|
Feb. 1.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
15. Present: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
Joseph Smith's petition for a piece of ground in front of his house at Whitehall, in case the Duke of Montagu should obtain a grant to build a wharf on the back of his house in the river Thames, referred to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands.
A scheme read from several traders in tea for preventing the clandestine importation of tea. My Lords will consider it.
The Salt Commissioners' report read on the petition of Joyce Jackson, widow of Edward Jackson, of Worcester, merchant, concerning certificates for waste salt carried coastwise. Mrs. Jackson's further petition (in answer to said report) also read. The latter referred to said Commissioners.
The petition of James Houston, minister at Kirkliston, ut supra p. 232, referred to the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland.
Same of Lady Bacon read for stay of process on the arrear of rent for lands, &c., at Chatham, held by her late husband Sir Edmund Bacon at 350l. per an., no part of which has been paid from the commencement of the grant, and stating that she has surrendered the grant as the only satisfaction she can make. Stay of process ordered, and meanwhile Mr. Scrope to talk with Lady Bacon on this affair.
The petition of George Gibbs, concerning the 4½ per cent. duty paid at Antigua on sugar, &c, shipped by cocquet but cast away, referred to the Customs Commissioners.
A report of the Comptrollers of Army Accounts read on the petition of Mr. Baker, agent to John Tinker, Governor of the Bahamas, and Captain of an independant company there, praying payment of the additional 2d. per man per day, granted by Parliament for 150 men from 1741, Dec. 25, to 1742, Dec. 24 “in consideration of the loss he sustained by selling at Jamaica a surplus of provisions which he had provided under an apprehension that those sent for the subsist of the garrison would not arrive in time.” Warrant ordered.
The petition of Colin Campbell, of Blythswood, concerning a new tack of the teinds of Blythswood, &c., in the parish of Glasgow, referred to the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland.
A memorial read from Mr. Jennison, Master of the Buckhounds, concerning repairs in Swinley Lodge and the Dogkennel at New Lodge, in Windsor Forest, and representing the ruinous condition of the kennel and stables, and the inconveniency of its present situation from want of water. The Surveyor of Woods to estimate both for repairing and for removing said stables “that my Lords may judge of the difference.”
A petition of Robert Moody read for the King's moiety of the produce of the pot ashes, ut supra, p. 231. Warrant ordered for payment.
Auditor Benson's state of Woodford's account for victualling Annapolis and Placentia, read. The charge for waste stores being computed on the gross sum, and being more than the waste certified, my Lords order an inspection of what hath been done before in the like cases.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 193–5; Reference Book X. pp. 229, 230; Letter Book XX. p. 82.] |
| Feb. 1. |
16. Auditor William Lowndes to the Treasury, forwarding as below, being replies to his enquiries as to the repairs immediately necessary to be done on the pier at Portland Island. 1 page.
Appending:—(a) William Gilbert, bailiff of Portland Island, to said Lowndes, New Palace Yard, Westminster, dated from Portland, 1742, Dec. 29, concerning the expense in the coming summer towards securing said works. 1 page.
Enclosing:—(a) (1) An estimate for said repairs; together with notes of an affidavit and certificate. 2 pages.
(a) (2) Plan of said Portland pier. 1 sheet.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCX. No. 11.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
17. Present:—Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
Write to the Customs Commissioners for an account of what they have done in the coal affair since their last report.
Order for the following issues out of the Civil List revenues:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To the Privy Purse |
3,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Mr. Trevor |
870 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Mr. Villiers |
300 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the Corporation of Lyme [Regis] |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the Treasurer of the Chambers |
5,759 |
17 |
10 |
|
To the same for bills |
4,698 |
1 |
4 |
|
To Mr. Manning |
400 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Mr. Burnaby |
573 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Lord Tyrawley |
220 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the late Queen's servants |
4,029 |
17 |
1 |
|
To Richmond Lodge |
707 |
12 |
8 |
|
To Mr. Walker, Usher of the Exchequer |
397 |
16 |
0 |
|
To same |
384 |
14 |
4 |
|
To several foreign ministers |
3,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Mr. Ripley |
97 |
6 |
8 |
|
To the Duke of St. Albans |
20 |
0 |
0 |
A letter read from the Secretary of the Post Office acquainting my Lords that as the letters inwards are sometimes undertaxed by the deputies in the country they are retaxed by the porters who open the bags, and by no other persons in particular; but that the letters outwards are taxed by the clerks of the several roads.
An account read of the quantity of gold and silver lace exported for 7 years last past, viz., 8,809lb. 14oz. gold and silver lace, and 17,500lb. 5oz. gold and silver thread and wire.
