Volume 106: March 1-April 30, 1708 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 4, 1708-1714. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1974.

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Citation:

'Volume 106: March 1-April 30, 1708', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 4, 1708-1714, ed. Joseph Redington( London, 1974), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol4/pp13-34 [accessed 28 November 2024].

March 1–April 30, 1708



[? About March 1.]	1. “Peticion & case of Ch^s Palmer, confined in her Maj^ts Bench Prison, on actions of just debt. And for his peculiar service, don both to the Crown and public, prays a bounty sum in his present great exigencie.” The petition is addressed to the Lord Treasurer. The service rendered by him in conjunction with three others was, that at the time of the Revolution and Convention meeting as a parliament at Westminster, they presented their laborious and chargeably devised scheme in a printed draft, showing an easy and safe method for changing the then excise on those liquors made from coffee, tea, and chocolate into an impost at the Custom House, which was passed by Parliament into an Act, thereby improving the revenue more than 23,000l. the first year, &c. Signed: Cha^s Palmer. Undated, but a M^r Palmer obtained 10l. bounty on 1 March 1707–8. See Minute Book, Vol. XIV. p. 169. 1 page.
[About March 2.]	2. “The case of the Stamp Revenue with relation to the late Inspections of Courts and Corporations & the informations fyled ag^st Attorneys.” Showing very fully the losses to the revenue and the unjustifiable practices of the attorneys. There is an order of the Com^rs on the back that the case should be sent to M^r Lowndes, and one of the printed charges given to the attorneys. Dated 2 March 1707. 3 pages.
March 2.	3. J. Brydges to —. Remittances of 50,000l. and 40,000l., and by way of “Genoua” of 23,750l. (drawn upon Shallet and Crow in Barcelona) had already been made by the Lord Treasurer's directions, his lordship knowing the great straights of his Catholic Majesty. A further remittance was that night sent to M^r Morice of 75,490l., with directions to send it, every farthing up to the person addressed by the first opportunity, which would pay all the troops up to the last of June. All payments for the future must be for effectives only. The enclosed establishment for the Palatine's was for 2,600. Her Majesty's share was 1,300, the other moiety to be defrayed by the States General whilst they continued in Italy, but on their being agreed to be sent to Spain he understood the States General were to be at the expense of all the rest of the 7,000. The charge of the additional officers of three battalions her Majesty would wholly bear. Desired an account of all receipts and payments to be returned. It had been called for several times by the Lord High Treasurer, and the Parliament was not a little uneasy this winter that no such account had been sent. Then follows an abstract showing the uses to which the remittances were to be applied. Dated 2 March 1707–8. 4 pages.
March 2.	4. John Crookshanks to W^m Lowndes, Esq. Before his departure for Ireland sends an account of Her Majesty's revenue. He says:— “M^r Graydon is a man of application, and keeps his business in very good order. Upon my return we shall endeavour to have the accounts kept in such a method that every article may have it's proper and distinct voucher for examination on the first glance; when the acco^ts shall be transmitted weekly or monthly, as my Lord High Treasurer shall think fit to command.” Asks to be allowed to return from Ireland by way of London, to bring his wife and family from thence. Dated Custom House, Edinburgh, 2 March 1707–8. Minuted:—“Agreed to.” 2 pages.
March 2.	5. Sir Owen Buckingham to the R^t Hon. the Lord Coningsby. His zeal for her Majesty's service had at all times been exerted in the House of Commons, and he had never desired anything of the government, but was then in great difficulty to preserve his interest in Reading, which he hoped his Lordship's application to the Lord High Treasurer would obviate. Upon his “undertaking the poor of Reading in the year 1698,” he was chosen a member of parliament. The “English duck,” as it was then made, being under “disreputation,” he made a voyage to Holland in 1701, where he learnt fully to make the cloth after the Dutch manner. In the year 1702 he made patterns of cloth after the French manner, which was looked upon to be closer, and to carry wind better than the Holland. In the years 1703 to 1706 he had delivered into the stores 9 or 10,000 bolls yearly. Employed about 200 men in the town and many hundreds of poor women and children, and laid out about 10,000l. a year for labour. In the last years other persons who made smaller quantities had been advanced, and he, who used to have at least half the quantity of the yearly contract, was reduced to one fourth; but knowing his reputation was concerned, he had not turned off these poor wretches, and so had 6,000 bolls of cloth in hand. Unless the Com^rs of the Navy would take 10,000 bolls in the next contract, he must throw up the work, and take the disgrace of not being able to provide for the poor. In this he did not ask one penny for himself, for the cloth should answer the patterns, and be as low in price as any bought by the navy board. Asks that M^r Sargison be written to that he (the writer) might have half the contract. Dated 2 March 1707. Minuted:—“10 Mar. 1707–8. M^r Sergison to be here to-morrow morning.” 2 pages.
[About March 3.]	6. “Memorial relating to the clothing for the Duke of Savoyes forces.” The envoy of the Duke was charged to make enquiry as to the price of kerseys and other woollen goods in England, as compared with those in France, and he found that although French draperies might perhaps be as cheap at the places where manufactured, yet they cost H.R.H. more by the duties, carriage, and other charges from Lodeve and Chatillon to Turin; but the difference was not so considerable as to countervail the high freight and assurances in time of war. If the goods were carried over from hence to Genoa or Oneglia by her Majesty's ships of war or transports, the Duke would take all the cloth kerseys, &c. for clothing the forces, amounting to 17 or 18,000l. yearly. Gives a comparison of the cost of the French and English materials. Minuted:—“3 Mar. 1707–8. To the Com^rs Navy y^t when they come next to the Adm^ty my Lord would speak w^th y^m about this mem^ll.” 3 pages.
March 3.	7. “An acco^t of y^e quarter due in y^e office of y^e workes att Christmas 1707,” being an application from the officers of the works for payment. 1 page.
March 4.	8. Report of James Brydges, Esq., to the Lord [High Treasurer] on the memorial of Major James Allen, praying for an advance of 300l. before he should go to France, being a prisoner [on parole], and having been employed as Commissary of the provisions for the forces with the expedition commanded by Earl Rivers in the years 1706 and 1707, advising that 200l. should be paid him on account of the balance supposed to be due to him. Dated 4 Mar. 1707–8. Minuted:—“6 Marcii 1707. In M^r Brydges mem^l and ordered.” Also the memorial and an account. 4 pages.
March 4.	9. Report of the Com^rs of Chelsea Hospital on an application from the Earl of Orford for the lease for 31 years of a small house and garden, then in the possession of the Treasurer of the Hospital, but previously occupied by his Lordship: giving a detailed account of the manner in which they had bestowed the lodgings on their being appointed Commissioners, and finishing thus:—“Wee dare not advise the granting away by lease or otherwise, any part of the land of the said hospitall, which haveing been given by the Royall founder to a use so pious in its selfe, so advantageous, as well as honourable to the public, wee hope will allways be preserved sacred and intire.” Dated 4 March 1707. Minuted:—“Read 31^st March 1708.” Also the letter of the Earl of Orford, giving such information as he had gathered of the manner the lodgings were intended to be set apart when the building was finished. 3 pages.
