Volume 252: January 2-May 27, 1725 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 6, 1720-1728. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

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Citation:

'Volume 252: January 2-May 27, 1725', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 6, 1720-1728, ed. Joseph Redington( London, 1889), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol6/pp317-342 [accessed 24 November 2024].

January 2–May 27, 1725



[Beginning of 1725.]	1. “New Years Gifts or other annual dues for the Lords.” “New years guifts paid & distributed by M^r Scroop.” “New years gifts or other annual gratuities for the Secretarys” [of different departments]. “New years gifts or other annual gratuities for the Clerks” [in different departments]. 3 pages.
1725.	2. Estimate of the charge of the Office of Ordnance for 1725. Signed. 1 page.
2 Jan.	3. “Attorney General's (Yorke's) opinion as to the pretensions of Greenwich Hospital upon the Coal Duties.” The opinion is that by the Act 5 Geo. I. the sum of 6,000l. per ann. appropriated to the Hospital is not continued to Lady day 1751. 1½ pages.
7 Jan.	4. “State of Lady Lætitia Russell's annuity to Easter 1723,” signed by “Matt. Pennefather, Comp^r & Acc^t Gen^l.” Also “copy of the King's letter to Lord Lieut^t for paying the arrears of Lady Lætitia Russell's penc[i]on.” 4 pages.
7 Jan.	5. James Graham to —. Hopes he will not decline to give his countenance and assistance in forwarding his (Graham's) claim to a salary, now that he has a nearer opportunity to do him (Graham) good offices. Asks him to put an enclosure into M^r Walpole's hands. Sends also copy of his letter to M^r Walpole. Has written to Alexander Hamilton, “Will's brother,” to wait on his correspondent, and receive his commands. Hints that if he thinks it worth while, he may offer M^r Walpole a present. Edinburgh, 7 Jan. 1724/5. 1 page.
14 Jan.	6. Com^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury. Sir Michael Creagh, attainted of treason for the Rebellion of 1688, has set forth in his memorial to them (the Com^rs of Revenue) that he lent considerable sums to several persons, which sums continued undiscovered; and according to a list these amounted to 22,650l., and in regard the same was vested in the Crown by his attainder, he submitted himself to be considered as a discoverer. By their solicitors report the amount would be near that sum, but most of the debts were granted away and the grants confirmed by Parliament, and others sold for the use of the public by the late Trustees for the sale of Irish forfeitures of 1688; so that 3,000l. or 4,000l. only appears at present not to have been granted. For recovery of these sums the usual process has been issued. Sir Michael has undergone great difficulties by arrest and otherwise, and the Com^rs could not refuse to help him so as to expedite the suits. Sir Michael has lately embraced the Protestant Religion. Have supplied him in small sums amounting to 100l., which they presume their Lordships will approve. Ask for their Lordships commands if he seeks further assistance, of which he will speedily stand in need. Custom house, Dublin. 2 pages.
16 Jan.	7. “Serj^t Pengelly's opinion how far the Act 5 Geo., for applying the coal duties &c. is affected by the S^o Sea Act 6 Georgij.” 16 Jan. 1724. With it is also copy of another opinion of the same Serjeant as to whether the 6,000l. per ann. granted to Greenwich Hospital by Act 9 Anne is not continued by Act 5 Geo. [I.] until Lady day 1751. 24 Dec. 1724. 2 pages (4^to).
16 Jan.	8. Richard Salter to the R^t Hon. Robert ‘Walpoole,’ Esq. Sends a paper which hints “at some persons w^ch defraud his Majesty ‘bassly.’” Also informs Mr. Walpole that there are several of their ingenious hands shipping away contrary to an Act of Parliament to another country, which will be a great damage to our trade. The paper referred to is entitled “Considerations respecting frauds in drawbacks for duties on tobacco exported from England to Ireland.” One of the frauds is thus described: “The Masters of vessels that come into the Irish Ports, with tobacco from England, wait opportunities of ‘runing’ 28 days, which is the time allowed them by Act of Parliament, before they make entry, and then they make a shew of burning part of the tobacco, as damaged, to the amount of what they had run; then collude with the Collector, Surveyor, or Landwaiter (who call the English Acts of Parliament oppressive Acts) to certify the whole deficiency as damaged, and burn'd; to the defrauding of the crown of all the duty of the tobacco so run; of which there is an instance beyond all dispute, by which it can be made appear that the quantity of tobacco entered and shipp'd off from England, and the quantity certified to be landed in Ireland, differed about 800 pounds in about 3,000 pounds weight.” 4½ pages.
22 Jan.	9. Memorial of the Surveyor of Woods [Wither] to the Lords of the Treasury. Has received their Lordships directions to pay various sums specified, but represents that no money has ever been raised by him but what has been by warrant appropriated to particular services, and that he cannot pay the sums amounting to 1,285l. until authorised by their Lordships to raise money for that purpose. Proposes that money should be raised by felling wood in the forests of Dean, Whichwood, and Cliff. Jan. 22 1724. Minuted:—“23^rd March 1725. Prepare the proper War^t.” 1¼ pages.
21 and 29 Jan.	10. “The complaint of Matt. Barton, King's Clerk and Comptroller of the coinage for the service of his Majesty's dominions, &c. in America against W^m Wood, patentee of the said coinage.” Jan. 21, 1724. [The patentee is charged with not complying with the terms of his grant, and treating with contempt every effort of the Controller to make him comply.] “The answer of W. Wood, Patentee of ye American coinage, to the complaint,” &c. He says that the whole complaint is frivolous, and seems only designed to give trouble and vexation to the patentee. Jan. 29, 1724. 2 pages.
1 Feb.	11. Commissioners of Revenue in Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury, enclosing their report on the petition of M^r Edward Fitz Gerrald, recommending in a particular manner that part of it which relates to the encouragement of the discoverer, whose zeal and hazard as well as expense has been very great. The fourth part of what has been discovered has usually been granted to discoverers. 1 Feb. 1724. The Report referred to. The Commissioners find that Henry Fitz Gerald the petitioner's father was, in 1690, indicted and outlawed for high treason on account of the Rebellion of 1688, and that he took King William's protection. After this until his death, in 1715, he behaved himself as a peaceable subject. In 1714 Sir Arthur Shaen, Bart., made a lease to petitioner's father for 31 years, at a rent of 133l. 6s. 8d., and by the same deed Sir Arthur demised the same lands to the petitioner at the above rent, to commence on the expiration of the first term, and for a iurther term of 31 years after the expiration of the first two terms, to Henry Fitz Gerald of Dublin, which two reversionary terms appear to have been in trust for petitioner's father. Petitioner's father, by will in 1715, devised the premises to petitioner and his heirs male, subject to a portion of 300l. payable to his daughter Mary (petitioner's sister). Petitioner and his brother Gerald as administrators became possessed of the premises, and petitioner renounced the errors of the Church of Rome and became a protestant of the Church of Ireland, as appears by certificate enrolled of the Archbishop of Dublin. Dupleacks the discoverer objects, that notwithstanding this, he cannot be taken to be a protestant, as by Act of 8 Anne the petitioner is obliged, besides filing the certificate, to receive the holy sacrament according to the usage of the Church of Ireland, and to make and subscribe the Declaration to prevent the further growth of Popery, and to take and file the oath of abjuration. A certificate thereof is also to be filed. As he has not made it appear that he has complied with these requirements, they (the Com^rs) are of opinion that he cannot be deemed to be a protestant within the meaning of the Act. Further set out what were the arrangements on petitioner's marriage, but the petitioner had no power to charge the premises, the same being vested in his Majesty by reason of the attainder of petitioner's father. Thomas Dupleacks petitioned the Com^rs in 1722 to be admitted as a protestant discoverer to make out his Majesty's title to the assets, and for a prosecution, and he was accordingly admitted. An information in the Court of Exchequer was exhibited against the petitioner and his brother, and the latter put in his answer, but the petitioner had not answered. Process of contempt issued against him, and the execution of the sequestration was opposed by several persons in arms, who came from the petitioner's house and fired upon and wounded some of the sequestrator's assistants. But it appears by a certificate of several protestants of good estate and reputation in the county where the petitioner resides, &c. that he has at all times behaved himself as a good subject to the Crown. Eleven ejectments were brought in the Court of Common Pleas by Sir Arthur Shaen to recover the possession of the lands for arrears of rent, but (for reasons given) those proceedings ceased. Thomas Dupleacks exhibited a bill in the same court against the petitioner and his brother, setting forth that the two reversionary leases were made in trust for petitioner's father, and praying to have the benefit of them and of the lease in possession as protestant discoverer, and suggesting that petitioner's father and himself were both papists. Soon after Sir Arthur Shaen outlawed the petitioner and his brother in an action of debt for rent, and the lands in lease were returned by inquisition as of the yearly value of 40l., ultra reprisas. Sir Arthur was put in possession, but the outlawry was reversed and a custodiam granted to M^r Richard Nuttall, the Com^rs Solicitor, for the King's use, and the lands were lately set to a solvent tenant at 208l. per ann. beyond the reserved rent payable to Sir Arthur, a fourth part of which rent of 208l. per ann. the discoverer insists to have secured to him. The petition in which the lands leased to petitioner's father are described as “the severall lands of Knockm^t, Banacher, Bracklan, Sarsfieldstown, Scurlocksland, Corbittstown, Balintlevy, Ballinturnan, and Ballinderry in the county of Westmeath.” There is also a petition from him to Sir Robert Walpole, asking that the leasehold lands may be subject to the jointure of 1,400l. to his wife. Further there is a copy of an opinion that Dupleacks, the informer, was not entitled to any share in the discovery. In the Minute Book, Vol. 25, p. 92 h. (11 Aug. 1725) after stating that the above report had been read, “My Lords adhere to the Report, which is against the petitioner, and leave it to the Comm^rs of the Revenue to act therein as they have used to do in cases of the like nature.” 8 pages.
