Volume 52: March 19-May 9, 1690 | British History Online

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

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'Volume 52: March 19-May 9, 1690', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 2, 1697-1702, ed. Joseph Redington( London, 1871), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol2/pp145-158 [accessed 24 November 2024].

March 19–May 9, 1690



1697–8. [? About March 19.]	1. Petition of Thomas Newport, one of the conductors, and several others, who belonged to the train for provisions in Ireland under the command of the Duke of Schonberg. Their honours had ordered Mr. Shales, the commissary, 510l. about four years since, to pay the petitioners; but they received only 25l.: prays that the commissary's son (the father being dead) should appear, to show cause why the remainder was detained. Minuted:—“Rc^d 19 Mar. '97/8;.” 1 page.
March 22.	2. Presentment by the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on a case of some difficulty, viz., as to whether a parcel of wines imported from St. Sebastian's and entered as Spanish wines were not really French wines; leaving it to their Lordships to give directions to prosecute the case or not. Dated 22 March 1697–8. Accompanied by two testimonials and an affidavit relating thereto. Minuted:—“Read 8 Apr. '98. The Com^rs are to try ye cause at ye K. charge. M^r Att. & M^r Soll^r will advise.” In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 141, 8 April 1698, is a minute in nearly the same words. 7 pages.
March 24.	3. Report to the Lords Justices in Ireland on the construction and meaning of the Act relating to the forfeiture of the estates of persons dying in rebellion against the King; giving their reasons for their conclusions. Dated 24 March 1697–8. Accompanied by the queries submitted to them. 6½ pages.
1698. [About March 25 and June 8.]	4. Petition of Sir Wm. Lowther, of Great Preston, in the county of York, to the Lords of the Treasury, for 385l. 11s. 6d., being arrears due to his sons John and Thomas, who were both dead, having served in reducing Ireland and in the West Indies. Minuted:—“Ref. to ye Earl of Ranelagh for so much as concerns his office, and to ye L^d Coningsby & M^r Fox, for what concernes any Irish arrears. “25 Mar '98. To be p^d out of hackney coach m^o, when it comes in, but y^e report is to be look't out.” Three other papers on the same subject, one of which is a copy of warrant, dated 8 June 1698. 4 pages.
March 25.	5. Report of the Earl of Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Capt. David Ward, praying payment of 59l. 1s. 3d. due to him for arrears as ensign in the first regiment of Guards; submitting the matter to their Lordships. Dated 25 March 1698. (Two enclosures.) Minuted:—“6 May 1698. 50^li out of hackney coaches.” The minute is also entered in the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 161, 6 May 1698. Parts of 4 pages.
March 25.	6. “Importacions of wrought silks from India, in the yeares '93, '94, '95, and from Micħs '96 to Lady-day 1698.” The above is the docquet of a paper signed by “Will. Culliford, Insp^r Gen^ll. 2 pages.
[? About March 31.]	7. Petition of Edward Harries, Esq., to the Lords of the Treasury, for the payment of 100l., the remainder of 140l. disbursed for the King's service. Minuted:—“Ult. Mar. '98. To have 40^li more as the former was p[ai]d.” 1 page.
March 31.	8. “An acc^t of w^t mony the Cashier of the Victuall hath received from the Treasurer of the Navy, since the 1^st of Jan. 1696–7 to the last of March 1698.” 1½ pages.
March 31.	9. “An account of Exchequer bills and mony received by the Treasurer of His Maj^ties Navy (out of the Exchequer), between the 1^st of January 1697 & the 31^st of March 1698 inclusive.” 1 page.
Nov. 17, 1697, to March 1698.	10 and 11. Papers drawn up at intervals of a few days between 17 Nov. 1697 and [ ] March 1697–8, entitled:—“Specie cash in the managem^t of the Trustees for exchanging Exchequer bills,” pursuant to the second and third contracts made with the Lords of the Treasury. 8 pages.
April 1.	12. Letter of the Com^rs of the Navy to William Lowndes, Esq., in reply to the commands of the Lords of the Treasury, to treat with the Eastland merchants and other creditors of the navy upon the course concerning the terms on which they would accept the tallies on the additional impositions; they had desired the merchants to give their answer in writing, and they had done so. Dated 1 April 1698. Also, the copy of their letter declining to take the tallies, except at the full interest of 35 per cent. Minuted:—“On Thursday morn Com^rs to attend.” In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 140, 7 April 1698, is:—“Com^rs of Navy. Their letter with that of ye Eastland merchants, insisting to have all the interest due (ab^t 35 p. c.) on their tallys on the add^ll imposic[i]ons are read. M^r Dodington saies they wilbe paid ab^t 6 or 7 years hence.” 4 pages.
