Volume 76: August 9-November 17, 1701 | British History Online

Pages 523-539

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

Citation:

August 9–November 17, 1701



1701. Aug. 9.	1. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Samuel Whaples, who asked to succeed Benjamin Gauden, who had served as a landwaiter in the said port for near 20 years, and was willing to resign in favour of the petitioner upon his allowing half the salary. They state that there had been some few similar instances, but conceived that the practice was by no means to be encouraged: in this instance, if their Lordships were favourable, they had nothing further to object. Dated 9 Aug. 1701. Also the petition, and a certificate in favour of the petitioner. Minuted:—“20 Aug^t 1701. To speak w^th y^e Comm^rs of ye Customes. 23 Sept. 1701. Respited. Agreed.” 3 pages.
Aug. 9.	2. Letter from the Agents for Taxes to William Lowndes, Esq., asking him to move the Lords of the Treasury to grant a commission to Mr. William Byles as surveyor for the duties on marriages, &c. and houses, in the place of Mr. John Butler, surveyor for the county of Lincoln, who had resigned. Dated 9 Aug. 1701. Also the appointment of Mr. William Byles, signed Godolphin (printed on parchment). 2 pages.
[? About Aug. 8 or 9.]	3. Petition of Bennet Lord Sherard to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the grant of a lease of the house in which his father lived, and of other houses near adjoining, for such term and fine as their Lordships thought fit. [It does not say where the house was situated.] Minuted:—“8 Aug^t 1701. Ref. it to ye Surv^r to value a term of 50 years from ye date to build.” The order for it to be referred is dated 9 Aug. 1701. 1 page.
Aug. 12.	4. Memorial of the Agents for bringing in Taxes to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that John Pye, gent., had been employed to go into Norfolk to make an extent of the estate of Mr. Augustus Briggs, late receiver for part of that county, and 2,000l. had already been returned into the Exchequer; sending the bill of charges in making the extents. A similar extent should be made for the county of Lincoln. Dated 12 Aug. 1701. Also the expenses. 5 pages.
Aug. 14.	5. Certificate by Peter Frowde, Deputy Clerk of the Pipe, to the Lords of the Treasury, that Leonard Wessell, Esq,, late sheriff of Surrey, had paid 40l. to Edward Shilbey and others for apprehending Humphrey Bayley, a robber on the highway, and to Bodenham Rewse and others 40l. for taking Humphrey Hanwell, a counterfeiter of coin, both of whom were convicted. Dated 14 Aug. 1701. 1 page.
Aug. 15.	6. Letter from Mr. William Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes, upon the memorial of Sir John Jacob, relating to the sum of 295l. 17s. 1d. due from his regiment to His Majesty for clothing, which the Lords of the Treasury thought might be remitted; directing the “remittall” to be made in such manner as not to be a precedent. Dated Dieren, 15/26 Aug. 1701. Also the memorial. 4 pages.
Aug. 15.	7. Letter of Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes, signifying the King's pleasure to the Lords of the Treasury, that they should pay the Baron de Hompesch, master of the buck hounds, what was due to that office to Midsummer last, as His Majesty had directed before leaving England. Dated Dieren, 26 Aug. 1701, S. N. Enclosing a letter from the Baron to Mr. Blathwayt on the same subject. 2 pages.
Aug. 15.	8. Letter from the same to the same, as to a warrant for taking off 74l. 7s. 4d., respited on Captain Perkin Vaughan's company in Major-General Stewart's regiment. Dated Dieren, 15/26 Aug. 1701. In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 33, 1 Aug. 1701, is mention of sending a warrant to Mr. Blathwaite for taking off the respit on Perkin Vaughan's company, “whilst he was a prisoner in France.” 1 page.
Aug. 15.	9. Letter from the same to the same, signifying the King's approval of one of the Com^rs of Customs taking care of the shipping and trade, and another inspecting weekly the account of receipts and vouchers of customs, and that the quorum of four Com^rs might be reduced to three. Dated Dieren, 15/26 Aug. 1701. There is also another memorandum as to keeping a register of trading ships, &c. 2 pages.
Aug. 15.	10. Letter from the same to the same, returning five warrants signed by the King, for the counter-signature of the Lords of the Treasury, viz.,— (1.) Revoking the patent granted to Mr. Tancred of the office of Master of the Harriers. (2.) For paying the Earl of Oxford 300l. of the King's bounty. (3.) For acknowledging satisfaction for the King's moiety of 100l. set upon John Mouncher for breaking bulk of a ship before entry. (4.) For paying 600l. as of the King's bounty to the Duchess of Buckingham. (5.) For paying a bounty of 200l. to Col. Philips, 200l. to Mrs. Lesley, and 100l. to Mr. Povey. Dated Dieren, 15/26 Aug. 1701. 1 page.
Aug. 22.	11. Letter of C. F. Henning to [? Mr. Lowndes] in answer to the charge of being backward in passing his accounts then before the auditors. He had committed the management of this affair to Mr. Smith, as he was obliged to attend on His Majesty. Dated Loo, 22 Aug. 1701. 3 pages (quarto).