A representation read from Alderman Baker and others, owners of the bills of exchange drawn by General Oglethorpe. The Chancellor of the Exchequer will lay it before the King.
The petition of William Pitts, distiller, concerning drawback on Jamaica rum, referred to the Taxes Commissioners.
A memorial from the Duke of Grafton for repair of the lodge in Whittlewood Forest referred to the Surveyor of Woods.
John Gore's proposal for victualling the independent company of foot in New Providence referred to the Comptrollers of Army Accounts.
The petition of John Gilman, of Cork, late contractor for salt beef for the garrison in Minorca, referred to same.
A memorial read from Viscount Lymington, Warden of New Forest, for felling timber to raise 300l. for keepers' salaries. Warrant ordered.
A report read from the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland, on the petition of Mungo Greeme, late Receiver General of Customs and Salt Duties, Scotland, recommending an allowance to him of 100l. per an. for himself and clerks for the salt duty, and 2d. per £ on 79,806l. 17s. 10d. for his services as cashier of the moneys arising from compositions and seizures of prohibited goods. “Lay before my Lords a state of these allowances.”
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 196–7; Reference Book X. p. 229; Letter Book XX. p. 82.] |
| Feb. 7. |
18. Report to the Customs Commissioners from Richard Swainston, their Solicitor, detailing the further steps taken in the matter of Deacon's frauds on the coal duties, viz. the proceedings against Gibson and the crimps, &c. 5 pages.
Appending:—(a) (b) (c) Accounts of the good chattels of John Gibson, William Williford, and Sir Maltis Ryall, which have been seized into the Crown hands. 2, 1 and 2 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCX. No. 12.] |
| Feb. 7. |
19. An account, dated Navy Office, of the charge for transport service for the year, 1742. (Total 133,871l. 8s. 11d.) 1 page.
[Ibid. No. 13.] |
Feb. 8.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
20. Present: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
The Navy Commissioners to attend on Thursday next concerning the two accounts of the expense of the transports and the victualling of the forces for 1742, as transmitted by them on the 7th instant.
The Customs Commissioners' report read concerning the frauds in the coal bonds, and the steps taken by them therein. The accountants employed by them in this affair tell them the account will require about 2 years to settle.
The Secretary at War comes in with the estimates for half-pay officers and for widows' pensions for 1743, which he is ready to deliver in to the House.
My Lords confirm the following presentments: James Duff, a boatman at Scilly, loco John Mitchell, superannuated; George Davie, tidesman and boatman at Whitehaven, loco John Blemire (Blamire), superannuated; John Crostwait (Crosthwaite), same, ibid, loco Richard Barnes, deceased.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. p. 198; Letter Book XX. p. 82; Customs Book XV. p. 285.] |
Feb. 10.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
21. Present:—ut supra.
The proposal of the dealers in tea referred to the Excise Commissioners.
Order for the issue out of the Civil List revenues of 17,111l. 16s. 9d. to the Cofferer of the Household for 1742, Lady Day quarter.
Same for same of 9,558l. 15s. 10d. to the Paymaster of the Marines to complete the pay of the 10 regiments of marines to the 24th Decr., 1742.
A memorial read from Mr. Hardinge, Clerk of the House of Commons, for 1,000l., voted for him last session on account of his loss of fees by printing the Journals of the said House. “Write to Mr. Harding to inform the [Treasury] Lords what progress he has made in the printing the said Journalls.”
A representation read from Mr. Sharpe, concerning the Duke of Newcastle's request to him to pay 191l. 5s. 3d. to the gaoler of Gravesend for maintaining Charles Flood, John Agar, and Charles Russell, committed for enlisting into foreign service, and William Humbles, for enlisting them; and 126l. to Mr. Cheseldon for attending John Plunkett, a prisoner in the Tower. “Inspect the books to see what has been done with respect to either of these cases.”
Report from said Sharpe read concerning the proclamation reward due to James Gray et al.
Memorial from said Sharpe read for 1,000l. imprest [for law expenses of the Crown].
Dixey Coddington to be Register of Certificates in the Isle of Jersey, loco John Pell to be superseded.
A memorial from Viscount Gage read that the re-building of Coleford Chapel may not be delayed, and that Mr. Bond pay to Mr. Hill, minister of the chapel, the 150l. paid him as a trustee for said re-building. Mr. Sharpe to let my Lords know what has been done in this affair.
Auditor Benson's report read on Mr. Woodford's account for victualling Placentia, &c., in which he craves allowance of 2 per cent. for waste on the provisions sent. “Look into what has been done in former accounts for this service. Memorandum:—The 2 per cent. was not allowed in the warrant for passing this account.”
