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Dec. 1.
|
Petition read from Mr. William Williams, of Fowey, merchant,
who was taken into custody on the Lord Treasurer's warrant for
abusing Holmes, an officer of the Excise. On hearing the matter
by Counsel on both sides the Lord Treasurer directs that after payment
of fees and putting in bail to appear to an information in the
King's Bench, to be prosecuted by the Attorney General, the said
Williams be discharged out of custody. In the margin : Done.
The Lord Treasurer to discourse Sir Stephen Fox about paying
Sir Thomas Allin and the rest of the officers of the Cinque ports.
[Ibid. p. 72.]
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Dec. 3.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, Lord Lieutenant, Viscount
Ranelagh, Attorney General, Lord Chief Justice Boothe.
Viscount Ranelagh's petition is read, with the King's reference
upon it to the Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer and Lord Lieutenant.
A paper of queries concerning Viscount Ranelagh's undertaking is
offered by the Lord Lieutenant and read.
Query : (1) Whether Viscount Ranelagh, &c. [and his
partners] having received the full benefit of the Duke of
Ormonde's assignment to His Majesty ought not to be obliged
to satisfy the full demand the said Duke had thereupon against
the King.
Upon debate of this it was thought reasonable that the
said Viscount Ranelagh, &c. [and his partners] should be
liable to answer 5,000l. a year to the Duke of Ormonde for
the five years of their time being 25,000l. and whatsoever of
the said 25,000l. shall be paid by the King said Viscount
Ranelagh, &c. [and his partners] are to discount it to the
King out of their settled demands.
(2) Whether 2,750l. per an. being allowed to the [Irish
revenue] Farmers' Commissioners for their salary before the
undertaking of Viscount Ranelagh [and his partners] and being
mentioned in Lord Aungier's state as a charge upon the revenue
ought not to be allowed by said Viscount and his partners
without demand of defalcation for same.
Upon debate thereof it was concluded that Visc. Ranelagh
[and partners] were entitled by their contract to a defalcation
for it and therefore to be allowed them.
(3) Whether in those remittals of Quit rents where the
letters were dated before the commencement of the contract,
but no patents passed till afterwards, Ranelagh [and his
partners] ought to have defalcation.
Upon debate [hereon it was] concluded that they by their
contract were entitled to a defalcation for such remittals :
and therefore to be allowed them.
(4) Whether 3,250l. 4s. 6d. and 742l. 3s. 2d., being paid by
Sir James Cuff since Xmas, 1670, but towards the charge of
the former year of which former year's revenue Viscount
Ranelagh and partners had a considerable benefit, the said
sums ought to be allowed them.
Upon debate [hereon it was] concluded as in the third
query.
(5) Whether 936l. 13s. 4d. paid to Alderman Hutchinson for
lands enclosed in Phoenix Park, and 2,900l. to Sir Maurice
Eustace upon the same account alleged by Sir James Cuffe to
be paid since Xmas, 1670, ought to be allowed to Ranelagh
and partners.
Upon debate [hereof it was] concluded that if those two
sums were paid since Xmas, 1670, Ranelagh [and his partners]
ought to have no defalcation allowed them, but if before that
[date, then] they are entitled to it. The proof of the fact
to be the testimony of those who received the money or
Sir James Cuff's oath if the Lord Lieutenant thinks fit.
(6) Whether Viscount Ranelagh [and partners] being obliged
to pay 6,250l. to Lord Arlington, and they having fully
satisfied his Lordship's pretensions with 5,000l. they ought
not to be answerable to the King for the remaining 1,250l.
Upon debate [hereof it was] concluded that if this 1,250l.
was allowed in the sum of 61,000l. formerly allowed them
then they are liable to it. The fact to be ascertained in
Ireland.
[Treasury Minute Book p. 74.]
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Dec. 3.
|
[Those of] the Excise Commissioners who were Treasurers [and]
Mr. Ball [are] to be summoned.