Aug. 26.	12. Letter of Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes. The Lords of the Treasury were in doubt if the grant of 1,000l. per ann. in addition to the annuity of 4,000l. out of the post-office to the Duke of Schonberg were intended to commence from Michaelmas last or not, as his Grace understood the King's pleasure was that it should have some further retrospection; His Majesty's pleasure was that it should commence from Midsummer last. Dated Loo, 6 Sept. 1701, N.S. In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 45, 23 Sept. 1701, is:—“Warr^t for add^l 1,000l. p[er]. ann. to ye Duke of Schonberg is read and approved.” 2 pages (quarto).
Aug. 26.	13. Letter from the same to the same, directing that the Lords of the Treasury should appoint what was needful for the works at Hampton Court, under the direction of Mr. Talman, as His Majesty expected them to be dispatched before his return. Dated Loo, 6 Sept. 1701, S. N. 1 page (quarto).
Aug. 28.	14. Letter from the Com^rs of Revenue in Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, sending a general abstract of the accounts of the revenue for the year ended at Christmas 1700, &c.; reminding them of their letter of 15 April last, wherein they represented the case of undisposed lands in Kerry, and prayed they might have the power to reward Maurice Kennedy for the service performed by him; praying their Lordship's directions upon it. They had several proposals from other persons of the same nature. Dated 28 Aug. 1701. The copy of the letter referred to, stating that after the rebellion in 1641 there were several parcels of land, more particularly in the county of Kerry, vested in the Crown by the rebellion, which were so coarse and of so little value that neither soldier nor adventurer thought it worth while to pass them in patent, not being worth the quit rent to be reserved on them, so that they had remained undisposed of, and have been possessed by persons having no right thereto, but the value of the land being lately much advanced, they had reason to believe considerable estates might be discovered if they could gratify the discoverers with a short lease at some under value. They then go on to advocate Maurice Kennedy's claim, and ask for instructions how they were to govern themselves as to granting leases of these lands. Minuted:—“L~re to Ld. L^t that as to y^e reward proposed for Kennedy, my Lđs. have already given directions to ye Com^rs of ye Revenues in Irełd, and that as to y^e encouragem^t to others to make like discoverys their Lo^ps will be ready when any discoverys shal be made from time to time to give such directions for reward^g the discoverers, as the Com^rs shall represent them to deserve.” 2½ pages.
Aug. 29.	15. Letter from Mr. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes. The Lords of the Treasury to be acquainted that the King had borrowed in that country one million of Dutch florins upon the warranty of the States General. His Majesty had thought fit that Mr. Sweet should dispose of them to satisfy the obligations of the treaty lately concluded with Denmark. Dated Loo, 9 Sept. 1701, S.N. 1 page (quarto).
Aug.	16. [Docquetted]:—“Proposalls given to the Comm^rs in Aug^t 1701,” as to methods for preventing frauds in exporting certificate goods, viz., by appointment of persons skilled in package to attend the patent searchers shipping at the quays, &c. The proposals were made to the Com^rs of Customs; it is not stated by whom. The paper appears to have been an enclosure. 1 page.
Sept. 2/13.	17. Letter from Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes. His Majesty directs that in order to avoid making precedents there be paid to Lord Cornbury, Governor of New York, 1,000l. out of secret service money, as of His Majesty's bounty, to enable him to proceed on his voyage. Dated Loo, 2/13 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“Pđ 10^th Sep^r 1701, S. V.” 1 page.
Sept. 2/13.	18. Letter from the same to the same. His Majesty thinks fit that the grants of pensions directed for Brigadier Belcastle and Colonel Montandre should pass according to former orders. The allowance of half-pay to cease from the time of the grants. Dated Loo, 2/13 Sept. 1701, S. N. On the dorse is:—“L~res accordingly signifying His Ma^ts pleasure for allowing 200^li p. ann. to Mons. Montandre dur. life, and 500^li per ann. to Brigad^r Belcastel for 21 yeres.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 45, 23 Sept. 1701, is:—“The warr^ts for Brigadier Belcastle & Coll. Montandre are read & approved.” 1 page.
Sept. 4.	19. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr. William Delarose, who prayed for 3^d in the pound for all moneys collected by him and for restoration to his employment. He had previously made several applications by petition, which they had duly considered and reported on. The present petition contained neither facts nor cravings other than had been mentioned in former petitions, and the Com^rs hoped that their Lordships would think they had done their duty in laying all their reports before them. Dated 4 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“Read 23 7^br 1701. My Lords approve this report.” Accompanied by four petitions, three certificates, four reports, an affidavit, and copies of some letters. There is a long minute in the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 256, 20 Oct. 1702. It finishes thus: [The Com^rs of Excise] “cannot find any direction to restore him, tho' he shows a minute of his owne making as they think. My Lords think his petic[i]on groundless.” 31 pages or parts of pages.
Sept. 5.	20. Copy of Royal Warrant to Benjamin Sweet, gent., deputy of Richard, Earl of Ranelagh, paymaster of the forces, to receive from Herr Van Ellemeet, treasurer of the States General of the United Provinces, 700,000 rix dollars, borrowed by the King on the security of the States General, to answer his obligations by the late treaty with the King of Denmark. Dated at Loo, 12 Sept. 1701, S. N. Also copy of the specifications of moneys to be paid by Benj. Sweet, gent., to the order of the King of Denmark. These were enclosures in a letter not now with them of 16th of Sept. 1701, S. N., i.e., 5 Sept., see the docquet. 2 pages.
