Minute Book: December 1671 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 3, 1669-1672. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1908.

Citation:

'Minute Book: December 1671', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 3, 1669-1672, ed. William A Shaw( London, 1908), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol3/pp982-1002 [accessed 8 November 2024].

December 1671


Dec. 16.	Minutes taken at Sir Robert Long's.

Dec. 1. Friday.	Present: Lord Ashley, the Treasurer of the Household, Sir John Duncombe.
	The Trustees for sale of Fee Farms are to attend my Lords on Monday afternoon.
	Sir R. Long, Sir C. Harbord and Sir Ro. Howard are to consider upon the papers relating to Jamaica concerning the revenue of the island and how they may be best put into a method with a prospect of the manner of the Exchequer here in England. Also to consider the accompts of Sir Thomas Modyford's and to report their opinion.
	The petition of Capt. (William) Fraisly (Frasebee, commander of His Majesty's yacht the Cleveland), is referred to Sir C. Harbord. (Warrants Early XLIII. p. 88.)
	Stop process till next term against Gibbs [receiver for] Suffolk.
	Counsel is called in about the Penryn petition. Sir John Maynard begins that the petitioners are the merchants of Penryn. (1) He objects the King's profit. Tis hard to prevent the cheats belonging to the King's duty of tin, and the more [coinage towns or] places [there are] the more cheats. (2) They will seize the tin if not carried to the coinage, and Penryn being near the sea it may escape the better if it be a coinage town. (3) He objects that there is a law that if tin be sent to any other place 'tis to be seized. Who shall discharge it if it goes to Peuryn?. 'Tis dangerous where revenues are concerned to bring in new alterations. Truro, Launceston, Helston and Lostwithiel [are] coinage towns. They object that Penryn is out of the Duchy. If it be so 'twill destroy the Stannaries.
	Mr. Courtney, counsel, says the county is divided into four stannaries and a [coinage] town in every stannary or jurisdiction. The blower is to return the master of the tin men, and if Penryn should be a coinage town there was no account to be taken by the appointed blower. The town of Helston is the nighest land town to the sea, of the stannaries. The rest of the towns have rivers [to] come [up which] secures the duty and yet is convenient for the merchant. There be laws and where privileges are granted 'tis a title and of long standing from King Edward I., continued down to Queen Elizabeth's days.
	Maynard says he will not say what the King can do, but what his predecessors have done will require reasons to alter it.
	Mr. Serjeant Barton [counsel for the Penryn petitioners]. He said their clients are as considerable tinners as the other side. He urges that the tin men must go [carry their tin] a great way [at present to the nearest coinage town] and so more occasions of cheating than in a less [shorter] way. He says that not long since Penzance was made a coinage town and tis wholly in the King's power where he will have his revenue managed which arises from the tin. This [right and property] was the Prince's, but the case is resolved by the judges that when there is not a Prince it resolves to the King.
	Mr. Ofly [counsel] says 'twill be a greater advantage to the King: offers the situation of Truro: lies nine miles up the river. To come to Penryn they [ships] must pass by Falmouth where there is Customers [Customs officers]. There is no waiter at the (erased). Tin carried out [exported by sea] brings great Customs and more than all the [coinage] towns [yield] besides: and the vein of tin is grown nearer to Penryn. The carriage of tin in the winter upon little horses is very chargeable to carry far. The charge being so great will drive the traders from Penryn. In Edward the First's time there were other towns were coinage towns and other alterations [in the number of said towns have been made] since; and Lostwithiel was altered and Penzance by this King [Charles II.] made a coinage town.
	Mr. Serjeant Barton says in answer [to the objection of] Penryn being not in the Stannaries that it [the privilege of coining] belongs to persons not to places.
	Mr. Courtney repeats the argument of the blower urged before [by] Sir John Maynard. He objects the grant of the King [viz. the grant that] no alteration should be made without the consent of the convocation of [Tinners].
	Lord Ashley sums up all that tis against his Majesty's interest to have any other town added, especially near the sea side: but if it were moved to make another yet further from the sea and instead of Helston 'twere better.
	The counsel on both sides withdraw. The business is stopped, not totally rejected, till there comes [something] more properly represented from a Parliament of Tinners, and in that case my Lords will consider it further. The business of Penryn is referred to a Parliament of Tinners when they meet, and upon their report to be considered by my Lords. (Erased.)
	[Ordered] on Monday, Dec. 4, to hear the officers of the outdistricts, viz. to consider the accounts of the money received in the out-districts on the late Wine Acts. Write Col. Birch, Mr. Waring, Mr. Wingate and Auditor Aldworth et al to attend the Treasury then and to be prepared for that matter and to give notice to any other persons that they think necessary to attend then: and also my Lords will at the same time be ready to hear the business about decayed wines. (Out Letters General III. p. 35.)
	Referred to Sir R. Long, Sir C. Harbord and Mr. William Harbord to consider of the waste and spoils committed in Whittlewood and Saulcey Forest in Northampton since the Restoration and of some way to restrain the destroying the King's wood, and whereas the Earl of Northampton, master of His Majesty's game in said forest of Whittlewood, has desired the withdrawal of a former Treasury order prohibiting the cutting down of browsewood there, intimating that unless some browsewood be felled in convenient time the game of deer will be in a great danger to be lost; the abovesaid referees are to consider of the whole matter and report their opinion to my Lords. (Out Letters General III. p. 34.) Search for a letter written about this a little before Sir George Downing left the place [of Secretary of the Treasury].
	Ordered that the Excise Commissioners attend my Lords on Monday about the allowance of money for exported beer.
	My Lords will speak with the King about 1,503l. 6s. 2d. in the hands of a sub-collector in Devonshire, viz. as to its being compounded for [by payment of] 800l. A letter to be sent into Devonshire with 1,503l. 6s. 2d. left out of the list.
	Warrant for a year of the Earl of Northampton's creation money.
	[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 81–5.]
Dec. 4. Monday.	To extract all the marginal notes as reported by Sir C. Harbord and Sir R. Long upon the grant of the Additional Excise: and to present them to my Lords to-morrow morning.
	Send for Mr. Cooper and Mr. White to be at the Treasury on Friday morning.
	The Judges to attend my Lords on Monday the 11th inst.
	William Smith to have 500l. out of the Wine Act for part of the 4,000l. 'that is not be used for Hyde Park.'
	Col. Panton and Mr. Backer to be heard on Wednesday morning.
	A letter from Mr. Slingsby. [His request] to be ordered.
	The Customs Commissioners called in [and the following matters relating to the Customs are resolved by my Lords].
	They present a paper.
	My Lords order Mr. Prouse to speak with the Lord Chief Baron about seizures.
