Minute Book: May 1677

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 5, 1676-1679. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1911.

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Citation:

'Minute Book: May 1677', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 5, 1676-1679, ed. William A Shaw( London, 1911), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol5/pp437-451 [accessed 24 November 2024].

'Minute Book: May 1677', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 5, 1676-1679. Edited by William A Shaw( London, 1911), British History Online, accessed November 24, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol5/pp437-451.

"Minute Book: May 1677". Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 5, 1676-1679. Ed. William A Shaw(London, 1911), , British History Online. Web. 24 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol5/pp437-451.

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May 1677

May 2. Wednesday. The Excise Farmers and Commissioners of Excise are to attend Treasurer Danby at 10 in the forenoon [of this day] about the running cash.
Sir John Robinson is to attend at the same time with his own papers.
Sir Charles Harbord is also to attend [then].
[Day Book, p. 122.]
May 2. The Commissioners and the Farmers of Excise are to be summoned for Friday morning at 10 o'clock about the business of the running cash.
Treasurer Danby to move the King about some addition [of allowance] to the Receivers of the tax allowed for building ships.
On Friday next the Deputy [King's] Remembrancer and [his] Secondary are to attend about the adjusting of fees [taken in the King's Remembrancer's Office] for taking the securities of the [abovesaid] Receivers and concerning the discharging of the same. Sir Cha. Harbord is to attend.
Sir John Robinson's business is to be then heard : he is to attend then with his own papers.
Mr. Slingsby's order for coinage is to be shown to Treasurer Danby to-morrow morning.
A letter is to be written to the [Excise] Commissioners to deliver up the rooms in the Excise Office to the new undertakers [for the farm of the Excise].
The Gentlemen and Grooms of the Bedchamber and the [Queen's] Maids of Honour and Dressers are to be paid as formerly [? meaning in full].
The paper about the building of St. James's and the Duke [of York's] allowance for his table amounting to about 15,000l. [is] to be put upon the papers for the King.
The Marquess of Dorchester's creation money is to be put upon the King's papers.
Mr. Bertie is to write to the town of Lichfield about Mr. Rawlins being Receiver for Derby [of the new tax].
Mr. Prideaux is to be paid one whole year by Treasurer Danby's command.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 272. Day Book, p. 123.]
May 3. The Earl of Burford to be paid 250l. for last Lady day quarter on his pension "for which regular discharges are to be given to the [Excise] Commissioners." In the margin : Done [meaning : letter written accordingly].
The Earl of Oxford to be paid [one half] according to the scheme [of the order of Council for suspension or retrenchments].
D. L. [Duke of Lauderdale : warrant for] 750l. for one quarter.
D. P. [Duchess of Portsmouth warrant for] 500l. to make good what was lost in selling her tallies which she had for 3,000l. on the Hearthmoney and the [Exchequer fees or] charges [on said tallies].
[Warrant for] 300l. to be paid to Mris. Wells, the Duke of Richmond's nurse, out of Mr. Bertie's privy seal for secret service.
Sir John Knight's petition for 56l. 8s. 8d. is granted by the King to be paid.
Ann Pendrel to have 200l.
Lord Lucas to be paid his pension [in] full from 1675-6, Jan. 1.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 272.]
May 4.
Friday. Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer : Sir Charles Harbord attending.
The tables of fees in the several offices of the Exchequer are to be looked into and produced to Treasurer Danby, and the Commission in the late King's time touching the exaction of fees is to be inspected and revived.
The Receiver of Kent in Auditor Lightfoot's division is to be immediately called to accompt or else to be attached.
Mr. Hawes is to be sent for to [appear before] my Lord Treasurer. He lies at Mr. Lightfoot's chamber in the Temple.
Sir Charles Harbord promises Treasurer Danby to assist Mr. Mr. Lightfoot in making up the particulars of the fee farms within his [Lightfoot's audit] division.
The Customs Commissioners are to attend Treasurer Danby with their presentments on Monday morning.
