Volume 60: March 1-April 29, 1699 | British History Online

Pages 274-291

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

Citation:

March 1–April 29, 1699



1698–9 March 1.	1. Letter of the Com^rs of the Revenue for Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, transmitting a view of the gross produce of the King's revenue for one year, ending 25 Dec. 1698, &c. Dated 1 March 1698–9. [The “view” not now with it.] 1 page.
March 2.	2. Letter of Nathaniel Hawes to the Lords of the Treasury. The warrant to the auditor of the Exchequer for payment of 370^li 10^s, due at Christmas 1697, for placing out the lads of their “Mathematical-bred apprentices,” was charged with not less than 80l. 5s. 6d. upon the capitation Act; urges that they were obliged to employ the whole in placing out those lads, and importunately begs for relief. Dated Christ's Hospital, 2 March 1698–9. Accompanied by a receipt for the 80l. 5s. 6d. 1¼ pages.
March 3.	3. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the making up of the general accounts of the revenue of Excise, desiring their Lordships' particular directions to the controller of Excise for speedily making up the same to Midsummer 1694. Dated 3 March 1698. 1 page.
March 3.	4. Letter signed Wm. Popple, to William Lowndes, Esq., by command of the Com^rs for Trade and Plantations, desiring him to move their Lordships concerning the right claimed by the proprietors of East New Jersey to a port at Perth Amboy, on which subject the Com^rs were much pressed by the Earl of Bellomont for a remedy to a thing so prejudicial to the King's interest in the province of New York: asking what their Lordships thought about the case. Dated 3 March 1698–9. 1 page (quarto).
March 6.	5. Letter of Mr. James Vernon to the Lords of the Treasury, acquainting them that the Lords Chief Justices and the Lord Chief Baron, with the Attorney and Solicitor-General, and the Judges of the Admiralty and Prerogative Court had been advised with, concerning the cases of foreign ships, that had lately been visited in our ports, upon pretence of searching for wool; when they came in only for shelter against stress of weather, and had no intention either of taking in goods or unloading here, but were bound homewards with the goods they had bought in foreign markets: intimating the King's pleasure that the Com^rs of Customs should order that such ships should not be so visited. Dated 6 March 1698–9. Minuted:—“A copy of this w^th my Lords direction accordingly, to be sent to Com^rs of Customes.” 1½ pages (quarto).
March 7.	6. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the seizure of a bark named the “Francis,” by the officer of Customs at Falmouth, for breaking bulk of the cargo. Dated 7 March 1698–9. (One enclosure.) Minuted:—“A copy of this to be written, and M^r Glanvill to attend the French ambassad^r's secretary, and give him the copy.” 2 pages.
March 7.	7. Petition of the captains of Col. Farrington's late regiment to the Lords of the Treasury, praying them to order the payment of a warrant for 559l. 18s. 2d., which they were out of pocket, for waggons, &c. in their marches. Rec^d 7 March '98. Minuted:—“28June 1699. To be p^d wⁿ other debts of the same kind are paid.” 1 page.
March 8.	8. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Thomas Sparkes and Thomas Jefferies, who were under judgment upon a trial in Sussex, for transporting corn out of England into France. They would not object to the petitioners being relieved. Dated 8 March 1698–9. (Six enclosures.) Minuted:—“A noli prosequi.” 7½ pages.
[? About March 8.]	9. Petition of Captain Charles Houston to the Lords of the Treasury, praying that his arrears of pension of 20s. a week might be paid, nearly three years being due. Rec^d 8 March '98. Minuted:—“27 June '99. My L^ds do not think fit to give any direction ab^t particular pencions.” 1 page.
March 9.	10. Report signed John Gellibrand, to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the nature and value of certain Bibles and Common Prayer Books delivered by Mr. Sam. Carr, stationer, to the Bishop of London, to [be forwarded to Maryland]: finding that the account was reasonable, the books being of the Oxford editions, not then to be bought at the price, being so extremely scarce. Dated 9 March 1698. It is written on the back of the petition. Minuted:—“To be paid.” 1½ pages.
March 9.	11. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning a memorial in relation to several Exchequer bills, amounting to 510l. 19s. 9d., which had been received from the new subsidy at the port of Exeter, and sent up by post from thence, but were intercepted and stolen by persons who robbed the mail, one of whom, John Arthur, was convicted for the same; recommending that Mr. Orchard, the collector, should have credit for the said Exchequer bills, &c. Dated 9 March 1698. (Two enclosures.) 6½ pages.
March 9.	12. “Walter Devereux' proposall to the L^ds of the Treasury, for preventing the owling trade on the coast of Kent, &c.,” chiefly consisting of strictures on proposals made by Mr. Henry Baker on the same subject. The appointment of bachelors or single men, and the removal of officers was inconsistent with the King's interest, the building of watch-houses was unnecessary, also the hiring of warrens, &c. It contains much information about the state of smuggling on the coasts of Kent and Sussex. Dated 9 March 1698–9. 2½ pages.
