Volume 220: January 9-April 28, 1719 | British History Online

Pages 434-449

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

Citation:

January 9–April 28, 1719



[In or before 1719.]	1. Petition of George, L^d Dupplin to the Lords of the Treasury. James Hay, Earl of Carlisle, having acquired the Caribbee Islands, and particularly the Island of Barbadoes, King Charles I., by letters patent of 3 Car. I., granted those islands to the Earl and his heirs, with a power to make laws with the consent of the inhabitants, and to charge them with any duties, and with an immunity from customs in England or Ireland for 10 years; but the King being desirous that this immunity should be superseded, the Earl surrendered the same. In consideration whereof, and the Earl having planted the Island, the King, by letters pat. of 4 Car. I., granted to the Earl all the subsidies and customs on goods imported or exported, to or from the Islands, by which grant and a reserved rent of 40 lbs. of cotton a head, from every inhabitant “of the said Island,” a great revenue became payable to the Earl. Upon the Restoration, the inhabitants of Barbadoes applied to his Majesty to have the Island taken from a subject, and vested in the Crown. The Earl of Kinnoul, to whom the same belonged, being unwilling to contest a jurisdiction with the King, surrendered the patents. King Charles II., being thus entitled to the profits of the Island, the then Governor of Barbadoes, with the consent of the inhabitants, by an Act of Assembly, dated 12 Sept. 1663, in consideration that the King had purchased the patents, and of their being discharged for the future from payment of the 40 lbs. of cotton a head, granted a duty of 4½ per cent. in specie of all commodities exported from the Island. Whereupon King Charles II., in pursuance of a former contract made with the Earl of Kinnoul, and in consideration of the surrender of his right, by letters pat. of 12 July in the 24th of his reign, granted to the earl an annuity of 600l. per ann. for five years, and after that time an annuity of 1,000l. per ann. to him and his heirs for ever, to be received at the Exchequer out of the duty of 4½ per cent. By this surrender a great advantage accrued to the Crown, the duty amounting to 8,000l. per ann. The title to this annuity being in Thomas, now Earl of Kinnoul, he conveyed it to his son George, Lord Dupplin, for life, with divers remainders over. Prays directions that the annuity may be paid. Signed:—“Dupplin.” [Undated, but Thomas, Earl of Kinnoul, died in 1719, and George Henry was his son.] 2 pages.
[? 1719.]	2. Memorial of the Duke of Marlborough to the Lords of the Treasury, touching the taxes due and in arrear, which have been assessed on the lands and possessions at Windsor, Winckfield, Clewer, and Sunninghill, that accrued to the Crown by purchase, and are laid in to his Majesty's parks at Windsor. Craves allowance of 544l. 14s. 1 page.
[After 1718.]	3. Memorial of John Haldane, Collector of Customs at Prestonpans, in North Britain, to the Lords of the Treasury. In May 1718, the surveyor and other officers of Customs of the port of Prestonpans were violently assaulted and wounded by a mob at North Berwick, excited by George Hog, merchant there; the officers having seized several considerable parcels of uncustomed and prohibited goods belonging to the said George. A warrant was obtained for the apprehension of the persons concerned, and the sister of George Hog, who was the principal person in the riot, was apprehended. Memorialist, and those who went with him to the house, were prosecuted for their lives, before the Court of Justiciary at Edinburgh, at the instance of George Hog, upon an obsolete law, against a crime called “Hainesucken,” that is, the entering any man's house or ship with arms. Memorialist was absolved from prosecution by the judge. In December last, memorialist and others, for endeavouring forcibly to arrest goods on board a ship in the road of Prestonpans, incurred another criminal prosecution, under the same law, before the Court of Admiralty at Edinburgh, and a jury picked out to sit on them, consisting of merchants who are the most notorious of all in that country for running goods. Gives particulars of the indictment, and complains of the discouragement to all the officers of the Customs by these prosecutions. 3 pages.
[? After 1718.]	4. Memorial of H.M. Solicitor for Scotland, on behalf of the Crown, to the Hon^ble the Com^rs and Trustees appointed to inquire of the estates of certain traitors, and dispose of them by sale for the use of the public, &c. The solicitor laid claim, on behalf of the Crown, to the penalties of single and life rent escheats of the late Earl Marshal and others fallen to his Majesty by their contempt in not appearing before the Lords of Justiciary in obedience to the several charges given them for that effect. (Copy.) 7 pages.