Sept. 6.	21. Letter from the Agents for Taxes to Wm. Lowndes, Esq., asking him to move the Lords of the Treasury for warrants to be granted for payment of the salaries of Mr. Ezekiel Polstead, receiver general for duties on houses and marriages for the co. of York, Mr. Hen. Flower, receiver for Wilts, Mr. Jos. Heslerton, for Kent, and Mr. Walter Jones, for the county of Chester. Dated 6 Sept. 1701. 1 page.
Sept. 9.	22. Letter from Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes. “When the Earl of Marlborough was here the last week,” he said that the sum of 637l. 4s. 8d., expended for transporting horses for the 12 battalions from Ireland could not be due, as the officers undertook to show by their memorial. Dated Loo, 20 Sept. 1701, S. N. 1 page.
Sept. 11.	23. Letter from the Com^rs of the Navy to Mr. Lowndes, as to the debt of the Navy Office in the year 1688; it was then computed at 192,480l. 12s. 5d., all which had been discharged since the revolution, except 40,000l. Dated 11 Sept. 1701. 3 pages.
Sept. 11.	24. Letter from Mr. R. Yard to the Com^rs of the Treasury, enclosing copy of report of the Com^rs for Trade and Plantations, concerning a ship which came directly from the Bay of Campeachy to Leghorn with log wood without having touched at any of His Majesty's plantations, or any port in England, to pay customs. The Lords Justices desired that the ship might be prosecuted if found to belong to any of the plantations. Dated 11 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“Ordered.” 3 pages.
Sept. 11.	25. Minute as to a proposal from Sir Thos. Cook, from the old East India Company, for two warehouses for prohibited goods at Leadenhall and St. Hellen's; further as to the stopping the solicitor of Customs from calling on the bondsmen for 117,000l. due from the Company to the King, as had been ordered. The Com^rs agreed to this on condition that the proceeds of the next week's sale should be applied to discharge their debt. Dated 11 7ber 1701. The whole debt was 130,862l. 12s. 4½d. 1 page.
Sept. 13.	26. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the quantities of gunpowder, shot, and other habiliments of war exported from the port of Bristol, and to what places, for the years ended at Midsummer 1700 and 1701, transmitting the account so prepared, and an abstract for more ready perusal. Dated 13 Sept. 1701. Also the accounts above referred to. Another paper has also been put with them entitled, “An acco^t of what utensills of warr has been exported from y^e port of London and outports from X'mas 1699 to X'mas 1700.” 18 pages.
Sept. 16.	27. Letter from Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes. His Majesty desired that the necessary orders be given for the payment of 1,000l. to Mons. de Schonenberg, then at the Court of Madrid, in consideration of his services and expenses. Dated Loo, 16/27 Sept. 1701. 1 page (quarto).
Sept. 17.	28. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the expediency of appointing three public warehouses and keepers for the same, at 100l. per ann. each, and the controller at 50l., viz., for wrought silks, bengalls, &c., of the manufacture of Persia, China, or East India, and imported to England, &c., in order for exportation. Dated 17 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“Agreed. W^t signed 23 Sep^r.” 2 pages.
Sept. 23.	29. Letter from Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes, returning the warrant relating to the Com^rs of Customs for the countersignature of their Lordships, and the blanks to be filled up by them, with the names of such as they think most proper for the employment. With a postscript that Lord Gallway had given him the enclosed list of the names of such as had been omitted in the last establishment of Ireland. Dated Dieren, 4 Oct. 1701 [? N. S.]. 1 page.
Sept. 23.	30. Letter from the same to the same. The Lords of the Treasury had read the letter signifying the King's pleasure for remitting to Lord Lexington the plate he received on account of the treaty of Ryswick in like manner as it was given to the Earls of Pembroke and Jersey, who were joint ambassadors and plenipotentiaries with his Lordship. Their Lordships were much concerned that they had not an opportunity of speaking to the King upon the matter, and desired to represent, that as they were always most ready to obey the King's commands, so they thought it would not consist with the duty of their office if they did not observe that the plate of which the Earls of Pembroke and Jersey were discharged was given to them after each of them had actually performed two embassies; whereas Lord Lexington was not at the treaty of Ryswick, and also that his Lordship had already been discharged of 3,167 ounces of plate he received out of the jewel house when he was formerly appointed ambassador to Spain, although he never went on that embassy. Dated 23 Sept. 1701. In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 45, 23 Sept. 1701, is:—“Letter to M^r Blathwait concerning Lord Lexington's plate is read & approved.” 1 page.
Sept. 23.	31. Presentment by the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury. The near approach of the time for receiving the prohibited East India goods into warehouses had rendered it necessary to look out fit persons who could give security to discharge that trust, and they recommend (1) Benjamin Woodnoth (who approved himself very well as Controller of the Mint at Bristol) to be warehouse keeper for the goods of the old East India Company, to be secured at St. Hellen's and Leadenhall, (2) Ambrose Moor (bred a merchant) to be warehouse keeper of the goods for the new company at the Steel yard, and (3) William Clough, formerly an East India factor, to be warehouse keeper at the “Out-Roper's office” in the Exchange, being the place proposed by the principal dealers in East India goods for receiving goods, &c. They further offer several names for acceptance to keep a control account upon the warehouse keepers. Dated 23 Sept. 1701. The last clause minuted:—“Luke King, Charles Mein, M^r Burgess to be compt^rs.” 2 pages.