18 Jan. and 3 Feb.	12. Report of the Surveyor General (J. Pulteney) to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Edmond, Duke of Buckinghamshire and Normanby, an infant, Katherine, Duchess of Buckinghamshire and Normanby, (his Grace's mother and guardian,) Charles, Earl of Orrery, and other the said Duke's trustees. By patent of 9 Charles I. the King granted to Edmond, Earl of Mulgrave, and his heirs male the Manor and Castle of Mulgrave, and several lands, &c. in Yorkshire, under the yearly fee-farm rent of 62l. and 3 pence. His grace is lineally descended from the Earl of Mulgrave, and is seised of the manor, &c., with remainder to the Hon^ble Robert Sheffield, Esq., and his heirs male; reversion in fee to his Majesty. The said Robert Sheffield is far advanced in years and has no issue male. The petition further sets forth that the alum works on the premises may produce great profit, if managed to the best advantage, and that the lands and houses may, with expense, be considerably improved, but no person will engage therein unless he can have an estate or interest in the premises for a competent number of years certain; which by reason of the Duke's infancy, and the contingencies whereto this estate (in taile male) is liable, cannot be granted, so as to bind the Crown, without the aid of Parliament. Petitioners pray to be allowed to bring in a Bill into the House of Commons to enable his Grace to grant leases. Is of opinion their Lordships should advise his Majesty to give the leave asked. 18 Jan. 1724. Also supplementary report on a supplement to the petition, wherein the petitioners set forth that the manor of Seaton with appurtenances was granted to Edmund, Lord Sheffield (afterwards Earl of Mulgrave), by Queen Elizabeth in the thirty fourth year of her reign. This they intended to have inserted in their petition, but it was omitted. He (the Surveyor General) has no objection to the like power as regards this manor as is proposed to be granted in relation to the manor of Mulgrave. Also the petition and supplement. 5 pages.
5 Feb.	13. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Carteret) to the Duke of Newcastle on the petition of Francis Maynard, of the county of Kerry, Esq. Praying for an annual pension on the Establishment of Ireland, or some other provision. Referred the same to the Deputy Auditor General, whose report he transmits, and thinks the petitioner a proper object of the Royal compassion. There is the following minute in the Minute Book, Vol. 25, p. 39b, on the reading these documents:—“My Lords thereupon order a warrant to be prepared for placing him on the Establishment of Ireland at 100l. p[er] ann. penc[i]on from Lady day last.” The Report referred to. Petitioner was an officer in the regiment of Sir George S^t George, which was “broke” in the reign of King William, after the peace of Ryswick; had been sheriff of the county of Kerry; was a Justice of the Peace, a captain of a militia company, &c., and whilst sheriff was at a considerable expense on account of the designed Invasion. The petition referred to and a certificate with covering letter. 5 pages and 2 halves.
9 Feb.	14. Representation from the Com^rs of Taxes to the Lords of the Treasury with an account of the deficiencies in respect to the tax upon Papists. Office for Taxes 9 Feb. 1724. 2 pages.
11 Feb.	15. Copy of affidavit of John Russell, writer to the Signet, as to a “Back bond granted by Col. Balfour of Fanney, relating to the Disposition granted by the deceast Robert, Lord Burleigh, to him, and as to the way & manner that the said backbond came to his possession.” “Edinb^r,” 11 Feb. 1724. 1 page.
12 Feb.	16. “Draft of the Att^o General's opinion ab^t prohibiting the importation of tea from Holland &c. as also a l~re from M^r Woolley Secr^y to the East India Comp^a thereupon.” Also the case submitted to the Attorney General. 6 pages.
15 Feb.	17. Com^rs of Forfeited Estates (Scotland) to John Scrope, Esq., asking that the enclosed account may be laid before the Lords of the Treasury. The account referred to entitled:—“An accompt of the moneys due by the Governour & Company of Undertakers for raising the Thames Water in York Buildings to the Publick for Principal & Interest conform to the several dates.” 2 pages.
16 Feb.	18. Representation of the Earl of Halifax, Auditor of the Receipt of the Exchequer, to the Lords of the Treasury. The cash room belonging to the office was broken open by having the lead upon the root turned up and by sawing a joist and breaking some plastering. The lock at the end of the chest was forced off, and out of the hole that the look covered, four entire bags were carried off, a fifth was taken out, opened, and about 200l. taken; the remainder in the bag lay on the floor, where was found an old blade of a knife with a piece of cork for a handle “supposed to be brought to strike fire withal, because near it was an old tinn pot with some pieces of touch wood and a gimbler.” Gives other particulars. Sent for the officers of works to consult as to what was necessary to be done, and to arrange for a survey of the building to prevent the like misfortune for the future. Relates what steps he took to discover the robbers, as well as the precautions taken to prevent further attempts. Exchequer, 16 Feb. 1724. The report of the Officers of Works, who suggest that arches should be turned under and over the offices, and the floor paved with stone. Also two plans. Minuted:—“Read 4^o Mar. & agreed to 500^li to be issued to the Usher of the Excheq^r for Iron Chests, watch coats, an engine & buckets.” A fuller minute to the same effect is entered in the Minute Book, vol. 25. p. 25. 6½ pages.
[After 17 Feb.]	18a. Memorial of Captain John Kelly to the R^t Hon. Sir Robert Walpole. In 1721, being Captain of an Independent Company at Tinmouth Castle, he caused a seizure of 10 Dutch trading ships, which were condemned and sold for 5,700l. By his great fatigue he had a violent fever, and was thought incurable; and his “company” which cost him 1,000 guineas, was given to a Captain on half pay. The Board of General Officers reported that he had sustained a very great hardship. All he had got by the seizure was 150l. by warrant from the Lords of the Treasury, which was far short of the expense he was at, whilst the Government was benefitted at least 20,000l. Has been a close prisoner in Newgate and the Kings Bench upwards of 10 months. His Majesty has granted him 160l. per ann. till better provided for, and as he was desirous to end his days in his Majesty's service this would be saved if his Majesty would grant him the first Troop of Horse or dragoons that shall become vacant, or a pension equivalent. The copy of the warrant for the 150l. dated 17 Feb. 1724. In the Minute Book, Vol. 25, p. 44i, 3 May 1725, is:—“Capt. John Kelly's peticon for a further reward for his service in discovering the Dutch smuggling ships a^o 1721, hovering about Tinmouth, is read and rejected.” 2 pages.
