|
| April 5. |
110. The Duke of Newcastle to the Lords of the Treasury, forwarding the report of the Council of Trade upon a petition of the merchants and traders of the city of London, praying that an Act of Parliament may be obtained for taking off certain restraints on the trade of Ireland to the British Plantations: together with copies of other papers annexed as below, “all which I now transmit to your Lordships by the King's command, that you may receive His Majesty's pleasure upon the prayer of the said petition.” Whitehall, April 5. 1 page.
Appending:—(a.) Report of the Commissioners of Customs to the Lords of Treasury, dated 1731, March 31, on the memorial on behalf of the merchants and traders in Ireland relating to the restriction of trade between Ireland and His Majesty's Plantations in America for the unenumerated commodities. The principal commodities of the growth of the said Plantations not enumerated are rum, timber, pipe and hogshead staves, and other lumber. By the account of the Inspector General of Imports and Exports, it appears that only 407½ gallons of rum were exported from England to Ireland for the seven years ended 1729, Christmas, and at the same time only 11,952 cwts. 1 qr. 9 lbs. of hogshead and pipe staves, and 304 loads of timber similarly exported from England to Ireland, “which if they were of the growth of the Plantations paying no duty on the importation into England nothing remains on exportation, but if they were all of the growth of the Baltic or Germany, as were much the greatest part of them, the duty that would remain on exportation amounts to but 117l. 1s. 8d. which at a medium of seven years amounts to 16l. 14s. 6d. per annum.” Are therefore of opinion that as the Commissioners for Trade have represented that the permitting import direct into Ireland of unenumerated goods of the growth or product of the Plantations will be of advantage to the trade of Great Britain, it will have very little effect on the revenue. 1½ pages.
(b.) A memorial on behalf of the merchants and traders of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury. Minuted:—With order of reference to the Commissioners of Customs. 1 page.
Together with a copy of the report from the Commissioners of Trade to the King, dated Whitehall, 1730–1, March 18, on the letter of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland referred to them by the Duke of Newcastle's letter of February 24 last. By Acts of 15, 22, and 23 Charles II. the liberty of importing to Ireland from the Plantations, which had been allowed by the Act of 12 Charles II. cap. 18, for sugar, tobacco, cotton wool, indigo, ginger, fustic, or other dye woods, was taken from Ireland, and no goods were allowed to be imported there, but such only as were not enumerated as above. By the Act of 7 and 8 Wm. III. for preventing frauds all commerce was prohibited between Ireland and the English Plantations directly. Unenumerated goods could be sent by the Plantations to any part of Europe, and Irish merchants have therefore been obliged since then to send to foreign markets for unenumerated goods. The Irish merchants therefore desire liberty of importing directly unenumerated goods, to avoid the hardship to themselves and the loss to the Plantations. Have consulted the merchants trading to the Plantations, and they have no objections to the proposed change. Ireland imports from the Baltic 70,000l. worth of timber annually. This money might as well go to the Plantations. Are further of opinion that the importation of rum into Ireland from our own Plantations may by degrees diminish their trade in brandy to France, and so prevent the opportunities of running wool thither. “But notwithstanding we do apprehend it may be reasonable to indulge the petitioners in the importation of all commodities from our Plantations not already enumerated, yet considering the complaints that have been made against the merchants of Ireland for carrying on a pernicious trade with the Dutch and French sugar colonies, for which they allege in excuse the present prohibition of trade with our own it seems equally reasonable to restrain them under the severest penalties from bringing home from foreign Plantations any of those goods or commodities which are of the same nature with the produce of our own.” Whitehall, 1730–1, March 18. 3½ pages.
(c.) The memorial of the merchants and traders of the city of Dublin to the Lords Justices, &c. of Ireland in behalf of themselves and several other merchants and traders of the kingdom of Ireland. Have previously memorialised Lord Carteret on the subject of the above grievance, who recommended same to the Duke of Newcastle, as by copy of his letter below (f.). The same was referred to the Lords of the Treasury and by them to the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. Therefore pray their Excellencies to lay before the present Lord Lieutenant their said former memorial as in copy attached (e.) for His Grace's countenance to same. 1½ pages, undated.
(d.) Letter from the Earl of Dorset, Lord Lieutenant to the Duke of Newcastle, dated Whitehall, 1730–1, February 11, transmitting the above memorial by His Majesty's command “that this matter may be put into a proper method of being examined into.” 1 page.
(e.) The above-mentioned copy of the memorial of the masters, wardens, and brethren of Trinity Guild, Dublin, in behalf of themselves and the rest of the merchants and traders of the Kingdom of Ireland to John, Lord Carteret, Lord Lieutenant General, and General Governor of Ireland. Substantially as above. 1½ pages.
(f.) Copy referred to of a letter from Lord Carteret to the Duke of Newcastle, dated Dublin Castle, 1729–30, February 23, submitting the above petition (c.) for His Majesty's consideration. 3 pages.
(g.) Letter from the Duke of Newcastle to the Lords of the Treasury, dated Whitehall, 1730–1, February 24, submitting to them the above letter (f.) for examination and report to His Majesty. 1 page.
