Minute Book: December 1675

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 4, 1672-1675. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1909.

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Citation:

'Minute Book: December 1675', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 4, 1672-1675, ed. William A Shaw( London, 1909), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol4/pp350-361 [accessed 8 November 2024].

'Minute Book: December 1675', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 4, 1672-1675. Edited by William A Shaw( London, 1909), British History Online, accessed November 8, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol4/pp350-361.

"Minute Book: December 1675". Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 4, 1672-1675. Ed. William A Shaw(London, 1909), , British History Online. Web. 8 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol4/pp350-361.

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December 1675

Dec. 1. Petition read from Mr. William Williams, of Fowey, merchant, who was taken into custody on the Lord Treasurer's warrant for abusing Holmes, an officer of the Excise. On hearing the matter by Counsel on both sides the Lord Treasurer directs that after payment of fees and putting in bail to appear to an information in the King's Bench, to be prosecuted by the Attorney General, the said Williams be discharged out of custody. In the margin : Done.
The Lord Treasurer to discourse Sir Stephen Fox about paying Sir Thomas Allin and the rest of the officers of the Cinque ports.
[Ibid. p. 72.]
Dec. 3. Treasury Chambers. Present : Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, Lord Lieutenant, Viscount Ranelagh, Attorney General, Lord Chief Justice Boothe.
Viscount Ranelagh's petition is read, with the King's reference upon it to the Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer and Lord Lieutenant. A paper of queries concerning Viscount Ranelagh's undertaking is offered by the Lord Lieutenant and read.
Query : (1) Whether Viscount Ranelagh, &c. [and his partners] having received the full benefit of the Duke of Ormonde's assignment to His Majesty ought not to be obliged to satisfy the full demand the said Duke had thereupon against the King.
Upon debate of this it was thought reasonable that the said Viscount Ranelagh, &c. [and his partners] should be liable to answer 5,000l. a year to the Duke of Ormonde for the five years of their time being 25,000l. and whatsoever of the said 25,000l. shall be paid by the King said Viscount Ranelagh, &c. [and his partners] are to discount it to the King out of their settled demands.
(2) Whether 2,750l. per an. being allowed to the [Irish revenue] Farmers' Commissioners for their salary before the undertaking of Viscount Ranelagh [and his partners] and being mentioned in Lord Aungier's state as a charge upon the revenue ought not to be allowed by said Viscount and his partners without demand of defalcation for same.
Upon debate thereof it was concluded that Visc. Ranelagh [and partners] were entitled by their contract to a defalcation for it and therefore to be allowed them.
(3) Whether in those remittals of Quit rents where the letters were dated before the commencement of the contract, but no patents passed till afterwards, Ranelagh [and his partners] ought to have defalcation.
Upon debate [hereon it was] concluded that they by their contract were entitled to a defalcation for such remittals : and therefore to be allowed them.
(4) Whether 3,250l. 4s. 6d. and 742l. 3s. 2d., being paid by Sir James Cuff since Xmas, 1670, but towards the charge of the former year of which former year's revenue Viscount Ranelagh and partners had a considerable benefit, the said sums ought to be allowed them.
Upon debate [hereon it was] concluded as in the third query.
(5) Whether 936l. 13s. 4d. paid to Alderman Hutchinson for lands enclosed in Phoenix Park, and 2,900l. to Sir Maurice Eustace upon the same account alleged by Sir James Cuffe to be paid since Xmas, 1670, ought to be allowed to Ranelagh and partners.
Upon debate [hereof it was] concluded that if those two sums were paid since Xmas, 1670, Ranelagh [and his partners] ought to have no defalcation allowed them, but if before that [date, then] they are entitled to it. The proof of the fact to be the testimony of those who received the money or Sir James Cuff's oath if the Lord Lieutenant thinks fit.
(6) Whether Viscount Ranelagh [and partners] being obliged to pay 6,250l. to Lord Arlington, and they having fully satisfied his Lordship's pretensions with 5,000l. they ought not to be answerable to the King for the remaining 1,250l.
Upon debate [hereof it was] concluded that if this 1,250l. was allowed in the sum of 61,000l. formerly allowed them then they are liable to it. The fact to be ascertained in Ireland.
[Treasury Minute Book p. 74.]
Dec. 3. [Those of] the Excise Commissioners who were Treasurers [and] Mr. Ball [are] to be summoned.