	Mr. Haworth questioned about giving commission to such ill reputed fellows as Dutton, Abraham and Starmur and their names inserted in a raised [? erased] place.
	Mr. Finch and Starmur withdraw. My Lords refer it to the Customs Commissioners to present the regulation of such Comm. as they shewed and the ordering the affair.
	An order to Mr. Finch that all prosecution against Symon Tomlin be stopped and taken off.
	[Ordered] that Sir Dennis Gauden acquaint the rest of the Victuallers of the Navy concerning the beer which White should deliver upon contract.
	The Custom paper finished by Lord Ashley is to be put in order.
	[The case concerning] Capt. Bennet's ship the "Swedish" to be ordered as reported by the Customs Commissioners.
	Tho. Dodds: to send to Sir Tho. Chichely to secure him [Dodds] and send him hither [to the Treasury]. [Treasury Minute Book DCXXIV. p. 130.]
	Tho. Evans at Catshole in St. Katherine's, plies at the Iron gate: to be also sent for in custody. [Ibid.]
	About the [? farm of exported] coals. Sir William Louder says the parties are so unwilling that they cannot do it and refuse to shew their books. Mr. Phillips for Lord Townsend is called in: says if Mr. Barrington will not do it he cannot incline him.
	Phillip Henslow, if Mr. Dee acts not for Greenwich, [is to be appointed] riding waiter and searcher there.
	The pardon for the petitioners for the men about raw hides is to pass.
	The Excise Commissioners are called in concerning transported beer. Write the Attorney General a letter in my [Sir Robert Howard's] name, as it is drawn, for my Lords to sign.
	Excise Farmers: orders to them to pay according to the rules settled by my Lords, 1671, Nov. 7. [Treasury Minute Book DCXXIV. p. 130.]
	On Wednesday morning the Irish business to be heard. Desire Viscount Ranelagh to attend my Lords then.
	Col. Birch [et al. report] about Mr. Crab's wines. They report that his bond should not be delivered up which he had given for 10½ butts of sherry wines because he had took (erased). My Lords order that he pay his bond.
	Col. Birch gives an account of the several out-districts [of their receipts] upon the Wine Acts, upon the Rest [and] upon the Retrospect.
	Mr. Gringham to attend on Wednesday morning about the same business of the wine where he was Commissioner. [He is] to be found at the Navy House.
	On Wednesday morning Col. Birch to bring in [an account of what] stands out [? on said wine account in the out-districts].
	Lord Ashley says that a trial should be had against some [wine] merchant [as a test case in connexion with the Retrospect] and believes that the law will force him to shew where he sold it [the wine], for if he swears he knows not to what retailer he sold or delivered wines 'tis to be presumed he should shew to whom he delivered it.
	Mr. Lucas Centor's (Mr. Richard Hart of Bristol erased) cause to be tried in the Exchequer. Some days before it is tried my Lords are to be acquainted with the day of trial.
	Col. Birch proceeds to [propound to my Lords] the [Wine Commissioners'] report [on the subject] of decayed wines. An order to be made in accordance with this report.
	Lieutenant of the Tower: write him that the extract of the subsidy in the Tower may be delivered out to the Receiver and to be returned into the Exchequer according to law. (Treasury Minute Book DCXXIV. p. 130.)
	The Trustees for sale of Fee Farms [are called in and the following directions are taken concerning the sale thereof].
	My Lords urge to the Trustees that when they perceive the business to goe heavy [slowly they] should inform my Lords and [my Lords would then] offer their assistance to quicken it. The Trustees say they will particularly complain henceforward of anything that retards the business.
	Write Sir R. Long for [a certificate of the state of] the Register [of orders charged on the Fee Farms, viz.] who is next to be paid thereon.
	Sir R. Long and Mr. Sherwin to attend my Lords to-morrow morning about Widow Colvile's business
	[Ordered] that the several Auditors do make out particulars of all rents that are saleable by the Act [for sale of Fee Farms and which are] not comprehended in the two patents [conveying said Fee Farms to said Trustees, said rents being such] that the Trustees have not yet in charge before them. The Auditors to attend [my Lords] hereon on Friday morning.
	Send to have John Cooper brought before my Lords.
	[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 85–9.]
Dec. 4.	[Charnock's memoranda.]
	Ruthin: tools to be fetched up as desired by Mr. Slingsby.
	[Ibid. DCXXIV. p. 130.]
Dec. 5. Tuesday.	Present: Lord Ashley, the Treasurer of the Household, Sir John Duncombe.
	New Park [titles and abuses enquiry]: my Lords direct the Commissioners concerning New Park to begin first with the titles and the validity of their grants, because the misdemeanours will be long upon the trial. Query: Mr. Lawrence.
	Send to Sir Rob. Atkins, Sir Lionell Jenkins and the Judges, and others formerly sent to, to attend the Treasury on Monday next in the business of the bill for [Impositions on] Law.
	Ordered that Charles Stisteed be admitted in Edward Stiteed's place if the Customs Commissioners have no objection against him.
	Ordered that Mrs. Reveir have a lease as by the report from Sir C. Harbord; the deed being first enrolled.
	Ordered that a warrant be drawn on Van Dryell's petition.
	Write the Navy [Commissioners] for their weekly certificates [of cash and payments, &c., in the Navy office both] for what is past and for the future.
	Royal Aid, &c., register: [ordered] that Sir R. Long certify to my Lords how much of the Register is paid and [how much] unpaid upon the Royal Aid, Additional Aid, and Eleven Months' tax; and to what persons, and for what, the residue of money is due, and what orders have been transferred to any other branch, and so consequently what orders remain good to the King.
	Warrant for one year to the Earl of Suffolk as a Lord of the Bedchamber: to be paid out of the like fund as the other [Lords of the Bedchamber et al of the Royal Household] have their salaries settled upon.
	Mrs. Chislett's petition is referred to Sir C. Harbord to report what the fine [should be] and to make the lease as is desired.
	Write the Attorney General to finish the grant for the Additional Excise and to follow the marginal amendments in making the warrant to finish the grant, after sending to Sir William Bucknall and his partners to agree with said amendments, unless said Attorney General has any other reasons to offer to my Lords.
	A warrant for Mrs. Wells.
	See what title my Lords by letter or Sir Robert Howard has given to Sir Thomas Ingram, and repair it if it wants.
	Sir Thomas Bond must pursue the regular way and his [demand must] go by [way of] petition to the King and must come down [to my Lords] by reference [from the King and Council].
	Mrs. Colvile and Sir John Bankes are to assign all their right and title upon the [First Wine Act] Undertakers to His Majesty in Sir Ro. Howard's name.
