correspondence between Rear-Admiral
Sir Geo. Rodney and the Officers of the Crown of Spain in the
West Indies, on the subject of the insult stated to have been offered
to H.M.'s flag in the case of the "Hawke" schooner.—Whitehall.
A draft. ¾ p. |
| 20 Dec. |
960. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Two drafts of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v. 440, No. 69. |
(1.) In answer to his despatches of the 11th inst. The surprise
here at the majority obtained against Government, and at the names
of the persons who helped to compose it, was much lessened by the
opinion which it is but just to his Excellency to say he has, not
only at this time but through his whole correspondence, expressed,
that few if any gentlemen in Ireland, though they may appear
attached to Government, wish to see an increase of His Majesty's
Hereditary Revenue. The flimsy pretence set up by some of them,
that if they had been previously acquainted that the King's letters
for the appointment of the new Commissioners had come over, they
would have taken another part, had no more weight than it
deserved to excuse their insincerity and ingratitude. His Majesty
is satisfied that from the present plan there would be a prospect
of an increase of the hereditary revenue, and that this would tend
to free Government from those bargains which must be entered
into with so much reluctance. However, as the gentlemen whom
his Excellency has consulted are of opinion that in the present
state and ferment of parties no certain judgment can be formed,
till after the Christmas recess, of the dispositions of the friends to
Government, and therefore wish that his Excellency may receive
no directions till that time, and as his Excellency observes in his
separate letter that there are few indeed in whom he can place
much confidence, his Lordship has it in charge from His Majesty to
recommend to his Excellency's most serious consideration whether,
in the present heat of party, and the seemingly determined
opposition to this measure, it may be advisable to carry it into
execution; and particularly whether, if done by His Majesty's sole
authority, it may not be at the risk of the Revenue Bill, which is so
absolutely necessary for the management of the revenue in general.
But if, after a thorough consideration, his Excellency shall still
advise His Majesty to carry his intentions into execution, he may
depend on the fullest support from Government here. As to
whether His Majesty should take any notice at all of the Resolution, the King's servants here were unanimous in their opinion
that it would be more becoming to His Majesty's dignity to be
silent;—which opinion is confirmed by the precedent in the Duke
of Bedford's time, when the House came to several intemperate
resolutions concerning pensions, transmitted to his late Majesty
by his (sic) particular order to the Lord Lieutenant, and it does
not appear that any notice was taken of them. Congratulates
his Excellency on the success of the 12th, &c.—St. James's.
5⅓ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 70 a, b. |
(2.) Enclosing a copy of a letter from Genl. Conway upon the
reference to him of Genl. Dilkes's proposal of browning the barrels
of firelocks. Genl. Dilkes is to send over two or three musquets
and bayonets browned, specifying the process, &c., as is desired
by the Surveyor Genl. of the Ordnance here.—St. James's. |
|
The original, a copy of which was enclosed. A variety of experiments had been made, none of which had, however, given
satisfaction. 4 pp. |
21 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 84, No. 31. |
961. Steph. Cottrell to Stanier Porten, Esq. |
|
Desiring him to move the Earl of Rochford to write to the
Governor or Commander-in-Chief of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney,
and Sark, to prepare and lay before the Council Board an account
of the several places where ships bound to the said islands respectively, and liable to quarantine, are usually ordered to perform
the same, &c. — Council Office, Whitehall. 1 p. |
21 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No. 74. |
962. Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Gives a detailed account of the confusion which arose in the
House of Commons by an omission in one of the Money Bills returned
from the Privy Council in England. The mistake occurred in the
additional duty granted on all foreign stuffs called Romals, and
all manufactures made of cotton, or of cotton and linen mixed, &c.,
imported, the words "of cotton or" being omitted, and was only
discovered after the Bill had been read a second time. Comparison
with the duplicates, which arrived last night, proved it to have
been a mistake in the ingrossment on the English side of the
water, and, properly explained to the House by Sir George
Macartney, vindicated Government from any design in the affair;
but it was argued and agreed that the House, having no other Bill
before it than that brought by Holyhead, and having proceeded so
far as to give it a second reading, could not now reject it, and
receive the duplicate brought by way of Donaghadee. The friends
of Government in the Committee moved that the matter might be
postponed till Monday, but upon a division were beaten by a
majority of 18; and upon the report of the Committee to the
House, the Bill was rejected without a division, as the numbers
for Government would have been so much smaller on that question
than they were on the other. Whereupon Mr. Malone immediately
moved that the House might resolve itself into a Committee of
the Whole House to prepare heads of a new Bill for granting a
supply to His Majesty, &c.;—which was instantly complied with,
and all the formalities necessary were gone through without a
moment's loss of time, and heads of a new Bill sent up this night
to Council, which will be sealed and transmitted to-morrow
morning. The House was very angry at the exception made in
England in the Money Bill in favour of British herrings, and also
at the dropping of the duty upon Hamburgh damasks imported
into Ireland; and as the House in no respect altered in its temper
when it was shown by the Donaghadee transmiss that the omission
was only a clerical error, it is to be presumed that the Bill would
have been rejected on account of these two alterations already
stated relative to British herrings and Hamburg damasks. Be
that as it may, the Bill transmitted herewith is drawn exactly in
the words of the duplicate sent by Donaghadee, so that, notwithstanding all their discontent on the above two points, they have
