Volume 4: June 1-August 31, 1689 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 1, 1556-1696. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1868.

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Citation:

'Volume 4: June 1-August 31, 1689', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 1, 1556-1696, ed. Joseph Redington( London, 1868), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol1/pp45-65 [accessed 28 November 2024].

June 1–August 31, 1689



1689. June 1.	1. Letter of the Duke of Norfolk to the Lords of the Treasury, accompanied by a memorial to his Grace, signed by various gentlemen, both in favour of the appointment of Major Briggs as Receiver-General of the poll money, towards reducing Ireland. Dated 1 June 1689. 2 pages.
About June 1.	2. Petition of Thomas, Lord Morley and Mount Eagle, “to the Treasury;” showing that the King had been informed by the Earl of Shrewsbury of the great sufferings of the petitioner and his father, for their loyalty and service to the Crown, whereby his estate was so impaired that there was not sufficient to support the dignity and honour of his coming up to the coronation, on which His Majesty promised a pension; praying their Lordships to remind His Majesty of his promise. Minuted:—“For His Ma^tie, 1 Junii, 89, p^d 100^li. Jephson to speak with L^d Shrewsbury about it.” 1 page.
June 3.	3. Letter, signed by three officers of the Ordnance Office, to the Com^rs of Customs, desiring that 150 chaldrons of coals might be shipped for Ireland without the usual duties, except cocket money. Dated 3 June 1689. The following is in the Minute Book, Vol. I. p. 37, for the above day:—“To speak with the Board of the Ordnance when they come, upon a letter dated 3^d Ins^t, relateing to the shipping of coales for the service of Ireland.” 1 page.
June 3.	4. Letter of William Streete, Mayor of Chester, addressed to the Earl of Shrewsbury, principal Secretary of State, enclosing the several particulars relating to the prisoners in Chester Castle, and an account of the charge of transporting the Dutch soldiers for Scotland, together with a letter of attorney to Mr. George Mainwaring, M.P., to receive and give discharge for monies disbursed, amounting to 207l. 15s. 5d. Dated 3 June 1689. Accompanied by the said documents, two of which are thus headed:—“May 25, 1689. The names of the prisn^rs in the castle of Chester, and what is to bee allowed them, from the time they ware comitted till the 27^th of May 1689, at 6^d every man a day. These ware comitted the 9^th of May 1689.” “Paid by ord^r of M^r Major for y^e subsistance of y^e dragoons, over and above what there horses were sold for is as followeth, there allowance being 6^d a day.” 7 pages.
June 6.	5. A copy of a memorandum of what took place at Whitehall Treasury Chamber, on August 5, 1687, when Lord Godolphin and others were present to enquire into the conduct of Mr. Dickins, the woodward of the New Forest; of whom it had been reported to the King that he was against an address proposed to the King, for which, if true, he would be removed from his place. Certified as a true copy, 6 June 1689. Also an affidavit as to the cause of the said Major Francis Dickens being turned out of that office. Sworn 7 May, 1 Will. & Mary. 2 pages.
June 7.	6. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before them, (1) The case of George Fletcher and Thomas Hodgson, merchants of the port of Whitehaven, who had imported 460 hogsheads of tobacco, the duties on which were very considerable; praying their directions as to granting them liberty to pay the moiety then, and to give bond to pay the rest in six months, or to be allowed to warehouse the goods and pay the duty as they were sold. Minuted:—“Order'd, the Com^rs takeing care to have the duty secured, and they paying the charge of the warehouse.” (2). The case of John Hartley, grocer and haberdasher of Dublin, whose estate was seized by the Papists, except some sugar and spices, which he brought with him when he fled to England, which he prayed might be delivered to him custom free, they being in the King's warehouse at the port of Whitehaven. Minuted:—“Order'd upon his affidavit of the truth of the allegacion.” (3.) The case of Willm. Warren, fled in the like distress from Dublin, who prayed to have certain molasses delivered to him on payment of the customs, which the officers of the port of Liverpool had seized as being French, when they were alleged to be the product of English plantations in America. Minuted:—“Order'd.” (4.) The case of Samuel Traveis, who in the like distress, having imported from Dublin to Liverpool certain nutmegs, &c., prayed to have them delivered custom free. Minuted:—“Order'd.” (5.) The case of Isaac Holroid, who in like manner imported nine hogsheads of Jamaica sugar to Liverpool, and prayed to be admitted to enter them, paying only the money which he received for the half-subsidy, and whole additional duty on their exportation to Ireland. Minuted:—“Order'd.” (6.) The case of Joseph Kenn, who fled in like distress from Dublin; who imported certain yarn and raw thrown silk, and prayed that the said goods might be delivered to him on payment only of the money which he received upon his debenture on their exportation. Minuted:—“Order'd.” (7.) The case of Mr. Triall Traveis, who fled from Dublin in the like distress, and imported to Liverpool certain white Barbadoes sugar, currants, &c., and who prayed that the goods might be delivered to him on payment of the money he received back by debenture for the same. Minuted:—“Order'd.” (8.) The case of James King and Thomas Somerville, who fled in a similar manner, to whom their friends sent such haberdashery goods as could be got off, of about 100l. value; who prayed they might be delivered custom free. Minuted:—“Order'd.” Dated 7 June 1689. Relating to the last, there is an inventory by the officers of the port of Chester, of the goods of the said King and Somervill. 5 pages.
