Volume 207: May 2-July 19, 1717 | British History Online

Pages 294-308

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

Citation:

May 2–July 19, 1717



2 May.	1. Memorial of the Com^rs for Licensing Hawkers, Pedlers, and Petty Chapmen, to the Lords of the Treasury. Laying before them an account of the several salaries payable to the Com^rs and other officers appointed for the receipt and management of the duties on hawkers, &c. 2 May 1717. The account referred to. 2 pages.
6 May.	2. The Duke of Bolton to the Lords of the Treasury. Has chosen M^r Webster, one of their L^ps' clerks, for his secretary in the affairs of Ireland with a view to do him service, and not to remove him from the settlement he hath in the Treasury. Prays that he may have leave of absence, and that he may enjoy his salary, and not suffer in his pretensions in the office whilst in this service. 6 May 1717. In the Minute Book, Vol. 21, p. 106, 14 May, is:—“Their Lordships do agree to the request of the said Duke, made in M^r Webster's behalf, and every part thereof, and have ordered this Minute to be made accordingly.” [The letter itself is also entered in the Minute Book.] 1 page.
11 May.	3. “An apportionment of 1,275,439l. 5s. 8d. remaining undisposed of the funds granted for the service of the year 1717. 11 May 1717.” 1 large page.
11 May.	4. Account of the Duke of Argyle for the money received by him and laid out for his Majesty's service in Scotland during the late Rebellion. 11 May 1717. 5 pages.
13 May.	5. Memorial of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury in favour of payment of the witnesses concerning the abuses in Chelsea Hospital until after the trials are over. 13 May 1717. Minuted:—“14^th May 1717. The witnesses to be paid till the tryal depending is over.” 1 page.
15 May.	6. Memorial of the Same to the Same. Applies for the fees of M^r Baron Fortescue and M^r Lawrence Carter, for their services as two of his Majesty's Counsel at Carlisle, on the special Commission for trying the rebels there. M^r Baron Fortescue alleges that he was promised 500l. for his service before he set out from London. And M^r Carter, who had before been one of the King's Counsel at Liverpool on the like occasion, together with Sir Francis Page, one of the King's Serjeants-at-Law, alleges that he had the same fee for his attendance at Liverpool as M^r Serjeant Page had, which induced him to hope that he might be ordered the same fee as Mr. Baron Fortescue. 15 May, 1717. ½ page.
15 May.	7. Thomas Missing to John Scrope, Esq. Is sending a ship for the Mahon provisions. Is informed by M^r Boulton, his agent at Gibraltar, that bombs had fallen into the victualling stores and spoiled some of the provisions and rendered the storehouses useless. The agent had obtained an order from the governor to move the provisions into the church at great expense. The church is not large enough to hold sufficient provisions for so numerous a garrison. Prays for a further advance to carry on such weighty supplies. Portsmouth, 15 May 1717. 2 pages.
21 May.	8. An account of the whole charge of the transportation of the Dutch troops, taken into his Majesty's service during the late Rebellion, back to Holland in June and July 1716. Transport Office, 21 May 1717. 1 large page.
22 May.	9. A schedule or table of the fees and salaries of the officers of his Majesty's Mint, payable by the Warden. Mint Office, 22 May 1717. Certified by Richard Sandford and Isaac Newton. 2 pages.
24 May.	10. Report of the Controllers of the Army Accounts (Meadows and Bruce) to the Lords of the Treasury, on four lists, signed by the Deputy Governor at Gibraltar, &c., as to the number of persons victualled in that garrison. Privy Garden, 24 May 1717. The lists, &c. 3 pages.
27 May.	11. Gilbert More to —. Was the first person employed in foraging his Majesty's forces in North Britain during the late Rebellion until the arrival of Cap^t Burroughs with his Majesty's Commission as Commissary-General. Prays that justice may be done him to prevent the ruin of himself and family. London, 27 May 1717. 1 page.
27 May.	12. “The humble representation of Robert Pine, charged as security for Thomas Crabb, who entered into articles with one Crosby, duly to return all moneys that Crosby should pay him in his collection of the duty of Excise, humbly offered to the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, being the substance of the whole, comprehended in several petitions and answers thereto by the Commissioners of Excise.” Prays speedy orders for his relief. 27 May 1717. Minuted:—“9^th July 1717. My Lords appoint Thursday month for a hearing.” Again:—“25 Oct^r 1717. My Lords have read again the rep^t of the Com^rs of Excise and this replication, and do concur in opinion with the Com^rs, and therefore cannot advise the King to remit this money, which is appropriated by sev^ll Acts of Parliament.” Also four petitions and a report by the Com^rs of Excise thereon. 9 pages.