March 5.	10. Report of James Brydges, Esq., to the Lord High Treasurer, on the memorial of Col. Cavaliers, setting forth that in the beginning of 1706 he raised a regiment of foot in Holland, embarked with them for Spain in June following, and served there until the battle of Almanza, where most of them were killed or taken prisoners. Asking that 400l. in part of what was due to him might be paid. Advising that that sum should be paid out of moneys intended for the King of Spain for the year 1708. Dated 5 March 1707–8. Minuted:—“6 Mar. 1707. To be read wⁿ the D. of Marlborough is here.” 1 page.
March 5.	11. Copy of instructions for M^r George Hay appointed comptroller of her Majesty's train of artillery in Spain. 5 March 1707–8. 3 pages.
March 5.	12. Report of the Lord High Treasurer to the Queen on the petition of William Heath, Thomas Cole, and Margaret Ash, praying payment of 300l. due to them on certain imprest bills made out by the Navy board for the benefit of John Winter, a shipwright, and purchased by the petitioners, notwithstanding the failure of Winter before his contract was performed. His Lordship was informed that there were few, if any, instances in the navy for 30 years or upwards, wherein either the crown or private persons had suffered by the like misfortune. He thought that the petitioners omitted by inadvertency to make enquiries at the Navy Office, and might be fit objects for compassion and relief, and he the rather proposed it, lest the credit of the Navy bills should suffer. He also proposed that the Com^rs of the Navy should lay before the Queen or the Lord High Admiral such rules as they thought would be effectual for the future to prevent similar loss. Dated Treasury Chambers, 5 March 1707–8. Minuted:—“4 Feb. 1707–8 (sic). My Lord would speak w^th the Com^rs of y^e Navy about this matter ye next time they come to y^e Admiralty.” The petition. 3 pages.
March 6.	13. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to William Lowndes, Esq^re. Their last was as to a Danish dogger, and a calculation of the value of the “Industry,” of Leith, &c. They would as soon as possible put in execution the Lord High Treasurer's commands concerning visiting the outposts, and prayed to know if they should have the same allowances as were made to the Com^rs of South Britain. They observe “these people will tell nothing without being treated,” and again:—“When Dutch ships come in they frequently bring in linnen cloath from Holland that ladys of the first quality and influence call cloath of their own fabrick, as spun in their own familys and only sent to Holland for the benefitt of the sun in bleaching or whitening. Women of lower qualities do the same. All pretend to send their good housewifry in this manner, and bring it back free of duties, as they have been accustomed to do. This matter puzleth us, for if the women have not their end the clamour will run high, and if we are easy with them the fraudulent may bring Dutch cloath, and so undertrade the people of South Britain, therefore we pray some directions herein.” They had found out a ship at Port Glasgow proper for the guard of the Clyde, and had despatched M^r Snelgrove with their final orders to begin the building of the biggest of the three sloops at Newcastle. Dated Edinburgh, 6 March 1707–8. 2 pages.
March 9.	14. Presentment of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer in respect to a report of D^r Davenant touching the duties on linens, wherein he differed with the board in the medium the Com^rs had taken for computing the values of Hollands and narrow Germany linens imported. The Doctor computed the value by the first cost abroad, which they say was not to be depended on. Very probably the Dutch had not shown the Doctor any of their striped, spotted, and flowered lawns and cambrics, which were imported in considerable quantities, and sold at great prices, nor any of their striped linens for waistcoats and breeches. He needed not apprehend that they must lay aside their linen manufactures, or want employment for their people, if he had thought fit to take notice of their new manufactures of silk and silk and cotton, in imitation of the East India prohibited goods, whereby that prohibition act would be rendered ineffectual. The Com^rs then go on to speak of a fabric called “borelaps,” which had increased in the importation at Yarmouth by near 12,000 ells for each of the last three years. From the former scheme he (the Doctor) would show the increase of the linen trade from Germany, beyond that from Holland, and “from the other” the great disproportion of the duties, and to this he imputed the increase and even the improvement of the German linens; adding that unless the Dutch were eased in their duties, they would, in his opinion, be obliged to quit the linen trade. As to the former scheme, the Doctor might have considered the great extent of territory in Germany beyond the Netherlands, and the vastly exceeding number of the manufacturers in the linen trade of one country beyond the other for the quantity, &c. The Com^rs attributed the increase in the linen manufactures of Germany to the prohibition of the French linens, rather than to any increase of duties on those of Holland. In respect to the doctor's proposal of ad valorem duties, when it was remembered that very eminent merchants had valued a parcel of goods at the custom house at 1,800l. for payment of duty, and had sold the same for 13,000l., and when other goods had been valued for customs at 2s. per hundred and sold for 35s. in great quantities, it would be judged that a rate was more equitable, &c. For eight reasons, which they give, the Board were of opinion that many more mischiefs would probably follow from any alteration in the duties, than by letting them remain as they were. P.S.—Since the presentment was drawn, the Parliament had continued the ²/3 subsidy for three years, and if all the linen, threads and tapes were excepted, the Dutch merchants would have reason to be satisfied with such an exemption from general duties in favour of their trade. Dated 9 March 1707–8. 4½ pages.
March 9.	15. J. Brydges to M^r Morice. By last post he sent Sir H. Furness's bills for 75,490l. to be forwarded to Spain on board the first man-of-war that should sail thither, and an account how the remittances for the service of Spain should be distributed. What was put on board should be by the advice and concurrence of H.M. ambassador and the King of Spain's minister there. M^r Morice was to apply to them for this and acquaint them that Sir John Leake was ready to sail with the first fair wind, and in all probability would be time enough to carry up some of this money. Mr. Morice should consider whether he had not better keep the greatest part of it for so safe a conveyance. Dated London, 9 March 1707–8. 1 page.
March 10.	16. Report of the Com^rs of Excise to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of the distillers of cider and perry in and about the city of Bristol, praying a stop to be put to the hearing of a cause depending in the Court of Exchequer against the petitioners for the duty of 4s. per hogshead. Dated 10 March 1707. The petition and an opinion of the Attorney General. Minuted:—“Read 17^th Mar. 1707–8. My Lord leaves this to the law.” 5 pages.