The Excise Commissioners are called in about the running cash. They acquaint Treasurer Danby that the [Excise] Farmers do not pay in their running cash nor clear their quarter's rent on the 3rd May inst., being due Mar. 25 [last] according to their promise. The Farmers are called in. Treasurer Danby demands of them the reason why they have not paid their rent according to their covenants and bonds. Mr. Vincent says the Excise Commissioners refuse to give them acquittances for the interest of the running cash. Treasurer Danby says there is above 30,000l. due from them on their March rent. The Commissioners say 'tis due Mar. 25 [last] ; the Farmers say 'tis due only the 14th of June [next]. The covenant is read. Treasurer Danby asks first whether they would clear the rent of the 25th of March last. They answer they do not think themselves obliged. [My Lord asks secondly] whether they will clear their rent due at Midsummer next by the running cash, as it comes in. They say they will pay it according to their covenants. [Thirdly my Lord asks] how they will secure the quarter's rent due at Midsummer next. They answer the King hath their bonds, which they take to be good security. My Lord says that will not satisfy him. The Farmers agree that the whole rent due and to be due to his Majesty at or before Midsummer next shall be cleared within 5 weeks after Midsummer day, they being allowed out of their last payment the interest for the running cash due and to be due (for the running cash) according to their covenants to the utmost days of grace, except such part of their rent as shall be allowed for defalcation in the meantime, if any such be. Treasurer Danby agrees that the Commissioners give the Farmers a receipt for the interest now due to them for the running cash.
The Barons of the Exchequer, Sir Charles Harbord, Mr. Pretiman, the Attorney General and the Auditors of the Imprest are to attend on Monday next at 4 in the afternoon about the commission to the bishop of York for gathering the arrears of the Tenths of that diocese. Mr. Pretiman is to bring [with him] old precedents of such commissions. Serj. Ramsey is to attend the Attorney General in the meantime, to inform him in this matter.
[Treasury Minute Book, V. pp. 272-4.]
May 7. Monday. The bishop of London is to be desired to meet Treasurer Danby and Lord Chief Justice North at the Treasury Chambers at 4 o'clock in the afternoon [of this day] about Mr. Brunskell's and Mr. Dodd's docquets. Sir Francis Compton, Sir Charles Harbord, Mr. Greenville and the Lord Chief Baron are to be there at the same time.
The bishop of York to be also there, and Auditor Bridges and the Attorney General.
The business of delivering up the bankers' securities and about the manner of publishing to their creditors the [nature and contents] of the bankers' patent [is to be considered then].
The Commissioners for Excise to attend at the same time (struck through).
[Day Book, p. 123.]
May 7. Monday. Treasurer Danby directs Sir George Downing to attend him on Wednesday morning next. Secretary Bertie to be present.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 274.]
May 7.
The same [day in the] afternoon.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Lord Chief Justice North, Lord Chief Baron, Chancellor of the Exchequer. Attending : Attorney General, Sir C. Harbord, the Auditors of the Imprests, Remembrancer of First Fruits.
Upon the case of the Archbishop of York. The bishop desires to know why the Auditor refuses him his quietus since 1669, when [whereas] this Auditor made no scruple of allowing his Grace his quietus before that time. The Auditor says because the bishop refused to account for the moneys levied by virtue of the King's Commission directed to the bishop. Whereupon the case was opened and appeared to be as follows, viz. : the said bishop made a return of several arrears of Tenths due from severa incumbents within his diocese (which [return] nevertheless was imperfectly made) and thereupon a commission issued to the bishop to cause the same to be levied according to the Statute of 26 Hy. VIII., or to do such other things as that Act requires. The bishop refused to execute this commission (although it was in part executed by some of his deputies, who had received some of the money), and says if it can be shewed that ever any bishop executed such a commission, he will be content to be censured. Thereupon five commissions returned by several bishops upon like occasions were produced, but all these were since his Majesty's Restoration and it was said by the Auditors that all the old commissions were burned in the late fire of London, but they had accounts which testified the executing such commissions for above 100 years, being the accounts of moneys levied by virtue of such commissions.
Treasurer Danby, the Judges and Chancellor [of the Exchequer] with the Attorney General and Sir Charles Harbord, were all of opinion that the bishop ought to execute the commission and accompt for the money, which was or shall be levied thereupon, and the Exchequer Court might determine it. My Lord Archbishop says he must come before my Lord Treasurer upon a writ of error.