April 1.	13. Letter of the Officers of Ordnance to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the refusal of the contractors to receive salt tallies for their debt (15,000l.), and their offer to receive half of the same debt in those tallies, and the other in money; enclosing a letter presented by Col. Goore; also respecting the hardship of their arrears (80,000l.). Dated 1 Apr. 1698. Accompanied by the letter. There is a long minute on this in the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 137, 5 April 1698, and their Lordships were of opinion that when these contractors had further considered the matter they would readily accept those tallies. 2 pages.
April 4.	14. Letter from Mr. James Vernon to the Lords of the Treasury, conveying the King's commands for the grant to Greenwich Hospital of a fine of 100l. (set upon Captain Thomas Smith for embezzling naval stores), as was desired by the Lords of the Admiralty. (One enclosure.) Dated 4 Apr. '98. Minuted:—“Order'd.” 2 pages.
April 4.	15. Letter from the same to the same, communicating the King's instructions to them, to give orders for the payment of 300l. to the Countess of Clancartie, for her “present occasions.” Dated 4 April '98. In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 139, 6 April 1698, is:—“300^li to the Countess of Clancarty, out of secret service.” 1 page (quarto).
[About April 4.]	16. Petition of Thomas Rudge, gent., seeking to be appointed receiver of the King's revenue in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Rec^d 4 April '98. Minuted:—“To be considered when my Lords settle all the Rec^ts of ye Land Revenue.” 1 page.
April 4.	17. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Raynold Brandt, merchant, touching a parcel of cony tail hair, seized by one of the searchers of the port of London, on which they had made a previous report. On the last hearing there seemed some colour for his being misled by one of the clerks of the Custom-house, in making his entry. Dated 4 April 1698. Also the former report, the petition, “A true state of the case,” another petition and report, a duplicate of the true state of the case, and two other papers. Minuted:—“Agreed to y^e last rep^t. W^t signed 29^th April 1698.” 9½ pages.
April 5.	18. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Francis Castleton and others, seeking for a noli prosequi to be entered in respect of certain linen imported as Holland linen, which should have been called narrow Germany linen, and which on its export contained less in amount than the certificate mentioned; expressing the opinion that it was an innocent mistake, and not objecting to the grant of the favour. Dated 5 April 1698. Accompanied by the petition. Minuted:—“Agreed.” 2 pages.
April 6.	19. Report of the Earl of Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of the Marquis de Puisar, relating to the sea subsistence and arrears of pay due to the reduced serjeants, drummers, and private men of the regiment of foot under his command then in Ireland. The amount demanded was 1,172l. 18s. 9d., and he had no objection to their Lordships ordering it. Dated 6 April 1698. (Two enclosures.) Minuted:—“8 Ap. '98. 200^li to be paid on this mem^ll upon acc^t, before it can be layd before ye K. Read 20 Ap. '98. The K. orders 200^li more to be p[ai]d.” In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 141, 8 April 1698, is:—“Marq^s de Puissar 200 upon acco^t of his mem^ll.” Again at p. 161, 6 May 1698:—“200^l more to Marq^s Puissar, for sea pay due to sold^rs disbanded of his reg^t.” And again, at p. 169, 13 May 1698:—“200^l [for the same].” 3 pages.
April 6.	20. Letter signed Benjamin Mathew, addressed to Mr. Clayton, at Sir Robert Howard's, in St. Stephen's Court, Westminster. When he was at Wellingborough, gleaning up the remains of the tax, an Exchequer bill was brought, exactly of the shape of the one enclosed; he had the bill in his custody, and could soon take up the collector if directed, but desired directions, “as the villany was plain.” Dated Daventry, 6 April 1698. Also the said copy of the bill. Minuted:—“To the Rec^r to attend my Lords in ten days, with the suspected bill in his hand, & to speak to the Coll^r to come with him.” There is also the same minute in the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 142, on 12 April 1698. ½ page and 6 lines.