The contractors for the Hearthmoney also.
Sir William Warren and Mr. Dering to attend and notice to be given to all parties. [Postea] put off to the 10th [instant].
[Day Book p. 98.]
Dec. 6. Mr. Mounteney to give an account of the 32,000l., how much hath been taken out of it. In the margin : Done [meaning : letter written to Mounteney].
A letter to be written to Sir Stephen Fox for placing Mr. Chr. Story upon the list of Excise for 500l. per an., to commence from Midsummer last. The like marginal note.
Write to Mr. Mounteney to bring 388l. into the Exchequer for the Lord Privy Seal's diet money for one quarter to Michaelmas [last]. The like marginal note.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 75.]
Dec. 8. Wednesday. [Write] Mr. Mounteney to bring [into the Exchequer] 600l. for the Wardrobe : to be out of the 32,000l. to be made good again, &c. The like marginal note.
[Ibid.]
The petition of some at Plymouth about their lands used in making the citadel is to be read.
Sir Ro. Thomas and Dr. Butler's business to be then heard.
[Day Book p. 98.]
Dec. 9. Send to Mr. Litcot [to know] what value he has in Custom House bonds and what the Farm of logwood makes.
Mr. Rashley and Mr. Courtney called in, who present the following articles against Mr. Weale, Collector of Customs at Fowey.
(1) That he is very infamous as a petty attorney and his oppressions could not be enumerated.
(2) For his more advantageous ensnaring the simple he pretends to be religious, and, being excommunicate for offences against the church, very impudently uses the King's Custom House boat every Sunday to carry factious persons to conventicles, and keeps close to them that he may entitle every prosecution for his crime to be a prosecution for being a professor, as he calls himself.
(3) As Collector of Fowey he has deceived the King and oppressed the subject in refusing to take entries of ships and goods but on unreasonable extortions and conditions, and, in particular, refused to take an entry of the ship called the "Mary," of that port, laden with tobacco from Virginia, on pretence she was foreign built, although he himself well knew she was a prize ship bought from the Commissioners of Prize Goods and had been very often entered there as a free ship. To admit said entry he demanded 100l. and after five weeks' delay made the merchants give him 10l., or otherwise would not have admitted them to an entry.
(4) That he usually takes money to dispense masters from taking the usual oath of the contents of their cargo, whereby the King is deceived of the Customs.
(5) That he has made seizure of several parcels of goods and shares them with his companions without returning the same into the Exchequer or answering the King his part of the seizure.
Affidavits and letters produced for proof are read.
The Lord Treasurer orders a letter to be written to Mr. Weale this post that he clear himself before Xmas. A copy of the articles is to be sent to the Customs Commissioners.
Theop. Franklin's petition read and dismissed.
Petition read from Sir Roger Bradshaigh on a reference from the King. My Lord to know who is his security besides Heber.
An order of Council is read on behalf of Geo. McCarty et al. Irish merchants. To be read at the Treasury Chambers on Wednesday next.
Petition read from Sir William Carr on a reference from the King. Secretary Bertie is ordered to attend the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in it.
Petition read from the day labourers of Scotland Yard. [Write] Sir William Doiley, the Teller, or his clerk, to attend the Lord Treasurer to-morrow at the Treasury Chambers. "The poor labourers to have 400l. for eight weeks1,600l. upon their ordinary and [upon their] extraordinary four weeks of their 400l. per week : both out of the 32,000l., to be repaid as the Customs mend." In the margin : Done [meaning : directions accordingly sent to the Exchequer].
Write Sir Humphry Hooke to pay his money upon the tally into the Exchequer, if not already paid. In the margin : Done [meaning : letter written].
Mr. Chudleigh to have 200l., and the remainder of his order, 284l., [is ordered] to be placed [upon some fund for payment].
Mr. Steevens to attend my Lord to-morrow morning early.
Petition read from Sir Chr. Musgrave, on a reference from the King. Sir Charles Harbord's report thereon is also read. A report [to the King] to be drawn representing the reasonableness of the petition.
Mr. William Penn's case is read. My Lord to be put in mind of it to-morrow morning.
Petition read from Mr. Hoghton et al. Farmers of [Excise for] Lancashire. Referred to the Excise Commissioners.
Petition read from Visct. Bulkeley and Jones, a merchant.