The officers of the Exchequer attend upon [the subject of] the fees due to them for the Receivers' entering into bond and giving securities. They claim [fees of] 6s. 8d. for every 100l. [value of such securities]. It was said that Lord Clifford moderated the [like] fees upon the [occasion of the] last Eighteen Months' tax, promising that he would move his Majesty to consider the King's Remembrancer and the other officers some other way : as Mr. Hall affirms, and produces the settlement made by Lord Clifford.
The officers withdraw. Treasurer Danby, upon advice with the Chancellor [of the Exchequer] the Barons [of the Exchequer], the Attorney General and Sir Charles Harbord doth direct the following rules to be observed in the taking of fees for securities to be given by Receivers of the money lately given for building of ships, viz. :
s. d.
For all bonds and securities under 5,000l. 0 15 0
For all bonds and securities of 5,000l. and under 10,000l. 1 10 0
For all bonds and securities of 10,000l. and under 20,000l. 3 0 0
For all bonds and securities of 20,000l. and above 4 15 0
And if the Receiver make a good accompt and pay in the money and hath his quietus est before [issue of any] process then his bonds and securities are to be delivered up upon payment of 1s. and no more.
Mr. Brunskell and Dod are called in upon the warrant lately passed for the collecting the capias pro fine amerciaments and other compositions. The warrant is read and disapproved as [being] too general. They humbly propose to [desire from] Treasurer Danby a power to inspect and solicit the due answering the capias pro fine and to solicit all process for the King in all cases where his Majesty is concerned : which Treasurer Danby approves.
Sir Robt. Wiseman's arrear of 130l. [due to him] as King's Advocate is to be put upon the King's minutes on Wednesday next.
The pretension of the old Commissioners of Excise for a remission of their arrear of about 600l. in respect [consideration] of what is due to them [on account] of the 2d. per . is to be also [put] on the King's papers.
Mr. Finch is to attend the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the discovery of the fraud committed by Sir William Bucknall, et al, in obtaining defalcations upon their farm of Excise.
Mr. Oakeley is to be deputed a landwaiter in the port of London by his Majesty's especial commands.
[Secretary Bertie is ordered] to shew Treasurer Danby at whose instance the persons named to go for Ireland and the outports were excused.
[Secretary Bertie is ordered] to shew the reason why the clause about the Plantation trade for Ireland was not inserted in the Irish [Revenue farm] grant, and how the Attorney General came to omit it.
Enquire of Sir Robert Southwell about the Governors of the Plantations taking their oaths and the Communion [prior] to be[ing] sent thither.
The Customer of Bideford port is to be continued there till further order.
Mr. Watts to have a . . .
The caveat upon the business of the Isle of Wight is to be heard on Wednesday next and the [Customs] Commissioners are to peruse the reasons given in the meantime and see if there be reason to alter what is done.
To have an accompt of the oversea duty for coals the last three years.
To speak with the bishop and Chancellor of Durham to stop a commission lately issued thence [out of the Chancery of Durham] for measuring the keels and ascertaining the Sunderland measure [for coal].
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 274-6.]
May 9. Wednesday. Sir George Carterett to be heard [this day] on his petition concerning several houses and buildings, &c., part of the Lambhay at Plymouth.
Sir Jno. Robinson to attend [this day].
Mr. Bradshaw to attend [this day] with the papers.
Sir Denny Ashburnham and Mr. Finch to attend at 10 in the morning [of this day] about the foot of their accompt as late Commissioners of Excise.
One of the Commissioners of the Excise to attend at the same time concerning the letter from the Justices of Haverford West, about the Farmers of the Excise of Wales.
[Day Book p. 123.]
May 9.
Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The Attorney General to be spoken with this afternoon at the Treasury Chambers upon the report from the Customs Commissioners concerning exported coals and the measuring of the keels in Sunderland by commission.
The officers of the Customs at Southampton are to have a copy of the Customs Commissioners' answer [touching the dispute with the inhabitants of the Isle of Wight] and are to make their exceptions [thereto] by Monday next if they please : else the last order to be confirmed.
