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| May 17. |
1. Comrs of the Navy to William Lowndes, Esq. As to the sums wanting for the several services of the Navy. Dated Navy Office, 17 May 1714.
Minuted:—“17 May 1714. Read. Vide Min. Book.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XVIII., p. 209, there is an order to issue certain sums to pay off several ships. 1 page.
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| May 17. |
2. Comrs for Sick and Wounded to William Lowndes, Esq. They were then attending with a list of the books of their office. Dated 17 May 1714.
The list referred to.
Minuted:—“17 May 1714. Brought by ye Commrs & read. Vide Minute Book.”
In the Minute Book, Vol. XVIII., p. 209, is:—
“Commrs for Sick & Wounded called in. They present (according to my Lord's direcc[i]on of ye 14th instant) a list of all their books, wch is read, Mr Morley being p[rese]nt, who saies that Doctor Plumtree told him, that there was a minute entred in the books of ye Comrs that the Agent for Sick and Wounded, in the year 1703, in the West Indies (upon a rep[re]sentac[i]on from one Stuart), should have an allowance for Madera wine for ye sick & wounded there; which was concealed from him, when he wanted it. This makes him suspect several other foul practices have been com[m]itted by them, as well with respect to himself as the publick. Dr Morley desires leave, with some other person on his behalfe, to inspect the books of the Commrs. My Lord bids him name the p[er]son he would have join'd wth him. He saies he will consider of an indifferent p[er]son and name him in a l~re to Mr Lowndes.” 2 pages.
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[? About
May 18.] |
3. Memorial of Lord North and Grey to the Lord High Treasurer, praying payment of 1,000l. stopped out of the subsistence of himself and officers for an old debt on the regiment.
Minuted:—“18 May 1714. A wt for sale of a company to make good the debt. The acct of clearings of former years is before parlt. It may be issued on acct of this year's clearings.” 1 page.
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| [? May 18.] |
4. John Fleetwood to the Lord High Treasurer. Encloses, in obedience to her Majesty's command, signified by Lord Dartmouth, an account of disbursements for taking care of seafaring men captured by the enemy during the war. Had been consul here for near six years, and the office had never rendered him more than 40l. per ann., which was less than he spent on it. The King of Sicily had arrived at Messina, and it was hoped would regulate several matters in favour of their trade. The commerce between this and that kingdom was prohibited. The Emperor had ordered this Government to make a free port at Pozzuolo or Castelamaro, and they had been trying to mark out a secure mole, but it was believed that their poverty would prevent it. They had planted a great many cannon near the seaside, which looked as if they were apprehensive of something. Count Daun, their “V. King,” was often incommoded with the gout. P.S.—On Sunday the peace between the Emperor and King of France was proclaimed here. Dated Naples, 29 May 1714 [? N. S., i.e., 18 May.]
Minuted:—“23 July 1714. To Commrs for Sick & Wd.”
The account referred to. 2 pages.
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| May 18. |
5. Wm Lowndes to the Duke of Beaufort, Lord Warden of the New Forest. Sends, by the Lord Treasurer's order, the petition of Mrs Theodosia Kingdon, relating to the repair of the lodge whereof she was possessed in the New Forest, and to the new railing and paling of an enclosure there used for a pound, for securing strays in the forest, together with Mr Wilcox's reports thereon. Dated 18 May 1714.
The petition and two reports of Mr. Wilcox, and another petition of Mrs Kingdon on the same subject. Minuted:—“28 June 1714. Mr Wilcox to proceed to the paling this year & finish the same.” 5 pages and 2 halves.
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[About
May 19.] |
6. Memorial of Charles Dartiquenave, Paymaster of her Majesty's Works, to the Lord High Treasurer, praying that certain payments might be allowed by the auditor on passing his accounts.
Minuted:—“Orderd 19th May 1714.” 1 page.
