Volume 71: November 8-December 31, 1700

Pages 431-448

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

Citation:

November 8–December 31, 1700



1700. [About Nov. 8.]	1. Petition of John Thompson, Solicitor for the Taxes, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying their Lordships to sign the warrant for the payment of his salary. Undated. A letter signed Geo. Stanlake, urging payment, and stating that the petitioner was confined to the house by a tormenting and almost incurable disease, &c. Dated 8 Nov. 1700. Minuted:—“A warr^t for one year.” In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 154, 22 Nov. 1700, is:—“200^li to be pd. on John Tompson's warr^t on 8 Jan. next.” 2 pages (quarto).
[? About Nov. 9.]	2. Letter signed G. Delavale, to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before them an account of the receipts and expenses for the entertainment of the Morocco agents, from their arrival in London (23 April) to 15 Oct.: praying an order for the balance, 527l. 19s., above the allowance of 14l. 10s. per week; 88l. 1s. 2d. thereof having been paid him for their lodging, &c. from 23 April to 20 May: the rest of the expense arose from their seeing the palaces, Cambridge, Newmarket, &c. Accompanied by the account sworn to, on 9 Nov. 1700. Minuted:—“M^r Tailer to examine the acc^t w^th ye vouchers. 3 pages and 2 halves.
Nov. 12.	3. Report of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Benjamin Sweet; they had already stated the debt due to the train of artillery in Flanders, part of which, amounting to 290l. 1s. 3½d., was due to the train of Ghent: which debt they could not pay, because their Lordships told them it was provided for, by Parliament, to be paid out of forfeitures, and had commanded them to lay that debt before the Com^rs of accounts for Ireland. Dated 12 Nov. 1700. Accompanied by the petition. The second minute on the dorse is:—“[22 Nov. 1700]. The Officers of Ordnance say they will pay this mo.” 2 pages.
Nov. 12.	4. Memorial of the same to the same, stating that they had received but 3,724l. on account of sea service for the year, and that there was still, due 19,026l. They hoped they should not suffer in their just pretensions, nor be obliged to contract new debts and thereby lessen the old ones of another office. Dated 12 Nov. 1700. [7,651l. was assigned them on 29 Nov 1700, to complete 11,375l. for sea service. See Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 159.] 1 page.
[About Nov. 13.]	5. Memorial of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before their Lordships in eleven clauses, the particulars of what they had observed in relation to the great frauds and abuses in the revenue of salt under their management: praying their Lordships' directions as to drawbacks. Minuted:—“Read 13 Nov. 1700.” 2½pages.
Nov. 13.	6. An opinion of the Attorney-General (Sir Thomas Trevor), on the question whether a fine appropriated by court-martial to Greenwich Hospital, could be otherwise applied. He says that the fine ought to have been set to be paid to the King, and the King might direct its disposal to the hospital. Dated 13 Nov. 1700. Minuted:—“Read 21 Jan. 1700. Fines set by court-marshal in y^e Navy are to continue to the chest as they have done.” Accompanied by a minute of the proceedings of the court martial, held on board the ship “Rumney,” 6 April 1700, and a copy of the Order in Council of 30 March 1688, for the payment of those fines to the Chest at Chatham. 4 pages.
[About Nov. 13.]	7. Petition of Francis Barry to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that a former petition of his was referred to the Com^rs of Customs, whose report their Lordships agreed to on 10 July last: he had since been employed by them on several eminent services, and presented a second petition in October last; praying a reference to the Com^rs of Customs. Minuted:—“Speak w^th ye C. of Customs when here. 13 Nov. 1700. Rejected.” 1 page.
Nov. 13.	8. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, as to sums arising from the hereditary revenue of Excise before 25 Dec. 1699, payable to the Queen Dowager and to His Majesty, &c. Dated 13 Nov. 1700. Accompanied by a letter from Mr. Lowndes, and an answer thereto on the same subject. On the dorse is a minute providing for the payment of 1,065l. 3 pages.
Nov. 15.	9. Memorial of Lord Cornbury's agent to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that the Lords of the Admiralty were directed to provide 130 tons measurement for the transport of Lord Cornbury's attendants and equipage to New York under convoy of the man-of-war “Jersey.” The Com^rs of the Navy had freighted a ship at 3l. per ton, and their Receiver applied to the Treasury for 390l., and they granted that sum. The captain of the ship chosen, would not go except he had the money, and his Lordship's servants, &c., were not likely to accompany him, unless the Navy made a quick despatch of the business; representing further the inconvenience from stopping the clothing of the four companies in New York, and that the Lord Ranelagh's report was not to be obtained, though applied for daily; praying that the ill consequences might be considered. Dated 15 Nov. 1701. Minuted:—“17 Nov. 1700. My Lords have issued the mony to the Treasurer of the Navy, and he must apply to the proper offices for the application of it, and they have paid to the E. of Ranelagh all the clearings for the companys at New York to 24 June last.” 2 pages.
Nov. 16.	10. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Francis White, wishing, on account of age and infirmity, to resign his place of landwaiter in the port of London to his kinsman, Mr. Richard Ryves, who was bred a linendraper; agreeing that that training was “a very proper education to fit him for the said imployment.” Dated 16 Nov. 1700. Also the petition. Minuted:—“Orderd.” 2 pages.