Sir Charles Harbord to have Sir Geo. Carteret's case about the Lamb-Hay referred to him, with Sir George's new allegations about the value thereof : and to make his report [thereon] forthwith. Mr. Biggs and others are to attend when (upon Sir Charles Harbord's report as above) Sir Geo. Cartrett's case shall be heard.
[The case of] Sir Phill. Howard's kettle-drum[mer] and the Duke of Monmouth's kettle-drum[mer] and trumpet[er] [is] to be put upon the King's papers.
Sir Robt. Wyseman's pretence to 130l. arrear as King's Advocate is to be also put on the King's papers.
The case of Mr. Finch and Sir Denny Ashburnham with Mr. Wingate (touching their pretence to a remittal of remain of their accompt as Commissioners of Excise) is also to be put on the King's papers : and the Earl of Bath, who has an order for 1,000l. upon this remain is to be also [put] on the papers for his Majesty's pleasure how to be satisfied another way if the king remits the [said remain to the said] Farmers.
Mr. Finch [is ordered] to attend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make out the fraud practised by Sir William Bucknall and others, late Farmers of the Customs [sic for Excise] in obtaining unjust defalcations.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 277.]
May 11. Sir Robt. Holmes's business is to be put upon my Lord Treasurer's papers to speak with the Lord Chancellor about his [Holmes] insisting on his privilege and not answering the Attorney General's bill.
The Secretary of State [is] to be attended for copies of the petition of the Lords in the Tower.
Secretary Bertie to attend the Attorney General and the Chancellor of Durham about the Commissions [issued out of the Chancery of Durham] for measuring the keels in Sunderland.
The business of the Works is to be heard on Wednesday next.
The same day [is fixed] for [hearing the business of] the Surveyors of the Forest.
[Ibid.]
May 14.
Monday. Wallingford House.
Present : Lord Treasurer. Attending : the Customs Commissioners, Sir Rich. Temple, Sir Geo. Downing and Mr. Cheney.
Lord Lumley to have a copy of the Commission and instructions about measuring the keels in Sunderland, and to give answer in writing within 14 days. The Customs Commissioners are to consider of the said Commission.
Treasurer Danby to make report [to the King] about the business of the ship Blossom.
Mr. Chiffinch and his fellow officer at Gravesend are to attend on Wednesday next.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 278.]
May 16. Wednesday. The officers of the Works [are to attend this day] at 10 in the morning.
Mr. Hughes is to attend [the morning of this day] on behalf of Major Izod's children concerning a caveat by him entered against Mr. Hart's lease.
The Sub Farmers of the Excise upon coffee, &c., are to be heard this day with William Lownds on their pretension to defalcations. (Struck through.)
[Day Book, p. 124.]
May 16.
Wednesday. Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
To know who the messenger was that carried into Yorkshire the late Acts [copies of the Act] of Parliament for the [new Seventeen Months'] tax.
Mr. Kent to enjoy his office as Mr. Mounteney did [his].
Mris. Buckley's business [is] for [to be put upon] my Lord Treasurer's minutes.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 278.]
May 18. Friday. The Coffee Farmers to be heard [this day] with William Lownds.
The business between Lady Wood and Mris. Boulton touching an assignment made by Mris. Boulton of her annuity is to be heard [this day].
The Excise Commissioners to attend [this day] about charging Mr. Dashwood's advance money with [i.e. before] the Comptroller [of Excise].
Mr. Goddard to attend [this day] about what he has to say touching the debt due from him.
The business of the tin to be then considered.
Col. Whitley's bill of Post [Office] defalcations is to be considered and settled on [this] Friday.
Mr. Hughes' and Mr. Hart's business [to be considered this day].
Some of the Customs Commissioners with the patent searchers of Gravesend are to attend in the afternoon [of this day] at 3 of the clock.
[Day Book, p. 124.]
May 18.
Friday. Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mr. John Cary's fee as Keeper of Maribone [Park] is to be paid.
To add the charge of 40 wardours to the scheme of expence for the Tower, which has been computed at 768l. per an. and no more, the wardours being omitted.
Query : Allex. Hawkins and William Billopp after Creswell and Husey. The Treasurer of the Chamber [is ordered] to have another quarter assigned [to him] viz., 7,500l.