	[Warrant for] one year [of his salary] in arrear to John Osborne and [to be paid] by the year hereafter as is desired.
	About Fox Hall; the persons called in. Claudius Dennis upon the reading the petition of Jacobson said that Vanderpoest and Jacobson had possession in [16]67. In [16]44 Calthrope was in possession put in by the King into Fox Hall, where he laid out 2,000l. In [16]60 the King restored Calthrope, and Claudius Dennis produced a warrant accordingly and shews that it was not comprehended in Kennington manor. All persons confess 'tis in the King's power. Jacobson married the eldest daughter. Claudius Dennis married the youngest. She [? Widow Calthrope the mother] says Jacobson was entrusted by the mother and [instead of acting in accordance with said trust] followed it [the obtaining of a lease of it for] himself and let it [to] Vanderpoest. He got a lease [with] which he surprised them. The lease was for Peter Jacobson's life, which is expired. Mr. Jacob Jacobson said there was a will by Mrs. Calthrope wherein the child of Peter Jacobson was left but a shilling. Claudius Dennis was to have a portion of 600l. He says he shall have nothing. One [appearing] for Vanderpoest says 'tis but 20 feet broad though 200 long. Vanderpoest ruined his stock to make it a sugar house and laid out near 700l. He paid Jacobson 500l. for material and if he should be suddenly put to remove his pans and pots [his capital would be lost].
	"A warrant for 40l. for an encouragement for a map of Virginia. To enquire for [the fit] man of [i.e. from] my Lord Baltimore. Lord Ashley directs it."
	My Lords will present to the King [a report] that it is their opinions that Claudius Dennis should have the house [Fox Hall], but my Lords to judge of the care of Vanderpoest, who is the tenant.
	Write Mr. Newport about things wanting for the Earl of Sunderland.
	Sir Tho. Ingram: a copy of his paper under Sir Ro. Howard's hand [is] to be returned to him and another to Sir R. Long to charge the several Auditors accordingly. This Sir R. H[oward] says is done to Sir R. L[ong].
	Sir Thomas Morgan to have his money on the Excise according to his desire in his paper.
	Sir W. Doyly [called in] about the Surrey business. Robinson says Sir W. Doyly pressed him to take an oath that he had paid him so much and no more: since [that time] he recollects himself and said he forgot 200l. Sir W. Doyly said he never pressed him, but to satisfy my Lords of the Treasury he gave Mr. Robinson the books, and he took his oath on this. The business between Sir W. Doyly and Mr. Robinson and the Surrey officers is referred to Mr. Sherwin, Col. Webb and Mr. Filingham. Send them the report of Sir Edward Sawyer: and [instruct them] that they should report the whole matter and the full state of it to my Lords and all receipts since Lady Day. Sir William Doyly says they had tickets [instructing them] not to receive [any further moneys on account of taxes] but [notwithstanding] they received [further moneys] and [yet] paid none [thereof to the Receipt] but as [on the account of] arrears, not as [on the account of the] growing duty. The men [? taxpayers] say 'twas for the growing duty. Sir W. Doyly says there is three payments. He received not a penny since Lady Day.
	Coates and Hill to attend this day week.
	Alderman Backwell to pay 500l. for Cadwallader Jones. The King to hold the benefit of the office till the money be paid.
	Lord Colepeper to have the 170l. when he gives assignments for the drummer [of the Isle of Wight] according to the notes [of the Treasury minute of date 1671, Nov. 22, supra p. 973].
	Send for Mr. Filingham and speak with him about letters to be sent to all the Lords Lieutenants of every County for an account of all the militia money which was paid in the countries [counties], that there may be thereby known what has been paid to the King, what has been disbursed in the counties, what remains in any county [collected but not disbursed] and what remains ungathered.
	Remember the Treasurer of the Household concerning the shares of Sir John Shaw and others, who are debtors to the King and who must have shares due to them comprehended in the 40,000l. defalcation agreed to be allowed by my Lords to the last Customs Farmers.
	Order for 1,000l. to the Master of the Horse upon the privy seal.
	[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 90–94.]
Dec. 5.	[Charnock's memoranda.]
	Mr. Alchorne: draw Mr. Alchorn's warrant if not found to-morrow.
	Mr. Wenslow: to have warrant for the place of waiter and searcher at Greenwich and Deptford. Memorandum: This altered to another man the 6 Dec., 1671.
	[Ibid. DCXXIV. p. 130.]
Dec. 6. Wednesday	Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household, Sir John Duncombe.
	Col. Panton desires to appeal to the King concerning his interest as Ranger in New Park equal to Lady Hervy. An account is to be brought in by Mr. Baker of what is laid out for New Park: and when the account comes in Col. Panton is to be called in.
	Warrant on Charles Dymock's petition that he be steward [of Newark, Notts] during pleasure.
	Sir Bernard de Gomme, Knt., [is] to have his money out of the London Excise next after Sir Ste. Fox.
	Widow Lamb [warrant for] 40l. upon the dormant privy seal.
	Col. Birch and others called in. My Lords are satisfied in Mr. Gringham's manner of accounts though he has not named particular persons yet he named particular ports; because they compared the accounts the merchants gave him with the Collector of the Customs' charges and they agreed [down] to a small matter.
	Sir Edward Walker [order] for 50l.: to be done [on the fund] as desired.
	Col. Webb and Mr. Ashmole and others the Commissioners about the King's goods are to attend on Wednesday next about Col. Webb's reference.
	Mr. Francis Rogers: warrant for his arrears without accompt.
	The Lord Keeper's business to be done according to the certificate upon the report.
	Stinton's petition [is] referred to Sir R. Long, Sir C. Harbord, Sir R. Harbord and Mr. Sherwyn.
	Mr. Worrall, of East Greenwich, to do according to the report.
	Mr. Spencer in Sir Charles Berkeley's name [is] to have a new warrant. See where this be entered to see if the dates agree.
	Speak with Mr. Hamilton about his docquet and what fees he pretends to.
	Speak with Mr. Bridgman about the docquet of Thornberry's office.
	"To cast up the 4l. per tun to see if Mr. Mounteney has received it: if so to charge him with it: if not to charge the collectors with it."
	Mr. Jacob Croan has had a verdict against him for not paying the duty on wines. On paying the duty my Lords order the prosecution to cease and the charges to be remitted and his bonds to be delivered up. [He] to pay the principals. (Treasury Minute Book DCXXIV. p. 131.)
	To send Butt's petition to Forth and send to him to attend the Treasury this day week to answer why he did not perform what he agreed.
	The Irish business [erased]. Mr. Alderman Breeden called in.