Sept. 23.	32. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Henry Fern, Esq., Receiver-General of Customs, praying for an allowance for the maintenance of his extraordinary clerks; they thought that less than 240l. a year in addition would not maintain a competent number of clerks. They ask that allowances for management might be construed in their own favour. When the payments into the Exchequer were short of 600,000l. a year the Com^rs had 2,000l. and afterwards 1,200l. a year, and now the net revenue was upwards of 1,600,000l., their salary was but 1,000l. Dated 23 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“Agreed.” Also the petition and two lists of clerks. In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 48, 30 Sept. 1701, is:—“Com^rs of Customs. M^r Fern to have 300l. a year for his clerks.” 4 pages.
Sept. 23.	33. Report of Mr. William Vanburgh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the yeomen of the guard. The bills of their services for five years ending at Christmas 1698 for attendance on the King at Kensington, Hampton Court, Windsor, Newmarket, and Gravesend amounted to 2,556l. 13s. A warrant only for 604l. 10s. was signed by the Lord Chamberlain. The petitioners craved allowance by bills for their times of waiting at those places; their salaries were formerly 39l. 11s. 3d., and in the time of King Charles II. were reduced to 30l. and the yeomen hangers from 30l. to 10l., the “robegoers” and “bedgoers” from 20l. to 10l., and allowance for waitings had been since made to them. They represent that their attendance at a distance from Whitehall was an excessive charge not to be borne out of their present salaries, and by reason of the King's absence for considerable spaces of time, they lost the advantage of the table allowed them which they formerly had the whole year at Whitehall. Dated 23 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“See the King's direction in the Minute Book.” “There is no direction in the Minute Book relating to y^e yoemen of y^e guards travelling charges. To be layd before ye K.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XL., p. 115, 21 Jan. 1701–2, is:—“Yeomen of the Guards' peticon and M^r Vanbrugh's report are read for 2,556l. 13s. 0d. My Lords are to speak with my Lord Chamberlain about them.” Again, at p. 213, 8 July 1702:—“Her Majesty will restore them to their old salarys, and allow noe ryding charges.” 1 page.
[? About Sept. 23.]	34. Memorial of Geo. Barrett, late town major of the garrison of Hull, to the Lords of the Treasury. After 20 years service in that capacity he had been reduced, but on the representation of his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, the present Governor, the King on going to Holland had directed Mr. Blathwayt to prepare a like warrant for continuing him, as had been granted to the town major of Berwick: asking for their Lordships' approbation which was necessary. Minuted:—“23 7^br 1701. My Lords can do nothing in this without the King's pleasure.” 1 page (quarto).
Sept. 24.	35. Report of S. Travers, Surveyor-General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Kendal, Esq. An Exchequer lease for 31 years was passed the 20th of May 1698 to Robert Rouse and others of all mines of lead or other metals to be found and wrought in lands belonging to the King in the mountains of Cavencow and Moneth-Poken, in the parish of Llanesteed near Dolgelly, in the county of Merioneth, parcel of the manor of Penlyne within the north part of the principality of Wales, reserving rent of 6s. 8d. per ann., and one-eighth of the annual value; submitting to their Lordships the petitioner's request for a grant of the eighth part for the remainder of the term, increasing the rent to 6l. 13s. 4d. Their Lordships' reference of 12 April 1699 on the petition of John Kempe, gent., who prayed for the said eighth part and the inheritance of those mines, lay still by him (the Surveyor-General). Dated 24 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“Read 31 Oct. 1701. My Lords think it most for His Ma^ts service not to alter this reservac[i]on.” Also the petition. 1½ pages.
Sept. 28.	36. Memorial of Mr. Isaac Newton to the Lords of the Treasury. By the late edicts of the French King for raising the moneys in France, the proportion of the value of gold to that of silver being altered, he gave their Lordships notice thereof. By the last of these edicts, the Lewis d'or passed for 14 livres and the ecus or French crown for three livres and 16 sols. At which rate the Lewis d'or was worth 16s. 7d. sterling, supposing the ecus worth 4s. 6d. as it was reckoned in the course of Exchange, and as he found it by some assays. The proportion therefore between gold and silver had become the same in France as it had been in Holland for some years; for at Amsterdam the Lewis d'or passed for nine guilders and nine or ten stivers, which in our money amounted to 16s. 7d., and it had passed at that rate for the last five or six years. At the same rate a guinea of due weight and alloy was worth 1l. 0s. 11d. In Spain gold was reckoned (in stating accounts) worth 16 times its weight of silver of the same alloy, at which rate a guinea of due weight and alloy, was worth 1l. 2s. 1d.; but the Spaniards made their payments in gold, and would not pay in silver without an abatement. This abatement was not certain, but rose and fell accordingly as Spain was supplied with gold or silver from the Indies. Last winter it was about five per cent. The state of the money in France being unsettled, whether it might afford a sufficient argument for altering the proportion of the value of gold and silver moneys in England was submitted to their Lordships. Dated 28 Sept. 1701. Docquetted:—“M^r Newton's memorial concerning the proportion of gold and silver in value.” 1 page. (Holograph.)