30 May.	13. The Board of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury as to an arrear of powder due to the King of Portugal. By the grand Treaty of Alliance, her late Majesty was bound to furnish annually two thirds of 4,000 quintals of powder, Portuguese weight. The Portuguese quintal was 122lb. and this was equal 128lb. English. The difference will amount to 4,295l. 12s. 10d. If this is ordered they cannot part with so considerable a sum unless they have what is due from Ireland for arms and ammunition sent there during the late Rebellion, amounting to 12,601l. 10s. It is impossible for this office to pay what is due from them, unless they are paid what is justly due to them. 30 May 1717. Minuted:—“31^st May 1717. Read.” 2 pages.
[? About May.]	14. Petition of Francis Fox, Lieut. of one of the independent companies in Placentia, Newfoundland, now composed into a regiment, and commanded by Col. Philips, to the King. Served at the battle of Almanza in Spain. In 1710 was at the reduction of Annapolis Royal. In 1711 was taken prisoner by the Indians, when he suffered inexpressible miseries by those “salvages,” being shipwrecked, and for four months had not bread to eat, and had only for sustenance clam-fish and seal oil, travelling through the woods 1,800 miles naked, “nearly” escaping being roasted alive. Prays the grant of a company. Also two certificates in his favour, one of which is dated 15 May 1717. 2 pages.
1 June.	15. “List of Pensions” under the following heads:— To his Royal Highness, George Prince of Wales, on his annuity of 100,000l. A list of pensions payable at the Exchequer, exclusive of 2O,000l. to the Prince. 1^st June 1717. Pensions payable at the Exchequer. By Tallies of prô or assig[n]m^t on first fruits and tenths. 1 June 1717. Pensions payable by the cashier of Excise, exclusive of 10,000l. to the Prince. Stipends and pensions in his Ma^ts household and stables, payable by the Cofferer. Pensions payable by William Clayton, Esq., during his Ma^ts pleasure. A list of French pensions, payable by Jacob de la Motte Blagny. Pensions payable by the Treasurer of the Navy. Pensions payable in the Paymaster-General's office on the establishment of the forces. Pensions borne upon the Establishment of Ireland. 53 pages or parts of pages.
3 June.	16. J. Williams to the R^t Hon. James Stanhope, Esq., Secretary of State. Two breaches were made in the fortification of the garrison [Annapolis] occasioned by sudden rains, since which there is another of about 45 feet. The contingent bills drawn on the Board of Ordnance are protested, which has lessened the credit of those bills so much, that the repair of the breaches cannot be gone on with; and without some speedy means be found, the garrison will be dangerously exposed in case of an attempt by the Indians or otherwise. Also recommends to his attention the victualling and clothing of the troops. Annapolis Royal, 3 June 1717. 1 page.
[? About 6 June.]	17. An account of the several persons standing in debt to the revenue on salt, Easter term, and the proceedings that have been made against them, and what has been recovered. “Rec^d 6th June 1717 per M^r Johnson.” 9 pages.
6 June.	18. Declaration of the account of William Smith, Esq., executor of Simon Smith, Esq., defunct, late Receiver-General of the Revenues of the counties of Southampton, Wilts, Gloucester, Somerset, and Dorset, for the term ended at Michaelmas 1694. Signed:—“Tho. Jett, Aud^r. 6^to Junii 1717.” Minuted:—“28 Feb. 1717–18. To be considered wⁿ any money in the Excheq^r of K. W. arrears.” Also a petition of Adam Anderson, gent., in relation thereto. 2 pages.
[? About 7 June.]	19. Representation of Sir Bibye Lake, Bart., to the Lords of the Treasury as regards the estate of M^r Robert Peters, late Receiver-General for the county of Hertford, who was indebted to her late Majesty 13,149l. 10s. 7½d. [Sir Biby Lake had, under certain conditions, undertaken the settlement of this debt, and had paid into the Exchequer 2,257l. 4s. 10¼d. General Wills also claimed an interest in the estate.] Sir Bibye Lake asks that immediate directions be given that the estates and effects of M^r Peter and the bonds may be assigned to him, or that the 2,257l. 4s. 10½d. (for which a tally was struck and assignments deposited) might be repaid and re-delivered to him. Minuted:—“7^th June 1717. My Lords appoint Thursday senight peremptorily for the hearing between both partys. L^re sign'd and sent 8^th D^o.” 2 pages.
