Volume 102: May 1-September 30, 1707 | British History Online

Pages 504-538

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 3, 1702-1707. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1874.

Citation:

May 1–September 30, 1707



May 1.	1. Letter of the Earl of Glasgow, without address, commencing “My dear Lord,” making various propositions for carrying out the new regulations for the collection of the customs and excise the same in Scotland as in England. It would be a great task, and a work of time, to put the brewing under guaging and survey. It would take at least a month to guage the brewing vessels, &c. in Edinborough. The same method should be pursued in Glasgow, Dundee, and other places. There would be an absolute necessity for more guagers, and for compositions to be made for mountainous, wide, and hilly bounds, where brewing houses were not frequent. The life of the management of the customs was to have knowing, faithful, and diligent waiters, and to allow them salaries whereon to do their duty, and they had a parcel of very insufficient waiters in that part of Britain. If it would not offend his country he feared they must be obliged to the southern part of Britain in the beginning to send a good number of waiters for the customs and guagers for the excise. M^r Norman, M^r Arthur, and M^r Broughtoun were truly intelligent in the business of the customs, and M^r Guy was a very fit person to give directions as to the excise. They had ordered M^r Norman to attend at Leith, M^r Arthur at Kirkaldy, M^r Broughtoun at Barrowstounness, and M^r Sewell at Port Glasgow. M^r Norman was a very well qualified gentleman to be Controller General of the Customs. Dated Edinborough, 1 May 1707. 3¼ pages, quarto.
May 2.	2. M^r Auditor Godolphin's memorial relating to M^r Tilson's arrears out of land revenues of North and South Wales. Dated 2 May 1707. 2 pages.
[? About May 2.]	3. Petition of the captains of the three French regiments lately reduced, addressed to the L^d High Treasurer, for the off-reckonings to be deducted upon the effective men only. Referred to the controllers of the army accounts 2 May 1707. Copy of a letter on the same subject. 2 pages.
May 2.	4. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the L^d High Treasurer, recommending the appointment of M^r Whetham as a fit person to be employed in any station relating to that revenue in Scotland, and giving their opinion that M^r De la Rose was not fit for any station in the excise. Dated 2 May 1707. Minuted:—“3^d May 1707. Read. My Lord agrees to this report.” Petitions from both the above persons, and a certificate. 4 pages.
May 3.	5. Accounts of moneys received and paid by Charles Mason, receiver and paymaster for transports, from 25 March to 3 May 1707. Certified by Samuel Atkinson and Nicholas Roope. (Part of a series.) 6 pages.
[Before May 8.]	6. Petition of Charles Bertie, late Treasurer of the Ordnance, to the Lord High Treasurer, praying for allowance of 320l. of which his clerk was robbed in the office at the Tower in the year 1699. Also two affidavits. There is a warrant dated 8 May 1707 for the allowance of this amount in the King's Warrant Books, Vol. 16, p. 187, and the accountant was allowed it, as appears in an entry on the declared accounts of Bertie, for 1704–1705. 3 pages and 2 halves.
May 8.	7. Memorial of M^r H. S^t John to the Lord High Treasurer in respect to a regiment of horse and another of dragoons to be sent from Ireland, and other regiments to be sent to Spain. Dated Whitehall, 8 May 1707. Minuted:—“Read 2 June 1707. Approved as to the mony part.” 2 pages.
May 8.	8. Letter from the same to M^r Lowndes, with an estimate of what the savings of the forces might amount to for the year; also an account of what the charge would be of maintaining 4,500 Saxons for the year, and of the four additional regiments for Portugal. Dated Whitehall, 8 May 1707. The estimate or account referred to. 2½ pages.
May 9.	9. Petition of the poor creditors of the old debt of the navy to the Lord High Treasurer, suggesting a means of payment by unclaimed tallies and reversionary annuities in the Treasurer of the Navy's hands. They had been 14 years soliciting payment. Dated 9 May 1707. Minuted:—“21 May 1707. Publicac[i]on to be made at the Navy Office.” Also a schedule relating thereto. 2 pages.
May 9.	10. Letter unsigned to Mess^rs George and Isaac Clifford and Co. The Lord Treasurer had commanded the writer [Sir H. Furnesse], out of generous tenderness to the soldiers in the Queen's pay taken at the battle of Almanza, to furnish a credit for 40,000 or 50,000 pieces of eight for their speedy relief. Mess^rs Clifford were desired to write immediately to their correspondents at Madrid to furnish that sum, to be distributed to the soldiers. Dated London, 9 May 1707. Docquetted:—“9^th May 1707. L~re from S^r H. Furnesse. L~re of credit for the prisoners taken in the battle of Almanza.” 1½ pages.
May 9.	11. Letter signed A. Maynwaring and Ja^s Moody Dep. [auditors of imprests], to W^m Lowndes, Esq., taking exception to the title of an officer styled “auditor of the out port collectors' accounts,” in the new office to be erected at the Custom House, in regard that all the vouchers of the collectors were audited by them (Maynwaring and Moody). It seemed plain, from the Com^rs having a prejudice to the auditors of imprests during the present grant only, that they had further views. Dated 9 May 1707. Also some memoranda. 1 page and a few lines.
May 9.	12. Copies of three entries in the Paper Office, Dublin, relating to an allowance of 1,078l. 11s. 3d. stolen from the Irish Treasury, desired by Joseph Nuttall to be allowed on passing the accounts of the Vice-Treasurer. The last is dated 9 May 1707. 3 pages.
[About May 10.]	13. Petition of James Cotton of London, merchant, and Richard Thwaites, citizen and vintner of London, as to the purchase of prize wines which had laid at Falmouth and were publicly sold at Salters Hall, London, to the petitioners, but had been privately sold at Falmouth; praying compensation. Minuted:—“May 10^th 1707. Ref. to Com^rs Prizes.” 1 page.
May 10.	14. Letter from M^r Edward Southwell to M^r Lowndes, asking him to lay before the Lord High Treasurer a letter from the Lords Justices of Ireland, together with a report of the Solicitor General upon the petition of Col. Toby Purcell [Governor of Duncannon Fort]. There was no Act of Parliament or anything to hinder Her Majesty's favour to the petitioner. [The favour was the grant of Her Majesty's title to certain lands in Ireland purchased of one John Butler in the county of Tipperary.] Dated 10 May 1707. There are two other letters and a copy of a report, in all six papers. Minuted:—“5 June 1707. A w^t to be prepared accordingly.” 8 pages.
May 12.	15. “An account of 9,821 dollers 6 r^ls w^ch the envoy, M^r Stanhope, advanced to the Abad de Poblett for the royal service of His Majesty, 12^th May 1707' The same in Spanish. 3 pages.
May 12.	16. Memorial of J. Waters, Solicitor to the Admiralty, to the Lord High Treasurer, for an imprest of 300l. for his charges in getting in the 10^ths and other rights of the Admiralty. Dated 12 May 1707. 1 page.
May 13.	17. Letter of the Marquis of Kent to the Lord High Treasurer, sending Her Majesty's commands for a present of 500l. to the Ambassador of Morrocco, 100 each to his companion and secretary, 30l. to his interpreter, and 30l. for clothing the ambassador's slaves, in all 760l., to be paid to Sir Charles Cottrell, master of the ceremonies. Dated Cockpit, 13 May 1707. 1 page.
May 13.	18. Letter from M^r J. Dawson to M^r Southwell. He enclosed additions on the Military List. Had spoken to the Lord Chancellor about clauses in the linen manufacture warrant, and was desired to say there was but one new clause added on that side, viz., for 500l. to be paid in hand; that amount was to have been paid by the government there, without going to England, but afterwards some of the trustees who had a mind to oppose the manufacture going to Kilkenny objected thereto, and the L^d Chancellor put it in the draft of the Queen's letter to avoid the difficulty. There were also the two clauses sent over from England. Dated Dublin Castle, 13 May 1707. 2 pages, quarto.
[About May 14.]	19. Petition of John Thornburgh, one of the Queen's messengers in ordinary, to the Lord High Treasurer, for payment of some arrears. Minuted:—“14 May 1707. To be p[ai]d when arrears come in for this purpose.” 1 page.
May 15.	20. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lord High Treasurer, upon a letter from the Com^rs of the Land Tax for the hundred of Spelthorne (Middx.), who were charged for land taken into the Hampton Court Gardens, and desired to know how the money was to be paid. By the annexed opinion of Sir Simon Harcourt, the Attorney General, such lands whereof Her Majesty was seized, although assessed to the land tax before purchase or otherwise, were not to be charged to that tax, but the division must bear the burthen, and upon failure the agents concluded they would be compelled by process from the Court of Exchequer. Dated 15 May 1707. Copies of two letters and the opinion referred to. Minuted:—“21^th May 1707. Speak w^th M^r Att. Gen^ll this afternoon.” 4 pages.
May 16.	21. Memorial of W^m Clayton to the “Lord High Treasurer of Great Britain,” for allowance for his pains in computing the rate of interest to persons who advanced money at the receipt of the Exchequer, before 1 May 1705, for carrying on the war. Dated 16 May 1707. Minuted:—“1 Mar. 1707–8. 50^li.” ½ page.
May 16.	22. Letter from M^r John Huggins to Will^m Lowndes, Esq., reminding him of the proposals of Sir Charles Duncombe to pay 2,000l. into the Exchequer, to release M^r Morgan Whitley. He was an object of mercy after seven years close confinement, whereby he had wasted his money, lost his friends, and impaired his health, and if he died Her Majesty would get nothing. Dated S^t Martin's Lane, 16 May 1707. 1 page.
May 17.	23. Report of M^r Christopher Tilson to the Lord [High Treasurer] on the claims of M^r Marshall, stud master to the private stud of the late king, admitting his claim to the time of the death of the king. Dated 17 May 1707. Minuted:—“There are no arrears out of w^ch this may be paid.” Again:—“16^th Sep^r 1707. 100^li orderd in p[er]t, but to be paid in such manner as not to bring applicac[i]ons upon my Lord for other allowances in arre^r on y^e ext^rys of his late M^ts stables.” 1 page.
May 19.	24. Report of the Attorney General (Harcourt) to the Lord High Treasurer on an extract of a council of war held at Carthagena, relating to money and goods taken on board a ship coming from Porto Vello to Carthagena. The ship being seized during the time Sir John Jennings was treating with the governor and general of the galleons at Carthagena was not to be considered as prize. As to certain goods on board, the owners would be entitled to them if they made out their right. It was the royal prerogative to seize all goods of which the property was unknown. Dated 19 May 1707. Minuted:—“Read 27 May 1707.” The extract mentioned, and M^r Lowndes letter referring it to the Attorney Gen^l. 3 pages.