	"I must speak or write to the Commissioners of the Customs by Sir J. Duncombe's commands for Henry Jeyne because he putt him in when they had named one."
	Col. Stroud's petition referred to the Customs Commissioners to inform themselves what merchants would have per head from the Barbados for transporting.
	Guy Moldsworth's petition is referred to the Customs Commissioners.
	Doyly to have 300l.
	Referred to Sir R. Long, Sir C. Harbord and Sir Robt. Howard to consider of the counter security for Lord St. John and his partners.
	[Ibid. IV. pp. 95–7.]
Dec. 6.	[Charnock's memoranda.]
	Lord Keeper: his business to be done according to the certificate, upon the report.
	Hill: Booken: Dodd: Lord Keeper.
	[Ibid. DCXXIV. p. 131.]
Dec. 8. Friday.	Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household, Sir John Duncombe.
	Sir William Bolton's cause was heard, and the allegation that he made that the 900l. that he paid for Flemming was paid to him upon the late Lord Treasurer [Southampton's] desire and promise of repayment: which appeared not to my Lords by any testimony, only in the report to which Sir Phillip Warwick's hand was it was said that the said Sir William Bolton offered to take his oath that the Lord Treasurer promised him.
	Lord Newport's papers to be presented to the King the next bundle that goes up.
	Write the officers of Sherwood Forest on Lord Byron's warrant whether they have or shall have any moneys in their hands for lop, top or refuse wood, or what is become of moneys raised [from such offal timber]. Mr. Corby [is] surveyor of the King's wood.
	Marquess of Winchester: creation and impost money for him; to bring the certificate first [of his having paid his taxes, &c.].
	Claudius Dennis to have Fox Hall during the King's pleasure and to pay 10l. a year as long as he enjoys it to a child of Jacobson: and my Lords to adjust what rent Vanderpoest shall pay to Claudius Dennis for the part he posseses.
	Sir Richard Ford [Lord Mayor] and the court of Aldermen [called] in. The city being within 10,000l. of what [erased]. The city to send on Tuesday morning about their desires of purchasing fee farms or securing [erased] payment or to have their debt of 60,000l. [due to the city from the King] secured [on the fee farms or otherwise]. Sir Ro. Howard to speak with Sir Ro. Long in the meantime [as to] how the city money stands and in what course [the orders for repayment thereof stand on the register].
	Sir Phillip Howard and George Dashwood: their business about the farm of the Excise of North Wales is to be done as [it] is returned in the report from Mr. Sherwin, Col. Webb and Mr. Filingham.
	Write the [seven] Auditors [of the Exchequer Court] that my Lords, understanding how much the sale of the Fee Farm rents has been prejudiced for want of the accounts of such small rents as are not yet returned, desire them on Friday next, without any further delay, to give in to the Trustees for sale of Fee Farm rents all such accounts of small rents as shall at that time be ready to be presented to them: and that every week on Friday they observe the same rule, viz., to return to the said Trustees an account of such small rents as can possibly be got ready: and on every Monday the Trustees are to bring them to be viewed by my Lords, beginning from Monday, Dec. 18. Write said Trustees to this effect. (Out Letters General III. p. 41.)
	Mr. Porter's accompt is to be declared and process to be stayed against the constables of Berkshire, upon the Hearthmoney accompt for three half years ending 1665, Sept. 29. This [order for stay of process] to be entered on the side of the accompt.
	Hearthmoney arrears: an order to the Pipe and the King's Remembrancer that no process be issued for arrears of Hearthmoney which by lapse of time are lost [such arrears] not being distressed for within the time limited by the Act.
	The Duke of Buckingham's privy seal for advance money on his contract [for supply of the King's stable] is to be carried to the King by my Lords.
	Write Mr. Sherwin, Col. Web and Mr. Filingham to consider (of the case of the Clerks of the Peace and) of the revenue of the Firehearths when it was in farm for three years: if there was a penny in the £ allowed to consider of it [erased] and if there be a penny in the £ for the future allowed them [the clerks of the Peace] whether it may not be a sufficient compensation without any retrospect. [In the margin: Abbot to take care of this. Mr. Sherwin will send it ready drawn. Mr. Filingham and Mr. Alport to speak with me]. (Out Letters General III. p. 40.)
	Mr. Lawrence to be sent to for the accompt of the proceed of the [Treasury legal] business of the [past] term.
	Send to Mr. John Ward of the Custom House [erased], a late Custom House officer, to attend on Tuesday morning next [to give an accompt to my Lords] what is become of the [parcel of] tin formerly seized [by him], also [ask him] for Budgill's answer about the tin. (Out Letters General III. p. 40.)
	[The case of] Captain Bennett's ship is to be again referred to the Customs Commissioners to examine whether the ship was disabled by foul weather at sea before her coming in to the Thames, and what the value of the custom of the goods desired to be unladed.
	(fn. 1) Send to Sir John Shaw and his partners [for my Lords] to speak with him [and said partners] on Monday [next], to pay 36,000l. speedily or process must go out against body and lands [of all of them].
	(fn. 1) The warrant for 3l. a day for Mr. Paul [is] to be cancelled and a new one to be drawn for 2l. 10s. a day, and for the future he is to have but at that rate.
	(fn. 1) In the case of Crane, upon his petition, let directions be given that there be an office found to entitle the King to the estate, and when that is done let a lease be granted to petitioner for 99 years.
	(fn. 1) [Ordered] that the Auditor and Receiver of [North] Wales attend my Lords on Tuesday next to give an accompt concerning the manor of Ruthen of the profits thereof.
	Sir Thomas Wolerston [Wolstenholme], Sir John Jacob, Sir John Shaw, Sir Nich. Crispe and Mr. Harrison are to attend my Lords on Monday next.
	[Treasury Minute Book LXXXIX. pp. 98–101, 89.]
Dec. 8.	[Charnock's memoranda.]
	Henry Hawes, one of the [King's] music, [warrant for] 23l. 5s. 5d. for half a year at Michaelmas.
	Masters of Chancery: A letter to the Tellers to meet the Masters of Chancery about their . . . .
	Mr. Dethick's petition delivered to himself.
	Query: Mr. Lloyd: to get the warrant for Midsomer Norton. Done. To send it up for the King's hand [on] Friday being allowed.
	Memorandum: to go to Sir R. H [oward] to-morrow morning with what [warrants are] ready and to get leave.
	Left with Mr. Ll[oyd the following papers or warrants, viz.]: Sir Ch. Berkley. Tho. Dodd. Bedf [ordshire] Justices. Lord Keeper. Berks for sub-commissioners. Hill and Coates. Hawes. Masters in Chancery. Croane.
	[Ibid. DCXXIV. p. 131.]