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[About
May 19.] |
7. Memorial of George Mackenzie, Esq., to the Lord High Treasurer. Had hitherto had no allowance for three years for postage and intelligence, altho' he was above 17 months of that time at the Court of Poland, when there was no other minister there from the Queen, and had repeated orders from the late Duke of Queensberry to spare no expense for the service, &c. Had more than one voucher to show how earnestly it was enjoined on him to transmit to Flanders and the Hague “doubles” of all he wrote to England, that being the juncture of the “neutrality,” &c. The daily alarms that the northern troops were about to withdraw from Flanders rendered this expense absolutely necessary, “where the resolves were often quicker than they could wait for returns from Whitehall.” Notwithstanding the high rate of exchange and interest for advance of money for the charges of his long and frequent journeys in Poland, Germany, and Italy, he had been nigh two years in the service before he had received any of the Queen's money; yet no consideration had been made him, nor for two travelling equipages, whereof one was lost, with his whole baggage, in passing the Serio river. Might annex the original order he received to come into England to be the better able to receive his instructions. Had often been desired to be in readiness to repair to the court of the Czar. Prayed for consideration for the above, and for his ordinary allowance as secretary at the Court of Poland from the 24th June last till the commencement of his privy seal as her Majesty's Resident with the Czar.
“R. from E. Mar. My. 19, 1714.”
Minuted:—“31 May 1714. Send to the Secretary of State for an accot from what time his allowance as S[e]c[reta]ry to Poland was to cease, & when (if any) letters of revocac[i]on bore date.” Again:—“To pay him to 26th Aprill 1714 (the date of his letter of revocation), on 40s a day, comes to 612l. Ordered.”
Also two memoranda relating thereto. 1½ pages.
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[? About
May 19.] |
8. Memorial of the Rt Hon. Samuel Lord Masham, cofferer of his Majesty's household, to the Lord High Treasurer, praying his Lp to order 3,066l. 8s. 6d. to pay for the customs on 136 gallons of French wine bought for her Majesty's service.
Minuted:—“19 May 1714. 1,066l 8s 6d ordered in part.
1,000 more 26 May.”
1 page.
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| May 20. |
9. Comrs for Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer. There had not been a supply of ordnance stores to Barbadoes or other plantations in the West Indies which were proper to be paid for out of the duties of 4½ per cent. The inhabitants had applied for the same, &c. Dated Office of Ordnance, 20 May 1714.
Minuted:—“21 May 1714. Read.” 1 page, quarto.
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| May 22. |
10. Report of the Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Charles Dering, Esq., to her Majesty for a grant of the office of Auditor of the Imprests in Ireland to his two sons, Edward and Henry, on surrender of two lives in being, viz., John Champante and Robert Curtis. Had referred the petition to the Solicitor General for Ireland, whose report he transmitted. Dated Dublin Castle, 22 May 1714.
The report and petition.
Minuted:—“14 July 1714. To be layd before the Queen. Kensington, July 27, 1714. Read to her Maty, who is pleased to order a grant as desired.”
There is also the warrant granting the same. 6 pages.
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| May 24. |
11. Comrs for Victualling to Mr Lowndes. Had agreed for the carrying of the provisions to be sent to Placentia for the garrison there, consisting of 359 persons. The rate was 25s. per ton. Dated Victualling Office, 24 May 1714. 1 page.
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| May 24. |
12. Attorney General to the Lord [High Treasurer]. Sir Simeon Steward had not thought proper to produce any writings before him (the Attorney Genl) or the Solicitor General as to his title to Binswood in Holt Forest. It would be necessary to exhibit a bill against him in the Court of Exchequer to compel him. Dated 24 May 1714.
Minuted:—“24 May 1714. A copy to Sr Simeon and acqt him that my Lord must be obliged to the method proposed in case of longer delay.” 1 page.
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[? About
May 24.] |
13. Memorial of Archibald Earl of Roseberry to the Lord High Treasurer. Had a right to a pension of 158l. which the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland made a difficulty in allowing him. Had acted as Chamberlain of Strathearn for several years without salary. Had applied to her Majesty to be allowed 1,500l. in lieu of arrears of his pension. Prayed his Lp to order him a warrant to allow him 1,500l. in his accounts of the rents of Fife in lieu of the arrears.
Minuted:—“Read 24th May 1714. The draft of a wart for 1,500l. bounty.” Again:—“Wt signd 4 June.”
Also copy of a previous memorial from him. 2 pages.