The order of Council and the case of the Barbados dead soldiers is referred to Commissary Baines and Mr. Fillingham to state the several pretentions.
Mr. Seik's petition is referred to the Agents of the Hearthmoney.
Mr. Cardonell's petition is referred to the Customs Commissioners.
Petition from Mr. Wharton, Collector of Whitby, is read and dismissed.
Petition read from Mr. Frowd on a reference from the King. To be put into my Lord's papers for the [Privy] Council tomorrow.
Nothing can yet be done in Mr. Stedding's petition.
Serjt. Bishop's petition is read with his bill of charges for the service of the House of Commons. The Lord Treasurer will speak with the Speaker of the House.
Petition read from the Duke of Albemarle on a reference from the King. Granted.
Nothing can be done in Mr. Hall's petition, the business being already settled.
Mr. Brimskell's petition read. The warrant to run during pleasure.
My Lord to be minded to receive the King's directions to-morrow concerning New Year's gifts to be provided for the Jewel House.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 75-8.]
Dec. 10. The same businesses that were appointed for the 3rd and those of the 8th [are to be heard to-day].
[Day Book, p. 98.]
Dec. 10.
Treasury Chambers.
The Lord Treasurer directs that the Ordnance Office be paid a quarter as well for the patent fees in the Exchequer as for the quarterly payment due at Xmas next.
Present : The King, Lord Keeper, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Treasurer, Attorney General.
The petition of the new Farmers of [the revenue of] Ireland is read for a security (by a year's lease of the quit rents) for repayment of their advance money.
Sir James Shaen and partners are called in. The King tells them that they must resolve this night whether they will proceed, and if they have nothing else to object but the words they pretend were struck out they shall be put into the warrant, viz. "upon or before the determination of this commission" in the 12 and 13 line of the 2d. skin.
They withdraw : come in again and desire those words may be inserted and they will pay the 20,000l. when His Majesty pleases. Accordingly the words were put into the bill in His Majesty's presence.
The King will send his letter to the Lord Lieutenant to direct the Vice-Treasurer [of Ireland] to give them [Shaen and partners] an Exchequer acquittance for the 20,000l. This letter to be [left] in the hands of the Speaker of the House to deliver [to] them as soon as they pay the money, which they intend to do to-morrow in one entire sum.
The Lord Lieutenant moves about the remittal of Sir William Talbot's quit rents. The King's answer is that he has remitted already the full sum to which he had limited himself [viz. the 5,000l. per an. of quit rents as by the covenants with the intending Farmers of the revenue in Ireland] and therefore directs that Sir William Talbot's letter be stopped and all others whatsoever [of the like nature].
The Speaker of the House to send his officers to tell [count] the 20,000l. which is to be lodged at the Treasury of the Navy, and to send the Lord Keeper a certificate when 'tis received.
Sir Ro. Thomas and Dr. Butler with their Counsel are called in. The Doctor's petition to the King is read together with the Attorney General's report. A report to be drawn acquainting the King with all the proceedings in this matter and that the Lord Treasurer thinks it fitter to be heard at the Privy Council.
Col. Birch, Major Huntington and Sir Jo. James and Mr. Balle are called in concerning the old accompt of the Excise on which they are in arrear 900l. odd, viz. upon the Country Excise. They pray [permission] to carry on the old arrear upon the next accompt. [They are ordered to bring in the state of their accompt to Mr. Auditor Birch this day sevennight. Enquire concerning the 840l. paid by Mr. Ball to Secretary Coventry on his embassy into Swedeland and on what privy seal it ought to be issued. [My Lord allows the] 168l. paid to Mr. Rosse by Mr. Balle. Auditor Birch is to allow so much as shall be certified under the hand of Secretary Coventry. The 400l. to stand in super upon Mr. Ball till he produce a discharge. The 6l. for locks my Lord allows it.
This day week the sub-farmers of the strong waters are to attend. Tooth is one of them, he lives by the Great James in Bishopgate Street. Enquire the names of the rest.
The Contractors of the Chimney money are called in upon their pretence of defalcations on account of [smiths'] forges. The Lord Treasurer refuses to allow any defalcations upon their last half year's rent, [they] detaining in their hands 3,500l.
Mr. Dering, Sir William Doiley's clerk, is called in about the debt due from Sir Humphry Hooke, for which Mr. Wiseman lately struck a tally. He says he refused to give credit to Mr. Wiseman till Sir William Doiley himself ordered it and that Mr. Aram promised that he would get the order directed in case he flung down the bill. N.B.'Tis directed to a Teller who receives not the money of Gloucestershire.