June 7.	7. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition and proposals of Sir Vere Fane Knt., Thomas Mun, and John Farthing, Esq., which made many charges of failures, defects, irregularities, and illegalities, against the management of the said Com^rs: replying that the great increase of the charge had been by the addition of officers for gauging and supervising beer and ale; for as to the imported liquors, 2s. in the pound had always been allowed for collecting the duty thereon, &c.; and there was no other increase of charge than 140l. a year for a boat at Deal, and 240l. a year for two general surveyors to inspect the ports. The late farmers were allowed for the charge of management, 56,000l. a year, but Wales and the northern counties were not under their management, but on a sub-farm, so this allowance was exclusive, and amounted to 9,000l. a year, and was exclusive also of the charge of the Com^rs patent and house officers, which came to about 11,000l. a year, which made 76,000l. a year charge, beside the allowance of 5,000l. a year for bad debts, and 10,000l. a year salary allowed to Mr. Dashwood and partners for their management; the yearly expense of the three last years of the farm for general riders, collectors, supervisors, and gaugers (Wales and the four northern counties included), came to no more than 61,361l.; but the Com^rs [in 1683], to raise the revenue, made an addition of officers, which came to 6,483l., and the revenue increased in the year ending Midsummer 1684, 38,078l., and in five years increased to 134,949l.; further expressing the opinion that it was for His Majesty's service to increase the charge, they having found that every new riding had more than trebled the officers' salary; in addition they could find no advantage in saving 1,250l. a year as aimed at by the petitioners, for they proposed to make no more than 580,000l. a year, whereas, during the last five years, there had been paid into the Exchequer 596,661l., and the last year 638,358l., and if peace and plenty continued, it was hoped the revenue would be 600,000l. a year, and finally they could not think it advisable to unhinge so considerable a revenue, that had been so successfully managed, upon the suggestions of persons wholly unacquainted with the methods and reasons of the then management. Dated 7 June 1689. Accompanied by the proposal referred to and a subordinate paper. 6 pages.
June 8.	8. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before their Lordships, (1,) That the collector of customs at Dover had informed them, that the commander of the sloop “Enquiry,” employed in the service of the customs to prevent the exportation of wool, had for some time past entertained eight men more than his complement, and dare not adventure without that number; and further, that the “Observator,” sloop, employed on the same service on the coast of Kent, could not have less than 20 additional men, by reason of the great number of French privateers upon the coast, whose chief trade was the bringing over uncustomed goods, and to carry back wool, especially from the coast of Kent and Sussex; praying that the said men might be employed, and that arms, &c., might be provided to the value of about 110l. Minuted:—“Order'd.” (2.) A memorial, exhibited by Henry Nassh, commander of the “Adventure,” smack, employed in the service of the customs between Gravesend and Margate, applying for an addition of four men and an allowance of 11l. 8s. for stores. Minuted:—“Order'd.” (3.) That John Mockford and Thomas Fowler, officers at Bourn and Pevensey in Sussex, with others, eight of whom belonged to Yarmouth, were taken prisoners by a French privateer, and the Com^rs were informed from the collector at Newhaven, that the governor at Dieppe was willing to exchange them for 11 Frenchmen who were prisoners at Seaford, and four others at Rye. Minuted:—“Lay'd before the Councill for directions to the Admiralty to take care of this exchange.” (4.) That Mr. R. L. Plastrier, a merchant, required relief from the effect of the late proclamation prohibiting the importation of French commodities, as he had given notice that he had long before ordered 30 pieces of alamode lute strings. Minuted:—“An extract of this for the Councill.” Dated 8 June 1689. Accompanied by another paper relating to the second item. 4 pages.
June 8.	9. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Thomas Atkins, praying their Lordships to grant him any of the places mentioned in a paper annexed; signifying that the salary of customer of the great and petty customs, void by the death of the Hon. Edw. Bertie, had been sunk; but because there was then surviving another officer of the same kind, viz., Timothy Thornbury, who had a right to a moiety of the casual fees of the said office, amounting to about 40l. per ann., the Com^rs were of opinion that he, performing the whole duty, might enjoy all the fees during his term therein; but the said Thornbury had been intimidated to enter into articles with one Skinner to share a moiety of the said fees with him; advising that he should be relieved from the said agreement. Dated 8 June 1689. 1½ pages.
June 8.	10. Memorial of the Com^rs of Excise and Hearth Money in favour of the supervisors and gaugers being exempted from the poll tax of 3s. in the pound. Dated 8 June 1689. Minuted:—“The Com^rs to allow these inferior officers what they have bonâ fide pay'd to the taxes for their salaries.” 2 pages.
June 9.	11. Petition to the King by His Majesty's “most loyal and dutiful subject,” (whose name does not appear), stating that for some years past he had made it his earnest study to improve the royal metal of English tin, to fit it for small coins, inclosing some reasons and proposals thereon, and praying for letters patent for the sole making and uttering the small coins mentioned in the said proposals for 21 years, and to pass the same for farthings, three-farthings, and halfpence. Dated on the dorse 9 June 1689 1 page.
June 10.	12. “An abstract of the accompt of money due to several persons for sallaries, stipends, pencions, provisions, and other expences for the service of His late Majestye King James the Second, in his household and stables, to the last day of December inclusive 1688.” With a report in favour of it being forthwith considered. Dated 10 June 1689. 2 large pages.
June 11.	13. Letter from the Vicar and Churchwardens of the parish of St. Martin-in-the-Fields to the Right Hon. Sir Henry Capell, one of the Lords of the Treasury, stating that the Crown had allowed the poor of that parish 100l. per ann., payable by privy seal out of the Exchequer; but the last letters of privy seal which authorized the payment were void by their Majesties' accession; desiring his favour for renewing the privy seal, and that the year in arrear might be inserted therein. Dated 11 June 1689. 1 page.
June 14.	14. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of James Smith, customer of the port of Chichester, praying leave to renew his patent; stating that they had nothing to object thereto. Dated 14 June 1689. Accompanied by the petition. Minuted:—“Graunted.” 1 page.