The contractors for the Hearthmoney also.
Sir William Warren and Mr. Dering to attend and notice to be
given to all parties. [Postea] put off to the 10th [instant].
[Day Book p. 98.]
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Dec. 6.
|
Mr. Mounteney to give an account of the 32,000l., how much
hath been taken out of it. In the margin : Done [meaning : letter
written to Mounteney].
A letter to be written to Sir Stephen Fox for placing Mr. Chr.
Story upon the list of Excise for 500l. per an., to commence from
Midsummer last. The like marginal note.
Write to Mr. Mounteney to bring 388l. into the Exchequer for
the Lord Privy Seal's diet money for one quarter to Michaelmas
[last]. The like marginal note.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 75.]
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Dec. 8.
Wednesday.
|
[Write] Mr. Mounteney to bring [into the Exchequer] 600l. for
the Wardrobe : to be out of the 32,000l. to be made good again, &c.
The like marginal note.
[Ibid.]
|
The petition of some at Plymouth about their lands used in
making the citadel is to be read.
Sir Ro. Thomas and Dr. Butler's business to be then heard.
[Day Book p. 98.]
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Dec. 9.
|
Send to Mr. Litcot [to know] what value he has in Custom House
bonds and what the Farm of logwood makes.
Mr. Rashley and Mr. Courtney called in, who present the
following articles against Mr. Weale, Collector of Customs at Fowey.
(1) That he is very infamous as a petty attorney and his
oppressions could not be enumerated.
(2) For his more advantageous ensnaring the simple he
pretends to be religious, and, being excommunicate for offences
against the church, very impudently uses the King's Custom
House boat every Sunday to carry factious persons to conventicles,
and keeps close to them that he may entitle every
prosecution for his crime to be a prosecution for being a
professor, as he calls himself.
(3) As Collector of Fowey he has deceived the King and
oppressed the subject in refusing to take entries of ships and
goods but on unreasonable extortions and conditions, and, in
particular, refused to take an entry of the ship called the
"Mary," of that port, laden with tobacco from Virginia, on
pretence she was foreign built, although he himself well knew
she was a prize ship bought from the Commissioners of Prize
Goods and had been very often entered there as a free ship.
To admit said entry he demanded 100l. and after five weeks'
delay made the merchants give him 10l., or otherwise would
not have admitted them to an entry.
(4) That he usually takes money to dispense masters from
taking the usual oath of the contents of their cargo, whereby
the King is deceived of the Customs.
(5) That he has made seizure of several parcels of goods
and shares them with his companions without returning the
same into the Exchequer or answering the King his part of the
seizure.
Affidavits and letters produced for proof are read.
The Lord Treasurer orders a letter to be written to Mr. Weale
this post that he clear himself before Xmas. A copy of the articles
is to be sent to the Customs Commissioners.
Theop. Franklin's petition read and dismissed.
Petition read from Sir Roger Bradshaigh on a reference from the
King. My Lord to know who is his security besides Heber.
An order of Council is read on behalf of Geo. McCarty et al. Irish
merchants. To be read at the Treasury Chambers on Wednesday
next.
Petition read from Sir William Carr on a reference from the King.
Secretary Bertie is ordered to attend the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
in it.
Petition read from the day labourers of Scotland Yard. [Write]
Sir William Doiley, the Teller, or his clerk, to attend the Lord
Treasurer to-morrow at the Treasury Chambers. "The poor
labourers to have 400l. for eight weeks—1,600l. upon their
ordinary and [upon their] extraordinary four weeks of their 400l.
per week : both out of the 32,000l., to be repaid as the Customs
mend." In the margin : Done [meaning : directions accordingly
sent to the Exchequer].
Write Sir Humphry Hooke to pay his money upon the tally into
the Exchequer, if not already paid. In the margin : Done [meaning :
letter written].
Mr. Chudleigh to have 200l., and the remainder of his order,
284l., [is ordered] to be placed [upon some fund for payment].