(h.) Report, dated Custom House, Dublin, 1730–1, January 16, from the Commissioners of Customs, Ireland, to the Lords Justices of Ireland, on the above memorial of the merchants and traders of Ireland. Submit that the proposed change would not be in any way detrimental to His Majesty's revenue in Ireland. 1 page.
(i.) An account of the quantity of timber, rum, and staves exported from England to Ireland for seven years from 1723, Christmas, to 1729, Christmas, distinguishing each year. Dated Custom House, London, 1731, March 26. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 42.] |
| April 6. |
111. Warrant from the Lords of the Treasury to the Commissioners of Customs and Salt Duties in Scotland, and to the auditors of accounts of the said revenues, authorising the passing of allowances on the accounts of collectors or receivers of Customs and salt duties, where such allowances ought to be made, for loss sustained in 1717 by the reduction of guineas; such allowances not exceeding 96l. 12s. 6d.
Appending:—(a.) Memorial of the Commissioners of Customs Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury, dated Custom House, Edinburgh, 1731, April 28. In a previous memorial from same to same, of date 1718, April 7, it was certified by the oaths of the Receiver General and several collectors of the Customs and salt duties in North Britain that they had in their hands on the 26th December, 1717, the time of their receiving notice of the reduction of guineas to 21s. the number, in all, of 3,865 guineas, the loss on which at 6d. each amounted to 96l. 12s. 6d. For lack of their Lordships' directions, are not as yet authorised to allow this amount in the accounts of several collectors. Pray such directions in order to prevent the retarding any longer the said accounts.
(b.) Copy of the previous memorial of 1718, April 7.
[North Britain Book X. pp. 99–101.] |
| April 6. |
112. The Duke of Grafton to the Lords of the Treasury conveying the King's pleasure for the giving of presents of 200l. to El Hadgee Mohamed Assay'd, envoy from Algiers, and now upon his return; 50l. to his friend Hadgee Ali; 30l. to his interpreter; 30l. for a fortnight's fresh provisions and 50l. for clothing the envoy's servants. The Cockpit, April 6. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 43.] |
April 7.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers |
113. Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Clayton, Sir William Yonge.
The report of the Commissioners of Customs of the 6th instant on Jacob Elton's petition is read, by which the Commissioners are of opinion that the Mediterranean duty of 1 per cent. on the cargo of the “Elton” galley for not being manned as the law requires in her homeward bound voyage from Malaga ought to be paid. Their Lordships are of opinion petitioner has a reasonable pretence to be relieved of the said duty.
The case of the sureties of Jonathan Smart, late Receiver of the Land Tax and House Money, co. Herts, read. Referred to the Commissioners of Taxes.
The Duke of Newcastle's letter of 1730–1, February 24, for examining into the matter of the petition of the merchants and traders of Dublin for taking off the restraint on the trade of Ireland with the British Plantations in America read. Their Lordships think same to be a matter of great importance, and will take further time to consider thereof.
The Duke of Montagu's petition read for a lease of a piece of waste ground in the Privy Gardens lying between two pieces of ground already in his possession under lease from the Crown. Referred to the Surveyor General.
The Commissioners of the Navy's letter of 31 March last read, desiring the sum of 5,000l. issued about December 18 last for Greenwich Hospital out of money arisen by sale of the late Mr. Hampden's estate may be apportioned so as 4,448l. 19s. 11d. part thereof, may be taken to make good defalcations made for the said hospital in the treasureship of the said Mr. Hampden, and the remaining 551l. 0s. 1d. may be deducted out of the next moneys ordered for the said hospital and placed to the head of wages. Their Lordships agree thereto.
A petition of Mr. Treby read, praying that a suit carried on in the Exchequer for the Crown against Colonel Treby, deceased, as executor to Eliz. Stafford, whose effects are claimed by the executors of Alexander Stevenson, who is indebted to the Crown, and which has abated by the death of Colonel Treby, may not be revived against petitioner, who is the colonel's executor. Referred to Mr. Paxton.
Order for the issue of 8,023l. 16s. 9d. to the Treasurer of the Chamber to clear the established salaries in that office to Lady Day, 1731, as also bills and Lord Chamberlain's warrants to Christmas, 1730, according to his memorial of March 29 last.
Like order for 11,649l. 8s. 10d. to Mr. Chetwynd to clear the establishment of pensions payable by him, according to his memorial of March 29 last.
Order for the preparation of a sign manual for the Paymaster of the Forces to imprest 3,000l. out of contingencies to General George Wade, for the further carrying on new roads and bridges in Scotland.
Order for the like for 50l. to Elahaz Mustapha, at the Duke of Newcastle's request, signified by Mr. Delafaye in his letter of March 31 last, to answer (with 50l. before paid) all gratifications from the King for Mustapha's maintenance, debts, and charge of his return to France.
Mr. Lowther, out of the King's money in his hand, is to pay 50l. to Stephen Whatley as His Majesty's bounty.