The Lord Treasurer directs 1,500l. for New Year's gifts.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 78-80.]
Dec. 11. Capt. Ph. Howard to have 500l. upon the Bishop of Lincoln's (Lang's) arrears for the clergy subsidies.
Sir Gab. Silvius [is ordered to have] 700l. upon the same and 575l. to be paid upon the Chimney money [rent due] in March next to complete his order for 1,275l. (struck through. Note in margin : 'razed by my Lord's order 29 Dec., 1695.')
[Ibid, p. 80.]
Dec. 13. The Lord Treasurer to be put in mind to speak with the Attorney General in the business of exported corn.
The salary of the Collector of Minehead is to be augmented [by] 15l. per an. to make his fee 50l. per an.
The salary of the officers at Wolla and Sharpeston are to have 10l. per an. added.
[Ibid.]
Dec. 14. On Friday next all parties concerned in Sutton Marsh are to be summoned. Desire the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Surveyor [General of Crown Lands] and the Auditor [of the County] to attend.
Serjeant Baldwin's fee [is ordered] to be paid.
Mr. Walker's petition read about his attendance on the Commissioners for the [Union of Scotland with the] Kingdom of England : together with the certificates [as to such attendance]. To be paid according to the petition.
The warrant for Mr. Tindal of Bristol for the reversion of a place in that port is to be drawn blank and the King's pleasure is to be known, whether [it is to be] for one or two lives.
Mr. Thompson's petition read on a reference from the King, together with Sir C. Harbord's report thereon to my Lord. Take care that it be regularly done.
Sir William Bowles's petition read. His debt to be stated, what it is and when due.
Sir Ro. Bradshaigh's petition [is read and ordered] to be put among my Lord's papers for the [Privy] Council to-morrow. Sir Ro. Bradshaigh, Mr. Banastre, and Col. Kirby are to be at the Treasury Chamber to-morrow morning, before [the meeting of the Privy] Council, to meet the Attorney and Solicitor General.
Petition read from the officers of the Pipe. Respited for some time, but agreed to be done.
Petition read from Sir H. Vane's daughter on a reference from the King, together with the report thereon to my Lord from Sir Fra. North, Attorney General, and Sir Charles Harbord's report on the said Attorney General's report. [Ordered] to be referred back to Sir C. Harbord for a valuation of the thing.
Sir Tho. Chichely's report upon Sir Rich. Hatton's petition is read. The debt [is ordered] to be stated, that the interest may be paid till a way can be found for payment of the principal.
Mr. Weaver's petition [is read and] dismissed.
Petition read from the Mayor and commonalty of London for enlargement of a wharf at Wapping. The Lord Treasurer is willing to comply with them.
Petition read from Sir Jo. Lethuillier on a reference from the King. The debt to be stated and interest to be paid from that time.
Petition read from Mris. Chiffinch. The Chancellor of the Exchequer to be spoken with in it.
Signior Micone's papers [are] read. The Lord Lieutenant to give the Lord Treasurer his opinion concerning Micone's petition.
Petition read from the Keepers of Waltham Forest. The Lord Treasurer to know what he has paid them.
Mr. Chetwind's petition read. To be considered when it is in farm [or? when ... It is in farm].
Petition read from Mr. Skelton on a reference [from the King]. A caveat is entered and must be heard.
Mr. Hasdonk's petition is read [but the matter is] respited.
The Lord Treasurer directs that Mr. Chudleigh, Secretary to the Embassy to be at Nimeguen, [have paid to him] 484l. for equipage and three months' advance of ordinary : to be sent out of the Customs.
[My Lord orders] 10,000l. to be issued to the Treasurer of the Navy for payment of ships.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 81-2.]
Dec. 15.
Treasury Chambers.
Present : the King, Duke of York, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Treasurer, Viscount Ranelagh, the Attorney and Solicitor General.
[The two] Aldermen Foorths are called in and their petition for further defalcations is read.
(1) Upon mortality and dearth. The Attorney General says there is no one word of famine in the covenants. Not agreed [to].
(2) Upon the Plantation Act. Viscount Ranelagh says they received a greater year of the Customs after that Act, viz. from 1670, Dec. 25, to 1671, and if any pretence arises 'tis from 25 Mar., 1674, for all before that time was concluded by the minutes.