March 10.	17. J. Bridger to the Lord High Treasurer, setting forth the state of the woods in the province of New England, with some proposals for their preservation. There had been great destructions therein chiefly by M^r John Plaisted of the “province” of New Hampshire, “councillor, judge, and justice.” The preservation of her Majesty's woods was of the greatest concern, and was the only interest her Majesty had reserved. No other part produced such masts as these provinces. One M^r Francis Collins, of London, merchant, as his factor M^r Mico said, had contracted with the Com^rs of the Navy for three shiploads yearly. M^r Mico agreed with John Plaisted for the masts, the greatest to be 26 inches diameter, and the smallest 20, but without licence from her Majesty, he (Bridger) had strictly forbidden them to cut masts. [He gives a rambling account of the cutting of masts of far larger dimensions in defiance of his remonstrances.] He took a guard of 20 men, and went into the woods, where he found Plaisted working on a tree big enough to make a mast of 35 inches diameter. Plaisted produced a licence of Queen Mary in 1691. This was in the extremest cold weather that he (the writer) ever knew; his face and neck were many times frozen that winter, and he was unable to get to Boston in time for the trial of this cause. There was also another cause depending. They would cost him a great sum, and there were no lawyers but at Boston. He was bound to pay 50 per cent. if his bills were not accepted. Had to take up money at 50 per cent. loss. Had defended her Majesty's woods and interest, but the whole country was against him. Had seized all masts hauled out of the woods. There were 58 trees above contract, and he hoped his Lordship would not release any. To prevent these spoils, suggests that all licences should be from year to year, and the number and dimensions of the trees should be specified, and the licence be directed to the Surveyor General of H.M. woods, &c.; or, if this should not be approved, that an amendment should be made in the Act of Parliament for the encouragement of the importation of naval stores. Prays that his bills may be paid. Dated Boston, 10 March 1707. 8 pages.
March 10.	18. Report of Charles Dering, Auditor General to the Lords Justices of Ireland, on the petition of Charles Hubbelthorn. King Charles II., in consideration of services to the crown by Lieut.-Col. John Hubbelthorn, and of his being slain in the King's service at sea, granted to Dorothy, his widow (AD. 1674), and Charles, her son, a pension of 200l,, and to the longest liver; and this was paid till 1687. The petitioner came over with the late Duke Schomberg on the reducement of Ireland, and was dangerously wounded in the face at the first siege of Limerick. Upon application, Queen Mary, in 1694, granted to the widow and her son, that they should be inserted on the establishment from 1 Jan. 1692 for “100l. per ann.,” which was paid till Mich. 1707. Was of opinion that Charles Hubblethorn was entitled to the pension of 200l. per ann., and arrears. Dated 10 March 1707–8. The petition, and copies of three other documents touching the same claims. 7 pages.
March 10.	19. “An abstract of the case to be made for my Lord” relative to the loan of 150,000l. to King Charles II. by Anthony Rowe, Esq., Cornwall Bradshaw, and others, who obtained a grant of the farm of the hearth money for five years. Part of the loan was advanced by John Hind, a goldsmith and banker, cashier of the hearth money, afterwards a bankrupt, on whom Sir Edward Wood made a claim, having lent part of the money advanced. The abstract finishes thus:—“If a private person pays money to another private person and loses his receipt the debt is not the less paid, nor is it reviv'd by that accident, and there is as little reason why any farmers under the crowne should suffer, and be prosecuted for his misfortune in having his Exchequer receipts stolen or imbezilled by his servant after his advance money and rent paid.” 2¼ pages.
[About March 10.]	20. Memorial of the Marquis of Lothian to the Earl of Godolphin. Had been obliged to advance his own money for the necessaries wanted by his regiment. Fifteen months' clothing-money was due. The Earl of Glasgow, the Treasurer Depute, informed him that seven of the fifteen months were to be paid out of the Equivalent in Scotland, and eight months were to be ordered by his Lordship. Minuted:—“10^th Mar. 1707–8. Ref. to M^r Howe.” 1 page, quarto.
March 11.	21. Memorial from the “Com^rs of Whitehall” praying a stop to any process issuing against them for any arrear due on the 4^s aid. Dated 11 March 1707–8. 1 page.
March 12.	22. Report of James Mountague on the report of M^r Borrett and on other papers as to the apprehension of Richard Tayler at Chester and the manner of his escape. The facts were truly represented in M^r Borrett's report. James Bourn had been very industrious in apprehending and securing Richard Tayler, whose escape was procured by Joseph Wood and George Sparrow, who caused sham actions to be entered in the court at Chester against James Bourn and others, and had them wrongfully arrested. Wood and Sparrow had thereby been guilty of great misdemeanours and should have informations exhibited against them, and Bourn should be considered. Dated 12 March 1707. M^r Borrett's report. Minuted:—“30^li out of secret service money.” 4 pages.
March 12.	23. Petition of several merchants who let ships to the Com^rs of the Victualling for Lisbon and Jamaica, addressed to the Lord High Treasurer; as to allowance for the demurrage, &c. Dated 12 March 1707–8. Also, on the second leaf, some other information on the subject of demurrage. 2 pages.
March 13.	24. Affidavit of Robert Taylor of Queen's Ferry, formerly riding surveyor, since deputed by Lord Glasgow and then in the service of the Com^rs of Customs; as to an assault made upon him by certain persons, who bid him declare whether he was for King James or Queen Anne. One of them was named Maxwell, a Galloway gentleman, and reputed a Roman Catholic. Dated Edinburgh, 13 March 1708. [? if 1707–8.] 1 page.
March 13.	25. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to William Lowndes, Esq., containing further proceedings as to the Danish dogger previously noticed. Last night one of their officers was stopped near the cross of the city by six gentlemen, “and very nearly [narrowly] escaped being killed by saying he was for Queen Ann,” which showed the insolence of the Popish party. Sir Robert Dickson, one of their number, was in ill health through grief for the loss of his lady, and desired leave from the L^d High Treasurer to go to the Bath and take London on his way thither or back. Sir Robert had shown a more than ordinary zeal for her Majesty's service, and when he had leave, would not go till the hopes of the French King and the pretended Prince of Wales were rendered desperate, “being resolved to venture his life and fortune in defence of the Queen's undoubted right to the imperial diadem of Great Britain.” Dated Edinburgh, 13 March 1707–8. Minuted:—“Read 22^th March 1707. S^r Rob^t Dickson to have leave to come to England. An extract of what relates to the Com^rs of Cust. Rep^t here to be sent to them to reconsider.” 3½ pages.
March 13.	26. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the L^d High Treasurer on M^r Auditor Harley's account of “collect debts” standing out at Christmas, 1698, viz., as to interest on the debts under Stat. 20 Car. II. cap. 2. They had no prospect of recovering interest thereupon, and were doubtful that if they insisted on interest they might hazard the principal, being never before practiced in the customs. Pray that their accounts might be passed without further delay. Dated 13 March 1707–8. Minuted:—“15 March 1707–8. My Lord will speak w^th the Aud^r.” The Attorney General's report, and a schedule of the debts referred to. 6 pages and 2 halves.
March 16.	27. Various subordinate papers, such as bonds, bills of exchange, copies of letters, depositions, accounts of trees marked, &c., connected with the affairs of John Bridger, Esq., her Majesty's Surveyor General of Woods in New England. Dated in 1707 and 1707–8. The last is a letter signed J. Dudley, dated at Boston, New England, 16 Mar. 1707–8, touching the assistance he had given to M^r Bridger in the making of tar and pitch. 21 pages.
March 19.	28. Petition of the Lady Mowat to the Queen for continuance of a pension granted to her father and mother, viz. Col. Francis Willoughby and Eliz. his wife, the latter dying without making any arrangement with their joint creditors, and thereby leaving petitioner subject to the debts. Copy of the warrant for the pension, dated Nov. 1674. Also, the order referring the petition to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, dated 19 March 1707–8. 4 pages.