Nov. 16.	11. Petition of the conservator and keepers of Dean Forest, for payment of arrears for two years and three quarters, amounting to 577l. 10s. out of the wood sales of that forest. Dated 16 Nov. 1700. Also two certificates relating thereto. In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 280, 30 May 1701, is:—“A letter for the salary of the keepers of Dean Forrest.” 3 half pages.
Nov. 20.	12. Report of Mr. Philip Ryley, Surveyor-General of Woods, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Mr. Progers, touching the repairs of the lodges, stabling, cleansing the great sewer, &c., in Jockey Park, near Hampton Court; the cost would be 230l. 8s. 6d. It would be for the safety of the park and preservation of the game to rebuild the under-keepers' lodges, which would together amount to 360l. 8s. 6d. Dated 20 Nov. 1700. Also the estimate and petition of Edw. Progers, Esq. Minuted:—“To be laid before ye K. Read 23 June 1701. To be let alone till the K. [orders it] himself.” 4 pages.
Nov. 20.	13. Letter from the agents for taxes to William Lowndes, Esq., desiring him to move the Lords of the Treasury that Mr. Auditor Done should deliver a copy of Sir Henry Goodrick's account, respecting the expedition in Yorkshire at the King's accession, of which he was treasurer, as Mr. Hawson alleged, without which he could not proceed in his discovery. Dated 20 Nov. 1700. Minuted:—“Direct Aud^r Done to transmitt the acco^t to this board.” 1 page.
Nov. 21.	14. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, moving their Lordships to grant a moiety of 280l. 7s. 9d. of English money to Joseph Bentley and others, who had seized the same in the port of Liverpool. Dated 21 Nov. 1700. Also certificates of the seizure. Minuted:—“Ordered. The officers paying the charges. W^t signed 28 X^br 1700.” 2 pages.
Nov. 21.	15. Report by William Tailer, deputy auditor, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, certifying that there was due to the King from the Receiver of the Duchy of Cornwall for the year 1699, 3,273l. 10s. 1¼d., &c. Dated 21 Nov. 1700. Minuted:—“Write to S^r P. Killigrew upon this. Letter writ 6^th Xbr. 1700.” 1 page.
Nov. 23.	16. Letter of Lord Bellomont to Mr. Lownds, on most of the subjects touched upon in his letter to the Lords of the Treasury of the same date, and in addition, because he knows Mr. Lowndes is a good Englishman and of a public spirit, sending him a contract he had made for 24 masts of the three largest sizes, or a list of the prices, which would save 20,000l. a year. He had undertaken to furnish the King and all his dominions with naval stores of all kinds, except flax and hemp, at 30 per cent. less than they were brought to London; besides from thence they might be called our own, whereas the present trade was foreign and precarious. Dated 23 Nov. 1700. Also the said list. 4 pages.
Nov. 23.	17. Letter of Peter Shakerley to the Lords of the Treasury, stating that the last year he and Sir Thomas Grozvenour (since dead) addressed their Lordships on behalf of Allbyan Grey and others, poor workmen and artificers, for the sum of 524l. 19s. 4d. for work done in Chester Castle when Sir John Morgan was Governor, who received verbal orders for the same at Chester from the late Duke Schomberg, then on his way to Ireland; praying for payment. Dated 23 Nov. 1700. Minuted:—“Read 29 Nov. 1700. My Lords will speak with the Off^rs of Ordnance next time.” Copy of report from the principal Officers of the Ordnance on the same subject; also the copy of the letter referring the matter to them for their report. In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 220, 27 Feb. 1700–1, is:—“The officers of the Ordnance's report, touching worke done at Chester Castle by Albion Gray, read; and ordered to be paid when the officers of the Ordnance have money applicable thereunto.” 4 pages.
Nov. 23.	18. Letter of Lord Bellomont to the Lords of the Treasury, stating that he had received a letter from Mr. Champante, agent for the “four companies” in the King's pay, announcing that he had lent Mr. Weaver, collector of that province, 425l., who had drawn for that amount on him (Lord Bellomont). Mr. Champante had acted very freely with him in that, and it was a trouble and surprise to him, and to be safe for the future, he must throw up the agency or desire their Lordships to take good security from the agent, who should be presented to them, it ought to be 10,000l., as the agent would have 7,000l. a year of the King's money in his hands. He thought it best to leave the choice of a fit person to his friends. He sent copies of Mr. Weaver's commission (marked A.), of his bill of exchange (B.), and his account (C.), in which he charges 200l. a year salary as collector, being 300l. for a year and a half, from 25 March 1699; the Council smiled at it, that he should pretend to a year and a half's salary for taking his pastime in London, while another did the duty and received the full pay. About a year ago he had written to Mr. Weaver to come to his post; but he took no notice of the letter. He wished that all persons entitled to salary in those provinces should only receive it from the time of entering upon their employment. They had appointed Com^rs to examine and state the public accounts of that province, and the article in relation to Mr. Weaver would not pass without an order from their Lordships. The trade there and at Boston was under all the ill management they could imagine. It seemed extraordinary that Mr. Brenton and Mr. Weaver should be suffered to stay so long from their posts. Mr. Brenton had been two years in England. A third of the trade was directly against law. If their Lordships would not keep a strict hand over the collectors, the trade in England would suffer. A Governor could not do his own duty and the collectors' too. He had laid before the Lords of the Council of Trade a state of the provinces. Above all he had observed upon the treachery and corruption of the last Governor, Col. Fletcher, in selling almost all the