April 7.	21. Report of Richard Taylor to the Trustees for the circulating and exchanging Exchequer bills, about certain counterfeit Exchequer bills. Dated 7 April 1698. In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 163, 11 May 1698, is an account of the depositions of one Eliz^a Jenkins as to a “5^li bill of ye Excheq^r made 60^li,” and the proceedings are introduced by Mr. Taylor. 1 page.
April 8.	22. “Auditor Done's report on y^e petition of the Deputy Chamberlains, touching their fees for joining and entring of tallies.” Dated 8 April 1698. Also the petition. Minuted;—“A warr^t as usuall for this allowance. W^t signed.” 2½ pages.
April 8.	23. Letter of the Com^rs of the Navy to the Earl of Orford. The Lords of the Admiralty had confirmed the estimate for rebuilding the ship “Sovereign;” sends the estimate and desires him to procure the money from the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 8 April '98. Also the estimate. 2 pages.
April 8.	24. Report of the Earl of Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of Mr. Huguetan, praying for 150l. for the interest at 6l. per cent., on 20,000l. supplied by him to Mr. Hill in Flanders. Dated 8 April 1698. Minuted:—“10 Aug^t '98. To be laid before ye King.” Also as to Mr. Eyles' claim for similar allowance on 21,000l., supplied by Mr. Schuylenberg, and 10,000l. by Mr. Clifford to Mr. Hill, submitting the same to their Lordships. Dated 8 April 1698. (One enclosure.) 1½ pages.
April 8.	25. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Doctor John Finglass, praying a grant of the King's title to two mortgages formerly made to Robert Arthur and Sir Patrick Trant, forfeited by attainder; transmitting the report of the Com^rs of Revenue and that of Mr. Solicitor thereon. Dated 8 April 1698. (Two other enclosures.) 10 pages.
April 11.	26. Copy of a letter of the Com^rs of the Navy to the Secretaries of the Admiralty, sending them the copy of the estimate of the wages due to the King's ships, which had been already laid before the Lords of the Treasury. Dated 11 April 1698. 6½ pages.
April 12.	27. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, as to the orders necessary to warrant the payments made by them, for the subsistence of the troops sent into that kingdom, above what were allowed on the present establishment, &c.; sending the draft of a warrant. Dated 12 April 1698. (One enclosure.) 3 pages.
April 13.	28. Letter of Richard Lloyd, Chief Justice of the island of Jamaica, to the Lords of the Treasury, stating that their Lordships would see by two accompanying papers what transpired between the Governor and Council, on the arrival of the commission for administering the oath to the Governor; giving an account of some things not contained in those papers; the Governor was extremely nettled at those papers being sent, and was furiously angry and spoke to the writer in menacing language, &c.; on further conference with his friends the Governor took the oath, which made many think conscience had not so great a share in the first refusal: he further observes, “'tis not easy to imagine how great a gov^r thinks himself, when he is gott five thousand miles from England; this has already wish'd all y^e law books burnt, and in most things follows y^e dictates of his own reason before y^t of y^e law; in short, if I may compare him with y^e worst govern^rs that ever have been here, I may say of him that he is non melior sed occultior; there are diverse persons in this country from whom considerable sums have been privately exacted, and yet they dare not make a noise about y^e matter,” &c. Dated Spanish Town, Jamaica, 13 April 1698. Minuted:—“Read 22 June 1699. To be laid up.” Accompanied by the certificate of the members of the council at Jamaica, that they had produced a commission under the broad seal of England empowering them to administer a certain oath to the governor, Sir Willm. Beeston, Knt., and that when it was tendered to him he refused to take it, alleging that it was swearing, “to what one does not know.” Dated 30 March 1698. With their signatures and seals. 1½ pages (quarto) and one very large page.
[About April 13.]	29. Petition of Joseph Bruxby to the King, referring to a previous petition, in which he had set forth the incapacity of the Com^rs of Excise, by means whereof the King was cheated of 500,000l. per ann., still charging them with ignorance of their duties, &c., praying that the Com^rs and he might be heard face to face before the King. Minuted:—“13 Apr. '98. Read, &c., again, 20 April '98. The K. will hear him when His Ma^ty has more leisure.” There is also a minute in the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 152, 20 April 1698, to the same effect. 1 large page.