May 19.	25. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lord High Treasurer, on the proposal of Joshua Bruxby. They found it consisted of many general propositions for advancing the revenue of excise. They could obtain nothing from him but positive assertions. He proposed that he should be an instructor general of the inferior officers, but was ignorant of gauging and of the methods used by the officers. His only design appeared to them to get himself established in some employment. Dated 19 May 1707. His proposal, which is very lengthy. Minuted:—“Read 19^th May 1707. My Lord is of the same opinion w^th the Com^rs concerning the proposer.” [There is a similar petition from Joseph Bruxby in 1698, see Vol. LII., No. 29; ? the same person.] 2 pages (one brief size).
May 20.	26. Auditor Farley's report on the account of Sir William Robinson and M^r Vanhomrigh, late Commissaries General for the Army in Ireland, which account had been examined by the Com^rs for Public Accounts in Ireland. He had no objection to the discharge of the accountants in the Exchequer by a grant of a quietus. Dated 20 May 1707. Also a certificate. Minuted:—“Read 30 July 1707. A privy seal for passing the acco^t, & allowing therein y^e severall articles amo^ting to 43,351^li 12^s 6¼^d, and no more.” 6½ pages.
May 21.	27. Report of the Officers of the Works to the Lord High Treasurer on the memorial of Richard Topham, Esq., concerning the necessary repairs in the Record Office in the Wakefield Tower in the Tower of London, “where the rolles of greatest use were reposited;” in favour of making the presses required. Dated 21 May 1707. Minuted:—“Orderd.” The memorial, which states that the Statute, Parliament, Patent, and other Rolls, which were of the greatest use, were lying in heaps till the work was finished. Also the estimate. 3 pages.
May 22.	28. “Comm^r Townsend's letter for 500 trees to be served into y^e dock at Portsmouth” from the New Forest. Dated Portsmouth Dock, 22 May 1707. With a brief note of M^r Tilson's on the back to the Lord High Treasurer. 1 page.
May 23.	29. Letter from M^r J. Dawson to M^r Southwell in answer to objections to several clauses in the draft of the Queen's letter lately transmitted from Ireland for removing the linen manufacture to Kilkenny. (1). The 500l. to M^r Cromelin for his removal was because some of the trustees desired this manufacture should rather be set up at Cootehill, and were not very easy at its going to Kilkenny, and it would put difficulties in Cromelin's way. (2.) The 500l. per annum to him was for his salary of 200l., two assistants at 40l. each, for erecting 40 looms, and increasing them to 60, &c. (3.) Nobody could object to the Bishop of Ossory being inserted in the patent. (4.) The 200l. a year reserved for the colony settled at Lisburn must be continued to them during the five years of the present patent; and tho' the town were burnt the people remained, and many intended to settle again in or near Lisburn, and for the remaining seven years it would be subject to the direction of the trustees. (5.) Both patents provided for three assistants. Two were in the west, and there was a necessity for one in the north. (6.) The choice of a minister was left by King William wholly to the election of M^r Cromelin and partners, but it might be altered: “tho' as these Protestants are kind of Presbyterians, it would please them most to choose their own teacher.” (7.) The money had hitherto been paid to M^r Cromelin to pay the demands of this manufacture, which he had performed to the satisfaction of all parties, but the trustees had power to overhaul and give orders. The writer hoped these answers would be satisfactory to the several objections, that what was designed for their good might be despatched. Dated Dublin Castle, 23 May 1707. It is certified at the foot thus:—“I think the above is right. R. Cox, C.” [He was Lord Chancellor of Ireland and one of the Lords Justices.] 3 pages.
May 24.	30. Letter from Robert Harley to the Lord High Treasurer by the Queen's command, transmitting a warrant “for the coyne” and some other papers. He had also enclosed a paper received from the Hague, containing an account of money demanded by the Landgrave of Hesse. He had written to the Duke of Marlborough and M^r Stepney for an explanation as to how much of this was stipulated to be paid “presently” by the last treaty. Dated Whitehall, May 24, 1707. Accompanied by the last paper in French. Minuted:—“26 May 1707. When M^r Sec^ry Harley signifies his return from Holld whether he has written abt this, then the a[ti]cles of this dem^d are to be considerd.” 2 pages.
May 24.	31. Petition of Shreeve Paynton, Receiver-General of the land revenue of South Wales and Monmouthshire, to the L^d High Treasurer for his Lordship's directions as to an order on him of 20^th March, and a claim of the L^d Auverquerque of 2,400l. for arrears of his annuity. Dated 24 May 1707. With certificate of L^d Auverquerque. Minuted:—“Read 27 May 1707. My Lord will have his order made in favour of Lord Averquerc forthw^th complyd with, notw^th standing any other or former direc[i]ons.” 2 pages.
[About May 26.]	32. Petition of Philip Bickerstaffe, Esq., to the Lord High Treasurer, to be put into a place at the Board of Green Cloth, or to be made a Com^r of the Stamp Office, or such other commission as should be thought equal to his past service. Minuted:—“Read 26^th May 1707. My Lord will be ready to shew the pet^r all just favour when the matter comes before him.” Again:—“Read 18 May 1708. My Lord is still of the same mind.” 1 page.
May 26.	33. “A state of the arrears of money allow'd by parliament to the office of Her Maj^ties Ordnance for sea and land service. Dated 26 May 1707.” 1½ pages.
May 28.	34. M^r Howe's report upon the petition of four captains of invalids concerning their clothing and the manner of their payment. The clothing formerly furnished by the controllers he found as bad as was possible to imagine; 5,000l. would be sufficient to clothe the four companies. Dated 28 May 1707. The petition referred to. The allowance of clothing to each soldier was, once in two years, one coat, one pair of breeches, one hat, one pair of shoes, one pair of stockings, and two shirts, two neckcloths, and a sword and belt. On the last clothing they had but one shirt and one neckcloth, which could not be washed until worn out. Minuted:—“Read 28^th May 1707. M^r Howe is to subsist these 4 comp^ies as he doth y^e guards & garrisons, and M^r S^t John to p[re]pare a w^t for a regulation of the subsistence accord^gly; and as to the clothing, my Lord leaves it to M^r Howe to contract for the same in y^e best manner that may be.” 2 pages.
May 28.	35. Report of Sir Chr. Wren to the Lord [High Treasurer] as to the enlargement of the House of Commons. He had consulted with the Speaker, and he was of opinion that if the side galleries were made broader to contain two rows of seats instead of one, it would suffice. This might be done by the end of July for 270l. Dated 28 May 1707. Minuted:—“Orderd.” 1 page.
[? About May 29.]	36. Petition of Anne Grosvenor, widow and relict of Lieut. John Grosvenor, to the Lord High Treasurer, praying for Her Majesty's bounty. Her husband was slain at the siege of Barcelona, her three brothers and her father-in-law were killed in the service. Copy of certificate of the death of her husband, given 29 May 1707. 2 pages.
May 30.	37. Memorial of the Com^rs of Excise to the L^d High Treasurer, for allowances to subsist the officers sent to North Britain. Dated 30 May 1707. Minuted:—“Read 6^th June 1707. Ord^r to Com^rs Excise in North Britain to allow these off^rs such subsistence m^o as they shall thinke proper, w^ch is to be reckned as so much paid them on acc^t of the salarys that y^e com^rs shall app^t for them.” “L~re writ.” 1 page.
May.	38. Order made by the Lord High Treasurer upon the petition of the inhabitants of Poplar and Blackwall, in the parish of Stepney (Midd.), for the remission of several sums deficient by the running away of one Thomas Margasing, a tax collector; directing stay of all process against them, &c. Dated May 1707. The petition and the “Case of the Petitioners.” 3½ pages (one brief size).
June 2.	39. Letter of Robert Liv[ingstone] to M^r Lowndes. He would have given M^r Lowndes an account of affairs when he arrived at New York, but was seized with a pain in his side, a distemper which had been very mortal there. Most people were then very uneasy, under “this gentleman's administration.” His actions were so unaccountable that they were not possible to be believed. The Assembly, who had hitherto been at variance with him, were allowed by an order from home to have their own treasurer, and had passed some Acts for levying money, for fortifying the city of New York, and the charge of the Indians at Albany. It was alleged there was no account received of the money formerly given. The province was much in debt, nobody paid, the revenue swallowed up. When the revenue expired next May, twelvemonths, the Assembly would not revive it. 'Twas said he was wholly addicted to pleasure, and enriching himself with strange and unheard of methods, having some few creatures about him whose counsel he pursued, to the great grief of the principal inhabitants. His dressing himself in women's clothes was so unaccountable that if hundred[s] of spectators did not daily see him it would be incredible. After dinner till 12 at night was spent at the bottle. The debts of the province were so much augmented that 10 years' revenue, if settled, would not clear them, and his personal debts were computed at 6,400l. Certain warrants “launched out for the frontiers at Albany” had been returned upon the writer, &c. The Assembly of the Jerseys and he (the governor) were quite to pieces, they having given in a remonstrance of their grievances which he had answered. He (the writer) would send both as soon as printed. Many wished he (the governor) were not so nearly related to our gracious Sovereign, but they hoped God would send a deliverance. Her Majesty had confirmed his (the writer's) office of town clerk and secretary for Indian affairs, with a salary of 100l. per ann., which commission he presented to his L^p in council, who detained it from him, and except he should get an order from Her Majesty or the L^d Treasurer for his salary out of the quit rents he never expected to see a farthing. The secretary of the province told the writer that he had 22 warrants by him then, and could not get a penny. He (the writer) had put in his son as deputy in his absence. The Indians were in a declining condition. The nation called Skachkook Indians, which lay 24 miles above Albany, were quite gone, and that part of the country left bare, exposed to the insults of the enemy. But the French Indians and our Indians desired they might live peaceably together, notwithstanding any rupture in Europe, and this had hitherto been the case, and “'twere to be wished y^t New England and y^e … Indians had the same agreement.” Colonel Dudley had sent a party of 1,400 men to take Port Royall from the French. They longed to hear what success he had in the expedition. As for the five nations of Indians, westward, the French had got ground within this three or four years, and had priests in some of their castles, and he saw no means used to get them removed, the consequence whereof would be very disadvantageous to this government. In fine our trade decayed, house rents fell, our vessels were taken, and everything went behind hand, and a visible judgment appeared since “this gent” came amongst them. They had a poor dispirited people, a mixture of English, Dutch, and French, that lived in the province, and if never so much oppressed dared not complain, because they were not unanimous, and did not stick to one another. So that if a governor were not a man of honour and probity, he could oppress the people when he pleased. He had but to strike in with one party, and they assisted him to destroy the other. Many deserted the province and went to the neighbouring colonies, but he understood the price of land of the Jerseys, where many removed to, was considerably fallen since this gentleman became their governor. He asks that the L^d Treasurer might be put in mind of his three and a half years arrears of salary as secretary of the Indian affairs. He came there last week to see his eldest son, who married the governor's daughter of that colony, and took the opportunity to write viâ Boston, since it was alleged letters were intercepted at New York. He [the governor] regarded no orders from court. One Captain Budge had his ship and lading condemned, and on appeal had an order from the Queen to have them restored, but he took no more notice of the order than if it had been waste paper, and sent the man back without a farthing. It was “admired” by everybody that he suffered M^r Bryerly to act as collector, nevertheless he could not get the books, which his minion Fauconier still kept. He (the writer) designed to go to his abode at Albany this week, and would send an account of the Governor's proceedings with the Assembly, who were to sit on last Friday. Dated New London, in Connecticut colony, in New England, 2 June 1707. Minuted:—“Read 31 Oct. 1707 to L^d Trea[sure]r.” 3 pages.