June 18.	15. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Fentzell, Francis Miller, and other merchants of London, praying to be relieved from the forfeiture of certain iron wire; advising that they should have the same favourable relief as was granted to John Key on 15 May last. Dated 18 June 1689. Minuted:—“Do as was donn in Keys case.” Accompanied by the petition. 2 half-pages.
[About 21 June.]	16. Copy of the report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Henry Davis, whose vessel, the “Henry,” from Bourdeaux with a lading of French wines, was captured by a French privateer within five leagues of Dover and carried to Calais, but was discharged; advising that the said goods should be allowed to be imported. Minuted:—“Sir Henry Capell for the Councill. 21 June 1689.” 1½ pages.
June 22.	17. Report of William Harbord, Surveyor General, addressed to the Lords [of the Treasury], on the petition of the Lady Ash, relict and executrix of Sir Joseph Ash, Bart., finding that a lease of Richmond Ferry was directed to be passed to the petitioner for 26 years, to commence from Lady Day 1692, (being the determination of a grant made to Sir Joseph Ash, her late husband,) but there was already a grant made to Charles Osborn and John Knight, Esq., trustees for the then Earl of Danby, now Marquis of Carmarthen, for 99 years, if the Queen Dowager should so long live, &c.; further stating the opinion of Mr. Sergeant Thursby, the counsel of the petitioner, that such a lease would not be valid, &c. Dated 22 June 1689. Accompanied by the petition and a previous petition, with a report on it by Sir Tho. Powis, the Attorney-General. Minuted:—“Mr. Harbord to rate the particular anew.” 5 pages.
June 25.	18. Letter from R. O. Howard to the Right Hon. the Lord Godolphin, stating that his son, being unwell, desired him to beg his Lordship to continue his charity to endeavour to get Mr. Henry Kingsmill a hundred pounds, or if he could not do that, 50l., to relieve his present necessities. Dated 25 June 1689. 1 page (quarto).
June 28.	19. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, stating that they were greatly pressed by the merchants of the city of Bristol, as well as London, concerning a deduction of 5 per cent., which had been made out of debentures upon the exportation of tobacco in roll, in consideration of the liquor and other mixtures made use of in the working the same into roll; complaining of the great hardship to them therein, as also that the said manufacture of spinning or rolling tobacco (which employs many hundreds of poor people, men, women, and children,) was not only in great danger to be lost and driven into other countries, but that such foreign manufacture stops the consumption of our Virginia tobacco, they buying only some leaves thereof to cover and wrap over the tobacco of German growth; the Com^rs report that there are principally two sorts of rolled tobacco, one that is bright and fair, and made up with very little moisture, and the other very dark coloured, and mixed with great quantity of syrups and other liquors; the former the Com^rs were informed rather abated than increased the weight by the making it into roll, the stalks which are thrown out and paid custom at importation as tobacco being more considerable than the addition of weight that is made by the moisture or other materials; the other sort, which is much darker, and moister than the former, receives so great an addition of weight by the moisture that is added in working it up, that, notwithstanding the stalks that are thrown out, it is considerably increased in weight, so that the Com^rs advise that there be no deduction at exportation on the brighter sort of roll, and upon the darker sort the 5 per cent. be continued as formerly. Dated 28 June 1689. Minuted:—“28 June 1689. The L^ds approve of the within proposall.” 2 pages.
June 28.	20. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before their Lordships:— (1.) The case of Philip Coxe, who made his escape from Sligo in Ireland, having, until the day the Lord Kingston left the town, furnished the party for defence of the town with beef on their note only, and supplied them with all the gunpowder they had, except four casks, and lead weights for ball, and mounted three soldiers at his own charge. He left on his flight 3,000l. in goods and debts behind, and brought for the support of his wife and family to the port of Liverpool 300l. worth of merchandise, for which he paid customs at their importation from France and Holland into that kingdom; praying to have the said goods delivered free of customs. (2.) The case of Holland Goddard, late a shopkeeper in Cork, fled in the like distress with similar goods in the port of Minehead. (3.) The case of David Gold, with similar goods at the same port. (4.) The case of Andrew Miller, similarly fled from Dublin, with goods in the port of Chester. (5.) The case of Willm. Warren, from the same place, with goods in the port of Liverpool. (6.) The case of Gilbert d'Lap, fled for his life from Ballyshannon to the port of Chester with similar goods. All of the above seek to have the goods delivered free of customs, and each is minuted “Agreed to.” Dated 28 June 1689. 3¼ pages.
June 28.	21. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, advising the alteration of the method of allowance upon damaged tobacco, viz., instead of the present method of certificate and repayments by the hands of the Receiver General, the damage to be deducted out of the post-entry, under such regulations and instructions as should be given by the Com^rs. Minuted:—“June 28, 1689. The L^ds agree to the within proposal.” Dated 28 June 1689. 1 page.
June 28.	22. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Christopher Barret, searcher of customs in the port of Yarmouth, for a renewal of his grant of that office, stating that they had nothing to object thereto. Dated 28 June 1689. Minuted:—“Order'd.” Accompanied by the petition. 2 pages.
June 28.	23. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Arthur Moncrief, master of an English-built ship called the “Seven Stars” of London, to be relieved from payment of the alien duty, stating that it is the same case with that of Roger Mowett, to which, by the opinion of counsel, relief was extended by warrant of 15 Aug. 1687. Dated 28 June 1689. Minuted:—“Orderd.” Accompanied by the petition and the opinion referred to, which was upon the question,—Whether a Scotchman born, but being an inhabitant, and having a family here in England, shall not be deemed His Majesty's subject of England? 4 pages.
July 2.	24. Copy of the report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, en the petition of John Field, Esq., alderman of Hull, and Arthur Robinson, merchant of York, who prayed to be permitted to enter certain wines, &c., shipped by them in a foreign ship from Bourdeaux, on payment of alien duties, signifying that in the Dutch war in 1672 the Act of Navigation was dispensed with in this point, and the like toleration was given as was desired by the petitioner, and that they had nothing to object to a similar favour to him. Dated 2 July 1689. 1½ pages.
