Minute Book: November 1697 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

Citation:

'Minute Book: November 1697', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 13, 1697-1698, ed. William A Shaw( London, 1933), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol13/pp22-42 [accessed 24 November 2024].

November 1697



Nov. 1, forenoon.	Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith.
	Write to the Earl of Montagu [Master of the Great Wardrobe] to furnish the Chapel [Royal] so far forth as 500l. will extend: and desire him to send to Portsmouth to Mr. Greenhill for the Algiers present to be opened and repaired and afterwards to send it by the first safe opportunity to [the Dey of] Algiers.
	And 10l. is to be paid to Mr. Baker for the subsistence of the Algerians that are to embark with the Ambassador for Constantinople.
	Sir Thomas Littleton comes in.
	Mr. Killigrew to have 30l. out of secret service money.
	Mr. Pelham comes in.
	[Write] to the Agents [for Taxes] to send to Mr. Mason that my Lords are informed he refuses [to take] Exchequer Bills in payment of Taxes and to enjoin strictly [upon him] to observe the law in taking such Bills and making it easy to the country in their payments as he will answer at his peril.
	[Write] to Col. Hutcheson to attend in the afternoon.
	[Write] to Mr. Nicholas to be here tomorrow morning.
	The Trustees for Exchequer Bills and Mr. Burton [attend]. He says he did not offer his Exchequer place to Mr. Herne. Mr. Herne says the same. Mr. Bateman says Mr. Knight or Mr. Burton never came to him to palliate the matter (as Maryot said they would.)
	Mr. Burton confesses he did pass the Bills for 1700l. on Excise but that he applied more of his own money to the Excise (to compensate that), for payment of the salaries and incidents there; and says the Bills for this 1700l. is the whole [that] did pass the Excise irregularly and that 10 of them of 1000l. [in all] are taken up by him that they should not appear.
	Pelham: who indorsed them?
	Burton: I desire to take it on myself: it was done in the Office by direction.
	Littleton: did any of the Commissioners of Excise know of this?
	Burton: the Commissioners of Excise knew nothing of this.
	They withdraw, except Burton.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer. I am sorry for this, which will be a blemish upon you; and at the same time I would have you speak sincerely all you know of this thing.
	Burton: I have resolved to do so. As to this point it was done but lately. As to the first part the account I gave your Lordships of the value of 6000l. that was done was a true account but I have heard since [that] Maryot has said it was 10 or 12,000l. and I must abide by that. I undertook for several gentlemen to make good their subscriptions with half the whole money subscribed but I have been forced to discount (particularly by Levi) these individual Bills I had out for those subscriptions to the loss of 1000l. to myself. The persons that are subscribers had the advantage and I had the loss. Indeed my Lords if the City money had been free as I expected from the [report of the City] Chamberlain I could have served those gentlemen without this.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer: You talkd of 6000l. and now of more.
	Burton: Maryot says now that it is 10 or 12000l. I did undertake to turn my friends' subscriptions with half the money but I have lost 1000l. by it without bringing one penny to their account. I left Bills with Maryot on account of the value he was to have from country Receivers for me.
	Mr. Smith: did not you know what Maryot did?
	Burton: I did not know it till the latter end but I did instruct him at first and said to him for God's sake let no more of this be done and he promised there should not, but there was.
	Smith: it is of mighty consequence: it should be known who was the indorser, he that seems to be the common indorser of the Bills.
	Burton: I was wholly ignorant of the signing or putting any hands to it. I never saw him do any. He never did it in the Office but took them home with him and did them there.
	Littleton: did you know of any others?
	Burton: I never knew that it was done by Knight or any body there [in the Customs Office] only when I saw a Bill I knew Mr. Knight's hands. I never saw one endorsement signed by Maryot or any other. Indeed I had a suspicion of Maryot and upon that I questioned him and he did own it and I desired him to do no more; and I never gave him any more Bills after that for then I acted by Levi who transacted most of mine.
	Littleton: when were these Bills of the Excise done?
	Burton: the Bills of the Excise were done before Maryot and I broke off. I never made any advantage but as specified money came in for Excise I always paid it into the Exchequer.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer: I think we have an instance to the contrary. On the 7th July Story charges 7000l. paid that week to you from the Mint and you paid half money half Bills into the Exchequer. The certificates are produced but my Lords go off to the principal matter.
	Burton: this 1700l. of which 700l. remains is all that ever I did [endorse] in my life. The like may have been done by the Bill men. I have been afraid of that and as they receive money they may bring in Bills.
	Pelham: several of the Bills are endorsed with the same hand 'for Excise' as was used for Mr. Knight's Bills at the Customs House: though not all, yet a considerable number are thus.
	Burton: I have wondered at that but it might be [explained] thus: Maryot taking Knight's Bills as well as mine from the Trustees he might give one for the other and likewise I might discount Knight's Bills as he might do mine and I do really think one of the Bills is Mr. William Knight's hand.
	Pelham: of the suspicious Bills ten for one are done with one handwriting—the large hand.
	Burton: I was never privy to any of Mr. Knight's doing nor where they were done or how they were done.
	Littleton: yours was done by one of your own clerks in your Office.
	Burton: mine was done in my Office, but I furnished more of my own money to the Excise. At Michaelmas the Commissioners sent to me that there was no species in the Office. At that time I had specie Bills for my 3½ per cent from the Bank and I gave them my Bank specie Bills to pay their salaries and incidents. I do say that I did never divert one penny of the specie money to any use but the service of the Office. If it did not come to the Exchequer it went to the service of the Office.
	Littleton: if this matter had not been enquired into the whole 1700l. (whereof the 700l. is part) had been (as the 700l. was) changed with the Trustees to the King's prejudice: and [the] other Lords declare themselves of the same opinion.
	The Trustees come in again.
	My Lords thank them for their diligence and will lay the matter before the Lords Justices and where there is or shall be any other suspicion my Lords desire them to proceed and to encourage Mr. Taylor to go on in his discoveries.
	Sir Joseph Herne desires that the 1000l. [of] Bills which Mr. Burton owns to be in[dorsed by] his hands may be produced to them, to take the dates, compare the hands, &c.: which is ordered.
	The Trustees shew my Lords a 5l. Bill No. 121169 which the Trustees exchanged and their endorsement is rased [so as] to make it a specie Bill a second time. A barber is taken up for this and will be prosecuted.
	Ordered that Mr. Taylor be paymaster in the Lottery Office in the place of Mr. William Knight but Mr. Lloyd is to have the 60l. a year which the Queen desired [for him]. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 30–3.)
Nov. 1, afternoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	Mr. Richard Hutchinson [attends]. My Lords will appoint him Receiver General of the Customs in the place of Mr. John Knight.