[After 1718.]	5. The case of the Corporation of Dunwich, with respect to the rent payable to the Crown. States that the lands in the town chargeable with the rent of 65l. a year, payable by the town (being a very sandy coast) by great inundations, are washed into the sea; and the port thereof, where ships used to come and pay anchorage, tunnage, tollage, and other duties towards the payment of the rent, is utterly destroyed, and the town exceedingly poor; and, therefore, the rent has been by several succeeding reigns reduced, and King Charles II., reduced it to 5l., and this was granted to his Queen Catharine as part of her jointure. This was in arrear after the King's death, and the Sheriff of Suffolk in 1718, by virtue of the “long writ” out of the Treasurer's Remembrancer's Office, took the bailiffs and 10 aldermen and other freemen of the town in execution to Beccles gaol. Upon their application to the Court of Exchequer, and after production of the grants, letters patent, &c., and after much debate on the words, “de firm. ville sue,” the court declared that the writ was ill-executed by the sheriff, and that the corporation and not the members in their persons or private capacities, are liable to pay the debt; and that the sheriff held them in prison at his own peril, so the sheriff immediately discharged them all by order of Court without paying any fees. Note.—“The five pounds p[er] ann^m has been yearly paid to the Crown till within these five years, the corporation conceiving they had paid in full discharge of the whole, tho' they have a discharge for no more than the five pounds p[er] annũ paid as aforesaid.” 1 page.
1719.	6. “Proposall by the proprietors of the suggar manufactorys in Scotland to the Barons of Exchequer, 1719,” viz., to surrender all their exemptions from Customs and Excise, on condition of being acquitted from the claims of the Crown against them for Customs and Excise, and receiving what further equivalent the Lords of the Treasury thought they deserved. 1 page.
Beginning of 1719.	7. New Year's gifts and other annual dues for the Secretaries and Clerks of the Treasury, 1718–19. 4 pages, quarto.
9 Jan.	8. Report of the Attorney-General (Lechmere) to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the grant made by his Majesty to M^r Benson, of the office of surveyor of his works, and on certain claims raised by him under that grant. Is of opinion that the grant is local and restrained to the works in the Tower of London, and the honors, castles, lordships, and manors usually reserved for his Majesty's repair and abode, and cannot be extended to the manor of Portland. Whatever has been transacted at that place, arose out of the building of S^t Paul's. The care which Sir Christopher Wren took in any respect relating to Portland, arose naturally and properly as an additional service, as he was both Surveyor and Com^r for rebuilding S^t Paul's. The office of Surveyor is, from its nature, and cannot be otherwise, subordinate to the Treasury. 9 Jan. 1718. Minuted:—“13 February 1718. Read and approved.” Accompanied by the case submitted to the Attorney-General. 9 pages and 2 parts.
10 Jan.	9. Report of the Board of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury on the report and representation of the late Board of Works, relating to the fitting up of some rooms in the White Tower for a repository for the records of Chancery. Have of late years been much straitened for store room in the Tower, and have laid out near 5,000l. since his Majesty's accession, in repairing this ancient large building. One of the rooms proposed is the Sword Office for sea service, and the other for match. But as these stores must be lodged in the Tower, room must be made for them, by sending others to Woolwich, where houses must be built. Hope if any part is appropriated for the records, they shall not be dispossessed (after having laid out so much money), till they are reimbursed. As to the powder lodged there, it was formerly a magazine for above 1,200 barrels, even while the records were there. Whereas of late there has not been above 60 or 70 barrels, and those in the dungeon. Office of Ordnance, 10 Jan. 1718–19. 1½ pages.
13 Jan.	10. Quarterly Bill of the Trustees for sale of the Forfeited Estates from 24 March 1717 to the 24th June 1718. Dated 13 Jan. 1718. 1 double page.
15 Jan.	11. Letter of the Com^rs and Trustees for Forfeited Estates in Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury, enclosing copy of their report to the House [? of Commons]. 15 Jan. 1718–19. The report referred to of the Com^rs who were appointed by two Acts of Parliament, the one made in the first year of the King's reign, (entitled an Act for appointing Com^rs to enquire of the estates of certain traitors, and of popish recusants, and of estates given to superstitious uses), and the other made in the 4th year of the reign, entitled an Act for vesting the forfeited estates in Great Britain and Ireland in trustees, to be sold for the use of the public, and for giving relief to lawful creditors, &c. The Com^rs and trustees required by their precepts the balances thereof to be paid into the Exchequer for Scotland, amounting to 22,573l. 18s. 8¼d. The first person who expressly refused to comply was M^r Walter Sterling, writer in Edinburgh, factor appointed by the Lords of Session on the estate of Keir. The Com^rs did not allow his excuse, but had not yet prosecuted him, which had induced many others to refuse payment. Some more efficient method should be provided. The Com^rs reviewed the claims which had been entered before them, amounting in number to 2,929, and summoned several of the claimants before them, and passed decrees thereon, as far as the time allowed. Also sent out their surveyor, &c. to survey the real estates of certain traitors, &c., and to seize, appraise, &c. their personal estates, amounting yearly to 40,153l. 8s. 1011/24d. On these they observe (1) that several superior vassals, &c, in Scotland, by virtue of the Act 1 Geo. [I.] for encouraging superiors, &c., have entered into possession of very considerable parts of the forfeited estates, and retain possession thereof, without any judgment or determination of the extent of their rights; and there is no method appointed for judging of their rights; (2) there are difficulties arising partly from the diversity of the laws of Scotland from those of England, concerning the rights of the creditors of forfeiting persons, &c; (3) have subjoined memorials given to them by counsel for claimants on personal rights, and inform the House that they have yet passed but one decree, which is on behalf of the Bank of Scotland for the sum of 500l. due to the bank on a bond of the late Earl of Southesque. 8 pages.