Mr. Steevens to attend my Lord to-morrow morning early.
Petition read from Sir Chr. Musgrave, on a reference from the
King. Sir Charles Harbord's report thereon is also read. A report
[to the King] to be drawn representing the reasonableness of the
petition.
Mr. William Penn's case is read. My Lord to be put in mind of
it to-morrow morning.
Petition read from Mr. Hoghton et al. Farmers of [Excise for]
Lancashire. Referred to the Excise Commissioners.
Petition read from Visct. Bulkeley and Jones, a merchant.
The order of Council and the case of the Barbados dead soldiers
is referred to Commissary Baines and Mr. Fillingham to state the
several pretentions.
Mr. Seik's petition is referred to the Agents of the Hearthmoney.
Mr. Cardonell's petition is referred to the Customs Commissioners.
Petition from Mr. Wharton, Collector of Whitby, is read and
dismissed.
Petition read from Mr. Frowd on a reference from the King. To
be put into my Lord's papers for the [Privy] Council tomorrow.
Nothing can yet be done in Mr. Stedding's petition.
Serjt. Bishop's petition is read with his bill of charges for the
service of the House of Commons. The Lord Treasurer will speak
with the Speaker of the House.
Petition read from the Duke of Albemarle on a reference from
the King. Granted.
Nothing can be done in Mr. Hall's petition, the business being
already settled.
Mr. Brimskell's petition read. The warrant to run during pleasure.
My Lord to be minded to receive the King's directions to-morrow
concerning New Year's gifts to be provided for the Jewel House.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 75-8.]
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|
Dec. 10.
|
The same businesses that were appointed for the 3rd and those of
the 8th [are to be heard to-day].
[Day Book, p. 98.]
|
Dec. 10.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
The Lord Treasurer directs that the Ordnance Office be paid a
quarter as well for the patent fees in the Exchequer as for the
quarterly payment due at Xmas next.
Present : The King, Lord Keeper, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
Lord Treasurer, Attorney General.
The petition of the new Farmers of [the revenue of] Ireland is
read for a security (by a year's lease of the quit rents) for repayment
of their advance money.
Sir James Shaen and partners are called in. The King tells
them that they must resolve this night whether they will proceed,
and if they have nothing else to object but the words they pretend
were struck out they shall be put into the warrant, viz. "upon or
before the determination of this commission" in the 12 and 13 line
of the 2d. skin.
They withdraw : come in again and desire those words may be
inserted and they will pay the 20,000l. when His Majesty pleases.
Accordingly the words were put into the bill in His Majesty's
presence.
The King will send his letter to the Lord Lieutenant to direct the
Vice-Treasurer [of Ireland] to give them [Shaen and partners] an
Exchequer acquittance for the 20,000l. This letter to be [left]
in the hands of the Speaker of the House to deliver [to] them as
soon as they pay the money, which they intend to do to-morrow
in one entire sum.
The Lord Lieutenant moves about the remittal of Sir William
Talbot's quit rents. The King's answer is that he has remitted
already the full sum to which he had limited himself [viz. the
5,000l. per an. of quit rents as by the covenants with the intending
Farmers of the revenue in Ireland] and therefore directs that Sir
William Talbot's letter be stopped and all others whatsoever [of the
like nature].
The Speaker of the House to send his officers to tell [count] the
20,000l. which is to be lodged at the Treasury of the Navy, and to
send the Lord Keeper a certificate when 'tis received.
Sir Ro. Thomas and Dr. Butler with their Counsel are called in.
The Doctor's petition to the King is read together with the Attorney
General's report. A report to be drawn acquainting the King with
all the proceedings in this matter and that the Lord Treasurer
thinks it fitter to be heard at the Privy Council.
Col. Birch, Major Huntington and Sir Jo. James and Mr. Balle
are called in concerning the old accompt of the Excise on which
they are in arrear 900l. odd, viz. upon the Country Excise. They
pray [permission] to carry on the old arrear upon the next accompt.