March 20.	29. Lord Orford to the Lord High Treasurer. States how the matter stands with regard to his salary as Treasurer of the Navy, the Auditors of Imprest not thinking themselves sufficiently empowered to allow the same. Hopes his L^p will direct the auditors to allow his salary from the time Sir Thomas Littleton began to receive money for the service of the navy: viz., from 17 Nov. 1699. Dated 20 March 1707. The following minutes are on the back:— “Read ult. Mar. 1708. My Lord will move the Queen for the sallary from 20^th May to 27 Nov^r.” “27^th Apr. 1708. The aud^r to certify what sum it is that is desired to be allowed to y^e E. of Orford.” “1^o Maii 1708. A certificate is inclosed. Her Ma^ty is pleased to ord^r 1400^li in full for this service.” “380^li more orderd 21^th June 1708, and ye old w^t to be cancelled.” 2 pages.
March 22.	30. Report of J. Howe to the Lord High Treasurer on the memorials of the Marquis of Lothian, Col. of the Regiment of Foot Guards, and of the Earl of Crafurd, Captain of the Troop of Grenadier Guards in North Britain, desiring payment of the arrears and clothing money. Had received the annexed account from Sir David Nairne which would show the amounts due, &c. Dated 22 March 1707–8. The accounts referred to, and the petition of the Earl of Crafurd. 5¼ pages.
March 24.	31. Moses de Medina to the Lord High Treasurer. Craves payment of 14,561l. 3s. 3d. due to him on his advance for bread and bread waggons to meet his pressing occasions to pay bills of exchange, the sum being due long since. It was almost impossible for him to subsist without it. Dated 23 March 1707–8. Minuted:—“24 Mar. 1707–8. 5000^li ordered.” 1 page, quarto.
March 24.	32. Warrant of the Marquis of Kent to the Master of the Great Wardrobe, for the mending and cleaning of an embroidered picture wrought by Mary Queen of Scots brought from Windsor, and for casing it up and sending it thither again when cleaned, and for providing other materials for the yeoman of her Majesty's removing wardrobe. Dated 24 March 1707–8. 1 page.
March 24.	33. Report of J. Howe (Paymaster) to the Lord High Treasurer on the memorial of the captains and officers of the battalion of guards lately in Spain. Their pay might be computed from 24 Apr. 1707 to 24 Oct., according to the muster determining on the 23^rd of April (the pay of any men raised and mustered here being deducted), it being what was practised in relation to the troops abroad. Minuted:—“Read 30^th April 1708. M^r Howe is to examin what y^e respits amount to, and what the levy money would have amounted to.” Also an estimate, the memorial referred to, and a certificate. 3 pages.
Before March 25.	34. Petition of Daniel Campbell, Esq., on behalf of Richard Murray, to the Lord High Treasurer, praying that a new commission might be ordered for Richard Murray as Controller of Customs to the port of Newport, Glasgow. Dated 1707–8. 1 page.
March 25.	35. Com^rs of Customs, Scotland, to William Lowndes, Esq^re. Had considered the Duke of Argyle's complaint concerning M^r Muir, late collector of Ayr. In the Duke's memorial there were extraordinary passages touching their reputation in general, and particularly as to the laws of England and the articles of Union. His Lordship's discernment was of so bright a nature that they feared no blemish, and they doubted not to see his Grace despise all those who had ventured to get his subscription, in prejudice to others who served her Majesty faithfully. Send an establishment for signature on the first opportunity. Pray to know his L^p'^s pleasure as to prizage duty on wine. Dated Custom House, Edinburgh 25 March 1708. 2 pages.
1708. March 26.	36. Ad. Cardonnel to M^r Lowndes as to the pay of the regiment of Col. Cavalier. Dated 26 March 1708. 2 pages.
March 26.	37. The Earl of Glasgow [? to M^r Lowndes] in favour of the appointment of M^r Bethun as a collector of Customs. If he could not be “reponed” to the port where he served last (that is, Kirkaldie), he hoped the L^d Treasurer would provide him with another. The Earl recommended him, not only in his own name but in that of the Duke of Queensberry, the Earls of Mar, Loudoun, and Seafield, who were sensible of the good services done by Sir James Smollett, his father-in-law, to the Queen in Parliament. Dated Hatfield, 26th March 1708. Minuted:—“Read 30 Apr. 1708. He must make his applicac[i]on to the Com^rs Cust., & if there be a vacancy my lord is ready to gratify him if the said Com^rs have no objecc[i]on.” 1 page.
March 31.	38. Proposal of William Morgan, Gent., and others to the Lord High Treasurer in order to facilitate trade, viz., to undertake the coinage of 1,000 tons of English copper into halfpence, farthings and half-farthings within seven years, under certain terms which are set forth. Letters patent to be granted him for the purpose. Dated 31 March 1708. Minuted:—“12 Apr. 1708. Off^rs of the Mint to be here next Wednesd.” 3 pages.
March 31.	39. Proposal of the Com^rs of Prizes, with the view to lessen the expense of the Prize Office. Minuted:—“Read 14 June 1708. To be reconsidered.” 1 page.