The Excise Commissioners are called in about charging Mr. Dashwood's advance money. Treasurer Danby asks them if they have paid out Mr. Dashwood's money as they received it from him. The 35,000l. ordered to the Navy seems on the general account to be paid all on one day, but by a particular [account] is said to have been paid at several days between the 24th Jan. and the 26th Feb. last, and Treasurer Danby says the King shall not be charged with interest from the day the same should have been paid. The [Excise] Commissioners submit to Treasurer Danby's pleasure and promise to bring a clear account of the times of payment.
Treasurer Danby [further] acquaints them that the running cash ought to be applied to the discharge of tallies, else the King has no use of it, and if it be not so applied the King pays double interest. The [Excise] Commissioners agree that for the future his Majesty shall not pay any interest for the running cash (unless where his Majetsy expressly requires to have it) and the tallies shall be discharged at the respective days of grace. Treasurer Danby agrees hereunto, but with this [addition] that when there is occasion of discharging tallies by the running cash the same shall be so applied to prevent the payment of greater interest than the King pays for the running cash, and that the King shall have the running cash when he please.
Mr. Goddard, Receiver of Hearthmoney in co. Suffolk, is called in about his arrear of 1,440l. He produces the certificate of the Justices and other persons of his great losses. Lord Chief Baron Montague certifies that he [Goddard] has had several trials [against his sub-collectors], and cast his adversaries about arrears in several collectors' hands. The Auditor is directed to state his [Goddard's] accompt.
In the case of Mr. Hart, Treasurer Danby orders that upon Mr. Hughs' refusal to be heard the caveat shall be discharged.
[Ordered that] 3,050l. a quarter for two postponed quarters for Tangier be supplied in money against the time of Sir John Narborough's voyage to the Straits (which will be within 14 days) ; he being to carry it.
A list or table of fees taken in the Exchequer [on issues of money] is to be sent for and a reason to be given [to my Lord Treasurer] why Tangier [money issues] pays more than [those for] the Guards and Garrisons. Treasurer Danby to move the King herein.
[Order for] 4,000l. to be sent to the [Naval] Chest at Chatham and [for] 1,500l. to be paid into the Treasurer of the Navy's hand.
Mris. Bolton's petition is read against Sir Edw. Wood and his lady who claim 70l. per an. out of Mris. Bolton's pension of 200l. per an. Lady Wood produces an assignment under Mris. Bolton's hand and seal of 70l. per an. out of her pension and allegeth that she hath been let into the possession of it by her duly receiving it at the Exchequer and [therefore] hopes the payment shall be continued to her. Mris. Bolton says the assignment was made as a free gift for mere natural affection, and although she has permitted her, my Lady Wood, to receive the same until lately, yet now she is no more willing to permit it, and therefore prays that the payment of the whole may be made to herself. Treasurer Danby says he cannot pay to any but the patentee without her consent, and therefore my Lady Wood must not expect any further payment without new direction from Mris. Bolton.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 278-80.]
May 18.
[Sic ? afternoon.] Friday. Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mr. Hobbins and Mr. Powell, Sub-Farmers of the Excise upon Coffee, &c., having been summoned to appear this day, were called but were not present : whereupon Treasurer Danby was pleased to take the evidence of the witnesses produced by Mr. Lownds for the King, viz. :
Joseph Douglass : who produces Mr. Hobins's acquittance for the half year's rent whereof a defalcation was claimed by the Sub-Farmers : and [he] sells [coffee] still.
Edmund Flye : who says he sold no coffee after Easter, 1675, which was three quarters before the King's proclamation.
Mris. Weeden : who sold coffee after the proclamation till she was ruined by the Sub-Farmers seizing all her goods.
Mris. Haines : [who says] that she likewise gave off [selling coffee] before the proclamation, viz., left her house at Michaelmas, 1675.
Mris. Scolfield : [who says] that she never gave off [selling coffee] at all, and sells now, and gave bonds according to the proclamation.
Mris. Parrot : [who says] that she gave off for want of trade after the proclamation.
Mr. Loveday : [who says] that he let his house to another coffee man, who never gave off, himself taking up a better trade of his own.
Mr. Coleman, Mr. Yates, Mris. Davis, Prudence Hodges, Mr. Brittaine, Mr. Jackson, Thomas Groves and Mr. Ledsam : [who say] that they did not give off [their coffee houses] by reason of the King's proclamation.