Order for the preparation of a sign manual for the issue of 100l. to Arthur Collins as His Majesty's bounty.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVII. pp. 9–10.] |
| April 8. |
114. Petition of John Duke of Montagu [to the Lords of the Treasury]. Is in possession of a piece of ground in the Privy Garden granted to Charles Churchill, Esq. by a lease of 1724–5, February 1, for 31 years at the rent of 8l.; and also of another piece of ground contiguous thereto which was granted to Lord Molesworth for 31 years from 1719, July 2, at the rent of 10l. Between these two parcels and the posts in the Privy Garden there is a piece of ground which is of no use to any person. Prays a grant of all three pieces of ground, on a surrender of the leases in being, for as long a time as the Crown can grant. Referred to the Surveyor-General for a state and value of the premises. [Crown Lease Book II. p. 208.] |
| April 9. |
115. A schedule of papers relating to the sale of French lands in St. Christopher, presented to the House of Commons by the Lords of the Treasury pursuant to an order of 1730–1, March 16.
The schedule enumerates 12 papers, 1 to 10 being as below, a.—j. 11 and 12 wanting; 11 and 12 are thus described:—
(11.) A report of the trial between Osborne and O'Neal.
(12.) An account of what money has been paid into the Receipt of Exchequer on account of the sale of lands in St. Christopher.
[See Pipe Office declared accounts, 1566, 1567.]
Memorandum in dorso:—Presented by Mr. Clayton from the Commissioners of the Treasury. 1 page.
Appending:—(a.) Copy of a letter from Wm. Mathew, Gilbert Fleming, and Edward Mann, Commissioners to contract for the purchase of that part of the island of St. Christopher yielded by France to England by the Treaty of Utrecht, to the Lords of the Treasury, dated St. Christopher, 1728, November 23. The Earl of Londonderry arrived in his Government, August 17 last, at Antigua, which put a stop to the Commissioners' proceedings till his Lordship's arrival at St. Christopher, November 11, when they entered on their proceedings on a revived commission. Therefore enclose an account of sales, receipts, and remittances during the whole time of the old commission. The articles of “short payments” in Mr. Mathew's account, amounting to 10l. 2s. 9¼d. were unavoidable. “We have no coin here lease than one penny sterling, and silver for change is not to be had but by losing 4 shillings on the currency of each pistole.” “On the articles both in Mr. Mathews' and Mr. Fleming's accounts of outstanding notes we pray leave to assure your Lordships that they are good, and we can receive them whenever bills offer for making remittances, by means of them the people were better supplied with money for their first payments, which, without such a circulation, the whole current cash of the island would not have been sufficient for; and had we forced the people to send for pistoles, besides delaying the business of our commission, the pistoles would have remained in our chests here, or we must have turned them into sterling at a very great losse.” 5 pages.
(b.) Same from same to John Scrope, dated St. Christopher, 1728–9, January 28, concerning several of the purchases. 4 pages.
(c.) The memorial of John O'Neal, of the island of St. Christopher, to the Treasury, concerning his lands in Basse Terre quarter, and the answers thereto of the Commissioners for the sale of French lands; disposed in parallel columns Together with copies of (1) O'Neal's proposal for re-purchase of his land, dated 1726, August 30; (2) affidavits by Captain John Osborn, dated St. Christopher, 1727–8, January 24, and of Clement Martin, of same date, as to O'Neal's violence. 4 pages.
(d.) Same of Thomas Bridgwater, of St. Christopher, Esq. to same, concerning his lands in Basse Terre quarter, with the answer of the Commissioners thereto; arranged as above in parallel columns. 5 pages.
(e.) Same of Charles Lowndes, of St. Christopher, gentleman, to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the sale of three parcels of his lands, with the Commissioners' answer thereto arranged as above. 4 pages. Together with—(e. 1). Four pages of extracts from the Commissioners' Journal concerning Mr. Lowndes's case, certified by James Losack, Secretary to the Commissioners, 1729, April 2. (e 2.) Affidavit of John Harries, of the island of Antigua, gentleman, formerly Secretary to the Commissioners, dated 1728, December 18, concerning Lowndes's case. 1 page. (e. 3.) Certificate by Hercules Ayleway, Surveyor General, concerning the lands in dispute between Gilbert Fleming and Lowndes. 1 page.
(f.) The Earl of Londonderry and the Commissioners for Sale, &c. to the Treasury, dated St. Christopher, 1728–9, February 18. Have almost brought the commission to a close, having disposed of all Frigate Bay and great part of the salt ponds. Represent for consideration the case of purchasers of small values in and about Basse Terre who are mostly unable to bear the expense of sending their contracts home to be confirmed. The public of the island have applied for a plot of land in Basse Terre to build a public court hall and other public offices thereon. Have reserved land in Basse Terre town for same; as also 11 acres near the same town, whereon the French had a fort, which the public have raised a tax to repair, and about 3 acres more for the use of a small battery called Smith's Fort. Propose that the patents for sales should pass under the Great Seal of the Leeward Islands. 3 pages.