June 2.	40. Report of the Officers of the Mint to the Lord High Treasurer as to what was proper to be done for setting on foot with all convenient speed the coinage in the Mint at Edinburgh, and for trying the pix of that mint before Her Majesty's Council of Scotland. They recommend that there should be made by a jury of goldsmiths seven indented trial pieces of crown gold, and seven of standard silver; two of each metal to be kept in the two Treasuries, to try the pixes of the two mints; two of each of the wardens of the two mints to try the moneys before delivery, and to decide questions between the master and importer about the fineness of bullion; two of each for the masters of the two mints to make the moneys by, and one of each for the Wardens and Company of Goldsmiths, to try their plate and other manufactures of gold and silver. Also that a pile of standard troy weights be made by the Deputy Chamberlains of the Exchequer for the Treasury of Scotland; and two other piles (fn. 1) by the warden of this mint, in the presence of the other officers thereof, in such manner that the smaller weights be in proportion to the greater, as the indenture of the Mint directs; and that all these piles be printed like the weights sent to the corporations, and one of the two piles be delivered to his Lordship's order, for the Mint in Scotland. They make various other recommendations; amongst which that the graver should have a warrant to make puncheons and dies for coining the money, of the very same form with the moneys coined in the Tower, and should use such master puncheons as should be sent him from the Tower for making the moneys of both mints perfectly alike, until the puncheons made by himself should be approved by the officers of that mint, and to set the letter E (the first letter of the name of the city of Edinburgh), under Her Majesty's effigies, that the moneys of the two mints might be distinguished. Dated 2 June 1707. Minuted:—“Approved, & orders to be prepared accordingly.” 2 pages.
[? About June 2.]	41. Memorial of the owners and freighters of the ship “Worcester,” seized and condemned in Scotland. They prayed for a warrant on the Prize Office for 27,971l. 5s. 10d., or to be heard by counsel. Minuted:—“2^d June 1707. Read, and the pet^rs to attend my Lord his next sitting for an answer. The owners being here are now called in. A privy seal authorizing my Lord, out of her Ma^ts share of prizes, to give satisfaction according to the address.” Also their petition to the House of Commons, and their “case” (printed). 5 pages.
June 4.	42. Letter from M^r H. S^t John to M^r Lowndes, sending a warrant for counter signature by the L^d High Treasurer, appointing Lieut. Stapylton to be second major of Chelsea Hospital, in consideration of his long services in the army, and doing away with the office of steward there. Dated Whitehall, 4 June 1707. 2 pages, quarto.
[? About June 6.]	43. Copy of letter docquetted:—“Copy letter sent to the Earl of Glasgow concerning the coast coquet sent to his Lord^p the 6^th June 1707.” There was a great disposition in Her Majesty and in all her servants here to be favourable to the Scots merchants. As to what the Com^rs of the Customs here had written in their letter to Scotland, they acted beyond their sphere, &c. P.S.—The commission of the equivalent was adjusted, and had passed the great seal of Britain. 1 page.
[? About June 6.]	44. Memorial of the R^t Hon. the Countess Dowager of Winchelsea to the Lord High Treasurer, as to her rights in a house forming part of Richmond Palace, which one M^r Alexander Cutting, who had bought the adjoining property, was contesting with her, having done great spoil upon it and rendered it useless; asking his L^p to grant satisfaction for her lease, or for other relief. Minuted:—“Read y^e 6^th of June 1707. My Lord leaves y^e matter between y^e Countess & M^r Cutting to be determined at law.” 3 pages.
June 7.	45. Letter from Lord Halifax to M^r Lowndes, as to what was done about the new wine gallon and the weights and measures for Scotland. The deputy chamberlains, who had the chief care thereof, had long since bespoken the wine gallon of the founder, but he had not finished it. There were “sized & sealed”:— 21 sets of standard ells and yards. 21 sets of standard troy weights. 21 sets of standard averdupois weights, cell fashion. 21 sets of standard flat weights, averdupois. 5 bushels, 5 gallons, 5 quarts, and 5 pint measures, which were all that were finished by the founder, who promised to complete next week the 21 sets then in the Exchequer. The deputy chamberlains could not fill up the indentures for each set until they had a list of the places, &c. in Scotland to which they were to be sent, although M^r Peter Le Neve, one of the deputy chamberlains, had applied himself to the Earl of Marr, one of the Secretaries of State for Scotland, and to Sir David Nairne for the same. Dated Exchequer, 7 June 1707. 1 page.
June 9.	46. Report of M^r Edward Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer upon the petition of Edward Progers, Esq., as to his cravings for the taxes. They were such as had usually been allowed. Certain of the taxes were assessed on lands lying in Her Majesty's park [at Hampton Court], which according to the Attorney General's opinion were not liable to assessment, but the taxes were assessed on the petitioner as ranger. Dated 9 June 1707. Minuted:—“Read y^e 16^th of June 1707. My L^d takes notice that he is charged for his office as ranger & not taxed for y^e Queen's lands, & tho' his Lo^p is pleased to allow it for y^e present, yet ye pet^r must appeal to ye com^rs for ye future if he thinks he is overrated for his office.” The petition. 2 pages.
June 10.	47. “Payments and disbursements by M^r Morice at Lisbone for the use of Gibraltar.” Minuted:—“10 June 1707. A mem^ll of M^r Brydges for Gibraltar transmitted to the Ordnance, signifying my Lord was of opinion that the expence of the fortifications should be borne by that office, and for them to examine what sums in that mem^l were proper to be paid there.” Duplicate thereof, the heading containing somewhat more information. 6 pages.
June 12.	48. Memorial of Captain John Writtle to the Lord High Treasurer as to the ill practices used from Ireland in supplying France with victuals, wool, hides, and tallow, for the support of their army and shipping, carried on under the notion of going for Ostend, but really running into Dunkirk. As he had performed eminent services in the late reign, tending to the discovery of the assassination plot, and breaking the neck of the transportation of wool out of Rumney Marsh, he doubted not he should bring the offenders to justice from Ireland. Asking for encouragement. Dated 12 June 1707. Minuted:—“Read 13 June 1707. My Lord will be ready to encourage him if he will prosecute the persons to conviction.” With three certificates in his favour. 2 pages.
June 13.	49. “An account of one hundred thousand dollars w^ch the Abad de Poblett received of M^r John Mead, Paymaster General for Her Britannic Majesty, by order of his Catholic Majesty, the 13^th June 1707.” Also the same in Spanish. 2¼ pages.
[? About June 16.]	50. Petition of Thomas, Earl of Stamford, William Earl of Yarmouth, John Down, Esq., and John Kemp, Assay Master to the Queen. They had discovered several valuable mines, minerals, and ores, and sought to have Her Majesty's grant to them as a body politic or corporate for 21 years of such mines and minerals or the preemption thereof as had not been already granted, reserving 1/12th of the profits to the Queen. Minuted:—“16 June 1707. The pet^rs to explain y^mselves.” 1 page.
[About June 16]	51. Petition of Matthew Butterwick to the Lord High Treasurer, as to his claim for saving certain chests of the Queen's money saved by him from a prize ship called the “George,” brigantine, charging M^r Proudfoot, Agent for Prizes in the Mediterranean, with fraud. Also an affidavit. Minuted:—“Read 16^th June 1707. Respited 'till M^r Proudfoot's return home.” 2 pages.
June 19.	52. Report of Robert Rochford to the Lords Justices of Ireland on the petition of Lieut.-Col. Callaghan McCallaghan, who was page to Callaghan, late Earl of Clancarty. The latter on his death had settled 20l. a year by way of a rent charge on the petitioner and lands called Laghane, part of his estate, for three lives, and for the petitioner's life, worth 100l. a year to the petitioner, which he possessed until the late war, when they were seized by the attainder of the Earl of Clancarty, &c. The petitioner had a good right to receive 20l. a year during life out of the lands mentioned in the decree of the late trustees for forfeited estates, and during the time the estate of the Earl of Clancarty was in possession of Lord Woodstock the petitioner must claim from him, but from the time of the seizure he had no remedy but an application to Her Majesty. Dated 19 June 1707. 4 pages.
June 19.	53. Letter of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer. The secretary to the East India Company had let them know that they expected the balance of their account and interest thereon, and until they were paid for the “petre” delivered, and for the 500 tons then demanded, the Company would not supply it, altho' it would be a great advantage to Her Majesty's service, as the powder makers were standing still and the powder was very low. Dated 19 June 1707. Minuted:—“Read 26 June 1707. Copy of this to be sent to E. Ind^a Comp^a & acquaint them that his L^p at their last attendance was in hopes they would not have insisted on interest, and desires that they will let him have their answer as to that particular.” 1 page.
June 19.	54. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer. They could not doubt but that many such frauds as were detailed in the examination taken before the committee of Parliament had been practised. They were of opinion that unless the discovery were duly prosecuted and strictly punished, it would have been better for the revenue that no examination had been taken, because it might serve to invite many others to the practice of like frauds by pointing out the method of executing them, rather than to deter anyone by the example. For preventing such fraudulent practices for the future they propose five stricter regulations. Dated 19 June 1707. Also the depositions in the examination referred to. Minuted:—“Read 20^th June 1707. As to what relates to the discovery my Lord directs that the sev[er]all persons herein menc[i]oned who are liable to prosecution ought to be prosecuted w^thout delay, and as to the method of preventing the like fraudulent practices for the future my Lord will speak with them at y^e Tr[easur]y some day next week. L~re writ eođ die accord^gly.” 17 pages.