The Customs Commissioners attend with the patent searchers of Gravesend. Treasurer Danby directs the patent searchers to obey the Commissioners' orders for the future. Monday next is appointed to hear both parties as to the signing of bills with the [? signature of the deputies to the] patent searchers and secondly as the seizures.
"Mr. Sheires [is] to be allowed what he pays for Customs of things carried to Tangier upon his accompt and the Customs to be paid for all things but ammunition and victuals."
Antho. Watts to have a commission to seize [uncustomed and prohibited goods] for 6 months upon security [being by him] given.
Treasurer Danby directs 1,000l. to be issued to Mr. Packer for the Works, viz., 500l. for repair of Audley End and 500l. for the Mews [at Charing Cross].
[Ibid. pp. 282-3.]
May 19. Sir John Ernle, Mr. Brett, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Thomas Harrington and Mr. Kent are desired to attend Treasurer Danby at the Treasury Chambers at 4 in the afternoon [of this day], Major Christian and Thomas Seabrey to be there.
[Day Book, p. 124.]
May 19.
Saturday. Treasury Chambers.
Present : The King, Duke of York, Prince Rupert, Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Duke of Lauderdale, Duke of Ormonde, Lord Chamberlain, Secretary Coventry, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Touching the deportment and transaction of Mr. Brett and Mr. Parsons in the business of the Excise (they being then the Farmers of that duty) : Mr. Kent is called in and asked what discourse had passed between the present Farmers of Excise and him concerning the alteration of the present management of the Excise. He answers that they told him they were making new proposals for the farm, that they hoped my Lord Treasurer was at the bottom of it, but if he were not, they hoped to go thorowe without him : upon which Mr. Kent refused to meddle without the privity of my Lord Treasurer.
Mr. Harrington called in : says that Mr. Parsons told him on Tuesday last that they would have another bout for the farm as soon as his Majesty returned from Windsor.
Mr. Brett and Mr. Parsons are called in. His Majesty desires to be informed in what particulars he may be deceived in the present grant of the Excise, they having told him that he may be so. Mr. Brett says he conceives their proposal is 20,000l. per an. better to the King than Mr. Dashwood's. 'Tis demanded in what covenants and particulars. He says in case his Majesty will grant them the farm he would reveal that, but on better consideration he instances in the running cash 5,000l. per an. Item : in the [expenses of officers and] collection for which Dashwood has [an allowance of] 55,000l. per an. Item : that the managers are not accomptable for the overplus till the last year, and it amounts in the three years to above 90,000l. Item : the managers have interest for the running cash which is the King's and ought not to be paid for. Item : the King is actually to pay back the advance money and interest before he can resume the grant. As to their former assertion of 10,000l. being allowed for bad debts, they say that was only an error of the clerks.
The Attorney General answers all their objections to the satisfaction of his Majesty and the Lords. After which my Lord Chancellor by the King's command concludes with a severe reprimand to Mr. Brett and Mr. Parsons, letting them know that they had highly offended his Majesty and that they remained under his Majesty's displeasure : which his Majesty by his own mouth confirmed.
Treasurer Danby by his Majesty's immediate command procured at the instance of the Chancellor of the Exchequer) directs the payment of 56l. 8s. 8d. to Sir John Knight of Bristol.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 280-1.]
May 25. Treasurer Danby directs that the Princess Eliz[abeth] shall be paid [in] full.
Mris. Fanshaw to be paid [half] according to the [order of Council] for suspension.
Sir Rich. Bulstrode to be paid 227l.
Lord Lucas to be paid one year [in] full.
Mr. Robt. Cheeke to be paid out of secret service.
A state to be drawn of the Earl of Plymouth's debts.
[Order for] 700l. to be paid to Mr. Fittz in part of the Earl of Lichfield's new buildings.
[Treasury Minute Book V. p. 283.]
May 28. Monday. The Customs Commissioners are to be heard [this day] with Mr. Culliford upon his pretensions for [the office of] registering seizures : Baron Littleton and Baron Bertie [to be requested] to attend.
The business touching the officers of Gravesend is to be then heard, and they are to attend with their counsel.
