Volume 206: January 1-April 30, 1717 | British History Online

Pages 279-294

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

Citation:

January 1–April 30, 1717



[? 1716 or 1717.]	1. Petition of Dudley Downes, senior, Deputy Chamberlain of the Receipt of the Exchequer, to the Lords of the Treasury. Had daily locked up and delivered out his Majesty's treasure “from 17 Jan. 1714 to this day,” for which his predecessors received 10l. quarterly. Has been delayed in the reception thereof by the petition of Capt. Langhorn, who claims some part as a salary. Prays payment. 1 page.
[After 1716.]	2. Petition of “Daniel Warford, of Palmer's Water Farm, in the parish of Stanstead. near Hockerell, from London to New Market,” to the Lords of the Treasury. Is lessee of the farm at a very high rent, upon assurance of an allowance of 20l. per ann. by the Crown for the conveniency of his Majesty and the Courts, by making a way through the grounds of the farm in their way to Newmarket. There were always gates and locks made and kept up at the King's charge, being subject to the Surveyor of his Majesty's Roads, under the direction of the Master of the Horse, to prevent all common travellers and carriages from passing through. The gates are now broken down, and the petitioner's grounds for near two miles laid open to all persons and carriages, and the petitioner has not received the annual allowance for near seven years, tho' he has made frequent application to Captain Studholme, the late surveyor, and likewise to the present who formerly paid the same punctually. Prays payment of the arrears. 1 page.
1716–17.	3. New Year's gifts or other annual dues to the Secretaries of the Treasury and to the Clerks. Similar gifts “for the Lords.” Also a duplicate of the first. Also an affidavit touching the same, sworn by J. Holbech. 5 pages, quarto.
1717.	4. An estimate of the charge of the Ordnance for the year 1717. “For the Trea[su]ry.” 1 page.
1 Jan.	5. Sir “Hew” Dalrymple to the Lords [of the Treasury]. The Lords of Session are most willing to give them all satisfaction in everything consistent with the rules and constitution of the court. There is a question before the court as to the appointment of factors upon some of the forfeited estates, and the court will proceed as the law directs. Has to inform their L^ps that according to the constitution of their court and the laws and Acts of Parliament concerning the same, they (the court) are not to receive any application by letters relating to matters depending before them “from any whatsoever,” being under the strongest obligations to direct their procedure by no other rule than that of their law, which it is hoped will excuse that their Lordships' letter has not received a more particular answer. From himself, has to say that the proceedings of the session are all upon record, and the Commissioners of Inquiry, in pursuance of the late Act of Parliament, have required and obtained from the clerks of the session full copies of what passed in the session concerning “forefaulted” estates. The proceedings of the Lords Commissioners of Justiciary are also upon record, and all casualties arising to the Crown by the sentences and proceedings of that court are regularly estreated in the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, whereby a perfect account of the whole proceeding in relation to the late “forefaulted” estates, fines, and escheats, single and “liferent,” may be had from the Court of Exchequer and Commission of Inquiry. Edinbr., 1 Janry. 1717. [i.e., 1716–17. See Minute.] Minuted:—“1^st Feb^ry 1716–17. L~re signd in answer.” 2 pages, quarto.
3 Jan.	6. Memorial of Joseph Gascoigne, Receiver of the King's Revenues in the Island of Minorca. Has paid, by order of the Governor and Lieut.-Gov^r, several sums (as appears by the annexed account) from the date of the warrant granted him by the Duke of Argyle until the King's warrant appointing him Receiver. Prays for such authority as will pass his accounts, and for further authority for payment of the Spanish officers of the patrimony. “An abstract of the Royal rents that are at present in use on this Island of Minorca, with some short memorand^ms taken from the books of the patrimony.” Dated 3 Jan. 1716. Also a debtor and creditor account of the Royal revenues of Mahon. 8 pages.
4 Jan.	7. Lord Gallway to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends the petition of Col. Burston, Lieut.-Col. of Brigadier Bors' regiment. He always behaved well in the service, and happening to quarter at Londonderry, one of the most disaffected towns in Ireland, his Lordship found him so useful there on account of his activity and zeal for H.M. service in spiriting those who were loyal, and endeavouring to reclaim others, that he thought it necessary when the army changed their quarters to continue him there. Recommends a bounty in money or a pension to be given him. Dublin Castle, 4 Jan. 1716–17. Minuted:—“26^th July 1717. To be laid before the King.” 2 pages, quarto.