(g.) Wm. Matthew and Gilbert Fleming, two of the Commissioners, to the Lords of the Treasury, dated St. Christopher, 1729, November 11. The Earl of Londonderry's indisposition, and his moving from St. Christopher to Nevis for recovery of his health, prevented the concluding the work of the commission. Since his death, and Mr. Mann being in Europe, have asked the opinion of the late Attorney General, there being none at present, as to the validity of two out of four members exercising the commission. He is of opinion the authority does not survive. Pray their Lordships commands hereon. 2 pages.
(h.) A list of such contracts made by the Commissioners for Sale of Lands in St. Christopher that formerly belonged to the French as have been confirmed by the Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury. 3¼ pages.
(i.) The petition of 11 subscribers, being planters in the island of St. Christopher and merchants trading to the said island on behalf of themselves and others, to the Queen, as “guardian of the kingdom and His Majesty's lieutenant.” Petitioners, who have paid in their full purchase money for estates bought, desire to have their contracts completed by proper grants of fee simple. Pray therefore that such grants may pass under the Great Seal of the Leeward Islands. 2 pages, with signatures.
(j.) Petition of Captain Andrew Thauvet, of St. Christopher, to the Lords of the Treasury, representing his case. 1¼ pages, partially destroyed. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 46.] |
| April 10. |
116. Hy. Pelham to the Lords of the Treasury praying direction of money to meet the following demands:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
Six months half-pay to reduced officers to 1730, December 24 |
32,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Same for out-pensioners of Chelsea Hospital - - |
11,726 |
8 |
1½ |
|
1 page. [Ibid, No. 47.] |
| April 10. |
117. Royal sign manual directed to Henry Pelham, Paymaster-General of the Forces, for the issue of 3,000l. to Lieut.-General George Wade in advance on account of the new road for wheel carriages from the new fortress of Fort Augustus to join the great road from Crieff to Inverness. Given at the Court of St. James's.
[King's Warrant Book XXX. p. 188.] |
| April 13. |
118. Treasury warrant for the issue to Nicholas Paxton of 3,000l. and 161l. 18s. 6d., fees thereon, to be paid to Thomas Martin, Esq. and the executors of Nathaniel Halhed, for the purchase of their estate and interest in 45 acres of woodland adjoining Richmond Park, to the use of the Crown, same being part of the estate some time since purchased of Henry Earl of Clarendon and Rochester. [Ibid, p. 184.] |
| April 13. |
119. Memorial of the Commissioners of Customs, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury. In a previous memorial of 1727, December 12, informed their Lordships that considerable parcels of coverlets or rugs, made of the coarsest refuse or of nubs or husks of silk, were exported from Port Glasgow and Greenock, for which the merchants claim a bounty of 3s. per lb. weight, by virtue of a clause of an Act 8 Geo. 1, cap. 15. On the officers' refusing by direction of the Commissioners to make out or pay any debentures upon account of such exportations, the merchants commenced suits against them in the Court of Exchequer. These still lie dormant, but they intend to bring the cause to a hearing next term, under pretence that the clause in the Act of 1 Geo. II. for repealing the present duties on wine leas, &c. extends only to the ascertaining the allowance on the exportation of manufactures or stuffs mixed with silk, and does not take in or regard manufactures of silk only, which they allege these coverlets are actually made of without any mixture. Advise a clause to be obtained in some Act to be passed this session, to put a stop to this fraud, which they design to carry to a great length before provision can be made against it in the next session of Parliament if they meet with the success they expect in their suit. The bounty claimed upon such a rug or coverlet as above mentioned, weighing 10 lb. at 3s. per lb., is 1l. 10s. 0d., and the first cost thereof only comes to about 10s. The debentures claimed at the Port of Greenock alone amount to 1,150l. 2 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 48.] |
|
120. Petition of P. R. Frémont to the Lords of the Treasury for a debt of 45l. owing to his father-in-law, gardener of Somerset House for almost 50 years, “I have brought along with me the head of a man of 111 years of age to show yr Honors, which I have drawn and finished yesterday after nature. If I had business I could not follow it for I have neither colours, pencils, oyl, nor nothing else, and I am naked as well as my family. For God sake what can I do.” 1 sheet. [Ibid, No. 49.] |
April 13.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
121. Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Dodington, Sir Wm. Yonge.
“Col. Gordon having by petition represented that the invalids in Jersey have not been paid their subsistence further than February 24 last, for want of copper money, and desiring that the agent of the Company may be directed to answer such bills as shall be drawn by the proper officers there from time to time, till copper money shall be sent over thither, their Lordships say that neither the invalids nor the people of Jersey are to be distressed for want of the regular payment of the subsistence, and therefore order that copper money may be sent or bills taken as may with the best punctuality answer the service, in such manner nevertheless that where two month's subsistence is ordered for the said invalids, one month's subsistence be sent thither in copper money.”
The representation from the Board of Works, dated the 7th instant, for 2,300l. to make a thorough repair of the royal apartments in Somerset House, has been laid before the King and approved of by him.