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| May 25. |
14. Mr Delavale to the Lord [High Treasurer]. Lest Mr Lowndes should not have rightly understood him as to his allowance of 3l. a day as plenipotentiary (Mr Lowndes saying that in law the Commission to Morocco ceased from the date of those to the Duke of Argyle, which might be true), he observed to his Lp that neither that nor any other commission interfered with that which he had to the King of Portugal. The Duke of Argyle and Sir John Jennings had the same powers with him to Morocco, yet none of them demanded anything on that account. His Lp might remember that the privy seal was obtained by his Lp's favour in regard to the great expense he would be at by the war in Portugal, and to put him on an equality with the ministers of other Princes then in that Court. Prayed that he might be paid. Dated London, 25 May 1714. 1 page, quarto.
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| May 25. |
15. Report of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer. On the petition of Sir Alexander Cairnes, relating to 1,201l. 16s. 6d. under seizure at Liverpool. The books had been searched for precedents, but there was no case exactly like it. They quote the case of Banfield, which was referred to by petitioner. It was a case of attempting to export silver money by first changing it for pistoles or louis d'ors. Unless his Lp commanded to the contrary they would order the money to be paid into the receipt of the Exchequer. Dated Custom House, London, 25 May 1714.
The petition and an affidavit.
Minuted:—“26 May 1714. Sir Alex. Cairnes may see this Rept.” 4 pages.
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| May 25. |
16. The Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Shrewsbury) to the Lord High Treasurer. Sends a list of the officers of the regiments of Col. Kerr, Major Genl Pepper, Col. Churchil, Lord Mountjoy, Major Genl Wade, and Brigadier Corbet, which were commanded to be disbanded. They were to be placed on the establishment for half-pay. Dated Dublin Castle, 25 May 1714.
Minuted:—“11 Augt 1714. Wt signed to Lords Justices.” 1 page.
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| May 26. |
17. Mr John Evans to the Lord High Treasurer. The Duke of Leeds had informed him that the Lord High Treasurer would give him leave to make his objections to Sir Christopher Wren's report upon his petition to be appointed as her Majesty's master bricklayer. Many years since Sir Christopher had employed him to finish a brick church in Abchurch Lane, London, and to build a tower to it, which he performed to the satisfaction of all the parishioners, and (as he believed) of Sir Christopher himself, who soon after employed him to do all the brickwork in the churches of Allhallows, Lombard Street, St Mary le Rood, St Michael, Crooked Lane, and St Mary, Abchurch, Thames St. These were done in a workman-like manner, and he never till now heard that he was guilty of the least misbehaviour. Believed Sir Christopher had forgotten that in the summer before King James went away his Majesty ordered his palace at Richmond to be repaired and beautified. One Drew, who was employed on it, being incapable of performing the work, Sir Christopher employed him (Evans) on the same, till his Majesty's departure out of England, when he was discharged without receiving the least satisfaction for the same. Was afterwards sued, not only for materials used by his own men, but by the bricklayers concerned before him, and had actually paid for the same rather than suffer the extremity of the law.
After several applications to Sir Christopher, who could not assist him, he had recourse to Sir Stephen Fox, one of the Lords of the Treasury, and obtained an order for payment on Col. Taylor, paymaster of the works.
When the fire happened in the Royal Palace at Whitehall, he immediately went to Sir Christopher Wren's house, and offered his assistance, who directed him to stay there and take care of some books, &c., and went out of his house, but forthwith returned from viewing the conflagration and in a great consternation cried out, “We are all undone, for the fire hath seized the Banquetting House. For God's sake lett all things alone here, and try to save that fabrick.” Whereupon by indefatigable endeavours, with great expense and “eminent hazard” of his life, he preserved it from being destroyed, tho' not by the means Sir Christopher alleged in his report; nor had he the least direction from Sir Christopher, except in general terms, to try to save the fabrick, and never saw him near the place till two days after, when Doctor Hutton (then in waiting) told him that the Earl of Strafford, Lord Cutts, and other persons of distinction present at the fire, had informed the King of the surprising performances of one called Evans, whom they know not. After which his Majesty directed the Earl of Portland to give him a reward of 500l., and to order that further care should be taken of him. For which end Sir Christopher went with him to Kensington, and presented him to that Earl, who told him (Evans) that he had just taken leave of the King, and should not see him again until his Lordship's return from France. Upon his return, Sir Christopher, with his own hand, drew the form of certificate (now in his, Evans', custody) and signed it, which was quite different from his present report. This he (Evans) delivered to the Earl of Portland, on whom he attended at Kensington for near four months together without effect, and never received any reward for that service, save that Sir Christopher gave him five pounds (which he calls by his report a reward). Had now received some encouragement from the Duke of Leeds to petition for the above place. Had first waited on Sir Christopher and his son with his petition for their approbation, who liked it very well, but were heartily sorry he did not come sooner, because Sir Christopher had already made two reports in favour of others, and they were sure the place was disposed of, &c. Dated 26 May 1714.