lands and woods to nine or ten mean persons. The King and all his dominions might be furnished plentifully with naval stores, &c. from thence; but he had not an acre of land nor a tree left in the province. The Lords of the Council of Trade would no doubt make this abominable corruption appear to the King and the ministers, and expose the fraud of Col. Allen's claim of the soil and woods of the whole province of New Hampshire and a great part of the province of Massachussets Bay. They were of unspeakable value, and it was their Lordships' province to see that they were not embezzled. He spent 71l. 17s. 3d. (New England money) in his journey to Rhode Island and back to Boston, and 60l. (New England money) for apprehending James Gillam, a pirate, since executed in London; out of which sums 30 per cent. should be deducted to make it sterling: the Com^rs of accounts would not allow it there, and he prayed their Lordships to pay it to Sir John Stanley for his use. Postscript.—A few years ago the excise of Albany, let to farm, yielded above 400l. a year; since Mr. Livingston had had the collection, it had sunk to 100l. a year; his salary was 50l., in addition to which he obtained a commission in 1695 as secretary of the Indian affairs at 100l. a year. At the suggestion of the Council it was set to farm. The Com^rs of accounts had entered a caveat against Mr. Livingston's pretensions to 800l. due by the province. Mr. Basse had had great good fortune in his trial on account of his (Lord Bellomont's) seizing the ship “Hester” at Perth Amboy, in East Jersey, in having recovered such damages of the King. The ship was sold by inch of candle, and there was no partiality shown by him, as most falsely told the world in a printed paper dispersed amongst the members of Parliament, nor did he get a shilling by it. The ship had but 28,000 pipe staves on board. The discourse with the merchants was that Basse had embezzled his brother-in-law, Mr. John Lofting's cargo, valued at 800l. &c. A most violent storm had happened on the 29th of November, and drove all the vessels from their anchors, which delayed the ship that carried his (Lord Bellomont's) packets a week. He sent Col. de Peyster's affidavit to satisfy their Lordships of the many falsities about the ship “Hester.” Col. de Peyster was a very honest upright man, and Basse a known profligate fellow, and remarkable for lying. Dated New York, 23 Nov. 1700. Also the three enclosures referred to. Printed in Documents relative to Colonial History of New York, Vol. IV., p. 775. 8 pages.
Nov. 23.	19. Copy of report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of several merchants of London, and the outports, who had imported wine, and were under prosecution for several ladings of wine imported from St. Sebastian and other ports of Spain, and prayed that all proceedings at law against them might stop, and that they might be admitted to compound in like manner as the owners of the 11 ships of wine were admitted to compound, in Trinity term last: stating that in a former report they had advised the acceptance of a composition of a third of the value of the 11 ships, to which their Lordships had agreed, and upon another memorial they had advised the same composition, as the merchants had proposed for themselves and their friends to desist from the irregular trade, and to detect abuses; to make the composition practicable they proposed that the collector and controller should certify how much was received, &c.; the law charges should be borne by the persons taking out licences to compound, out of which the persons who had detected this trade might be gratified; the composition would amount to about 61,508l. The wine entered at the outports paid 3l. per tun less duty than that in London; they expected the Spanish duty would abate about one-third of the 61,508l. The persons who had imported wine from St. Sebastian, &c., now supposed to have been French, should be prosecuted by way of devenerunt. Dated 23 Nov. 1700. Also the petition of the several merchants referred to, with nine signatures; and The obligation of the said merchants to desist from an irregular import of wine. In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 297, 20 June 1701, is:—“Wine merchants calld in. They are told they must treat w^th the Com^rs of Customs about a composicon for the French dutys for w^ch they are prosecuted. The Com^rs of Customes are to be easy w^th them, & to give time for the composicon mony.” 6 pages (two very large).
[About Nov. 26.]	20. Petition of James Greenham to the King, showing that he had served the Crown about 33 years, and was deputy to William Legge, Esq., in the office of supervising the works in the several parks, but during the present reign was only concerned in St. James' Park, which was so ruinated, that with other works it would cost about 4,000l. to do what was needful; praying that Com^rs might be appointed to inspect the encroachments, &c., that Wm. Legge, Esq., might be one of the Com^rs, and that Wm. Silcock might be a messenger, as he had knowledge of the same; in order to a resumption of the lands: further praying that he might be minuted for such a share of the premises for his services as their Lordships thought fit, together with the arrear of his salary since 1692, and for some disbursements due to him in the year 1688, amounting to about 500l. Minuted:—“Hampton Court, 26^th Nov. 1700. Read.” Also a certificate, signed W. Legge, that the petitioner was employed as his deputy. 1½ pages.
[? About Nov. 27.]	21. A note written by Mr. [Bernard] Granville to the Lords of the Treasury, once more presuming to entreat their Lordships, that they would order him 100l. out of the royal bounty, as it would be Christmas before there was an order for his year's rent. Minuted:—“P^d 27 Nov^r 1700.” In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 157, 26 Nov. 1700, is:—“M^r Granville's mem^ll is read. The King gives him 100^l bounty, but orders my Lords to finish the old bargain for Mote Parke.” 1 page.