	The Excise Commissioners [attend]. My Lords tell them by examining into matters concerning Exchequer Bills they find it necessary to change the hand in the office of the Cashier of Excise. My Lords recommend it to them to take care that the weekly payment [of Excise money into the Exchequer] be made next Wednesday and that the King or the public do not suffer. (Ibid. p. 33).
Nov. 2, forenoon.	Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
	Auditor Done and Auditor Bridges [attend] with the accounts to be declared; and several are declared.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mr. Smith come in.
	[Write] to Mr. Tollett to be here in the afternoon.
	Mr. Hutchinson's security [for his place as Receiver General and Cashier of Customs] is to be referred to Mr. Hall [to examine as to its sufficiency].
	[Write] to Mr. Knight to be here at 5 o'clock and to Mr. Hall of the Exchequer to be here then.
	[The Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend] and some of the East India Company, namely Mr. Sedgewick et al, about 300 tons of salt petre now to be served [into the Ordnance Stores by the said Company]. My Lords propose they be paid for it out of the funds which the Parliament shall give in the next session for the Ordnance. They [the Company say they] will consult the General Court.
	[The Principal] Officers of the Mint [attend].
	The Glass Commissioners and Mr. Allambrig [attend]. He says he has done several services and complains that he has had no reward.
	Allambrig is to have 20l. out of the money proceeding from the sale of the paper of Anthony Staples lately seized and condemned. They [? the Stamps Commissioners] dismissed him [Allambridgg] because he was seller of parchment. (Ibid. p. 34).
eodem die. afternoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	Mr. Hall comes in. [Write] a letter to Mr. Hall that it is my Lords' direction that in lieu of the fee of 6s. 8d. per cent. to the Ma[nager] of the Office there be taken no more than 30l. for taking the security of Mr. Hutchinson as Receiver General of the Customs.
	The Customs Commissioners [attend]. My Lords tell them they have pitched on to Mr. Hutchinson to be Receiver General and they have thoughts to recommend Mr. Tollet for assistant; in whom all the Commissioners declare themselves much satisfied.
	Mr. Knight [attends]. He says he will with all readiness give any assistance to Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Tollet for their entrance into the Office of the Receiver and [in] settling the method of the accounts which are to be kept there and [of] making their payments at the Exchequer.
	Mr. Hutchinson is acquainted therewith and my Lords recommend Mr. Tollet for assistant but [Hutchinson] himself is to be satisfied [as to Tollett's reliability] because he must be answerable [for such assistant]. (Ibid).
Nov. 3, afternoon.	Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	The Farmers of Hearthmoney and Sir Edw. Wood and Mris. Stephens are to be heard this day week: vide infra.
	The Excise Commissioners [attend]. Their memorial of Oct. 27 is read paragraph by paragraph. Sir John Foche will give in a paper under his hand against Mr. Danvers and Mr. Everard. Mr. Onslow says he believes there is cause for some late actions done and he shall join [issue].
	Sir Edward Wood (by his counsel Montagu & Dod) and Mr. Rowe [attend]. Rowe [says] the accounts lie before the auditors: they have reported and there is 15 or 1600l. due to [the late Hearthmoney] contractors and they desire the accounts may be balanced. Dod says Hind was a partner [in the farm] and treasurer and had power to borrow money on the tallies and he did borrow money of the clients and [Dod] desires that process may go [against Hind's estate] in the ordinary course.
	Rowe: there are proceedings depending in equity. If the King goes on with his process (they owe nothing) they must prefer their bill against the Attorney General.
	My Lords will hear this matter again by counsel on both sides on Monday afternoon next. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, p. 35).
Nov. 4, forenoon.	Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	[Order for] 100l. to be paid to the Agent [for Taxes] for incidents. (Ibid. p. 36).
Nov. 5, forenoon.	Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Order for 10l. to Mris. Hamilton and 10l. to Mris. Lenthall.
	Order for 3000l. to the Victuallers for their course: out of Exchequer Bills of the loans.
	[Order for] 12280l. [to the Earl of Ranelagh] in new Exchequer Bills for 14 days' subscription to the Troops in England to the 20th inst.: and 400l. in Exchequer Bills of loans, to pay bills of exchange drawn by the Count de Frize for the Forces on the Rhine.
	[Order for] 100l. [to same] out of the [Exchequer] Bills on the loan: [and is to be] for the subsistence of the Reformed Officers of Col. Lillingston's late Regiment.
	Mr. Hawson [attends] with Mr. Shales and Mr. Aldworth: [for the resolutions herein] see the papers.
	[Write] to Mr. Aldworth to be here this day week about discharges per allegations and his report. (Ibid. p. 37).
Nov. 6, forenoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	[Order for] 154l. 9s. 6d. to be paid for the [Trial of the] Pix feast.
	[Order for] 40l. to Mris. Good for her expense and service about discovering silver and gold that was going to be exported by warrant.
	[Write] to Sir Peter Killigrew that the accounts of the Duchy [of Cornwall] are not declared for nine years past: that for the last two years there are no accounts brought in: that it is evident to my Lords the payments have not been duly made; and that he being the officer my Lords will direct a prosecution against him and [against his tenure of] the Office [of Receiver of the Duchy] itself in case it be not better executed for the future: and therefore to admonish him to take care if he do not execute the office himself that he have such a deputy that will answer the revenue duty and account yearly.
	[Write] to Mr. Nicholas to pay the 3000l. in his hands, for Mris. Grenville's portion, to herself.
	The [poor] ministers of the Isle of Man are to be paid one year: out of malt ticquets.
	[Write] to the Commissioners of Wine Licences to know how far their advance money is paid off.
	[Write] to Mr. Sansom [concerning] the Exchequer orders, to lay them before the [Customs] Commissioners and if they have objections [then they are] to acquaint my Lords when they attend.
	The 10l. [is ordered] to be paid to Mris. Ryal for each session.
	Write to the Attorney General and Mr. Baker to attend on Tuesday morning about Maryot's business. (Ibid. p. 38).
Nov. 8.	Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Sir Edward Wood and the Contractors for Hearthmoneys are to be heard this day week: the parties to have notice.
	[Order for] 100l. to Mr. Hume for incidents.
	An advertisement to be [inserted] in the Gazette that there is sufficient in the Exchequer to pay the Lottery ticquets for Lady Day 1695, Michaelmas 1695 and Lady Day 1696.
	Direction to be given to Sir Robert Howard to cause the Tellers to discharge the Lottery ticquets contributed for reversionary annuities by drawing cancelling lines over them before they are issued to the distinct officer for payment of the Lottery ticquets.
	An Order to the Auditors of Imprests that as fast as they examine the Lottery ticquets which are the vouchers to the account of the paymasters of those ticquets they do discharge the same by drawing cancelling lines over them to prevent their being purloined and going abroad again; and that they despatch Mr. William Knight's accounts as fast as they can.