Mr. Arnold [is] also to attend [this day] about the state of Mr. Stockdale's account. [Day Book, p. 125.]
May 28.
Treasury Chambers.
Present : Lord Treasurer ; attending : Commissioners of the Customs.
The patent searchers at Gravesend are called in with Mr. Sawyer their counsel. The debate was [as to the dispute] between them and the officers deputed by the Customs Commissioners. Mr. Sawyer says no merchant is obliged by law to come on shore to clear his ship. And as to seizures he says : (1), that the patent officers are upon their oaths to take them and return them into the Exchequer, and it is their interest so to do, it being their principal profit, and granted to them by their patents, their fee being but 12l. per an. : (2), they always send to the deputed searchers to attend them on board, and give them notice to go with them. But he says the principal difference between them is touching the profits by seizures, which he affirms by law belongs to the patent searchers, and he says if there were no statute [to this effect] that [as an alternative] these seizures belonged to them at the Common Law, which gives every one liberty to seize and have the profits : but if a patent officer be present at a seizure, although there were twenty persons there who have liberty to seize, yet they shall have no share but the patent officer shall have the whole.
The Customs Commissioners say this respects [concerns] not the order they made which was for an office to be kept [by the patent officers] so that they may be found [when wanted], and that they should obey orders, and that the deputed officers should sign the clearing bills, &c., and they say that these patent searchers have had such checks upon them ever since King James's time ; [further] that this refusal of theirs calls in question my Lord Treasurer's power granted him by the Act of Frauds.
Mr. Sawyer says clearing bills is not required by law, neither is it requisite that any office should be kept, and affirms that this order of the Commissioners is palpably against the law.
But upon the whole, and long debate of the matter, the Lord Treasurer directs that the Customs Commissioners' order shall stand and be executed.
[Order for] Emmanuel College 100l. or thereabouts.
Mr. Arnold, surety for Mr. Stockdale, late collector of Dover, is called in with Mr. Thursby and Mr. Courtney his counsel. They say that Mr. Stockdale was in debt near 6,000l. when Mr. Arnold became bound for him, and that Mr. Stockdale had paid in as much money as he received since Mr. Arnold was surety for him, so that he hopes he shall be discharged, and that the arrear may be deemed to be the old arrear, and laid upon Mr. Stockdale and his former sureties.
Mr. Lytcote (the Comptroller of the Accounts [of the Customs]) says that Mr. Arnold became surety for Mr. Stockdale at Christmas, 1673, and that at the Michaelmas following Mr. Stockdale cleared and balanced all accompts, and that what money was returned up to balance this accompt was by Mr. Stockdale's own letters and directions applied to the discharge of the old accompt, and he himself came up to examine the application of all his bills and settled and allowed the accompt, and the arrear now depending is incurred since : and says all this will appear by Mr. Stockdale's letters and Mr. Mounteney's books and vouchers. Mr. Arnold's counsel agree that if this be true they have no more to say, but humbly pray they may have a week's time to examine it : which is granted.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 283-5.]
May 30. Wednesday. The petition and case of Mr. Plea [Pley], senr., are to be read and considered on the afternoon [of this day].
The Receivership of the four Northern Counties [is] to be settled [this day].
[Day Book p. 125.]
May 30. A state of the [affair and account] of the sick and wounded is to be prepared for to-morrow morning, and the Commissioners for the Sick and Wounded are to attend at that time. Mr. Shales is to prepare this state and attend with it.
Dr. William Howell's petition touching 200l. in lieu of 12,000 Rheme [ream] of Rochelle demy paper is to be proposed to the King by advice of the Customs Commissioners.
Dr. Morrison's petition ditto.
[Treasury Minute Book p. 285.]
The same day [? the afternoon.] Present : Chancellor of the Exchequer ; Sir Charles Harbord assisting.
Mr. John Batier [Basire] called in about the receivership of the four Northern Counties [for the moneys of the Seventeen Months' tax for building ships]. The Chancellor of the Exchequer demands of him what he expects for the collecting and returning of the money. Mr. Basier replies that Sir William Blackett asks one and a half per cent. for the return thereof. He is ordered to give his answer forthwith whether he will undertake to collect and pay the same for any sum not exceeding one and a half per cent.