Order for the preparation of a sign manual for issuing a further 1,000l. to Mr. Withers upon account for the works carrying on by him about the ponds in Hyde Park.
“Mr. Paxton is called in and directed by their Lordships to pay a debt of about 20l. which is owing by John Bunce to Sir John Guise, so as the said Bunce now under arrest for the same may be set at liberty, and Count Kinski, the Emperor's envoy, who claims and insists upon Bunce as a servant under his protection, may be satisfied and made easy therein, as also another debt of about 25l. of the said Bunce owing to one Tyler.”
The Poor Knights of Windsor are to be paid their half year due at Lady Day last, on the allowance for the Order of the Garter.
John Goodwin, pilot of the ‘Carolina’ yacht, is to be paid his pension from Midsummer, 1727.
The Earl of Warwick is to be paid upon his pension to Lady Day last.
John Alexander, at present waiter and searcher at South Shields, in Sunderland port, is to be removed and made a weigher at Newcastle, loco John Bainbrigge, who is to succeed Alexander at South Shields.
Col. Charles Cockburn, Lieutenant Col. to the Earl of Orkney's Regiment, upon the Irish establishment, being obliged to a strict attendance in Scotland as Deputy Governor of Stirling Castle, their Lordships order the preparation of a letter to be signed by the King to exempt him from the tax of 4s. in the £ on his pay in Ireland. [Treasury Minute Book XXVII. p. 11.] |
| April 14. |
122. Report from Thos. Eyre to the Treasury on the memorial of Nathaniel Booth, Surveyor of Green wax. Cannot justify sending out process against accomptants except where the Auditors certify that they are in arrear, or by warrant from their Lordships or order of the Court of Exchequer. If their Lordships think fit to grant a warrant for process against Mr. Bellamy, coroner, for the fines of the Court of King's Bench received by him from time to time, upon the Clerk of the Pipe's certificate of his not accompting, that will supply the defect of the Auditor's certificate, which cannot be had in this case; Bellamy being directed to enter his Privy Seal in the Remembrancer's Office in order for a record to ground process on. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 50.] |
| April 14. |
123. Order from the Treasury for execution of a warrant from the Duke of Grafton to the Duke of Montagu, for the provision of a new standard and gibb for the first troop of Horse Grenadier Guards, recently new clothed, under the Honourable Colonel Fane.
Memorandum:—This warrant will come to 66l. or thereabouts. 3 April 1731. Tho. Dummer. John Halls, Comptroller.
[Lord Chamberlains Warrant Book I. p. 348.] |
|
124. Similar orders for like new standards and gibbs for the second and fourth troops of Horse Guards, under the Honourable Colonel Berkeley and Colonel Burton. With memorandums as above. [Ibid.] |
[Before
April 15.] |
125. Memorial of John Deane, Consul in Flanders, to the King. The suspension and now the entire suppression of the Ostend East India Company have reduced the emoluments of the Consulate to half their former value, “thereby incapacitating the said Consul to support his character or so thoroughly to inspect and effectually obviate the designs of the natives and British subjects, all Irish Roman Catholics, ever ready to engage in measures inconsistent with the mercantile and political interests of Great Britain.” Prays for an appointment of 200l. a year for his support in a place where the British Government has not a friend beside himself; having also had promise of further favour for his losses and services to the King's royal father. 1 page.
Appending:—(a.) A paper of Deane's disbursements on the Government account from 1729, March to 1730–1, March (total, 114l. 15s.).
Minuted:—With minute verbatim as under April 15, infra. ¼ page.
(b.) Copy of the Commission, dated 1728, March 26, appointing Deane Consul in the ports of Ostend, Newport and Bruges. 2 pages. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 51.] |
April 15.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
126. Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Dodington, Mr. Clayton, Sir Wm. Yonge.
The Commissioners of the Stamp Duties and Mr. Thompson, late Receiver General of those duties, ordered to attend on Thursday next.
An Order of Council, dated the 8th instant, read, referring to their Lordships' consideration to satisfy several persons therein named, inhabitants of the island of Jersey, for damages sustained and extraordinary charges on account of the late tumultuous proceedings of the inhabitants there. The parties concerned are ordered to exhibit on account of such damages and charges.
Their Lordships are at present of opinion that the credit on this year's land tax may, as services call for the same, be completed as follows:— |
|
|
£ |
|
By Exchequer Bills |
500,000 |
|
By loans at 3 per cent. interest from the Marlborough family |
400,000 |
|
By loans from any person inclined to lend |
66,000 |
|
By loans from the Chancery Court |
34,000 |
|
|
— |
|
|
£1,000,000 |
The Commissioners of the Navy to attend their Lordships on Thursday next with an account how and in what manner and at what times they would propose the remainder of this year's supplies for the Navy to be issued, distinguishing the services under their particular heads.
Mr. John Dean, His Majesty's Consul in Flanders, is to be paid 114l. 15s. to satisfy all demands whatsoever for extraordinary charges and disbursements in executing that office, and is to have a Privy Seal for 200l. per annum in respect thereof, and all charges attending the same for the future, to commence from the — day of —.