March 31.	40. Report of M^r James Mountague, Solicitor General, to the Lord High Treasurer. Had considered as well the petition of the directors of the Royal Hospital at Greenwich (touching a demand of 12^d per ton by the Islanders of Portland and 6^d per ton by the Com^rs for the building of the Church of S^t Paul's, for all stone shipped off from thence for the use of the Hospital), as Sir Christopher Wren's memorial, touching a liberty taken by the quarry men of Portland, to open new quarries and dig and carry off stone at pleasure, which he represented to be to the prejudice of the quarries and in opposition to the right of the crown. Was informed that the whole island was an entire manor belonging to the Queen in right of the crown, and was looked upon to be one continued quarry of stone, and could not be wrought out in many ages. Time out of mind there had been a duty of 12^d paid for each ton of stone dug and exported out of the commons of the isle, one moiety being paid to the Kings and Queens of the realm as lords of the manor, the other to the profit of the inhabitants. There had been no alteration of this ancient usage before 1665, when a grant from King Charles II. takes notice of this ancient payment of 12^d per ton in moieties to himself and the inhabitants, and of the loyalty of the inhabitants, and appoints 12^d for every ton of stone to be taken from the common of that island (except such as should be taken for the particular use of the crown), 3^d to be for the crown and 9^d to the inhabitants, and that no stone should be accounted as taken for the crown, except such as was taken by warrant of the surveyor of the royal works. This grant was entered on the Court Rolls. These directions had been constantly complied with. Sir Christopher Wren had sent directions for digging great quantities of stone within the commons for building S^t Paul's Cathedral, Chelsea College, and several churches in London; but as it was not expressed that the stone was dug for the immediate service of the crown, the inhabitants had received the 9^d a ton, and answered the other 3^d to the receiver of Dorsetshire for the use of the crown. In his opinion there was reason for her Majesty to continue the like payment for the stone dug out of the common; for the inhabitants had an ancient usage to countenance their pretensions to a moiety of the 12^d, which had time out of mind been paid for every ton of stone that had been dug there; and the other 3^d was said to have been granted to them in consideration of the great damage done to the herbage on the common, where the inhabitants had a right to feed their cattle, and that damage in all probability would continue as long as stone was suffered to be dug on those commons. Therefore, since the consideration of the grant still existed, tho' the grant itself (being only under the sign manual, and made to the inhabitants who are not capable of taking by way of grant), be not valid; yet he conceived it reasonable for her Majesty to allow the 9^d to be still retained for the benefit of the inhabitants. He did not conceive that Sir Christopher Wren could order the stone to be used in any buildings that did not belong to the crown, to be dug and exported duty free. He understood that the Com^rs of S^t Paul's only demanded the 6^d a ton when the exporters made use of the piers and cranes, maintained at the charge of the Com^rs, and this the inhabitants were willing to pay; so that the dispute seemed to be whether the surveyor could restrain the inhabitants from digging stone in the waste, and direct them where and in what manner they should work for stone. The islanders insisted on a right by prescription to open new quarries, and to dig and carry off stone at pleasure. Sir Christopher thought their irregular and promiscuous working for stone very detrimental to the quarries and of disservice to the crown; and in case ancient usage had not created a right to the inhabitants, there was no doubt but that the Queen, as lady of the manor, might prohibit their working in her soil. If the inhabitants dug so as to be prejudicial to the inheritance of the crown, it would be advisable to have the right determined by a trial. Sir Christopher Wren insisted on it that the inhabitants used not to dig stone in the commons until the last few years. The inhabitants insisted on it that they had made no difference, and if they worked to the prejudice of her Majesty or her tenants, they should be presented for the same in the manor court before the steward, and punished for so doing. If this were so, it might be more for her Majesty's service to permit the inhabitants to dig stone as usual, and receive the 9^d a ton, than to try the matter by a suit at law. Dated 31 March 1708. The letter of M^r Lowndes referring the matter to the Solicitor General, and a duplicate thereof. Minuted:—“Read 27^th Apr. 1708.” [A duplicate of the report itself, wrongly dated, is described in Vol. CI., No. 83, and other documents connected with this business are also described in Vol. CIII., Nos. 7, 8, and 62.] 7 pages.
March.	41. “Cofferers acco^t of Lady day quarter, 1708.” 1 page.
March 12 & April 1.	42. Proposal of George Yeo to refer his case concerning the expense he had been at in laying open the fraudulent trade with France, to the Lord High Treasurer. Signed Cha. Bernard for Geo. Yeo. “Recd. from M^r Bernard, 12 March 1707.” Another proposal from him to accept the offer for the wines to be delivered to him exclusive of all charges for exportation. Dated 1 April 1707. 2 pages.
April 3.	43. Distribution of the funds for the year 1708. (Draft.) Dated 3 April 1708. Also payments out of the funds for the service of the year 1708 to the 3rd April 1708. 2 large pages.
April 3.	44. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to William Lowndes, Esq., justifying themselves concerning M^r Muer of Aire. If his Lordship saw cause to restore him they were ready to obey his Lordship's inclinations. The Duke of Argyle not coming down as was expected, application had been made to his brother, the Earl of Eyla. Enclose the presentment of Walter Ogilvye to be tidewaiter. Sir Robert Dickson was very sensible of M^r Lowndes' favour to him in obtaining leave of the Lord High Treasurer to go to the Bath. Dated Edinburgh, 3 Apr. 1708. Minuted:—“W^t signd on y^e p[re]ntm^t.” 2 pages.
April 4.	45. James Verrier to the Hon^ble Sir Henry Furness, Kn^t and Bart. for his further interest with the Lord High Treasurer for a small employment in the customs. Endorsed, “Received 4 April 1708.” 1 page.
April 6.	46. Com^rs of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer. Had received her Majesty's order in council for putting the docks at Portsmouth and Chatham into a posture of defence, as well as the castles of Edinburgh, Stirling, and Inverlochy. By the copy of their report to the Duke of Marlborough his L^p would see that they had appointed engineers to make drafts and estimates of the works necessary to secure the docks at Portsmouth and Chatham. The works at Portsmouth to prevent an insult by land were estimated at 77,883l. 14s. 0d., and for Chatham 31,500l. As it was her Majesty's pleasure they should be proceeded with immediately, they asked that money might be particularly ordered. They had no drafts of the castles of Edinburgh, Sterling, and Inverlochy, nor any estimate of the charge, and thought it could be better performed by the officers of the ordnance there. Dated 6 April 1708. The order in council and copy of the report referred to. 4½ pages.
April 6.	47. Copy of warrant from [Prince] George [of Denmark] to Walter Whitfield, Esq., for payment of 85l. 3s. 4d. to Lieut. William Squibb, of the regiment of marines commanded by Col. Joshua Churchill. Dated 6 April 1708. 1 page.
April 8.	48. Report of the Com^rs for Salt to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of the merchants and traders in salt in the city of Gloucester, praying for an allowance to be made for waste on the shipment of salt coastwise from the port of Worcester to Gloucester under the Act, 5 Anne. They say Worcester is not a port, but within the port of Gloucester, and the persons not entitled to allowance for waste, and were not entitled by a more recent Act, because the salt was not carried by sea, but by the river Severn. Dated 8 April 1708. Minuted:—“28^th July 1708. My Lord agrees w^th the opinion of the Com^rs that the pet^rs are not entitled to any drawback.” Also the petition. 3 pages…
April 9.	49. “State of the acc^t of Edward Wilcox, Survey^r of her Ma^ts Woods Trent South, together with an acc^t of the debts & yearly allowances charged on woodsales & his proposalls for discharging the whole, &c.” Dated 9 Apr. 1708. Minuted:—“12 Apr. 1708. M^r Topham & M^r Wilcox to be here next Monday morning.” 3 pages (in pieces).