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 199–200; Letter Book XX. p. 83.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
22. Present: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
A report read from the Surveyor General of Crown Lands on a memorial from the Duke of Montagu for extension of lease of his house and stables in the Privy Garden, together with a passage on the South side of his house, and a piece of muddy ground in the Thames. Warrant ordered.
Same from same read on the Duke of Richmond's memorial for a new lease of premises, including a passage on the north side of his house leading to the Water Stairs; together with a piece of muddy ground in the Thames, which renders his house unpleasant and unwholesome. Warrant ordered.
A memorial read from the Countess Dowager of Portland for a stay of the proceedings against her on account of the terrace at the back of her house in Whitehall. Her ladyship attending with Lord Limerick, the Bishop of Hereford, Lord Berkeley, and Mr. Godolphin, my Lords acquaint her they will lay the matter before the King.
A petition read from the inhabitants of Coleford praying that the 150l. paid to the Trustees towards rebuilding the chapel there may remain in the hands of said trustees. Referred to John Sharpe, together with Viscount Gage's petition.
A state of Mr. Greeme's demands as late Receiver General of Customs in Scotland read. Warrant ordered.
A petition of James, Earl of Galloway, read for a grant of certain feu duties of the Bishopric of Galloway. Referred to the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland.
A petition of James Steward concerning salmon sent from Leith, referred to the Customs Commissioners.
A report from said Commissioners read on the memorial of Sir Henry Benefield, concerning wool seized at Kings Lynn for want of a permit. He may apply to the Justices of the Peace, before whom the case is.
A petition read from Owen Brereton, Paymaster of several lotteries, for stay of process on his accounts. Agreed to.
A memorial read from Ralph Jenison for 280l. for tilling the lands at Swinley, &c. Referred to the Surveyor General [of Woods].
A petition read from Henry Hill and John Cornelius, for stay of process against them as sureties for the Receiver of land tax, co. Suffolk. Agreed to.
A report from the Customs Commissioners on the petition of Ezekiel Hall, read and agreed to, they having no objection to his entering the goods and paying the duties.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 201–3; Reference Book X. p. 231.] |
| Feb. 16. |
23. Warrant under the royal sign manual, countersigned by the Treasury Lords, to Viscount Weymouth, Ranger and Keeper of St. James's Park, Henry Fox, Surveyor General of the Works, and Henry Legge, Surveyor General of Woods, commanding a door to be opened from Piccadilly into St. James's Park, over against the house of the Earl of Bath, for the use and conveniency of said Earl and his family as often as they shall have occasion to enter said park.
[King's Warrant Book XXXV. p. 159.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
24. Present: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
Write to the Navy Commissioners as usual for an account how they intend to proportion the money granted for the Navy for 1743.
Order for the issue to the Paymaster of the Forces of 150,000l. for the Queen of Hungary out of the 500,000l. granted for 1743 for supporting the Protestant interest in the House of Austria.
Same for same to the Treasurer of the Ordnance of 78,048l. 13s. 5d. for services as in his memorial of the 15th instant.
A petition read from Mr. Tayler, agent to Legoniere's regiment, for permission to send from Ireland 69 sets of embroidered furniture with the clothing now going to the said regiment in Flanders. Referred to the Revenue Commissioners, Ireland.
Leave of absence for 12 months to Mr. Gordon, collector of Nevis. The like to Mr. Maxwell, searcher of Bridgetown, Barbados.
A memorial of the Equivalent Company for payment of an arrear due to them on their annuity of 10,600l. per an., referred to the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland.
A same from the Surveyor of Woods, concerning repairing the outside paling of Old Windsor Wood, read and agreed to. Likewise a same from same about repair of the fences of Fangrove, Knowl Grove and Stubbridge Woods, co. Surrey. Send to Mr. Sharpe an affidavit of one Milles, concerning persons cutting bushes in Old Windsor Wood.
The report from the Excise Commissioners on the petition of Daniel Beaumont, starchmaker, agreed to.
A memorial read from Mr. Paris for payment of a bill for carrying on business for Mr. Paxton. He must apply to Mr. Paxton for payment.
Mr. Fane, Mr. Leheup, Mr. Lowe, Mr. Wright and Mr. Burman are ordered by my Lords in the interim, and until the Commissioners or managers of the new lottery can be settled, to take care to carry on and forward the business relating thereunto as much as may be.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 204–5; Letter Book XX. pp. 83, 84; North Britain Book XIII. p. 376; Irish Book IX. p. 387; Customs Book XV. p. 292.] |
| Feb. 18. |
25. The Navy Commissioners to John Scrope, dated Navy Office, communicating for the Treasury a scheme of the manner proposed for the issue of the remainder of the funds, 1742, payable to the Navy.