Mr. Jezreel Jones having given in to their Lordships the particulars of his demands of 195l. 2s. 4d. for expenses relating to the minister of Algier before his audience and the time he began to be maintained at the King's charge, their Lordships order that 52l. 10s. be paid him.
A memorial read from the officers of the Mint, of March 24 last, for 5,985l. 2s. to defray the charge of the new buildings lately made there. Their Lordships observe that by their warrant of 1728, September 26, the said buildings were not to exceed 3,400l. 10s. according to the estimated charge thereof examined and reported by the Board of Works, and are surprised at the excess; and order the officers of the Mint to be acquainted therewith and to be asked what has been the occasion thereof.
Mr. Richard Tucker, keeper of the quarries, ways, piers, and cranes in Portland, and collector of the 4d. per ton for stone shipped there, is to have a salary of 40l. per annum from the date of his commission, chargeable on the said duty of 4d. per ton.
The Commissioners of Customs in Scotland to be requested to give their Lordships an account of the silk manufacture carrying on at Glasgow, what duties the silk used in silk manufacture is charged with, what debentures are now under demand upon exportation of the said manufacture, and how much the drawback on those duties will amount to.
The memorial of the Paymaster of the Forces of the 10th instant for 32,000l. for half-pay, and 11,726l. 8s. 1½d. for outpensioners of Chelsea Hospital, read and ordered, as is likewise another memorial of same date for 34,500l. excepting only that the Duke of Brunswick, who is inserted therein for 12,500l. be paid 6,250l. and no more.
Their Lordships adjourn to Wednesday next.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVII. pp. 12–13.] |
| April 15. |
127. Treasury warrant to the Board of Works to perform repairs, as below, at Denmark House. Same not to exceed 2,300l.
Prefixing:—Report from the Office of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, dated 1731, April 7. Have rebuilt the walls of two sides of a Court in Denmark House, and new leaded and repaired part of the roof. On opening the roof of the great apartment, find it necessary to repair it all, and to take down an old rotten wooden staircase at the end of the royal apartment very dangerous in case of fire, and build one of stone in its place. Advise to have the whole royal apartment reaching as far as the Gallery put into thorough repair, and the rooms under it and over it wainscoted. [Lord Chamberlain's Warrant Book I. p. 347.] |
| April 16. |
128. Warrant under the royal sign manual directed to the Clerk of the Signet attending for the preparation of a bill to pass the Privy Seal for grant of a yearly allowance of 600l. to John Harvey, Esq. commonly called Lord Harvey, sworn and admitted Vice Chamberlain of the Household on 1733, May 7.
[King's Warrant Book XXX. p. 193.] |
| April 22. |
129. Memorial of Charles Whytell [to the Lords of the Treasury] representing his services in putting an end to great part of the smuggling from the Isle of Man. As that practice is not yet totally suppressed, proposes a scheme to that end which will infallibly raise the Customs 1,428l. 8s. 8d. per annum. Prays encouragement and reward. Referred to the Commissioners of Customs. [Reference Book IX. p. 432.] |
April 22.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
130. Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Dodington, Mr. Clayton, Sir Wm. Yonge.
Order for the issue to Mr. Chetwynd of 179l. 14s. 2¼d. out of the late King's arrears, and for the preparation of the proper warrant for him to apply same for satisfying the following debts:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To the poor of St. Margaret's |
85 |
11 |
6¼ |
|
To Tuttle Fields Hospital - |
85 |
11 |
6¼ |
|
For the poor rate charged on Kensington House - |
8 |
11 |
1¾ |
Order taken for disposal of 5,357l. 15s. 1½d. remaining in the hands of John Grimes, Receiver of the Quit Rents in Virginia, being moneys arisen by those rents before the 25th April 1730.
The Commissioners of the Navy attended and their account, dated 21st instant, of the cash to come in for the service of the navy out of the supplies, anno 1731, read, as also a scheme for application of same. Their Lordships order issues thereupon.
Their Lordships agree that the moneys to be taken in by way of loan on the land tax be first issued to satisfy the aforegoing and other public services as they shall be wanted, and therefore order preparation of a warrant to the Exchequer for taking in such loans to the amount of 500,000l. in the manner as specified in the minute of the 15th instant, at 3 per cent. per annum interest to be registered next after 500,000l. meant to be charged thereupon in Exchequer bills.
John Box, junior, appointed Surveyor for the Duties on Houses for the west part of Sussex in place of his father. Wm. Downham, a tidesman in London, to be surveyor at Black wall, vice Thos. Carpenter, superannuated. Thos. Davey to succeed Downham as tidesman.
A warrant having been prepared for the King's sign manual to exempt Charles Cockburn, Lieutenant-Governor of Stirling Castle, from the tax of 4s. in the £ in Ireland as a Lieutenant Colonel on the establishment there, the King judges his office here should not excuse his residing for the time required by the Act there, and therefore refused to sign same.