consented to waive their objections.— Dublin Castle. Received
25th by a messenger. 4pp. |
21 Dec.
Isle of Man, v. 1. 1761–74, Nos. 91, 92. |
963. Quarantine. |
|
1. A letter from Steph. Cottrell at the Council Office, Whitehall,
to William Fraser, Esq., desiring that the Governor of the Isle of Man
may be directed to prepare and lay before the Privy Council an
account of the several places where ships bound to the Island, and
liable to quarantine, are usually ordered to perform the same, and
whether there are any other places more proper and convenient for
the purpose. |
|
2. The draft of a letter to Gov. Wood from the Earl of Rochford, giving directions accordingly. 2 pp. |
22 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No. 75. |
964. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Relative to the proceedings of the House of Commons of Yesterday, fully set out in his letter of last night, &c. The general
language of the House held by all (except the servants of the
Crown, who supported on this occasion English Government as
they ought,) was that the Privy Council of Great Britain had no
right whatsoever to alter a Money Bill sent from the House of
Commons of Ireland, and that they were determined never to pass a
Bill so altered. How far this proceeding, or the doctrine on which
it is founded, may be admitted by the Mother Country, which has
hitherto possessed and exercised the prerogative of altering all
Irish Bills, is for His Majesty to determine. Apprehends that if
Great Britain yields in this point, it must in all probability yield
in many others not less important. Whether it will be thought
right to return the Bill now sent over as it stands, or to make
some further alteration in order to assert the rights of Great
Britain, is submitted to His Majesty's wisdom. Were he solely to
consult the ease, and what some persons would consider the credit
of his administration, he might prefer the measure most likely to
be palatable in Ireland, and to smooth the business; but the duty
which he owes to his Sovereign, and what he takes to be the
grand principle of our happy Constitution, (that is, the superintending and controlling power of the Mother Country over all
its dependencies,) must prevent him recommending any measure
which can in the smallest respect infringe upon her rights, or call
in question the constitutional subordination of Ireland to Great
Britain. At all hazards, whatever becomes of this Bill, the other
giving a loan of 200,000l., establishing the Augmentation of the
Army, and securing the public credit, is sure; so that the only
inconvenience that could happen if this Bill were not returned
would be the loss of the additional duties, a considerable part of
which is given for jobs and other purposes in which Government
has no share; nor is it improbable that the Hereditary Revenue
will rise considerably in this case, perhaps nearly sufficient to compensate for the loss of the additional duties. |