[About Nov. 27.]	22. Petition of John Roetier to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that there were due to him and to Joseph and Philip Roetier, his brothers, upon a pension of 450l. per ann., two and a half years' arrears, as appeared by the annexed certificate, that he was disabled in his hands by his extraordinary service as engraver to the Mint, and especially upon the alteration of the coin; he had no estate or employment to support his wife and children and seven small grandchildren and their mother, the father being dead; praying for the said arrears. Also the certificate, dated 27 Nov. 1700. A state of the Roetier's case. Copy of the Letters Patent of King Charles II., appointing the above three persons, reciting in the preamble that it was from the King's long experience of their great skill and knowledge “in the arts of graveing and cutting in stone, as also in diverse other arts, and for that they have at our instance and desire quitted their native countryes and are willing to settle themselves in this our kingdom, and to imploy their whole time in the said arts for our service.” They were to make, frame, and engrave the designs and effigies of the King's image on such sizes and forms as were to serve in all sorts of coins, gold or silver, together with all medals of all sorts, and metals, representing the King's and his dear consort's effigies, &c. 9 pages.
[? About Nov. 27.]	23. Petition of Castiliana, Countess of Cavan, to the King, showing that she was reduced to very great extremity through her Lord's mismanagement of his affairs, and was much in debt by providing for her second son, nine years a volunteer at sea; praying for relief. Minuted:—“27^th Nov. 1700. Read. The K. will give her 50^li more if she will go to Ireland. P'd 29 Nov^r.” ½ page.
Nov. 30.	24. Report of the Com^rs of the Revenue for Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the case of Captain Charles Nicholson, giving an account of the delay in settling his accounts, and stating that 851l. 10s. 9d. appeared to be due to the King, notwithstanding the claims made by the captain; applying to be allowed to recover the same. Dated 30 Nov. 1700. 2½ pages.
Nov. 30.	25. Petition of Sir Basil Dixwell, who before the present establishment of guards and garrisons had 227l. 16s. 6d. due for arrear of his salary; praying that the arrear might be directed to be paid out of some fund that would answer it, it being the whole pay belonging to the lieutenancy of Dover Castle, &c., and there being no prospect of his obtaining the same from the money for “contingencies.” Dated 30 Nov. 1700. Minuted:—“To be layd before ye K. Kensington, 3 Xbr. 1700. Respited.” 1 page.
[? Perhaps about Nov.]	26. “The yearly charge for keeping y^e fish & fowle in St. James' Park,” amounting to 200l.; proposing that the keeper should have a salary of 200l. a year in lieu of bills and all other demands. Without date; the following minute is perhaps in relation to this:—“Webb, fowle keeper, his bill is read. The King would not have the fowle cost any thing; he takes no delight in them. The King will allow the present fowle keeper a salary only for the future, and as to Web, the King will make him an allowance in proportion to that salary for the time past.” See Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 157, 26 Nov. 1700. 1 page.
[About Nov.]	27. “Expenses for y^e Morocco agents over and above the bill lately given in to the Lords of y^e Treasurie.” Signed:—G. Delavale. Without date, but after 15 Nov. from an entry, and see a report of 2 Nov. 1700 (Vol. LXX., No. 68) on the bill referred to. 1 page (quarto).
[? About Nov.]	28. Petition of John, Earl of Bath, to the King, praying to have the stop taken off the payment of his pension, which was settled according to a contract by articles of agreement between the petitioner and the Lords of the Treasury, and further praying for the future payment thereof. Minuted:—“There is no stop upon this, and the King will pay him as soon as his occasions will permit him.” The following is in the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 157, 26 Nov. 1700:—“Extract of Lord Bathe's łre for taking off the stop on his pension at the Post Office is read. See how far he is paid and when it was stopt.” 2 pages.
Dec. 2.	29. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Owen Buckingham, showing that out of the great plenty of flax in Holland, the Dutch had usually prepared a coarse sort of dressed flax, called snowtings, which the English had bought and sent from Holland to the Canaries; but the last year the importations were greater into England than Holland, and for the encouragement of trade the petitioner caused about five tons of dressed flax to be prepared out of rough flax for the Canaries, and the Com^rs agreed that he should be entitled to the drawback: Mr. Humberstone, an officer “attending the Bench,” had opposed the opinion of the “declared sense of all the Com^rs,” and obstructed the petitioner in passing his “cocquet;” announcing to their Lordships that they thought it reasonable to permit the exportation, for that the dressing did not so alter the quality as to hinder the benefit of the drawback; they had heard Mr. Humberstone's objections, and were still of the same opinion. It encouraged the people in dressing the flax, and benefitted the navigation by carrying it to the Canaries, which trade the Dutch would otherwise have. Dated 2 Dec. 1700. Also the said petition, and the answer of Matthew Humberston, usher of the Custom-house and deputy surveyor, which contains useful information, including a list of foreign goods that paid duty outwards on being manufactured. Minuted:—“W^t signed.” 9 pages.
Dec. 2.	30. Report of Mr. Philip Ryley to the Lords of the Treasury. The facts in the accompanying report of Mr. John Taylor in relation to expenses in St. James' Park were truly stated, but he was as much a stranger to the number of deer kept in the several years (viz. from 1693), as Mr. Taylor was: the prices of hay, &c. were fair, but in future the bills should be immediately exhibited. [The Earl of Bath was then Chief Ranger and keeper of the Park.] Dated 2 Dec. 1700. Accompanied by the account. Mr. Taylor's report is minuted thus:—“Ref. to Mr. Ryly to examine & report and write from ye Board to E. Bath, taking notice of y^e K.^s direction for suppressing publique houses & incroachm^ts in y^e park, & that it is not done, & desire the King's order may forthw^th be complyed with.” “Prepare a warr^t.” 4 pages.