17 Feb.	19. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer of Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury on the warrant prepared for the Royal signature granting to John, Duke of Argyle and Greenwich, “the miln and miln lands of Muckart lying within the regality of S^t Andrews, and the lands of Blackfoord alias Blackshaugh, within the Stewartry of Strathern and Sherriffdom of Perth, holding few of his Majesty as come in place of the Archbishop of S^t Andrews, and the four oxgate and half of land in Wester Duddingston within the Sheriffdom of Edinburgh holding taxtward of his Majesty, proceeding upon the resignations of M^r John Campbell of Mamore, and George Logan of Burn castle respectively.” Find that the signature contains a de novo damus, but it does not appear that any of the bygone few duties, &c. will be discharged by the de novo damus. The signature contains a disjoining clause and a discharge and dispensation to the Duke of Argyle; but his Majesty may disjoin the lands from the former jurisdiction as they are in his Majesty's gift, and he may reunite them to another. “Edin.,” 17 Feb. 1724–5. 2 pages.
18 Feb.	20. Representation of the Court of Directors of the “Equivalent Company” to the Lords of the Treasury. The proprietors of the Equivalent debt amounting to 248,550l. 0s. 9½d., being lately incorporated, acquaint their Lordships that the yearly fund of 10,000l., which to Michaelmas last has been or will be paid in Scotland, is from and after that time, by virtue of the Charter and the Act, to be paid to the Corporation, or to their Cashier. And their Lordships are thereby enjoined to issue their warrants to the proper officers in Scotland to pay the same. In pursuance of the same Charter and Act there becomes also payable to the Corporation the annual sum of 600l. for charges of management. Pray their Lordships to issue their warrant for payment of the 10,000l. and the 600l. They also pray that the latter sum may be made payable from Midsummer 1719, to include unavoidable expenses to which they have been put. “Res. 18 Feb^ry 1724–5.” 1 page.
19 Feb.	21. Petition of Nicholas Paxton to the Lords of the Treasury. By order of Viscount Townshend has acted as Solicitor on behalf of the suitors of the Court of Chancery towards obtaining satisfaction from the deficient Masters of that court, for which purpose a great many orders have been made by the Com^rs of the Great Seal. Petitioner has likewise taken administration to M^r Dormer, late one of the masters, and has preferred a bill in Chancery to call some persons to account who were indebted to him. Petitioner is suing for administration to M^r Borrett, another master: prays that 300l. may be ordered towards reimbursing him for the expenses. 19 Feb. 1724. In the Minute Book, vol. 25, p. 21d (23 Feb. 1724–5), is:—“My Lords order 400^li to be issued to M^r Cracherode for law charges, and that out of the same the said 300^li be paid to Paxton as an imprest for the purposes aforesaid.” 1 page.
23 Feb.	22. Application from the Secretary to the United East India Company, to the Lords of the Treasury, renewing the address on behalf of George Benyon, a land waiter in the port of Bristol, who had discovered a clandestine trade carried on at Bristol and other parts of England with the pirates at Madagascar, viz., for him to be made a land surveyor. It “will be an encouragement to other persons to discover any ill practices they shall know to be carrying on to the disadvantage of the public, and by distinguishing M^r Benyon will protect him from the resentment of the persons who may think themselves hurt by his above mentioned service. East India House, 23 Feb. 1724.” Accompanied by a previous memorial (of 12 July 1721) referred to in the above, on the same subject. 2 pages.
24 Feb.	23. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of Alexander M^cMillan, writer in Edinburgh. Petitioner “is possessed of five receipts for arms valued, apprized and delivered up to the Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Sutherland,” in pursuance of an Act of the 1st year of H. M. reign entitled “an Act for the more effectual securing the peace of the Highlands, in Scotland,” amounting to 701l. 8s. sterling. By the Act these sums are to be paid by the Collectors of the Land Tax or Excise. The arms were delivered up to the Deputy Lieutenant, and the parties have not received satisfaction. There has been already paid for arms delivered up 11,483l. 7s. 11¹/6d. Also the petition referred to. 4½ pages.
24 Feb.	24. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of M^r Alexander Swinton, of Strathore, in the county of Fife, Scotland. Conceive it reasonable that payment should be ordered him of 90l. as the value of the coals made use of by the King's forces during the time of the late unnatural Rebellion in Scotland. The petition states that the petitioner had a lease of the coal works of Lochgellie, within about five miles of the town of Bruntisland. He had a coal yard on the shore of the town of Bruntisland, in which were deposited for exportation 1,000 loads of great coal and 400 loads of small coal. The rebels, among other places, seized upon the Castle of Bruntisland and upon the coal yard near to it; but soon after, being forced to abandon both, Sir Robert Montgomerie of Skelmerlie, by order of the Government, took possession of the castle and the custody of the coal-yard, where the coals were untouched by the rebels. Sir Robert supplied the garrison in the castle with coals from the coal yard, from November to March or April, and the remainder were used for baking bread for the use of the army who were pursuing the rebels. Endeavoured to make the proprietor of the castle, who first seized the same for the use of the rebels, liable for payment; but the Lords of Sessions absolved him. Petitioner's affection and zeal to the present Government is very well known, and about the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion he made a discovery to the Government of a considerable number of arms coming from Holland, which were seized, and for which he was rewarded. Also a certified copy of the same. 6 pages.
24 Feb.	25. Report of the same to the same. On the petition of John Baillie, late Deputy Sheriff of Inverness. It appears that the petitioner did meet with a considerable loss, by the Rebel army, in 1715, entering upon lands belonging to him, near Inverness, and driving off part of the stock. He appeared very zealous for his Majesty's service, and is well affected to the Government; so that he deserves some countenance and favour. As to his proposal to be made collector of Few Duties, payable to the Crown out of the Isles of Lewis, Skye, &c., the lands are forfeited to the Crown, by the attainder of the proprietors, and have been sold by the Trustees for the forfeited estates in Scotland; except the estate of the late Earl of Seaforth, and that is freed and discharged of the ancient few duties, payable to the Crown, so that there is nothing leviable thereout. As to the estate of the late Earl, now in possession of the Crown, not being sold by the Trustees, there is a yearly few duty of 166l. 13s. 4d. sterling payable thereout, which is in arrear for a considerable number of years, by reason the ordinary process of this Court for levying the duty, could not be executed in those remote parts where the estate lies: so that it may not be improper to put the collecting these Few Duties into some such way as is proposed. 3½ pages.
[About 25 Feb.]	26. Petition of Elizabeth Collett, widow, to the Lords of the Treasury, for a lease of a wine vault dug under His Majesty's ground, which encroaches upon H.M. Spring Garden. Referred to the Surveyor-General, 25 Feb. 1724–5. 1¼ pages.
26 Feb.	27. Memorial of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, asking directions from their Lordships on a letter annexed from the Principal Secretary of State commanding the prosecution of (1) — Brotherton, of the city of Gloucester, for a pretended assault, and (2) of — Creary, a material witness for his Majesty against Wilson and others, for a riot at the camp near the city of Gloucester, also for a pretended assault. The letter referred to. 2 pages.
26 Feb.	28. Letter signed “Fabrice,” without address. The bearer has dedicated to the King his travels, which he has published by subscription, and his Majesty has ordered him 200l. sterling, as M^r Walpole told him (the bearer) yesterday, and as he does not know whom to address, and as the writer has known him formerly in Turkey, he has asked a letter of recommendation to one of the Lords of the Treasury to know if orders have been given to the Treasury, and if he can quickly receive the money since it is necessary for him to go immediately to Holland to print a French copy of his life. “À Londres le 26 de Fevr. 1724” (French). Minuted:—“A w^t for 200^li.” 2 pages.
[About	29. “The case of Richard Marshall Esq. Studd Master in regard to his allowance forkeeping the studd.” Showing the terms on which he kept the stud during the time of King William, the Prince of Denmark, Queen Anne, and his present Majesty. Since the Duke of Somerset had a grant of the Park and the meadows at Hampton Court, has kept studd for six years to his great loss, by reason of the great quantity of hay which he has been forced to buy, instead of that which he used to have from the meadows. Upon representing his case to his Majesty on 8 July 1724, it was directed to be laid before the Lords of the Treasury for a reasonable allowance to be made above the annual allowance of 18l. 4s. 1d. for each stallion, mare, colt, and servant's horse in consequence of his loss of the hay and after-grass. Minuted:—“Referd to M^r Negus March 3 1724–5.” Three other copies connected therewith. In the Minute Book, vol. 25, p. 59q (14 June 1725), is a notice that Mr. Marshall “is to be paid at the rate of 171^li p[er] ann. for 7 years amounting to 1197^li.” 5 pages.