|
P.S.—Had written on the 19th an account of the proceedings in
the House of Lords the day preceding, but, no packet having
sailed since the 17th, has taken the letters out of the mail, and
now sends them by this messenger.— Dublin Castle. "Private
and confidential." |
|
Received 25th by a messenger. |
24 Dec.
Channel Islands Entry Bk., 1761–98, pp. 40, 41. |
965. Earl of Rochford to the Governor, &c., of the Island
of Guernsey. |
|
Directs him to transmit an account of the several places where
ships bound to Guernsey, and liable to quarantine, are usually
ordered to perform the same; and whether there be any, and what,
places in the Island more proper and convenient for the purpose. |
|
Like letters, and of same date, for Jersey and Alderney and
Sark. |
24 Dec.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 47 a, b. |
966. Governor and Assistants, London, of the New Plantation of Ulster, Grantees of the city and co. of Londonderry, to Lord Rechford. |
|
Enclosing a copy of their memorial to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland in opposition to the application to him for a grant of a
new port at a place called Letterkenny, in Lough Swilly, in
the county of Donegal, which, if granted, will greatly injure their
property, defeat the ends of their charter, and prejudice His
Majesty's revenue. Ask that it may be laid before His Majesty.—Irish Chamber, Guildhall. |
|
The memorial, stating their objections at large. 2½ pp. |
25 Dec.
Admmiralty, v.163, No. 51. |
967. Earl Of Sandwich to "My Dear Lord". |
|
The names pitched upon for the two discovery ships are the
"Resolution" and "Adventure."—Admiralty. ½ p. |
26 Dec.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 318. |
968. Receipt for the quarterly allowance of 125l. from the Post
Office for the clerks of the Earl of Rochford's office of Secretary of
State. |
26 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No.80.
|
969. Lord Lieutemant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Went on Tuesday last to the House of Lords, and gave his assent
to the Loan Bill. Sets out the terms of the clause in this Bill, by
which the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland is empowered to borrow
any sums not exceeding in the whole 200,000l. There being at this
time very little money in the Treasury, Mr. Clements has applied
for a warrant to open a subscription for 100,000l. But a doubt
having arisen whether they can under this Act borrow any money
till the other Act which grants the aids therein referred to shall
have been passed, the Lord Chancellor and Mr. Malone, who was
Chairman of the Committee of Supply and Ways and Means, were
consulted, and gave their opinion that Government might open the
loans in all events, without waiting till the other Bill should have
been returned and passed. The Prime Serjeant and the Attorney
and Solicitor General have also been consulted; but they being now
in the country, their report though hourly expected is not yet
received, but the moment it is, it shall be immediately despatched
by another messenger. Meanwhile, in a matter of so much importance, his Excellency thought it necessary to state the fact for
his Lordship's consideration. |
|
P.S.—The House of Commons is adjourned till Tuesday next.
Presumes the Money Bill will not be decided upon till the above
report can be sent. —Dublin Castle. |
|
Received 29th by Edwards. 2½ pp. |
27 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No, 81 a to d. |
970. The Same to the Same. |
|
The Lord Chancellor called this morning, and said that upon
reconsidering the Loan Bill he is not of the same opinion as yesterday, but has now many doubts whether any step can be taken
upon this Act till the other Bill to which it refers shall have been
returned and passed, and advised his Excellency by no means to
issue any warrant for opening a loan for the present. His Lordship wished that His Majesty's Law servants in England might
give their opinion on the following point, viz:— |
|
In case no other Money Bill should be passed in Ireland this
Session of Parliament but the Loan Bill which has already received
the Royal assent, and as the power in the Loan Bill to borrow the
200,000l. is particularly worded, in case the aids granted this
Session of Parliament shall prove insufficient for the purposes
mentioned in the Act, and to defray the other necessary expenses of
Government, whether Government can legally borrow any money
by the power given under the aforesaid words and other subsequent words, namely, as occassion shall from time to time
require. |
|
Encloses the opinion upon this subject delivered this day by
Mr. Prime Serjeant, Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosures, the opinion of each of the Law Officers mentioned
being given separately. The Prime Serjeant (John Hely Hutchinson) and the Solicitor General (G. Lill) thought the Lord Lieutenant could not sign the order till the Supply Bill was returned
and passed; the Attorney General (Phil. Tisdall), on the other
hand, thought he could. The each give their reasons. |
|
Received 30th by a messenger. 6½ pp. |
| 28 Dec. |
971. Eark Of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Drafts of two letters of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v. 440, No. 78. |
(1.) Returning the "Act for granting an additional duty on the
"several commodities, &c.," this day approved in Council, with
one small amendment.—St. James's. ½ p. |
|
Ibid., No. 79. |
(2.) In answer to despatches of 19th, 21st, and 22nd inst. It
could not but be very disagreeable to His Majesty and his servants
to learn that a clerical error had given an occasion of triumph to
Opposition, although in the end it may turn out of no consequence.