March 10.	13. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Joseph Taylor, concerning a parcel of muslins and romalls, which were put on shore only to avoid a severe and arbitrary mulct (as he stated), and afterwards were put into the hands of the collector of Deal; advising that he should be allowed 204l. 18s., first paying the duties on the goods, viz., 49l. 9s. 5d. Dated 10 March 1698–9. (Three enclosures.) Minuted:—“Read 24 Oct. '99. My Lords can give no reliefe.” 7 pages.
March 11.	14. Letter from Mr. Van Homrigh to the Hon. Wm. Lowndes, begging his favour in presenting his petition to the Lords of the Treasury, with the two several reports and recommendations of the Lords Justices of Ireland, and laying them before the King: praying for his favour and assistance. Dated Dublin, 11 March 1698–9. The following, which apparently relates to this, is in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 127, 24 May 1699:—“M^r Van Homrigh's letter: 1,000^li to be allowd.” 1 page.
March 11.	15. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the widow Lindsey, concerning arrears due to her late husband, as lieutenant in Major-Gen. Lumly's (formerly Sir John Lanier's) regiment: if their Lordships ordered the amount, 46l. 12s., it must come through Lord Coningsby's hands. Dated 11 March 1698. Minuted:—“Speak with M^r Pauncefoot about this. This is part of ye Irish arrears, for w^ch noe provision is made this year.” (Two enclosures.) 3¼ pages.
March 11.	16. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of. the Treasury, on the petition of John Jones, saddler, and George Dorsett, shoemaker, praying to be paid 261l. 12s. and 82l. for saddles, &c., and boots delivered by them, for the use of the Lord Jedburgh's regiment, in the year 1697, out of the money ordered for clothing for that year; submitting it to their Lordships whether they were to be left to take their course at law, or what else should be done for their relief. Dated 11 March 1698. Also the petition. 2 pages.
March 11.	17. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of Treasury, on the petition of Captain John Hutchinson, praying payment of his subsistence in Col. Lillingston's late regiment, from 7 Jan. to 1 Oct. 1693; certifying that 73l. 3s. were due to him. Dated 11 March 1698. Also the petition. Minuted:—“To be p[ai]d out of y^e remaynes lately putt into y^e E. of Ranelagh's hands.” 2 pages.
March 11.	18. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Henry Tuthill, button-seller, and Robert Dillimore, tailor, for payment, out of the clothing money, of sums due to them for supplies to Brigadier Ingoldsby's and Col. Fred. Hamilton's regiments; submitting it to their Lordships whether the petitioners should take their course at law, or what else should be done for their relief. Dated 11 March 1698. Also the petition. Minuted:—“12 June '99. The pet^rs must take their course at law.” 2 pages.
[? About March 11.]	19. Copy of letter, unsigned and unaddressed, and another memorandum on the subject of the last report. Undated. 2 small pages.
March 14.	20. “Mr. Abbott's report on y^e petition of the officers of severall broken reg^ts for wagon money, &c.” Certifying that there was due to the said broken regiments [to wit, the Duke of Bolton's, Col. Coot's, Col. Brudenall's, and Col. Gibson's] in all 3,326l 14s. 11d., besides what was due to Major-General Erle's broken battalion, which was contained in a particular report of the Earl of Ranelagh. Dated 14 March 1698–9. Minuted:—“20^th June '99. Speak w^th my L^d Ranelagh.” “Read 21^th do.” 3 pages.
March 14.	21. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the captains of both Major-General Erle's battalions; praying payment of several contingent warrants, for carriages and other charges, in the march of their companies; certifying that 642l. 13s. 1½d. were due. Dated 14 Mar. 1698–9. Minuted:—“Read 19 Ap. '99. When there is any m^o not appropriated to other uses my Lords will give directions to pay this sum.” (Two enclosures.) 3 pages.
[? About March 14.]	22. Letter of the Lords of the Treasury to the Lords Justices of Ireland, on the petition of John Frederick, Count Dona Ferassier, for a grant of the estate of the Lady Hellen Collvill, the petitioner's then wife, which (as he was advised) was in the King's gift, by reason of his being an alien. Dated “March” 1698–9. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 86, 14 Mar. 1698, is the following:— “To the Lords Justices upon occasion [of] ye letter from them to M^r Sec^ry, recommending a grant to Count Dona of his wife's estate. That nothing ought to be done in order to obteyning a grant of lands in Ireland, but by a petition to His Ma^ty, whereupon this board receives the King's pleasure to refer it to ye Gov^t there, and by a report thereupon to this board to be layd by their Lo^ps before ye King; and the reason why my Lords do not insist in Count Dona's case is because he desires nothing but his Lady's estate.” 1 page.
March 16.	23. Letter of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury, seeking for a renewal of their Lordships' authority to the Com^rs of Customs, for clearing ships laden with stores from the Ordnance Office. Dated 16 March 1698–9. Also a letter from the same to Mr. Lowndes, on the same subject; urging despatch “in regard the loss of a little time at this juncture in clearing the ship ‘Benjamin,’” employed to transport stores to Cadiz, for the squadron under the command of Admiral Aylmer, might be of great dis-service to His Majesty, the wind being fair, and the convoy staying at the Nore for her. Dated the same day. 2 pages.