Sept. 29.	37. Comparisons of the produce of the Excise, Midsummer 1700 to Michaelmas 1701. 2 pages.
Sept. 30.	38. Report of Mr. Wm. Borrett to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Gellibrand, who with three others discovered and seized one John Beare, who was convicted of writing eight libels; advising that the petitioner and the other three were entitled to 50l. amongst them, and in a similar manner to 20l., as the discoverers of Edwards, the printer of a treasonable and seditious poem upon His Majesty, for which he was fined 100 marks, and stood three times in the pillory. Dated 30 Sept. 1701. Minuted:—“Ordered according to Mr. Borrett's report.” A report on the same subject by Mr. Henry Baker, dated 24 Aug. [16]99. The petition. The certificate of Sir William Trumbull, that John Gellibrand “seized and discovered” the author of these eight seditious and treasonable libels:— (1.) The Belgick Boar, to the tune of Chevy Chase. (2.) Decay of Trade. (3.) The three Williams. (4.) The History of William. (5.) Dutch Reformation. (6.) A Satyr against Rebellion. (7.) England's Crisis, or ye world well mended. (8.) Syllogism for ye Vicar of Bray. And a seditious poem upon His Majesty, entitled “The Anti-Curse.” Also the London Gazette in which is the proclamation for the discovery of seditious libellers. 7 pages (2 printed).
Sept. 30.	39. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Anthony Philips as to his arrears. Dated 30 Sept. 1701. Also the petition. 2 pages.
[After Sept.]	40. The debt for sick and wounded seamen. It appears to have been an enclosure to some other paper. It is docquetted:—“N^o 3. An acco^t of 6,503l. 11s. 4¼d. to be directed & distributed for the service of sick & w^o, &c.” Parts of 2 pages.
Oct. 1.	41. Letter from the Navy Board to Mr. Lowndes, enclosing a list of prizes delivered to the naval officers of the several ports and employed in the King's service by order of the Lords of the Admiralty, showing their quality and condition as to hulls, stores, rigging, &c., to be communicated to the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 1 Oct. 1701. Accompanied by the list mentioned and a list of other prizes taken, fitted and employed in His Majesty's service, and not certified to be received by the officers of any of the yards. 5 pages.
Oct. 1.	42. Docquetted:—“Report from y^e officers of the works upon ye petition of y^e L. Viscount Fitzharding, abo^t y^e repairing y^e Mall in S^t Jameses Park. Dated October 1^st 1701.” Accompanied by another report from them as to the allowance to Viscount Fitzharding “for shelling the Mall,” &c., and to workmen employed on these works, his petition and divers bills of workmen. Minuted:—“Ult. 8br. 1701. See the authority for ye sallary of 50^li a year.” 12 pages or parts of pages.
Oct. 2.	43. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, about the size of codfish, ling, and hake, for which a drawback or allowance is to be made. 50s. a hundred was directed to be paid on the exportation of codfish, ling, or hake, without distinguishing the size, and that was double the value of the greater part of them when cured. They were informed that every merchantable fish should be 22 inches long, but in this season scarcely one in ten would measure 22 inches. By a Statute of 22 Edw. IV., entitled “The contents of vessels of salmons, herrings, & eels, and how fish should be packed,” every countable fish, commonly called tale fish, was directed to contain in length, from the bone in the fin to the third joint in the tail, 26 inches. Asking their Lordships' directions as to the allowance of the 50s. upon exportation. Dated 18 Sept. 1701; but on the dorse, 23 Sept. 1701. With the opinion of Sir Edward Northey thereon. Dated 2 Oct. 1701. Minuted:—“23^th Sept. 1701. Read at y^e Treasury Board. The soll^r to attend ye K. counsell.” Again:—“21^th Oct. 1701. Read & approved.” 3 pages.
Oct. 4.	44. Three bills of extraordinaries from Sir Lambert Blackwell, His Majesty's envoy extraordinary to the Great Duke of Tuscany and Republic of Genoa, from 4 April 1700 to 4 Oct. 1701. These bills were allowed by James Vernon and the Earl of Nottingham, Secretaries of State. They were probably enclosures, and the last is a copy made in 1710. 3¼ pages.
Oct. 7.	45. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the Company of the Royal Fishery, as to frauds by drawbacks upon salt obtained by fishermen at North and South Shields, and other places in the North of England, which salt was used for curing fish taken in the North Seas, and never exported as pretended. They could not conceive that the duties on salt were any damage to the fishing trade, but a great advantage. As to the practice of taking in salt in Scotland to cure fish, and afterwards bringing it into England, they were of opinion that it was a great prejudice to the duties, and they hoped their Lordships would assist them in Parliament to prevent it. They were of opinion that the bonds mentioned in the petition ought to be put in suit, unless the parties bound would pay the money. Dated 7 Oct. 1701. Also the petition. Minuted:—“Orderd.” 3 pages.