(3) Upon wine warrants. Answer transit cum oncre.
(4) Loss upon the Hearthmoney for want of a commission. Viscount Ranelagh says they had a year's Hearthmoney in their hands, before hand, without interest.
(5) Loss by the Customs for the last quarter. Answer : Concluded formerly in the defalcation of 20,000l. [Ordered that] Mr. Alderman [Forth] show His Majesty what they [Forth and his partners] have made of the Customs from 25 March, 1674, till Xmas last.
[Ordered] that the account of the Customs of Ireland be produced. A day to be appointed for examining that accompt.
The Robes [are ordered] to have 400l. in part of their 12 weeks' arrear.
The Barbados [4 per cent. duty] Farmers are called in and their petition for defalcations is read. (1) They insist that they had not possession of their farm according to covenant. (2) They plead a covenant for defalcation in case of war or plague. (3) They urge their losses sustained by hurricanes (not included in their covenants).
The grant of this farm began the 25 Dec., 1670, for seven years, at the rent of 7,000l. per an. There is now due for five years from the Farmers 35,000l. The Farmers acquaint the Lord Treasurer that they are not at present in a condition to give an account of their fifth year by reason they have received no letters from the Island. The Farmers agree that they have only paid 12,000l., as will appear by tallies struck. The Lord Treasurer to speak with Auditor Aldworth upon the Farmers' accompt for the two first years lately stated by him, and my Lord directs also that the accompt of the said farm for two years more, viz. for 1673 and 1674, be referred to the same auditor to be stated.
The petition from Viscount Ranelagh, Lord Brereton, Mr. Kirwood and Scutt is read. They are to be desired to attend on Tuesday morning next with the Auditor and Mr. Trant, who preferred the petition.
Viscount Bulkeley's petition and Mr. Nelthrop's [are] read, Mr. Brent appearing for the first and Mr. Hodges for the latter.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 82-4]
Dec. 15. The Barbados Farmers to be heard.
The Irish merchants [sic? for revenue Farmers] ... Sir Ro. Bradshaigh, Mr. Banastre and Col. Kirby to be at the Treasury Chamber, before Council, to meet the Attorney and Solicitor General.
[Day Book, p. 99.]
Dec. 16. My Lord directs that what is now undisposed of the Hearthmoney contained in Sir Philip Lloyd's privy seal be assigned to Mr. Packer for the service of the Works, and he [Packer] to take care to get it [paid] in [to the Exchequer by the Hearthmoney Farmers in order to his receiving it out from thence].
My Lord directs process to be stopped against Cornwall, Aubry and Davis for a month from date hereof, upon the desire of Sir Thomas Williams.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 84.]
Dec. 16. Mr. Deering and Sir William Warren's business to be heard on [this] Thursday afternoon.
[Day Book p. 99.]
Dec. 17. My Lord directs 120l. to be brought in [from the Customs] for satisfaction of the two warrants for the Queen's Pages [viz.] Mr. Sandys and Mr. Cary half a year each.
Also 500l. for the Earl of Lichfield's quarter ending at Michaelmas last.
Major Huntingdon and Sir Jo. James called in with Col. Birch, the two former having been appointed to bring in the state of their accompt to said Auditor Birch. The sub-farmers of the strong waters are likewise called in, viz. Mr. Tooth (who lives by the Great James in Bishopsgate Street) and his partners, they being appointed to attend this day on the question why they prosecute in the Exchequer and do not determine it before the Excise Commissioners. The Lord Treasurer asks them why they prosecute by English bill in the Exchequer contrary to the Act of Parliament. They answer that Sir Jo. King and Mr. Sawyer, their Counsel, advise them. They further add that the Lord Chief Baron has admitted of a hearing. The Attorney and Solicitor General are to attend [the Lord Treasurer] in this matter on Wednesday afternoon next, with the Lord Chief Baron. A letter to be sent to Sir Jo. King and Mr. Sawyer acquainting them with the matter and desiring them to attend also as above.
Major Huntington prays a little further time for their [Excise] accompt. My Lord grants them till Wednesday next.
On Monday the [Excise] Commissioners are to attend with their paper of incidents.
Desire the Lord Chief Baron to attend the Lord Treasurer some morning before Wednesday next.
