Volume 113: March 1-April 30, 1709 | British History Online

Pages 101-112

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 4, 1708-1714. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1974.

Citation:

March 1–April 30, 1709



March 1.	1. “Instructions for M^r John Baxter appointed to go to Port Mahon, and upon his return the like to M^r Hunton, who succeeded him as commissary,” and as paymaster. Dated at the Ordnance Office, 1 March 1708–9. 3½ pages.
March 1.	2. The Earl of Cromartie to the Lord High Treasurer. As to the provisions of the “tack” and farm of customs granted by the last Com^rs of Treasury in Scotland to Sir George Hume and others. Dated Edinburgh, 1 March 1709 [i.e., 1708–9]. 2 pages.
March 2.	3. The Lord Chamberlain (the Marquis of Kent) to the Lord High Treasurer. Asks directions to be given to the Treasurer of the Chamber to pay the rent of a house in S^t James's Square for the use of two young noblemen from Muscovy. Dated Cockpit, 2 March 1708–9. 1 page. See Tyndall's Hist. of England, Vol. XVII., p. 136 note.
March 2.	4. Earl of Sunderland to the Lord High Treasurer. The Queen had ordered the address of the House of Lords to be complied with; wherein their Lordships desired several accounts relating to North Britain to be laid before them. Encloses an extract therefrom. Dated 2 March 1708–9. The extract. 1½ pages, quarto.
1708–9. March 2.	5. H. Boyle to the Lord High Treasurer. Sends copy of another address for an account to be rendered of such accountants as had made up their accounts of moneys issued since the war commenced, and of processes issued against others. Dated Whitehall, 2 March 1708–9. The copy referred to. 2 pages.
March 3.	6. Order in Council granting two small guns and other wreckage of a French vessel wrecked on the Island of Caldy to Captain John Williams, commander of a sloop attending the custom house at Bristol, on whose estate the wreck took place. Dated 3 March 1708. 2 pages.
March 3.	7. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, on a memorial of Monsieur Vryberg, Envoy Extraordinary from the States General of the United Provinces, relating to the guns saved out of the ship Justice, of Middleburgh, cast away on the North Foreland; they might be re-shipped free of duty, but if sold must pay the same, agreeable to constant usage. Dated 3 March 1708. Minuted:—“Shew this report to Mons^r Vrybergh.” The memorial mentioned. 2 pages.
March 4.	8. Account of the state and produce of the several branches of the revenue in North Britain since the Union. Dated 4 March 1708–9. 1 page.
March 4.	9. The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord High Treasurer. Encloses extract from a letter of M^r William Chetwynd, her Majesty's Resident at Genoa, who desired to know what agreement had been made with the merchants that remitted money for Spain by way of Italy. Asks orders to be given. Dated 4 March 1708–9. The extract mentioned. 2 pages.
March 5.	10. Col. J. Dudley to the Lord —. Had left no stone unturned to forward the manufacture of tar in those provinces. Had obtained a law in the province of New Hampshire that “all merchantable tar should pass in the tax,” instead of money, which would encourage the manufacture. (Encloses the Act.) Had also obtained a law with 100l. penalty for every tree cut of certain dimensions without her Majesty's express warrant. (Act enclosed.) When this was done in New Hampshire had offered the same to the great assembly of the Massachusetts, but could by no means get it passed. For his care in the suppression of pirates, the strict observance of the Acts of trade, and labouring to keep the people close to their obedience to the crown, &c., he was sensible the people wished for an alteration of their Government, and when he neglected his duty to her Majesty he would join with them in an address for an alteration. Concludes thus:—“This is the greatest province her Maj^ty holds in America, has the burthen of the whole war upon it from Quebeck and Port Royal, has no salary nor receipt for a governor, not so much as a house belonging to her Majesty, nor has this great province given me what will amount to more than three hundred pounds sterling per annum. However, my estate and family being here I humbly wish her Majesty's favour that a very few men that act apparently contrary to all her Majesty's particular commands (that I brought with me hither) may not prevail against me to bring me to dishonour. I have had a six years' severe trouble with the French and Indians. I would be glad to serve her Majesty a few years in peace. If your Lordship please to put forward the reduction of Quebeck and a colony of North Britain in Nova Scotia, all the Indians in North America would presently be the Queen's vassals, and all the lumber, naval stores, and fishery would be her Majesty's own.” Dated Boston, 5 March 1708–9. The copies of the two Acts mentioned. 5 pages.