Also a true copy of the rough draft of the certificate referred to. 3 pages.
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| May 26. |
18. Presentment of the Comrs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, asking that he would be a means that a privy or broad seal might be prepared, pursuant to the Attorney General's opinion, to give a title to the purchaser of Edward Carlton's house and lands at Cashalton in Surrey, which had been seized for a very considerable sum of money for duties on tobacco. Both Edward and Arden Carlton had absconded, and Arden had been made a bankrupt, and Edward refused to join in the sale of the estate. Dr. Ratcliff was the purchaser. The house and lands were valued at 23 years' purchase. Dated 26 May 1714.
Minuted:—“Agreed. Wt signed for a constat.” 2 pages.
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| May 26. |
19. Report of the Comrs of Excise to the Lord High Treasurer on a draught of two clauses to be offered in Parliament for giving ease to the exporters of chequered and striped linens imported, and of silks, calicoes, linens, and stuffs, printed, painted, or stained. They draw attention to defects, and propose additional clauses. They also propose clauses relating to painted paper. Dated Excise Office, London, 26 May 1714.
The clauses referred to. 8 pages and 3 halves.
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| May 26. |
20. Report of the Attorney General (Northey) to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Sir Robert Davers, Bart., and Thomas Foulkes, Esq., executors of the Lady Mary Jermyn, deceased, widow and executrix of Thomas Lord Jermyn, late Governor of Jersey, as to the right of the Governor to receive fines and forfeitures, and particularly those for transporting wool, without rendering account. The case being argued before the Barons of the Exchequer, two were for the right, and two against. So there could be no decree thereon without the assistance of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whose opinion would determine the question. Had no objection to dismiss the information as desired if her Majesty pleased, or discharge the petitioners of the amount demanded; hut submitted whether it was not better to incur one day's more expense to settle the matter, in relation as well to the past as the present Governor. Dated 26 May 1714.
The petition referred to and a copy of the setting out of the case by the Deputy Queen's Remembrancer.
Minuted:—“31 May 1714. Let it be determined so as the point of accounting may be settled, then my Lord will move the Queen on the petrs' request.” 8 pages.
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| May 26. |
21. T. Harley to the Comrs of Customs. Sends by the Ld High Treasurer's command a letter of Mr Secretary Bromley, enclosing another from Mr Hallungius, the Duke of Saxe Gotha's Resident at the Hague, who had been lately sent by that Prince to solicit the payment of the arrears due to his troops. The Resident desired the delivery of a hogshead of wine, brought for his own use, custom free. Asks the Comrs to consider the same. Dated Treasury Chambers, 26 May 1714.
The letters mentioned. 4 pages.
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| May 26. |
22. Wm Borrett to John Taylour, Esq. The Registrar of Carmarthen had informed him that before he received the caveat about the estate of Thomas Griffiths, a bastard, the reputed father had obtained letters of administration. Had got the same revoked. Howell Williams, gent, was recommended as administrator in trust for the Crown. It would be inconvenient for him (Mr Borrett) to administer, the bastard having died in the diocese of St David's, not having left debts to the value of 5l. out of the diocese. The bishop there must grant administration as soon as her Majesty would sign a warrant for that purpose. Dated 26 May 1714. 1 page, quarto.
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| May 28. |
23. Henry Portman to the Lord High Treasurer. Had repaired the ring in Hyde Park with gravel. Asked his Lp to direct the payment for the same to Mr Thomas Houghton. Would keep it in repair for 50l. per ann. Dated 28 May 1714.
Minuted:—“31 May 1714. On Wednesday wn the past [?] cash is before my Lord.” 1 page.