[They are ordered to bring in the state of their accompt to Mr.
Auditor Birch this day sevennight. Enquire concerning the 840l.
paid by Mr. Ball to Secretary Coventry on his embassy into Swedeland
and on what privy seal it ought to be issued. [My Lord
allows the] 168l. paid to Mr. Rosse by Mr. Balle. Auditor Birch
is to allow so much as shall be certified under the hand of Secretary
Coventry. The 400l. to stand in super upon Mr. Ball till he
produce a discharge. The 6l. for locks my Lord allows it.
This day week the sub-farmers of the strong waters are to attend.
Tooth is one of them, he lives by the Great James in Bishopgate
Street. Enquire the names of the rest.
The Contractors of the Chimney money are called in upon their
pretence of defalcations on account of [smiths'] forges. The Lord
Treasurer refuses to allow any defalcations upon their last half
year's rent, [they] detaining in their hands 3,500l.
Mr. Dering, Sir William Doiley's clerk, is called in about the
debt due from Sir Humphry Hooke, for which Mr. Wiseman lately
struck a tally. He says he refused to give credit to Mr. Wiseman
till Sir William Doiley himself ordered it and that Mr. Aram
promised that he would get the order directed in case he flung down
the bill. N.B.—'Tis directed to a Teller who receives not the
money of Gloucestershire.
The Lord Treasurer directs 1,500l. for New Year's gifts.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 78-80.]
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Dec. 11.
|
Capt. Ph. Howard to have 500l. upon the Bishop of Lincoln's
(Lang's) arrears for the clergy subsidies.
Sir Gab. Silvius [is ordered to have] 700l. upon the same and
575l. to be paid upon the Chimney money [rent due] in March next to
complete his order for 1,275l. (struck through. Note in margin :
'razed by my Lord's order 29 Dec., 1695.')
[Ibid, p. 80.]
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Dec. 13.
|
The Lord Treasurer to be put in mind to speak with the Attorney
General in the business of exported corn.
The salary of the Collector of Minehead is to be augmented [by]
15l. per an. to make his fee 50l. per an.
The salary of the officers at Wolla and Sharpeston are to have
10l. per an. added.
[Ibid.]
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Dec. 14.
|
On Friday next all parties concerned in Sutton Marsh are to be
summoned. Desire the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Surveyor
[General of Crown Lands] and the Auditor [of the County] to
attend.
Serjeant Baldwin's fee [is ordered] to be paid.
Mr. Walker's petition read about his attendance on the Commissioners
for the [Union of Scotland with the] Kingdom of England :
together with the certificates [as to such attendance]. To be paid
according to the petition.
The warrant for Mr. Tindal of Bristol for the reversion of a place
in that port is to be drawn blank and the King's pleasure is to be
known, whether [it is to be] for one or two lives.
Mr. Thompson's petition read on a reference from the King,
together with Sir C. Harbord's report thereon to my Lord. Take
care that it be regularly done.
Sir William Bowles's petition read. His debt to be stated, what
it is and when due.
Sir Ro. Bradshaigh's petition [is read and ordered] to be put
among my Lord's papers for the [Privy] Council to-morrow. Sir
Ro. Bradshaigh, Mr. Banastre, and Col. Kirby are to be at the
Treasury Chamber to-morrow morning, before [the meeting of the
Privy] Council, to meet the Attorney and Solicitor General.
Petition read from the officers of the Pipe. Respited for some
time, but agreed to be done.
Petition read from Sir H. Vane's daughter on a reference from
the King, together with the report thereon to my Lord from Sir
Fra. North, Attorney General, and Sir Charles Harbord's report on
the said Attorney General's report. [Ordered] to be referred back
to Sir C. Harbord for a valuation of the thing.