June 21.	55. Letter from M^r Edward Southwell to M^r Lowndes. In March last the Duke of Ormonde laid a memorial before the L^d Treasurer for continuing M^r Cromelin's patent in Ireland for six years longer, to encourage the linen manufacture, and to bring it into the southern parts of that kingdom. The memorial was approved of. The writer had received a draft of a letter for that intention, which he desired might be laid before the Lord High Treasurer. He had drawn out a particular wherein it differed from the last letter, with the reasons as certified by Sir Richard Cox, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. 500l. was promised to M^r Cromelin to defray his charges for removing his looms and families into the south. It was thought very moderate by the trustees, but some were desirous to draw away the manufacture to several particular places, whereas Kilkenny was the centre of the south parts and the fittest place in every respect. It had now become the more necessary since the town of Lisburn, where they chiefly settled, was burnt. That sum was to be given him out of the fund of 1,180l. per ann. Dated Spring Garden, 21 June 1707. The draft referred to. 7 pages and 2 halves.
June 21.	56. A general abstract of the accounts of Her Majesty's revenue in Ireland, stated in the accountant general's office for the year ended at Christmas 1706. Certified 21 June 1707 by W. Burgh, accountant general. 2 large pages.
June 24.	57. Memorial of Sir Isaac Newton to the Lord High Treasurer, laying before his lordship the want of clerks for the mint in Scotland. Their “rating and standarding” and book-keeping differed from ours and must be set right. None of their chief officers had acquainted themselves with our practice. He had spoken with D^r Gregory, professor of astronomy at Oxford, and with one of the clerks of the mint in the Tower, about going to Edinburgh to instruct their officers and clerk, and assist them till Michaelmas. A suitable recompense should be appointed them. The dies and puncheons were also to be sent and the prices of these should be settled. Dated 24 June 1707. (Holograph.) Minuted:—“Read 25^th June 1707. “Deliver this to Sir David Nairn.” 1 page.
June 24.	58. An account of the distribution of 13,321 dollars and six rials, by order of his Excellency the Count Ulfeld, Vice-King and Captain-General of Catalonia, for the garrison and fortifications of Girona. Dated Barcelona, 24 June 1707. The same in Spanish. 3 pages and 2 halves.
June 25.	59. Proposal by the Bank of England to the Commissioners for the “Equivalent” to Scotland, with the Com^rs explanation. “Subscribed at Edin^r the 25^th day of June 1707.” [One of a series numbered 13.] “Double of a letter from the Commissioners of the Equivalent, directed to his Grace the Duke of Queensburie, the Earls of Mar & Loudoun.” These two papers principally relate to satisfying M^r Maddocks' charges in sending the “Equivalent” to Edinburgh. Dated “Eden^r 25 June 1707.” 4 pages.
June 25.	60. Antigua 1707. “An account of the imports made by sundry vessels to this island from 25^th March 1707 to the 25^th June following.” 1 large page.
June 27.	61. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, on an extract of a letter from M^r Lionel Norman, one of the Com^rs at Edinburgh. There was no law which appointed a registering of wool shorn on any part of the coast in North or South Britain, except in Kent and Sussex, and so there was no need for a proclamation. The landwaiters they had proposed might act as searchers, &c. If the collectors, &c. were established at certain salaries, without fee or reward from the merchants, it would highly tend to the interest of the revenue. Payment of fees had been found to create too dangerous an intimacy between them. It was to be apprehended that bribes might be frequently taken under colour of fees. Dated 27 June 1707. The “extract” referred to. Minuted:—“The Com^rs of Customes in Scotland are to propose what sallaries are proper to be allowd w^thout taking fees.” 2 pages.
July 7.	62. Letter from the L^d High Treasurer to M^r Taylour at the Treasury Chambers. Sir David Nairn had shown him two papers, one from Sir Isaack Newton, and the other from the Warden of the Mint at Edinburgh. He (the L^d High Treasurer) desired an order might be sent to Sir Isaack and the rest of the officers of the mint here, to consider of proper persons to be sent to Edinburgh. pursuant to what was prayed in those papers, and also of what allowance should be proper for them. Dated Windsor, 7 July [1707]. (Holograph.) 1 page, quarto.
July 8.	63. Letter from M^r George Dodington to M^r Taylour as to an advancement of subsistence to three regiments to be transported from Ireland to Spain. Dated Dublin Castle, 8 July 1707. 1½ pages.
July 9.	64. Report of the Officers of the Mint to the L^d High Treasurer on the memorial of M^r William Drummond, Warden of the Mint in Scotland, relating to the speedy setting the mint there to work. They propose that D^r David Gregory be sent to oversee the mint there, and to direct all the officers according to the methods of the mint in England, with three months' allowance, “and in lieu of all charges, 250l.;” that M^r Richard Morgan, clerk to the Master and Worker here, be sent to instruct and assist the clerks there, in rating, standarding, and book-keeping, with an allowance of 60l. for the same time, and for all charges, and if engaged longer 5l. per month to be paid him. The moneyers had recommended three of their company to be sent, viz., Thomas Seabrook, Henry Haley, and Richard Collard, to draw the bars at the mill, neale and cut the pieces, flatten, size, blanch, and coin the money, and bear the charge of all the waste, with an allowance of 9d. per pound weight, and 16l. each for their journeys, and whenever 1,000 pounds weight was not coined in a week, they should be allowed 3s. a day each in addition, and the tools, &c. should be furnished them. On discoursing with the smith and graver, they found that the Mint in Scotland might be furnished from hence with dies and puncheons at the rates they therein specify. Dated Mint Office, 9 July 1707. The memorial. 4½ pages. [The Queen's warrants appointing all the above officers will be found in the North Britain Book, Vol. I. pp. 78–81.]
July 10.	65. Copy of memorial of the Com^rs for sick and wounded seamen, &c. to the Lord High Treasurer, for 15,244l. 14s. 2¾d., for carrying on their affairs. 10 July 1707. Minuted:—“28 July 1707. 6,000 ordered.” Two other papers, with memoranda relating thereto. 2 pages, and parts of 4 others.
July 11.	66. Memorial of the East India Company to the Lord High Treasurer as to a form of security sent to them “against breaking bulk.” If this form should be insisted on, they would not be able to go on with their trade. They hoped that such security as had hitherto been given might be accepted. Dated 11 July 1707. Minuted:—“Read 14^th of July 1707. My Lord cannot accept of y^e security proposed by y^e company because it leaves y^e offenders at liberty to y^e abuses provided ag^t by y^e act of Parliam^t.” 1 page.
July 12.	67. Report (unsigned) to the [Lord High Treasurer], on the address of the Governor, Council, and Assembly of Maryland, touching the application of divers sums of money by Col. Blackiston, late governor of that colony, to other uses than the Assembly gave them, justifying the colonel. Dated Whitehall, 12 July 1707. 5½ pages.
July 12.	68. Memorial of the Patent Searchers of the port of London to the L^d High Treasurer upon that part of the report of the Com^rs of Customs, dated 19 June last which related to the searcher's office, taking exception to some things in that report, &c. Dated 12 July 1707. Minuted—“Read 15^th July 1707. My Lord will speak w^th the Com^rs of the Customes about this, & will appoint a day for them & y^e searchers to attend his L^p at the Tr[easur]y when he comes to town.” 2½ pages.
July 13.	69. Memorial of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer, representing the exigencies of their office. The artificers were a year and a half in arrear, and there was not half the powder in store which they thought needful. Dated 13 July 1707. Minuted:—“14 June 1707. 20,000^li for land service, & 20,0000^li for sea service.” 1½ pages.
July 13.	70. Letter from Lord Roxburghe to the Lord [? High Treasurer], the object of which, in the absence of the enclosures which accompanied it, is not apparent. It had something to do with the interests of Scotch merchants. Dated London, 13 July 1707. 1 page, quarto.
July 15.	71. Report of the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lord High Treasurer, laying before him a state of the management of the revenue under their care. At their first sitting (9^th of June), they found six supervisors and 21 officers, sent from England, who had not made such progress in gauging the utensils as might have been expected had they not met with some opposition, but they (the Com^rs) had encouraged them, and the officers used more diligence in finishing the work and perfecting “inch'd-table books.” The town and precincts were to be surveyed by 11 officers. They ordered gauges by way of comparison with the charges made by the old officers, but they thought it not proper to make charges until the most considerable towns were put under survey. The ministry had ordered a battalion of foot to march to Glasgow to prevent any insult that might happen to the [excise] officers there. The people, according to the custom of the country, were not bound by any law until published at the market cross. They had drawn up a scheme of duties and penalties for a proclamation, which, by order of the Privy Council, had been printed and published. They had sent letters to the sub-farmers, collectors, &c. to encourage the people to continue brewing until they (the collectors), had further directions. They formed and caused to be printed bonds, commissions, instructions, tables, and all other books necessary. They settled their collectors, 15 in number, of that country, who they found would be most acceptable to the victuallers, and would be of more service to the revenue, being acquainted with the humours of the people and state of the country. These were instructed by a supervisor, who had been a collector in England. They had done the same by the gaugers. The islands of Lewis, Zetland, and several others, lay so far off at sea, that the inland collectors could not undertake to collect them, there being no passage from the main to them in the winter. It would be best to depute one substantial inhabitant in each island, with reasonable poundage as a collector, to compound with the victuallers. Not having officers enough for the seaport towns, they laid a request before the Com^rs of Customs to direct their officers to observe such directions as they (the Com^rs of Excise) should give, as to foreign exciseable liquors, and they had promised compliance. They (the Com^rs of Excise) could not get money enough for the necessary charges, and should find a difficulty in collecting until justices of the peace were appointed. There was very little ale brewed that would be charged more than 2s. a barrel, and the small drink was of so mean a quality that it was sold by the brewers for less than the duty, and a great deal given away amongst the poor people, who, when once they were disappointed of that supply, ('twas feared) would be very tumultuous. They had appointed one M^r Boyle, a near relation of the Earl of Glasgow, as cashier at 200l. per ann. for himself and clerks. A scale of other salaries proposed follows. Dated Excise Office, Edinburgh, 15 July 1707. 4 pages.
[About July 15.]	72. Petition of William Elliot, laceman, to the Lord High Treasurer, for payment for lace supplied to the Great Wardrobe a little before the late King's death, amounting to 2,286l. and upwards. Minuted:—“Read 15^th July 1707. L~re for issuing to y^e Great Wardrobe 300^li out of y^e 1^st money y^t shall come in of arr^rs.” 1 page.