11 June.	20. Report of the Com^rs for Hackney coaches, &c. to the Lords of the Treasury, upon the Hackney Coachmen's petition. The latter complain of irregular disposal of licences, and include “the case of the widow Gunnell by itself,” and ask to have a new clause in an Act of Parliament, to make their licenses absolute property to themselves, their executors, &c., “for the remainder of the term of 32 years.” The Com^rs answer the first part of the petition fully, and conclude thus:—“Upon the whole, if in the great hurry of the first licencing, and the short time we had for it, three or four mistakes happened in bestowing 800 licenses (for the last hundred of which we are generally understood not to be under so much restraint from the direction of the Act, when 700, the old numbers had been well bestowed) we submit it to your Lordships' favourable construction.” As to the second part they are of opinion the coachmen have little cause to complain, for a licence that costs them nothing but 1s. 6d. for the stamp, and 2s. 6d. to the clerk for writing, may be sold for 40l., or may be let out at the rent of 8s. or 9s. a week, though 5s. only is the rent paid to the Crown. Under the former law they could assign and devise during that term, but then they paid a fine of 50l. for it.—Office for Hackney Coaches, &c., 11 June 1717. Minuted:—“12^th June 1717. The answer to the complaint read; the coachman's clause, as altered by the Com^rs, to be further considered. My Lords direct the Com^rs to give the widow Gunnel the first licence that shall be vacant. 18^th June 1717. My Lords order a copie of this report to be made for the Hackney coachmen.” 6 pages (brief size). In the Minute Book, Vol. 21, p. 137, 29 July 1717 is:— “The petition of the Hackney coachmen relating to, and setting forth several hardships put upon them by the Com^rs, and likewise the draught of a clause to be offered to the parl^t, whereby they propose to advance the sum of ten thousand pounds for the use of his Ma^tie, upon condition their licences for the remainder of their term of 32 years may be assignable by will, or otherwise. The said petition & clause were referr'd to the Com^rs for Licencing Hackney Coaches, &c., who thereupon returned, an answer to the said petition, & made sev^ll amendments & alterac[i]ons in the clause; copies of both which have been given to the Hackney coachmen by their Lordps. order, who have made a reply thereto, in answer to the several articles of defence made by the Com^rs & have annexed 2 affidavits made by 2 of their number against M^r Sutton, one of the Com^rs, for bribery &c. These several papers being read, my Lords direct Abraham Canes and Joseph Gamball (the persons who made the affidavits) to attend their Lordps. to-morrow.”
13 June.	21. Proposal of Richard Jones to the Lords of the Treasury for furnishing copper fillets for farthings and halfpence, viz.: to allow the Government 3d. out of each pound of copper coined, whilst at the price it now is, but the proposer intends allowing ½d. a pound when the price falls 5l. per ton, and when the price falls to the old rate, or 95l. per ton, the public profit will be 6d. out of every 2s. coined, &c. Falcon, on the Bankside, Southwark, 13 June 1717. 1 page.
[About 13 June.]	22. Memorial of Col. John Armstrong, Quartermaster-General, to the King. Was employed as a Commissioner to inspect the demolition of Dunkirk and the filling up the old port, during which he had two violent malignant fevers. Was resolved to see the 9th Article of the Peace of Utrecht strictly executed, but was twice tempted in relation thereto, yet rejected the offers made. His Majesty allowed 3l. a day for the service, 2l. of which had been detained. Sir James Abercrombie, whose case was the same, had received his allowance. Prays that the 730l. detained from him may be paid. Referred to the Treasury, 13 June 1717. With some further particulars on the back. Minuted:—“26 June 1717. M^r Armstrong to be paid the remaining 2^li a day.” 2 pages.
[? About 13 June.]	23. Memorial of Thomas Crispe, Esq., late sheriff of the county of Lancaster, to the Lords of the Treasury. The great hurry and confusion of affairs in that county at the opening of the commission for trying the rebels there, occasioned a much greater expense to memorialist, than otherwise he would have incurred. It required his utmost vigilance to disappoint the endeavours of the enemies to the Government. It is now 12 months since, and he cannot produce vouchers, and at the time they could not have been obtained for all the payments he was obliged to make. The usual profits of the sheriff amounted to 800l., but by the Rebellion they did not amount to half. He was obliged to attend the assizes for near 10 weeks for trial of the rebels, instead of two weeks, the ordinary charge whereof did not exceed 300l. per week. His zeal has raised him many great enemies and his own affairs have suffered very much. Asks for some reward. On the back is:—“I beg leave to recommend M^r Crisp's case to your Lordships. Tho. Johnson.”—“13th June 1717. Read.” 1 page.
[? About 19 June.]	24. Petition of Sarah Matthews, widow of Brigadier William Matthews, deceased, to the King. Prays that her pension of 100l. per ann. now paid in M^r Chetwyn's office, may be paid out of the quit-rents in Virginia, she being anxious to return thither. Minuted:—“19^th June 1717. His Ma^ty cannot grant this penc[i]on for her life. The quit-rents of Virginia are overcharged w^th penc[i]ons already. My Lords therefore think it more for her interest to have her penc[i]on continued to be paid where it now is.” 1 page.
20 June.	25. Petition of Richard Wolley of the city of Worcester, Attorney-at-Law, to the Lords of the Treasury. One Benjamin Pearkes, an alderman of the city of Worcester, having several times, above two years since, drunk the Pretender's health, by the name of King James the Third, and spoken several abusive words of the present King and his family, petitioner was employed to draw up affidavits, &c., whereupon Pearkes was apprehended, and is under prosecution; prays that his bill may be paid. June 20, 1717. The bill referred to. Minuted:—“26^th June 1717. Ref. to M^r Cracherode to consider the several articles in the annexed bill and report to my Lords thereupon.” 2 pages.