[? About 4 Jan.]	8. A memorial begging that the 1,000l. raised in England, by way of collection for building churches for the poor distressed Vaudois, should be immediately paid to M^r Hill and M^r Chetwin, to be distributed to the ministers and schoolmasters as formerly. M^r D'Heruart, the late King's envoy in Switzerland, did not think fit to part with the money, and kept it in his hands above 16 years, when he put it in his Majesty's Exchequer. The ministers and schoolmasters had a pension of 550l. given them by Queen Mary, and continued by King William and Queen Anne, which pension is now going to be settled by the King's orders upon the revenues of the Hospital of the Savoy; but seeing there are three years' due, the ministers are reduced to such poverty that it is feared their churches will be deserted if speedy care be not taken. M^r Jordan, one of the ministers and their deputy here, ought to be taken into particular consideration, being already 30l. in debt. On the back is:—“4 Jan[ua]ry 1716–17.” Accompanying it is what appears to be a Minute:—“A cond^ll ord. L.J.A. 1,000^li to be p^d to the Vaudois ministers, and to be distributed to M^r Chetwynd and M^r Hill without acco^t, for building churches for them to be disposed to the Vaudois for that purpose. To be distributed in lieu of the arrears due to them.” 2½ pages.
10 Jan.	9. Col. A. Spotswood to the Lords of the Treasury. Since his last, which enclosed his charge against M^r Ludwell, late Deputy-Auditor of his Majesty's revenues of the colony, M^r John Grymes, son-in-law of M^r Ludwell, is appointed to succeed to that office. Perceives in the deputation (or commission) some material differences when compared with those given to Col. Digges and M^r Ludwell, the former auditors. However, if any business in the Auditors' office requires despatch, will not direct the transacting thereof by any other than M^r Grymes, for he has no prejudice against him; but there is this exception against him, that he is so nearly related to a person whom he (the writer) has charged with misbehaviour in his office, and might obstruct him (the writer) in making out the mismanagements of the revenue charged upon his father-in-law. Expects also that he will thwart the new measures which the writer is putting in practice for the better management of the revenue. Virginia, 10 Jan. 1716. The “deputation” referred to. 6 pages.
11 Jan.	10. Memorial of the Surveyor-General of Woods to the Lords of the Treasury. Has finished most of the works left unfinished by the late Surveyor. Proposes felling two pieces of coppice wood in the New Forest, one being about 90 acres called King's Wood, the the other about seven, called Barkley. There are also in Windsor Forest three coppices containing about 120 acres known as Fann Grove, Stubb Ride and Mould Grove, 50 acres of which may be sold. Asks for a warrant for the same. 11 Jan. 1716. Minuted:—“22^d January 1716–7. Speak with M^r Smith ab^t that part of this memorial relating to coppice wood in New Forest, & to M^r Onslow upon the last article relating to 3 coppices in Windsor For.” Again:—“31^st January 1716–7. M^r Onslow to have the cutting of the 3 spring woods in Surry (viz^t 20 acres yearly) and to cause them to be fenced in, the Surv^r Woods is to overlook this cutting, & give my lords an acc^t of the service & pay the money arising from the sale of the said wood into the Exch. W^t signd 7^th Febr^ry 1716–7. What relates to New Forest is order'd.” 1 page.
12 Jan.	11. Report of M^r Thomas Jett, Auditor, to the Lords of the Treasury, giving a state of the manor of Richmond, in the county of Surrey. The manor was by her late Majesty Queen Henrietta Maria (6 Apr. 1663) demised to Edward Villers, Esq., for 21 years at a rent of 20l., and was afterwards settled upon Catherine, late Queen Dowager, as parcel of her jointure. Afterwards King James II. settled the manor on his Queen, and at the Revolution it reverted to the Crown. Afterwards the trustees of Queen Catherine contested in the Court of Exchequer the title with the Crown, and it was determined in favour of the Crown. By a survey in 1703, the revenue of the manor amounted to 362l. 4s. 7d. In order that he may lay states of accounts of the manor before their L^ps proposes that the stewards may be obliged to transmit into his office perfect rentals, &c., and a duplicate of the Court Rolls, and that the Crown and not the steward shall appoint the bailiff. Jan. 12, 1716. Minuted:—“18^th January 1716–7. Read. Read a 2^d time 11^th July 1717. 22. My Lords agree to the rep^t. Read a third time the 23rd July 1717. Send to Mr. Jett to know whether any of the late stewards menc[i]oned in this rep^t have returned in any rentals of this manor.” 5½ pages.
[? About 16 Jan.]	12. Petition and “hard case” of Charles Palmer to the Lords of the Treasury, praying for a pension of 500l. a year. He and his brother spent seven years and nearly 1,000l. in ascertaining and contriving a remedy for the ill-working of certain Excise Acts on coffee, tea, chocolate, &c., and he and his brother were promised 500l. a year each by King William [the Third]. For this outlay he had received in broken sums from the Treasury only 375l., and 625l. was in arrear to him. Among his Majesty's pensions is the “rueful sum of but 20l. set on the petitioner.” [He says that in the first year of the carrying out of the improvement the Revenue improved 23,000l. and was then above 300,000l. a year, and his project was so acceptable to the members of Parliament that it led to the laying on of the malt duty.] Minuted:—“16^th January 1716–7. My Lords cannot advise the King to make any addic[i]oon to his present pension.” 1 page.