Oct. 10.	46. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Richard Hawson, gent., who claimed to be the discoverer of a debt of 6,700l. concealed out of the late Lord Preston's estate, of which they show that very little then remained due. As to the second paragraph, that he could discover several other debts out of the land revenues of the Crown, they must have recourse to divers accounts. As to the third, about 700l. might be recovered of what was raised in Yorkshire by the lords and gentlemen assembled at the Revolution. They had no knowledge as to his employment or discharge as a receiver of land revenues. They recommend their Lordships to give him encouragement. Dated 10 Oct. 1701. Also the petition. Minuted:—“Read 23 Xb~r. 1701. If he can make any discoverys y^t are not already known to ye aud^rs or other of ye King's officers let him put 'em in writing.” 2½ pages.
Oct. 14.	47. Report of Philip Ryley to the Lords of the Treasury, on a letter of Anthony Row, Esq., concerning the repair of the canal in St. James's Park, estimating the cost at 884l., concluding thus:—“I might represent to yo^r Lordships to throw away such a sume as about 400l. in fitting up the said canal, but I can never think itt for His Maj^ts service nor my own reputac[i]on to undertake a worke of that nature or any other, and performe itt soe that ye first estimate may be an annuall charge for the same service.” Dated 14 Oct. 1701. Minuted:—“To be layd before ye K. Read 12^th Nov^r 1701. The King says it cannot be done in the winter.” The letter referred to and the estimate. 3 pages.
Oct. 17.	48. Report of the Postmasters-General to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the hardships the office was under in relation to the Post Office of Scotland. His Majesty had directed that they should, with Mr. Hill, attend the secretaries of Scotland, the Lord Seafield, and Lord Carmichel, who promised on their arrival to take some care of that affair. They were informed that the post renters evade paying the money under various pretences. The Post Office at Edinburgh was to be let to farm about November next. They had recommended that the post renters of Scotland should be obliged to pay at Berwick for English and foreign “post” for all such letters as should be sent from England to Scotland, as also for the secretary's packets, or that they might appoint a person at Edinburgh to give security in London to be accountable to the office for the “port” of all letters passing between London and Edinburgh. Unless one of these methods was adopted, they were of opinion that the post of the letters would not be answered, for the post renters had from time to time run into arrear, and dealt very unfriendly with them. Dated 17 Oct. 1701. Minuted:—“Make an order for ye K. to signe to receive the duty at Berwick.” 2 pages.
Oct. 21.	49. Presentment by the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, agreeing to certain alterations proposed by Captain Baker for the guard of Cockbush, Langston, and the other harbours at the mouth of Chichester river. If their Lordships approved they would appoint proper persons and vessels. Dated 21 Oct. 1701. Minuted:—“Approved.” 1½ pages.
Oct. 21.	50. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury. Their Lordships had directed them to press the Old East India Company for their debt, and they had sent frequent messages to them for that purpose, but their payments were not in proportion to their debt. As to the 5 per cent. demanded by the New East India Company from the Old Company on goods imported in the ship “Tavistock,” they did not think themselves subject to that duty, and the Com^rs had taken the opinion of the King's Council thereon, as well as on the question whether the Old Company were still entitled to the privilege of two six months time for payment of their custom. Dated 21 Oct. 1701. Accompanied by (1) the opinion referred to; (2) state of the Old East India Company's debt; (3) a paper docquetted:—“M^r Fernes state of the case relating to debenturs for the 15 per cent. on East India goods.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 121, 3 Feb. 1701–2, is:—“Direct the Com^rs of C. to order their soll^r to demand the money w^ch the Old E. Ind^a Comp^a owes for the 15 per cent. upon the Act ended at Micħas last, to be paid to the Rec^r Gen^ll, and to acq^t them that in default thereof my Lords have ordered the bonds for ye same to be putt in process.” 9 pages.
Oct. 21.	51. Letter from Mr. Wm. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes, signifying the appointment of Mr. Jackson as master mason, on the death of Mr. Oliver, that their Lordships should give the necessary orders to despatch his patent. Dated Hague, 1 Nov. 1701. S. N. Also the petition of Benjamin Jackson on the same subject. In this he says he had performed the mason's work at Hampton Court. In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 67, 18 Nov. 1701, is:—“M^r Jackson to be ma^r mason.” 2 pages.