Dec. 4.	31. Report signed “R. Cotton & Tho. Frankland,” Postmasters-General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Freegift Pilkington, wife of Richard Pilkington, late Postmaster of Ipswich, co. Suffolk, advising the compounding a debt of 307l. 3s. 5d. for 150l., as it was all that the securities could raise. Dated 4 Dec. 1700. Also the petition, and copy of a testimonial to the postmaster's character, &c. Minuted:—“A warr^t to deliver up ye bond wherein ye suretys are bound upon paym^t of 150^li and ye rest of ye debt to be sett in super upon ye heires & exec^rs of y^e princip^ll. W^t signed 2^d Aprill 1701.” 4 pages.
Dec. 5.	32. An Order in Council, referring the consideration of a petition of Thomas Bourne for 734l. out of 60,000l. appropriated for the wages of servants of King Charles II., to the Lords of the Treasury, for them to give directions thereon. Dated 5 Dec. 1700. Minuted:—“To be layd before ye K. to bestow something on him as bounty. 21 Jan. 1700. 20^li bounty. Paid 24 Jan. 1700.” Accompanied by the petition. 2½ pages.
Dec. 9.	33. Letter from the Postmasters-General (R. Cotton and Tho. Frankland) to the Lords of the Treasury, in answer to one from Mr. Lowndes, respecting various particulars in their “bill of incidents” for the quarter ended at Michaelmas, informing them that they would take particular care that neither the candles nor the stationery should exceed what was necessary; but almost the whole duty was performed by candle light, and there was an extraordinary expense in that quarter of 62l. 3s. by printing labels, &c. for the cross-post, lately set up, between Exeter and Chester. The patent to the Court post obliged that officer to carry His Majesty's letters only between the Court or palace of His Majesty's residence and the first post office. When the King was at Newmarket or Windsor the Court post carried them no further than the post houses in the towns, and Hampton Court being no post town, he was obliged to bring them to Kingston, and from Kensington or Whitehall to the General Post Office. The King's and Treasurer's Remembrancer had always demanded the sums set down for entering the accounts of the office. It was usual for ships coming from abroad, and especially the colonies, to bring great numbers of letters, and the Act not compelling them to deliver them into the post office, it was always customary to allow the masters of vessels 1d. each letter, as an encouragement to deliver them into the office. Respecting the Gazettes, there were many postmasters who served without salary, or for less than they would otherwise do, in consideration of being allowed Gazettes by the office frank; and the postmasters for Ireland and abroad, with whom they were under treaty, had always been allowed them. They hoped this perquisite would be allowed. Dated 9 Dec. 1700. In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 203, 7 Feb. 1700–1, is:—“To the Postm^rs. That my Lords having signed a dorm^t warr^t for 20^sh a day to the Court post, and observing that in ye bill of incidents His Ma^ty is charged for the carr. of y^e Court letters; my Lords do direct them for the future to save that charge to the King by directing y^e Court post to performe his duty, and if His Ma^ty be hereafter putt to any charge for carrying such letters so despatched as by ye nature of his office should be carryd by him, that the same be made good out of his sallary.” 2½ pages.
Dec. 9.	34. Report of Mr. J. Taylour to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Captain Delaval, finding by the account annexed, which Sir William Hodges gave to the captain at his coming from Cadiz, that no more than 7,811 dollars were charged as received on Admiral Aylmer's letters of credit for negotiating with the Emperor of Morocco for the redemption of captives; further reporting on 1,000 other dollars alleged to have been expended. Dated 9 Dec. 1700. Accompanied by the memorial and the account, and eight other papers, including a letter from Mr. Lowndes and a letter from Sir Wm. Hodges on the same subject. 14 pages or parts of pages.
[About Dec. 10.]	35. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, on Mr. Wise's estimate for works to be performed in the King's parks and gardens [at Hampton Court]; they had considered the several articles and made abatements in the prices, as shown in the margin; but the measurements were uncertain till the work was done. Written on the back of the estimate. Minuted:—“10 Xbr. 1700. These works are to be done; but y^e rates sett by the Officers of Works are not to be exceeded; 150l. a week to be continued till ye works already measured be p[ai]d off; afterwards 100^l a week for these works.” In the Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 165, 10 Dec. 1700, is an altered copy of this estimate of works, with the above order made thereon. Another paper containing:— “An account of what new works hath been performed in and about His Majesties gardens and parkes att Hampton Court.” By Henry Wise, Gardner. It also included estimate of works going on; the last being delivered in on 22 Nov. 1700. 4 pages.
Dec. 12.	36. Order in Council, referring to the Lords of the Treasury the petition of John Dwyer, of Doondrom, in the county of Tipperary, Ireland, relating to certain concealed and retrenched lands granted to him, as he alleged, by King Charles II., and to a pension of 8s. a day. Dated 12 Dec. 1700. Also the copy of the petition. Minuted:—“Read ult. Jan. 1700. My Lords can do nothing in this.” 1½ pages.
Dec. 13.	37. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, upon the bills of Mr. Wise. Dated 13 Dec. 1700. 1 page.