17 Jan.	13. List of papers relating to the Equivalent received by Henry Cartwright. 17 Jan. 1716–7. 1 page.
18 Jan.	14. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to the Hon. Horatio Walpole, Esq., Secretary to the Treasury. In reply to two anonymous papers which informed the Lords of the Treasury of a clandestine trade in brandy and wine carried on at Bordeaux by the ships of North Britain since the Rebellion. If the informer had been well acquainted with the trade of North Britain and France, he would have known that such frauds have been carried on ever since the Union, and as much discouraged by the managers of the Revenue of Customs as possible. As to the entry of French wine under the denomination of Spanish, it is notorious that all the wine from France is so, and obtained by perjury of the masters of ships “making their reports on oath to that purpose.” Nevertheless such wines have formerly been seized and prosecuted in the Court of Exchequer, but the juries always found against the Crown. It has ever since been thought advisable to try no more of these causes, but take the entry thereof from the master's report. There are great quantities of brandy run into these parts in quarter and small casks. Thirty tuns have been seized since the 29th of September last. These and other abuses have been represented to the Treasury and cannot well be altered without amendment of the laws. Custom House, Edinburgh, 18 Jan. 1716–7. 1½ pages.
25 Jan.	15. Petition of Richard Lutwych, a maker of candles, to the Lords of the Treasury. Prays for stay of process in the Court of Exchequer, he having had two informations against him, on which he could have proved his innocence if the appeals had been heard in any reasonable time. The moiety of the penalties goes to the informer, and the informer is dead. Petitioner is advised that this part of the penalty ceases. Also an affidavit, sworn 25 Jan. 1716. 2 pages.
26 and 28 Jan.	16. Two letters of W^m Chamberlain, Collector of the Port of Exeter, in exculpation of himself, he having been charged, with others, in certain affidavits, with refusing to drink the health of the Duke of Marlborough and the Lord Townsend, and saying they deserved to be hanged for making that damned roguish villanous Barrier Treaty, &c. Dated 26 and 28 Jan. 1716. The two affidavits referred to, and two others in his favour. 8 pages.
31 Jan.	17. Report of the Earl of Lincoln to the Lords [of the Treasury], on a memorial of Sir Matthew Decker, as to what is due to four battalions of the Bishop of Munster's troops, taken into the King's service pursuant to a treaty of 23 Dec. 1715. 18,444l. 18s. 1d. would appear to be due. Pay Office, 31 Jan. 1716. Minuted:—“4^th February 1716–17. 6,000l. upon acco^t to be paid for this service out of money in the Earl of Lincoln's hands. Prepare a sign manual. Warr^t signed 6^th Feb^ry 1716–17. Orderd. out of money upon the malt remaining in the Excheq^r.” 2½ pages.
4 Feb.	18. Memorial of Henry Cotigno to the Lords of the Treasury. It runs as follows:—“Henry Cotigno, citizen and draper of London, converted from Jewdaisme and baptised into the Christian Faith in the year 1686 at the parish church of S^t Clement Danes, being reduced to great poverty, and informed that he is entitled to a share of a charity for relief of converted Jews, and now distributable by the Master of the Rolls, most humbly prays your Lordships, no warrant may be granted to his honour the Master of the Rolls for the receiving any mony out of the revenues given towards the support of converted Jews, untill the claime of the said Henry Cotigno hereto (of which there is upwards of thirty years due to him, as a converted Jew), according to the Foundation settled by King Henry the 3d in the year of our Lord 1233, be fully satisfied, &c. London, February the 4^th 1716–17.” [P.S.] “I lodge at M^r Jones's in Little Jarmin Street, St. James's.” Docquetted:—“Caveat enter'd by Henry Cotigno, a converted Jew, in the year 1686, for what is due to him in that behalf by the Foundation of the Rolls.” ½ page.
13 Dec. 1716–5 Feb. 1717.	19. Representation of Edward Harley and Thomas Foley, Esq., Auditors of Imprests. Informations are filed against them in the King's Bench on account of entries in relation to public lotteries. Rest assured that their L^ps will not insist upon their delivering up such books as are necessary to their defence, while prosecutions are depending against them to deprive them of their freeholds; as none is obliged to accuse himself or furnish evidence to his accusers. Are advised by counsel that what is required is not proper to be demanded from them in a court of justice. 5 Feb. 1716–17. Three other petitions from them of previous dates. In the first of 13 Dec. 1716 they say: “We should make a dangerous precedent to the liberties of Englishmen, if we should now deliver out of our hands the books and papers of our office.” There are two minutes on the back. The second is:—“7^th Febr. 1716–17. Read a second time. M^r Cracherode to attend the King's Councill with this representation, and to have their opinion what is lawfull and proper to be done therein.” 4 pages and 3 halves.
7 Feb.	20. Board of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury. Their account of the stores remaining in the Leeward Islands is so imperfect as to the number and natures of the guns and stores, that they cannot make a true estimate of the charge; but as near as they can compute, it may come to about 2,343l. 14s. 6d., which they desire their L^ps will give directions to be paid to their Treasurer, and they will cause such a proportion of ordnance stores to be delivered as shall answer the value. 7 Feb 1716–17. 1 page, quarto.