Dec. 11. Monday.	Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household, Sir John Duncombe.
	Gregory brought in Evans in custody, who was accused by Jones, the tide surveyor . . . .
	The Lord Chief Baron, Sir Rob. Atkins and Sir Lionell Jenkins [are called in concerning the imposition on law proceedings]. On reading a draft concerning affidavits brought in by Sir Lionell Jenkins my Lords order that affidavits, though as Sir Lionell Jenkins alleged [it] was not a word known in the Ecclesiastical Courts, yet it [affirmations] should pay as an affidavit, which is an oath, and accordingly to he drawn as the first part of his draft upon the two last paragraphs, page 118 in the Act of the [impositions on proceedings at] law.
	An effectual order [to be made] that inventories may be compelled to be brought into the Ecclesiastical Courts. Sir Ro. Atkins to take care of it.
	[A clause also to be drafted for] Commissions for executors and administrators to take their oaths. Sir Robt. Atkins takes care of it.
	[Further resolved] that all appearances pay, whether in Courts not hearing plea of 40s. or others. Sir Robt. Atkins [to draft this].
	Recognizances of the peace and [for] good behaviour not to pay.
	The Collectors of the King's duty arising by the Law Bill are to account at Michaelmas Sessions and Easter Sessions at the places where the sessions are held.
	Sir Robt. Atkins says the recognizances are of great consequence and therefore tenders a letter for the better collecting of them. Accordingly to that [it is ordered] another letter to be writ to the two Justices in Eyre that they [each of them] grant no licence, but accordingly as the other is provided for. This [letter to be] such a one as Sir Robert Atkins' other letter. Memorandum: Mr. Allen will bring a second form, and he has the first draft again [to take away with him].
	About the writs of covenant for levying of fines Sir Robt. Atkins will bring a paper of it.
	Mr. Goldsborough to take care that copies of orders [in Chancery] be not made use of without they be signed by the register and have paid the duty charged on them by a late Act for Imposition upon Law. Sir Robert Howard to send to him. (Out Letters General III. p. 43.)
	A warrant ordered for 100l. for Edward Cranfield upon the dormant warrant on the 4½ per cent. duty in the Barbados.
	Letters [to be written] to the Chief Justices that they would give order that appearances be entered. [In the margin: Send to Sir Rob. Atkins for these letters].
	Draw up a letter to Sir Thomas Carry [Cary] for my Lords to sign, to pay the money according to Mr. Spry's letter.
	The Excise Commissioners [are called in].
	Ordered that Blashford be a landwaiter at Southampton loco Mr. Lee.
	My Lords will speak with the King about Thomas Totnall to be a landwaiter [as] desired by Richard Guift in his petition: upon the Commissioners certifying that he was sufficient. Yet my Lords will speak with the King.
	My Lords appoint to-morrow morning to hear the cause of Penryn and Falmouth [as to] where the Custom House shall be. Sir Peter Killegrew has notice and Col. Birch to have notice, and to give notice to those that are concerned for Penryn.
	The Commissioners of the Customs every week to give account what eager, oily, and rope wines [are entered and] what are compounded for with said Commissioners. (Out Letters General III. p. 42.)
	The lease of the Custom House at Bristol to be in the King's name: and to send the draft of the lease to Col. Ramsay, the Collector there, to finish it accordingly and agree with the people.
	Mr. Lawrence and Sir C. Harbord are to attend my Lords tomorrow about New Parks and likewise about Sir Thomas Trevor, who is a Trustee in the Fee Farms, and ought to surrender to satisfy men in their purchases.
	Col. Stroud to attend my Lords to-morrow morning with his contract for carrying men to the Barbados.
	Umfrey, the porter, to be sent for in custody.
	John Shaw and Phillip Turner to be restored to their places as landwaiters.
	The [Customs] Commissioners to consider concerning the Prizage and Butlerage of wines and the frauds incident to it and to propose to my Lords what remedy they think convenient to prevent the abuses. Sir Ro. Howard to enquire what bargain Sir William Bucknall and partners made concerning the Prizage and Butlerage and to see what bargain may be made for the King.
	Mr. Finch to carry his patent to the Commissioners of the Customs according to the reference and order about it.
	Speak to Mr. Wren to move his Royal Highness [the Duke of York] that the tidesmen may be civilly treated and allowed provisions when they come on board a man-of-war.
	Powell's petition to be the first to-morrow morning to be presented.
	Sir John Shaw and partners [are called in and heard] about the 36,000l. due for [the balance of rent due from the Farmers of] the Customs before this last farm. Mr. Harrison pleading that he never had to do with the Customs Sir John Shaw alleged that Sir Edmund Turner both in Sir John Harrison's life time and since acted for his share [erased] did Sir John Harrison's business for what belonged to the Customs. They [the said late Farmers] withdraw. [Ordered that] on Wednesday morning Sir John Shaw, Sir John [sic for Thomas] Woleston and Sir John Jacob, Sir Nic. Crispe and Mr. Harrison, as likewise Sir Edmund Turner and Mr. Richard Mounteney attend my Lords. Write the latter two to attend then about the money which said Sir Edmund Turner has received for Sir John Harrison's use out of the profits of the farm of the Customs which ended at Michaelmas, 1667. (Out Letters General III. p. 42.)
	The Duke of York's paper about fee farm rents at Dover is to be shewn to-morrow to Sir C. Harbord [for him to advise my Lords] what may be done therein.
	The rent [reserved on the lease] desired by the Earl of St. Albans [is] to be respited. To be done [in like manner] as the Duke of Richmond's and the term to be made up [to] 31 years.
	Jeremiah Copping's petition is referred to Sir R. Long to give my Lords an account whether there be enough to satisfy Coppinge of the Custom as it stands charged in course to be paid by the assignment of the widow Colvile on the month of July, 1677.
	[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 101–5; DCXXIV. p. 132.]
Dec. [12]. Tuesday.	Present: Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household, Sir John Duncombe.
	Mr. Ward [late an officer of the Custom House] says there was a search made but the tin had the coinage marks and [so] there was no seizure [made]. To enquire [of] this by Mr. Budgell.
	Upon the dormant warrant [order for] 100l. to the Paymaster of the Works to pare before the Mews. [Erased.]
	Penryn business [viz. the petition] about the Custom House [is] to be heard to-morrow morning.
	The papers of Mr. Hall and Mr. Lawrence are to be transmitted to Mr. Sherwin, Col. Web and Mr. Filingham to consider upon them and advise with Mr. Hall and Mr. Lawrence and to return their opinion upon the whole.
	Mr. Lawrence to pay the tax imposed upon him as Receiver of First Fruits and to be allowed it again.