	A warrant to Mr. William Knight to deliver to Mr. Tailor the tallies and other cash in his hands for payment of Lottery ticquets and to take Tailor's acquittances, which are to be allowed in Knight's accounts: and that the auditors take care to surcharge in the [said] accounts the interest which is or shall be received by the [Lottery ticquet] paymaster on the tallies.
	Sergeant Greg and Sergeant Sherly to have a year [of their salary].
	Mr. Pelham comes in.
	[Order for] 5000l. (in new money of the loans) to be put into the Earl of Ranelagh's hands towards disbanding the ten Regiments ordered to be disbanded.
	[Write] to Mr. Bickerstaff that my Lords desire to speak with him tomorrow morning.
	The Trustees for Exchequer Bills exhibit a memorial in which inter al they inform concerning Mr. Burton and clear Mr. Clayton. A quarter's salary [is ordered] to them amounting to 1510l. due 27 Oct. last: to be paid in malt ticquets. They all declare themselves satisfied as to Mr. Clayton that he is innocent. And whereas the quorum is seven and three Trustees don't act my Lords resolve that the quorum shall be seven for signing acquittances and that five shall be sufficient for any other matter and that Mr. Burton be not permitted to act: whereof notice is to be given to him.
	My Lords direct that out of the money now in the Exchequer upon the House [Duty] Act, Additional Impositions and Additional Salt [Duty], one quarter's interest be paid upon the loans charged on the deficient fund mentioned in the Deficiency Act folios 354–5. (Ibid. pp. 39–40).
Nov. 9, forenoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	Mr. Attorney [General attends]. He'll send [his opinion in] the case about Lottery ticquets to-morrow morning. He thinks Maryot cannot be tried in the King's Bench till next term.
	Nicho Baker [attends]. My Lords direct him to prosecute Maryot to the uttermost upon the indictment that is against him at the Old Bailey. The copies of all the [Treasury] minutes and of all the Trustees' and other papers concerning the false endorsements are to be given to Mr. Baker to attend the Attorney General with them, who will consider what further prosecutions can be grounded thereupon and against whom.
	The petition of Oursell et al is read and the Attorney General's report. Mr. Merret insists that the evidence was not given in court where it would have been sufficiently contradicted: that they were directed by the K[ing] and Lord Mayor to import corn for relief of the poor: they can bring witnesses that in April 1694 wheat was above 4l. a quarter: insists on his service in the Victualling Office and his loss by tallies &c.
	Oursell says he sold his corn to the Victualling Office.
	Merrett says he promised Midleton 50l. and Oursell says he promised him 150l. in case they might be discharged, for which he promised not to oppose if my Lords would [should think fit] to discharge them: he frighted them and their families:
	Merret says Shepard imported more than they.
	Midleton says before the trial 300l. was proposed and that lately they agreed to give 250l. but he would agree to nothing without consent of this [the Treasury] Board: that he was ill treated at the Custom House by Sir Robert Clayton and another.
	My Lords think that 300l. by Oursell, Merret and Moor be paid to Mr. Midleton viz., 145l. by Merret, 119l. by Oursell and 36l. by Moor and thereupon a warrant [is to be sent] to the Attorney General to discharge these 3 persons upon the order of the Exchequer Court to account for the High Duties of corn imported.
	[Order for] 30000l. in [Exchequer] Bills on the loan, to be issued to the Navy [Treasurer] for wages: [likewise for] 10000l. more [of same to same] for same.
	[The Principal] Officers of the Mint [attend]. [Write] to Edward Lewis, clerk to the master worker [of the Mint] at Chester to come forthwith to London and attend my Lords upon the accusations against him.
	Memorandum: to speak to the Excise Commissioners why they don't send their hammered money to the Mint.
	And Mr. Neal will have notice by the officer to send one [to Chester] to act for Lewis whilst he is here.
	When the privy seal is passed for the 2000l. and odd [in] sixpences from Chester Mint 1000l. thereof is to be applied in further part of the debt to the workmen for building and enlarging the offices of the Mint at the Tower: and the rest for the charges of the several Country Mints.
	The [Principal] Officers of the Mint to give my Lords their opinion what is fit to be allowed to the five gentlemen entrusted in the country Mint[s] to receive the Mint moneys and plate for the time they have been employed. (Treasury Minute Book Vol. X, p. 41–2).
eodem die, afternoon.	No entry of any attendance; or of any minute. (Ibid., p. 42).
Nov. 10. forenoon.	Present: [Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
	The Victuallers [attend]: their memorials are read.
	Mr. Champneys et al [are called in and] desire the Excise from 17 May, 1697 for the Lottery ticquets may be applied to the year 1697 and not to any preceding years. My Lords will advise with the Attorney General.
	A warrant for 2357l. 16s. 8d. [to the Earl of Ranelagh] for subsistence for the Regiments of Lumley, Windham, Wood and Raby for 14 days from the time of their landing: to be paid in new Exchequer Bills.
	The Commissioners for Sick and Wounded [attend. Order for] 1200l. [for them] out of Exchequer Bills on the loans, viz., 800l. [to be charged] on the head of Wages and 400l. on the head of Victualling.
	The Commissioners of Transports [attend. Order for] 500l. [for them] out of ditto.
	Dr. Otes to have 10l.; which completes midsummer next [on his pension]: and [he is to have] no more till 'tis due. (Ibid., p. 43)
eodem die, afternoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	My Lords dismiss Mr. Bartholomew Burton from the office of Comptroller of the Lottery Office.
	And Mr. John Knight from the office of Comptroller of the First Fruits.
	The Excise Commissioners attend. Mr. Clark says they examine the Exchequer Bills and the entries thereof, and the lists for issuing them on tallies of pro or bringing them into the Exchequer.
	My Lords tell them they cannot think it proper Mr. P. Burton should be continued any longer in the Office.
	Mr. Parry says if Burton were discharged this day they cannot for a fortnight or three weeks do the business with any safety or satisfaction.
	Clerk says it must be taken care of by them that are answerable for him for some time till things can be delivered over and things shall be in a readiness to be delivered over to any that shall succeed.
	Sir John Foche delivers in an answer signed by himself and three other Commissioners against the memorial of Mr. Danvers, Mr. Clerk et al [which was] read last week. This answer is read now.
	Mr. Clerk observes the language in this answer is scandalous: that what was taken out by him and others from the books was or might have been in their presence: that some of them have seldom given assistance, but none of them whilst this answer was compiling: what is in this answer that is material they might have acquainted the other Commissioners with, but if they must be reviled for obeying my Lords' commands he [Clerk] must right himself. For he says they mean only Danvers and Everard.
	Mr. Smith asks if those Commissioners that executed my Lords' directions did it in a corner when the books were examined.
	Clerk says: my Lords' directions were publicly read (Parry was out of town).
	Clerk says there was no way to know which officers had sworn but by certificates entered, which was not done till by his care: that the instances of disaffected persons was read at the Excise Board and Foche objected only against the representation concerning Page; and the Commissioners sitting in a full Board were present at the examinations and heard and saw all: and (bating Strong) they [Clerk et al.] had no assistance from any of them: but the answer was contrived in private.