Oct. 24.	52. Presentment of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, recommending that the Com^rs of Customs should cease to proceed in a cause relating to some brandy sold to Mr. Paine, rather than a gap should be opened for all the ill consequences that must unavoidably follow if the adjudications, so long practised and often confirmed, should by the Barons happen to be adjudged illegal. Dated 24 Oct. 1701. Minuted:—“Read 28^th Oct. 1701. M^r Baker order to cease the proceedings in y^e Exch^r ag^t Pains brandy.” Also the opinion of Sir Thomas Trevor upon the “brandy seized case.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 52, 21 Oct. 1701, is the following minute on this subject:—“The Com^rs of Excise cald in. M^r Attorney thinks officers of Excise cannot go aboard ships. They can attend to see brandys d^d, but that is on shore. The Com^rs of Excise have no power to seise in their comission, but it is in the King's power to enable them to seize, & then the first seizer will have it, but the prosecution must be in the Exchequer by a jury and not by ye Com^rs of Excise or 2 justices. M^r Sollicitor saies none can seise but by an Act of Parl^t or by authority from ye K. or your Lo^ps.” And again at p. 56, 28 Oct. 1701, is:—“Com^rs Customes & Com^rs Excise come in. M^r Attorney & M^r Soll^r Gen^ll come in. The business relating to seizures of brandy by Com^rs Excise again considered. M^r Attorney Gen^ll says, since his last attendance on my Lords, he has read over the Acts relating to y^e Excise, but finds nothing therein to alter his opinion from what it was, to wit, that the Com^rs of Excise have no power by their comission to seize, but the prosecution must be in y^e Excheq^r by a jury, and not by y^e Com^rs of Excise or 2 justices of the peace. M^r Sollicitor says the Com^rs may seize where there is a person that claims the goods, but where no proprietor or owner can be found, the prosecution must be in the Excheq^r. M^r Attorney is of the same opinion. As to the seizure of Pain's brandys, my Lords order that the proceedings for the same in the Exchequer do cease, and accordingly give verball directions therein to M^r Baker who is concerned in that matter, who promises to take care therein.” 6 pages.
Oct. 27.	53. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of James Louaine, a French Protestant, who was convicted of conveying away from his vessel five or six pieces of French alamode, and was in prison in the Fleet; in favour of his release as a matter of compassion to him and his family. Dated 27 Oct. 1701. Also his petition and three other papers relating to the case. Minuted:—“17^th Nov. 1701. To be laid before the King. 18 Do. To be discharged.” 6 pages.
Nov. 1.	54. “1701. An acco^t of what bonds remain'd in the hands of y^e Rec^r Gen^ll and Sollicitor of His Ma^ties Customes y^e 1^st November; also what became due at that time.” 1 page.
Nov. 5.	55. “The memoriall of my L^d Mohun relateing to the cloathiars of the late Earle of Maclesfeld's regim^t of horse.” This is the docquet to a paper containing “The state of the off-reckonings for the regim^t of horse in Ireland, under the command of the late Earle of Macclesfeild, from the 4^th of June 1700 to Novemb^r ye 5^th 1701.” Minuted:—“Ref. to Earl Ranelagh & L^d Coningsby.” 1 page (quarto).
[? About Nov. 7.]	56. [Docquet:]—“Robin Green's bill of travelling charges.” Minuted:—“Paid 7 Nov^r 1701.” [They appear to be a King's messengers charges.] 1 page.
Nov. 8.	57. Letter of the Com^rs of the Navy to Mr. Lowndes, as to the buying up the Navy office, as it was better husbandry than paying 600l. a year rent. They had caused a bill to be numbered on their register in course for the principal debt of 8,500l., there being a mortgage on it to Mrs. Parravicine, the daughter and executrix of Sir Peter Parravicine. They give some other details about the same. Dated 8 Nov. 1701. In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 66, 17 Nov. 1701, is:—“5,000^li out of loans on the last part of 3,700^l a week to be issued to the treasurer of the Navy for the course. Out of w^ch so much as will compleat 8,500l. to the Ex^x of S^r Peter Paravicine is to be applyed to that use, the Ex^x making a re-conveyance to ye King of the security w^ch S^r Peter had upon ye Navy office.” See also the further minute, Vol. LXXVII., No. 9. 1¼ pages.
Nov. 9.	58. Hackney coachmen's bills for attending the King at Margate Road in October 1701, and in the journey to Hampton Court to the 9th of November; in all 1,026l. 1 page.
[? About Nov. 12.]	59. Memorial of the Earl of Manchester, late ambassador in France, to the King. The King had commanded him to leave Paris on a sudden, without having time to send to England for money to discharge his debts. He had given bills payable in England. The arrears due to him amounted to 7,000l.; making suggestions for the payment. Minuted:—“Read 12^th Nov. 1701. 1,397^li to be paid by 300^li a week after 1^st Jan^ry next.” 1 page.
[About Nov. 12.]	60. Letter of the Countess of Dorchester [Catherine Sedley] to the Lords [of the Treasury]. She gathered from them that after having solicited for ten years upon a promise, it came to be a question if it were a promise, she did not see how the present King and late Queen could refuse to allow a maintenance for a daughter of King James, especially a lady unmarried, whose portion was so given as not to be out of the power of the Crown till she was 18. She had spoken of this matter often enough to the King not to mistake him “noe more than it was possible for him to be insensible of the obligation lay upon him not to leave King James' daughter either to the charity of the parish or to be a burthen to her mother's fortune.” What she asked was no more than had been given. Mrs. Craufts had as much allowed for the maintenance of the Lady Mary Tudor, and afterwards it was allowed on the same score to the “Countis of Marschall,” both by King Charles and King James, and duly paid. Sir Stephen Fox and all in the Treasury knew how those matters went; it was not the continuance of a pension, but the arrear of what was promised that she solicited. She maintained her daughter suitable to what she was told would be allowed; the arrear was above 7,000l.; the disappointment of it would ruin her family, and she dare hope the King would not use her so cruelly, if only for the sake of Lord Portmore, who the King knew had not had opportunities of enriching himself; praying their Lordships to propose some way to His Majesty for her payment. Minuted:—“Kensington, 14th Jan. 1701–2. Nothing is ordered.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 63, 12 Nov. 1701, is:—“Countess of Dorchester. She chalenges a promise the King knows nothing of.” This is probably the date of the document. The following minute is also in the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 212, 8 July 1702, and was made on a later application from her;— “Countess of Dorchester prays payment of the arrear due to her on 1,600^li p[er] ann. bounty, promissed her by the late King & Queene for the maintenance of her daughter, the Lady Anglesey, before her marriage, being as she alledges upwards of 6,600l., and that the arrears of the quit rents contained in the grant of 3,500^li p[er] ann. in Ireland may be collected and paid to her assignees, and she allowed for such of them as are desperate, according to her grant in that behalfe. Her Ma^ty is not in circumstances to take consideration of arrears of this kind.” 3 pages (quarto, Holograph).