3 March.	30. Order in Council on the petition of Mark Legaur, mariner, referring his petition to the Lords of the Treasury to consider as to what was proper for the petitioner. 3 Mar. 1724. The petition states that the petitioner was a mariner on board the “Prudent Hannah,” a brigantine of Boston, New England, which on her passage from thence to Virginia was taken by pirates, who took out of her the master and one man, leaving petitioner with two others on board, and putting five of their crew into her, giving orders to follow their ship; but petitioner in the night time ventured to steer her another course, by which means she lost sight of the pirate ship, and two days after he took an opportunity when the principal of the pirates, who commanded the rest, lay dozing with a pair of pistols under his head (petitioner making an excuse to go in for some provisions), seized the pistols from him, and after some scuffle petitioner shot him “into the jaws,” and overcame him, and afterwards engaging the rest, three of them surrendered to him. These he secured; the fifth was a Frenchman, who stood neutral. Petitioner sailed to New York with the pirates, where they were tried, convicted, and three of them executed. Petitioner's jawbone was broken, and he was otherwise dangerously wounded, and being an entire stranger here, and very poor, prays that he may receive the rewards for the three who surrendered, as promised by his Majesty's proclamation in 1718. Copies of two documents in support of his case. 3 pages.
6 March.	31. “An account of the monies arisen by the tax upon Papists the sums discharged by certificates transmitted into the Remembrancers Office, and the arrears standing out thereupon.” Addressed “to the hon^ble the Knights Citizens and Burgesses Assembled in Parliament.” Another paper is put with this, but whether it originally belonged to it is a little uncertain. It is docketed:—“Abstract concerning Papists Estates,” containing much of what had been enacted in relation to papists and their estates since 1 Geo. I. and making suggestions to render the Act of 3 Geo. I. effectual. Signed “Denis Bond.” 4½ pages.
11 March.	32. Deposition, taken at Kirkwall, in the county of Orkney, 11 Mar. 1725, of James Laing, merchant in Calfsound, in the Island of Eday, as to the capture of the crew of a pirate ship, which was stranded in endeavouring to come to surprise James Fea, the younger, of Clestrain, giving an account of the plots and counterplots of Mr. Fea and the pirate during several days. Mr. Fea at last succeeded in taking the whole of the pirates, twenty in number, prisoners. 5 pages. [There are three Minutes connected with Fea's affairs entered in the Minute Book, Vol. 25, pp. 54a, 67ƒ, and 83ƒ. He petitioned to be rewarded for seizing the pirate Gow and his crew. The bounty to him of 500l. allowed by proclamation was enlarged to 800l.]
11 March.	33. Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends petition of M^r James Clarke, late Collector of Kilkenny in Ireland, setting forth his services and sufferings for the Protestant cause in that kingdom, and that through unavoidable misfortunes he became indebted to the King for 2,303l., of which 1,000l. has been paid, and that he prays for the remainder to be remitted. The Lord-Lieut. asks their Lordships to consider how far he may be a proper object of his Majesty's compassion. The petition and a certificate: also a report of the Com^rs of revenue, Ireland, all on the same subject. The petition is minuted:—“13^th 8^br 1725. To be discharged from the 303^li 2 · 1 upon paying the 1000^li said by the Comm^rs to be in a prompt way of paym^t.” Petitioner was in considerable business in the Court of King's Bench, Ireland; and at the instigation of John Forster, Esq., Recorder of Dublin, afterwards Lord Chief Justice, was concerned as agent or manager for the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Citizens in all disputes at that time carried on against them, though he knew he should thereby incur the displeasure of the judges of that Court and hazard the loss of his business, which happened. 5 pages.
16 March.	34. The same to the same. Cleonard de Lima and Manuel Demetre, of the Island of Minorca, have made application to his Majesty for 420l. in consideration of a robbery committed by some of the garrison at Port Mahon upon George de Lima, since deceased. His Majesty grants the same to them of his special bounty in consideration of the expense of their voyage. Asks for directions to be given for the payment. Whitehall. 1 page.
17 March.	35. Joseph Fawcett to the R^t Hon. Robert Walpole. Commences:—“M^r Halsey, who I believe respects me, told me that your hono^r ordered me to make a bill for the charge, persecution and great expense I have had, or been at, in the Mint affaire (being sure I have been instrumental to convert many rebel insolvents, papists and tories) and that without any confused noise or garments rowl'd in blood or halters.” Sets forth his zeal for the Government, that he was put to great charges in printing the address to his Majesty, the petition to the House of Commons, the Mint case, “a representation to the House, of Thomas Eaton y^e constable's taking money of the miserables,” and “the mistakes the select vestry of the parish made in't”: to do which, he had to put his valuables “into limbo.” He (Fawcett) was prosecuted at Guildford; but M^r Arthur Onslow, the Chairman, brought him off. Had to prosecute Eaton for scandalous words against the King and Government. His poor wife broke her heart under these new catastrophes and left this vale and him with six children. He says, “Great S^r I have depended upon you for a resurrection, if you'l say let it be done (twill).” The following is the postscript:—“S^r. If the inclosed's thought to be of any service to the Governm^t be so kind as to let me know it, and he and I will wait on y^r hon^r. He's ab^t 60 years of age, a good schollar and great naturalist, and has made a large collection of rarities, sea plants and other curiosites or rarities of those countreys.” The enclosed rhapsodical papers referred to are entitled:— (1.) “Melchisedeck illustrated in a true light by Doctor George Hamilton Grierson and also ye plean meaning of the holy sacrament of the Lords Supper.” (2.) “This is to y^e publick that Geo: Hamilton Grierson the apostolical Doct^r & divine who clears all dark parables and antient prophesies,” &c. 4 pages.
20 March.	36. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Carteret) to the Lords of the Treasury. Is of opinion that Captain William Moore's is a compassionate case, and that his Majesty's bounty would be properly bestowed on him. There may be some doubt whether Lord Tyrawley was properly entitled to half-pay from 13 June 1717, when his regiment was broke, to the 24^th Dec. 1720, when his pay determined as General, but from “20” Dec. to 8 June last, the day of his death, during which time he was not otherwise provided for, he was entitled to half-pay as Colonel of a regiment of foot upon the Establishment. 2 pages.
[? About 22 Mar.]	37. Petition of Mary Masson, widow, heir, and representative of James Bayne, deceased, to the Lords of the Treasury. As master wright to the Crown James Bayne was employed by the Government in the building of the Palace of Holyrood House, and in repairing the Castles of Edinburgh, Sterling, and Bass, for which he furnished timber and other materials; and by a Committee of the Parliament of Scotland, 81,769l. (Scotch money) or 6,814l. 1s. 8d. sterling was admitted to be due to him; for the payment whereof he was recommended by an Act of Parliament to King William, but never received any part thereof, except a pension of 50l. per ann. James Bayne and his family's ruin was entirely owing to the non-payment of this debt. Prays for relief or compensation for the debt. With a recommendation of her case at the end signed by four persons. On the back is:—“Delivered the 22^d March 1724. S. Walter.” 1¼ pages.