15 Jan.	12. Report of the Controllers of the accounts of the Army (Medows and Bruce) to the Lords of the Treasury, upon a representation of Col. Kane, Lieut.-Governor of Minorca, complaining of the disadvantages that garrison lies under as compared with the troops in England, on account of the foreign specie, in which they are paid their subsistence. Find the representation to be true. Recommend that they be paid their subsistence in dollars at 4s. 6d. each. Comptroller's Office, 15 Jan. 1718–19. Minuted:—“12^th March 1718–19. Order'd.” 3 pages.
20 Jan.	13. Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury of the Surveyor and Auditor-General (Walpole) of the revenues arising in America, in his Majesty's islands, colonies, or plantations there. As it may happen during the continuance of the present war with Spain, that several prizes may be taken from the Spaniards by his Majesty's subjects, and brought into the ports of the said islands, &c., prays that on the appointments of Receivers of Prizes, they may (by a clause in their constitutions) be required to account to him or his deputy for inspection and audit. 20 Jan. 1718–19. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” 1¼ pages.
22 Jan.	14. A particular of the causes now under prosecution with states thereof. Signed, “A. Cracherode.” 22 Jan. 1718. 9 pages.
22 Jan.	15. Letter from the Lord. Lieut. of Ireland (Bolton) to the Lords of the Treasury. Has lately approved of Capt. Richard Borough's purchasing the employment of Town Major of Dublin, to whom, by the name of Desherbiers (for his services and wounds), King William granted a pension of 5s. per day upon the Establishment of Ireland. The Capt. represents that he finds difficulties in getting his pension paid on account of the oath required of all pensioners that they are not otherwise provided for by his Majesty. Recommends him as a proper object for his Majesty's favour to have the pension continued by a new warrant. Dover Street, 22 Jan. 1718–19. Copy of the same. Minuted:—“Warr^t signd 18^th March.” The memorial referred to. Capt. Borough had served in the last war in Ireland, in Flanders, and on the Rhine, where he lost an arm. 3¼ pages.
[About 23 Jan.]	16. Proposal of Thomas Highmore, “serjeant painter,” and three others, to the Lords of the Treasury, viz., that as they had seen an intended contract between Benjⁿ Jackson and others, and their Lordships for the ordinary repairs of H.M. palaces, &c. for four years at 12,000l. per ann., they would perform the same at 8,000l. R. 23 Jan. 1718–19. The Minute ordering this proposal to be put in writing is entered in the Minute Book, Vol. 22, p. 137. 1 page.
[After 26 Jan.]	17. “Answer from Tho. Rowland, Clerk of the Works of Windsor [Castle], to the Surveyor's charge.” The charges against him were for not accounting for old stores and materials, wrong entries in his accounts, &c., and many of them were made by one Wyeth, a discharged labourer. 7 pages.
[After 27 Jan.]	18. (1.) List taken by M^r Edwards, in Lord Onslow's office of Lottery Contributions, anno 1718–19. [Pursuant to the Treasury Letter of 23 Jan. 1718.] The names are arranged alphabetically, with the sums opposite. (2.) List of the names taken by the Rt. Honble. the Lord Torrington (one of the four tellers of the Exchequer) to the amount of 10,000l. in the ensuing Lottery, pursuant to the direction of the Lords of the Treasury, signified by Charles Stanhope, Esq., 24th of January 1718. (3.) Names taken as contributors to the ensuing lottery by Lanc. Burton, in the office of the Rt. Hon. Thomas, Lord Torrington. Exchequer, 27 Jan. 1718. 9 pages.
28 Jan.	19. Petition of Lieut. David Delacour, in the Earl of “Gallaway's” late Spanish regiment of foot, to the Lords of the Treasury. Has been a prisoner for five years in the Fleet Prison, and is still there. Is apprehensive of palsy, and a complication of other distempers, caused by wounds. 200l. 3s 1d. are due to petitioner for payments to prisoners and for his own pay. The affair lies before M^r Auditor Harley much neglected, and by that means petitioner is likely to perish in prison; prays that his case may be represented to his Majesty for a particular warrant for his charges. Fleet Prison, 28 Jan. 1718–19. Minuted:—“Read 9 May 1719.” 1 page.