	Strong says the thing was down hastily in a day and half at the Board but it was preparing long before and Danvers spoke of it: the memorial was so accusative he could not join in it: the oaths taken though not certified and he believes as many have not taken the oaths now as had not then.
	Strong says the books were not examined at the Board.
	Clerk affirms the contrary.
	Foche says his name in the first memorial was put to twelve judgments: wherein he could not judge otherwise than he did: that the other gentlemen had searched the books but (says he) "we had not and could not in so short a time and there was no reason for them to sign things false, as they now appear to be": and says there are many things in the informations [which are] not in the books but they had them from himself: that he did not see the last memorial to have it read till here: but looking on it as an accusation against himself there was no reason for him to sign it.
	My Lords find fault with the hard words in the answer which make it like a libel, but would have the matter that is in it without those reflections.
	Mr. Clerk says he was always desirous that all the others should join with him in their enquiries on my Lords' direction.
	My Lords give them the answer again.
	Sir John Foche exhibits a particular charge against Mr. Danvers and Mr. Everard: and he says he and other Commissioners have prepared a paper of mismanagements which they'll communicate to the other Commissioners to-morrow.
	The charge against Danvers and Everard is read. Sir John produces a letter of Drisdal against Everard.
	Everard says he went with the other officers and signed the Association, there being the room full talking: he only added an e too much: he did not then know it; but being presently informed he went up and scratcht the e out: he wrote before nine or ten witnesses: he wrote his name in the best manner he could: he never had such discourse with Drisdal as pretended: there was a report of an officer (he cannot now remember his name) that was guilty of a mad prank but whether he was guilty or not or turned out or not he does not know: he is sure he could not be guilty of approving any disaffection to the Government.
	Clerk says he enquired into this matter when the report was [made] and the answer [was] thus: Ay a rogue and a fool too for his pains.
	Mr. Onslow says if my Lords will examine Blechynden they [will] find the matter contrary to what Everard now says.
	Danvers says he saw Everard's hand [signed] to the Association which [signature] was in print hand, which he [Everard] had several times written on other occasions.
	Mr. Danvers says it is his opinion every officer has right to his employment until he misbehaves himself or a fitter person is presented: he denies the words about the changing of the times.
	Evance says Foche told this to him three years ago: and Strong says the same.
	Foche appeals for the same to Clerk. Mr. Clerk denies it.
	Foche says he told other great persons the same.
	Sir John [Foche] says the Parliament man related to in his paper is Sir William York.
	Danvers says his words were that which is sauce for a goose is for a gander and if we must turn out officers on private informations from men not named where shall we end: and he disowns the words imputed to him concerning the Exchequer Bills.
	Mr. Foot Onslow presents a paper against Danvers and Everard which is read.
	Danvers replies as to the words on seeing the traitors quarters; they were spoken merrily: and that he knows nothing of Byerly's letter: as to the officer in Yorkshire he was for turning him out for being a drunken, idle fellow: that he, Danvers, did not in his journey into the north (but at Mr. Vane's and Mr. Cook's) lodge at any gentlemen's house: as for Jacques he was a very zealous man against King James and had been in danger of his life if his wife had not prevailed with Father Peters.
	Evance says Danvers at the coffee house told him that he had heard King James would come in six weeks:
	Danvers says he utterd it as twas reported per Jacobites.
	Everard: what was done by the Commission is not to be charged on any particular man: that as to dispensing with the Double Duty it was by my Lords' order: some that had slipped their time applied afterwards, and what was done was done by five Commissioners.
	My Lords think the three Commissioners did not amiss [in] setting an officer upon Phillips.
	Mr. Danvers and Mr. Everard to have a copy of Sir John Foche's charge.
	Mr. Clerk says the receipt of Excise may be transferred in three days' time but the taking securities will take some time.
	Parry says the King's revenue shall not suffer for want of their care at the receipt [office]. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 43–6).
Nov. 11, forenoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	The Trustees for Exchequer Bills [attend]. Their memorial is read and the minutes are [endorsed] thereupon. Mr. Dodington informs that they have a suspicion by Mr. Tailor's inquiry and information that Maryot endorsed fraudulently unspecie [sic for specie] Bills and they were disposed of for other non-specie Bills with an allowance of 6 per cent. and that by this means the cheat might be repeated very fast without fetching the money from the Trustees; and desires that Mr. Goodwyn late a clerk in Peter's office may be examined by my Lords.
	Goodwin comes in: he says he has had many Exchequer Bills: he changed many with Peter Aslin; he had 6 per cent. more or less: he transacted for Mr. Darby perhaps about 2000l.; he never did considerably for anybody else: he changed specie for non-specie Bills. He did not receive the money of the Trustees to carry that, because there would be trouble and charge: his business was for Darby to change specie for unspecie Bill: he had no brokage but coach here and a supper: he did 1000l. more with Batsford in Lombard Street for Derby, part of the 2000l.:
	being asked whose hands endorsed them: answers, some with Maryot's, some with Derby's (he's in Squib's office): he kept no account: he was desired by Mr. Palmes's gentleman to discount some few for him, sell them for money; but had no brokage: that Derby ordered him to get these specie Bills changed into non-specie Bills; the 1000l. was transacted with Batsford about a month ago: he has been entrusted by Mr. Wright and others to receive their money for them and when he received tallies and ticquets he went to the Trustees and took money for them; but Mr. Derby would have non-specie Bills: the non-specie Bills he received for Derby he delivered to the said Derby who wrote down the principal and interest on his waste paper: Batsford had his Bills of 1000l. from Frame and Gold and he, Goodwin, tarried a quarter of an hour till they were fetcht: all this was transacted about a month or six weeks ago: he asked Derby what he did with the non-specie Bills; he answered the Receivers brought up money and he clapt in these Bills and took their money: Goodwin says he had a guinea for doing the 1000l. and never else above 10s. a time.
	Mr. Derby comes in: says he never had to with Maryot in anything, unless to salute him as he went by; unless 3000l. Bills which were too full of endorsements; he paid off 3000l. orders for Maryot and had from him 3000l. in such full Bills which were sunk in the revenue: he never had any other Bills from Maryot: he says he never employed anybody to change non-specie for specie Bills: he never bought any Bills in his life or employed anybody.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer: Do you know Goodwyn?