13 Feb.	21. Opinion of the Attorney-General as to whether the receiver of the rents of the Duke of Ormond's estate should pay to the Duchess her rent-charge, and to the Lady Betty her portion. Is of opinion that the letters patent direct the payments to be made. Dated 13 Feb. 1716–17. Also the letters patent. 6 pages.
13 Feb.	22. Robert Hunter to the Rt. Hon. R. Walpole, Esq. Has drawn on H.M. Treasury for 525l., being the sum of several protested bills on the account of the “Expedition” [? Canadian]. Encloses a clause in an Act passed in Pennsylvania for raising a sum for the uses of the Expedition. The money is raised and remains in the Treasurer's hands of that colony. By the Act it was to be paid to him (Mr. Hunter), he being empowered by her late Majesty's special instructions to receive all such sums. Would, if transferred to him, pay the protested bills out of it. Would bring his own claim into Parliament this session if thought fit. Begs his compassion for an old officer (M^r Byerley), who is superseded, and is really a proper object of compassion, being old, infirm, and poor. He has in the very worst of times been firm and strenuous on his (M^r Hunter's) side, in keeping under a vile party, which valued themselves upon their disaffection to his Majesty's just and lawful title. Asks him to recommend him (M^r Byerley) to his Majesty for a pension of 100l. per ann. out of the quit-rents, or he will starve. He says, “As for my own part, I assure you I never touch'd them ev'n whilst I was a starving myself.” Also intreats his protection to M^r Francis Harrison, a very ingenious gentleman and warm friend of the right side, who has been recommended to the Com^rs of Customs. There is not a greater disparity in merit between the man the Surveyor-General keeps in, and him he would keep out of employment. New York, 13 Feb. 1716–17. 4 pages, quarto.
14 Feb.	23. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the stipend of the minister of the church of Navarr. The stipend paid does not exceed 23l. 8s. 4d. There is paid out of the teinds of the parish of Caraldston 7l. 17s. 9d., “the minister of which parish not being sufficiently provided will be preferred, and thereby his allowance be reduced to 15l. 10s. 7d.” The real rent of the parish of Navarr is only about 100l. per ann., so that no augmentation or further provision can be legally had thereout, for the subsistence of the minister. In the time of Presbitery, before 1662, the provision of the minister of the church was considerably augmented by gift or allocation out of the Bishop's rents. Exchequer Chambers, Edinburgh, 14 Feb. 1716–17. Also “Extract of Act anent the stipend of Navar,” and a draft of royal letter ordaining a letter of gift to be made in favour of M^r George Leslie, the present minister, and his successors. Minuted:—“31^st July 1718. Agreed to.” 4½ pages.
14 Feb.	24. From the same to the same. The rents, &c. (about 3,000l. per ann.) belonging to the late Archbishop of St. Andrews, the Bishops of Edinburgh, Galloway, Brichen, Dunkeld, Dumblain, Aberdeen, Murray, and Caithness, and of the dignified clergy in these bishoprics granted to William Seton, jun^r, of Pidmeden, by decease of her Majesty, have determined, and have been in arrear and uncollected. The offices of “chamberlainrys” or receivers of rents within the Earldom and Lordships of Galloway, Etterick Forest, and Lindores have likewise determined, and are uncollected. The rents of the above bishoprics amount to about 3,000l. per ann., and those of the lordship of Galway to 190l. per ann., Etterick Forest to 230l., and Lindores to 18l. Same date. 2 pages.
19 Feb.	25. Report of the Com^rs of Stamps to the Lords of the Treasury, on the annexed petition of John Rogers of the town of Salop, bookseller. Are informed that the petitioner, at the time of the Rebellion, printed the Bishop's Declaration against the Rebellion, Howell's and the Non-Jurors Doctrine exposed, and the Cambridge Address; but that what is therein alleged as to Partridge's Predictions is not true. Having received information from the Stationers' Company, and from one of their riding inspectors, that the petitioner had printed and sold great numbers of almanacks without stamps under the title of Partridge's Predictions, they (the Com^rs) ordered a prosecution against him for the same, but have not ordered any prosecution against him for any other pamphlets which he has printed and sold, although he has sold many others without stamps under the titles of Don Quevedos' son's arrival to London, The Doleful Duchess Garland, The last dying speech of Ann Fogget, and some others, so that the Com^rs apprehend that the petitioner intends to continue his practice of printing and selling what he pleases without stamps. Conceive that he should be prosecuted for the almanacks and pamphlets liable to stamp duties. Stamp Office, Lincoln's Inn, 19 Feb. 1716. The petition. 2 pages.
22 Feb.	26. Com^rs of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury. Send (1) estimate of the charge of the office for land service for the year 1717; (2) explanation of the articles for the extraordinaries in the year 1717; and (3) an account of moneys laid out by the Office of Ordnance in the year 1716, for which there is no provision made by Parliament; also the deficiencies of the said year. Out of the 13,601l. 10s. which the Treasurer of Ireland has not yet repaid, 10,000l. is for finishing the gun wharf and blockhouse at Portsmouth. The charge of the office will unavoidably be very great this year. 22 Feb. 1716–17. 4 pages.