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| May 29. |
24. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Shrewsbury) to the Lord High Treasurer. Had directed the Deputy Receiver General to make up a particular account of what was due for clothing the regiments lately disbanded, as proposed by his Lp. Enclosed the same. Also enclosed the report of the Surveyor General of H.M. Works and Buildings, containing a particular account of the buildings directed to be done, the progress, and the money required. Agreed with him in the opinion for allowing 6,000l. a year for five years; and that the armoury, which was already covered in, might be finished for 1,500l.; and that the building at the west end of the castle should be completed, as it might suffer by the weather; and, afterwards, the offices for the Treasury; and, last of all, the buildings intended on the north and south sides of the castle. Prayed her Majesty's warrant for the same. Dated 29 May 1714.
The papers referred to.
Minuted:—“Wt signd.” 9 pages.
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| May 31. |
“25. Fees in the office of the Pipe upon the account of Jno Blunt, Esq., and other receivers, of all bills, debentures, tallies, orders, and other species of the public debts, subscribed into the capital stock of the South Sea Company, between the 29 of June and 30 of July 1711, and for the quietus est thereupon.”
With receipt for the same at the foot for the use of Mr Cranmer, &c. Signed Tho. King. 31 May 1714. 1 page.
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| May 31. |
26. Francis Gwyn to William Lowndes, Esq. Had collected an account of what was owing for the hospital, and for contingent expenses of the British garrison at Dunkirk, for the Lord Treasurer's directions thereon. Dated Whitehall, 31 May 1714.
The account referred to.
There is also the docquet to a parcel which contained other reports and letters of Mr Gwyn. 2 pages.
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| June 1. |
27. Report of Mr P. Medows (Controller) to the Lord High Treasurer, on the state of the off-reckonings due to Brigadier Lepell's regiment, transmitted by Mr Brydges. The clothing was not delivered to the regiment, which was then in Spain, and on Mr Peters becoming bankrupt it was seized in extent. Dated Controller's Office, Privy Garden, 1 June 1714.
Also the certificate of Mr Brydges, and a letter from him on the same subject. 4 pages.
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| —June 2. |
28. Various papers connected with the assignment to the South Sea Company of the “Assiento contract.” This was a treaty or contract between the King of Spain and her Majesty, who undertook that in 30 years certain persons whom she should appoint should bring into the Spanish West Indies of America belonging to the King 144,000 negroes, at the rate of 4,800 in each year, &c.; the Assientists paying to the King 33⅓ pieces of eight for each of the negroes. The last is dated 2 June 1714.
The papers include a printed copy (48 pp.) of the “Assiento,” dated 26 March 1713, which states, that the Queen was desirous of coming into this commerce; if the Assientists found it necessary to import a greater number than the 4,800 they might do so during the first 25 years of the contract, paying 162/3 pieces of eight for all duties on each negro. Her Majesty's own ships might be employed, and neither the commanders nor the mariners should give any offence or cause of scandal to the exercise of the Roman Catholic religion. Experience had shown that it was very prejudicial to his Catholic Majesty's interest, that it had not been lawful for the Assientists to transport their negroes into all parts of India (it being certain that the provinces which had not had them endured great hardships for want of having their lands cultivated, from whence arose the necessity of using all imaginable ways of getting them, even though it were fraudulently) and so it was made an express condition of this contract that the Assientists might import and vend the negroes in all the ports of the North Sea and that of Buenos Ayres at their choice. The negroes carried to the ports of the windward coast were not to be sold for more than 300 pieces of eight each, and for as much less as possible, to encourage the inhabitants to buy them; but in the other places of New Spain the Assientists might sell them at the best prices they could get, &c. &c. 127 pages or parts of pages.
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| June 2. |
29. The Lord High Treasurer to the Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Shrewsbury). Encloses the reports of the Controllers of the Accounts of the Army and the Secretary at War, on the case of Col. Chudleigh's regiment for the difference between English and Irish subsistence. Asks his Grace's opinion thereon. Dated Treasury Chambers, 2 June 1714. 1 page.
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| July 1713–June 2. |
30. Letters, and one or two other documents, chiefly from the Comrs for disbanding the marines, addressed to Mr Lowndes, respecting their business. Dated between July 1713 and 2 June 1714. 23 pages or parts of pages.
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