31 Jan.	20. Memorial of the late Principal Com^r of Prizes to the Lords of the Treasury for relief to be afforded to the agents who were appointed at Lisbon, Genoa, Leghorn, Barcelona, &c., and in the West Indies; who transmitted their accounts to the Prize Office in London, containing the whole produce of each ship, and a particular account of all the incident charges laid out by them thereon. When not obliged to pay the captors abroad, they remitted the net proceeds in bills or otherwise to England, the difficulties they were under preventing them from sending regular vouchers for the incident charges. Prays that directions may be given to the Auditors of Imprests that the accounts of the foreign agents may be passed. 31 Jan. 1718. Referred to the auditors for their report thereon. 2 pages.
6 Feb.	21. Schedules of the sums (1) “Paid several persons as of his Ma^ts Royall bounty between Midsm^r 1715 and 6^th February 1718–19.” The largest sum was 5,000l. to John, Earl of Stair, for his services as Ambassador to the most Christian King. The total is 51,308l. 0s. 5d. (2.) “To several forreign ministers for their extraordinary disbursem^ts exceeding the regulation;” for the same period. Total, 27,479l. 17s. 5d. (3.) “Out of his [Majesty's] Civil List revenues on occasion of the late rebellion;” for the same period. Among the sums is 500l. to Major James Stewart, for coming express from the Duke of Argyle with an account of the rebels having abandoned Perth; and another 500l. to Sir Thomas Harrison, Knt., for coming express from the Duke with an account of the victory obtained over the rebels in Scotland, near Dumblain. 8 pages.
11 Feb.	22. Report of the Officers of the Mint (Wm. Thompson and Sir Is. Newton) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the bill of M^r James Gerard, chief engraver of his Majesty's seals. Find that the Prince of Wales, when guardian of the kingdom, had directed the making of the several seals mentioned, and they were delivered to the Duke of Roxburgh for the use of Scotland. On comparison of the work with former seals, they find it to be good, and in no way inferior. But there is an overcharge of 10l. in the privy seal for North Britain, which sum ought to be deducted, and likewise 40s. for making drafts of several seals, for the allowance of which there is no precedent. Mint Office, 11 Feb. 1718. The account or bill referred to, setting out a minute description of the seals. Minuted:—“4^th June 1719. My Lords agree to the rep^t allowing M^r Gerard the 10^li craved by him for the pr. seal in Scotl. Warr^t signd 2^d July 1719.” 3 pages.
12 Feb.	23. Declaratory deed by the Hon. Robert Johnson, Esq., Governor, Captain General, Admiral, and Commander-in-Chief of that part of Carolina that is south and west of Cape Fear. On the 12th of February 1718, Thomas Hepworth of Charlestown, and Robert Hume of the same place, gentlemen, came before him and made oath that they saw John Mason, Quartermaster and Agent to the Mediterranean galley's company, and Joseph Harrison, Quartermaster and Agent for the company belonging to the ship King William, John Masters, Commander of the sloop Revenge, and John Smith, Quartermaster and Agent for the sloop Revenge's company, Fayrer Hall, Commander of the sloop Sea Nymph, and John Howard, Quartermaster and Agent for the same sloop, sign a deed poll, purporting to be a power of attorney for themselves and others to receive from the Treasury the sums due by the King's proclamation, for apprehending pirates on account of taking a pirate sloop named the New York's Revenge, and the ship New York Revenge's Revenge alias the Eagle. They also saw the said Mason sign a certificate annexed, purporting to be a certificate of the number of officers and men belonging to the Mediterranean galley, at the time of seizing the pirate ship, New York's Revenge and the pirate ship, New York Revenge's Revenge alias the Eagle. They also saw Joseph Harrison sign the certificate annexed, purporting to be a certificate of the number of officers and men belonging to the ship King William at the time of seizing the above-named pirate sloops, and also the schedule thereto. They also testify to other similar subscriptions. The Governor Johnson also testifies to his appointment of the captains to the prize ships, &c. Dated 12 February 1718. Also the power of attorney, and the three certificates and schedules referred to. 16 pages, brief size, the first page much faded.
[After 13 Feb.]	24. An account of the several persons standing in debt to the revenue on salt in Hilary Term, 1718, and the proceedings that have been made against them, and what has been recovered. [Hilary Term, ended 13 Feb.] 6½ pages.
16 Feb.	25. Letter from the Receivers of the duty of 6d. per month out of seamen's wages for the hospital at Greenwich, to the Secretary of the Admiralty, enclosing a letter from the collector of the same duty in Ireland, acquainting him with the difficulty of making the collection, and making suggestions thereon. Receiver's Office, 16 Feb. 1718. 2¼ pages.