March 16.	24. Report of the Com^rs for Stamps, on the petition of Mr. Edward Cowley. He was indebted to the King for stamps on the balance of his account 93l. 9s. 2d. Dated 16 Mar. 1698–9. Also the petition for the advance of the arrears or for 100l. on account, and a letter threatening prosecution if the debt were not paid. Minuted:—“Read 2 May 1699. It cannot be done.” 3 pages.
March 17.	25. A letter signed “Hen. Baker,” to the Lords of the Treasury, representing that the King was in possession of the estate of the Lord Griffin, in order that their Lordships might authorize the receiver of the county to take the rents. Dated 17 March '98. Minuted:—“27 June '99. A warr^t to ye audr. to give it in charge to y^e rec^r.” “W^t signed 6 Nov. 1699.” 1 page.
March 17.	26. Letter of the Navy Board to Mr. Loundes, desiring him to move the Lords of the Treasury to order the Com^rs of Customs to pass certain stores custom-free, to be transported to Cadiz for the squadron in the Mediterranean. Dated 17 March '98. (Two enclosures.) 3 pages.
March 17.	27. Letter of Mr. John Chetwynd to William Lowndes, Esq., enclosing a petition from a relation of his, viz., Ann Chetwynd, wife to Thomas Chetwynd, who served His Majesty as apothecary to the moving hospital in Ireland; praying for an order for 10l. out of the King's bounty, or out of 142l. 8s., due for her husband's services, she and her six children being in great want. Dated 17 March '98–9. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 88, 17 March 1698, is:—“Anne Chetwynd to have 10^l, in part of her husband's arrear, to carry her into Ireland.” 2 pages.
[About March 17.]	28. Petition of Charles Marris, and others, setting forth various seizures made by them, a portion of which consisted of upwards of 30 pieces of alamodes, which were delivered to the storekeepers of the port of London; and further that there were then but 18 pieces to be found: praying their Lordships to right them. “Rec^d 17 Mar. '98. 28 June 1699. Referred to y^e Comm^rs Cust.” 1 page.
March 18.	29. Letter of Mr. Burchett to Mr. Lowndes, as to bills drawn by Mr. Aylmer, Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the King's ships in the Mediterranean, to buy provisions for the squadron, and to pay the men for their short allowance of victuals; which bills the Com^rs of Victualling had not accepted, &c. Dated 18 Mar. '98–9. 1½ pages.
March 20.	30. Letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, representing the case of Mr. Savage, clerk of the Crown, who, for his pains in indicting and outlawing persons who had been in arms, &c., had a warrant from the late Queen to receive 40s. for each person so outlawed before July 1692, and for those who should be outlawed for the future, the number of whom amounted to 5,373 persons; recommending him for a pension. Dated 20 March 1698–9. Minuted:—“1^st Nov. '99. The King is not pleased to grant him any pention.” There is the same minute in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 206, on that day. Copy of the warrant and two other brief papers. 4 pages and 2 parts.
March 21.	31. Letter from Lord Devonshire to the Lords [of the Treasury]. By Act of Parliament a debt to one Mr. Rupert Brown of 4,800l. had to be paid by cutting the King's woods in the forest or chase of Needwood (Stafford); which sum, if so raised, would utterly deface the forest, to the loss of the King and prejudice of the noblemen, gentlemen, and freeholders that had right of estover there, who had petitioned the King thereon. He desires that some other way might be found to pay the said Brown. His Lordship had ordered his deputy, Mr. George Vernon of Sudbury, to make proposals for the better management and cutting the woods, that the best timber might be preserved, and in such places as would be graceful for the forest, and convenient for the deer: desires speedy directions. Dated Devonshire House, 21 March 1698–9. 1 page.
March 21.	32. Extract from a letter from Sir Wm. Beeston, Governor of Jamaica, to the Right Hon. Mr. Secretary Vernon. Dated 21 March 1698–9. The writer heard that Mr. Brodrick was solicitous to return to his post; there was no reason why he should have left, but if he returned it would infinitely disturb the quiet of the island, and make all people very uneasy, because they had no manner of belief in him or in anything he said. Dated 21 March 1698–9. 1 page.
March 21.	33. Letter of the Com^rs of Ordnance to Mr. Lowndes, as to orders to the Com^rs of Customs to allow the export of goods custom-free, being stores of war. Dated 21 March 1698–9. 1 page.
