Minute Book: May 1678 | British History Online

Pages 840-842

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 5, 1676-1679. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1911.

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Citation:

May 1678



May 15. Wednesday.	The King has appointed to hear [this day] the Irish business and Mr. Ryder and Sir James Shaen may be heard by their counsel. The Earl of Ranelagh and the Attorney General are to attend. Mr. Basier's case to be then heard and the Customs Commissioners' to attend (struck through). The Surveyor General of the Works and other the officer[s] relating to those affairs [of the Works] are to be then heard on their several memorandums. [Ibid, p. 143.]
May 17. Friday.	The Irish [Revenue Farmers'] business is to be heard this day. (In the margin : Done. Meaning : notice sent to the parties concerned.) The report touching the Barbados soldiers is to be considered [this day]. (The like marginal note.) The case about Capt. Boothe's estate is to be heard [this day] and Sir Rich. Haddock and Mrs. Stock are to have notice. (The like marginal note.) The officers of the Works are to be heard [this day] on their several memorandums. [Day Book p. 144.]
May 17. Treasury Chambers.	Present : The King, Duke of York, Prince Rupert, Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer. Attending : the Attorney General. Sir James Shaen's petition read whereby he desires further time to instruct his counsel before the hearing [at the Treasury of his and his partners' case] touching the Irish [revenue] farm. The Lord Treasurer tells Sir James Shaen that the King looks upon this as only matter of delay. Mr. Keck, of counsel for Mr. Ryder opens Mr. Ryder's case and says that Sir James Shaen pretended [claimed] things to the prejudice of the king's revenue ; that the old Commission was directed to be recalled and new ones to be granted, which is prayed by Mr. Rider. The report from the Lord Lieutenant and [the Irish Privy] Council on Mr. Rider's case is read : 9,000l. due [from the Irish Revenue Farmers] on their [last] December rent, and all January rent owing when the [said] Lords of the [Irish] Council made their report. Mr. Rider informs the King that Sir James Shaen and partners intend only to carry on the farm till May. An affidavit of Mr. Gurney is read, whereby it appears that the Farmers have privately drawn out great sums of money. The Lord Treasurer says the king would know what the damage may be in case his Majesty take advantage of the forfeiture [of the Revenue Farm by Sir James Shaen and partners] and let it to new men. Mr. Rider answered that he believes he can find men that will give his Majesty the same rent for it provided the covenants [for defalcations in case] of war be altered. Mr. Rider is desired to prepare a state of the revenue as it now stands. Upon debate of the whole matter and upon information of Sir James Shaen and partners' further design to shake hands with his Majesty in May and [to] put the breach of the farm upon the King, his Majesty directs (1), that the Lord Lieutenant be desired to use all possible care to prevent them in that their design ; (2), and in order thereunto that care be taken that the Commissioners of inspection suffer no money to be paid but on the account of the King's rent and the necessary salaries of officers till the whole arrear due to the King be discharged ; (3), the Lord Lieutenant to be acquainted that the King is upon consideration of such further measures as he will communicate to his Excellency for his advice before he resolve [therein]. [Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 34-5.]
May 18.	By Treasurer Danby's direction signified by Mr. Cha. Osborne it is ordered that Mr. Tho. Archbold of Berwick upon Tweed have the next vacancy of a tidewaiter or land waiter in Berwick or Newcastle. By like direction signified by Secretary Bertie it is advised that Robert Mirfin be the next tidewaiter, London port. [Treasury Minute Book VI. p. 30.]