Endorsed:—Feb. 22. Ordered. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCX. No. 22.] |
| Feb. 21. |
26. The Duke of Devonshire to the Treasury, dated Devonshire House, conveying the King's assent to the proposal by Mary Louise, Baroness de Steinberg, to surrender a pension of 300l. per an., granted out of the Irish establishment to Maria Hedewig Mehmet, for 25 years, to the residue of which said Baroness has become entitled: all with a view to the re-grant to the said Baroness of the like pension for 31 years, from Dec. 25 last, out of the Irish establishment as before. 1 page.
[Ibid. No. 23.] |
| Feb. 22. |
27. Treasury warrant to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands for a constat or particular of the Duke of Richmond's house, with the appurtenances within the Privy Garden, Whitehall, and two old houses thereto adjoining, of which said Duke desires a new lease on surrender, together with part of a passage on the North side of his house leading to the Water Stairs, and a piece of muddy ground lying between his ground and the low-water mark in the Thames; being part of a bay in the said river out of the stream of the tide where the mud lodges, which renders his house unpleasant and unwholesome, of which said Duke desires a lease.
Appending:—Plan of the premises; and
Prefixing:—Surveyor General's report on said Duke's petition for same. “His Majesty, by his prerogative, is entitled to the soil of all navigable rivers as far as low-water mark, and to the soil between high and low water mark in right of his royal palace and manor of Westminster. The city of London is intitled to the conservancy of the water of Thames from Staines to Yantlet (“Yenfleet”), but hath no right to the soil otherwise than as private lords within their own manors.”
[Crown Lease Book VI. pp. 272–4.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
28. Present: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
A memorial read from the Earl of Bath, concerning a piece of his freehold in Swallow Street being included in a grant to the Scotch congregation. Referred to the Surveyor General of Lands.
Order for the issue to the Navy Treasurer of 20,944l. 12s. 1d. in part of 50,000l. on the head of wages as by his memorial of the 14th instant. Memorandum:—This completes the sums granted for the Navy, 1742.
A petition read from Lord Fortrose, for release from an arrear of feu duties payable out of the Island of Lewis. Referred to the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland.
Order for a warrant for 5l. a day ordinary and 500l. as equipage to Monsieur de Salis, Envoy Extraordinary to the Republic of the Grisons, as by the Duke of Newcastle's letter of the 17th instant, said ordinary to date from 1742, March 25.
A letter from the Duke of Newcastle read for paying Burnaby Parker, Consul at Oporto, 450l. 10s. 0d. for a bill of disbursements. Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer will lay it before the King.
A memorial read from the Westminster Bridge Commissioners for 10,000l., remaining part of 20,000l. granted last session towards building said bridge. Ordered.
Mr. Revel's petition read for 1,447l. 17s. 0d. for insurance of provisions sent to Gibraltar in 1741. Referred to the Comptrollers of Army Accounts.
A memorial from the Postmasters General read in behalf of seamen wounded in the “Townshend” packet boat, praying my Lords to enable them to relieve said seamen. Write to the Postmasters to inform my Lords in what manner they propose to relieve them.
A report read from the Surveyor of Woods for repairs in Dean Forest, Bushey Park and New Lodge, Windsor Forest. Agreed to. Same for same in Whittlewood Forest. Agreed to. A representation from same read concerning the 5 years' salary due at Midsummer next to the two keepers of Bere Forest. Agreed to.
A report read from the Board of Works on the memorial of the Master of the Horse for rebuilding some coach houses and stables in the Mews at Charing Cross, and cleaning and making less the horse pond there. Agreed to at the estimate of 234l. 16s. 9d.
A representation read from James Reynolds of the Transfer Office of the 1710 Lottery that he is going to leave the house where said office is kept, and desiring to know where he shall deposit such books thereof as it may be necessary to keep, and have leave to destroy the useless books and papers, i.e., files of the numbers of the tickets for the drawing of the lottery and other papers that are partly destroyed by damp and dust, and that neither are nor can be of any use. Notice to be given by an advertisement for all persons to come in before the 1st of June next who have any claims on that lottery. “And write to the Auditor of the Receipt to have the books inspected, and such as are useful kept, and to propose where they may be deposited.”
A petition read from Robert Mitchell, commander of the sloop at Swansea, now laid aside. To be laid by.