	Process to go out against Mr. Fenn and Mr. Porter.
	Warrant for 120l. to Mr. Packer for the paving before the Mews.
	The petition of Robert Newstead is referred to the Customs Commissioners.
	The Commissioners [of Accounts at] Brooke House are to have a warrant for 400l. as desired by Mr. Arden's paper.
	[Ordered] that a list be made, as it was formerly, of such as have not been paid their pensions since the [date when the] last list [was drawn up for payment]. To be prepared against after Xmas. Mrs. Bolton to be included.
	Another letter to be sent to the Archbishop of York that yet my Lords have had no return concerning the last letter [sent] to him. Mr. Packer knows the business.
	Speak with Fanshawe to do according to his letter to my Lady Ashley.
	Mr. Tedder and Mr. Packer to have an order to advise with the tenants of the manor of Ruthen how the King may come into his own.
	A reference to the Greencloth [is ordered] on the petition of James Harrison and Chidiock, upon the whole matter.
	Warrant for an order on the Wardrobe for Maurice et al. in the petition contained [i.e.] for 480l. 6s. 0d.: [to be paid] out of the Chimney money after such moneys as are [already] charged thereupon.
	Mr. Williamson to have a warrant on the fee farms after what is [already] charged [thereupon]: to be for 160l. for one year as keeper of papers of state [reduced into the form of a library at Whitehall].
	Send to the Receiver of Crown Revenues for co. Chester to know why he pays not the 50l. per an. to the minister of Macclesfield as he used to do. Lord Gerard delivered the petition.
	On Friday morning the [Lord Mayor and other representatives of the] city to attend my Lords about the 60,000l. [owing to said city from the King].
	George Galop to be a landwaiter in London port loco Mr. Putt.
	What moneys were paid to Kinge upon the account of Sir George Downing's letters should be allowed to Smith: which was 2,971l. 12s. 0d.
	Coates and Hill called in. Hill was Coates's deputy, and upon the Treasurer of the Household demanding how they came at difference the Counsel told my Lords that they mistrusting one another sometimes one received then another and so confused their whole business.
	Sir Tho. Bond's petition is referred to Sir C. Harbord.
	Charles Wigmore's petition is to be favourably referred to Sir C. Harbord.
	My Lords to speak with the King about Lady Daniell's business. [In the margin: Floyd to remember to ask me for her papers].
	An order for the Governor of Dover for 5l. a man [as the cost of transport] from Barbados: to be paid out of the 4½ per cent. duty.
	Send to the Auditor, Sir Edmond Sawyer, for a particular of all those rents in the Cinque Ports mentioned in the Duke of York's paper and to what uses applied. (A particular of all the rents mentioned in the Governor of Dover's paper. Out Letters General III. p. 43.)
	My Lords expressly order that the weekly certificate [of receipts into and payments out of the Exchequer] be ready against Saturday morning. My Lords will be at Sir R. Long's [office or house] and Sir Ro. Howard [is] to attend them.
	Col. Reymes to have his money repaid [in the same way] as Mr. Loup's.
	[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 106–8.]
Dec. 13. Wednesday.	Present: Lord Ashley, Sir John Duncombe.
	To ask in Mr. Griffin's office whether the business of Agmondesham about providing scutcheons and such things whether they were ever entered in the Treasurer of the Chamber's office.
	[Order for] 20l. for Thomas [William] Davis: upon the dormant warrant [and to be issued] without [Exchequer or other] fees. (Ibid. DCXXIV. p. 132.)
	Speak with Sir R. Long about the form how my Lords' salaries are to be paid by Mr. Mounteney. See my Lords' privy seal.
	The business of Penryn is put off till Tuesday next and then [the next item after that consideration is to be had of] the accounts of the state of the Excise for the London farm, the [Excise] farm of the five counties, the farm of strong waters and the [Excise] farms of all the counties of England. Col. Birch has undertaken to give notice to the Farmers concerned.
	Col. Webb and the Commissioners about the King's goods [are called in]. Some of the King's pictures to the value of 160l. were delivered by Col. Webb to Col. Hawley, who acknowledges it. Others were sold to my Viscount L'Isle; and others the question is whether the [parties] that sold them are liable or whether the persons that have them are liable to produce them. Lord Ashley directs that they should prosecute the King's goods and pictures where [ever] they were. [In] what [ever cases] Col. Web cannot direct [detect] where they are then to come upon him [who sold them].
	Consult with Sir R. Long for some fund or way for 5,000l. for the Wardrobe for the King's necessaries and other things.
	[Warrant for] the Earl of Scarsdale for two years' creation money: to be upon the Chimney money.
	[Ibid. pp. 109–10.]
Dec. 13.	[Charnock's memoranda.]
	Memorandum: third minute of the 5th of Dec. about the register of the Royal Aid, &c.
	Memorandum.: Midsomer Norton.
	[Treasury Minute Book DCXXIV. p. 132.]
Dec. 15. Friday.	Present: Lord Ashley, Sir John Duncombe.
	Write to Thomas Townsend the younger to pass his patent or my Lords will stop payment of money.
	Send to Mr. Weedon to come to Sir Ro. Howard.
	Send to the Customs Commissioners for the establishment.
	Draw a warrant for 23l. 5s. 5d. for one Hawes, a musician. See Anne Hawes' letter to Lord Ashley.
	An order to stop process against Thomas Straine, collector of the Hearthmoney of co. Lincoln.
	[Ordered] that a letter be written to the Earl of Oxford to acquaint him with the great spoil which appears to have been committed in his Majesty's timber trees in the forest of Whittlewood by an inquisition taken at Grafton, 1 Sept. 21 Car. II., and desire said Earl to direct his warrant to Mr. William Harbord, Mr. John Hall and Mr. Charles Tyrrell to set out and mark yearly what trees shall be browsed in each respective walk in said forest, and that the keepers and others presume not to browse or lop any trees but such as shall be so marked and not to top any of the said timber trees, that being the great destruction thereof. Also to recommend William Harbord to his Lordship as a fit person to be his deputy for the said Forest.
	[The Lord Mayor et al. representatives of the] city of London called in. Lord Ashley says that those that will not buy fee farms my Lords will endeavour to place them [on the register for re-payment] as early as they can: and those that are interest[ed] in the [orders in] course if they will buy [their orders] shall be admitted as ready money so [long as they agree] to purchase at 16 years' purchase. Go or send to Sir R. Long to know how the city for the 60,000l. will come in course to be paid as my Lords have now settled it.