March 22.	34. Letter of Mr. James Vernon to Mr. Lowndes, concerning (1) provisions to be furnished to the fleet in the parts of Spain customs-free; (2) Needwood Forest and Rupert Browne's debt, enclosing a petition; and (3) Mr. Sutton's bills of extraordinaries lying at the Treasury [unpaid], which Mr. Sutton was employed at Vienna as agent, and had great difficulty in subsisting, his allowance being small and the way of living in that Court very expensive. Dated 22 March 1698–9. 2 pages (quarto). Petition to the King “of the gentlemen of the Woodmote jury att the Woodmote Courte, held for Your Majesties forrest or chace of Needwood at your Majesties castle of Tutbury the 20^th day of September anno Dom. 1698, and of divers noblemen and other gentlemen on behalfe of themselves and severall townships and many hundred families.” The forest is the most beautiful in the kingdom, it was formerly of larger extent and fuller of wood; the petitioners by ancient charters claimed a right to a greater quantity of wood of estovers than the forest would then bear, upon which right many townships and several hundred families bordering upon the forest depended, and in great part subsisted, and out of it the castle of Tutbury, the King's lodges, several churches, common bridges, pounds, and fences in and about the same were repaired. An Act of Parliament had passed to restore the forest to the King, and thereby secure the rights, &c. to the petitioners, in which Act was a clause to pay 3,300l. with interest to Mr. Rupert Browne by the sale of wood from the forest; 1,305l. worth had been sold, and 4,800l. remained due to the said Browne, which if raised, would destroy the forest and the game and deprive them of their rights: they pray some other way might be found to pay Mr. Rupert Browne. On the back is:—“R. 13 [or perhaps 18] Mar. 1698.” It has 77 signatures. 2 pages (quarto) and 2 pages (brief size).
March 24.	35a. Letter of the Navy Board to Mr. Lowndes, sending enclosed a copy of the decree of the Court of Exchequer in a suit between Mr. Fitch and others, upon account of the docks at Portsmouth. Dated 24 March '98. (Three enclosures.) 5 pages.
[? Between Jan. and March 25.]	35b. Report of Sir Isaac Newton and two other principal officers of the Mint, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Daniel Crichlow, citizen and button-maker of London, finding that the press of Gerrard Bovey was not licensed by their Lordships, as was alleged by the petitioner, but only permitted by some officers of the Mint on his giving security that it should not be used for anything else but buttons; it had been re-delivered to the Mint before the late Act, making it treason to have a press for coining; leaving it to their Lordships as to the licensing such presses. Dated, 1698–9. Minuted:—“My Lords think it dangerous to give any lycence.” 1 page.
1699. March 25.	36. Report by the auditors, B. Bridges and T. Done, to the Lords of the Treasury, on a memorial of John Knight, Esq., late receiver-general and cashier of Customs. The 80l. paid for stationery to Sir Thomas Laurence, secretary for Maryland, appeared to be paid by their Lordships' directions; 22l. 12s. 6d. for customs on wines for the King's use was made out; the 93l. 10s. paid to Mr. Germaine for a loan of Exchequer notes, was represented as done by their Lordships' order; the 186l. 19s. 6d. paid Mr. Burton for short and bad money was demanded for loss sustained by the indirect practices of the tellers employed in the Duchy Court, several of the tellers were discharged for exchanging and pilfering money, Mr. Knight had to make good to Mr. Burton what was wanting in the bags; the 250l. was demanded for a quarter's salary to satisfy the clerks in making up the accounts, although Mr. Knight was discharged some time before the end of the quarter. It was a similar case to that of Mr. Lytcott, whose widow received the whole quarter. Dated 25 March 1699. Also the memorial. 3 pages.
March 26.	37. “An abstract of y^e establishment, commencing the 26^th of March 1699.” [The army, but query if the whole of the forces.] 1 page.
March 28.	38. Memorial of the Victuallers to the Right Honourable the Lords of the Treasury, praying to be furnished with credits at Livorne, Naples, and Alicant for 10,000l. at each place, not knowing at which of the places the fleet might arrive for a supply. Dated 28 March 1699. Also copy of the same. 2 pages.
March 29.	39. Account of money paid for transport service, and an account of what remains unpaid, and of cash that is now in the Transport Office. Dated 29 March 1699. 1½ pages.
March 29.	40. Letter signed “T. Weaver,” to William Lowndes, Esq. He had often represented to the Council of Trade the miserable condition of the forces of New York (for which province he was agent), they having received no pay for 26 months, except 500l. He was too sick to attend personally, and was desirous to know if their Lordships had made an order; if the victuallers were not paid the forces must disperse, the Earl of Bellomont's government and credit sink, and the King's interest in America suffer extremely. Dated 29 March 1669. Minuted:—“Read to my Lords ult. March 1699.” 1 page.
March 30.	41. Reports of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, as to an additional allowance of 30l. per ann. to Mr. Beverton, riding officer of the Customs at Canterbury, for a servant. Dated 30 March 1699. Minuted:—“Agreed. W^t signed May 10^th, 1699, and cancelled by the Lords, May 11^th, '99.” 1 page.
March 30.	42. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Russell, late commander of the ship “Fortune,” of the eighth part of which he said he was owner, and had laid out upwards of 800l. in a voyage to Norway to fetch naval stores, and having delivered the same at Portsmouth, an officer of the Customs seized the ship as forfeited for importing the stores, the owners being Swedes; praying for the King's moiety of the ship, &c.: advising that there was good cause to grant directions to the Attorney-General to non. pros. the information of forfeiture exhibited against the said ship, &c. Dated 30 March, 1699. Minuted:—“This business is at an end.” (Seven enclosures.) 17 pages.
March 30.	43. Letter from the Marquis of Carmarthen to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the waiving their parliamentary privilege in a trial of the Marquis's right to the office of auditor of the Exchequer. Dated 30 March 1699. 1½ pages.