	Answered per Derby: I have employed him for others not for myself: he was employed to change 2000l.; he had a mischance in his cash of 250l. and to reimburse himself he made 2000l. specie Bills: Porter brought the Bills, they came regularly endorsed "paid at the Customs" and to make himself good he did (that which he should not) make them [indorsed] issued at the Exchequer: the surplus on those Bills made him amends in his cash: for the credit of specie Bills they have taken them as money (observe the interest got): he saith this practice hath been general amongst the clerks as he believes: he says that the Bills which he made specie Bills by the second endorsement before the Bill was really issued were sold by him to get the 6 per cent: he had Maryot's Bills but not from Maryot: Morse belonging to Sir Fr. Child first brought Maryot's specie Bills instead of money: that he has not transacted above 2000l.: now and then he would give Goodwyn two or three guineas: he sunk the second non-specie Bills on the Sinking Funds: he says he generally made use of Mr. Knight's Bills brought in for Customs to underwrite them to be issued: he says nobody has employed him in this transaction: he owns upon the Bills that were non-specie Bills which he received he wrote "paid in for Taxes" and "exchanged for Capitation" and put names to them; and that they are now sunk: they were the names of other persons. In the margin against two portions of the above "This was read over to Mr. Richard Derby and by him owned to be truly written down."
	[Write] to Mr. Squib that he employ Mr. Derby no longer.
	Derby owns that he hath observed the same practice viz., that he made false endorsements on the Bills which he hath received back upon account of 3500l. by him subscribed "excepted" 100l. or 2 [200l.], but of the Bills he hath transacted he hath regularly changed about 1300l. (The like marginal note as above) He says he knows nothing of anybody but himself. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 47–8).
Nov. 12. forenoon.	Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
	Mr. Clayton informs that all the [Exchequer] Bills are printed that ought to be printed, and desires to know how the plates should be disposed of.
	Mr. Speaker to be paid his allowance out of the next disposeable money coming into the Exchequer.
	Mr. Smith comes in and Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer.
	Mr. Aldworth [attends] upon his report concerning Mr. Smith and Mr. Maryot. [Write] to Mr. Digby to show Mr. Aldworth all the [fee farm] rents that have been sold in Cos. Norfolk and Huntingdon.
	[Send notice] to Reginald Marryot to be here on Monday afternoon about the accounts of the Crown revenue in Cos. Norfolk and Huntingdon.
	The case of the Lottery ticquets [is referred] to Mr. Solicitor General.
	Write to Sir Robert Howard to send Mr. Clayton with the plates [as above] to my Lords to be sealed up and secured.
	The Victuallers [attend. Order for] 3000l. for the course and 3000l. for discharging unnecessary workmen: [to be issued] in Exchequer Bills on the Loan. (Ibid., p. 49).
Nov. 15, afternoon.	Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Mr. Pelham.
	The opinions of the Attorney and Solicitor General concerning the payment of the Lottery ticquets are read and are ordered to be transmitted to Mr. Tailor to pay accordingly.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer comes in.
	[Order for] 720l. in new Exchequer Bills [to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh] for 14 days' subsistence to the Earl of Portland's Regiment of Horse, to commence from the date of their landing.
	The [late] contractors for Hearthmoney and Lady Wood and Mris. Stephens are to be heard this day week.
	Sir Thomas Littleton comes in.
	Richard Stanes Esq. is to be housekeeper of the Excise Office. (Ibid., p. 50).
Nov. 17, afternoon. Kensington.	Present: The King, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer gives the King an account what payments have been made to the Forces and the Navy; how much of the funds of last year do remain and what is due for subsistence and several other services.
	The state of the present revenues etc. are read.
	[Order for issues as follows] to the Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt viz., 12281l. 2s. 0d. for subsistence [for the Forces] in England to Dec. 4; 1640l. 4s. 8d. [for the like] to some other regiments on the said Earl's memorial: (both these sums to be issued out of new Exchequer Bills): and 1500l. for disbanded Troopers from Flanders, to be issued out of money of the Loan.
	The King's goods that are brought to Whitehall are to be brought on to Kensington and those which are at the Custom House are to be searcht. The Customs Commissioners to appoint some discreet officer to do it with all care and diligence. (Ibid., p. 51).
Nov. 18. forenoon. Treasury Chambers, Whitehall.	Present: all the five Lords.
	The Navy Commissioners and Mr. Corbet [attend. Order that] 8000l. out of new money of the Loan be issued [to the Navy Treasurer] for seamen's wages.
	The Agents for Taxes [attend]. They will write to the officers of the Mint at Norwich to take care to send somebody with the Receiver [of Taxes for Co. Norfolk] to bring [up to London] the new money which he receives out of the Mint there [being the proceeds new minted of his collections] of the 3s. Aid.
	[Write] to Mr. Augustus Briggs [Receiver for Norfolk] at Norwich to be here within 14 days and to attend my Lords upon a complaint against him for misapplying part of the money by him received out of the Mint [at Norwich as above].
	Mr. Clayton brings the eleven plates which have been used for printing Exchequer Bills: which are sealed up. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol X, p. 52).
Nov. 19, forenoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	The Victuallers [attend]. They will give a speedy account of the debt on their Book; how much of the old debt has been paid by tallies and otherwise since May 1; how much of the old debt remains unsatisfied; what tallies remain in their hands and how the sums by them received at the Exchequer since May 1 have been applied and what cash, and in what species, remains in their hands. They are to send this account on Monday morning.
	Mr. Bartelott to have 200l. in malt ticquets on his order for 456l. 12s. 4d.
	Mr. Clayton brings a twelfth plate [for the Exchequer Bills] which he left behind yesterday by mistake; which is sealed up with the rest.
	The Postmasters [General attend]. My Lords direct them to be very careful that where bills of exchange come from the country or other places payable in new money or guineas they be answered to the King in the species wherein they are drawn.
	The presentment about the prizes taken by the Groin Pacquet boat is to be laid before the King and if the King be pleased to make a grant to the captains et al. a third should be reserved to Mr. Corbet for his service in looking after them.
	[As to] the salaries of their [the Post Office] officers not exceeding 60l. a year, let the money they have paid to the Capitation [Tax] be repaid according to the list now presented.
	[Order for] 410l. in new Exchequer Bills [to the Earl of Ranelagh] for 14 days' subsistence for Col. Seymour's Regiment from the time of their landing.
	The business of the Lott and Cope [of the lead mines in Wirksworth, co. Derby] is to be heard this day week and notice to be given.
	The Commissioners of Transports [attend. They] say that there is shipping at Hull for the two Dutch Regiments and that there are provisions and everything else aboard already. Mr. Shallet and others come in. They are willing the Commissioners have allowance because the produce will be according to their service. The Register's salary [is ordered] to be struck out of the proposed establishment and he is to have the fee which the Act of Parliament gives him for licences. (In the margin: see this altered in the memorial.)
	Write to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to attend [here] on Tuesday afternoon. (Ibid. pp. 53–4).
Nov. 20, forenoon. Kensington.	Present: the King; Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor, Duke of Devonshire, Duke of Shrewsbury, Earl of Sunderland, Earl of Dorset, Earl of Portland, Earl of Romney, Earl of Orford, the five Treasury Lords; the Attorney and Solicitor General.
	The King says he has appointed this meeting to be informed concerning the reports that are spread abroad of falsifying Exchequer Bills.