July 2.	25. Report of three officers of the Mint to the Lords of the Treasury, stating that they had perused the patent of “the Roettiers, engravers of the Mint,” and that they found that the same was granted in 1669 to John, Joseph and Phillip Roettiers, three brothers, for engraving and making all sorts of effigies and designs, for gold and silver coins and medals, &c., with a salary of 450l. per ann.; that the salary of 325l. per ann. had been confirmed by their present Majesties in 1689; that Joseph left England about 10 years since, and was employed in the Mint in Paris; that Phillip left England about Feb. 1684–5, and was then in the Mint at Brussels; and that John, the eldest brother (and reputed the best artist of the three) had continued ever since in this Mint, and had two sons, James and Norbertus, whom he had bred up in this “science,” so that the same payment of 325l. had continued; further acquainting their Lordships that the said John was about to retire to Brussels, having lost the use of his right hand by the shrinking of the “tendents” (tendons), and certifying that the sons were proficients in their father's art, with whom they had jointly wrought upon the puncheons and dies for the Mint for several years; and had, without his assistance, engraved their present Majesties' great seal, and made the puncheons and dies for the coronation medals and for the coins of gold and silver that had hitherto been prepared. Dated 2 July 1689. Minuted:—“The officers of the Mint to enquire after other engravers to serve & to come to the L^ds when they are ready.” In the Minute Book, Vol. I., are the following minutes: (P. 54.) 28 June 1689.—“The officers of the Mint to give an account of the patent to Rotiers, the engravers at the Tower, what terme, whether for lyfe or pleasure, & what salary & how they have & do behave themselves in the office.” (P. 62.) 9 July 1689.—“A war^t to Mr. Bowers to make a puncheon for the halfe guinneys, & to work it in the Mint, reciting the presentment from the officers of the Mint about the Rotiers, and the war^ts to be shew'd to Mr. Atturney for his opinion upon it.” 2 pages.
July 4.	26. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Martin, of Plymouth, Esq., praying a new grant of the office of searcher of that port, against a Mr. Kemp, who also claimed the said office, submitting the matter to their Lordships' favourable consideration, the petitioner desiring to pass a patent for pleasure, to enable him to try the validity of Kemp's patent. Dated 4 July 1689. Accompanied by the petition and four other papers. Minuted:—“Kemp must continue in this place.” Mr. Attorney to bring a scire facias. In the Minute Book, Vol. I. p. 73, on 26 July 1689, is the following:— “In the case betweene Kemp & Martin concerning the office of searcher of Plimouth, councell on both sides were heard, & Mr. Stephens' petition was read. The L^ds order'd that Kemp should be continued in the possession, and that Mr. Atturney be desir'd to bring a scire facias ag^st Kempe's pattent, upon the matter of corrupt purchasing the pattent, alleadged by M^r Martin's councell.” 7 pages.
July 4.	27. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, in favour of allowing Mr. Gilbert Delap, merchant in Ballyshannon, in Ireland, to land 30 quarter-casks of brandy at the port of Chester, free of duty, he having fled from Ireland, where he had paid the import duty. Dated on the back 4 July 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” 1 page.
July 5.	28. Letters and other papers relating to prisoners confined in Chester Castle. In one of these letters apprehensions were expressed that “those poore wretches would starve” if there were a delay in the payments; and another contains a list of their names. Dated between 1 and 5 July 1689. On the dorse:—“Ordered to be paid out of secret service.” 5 parts of pages (4 are quarto).
July 9.	29. Copy of a letter of [the Earl of] Nottingham addressed to Mr. Ludolfe, desiring him to procure the Prince of Denmark's signature to certain papers, and then to give them to the King to forward by that night's post, with instructions not to deliver the last, which contains “His Highness actual release and discharge of the baillages, unless there be an absolute necessity for it,” &c. Dated 9 July [16]89. 1 page (quarto).
July 10.	30. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Roger Clutterbuck, searcher of the customs in the port of Southampton, praying the renewal of the grant of the said office, stating that he had executed his duties well, and that they had nothing to object to the renewal of the grant. Dated 10 July 1689. Minuted:—“Graunted.” 2 pages.
July 10.	31. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, advising that Robert Hall and Robert Tayer, late customers of the port of Chichester, should be prosecuted till their grant was avoided by law, and that no salary be paid to them; and further, that a commission should be issued to enquire what frauds, &c., had been committed by them in that office. Dated 10 July 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to the report.” 1½ pages.
July 12.	32. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Matthias Miller, gentleman, who had been controller of customs of Carlisle for about 17 years, and prayed to be admitted to the office of searcher there, stating that they had already reported favourably on the petition of Nehemiah Williamson for that office, but advising the renewal of the petitioner's grant of the office he then held. Dated 12 July 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” Accompanied by the petition. 2 pages.
13 July.	33. Letter of Lady Cleveland addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, praying them “to direct the hastening her report from His Majesty's Councell, concerning her rent, out of the profitts of the Post Office.” Dated 13 July 1689. The Minute Book, Vol. I., contains the following entries on Lady Cleveland's affairs:— 1st. 13 Sept. 1689 (p. 105).—“Major Wildman desires to know of the Lords, whether the paying the Dutch^s of Cleveland's mony in one entire sum presently, at the post office, will not prejudice the Kings affaires; because he is ordered to hyre vessells, and must pay sallarys at Quarter Day, and usually paies money weekly into the Exchequere. The Lords comand him not to pay any mony on her Graces warr^t, till further order, & resolve to speak to the King about the paym^t of that pension, when Mr. Attorney is here.” 2nd. 29 Jan. 1689–90 (p. 205).—“A direction to Maj^r Wildman to pay one quarter to Lady Cleveland in 3 weeks tyme.” 3rd. 5 Feb. 1689–90 (p. 211).—“Send to Mr. Atturney and Mr. Sollicit^r for the report in my Lady Cleveland's case, to send it if they can possibly, tyme enough to carry to Kensington this afternoone.” 1 page (quarto).