On Friday next Sir Robt. Howard, Sir Charles Harbord, Sir Geo. Downing and the Attorney General are to attend [the Lord Treasurer] upon the consideration of [the question of] delivering up the goldsmiths' orders and discharging all his Majesty's securities and debts claimed by them.
The bankers [are ordered] to pay to the King all such moneys as they owe to any of his Majesty's receivers or accomptants (together with the unpaid interest thereof) out of the first quarterly payment [of interest to be made to said bankers] according to their former agreement before Treasurer Danby made his report in their behalf, and according to the order of Council in that behalf.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 285-6.]
May 31. Treasurer Danby directs that the warrant for Emmanuel College shall be paid [in] full.
The Auditors and other officers of the Exchequer are to be paid what is due to them.
Tallies on the Excise are to be struck for 14,000l. for the Forces.
All the offices [are] to be writ to immediately to make returns for the future monthly of their receipts and payments of money and when and of whom they borrow money, and for what service it is borrowed.
A letter [to be written] to the Navy Board to continue the course of payments.
An account to be kept distinctly of the money issued for repairs and new buildings, and Mr. Shales is to be recommended to the King for that office.
A privy seal [is] to pass for the Earl of Plymouth's whole debt.
Lady Kinnoul [is] to be paid from the last payment of 500l. : [and she is to be paid in] full.
To see how money may be borrowed on the [Seventeen Months'] Act, and what agreement may be made with Mr. Kent for such advances.
Mr. Dashwood [is to be requested] to be with my Lord Treasurer to-morrow morning.
Treasurer Danby directs the settlement of the money wanting to the uses following, viz. :
Service. Sum. How or out of What to be Paid.
s. d.
Navy : For repairs 55000 0 0 To be borrowed.
For imprests for stores 5000 0 0 Out of the Customs : whereof 10,500l. [is] already paid in [to the Exchequer].
For the [Navy] chest [at Chatham] 5500 0 0
For victuals of 1,000 men at Virginia 2800 0 0
For Sir Thomas Clutterbuck's third of the declaration 1800 0 0
Ordnance : For the quarter ending at Lady day 10000 0 0 By tallies on the Customs.
For stores sent to Virginia 5500 0 0
Forces : For the castles 4968 0 0 By tallies on the Law duty.
Wardrobe : For the quarter ended Lady day [last] 4000 0 0 [To be paid] by the Customs : [as] by letter [to be sent there].
Tangier : For the quarter ended Lady day 13858 5 11 By tally on the Hearthmoney [due] in March.
For a quarter's arrear 3050 14 10
Treasurer of the Chamber : For one quarter 7500 0 0 By tallies on the Hearthmoney in March.
For extraordinaries 1000 0 0
Works : To complete the last year 5000 0 0 By tallies on the Customs.
On account of the old debt 3000 0 0 By some arrear.
Post [Office] defalcations : For the last year about 4500 0 0 By tally on the Customs.
Tower : Sir John Robinson's bills about 2400 0 0 By some arrear.
Robes : To complete their allowance to midsummer 3250 0 0 By tally on the Customs.
Household : For half a year 53500 0 0 By tallies on the Excise.
For Mr. Short 1000 0 0
192627 0 9
Particular claims : Sir Courtney Poole 1000 0 0 On the Hearthmoney in March next.
In the margin : "Done."
Earl of Plymouth 2852 0 0 [Of this] 1500l. on the Law duty [due] in March next.
[The King's] Lancashire preachers 300 0 0 This out of the Hearthmoney in cash.
Mris. Buckley part of 5,000l. 1000 0 0
Lady Widdrington 284 19 5
Tom Kelligrew 1500 0 0 Wine licences in course.
Sir Edmd. Windham 550 0 0 Some arrear.
Mr. Elliot (900l. and 470l.) 1370 0 0 To be divided, and then my Lord will direct further.
Dean of Windsor 125 0 0 Customs.
Duke of Monmouth reg[imen]t 2018 0 0 By tallies on the Hearthmoney in March.
10999 19 5
Mr. Legouch 1500 0 0 Customs.
Separate accounts to be kept of extraordinary payments.
[Treasury Minute Book V. pp. 286-7.]