	The [Treasury] minutes and reports are read.
	The King observes my Lords have taken a great deal of pains to enquire into this villany: that it appears against Knight and Burton very eminently: he should be sorry if a thing of this nature be not punished, having been obliged to tax the people greatly, if they be cheated at this date it will be very hard.
	The Lord Chancellor says: my Lords of the Treasury have fully represented this fact and if there were no punishment it would have an ill effect: disrepute to the Bills has been of great disadvantage: he fears other persons are guilty; and [hopes] that my Lords will enquire further amongst the officers of the Exchequer and offers that they be discharged and prosecuted as far as the law will allow.
	Mr. Chancellor [of the Exchequer]: we required security from Mr. Knight to make his account 30000l. in tallies and [have] put another in his place under good security and Mr. Tollet to be assistant: that Knight acquiesced, though my Lords could [legally] not revoke the patent [of Knight's appointment as Customs Cashier]: and as to Burton we sent to the Excise Commissioners, who have great security [from Burton as their cashier, requiring them] to take care of that receipt but [the said Commissioners advise that] time is needful to transfer it; and though he were the hand to carry his money to the Exchequer yet they are the Receivers and would take care of all the money and the accounts. He reads the Excise Commissioners' presentment of 12 Nov. They thought it safer he should be used till a fit person should be appointed.
	As to a prosecution we directed all these matters to be transmitted to the Attorney General and he is considering how far Knight and Burton can be prosecuted: in the mean time their accounts are making up.
	Sir Stephen Fox: upon this failure of Mr. Knight he was requested to make up his account: that he is about it: that he has known him 20 years, under as good a character till now as any; he has had many instances of it: that he has given security for him to even his account: he desires that Knight's petition praying to be continued Comptroller of First Fruits and Tenths may be read: he has been as useful to the King's service as any; instrumental in most returns [remittances by bills of exchange] to Flanders particularly on malt ticquets: if he be prosecuted and removed from his accounts the King will suffer: I can say nothing for this [present fault] but till now he never made the least slip.
	Earl of Sunderland: 'tis not likely this is the first fault, though not discovered till now. The Treasury has proceeded with great care and success in the discovery. He advises a prosecution and that all others faulty be turned out: incongruous to turn a man out of one place and put him in another.
	Mr. Pelham: we have done all in our power: glad your Majesty is satisfied therein: have given a place of 500l. a year to the discoverer, who deserves it, and shall be ready to encourage others.
	Mr. Smith: this is so foul, let it light on any: no favour to be shewed: it would be a cause of reflection to continue him. I had the mischief to have some of the [forged] Bills [part] of my subscription used, therefore I desire that your Majesty will cause the strictest examination that if any be faulty they be punished.
	Sir Stephen Fox: I put my Bills into Knight's hands to dispose: he disposed them: my son and I had 8000l.: his transacting Bills is nothing to them that must employ somebody.
	Earl of Sunderland: if the war had continued this would have destroyed credit: if these persons [be] not prosecuted as far as law will admit there is no punishment for venturing to ruin a nation: but whether it should be now whilst [they are engaged] on their accounts I can't tell.
	Sir T. Littleton: everyone agrees to the utmost severity against every one guilty, otherwise it would be said great persons for great sins escape. I am sure my Lords of the Treasury are all of that mind. The fact is plainly proved upon them. They did good services in remittals [of moneys to Flanders]; [and] well they might by the means of these [forged] Bills. We all agree that they be prosecuted. But as to committing Knight and Burton we consider they are under great security and are [engaged] on their accounts. But if they be committed as others they will be bailed as others and if they should not be forthcoming to the Parliament it will be a justification they were committed though bailed.
	The King: I think one is obliged to the nation to have this punished as severely as can be. My Lords have done all they can in this matter. It is justice I owe to the nation that has contributed so much. [The King therefore] orders that Burton and Knight be entirely turned out, that those active in the discovery be rewarded and that Mr. Attorney proceed according to the utmost severity of law.
	Mr. Attorney: thinks this is not felony but a great misdemeanour: the evidence will be plain on Marriot, and he'll be tried next session. He [the Attorney] has gotten the copies concerning Knight and Burton from the Treasury but has not yet had time to consider them fully, but believes there may be evidence enough to convict them and proposes they be committed.
	Lord Chancellor: your Majesty's resentment will appear to the world by committing them on this hearing.
	The King speaks to my Lord Shrewsbury [as Secretary of State] to commit Burton and Knight.
	The King orders the suspension of Mr. Palmes to be taken off and that Mr. Peters be not admitted again. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 54–5).
Nov. 22, forenoon. Treasury Chambers, Whitehall.	Present: all the five Lords.
	Mr. Corbet [attends. Write] to Mr. Ferne to attend presently.
	[Write] to Mr. Holt to attend with the Customs Commissioners to-morrow afternoon.
	Memorandum: to put the King in mind of Mr. Vernon, secretary to the Lords Justices for two or three years.
	Look out the papers concerning the owlers: [which papers were] delivered by H. Baker.
	[Write] to Consul Baker to be here on Wednesday morning.
	Mr. Ferne says the guineas he offers to the Navy have been refused by lenders.
	Memorandum: to speak to the Customs Commissioners about the new subsidy and its value.
	The late contractors [for the farm] of Hearthmoney, Sir Edward Wood et al are to be heard this day week.
	Write to the Agents [for Taxes] to estimate the tax upon ready money and debts in the Capitation.
	[Order for] 20l. to Thomas Barry in part of what is due to him. [Ibid. p. 56].
Nov. 23, forenoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	A letter [is ordered to be written] to take off the stop on Mr. Palmes's office.
	My Lords tell Mr. Palmes and his son that the King doth not think fit to have Mr. Peters continued.
	[The Principal] Officers of the Ordnance [attend] and the gentlemen of the East India Company. My Lords propose that the Company should take Ordnance tallies for their saltpetre.
	Mr. Blathwaite acquaints my Lords that the King is resolved the Foot shall be reduced to 42 in a Company; and brings an estimate of the charge.
	[Order for] 3000l. in new money of the loan, to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh towards the reducing of several Regiments of Foot.
	La Mere and Hosykns of the Exchequer and Lund are to attend to-morrow morning. (Ibid. p. 57).
eodem die, afternoon.	Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton, Mr. Pelham.
	The Customs Commissioners and Mr. Holt attend. He is directed to send the lists of Exchequer Bills weekly to the Trustees.
	The Excise Commissioners [attend. Their] papers are read: the answers are endorsed on them. Mr. Everard's answer is read. Sir John Foche desires that Mr. Blechynden, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Drisdell be here this day week with the Excise Commissioners. Write the said Commissioners to attend. (Ibid.)
Nov. 24, forenoon.	Present: ut supra.