July 15.	34. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before them. (1.) The copy of a receipt for 13l. 13s. 6d., paid by the collector of the port of Scarborough to Col. John Darcy and Capt. Chr. Tanckard, for the use of the King, concerning which the collector desired the Com^rs order for applying the same to his account. Minuted:—“Agreed.” (2.) The case of Robert, Lord Baron of Kingston, lately fled out of Ireland, having left all he had there but some plate, which he brought to Liverpool and desired might be delivered custom free. Minuted:—“Agreed to. (3.) Information as to certain powder on a ship then clearing at Plymouth, with other goods from Holland, for Boston in New England, and praying directions as to whether it might be convenient to suffer the said powder to be carried to those parts, not knowing in what condition the Government of New England stood. Dated 15 July 1689. Minuted:—“for the Com[mi]ttee Plantac[i]ons.” Accompanied by the receipt above referred to. 1½ pages and a few lines.
July 15.	35. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of William Hall, praying to be relieved against the forfeiture of a parcel of iron wire, imported at Newcastle as steel wire, advising the same relief as was granted on 15 May to Mr. Key. Dated 15 July 1689. Minuted:—“Graunted.” Accompanied by the petition. 2 pages.
July 16.	36. Report of Anthony Rowe, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Sir Thomas Beaumont, Bart. stating that he remembered the said Sir Thomas was made lieut. colonel to Col. Beveridges regiment of Dragoons, and that there were two troops nearly complete, when they were disbanded and he believed all the expenses were incurred by Sir Thomas, who received nothing, but Col. Beveridge received 100l. for levy money; expressing the opinion that Sir Thomas ought to have had the money. This is written on the back of the petition. Dated 16 July 1689. Minuted:—“Respited.” 2 pages.
July 17.	37. Report of Mr. William Harbord, Surveyor-General, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the value of the ferry at Richmond, setting out much that is stated in the previous report of 22 June, and estimating the fine for the reversion of the leases of the said ferry at 20l.; but the charge of passing the lease would exceed that sum. Dated 17 July [16]89. [See the other report 22 June.] Minuted:—“Agreed according to the Report.” 1½ pages.
July 17.	38. Petition of Dame Margaret Hay, administratrix of the estate of the late Earl of Kinnoul and guardian to the then Earl and his two sisters; showing that the King had granted to William the late Earl the farm of all customs, subsidies of poundage and other duties, “for all smalts, borillias, or saffers and pot ashes” imported and exported, for 31 years, from Lady Day 1664, of which grants five years and a quarter had to run; praying no grant might pass until petitioner was heard by her counsel. Minuted:—“A caveat may be enter'd.” Accompanied by an abstract of the grants to the said late Earl. Docquetted:—“July 17, 1689, E. of Kinnoul's case about a petty farme of the customs.” Minuted:—“When the revenue is settled His Ma^tie will consider of it.” 2 pages.
July 19.	39. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, stating that Mr. Duxbury, Mr. Leeson, and Mr. Kaine, lately fled from Dublin, had imported into the ports of Liverpool and Chester several pieces of old and new drapery all of Irish manufacture, and desired they might be delivered custom free. Dated 19 July 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” 1 page.
July 22.	40. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, submitting to their Lordships' consideration the petition of Matthew Alured for the place of searcher of the port of Plymouth, and stating that he was well qualified for the place. Dated 22 July 1689. Accompanied by the petition. 2 half pages.
July 23.	41. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Derick Storck, body-coachman to His Majesty, setting forth that there was a certain small duty payable to the King upon the importation of coach horses, coach mares, and coach geldings, and that the said duty usually had been granted by the King's predecessors to the body-coachmen to their royal persons, praying His Majesty to grant him the said duty, amounting to about 40l. per ann.: as it had so been granted in the two last reigns, if the King pleased they had nothing to object thereto. Dated 23 July 1689. Minuted:—“Know if His Ma^tie please to give it to this one coachman.” “Graunted.” 2 pages.
[About July 23.]	42. Petition of Charles Chetwind, gent. (signed), addressed to the King, shewing that he had been deprived of his office of registrar to the Court, in the marches of Wales, worth 200l. per ann., praying that he might have a warrant to pass a patent for the office of surveyor of the green wax, for which office he had been certified as fitted. Without date, but referred, 23 July 1689, by the King to the Lords of the Treasury, “he being graciously inclined to gratify the pet^r in his request.” 1 page.
July 27.	43. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Needler, controller of the great and petty customs in the port of London, praying for a renewal of his patent for that office; stating that they had nothing to object thereto. Dated 27 July 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” Accompanied by the petition. 1½ pages.
July 30.	44. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Richard Evans, searcher of the port of Milford, stating that they had nothing to object to the renewal to him of the grant of that office which he had held for many years. Dated 30 July 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” Accompanied by the petition and another report of 6 April in the same terms. 3 pages.
July 30.	45. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, in favour of the supervisors and gaugers in London and within the weekly bills of mortality, and the inferior officers in the Excise Office, receiving the same indulgence as was granted by warrant of 11 June last, to supervisors and gaugers, viz., exemption from paying the poll tax of 3s. in the 1l. Dated 30 July 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” 1 page.
July 30.	46. A letter from the Duke of Bolton to the Lords of the Treasury, respecting the office of woodward in the New Forest, in the county of Southampton, granted to Thomas Dore, gent. Dated 30 July 1689. 1 page.