July 15.	73. Letter from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to the Lord High Treasurer. The Lord Chancellor (Freeman) had made application to him for 1,000l. to defray the charge of his equipage in like manner as was granted to the Lord Chancellors of that kingdom. Asking that the request might be laid before Her Majesty. Dated Dublin Castle, 15 July 1707. A warrant for the payment is entered in the “Irish Book,” vol. 6, p. 2. 1 page.
July 20.	74. Copy of a letter from Sir J. Cope to M^r Ince. Writing for his party, he says:— If their undertaking at Edinburgh were as smooth as the roads they might flatter themselves with success. [They were engaged in some financial undertaking at Edinburgh, which was supported by the Bank.] They thought it advisable that the officers who had accompanied them should go on to Edinburgh, for since it was necessary to double the guard to Berwick, it was much more so to continue their march to Edinburgh. They had dined with the Bishop. Major Wyvell was very hearty for the public service, but had received no orders for exchanging Exchequer bills, and seemed wholly a stranger to them, but would be ready with 20,000l. a fortnight after Michaelmas, at Newcastle, if he had the L^d Treasurer's orders, &c. Dated York, July 20, 1707. 2 pages.
July 22.	75. Representation of the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lord [High Treasurer]. The troops had marched to Glasgow, and they had sent sufficient officers to put the town under survey. M^r “Montgomire,” one of their number, would meet them there, who by his interest they hoped would so influence the inhabitants as to make the new method appear more reasonable to them than they imagine. They had sent officers to bring Dundee, Aberdeen, Sterling, and Dumfries under survey. They had sent circulars for the collections to begin on 1 August for the months of May, June, and July. Their own collectors were to attend the sub-tax men or collectors to become acquainted with the victuallers, &c. Their officers began the survey in this city yesterday. There were 92 distillers, most of them brewers, who set up stills for the distillation of their own wash and dregs only, which was generally so weak that it would answer very little more than half the charge which by law they were obliged to make. Dated Edinburgh 22 July 1707. 1½ pages.
July 22.	76. Representation of Sir Robert Dixon, one of the Com^rs of Customs of North Britain, of the frauds practised at Glasgow, Greenock, and other places in running wines and brandies, &c., suggesting that Sir John Shaw should be ordered to cruize with his yacht on the river Clyde and the Highland coast. Dated Custom House, Edinb^r, 22 July 1707. 2 pages.
July 25.	77. Letter from Sir John Cope, similar to the one of the 20th, giving further details of their proceedings at Newcastle. They could not expect above 30,000l., and they could not come at this without orders to exchange the same for Exchequer bills. For their further comfort, they were told that taking away such a sum would be a very great prejudice to the trade of the place, and very unwillingly parted with, for money was grown scarcer than ever it was known. Dated Newcastle, 25 July 1707. 1½ pages.
[About July 28.]	78. Petition of the clothiers of Her Majesty's forces in Flanders, and of those on the Portugal establishment, to the Lord High Treasurer, for payment to them of the off-reckonings. Signed. Minuted:—“28 July 1707. M^r Brydges to make a demand.” 1 page.
July 28.	79. Report of the Auditors of Imprest to the Lord High Treasurer, of the states of the various accounts under their control. Signed, E. Harley and A. Maynwaring. Dated 28 July 1707. 8½ pages.
July 29.	80. Report from the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland), to the L^d [High Treasurer]. Their officers had made vouchers from the last week's survey, which answered as well as they could expect, considering the opposition of the people. On Thursday last at Leith, one of their officers on his survey was pursued and assaulted by a great number of women and boys. A brewer, to whom he fled, demanded the cause of this rude treatment. They answered that he was an Englishman, and they would have his blood. A guard was sent for, and he was conducted safely to his lodgings, but two of the soldiers were rudely handled. They were obliged to keep firing most part of the way, but it being only blank shot, the mob continued stoning them until they retired to the main guard. The Lord Chancellor assured them that justice should be done. They (the Com^rs) had offered a reward of 40s. each for the two chief instruments of this rising and discord. Dated Edinburgh, 29 July 1707. 1½ pages.
August 1.	81. Letter from the Lord Lieu^t of Ireland to the L^d High Treasurer, as to overpayments on concordatum and military contingencies. Dated Dublin Castle, 1 August 1707. 1 page.
August 5.	82. Report of the Surveyor General (Travers) to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of Richard Goodrick, Esq^re, for a lease of 50 years of a tenement at Richmond in Surrey, called “the Fryers,” late in lease to John Lauze, gent., advising the grant of the same. Dated 5 August 1707. On the back is his Lordship's warrant for the same. Also the petition. 5 pages.
August 6.	83. Letter of the Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the L^d High Treasurer. M^r Lewis Crommelin had represented to him that the trustees of the linen manufacture had some time since proposed, in order to make that manufacture more general and extensive, to remove him and part of his colony from the north to Kilkenny, as the most convenient and central place to diffuse the same to the provinces of Munster, Leinster, and Connaught, and for the charge thereof, that his patent should be enlarged to twelve years as there was no money in the bank to defray the expense. He (the L^d Lieut.) was informed that the Duke of Ormonde had laid this representation before his L^p (the Lord High Treasurer), with a draft of a letter for Her Majesty's signature, but no further progress had been made, and M^r Crommelin had again applied to him (the L^d Lieut), and he was of opinion that if the request were complied with it would contribute very much to the enlargement of the manufacture, and be a general good to that kingdom; and there was a further reason for the grant, viz., that the whole town of Lisburn, where the French colony was settled, for carrying on the manufacture, was lately destroyed by an accidental fire, and they had not provided themselves with habitations, in expectation of Her Majesty's pleasure for their removal to Kilkenny. Dated Dublin Castle, 6 August 1707. Minuted:—“Read 10^th Aug. 1707. Order'd.” 2 pages.
August 7.	84. Representation of the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the L^d High Treasurer. The persons concerned amongst the mob at Leith, on giving bail, were dismissed. M^r Montgomerie had returned from Glasgow, and left the town very well disposed to their officers. The magistrates would protect them. They had taken such care to recommend the officers they had sent to Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, and Dumfries, that hitherto they had gone on cheerfully, assisted by the magistrates. The business did not go on so smoothly at Edinburgh. A mob went round the town and extinguished the fires of the brewers at the time they had a meeting with the principal brewers to give an answer to their complaint. They enclosed both answer and complaint. They had the greatest difficulty to keep their dispirited officers in their business. Each had one of that country with him to prevent the abuses they daily met with. They make a proposition as to brewer's wash and “tilts,” and low wines and spirits drawn therefrom, which they thought would entirely remove the great uneasiness. Dated Edinburgh, 7 August 1707. The “complaint” (printed) and “answer” referred to. 4 pages.
August 8.	85. Letter from the Com^rs of the Navy to William Lowndes, Esq., respecting the supply of tar, hemp, &c., from the plantations. The preservation of masts in New England (and especially great ones), from spoil and waste was very necessary, and the proper business of the surveyor of woods. They did not think it would be for the service of the navy to employ him in buying and sending over tar or other stores by commission. Dated 8 Aug. 1707. Enclosed is a copy of a report they had sent to the Com^rs of Trade and Plantations on this subject. 5 pages.
August 8.	86. “Copy of Sir John Cope's l~re to M^r Ince, secretary of y^e bank, and of the Com^rs [of the “Equivalent's”] l~re to M^r Maddock, cashier of the bank.” 50,000l. in specie would be required to be sent with all expedition for facilitating the currency of the Exchequer bills, which were vigorously attacked from all sides, particularly from the malice of their enemies. Dated Edinburgh, 8 Aug. 1707. 3 pages.
August 9.	87. “Copy of M^r Castle's letter from Barcelona, relating to the stores of clothing, &c.” He transported by Lord Galway's orders, from Tortosa to Valentia, the stores in the former place at the beginning of April, a few days after they received the news of being beaten at Almanza. Hearing that the Lord Galway was come to Alicera, five leagues from Valentia, he waited on his Lordship, who gave him a letter to the Viceroy of Valentia to assist with boats, &c., to transport stores to Tortosa. The Viceroy's answer was, “'twould be better the stores should be sacrificed than the people terrified.” The enemy was suddenly expected at Valentia, and all things were in the utmost confusion, and he (the writer) posted to the seaside and hired four barques to transport the same, and procured waggons to transport them from Valentia to the seaside. He had an interview with Sir Geo. Byng about the same, the fleet then riding before Valentia. Relates other particulars of the stores, some of which were landed at Denia, “& the boats made use of for the service of that garrison during the siege, which the enemy lately raised with a very considerable loss.” He had given Lord Galway and Major Gen^l Stanhope an account of these matters, and had sent to Major Percival, an Englishman and governor of the castle of Denia, as to these stores. Sends an account to whom the “5,000 Spanish clothing” and accoutrements had been delivered, &c. Dated Barcelona, 9 Aug. 1707. 3 pages.
August 10.	88. Memoranda of two sums due to M^r Cole, consul at Algiers, to the 10^th of Aug. 1707. Minuted:—“Order'd. Make a state of the arrears due to M^r Alex^r Stanhop, dec[eas]ed.” ½ page.
August. 12.	89. Letter from Lord Coningsby, unaddressed [but perhaps to M^r Lowndes]. They had almost finished the sessions there, and he hoped to the satisfaction of all who wished them well on the other side the water. He hoped all that was desired in the enclosed papers would be thought reasonable, and that they would be despatched. Dated 12 Aug. 1707. The papers alluded to are (1) A report of the L^d Chief Baron and two other Barons of the Exchequer (Ireland). (2) A letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland; and (3) A petition of Joseph Nuttall for allowance of 1,078l. 11s. 3d. stolen out of the Receipt Office. 4 pages, 2 halves.
August 12.	90. Report of the Com^rs of Chelsea Hospital to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of M^r Henry Powell, late steward of the hospital, for a pension on the abolition of his office. Dated Royal Hospital, 12 Aug. 1707. Minuted:—“Read 9^th Sep^r 1707. The Com^rs are to explain what allowance they would have made to the pet^r, and out of what the same should come.” The petition. 2 pages.