19 Feb.	26. Excise Com^rs, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury. By a representation of 23 Aug. 1716, they acquainted their Lordships that they had applied to the justices of the peace throughout Scotland, to persuade them to put the laws in execution relating to the duties on houses, but without any success. Since that, have made further applications, and now the justices delay till they are informed of what resolutions the justices of the shire of Edinburgh take. The manner of inhabiting most of the houses in Edinburgh, and other chief towns in Scotland is, that if there be four or five or more storeys or floors under one roof, each storey is in the possession of one family, the master whereof calls it his house. Wherefore the assessors have returned that a storey inhabited by one family is not chargeable with the duty unless it have 20 windows, and the surveyors return all the storeys under one roof, and between two gavells as one house, and chargeable with the duty if there be 20 windows or upwards in the whole building, although inhabited by different families; by which difference in the method of charging, the returns made by the assessors in Edinburgh did not amount to above one third of the returns made by the surveyors. Are of opinion that a clause explanatory of what is meant by a house is required. Propose a list of persons to be surveyors thereof. Excise Office, Edinburgh, 19 Feb. 1718–19. 2 pages.
20 Feb.	27. Certificate of the Auditors of Imprests to the Lords of the Treasury, showing how far the several accountants have passed their accounts, to the end that process may be made forthwith against defaulters, according to the course of the Exchequer. Dated 20 Feb. 1718. At the end are copies of some documents touching previous process in the Exchequer against accountants. 20 pages.
21 Feb.	28. Sir Theodore Jannsen to the Lords [of the Treasury]. Relating to 24,000l. lent by him on a parcel of 2,664 blocks of tin sent to Holland. 21 Feb. 1718. Also three other papers relating to his transactions in tin. 5 pages.
26 Feb.	29. Thomas Kynaston to Sir Chr. Wren and the rest of the Com^rs of Works, in answer to the commands of the Treasury to give an account of lead, solder, and brass charged on him by the Surveyor-General of H.M. Works as delivered to him for H.M. service at the Tower and Denmark House, for the ordinary repairs there. 26 Feb. 1718–19. 1¼ pages.
27 Feb.	30. Com^rs of Victualling to M^r Lowndes. Have hired for the salt arrived from North Britain a storehouse at Buckle's granaries, near Rotherhithe, at 2s. per week for any quantity under 100 tons, and so after the rate of 2s. per week for every 100 tons put there. 1,761 bushels are deposited there. Make suggestions as to the sale thereof. State the inconveniences of it remaining warehoused there. Victualling Office, 27 Feb. 1718. An enclosure on the same subject. Minuted:—“28 [Feb.] L~re repeating former directions to disp^o for his Ma^ts best advantage. L~re to Scotland for acco^t of the Rem^r.” 3 pages.
[? Feb ]	31. Officers of the Board of Works to the Lords of the Treasury. Replying to four charges of mismanagement and abuses, said to be practised by the late Board of Works, and the subordinate officers under their direction. After answering the articles seriatim, they say we have “endeavoured to justify ourselves by short plain truths, without art, evasions, or perplexity. We have done all we have been able to lessen the Kings expense in the office, whilst it was under our care; and we may venture to affirm our endeavours have been successful therein, as may appear by the annexed paper marked A. We must at the same time observe to your Lordships that the extraordinary works since his Ma^ts accession to the Crown, have been considerably more than they were for the last nine years in the late Queen's reign.” The paper referred to, being an account of the expense of the above office from 1706 to 1714. 4 pages.
6 March.	32. Com^rs of Victualling to M^r Lowndes. H.M. ship “Success,” returned from the Mediterranean, has a puncheon of oil on board, and the Com^rs think it ought to remain on board to be expended for the ship's company, but the Com^rs of Customs insist on the payment of the duty. “Although it has been usual when his Majesty's ships have been paid off to bring the oil ashore and pay the duty it was never done in this case,” and the doing it now would be a precedent. Hope, as all the princes in Europe permit his Britannic Majesty's provisions for the service of his navy to go custom free, it will in this instance at least be judged reasonable. Pray that directions may be given to the Com^rs of Customs not to insist on the payment. Victualling Office, 6 March 1718. 2 pages.
11 March.	33. An abstract of the produce of his Majesty's revenue in Ireland for one year ending at Christmas 1718. 1 page.
11 March.	34. Petition of the artizans and others employed in H.M. Office of Works, to the Lords of the Treasury. At Christmas last were 12 months behind unpaid for their works, &c., and the accounts lie unpassed. Besides the arrear of 40,000l. due from his Majesty, there is a debt of 20,294l. from the late Queen, and 54,910l. from the late King William. Pray for a settlement, and in the meantime for a distribution of money amongst them to support their distressed families. On the back is:—“Rs. 11 Mar. 1718–19.” 1 page, brief size.