26 Feb.	27. Memorial of the Officers of Works to the Lords of the Treasury. The Clerk Engrosser is appointed to write the books to be delivered to the auditor, and his Majesty has appointed M^r Mercer Clerk Engrosser, in the room of M^r Wren. M^r Mercer has constantly refused to attend to his duties, and the business is at a stand. 26 Feb. 1716. Also petition of John Mercer, and an abstract of his patent. 3 pages.
2 March.	28. Memorial of the Com^rs for Land Tax for the year 1713 within the palaces of Whitehall and S^t James's, to the Lords of the Treasury. Pray that out of the money applicable to the late Queen's debts, the deficiency of 3,267l. 16s. 1d. may be paid over to the Collectors in discharge of that arrear, which may be stopped again when the persons receive their salaries. Whitehall, March 2, 1716–17. 2 pages.
2 March.	29. Representation of the Postmasters-General to the Lords of the Treasury. Their proposal for the inspection of the six main roads, bye-roads, and branches has been put in execution, and the suggestions in their report to their Lordships are confirmed by the surveyors who reported:—1. That the several branches of this revenue were farmed until 1 June 1711, and since then the managers have had an allowance of 10 per cent. per ann. out of the net produce of the letters. These may be put on the same foot with the six grand roads whereby the greatest charge of the management (1,214l. 15s. 7d.) will be saved. (2.) That the deputies do not account so justly for the bye and cross road letters, nor take such care of the returned and mis-sent letters of their respective stages as they ought to do. (3.) That the abuse of franking letters in the names of members of both Houses, as well as by the several officers who pretend to have the liberty of franking, is of great prejudice to the revenue. On consideration of the first article have reduced seven of the nine branches, by which the revenue is rather increased. On the second and third, recommend the appointment of such additional officers as they mention. Ask that his Majesty may be moved to grant a warrant to distinguish whose letters shall pass free of postage. Give the gross and net produce of the Post Office from 1709 to 1716. The additional penny has never answered in proportion, and occasions the people to endeavour to find out other conveyances for their letters. The alterations of the revenue in the years 1713, 1714, 1715, and 1716 are to be attributed to the peace, which lessened very much the foreign correspondence, and made a conveyance for the Portugal letters (that in time of war came through England to Holland) to go there by way of France, to the loss to his Majesty of 5,000l. per ann. The ship-letters that produced a considerable post are also very much lessened since the peace, and the late Rebellion was very prejudicial to the revenue of the Post Office, correspondence having been very much interrupted by it. The State's franks amount to about 8,270l. per ann., and the members' letters 17,470l. per ann. The clerks of the Inland and Foreign offices have always been allowed the privilege of franking some news letters to their correspondents, but it has swelled to such great numbers that they think it proper to lay before their Lordships, as they can have no account of what these franks amount to, until they are allowed proper officers for that purpose. General Post Office, 2 March, 1716. Minuted:—“Read March ye 5^th 1716–17, and agreed to this report, so far as it relates to ye alterations proposed for preventing abuses by ye augmentation of officers, and the rest relating to the franking of letters, &c. to be further considered.” 6 pages.
7 March.	30. Report of Edward Young, Surveyor-General of Woods, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Richard Marshall, Esq., Stud Master, as well in respect to the repairs and new stables and other necessaries in Hampton Court house park, as to excess on the estimates, &c. The walling round the whole park is much out of repair. The fences next the Thames are so very bad that several brace of deer have taken the river and are lost. Hopes the money required may be ordered, otherwise than by wood sales, there being at present very great charges on the forest woods. March 7, 1716. Minuted:—“4^th July 1717. To be layd before the King.” The memorial referred to. An epitome of the memorial and report in French [probably for the King.] 5½ pages.
[? About 11 Mar.]	31. “Some considerations humbly offer'd in Sir James Abercrombie's case, together with an abstract of the heads of his extraordinary charges during his residence at Dunkirk.” Sir James was sent upon the negotiation of the evacuation of Dunkirk, without money or credit given to him. Col. King, joined with him, received 500l. Col. Disney sent to give an account of the negotiation, received 1,000l. Sir James being appointed commandant of the garrison under Major-Gen^l Hill, the governor, commanded in chief for the most part of the time that the British troops were there. The possession of Dunkirk brought people of the greatest distinction of all nations to see it, and the commandant was obliged to pay them honour and civilities, &c. All the embarkations of the troops were superintended by him between 18 May and 25 Aug. 1713. No allowance was given him for this service, although it was customary. Upon the King's accession had orders to send over two battalions and to remain there himself, with an engineer, to receive directions as to the demolition, and as to the inspection of the new works at Mardyke. Refers to his hardships and losses by the non-payment of his bills. Has been forced by these hardships to dispose of his employment (after 23 years' service as a commissioned officer, and a considerable rank as a colonel in the army), to pay debts contracted in these services. The success he had at the village of Blenheim, for which her late Majesty honoured him with the title of baronet, and the reputation he served with during the war, together with his behaviour at Dunkirk in the most troublesome times, he thought to be his greatest merit, and should rather have entitled him to some mark of favour than to be exposed to misery. Minuted:—“1,000l. to Sir J. Abercrombie, as of his Ma^ties bounty and reward of all his services at Dunkirke. Make a Mem^d for L^d Sund.” Again:—“11 Mar. 1716. The King signed a warr^t for paying into S^r James Abercombie 1,783^li, residue of 2,490^li, in full recompence and satisfaction, as well of his service as of all charges, claims, and demands w^tsoever with respect to his employment of commanding the British forces at Dunkirk, and inspecting the demolic[i]on of that fortress. Which sum was paid accordingly.” 2 pages.