Nov. 13.	61. Report of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Polycarpus Wharton, who stood indebted to their office 7,943l. 6s. 6d.; they could not form a judgment of the loss of the petitioner in taking the lease of the mills referred to, but he had 2,000l. given him for his losses. They thought it reasonable if the accounts showed that in 1681 4,000l. were due to him, that he should have some consideration, nor could they object to allow the balance due to the petitioner to go towards paying the debt due to their office, though they hoped it would be made good to them. Dated 13 Nov. 1701. His petition showing that he was charged by the Officers of Ordnance with an arrear of 8,573l. 6s. 6d., occasioned by his loss in taking the powder works at Chilworth for the service of the Crown for 21 years, which works were not employed a sixth part of the time. His losses amounted to 24,000l. He had to pay 1,922l. 8s. 6¼d. and 2,500l.; not having a penny of the King's money in hand, out of which those sums ought to have been paid; but on the contrary 4,000l. were due to him on his father's, Sir Geo. Wharton's, account; praying for the balance of his father's account. Also a paper containing the amounts due from the petitioner, and a certificate. 5 pages.
[? About Nov. 14.]	62. Petition of Thomas Herbert, His Majesty's clock and watch maker, to the Lords of the Treasury. He had mended, looked after, and kept in order the King's clocks in his private lodgings and palaces, as well as the great clock at Hampton Court, and had been allowed about 150l. a year; but the Lord Chamberlain declined to sign his bills until he received an answer to a memorial presented to their Lordships; praying that his bills might be passed and paid. Minuted:—“He must apply to my Lord Chamberlaine, and when the bills are signed my Lords will consider his case. “14 Nov^r 1701. “Send this peticon to Sir John Stanley. “S^r John Stanley's report is annext. “Write to Sir Jn^o Stanley that my L^ds have no objection to y^e L^d Chamberlain's signing these bills if his Lõp think fit.” 1 page.
[? About Nov. 15.]	63. Petition of Wm. Farnolls, collector of customs in the port of Sandwich, to the Lords of the Treasury, as to a seizure on board a vessel off Margate of certain brandy by excise officers, disputing their authority to seize, and charging them with collusion to defraud the King. The petitioner had re-seized the brandy, tried the question, and obtained a verdict; but was prevented from reaping the benefit; praying to be heard before their Lordships or to be left to try it at law with the excise officers. Undated. Minuted:—“To be heard by counsell on 13^th Jan^y next. Com^r of Cust. & Exc. to be here. Send a copy to C. Excise. “Give notice to all persons concerned in both seizures of brandy at Yarm^o & Sandw^ch.” The hearing took place on 13 January, the arguments of counsel are given in the Minute Book, Vol. XI., p. 105. Mr. Farnolls' petition was read. The decision was:—“As to Edwards' seizure, all proceedings to cease, the brandy to be sold to best advantage and the mony to attend my Lords determinacon. “My Lords determine that out of ye seizer's moiety the charges of prosecution be deducted, and that one-fourth p[er]^t of ye remainder be given to the excise officers in reward for thier service.” 1 page.
Nov. 15.	64. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, as to two seizures of brandy by excise officers, the one near Great Yarmouth, by Edward Edwards, and the other near the port of Ramsgate, by Robert Skaife and William Eades, the brandy being subsequently taken out of their hands by Custom-house officers. The Attorney-General was of opinion that the taking it out of the excise officers' hands by the officers of Customs was lawful, as the officers of Excise were not qualified to go on board ships to seize. But as the siezures were made by excise officers they thought they deserved the encouragement, and that the brandy should be brought to London to be sold, as they were informed it was double brandy and worth 12s. or 14s. a gallon. Dated 15 Nov. 1701. Minuted:—“Send this mem^ll to Com^rs Customes to comply w^th it, if there be noe objection.” 1 page.
Nov. 17.	65. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Thomas Johnson, John Blackbourne, and others, complaining of the Com^rs refusing to pay drawbacks of the duty on salt exported to the Isle of Man and to Scotland, stating the conflicting legal opinions there were on this subject and proposing that a case might be stated and agreed to between them and the petitioners, and that the Attorney and Solicitor General might meet and hear both sides, and give their opinions for the guidance of the Commissioners. Dated 17 Nov. 1701. Also the petition and the opinions of Sir Edw. Northey and Sir Tho. Trevor on the question of drawbacks. Minuted:—“Orderd.” 6 pages.