March 31.	44. Memorial of the Victuallers to the Lords of the Treasury, putting them in mind of bills drawn by Admiral Aylmer, also that the course of payments was in arrear upwards of 14 months, &c.; praying that moneys might be assigned. Dated 31 March 1699. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 101, 14 April 1699, is:—“6,108. 15. 2½. out of ye loans in the Excheq^r on ye land tax is to be p[ai]d to ye Navy, for vict^rs to clear a bill of exch^a of 10,000^l drawne by Adm^ll Aylmer for the victuall supplyed in ye Streights whilst it was managed by him.” 1 page.
March 31.	45. Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Lords Justices of Ireland, sending a petition of Lieut.-Col. Toby Caulfeild, praying for a grant of the King's right to an estate of the value of 50l. per ann. and arrears, forfeited by one Theobald Purcell; desiring their report thereon. Dated 31 March 1699. The petition and a letter of the Duke of Ormond in his favour. 2½ pages.
March 31.	46. An application by the Com^rs of Trade to the Lords of the Treasury, for the payment of the allowances and salaries of the establishment of that office, and for the stationer's bill and postage of letters. Dated 31 March 1699. 14 pages.
March 31.	47. Certificate of money imprested to Lionel Herne out of loans on the second 3s. aid for cancelling Exchequer bills. Certified, 31 March 1699. 1 page.
March 31.	48. Presentment by the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, as to a new regulation by the Com^rs of Customs in the mode of keeping the account of officers' salaries. Dated 31 March 1699. 1 page.
April 1.	49. Presentment by the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, praying the issue of a warrant for 1,000l. to pay for the interest of a lease of a house in the neighbourhood of the Custom-house, and that the receiver-general and solicitor of the Customs might be enabled to take an assignment of the lease, with a view of enlarging the office. Dated 1 April 1699. Minuted:—“Agreed. A warr^t for this. W^t signed 12 Apr. 1699.” 1½ pages.
[About April 1.]	50. Memorial of Dame Annabella Howard, executrix of Sir Robert Howard, knight, deceased, late auditor of the receipt of the Exchequer; their Lordships had signed an order for paying 31,911l. 14s. 10d., to Sir Robert Howard, out of the second 3s. aid to complete the arrears of such annuities as became due, between 17 May 1696 and 17 May 1697, and were payable out of two-sevenths of the late duty on tonnage, which was then in the course of payment. The executrix desired the officers of the Exchequer might receive their Lordships' commands, that as money should be directed upon the said order they should receive the same from the executrix as money belonging to the respective persons interested in the arrears of the said annuities. Minuted:—“1 Apr. '99. If my Lady will release this order on the book in the Exchequer then my Lords will give warr^t to the officers of the Exchequer to apply this sum for paym^t of the annuitys, in the same manner as they should have applyed ye same if there were no such order.” 1 page.
April 4.	51. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, applying for the moiety of 91l. 18s. 6d. (being the value of English coin shipped for export), to be paid to Mr. Colquit and Mr. Bentley, two of the officers of the port of Liverpool, who had seized the same. Dated 4 April 1699. Minuted:—“Granted.” 1 page.
April 4.	52. Memorial of the Trustees for exchanging Exchequer bills offering to their Lordships the states of the accounts, craving them to direct out of what money the order for 2,530l. due to the Trustees, &c. for salary, ordered by their Lordships, should be paid; craving an allowance upon 3,035½ guineas in the hands of the cashier, received at 22s., the price of which fell on 16 Feb. previously to 21s. 6d. [Minuted:—“Ordered.”]; further on the 28th of April 40,000l. would be due as premium on one million subscribed to the 5th contract for advancing money for circulating Exchequer bills, for which they asked that provision might be made, and in addition whether the Trustees should make a call for or demand a tender of the money subscribed on the said contract before the determination thereof. Dated 4 April 1699. 1 page.
April 4.	53. Presentment by the Com^rs for Transports, to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning sums necessary to carry on the service. Dated 4 April 1699. Also a schedule of provisions for 1,000 men for 30 days, for their passage from Holland to Scotland 1½ pages.
[? About April 4.]	54. Petition of Hugh Boulton to the Lords of the Treasury, to be appointed searcher of the Customs in the port of Boston, the fees, &c. not being worth more than 10l. a year. Minuted:—“If it be of no greater value, my Lords will grant it.” Further down is “Const[ituti]on signed 4^th Aprill 1699.” (One enclosure.) Parts of 2 pages.
April 6.	55. Presentment of the Com^rs of Transports to the Lords of the Treasury, showing the sums due, and praying an order for 1,500l. to pay bills of exchange drawn by their agents in Holland, and such other sums as they saw fit. Dated 6 April 1699. 1 page.
April 10.	56. Petition of Andrew Hopegood of London, merchant, to the King, showing that there was an Act prohibiting the exportation of guns or bell metal without special licence; praying for licence to export a bell to Messina. Referred 10 April 1699 to the Lords of the Treasury. Minuted:—“A warr^t to be prepared.” 1 page.
April 12.	57. Memorial of the Victuallers to the Lords of the Treasury, referring to what had been done on the memorial of 31 March; and further acquainting their Lordships with another bill drawn by Admiral Aylmer for 7,001l. Dated 12 April 1699. 1 page.