12 March.	35. Copy of the representation or memorial to the King of the Com^rs for building 50 new churches in London, Westminster, and suburbs, touching a maintenance for the ministers who are to attend the service of God in the same. The parish or district assigned to each of the new churches will probably contain about 6,000 souls. The duties incumbent on the minister cannot be discharged without the help of a clergyman to read the public service, and also of at least one able and assistant preacher, who may take his part in visiting the sick and other ministerial offices. The respective rectors, with their assistants, will require a clear yearly income of 300l., and in the most populous districts 400l. Amongst the propositions for this purpose are, that they (the Com^rs) may have power to assess houses by a rate not to exceed 6d. in the pound, and to lay on a duty on pews. Dated 12 March 1718–19. 5 pages.
13 March.	36. John Mercer to the Earl of Sunderland. Submits to his Lordship whether this be an improper time for the hearing of his “severe case.” Will not presume to move at all without his L^p'^s concurrence, approbation, and direction. 13 March 1718–19. Minuted:—“9 May 1719. Rejected.” Accompanied by “A state of M^r Mercer's case, in answer to a representation made against him to the Lords of the Treasury by the Com^rs of Works, of which he could not procure a copy till very lately.” Also, “An abstract of M^r Mercer's patent as Chief Clerk of the Works.” [These papers relate to a controversy between M^r Mercer and the Com^rs of Works. The former under his patent claimed to sit as a commissioner of that board.] Minuted:—“18^th April 1719. My Lords cannot restore him.” 3 pages.
16 March.	37. Articles of agreement made 16 March, 5 Geo. [I.], between the R^t Hon. Charles, Earl of Sunderland, and the other Lords of the Treasury of the one part, and the Governor and Company of the Bank of England of the other. Under the Act of the present session, provision is made for cancelling and discharging at Lady-day 1710 a considerable part of the Exchequer bills, but there would still remain bills amounting to about 1,300,000l., besides interest. The Com^rs judge it for the public service to contract with the Governor and Company to circulate the residue, and the articles are the terms of the contract. 2½ pages.
17 March.	38. Memorial, signed J. Hancock, on behalf of the Earl of Cadogan, to the Lords of the Treasury, for an imprest of 1,200l. for robes, &c., and for putting the household in mourning for the King of Sweden, and for 600l. for rebuilding his Majesty's house in the Isle of Wight; and further, for 300l. for secret service. Whitehall, 17 March 1718–19. 1 page.
17 and 18 March.	39. Representation of the inhabitants and quarrymen of the Island of Portland, in answer to the suggestions of John Anderson, showing that the inhabitants had the privilege of raising and shipping stone from the quarries there, which has always been allowed by the Crown on paying the customary tonnage. Set out the rates they have always received for raising stone. The tonnage duty was formerly equally divided between the Crown and the inhabitants, until the Restoration, when the King granted one half of his moiety of the tonnage duty to the inhabitants of the island, by which means their share of the tonnage is 9d. per ton, and the share of the Crown 3d. The quarries are in good order, and afford as good and large quantities as have been raised in the memory of man. The whole island contains 2,500 acres, all which except about 500 acres near the castle, appears to be a continued bed of stone, every acre of which by a just calculation, will produce upwards of 16,000 tons. The whole quantity of ground cleared of stone since the quarries were first opened (of which they have no record in the Island) is not more than 30 odd acres, and there never can be any want of good stone for his Majesty's service, nor his posterity for 4,000 years to come. The reason of the great slide of the island which happened in January or February 1695, could never be discovered by the strictest inquiry. The charge of recovering the pier and way was paid by the Com^rs of S^t Paul's, but did not amount to near the sum suggested, and as for the slide of the way which happened since, it was repaired for a less sum than 20l. It has numerous signatures which were added on 17 and 18 Mar. 1718–9. Marked A. Also a certificate of the owners and masters of ships using the coasting trade of the freight for stone from Portland to London. Dated Weymouth, 17 March 1718–19. With numerous signatures. Marked B. 2 large pages.
11 Jan.–22 March.	40. Certificates by Archibald Douglas of Cavers, Esq., General Receiver of the Land Tax, Crown Rents, &c., and new duties upon houses in Scotland, and paymaster of salaries, pensions, and allowances there, &c. of all receipts, payments, and remains, &c. from 11 Jan. to 22 March 1718–19. 4 pages.
24 March.	41. Memorial of the Treasurer of the Chamber for payment of his quarter's account due at Christmas. Dated 24 March 1718–19. Minuted:—“8^th April 1719. Order'd.” Among the items is:—“To Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bart., principal painter in ord^ry for drawing two of his Ma^ts pictures at whole length at 50^li each, besides fees of officers; in all, p[er] bill, 107l. 10s.” 3 pages.
[? About 24 March.]	42. Proposal of Jonathan Forward, of London, merchant, to the Lords of the Treasury. About 60 criminals lying in the several gaols within the Home Circuit (viz.), in the counties of Hertford, Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, are ordered, pursuant to the late Act of Parliament, to be transported to His Majesty's colonies and plantations in America. These he proposes to transport at 5l. per head; besides which there are about 30 criminals in Newgate, whom he offers to transport at 3l. per head as heretofore he hath done. Accompanied by another paper entitled, “Reasons offered by Jonathan Forward for the more effectual transportation of the convicts and fellons.” Minuted:—“24^th March 1718–19. Read.” 2 pages.