	Write the Commissioners of Excise that Mr. Pember add another man [as his surety] because [he Pember himself] is bound [as surety] in another [Excise] farm. (The letter written hereupon is as follows: "a letter to the Commissioners of Excise to direct them that notwithstanding Mr. Pember and Mr. Kivett are sureties for payment of the rent of the Farmers of the Excise of Berkshire, yet considering that Mr. Pember advances a quarter's rent extraordinary that they should take that security.") (Out Letters General III. p. 45.)
	Sir Thomas Morgan and the deputies of Jersey [called in]. To be considered of by my Lords.
	[Order for] a privy seal [erased] patent for the officers of the Customs for payment of their salary. Mr. Sherwin to be consulted. (In the margin: Floyd undertook it.)
	Write Sir W. Doyly to know how the business of White stands about supplying the Navy with beer: (to give my Lords an account of the conditions of the contract made with White about supplying the Navy with beer. Out Letters General III. p. 46.)
	Mr. Rews [Rouse] his account is referred to Auditor Sir Edmund Sawyer.
	The petition of Giles Dowle about planting tobacco in England, praying for a renewal of his power for prosecuting the planters, is referred to the Customs Commissioners. (Out Letters General III. p. 46.)
	Warrant for a privy [erased] great seal to authorise my Lords to pay salaries for Customs officers over all England. Mr. Mounteney's grant to be inspected to see where the power stands to pay as my Lords direct. My Lords direct that the privy seal shall be long enough to comprehend the payment of the Commissioners of the Customs' salaries and all things else belonging to it.
	Write the [seven] Auditors [of the Exchequer Court] to send particulars of such manors and lands as were demised to Sir Frances Bacon and other trustees for the Prince of Wales by King James and which were afterwards assigned by said trustees for the remainder of the several terms of 99 years to them granted, and also a particular of rents reserved upon their assignments, also a note of what conveyances King James and King Charles made of the reversion of any of those manors and lands and what rents [were] reserved upon those conveyances, together with their dates and the names of the persons to whom conveyed.
	Write the Attorney General forthwith to prepare a draft of a privy seal to authorise Sir Thomas Trevor, the surviving trustee of the above-mentioned lands, to convey his interest in the rents reserved upon the sale of the said manors and lands, also a form of a conveyance from Sir Thomas Trevor to the Trustees for sale of Fee Farm rents.
	Write the Attorney General to give his fiat to the Clerk of the Petty Bag for a commission under the Great Seal to execute the articles which are to enquire of misdemeanours which have been committed in New Park
	[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 110–12.]
	Referred to Sir R. Long, Sir C. Harbord, Sir R. Howard and Mr. Sherwin to consider the state of the law bill and the charges of the management of it and how it may be disposed into a method: [so] that there may be a check as in other branches of the revenue.
	[Ordered] that Sir R. Long do not issue out the 16,000l. to Sir Robt. Viner where the privy seal is lost and that Mr. Loving call in the money.
	[Ordered] that no bill upon the purchase of half in money and half in orders for fee farm rents be thrown down by the Tellers till [it be first] entered with Sir R. Long. Nor any bill whatsoever to be thrown down where the money is not brought in: save by my Lords' order.
	Warrant for allowing interest to the [respective] Farmers of the Country Excise if they pay their rent before the day it is due.
	[Ibid. IV. p. 116.]
Dec. 18. Monday.	Present: Lord Ashley, Sir John Duncombe.
	[Warrant for] Mr. Newport for 5,000l. on the loans on the Customs.
	On Wednesday morning the Tellers of the Receipt are to attend my Lords about the desire of the Masters of Chancery to have their warrants payable to them without fees. (Out Letters General III. p. 48.)
	Write Alderman Backwell to do according to Seres his letter and ask how it must be done. (Sir Robert Howard's letter upon this minute is as follows: "His Majestie having given permission to this gentleman, Mr. Charles Serres, to go out and serve in France and notwithstanding to continue his pension of 100l. per an. and he resolving to be presently gone thither, the Treasury Lords have commanded me to desire you that for his accommodation you would pay a quarter of his said pension, which will be due at this approaching Christmas."Out Letters General III. p. 50.)
	On Wednesday morning Sir John Bennet, Sir William Bucknall, Ralph Bucknall and George Dashwood are to attend my Lords about the tallies of the money advanced to the King upon the late intended farm of the Customs. (Out Letters General III. p. 48.)
	"To send to Sir R. Long that the business between Sir Stephen Fox and the late Farmers of the Customs be done by bills thrown down, though the money be not actually paid, viz.: a fictitious loan: for this time my Lords will dispense with it." (The letter written to the Auditor and Tellers of the Receipt on this minute is as follows: "for the accommodation of Sir Stephen Fox and others who are to receive some money which is to be paid in by the late Farmers of the Customs, you are not to insist to have the money actually brought into the Exchequer but that you should accept notes from them and let issues thereupon be made of the money." Out Letters General III. p. 46.)
	Sir C. Harbord informs my Lords that Auditor Sir Ed. Sawyer has brought in a particular of all his small rents within his [audit] circuit and that Auditor Phelipps has almost finished his.
	[Ordered that] Richard Gregory, the messenger, take the waterman [Thomas] Dod [Dodge] into custody who wears Sir Thomas Chichley's badge.
	A paper to be entered that was brought in by Auditor Phelipps.
	[Ordered] that those rents that are to be reserved for reprizes for payment of perpetuities [and other charges fixed upon the Crown revenues in the several counties respectively] be [selected] out of ecclesiastical rents and dubious rents whether they be fee farms or not or [whether or not] the inheritance [thereof be] still in the Crown. An order [to this effect to be sent] to the Trustees of Fee Farms and also another of the same [effect] to the [respective] Auditors.
	Sir Tobias Bridge's petition referred to Sir C. Harbord to report totally upon it.
	A copy of the order brought in by Sir Charles Harbord [is] to be signed by my Lords and a copy to be sent to the Chancellor of the Duchy and the Clerk of the Pipe.
	Lord Newports' paper is to be compared with his petition and to pass if agreeing [therewith].
	The report about the decayed wines and the paper on it are referred to Sir R. Long, Sir R. Howard, Sir C. Harbord, Mr. Sherwin and Col. Birch to examine it [a] new and to call Capt. Kingdome and Mr. Green to their assistance.
	"On the [Wine Act] account of the districts there is Pott and Bryde, of Suffolk, to have the 7l. 7s. 5½d. on the foot of the paper to be made 100l. a piece."
	An order to be drawn for my Lords to sign according to the order of the Commissioners of the Customs.
	Let the man that is put in [in the Customs] in Scarborough be put out and John Collison, that was there, is to be restored.
	Write Mr. Man and Mr. Blake that they despatch as soon as they can and come back with their accounts.