March 10.	11. Nicholas Merwin to William Lowndes, Esq^re, “at his house near the Abbey, Westm^r.” Applies for 50l. on behalf of M^r Foster who had engaged to give the same to his son, lately married to M^rs Gyles's daughter. He would surrender the equity of redemption of premises already surrendered to M^r Lowndes, &c. [Apparently a private transaction with M^r Lowndes.] Dated Winslow, 10 March 1708–9. 1 page.
March 11.	12. Copy of a deed whereby John Duke of Montague, Keeper of the Great Wardrobe, appointed Thomas Dummer his deputy. Dated 11 March 1708–9. 2¼ pages.
March 11.	13. Memorial of Lord Fairfax to the Lord High Treasurer. M^r Blathwayt's report on the proposal to exchange the estate of the Lady Culpepper, and that of the memorialist (Lord Fairfax) in Virginia, for the “lott and cope” and office of bergmaster, in the wapentake of Wirksworth, in the county of Derby, had been laid before the Lord High Treasurer. M^r Blathwayt computed the memorialist's estate at one fourth of all Virginia, and estimated the value of it at 300l. per ann., besides the benefit to the public and the tobacco trade. But the quit rents amounted to 584l. 13s. 2d. clear of charges. The estate would be of far greater value to the Crown than to any subject. The present possessors of the lott and cope paid annually to the Crown 146l. 13s. 4d. for the same. It was not reasonable that an estate in fee such as theirs was should be exchanged for a lease. Asks that the memorial may be laid before the Queen. Dated 11 March 1708–9. Three papers connected therewith. 6 pages.
March 11.	14. The Earl of Cromartie to the Lord High Treasurer. Asks to be excused from going the next circuit. Was the oldest judge in her Majesty's service, and as justice general had given more attendance at courts than any two of that station for this hundred years. Dated Edinburgh, 11 March 1709 [i.e., 1708–9.] 1¼ pages, quarto.
March 12.	15. Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to John Taylor at the Treasury Chambers. Ask for a proper discharge for 1,000l. paid to the Earl of Levin. Would be very glad if anything could be done during the sessions of Parliament relating to the settling the difference between the 34 English and 12 Scots gallons mentioned in their letter of 11 Dec. 1707, and also relating to the distillery and other matters. Dated Edinburgh, 12 Mar. 1708–9. 1 page.
[? About March 14.]	16. Memorial relating to the treaty of the Imperial recruits to be sent to Catalonia. Prince Eugene desired that instead of the first payment being made at Frankfort, according to the treaty, it might be paid to the widow of the late Cornelio Blessen at Amsterdam. On the dorse is:—“Vide y^e Minute Book 14^th March 1708–9.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XIV., p. 304, is:—“His Grace y^e D. of Marlborough comes in. The recruit money for 2,467 Imperialists is to be paid according to a mem^ll now brought, according to P. Eugene's desires.” 1 page.
March 15.	17. Report of the Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to the Lord High Treasurer respecting the case of the ship “Industry,” of Leith, seized with certain brandy, and sold at less than half its value, which extremely afflicted and astonished the Com^rs. Dated Edinburgh, 15 March 1708–9. 1¼ pages.
March 15.	18. Another report from the same, as to the activity of the runners of wine, brandy, &c., notwithstanding the three sloops which were in danger of being seized by the French picaroons. It would be much for their security, the safety of the revenue, and prevention of intelligence between the enemy and the ill inclined, to have two fifth and four sixth rates on the east and west coasts. The captains of the large frigates said that it did not signify in the least to go out after the small privateers, for they knew the coast and shoals so well, that a frigate of force could not come at them; and for boats they were too well manned, so that thus it is that these little fellows triumph round the whole coast. Dated Edinburgh, 15 March 1708–9. Also copies of two letters from collectors. 3 pages.