The Commissioners of Stamp Duties attend with Mr. Thompson, the late Receiver General of those duties. Their report, of date 1730, August 19, charging Mr. Thompson with a debt of 907l. received by some of his clerks, but not brought to his account, read, with Mr. Attorney General's opinion. Their Lordships order Thompson to put into the hands of the Commissioners of Stamp Duties the securities he took from his clerks, for the said Commissioners to direct prosecutions against them at the King's charge.
Order for the preparation of a sign manual for 6,400l. to John Scrope for secret service.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVII. pp. 14–6.] |
| April 23. |
131. Order from the Lords of the Treasury for the execution of a warrant from the Duke of Grafton to the Duke of Montagu, for the delivery to the nine trumpeters and the kettle drummer of the Royal Regiment of Horse under the Duke of Bolton, of a velvet coat, with all particulars as formerly, and ten banners for same.
Memorandum:—This warran will come to 725l. or thereabouts. 1731, April 9. Thos. Drummer. John Halls, Comptroller.
[Lord Chamberlain's Warrant Book I. p. 349.] |
[Before
April 24] |
132. Memorial of Hy. Pelham to the Treasury paying direction of moneys to answer following demands:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
One month's subsistence to the forces to April 24 - - |
40,052 |
15 |
2 |
|
In part of 241,259l. 1s 3d. voted for the Hessian troops - - - |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
1 page. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 53.] |
| April 24. |
133. Sir Philip Yorke, Attorney General to John Scrope, enclosing a new draft [wanting] of the bill about the Penny Post. Has restrained it to letters originally sent by the Penny Post and not such as come by the General Post to London, and are from thence transmitted by the Penny Post, as he apprehends that only one penny on the whole is ever taken upon the latter, which the postmaster is clearly authorised to take by the express words of 9 Annæ, and therefore wants no new authority. “The Speaker desired to see it before it was presented, which you will please take care of. Pray consider whether the like double payment is not taken upon letters sent by the Penny Post from places out of the city and suburbs to London. That has never been mentioned by the Post Office, but if the fact is so, some care should be taken of it by this bill, for the present draft comprises only letters sent from London into the country.” Lincoln's Inn, April 24. 1½ pages.
Appending:—Representation of Ed. Carteret and E. Harrison, Postmasters General, to the Lords of the Treasury, docqueted 2 April 1731. About 50 years since the Penny Post Office was projected and carried on, at first by a private person, and some few years after put under the direction of the Postmaster General At first the conveyance by this post extended only through London, Westminster, and Southward, and only 1d. was taken for each letter. But sometime after it had come under the management of the Postmaster General, “as we have it by tradition” upon the application of several places and towns round London and their offer to pay 1d. at the delivery of every letter directed to any person outside London, Westminster, and Southwark, over and above the penny paid upon putting every such letter into the Penny Post Office, the conveyance by this post was extended to many places distant even 17 or 18 miles from London. This additional penny has been ever since constantly paid. The Act 9 Queen Anne, cap. 10. s. 6. limiting the charge to 1d. must be judged as relating only to the letters brought to the General Post Office from the country to London. No one has refused to pay the second penny upon Penny Post letters until lately, when one Hodgson at Hampstead has done so, and the officer having refused to deliver the letters to him he has brought an action for 200l. against the officer. The Attorney General is of opinion that the additional penny cannot be taken without a clause to declare and explain the law, therefore propose a clause enclosed [missing] to pass into a law for that purpose. “And we think it our duty to represent this to your Lordships as a thing very necessary to be done, for as we are obliged to carry letters to all places that are within 10 miles distance from London, if the revenue be deprived of the additional penny, which now goes to the maintenance of about 20 country messengers, we shall be under the necessity of paying them wages in recompense of it, which will bring an additional charge of 650l. a year upon the office, in diminution of the greatest part of this branch of the revenue.” Hope it will become law before next term, so as to frustrate Hodgson's action. 5 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 54.] |
| April 26. |
134. Treasury Warrant to the Auditor of the Receipt, &c. to take into the Receipt loans not exceeding 500,000l. upon the Act for the land tax, 1731, to be registered next and immediately, after the 500,000l. in Exchequer bills on the same Act: to be taken in as follows:— |
|
|
£ |
|
From the trustees of John Duke of Marlborough, deceased |
400,000 |
|
From any person willing to lend same |
66,000 |
|
From the Court of Chancery - |
34,000 |
|
[Money Book XXXV. pp. 487–8.] |
| April 27. |
135. The Duke of Newcastle to John Scrope, forwarding an application from M. Chammorel on behalf of Michel Thiment. Has already informed Sir Robert Walpole of same, and begs the request may be complied with in compliment to Chammorel. 1 page.
Appending:—(a.) M. Chammorel to the Duke of Newcastle, dated London, 1731, April 23/May 4, strongly recommending a memorial of Captain Michel Thiment, whose offence against the Act of Navigation is small and due entirely to ignorance. (French.) London, 1731, April 23, May 4. 2 pages.