Aug. 2.	47. Report of Sir George Treby, Attorney-General, on the petition of Lord William Powlet, for a grant of the revenue of green wax for 41 years, at the rent of 500l. per annum, recommending exceptions to be made if the grant pass. Dated 2 Aug. 1689. Minuted:—“The King will ask the judges & Councell.” 2 pages.
Aug. 3.	48. Report of R. Marriott, deputy auditor, addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition (annexed) of John Digby, gent., setting forth that he had always been a very good Protestant, and for several years served the Crown very faithfully as clerk to the trustees for the sale of fee-farm rents, praying their Lordships' warrant to execute the place of receiver of that small part of the revenue left unsold of Hereford, Worcester, Stafford, and Salop, which office was void since the death of King Charles the Second, but executed without authority by one Edward Collins, who had never accounted, but was in great arrear, certifying that the petitioner was a very fit person for the office; further acquainting their Lordships that there was a petition of one John Collins, son of the said Edward Collins, referred to him, praying for the same place, which, together with the said auditor's report, are annexed. The report asserts the unfitness of father and son for the office. Dated 3 Aug. 1689. Accompanied also by a certificate of the Mayor of Hereford and others in favour of the said Collins. Minuted:—“Agreed to that Digby be made rec^r & Collins brought forthwith to account.” 8½ pages.
Aug. 5.	49. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Vernon of Dublin, merchant, on behalf of himself and several other distressed Protestants, lately come from thence, praying the relaxation of the custom duties in their favour; advising that if their Lordships saw fit to favour the petitioners, the beef imported might remain in the King's warehouse until the petitioners could export it for the fleet and army in Ireland, or export it to a foreign market; that the petitioners might enter the new drapery on payment of custom ad valorem; that the vinegar might be delivered custom free, and that the tobacco might be exported for the service of the fleet and navy in Ireland, notwithstanding the embargo. Dated 5 Aug. 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to, in all but the last part, relating to the embargo, w^ch must be transmitted to the Councell.” Accompanied by the petition. 3 pages.
Aug. 3 and 5.	50. Four papers relating to the payment of 66l. 14s. 6d., which Alderman Mainwaring was authorized by William Street, Mayor of Chester, to receive from the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Principal Secretary of State, that sum having been disbursed on account of prisoners in Chester Castle. Two dated 5 Aug. and one 3 Aug. 1689. One of the papers is a list of “the names of the disbanded Papists in prison, in the castle of Chester.” 3½ pages.
Aug. 7.	51. Report of Lord Ranelagh to the King, on the petition of Michael Dobinson, quartermaster and ensign of H.R.H. Prince George, hereditary Prince of Denmark's regiment of foot, lately broken by the King's order, praying on account of his 24 years service, the loss of an arm and other wounds, to be admitted to half pay; recommending him as a proper object of charity and bounty. Dated 7 Aug. 1689. Referred to Lord Ranelagh. On the dorse:—“13 April 1692, to be laid before the Queen.” Also the petition and two certificates. 4 pages.
Aug. 8.	52. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, acquainting them that in accordance with their Lordships' pleasure, they had put a stop to Mr. Pigott and Mr. Carter going to visit the outports, but were greatly surprised to receive two warrants to establish two other persons in their place as surveyors of the landwaiters, and this without any charge or hearing since their approval by this board, which also left the Com^rs in some suspense as to naming others to the service of visiting the outports; that the dismission of the said persons from their employment so soon after they had approved themselves to the Board, which was always looked upon to be the immediate judge of the officers' behaviour, occasions much discouragement, and might tend greatly to the prejudice of their Majesties' service, by setting them loose from their duty, and their dependence on the Board, whose business it had always been to instruct and direct, as well as to punish and correct them, by suspension, dismission, or otherwise; further, that a due knowledge and choice of the officers is one of the most essential parts of the duty of this Commission in the management of the customs; that all former Commissions had the power of constituting as well as dismissing the officers until the year 1671, and the Com^rs of Excise still retain the same authority; and though this Commission obtained warrants from the Lords of the Treasury for the constitution of deputed officers, yet the general course had been not to grant such warrants but upon the presentment or approbation of this Board; further, reminding their Lordships of their former presentment, showing the inconvenience of giving characters and of reporting the qualifications of persons for employments before such employments were actually void. Dated 8 Aug. 1689. Accompanied by a copy of the presentment referred to. The following minutes relating to this case are in the Minute Book, Vol. I. p. 78, on 2 Aug. 1689:— “Order'd by the L^ds that M^r Ward be made a land surveyour in the port of London, in the roome of Pigott, & Coll. Parsons in the roome of Carter. “Write to the Com^rs of the Customs to stopp the sending of Pigott & Carter, from going to visitt the out-ports.” 3 pages.
Aug. 13.	53. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Lovett, late of Dublin, who, owing to the troubles in Ireland, had been driven to import certain hides from thence to London, and desired to be allowed to ship them to Holland; advising that he be permitted to export the same, as he originally intended. Dated 13 Aug. 1689. Accompanied by the petition and an affidavit. Minuted:—“Graunted.” 2 pages and 2 half-pages.
Aug. 13.	54. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Robert Bampton, linendraper, about certain fine point and Flanders lace, taken out of his house by the officers of customs, as prohibited goods; praying that they might be restored; stating that the petitioner's wife was sworn the Queen's lace-woman, and that the greatest part of the goods were in her possession since the coronation, and the rest above three months; that she provided them for Her Majesty's service, and that they were not the importers; advising that they deserve their Lordships' favourable consideration. Dated 13 Aug. 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” Accompanied by the petition, an affidavit, and a letter. 4 pages.