April 10.	50. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to William Lowndes, Esq. Various hogsheads of brandy had been picked up on the coast, probably tossed out of the French fleet, thought to be part of a vast quantity of other things that the enemy lost. If this were true it was an undoubted proof of their having been under a most horrid consternation, and that they had already found themselves great losers for undertaking their late expedition. It would discourage them for ever from attempting the like. “These accidents, added to others, must end before the new Exchequer.” They would do all that was possible for her Majesty's interest, the vice-admirals of the coast and lords of the manor not allowing anybody to be gainers but themselves, so that they might bring brandy, wine, &c., and not only introduce prohibited goods, but defraud the Queen of her duty upon importable commodities. It being plain that if casks of brandy are made strong enough to resist beating on “mustle banks, &c.,” the brandy takes no harm. Enclosed a letter from M^r John Campbell, the parliament man, and uncle to the Duke of Argyle, that it might be read to the Lord High Treasurer. It would demonstrate what must become of them, for all this bluster upon Sir Robert [Dixon] and the Board was because M^r Daniel Campbell had access to the Duke and his uncle and had credit to inflame them. His ambition was to restore the two Campbells whom they passed over at Port Glasgow, where he was collector, because they had shunned Sir Robert when he went to inquire respecting four ships that ran brandies. They (the Com^rs) must either turn honest men out, and restore these, or have his Grace of Argyle and all his family their enemies; but they would do their duty and depend on the L^d High Treasurer. It much concerned them that a man of Sir Robert's quality and integrity should be singled out for being so generous as he was when at Glasgow. They hoped that M^r Daniel Campbell would be brought to account. For tho' he had not performed his duty he ought not to molest those that had. But he was angry that he had not dissolved their board, as he had threatened, and was troubled that he could not bring in the waiters that he deluded. They enclosed also four presentments. Dated Edinburgh 10 April 1708. The following is an abstract of the letter referred to:— M^r John Campbell to Sir Robert Dixon. According to Sir Robert's desire had given the Duke of Argyle an assurance of his (Sir Robert's) readiness to serve him and his interest which stopped any resentment he then had, and did expect that Sir Robert would have continued in the same mind, but was mightily surprised to hear the treatment of his (Sir Robert's) board to some of their (the Campbells) name, none being forwarder than himself. Continues thus:—“Yett I resolve to complain of it first to yourself, and hope you will repone Archibald and James Campbell att Port Glassgow, that I may have it to tell our Duke before he hears of there being turned out, and if you write to him and inclose it to me I shall deliver it. I take this way in friendship, rather then apply to my Lord Thesaurer, with whom ‘I am very weel’ and may have ane order from his lo^p to have them reponed. I must acquaint you Daniel Campbell has done you justice in his representations, and wee are both confounded at the hardship is done to any of the name of Campbell, since non have appeared more ready to serve the Queen than wee. The Earl of Iyla [Eyla, or Islay] is now in Scotland, one whom I advise you to waite and by reponing these men show your kindness to his dependants.” Dated London, 30 March 1708. 3 pages, and 2 pages 8vo.
April 13.	51. Memorial of the Com^rs of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer for issue of money to their office, to replace the expense of canon balls, to be transported to Catalonia from the stores at Woolwich. The charge, with freight to Barcelona would amount to 1,886l. 9s. Dated 13 April 1708. 1 page.
April 13.	52. The Earl of Sunderland to the Lord High Treasurer sending an extract of a letter received from M^r Chetwynd, her Majesty's Envoy at Turin, containing a project for the more convenient remittance of money to King Charles in Barcelona, and for supplying the army with bread, &c.; for directions. Dated 13 April 1708. The extract mentioned. 2½ pages, quarto.
April 14.	53. Report of the Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Walter Stuart, for delivery to him of certain lustrings and alamodes without giving an obligation to export the same, or being put to the charge of a suit at law. If he would not give the security they thought the silks ought to be prosecuted to condemnation. Dated 14 Apr. 1708. Minuted:—“28 April 1708. My Lord agrees w^th this report.” The petition. 2 pages.
April 14.	54. Sir Isaac Newton, Master of the Mint, to the L^d High Treasurer. Heard by the last post that M^r. Daniel Stuart, the collector of the bullion for the mint at Edinburgh, was newly dead. The place, being irregular, should cease, and the bullion should be paid by the under-collectors to the cash keeper of North Britain, and kept apart in the Exchequer in a proper chest, &c., to defray the expense of the coinage, salaries, &c., and should be annually accounted for, so that the two mints should be under the same rules. Dated 14 Apr. 1708. (Holograph.) Minuted:—“Read 14^th April 1708. As soon as any rep[rese]ntation comes from Scotland my lord will give such directions therein for Sir Isaac's reimbursement as shall be thought most proper.” 1 page.
April 14.	55. Docquetted:—“Convention for levy money for 4000 Germans.” “Levy money given by parliam^t: 20,000.” A paper containing certain articles of agreement, dated at the Hague, 14 Apr. 1708, commencing thus:—“The loss of the battle of Almanza having reduced the affairs of Spain to such a point, that without immediate succours, his Catholic Majesty will be obliged to quitt Catalonia, and there being no way to provide this succour sooner, than by transporting part of the imperial forces now in Italy, it is agreed by the underwritten persons, authoriz'd for this effect on the following considerations.” The persons referred to are “Le P. et D. de Marlborough, [and] Eugene de Savoye.” His Imperial Majesty was to furnish 4,000 foot then in Italy, to be transported from Vado to Catalonia at the Queen's expense; which troops were also to be paid by the Queen, &c. 2 pages.
April 15.	56. “Order of Council ab^t the making fortifications at Portsm^th, &c.” Order in Council for carrying out the works for the fortifications at Portsmouth and Chatham, as estimated by the engineers. (See Letter of Com^rs of Ordnance of 6 April, No. 46.) The Lord High Treasurer to provide the moneys. 1½ pages.
April 16.	57. Memorial of Lieut.-Gen^l Erle in behalf of the seven regiments broken at Almanza, commanded by Col. Wightman, Lord Mordaunt, Brigad^r Gorge, Lord Montjoy, Colonel Bowles, Brigadier Macartney, Lord Mark Kerr “and now under his direction,” asking that directions might be given as to levy money, &c. Dated 16 April 1708. 1¼ pages.
April 16.	58. Report of Sir James Montague, Kn^t, Solicitor Gen^l, on the petition of Edward Progers, Esq. King Charles II. by letters patent of 22 July in the 30th year of the reign, demised the manor or bailiwick of Westminster to Sir Joseph Sheldon and Nicholas Charleton for 80 years, with an express covenant that the grantees should in all leases of the premises insert provisoes for the enrolment of such leases within one year of their date, or else that they should be void. By indenture of 25 Jan. 1680, the above Sir Joseph, Nicholas Charleton, and others demised the tenement called the Gate House, leading from King S^t into New Palace Yard, Westminster, &c., (parcel of the bailiwick) to the petitioner for 50½ years from Lady Day 1706, with the proviso for enrolment, but the indenture was not enrolled within the time prefixed. Yet he (the Solicitor) did not find that this omission had been in any way detrimental to the crown, and he conceived that if her Majesty confirmed the same, no inconvenience would ensue. Dated 16 April 1708. The petition referred to. 3 pages.
[About April 16.]	59. Petition of Henry Ballowe and John Smith, deputy Chamberlains, for joining tallies in the Court of Exchequer. Had received 5,228 tallies of moneys lent, and various other tallies, which they had sorted and disposed into such order that any one might be produced on demand, &c. Had usually received by warrant from the Treasury the eighth part of what was allowed to the officers and clerks in the Tally Court in the receipt of the Exchequer, which then amounted to 135l. 15s. 6d.; pray for a warrant for payment. Certificate touching the same. Dated 16 April 1708. 2 pages.