[? About 12 Mar.]	32. Petition of Joane Smith, widow of John Smith, deceased, to the Lords of the Treasury. Petitioner's husband being pilot of his late Majesty's ship the “Phœnix,” then under command of Captain Douglas, which brought provisions from General Kirke to Londonderry at the time of the woeful siege, was mortally wounded, for which service a bounty of 40l. was ordered. “At the loss of her husband her eldest son received a mortal bruise of a splinter in his theige and lege,” and ever since lies in most miserable condition. Prays for payment of the bounty. Minuted:—“12^th March 1716–17. My Lords can do nothing in this.” Also two certificates. 3 pages.
13 March.	33. A. Cracherode's representation of M^r Attorney-General's opinion relating to the Aud^rs of the Imprests producing their books of entries of instruments concerning the Lotteries. 13 March 1716–17. Minuted:—“14^th March 1716–17. Read.” 1 page, quarto.
[? About 14 March.]	34. “Considerations humbly offered to the Right Hon^ble the Lords Com^rs of his Majestie's Treasury, for y^e more effectuall preventing and suppressing the smugling trade in the west part of England, viz^t, the countys of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorsett, and for sinking the incident charges on y^e customs in said countys.” Signed:—“Hen. Badcock.” Minuted:—“14^th March 1717. To Com^rs Customes.” 1 page.
15 March.	35. William Taverner to the R^t Hon. Paul Methuen, Esq., one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. Had signified to him what was due upon his survey of Newfoundland and had received no reply. Had laid his proceedings and report before M^r Secretary Stanhope, and had begged to know his Majesty's pleasure about the further prosecution of that survey, but had had no answer; conceives that no minutes of the former or present Lords of the Treasury can annul his Majesty's order and approbation of his service, which is of a hundred times greater value to his Majesty and subjects than all the money due to him. Besides his survey, was ordered by Col. Moody, Governor of Placentia, to administer the oath of allegiance to the French inhabitants, and to settle differences, which took up a great deal of time, and was a great expense. Is about 1,000l. worse off by this service, which was forced upon him. For want of money was imprisoned, and is utterly ruined, unless relieved by his Majesty. London, March 15, 1716–17. In the Minute Book, Vol. 22, p. 76. 18 Aug. 1718 is:—“Capt. Taverner call'd in. My Lords consider his demands for pay, pursuant to his commission, as Surv^r of Newfoundland, & for his expences over & above the allowance, amounting to 1,400^li, and direct the sum of out of the Queen's arrears, in lieu of all his pretensions in the Queen's time, & 300^li for all his demands in the King's time, for his pay and expences. Mr. Taverner will make an extract of all the matters of fact contained in his 2 reports of the state of Newfoundland, and lay them before my Lords.” [See also 21 Aug. 1718.] 1 page.
15 March.	36. Com^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury. Send an account of the produce of his Majesty's hereditary revenue, and the additional duties granted by Parliament for the year ending 25 December last, &c. The merchants foresaw an additional duty on tobacco, and laid in such stocks as considerably abated that duty &c. Custom House, Dublin, 15 March 1716. The “computation” of the produce referred to. Signed:—“W. Burgh, Compt. & Acc^t Gen^l.” 2 pages.
15 March.	37. “Charles Harrison's reports concerning licences granted by the Court of Excheq^r to compound upon penall laws, &c. from the 7^th Feb^ry 1716 to the 15^th March following, inclusive.” Giving a list of the persons, the amounts, &c. 3 double pages.
18 March.	38. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Elenor Forrest, a prisoner in Newgate, detained for a fine of 10 marks set on her for a misdemeanour. Finds that the allegations are true. She will never be able to pay the fine. Recommends her release. She has stood in the pillory. 18 March 1716. Minuted:—“6 Aug^t 1717. A warr^t to be p[re]pared if not discharg'd by y^e act of grace.” Her petition and an affidavit of her sister. 2 pages & 2 parts.
19 March.	39. Copy of letter from P. Methuen to the Lords of the Treasury in respect to reimbursing 630 dollars distributed at Tunis upon the occasion of Vice-Admiral Baker renewing the peace with that Government. His Majesty directs that that sum shall be reimbursed to Mr. Richard Hall according to the desire of the Lords of the Admiralty. Whitehall, 19 March 1716–17. Minuted:—“6^th June 1717. Order'd.” Also copies of a letter and two certificates thereon. 4 pages.