(b.) Memorial of Captain Thiment, of Caen. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 55.] |
| April 28. |
136. J. Scrope to the Comptrollers of Army Accounts transmitting, for their consideration and report, two lists of persons victualled in the garrison of Gibraltar, 1730–1, January 11 to March 7, by Thos. Missing, contractor for same. The first list as follows (the second almost identical):— |
|
Kirk s regiment - |
574 men |
|
Ld. Tyrawley's - - |
613 men |
|
Gen. Grove's - - |
572 men |
|
Brigr. Clayton's - |
593 men |
|
Col. Middleton's - |
417 men |
|
Col. Auster's - |
581 men |
|
Col. Desney's - |
585 men |
|
Gunners |
76 men |
|
Ordnance - - |
29 men |
|
Genoese inhabitants - |
48 men |
|
Hospital - - |
4 men |
|
Civil List - - |
29 men |
|
[Letter Book XIX. p. 38.] |
[Before
April 29.] |
137. An account of the damages, costs, and expenses of Lieutenant Bayliffe, Wm. Dumaresque, Francis Paine, Charles De Carteret, and John Pipon, who were obliged to leave the island of Jersey in the late insurrection there, and also of Philip Gruchy, Francis le Maistre, Philip Payn, Francis Moret, George Bandinell, Lieut. Edward Colombine, Sergt. Walter Solway, John Adams, and Mrs. Anne Dauvergne, the witnesses who were summoned over to support the charge against Col. Howard.
Minuted in dorso:—1731, April 29, “To be laid before the King.” 2 pages.
Appending:—A similar account of the damages, &c. sustained by Francis Marrett in the same insurrection. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 56.] |
| April 29. |
138. A statement of the case, by way of memorial, of Richard Bradley, Attorney General for the province of New York, in America. The same salary, fees, and profits of office were granted by both His late and present Majesty as Mr. John Rayner, Bradley's predecessor, had. Rayner received 150l. per annum from home, for eight years of which to March 11 last memorialist has only received 52l. leaving 1,148l. due. There is further due for fees 900l. New York money (equal to 540l. sterling), and 220l. sterling from 1728, November, to 1730–1, March 11. Towards this the General Assembly have granted 150l. New York money (not quite 91l. sterling). “Neither is there any hopes of redress from hence for these people seem determined to starve and weary out the officers of the Crown as those who are most likely to oppose their seeming views to an early independency of Great Britain.” 1 sheet.
Appending:—Copy of letters patent, dated Fort George, in New York, 1722–3, March 11, appointing Bradley Attorney General of the province of New York, with all fees, &c. enjoyed by his predecessors. 1 page.
[Ibid, No. 57.] |
April 29.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
139. Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Dodington, Sir Wm. Yonge.
The Sub-Governor and Deputy Governor of the South Sea Company having, by their letter of the 27th instant, represented that there is now lying in the Exchequer a considerable part of the 1,000,000l. which is to be paid at Michaelmas next in discharge of South Sea annuities, and desiring the present issue of 300,000l. of same, for which they will allow 4 per cent. from time of payment to Michaelmas next, their Lordships are of opinion it is not in their power to comply with same.
Warrants ordered for services in New Forest, Salcey Forest, Bushey Park, Hampton Court, and Waltham Forest, on the report of Mr. Withers, Surveyor General.
Charles Cathcart's petition read for extraordinary allowance as Receiver General in Scotland. Order for a statement of the allowance when Archibald Douglas first became the Receiver, and the increase afterwards made.
Missing's memorial for victualling the 850 men seat from Gibraltar to Jamaica referred to the Comptrollers of the Army Accounts for report. “The Secretary at War being present when this memorial was read, he is desired by my Lords, in regard the Government of Jamaica are to victual the men when landed, to apply to the Duke of Newcastle for the King's orders to the Governor there to sell all provisions arriving there, except those for their passage, for His Majesty's service for the best price that can be got for the same.”
Edward Thomas appointed to supply the present vacancy of Surveyor of the Duties on Houses for Glamorganshire.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVII. pp. 17–18.] |
| April 30. |
140. J. Burchett to John Scrope. The rovers of Sallee last summer seized two vessels belonging to His Majesty's subjects. The Duke of Newcastle requested the Lords of the Admiralty to order Rear Admiral Cavendish, then at Gibraltar, to demand restitution or make reprisals. By his letter of this day's date Admiral Cavendish writes that Mr. Peter Butler, who resides at Sallee, and was employed by him to negotiate the affair, has procured the release of the vessels and the crews, both English and Portuguese. Desires that Butler's bill of expenses, 970l. may be laid before the Lords of the Treasury for payment. Admiralty Office, 1731, April 30. 1½ pages.
Appending:—Letter from Rear Admiral Philip Cavendish dated 1731, April 29, to Mr. Burchett as above. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXV. No. 58.] |
|
141. The Duke of Newcastle to the Lords of the Treasury, requesting issue of a further 1,000l. to the Treasurer of the Chamber to defray the expense of the messengers sent abroad. Whitehall, April 30. 1 page. [Ibid, No. 59.] |