April 12.	58. The Attorney and Solicitor General's opinions upon queries submitted to them relating to the exportation of wool. One is dated 12 April 1699. 5½ pages.
April 13.	59. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Daniel Chance and Samuel Capell, praying to be paid the money due to them for clothes furnished to Lord Jedburgh's regiment in the year 1697, &c. The amount of the contract was 4,255l. 17s. 6d. Dated 13 April 1699. Also the petition. Minuted:—“Read 1 Xbr '99 to my Lords. The E. of Ranelagh being present. The pet^rs may have their tallys for their proportion, but my Lords can doe nothing further.” 2 pages.
April 13.	60. Report of Samuel Travers, Esq., Surveyor-General, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Elizabeth Smith, praying for the grant of a lease of a parcel of ground called Prince's meadow, part of the Thames-wall in Southwark; stating that the meadow was in the parish of Lambeth, and belonged to the Duchy of Cornwall, being part of the demesnes of the manor of Kennington, and that it might be granted for such a term as would make up the estate in being to 31 years: advising that the petition for 31 years could not be granted, but a new lease for 13 years might be. Dated 13 April 1699. The petition and another paper, containing the case of the said Elizabeth Smith, to whom King Charles the Second was accustomed to present a bountiful new year's gift, and who was remarkably faithful and serviceable to the King's interest at the Revolution. Minuted:—“To be laid before the King. Rejected.” There is also a similar minute in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 120, 17 May 1699. 3½ pages.
April 14.	61. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the extract of a memorial from the Ambassador of the States General of the United Provinces, concerning some brandies which were cast away on the coast of Sussex. Dated 14 April 1699. Also the said extract. Minuted:—“27 June 1699. They have entred & paid the duty.” 4 pages.
April 14.	62. A presentment signed “Jonath. Jenings,” addressed to the Lords of the Treasury; setting forth the manner in which his fellow Commissioner for Prizes, Mr. Paschall, conducted business, viz., with damning, cursing, and swearing, giving instances of his disgraceful behaviour, and submitting the case to the wisdom of the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 14 April 1699. (Two enclosures.) 3½ pages.
April 14.	63. “A state of Excheq^r bills received and issued by the four tellers of the Excheq^r and Receiver-General of the Excise, to the 14^th of Aprill 1699, inclusive, according to their certificates returned to the Trustees for exchanging the said bills.” 1 page.
April 17.	64. Letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury. The Queen in the third year of her reign, granted a pension of 1,200l. a year to seven Presbyterian ministers in Ireland, for the use of themselves and all the Presbyterian ministers in the North of Ireland. They recommend that the petition for the renewal of the patent to the two survivors, Robert Craghead and Alexander Hutchinson, and six others, should be complied with. Dated 17 April 1699. The petition and a copy of the grant. Minuted:—“26 May 1699. The annuity to be granted anew as is desired. W^t signd 30^th May 1699.” The minute is also entered in the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 129, 26 May 1699. 4 pages.
April 18.	65. Memorial of the Victuallers to the Lords of the Treasury, showing what had been done upon the memorial of 12 April, and how they had disposed of the 40,000l. received from Parliament, &c.: presenting also a copy of the list of debts. Dated 18 April 1699. Three enclosures, one of which is a copy of the memorial of 12 April. (See No. 57.) 4 pages and 2 halves.
April 20.	66. Memorial of the Trustees appointed for exchanging Exchequer bills, offering to their Lordships the states of the accounts, laying the same matters before them and in much the same terms as those in their memorial of 25 April. (See No. 73.) The date of this memorial is 20 April 1699. 1½ pages.
April 20.	67. Order in Council, referring to the Lords of the Treasury the examination of the petition of Henry Oulding, which set forth that he caused Patrick Cunningham and William Smith to be apprehended at Exeter, for speaking dangerous words, tending to the taking away the King's life, and prosecuted them at his own charge: and prayed for a recompense for his losses. Dated 20 April 1699. The petition and other papers connected therewith. Minuted:—“Inq^r whether any part of ye fine be paid or not, and in the mean time to have 50^li—a warr^t for it. W^t signed 7^th Aug^t 1699.” [In his petition he states that Patrick Cunningham was convicted and sentenced to stand on a pillory and fined 500 marks.] 7 pages.
[? About April 20.]	68. Petition of Thomas Hewitt to the Lords of the Treasury. He was appointed Receiver of the Land Revenue and the arrears thereof, in the counties of Warwick and Leicester, for which purpose particulars were delivered to him by Mr. Marryott, the deputy auditor, but they were erroneous and occasioned an expense to him of 40l.: prays their Lordships' warrant to the executors or administrators of Mr. Robert Ellis and to Mr. Horneby, to pay to the petitioner what had been unjustly received of the rents which ought to have been paid to the petitioner, and that he might be allowed the moneys expended. “Rec^d 20^th Apr. '99.” “27 June '99. Ref. to aud^r Shales to rep^t w^th his opinion.” 1 page.