The King expressed the highest approbation of his Excellency's
zeal for his honour, which could not permit him, in giving his
advice, to consult the ease of his administration or his personal
popularity, where His Majesty's dignity and the constitutional
dependence of Ireland upon England seemed to be in any degree
concerned. H.M.'s servants, however, considering the present Bill
as in every respect the same as the former, and that by adopting
the amendments made in England the House had in effect
acquiesced in H.M.'s prerogative, and appeared desirous to decline
the contest, would not have thought it necessary in this instance
to make an alteration, in reality varying from what they had
themselves approved of, in order to exert a right which they think
to be already sufficiently guarded, if a clerical error on the Irish
side had not made an amendment necessary to the sense of the
Bill. If the Bill should, however, still be rejected from a determined opposition to English Government, it gives everybody
great pleasure to know his Excellency's opinion that very little,
if any, deficiency will be found.—St. James's. 3 pp. |
28 Dec.
Ireland, v. 440, No. 82. |
972. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Recommending William Hull, Esq., to be appointed Lieut.Governor of the city of Cork and forts adjacent.—Dublin Castle.
1 p. |
20 Sept. to 30 Dec.
Dom. Geo.III., pcl.84, No.32 a to v. |
973. Vagrant Jews concerned in Crime. |
|
Letters, &c., relating to and arising out of the measures taken to
discover the persons concerned in the robbery and murder at
Mrs. Hutchins's [in the King's Road, Chelsea], perpetrated by a
gang of Jews. |
|
Sir John Fielding was the magistrate who superintended the
enquiry. A handbill was printed and circulated (b) detailing the
"encouragements offered by several Acts of Parliament to offenders
who are at large, and will surrender themselves, and give an
account of their accomplices." One Thomas Warren was offered
a pardon (c) by Sir John if he would discover the offenders who
robbed Mrs. Hutchins. By the aid of an accomplice (d) some of the
gang, who were all Jews, were committed, and messengers were
sent to Harwich, Birmingham, and Dover, in order to detect the
remainder. Sir John suggested that as this was so extraordinary a
gang, and had raised such terror in the subject, they should be prosecuted and rooted out at the public expense. Orders were given (f)
to all the officers of Excise, Customs, and Post Office to disperse in
their respective districts printed advertisements, which had been
sent to them in great numbers, containing descriptions of those
"desperate housebreakers;" and it was promised that an advertisement should also be inserted in the Gazette, offering in His Majesty's
name a reward of 100l. for the apprehension of any of the offenders.
Four members of the gang (g) were taken by one of Sir John
Fielding's clerks in Birmingham. By Nov. 9 (j) all the principal
offenders against whom there was any charge, and of whom they had
any description, except one, named Linevil, had been apprehended.
Sir John Fielding suggested (j) that a "handsome" paragraph
(of which he gives a form) should be "slipt" into the daily papers,
stating the successful issue of the efforts to apprechend the members
of the gang. On Nov. 16, he wrote (k) that the evidence they
had obtained would, he believed, be sufficient to convict five
out of the six persons in custody. His attention having been
called to the fact that the packets had been latterly full of Jews,
Sir John enquired of the Elders of the Synagogue into the cause
of it, and was informed that partly on account of the late disturbances in Poland, and partly to share charities distributed by
Jews in this kingdom from their chest at the Synagogue, a great
number of poor Jews (amongst whom were, doubtless, many
rogues) came to England. They would travel to Helvoetsluys,
there plead poverty, obtain passes from our agent there, and so get
free passages. The Elders of the Synagogue very much wished