Dec. 14.	38. “Mr. Baker's extract of the inquisition of Sir Wm. Parkyn's forfeit estate, and the incumbrances thereon.” A paper so docquetted. Dated 14 Dec. 1700. Minuted:—“W^t signd.” 1 page.
Dec. 16.	39. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Peter La Roche and Oliver Goodaker, as to 1,674l. 2s. due for the clothing of the Earl of Arran's regiment. Dated 16 Dec. 1700. Minuted:—“P^rpare a S. M.” 1 page.
[About Dec. 17.]	40. Petition of William Dockwra, of London, merchant, to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that he was dispossessed of his penny post by the severity of the late reigns [i.e., in the reign of James II.], and that he had lost all other business to establish it; the House of Commons recommended his case to the King, whereupon he granted the petitioner a pension of 500l. a year for seven years, and after that for three years longer, which expired at Midsummer then last past; praying their Lordships to recommend him favourably for continuance of his pension. Minuted:—“17 Dec. 1700. Read to the King. The King is not willing to grant the pencion; but will imploy him in business when an imployment doth fall that he is fitt for.” Accompanied by a printed copy of the votes of the House of Commons referred to in his petition. Also a more detailed representation of his case, in which he says he was appointed controller of the penny post at Lady Day 1697, and held it for three years and a quarter, till by misrepresentation, grounded on malice and revenge, he was dismissed and Mr. Castleton put in. 4 pages.
Dec. 17.	41. An abstract of such part of 6,459l. 16s. 7½d., as on the 15th day of October 1700, was directed by the Lords of the Treasury to be paid to Rd. Povey, Esq., treasurer for sick and wounded seamen, out of 20,000l. appropriated towards payment of that debt, at the several ports in their Lordships' order, &c. Signed:—“Tho. Addison.” Dated 17 Dec. 1700. 1 page.
Dec. 18.	42. Presentment of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, as to some justices of the peace in the county of Hants having removed several salt officers and an officer of the excise; stating their belief that it was of the utmost consequence that they might place their own officers as it seemed expedient; they also submitted Sir Robert Smith's letter on the same subject. Dated 18 Dec. 1700. The said letter; dated 23 Oct. 1700. “Read 18 Xbr. 1700.” 2 pages.
Dec. 18.	43. Report of the same to the same, stating that their Lordships had directed them to take the opinions of learned counsel upon certain queries as to the diminution of frauds in connection with the duties on salt and fish; they now send the said opinion: as their Lordships would perceive, it was not in their power, as the laws stood, to prevent the frauds, they desired leave to prepare some clauses to be enacted in Parliament for that purpose. Dated 18 Dec. 1700. The opinions referred to. “Read 18 Xbr. 1700.” 7 pages.
Dec. 18.	44. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Eliz. Clarke, widow and relict of Thomas Clarke, late collector of Excise, in relation to several sums owing by her husband, reminding their Lordships that in several instances where losses had happened to collectors by failing of persons by whom they made their returns, (and the persons were men of supposed good circumstances at the time of receiving the money,) they had granted warrants for the discharge of such collectors; they saw nothing in the petitioner's case why the sums should not be allowed. [Minuted:—“Agreed p~ut ye report.”] They could not allow a sum of 211l. 5s., pretended to have been expended by the petitioner's husband in obtaining an extent against Wm. Martin to recover Martin's arrears. [Minuted:—“Disallowed.”] As to 225l. for poundage, &c. paid to sheriffs of Middlesex when her husband's money was taken by extent, they found her husband, who was collector of Worcester, was ordered to move to Hereford collection, and refused to comply; they ordered Mr. Thos. Driver to collect in his place, and Mr. Clark to pay his balance to Mr. Driver, which he also refused to do, and as they learnt that he had come to London with a great sum of money and Exchequer bills amounting to 3,000l., and the then Com^rs of Excise fearing (as they had just cause), that he was going off, caused a seizure to be made, and the 225l. was the expense of the seizure. The present Com^rs state, as it might be true, that Clark came with the intent to pay the money and bills, they recommend the petitioner as an object of charity for allowance of the same. [Minuted:—“Allow this 225.”] Dated 18 Dec. 1700. Also the petition referred to. 4 pages.
Dec. 18.	45. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, recommending a recompense to several officers for their pains on the duty of 15 per cent. on East India goods; viz.:— To Mr. Davies - 100l. per ann. Mr. Holland - 50l. per ann. Mr. Carkesse 100l. per ann. The Controller's deputy 50l. per ann. They let the patent officers (who had applied to them) rest for the present. Dated 18 Dec. 1700. Minuted:—“Agreed. To be p^d out of this duty. W^t signed 28 Xbr. 1700.” 1½ pages.
Dec. 20.	46. Report of Mr. Wm. Borrett to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Thomas Davis, complaining of Mr. William Vanbrugh, between whom and the petitioner there was a suit in equity. Mr. Borrett conceived that the money appointed to be paid to Davis ought not to be stopped. Dated 20 Dec. 1700. There are two minutes on the back, the second of which is:—“24 Jan. 1700. The sum of 43. 13. 0. assigned to Whiston is to remayne in y^e Tre[asure]r's hands till the suit be determined or the partys agree.” 1 page.
Dec. 24.	47. “Abstract of the pay of a captain and 41 additional men to the company of foot at Newfoundland,” from 25 April 1700 to 24 Dec. following. Minuted:—“L~re writ 10^th May 1701 for 264^l 6^s 8^d. 1 page.