March 15.	19. Report of the Secretary-at-War (R. Walpole) to the Lord High Treasurer on the memorial of Major-General Wills, in relation to the expenses of himself and the officers of marines for mules in Catalonia and [elsewhere] in Spain. Dated 15 March 1708–9. The memorial and three other papers, including a letter from the Earl of Peterborough on these demands, in which he mentions that he had had no supply of money from England for eleven months. 6 pages.
March 15.	20. J. Stanley to W^m Lowndes, Esq. Sends an account of the travelling charges of M^rs Abrahalls for her attendance on her Majesty as “M^rs Starcher” in the several progresses and removes of the court. Dated Cockpit, 15 March 1708. Also the account. 2 pages.
March 17.	21. The Earl of Cromertie to Lord —. One of the reasons that moved him to look into the customs in the year preceding the Union was, that by bringing many unexpected debts on the Equivalent, it would cause disappointment, and by the thronging in of goods, by the catch [of fish] in the interim, the customs would be defrauded of more than one year's value in the very entry of the Union. That fraud was too much supported. and the catchers were neither just in their claim, nor did they deserve much. He says, “I must say that the Parliament is cautious against encroachments on the treaty, and their particular kindness to some few, both Scots and other strangers, partners (if any be) is very signal. My Lo. I most applaud their great good will, when bestowed nationally on the encouragement of fishery; but allow me to wish it conferred on general and fair traders; for that of fishery is (in my little thought) ane of the good and great effects of our union.” Dated 17 March 1708–9. 3 pages, quarto.
March 22.	22. “An estimate of the charge of the public ministers for one year (as they now stand) on their ord^ry entertainm^ts & extra^rys within the regulac[i]on.” Dated 22 March 1708–9. 1 page.
March 23.	23. Lord Sunderland to the Lord High Treasurer. Encloses “copy of proportion of ordnance stores, which the Board of Ordnance are directed to provide for a particular service,” in order that provision might be made for the same. Dated Whitehall, 23 March 1708–9. [Nearly 40,000l. was required.] The copy referred to. 9½ pages.
March 23.	24. Memorial from M^r Anstis for money to be ordered for printing the ninth volume of M^r Rymer's Fœdera. Dated 23 March 1708–9. Accompanied by the four last pages of the volume. 5 pages.
March 23.	25. M^r Burchett to M^r Lowndes. The brewers, bakers and others of Portsmouth and Gosport had complained to the Lord High Admiral that the workmen of the yard were not paid, whereby they were in debt for provisions. Asks that the matter might be laid before the L^d High Treasurer. Dated 23 March 1708–9. Minuted:—“Money since ordered.” 1 page.
March 23.	26. The same to the same. As to the complaints of the Com^rs for sick and wounded, that by reason of the taxes, which their secretary and clerks paid out of their salaries, the remainder was not sufficient for maintenance. Dated 23 March 1708–9. Minuted:—“29 June 1709. To be laid before y^e Queene.” 1 page.
March 23.	27. William Prince to Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Kn^t. Asks him to speak to Mr. Secretary Lowndes, that the case of the widow Brooke, in relation to the ship Joseph, may be laid before the Lord High Treasurer. Dated 23 March 1708–9. ½ page, quarto.
March 25.	28. Copy of an account of corn shipped in the port of London from the 25^th of March 1708 to the 25^th of March 1709. 1 page.
March 26.	29. H. Boyle to the Lord High Treasurer. Sends by the Queen's command an address of the House of Commons, relating to the losses of the people of Nevis and S^t Christophers, for directions to be given thereon. Dated Whitehall, 26^th March 1709. The resolution and order for the address. By a postscript it appears that there was a copy of another address which is not now with it. 2 pages.
[? About March 26.]	30. The Earl of Peterborough to the Lord [High Treasurer]. Found for all his services and uneasiness the recompense he had to expect was, not to be master of his own estate, under the pretence that he had had the disposition of public moneys. Desired directions to be given for the examination of the accounts of the Spanish expedition. His wife's indisposition and the little satisfaction he found in this country, would oblige him to ask the Queen's leave to go abroad. Must find some way once for all to put a stop to discourses which were spread to his prejudice. Major-General Gorge asked leave of him (Lord Peterborough) to address his L^p (the Lord Treasurer) for baggage and forage money. Was surprised at the compliment, and told him he saw no reason why he (the Major-General) should not petition for what he pleased. Minuted:—“26 Mar. 1709. M^r Brydges to frame an acco^t of what sums wilbe set in super of the public moneys for Earle of Peterborow to acco^t for.” 2 pages.