	Mr. Lowndes reports verbally the answer of the Earl of Rochester this morning, viz. that that his Lordship does not remember that Charles II promised 12000l. to Sir James Shaen and partners for breaking off the [Irish Revenue farm] contract [viz., the item thereof] which was intended relating to Tangier: and refers to Mr. Guy's Minute Book: but says King Charles had a kindness for Sir James Shaen and believes would not have suffered him to be a loser.
	Mris. Rial must take malt ticquets.
	[Order for] 2000l. to the Commissioners of Transports: to be issued out of Exchequer Bills of the loans.
	[Order for] 102l. 3s. 11d. due to Mr. Chetwynd, a sheriff, to be paid out of malt ticquets first in course.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer comes in.
	Order for 40000l. in new Exchequer Bills to be issued to the Navy for wages.
	The Victuallers [attend]. My Lords read their memorial and other papers. Ibid. p. 58.
Nov. 24, afternoon. Kensington.	Present: the King; all the five Treasury Lords.
	The Earl of Ranelagh and Mr. Blathwayt [attend]. Order for 4378l. 17s. 4d. [to the Earl of Ranelagh] to subsist the Forces to Dec. 4.: to be paid out of the new Exchequer Bills per the Act.
	Three weeks' subsistence to be given to the Battalion of Scots Guards: out of money: 525l. 4s. 6d.: the Earl of Ranelagh will send [? sic for lend] the sum. Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, p. 58.
Nov. 26, forenoon. Treasury Chambers, Whitehall.	Present: Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	All the memorials and minutes concerning the examinations relating to the Excise [are] to be abstracted by Mr. Powys so as there may be a clear deduction of the whole.
	[Write] to the General [Staff] Officers at the Guards (including the report of the Customs Commissioners concerning Capt. Walkeden and Capt. Denty) and intimating that my Lords concur with the desires of the said Commissioners
	Mr. Pelham comes in and Mr. Montagu.
	Lord Carmarthen [attends]. He desires 200l. a week subsistence for each of the Marine Regiments and 400l. a Regiment towards clearing their quarters. Refer his memorial to the Navy Commissioners.
	Order for 200l. to be paid out of malt ticquets to Nicho Baker to be paid over to Mr. Aaron Smith for prosecuting the sheriffs for their defaults in the proceedings against Lord Montgomery.
	Daniel Neal and Henry Baker to attend on Tuesday morning.
	Mr. Abbott presents a memorial of Fra. Eyles et al to give their bills at Amsterdam for 100,000l. sterling.
	Mr. Blathwait informs my Lords that the King intends presently to disband two Regiments of Horse, viz., Harvey and Windsor and two of Dragoons, viz., Denbigh & Leigh; but the officers to be kept in half pay: and that the Earl of Macclesfield's Regiment of Horse be reduced, to wit 13 private troopers out of each Troop. The sum computed for all this is 1597l. but he thinks it will require 2000l.
	[Order for] 2000l. to be issued to the Earl of Ranelagh for this service out of loans on the Exchequer in general, in new money.
	Mr. Geo. Cuthbert upon his complaint and Mr. Aires are to attend on Monday afternoon. (Ibid. p. 59).
Nov. 29, forenoon. Kensington.	Present: the King, Prince George, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor, Duke of Devonshire, Duke of Shrewsbury, Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Dorset, Earl of Portland, Earl of Romney, Earl of Orford, Secretary Trumbull and the five Treasury Lords.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer reads the deduction of the matters which have appeared to the Treasury Lords and their examinations concerning the Excise, with all the memorials, minutes and other papers concerning the same as they are numbered [from 1] to No. 19.
	The King says the [yield of the] Excise is fallen: he does not wonder now he hears all this. There is no accusation against Baber for corruption, but that he is unfit.
	Sir Stephen Fox: it's impossible that as long as the Commission is thus divided the service should be carried on.
	Sir Thomas Littleton: most of the mismanagements [have arisen] between the Revolution and 1694.
	Mr. Pelham: in 1694 Mr. Clarke came into the Commission and he chiefly (though others have joined) has inquired to reform these affairs.
	Duke of Shrewsbury: before 1694 an agreement of all to mismanage; since [then] they are divided in the mismanagement.
	Earl of Sunderland: Clerk, Danvers and Onslow were put in to rectify the mismanagement, but it seems they have not been able.
	The King: I always suspected mismanagement: now it appears very plain.
	Mr. Smith: Everard was advanced to do service in the revenue and has done it: he uses to sign in a print hand.
	The King: who is Noell
	. . . . . . He gives 5000l. a piece with daughters and intends to leave his son 2000l. a year.
	The King: I don't wonder at it.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer: Wilcox is dead and may take a good share of the accusation. Hornby is removed. In our examination we did not find common care has been used. One ordered a man should not be charged with the Duty. A greater crime cannot be. Everard advanced the London Brewers [return by] 20000l. and great endeavours were used against him and on recommendation his Majesty put him in. Our inquiries have been impartial but things are come to that head its hard to apply remedy without his Majesty's help.
	The King: I ordered this examination and 'tis your province.
	Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer: Mr. Baber did not execute well.
	Sir Tho. Littleton: the Attorney General and the Commissioners all agreed he did not perform as he ought.
	The King: Noell may be fit for the place but the place is not fit for him.
	Duke of Devonshire: the Excise Commissioners should be of men honest and able and such as agree amongst themselves.
	The Lord Chancellor: When the last alteration [was made in the Excise Commission] it was made because they were all too well agreed to lower the revenue.
	The effect of putting in two or three [new blood] appears.
	The King: the Commission must be altered.
	Earl of Sunderland: There is nobody can believe Danvers a Jacobite.
	The King: the Treasury Lords to proceed in [these] examinations and in the meantime are to present how [far etc.] the Commission shall be continued. Ibid. p. 60.
eodem die, afternoon. Treasury Chambers, Whitehall.	Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stephen Fox, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	Mr. Isles and Mr. Abbot [attend]. Mr. Isles for himself and Company undertakes to furnish by to-morrow night's post good bills for 100,000l. payable to Mr. Hill for the Forces in Flanders in current money of Holland to be paid as follows to wit one moiety at one usance and an half and the other moiety at two usance and an half at the rate of ten guilders, eight stivers per £ sterling; and they are to be repaid in new money within three months from the date of their bills and to have an allowance of 2 per cent. for their negotiation.
	Mr. Broome [attends]. He denies that he received the 300l. [stated] in Mr. Twitty's report of the 23rd inst.
	Mr. Hoskyns says he never paid Broom any money or that he ever saw him till within a week. Mr. Hoskins says he cannot recollect to whom he paid the money. It was two years ago.
	Lady Wood, Mris. Stephens et al [attend and are heard] per their counsel Mr. Dodd and Mr. Montagu; and the late Contractors of Hearthmoney [also appear] per their counsel the Solicitor General and Mr. Browne.
	Dodd desires that the process may go on to bring the contractors to account.