19 March.	40. Memorial of Edward Willis, Abel Lee, and Edward Hall, to the Lords of the Treasury. Were instrumental in detecting great frauds committed in manufacturing leaves of English growth to imitate tobacco. Refused to accept 200l. not to appear before the Committee of Investigation. Received 10l. each, and no other reward; pray for suitable encouragement. 19 March 1716–17. 1 page.
20 March.	41. “Account of money due to the publick from such receivers-general as have reports for extraordinary allowances unsatisfied.” Office for Hides, &c., 20 March 1716. 1 page.
22 March.	42. Report of R. Powys to the Lords of the Treasury, on the demands of Hatton Compton Esq., Lieutenant of the Tower of London, on three bills. The second was for keeping prisoners. The ancient allowance was reduced from 10l. a week for a nobleman, and 3l. a week for a commoner to 2l. 4s. 5d. and 13s. 4d. respectively. Is informed that some of the prisoners have paid large allowances for their commitment and lodgings. 22 March 1716–17. Minuted:—“12^th November 1717. My Lords agree to the report.” Order in Council for the above report to be made. 2 pages.
28 March.	43. R. Powys to the Com^rs of Customs. Transmits for their consideration papers relating to George Werden. Treasury Chambers, 28 March 1717. The papers enclosed are thus described:— “1. M^r Sec[reta]ry Stanhope's łre. 2. L~re signed by L^d Molesworth & others. 3. L~re to his Ma^ty on behalf of Benj. Tyers. 4. L~re signed Tho. Westby. 5. Abridgem^t of Geo. Werden's case. 6. Certif^t signed by Tho. Westby on behalf of Benjⁿ Tyers. 7. Depositions & examination.” 8. Depositions & examination.” 9. Depositions & examination.” [George Werden, who was of Sheffield, seized several of the conspirators engaged in the Rebellion in favour of the Pretender, and had a tidesman's place given to him. Benjamin Tyers, of Edlington, in the county of York, gentleman, acquired the first certain knowledge of the Rebellion, and gave information thereof, whereby several were seized, and their design on Newcastle prevented.] 21 pages.
[? Same date.]	44. Two other papers on the same subject. One is a list of papers, and the other “An abridgem^t of Geo. Werden's case,” more particularly relating to his conduct and treatment in his tidesman's place. 5 pages.
11 April.	45. Auditors' report to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the R^t Hon. James, Earl of Carnarvon, and the state thereunto annexed of several demands upon the public in his Lordship's office, for pay, forage, mule money, and other services, due to several general officers and others, and remaining unsatisfied, which accrued when he was Paymaster-General of the Forces. The sum demanded is 6,499l. 10s. 3¼d, whereof 2,537l. 18s. 6¾d. are for extraordinaries to foreign troops, which served in Flanders, for which no proofs have been produced. The remaining sum (3,961l. 11s. 8½d.) is for services in the late war, and has not been allowed. 11 April 1717. The memorial and “state.” 3½ pages.
11 April.	46. Another report of the same auditors on another memorial of the same Earl. The Earl has produced receipts for 9,963l. 13s. 4¼d. The rest of the payments have been made for services done during the late wars, and have not been hitherto allowed. April 11, 1717. The memorial and account of payments. 7 pages.
12 April.	47. “A list for y^e distribution of y^e [bounty] for y^e poor distress'd French Ministers. Capⁿ Degulhon apointed for the say'd distribution for 3,000l.” Divided under titles “Ancient Ministers,” “Widows and orphans of the Ancient Ministers,” “Ministers ordain'd since the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes,” “Widows of y^e Ministers ordained since y^e Revocation of y^e Edict of Nantes,” and “Additional for y^e churches in y^e countryes conformites.” “This list was made the 12^th of Aprill 1717, at Westminster, for the sum of three thousand pounds, w^ch Capⁿ Stephen Degulhon is to pay according as it is settled in the said list. W. Canc~, John London, P. King.” 10 pages.
13 April.	48. Report of Edward Young, Surveyor of Woods, to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the timber trees in the forest of Bere, viz., that there are 70 trees fit ‘for the service of the Navy. Recommends that the like number be spared from being felled out of the 300 from the New Forest for the service of the dock at Portsmouth. April 13, 1717. Minuted:—“17^th April 1717. Read. Order'd accordingly. Warr^t sign'd 25^th April.” 1 page.
17 April.	49. “17^th April 1717. An acco^t showing the quantity of tin unsold, in whose custody the same is remayning, the value thereof, reckoned at the rates the same is at present to be sold for, and what sumes of money are now chargeable thereupon.” 1 page.
19 April.	50. Lord Sunderland to the Lords of the Treasury, On the petition of Benjamin Joules, of Plymouth, and the Solicitor-General's report thereon. His Majesty thinks it very just that recompense should be made for the clay taken for the docks at Portsmouth and Plymouth, digged from the petitioner's land. Inquiry to be made on oath as to the quantity taken, and payment made at the rate of 12d. per ton. At the foot is:—“Il ne s'agit que de 150^ll sterling 16.6.” 2 pages.