[Before 25 Mar.]	38. Memorial of the Earl of Weemys to the Com^rs of Customs. Lays before the Com^rs the state of the right of the family of Crawford, under which he claims exemption from duty for his coal exported from the harbour of Methill, also the condition and circumstances of his coallery as well as the poit. Will point out the state of the harbour and coallery as they appear from the affidavits annexed. The Regality of the City and Bishopric of St. Andrews had many and great privileges and immunities granted to them; and amongst these, that of a right to the customs of all the ports within the regality; with a power of appointing proper officers for receiving such customs, searching ships and granting “coquets,” as may appear by a charter granted by John, Archbishop of S^t Andrews, to Patrick Larmonth of Darsie, ratified by King James the Sixth, A.D. 1583. From Larmonth of Darsie this right was “apprysed” by Robert Lord Lindsay, who received from George, Archbishop of S^t Andrews, “a charter of apprysing,” A.D. 1610. The family of Crawford Lindsay having proceeded upon this right to exact customs, &c., divers merchants became refractory. This moved the Earl of Crawford to bring an action before the Lords of Council against them and the King's Controller in A.D. 1615, and he obtained a decree. The merchants obtained letters of suspension, but the decree was affirmed. The Earl of Crawford obtained a charter in A.D. 1648, of all and singular the office of great customary or custom of the City of S^t Andrew and port of the Regality. William, Earl of Crawford, having made over his estate to Sir Thomas Moncrief, for the behoof of his creditors, a charter was (A.D. 1695) granted to Sir Thomas, confirming the right. Memorialist's ancestors having found coal within their estate close by the Creek of Methill, (which lay so deep and must be wrought at so great a charge, that it could not possibly turn to any account by inland sale), built a harbour to export their coals, relying upon their right of exemption from duty. This cost them 9,000l. sterling. Petitioner's ancestors “set down” pits at a very great expense, and erected machines for drawing up the water at a cost of not less than 8,000l. sterling. The growth of water is no less than 100 tons an hour, and the pits 40 fathoms deep. The neighbourhood is stored with coal pits, which are wrought without any charge at all for raising water, and it is manifest that memorialist can have no sale for his coal within the country, and cannot export without loss, unless the exemption is continued. At the foot is a copy of a warrant to the Com^rs of Customs to stay all proceedings until the end of next Whitsuntide term.—Imperfectly dated on the docket, 1724–5, and so must be before 25 March. There is a further stay of process till Michaelmas term. See Entries for North Britain, vol. 8, p. 120. 7 pages.
25 March.	39. “Report of the Surveyor of the Woods [Ch. Wither] relating to Highways and Lodges in Dean Forest,” addressed to the Lords of the Treasury. Finds that the whole forest, being extra-parochial, the roads in it are not under the care of the officers of any particular parish; but have, from time to time, been repaired at the expense of the Crown. Has caused the highways to be viewed by the forest officers with the assistance of some gentlemen of the county, who have jointly made a return to him that it will cost at least 854l. 10s. to repair them. Gives the particulars. Has caused Ruardean Lodge to be surveyed, and finds it much out of repair; and its situation so much exposed, that he thinks it would be for his Majesty's service to remove it to a more “sheltry” place. Five other lodges also require repair at a cost of 207l. 10s. Most of the roads are very narrow and overhung with trees. Proposes to widen them to 30 feet in the clear. The wood and trees might be sold to defray the expense. Minuted:—“W^t signed.” 3 pages.
25 March.	40. “A list of the persons pay'd by Jacob Blagny now living,” arranged alphabetically under the first letter. They are chiefly French. There is a column for the amount of their pensions per annum paid at Lady day, 1725. Signed “Jacob de la motte Blagny.” 6½ pages.
27 March.	41. Copy of a letter from the Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Carteret) to the Duke of Newcastle on the state of the debt due from the nation. Thinks it his duty to offer whatever occurs to him for the improvement of the King's revenue which in some respects requires alteration. By an act of 14 & 15 Charles II. for settling the Excise or New imposts upon his Majesty, &c. a Commission of Appeals was erected for the benefit of the merchant, and 'till the year 1702 the Chief Baron, or one of the Barons of the Exchequer, was always in the Commission; but since that time it has generally been composed of persons of less rank, and these employments (as he is credibly informed) have been purchased. It seems to have been the design of the act that this Commission should be a check upon the Officers of the Excise if they should determine too favourably for the merchant against the Crown, &c., but it would be more effectual if the gentlemen in the Commission were of more weight or authority, and absolutely independent of the Commissioners of the Revenue. Is likewise informed that appeals have sometimes remained so long undetermined that the goods have been spoiled before any judgment was passed. Proposes that the two Chief Justices and the Chief Baron in Ireland be made Com^rs of Appeals, with a salary of 200l. per annum in the room of the three gentlemen who are now in the Commission, whom he proposes to compensate, as he has nothing to object to them personally; and in order that they may have no colour to complain, which otherwise they might have. Some of them, if not all, having purchased their employment. 3½ pages.
31 March.	42. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of William Young, in behalf of the captors of the pirate sloop called the “Ranger,” whereby he sets forth that on 10 Jan. 1723 Captain Peter Solyard, commander of H. M. Ship the “Greyhound” took the above pirate ship and carried her, together with the crew, into “Road Island”; and on the 12^th of July following the pirates (37 in number) were tried and twenty-eight of them convicted of piracy. Therefore the memorialists (on behalf of the captors) prays their Lordships to direct payment of the reward offered by his Majesty's proclamation. Certifies that his Majesty by his proclamation of 21 Dec. 1718 declared that any person seizing pirates and bringing them to conviction should receive a reward for the same, viz., for every commander of a pirate ship, 100l.; for every lieutenant, boatswain, carpenter, and gunner, 40l.; for every inferior officer, 30l.; and for every private, 20l.; to be paid by the Treasury. It appears by certificate, annexed, that thirty-seven persons named in the list were taken in the “Ranger,” by the “Greyhound,” and brought into the said colony to the town of Newport and committed to gaol. Gives the names and rank of twenty-eight of them who were convicted, and states what was due to the captors, amounting to 680l. Gives also the names of the persons on board the “Greyhound,” the sums due to them, &c. Also the petition and four other documents connected therewith. One of them is under the seal of the Governor of Rhode Island and that of the Collector of Customs there. 19½ pages. [See also Kings Warrant Book, vol. 26, p. 432, where there is a warrant to pay the memorialist 577l. 12s. 6¼d., for which there was a power of attorney from a large part of the captors.]
2 April.	43. Copy of the Attorney and Solicitor General's report to the Lords of the Treasury on the case of the Com^rs and Trustees of the Forfeited Estates in Scotland; the question being whether they were entitled to their salaries during the continuance in the actual execution and performance of their trust. The opinion was that they were entitled. 2½ pages.
6 April.	44. Alured Popple to John Scrope, Esq., transmitting the form of a bond to be taken in 1,000li. penalty for the execution of the office of Deputy Governor of North Carolina by Sir Richard Everard, Bart. 2 pages.
8 April.	45. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Carteret) to the Lords of the Treasury in favour of continuing the pension of 250l. per ann. (which Lord Strangford enjoyed until his death) to Lady Strangford and her son the present Viscount, a youth of 10 years old. They were left in a deplorable condition [without] any thing to subsist them, or to educate the young Lord. Lady Strangford had petitioned for the pension for their support and to educate her son in the Protestant religion, to which his father had become a convert. There is a Minute of a previous date to this, viz., 17 Feb. 1724, on this subject (see Minute Book, Vol. 25, p. 20) as follows:— “See what penc[i]on the Dowager Visco^t ‘Strongforth’ hath in Ireland, for her self or for educating her children in the Protestant religion: and if there be any m[]re want^g for continuing the same, the necessary measures are to be taken for that purpose.” 1½ pages.
14 April.	46. “A particular of causes now under prosecution with the states thereof.” Signed “A. Cracherode.” 10 pages.
15 April.	47. The Earl of Loudoun to —. Puts him in mind to give orders for making out a gift of 1,000l. yearly to the Church of Scotland to be applied for providing itinerant ministers and catechists in those parts of the Highlands and islands where Popery and ignorance most prevail; this gift being mentioned both in the King's letter to the General Assembly and in his (the Earl's) instructions it appears proper to have it forthwith despatched. It is all the more necessary because the Assembly which is now to meet is to have the applying of the money for the end contained in the gift for this year. Must likewise beg that the person addressed would give orders for a warrant for 1,000l. to be paid to him in Scotland, he having the honour to be his Majesty's Commissioner. Sends enclosed, for consideration, a memorial concerning his house rent. The memorial referred to, which states that the house in Privy Garden in which he lives, wanting repair in her Majesty's time, she promised that if the Earl would advance the money he should have a building lease, and the quit rent should be the third of the value, as it then was; and that the money he should lay out in repairs should be repaid in case Whitehall should be rebuilt, or at his removal from the house. Upon faith of these promises the Earl laid out in repairs 2,400l., but was never able, in the Queen's time, to obtain a lease. After his Majesty's accession he obtained a lease, but without any condition of repayment of his money. By the lease his quit rent is 60l. a year, which is the third of the value of the house as improved. The common method in repairing houses which did not formerly pay quit rent is to have the house valued and to get a building lease for the third of the value of the house before the repairs. The Memorialist now pays more than the yearly value of the house. Proposes, in order to make him some reparation for his losses by the above lease, that M^r Walpole should pay the quit rent for five years at Lady Day last, amounting to 300l. In the Minute Book, Vol. 25, p. 40, 15 April 1725, is:—“The Earl of Loudoun is to have the usual Bounty of 1,000l. now he is going the King's Comm^r to the Kirk in Scotland.” 4 pages.