Sir Tho. Chichely's report upon Sir Rich. Hatton's petition is
read. The debt [is ordered] to be stated, that the interest may be
paid till a way can be found for payment of the principal.
Mr. Weaver's petition [is read and] dismissed.
Petition read from the Mayor and commonalty of London for
enlargement of a wharf at Wapping. The Lord Treasurer is willing
to comply with them.
Petition read from Sir Jo. Lethuillier on a reference from the
King. The debt to be stated and interest to be paid from that time.
Petition read from Mris. Chiffinch. The Chancellor of the
Exchequer to be spoken with in it.
Signior Micone's papers [are] read. The Lord Lieutenant to
give the Lord Treasurer his opinion concerning Micone's petition.
Petition read from the Keepers of Waltham Forest. The Lord
Treasurer to know what he has paid them.
Mr. Chetwind's petition read. To be considered when it is in
farm [or? when ... It is in farm].
Petition read from Mr. Skelton on a reference [from the King].
A caveat is entered and must be heard.
Mr. Hasdonk's petition is read [but the matter is] respited.
The Lord Treasurer directs that Mr. Chudleigh, Secretary to the
Embassy to be at Nimeguen, [have paid to him] 484l. for equipage
and three months' advance of ordinary : to be sent out of the
Customs.
[My Lord orders] 10,000l. to be issued to the Treasurer of the
Navy for payment of ships.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 81-2.]
|
Dec. 15.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : the King, Duke of York, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
Lord Treasurer, Viscount Ranelagh, the Attorney and Solicitor
General.
[The two] Aldermen Foorths are called in and their petition for
further defalcations is read.
(1) Upon mortality and dearth. The Attorney General says
there is no one word of famine in the covenants. Not agreed
[to].
(2) Upon the Plantation Act. Viscount Ranelagh says they
received a greater year of the Customs after that Act, viz.
from 1670, Dec. 25, to 1671, and if any pretence arises 'tis from
25 Mar., 1674, for all before that time was concluded by the
minutes.
(3) Upon wine warrants. Answer transit cum oncre.
(4) Loss upon the Hearthmoney for want of a commission.
Viscount Ranelagh says they had a year's Hearthmoney in
their hands, before hand, without interest.
(5) Loss by the Customs for the last quarter. Answer :
Concluded formerly in the defalcation of 20,000l. [Ordered
that] Mr. Alderman [Forth] show His Majesty what they
[Forth and his partners] have made of the Customs from 25
March, 1674, till Xmas last.
[Ordered] that the account of the Customs of Ireland be produced.
A day to be appointed for examining that accompt.
The Robes [are ordered] to have 400l. in part of their 12 weeks'
arrear.
The Barbados [4½ per cent. duty] Farmers are called in and their
petition for defalcations is read. (1) They insist that they had not
possession of their farm according to covenant. (2) They plead a
covenant for defalcation in case of war or plague. (3) They urge their
losses sustained by hurricanes (not included in their covenants).
The grant of this farm began the 25 Dec., 1670, for seven years,
at the rent of 7,000l. per an. There is now due for five years from
the Farmers 35,000l. The Farmers acquaint the Lord Treasurer
that they are not at present in a condition to give an account of
their fifth year by reason they have received no letters from the
Island. The Farmers agree that they have only paid 12,000l., as
will appear by tallies struck. The Lord Treasurer to speak with
Auditor Aldworth upon the Farmers' accompt for the two first years
lately stated by him, and my Lord directs also that the accompt of
the said farm for two years more, viz. for 1673 and 1674, be referred
to the same auditor to be stated.
The petition from Viscount Ranelagh, Lord Brereton, Mr. Kirwood
and Scutt is read. They are to be desired to attend on Tuesday
morning next with the Auditor and Mr. Trant, who preferred the
petition.
Viscount Bulkeley's petition and Mr. Nelthrop's [are] read, Mr.
Brent appearing for the first and Mr. Hodges for the latter.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 82-4]
|
|
Dec. 15.
|
The Barbados Farmers to be heard.