	Mr. Montagu shews the money was lent during the partnership [viz.] on 14 Dec., 1682, and that Hind was a partner. This appears by the answers of the Contractors in the Exchequer.
	Mr. Solicitor says they may proceed if they please on the bills and answers in the Exchequer: their coming here is extraordinary: it was ill done by Hind to pawn these tallies, he being but a servant and not well done by those that received them: and they object against reading the answers.
	Mr. Dod says they can neither bring action or bill in the Exchequer for their money.
	Mr. Browne insists that all the money is paid: that Hind had no power to pawn the contractors' tallies.
	My Lords will compel them [the Contractors] to account to the King.
	[Write] to the Auditors of Imprests to attend here this day week with the state of the accounts of the late Contractors of the Hearthmoney.
	Mr. Cuthbert and Mr. Eare [attend]. My Lords will accept from Cuthbert the fine of 20l. as though the life lately fallen were in being and that Eare be prosecuted for the 74l. or thereabouts which he recovered for the King's use against Hart. Cuthbert to prosecute for that money and have it, but in the meantime to clear the arrear of rent before the new lease pass. (Treasury Minute Book Vol. X, pp. 61–2.)
Nov. 30, forenoon.	Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Smith, Sir Thomas Littleton.
	[Write] a letter to Mr. Nicho Baker to pay 200l. to Mr. Aaron Smith for prosecuting in the matter relating to the Lord Montgomery.
	Sir Stephen Fox comes in and Mr. Pelham.
	The executor of Col. Eubank is to have 20l. in part of his arrear.
	Mr. Hen. Killigrew is to have 20l. advanced to him.
	Mr. Hen. Baker to take care of the tenements at Hodsden forfeited by William Hawkins.
	My Lords are resolved not to continue [the] Roetiers in the house at the Mint any longer than till Xmas next. They will consider this [the Roetiers'] petition as to the Exchequer salary. They [my Lords] after agree to the payment of half a year's salary [to them, the Roetiers].
	Mr. Neal the brewer [attends]. He says he put in his answer in the Exchequer yesterday. Mr. Baker to send hither the copy [thereof].
	The memorial for the Ordnance (which Mr. Bertie will send) is to be laid before the King on Wednesday.
	[Write] to Mr. Story to attend this afternoon.
	The Trustees for Exchequer Bills attend.
	Write to Mr. Samuel Sheppard to be here to-morrow morning. (Ibid. p. 63).
eodem die, afternoon.	Present: all the five Lords.
	The Customs Commissioners [attend]. Their papers are read and minutes [are endorsed] on them.
	The Excise Commissioners attend. Mr. Blechynden is called in. He says that the Assos[ciation] was lodged at his seat and he to give notice. Everard (as he was told it) signed: says he I coming in was told by my clerk how strangely Mr. Everard signed. I found myself surprised to see his hand and name so strangely written. Danvers being Everard's friend I desired him to come and see it, who was surprised at it. I never saw him write so before or since. Danvers said this man either thinks or expects King James here this summer. 'Twas spelt thus Evarad. He says it was in a character now shewed him, out of Mr. Everard's defence.
	Danvers said Bletchinden desired him to see it. But he mistakes the words then spoken by Danvers who said may be the man thinks James will come again. He has seen his writing 20 times in this hand. In all his Tables and other things he writes thus, but perhaps 40 times to one [he writes] the other way. He thinks twas Evearad.
	Bletchinden says he presently mended his mis-spelling. It was the same morning.
	Mr. Everard says till he was told he did not know his mistake.
	Mr. Onslow says he does not remember he ever saw his name thus.
	Mr. Clerk says he has seen it several times.
	Mr. Strong is not positive.
	Sir John Foche says he never saw his hand so at their Board.
	Mr. Gibbons says Everard signed and notice was taken he had not wrote as usual. He, Gibbons, first took notice. He does not remember he had ever seen him write that hand so large. He cannot perfectly remember the mistake in writing because 'twas soon corrected: that there were several then in the office when he signed.
	Mr. Johnson says it was different in three particulars: the third letter was made an A instead of an E, the r left out in the last syllable and the d made straight that used to be turned over.
	Mr. Drisdal says that in Oct. 1695 Everard fell in discourse about an officer at Dartford that when the news came King William was killed made great rejoicing &c.: Drisdal said he [the officer] was a great rogue and that Everard answered no he was not a rogue but a great fool for making such a noise. Drisdal told this to Sir John Foche soon after, who would have had him [Drisdal] make affidavit but he wrote him a letter of it.
	Drisdell says Mr. Balchill was there.
	Mr. Everard is very positive he did not say so and finds one Reynolds was accused of this and stealing of tankards; he was cleared upon examination and is now an officer.
	Drisdal (as Sir John says) had told him before Everard was a Jacobite. Drisdal does not remember that. That Everard has always attempted to turn out Drisdal.
	Drisdal says he never heard anything but this from Everard that look like Jacobitism: but he has heard from others, particularly from Capt. Blechynden before 1695.
	Drisdal says he told the words to Mr. Onslow who remembers it and in a Cheapside [Coffee House] a gentleman [in the margin Mr. Whittacre of the Admiralty] met him who said the General Surveyor [of Excise] was as rank a Jacobite as [any] in England and in a Coffee house which he [Everard] used the general vent of his discourse was against the Government. Afterwards Strong and he [Drisda]l went to the Coffee house and several substantial shopkeepers affirmed him to be the rankest Jacobite: Pegg's Coffee house: he names Foster, a hosier.
	Everard says he went to the Coffee house lodging frequented by Dissenters: except a scrivener against whom he laid wagers on the Government's side.
	Strong said Foster told him: We (i.e. Dissenters) by the tenor of his conversation don't think him well affected to the Government.
	Sir John [Foche] says he suspected him before the business of Drisdal and told his patron (Mr. Strong) so.
	Everard says he took the oaths in the first year the King came to the Crown: he can prove he took it in the first session.
	Mr. Clerk says Everard when an officer no man more faithful and diligent; now on the Commission, none so useful. He believes he took the oaths early. He advanced to the King all he had when he came into the Commission. He had a good character amongst the gentlemen. In 1694 he set forth the frauds of the brewer[s]; he proposed the remedies; great discoveries made, more in three or four months than in so many years before; the revenue increased; the whole course of his actions may speak his intentions; no man more faithful than he: that Everard's promotions and advancement were by means of those gentlemen that now say they knew these things of him long before.
	Sir John says he has something more material concerning Mr. Danvers, which he will speak to any two of this [the Treasury] Board but desires they may be two Privy Councillors.
	They all withdraw but Sir John. My Lords say they'll desire the King to hear Sir John. He says he'll acquaint his Majesty if he pleases to hear it.
	Mr. Strong says he will keep his word in dispatching the Excise accounts. (Treasury Minute Book, Vol. X, pp. 63–65).