Dec. 25.	48. A general abstract of the accounts of His Majesty's revenue in Ireland for one year, ended at Christmas 1700. Another abstract for the same period. Also similar abstracts for the quarters ended Midsummer and Christmas 1700. 5 pages.
Dec. 25.	49. Five papers relating to the gross produce of the Excise, between Midsummer 1698 and Christmas 1700. 5 pages.
Dec. 25.	50. A list of the persons taxed in the penny post office, “by virtue of an Act of Parliament for granting an aide to His Maj^tie by sale of the forfeited estates and interests in Ireland, & by a land tax in England,” for the year ending 25 Dec. 1700. Another copy of the list, with a note of the payment of the total to the collector of taxes. Also another list of those assessed to the 2s. aid, viz., on those having less than 60l. per ann. 3 pages.
Dec. 30.	51. Acquittances and certificates for expenses incurred in connection with the ship “Ruport,” prize, Captain Richard Long, commander, between 1697 and 1700. The latest date is 30 Dec. 1700. Amongst the expenses was an item for two furnaces, portable, “made of lute (clay) as experience hath proved fitt to melt ye hardest of mettell without belloes.” There is also “an account of what goods and liquors were given to and bestowed upon the Indians inhabiting on the coast and gulph of “Durian,” and likewise on the Florida Indians and those of the Mosquetos.” 7 pages.
Jan.–Dec.	52. Monthly accounts of the fees received in the Treasury, and of the division of the same among the various officers. 65 pages or parts of pages.
[Perhaps about 1700.]	53. A paper containing a list of 48 persons, chiefly merchants, headed, “The King ag^t Richard Nutt.” They were perhaps witnesses to be examined in a suit. [Of little value.] 1 page and 3 lines.
[Perhaps about 1700.]	54. Petition of John Richardson [of Gateshead] to the Lords of the Treasury, praying to be appointed to some one of the places in the county of Durham or Northumberland for the prevention of frauds. Undated. Accompanied by two certificates (one with many signatures, apparently from the inhabitants of the parish of Gateshead) in his favour. 3 pages, much decayed.
[1700.]	55. A paper docquetted:—“M^r Aylmer's acc^t,” showing certain expenses, amounting to 2,140l. 13s. 2d., in connection with Capt. Delaval's mission to Barbary, for the liberation of the slaves there. Undated, but see other papers for 1700. Also a receipt given by J. Cole for money for Robert Cole, consul at Algiers, viz., to the Hon. Sir Willm. Hodges & Co. 2 half pages.
[Perhaps about 1700.]	56. Memorial of the clerk of the Hanaper, concerning a rent payable to him out of the Alienation Office, which rent was said to be stopped by a letter from the Lords [of the Treasury]. Minuted:—“To be taken of[f].” 8 lines.
[? Perhaps about 1700.]	57. Petition of Amy Goldsborough, daughter of Capt. Goldsborough, deceased, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying for the continuance of her pension of 20l. per ann. Undated. Signed also by the vicar, churchwardens, &c. 1 page.
[? 1700.]	58. Petition of the commissioned officers belonging to the company now in Newfoundland, showing that they were ordered to their post, and were very bare of money, &c., having lain out of commission above three years; praying their Lordships to order what they saw fit. Undated. [A tally was ordered for this company 13 March 1699–1700.] See Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 6, 13 March 1699–1700. 1 page.
[? About 1700.]	59. Petition of Capt. Plunkett's company in the First Marine Regiment, lately commanded by the Right Hon. the Marquis of Carmarthen, to Mr. Lowndes, showing the miserable condition of themselves and their families; praying him to put the Lords in mind to order money for them. Undated, but Capt. Plunkett appears connected with the marines in 1699 and 1700. See Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 239, and Vol. X., p. 77. 1 page.
[Perhaps about 1700.]	60. An estimate of the annual revenue of the kingdom of Ireland. Undated. 1 page.
1700.	61. “Abstract of the acc^tt of prizes, anno 1700.” 1 large page.
[? 1700.]	62. A comparison of two proposals for farming the Excise and salt duties, in parallel columns, thus:— “The first, Francis Parry, et al., did propose for a farme of three yeares from Midsm^r 1700.” “The second, Samuel Shepheard, et al., do propose for the like terme.” Also observations upon the foregoing comparison [drawn out in Mr. Lowndes' handwriting]. Docquetted in addition:—“An estimate of what may be expected from these two proposals & that of Sir John Parsons & ał.” A fair copy of the same. 6 pages.
[1700.]	63. Memorial of the officers of the late First Marine Regiment to the Lords of the Treasury, praying that Mr. Harnage might comply with their Lordships' former direction of 12 June 1700, viz., that the agents of the two late marine regiments should give an account from what officers and in what proportion 987l. 18s. received in Sept. 1694 was stopped for the poundage of the officers. Minuted:—“M^r Harnage to send in the acc^t from whom this 987l. 18s. was stopt.” 1 page.
[? End of 1700 or 1701.]	64. Letter of Mr. Thos. Molyneux to Wm. Lownds, Esq., stating that the time for making up his controller's rolls for the Mint in the Tower to Christmas 1699, and for the five country mints, had expired, and asking him to excuse him to their Lordships, and to move them to extend the time to the latter end of January, as he found they were much more trouble in the country mints than could have been supposed, &c. Undated. 1 page.