[? About 20 June.]	26. Petition of John Mercer to the Lords of the Treasury. Is appointed by letters patent, chief clerk of his Majesty's works. The Com^rs object to his acting, alleging that the instructions by which they govern themselves, have not such large powers as the patent. Prays their Lordships to appoint a short day for hearing and determining this dispute. Minuted:—“20^th June 1717. A copie to be sent to the Board of Workes for their answer.” Also “a short abstract of M^r Mercer's patent.” 2 pages.
21 June.	27. Account between Ireland and the Office of Ordnance, between 1700 and 1715–16. Signed: “Edw. Ashe Cl. Ordñ.” Dated 21 June 1717. 1 page, brief size.
21 June.	28. “Resol. of the Commons about S^t Xt[o]phers.” 21 June 1717, viz.: that the lands in the Island of S^t Christophers, yielded by France to Britain, by the Treaty of Utrecht be sold to the best advantage, and that the produce of the same be applied to the use of the public. ¼ page.
22 June.	29. Report of P. Medows, Ja. Bruce, and J. Merrill to the King, on the several papers transmitted to them from many officers relating to the garrison of Annapolis Royal, and on the examination of Colonel Nicholson, Col. Vetch, and divers officers and others who have been there. Lay before his Majesty the present state and condition of that garrison and the country about it, with what appears the most likely means to protect and improve the trade in those parts, together with some account how the disorders and confusions in the accounts of the garrison have arisen, and proposals for remedying the same. The garrison of Port Royal, now called Annapolis Royal, was taken from the French at the beginning of October 1710 by a detachment of marines and country troops of New England, under the command of Col. Nicholson, and Col. Vetch was appointed governor thereof. There is a demand on the public of 20,000l. for the reduction and provisioning the place. The garrison, for want of advice or assistance from Great Britain, for above three years after it was taken, were under very great necessities, and the governor promised them that they would be allowed both pay and provisions, and upon the captains attesting their accounts, they should be allowed the money borrowed by them for the support of their companies. Can think of no other fund for reimbursing the captains but the respites upon the companies. The officers prayed to be repaid the money they were obliged to expend for fire and candle. The very ill payment of the men obliged the officers to continue to their men some allowance of this kind, to prevent their mutinying or deserting. The officers durst not send them to the woods to cut their own firing, but were forced to employ labourers to fell it and bring it to the garrison. Recommend that they should be allowed 400l. for the four companies out of the respites. By the bad clothing they were obliged to take out of the Canada stores, the men were quite naked in a much less time than that clothing should have lasted, and they had to take more at double the value. The controllers of the army accounts thought it very reasonable that one third of this charge should be abated, and his Majesty approved, but for want of any fund the companies have received nothing of the abatement (713l. 14s. 2d.). The captains complain of the exorbitant price of the provisions contracted for by Col. Vetch, and supplied by M^r Borland. The excuse is, that the garrison would otherwise have perished, and M^r Borland has been kept out of the sum of 4,957l. 6s. 8½d. for almost four years, &c. Submit it to his Majesty whether there should be any deduction on the 7½d. a day for each man's provision. Submit that the clearings due should be paid to M^r Mulcaster, the present agent. The price of the provisions very much exceeds the subsistence of the private men. Propose that 4d. per man a day only may be deducted from 25 Dec. 1715, that amount having been always allowed by the garrison formerly at Newfoundland. It will be necessary to victual the gunners out of the provisions sent to the companies. New bedding and blankets are extremely wanted for the garrison, and the barracks to be repaired, to protect the men from the weather. Propose divers orders and instructions to prevent confusions and difficulties for the future. The trading vessels from New England encourage and entice the soldiers to desert from the garrison, to employ them on their ships. Propose that the Governor of New England should be ordered to give public notice or make proclamation to forbid all such practices, &c. Give an account of the country and the methods which will be most useful for the encouragement of trade. After describing the boundaries, soil, and products, they say the inhabitants (all natives of the country) do not exceed 800 or 900 families, who live on the sea coasts; but the French have three good settlements, viz., Annapolis Royal, Minis, and Checanecto. In these settlements and some smaller ones are 900 or 1,000 able men, but there is very little dependence to be placed on their friendship at present, for when Lieut.