Mr. Bertie to attend the Chancellor [of the Exchequer] about Mr. Ball's business concerning Alderman Backwell's bill.
[Ordered that] 26,000l. be offered to Sir Stephen Fox on wine bonds [taken] in London and the outports.
Warrants to be drawn for a year's salary for the officers of the Works.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 84-5 ; Day Book p. 99.]
Dec. 20. At the instance of the Earl of Ogle, the Lord Treasurer directs process to be stopped against Sir Fr. Anderson and Mr. Christian, till Easter term, upon present payment [by them] of 309l. 14s. 1d. to clear their receipt of the Eighteen Months' assessment.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 86.]
Dec. 22.
Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Lord Chief Baron, Attorney General, Sir Jo. King.
[The matter is discussed] about the sub-farmers of the Strong Waters prosecuting in the Exchequer. The Attorney General says the Act of Parliament directs the prosecution and recovery before the [Excise] Commissioners, but in case there be a defect of proof of the particulars of the duty he conceives an information lies against the retailer in the Exchequer for a discovery, only to be used as evidence before the [Excise] Commissioners, i.e. as evidence for the recovery of the duty.
Col. Birch objects that all offences are before the Commissioners, and if this be no offence it ought not to be prosecuted in the Exchequer or elsewhere.
The Attorney General answers the concealing of the duty is an offence but there is no way to discover it but by the party's oath, which may be allowed here, as well as in other cases where the subject has the like remedy, as tithes, &c.
Col. Birch [objects] no person by law is subject to a discovery upon oath where such discovery will subject him to forfeitures or penalties, as it does in this case.
The Attorney General [replies] the information lies not to have a discovery by oath unless the King's Attorney offers by the information to remit the penalty, as is done in this case, which offer being upon record is obliging [binding] to the King and shall bind any informer, unless he had beforehand gained an interest by action or information brought by him, which was not at all done in this case : that the aid of the Exchequer is prayed only, and no judgment [is] given.
Mr. Sawyer is of opinion that the Exchequer holds plea of that duty [of Excise], but the forfeitures are under the jurisdiction of the Commissioners, and says if the gauger omits his duty must the King lose the single duty?
Major Huntington moves that the Attorney General be desired to send for both parties and examine the weight of any information by English bill in the Exchequer before he sets his hand to it. This the Lord Treasurer approves of.
On Friday morning next the Excise Commissioners and the Auditor of Excise are to attend to determine the sums of money depending upon their last accompt, ending 1674, Sept., and their receipt of the present Farm, ending Nov. 16 last.
To-morrow week being Thursday, the 29th inst., Sir Ri. Ford, Mr. Bankes, Mr. Sawyer, Mr. Aldworth, junr., Mr. Brewer are to examine Sir William Warren's accompts at Mr. Sawyer's chamber.
Mr. Dering called in. Process to be stopped against him and he [is] ordered to proceed vigorously against Fenn upon the extent against body and goods. Send for an account of what wine bonds are in his [Fenn's] hands, both for London and the outports.
Lord Byron to have half a year of his pension.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 86-7 ; Day Book, p. 99.]
Dec. 22.
Wednesday.
Auditor Aldworth and Mr. Trant are to attend the Lord Treasurer [this day] about the business of the Four and a half per cent.
In the afternoon [of to-day] the Lord Chief Baron, Sir William Warren, Sir Richard Ford, Mr. John Banks and Mr. Dering are to appear at the Treasury Chambers.
Likewise Sir Jo. King, Mr. Sawyer and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
[Day Book p. 99.]
Dec. 23. Notice to be set up that the Lord Treasurer adjourns all business till after Twelfth Day and then will proceed as formerly : by which time all petitions now lying before his Lordship shall be answered.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 87.]
Dec. 24.
Friday. Treasury Chambers.
Present : The King, Duke of York, Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Viscount Ranelagh, Attorney General.
The debate was (1) concerning respited [quit rents of Irish] lands, which was referred to the Lord Lieutenant. (2) Concerning [defalcations demanded because of] the Plantation Act.
Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Finch, Counsel for [the two] Aldermen Foorth [and their partners in the Irish revenue farm], are called in (1) upon the covenant that no Act should pass to the prejudice of the farm. He instances in the Plantation Act, which obliges ships to come immediately for England before they go for Ireland : 18,000l. per an. evidently lost by the Act to the [Irish revenue] Farmers. For the war defalcations [these have been] already allowed. But after the expiration of the war they allege to have lost [by reason of this Plantation Act] at the rate of 18,000l. per an. The Plantation Act passed April, 1671, but took not place till 29 Sept., 1671.