13 Jan.–15 April.	48. Memorial of Francis Burton, Receiver General of the deductions of 6d. per pound, to the Lords of the Treasury, as to there being no deduction upon the rent of the house wherein the Admiralty Office is kept. Further, the Treasurer of Greenwich Hospital pays salaries exceeding 50l. per ann. to officers therein who were in like stations to several in Chelsey Hospital from whom deductions were made. Besides the memorial are several memoranda and accounts of the same receiver connected with the 6d. deductions. Dated between 13 Jan. and 15 April 1725. 8 pages.
16 April.	49. Com^rs for Salt (Scotland) to the Lords of the Treasury. Upon receipt of M^r Scroope's letter, acquainting them with the discovery of great frauds at the Port of Anstruther in 1719, in the weighing and delivering up of salt to the Custom House officers, they (the Com^rs) instructed M^r Alex^r le Grand, one of the Inspectors of the Out Ports, to repair to Anstruther to examine the books, files, and warrants there, and to copy the documents which their Lordships called for. This he has done, Send copies of the notes or writings. Upon weighing over the salt at Anstruther in 1719, it appeared that great frauds had been committed there, and a stop was put to making out debentures for salt delivered up, &c. Several of those whose debentures continue under stop have prosecuted the collector by bill in the Exchequer, and they expect the case will come on in next term. Salt Office, Edinburgh, 16 April 1725. Also three papers touching the quantities of foreign salt weighed and delivered up, &c. 7 pages.
17 April.	50. “The final report of the Commissioners and Trustees of the Forfeited Estates in Scotland. Presented to the Honourable House of Commons; Saturday the 17^th day of April, 1725.” A printed paper with five appendices. 11 pages.
17 April.	51. Report of the Attorney General (York) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition and memorial of Moyle Breton, Esq., and of Thomas Breton and Anne Breton, in her own right, and of the said Anne (as executrix of Robert Breton and Mary Breton) and of Richard Bate, clerk, and Elizabeth his wife; they the said Robert, Thomas, Anne, Elizabeth and Mary being the five younger brothers and sisters of the said Moyle Breton. The prayer of the petition is that a marriage settlement may be examined, and if found true that directions may be given that the defence of the settlement against the pretences of John Sansome, a collector of Customs in the port of Bristol (who is charged with having fraudulently obtained a bond from Mary Breton) may be acknowledged and allowed, and that the petitioner Moyle Breton's estate and the trust estate, charged with petitioner's younger children's portions, may be discharged thereof. The Attorney General sums up his report by saying that upon the merits of the case, as it stood originally, there was not sufficient foundation for the proceedings upon the extent [issued against Sansome, by virtue whereof all the lands which had been the estate of Mary Breton were extended and seized into the Queen's hands], but the settlement of May 1698 must have prevailed against the title of Sansome or of the Crown under him; and this, he thinks, was Sir Edward Northy's opinion. It is also plain to him that the Court of Exchequer thought there was not sufficient reason for a court of equity to set the settlement aside. Is of opinion that it may be proper and advisable for their Lordships by their warrant to authorise the Attorney General to confess the plea of the petitioner, Moyle Breton, to the said extent, and to consent in the Court of Exchequer that the English information be dismissed. The lands mentioned are—a farm in Boughton Aluph in Kent, “Certain woodlands in Kent containing about 236 acres,” and the reversion of Socum Farm, the parsonage farm, and Oliver Girton's farm. The petition and three other documents. 23 pages.
[After 17 April.]	52. A paper docketed:—“Difference between the Commiss^rs & York Buildings Company's Accounts.” The “Commissioners” are the Commissioners of Inquiry for the Scotch Estates. Undated, but after 17 April 1725. With this is an affidavit (referred to in the above paper) of Robert Packett, formerly one of the Directors of the York Buildings Company, respecting the bidding at the sale of the estates of the late Lords Wintoun, Kelsyth, and Panmure, and other matters connected therewith. 5½ pages.
20 April.	53. Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury. The Lords Justices (Ireland) ordered the Deputy Vice-Treasurer to pay 20,000l. as required in H.M. warrant. The Lord Lieut. repeated the orders since he arrived. The Deputy Vice-Treasurer informs him that he has not been able to pay more than 4,000l. upon that account, as he had to pay current expenses of the establishment, and to remit 20,000l. to pay the Paymaster of the Forces in Great Britain, on account of six regiments of foot, lately replaced upon the Irish Establishment. Has ordered him to remit the remainder of the sum mentioned in his Lordship's letter with all possible expedition. Docketed:—“L^d Liev^t ab^t the residue of y^e m^o due from y^e purchasers of y^e late D. Ormonds estate.” 1½ pages.
20 April.	54. Memorial of the Principal Officers of the Ordnance to the Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Carteret). The Board of Ordnance contracted with M. Nicholas Gruebere, merchant, to make 1,000 barrels of gunpowder for H.M. service, at 3l. 14s. per barrel, amounting with fees to 3,918l. 16s. 2d.: a moiety to be paid him in hand to go on with the work, and the remainder when the last parcel was delivered. The late Lords Justices directed that the Board of Ordnance should receive from the Vice-Treasurer the moiety of the above sum to enable them to pay Gruebere 1,850l. (the sum he was entitled to receive in advance). He has since completed the contract and desires to be paid. Move his Excellency to grant his order on the Treasury for the balance. Minuted:—“A letter to Lord Lieutenant for payment of the sum desired is already drawn upon Letter from Lord Lieut^t of which this is a duplicate.”2 pages.
22 April.	55. Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Lords of the Treasury. By the accounts before “the Commissioners,” the balance with which the Deputy Vice-Treasurer charges himself amounts to about 75,000l., being twice as much as the last, which exceeded any of the former. Gives explanations. Transmits an account of the debt and credit of the Kingdom from Lady Day 1723 to Christmas 1724. The accounts will be laid before the Irish Parliament, but it will be so near the beginning of the session, that he will hardly have time to receive the King's commands for supplying so great a deficiency. Is informed that the state of the debt will not differ from what it is computed at in the enclosed papers. Several particular sums are brought in that are due to his Majesty, but not immediately receivable, amounting to 156,852l. 16s. 23/8d., which leaves a debt to the Establishment of 134,061l. 0s. 10¼d., including the 50,000l. loan borrowed on Parliamentary credit. But in most of the articles brought to lessen the National Debt there are either anticipations or insolvencies. Believes that the [deficiency] is in some measure to be attributed to the deadness of trade, but is glad to find by the weekly abstracts that trade begins now to recover. He further observes: “The enclosed papers of accounts are made up pursuant to a method the House of Commons has long gone into; wherein for the sums actually due to the Establishment for any half year, and which one would hope should be ready in the Exchequer, they have always applied the expected produce of the revenue which can never be received till near six months after it is due to his Majesty, and consequently before it can be got in to answer the proper payments another debt of the same amount is accrued. Thus it stands in relation to the quit rents which are payable half yearly, but one half year can never be collected before another becomes due. In the Hearth money it is much worse: for the duty is payable only once a year (viz^t the 10^th of January) in one entire payment, but is never got in till nine months after; by which means the Establishment must be always very much in arrear, even though the Hereditary Revenue and the additional duties should at last yield all they are computed at.” The total of the Hereditary Revenue and additional duties for the year ending Lady Day 1724 amounts to 486,720l. 8s. 10½d. These, in his opinion, could never support the Establishment. Thinks he has made those who have the most considerable weight in Parliament sensible of the great deficiency, and the necessity of supplying it. Has very good reason to hope that at the meeting of Parliament the generality of the people will be very well disposed to enter into such measures as his Majesty shall judge most proper for the keeping up the honour and dignity of the Establishment. Forbears to talk of any particular methods for raising the money till he shall receive his Majesty's directions. Minuted:—“Ap[ril] y^e 29^th read & to be consid[e]rd.” There is one enclosure only, viz.: the “Account of the Vice-Treasurer's ballance at Christmas 1723.” 8 pages.