The Irish merchants [sic? for revenue Farmers] ...
Sir Ro. Bradshaigh, Mr. Banastre and Col. Kirby to be at the
Treasury Chamber, before Council, to meet the Attorney and
Solicitor General.
[Day Book, p. 99.]
|
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Dec. 16.
|
My Lord directs that what is now undisposed of the Hearthmoney
contained in Sir Philip Lloyd's privy seal be assigned to Mr. Packer
for the service of the Works, and he [Packer] to take care to get it
[paid] in [to the Exchequer by the Hearthmoney Farmers in order
to his receiving it out from thence].
My Lord directs process to be stopped against Cornwall, Aubry
and Davis for a month from date hereof, upon the desire of Sir
Thomas Williams.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 84.]
|
|
Dec. 16.
|
Mr. Deering and Sir William Warren's business to be heard on
[this] Thursday afternoon.
[Day Book p. 99.]
|
|
Dec. 17.
|
My Lord directs 120l. to be brought in [from the Customs] for
satisfaction of the two warrants for the Queen's Pages [viz.] Mr.
Sandys and Mr. Cary half a year each.
Also 500l. for the Earl of Lichfield's quarter ending at Michaelmas
last.
Major Huntingdon and Sir Jo. James called in with Col. Birch, the
two former having been appointed to bring in the state of their
accompt to said Auditor Birch. The sub-farmers of the strong
waters are likewise called in, viz. Mr. Tooth (who lives by the
Great James in Bishopsgate Street) and his partners, they being
appointed to attend this day on the question why they prosecute in
the Exchequer and do not determine it before the Excise Commissioners.
The Lord Treasurer asks them why they prosecute by
English bill in the Exchequer contrary to the Act of Parliament.
They answer that Sir Jo. King and Mr. Sawyer, their Counsel, advise
them. They further add that the Lord Chief Baron has admitted
of a hearing. The Attorney and Solicitor General are to attend
[the Lord Treasurer] in this matter on Wednesday afternoon next,
with the Lord Chief Baron. A letter to be sent to Sir Jo. King and
Mr. Sawyer acquainting them with the matter and desiring them
to attend also as above.
Major Huntington prays a little further time for their [Excise]
accompt. My Lord grants them till Wednesday next.
On Monday the [Excise] Commissioners are to attend with their
paper of incidents.
Desire the Lord Chief Baron to attend the Lord Treasurer some
morning before Wednesday next.
Mr. Bertie to attend the Chancellor [of the Exchequer] about
Mr. Ball's business concerning Alderman Backwell's bill.
[Ordered that] 26,000l. be offered to Sir Stephen Fox on wine
bonds [taken] in London and the outports.
Warrants to be drawn for a year's salary for the officers of the
Works.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 84-5 ; Day Book p. 99.]
|
|
Dec. 20.
|
At the instance of the Earl of Ogle, the Lord Treasurer directs
process to be stopped against Sir Fr. Anderson and Mr. Christian,
till Easter term, upon present payment [by them] of 309l. 14s. 1¼1/8d.
to clear their receipt of the Eighteen Months' assessment.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 86.]
|
Dec. 22.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : Lord Treasurer, Lord Chief Baron, Attorney General,
Sir Jo. King.
[The matter is discussed] about the sub-farmers of the Strong
Waters prosecuting in the Exchequer. The Attorney General says
the Act of Parliament directs the prosecution and recovery before
the [Excise] Commissioners, but in case there be a defect of proof
of the particulars of the duty he conceives an information lies
against the retailer in the Exchequer for a discovery, only to be
used as evidence before the [Excise] Commissioners, i.e. as evidence
for the recovery of the duty.
Col. Birch objects that all offences are before the Commissioners,
and if this be no offence it ought not to be prosecuted in the
Exchequer or elsewhere.