April 21.	69. Letter of Mr. Burchett to Mr. Lowndes, stating that the Lords of the Admiralty had directed the Com^rs of the Navy to lay before the Treasury the increase of charge, by not putting out of pay ships ordered to be laid up: and also pressing for provision of money. Dated 21 April 1699. 1 page.
April 21.	70. Report of Mr. Aaron Smith to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr. John Cherry, who was employed to discover the estate of the Earl of Dover, forfeited for high treason; in favour of the claim made by him for 81l. 9s. for his trouble and expense about the same. Dated 21 April 1699. The petition, his account of expenses, and a letter of Mr. Aaron Smith to him, authorizing him to prohibit the tenants from paying their rent, except to those who were appointed to receive the same. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 149, 23 June 1699, is the following entry:— “69l. 9s. to be p[ai]d to M^r John Cherry.” 3 pages and 2 halves.
April 22.	71. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the Royal African Company, praying that certain debentures might be paid to them; which debentures by the evil practices of their treasurer and servants were concealed from them in order to defraud them thereof, and receive the money from the Custom-house: admitting that certain debentures which were not perfected, were unpaid, &c. Dated 22 April 1699. Minuted:—“23^d May '99. My Lords leave this matter to y^e law.” (One enclosure.) 2½ pages.
April 22.	72. Letter signed by John Foord and John Spencer, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, imploring them to consider the case of the poor seamen and mariners lately belonging to the ship “Dragon,” who were entitled to a share of a prize called “Noster dame Meserecordo,” taken from the King's enemies by the “Dragon,” in the Straights and condemned as prize, and entreating them to order the Com^rs of Prizes to pay them what was due. Dated 22 April 1699. 1 page.
April 25.	73. Memorial of the Trustees appointed for the exchanging Exchequer bills, offering to their Lordships the states of the accounts, and a general account of the subscriptions of 300,000l. to the 4th contract, completed: on the 28th inst. 40,000l. would be due at 4 per cent. on 100,000l. subscribed to the 5th contract, for the payment of which, they craved directions: also asking whether they should make a call or demand a tender of the money subscribed. The Com^rs of Taxes charged the Trustees and their officers with about 700l. tax for the Capitation Act, though their office was not in being when the Act commenced, their Lordships' opinion had been that they ought not to pay, but they had directed them to take the Attorney-General's opinion, which they had done, and he thought they were not liable, but there was a detinue in the Exchequer upon their salary; craving their Lordships to take off the same, urging further that they had been paid in malt tickets, which were at a discount of nearly 25 per cent. On the first of the next month the loan of 60,000l. as a “quick stock” in that office would determine, timely provision should be made for a like stock, 1,800l. would be due for the said loan at 6 per cent. Dated 25 April 1699. 1¼ pages.
April 25.	74. Memorial of Mr. Henry Baker to the Lords [of the Treasury]. He had lately made one journey more through Romney Marsh into Sussex, in which he had sealed the leases for both the warrens. In a few weeks one hundred and three score sheep would be shorn in that marsh, the fleeces of which would amount to 3,000 packs of wool, the greatest part whereof would be sent “off hot into France;” this was the second winter he had been almost wholly obstructed in this service. All the expenses would be lost, and the trade carried on with much more mischief to the King unless their Lordships immediately settled the matter. His remedies proposed on his previous survey at Michaelmas were referred to the Com^rs of Customs. He had frequently attended them, and six weeks before had laid a short scheme of the coast before them. He laid this memorial before their Lordships that mischiefs and dangerous correspondence with the King's enemies might be prevented. Dated 25 April 1699. 1½ pages.
[About April 25.]	75. Petition of “Gedeon the Villeneuve,” captain in Brigadier-General Belcastel's regiment of Foot, lately disbanded, showing that 368l. 13s. 3d. were due for services to him and his brother, who was killed in the late war; praying payment. Rec^d 25 April '99. 1 page.
April 26.	76. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, advising that there should be allowed to the Revenue of Excise out of the duties on malt 46,666l. 13s. 4d., and leather, 23,333l. 6s. 8d., for the necessary charges in collecting the same. Dated 26 April 1699. Enclosing, “A calculate of the charges arising in manageing & collecting the duties on malt & leather.” In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 113, 5 May 1699, is:—M^r Attorney and Com^rs of Excise. The report of those Com^rs concerning ye managem^t of the malt & leather is read. My Lords conclude the charges in managing the same be made good to ye Excise, according to that report; that it be done gradually, & that the respective branches of Excise have their proportions.” 2 pages.