23 April.	56. Report of the Com^rs of Works to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorial of the Duke of Ancaster, Lord Great Chamberlain, accompanied by a plan of the vaults under the Court of Requests at Westminster. Have carefully considered the same, and made plans both as they were before the rebuilding the Court of Requests, and as the vaults now are. The memoralist states that the Board of Works complain of his putting a padlock on the door of the vaults under the Court of Requests, so that he cannot come at the King's stores lodged there. Was greatly surprised to be refused the key of the vaults, for he has a right to search any rooms belonging to the House when he thinks proper, and therefore put a lock upon it till he was further satisfied. Hopes their L^ps will order the removal of the stores, for it is his undoubted right to dispose of all the offices and rooms belonging to either House of Parliament that are not granted by his Majesty's warrant, or desired by either House of Parliament for their service. The usual method is for their Speaker to write to the Great Chamberlain to desire that they may have it. Is satisfied that it is an encroachment upon his rights. They have not had this pretended possession many years. One Margery Duzell remembers above 60 years before the rebuilding the Court of Request, the records of the Court of King's Bench were kept in the passage under the Court of Requests, and never saw nor heard that any of the King's stores were kept there. Edmund Fitz-Gerald also remembers the same. Hopes their L^ps will order the delivery of the key to him. The plan is also with the report and memorial. 5 pages. [In the Minute Book, Vol. 25, p. 74d (14 July 1725), is:—“Board of Works attending are called in and my Lords order them to make a plan of the vaults under the Court of Requests, and to mark in the said plan what may be for the King's accomodation, what for the service of the House of Lords and Commons, and what for any other necessary occasions, which plan my Lords mean to transmit to the Lord Great Chamberlain for him to take care that the vaults be disposed accordingly.”]
25 April.	57. Surveyor of Woods (Ch. Wither) to —. Asks him to forward the King's Sign Manual for making the several wood sales for the services therein mentioned. The season for felling timber is now at its height, and if deferred a week the bark of all the wood cut would be lost to the Crown; which piece of ill husbandry he would be glad to prevent. 1 page, quarto.
26 April.	58. “Surveyor of the Gardens' report upon M^r Wise's and M^r Carpenter's charge of planting in the Lower Wilderness at Hampton Court.” Represents that at the very time this estimate was offered to the Lords of the Treasury the work was actually done without his knowledge, much less without his giving any direction for it. “But as the charge of making this new Plantation, the destruction of the old one being occasioned by the overflowing of the Thames, and not any neglect of the Contractors.” Their L^ps will please to determine whether it ought to fall upon them or no. The bill of the work and the following extract from the Treasury Minute Book of 4 June 1725:— “S^r John Vanbrugh's report for a sum demanded by Wise and Carpenter for work done in the Plantacons at Hampton Court without the previous direction or agreement of my Lords is read, and S^r John is to be writ to again thereupon inasmuch as he has not by this Report, given his opinion to my Lords, as, by their letter, he was desired to do.” 3½ pages.
26 April.	59. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Lord Carteret) to the Lords of the Treasury. The Com^rs for passing the accounts of the Kingdom met on the previous Saturday to sign the accounts of the year ending at Christmas 1723, but found that their commission had not been enrolled. By a clause therein it ought to have been enrolled within six months of its date. The Com^rs have represented to him (the Lord Lieut.) that they do not think themselves sufficiently authorised to proceed any further; they doubt whether the persons accounting before them, since the first six months after the date of the commission have been duly discharged. The doubt is founded on an Irish Act of Parliament of 17 & 18 Car. II. Was surprised that the omission should remain so long undiscovered, and that any further scruple should remain with the Com^rs. Directed them to agree with the Solicitor General on a draft of a King's letter for passing a new commission of accounts to remove the difficulties. Forwards a copy. If his Majesty approve of the draft, desires their Lordships will transmit his Majesty's warrant that he may order a commission to be passed. In the Minute Book, Vol. 25, p. 44, is:— “Lord Lieut^s letter of the 27 day of Aprill 1725, with a draft of a letter for renewing the Commission of Acco^ts, by reason of a doubt as to the validity thereof, for want of Inrolling the same within 6 months pursuant to a clause therein contained, and the import of an Act of Parliament in that behalf, are read; and my Lords approve the draft, and order the same to be transcribed for the King's hand accordingly.” 4½ pages.
27 April.	60. L. M. to the Lords of the Treasury. Offers to make discoveries. Hopes to receive a free pardon for all offences committed by him against the Government relating to the revenue of customs and excise on salt. Prays that his discoveries may not come to the Board of Customs. Prays that M^r John Cock, Collector of Customs in Padstowe, and none other may be ordered to go with memorialist to a neighbouring port, where memorialist will show him many private places where many thousand pounds worth of concealed smuggled goods have been hidden. Asks their Lordships to direct to M^r L. M. Post Office, Bodmin. On the back is the following minute:—“May 1st eod. ann. L~res writ to s^d L. M. & to M^r Cocke Coll^r, Padstowe vide L~re Book [vol. 18] p. 78.” The letters referred to are entered there. The memorialist is assured of their L^ps protection in any discoveries he may make, and the collector is to assist in the same. 1 page.
27 April.	61. Report of the Surveyor of Woods (Ch. Wither) to the Lords of the Treasury. On the memorial of the Earl of Halifax, Chief Ranger of Salsey forest, Northampton. Finds the lawn rails and ring mounds in the forest are much run to ruin, though Lord Halifax has been at considerable charge in repairing them. The cost of repairs would be 202l. 15s. 11d. Minuted:—“W^t signed.” 2 pages.
April.	62. Petition of Josias Thompson, late Coast Surveyor in Ireland, to the King. Has done as much and more in his station to serve his Majesty than any person so employed in that kingdom, and is ruined on that account only by the artifice of a reputed Jacobite surveyor general; and there are those continued in his Majesty's revenue who are known friends to the Pretender, favourers of the wool smuggling trade and defrauders of his Majesty's Customs, &c. On a former petition to his Majesty the King ordered petitioner to be examined, but he has not obtained the benefit thereof, although it is two years past; neither has he received any subsistence since he came into this kingdom by the encouragement of the Lords of Trade, save only 20l. at two payments; though a reward of 100l. was paid to Elias Barns for services in conjunction with petitioner, and a moiety was intended for him by his Majesty, as Mr. Walpole declared. By a false, malicious, and inconsistent charge exhibited against him by the Surveyor General is deprived of the favour promised him. Prays his Majesty to enable him to return to his wife and five small children in Ireland, who are reduced to extreme want by his endeavours to serve his Majesty. Docketed:—“Mem. This is the original petition which I deliver his Majesty in April 1725 and which by his orders was sent to the Treasury.” Minuted:—“20^th Jan. 1725/6. Upon further consideration of this petition my Lords do not think fit to do any thing in it.” 1 page.
1 May.	63. John Stainforth to the Lords of the Treasury. Pursuant to their L^ps commands and warrant has been at Beverley, Collingham, Dringhouses, and Middlethorp, and has viewed and demanded possession of all the lands and tenements in the annexed schedule, and which are included in the lease granted to M^r Bland. Cannot find that the present possessors of the premises, except the heirs of W^m Hood, for the estate at Dringhouses and Middlethorp, ever held the same by any lease from M^r Bland. They have always paid reserved rents to the Crown, or others who claim under that title, and believe their estates to be held in fee. In the paper annexed has given what observations he made upon the premises. The paper referred to is in tabular form containing—(1) Names of the present possessors, (2) Lands and tenements granted to lease to M^r Bland [in the places above-named], (3) Reserved rents, and (4) [Observations]. 2 pages.
4 May.	64. Report of Sir John Vanbrugh to the Lords of the Treasury relating to a further supply of water at the Cockpit, in case it may be done at little charge, by laying a new pipe from the main near the gun houses. There has, for some time past, been a great scarcity of water about Whitehall, occasioned partly by the great failure of the springs in Hyde Park for want of rain, and partly by the proprietors of the New River water cutting off a branch which served Whitehall for many years past, but which they now pretend to have been only upon courtesy. Has endeavoured to recover some of the springs about the mews and S^t Martin's Lane, which have been either diverted or choked up many years ago; and has so far succeeded in this search that he believes the additional quantity of water which will now be gathered from them will prove sufficient to supply both the Cockpit and Whitehall without any further aid. 1 page.