The Attorney General answers the concealing of the duty is an
offence but there is no way to discover it but by the party's oath,
which may be allowed here, as well as in other cases where the
subject has the like remedy, as tithes, &c.
Col. Birch [objects] no person by law is subject to a discovery
upon oath where such discovery will subject him to forfeitures or
penalties, as it does in this case.
The Attorney General [replies] the information lies not to have
a discovery by oath unless the King's Attorney offers by the information
to remit the penalty, as is done in this case, which offer
being upon record is obliging [binding] to the King and shall bind
any informer, unless he had beforehand gained an interest by action
or information brought by him, which was not at all done in this
case : that the aid of the Exchequer is prayed only, and no judgment
[is] given.
Mr. Sawyer is of opinion that the Exchequer holds plea of that
duty [of Excise], but the forfeitures are under the jurisdiction of the
Commissioners, and says if the gauger omits his duty must the
King lose the single duty?
Major Huntington moves that the Attorney General be desired to
send for both parties and examine the weight of any information by
English bill in the Exchequer before he sets his hand to it. This
the Lord Treasurer approves of.
On Friday morning next the Excise Commissioners and the
Auditor of Excise are to attend to determine the sums of money
depending upon their last accompt, ending 1674, Sept., and their
receipt of the present Farm, ending Nov. 16 last.
To-morrow week being Thursday, the 29th inst., Sir Ri. Ford,
Mr. Bankes, Mr. Sawyer, Mr. Aldworth, junr., Mr. Brewer are
to examine Sir William Warren's accompts at Mr. Sawyer's
chamber.
Mr. Dering called in. Process to be stopped against him and he
[is] ordered to proceed vigorously against Fenn upon the extent
against body and goods. Send for an account of what wine bonds
are in his [Fenn's] hands, both for London and the outports.
Lord Byron to have half a year of his pension.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 86-7 ; Day Book, p. 99.]
|
Dec. 22.
Wednesday.
|
Auditor Aldworth and Mr. Trant are to attend the Lord
Treasurer [this day] about the business of the Four and a half
per cent.
In the afternoon [of to-day] the Lord Chief Baron, Sir William
Warren, Sir Richard Ford, Mr. John Banks and Mr. Dering are to
appear at the Treasury Chambers.
Likewise Sir Jo. King, Mr. Sawyer and the Chancellor of the
Exchequer.
[Day Book p. 99.]
|
|
Dec. 23.
|
Notice to be set up that the Lord Treasurer adjourns all business
till after Twelfth Day and then will proceed as formerly : by
which time all petitions now lying before his Lordship shall be
answered.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 87.]
|
Dec. 24.
Friday.
Treasury
Chambers.
|
Present : The King, Duke of York, Lord Chancellor, Lord
Treasurer, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Viscount Ranelagh, Attorney
General.
The debate was (1) concerning respited [quit rents of Irish]
lands, which was referred to the Lord Lieutenant. (2) Concerning
[defalcations demanded because of] the Plantation Act.
Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Finch, Counsel for [the two] Aldermen
Foorth [and their partners in the Irish revenue farm], are called in
(1) upon the covenant that no Act should pass to the prejudice of the
farm. He instances in the Plantation Act, which obliges ships to come
immediately for England before they go for Ireland : 18,000l. per
an. evidently lost by the Act to the [Irish revenue] Farmers. For
the war defalcations [these have been] already allowed. But after
the expiration of the war they allege to have lost [by reason of this
Plantation Act] at the rate of 18,000l. per an. The Plantation Act
passed April, 1671, but took not place till 29 Sept., 1671.
The Attorney General asks what damage they have sustained.
Mr. Sawyer says before the war the Customs made 110,000l. per an.
Mr. Sawyer urges another covenant, the custom of all prize ships,
and instances particularly in the East India Dutch prizes. He
instances also the loss of the Excise by famine or mortality, 18,000l.,
as is sworn.