A same from James Johnson, late sheriff of Carmarthen, for repayment of a reward paid after passing his accounts, referred to the Auditor of Wales.
A same from the sureties of Mr. Bull, Receiver General for Brecon, &c., concerning the disposal of said Bull's effects, referred to the Taxes Commissioners.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 206–9; Letter Book XX. pp. 84, 85; North Britain Book XIII. p. 376; Reference Book X. p. 231.] |
| Feb. 22. |
29. Report to the Treasury from the Excise Commissioners, London, on the scheme (a) infra for altering the duties on tea, viz. by replacing the present inland duty of 4s. per lb. by a duty of 33 per cent., to be paid by the East India Company on all tea sold at their candle, up to 12s. a lb., and above that price by a duty of 4s. per lb. Find that on an average for 7 years last past, the inland duty on tea has produced nearly 200,000l. per an. In some of those years it stood at 230,000l. At present it is only 176,000l. Said scheme only proposes to raise 163,000l. Further are doubtful whether the consumption is as great as set forth, viz. 1,600,000 lbs., that being much more than the East India Company imports one year with another, and also more by 400,000 lbs. than the traders themselves imagined was consumed 7 years since, when they applied to the administration and Parliament with a scheme of the like nature. Even if the consumption be as great as represented, the revenue cannot be kept up unless smuggling be entirely suppressed, and with a proposal like the present one, amounting to virtually a 64 per cent. duty, the profit to the smuggler will be too great a temptation, especially if it is true, as reported, that the French and Dutch import a lower kind of tea, which they sell at a much less price than the India Company. Are therefore adverse to the proposal. Endorsed:—Feb. 24. Read. 3 pages.
Appending:—(a) A scheme humbly offered to prevent the clandestine importation of tea. With:—Treasury order of reference, of date 1742–3, Feb. 11. Endorsed:—Feb. 1. Read. 1½ pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCX. No. 24; Reference Book X. p. 230.] |
Feb. 24.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
30. Present: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Compton, Sir John Rushout, Mr. Gybbon.
A memorial read from Charles Richards and William Corbet concerning the grant of mines to them in co. Cardigan, and concerning the complaint made in the House of Commons against Roderick Richards for breach of privilege. My Lords, having recourse to the report of the Surveyor General of Lands upon the petition for this grant, find that petitioner proposes to adventure in the premises at his own expense and hazard.
A report read from the Excise Commissioners on a scheme for hindering clandestine importation of tea.
Order for the issue to the Navy Treasurer of 119,811l. 19s. 1d. out of funds, anno 1743, for services as in his memorial of this day.
Mr. Sharpe's account read of what is due to persons for convicting street robbers, amounting to 2,700l. 14s. 0d.
An account read of moneys due to several sheriffs, amounting to 2,802l. 4s. 2½d.
Order for the following issues out of the Civil List revenues:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To Mr. Sharpe for law charges |
1,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the foreign ministers for 1742, Lady Day quarter |
7,408 |
6 |
6 |
|
For convictions of street robbers |
900 |
14 |
0 |
|
To sundry sheriffs, for rewards |
1,012 |
5 |
7 |
|
To the sheriff of Bucks |
160 |
0 |
0 |
|
For the city [Corporation wine] impost |
98 |
14 |
0 |
A memorial read from the Stamps Commissioners informing that they have committed some persons for hawking and selling unstamped newspapers, but that several Justices of Peace make some scruples therein, and therefore desiring that a clause may be inserted for empowering the justices. My Lords direct them to propose a proper clause, to be inserted in the Vagrant Act now depending.
Enquire and make a statement of what rent is due to the Crown from the Duchess of Buckingham for the alum works.
Refer to the Salt Commissioners a petition of Graffin Prankard concerning salt destroyed by an overflow of the Severn.
The report from the Surveyor of Woods, on Mr. Jenison's memorial about a dog kennel, read and agreed to.
A memorial from Major General Guest, Barrackmaster in Scotland, for 959l. 18s. 3¾d. for one year's stores to 1742, Xmas, referred to the Comptrollers of Army Accounts.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has laid the Dowager Countess of Portland's memorial before the King, whose pleasure is that the proceedings at law should go on.
[Treasury Minute Book XXIX. pp. 210–11; Reference Book X. p. 231.] |
| Feb. 25. |
31. An account of the gross and net produce of the duties upon strong waters, low wines and spirits, from 1727, June 24, to 1735, June 24, examined by Henry Needler, Accomptant General, Excise Office, and certified by the Excise Commissioners. 1 sheet.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCX. No. 25.] |