7 May.	65. Report of the Controllers of the Accounts of the Army (Medows and Bruce) to the Lords of the Treasury on the memorials of M^r Missing, Contractor for Victualling Gibraltar Garrison, as to the quantities and qualities supplied, and what is proper to be done for the better conduct of the victualling affair for the future. They observe that “neither the letter nor meaning of the contract can be understood to enable the contractor to receive from the Government half the price of 19 or 21 months provisions, beforehand, (as it has sometimes happened), and at the same time leave him at liberty to sell 15 or 17 months, and receive the whole amount of that quantity over and above the moiety he had before; nor does it seem necessary, or adviseable, ever to have more than 6 months provisions in store for the garrison, in so hot a country; where the wast and risque is so great.” In their opinion the utmost that can be demanded or expected from the Government in reason or by the contract is, that the contractor be paid always beforehand, one moiety for six months provisions, provided he produce certificates from the commanding officer that there is such a quantity in store, and the other moiety upon the arrival of the monthly lists of the persons victualled. He is overpaid by the account annexed, 2,747l. 15s. 7½d. 5 pages.
15 May.	66. Report of the Auditor of Land Revenue (Tho. Jett) to the Lords of the Treasury, transmitting an account or certificate of the names of the Receivers of the Land Revenue of the Crown within his audit, the time to which they have brought in their accounts to be passed, and the remains or otherwise, which appear on the foot of those accounts to be in their hands or owing to them; with a schedule of all the new rents that have been put in charge and given to the receivers to collect since his Majesty's accession; and also a distinct rental of all the new rents reserved upon the several leases within the Manor or Bailywick of S^t James. The certificate and schedule follow on the report, and the following is a description of the rental:—
15 May.	67. “The Manor or Baylywick of S^t James in the county of Middlesex. A true and perfect Rentall of all and every the rents and revenues, within the said Manor or Baylywick, reserv'd and made payable to the Crown, by virtue of the several and respective Leases thereof made, to divers persons.” It is divided into five columns, viz.:—(1) The names of the Lessees, (2) The dates of the several leases, (3) The premises, (4) The terms of years granted, and (5) The present rents p[er] annum. At the foot is the following memorandum:—“There was antiently a bayliffe appointed by patent, to collect the rents & proffits of the said mannor or baylywick of S^t James: But when the same was made parcell of the joynture to [the] Queen Mother and afterwards to Queen Catherine, and the greatest part of the demesnes was in lease to the Lord Dover and the Earl of S^t Albans, for several long terms of years, under small rents, it was not worth the while of a Bayliffe to collect the same. And were put in charge to the Receiver of the County and have continu'd so to this time. Since his Ma^ties succession to the Crown, there being many leases made, to divers persons, of several houses, for long terms of years, under the rents of 12d. and 6d. p[er] annū, payable for each house, and there being likewise other leases made of several pieces or parcells of ground, reserving the like rents of 12d. and 6d. p[er] annū, payable to the bayliffe or receiver of the premisses for each house standing thereon. And those leases not distinguishing or particularizeing the number of such houses, the Auditor is at a loss to tell what or how many rents to put in charge for the same; therefore I humbly submit it as my opinion, that it would be for his Ma^ties service to have a bayliff appointed for the manor,” &c. Signed “Tho. Jett, Aud^r.” 35½ large pages.
19 May.	68. Francis Negus to the Lords of the Treasury. Upon the application of the widows of William Lowine, late chief huntsman, and of Edward Ives, late yeoman pricker, and of Roger Webb, late Harbourer to the Buckhounds. His Majesty, in consideration that the huntsmen are his livery servants, has bestowed upon their widows his Royal bounty, in such manner as has been done to the widows of his livery servants of his stables and stud, in lieu of all demands of charity or pensions whatsoever. Prays their Lordships directions as to how the bounty is to be paid. Minuted:—“To be placed on the extra^rys of the stables.” 1 page.
21 May.	69. Report of the Controllers of the Accounts of the Army (Medows and Bruce) on two memorials of Thomas Missing Esq., contractor for victualling the garrisons of Placentia and Annapolis Royal, consisting of 434 men. Have caused a “State” to be annexed denoting the quantities of each species of provisions due to the garrisons according to contract. There is due to the Contractor 1,996l. 8s. after the rate of 6d. per man, per day. Also the paper referred to. 3½ pages.
21 May.	70. Memorial from the Com^rs of Customs, Edinburgh, to the Lords of the Treasury. Had in a previous memorial proposed the building of seven sloops to guard the Eastern and Western coasts and that the King's moiety of the seizures effected by them should be applied to the charge of the sloops. Two of them had arrived and the others are daily expected, but they have received no directions regarding them. Pray their L^ps warrant for paying the salaries of the commanders and crews and for repayment of the cost of the sloops. Conceive that they should have a warrant also from their L^ps to lay aside the two sloops already in use, there being nine sloops in pay instead of seven. In the Minute Book, vol. 25, p. 60f (14 June 1725), it states that the above memorial was read “and ordered to be transmitted to the Comm^rs of the Customes here, so as they may report an acco^t of the first cost, with their opinion also as to the proposed Establishm^t and other the matters contained therein.” 2 pages.
22 May.	71. Report of the Surveyor General (Pulteney) to the Lords of the Treasury. Pursuant to warrant, has caused to be prepared a lease from Sir John Darnall of his mews or stable yard in Windsor unto Francis Negus, Esq., for his Majesty's use, for seven years, from Lady day 1725, at 250l. per ann. with the usual covenants. Sends an authentic copy. Was further directed by the warrant to give notice to the Lessee of his Majesty's lands at Frogmore in Windsor, and of the Farm called Shaw Farm, as to a proviso in the lease of those premises, whereby the crown may resume four acres of the close of eight acres, adjoining Frogmore House, to build a mews, to dig earth, &c. Has caused a notification thereof to be delivered to M^rs Elizabeth Aldworth and her sister M^rs Susanna Aldworth, in whom the premises are vested. With this report are two others of the respective dates of 26 Jan. 1724 and 5 Feb. 1724–5, copy of a Treasury minute and a warrant from the Lords of the Treasury of 13 Feb. 1724–5 to the surveyor to prepare the lease above referred to. Copy of Sir John Darnall's letter to the Surveyor General on the same subject, copy of the “notification” and certified copy of the lease. 11½ pages.
25 May.	72. Lord Townshend to the Lords of the Treasury. His Majesty has thought fit that George Tilson and Thomas Townshend, Esq^res, Under-Secretaries, M^r John Wace, First Clerk, M^r Joseph Richardson, M^r George Woodward, and M^r Adam Lawrey, Clerks, and M^r Isaac Burrows, office-keeper, should attend him during his absence [in his dominions in Germany]. His Majesty's pleasure is that their Lordships give orders to pay forthwith to the above persons the sums therein specified. In the Minute Book, vol. 25, p. 195, 24 June 1726, is: “M^r George Tilson being in disburse the sum of 146. 10. 6 over and above 1,500^li issued to Cha. Delafaye for incidents and Extra^ry charges in my Lord Townshend's office in his Ma^ts last journey to Hanover is to be repaid the same out of the King's money in the hands of M^r Lowther.” 2 pages.
27 May.	73. Memorial of Richard Carter, late Deputy Commissary of the Marine Forces, to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Walpole). Has served the Government upwards of thirty years, and was reduced as Deputy Commissary of the Marine Regiments, and put on half-pay as his predecessors were, upon the late King William's establishment, after the Peace of Ryswick. At the request of the Secretary of the Treasury he resigned his warrant as Purser of the Torbay, that he might compile the General Muster Rolls of the Marine Regiments. Was struck off the list of half-pay officers with the late Commissary General of the Marines from 25 Dec. 1717; and, on a memorial to the Treasury, was recommended to the Admiralty (as having been a naval officer) for preferment. Although the Lords of the Admiralty promised to have regard to the recommendation, they had not provided for him. Prays to be reinstated on the half-pay list as Deputy Commissary of Marines (the pay is 53l. per ann., but his predecessors had 10s. a day), or to be appointed one of the Deputy Commissaries of the Land Forces. Also copy of a letter and certificate in support of his case. 2 pages.