April 17.	60. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to William Lowndes, Esq. This week they and their principal officers had taken the oath of abjuration, and signed it before the Earl of Glasgow at the Treasury Chamber, and the act had been forwarded to all the ports. Nine butts of brandy had come up on the coast of Dundee. The country people were so fierce that they took one butt from the horse grenadiers; and two of them at Maulshaven killed themselves on the spot by drinking. A great deal more brandy came ashore staved. These wrecks were within the district of the Earl of Southesk and Penmore. From Montrose nine pipes more were secured, and six “confounded” by the mob, 12 were staved on the rocks, and several run away with by the natives. This confirmed them (the Com^rs) in the belief that the brandy was thrown out of the French fleet, and that never people were under greater consternation. The admirals of the coast carried it more and more haughtily to their officers. They (the Com^rs) annex a letter and “permit” to the collector of Dundee, acquainting him that the Earl of Crawford had the custom of Methell, Lymekills, and Torrie, and that he had his own collector in those ports. No kind of government could have subsisted; for if the Union had not happened, in a little time the whole branches of the revenue must have been divided into properties. It was for the advantage of the Union that he (M^r Lowndes) should be acquainted with the nature of this country and the temper of the people; and so they sent him a copy of a letter from the principal officer of Thurso, in Caithness. From “Schetland” their officer complained that the justices had set him in the stocks, and declared that wool might be exported from thence. From Port Patrick and Glasgow they had an account that a French privateer of about 16 guns had taken several vessels going into the Clyde, which made a great noise. Indeed the guarding of that river was of the highest consequence to the trade; the Glasgow merchants seeming to have the best spirit of any others in North Britain; and the taking off of the linen manufactures, &c. from the west countrymen for the plantations and the Leeward Islands, would in time become the best argument for bringing the people in those parts to an entire reconciliation to the Union; and then the Highlanders with their other reasons for disturbance of the Government, could not bring North Britain into any formidable embroil. Dated Edinburgh, 17 April 1708. Minuted:—“Read 27 Apr. 1708. Make an extract of so much as concernes guarding the River Clyde for Burchet, desiring him to lay it before ye P. Counsel, as a matter that imports y^e revenue as well as ye quiet of ye country.” 3 pages.
April 19.	61. Report of Edward Wilcox to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of W^m Emerson and John Playel, keepers in Hyde Park, as to watering the roads in the park. He could make an agreement for 65l. per ann. for the future if his Lordship approved. Dated 19 April 1708. The petition and a certificate. 2½ pages.
April 20.	62. Com^rs of Ordnance to the L^d High Treasurer. Computed that 60,000l. would be necessary that year to enable the office to carry on the works at Portsmouth and Chatham docks, viz., 30,000l. forthwith to make contracts, provide materials, and pay labourers and overseers, 20,000l. more in August next, and the remaining 10,000l. in November; but they were not at present prepared to say what the charge of the castles in Scotland would be. Dated 20 Apr. 1708. Minuted:—“Read 26^th April 1708. 30,000^li of y^e land tax tallies in the Trea[sure]r of the Navy's hands.” 1½ pages.
April 20.	63. Report of Henry Stevens, “D.P.R.,” to the Lord High Treasurer, on the petition of John Benson, Under-sheriff of Middlesex, concerning his fees for executing an extent against John Nutting, for a debt of 2,000l. Found that the R^t Hon. Thomas Earl of Southampton, Lord High Treasurer of England, and others, for encouragement of the sheriffs to do their duties, in executing the King's process, ordered an allowance of 1s. 6d. for every 20s. levied and paid to the King's use, upon any fieri facias, extent, or other process awarded out of the Court of Exchequer; and that before that order the allowances for such service were uncertain; but since the order such allowances were usual. Was of opinion the petitioner was entitled to 1s. 6d. for every 20s of 654l. paid to her Majesty's use; but he could not find any instance of a dispute concerning the allowance of 1s. 6d. for every 20s., or other fee or reward, for money paid into the Exchequer, by the security of any person taken into the custody of a sheriff by process at law, therefore he must submit that part to his Lordship's judgment. Dated Inner Temple, 20 April 1708. Also the petition. Minuted:—“4 June 1708. The poundage to be allowed for 654^li only.” 2 pages.
April 21.	64. “Com. Northton. An abstract of the produce of Lord Griffin's late estate from y^e time the crowne hath been in the receipt thereof unto Michas 1707 according to a rentall of particulars returned to me by M^r Robert Hart receiver.” Signed Tho. Jell, 21 April 1708. Minuted:—“500^li to be pđ to M^r Rider to enable him to discharge so much of a debt of 2500l. w^ch y^e Lord Griffin (for whom M^r R^r was surety) borrowed of Valentine Duncomb upon a bond w^ch was ass~ed to y^e E. of R. who then was & still is a deb^r to y^e crown and 500^li to M^r Griffin in pa … of the debts owing to him out of the said forfeited estate; he promising thereout, to support his father whilest a prisoner.” 1 page.
April 21.	65. The case of the rector of Barrowby, near Grantham, in Lincolnshire, (1) as to a pension of 3l. 6s. 8d. paid by him to the crown; (2) as to a salary of 47s. paid by the crown to him. The latter was in arrear for the year 1704 by the default of M^r Gilliver, the Deputy Receiver; praying payment of the arrear and the money extorted from him (the rector) by the Receiver. Dated 21 April 1708. 1 page. Minuted:—“Send this to M^r Gilliver.” 1 page.
April 21.	66. Sir Robert Munro to the Lord High Treasurer. The Sheriff of Ross had issued public intimations at each church within the eastern division of Ross, requesting the justices of the peace to meet, and at their meeting a letter was read from the Council Chamber to the justices of Ross-shire. The oath of abjuration was taken by him and the other gentleman, and nothing further could be done for want of a clerk. Would his Lordship procure an order from the Privy Council for them to choose their own clerk; and likewise that David Ross, of Bellnagowne, chieftain of the name of Ross, of undoubted loyalty, should be named a justice of the peace? It would encourage them much if directions were given to suppress intruders within the shire, who not only infested parishes, but possessed churches, &c. without legal title, contrary to the ecclesiastical constitution, whereby not only immoralities abounded, but Popish priests, jesuits, &c., who seduced her Majesty's subjects, were sheltered among them. Dated Inverbreakieness, 21 April 1708. Minuted:—“The Cl. of Peace to be nominated by Cust. Rotulor. David Ross, of Inverchaslie, is in ye com[m]ission, not of Bellnagown.” 2 pages.
April 22.	67. Jo. Ince, secretary to the Directors of the Bank [of England], to John Taylor, Esq., Treasury Chambers. The bank would advance the 6,000l. desired by the Navy “on a deposit of land tax tallies, with my Lord Treasurer's minute to repay the same out of the first moneys to be paid into the Exchequer by the East India Company.” They were induced to do so by the expectation that the 6,000l., together with the former 20,000l., would be punctually paid to them. Dated Bank, 22 April 1708. 1 page.
[About April 23.]	68. Memorial of Archibald Dowglass, of Cavers, Esq., to the Lord High Treasurer. Was constituted Receiver General of rents and revenues in Scotland on 28 April 1707, with salary, &c. After the Union the customs, excise, and letter office were made payable to other persons; prays that such a salary as his Lordship should think reasonable should be annexed to his office. Minuted:—“Read 23^th April 1708. My Lord agrees that he shall have y^e like allowance, 2^d p[er] pound, [as the] Rec^r Gen^ll of the land tax in Scotland as is allowed to y^e Rec^r Gen^ll in England.” 1 page.