-Governor Caulfeild sent, in December last, to require them to take the oaths of allegiance to his Majesty, they excused themselves upon pretence of their being afraid of the Indians, except his Majesty had a greater force there to protect them, and they would only promise to live peaceably and not take up arms against his Majesty, the French King or any of the allies of the two Crowns. The Indians, who, by means of the French missionaries, are many of them brought over to their religion, and contract alliances with them, are too strongly engaged in the interests of the French not to join with them upon any rupture, and would consequently be too powerful for any settlement that could be made in the country, except a good force were constantly kept there, If ever a settlement should be made there, great care should be taken to make and keep it absolutely dependent upon Great Britain, and not to suffer it to be annexed to the Government of New England, as they understand has been proposed; for they not only consume much less of the products of Great Britain than formerly, but have taken away great part of the profits of the fishing trade from us. The most certain and immediate benefit Great Britain may expect from the country of Nova Scotia is, by the improvement of the fishing trade, for they are informed that the fish often change their haunts, and the fishing has for some time failed on the banks of Newfoundland; and they are assured that from Cape Sable to the Gut of Canco is now the most plentiful fishing in all North America, with great conveniences for curing the fish and a variety of good harbours all along the coast, and is capable of vast improvement if the trade is well protected. Propose that, instead of the present large garrison, a small fort should be made according to the plan proposed by the Board of Ordnance for securing the harbour of Placentia; that a smaller fort be built at Jennis Straits, the entrance into the British river going up to Annapolis Royal and [into] the great bason, being the finest and largest in all America, where thousands of the greatest vessels may ride safely in the worst weather. This is now open to all privateers, but by this means would upon all occasions be a secure retreat to our trading ships upon the coast. Also recommend another small fort to be erected at Chebucto, Le Havre, or some other place between Cape Sable and the Gut of Canco. Further suggest that a fitly qualified person should be appointed as governor of the country of Nova Scotia, who might in time reconcile the French and Indians to his Majesty's Government, and induce them to bring their trade into the hands of the subjects of his Majesty, instead of carrying it to Quebeck, for though the French had liberty by the peace to remove within a year, yet they show no inclination to quit the country, nor is it probable that they will desire it, except they are provoked to it by very ill usage, in which case they may be tempted to join the Indians and fall on his Maiesty's forces, rather than abandon their settlement, for Cape Breton, whither they proposed to retire with their cattle, &c., upon the cession of this country, is found to be a barren rock, at least the greater part, so that if encouraged and kept from the influence of the French missionaries, it might be hoped that their children at least would be good subjects. 22 June 1717. Also an abstract of the several proposals, and an estimate of an establishment for the garrison of the forts referred to. In the Minute Book, Vol. 21, p. 136, 27 July 1717, is:—“Write to Com^rs Victualling to provide 12 months' provisions for the garrisons of Annapolis and Placentia, pursuant to his Ma^ts pleasure, signified to them by M^r Sec^ry Addison, and to send my Lords an account of the charge thereof, both in respect to the victualling and transportac[i]on, and to take care that the ships sail before the 20^th of August next.” 25 pages.
22 June.	30. “Report of Mr. Neale (Deputy Clerk of the Pipe), relating to the case of the Master and Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge.” Relating to a yearly sum of 20l., payable to them by the sheriffs out of the profits of the counties of Bedford and Buckingham in arrear amounting to 320l.; also to another yearly sum of 8 marks from the same counties, on which there was 48l. due. The occasion of so great an arrear is partly by reason of the great sums disbursed for conviction of clippers, coiners, burglars, and highwaymen, and partly by the neglect of the College in not demanding the sums at the Pipe Office. Pipe Office, 22 June 1717. 2 pages.
29 June.	31. Copy of a letter from M^r Secretary Addison to the Lords of the Treasury, signifying the King's pleasure that John Armstrong and Jacob Ackworth, Esq., should be paid 3l. per day for their attendance at the demolition of the works at Dunkirk and Mardyke, and 3l. a day to Thomas Lascelles, Esq., for such days as he supplied the place of the above in their absence. Further, that 200l. each should be advanced to M^r Armstrong and M^r Lascelles, and 100l. to Mr. Ackworth. Whitehall, 29 June 1717. 1 page.
[? About 29 June.]	32. John Heathcote to the Lords of the Treasury. M^r Lethieullier has bought a walk upon Epping Forest, and has a warren adjoining to it. The man that rents it of him (one Samuel Hebbon) he has made his keeper, by which means he protects his rabbits that are upon the forest. If before he had the walk he suffered his rabbits to increase so much upon the heath, which is the best lying for the deer upon that side of the forest, what will he not do now he has power? It being already very dangerous riding, and the burrows continually increasing, it will be every day worse and worse. The warren is no charter warren, but if it is so, he is not to make a warren upon the King's Forest. This warrener has not only banked up several passages over his warren, which were always bridle ways, but sometimes makes pitfalls, which are in byepaths, holes dug about two feet deep, and about two feet square. He lays little sticks cross the top of the hole, and then places the turf exactly upon it, so that it is not easily to be seen. Gives instances of the mischief arising. Is informed these practices are no ways allowable upon a forest, nor is a warrener a proper person for a keeper. Asks if the keeper should receive any salary till the forest is put in the condition it was. Minuted:—“29^th June 1717. Ref. to the Surv^r lands.” 1 page.