March 28.	31. “An account of such under officers as are necessary to be employed in the busines of prizes under the present constitution, with their salaries,” for the Lord High Treasurer's approbation. Dated 28 March 1709. Signed, T. Baker and W^m Gosselin. Minuted:—“30 May 1709. Agreed.” 1 page.
March 28.	32. Memorial from the same, T. Baker and W. Gosselin, who were Com^rs for the recovery of the arrears of prizes, to the Lord High Treasurer, praying to be allowed to draw warrants on John Henley, Esq., for sums due to the captors of prizes, and reminding his Lordship as to certain other prizes unsettled. Dated 28 March 1709. 1 page.
March 28.	33. M^r Burchett to M^r Lowndes. As to the pay of the marine regiments. The Lord High Admiral had commanded him (M^r Burchett) to state the case of the marine officers, that it might be laid before the Lord High Treasurer for his consideration. The officers and men were under very great uneasiness. Some of the men belonging to Col. Churchill's regiment, being commanded by their officer to march and go aboard one of her Majesty's ships at Spithead, positively refused, and in a mutinous manner came in a body to town, insomuch that the Government had been necessitated to appoint some regular troops to seize on them, and they were then prisoners in the Savoy. Dated 28 March 1709. Minuted:—“28 Mar. 1709. Read, & my Lord will consider the clearings wⁿ M^r Knatchbull makes his return about musters.” 1½ pages.
March 30.	34. Report of Thomas Brodrick, one of the controllers of the army accounts, to the Lord High Treasurer. Respecting the respits of the guards, garrisons, and regiments under M^r Howe's pay for one year ending 22 Dec. 1708. Dated 30 March 1709. 1 page.
March 30.	35. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer on the price of corn, the quantities exported, &c., laying before his Lordship an account of the market prices of grain, extracted out of the several answers in return to their general letter to the collectors of the outports. Also an account of corn shipped in the port of London to foreign ports. Dated 30 March 1709. The enclosures referred to. 10 pages.
March 30.	36. “Navy Office, 30^th March 1709. The humble returne of the principal officers and comiss^rs of her Ma^ts Navy to the order of the hono^ble House of Com[m]ons of the 14^th instant, for laying before the House the causes of the increase of the debt of the Navy, the like having been presented to y^e com[m]ittee appointed to examine y^e estimate of the debts of the Navy the 6^th Decemb^r last in pursuance of their order of the 3^d of that month.” 2 pages.
End of March or beginning of April.	37. “Instructions to be observed by Christopher Rhodes, Esq., appointed paymaster to the forces ordered to attend the intended expedition against the common enemy.” Undated, but Rhodes gave security for his trust; on the 5th of April his sureties were considered. See Reference Book, Vol. VII., p. 353. Draft of Rhodes' appointment. 3¼ pages.
April 1.	38. A tripartite agreement as to the printing of the ninth volume of “leagues and treaties extracted from antient records,” by Thomas Rymer, the Queen's Historiographer. With signatures and seals. Dated 1 April 1709. Accompanied by a leaf of the volume. 3 pages.