April 27.	77. Report of Sir R. Cotton, Knt., and Sir Tho. Frankland, postmasters, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorials of Thomas Neale and Andrew Hamilton, Esqrs., stating that the latter had established a regular post to pass weekly from Boston to “New York in New England,” and from New York to Newcastle in Pennsylvania, that the profits had every year increased so as to defray all charges except his salary; that the Attorney and Solicitor-General were of opinion the King could settle the rates for letters carried beyond sea, &c.; advising the appointment of an officer to take charge of all letters directed to the plantations, and send them in sealed bags, to be delivered to the deputy-postmaster in the first port where the ship should arrive, the master receiving a penny for each letter for his care, and upon such officers being established a public notice should be given that no other person presume to make any collection of letters for those parts; they were of opinion that the rate for inland letters proposed by Mr. Hamilton was too high, “it having been found by experience in the office here, that the easy and cheap corresponding doth encourage people to write letters, and that this revenue was but little in proportion to what it now is till the postage of letters was reduced from six pence to three pence;” it would require 1,200l. further charge than that already expended, to enlarge the post through Virginia and Maryland, &c. Dated 27 April 1699. Accompanied by:— “A calculation what charge will cary the post from Newcastle in Pensylvania to James' City in Virginia, about 400 miles.” The memorial of Thomas Neale, Esq. Also another memorial from him, showing that he had deputed Andrew Hamilton, Esq., to erect post offices, who had at the said Thomas Neale's great charge, settled them 700 miles in length on the continent of America, the accounts for which were then laid before their Lordships; also that the deputy-postmaster had come over to afford information, and proposed the method contained in the enclosed memorial to support the post. The said memorial of Andrew Hamilton, setting out the good effects of the Post Office, and suggesting various improvements. He states:—“The method at present used to get letters transported to America is this: the masters bound thither, put up baggs in coffee houses, wherein the letters are put, and for which one penny per letter is usually paid, and two pence if it exceed a single letter. This is lyable to sev^ll abuses. First, any one under pretence that he wants to have his letters up again, may come to those baggs and take out other men's letters, and thereby discover the secrets of the merchants; and 'tis in their power entirely to withdraw 'em. 2^ndly, Severall masters, upon their arrivall, often keep up letters till they have disposed of their loading and are ready to sail again, and then drop them to the great hurt of those concerned, which inconveniences would be prevented, if letters were delivered from the Post Office in mails, and likewise delivered by them in mails into the Post Office where they arrive,” &c. Also the account above referred to, of settling and carrying on the post in North America, from the beginning of May 1693 to May 1697. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 152, 28 June 1699, is:—“Postm^rs Gen^ll & M^r Neal. My Lords sentim^ts are that the American post continue in M^r Neale's hands for some time, and that the postm^rs give him all the assistance they can, and the postm^rs will prepare letters to ye sev^ll Gov^rs to assist his agents; and when my Lords have had some further experience of ye value of this post, their Lo^ps will represent ye same to ye K., in order to making a final agreement w^th M^r Neal for ye same. And M^r Neale declares that when he departs with this office, M^r Andr. Hamilton shalbe satisfied what shalbe then due to him for managing & improving ye same.” 11 pages.
April 28.	78. Sir Christopher Wren's “estimate of finishing part of Hampton Court,” amounting to 6,800l. Dated 28 April 1699. [Printed in the Eighth Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records, App. II., pp. 200 and 201.] 1 page.
April 28.	79. Report of ye Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, as to a scheme of Capt. Baker on the proposed establishment of officers for the guard of the coasts of Kent and Sussex; reducing the charge from his former proposal, from 5,765l. to 4,880l. per ann. Dated 28 April 1699. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 109, 28 April 1699, is the following:—The Com^rs of the Customes & M^r Hen. Baker. M^r Baker's scheme for preventing the exportac[i]on of wool is read, and the Com^rs last report.” (Two enclosures.) 5½ pages.
April 28.	80. Report of the same to the same, as to the appointment of officers for the registering of wool, as well within 15 miles of the Scotch borders as elsewhere; stating that as soon as they received the returns which they had ordered, they would put the laws in execution, and lay before their Lordships a scheme of an establishment for carrying on that service. Dated 28 April 1699. 1 page.
April 28.	81. Copy of report of Lord Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on an order from the Council relating to the company at Newfoundland. The money and provisions left there would subsist the company to about the latter end of March next, but for the reasons given he thought three months' subsistence from the last of March 1700, amounting to 193l. 2s. 11d., should be sent, to secure them from want till the convoys for next year should arrive: further as to the demand of 247l. 11s. for clothing to be sent thither. Dated 28 April 1699. Also his memorial to have the above report taken into consideration. In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 122, 19 May 1699, is:—“440. 13. 11. out of y^e loans on ye land tax to be issued to ye E. of Ranelagh, viz^t for ye subs. of ye comp^a of foot at Newfoundland to Midsomer 1700, 193. 2. 11., and for cloathing them, 247. 10.” 2½ pages.
April 29.	82. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Wm. Clayton, who had given a bond for security of 1,600l. due by Andrew Clayton, a collector of Excise, who had been suspended from his employment, and had arranged to pay 2,000l. down, and give the above security for the said further sum of 1,600l.; advising that there was sufficient estate to answer the debt. Dated 29 April 1699. Minuted:—“The Com^rs are to proceed in the effectuall prosecuting & recovering this debt.” (Two enclosures.) 3 pages.
April 29.	83. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Edmund Harry, collector of the King's customs at Penryn, who had in error repaid 300l. 9s. 9d. for impost duties to one Samuel Allen, who had previously imported certain goods and then exported them to New England; recommending him to their Lordships' clemency and compassion. Dated 29 April 1699. Minuted:—“Agree to give the pet^r credit, but lett ye Com^rs instruct their officers better. W^t signed 16 May 1699.” (Two enclosures.) 4 pages.