[? About June.]	33. Petition of William Atkinson for himself, Mary, his wife, Agmondesham Atkinson, their son, and the rest of their children, finishing:—“Wherefore yo^r pet^r most humbly prays yo^r Lords[hi]ps, in consideration of the 5,552l. 5s., w^ch is a debt due from the Crown, and that only the interest is paid for 1,345l. 13s. that yo^r Lordsp^s wou'd be pleased to order that yo^r pet^r, Mary his wife, and Agmondesham, their son, may be minuted to receive the 40l. a year pension, or interest, with the four years and a half arrears.” Also “The case and pedigree of Mary Atkinson, wife of William Atkinson, of the parish of S^t Giles in the Fields, in the county of Middlesex, brewer,” and Copy of warrant of King Charles II. to the Lords of the Treasury to pay to Agmondesham Pickayes, goldsmith, 1,345l. 13s. 3 pages.
2 July.	34. “An acco^t of money absolutely necessary for the service of the Office of Ordnance.” 2 July 1717. Minuted:—“4^th July 1717. Trea[su]rer of the Ordnance to dispose of the Bank annuity in his hands for the service within menc[i]oned, and prepare a warr^t to the aud^rs to charge the int. arising thereupon to the acco^t of the said Trea[su]rer. My Lords direct 8,000l., for which tallys are to be struck in the Trearer's. name, at 4l. per cent., to compleat this demand.” 1 page.
2 July.	35. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to the Hon. William Lowndes, Esq. Had announced by letter that M^r Crawford, Collector of Borrowstoness, had seized prohibited goods to the value of 400l., and being on board with six officers, apprehensive of a rescue by force, he called for six soldiers to his aid, but the mob assaulted the ship, and the soldiers were forced to fire, and one of the mob was killed. Ask that a noli prosequi may be directed to the Lord Advocate. 2 July 1717. 1½ pages. In the Minute Book, Vol. 21, p. 128, 10 July 1717, is:—“Write to the Duke of Roxburghe to procure a pardon for John Crawford, Collector of Borrowstoness, who, with his assistant officers, fired upon a party or mob, who attempted to rescue a seizure of prohibited goods. His Ma^tie having signified his pleasure that the same be prepared accordingly.”
[? About 4 July.]	36. Petition of Thomas Austin, late General Receiver of Land Tax and other duties in the county of Southampton, to the Lords of the Treasury. The agents for taxes had reported the reasonableness of his being allowed 747l. 17s. on his return of 59,828l. 1s. 8d. for taxes in North Wales and Cheshire in the years 1699 and 1700, but he never received a farthing. For 10 years ending 1711 has received the taxes for the co. of Southampton and Isle of Wight, and has lost 1,137l. 6s. 10d. thereby, and has paid into the Exchequer 579,355l. 5s. 9d. Prays to be paid the 747l. 17s. and an allowance for the latter service. Minuted:—“4^th July 1717. To be brought in another time.” 1 page.
8 July.	37. Auditor's certificate as to how far the several accountants have passed their accounts before them. 8 July 1717. Minuted:—“9^th July 1717. When M^r Aud^r Harley returns out of the country he will inform my Lords thereof, who will appoint him and M^r Aud^r Foley to attend in order to the considering the state of the accounts now depending before them.” 9 pages.
9 July.	38. Memorial of Sir Bibye Lake, Bart., to the Lords of the Treasury, in reference to a dispute between him and General Wills over the debt due to the Crown from M^r Robert Peter. Prays that the estates and effects of the said Peter may be assigned to him (the memorialist) or that the money, with interest and assignments, now in the hands of Mrs. Taylor, widow, may be repaid to him. 9 July 1717. Minuted:—“12^th July 1717. Copie of this to Gen^l Wills.” 1 page.
[? About 9 July.]	39. Petition of George Howell, Esq., late Receiver-General of Taxes for the counties of Cardigan, Carmarthen, Glamorgan, and Pembroke, and for Haverfordwest, to the Lords of the Treasury, for allowances in connexion with his accounts. In the year 1711 he was not only turned out of his receipt and likewise out of the commission of the peace for the county of Glamorgan, both which trusts he discharged with unblemished reputation for about 20 years, but likewise three writs of extendi facias were awarded against him for 40,000l. each, by virtue whereof his estate, real and personal, was extended, and he was committed to Newgate. All which inconveniences were brought upon him by the then ministry for his constant zeal for the succession of the House of Hanover. Minuted:—“9^th July 1717. Prepare a warr^t according to the Act.” 1 page.
9 July.	40. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the warrant for granting and conveying to William Duff, of Bracco, Esq., the lands of Bracco, Identore, Balveny, Edinglassie, Tippertie, Alva, &c., with certain fishings and patronages, with a confirmation of sundry rights upon lands in Strathisla, all within the sheriffdom of Banff. “Edin^r.” 9 July 1717. 2 pages.