April 4.	39. William Paterson, Esq., to the Lord [High Treasurer]. Complains that his dependence upon the public for a recompense for what he had done during the seven years of her Majesty's government, as well as for losses in former years, had so reduced him and his family that without speedy provision he must perish. The enclosed petition to her Majesty contains the sum of his case. Asks for his Lordship's intercession with her Majesty. Dated Westminster, 4 April 1709. Tne petition shows that the petitioner first formed and proposed the scheme for retrieving the public credit by establishing the Bank of England in 1694, for which he had no recompense. The large share he afterwards had in the proceedings, misfortunes, and losses of the African and Indian Company of Scotland, as well as his concern for the true interest of Great Britain, induced him to propose a complete union, by which those losses might be repaired and future misunderstandings removed. In 1705 he formed a scheme for the union, and afterwards communicated it to the Com^rs at the late treaty, who entertained it favourably, and he spared no pains to promote the same, for which services the last parliament recommended him to her Majesty. By an omission in stating the Equivalent he (the petitioner) was necessitated to have recourse to the first parliament of Great Britain for relief. The House of Commons, by resolution of 18 Mar. 1707, declared that he ought to be paid the sums due to him by the African and Indian C^o in Scotland, and a recompense suitable to his services. A clause was inserted in “an Act for further directing the payment of the equivalent money” relative thereto. By the register books of the above company 2 per cent. was due to the petitioner on the subscriptions of 600,000l. of the capital stock, and 3 per cent. on the profits for 21 years, so that 12,000l. were due to him. He had, however, not received the same, nor anything for his expenses, &c. during 13 years. This matter being before the judges of the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, he could make no application to parliament this session. By which troubles, &c. petitioner was unable to subsist without her Majesty's special care and protection. 4 pages.
April 3 & 5.	40. Copies of two short letters mentioning the appearance, on the north-east coast, of French men-of-war, &c., supposed to be the Dunkirk squadron. Dated 3 and 5 April 1700. 1 page.
April 5.	41. [Com^rs] of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer. Had received instructions to provide stores for Spain amounting to 28,079l. 8s. 6d., and for an intended expedition a further sum of 31,922l. 13s. 10d., notwithstanding there had been no money given by parliament. Begged his Lordship to order money on the general services, there being nothing but tallies in their treasurer's hands. The artificers being two years in arrear, with no interest on their debentures, were reduced to the last extremity. Unless they had a considerable payment they could not furnish the service with stores. Dated 5 April 1709. 1 page.
April 5.	42. Report of Thomas Brodrick, one of the controllers of the accounts of the army, to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of Nathaniel Carpenter, agent to Col. Toby Caulfield's regiment, relating to claims on the regiments for arms lost in Spain at the sieges of Requena and Quinqua, and at the taking of the flying hospital at Carthagena, &c. Dated 5 April 1709. 2 pages.
April 5, 7.	43. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to William Lowndes, Esq. On the 22^nd ult. they had given an account of the taking of the Orkney sloop by the French in Cromarty Bay, since which the mate and some of the sailors had been put on shore there and come to them (the Com^rs) on foot in a very sad condition. Send their affidavit on the manner of their capture, &c. Dated Edinburgh, 5 Apr. 1709. The affidavit taken 7 Apr. [sic], 1709. 3½ pages.
April 9.	44. [Sir] Alexander Rigby to William Lowndes, Esq. Seven hogsheads of most excellent claret in French casks had been seized, which proved to be the President Dalrimple's, and passed for him by his relation the collector at Port Patrick. Should set himself in opposition to this kind of work, for it was of dangerous consequence. From Dumfries they had an account that the officers had seized 48 casks of brandy within a mile of Arran; they could only take away 15 that night and put the rest into the town house; but 50 horsemen and about 30 on foot came in the night and carried it away. The humour and situation of that country occasioned perpetual discouragements. P.S.—There must be some way found to avoid letting men come to be collectors at the instance of great men there. Another danger was arising. The collector of Preston Pans, a near relation of Sir David Dalrimple's, was treating with another, to procure him the Lord Treasurer's warrant to succeed him (the collector); the price being 100 guineas. A worse could not be than the present incumbent, but “he that buys will profit, at least 'tis said so of the judges in Spain.” Dated Edinburgh, 9 April 1709. 2 pages.
April 9.	45. M^r Burchett to M^r Lowndes. Sends copy of a letter from James Pomroy, a Frenchman, and John Mathews, a Swede, who had escaped from S^t Malo to Jersey in a small hoy, to be laid before the Lord High Treasurer for directions as to the disposal of the hoy. Dated 9 April 1709. The letter referred to. 2 pages.
