Minute Book: June 1678 | British History Online

Pages 842-843

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

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Citation:

June 1678



June 15. Treasury Chambers. Saturday.	Present : The King, Duke of York, Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Coventry, Secretary Williamson. Attending : The Earl of Ranelagh, the Attorney General. Upon debate of the matter relating to the Irish [revenue] farm and of the proposals touching the same, the king being unwilling to come to any resolutions on what hath been offered this day concerning his revenue in Ireland until he has received the Duke of Ormonde's further opinion therein is pleased to direct that his Grace should in the mean time take care that the Farmers do pay their rent monthly according to their covenants and contract ; and in order thereto the Deputy Vice Treasurer is to take their assignments for [their paying of] money in the country [districts of Ireland in place of into the Exchequer at Dublin] so [long as] the same may be paid within the days of grace ; and in case of failure that his Grace do give notice thereof to his Majesty. And [in order] that no part of the revenue may be diverted or misapplied for the time to come his Grace is to give particular direction to the Commissioners of Inspection to see that the [Revenue] Farmers' general letter to their several collectors and receivers, grounded on the order of Council, be duly put in execution so that they may not pay or remit any money without the consent and approbation of the said Commissioners or one of them,who are not to countersign any order until the arrears and the then growing monthly rent be satisfied, but [except] what shall be for payment of his Majesty's rent and the real charges of management. And the said Commissioners are likewise to take care that the cash received in Dublin may be paid directly into the Exchequer so that the Farmers may not be able to draw out or misapply any of the revenue on pretence of interest, their own salaries or poundage. Appending : An autograph entry by Sir William Jones, Attorney General. "I think this minute agrees with what was directed by his Majesty." [Ibid, pp. 36-7.]
June 25. Tuesday.	The report from the Excise Commissioners touching the Excise of beer brewed for the King's own cellar [is to be considered at 4 in the afternoon of this day]. The Excise Commissioners and Excise Farmers or some of each of those bodies are to attend [then]. Also the officers of the Greencloth and the Attorney General are desired to attend together with the brewer, John Cholmeley. [Day Book p. 144.]
June 25. Treasury Chambers.	Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer. About the Excise for the King's beer. The brewer says that for 16 years together there was no more paid than 9d. per barrel for all the beer delivered into the King's and Duke [of York's] cellars ; and now they [the Excise officers] demand 3s. 3d. [on such beer] as strong beer. Sir John James says they cannot help it for the Act charges it if the gauger swear the beer to be better than 6s. beer, which is done in this case. But in Sir William Bucknall's time [as late one of the Farmers of the London Excise and in the time of] other Farmers this matter was accommodated between the brewer and the Farmer by the interposition of the Board of Greencloth. The Lord Treasurer [decides that he] will be ascertained of the fact that the [King's] beer has [hitherto] paid but as small beer. Mr. Dashwood, Mr. Parsons, et al, are to certify [as to this]. Secretary Bertie is to examine the business [touched] upon [in] Mr. Kingdon's letter. Treasurer Danby to speak with the King about the loan of 20,000l. to the Forces. A letter to be written to the Duke of Ormonde upon the Minutes taken the 15th inst. touching the Irish [revenue] farm and upon these further heads, viz. (1), that the enclosed will give an account of what has been offered before the King by Mr. Ryder ; and that his Majesty may have the said Duke's opinion returned upon them ; (2), that Mr. Ryder seems so very confident of the impossibility of these Farmers holding out their farm with due payments that the king thinks it of the utmost concern to his revenue in Ireland that his Grace should inform himself thoroughly whether there be any likelihood of this danger, and in case it shall appear to him that there be that then he give his opinion upon the proposal for a new farm here inclosed. About the Gosport business. Treasurer Danby tells their agent that care shall be taken to pay them for their lands taken into his Majesty's fort out of the money which is now giving [being granted] by Act of Parliament so soon as the Act pass. And the Master of the Ordnance shall have directions to pay it. Lord Colepeper['s business] about 1,466l. 13s. 4d. and interest due to him. Treasurer Danby agrees to pay this money by tally on the Hearthmoney [payment due] in March next and will allow 8 per cent. interest from Sept. 19 next and will pay the charges of the privy seal, etc. Treasurer Danby directs that 500l. for the Earl of Sunderland's journey into France and 625l. suspension money [money unpaid during the partial suspension of certain salaries &c.] be immediately paid. Treasurer Danby directs that consideration may be had of what improvements may be made in the Customs or Excise by any amendments of the Acts relating to them. Treasurer Danby says that the King has directed that the Earl of Ossory's suspension money be paid and that care be taken for it when it can be best done. Mr. Morgan [is ordered] to have 470l. 1s. 0d. arrears of Hearthmoney in Toby Humfreys' hand and Humfreys is to be prosecuted [at Morgan's cost]. [Treasury Minute Book VI. pp. 37-8.]