[? About 9 July.]	41. Memorial of Anne, Duchess of Buccleuch, and Francis, Earl of Dalkeith, to the King. The united parishes of Langholm and Wauchope (containing Half-Mortoun) are too large to be served by one minister, and therefore at present the minister every third Sunday is obliged to preach at Half-Mortoun, four miles distant from his manse, and the rest of the parish every third Sunday are deprived of Divine Service at the parish church. If the lands of Half-Mortoun were disjoined from that parish and annexed to a neighbouring parish, the stipend out of it being 11l. 18s., must be taken from the minister of Langholm-Wauchope and annexed to the provision of the minister of the parish to which it is annexed, and then the minister of Langholm-Wauchope will be unprovided with a competent stipend. There is another discouragement in a neighbouring parish, viz., that of Eskdale-Muir, whereof the provision for the minister is only 44l. sterling, the charge being very considerable, making the catechising the people and visiting the sick a very great labour. The property of these parishes chiefly belongs to the memorialists, who pay a duty of 15l. 11s. 1d. per ann. to the Crown, as coming in the place of the Bishop of Galloway, for the tithes of the parish of Langholm alias Staple-Gordon. This applied to make up the 11l. 18s. to be taken from the minister of Langholm as aforesaid, and the remainder, being 93l. 13s. 1d., being given to the minister of Eskdale-Muir, in augmentation of his stipend, both these inconveniences would be removed and the teinds would be applied to the natural use, that is to the provision of parochial ministers. Pray for a grant of the teinds of the parish of Langholm, alias Staple-Gordon, with the burthen of the sum of 11l. 18s., to be paid yearly to the ministers of Langholm and Wauchope, and of 3l. 13s. 1d. as an addition to the stipend of the minister of Eskdale-Muir. Referred to the Lords of the Treasury, 9 July 1717. 1 page.
[? About 11 July.]	42. Memorial of Hugh Hughes, gent., to the Lords of the Treasury. Was employed several years as Resident at the Diet of Ratisbon, and since as Commissary for England and Holland for the affairs of Hungary, which he executed with great danger and no less care and content to the mediators. Prays to be put on the Establishment to support his family. Two inclosures. Two others are not now with it. Minuted:—“11^th July 1717. To be put upon M^r Clayton's est. at the penc[i]on of 50^li p[er] ann.” 4 pages.
11 July.	43. Report of the Surveyor-General (Cholmley) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Richard Transum, guardian to Brewster Lamb, grandson of Patrick Lamb, deceased, respecting a tenement in the pastry yard in Whitehall, burnt down with the palace, the term of the lease of which expired on 10th May last. In favour of a further lease. 11 July 1717. Minuted:—“Granted to M^rs Dunch.” Also the petition. 2 pages.
14 July.	44. Memorial of Lieut. Alexander M^c Donald to the Lords of the Treasury. Has been employed “in certain services by my Lord Stairs in France,” for which his Lordship recommended him to the King and the Lords of the Treasury. Prays for a pension for life or a sum of money. July 14, 1717. 1 page.
15 July.	45. Report of the Controllers of the Accounts of the Army to the Lords of the Treasury, on certain lists of the persons victualled in the garrison of Gibraltar, and on the quantity of provisions laid into his Majesty's storehouses there by the contractor. Find that 3,915l. 5s. 5½d. are due to the contractor. 15 July 1717. Minuted:—“12^th Aug^t 1717. Order'd.” 3 pages.
16 July.	46. Proposal for the improvement of the copper coin made to the Lords of the Treasury. The coin should be of the full value of the copper, each side concave, the edges high, so as to protect the device. It should also commemorate historical events. London, 16 July 1717. 1 page.
[? About 16 July.]	47. Petition of William Wallis, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury. King William III. granted to John Hill, Esq., and Ralph Hardwick, merchant, a lease for 51 years of the forest or chase of Arkilgarthdale, &c. in Yorkshire, of the value of 300l. per ann., concealed from the Crown, but the same were neglected to be recovered. Petitioner has discovered that these lands are still concealed from the Crown, and will expend sufficient for the recovery thereof. Prays a grant of a new lease of the premises for 31 years. Minuted:—“16 July 1717. Ref. to the Surv^r Gen^ll.” Again, “20^th July 1717. My Lords will advise the King to give the pet^r a lease for 31 years, reserving in rent the 3^d part of w^t shall be recovered, provided he will first give satisfaction to M^r Hill and his wife, who was execut^x to Col^o Douglas, for their disbursem^ts towards recovering the same.” 1 page.