April 12.	46. “Memorial” of the Prize Com^rs to the Lord High Treasurer, sending an account of money chargeable on the R^t Hon. the Earl of Peterborough out of the prizes during the Spanish expedition. Her Majesty was interested in the galleons some time since taken by Commodore Wager in the West Indies. Had sent a monition of the High Court of Admiralty, with directions to M^r Hamilton thereon. Had also sent a duplicate to Governor Handasyd at Jamaica, and a letter to him to take the management of the business. Dated 12 April 1709. 1 page.
April 12.	47. M. de Medina to the Lord High Treasurer. Presses for payment of the advance for bread and bread waggons. The money should have been paid two months ago. The Duke of Marlborough assured Sir Solomon de Medina he would pressingly recommend the payment in ready money. Dated 12 Apr. 1709. Minuted:—“12 Apr. 1709. My Lord will direct this as soon as the Exchequer Bills issue.” 1 page, quarto.
April 12.	48. Richard Savage to John Taylour, Esq. Sends the account of the charges on the Duchess of Marlborough's chocolate. The enclosed memorial would show by whom the colours were carried to the Tower. [The chocolate and the standards were brought over in the Nottingham man-of-war, but it does not say where from.] Dated 12 April 1709. 3 parts of pages.
April 13.	49. “Estimate of the charge of making several repairs mentioned in a memorial of M^r Portman as most necessary to be done in Hyde Park. Delivered to the Treasury the 13^th of April 1709. p[er] Edw^d Wilcox.” 2 pages.
April 14.	50. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, concerning a certain parcel of plate, which was being sent to Portugal, under colour of arms for the King of Portugal, but seized at Falmouth by the custom house officers and condemned in the Court of Exchequer. Dated 14 April 1709. Three enclosures. Minuted:—“Read 15^th Apr. 1709. My Lord finds the person who made this seizure might do it by law, that he is no custom h^o officer, and my Lord can give no direction in y^e matter.” 4½ pages.
April 14.	51. The Earl of Glasgow to [? Mr. Lowndes]. Assures him that he (the Earl) is deeply sensible of his obligations, kindnesses, and favours, and sends a copy of his (the Earl's) discourse to the Assembly. Dated Edinburgh, 14 April 1709. The copy mentioned. Recommending the Assembly to promote religion, discourage profaneness, and immorality, and prevent the growth of popery. 2 pages.
April 14.	52. The Earl of Northesk to the Lord —, “about goods saved by him out of Dutch ships.” Dated Etlie, 14 April. A memorial, which was enclosed and gave more particulars, is not now with the letter. 1 page, quarto.
April 15.	53. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, giving a relation of the circumstances in respect to some wines that came on shore on the estate of the Duke of Bedford, the property in which was disputed. Dated 15 April 1709. Minuted:—“Read 15^th April 1709. My Lord thinkes neither the Com^rs of the Customes, nor the Lords of Mannors, have any right to seize in these cases; but the same should be in the custody of the towns according to the law.” Four other papers relating thereto, two of which are legal opinions. 12½ pages.
April 15.	54. “Certificate from the Coll^r of Portsmouth in behalf of M^r Shene to be landwaiter there. Recommended by S^r Thomas Littleton.” Dated 15 Apr. 1709. Minuted:—“27^th May 1709. My Lord to be put in mind of this when a vacancy happens.” ½ page.
April 15.	55. Henry Furnese to the Lord [High Treasurer]. The armies in Flanders, Portugal, and Spain, and the several subsidies to the allies, had all been paid by his correspondents; for which they had sent him bills for above 300,000l., and he daily expected bills from several parts for very great sums. Had received nothing but tallies of late, which could not be disposed of, and he was reduced to the last necessity and not able to carry on the service without his Lordship's immediate help. Proposed that the second payment of the Bank of England, amounting to 133,333l. 6s. 8d., might be made over to him, and that the remaining 80,000l. of first land tax tallies might be assigned to him. Thus he might advance money to carry the armies into the field, the Duke of Marlborough having given orders to M^r Sweet to get together what money was possible. Dated 15 April 1709. In the Minute Book, Vol. 15, p. 6, 15 April 1709, is:—“The 2^d paym^t by y^e Bank upon acco^t of ye 400,000l. to be advanced by them, is to be issued to M^r Bridges for Sir Henry Furness, upon acc^t of the pay of ye forces.” There were further issues to him on the 21^st and 23^rd of April. See Ib., pp. 10 and 11. 1 page.