April 14 and May 17.	30. Letter of Mr. Vernon to the Lords of the Treasury, asking for necessary directions to be given for the speedy payment of a bill of exchange for 2,800l. drawn on Mr. Lowndes by Mr. Robinson, the King's resident at Stockholm. Dated 14 April 1698. Minuted:—“25 May '98. The King orders this to be paid out of secret service money, there being no money for contingents of the forces.” A further letter thereon. Dated 17 May 1698. In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 177, 25 May 1698, is this entry:—“2,800^li to the order of M^r Cowper on M^r Robinson's bills, to be paid out of secret service” as above. 2 pages (quarto).
April 14.	31. Letter of Mr. Wm. Lowndes to Mr. Blathwaite, enclosing the report of Lord Ranelagh, on the petition of Captain John Dalley, praying for the removal of the respites on his company in Col. Farrington's regiment. Dated 14 April 1698. Accompanied by the report and petition. 3 pages.
April 15.	32. Copy of a letter from the principal officers and Com^rs of the Navy, as to the want of money to carry on the service of the navy. Dated 15 April '98. 1 page and 2 lines.
April 15.	33. Representation of the Com^rs for Sick and Wounded Seamen, &c., to the Lords of the Treasury, praying them to make up the 614l. ordered (which could be of no use) to 3,000l., to enable them to pay the last half year, 1696, at Portsmouth and Gosport, where there were about 200 sick men. Dated 15 April 1698 1 page.
April 16.	34. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of the mayor and burgesses of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, praying a grant in reversion of the office of “Tronor and Poisor” of that town; they had nothing to object, as it would be rather an advantage than an inconvenience to the King's subjects. Dated 16 April 1698. The petition and a letter showing that the office had become vacant. Minuted:—“Mem^dm to carry the report to Kensington. 25 May 1698, King orders. Speak with Sir W. Blacket that the office of tronor & poiser be suppressed, or how the town may be gratifyed.” In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 168, 13 May 1698, is the following:— “S^r W^m Blacket acquaints my Lords what vexation the place of tronor & poiser at Newca[stle] has been, when in private hands, and desires it may be granted to ye towne for ever. That the town intends no profitt by it, but onely for the convenience of trade, to destroy ye office. Me[morandum] to carry ye report to Kensington.” And again at p. 177, 25 May, a minute to the same effect as the one on the paper. 3 pages.
April 16.	35. Report of the same to the same, on the memorial of the Victuallers of the Navy for restoration of a hoy which had been employed by them for victualling purposes, but was captured by the French and afterwards was seized on the coast with a cargo of wine. Dated 16 April 1698. Accompanied by the memorial. 2 pages.
April 16.	36. Report of the Earl of Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Edward Fretwell, tobacco pipe maker, for payment of 23l. 3s. and 17l. 17s. due to him for the sutlers at the Horse Guards. Dated 16 April 1698. (One enclosure.) Minuted:—“23 June '99. Dismiss'd.” 2 pages.
April 16.	37. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Sir Joseph Tredenham, praying payment of the clearings due to himself, his late deputy and gunners in the castle of St. Mawes; stating what was due, and submitting the matter to their Lordships. Dated 16 April 1698. (One enclosure.) On the dorse is “Letter 28^th Xber 1698.” In the Minute Book, Vol. IX., p. 47, 21 Dec. 1698, is the following:— “The sum due to Sir Joseph Tredenham & M^r Boscawen for the garrison of S^t Mawes, is to be paid by the Earl of Ranelagh.” 2 pages.
April 18.	38. Letter, by command of the Lords of the Admiralty, to Mr. Lowndes. The principal officers of the navy had sent to their Lordships an account of the wages due to each ship, remaining to be paid off, amounting to 807,040l. They had not been able to carry on any of the payments for want of money for some months past; the writer sends a copy of their letter, and expresses their Lordships' desire, that the Lords of the Treasury would consider of some way to supply money to carry on the services. Dated 18 April 1698. Also encloses copy of another letter from the Com^rs of the Navy, as to their great straits, for want of money for the course of their office, and to procure naval stores; as also the inconveniencies the poor workmen of the yards were exposed to, for want of their pay. Dated 18 April 1698. 1 page.
April 18.	39. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Thomas Byfeild of London, merchant, on behalf of himself and others, owners and freighters of the ship “Charles” (brigantine) from Jamaica, whose ship had been manned with less than three-fourths English and so had infringed the navigation laws. Recommending relief. Dated 18 April 1698. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” Accompanied by the petition and an affidavit. 1 page and 3 parts of pages.