25 March.	43. Report, signed George Treby, to the Lords of the Treasury, on a memorial of the colonels commanding the six regiments of foot lately sent to Ireland, who had subsisted their men upon the large establishment, and being paid in Ireland upon the lesser. The difference between the two establishments falls upon their personal pay. Is of opinion, that according to practice, the difference ought to be allowed. Whitehall. 25 March 1719. Minuted:—“28^th March 1719. Agreed to.” 1 page.
[? About 13 April.]	44. Memorial of John Applebee and Henry Hines to the Lords [of the Treasury]. Are employed to serve the Mint with copper for coinage of halfpence and farthings. It is now three months since their L^ps stopped the coinage, to their great loss. A few days after the stop “New Rooles” were finished, whereby they can prepare the copper smoother and make the money more beautiful. Pray to be allowed to “import” into the Mint the copper which they have prepared. Also a note referring it to Sir Isaac Newton. Minuted:—“April 13th 1719. To be sent to S^r Isaac Newton for his opinion.” 1¼ pages.
16 April.	45. “Report of the Lords Committee concerning the State of the Exchequer and other records, 1719.” A paper so docqueted commencing thus:—“Die Jovis 16^o April 1719. The Earl of Clarendon (according to order) reported from the Lords Com[m]ittees appointed the 5^th of December last to inspect the repairs of the Parliam^t Office, pursuant to the Address of this House to his Majesty, of the 4^th of July 1717, and his Ma^ties directions thereupon; and to report to the House what hath been done therein, and whether there hath been any and what hindrance, and the reasons thereof; and to whom it was referr'd to inspect the condition of the Records in Offices.” The Lords' Committee reported as to the state of the repairs of the parliament office, as to the records of Chancery in the Tower, and the records at the Six Clerks' office. “The Committee likewise examined M^r Saunderson, Deputy Usher of the Rolls, touching certain records which their Lordships had been informed appeared, to view upon pulling down the old house of the Master of the Rolls.” The Committee repaired to the Tower of London, and found the loose papers and parchments, which heretofore lay in great confusion within the chapel of the White Tower, were most of them sorted and put into order of time, in an excellent manner, in pursuance of several reports from former committees of this House; but complaint being still made of the want of room for receiving the public papers and records remaining to be put in order, the Committee were of opinion that a large room on the east side of the White Tower, adjoining to Cæsar's chapel (60 ft. long and 30 ft. wide), should be allotted for that purpose, as well as for the records of Chancery to be transmitted. Their Lordships directed a plan and estimate thereof to be made. The Committee were informed “that a great quantity of records of the late Court of Wards, which some years ago were brought from a house belonging to the King's fishmonger, in Fish Yard, over the Prince's chamber, and lately removed from thence over the Black Rod's room, and lodged there, with divers ancient records of the Court of Requests, where they now lie in great disorder, their Lordships took a view of the same and directed M^r Anstis, Garter King of Arms, to inspect the said records in order to placing them in a proper method.” [The Committee then give the purport of M^r Anstis' report on these records.] The Committee examined M^r Sadler, Deputy Clerk of the Pells, in relation to 21 bags full of records hanging up in the Pell Office in the Exchequer, some of which were thought very valuable. He believed they were brought there at the time of the fire, which happened at Whitehall, in the reign of King James the First. The Committee were of opinion that these records, reported on by M^r Anstis, and these 21 bags should be digested into order, under M^r Anstis' care, and with assistance to make calendars and indexes thereof, &c. Their Lordships went to St. Pauls' Cathedral to see if there was any place for preserving these records, and recommend an upper room on the south side over the aisle on the left hand of the south door for that purpose. Enclose plan and estimate for fitting up the room. The Committee examined the Deputy Chamberlains of the Exchequer, who admitted that they had a great number of records in their custody in a confused condition, and liable to ruin, and delivered to the Committee a particular account drawn up some years before by M^r Lowe and M^r Le Neve, late Deputy Chamberlains. The Committee then quote this account, which is entitled:— “An account of the several records in the Court of the Receipt of the Exchequer in the custody of the Lord Treasurer, or the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for the time being, the Chamberlains of the Exchequer, and their deputies.” [This account or report runs over six pages.] The Committee examined M^r Madox as to his knowledge of any records in disorder or liable to receive damage, and likewise as to the condition of the records in the Exchequer in general. Their Lordships directed M^r Neale, deputy in the Pipe Office, M^r Harding, deputy in the Kings' Remembrancer's Office, M^r Plaxton, deputy in the office of the Treasurer's Remembrancer, and M^r Jett, one of the auditors of the revenue, to inspect the records in their respective offices, and give an account in writing of the nature of their records, in what state they were, &c., and that M^r Madox should assist therein, and likewise gave direction to the Deputy Chamberlains to prepare a like account in relation to the Chapter House, at Westminster, and also ordered that M^r Topham, Keeper of the Records in the Tower, should lay before the Committee an account of the nature of the records there. [The Committee then quote the several reports, which run over 17 pages.] The Committee having received information that several transcripts of records left by the late M^r Rymer, and not printed, were in the hands of M^r Awnsham Churchill, a bookseller, examined him thereon, and he acknowledged that he had the same, but thought they were thrown by as not fit to print. His executor had promised that they should be bound, and they were paid for by the Treasury, and were for public inspection. Their Lordships directed them to be sent to their housekeeper. The Committee further report on certain empty rooms for the reception of records, &c., and they further recommend that a reasonable reward should be paid to M^r Le Neve and the executor of M^r Lowe for certain calendars. The Report finishes thus:—“Which report being read by the clerk was agreed to by the House. W^m Cowper, cler[icus] parliamentor[um].” Accompanied by the estimates and the plan for fitting up the rooms at S^t Paul's. 36 pages.