April 24.	69. Com^rs of Ordnance to the Lord High Treasurer. Referred to previous report of 16 Jan., on which his L^p directed that the debt of their office for stores to Barbadoes should be paid out of the revenue of 4½ per cent. arising in Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands. As they had not received the least sum, hoped his L^p would give further directions. They required immediately 500 tons of saltpetre. The East India Co. was ready to deliver it to them on payment of 26,500l. Might they not propose the land tax tallies in their office “which were payable after 1,620,000?” Minuted:—“Read 26 Apr. 1708. My Lord agrees to what is herein proposed as to the direcc[i]ons out of the 4 &; ½ p[er] cent. and the land tax.” 1 page.
April 25.	70. Com^rs of Customs (Scotland) to William Lowndes, Esq. Returned thanks for the establishment for Lady-day quarter. M^r Cocburn's petition should be considered speedily and reported on. Brandies had been run on the coast at Fisherraw, and 32 half hogsheads were found at Pinkney House, a seat of the Marquis of Tweeddale's; these were brought to the warehouses at Leith. Enclosed a presentment for a tidewaiter in the precinct of Cambletoun, which was too large for the officers. The above brandy came from Holland. Had sent to seize the ship. Were so sensible of the danger from Norway and Holland that they had bought a vessel of 35 tons to be fitted out speedily. The Earl of Leven was very free in granting soldiers to assist the collectors of Leith in the seizure, and appeared very active for the Government. Dated Edinburgh, 25 April 1708. 2 pages.
[? About April 26.]	71. “Double of the letter to his Royal Highness the Prince of Denmark.” It is of the nature of a petition for the assistance of convoys to protect the trade on the coasts of Scotland from the Firth of Forth to the Orkneys on the east and from the Isle of Man to the Clyde on the west, which was much injured by French privateers. Captain Campbell, commander of H.M. ship the Dumbartone, had been lately taken by the French on the western coast. Undated, but about 26 April 1708. See Pay Book of the ship named, 5 Oct. 1707 to 26 April 1708. 1 page.
April 27.	72. London Victualling Office, the 27 April 1708. An account of bills of exchange drawn from Lisbon by Commissioner Harlowe and M^r Stephen Bisse, agent for the service of the victualling, between 7^th May 1705 and 13^th April 1708, payable to Sir Hen^y Furnese. 1 page.
April 28.	73. Certificate signed “p[er] H. Bythell, Dep[u]tat. A. Maynwaring arⁱ Au^dris,” showing that Lord Orford claims on his final account 3,000l. per ann. for salary from 29 May 1699 to 27 Nov. following, when he acted as Treasurer of the Navy. Dated 28 April 1708. 1 page, quarto.
April 28.	74. Com^rs of Customs to the Lord High Treasurer. Touching the rules the masters of the packet boats ought to be under, in case they were licensed to export and import merchants' goods. By law the commanders of merchants' ships inwards were obliged for every voyage to come directly to the place of unlading, and to make a true entry on oath of the burthen, contents, and lading, with the particular marks, numbers, qualities, and contents of every parcel of goods therein laden, to the best of their knowledge, and who were the owners, under penalty of the forfeiture of 100l.; and they were bound to proceed in a similar manner outwards, under the like penalty. If his Lordship should licence these packet boats to import and export goods, it would be necessary for them to comply with the law, and be subject to searches, rules, &c. as the merchant vessels. They should be restrained to a limited quantity, viz., not to exceed five tons outwards and 10 tons home, being the same as was agreed upon between the governors of the Post Office and M^r Dummer for the packet boats employed to carry the Queen's mails between England and H.M. islands in America. Dated 28 April 1708. Minuted:—“My Lord will speak with the gov^rs of ye Post Office.” 1½ pages.
[About April 28.]	75. Petition of the merchants of London to the L^d High Treasurer. The Com^rs of Customs had made a presentment for appointing three new officers to pass the petitioners' debentures through the several offices at the Custom House in the port of London, in which presentment were several matters which they (the merchants) conceived would be a discouragement to trade; praying for a copy of the presentment. 31 signatures. Minuted:—“28^th Aprill 1708. These mercħts, with the Com^rs of the Customs & patent officers to be heard on Wednesday next.” In the Minute Book, Vol. XIV., p. 201, 14 May 1708, is:—“Com^rs of Customes cald in & the merchants about the officers for passing their debenturs. The merch^ts are to have from ye Com^rs an extract of their presentm^t.” 1 page.
April 30.	76. Report of the Com^rs of Customs, to the Lord High Treasurer on the petition of Stephen Theard, merchant, who had been sentenced to stand in the pillory [three times] and to pay a fine of 50l. Theard says that his imprisoment had so disordered his affairs, that together with the shame and sorrow to which his offence had brought him, his undergoing the severity of the law would for ever incapacitate him for business and ruin him and his family. His sufferings he hoped might have made some atonement for his guilt. Asks a pardon and remission of the fine. The Com^rs conceived it would greatly conduce to the service of the revenue that the judgment should be executed on him for his fraud and forgery as a public example. 30 April 1708. The petition. 2 pages.
April 30.	77. Com^rs of the Navy to M^r Lowndes. On the reference from the Lord High Treasurer of the petition from the officers and clerks of the dockyard at Plymouth, for relief from the taxes on their salaries: reporting in favour of their case. Dated 30 April 1708. Minuted:—“Vide the report for Deptford and Woolw^ch and other yards by direcc[i]on from hence, and what the sums that may be craved by these and the rest of the yards may amount to.” 2 pages (torn).
April 30.	78. Report of the Solicitor General (Mountague) to the Lord High Treasurer, on various papers relating to demands on the forfeited estate of the late Lord Griffin. Besides an equity of redemption which the Earl of Ranelagh claimed from Lord Griffin, of certain lands in Braybrook (Northamptonshire), there was a bond given by Lord Griffin and M^r W^m Ryder to Valentine Duncomb for 2,500l. This bond would enable the Earl to answer his debt to the crown. If M^r Ryder (who was only a surety for the debt of Lord Griffin) satisfied this debt to the Earl, he would be entitled to some favour from the crown. M^r Ryder's case did seem to him (the Solicitor General) very compassionate, for he could not be reimbursed any part of the money he should pay for Lord Griffin's debt, out of Lord Griffin's estate, because of the attainder; and yet M^r Ryder was not a penny the better for the money borrowed of M^r Duncombe, &c. He, the Attorney General, was of opinion that the Earl of Ranelagh and M^r Ryder were justly entitled to a benefit of the Lord Griffin's unsettled estate. Dated 30 April 1708. 3½ pages.
April.	79. “Resolutions & addresses of the House of Commons to her Ma^tie and her Ma^ties gratiouse answers April 1708” as to proceeding with the works upon the fortifications of the docks at Portsmouth and Chatham, and the castles of Edinburgh, Stirling, and Inverlochy. 1 page.