August 14.	91. Report of the Postmasters General to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of M^r Dummer, which was much to the same effect as another on which they had reported on 2 April, as to the state of his West India contract. They then reported that it was about 5,000l. deficient, and if M^r Dummer were rigourously tied up to perform his contract, it would very much tend to ruin him, &c. M^r Dummer had been paid up to 25 April. He had made a fresh proposal to continue the service at a certain charge. He had taken no notice of the privilege of carrying five tons of goods out and bringing ten tons home. The postmasters then discuss his various proposals, among which are the payment of 12,000l. a year during war, and 8,000l. in time of peace. He should be allowed the freight of passengers. The income from the letters to be to the crown. The value of the letters had been 5,000l. per ann., and so the charge to Her Majesty would be 7,000l. per ann. They thought a formal contract should be entered into. If his L^p thought M^r Dummer should have the deficiency, amounting to 5,063l. 10s. 1d. for two years of his contract out of the 8,000l. a year, which he undertook the letters and passengers should bring in, they proposed that they should have a sign manual for paying it, and a warrant for annulling that contract. Dated 14 Aug. 1707. Minuted:—“Read 18^th Aug. 1707. My Lord takes notice that this proposal relates only to the islands, and not to the plantations on the continent, to w^ch, if it were extended, the advantage by l~res from thence might make a very great increase to y^e present produce. His Lord^p therefore directs that this rep^t be sent to M^r Blathwayt to consider & offer his opinion as to y^e carrying the correspondence to y^e plantac[i]ons on y^e continent as well as to y^e islands.” An account of the produce of the letters. The petition containing the proposals above referred to. This is minuted (1), “18 July 1707. A w^t to prolong y^e time for 3 months longer from 25^th instant.” W^t signed. (2), “26^th Sep^r 1707. My Lord agrees to the rep^t, and the postma^rs will prepare such a w^t for dischargeing the old contract and M^r Dummer from the arrears due thereupon, and to authorize them to make a new one according to what is proposed by them in their report of the 14 August 1707.” 6½ pages.
August 14.	92. Report of the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lord [High Treasurer]. Their business went on more smoothly, the brewers expecting much favour from the justices. Two proprietors of the sugar manufacture at Glasgow urged their private right by Acts of Parliament for exemption from duties on low wines and spirits, and in a similar manner M^r John Forbes of Culloden pretended to be exempted from duty on exciseable liquors, arising from his lands of Ferrintosh, otherwise than the yearly sum of 400 marks. These papers had been laid before the Lords of the Treasury, who had referred them to the Lord Advocate. Dated Excise Office, Edinburgh, 14 Aug. 1707. 1 page.
[About Aug. 16.]	93. Petition of Tilleman Robart to the Lord High Treasurer, for payment to him of arrears for keeping the gardens in order at Hampton Court, the greater part being of nine years standing. He also asks for employment. With two certificates in his favor by George London. Dated Brompton Park, 16 Aug. 1707. 3 pages.
August 16.	94. Report of Sir Christopher Wren to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of M^r John Orlebar and M^r William Powell. He was present when the memorialists represented to the Earl of Sunderland, Lord Somers, and Lord Halifax, an experiment of ejecting an inflamable liquor out of a pipe. This engine forced a continual stream of fire, which in less than a minute burned an old door very furiously at some distance, and would soon have consumed it, but the engine was very small, and held but little of the material. The inventors required assistance to make a larger one, and he supposed they (i.e. the Earl of Sunderland, &c.). were satisfied that the design might soon be made useful to the public. Dated 16 Aug. 1707. The memorial. Minuted:—“18 Aug. 1707. My Lord will move the Q. upon this report.” Again:—“Read 25^th Aug. 1707. This 200^li to be issued to the Trea[sure]r of the Ordnance out of Civil List money, and direct M^r Orlebar and M^r Powell, as soon as the engin is finished, to show it to the officers of ordnance.” 2 pages.
August 16.	95. “Auditor Harley's report concerning a super set on M^r Dodington & al. in the acc^t of M^r Fox & Lord Coningsby.” [Dated 16 Aug. 1707.] “Read 17 Feb. 1707. Write to Lord Coningsby & M^r Fox to certify whether the money deducted contains the 27,817^li p^d to M^r Dodington & partners.” 3½ pages.
August 19.	96. Letter of John Crookshank to William Lowndes, Esq. The Com^rs of Customs since their arrival at Edinburgh had with zeal studied to perform their duty, and, for preventing and punishing embezzlements, had cited several persons suspected of frauds to answer before the Lords of the Exchequer. A case had been strenuously debated whether the merchants should by Act of 1669 in Scotland be compelled to swear, or should be prosecuted according to the forms of the Exchequer in England. He (the writer) found the advocates were not fully apprized of the laws which regulated the customs in England, and he gave the Queen's Advocate the enclosed “observations” concerning embezzlements. He had also written a letter to Lord Glasgow, of which he enclosed a duplicate. [He makes some further observations on these prosecutions, and asks leave of absence to go to Ireland, where his uncle had died and left him something considerable, and that the permission might be put in a paragraph to the Com^rs.] Dated Edinburgh, 19 Aug. 1707. The “observations” and the letter referred to. 19 pages, 2 halves (small quarto).
August 19.	97. Letters of the Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to John Taylour, Esq., at the Treasury Chambers. They had been “taken up” amongst the advocates, and in despatching officers to their posts. They dated the commission on the 1st instant, but submitted to the L^d High Treasurer if they should not be paid from an earlier date. The administration had sent a troop of horse into Fife, and 18 dragoons to Preston Pans. They had waited on 31 Lords, &c., of the Exchequer, with the printed reasons for obtaining the oaths of merchants suspected to be guilty of frauds. Their L^ps made an interlocutory order suspending their decision until the third Wednesday in November. The matter must be considered by the next Parliament. The late taxmen had promised to show their books. Dated Edinburgh, 19 Aug. 1707. Minuted:—“Read 30^th Aug. 1707. A w^t to approve of the persons appointed Off^rs by y^e Com^rs & of their salarys, and also that y^e salarys of y^e English cōmence frō Mids^r for y^e reasons herein menc[i]ond, and y^t y^e Com^rs do provide nec^ry smacks for y^e guard of y^e coasts to be paid for in such manner as they are here.” 2 pages.
August 19.	98. Letter from the L^d Lieut. of Ireland to the L^d High Treasurer, enclosing an order of the House of Commons as to the continuance of the pension of the late Lord Blaney to his son, for Her Majesty's pleasure thereon. Dated Dublin Castle, 19 Aug. 1707. [There is a warrant for this pension in the Irish Book, Vol. VI., p. 13.] 2 pages.
August 18.	99. Report of the Attorney and Solicitor General to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of divers merchants and others Her Majesty's subjects of Scotland, who had since the 1st of May imported or brought from that part of Great Britain into the port of London prohibited, uncustomable, and customable goods, which had been seized and forfeited. They had several times, in the presence of Sir David Nearne, heard Col. Grahame, M^r Coote, M^r Levingston, and M^r Steward on behalf of the persons concerned, and they agreed to a method of proceeding therein set forth for bringing the matter to a proper judicial determination. Dated 18 Aug. 1707. [Entered in North Britain Book, Vol. 1, p. 109.] Part of a copy of the warrant thereon. See Ib., pp. 111–113. 4½ pages.
August 21.	100. Representation of the Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to the Lord High Treasurer. They had about 2,000l. in their cashier's hands. They were endeavouring to break a “scurvy custom” in which the brewers had been indulged during the farm, viz., paying one month's duty when three were due. Many were 12 months in arrear. The people of that country who were being instructed for officers were so unacquainted with figures that notwithstanding they (the Com^rs) had taken the utmost care in perfecting them, there was not one capable of undertaking business, but they hoped next week would furnish them with 8 or 10 gaugers. They had not yet the L^d Advocate's answer to the cases of the distillers of Glasgow. Dated Edinburgh, 21 Aug. 1707. 1 page.
August 21.	101. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d High Treasurer on the establishment of officers proposed by the Com^rs of Customs for Scotland, and also on two questions, (1) the bringing of horses from Ireland, and (2) the obliging merchants to give their oaths as to embezzlements as before the union. Approving the establishment. For the regulation of fees they refer to their report (copy enclosed) of 27 June. They also enclosed the opinions of the Attorney and Solicitor General on the two questions. Dated 21 Aug. 1707. The two papers referred to are not now with the report, but there is a copy of the “establishment” and “reasons for the establishment of the ports, districts, officers, and salaries in the north parts of Great Britain.” 6¼ pages.
Aug. 22.	102. Cofferers' memorial for expenses of the household for Lady-day quarter. Dated S^t James's, 22^d August 1707. 1 page.
Aug. 19 and 22.	103. Letter of the Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lord High Treasurer for Her Majesty's pleasure to be taken on the recommendation of the House of Commons there, for providing for the reformed officers and the second serjeant-at-arms. Dated 22 Aug. 1707. Minuted:—“Orderd.” Similar letter as to a gratuity for the officers of the House of Lords. Dated 19 Aug. 1707. Also copy of an address of the House of Lords thereon. 4½ pages.
Aug. 23.	104. Letter from the Com^rs of the Treasury in Scotland to the Lord High Treasurer as to money received through Sir David Nearn for payment of the forces. They desire power from his Lordship to give out precepts, &c. Dated Treasury Chambers, Edinburgh, 23 Aug. 1707. 1 page.
[About Aug. 25.]	105. Petition of John Higgons, gent., Alice his wife, and her 4 daughters, viz., Irene, Margaret, Mary, and Alice Cæsar, to the Lord High Treasurer, asking him to direct the Com^rs of the Navy to make out bills forthwith for the purchase money (4,000l.) as apportioned by the Attorney General for their interest in 3 acres of land in Chatham Docks. Minuted:—“Read 25^th Aug. 1707. Let M^r Att. Gen^ll certify that the distribuc[i]ons agreed to are as set forth in this petic[i]on, and then y^e l~re to the Navy may be alter'd accordingly.” 1 page (brief size).
Aug. 25.	106. Letter from the Board of Green Cloth to the Cofferer of the Household, asking for payment of the salaries of the purveyors and household servants, then nearly three quarters of a year in arrear. Dated 25 Aug. 1707. 1 page.
Aug. 26.	107. Report of the Com^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lord Lieut. of Ireland, on the petition of John Lathum, Esq., collector of the revenue in Lisburn, for his losses by the fire. They conceived he would be entitled to a share of the moneys that should be given for the relief of the inhabitants suffering from the late fire. Dated Custom House, Dublin, 26 Aug. 1707. The petition. 2 pages.
Aug. 26.	108. Memorial of the Com^rs of Prizes to the Lord High Treasurer as to a claim on the Duke of Savoy for gunpowder, bomb shells, &c., taken for the relief of the siege of Nice: the gunpowder, &c., having been previously captured as prize; asking his Lordship where they were to apply for recompense. Dated 26 Aug. 1707. Minuted:—“Read 14 June 1708. An extract of this to be sent to Comte Briançon.” 1½ pages.
Aug. 28.	109. “Quere touching some ships returning from the West Indies,” viz., whether they might not be entered in Scotland without incurring the penalties of their bonds. Dated 28 Aug. 1707. ½ page.