Aug. 15.	55. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, laying before their Lordships the copy of a receipt under the hand of John Trenchard, Esq., for 8,029l. 5s. 4d. paid to him by Sir William Poole, late collector of Bristol, for His Majesty's use when Prince of Orange, and two other receipts for 60l. paid by Mr. Tho. Swanton, late collector of Falmouth, to Sir Joseph Tredenham, and 240l. more paid to the order of Anthony Rowe, Esq., for His Majesty's use; praying that the collector's accounts might be discharged thereof by privy seal. Dated 15 Aug. 1689. On the dorse:—“For his Ma^tie.” Accompanied by the said receipts and another paper relating thereto. 2 pages and 3 parts of pages.
Aug. 15.	56. Copy of the 6th article of the treaty between the Crown of England and Denmark, concluded at Copenhagen 15 Aug. 1689, viz., as to the amount the forces from Denmark were to receive. ¾ page. Also a memorandum of the names of some merchants recommended to return the money to Denmark. ¼ page.
Aug. 16.	57. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on certain proposals for improving the revenue of customs, viz.:— (1.) To put any officer who should convict his superior officer of fraud into his place; replying that it was not practicable, for instance, an illiterate tidesman might detect an officer of fraud whose employment he was no ways qualified for. (2.) Respecting compounding of seizures by letters of licence, &c.; replying that the proposer knows very little of the law or practice of the Court of Exchequer, touching compositions by licence upon informations of seizure; for by law no composition could be made by the seizer under one-third of the appraised value, &c. (3.) Touching masters reporting their vessels upon oath at the custom-house, and their being prosecuted for false reports; stating that every purser or master was liable to forfeit 100l. for a false report of the lading the vessel, and if a merchant unshipped his goods before payment of the duties, he forfeited the same. (4.) For the establishing a comptroller of all the ports of England; replying that they lately acquainted their Lordships that they thought the business better performed by sending experienced officers to visit the out-ports, than by establishing a Surveyor-General; and as to the money in the hands of the collectors, they had a sufficient account thereof by the monthly abstracts. (5.) That the customs at Amsterdam were managed with fewer officers than here, and proposing a retrenchment of superfluous officers, to save many thousands per ann., replying that the revenue there was under very loose management till lately, and subject to great fraud, but there had been a considerable increase of the number of officers, and besides, the situation of the place bore no comparison with the port of London for conveniency, for saving officers, and preventing frauds; but they always endeavoured to reduce the officers as far as they could safely. (6.) Touching officers who act by deputies, particularly instancing the head searcher of Gravesend, proposing to take off the superfluous salaries of those officers; replying that there was no head searcher at Gravesend, but two patent searchers, at a salary of 12l. per ann. each, and that they and all the patent officers who had salaries out of the Exchequer had power to act by deputy. Dated 16 Aug. 1689. Accompanied by the said proposals. 5 pages and 2 half pages.
Aug. 16.	58. Petition of Isaac Beaulieu to the Lords of the Treasury, showing that he had left his estate, his parents, and country for the sake of his religion, and came to England, and was recommended by Lord Godolphin to be a “landwaiter,” &c.: praying that the promise made to him of the next vacancy might be performed. Dated (on the dorse), Aug. 16, 1689. Indorsed:—“Rcm^d to Com^rs Customs for the next vacancy if qualify'd.” A quarto page.
Aug. 17.	59. Report of Mr. Harbord to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of George Fairclough, physician, expressing his opinion that the surgeon of each regiment should have a chest of medicaments always ready for service. Dated 17 Aug. 1689. The petition is addressed to the Lords of the “Privy Council appointed a Committee for the affairs of Ireland,” and shows that the petitioner had been physician and surgeon to the regiment of Col. Charles Herbert, and that there was due to him for chest money 44l. 4s., and further, that he was then sent up from Chester by the Duke of Schomberg with an express to His Majesty, with command to return with convenient speed; praying to be allowed 6s. 8d. a day, and speedy payment of the chest money. Referred to Lord Ranelagh by the said Lords of the Committee, on 13 Aug. 1689, and by Lord Ranelagh to Mr. Harbord 16 Aug. 1689, and by him reported on as above. 2 pages. [This petition is a beautiful specimen of caligraphy.]
[? About Aug. 19.]	60. Sir Robert Howard's certificate of what moneys were paid to Mr. Jephson, for secret service, from 11 April 1689, to 19 Aug. 1689, viz., 38,879l. 10s. ½ page.
Aug. 21.	61. Certificate signed by R. Marriott, d[eputy] auditor, signifying the state of the revenue of the counties of Hereford, Stafford, Salop, and Worcester, and further that 500l. would be sufficient security for the petitioner, [John Digby, jun., of the parish of St. Dunstan's in the West, London, gent.,] with his sureties, to be bound in. Dated 21 Aug. 1689. Accompanied by a memorandum containing the proposal in relation to the sureties. 2 pages.
Aug. 21.	62. The case of Col. Matthew Alured, in the nature of a petition for restoration to one of the two customers' places at Hull, accompanied by a certificate of Wm. Lowndes, in relation to the same. Dated 21 Aug. [16]89. Minuted:—“A Coms^ion to be issued to try by inquisition the validity of Tempest[s] grant,” &c. 2½ pages.
Aug. 22.	63. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the reason for displacing Mr. Francis White, acquainting their Lordships that they called before them about 30 landwaiters who were in posession, and 200 petitioners referred by their Lordships to them for vacancies in the said place, but the numbers being so great, they could not set down the distinct character of each; but having taken their own private notes upon each person as the examination passed, the board agreed in their dissatisfaction as to Mr. Francis White, and that was the ground of his dismissal. Further, the board had no objection to Mr. William Pollard, nor against a great number of other petitioners, who should have been recommended, if there had been vacancies, and they would present him on the first vacancy. Dated 22 Aug. 1689. 1 page.