April 16.	56. Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lord [High Treasurer]. The justices had given judgment that the distillers should pay no more duty than three pence the Scots pint (two whereof make nearly the English wine gallon) upon spirits perfectly made, and had wholly discharged them from paying any duty on low wines, in consideration of the weakness of the common brewers' wash, the distillers were to charge themselves by their own oaths, without regard to the charge made upon them by the officers. This was directly contrary to the laws of excise. Dated Edinburgh, 16 April 1709. 1 page.
April 20.	57. Affidavit of William Bowyer touching the printing of the eighth volume of Rymer's Fœdera. Dated 20 Apr. 1709. 1 page.
April 20.	58. Account of moneys advanced by the Governor and Company of the Bank of England to several offices for Her Majesty's service. Dated 20 April 1709. 1 page.
April 21.	59. Memorial of Walter, Lord Blantyre, to the Lord High Treasurer. King Charles II. granted to Frances, late Duchess Dowager of Richmond and Lenox, an annuity of 1,000l. out of the hereditary excise, in exchange for her estate of Aubigney in France. which was paid till 1691; prays that three quarters of arrears due at the Duchess's death might be paid. The arrears in William the Third's reign had not been paid. Dated 21 April 1709. 1 page.
April 23.	60. Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lord High Treasurer. Send a copy of a memorial delivered by them to the Lord Justice General and Lords of Justiciary that they might incline the justices of the peace to act with more regard to the interest of the revenue of excise. Dated Edinburgh, 23 April 1709. The memorial referred to, in which the Com^rs complain that the justices do not punish offenders in any proportion to their offences, whereby they are encouraged in their fraudulent practices. 3 pages.
April 25.	61. The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord High Treasurer. The Queen being sensible of M^r Blencowe's diligence and capacity in deciphering letters, and how little proportion there was between the recompense he had received and the pains he had taken, desired that his salary might be doubled and made up to 200l. a year. Dated Whitehall, 25 April 1709. 1 page, quarto.
April 25.	62. Baron Smith to John Taylor, Esq., at the Treasury. Must not leave town without thanking him for the many favours he had received. Dated Serjeant's Inn, 25 April 1709. 1 page, quarto.
April 28.	63. Prize Office salary bill, being “a list of the commissioners and subordinate officers of prizes in the port of London and out ports, according to the establishment approved of by the R^t Hon^ble the Lord High Tr[easur]er of Great Britain, with their annual salaries and what the same does amount unto from Lady Day 1708 to Christmas following.” Dated 28 Apr. 1709. 1 large page (the signatures torn away).
April 28.	64. Order in Council on the petition of Sir George Barnwell, Bart., for leave to transfer his pension of 100l. a year to George Lowther, Esq., from whom he had borrowed a considerable sum; referring the matter to the Lord High Treasurer. Dated 28 Apr. 1709. The petition mentioned. 2 pages.
April 29.	65. A. Hamilton to the Lord High Treasurer. Draws attention to the hardships he had met with in the sea service, and to an arrear due to him on the civil list of Scotland, which would be more acceptable then than at any other time. Would make a campaign in Flanders, since at present it was out of his power to serve at sea. Dated 29 April 1709. 3 pages.
April 29.	66. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer on the report of William Blathwayt, Esq., on the petition of George Muschamp, receiver of Potomack in Maryland, touching his transference from that receivership to that of “Patuxen” river, the duties arising from which were appropriated to the payment of the Governor's salary, and for purchasing arms and ammunition for the use of that province. Dated 29 April 1709. Minuted:—“Agreed.” With a warrant of the Lord High Treasurer at the foot approving thereof, and authorizing the Com^rs to issue their deputation. Dated 28 May 1709. Also the two documents above mentioned, and another letter which states that the duties were no ways cognizable by the Com^rs here. 4 pages.
April 30.	67. The Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Wharton) to the Lord High Treasurer. For payment out of the revenue of Ireland of 3l. per man as levy money for 540 men, to be raised by Sir John Wittewronge, Bart. Dated Dublin Castle, 30 April 1709. 1 page, quarto.