The King asks them by what rule they make the computation of
8,000l. [sic for 18,000l.] per an. to be their loss on [account of] the
Plantation Act.
Mr. Alderman Forth answers they prove out of the Custom House
books in London, Bristol, &c.
'Twas proposed that the 110,000l. for one year should stand by
itself and the other five years to be brought up to 94,000l. per an.
as a medium, and they [the Farmers] to be allowed accordingly.
Sir Ja. Shaen and Mr. Muschamp called in. The Lord Treasurer
acquaints them with the King's pleasure of adding three more
Commissioners of inspection to the two already agreed to [making]
in all five. [Of their advance money] 10,000l. more become due
on Sunday. They are to pay it in to the Treasurer of the Navy on
or before Saturday week being New Year's Day. The Lord Treasurer
acquaints them that the King will call for the 20,000l. above the
60,000l. [advance money] on three months' notice according to the
covenants and that accordingly they take notice of this demand
made this day. The Farmers desire time to give their answer
concerning the addition of the three more Commissioners. The
Lord Treasurer tells them he thinks the King may add as many as
he pleases without their consent only he thought fit to give them
notice of it.
Sir William Smith and [Mr. Palmer], Sir Charles Wheeler's man,
are to be at the Treasury Chambers on Wednesday morning next
about the Irish farthings. Mr. Slingsby, Mr. Hoar and Mr. Doily
to be there.
On Monday morning Major Huntingdon and Sir Jo. James are
to attend the Lord Treasurer with their paper of demand.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 88-9.]
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Dec. 27.
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The second Wednesday in the term the Auditor [of Excise is]
to attend with Sir Jo. James and Major Huntington and [bring]
their accompts about the old farm and receipts of the Excise.
[Ibid, p. 89.]
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Dec. 29.
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The Lord Treasurer directs that tallies be struck for a quarter of
the Lord Chancellor's pension due at Xmas last. In the margin :
Done [meaning : directions accordingly sent to the Receipt].
Write to Sir George Downing for the papers that passed betwixt
Prince Rupert, Mr. Palmer and the officers of the Mint concerning
the making of tin farthings. The objections of the officers of the
Mint against tin farthings are read, with Mr. Palmer's answer to
each objection. Mr. Palmer says he proposes that the tin farthings
to be made by him should be of an intrinsic value and nothing to
be paid for the coining. The Lord Treasurer directs that Mr.
Palmer prepare tin blanks and coins, making use of such tools and
stamps in the Tower as he shall make choice of ; this to be done as
soon as may be. The officers of the Mint agree to it.
[Write] Mr. Mounteney to bring 250l. 18s. 9d. into the Exchequer
for Serjeant Charnock's salary. In the margin : Done [meaning :
letter written to Mounteney].
[The King's mathematical] Christ's Hospital boys [are ordered]
to be paid their quarter. In the margin : Done [meaning : warrant
drawn].
[Ibid, p. 90.]
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Dec. 31.
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A warrant for striking tallies for 5,000l. upon Sir Stephen Fox's
privy seal on the Excise and 2,550l. on another privy seal [of the
... th of] July last, to be paid likewise by tallies on the Excise :
in all 7,550l.
To mind my Lord Treasurer of half fees taken in the Exchequer
[on payments of moneys] for secret service.
The Duke of Monmouth, Earl of Plymouth, Sir Jo. Duncomb and
Somersett Fox are to be paid their quarter due at Xmas. In the
margin : Done [meaning : warrant drawn].
Warrants to be drawn for Xmas quarter to the Lord Treasurer,
Earl of Lichfield, and Earl of Sussex. The like marginal note.
[Order for] 1,500l. to be paid to the [Naval] chest. The like
marginal note.
Ellesden and others, instrumental in the King's escape, are to be
paid. The like marginal note.
The Auditors [of Imprests] to be written to to despatch Sir
Stephen Fox's accompts, now lying before them.
[Ibid, pp. 90-1.]
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