that some restraint could be laid on this importation. Sir John
thought that if some restraint could also be laid on the importation of the "abandoned Irish," it would be another means of preventing many robberies in this country. He said there were
certainly a much greater number both of Jews and Irish in England than could possibly gain a livelihood by honest means. The
Elders of the Synagogue being almost bankrupt in their charity
chest from this cause, expressed great hopes to Sir John that
something would be done in this matter. |
|
On the 13th Nov. (m) two Jews were apprehended (l) at Truro
as suspicious persons, and notice of their apprehension with their
descriptions transmitted to the Commissioners of Customs. A
person was also (o) stopped at Falmouth "on suspicion of being
"Coshay," and Jews were likewise stopped in other parts of the
kingdom; the man at Falmouth, however, being thought by Sir
John to be the most probable of any. |
|
In consequence of the representations of the Elders of the Great
Jews' Synagogue, directions (r) were given that no persons appearing to be Jews should be permitted to come to England on board
H.M.'s packet-boats, except such as could pay the usual freight, or
were furnished with a passport from one of H.M.'s Ministers
abroad, "it being thought necessary to prevent the too frequent
importation of vagrant and vagabond Jews, who cannot be
considered either as useful or beneficial to society." Of this
regulation the Jewish Elders (s) seemed "to have a very just and
very grateful sense," and expressed a desire for an opportunity
to pay their respects in person to Lord Suffolk. They waited
upon the Lord Mayor (t), who promised to grant passes to poor
Jews to travel to any of the seaports in order to their going
abroad. There were three denominations of passes granted by the
agent of the packets at the Brill for the reception of passengers:
whole, 13s.; half, 6s. and poor, or gratis. This Jewish Elders
were certain that all who came over by the poor pass were vagabonds, not able to procure an honest livelihood. There is a letter
of thanks to Lord Suffolk, dated John Street, America Square,
17 Dec. 1771, and signed "Nap. H. Myers, Warden of the Great
"Synagogue, and signed for the General Vestry." |
|
On Dec. 30 Sir John Fielding wrote (v) that the matter seemed
then to be brought to a conclusion, for the three Jews last taken,
though certainly concerned in the last two robberies, could not be
sworn to. They had consented to return to Holland, and stay in
custody till the ship sailed. He, Sir John, would take care to see
them safe on board, and pay their passage. |
|
The papers consist of the following letters, &c.:— |
|
a, b. |
20 Sept. |
Sir John Fielding to the Earl of Suffolk; and
enclosed, a printed handbill. |
|
c. |
" " |
Sir John Fielding to Thomas Warren. A
copy. |
|
d. |
6 Nov. |
The Same to the Earl of Suffolk. |
|
e. |
" " |
Lord Suffolk to Sir John Fielding. |
|
f. |
7 " |
The Same to the Same. |
|
g. |
8 " |
Sir John Fielding to Lord Suffolk. |
|
h, i. |
" " |
Anth. Todd to Thos. Whately, Esq.; and enclosed, a printed circular letter. |
|
j. |
9 " |
Sir John Fielding to Mr. Fraser. |
|
k. |
16 " |
The Same to Lord Suffolk |
|
l, m. |
" " |
Edward Stanley to William Fraser, Esq.; and
enclosed, a letter from the Collector and
Comptroller of Truro. |
|
n. |
18 " |
Sir John Fielding to Mr. Fraser. |
|
o. |
27 " |
The Same to the Same. |
|
p, q. |
? Nov. |
The Same to the Same; and enclosed, a letter
from Sir John Fielding to Mr. Bluett. |
|
r. |
14 Dec. |
Lord Suffolk to Sir John Fielding |
|
s. |
16 Dec. |
Sir John Fielding to the Earl of Suffolk; and
enclosed— |
|
t. |
|
"Memorandum. Deputation from the Great
Jews' Synagogue." |
|
u. |
17 " |
Nap. H. Myers to Lord [Suffolk]. |
|
v. |
30 " |
Sir John Fielding to Mr. Fraser. |
31 Dec.
Law Officers
Entry Bk., 1762–95,p.192. |
974. Earl of Suffolk to the Attorney and SolicitorGeneral. |
|
Submitting to them, for their opinion, the doubt as to the
legality of issuing a warrant to open a subscirption for 100,000l.