[? 1700.]	65. The “original draught of the reply to the answer of the Com^rs for Sick & Wounded, &c.” The reply was made by some body of Com^rs, perhaps [the Com^rs for accounts?], and apparently related to the accounts of Com^rs for the Sick and Wounded Seamen. Undated, but after 25 March 1699. 1½ pages.
[? 1700 or 1701.]	66. “A list of the late Queen's servants of ever blessed memory, who have been paid by Edw^d Nicholas, Esq^r, Treasurer to Her Ma^tie, the sums hereunto annexed, half a year to Midsomer 1699.” There are memoranda of the deaths of some of the persons, one of which is as late as Oct. 1700: also that some of the payments were to cease at different times, and the latest at Christmas 1700 8 pages.
[? 1700 or 1701.]	67. Representation of several officers and clerks of the Tally Court in the Exchequer at Westminster, to the Lords of the Treasury, referring to the Acts relating to weights and measures of 14 Edw. I. and 12 Hen. VII., and to the Act made in the last session, entitled an Act for ascertaining the measures of beer and ale, by which every city, town, &c. was to be supplied with a standard quart and pint measure, and the chamberlains of the Exchequer should take no fee for the same, expressing the hope on the part of the deputy chamberlains and others, that their Lordships would allow them their ancient fees, and that they might certify the measures as they had done according to the form of the indenture, a copy of which follows. Undated, but the last Act referred to was 11 & 12 Will. III., 1700, c. 15; and they were petitioning to be considered for their fees, for the work done on 24 Jan. 1700–1. See Reference Book, Vol. VI., p. 809. 2 pages.
[1700 or later.]	68. “A list of salaries payable at the Exchequer out of the civill list revenues.” They amounted to 80,196l. 14s. 3d. Undated. Mr. Borrett, solicitor to the Treasury, is mentioned. He was recommended to succeed Nicholas Baker. See Minute Book, Vol. X., p. 133, 10 Oct. 1700. This is probably an enclosure. It is marked “letter A.” 4 pages.
[? About 1700.]	69. A paper headed— “Extract of y^e letters & memorials of y^e Vaudois, settled in Germany, dated May last,” showing that at their coming from Piedmont in 1698, they had but nine congregations, which were then increased to twenty; it also shows the names of the places at which they were settled, their numbers, that they lived almost by themselves in barracks and timber houses; they had everywhere begun a church, school, and vicarage; most of them were ploughmen and few tradesmen, except those amongst them who were French; their soil barren, no grass fields, therefore little cattle, they have de friché (fn. 1) a great deal of land. The ministers and schoolmasters who lived on the pension of the English Court, settled in 1689, were most necessitous, as their pension was wanting for three years past; but the pension from Holland of 40l. to the minister and school-master, had always beeen punctually paid. Each colony chose its magistrates and was governed by the minister, the mayor (called syndic), the ancients, and syndics. They were pretty secure from the French ravages, being separated by woods, rivers, five days' journey, and an army. The charities had been distributed to them by an eminent merchant, pious and most affectionate, at Frankfort, Mr. Isaac Behagel, who could no longer be at the toil thereof, but who was to be requested to continue. Without date, but some time after 1698. There is nothing about this in the Letter or Reference Books, but in the index to Vol. X. of the Minute Book (29 Jan. 1700–1) is:—“Vaudois ministers annuity on Mr. Nicholls list to cease, p. 196.” At the page indicated is:— “800^li per ann. to my Lord Almoner, & 425^li to the Vaudois ministers to cease. “100^li per ann. to y^e Bishop of London “100 per ann. to y^e Bishop of Salisbury to be left out of y^e list.” 2 pages.
[? 1700 or 1701.]	70. A letter signed Gilbert Heathcote, to the Honourable Richard Hill, Esq., in regard to the value of pieces of eight in Jamaica and the Leeward Islands, stating what advance he would make. Undated; the Richard Hill mentioned is probably one of the Lords of the Treasury, whose æra was 1699 to 1701. The paper has the water mark WR. Part of a page.
[? Perhaps 1700 or 1701.]	71. A paper entitled “For Jamaica and the Leward Islands” as to bills of exchange. On the back is “Hastwell.” 9 lines.
[? 1700.]	72. Docquet:—“An abstract of the gross & neate produce of the 3^s aydes 1696, capitac[i]on &c., 1^s ayde 1696, and quarterly poll 1697, within the division of M^r Auditor Shales,” in various counties, made out by order from William Lowndes, Esq. of the 19^th of Febry. 1699. 2 large pages.
1700.	73. Copy of an “accompt of the gross and net proceed of the duty of 4½ per cent. in the Charibbee Islands, for 10 years to 1700 incl.” 2 pages.
[Perhaps about 1700.]	74. Petition of Robert Webb, brother to the late John Webb, the King's fowl and fish keeper in St. James's Park, addressed to the King; showing that he was keeper in the forest of Alce Holt under Lord Portsmouth, but his brother dying, and he being left executor, he was sent for to bury him, when by the King's command the Lord Wharton ordered him to remain and take the charge which his brother had until further orders; since which time he hath been at charges for corn, &c., which with arrears due to his brother, amounted to 412l. 17s. 8d. besides his liveries due in the wardrobe, &c.; praying for payment and to continue in the office. Undated, but see Vol. LXXI., 26. 1 page.