[? About 16 July.]	48. Petition of Thomas Byerley to the Lords of the Treasury Was appointed Receiver-General of Customs of New York in 1702. Continued in that employment till 1716, when some person represented him to the Lords of the Treasury as a person disaffected to H.M. Government, and in so private a manner, that before he was apprized of it his office was granted to another; whereas he was always well affected to his Majesty and the Protestant succession. Sends testimonial of the Governor and Council. Was entitled to 200l. per ann. as salary out of the quit rents. Prays a pension out of the quit rents or any other moneys, &c. Minuted:—“9^th April 1718. Enquire who Dixon is, and by whom recomended.” The testimonial referred to, stating that the suggestion that he was disaffected, was utterly false. Dated 16 July 1717. 2 pages.
[? About 17 July.]	49. Memorial of Thomas Sabourn to the Lords of the Treasury. Has suffered very much, and is almost ruined by his services to the Government during the late Rebellion in Northumberland. Lost his business, which was better to him than 200l. per ann., and the Lord Chancellor thought his desire to have 200l. was not unreasonable. Prays directions thereon. Minuted:—“17^th July 1717. 40^li p[er] M^r Lowther.” 1 page.
18 July.	50. M^r Secretary Addison to the R^t Hon. Viscount Stanhope. Having at last got over the troublesome affair of Manni, the Venetian, encloses the account of the expense thereof, amounting to 165l. 18s. 3d. Manni is not likely to give the Government any further trouble. Prays payment to be made to M^r Thomas Bambridge, who has been very instrumental in bringing the matter to a conclusion; also for 10l. as a gratification to him for his trouble. Whitehall, 18 July 1717. The account referred to. Minuted:—“W^t for this by vertue of the letters pat[ent]s dorm^t.” 2 pages.
19 July.	51. R. Howe to “My Lord.” Prays that the Keepers of the Holt and Woolmer Forest may be paid their salaries, and that his Lordship will consider of some way to prevent the disorders, daily committed by great numbers of persons coming disguised, which the small number of keepers are not able to resist. Has several times presented memorials, but nothing has been done for the preservation of the forest. Holt Forest, July 19, 1717. Minuted:—“25^th Sept^r 1717. Lord Stanhope to be reminded ab^t this.” 2 pages.
19 July.	52. Warrant of the Lords of the Treasury on the report of the Surveyor-General, made on the memorial of the Hon. Algernoon Greville, and Nicholas Proctor, Esq., executors of Mary, Duchess Dowager of Beaufort, deceased, praying for a renewal of a lease of the Hundred of Grumbolds-Ash, in the county of Gloucester, and the office of bailiff and bailiwick of the same, for three lives, at the rent of 6l. 10s. without fine. The surveyor conceives that the profits are not much above the rent; but it being a Royalty and jurisdiction round about Badmington, the seat of the Duke of Beaufort, is what renders it desirable. The warrant approves of the report, and the passing of a new lease to the Hon. James Bertie and Doddington Greville, Esq^res, in trust for Henry, the present Duke of Beaufort, for 99 years, &c. at the above rent. 19 July 1717. The memorial and report. 3 pages.
[? About 19 July.]	53. Petition of the widow Agnes Leigh, to the Lords of the Treasury. Has presented a petition to the King (of which a copy is annexed). Prays for assistance. French. Minuted:—“To be laid before y^e King. 19 July 1717. My L^ds agree to move his Maj^ty that in consideration of y^e pet^rs great sufferings his Maj^ty will be graciously pleasd to grant to her a pension of 100^li p[er] an. Warr^t sign^d for 100^li p[er] ann.” [Her petition to the King states that she was imprisoned under the belief that she disapproved of the measures taken against the Protestants in King James's time, and by espousing the cause of the many prisoners, and assisting them, she had endangered her life. King William gave her husband a commissionership of sick and wounded seamen, which he held till his death. Prays his Majesty to grant her a pension for herself and four children.] French. 3 pages.
[? After 18 July.]	54. Petition of William Pitt, keeper of H.M. gaol of Newgate, to the R^t Hon. James Viscount Stanhope. By order of the Lords of the Council and the Secretaries of State he made provision for the reception of about 70 of the rebels, brought from Preston, and for about 30 more brought from the Tower and Fleet Prison, which obliged him to buy above 40 new beds, bedding, and other furniture, as well in the common gaol as the Press Yard, which cost a great deal, and which by their spitefulness and malice, as well as slovenliness, were left worth little or nothing Besides which, the Press Yard, with other rooms taken in upon their account, stood the petitioner in near 200l. per ann., and he has had no salary or other allowance from the City of London or otherwise. Has been at great charges in conducting the prisoners to their trials at Westminster, and back to Newgate, and in paying guards, &c. Has likewise been at great charges in keeping several other State prisoners, for which he has received nothing at present. Prays payment of his bills or for other relief. Annexed are three accounts of the expenses referred to. The last is:—“An acco^t of money due for several State prisoners, which were ordered to be kept separate, and in the strictest confinem^t, who by their poverty were not able to pay any of the com[m]on dues of the prison, nor make any satisfaction for their lodging or extraordinary expences, occasioned by such their close confinement.” 10 pages and 2 halves.