April 18.	40. Report of the same to the same, on the petition of Samuel Eyres and others, who had bought of the Com^rs of Prizes, certain Newfoundland and island fish, whale fins, and train oil; taken prize from the French and condemned; on which goods the collectors of Dartmouth and Yarmouth demanded the foreign duties; reminding their Lordships that on some former occasions they had allowed entries of similar commodities as if taken and brought in by English ships. Dated 18 April 1698. Minuted:—“Agreed.” Accompanied by the petition and three certificates. 5 pages.
[About April 18.]	41. Memorial of Thomas Strickland, Esq., controller of the “Million Lottery.” In the year 1695 there was an office erected for payment of the lottery tickets, which was made use of by Mr. Lowndes, and afterwards possessed by Mr. Burton, the late controller; but upon stopping the payments for want of money in 1696 and 1697, Mr. Hume and Mr. Creemer had permission to use the same, who detained it from the present controller, who prayed for their Lordships' order thereon. Minuted:—“M^r Lowndes to see that a convenient place for him be looked out.” “It will be most convenient to have y^e office of comptroll kept where it was before, because it is contiguous to the pay office, and will be an ease to the suitor. And there is a convenient room may be made for M^r Hume & M^r Cremer below staires, out of part of y^e late melting house. “18 Ap. '98. Read & agreed to.” 1 page partly decayed.
April 18.	42. Letter of James Vernon, Esq., one of the principal Secretaries of State, to the Lords of the Treasury, sending to them by the King's command, the papers which had been laid before him, relating to the seizure of a Dunkirk sloop, which had been stopped for some months at Cowes in the Isle of Wight, for smuggling; the release of which ship the French ambassador had demanded. Dated Whitehall, 18 April 1698. The report of the Com^rs of Customs and four letters and papers thereon. 7 pages and 2 halves.
April 19.	43. Letter of the same to Mr. Lowndes, sending the substance of a memorial given him by M. Burgeois, containing his reasons why his ship and goods detained at Cowes upon complaint of the collector there, should be discharged, to be laid before the Lords of the Treasury for their consideration, together with the papers already sent on that subject, as described in the last entry (No. 42). Dated Whitehall, 19 April 1698. Accompanied by the said “Reasons,” together with various papers on the subject of the seizure and detention of the sloop, the principal one of which is a presentment of the Com^rs of Customs, giving their opinion that the collector at Cowes had good cause to detain the sloop. Minuted:—“Read 10 May 1698, with M^r Bourgeois mem^ll. My Lords are of opinion that this matter be left to law, there being an apparent ground for a prosecution.” 27 pages or parts of pages.
April 19.	44. Report on the petition of Joseph Chamberlain and another respecting the ship “Nostra Seniora de Aranzaru,” laden with raisins, which ship had been seized for contravening the navigation laws; finding that by the petitioners' own showing the navigation had not been duly performed. Dated 19 April 1698. Minuted:—“Read 10 May 1698. My Lords can give no relief in this case.” The petition and two other papers. 4 pages and 2 halves.
April 21.	45. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Capt. William Cross, commander of the King's ship “Dovor,” as to the privilege claimed of having wine, duty free, for the consumption of the captains, and in particular as to 26½ hogsheads of French wine brought over from Guernsey in the ship, on which the captain refused to pay the duty or to deliver up to the collector of Portsmouth; recommending that the petitioner should be forthwith obliged to pay the duty. Dated 21 April 1698. Minuted:—“Agree with the report.” Accompanied by nine papers and copies, including the petition. 14 pages or parts of pages.
April 21.	46. Letter of the Lords Justices of Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury, respecting an arrear of quit rent, payable to the King out of the Marquis of Antrim's estate; desiring their Lordships to lay before the King their opinion, that it would not be of service, to condescend to any application, for staying the prosecution of the King's title to the same. Dated 21 April 1698. Six other papers touching the Marquis's estate and affairs. Minuted:—“Read 22 7^br 1698. My Lords will direct nothing contrary to the desire of y^e Lords Justices and the opinion of y^e Com^rs of y^e Revenue in Ireland, without his Ma^ts special direction.” 9 pages and 4 halves.
April 23.	47. Report of the Earl of Ranelagh to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of William Moseley, for 200l., part of the arrears due to him as lieutenant and adjutant in Major-Gen. Leveson's regiment of horse, to enable him to carry himself and family into Ireland. Certifying that 927l. 2s. 2½d. were due to him. Dated 23 April 1698. (One enclosure.) Minuted:—“Read 21 June '98. My Lords cannot yet pay this.” 2 pages.