	Warrant upon the [Customs] Commissioners' report [for a salary] of 50l. per an. for Col. Molsworth as warehouse keeper [of the Custom House].
	"Sir Robert Long and Sir Robt. Howard and Sir Charles Harbord to enquire whether any security have been past [passed] before upon it: and to-morrow morning my Lords will consider of the counter security of [on] the Hearthmoney for my Lord St. John [et al. his partners for their late advance on their late intended Farm of the Customs]. Sir Charles Harbord to be here. In the meantime Sir Robt. Howard to consider of it and whether it comes after the money now registered on the Hearthmoney."
	On Friday week to hear the accounts of Lord St. John for New Forest.
	My Lords to write to the Attorney and Solicitor General that no more grants [of Crown forest lands or rights] pass with general words [viz. words merely] referring to former grants but [that every grant henceforth] specify what is granted in His [Majesty's] forests, chaces or parks.
	The Customs Commissioners' paper is to be put in order according to the directions [made] in the margin by Sir John Duncombe.
	[Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 113–6.]
Dec. 19.	Present. Lord Ashley, Treasurer of the Household, Sir J. Duncombe.
	A dormant warrant to Mr. Mounteney to pay to the Bishop of Salisbury as Chancellor of the Garter 400l. for half a year now due at Xmas and from thenceforward to pay 200l. quarterly.
	The woman at Hide Park [is] to have a grant as she desires of the spit of ground by Hide Park. Abbot to speak with Sir C. Harbord and let it be done.
	The petition of the inhabitants of the town of Newport is referred to Mr. Sherwin et al. [Webb and Filingham] for them to prepare a little to advise the Commissioners to make a reassessment for the sum charged on the town to be [now charged] on the county.
	The petition from William Ellis for some concealed lands belonging to the King is referred to Sir C. Harbord.(Out Letters General III. p. 50.)
	The Earl of Sandwich's 4,000l. is to be placed [charged] in course half on the Customs and half on the coinage in the Duchy of Cornwall.
	[The Lord Mayor et al. on behalf of] the city called in about the 60,000l. My Lords say that the course the city stands in upon the Fee Farms shall stand, but if any will purchase they shall have it [the debt counted] as ready money. They offer also that they shall be placed on any . . . . [sic]. [Resolved] that the city shall take as many counties as shall make 6,000l. per an. out of the fee farms, and what shall be sold of this 6,000l. per an. shall be applied to pay them [the city and their debt]. If any particular person desire to purchase any fee farm rents he may have it at 16 years' purchase before the settlement: after the settlement only out of the 6,000l. a year. In the margin: This is but an offer of my Lords and no order can be drawn [upon it] till acceptance [of it by the city].
	Sir Rob. Howard to send to the French Ambassador for a particular of such goods as he has for his own use which are in the nature of counterband goods, "and my Lords have ordered me [Sir Ro. Howard] then to write to the Commissioners of the Customs to have them delivered."
	[Counsel, &c., for the town of] Penryn called in [concerning the said town's petition for the establishment of a Custom House there]. The report from the Customs Commissioners is read, who do give their opinions that Falmouth is the most proper place for a Custom House, but they likewise report that it is necessary for officers [of the Customs to be stationed at Penryn]. My Lords agree with the [Commissioners in that part of their] report that the Custom House shall be at Falmouth, but ordered that it be again referred to said Commissioners what officers they mean shall be at Penryn and whether they intend any entries [to be made] at Penryn: and my Lords desire when said Commissioners answer hereof that Sir Peter Killegrew and Col. Birch are to attend upon them for despatch. [The words in italics are by a clerical error inserted in the body of the next succeeding minute.] (Out Letters General III. p. 48.)
	Be sure to send that [information] about the tidesmen being abused by Jenninges to Mr. Wren to-day [to be communicated to the Duke of York], for the Council of War is [to meet] to-morrow. Mr. Billop will give notice of the day of the Council of War [sic for Court martial]. (Sir Robert Howard's letter to Mathew Wren hereupon is as follows: My Lords are informed by the Customs Commissioners that Owen Flanagon and Robert Deane, two tidewaiters of London port, being put on board His Majesty's ship the "Princess," commanded by Sir William Jennings, were denied all accommodation and abused with ill language by the Lieutenant and several things carried from on board by force, they not being able to hinder. My Lords desire you to represent it to His Royal Highness the Duke of York that he may be pleased to have the offenders punished. "If
	I may know the day when there is to be a court marshall I shall take care that the tidesmen shall attend then with such informations as they have about the business." (Out Letters General III. p. 47.)
	The state of the London [Excise] Farmers' account is to be heard to-morrow morning. Col. Birch has taken notice of it.
	Sir John Duncombe commanded me [Sir Ro. Howard] to carry Lord St. John's sign manual to Lord Ashley [for him] to read tonight that it may be signed the first to-morrow morning.
	[The warrants for] my Lords' salary and [for the] New Year's gifts are to be prepared and tendered for signature to-morrow morning.
	Treasury Minute Book IV. pp. 117–9.]
Dec. 20. Wednesday.	Present: Sir John Duncombe.
	Petition read from the mayor and merchants of Barnstaple praying that if for the convenience of the merchants of Bideford it shall be thought fit to appoint officers at Bideford to take said merchants' entries there that yet the town of Barnstaple may not be bereaved of the Custom House, which has been so long time kept in said town. Referred to the Customs Commissioners. (Out Letters General III. p. 51.)
	Send to John Brampston and John Sorrell to know what way they will advise that these accompts may be perfected. See the letter.
	Referred to Sir R. Long, Sir C. Harbord and Sir Robt. Howard to prepare a draft of a security for Lord St. John and his partners to secure on the Hearthmoney [their late advance loan on the late intended farm of the Customs].
	Warrant for 100l. for Jones for reward for secret service.
	My Lords order Sir Robert Howard to send to the Customs Commissioners to order the [Customs] officers' salaries to be presently paid both in the port of London and the outports.
	The messenger [called in] with [his prisoners William] Umphrys, the ticket porter, and Evans: who being examined and the oath of Jones read to them, who denying anything, they were appointed to be carried back [in custody] and Thomas Dod [Dodge] to be brought the first day on which my Lords meet after Xmas.
	Warrant for said Dodd to be taken into custody.
	Sir John Bennet, [Mr. George] Dashwood, Sir William Bucknall and his brother and others are to attend my Lords at their first meeting after Xmas, viz. concerning tallies for moneys advanced to the King upon account of the late intended farm of the Customs. (Out Letters General III. p. 52.)
	Send to Sir C. Harbord to ascertain the rent of Fox Hall between the parties.
	My Lords adjourn till Tuesday the 2nd of January.
	[Ibid. IV. pp. 119–20.]