grounded on the Loan Bill lately passed in Ireland. [See Lord
Lieutenant's letter. No. 970.]—St. James's. |
1771.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 25. |
975. The Second Minister of St. Andrews. |
|
"Memorial for the Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council of
the city of St. Andrews, in relation to their right of patronage of
the second minister of the said city." |
|
They state evidence of their right from the year 1400. They
had presented Mr. John Adamson, minister of Kilmany, to the
charge of second minister; but having heard rumours of applications to the Crown in opposition to their right, they thought it
their duty to lay this state of their right before H.M.'s Advocate,
hoping from his known justice and humanity that he would
prevent "this very antient though not opulent city from being
"involved in any unnecessary trouble or expense." 3½ pp. |
| 1771 or later. Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 84, No. 33. |
976. Salutes at Portsmouth. |
|
Memorandum of the salutes given to the King, on the day of
his arrival at Portsmouth. "For the Earl of Suffolk, one of His
"Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State." Signed, "Jas. Pattison,
Lt.-Col., Com[m]andg. the Royl. Arty at Portsmouth." 1¼ pp. |
?1771.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 84, No. 34 |
977. Thomas Wright to William Eden, Esq. |
|
Thanks him for his introduction to Lord Suffolk. If any
further information in regard to Dantzig or the trade of those
parts should be wanted, will esteem it an honour to be of any
service. His address is to the care of Messrs. Seton, Houston,
and Co., Edinburgh. It has often been reported of late as if
Mr. Corry was to get or take his demission. In either event,
could recommend one of the factory, a gentleman of fortune and
well known, who would serve without salary.—Norfolk Street,
Saturday forenoon. Undated: but note mention of Lord Suffolk,
Secretary of State, June 1771–79; and last entry of Mr. Corry's
name in the Circular Book which is under date 21Dec. 1770.
See Circular Book, 1761–86, p. 80. |
? 1771.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 18. |
978. A Petition from Barth. Brown on behalf of himself and
three other convicts in Newgate, setting forth his (Brown's) case,
and praying to be put on board a man-of-war to serve in
H.M.'s Fleet. He has appended to the petition the following
"Description of Newgate, dedicated to the Rt. Honble. Lord
Rechforth."
"No gentle breathing breeze will enter here,
No harmonious choristers to charm the eare;
The walls unmoved the boystrouse winds defie,
And in confusion the rattling whirlwinds fly.
Soon as the silent shades of night advance
Ill-omened birds do croak, and vermin prance.
The face of nature hurled in dark disguise,
Overshades all hope of comfort from my eyes.
The precepice of time is quickley gone,
And sinks in minutes which by age is won.
The prisoners tears does mournfully cry,
Beeseeching mercy from the God on high.
In thee, O God, my trust I'le ground,
For in few men tenderness is found." |
|
The paper is undated, but date fixed approximately from the
names of the Secretary of State and the Judge who tried Brown.
1 p. and parts of 2 pp. |
? 1771.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 19. |
979. "Memd" "Which Mr.Sutton will be so good as to mention
to Lord Rochford from General Mostyn and Lt.-Govr. Johnston,
for the peace and advantage of the Island of Minorca, its garrison
and inhabitants." Undated, but the year 1770 is mentioned in
the paper as past, and an appointment recommended in the paper
was made in 1771. 1½ pp. |
?1771.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 1. |
980. Petition of Jacob Anachtoa, Captain of the Mohawk
Indians in Cannachochery. In 1742. or 1743. being desired by
the Albanian Commissioners to go to Montreal, and see whether
he could make some prisoners of the French, he went with seven
more Indians of his tirbe; and, notwithstanding that the Governor
of Montreal offered peace to the five nations, and dismissed them
with clothes and money, petitioner remained faithful to the
English, and returning from Montreal "did not miss to kill and
would some of the French, and to make some prisoners, which he
conducted and delivered to the said Albanian Commissioners, for
which reason they showed themselves very generous to him, and
rewarded him well for the services he had done during that war."
Petitioner also served during the last war under Sir William
Johnston, but never received the least recompense from Sir
William, "which he thinks very ungenerous." However, in 1756,
when petitioner served under Captain George Klock (an inhabitant
of Cannochochery, who is now in London, and commanded then a
body of Europeans and Indians), and assisted him in the battle
near Oswego, Captain Klock behaved himself so well and
generously to the petitioner and the five nations in general,
providing them during the late war, whenever their wants required
his assistance, with plenty of provisions and drink, that they
think themselves in duty bound to show their gratitude to so
great a benefactor and friend, and therefore the petitioner has
offered Mr. Klock a piece of ground as a present. But whereas
there is an Act existing that no Indian may dispose of any ground
in favour of an European, the petitioner has made this voyage for
no other reason than to address himself to His Majesty and
Parliament for permission to give the said piece of ground. Undated, but bound in a volume of papers commencing in 1771.
2½ pp. |