April 25.	48. Letter of the Com^rs of the Navy to Mr. Lowndes, sending an estimate of the debt of the navy, &c., up to Lady-day (having already sent a similar one for Christmas) for their Lordships' perusal. Dated 25 April 1698. 1 page.
April 25.	49. “An estimate of y^e debt of His Maj^ts Navy on the heads undermentioned, as it stood on 31^st of March last past.” Dated 25 April 1698. The heads are,—Wear and tear, seamens wages, victualling, sick and wounded, register office; the total, 2,221,286l. 1 page.
April 28.	50. Letter of the Com^rs of the Navy to Mr. Lowndes, sending the copy of an order they had received from the Lords of the Admiralty, directing their attendance on the Lords of the Treasury, touching the disposal of the tallies in the hands of the Treasurer of the Navy. Dated 28 April '98. Also the said copy. 2 pages.
April 29.	51. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Magorman, merchant of London, whose ship was wrecked in the Bay of Sligo, praying to be allowed to dispose of certain tobacco saved out of the ship on the spot, paying certain duties; recommending his prayer to be granted. Dated 29 April 1698. Minuted:—“Read 10 May 1698. My Lords cannot grant the permission desired.” Accompanied by the petition, three certificates, and an affidavit. 4 pages and 3 halves.
April 29.	52. Report on the petition of Coort Walkeling, praying that some Exeter worsted might be allowed to be transported from hence to Denmark, the same being desired for making a wrought bed, by a lady of quality (whose husband managed the affairs of Prince George of Denmark in Denmark), which worsted could not be shipped without their Lordships' special consent: advising that the permission would not prejudice the manufacture of this kingdom. Dated 29 April 1698. Minuted:—“Agreed.” Accompanied by the petition. 2 pages.
May 2.	53. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury, on the remissness of the general surveyors and the guagers, in the discharge of their duty, in connexion with the London breweries. The Com^rs observe that, “greater care seems to have been taken by the general officers, to discover frauds that they may reap the benefit of the great penalties, than to prevent all frauds that the King may have his full duty.” Dated 2 May 1698. (Inclosing) “An acco^t of the produce of the Excise of the London Brewery, in the severall periods of time hereunder mentioned.” Minuted:—“Read 24 May 1698.” 4 pages.
May 3.	54. Report of the Com^rs of Revenue of Ireland [to the Lords of the Treasury], in answer to the memorial of Laurence Stanyon, Esq., respecting a warrant for the payment of 1,124l., and the allegation that they had forbidden any of the debtors to pay any part of their arrears, and further as to the prosecution by Sir Arthur Shaen of several persons indebted to the late farmers. Dated 3 May 1698. Two enclosures. On the dorse is:—“The letter is sign'd.” 5½ pages.
[? About May 5.]	55. Petition of the several clerks and other officers belonging to the Victualling office at London, and all the outports, to be discharged from the tax of 4s. 4d. in the pound assessed on their salaries. A list of the clerks and the amounts of their salaries. Minuted:—“All under 60^li a year to be remitted. W^t signed 5 May 1698.” 2 pages.
May 6.	56. Memorial of various contractors for the Navy, with numerous signatures, apparently intended for the Navy board. They had formerly acquainted them of the many bad payments they had had, which had broken sundry of the creditors and made most of them in a tottering condition; it was out of their power to support the service much longer; they could not supply the service for the time of their contracts. They ask them to urge the Lords of the Treasury for a good payment on the course of the Navy. Dated 6 May 1698. 1 page.
[About May 6.]	57. Petition of Thomas Lenham to the Lords of the Treasury, for the payment of 100l., his share of 1,000l., being the reward promised for the apprehension of one Cranburne, who was seized at Godstone, in Surrey. Minuted:—“6 May '98. To be brought in to-morrow. If the hundred pounds be not paid, it is to be paid out of any disposeable m^o. A certificate to be had of this from the Excheq^r.” 1 page.
May 6.	58. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, in favour of Mr. Gerard Borne being employed as a King's-waiter in the port of London, or some other patent office, wherein he might act by deputy, when there should be a vacancy. Dated 6 May 1698. Minuted:—“Read 10 May 1698.” A letter from James Vernon, Esq., intimating the King's commands, that some employment should be given him in the Customs. 2 pages.