Aug. 29.	110. Report of the Officers of the Mint to the Lord High Treasurer on an abstract of a memorial received from Scotland, relating to the mint and recoining the moneys there. The last of the things previously required were shipped off 5 or 6 weeks before. The further requisites asked for by D^r Gregory, the master and workers there, were immediately ordered by the mint here. They would amount to 120l. sterling. They should be delivered, if his L^p approved, to Sir David Nairn to be sent by land carriage for expedition as they reckoned by the 10th of the next month, except the puncheons, &c. Dated Aug. 29, 1707. Minuted:—“30^th May 1707. A copy of this to be sent to S^r D. Nairn, to be by him transmitted to Lord Seafeild.” 2 pages.
Aug. 29.	111. Letter of W^m Popple, jun^r, by command of the Com^rs of Trade and Plantations, sending an extract from a letter from Col. Seymour, Governor of Maryland, relating to the salaries of M^r Plater and M^r Muschamp, receivers of the 3d. per “hhd.” [hogshead] for the district of Pattuxent and Potomack in that province, for his Lordship's directions. Dated Whitehall, 29 Aug. 1707. The abstract referred to. 2 pages.
Aug. 30.	112. Draft of a letter from the [L^d High Treasurer] to the Count of Fuen Calada, in answer to a letter received from him, concerning the application of the 150,000l. which the Queen had paid towards the support of his Catholic Majesty and his troops, to the end of that year. Finding the Count urged the remission of the like sum yearly for the future, he had to say, that the subsidies for carrying on the war were given by the subject from year to year only, and though he did not doubt but Her Majesty would recommend to her parliament to provide for the support of his Catholic Majesty, nevertheless 'twas impossible not to observe how little His Ma^ty had inclined to the advice of Her Majesty's generals that had been sent to his assistance. Several occasions might prevent whatever might be granted from being remitted to His Majesty's own hands. Her Majesty had ordered her master of the ceremonies to wait on him with a present of 300l., and the sooner he returned to inform His Majesty of the true state of these matters, the more it would conduce to his service. Dated 30 Aug. 1707. The letter referred to, and a translation, in which the Count urges that if this supply was so very necessary when the King his master was in possession of the kingdoms of Arragon and Valencia, and consequently had the confiscated estates and the contributions of those kingdoms, which enabled him to maintain the nobility and many officers of all degrees, who retired from Castile and deserted the enemy's army; how necessary it was the money should be remitted to the King. He further says, that since that time a great number of nobility and all sorts of people had abandoned their houses and estates out of their zeal and affection for the King his master, besides which 2,500 horse and 5 regiments of foot that were in the garrison of Girona, another of foot, his Royal Guards in Barcelona, as also the foot which retired from Arragon and Valencia, and the regiment of the Gallys at Denia, without reckoning the troops of the country [had to be provided for]. An account of the application of the 150,000l., and a letter as to translation of one of the papers. 9½ pages.
Aug. 30.	113. Letter from M^r John Ince to John Taylour, Esq., at the Cock Pit. The drivers of the 13 wagons had returned from Edinburgh, where the last single wagon sent down with the gold would arrive the next Friday. The deviation from their route occasioned their demand for 22l. a man more than he agreed for, being 50l. each. They were very rude and troublesome, M^r Maddocks and he had offered them 10l. a man advance, which was 60l. a man; this they refused and threatened to petition the Queen. The whole expense of sending the 150,000l., without any reward to the soldiers, would amount to 1200l. which was 16s. per cent. They had offered no more than 10l. a piece advance. Dated Bank, 30 Aug. 1707. 1½ pages.
Aug. 30.	114. Account of moneys actually issued to M^r Brydges for the service of the garrison of Gibraltar between 22 Aug. 1705 and 30 Aug. 1707. Also some memoranda as to M^r Methuen's bills. 1 page and a few lines.
Aug. 31.	115. Letter from the Earl of Sunderland to the Lord High Treasurer, recommending D^r Newton's bills of extraordinaries. He had made an expensive journey to Genoa by Her Majesty's command. He had served Her Majesty with so much application and fidelity, and his occasions were so pressing, that he (the Earl) had no doubt his Lordship would give orders for his relief. Dated Whitehall, 31 Aug. 1707. These bills of extraordinaries are entered in the Money Book, Vol. 19, pp. 374, 375, and some of the items are there referred to the L^d Treasurer. 1 page, quarto.
Sept. 2.	116. Report of James Brydges and Henry S^t John, Esq^res to the L^d High Treasurer, upon the new proposal for clothing the forces in Spain and Portugal. Dated 2 Sept. 1707. 3 pages.
Sept. 3.	117. Letter from Thomas Morice to M^r Lowndes. He had written fully to M^r Sloper of all matters relating to their office, M^r Brydges being gone into the country. He had also written to M^r S^t John relating to the sending home the officers in order to restore their regiments, which he should intimate to M^r Mead, who very much pressed for money, which was backed by M^r Stanhope to the L^d Ambassador Methuen. M^r Sloper would give the particulars. Dated Lisbon, 3 Sept. 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 4.	118. Memorial of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer. At the instance of Sir Cloudesley Shovel, M^r Consul Crowe at Livorne had supplied the fleet with powder and stores to the value of 7,000l. They had already paid for stores bought abroad by captains of the fleet 5,618l. 14s. 7½d. This increased the debt of the office, and the artificers were 18 months in arrear. They had but 1,000l. in the office, and hoped for a supply, &c. Col. Richards, from Barcelona, acquainted them with the charge the Portuguese were at for their train of artillery, and in case Her Majesty had a train in the field the charge would be proportionable; but the Duke of Marlborough told them their office would not be at the charge. The Dutch in Spain were at no such charge. Dated 4 Sept. 1707. Minuted:—“Read 5^th Sep^r 1707. 10,000l. for land & 10,000 for sea services.” 2 pages.
Sept 4.	119. Letter of the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the L^d [High Treasurer] enclosing papers relating to the sugar manufactories at Glasgow, and the case of M^r John Forbes of Culloden returned to them with the Lord Advocate's opinion thereon. The Lords of the Treasury there thought the opinion of the Attorney General was necessary. They had 8 or 9 towns move under survey, and there was about 3,500l. in the cashier's hands. Dated 4 Sep. 1707. The papers named are not now with the letter, but there is a printed copy of the commission and proclamation naming justices of the peace in Scotland. Minuted:—“Read 15 [Sept.] Ref. the papers to the Attorney Gen^ll as they desire; and let 'em know that they must take care not to dispose or apply any of the money but accord^g to appropriac[i]ons by Act of Parłt.” 13 pages.
Sept 6.	120. Report of M^r William Blathwayt to the Lord High Treasurer, on the proposal of M^r Dummer relating to the postage of packets and letters to and from the West Indies, more particularly as to extending the correspondence to the continent. The plantations in America were then the chief support of this kingdom, and were capable of great improvement by trade and other means, and the settling of a fixed correspondence and conveniency of passengers would much contribute thereto. Intelligence was the life of trade, and the greatest merchants endeavoured to be the best informed. It enabled them among other benefits to make insurances upon better terms, &c. M^r Dummer's undertaking had produced considerable benefit, &c. The establishment of a frequent and certain intercourse with the continent, which extended to more than 1,200 miles of coast, would be very desirable. Early intelligence would have saved many ships last year in reference to their setting out from Virginia and Maryland. This deserved consideration from Her Majesty, who was truly the greatest merchant in her dominions. The sailing of the packets from the islands ought to be every month, and from the continent eight times a year. Though the voyages were difficult in the winter, intelligence was most necessary, and provision should be made for it. The establishment of packet boats would be of little use, unless there was regularity and constancy, as well as swift sailers employed. They should not be detained more than a week upon the most pressing occasions, so as to prevent earlier notices by other ships. The rendezvous of the packet boats should be towards the middle of the continent. The price of the letters and packets should be rather less from the continent than the islands, the inhabitants of the former being more numerous and poorer, and by the number of the letters there would be more profit to the post office. Dated 6th Sept. 1707. Enclosed is a report of the post masters general on a memorial of M^r Dummer, dated 2 April 1707, the memorial itself, and the reference thereof to M^r Blathwayt. These papers relate a good deal to the contract of M^r Dummer, the loss of two packet boats, the deficiency of the receipts on the postage of letters, &c. 13 pages, 2 halves.
Sept. 6.	121. Letter of the Com^rs of “the Equivalent,” unaddressed. They return thanks for the sending the 50,000l. in gold, which came under a guard of 120 dragoons and was safely lodged in the castle. It had been but half the time the other was on the road, and was soon enough for their occasions. They (the Com^rs) began to pay the African company on the 26^th past, but had paid no more than 103,700l., whereof the half was in Exchequer bills, which people had been induced to take before they came in course, for those who were in course took all in specie, and even some whom the Com^rs knew had occasion for bills on London insisted on having specie, expecting to buy Exchequer bills under par, and they (the Com^rs) were informed the bills were proffered at 1 per cent. under, and the discount would have been greater had not they (the Com^rs) given their own bills on the bank, and so sunk above 33,000l. They were doubtful people would every day be more unwilling to take the Exchequer bills. Some they thought they could depend on required money. If they could pay 30 or 40,000l. more in bills to the African company they should then be able to discharge their whole demand, and have 20 or 30,000l. in cash to answer the deficiency in coin, and for all other demands upon the Equivalent. The Com^rs had paid in specie above 2,800l., in part of 3,000l., to make good the loss on English money, and to encourage the bank to carry into the mint what they had of current coin, the Com^rs had lodged with them 5,000l. in English money; so that the mint was at work, but they were not provided with all things necessary to make a thorough coinage, and their backwardness made it difficult to the government there to make proper resolutions on this important affair of calling in the coin. The Privy Council had issued an order as to passing Exchequer bills in the revenue of Scotland. The Lord [Chancellor] had been extremely ready to do everything that might advance their affair, and his presence seemed so necessary there that they hoped he would not be called away until they had overcome the greatest part of their work. Exchequer bills would not answer to pay the soldiers; some bills of 5l. and 10l. would have been very convenient. Since they had begun their payments the people appeared to be more easy, and they (the Com^rs) hoped to convince them of their error “in being dissatisfied to be made happy (against their wills) by the union.” If the receiver of the letter knew their constant attendance to business, their fatigue, and the difficulty they daily encountered, he would pity them. Dated Edinburgh, 6 Sept. 1707. 3 pages, quarto.