16 April.	46. Lord Stanhope to the Lords of the Treasury. M^r Whitworth, having by His Majesty's command signed a capitulation with the Commissaries of the Council of State in Holland, relating to the five battalions sent over hither by the States General, he (Lord Stanhope) sends a copy of the capitulation. Whitehall, 16 April 1719. The copy referred to. (French.) 5 pages.
[? About 17 April.]	47. Five papers touching the affairs of M^r Robert Peter, late Receiver-General of the county of Hertford, who had failed, being in debt to the Crown 13,149l. odd. M^r Robert King was one of his sureties, and Sir Bibey Lake, Baronet, a principal creditor. One of the papers is:—“The case of M^r Robert King,” and is minuted:—“17^th April 1719. My L^ds appoint to hear all p^tys this day fortnight.” 7 pages and 3 halves.
21 April.	48. Sir Christopher Wren to the Lords of the Treasury. The letter is as follows:—“My surprise is equal to my concern to find, that after having serv'd the Crown and the publick above fifty years, and at this great age, I should be under a necessity of taking a part in answering a memorial presented by M^r Benson to y^r Ldships., charging some mismanagements on the late Com[m]issioners of the Board of Works. “It was his Majesties pleasure, on his happy accession to the Throne, to continue me in the office of Surveyor of the Works: but soon after, in regard of my great age, he was pleas'd of his Royal clemency to ease me of the burden of the business of that office, by appointing other worthy gentlemen with me in Com[m]ission, which was under such regulations and restrictions, as that alltho' I had the honour to be first nam'd with the old title of Surveyor, yet in acting, I had no power to override, or give a casting vote: I did, however, as often as my infirmities would permit, attend the Board, and endeavour'd to doe his Majesty all the service I was able, with the same integrity and zeal w^ch I had ever practis'd. “I doubt not but the gentlemen concern'd in the late commission will lay before y^r L^dships such particular answers to the memorial of complaint as will be satisfactory. I crave leave to refer thereto, and may presume to say that, notwithstanding the pretensions of the present surveyor's management to be better than that of the late com[m]issioners, or theirs to be better than what preceded, yet I am persuaded, upon an impartial view of matters, and fairly distinguishing all particulars, with due consideration had to long protracted payment of artificers, there will be no just grounds for the censuring former managements; and as I am dismiss'd, having worn out (by God mercy) a long life in the Royal service, and haveing made some figure in the world, I hope it will be allow'd me to die in peace.” Hampton Court, April 21, 1719. 2 pages.
[? About 24 April.]	49. Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury of John Sturgeon, glover, and John Renolds, butcher, who had been engaged in the capture of, and giving evidence against, John Beane, of Brentwood, who had absconded and was indicted at the sessions. “Sir Nathanell Mead was so carefull of y^e matter, knowing whose cause we ware for, and that y^e King's honor and person and y^e Parliment ware abused, that he came of from y^e bench of y^e Niseum price, to y^e Crown bench to pleade our cause, and he was y^e only frind we had theare; for what he did for us he did itt gratusly.” Minuted:—“Serj^t Mead, 24^th April 1719, state this. 29^th April 1719, to M^r Cracherode.” 2 pages.
[? About 28 April.]	50. Informations about one Moffat's ship, seized with arms, intended for the rebels. Copies of various papers about the above ship, which came from Holland. The officers at Kirkaldy seized the vessel in Largo Bay, near Ely. Minuted:—“28^th April 1719. The informer to be recom[m]ended to his Ma^tie for 100.” Again:—“9^th. His Ma^tie consents.” “Warr^ts sign^d 5 August 1719.” 8 pages.