Aug. 22.	64. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Rowe, praying to be appointed a King's waiter in the port of Bristol, in the room of Mr. Browne lately deceased, stating they had nothing to object to his fitness. Dated 22 Aug. 1689. Minuted:—“Graunted to Mr. Rowe.” Accompanied by the petition. 2 pages.
Aug. 22.	65. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Mr. Culliford, offering his service to visit the western ports, instead of Mr. Carter and Mr. Pigot dismissed; stating that they saw no cause to depart from their late report, in which they stated that the service could be better performed, and that they intended to despatch two persons already in employment in the Customs upon that service. Dated 22 Aug. 1689. Minuted:—“To go pro hac vice (but the office not to be establish'd), with a comp^t daily allowance of 30s. for the tyme he is employed.” Accompanied by the petition. 2 pages.
Aug. 23.	66. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the complaint made against Mr. Chr. Warren, customer of Plymouth, for his neglect in letting the two French commanders escape which were brought in by the “Nonsuch” frigate and committed to his care; transmitting his written defence, with various affidavits, together with another affidavit that has reference to the Deputy Governor, Sir Nicholas Stanning; and stating upon the whole matter that they could not charge him with any concurrence or wilful crime in relation to the said escape; yet, considering the great importance of the charge committed to him, they thought him guilty of many instances of great neglect, for which they recommended his present suspension. Dated 23 Aug. 1689. [The escape was effected by filing through an iron bar of an inch square, and by a small boat or yawl. The two prisoners were the Chevalier de Forbin and Monsieur Burt.] The above is accompanied by the answer of the said Chr. Warren to the charge against him, 22 depositions and certificates, and, in addition:— (1.) A letter of 14 May 1689, from the said Warren to the Com^rs of Customs, giving an account of the capture by the “Nonsuch” (after a smart engagement of two hours, during which the captain and master were both killed,) of the two French men-of-war which then remained in “Hammose,” the prisoners, being about 100 (except the wounded), remaining on board the “Nonsuch”; further giving an account of his endeavour to get a convenient habitation for them, and stating that the two men-of-war had under their convoy about 16 merchant ships from Havre-de-Grace, the greatest part of which would have been taken, only night came on, it being nearly half-past 5 o'clock on Sunday when the engagement began, &c. (2.) A petition from the said Warren to the Com^rs, praying, if they had any doubt of his zeal or honesty, after reading his answer and proofs, that he might have a hearing. (3.) A certificate of the Earl of Bath, speaking in high terms of the petitioner. (4.) Copy of an order to Captain Warren to come up and make answer to the charge. On the same paper as a letter relating to the charge of prizes and prize goods. (5.) Copy of a letter by the petitioner to a Mr. Smalley, asking him to use the utmost diligence in the pursuit of the prisoners. Dated 30 July 1689. (6.) Interrogatories, in order to the discovery of the manner of the escape of the two French captains. Minuted:—“Send to the Com^rs of the Customs to know if they have any objections to the continuing Mr. Warren in his place.” 36 pages, or parts of pages.
Aug. 23.	67. Letter of Mr. Dickins, addressed to Wm. Jephson, Esq., stating that he had received a copy of Mr. Dore's charge against him, which consisted of so many particulars, and for crimes committed several years past, that he could not possibly be provided for a hearing by the next morning. His witnesses and papers were in Hampshire, and he would require at least a fortnight before he could be prepared; requesting longer time. Dated “Friday morning, August 23th, 1689.” Minuted:—“Putt off to Friday next.” On the 30th of Aug. 1689 is the following entry in the Minute Book, Vol. I. p. 98;— “Major Dickins and Mr. Dore called in, &, upon hearing the case, the L^ds do not fynd any cause to remove Maj^r Dickins from his place of woodward of the New Forest.” 1 page (quarto).
Aug. 24.	68. Certificate, signed by Bartholomew Fillingham and Edmund Woodruff, setting forth the amounts of the charge on Mr. Augustin Briggs, Receiver General of the present aid for the county of Norfolk. Dated 24 Aug. 1689. Docquetted:—Cert. of the agents that Mr. Briggs, Rec^r. of the aide for Norfolk had paid 10,000l. of 10,341l. 3s. 6d. 1 page.
Aug. 24.	69. Report of Thomas Neale, and another officer of the Mint, stating that they had considered the petition of James Ellis, a second clerk to the Warden of the Mint, and that he was appointed by reason that the first clerk's time was taken up in discovering and prosecuting counterfeiters, &c.; further testifying to his capability and attention to his duties. Dated 24 Aug. 1689. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” Accompanied by his petition, which prayed that he might have his warrant renewed by his present Majesty. 2 pages.
Aug. 28.	70. Letter to Sidney Lord Godolphin, from William Culliford, saying that he cannot pay the charge of going his survey under 40s. a day; and it further refers to his pay for his “charge of buying horses.” Dated on the dorse 28 Aug. 1689. 1 page (quarto).
Aug. 29.	71. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of John Starkey, junr., praying the grant of the office of petty customer in the port of London, stating that Mr. Randolph Wilmer, who last held the office, did not qualify himself by taking the test, and that they would not advise the renewing his grant, but did not object to the petitioner. Dated 29 Aug. 1689. Minuted:—“The L^ds will stay till a report comes from the Com^rs Customs on Willmers petition.” Accompanied by the petition, which states that he was the son of John Starkey, who was forced to fly into Holland and lived in exile for six years. 1½ pages.
Aug. 31.	72. Copy of certificate, showing that John Digby, junr., gent., Receiver General of their Majesties' land revenues in Cornwall, Hereford, Salop, and Stafford, had put in security for the execution of the office. Entered in the office of Sir Joseph Seymour, Knt., 31 Aug. 1689. ½ page.