Sept. 8.	122. Certificate by the Deputy Clerk of the Pipe of the payment by the sheriffs of London of 40l. for apprehending John Lane, a highway robber, and that they had not money to satisfy the same from their shrievalty. Dated Pipe Office, 8 Sept. 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 9.	123. Letter from M^r Thomas Everard to [? M^r Lowndes], giving him an account of matters connected with the revenue of Ireland. Several of the branches were capable of being considerably advanced, especially the excise, but several of the collectors spent much of their time in managing their own affairs; the gaugers were many of them meanly qualified, &c., and it was much the same with the customs. No commissioner had for some years visited a port. Some of their number had spent most of their time in England and others were so often absent from the board about their own affairs that he had not had ten days respit from the custom house since he came to that kingdom, except to bring his family from Chester. Whatever complaint had been made had always been laid on him, and some gentlemen equally concerned showed themselves willing it should be so. [He then describes the practices pursued to defraud the revenue on salt, &c.] Dated Custom House, Dublin, 9 Sept. 1707. 3 pages.
Sept. 10.	124. Copy of report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Thomas Austin, receiver general of two aids for the co. of Chester and North Wales, recommending the allowance of 3d. in the pound for carriage of 59,828l. 1s. 8d. for his hazard and expenses of sending that sum up. Dated 10 Sept. 1707. Minuted:—“14 Nov. 1707. To be read againe.” 1 page.
Sept. 10.	125. Letter from Lord Cornbury to the L^d High Treasurer. He had had several complaints against M^r Byerly for refusing to pay warrants. Asks for his Lordship's directions as to what method he should take. It was impossible for him to know when M^r Byerly had money and when not. M^r Byerly said that if he swore to his accounts before his Lordship in council that was enough, and that if the deputy auditors allowed them, his L^p had nothing to do to examine them. If the L^d Treasurer's pleasure was that it should be so, he was well content, but in former governors' times, and in his own, the practice had been different. Dated New York, 10 Sept. 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 10.	126. Report of the Agents for Taxes to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Hugh Horton, Esq., receiver general of divers aids for the counties of Bucks, as to allowances to him for his extraordinary charges. Dated 10 Sept. 1707. Minuted:—“A w^t for this.” Also the petition and an account. 3 pages.
Sept. 13.	127. Letter of the L^d Lieut. of Ireland to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of John Pratt, deputy receiver general, concerning disbursements for buying horses for Her Majesty's service in Portugal, sending it to be laid before Her Majesty. Dated Dublin Castle, 13 Sept. 1707. The petition. 2 pages.
Sept. 15.	128. Representation of the officers appointed for the recovering and collecting the rights and perquisites of Admiralty, to the Lord High Treasurer. They had proposed Col. Robert Quarry for the recovery of the rights and perquisites of Admiralty for the continent of North America. They ask his L^ps directions to be able to make allowance to him out of the proceeds of the prizes, and enclose copy of a warrant from the L^d High Admiral to the Col. to recover the said rights. Dated 15 Sept. 1707. Also the copy of warrant. 2 pages.
Sept. 16.	129. Memorial of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer, for remission of the taxes on their salaries. Dated 16 Sept^r 1707. Minuted:—“This to be done as usuall.” 1 page.
[? About Sept. 17.]	130. Petition of Mary Boudet, widow, to the Queen, relating the services of her husband Lawrence Boudet, a French refugee, who was surgeon in the regiment of Sir George S^t George, and afterwards to that commanded by Lord Charlemont, and went to the West Indies and to Spain, where he died; praying for a pension. Certificate of the Earl of Charlemont of his services. He was the only surgeon exposed to danger at the attacks of Fort Manjuick, where he dressed the Prince of Hesse's wound; being confined to his bed at the retreat of the regiment from Figueres, as he was unable to shift for himself he was left. By the help of a kind landlord he was conveyed away, but died of the surprise and fatigue. Dated 17 Sept. 1707. 2 pages.
Sept. 18.	131. Petition of Nicholas Smith, gent., to the Lord High Treasurer. He was in possession of a piece of ground in a close called Windmill Fields, at the upper end of Eyre S^t in S^t James's parish, Westminster, for the remainder of a term formerly granted to Sir W^m Pulteney; praying for the term to be made up to 50 years, in order to improve the property. Referred to the Surveyor Gen^l, 18 Sept. 1707. Minuted:—“The Survey^r Gen^lls reports. Agreed.” 1 page.
Sept. 18.	132. Representation of the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the Lord [High Treasurer?] They had appointed M^r George Dalrymple as assistant to their solicitor. He would attend the justices upon the brewers' complaints. They proposed he should have 80l. a year. As soon as they could get good bills they would remit what money they had to the Com^rs of Excise in England. Dated Edinburgh, 18 Sept. 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 20.	133. Letter of M^r Secretary Harley to the L^d High Treasurer, as to the great complaints made by the subjects of the States General of the United Provinces, of the high duties laid upon their linen and other goods of that nature; and more particularly that the linen coming from Germany paid less duty in England than that which was imported from the United Provinces. On which an address of the House of Commons was made to the Queen. Dated Whitehall, 20 Sept. 1707. Copy of the address referred to, a letter from M^r Vryberge, the envoy from the States, and a memorandum on the same subject for the Duke of Marlborough. 7 pages, 2 quarters.
Sept. 20.	134. Letter from the Earl of Seafield to [? the L^d High Treasurer]. The enclosed memorial and other papers would inform his L^p of all that occurred to him (the Earl) at present. The pay of the army must be settled before they went from that part of the kingdom. Robert Murray was that evening brought in, and he (the Earl) had committed him prisoner to the castle, because it was more secure than the town prison, and would prevent the resort of the Jacobites to him. He was not yet examined, as some of the privy counsellors were in town, and the “Advocate” lay ill of the gout, so he could not be examined before Monday. He (the Earl) had written for my Lord Justice Clerk, and expected Lord Glasgow on Monday, and longed for further information, which might arrive by that time. He hoped in ten or twelve days all would be done that required his attendance, and if not commanded to stay should begin his journey, and so hoped for his L^ps commands. Dated Edinburgh, 20 Sept. 1707. Accompanying are three other papers:— I. Memorial as to subsistence money. The exchange between London and Scotland was at 2½ if not 3 per cent. The Lords of the Privy Council had emitted a proclamation declaring all the foreign species of money current in that kingdom to be bullion only, and not to pass in any payments after the 6^th of Oct. except to the Bank, which was to receive it until the 15^th, and to that time the Bank was obliged to receive it, and pay the proprietors current money or notes at the option of the demander. The proprietors of the Bank were to have ½ per cent., to be paid out of the funds of the “Equivalent.” They had great difficulty to persuade the Bank to undertake the trouble, as they alleged that it would be above 1½ years before the mint could coin all the foreign and Scots coin, so that a considerable sum would be as bullion in their hands, &c. II. “Double” [of] memorial “by the Com^rs of Equivalent to the Lords of Privy Council” in respect to payments to the African Company and the re-coinage. III. Memorial of what was doing in the Privy Council and Exchequer as to the appointment of justices of the peace; as to the return of the writs concerning the 16 peers and 45 commoners elected to represent Scotland in the first Parliament of Great Britain; as to French privateers on the coast, asking that cruisers might be speedily appointed; as to entry of goods coming from the West Indies; as to measures taken in consequence of a tumult arising from a seizure of brandy at Preston Pans; as to the merchants being required to give their oaths in regard to embezzled goods; as to the rectifying the coin; as to payments to the African Company, and other matters about the coinage. 16½ pages.
Sept. 22.	135. Report of the Com^rs of Chelsea Hospital to the L^d High Treasurer, recommending 30l. a year to be allowed to Henry Powell, late steward there. Dated 22 Sept. 1707. Minuted:—“8 X~ber 1707. Agreed.” 1 page.
Sept. 24.	136. Memorial of the Officers of Works for the payment of what was due to their office for the last quarter. Dated Office of Works, Sept. 24, 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 25.	137. Representation of the Com^rs of Excise (Scotland) to the L^d [High Treasurer?] as to objections raised by the brewers to payment of the duties before the justices. They now had every day certified officers coming in, whom they disposed in the best towns, and they had remitted 4,500l. to the Com^rs of Excise, London. Dated Edinburgh, 25 Sept. 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 25.	138. Report of M^r W^m Borrett to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the several debts and demands on the forfeited estates of the Lord Griffin, and how they stood in priority of time. Dated 25 Sept. 1707. Letter from James Griffin to the Lord High Treasurer, applying for what was due to him from his father's estate. 2 pages.
Sept. 26.	139. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer, as to the affronts their officers met with from the commanders, officers, and seamen of the Dutch men of war, and from the governor of Tilbury Fort, also as to the running of goods into Tilbury Fort; praying that a stop might be put thereto. A Dutch commodore had put some of their officers in irons. Dated 26 Sept. 1707. Affidavit relating thereto, 3 pages.
Sept. 27.	140. Memorial of M^r Edward Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer, as to certain trees in the Forest of Dean fit for the navy. The barks of 20 oaks were stripped three or four feet above ground, and others just within the ground, to kill them, that they might be taken as dead trees. To prevent this abuse he asks for a warrant to cut the trees down, and for any found so for the future. For it was to be hoped that when disappointed of the trees, they would not take the pains to do the mischief. Minuted:—“Ordered,” &c. Dated 27 Sept. 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 29.	141. Memoranda of moneys paid to persons by the Hon. Spencer Compton, Esq., for a quarter to Michaelmas 1707. ½ page.
Sept. 29.	142. A view of the gross produce of Her Majesty's revenue in Ireland in the two quarters ended at Michaelmas 1706 and 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 30.	143. Reasons given by the Com^rs of Customs in Scotland why M^r Moor, the Provost of Ayre, was not continued collector of Ayre. Dated 30 Sept. 1707. Minuted:—“Send y^e D. of Argy[l]es paper to Com^rs Cust. in Scotł'd.” 1 page.
Sept. 30.	144. A comparison of the debts of the navy at several periods of time, the last being 30 Sept. 1707. 1 page.
Sept. 30.	145. An acc^t of what money is necessary for the immediate service of the office of Her Majesty's Ordnance. 1 page.
Sept.	146. An abstract of “Queen Anne's commission” for the navy. In M^r Lowndes' hand. 3 pages.
[? Sept.]	147. Memorial in behalf of Captain James Jefferies, who by the Queen's order was to attend the army of the King of Sweden as a volunteer, to the L^d High Treasurer, praying his Lordship to grant a salary, he having received none as yet by reason of the uncertainty of the march of the army out of Saxony. D^r John Robinson, Her Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary, had certified that the captain “had set forward from Leipsig” with the army on 26 Aug. 1707. Certificate referred to. 1¼ pages.