The Attorney General asks what damage they have sustained.
Mr. Sawyer says before the war the Customs made 110,000l. per an. Mr. Sawyer urges another covenant, the custom of all prize ships, and instances particularly in the East India Dutch prizes. He instances also the loss of the Excise by famine or mortality, 18,000l., as is sworn.
The King asks them by what rule they make the computation of 8,000l. [sic for 18,000l.] per an. to be their loss on [account of] the Plantation Act.
Mr. Alderman Forth answers they prove out of the Custom House books in London, Bristol, &c.
'Twas proposed that the 110,000l. for one year should stand by itself and the other five years to be brought up to 94,000l. per an. as a medium, and they [the Farmers] to be allowed accordingly.
Sir Ja. Shaen and Mr. Muschamp called in. The Lord Treasurer acquaints them with the King's pleasure of adding three more Commissioners of inspection to the two already agreed to [making] in all five. [Of their advance money] 10,000l. more become due on Sunday. They are to pay it in to the Treasurer of the Navy on or before Saturday week being New Year's Day. The Lord Treasurer acquaints them that the King will call for the 20,000l. above the 60,000l. [advance money] on three months' notice according to the covenants and that accordingly they take notice of this demand made this day. The Farmers desire time to give their answer concerning the addition of the three more Commissioners. The Lord Treasurer tells them he thinks the King may add as many as he pleases without their consent only he thought fit to give them notice of it.
Sir William Smith and [Mr. Palmer], Sir Charles Wheeler's man, are to be at the Treasury Chambers on Wednesday morning next about the Irish farthings. Mr. Slingsby, Mr. Hoar and Mr. Doily to be there.
On Monday morning Major Huntingdon and Sir Jo. James are to attend the Lord Treasurer with their paper of demand.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 88-9.]
Dec. 27. The second Wednesday in the term the Auditor [of Excise is] to attend with Sir Jo. James and Major Huntington and [bring] their accompts about the old farm and receipts of the Excise.
[Ibid, p. 89.]
Dec. 29. The Lord Treasurer directs that tallies be struck for a quarter of the Lord Chancellor's pension due at Xmas last. In the margin : Done [meaning : directions accordingly sent to the Receipt].
Write to Sir George Downing for the papers that passed betwixt Prince Rupert, Mr. Palmer and the officers of the Mint concerning the making of tin farthings. The objections of the officers of the Mint against tin farthings are read, with Mr. Palmer's answer to each objection. Mr. Palmer says he proposes that the tin farthings to be made by him should be of an intrinsic value and nothing to be paid for the coining. The Lord Treasurer directs that Mr. Palmer prepare tin blanks and coins, making use of such tools and stamps in the Tower as he shall make choice of ; this to be done as soon as may be. The officers of the Mint agree to it.
[Write] Mr. Mounteney to bring 250l. 18s. 9d. into the Exchequer for Serjeant Charnock's salary. In the margin : Done [meaning : letter written to Mounteney].
[The King's mathematical] Christ's Hospital boys [are ordered] to be paid their quarter. In the margin : Done [meaning : warrant drawn].
[Ibid, p. 90.]
Dec. 31. A warrant for striking tallies for 5,000l. upon Sir Stephen Fox's privy seal on the Excise and 2,550l. on another privy seal [of the ... th of] July last, to be paid likewise by tallies on the Excise : in all 7,550l.
To mind my Lord Treasurer of half fees taken in the Exchequer [on payments of moneys] for secret service.
The Duke of Monmouth, Earl of Plymouth, Sir Jo. Duncomb and Somersett Fox are to be paid their quarter due at Xmas. In the margin : Done [meaning : warrant drawn].
Warrants to be drawn for Xmas quarter to the Lord Treasurer, Earl of Lichfield, and Earl of Sussex. The like marginal note.
[Order for] 1,500l. to be paid to the [Naval] chest. The like marginal note.
Ellesden and others, instrumental in the King's escape, are to be paid. The like marginal note.
The Auditors [of Imprests] to be written to to despatch Sir Stephen Fox's accompts, now lying before them.
[Ibid, pp. 90-1.]