May 7.	59. Presentment by the principal Com^rs of Prizes to the Lords of the Treasury, as to prizes disposed of at Barbadoes without account; recommending the appointment of Charles Thomas, Esq. and Mr. Talbot Edwards to take charge of the King's interest in prizes there. Dated 7 May 1698. Indorsed:—“Warr^t” [? for the appointment]. 1 page.
May 8.	60. Copy of a letter from the Lords of the Admiralty, commencing “R^t Hon^ble,” without stating to whom it is addressed, respecting a small vessel bought by Col. Gibson of Captain Norris at Newfoundland, to carry His Majesty's letters to New England, the bill for which was still unpaid; also as to the cargo on board: sending copy of a letter from Col. Gibson and extracts of two other letters relating thereto. Dated 8 May 1698. Accompanied by the said copy and extracts. 6¼ pages.
May 9.	61. Letter of Mr. James Vernon to the Lords of the Treasury. He had laid before the King the remarks of the Council of Trade upon the proposals made for the discovery of a silver mine in America, and the proposals of the undertakers, a copy of which was enclosed; and the King thought it reasonable they should be allowed 200l. each to proceed in the work, and that a suitable person should be sent with them, to see the experiment made. Dated 9 May 1698. Minuted:—“A sign man^ll for 200^li a piece.” Accompanied by a copy of the memorial of the Council of Trade and a copy of the proposal. In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 206, 15 July 1698, is:— “The mo. to be pd. im[m]ediatly to ye men that goe to the silver mines.” 6 pages.
May 9.	62. Letter from the same to the same, communicating the King's pleasure for the issuing of 450l. or 500l. for the immediate repair of the north pier of the port of Dover, in pursuance of a report of Sir Cloudesly Shovell and others, who had surveyed the harbour. Dated 9 May 1698. Also the copy of their report on the state of the harbour, in which they say the revenue of the harbour was less than half what it had been, and never had been above 350l. per ann. The charge of preserving the piers and harbour had rendered the town helpless. They proposed building a wall 30 feet thick at the bottom, with sluices through it, about 500 feet below the present water pent, to make a secure basin for 10 or 12 ships from 40 guns downwards, and there would be room for four score sail more. They estimated the expense of the repair of the old works upon the pier at 450l. or 500l., and the additional new work proposed at about 7,350l. Minuted:—“To be brought in next time.” In the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 205, 14 July 1698, is:— “500^li towards repairing Dovor peer, to be issued out of ditto [i.e., loans on Poll money], to the Tre^r of y^e Navy, to be p^d over to y^e Com^rs for building the said peer by a bill of imprest.” 5 pages.
May 9.	63. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, representing the necessity there was of enlarging the Custom-house, at least that end where the Com^rs rooms, and the secretary and the receiver-general's offices were; praying leave to treat for the adjoining house for that purpose. Dated 9 May 1698. Minuted:—“Approved.” 1½ pages.
May 9.	64. Similar presentment, recommending that the expense of prosecutions under the laws prohibiting the transportation of wool might be allowed out of the King's moieties, instead of out of the “Incidents.” Dated 9 May 1698. Minuted:—“25 May 1698. My Lords do not approve of this.” 1½ pages.
[About May 9.]	65. Petition of Francis Eyles, merchant, on the behalf of Francis Bond, Esq., President of the Council of Barbadoes, praying he might receive his allowance of 600l. a year out of the 4½ per cent. arising by a duty upon the produce of the island. Minuted:—“Read 11 May '98. To be considered p[er] my L^ds 25 May 1698. The King orders the whole salary from the death of M^r Russell to the date of M^r Grey's patent.” It was referred to their Lordships on 9 May 1698. In relation to this the following is in the Minute Book, Vol. VIII., p. 173, 20 May 1698:— “He (i.e., Mr. Blathwaite) saies the K. has gratified M^r Gray with ye whole sallary, from the date of his com^on till his arrival in Berbados (half of w^ch by ye rules of ye plantations did belong to ye comander-in-chief for ye time being). M^r Bond, who was Presid^t of y^e Counsel from y^e death of Coll^o Russell, desires the half sallary, to the arrival of M^r Grey, or (instead of that, being given away already) that he may have ye whole salla[ry] of 1,200^l. a year, from ye death of Russel to ye date of M^r Greye's commission; this is less.” 1½ pages.