20 April.	51. Report of Edward Young, Surveyor-General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on a letter of Lord Cobham. Has viewed the fences round the new planted coppices at Swindley Rails, in Windsor Forest, and finds them so decayed, that unless repaired, the deer, by cropping the young coppices, will prevent its ever being a cover for his Majesty's game. The work besides material would amount to 294l. April 20^th, 1717. Minuted:—“4^th July 1717. To be layd before the King. The letter referred to, and an epitome of both in French [probably prepared for the King,] 3 pages and 2 lines.
[? About 25 April.]	52. Petition of shipwrights and other artificers of his Majesty's yards at Deptford and Woolwich, to the Lords of the Treasury. Their wages have been unpaid for 19 months, and they have had no payment for 10 months past. By reason whereof, and the extraordinary dearness of provisions, they cannot subsist, being denied further credit. Many have been arrested, and have assigned their wages at 2s. 6d. and 3s. in the pound loss, besides the charges of the bills of sale. Pray payment for at least one year. Minuted:—“25^th April 1717. My Lords will speak w^th the Com^rs Navy, when they attend.” 1 page.
30 April.	53. A. Spotswood, Lieut.-Governor of Virginia, to the Lords of Trade. Docqueted:—“Relating to the unjust proceedings of the Government of South Carolina with regard to forces sent to their assistance [against the Indians], and to M^r Kennedy's soliciting that affair in Carolina, &c.” Dated April 30, 1717. Notwithstanding that Government solemnly engaged that they would make good whatever articles their agents should conclude, for the encouragement of men to go from hence into their service, yet not one article of their agreement has been observed. By the treaty or agreement the soldiers sent from hence were to be paid 22s. 6d. Virginia money, per month, to have clothes furnished to them, and an able labouring slave sent to work on their plantations during their absence. Yet after their arrival in that Government they were compelled to accept of 4l. a man per month, Carolina money, in lieu of their pay, clothing, and slave, the value of which is not more than 20s. of “this country money.” Those who would not accept of that pay were denied the liberty of returning to Virginia, &c. Not one of the servants is returned, nor one penny remitted to the masters for the loss of their service, and the greater part of those in debt are either enticed by the Government to stay there, or terrified from returning hither, &c. Letters from the Governor and Council, &c. acknowledge that their country owes its preservation to the seasonable succours sent from hence. In a few days after their arrival they defeated a body of Indians who were advanced within a few miles of Charles Town, and without this assistance that country was utterly unable to defend its frontier garrison against the enemy. While the war continued the Government of South Carolina gave repeated assurances that they would comply with their engagements; they even passed an Act of Assembly that the slaves mentioned in the treaty should be sent hither by the beginning of April 1716, if the Government did not accept an equivalent of 50s., Carolina money, per month, in lieu of each slave; but no sooner had they reduced their enemies and brought them to a peace, than the Government plainly declared they were neither to have the slaves nor the equivalent. Asks their L^ps to interpose with his Majesty, to oblige the Government of South Carolina to do them justice. The bearer, M^r Kennedy, has received no other satisfaction for his services than the bare thanks of the Government, such being the deficiency of the revenue, that even notwithstanding his Majesty's bounty out of the quit-rents, it is not sufficient to defray the ordinary expense of the Government. Hopes he may have some recompense out of the quit-rents. Virginia, 30 April 1717. 7 pages (a copy).
[? About 30 April.]	54. Memorial of Marmaduke Bealing, Esq., Secretary to the Controllers of the Army, to the Lords of the Treasury. Understands that an application has been made to their L^ps for an extra allowance to the Judge Advocate for his extraordinary trouble in attending the Board of General Officers for inspecting and regulating the clothing of the Army. The whole business of the Clothing Board is managed by memorialist and his clerks, who keep all the books, &c. The part the Judge Advocate has in the affair is once in two months to remind the Board of General Officers at the Horse Guards to elect a new committee of seven for the Board of Clothing, and to return to their L^ps and the Captain-General every two months an account of the proceedings of the Clothing Board, which is sent ready drawn up. Minuted:—“30^th April 1717. Read.” Certificate of the general officers in corroboration of the above. Copy of both the above. 4 pages.
[About April.]	55. Suggestions made for constituting the Surveyor of the King's Roads an additional Commissioner to the Board of Works with an increased allowance. Another paper showing what his salary and fee amounted to, and the allowance he proposed. Minuted:—“April 1717. A warr^t to be prepared inserting the Surv^r of the Wayes as one of the off^rs constituting his Ma^ts Board of Works, at a salary of 200l. per ann., and the care of mending the ways to be put under the Board of Workes.” 1 page 2 halves.
[? About April.]	56. Memorial of the Directors of the United East India Company to the Lords of the Treasury, complaining of the conduct of M^r Boughton, Surveyor of the Port of Deal, who came on board the company's ship “Queen,” and broke open and searched various parts of the ship for French brandy. Also for having on another occasion prevailed on the captain of a ship of war in the Downs to fire several shots at the ship “King George.” Praying that he might be dismissed. Copies of three other documents and an affidavit on the same subject. 6 pages.