Volume 208: July 20-October 14, 1717 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

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'Volume 208: July 20-October 14, 1717', in Calendar of Treasury Papers, Volume 5, 1714-1719, ed. Joseph Redington( London, 1883), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-papers/vol5/pp309-325 [accessed 1 December 2024].

July 20–October 14, 1717



20 July.	1. Report of Edward Young, Surveyor of Woods, to the Lords of the Treasury, on a letter of Lord Cobham, Warden of Windsor Forest, wherein (for keeping up the court of “swainmout”) he desires the payment of 40l. per ann. It is highly requisite for the preserving of the King's vert and venison, as well as the forest privileges, from encroachments, that the ancient court of swainmote should be revived. Much injury had resulted since the discontinuance of the court. The fines and punishments inflicted by the verderers have a good effect where the court subsists. Advises the payment of the 40l. per ann. 20 July 1717. Minuted:—“30^th July 1717. Agreed to.” The letter referred to. 2 pages.
20 July.	2. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Bolton) to the Lords of the Treasury. Transmits the papers received from the Lords Justices in answer to the inquiry concerning the Alnage Office. Whitehall, 20 July 1717. Letter from the Lords Justices to the Duke of Bolton, transmitting the report of the Com^rs of Revenue thereon, and other papers. The report. The Alnage Office was erected in Ireland by Act of Parliament, 17 & 18 Car. II., for measuring, &c. all woollen manufactures intended for sale, on which a subsidy was to be paid. The report contains information as to the holders of the office, &c. The letter of the Lords of the Treasury to the Lord Lieutenant. Translation of the above report into French. Minuted:—“29^th July 1717. To be granted to L^d Molesworth for the term of 31 years.” Also copy of some petitions and resolutions of a Committee of the Irish House of Commons thereon. 21 pages.
[? About 23 July.]	3. Memorial of his Majesty's Officers of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, in answer to a petition of M^r John Mercer, clerk engrosser. Soon after his Majesty's Accession, the Lords of the Treasury, on considering the many abuses and mismanagements in the Office of Works, set themselves to prevent the like for the future, and a scheme was approved of by his Majesty. The petitioner was chosen to succeed M^r Wren as clerk ingrosser, but no further powers were intended him. By what oversight they know not, the petitioner, instead of a warrant, obtained a patent, which contained many things contrary to the present establishment. The preceding clerks conformed themselves to instructions made soon after the Restoration. If these things were not allowed them at a time when half the Board consisted of mechanics, much less will it be thought reasonable to impose it upon a board composed of persons of some distinction, who, both as to capacity and number, conceive themselves sufficient to discharge their duty with honour and ability, and who cannot but look upon it as an indignity to be put upon the level with the subordinate clerk of another office. But the matter would be much worse should he appoint a deputy, which by his patent he is doubtless allowed to do. Whatever the clerks may have been formerly, they are now required to be well skilled in all kinds of admeasurement, in drawing, making plans of the palaces, and taking elevations, and competently versed in all parts of architecture, which some among them are, to a great degree of excellence. They must be likewise knowing in the goodness, choice, and value of all sorts of materials. As for the gentleman, who is so earnest to be at the head of these people, he is at present without any other talents besides writing a fair hand and keeping books. They do not doubt of the activity of his genius, and would have furnished him with business sufficient for the exercise of it, but he rejected their orders, tho' consonant to those of his Majesty; and because they would not suffer him to interfere in matters they knew him incapable of, he refused to do the only thing he is fit for, which evidently demonstrates 'twas rather his ambition than his activity he had a desire to gratify. The late Lords of the Treasury were coming to a resolution either to oblige him to conform himself to the rules of the present establishment, or to supersede the patent, and appoint either him or some other person by their own warrant. Conceived their L^ps would scarce consent to a formal hearing, where there is no point of law, but merely a matter of discretion. Minuted:—“23^d July 1717. Prepare a p. seal to revoke the patent, & M^r Edw^d Wadeson to be appointed by a common warr^t.” 2 pages.
[? About 23 July.]	4. Report of R. Powys to the Lords of the Treasury as to what was due to James Scot, Esq., as late envoy in Poland. He charges 400l. in his bill of extraordinaries between 1 May 1713 and 1 Aug. following, being the expense of his several journeys since March 1712 from Dresden to Warsaw, from. Warsaw to Dantzig, from Dantzig to the country of Mecklenburg by way of Berlin, from Mecklenburg to the Electress Dowager of Saxony's residence at Liechtenberg, from Liechtenberg to Dresden, and from Dresden again to Warsaw, which makes above 2,000 miles. Upon this bill, the then Secretary of State certified that M^r Scot had her late Majesty's orders to make such journeys as were necessary for her service, and for putting her commands in execution with King Augustus of Poland. Recommends the allowance to be made, &c. His other charges are also set out. Minuted:—“To be allowed all within the regulac[i]on.” The petition and case of the above envoy. 2 pages.
[? About 23 July.]	5. Memorial of the R^t Hon. the Earl of Peterborough to the Lords of the Treasury. There remains due to him as Ambassador Extraordinary from her late Majesty to the King of Sicily, on his ordinary entertainment, at 10l. a day, from 4 Apr. 1714 to 1 Aug., 1,190l., and to complete a bill of his extraordinary disbursements, 389l. 2s. 8½d. Prays payment out of the Civil List or otherwise. Minuted:—“Read. 23 July 1717. M^r Powys is directed to state these demands.” [Then follows the statement], and afterwards the following Minutes:—“5^th August 1717. Read. M^r Powys to certify what other demands of forreign ministers for the Queen's time remain unsatisfyd. This state hath been laid before my Lords. State what is due to the publick ministers in the Queen's time unpaid, within the regulac[i]on. 22^d April 1719. My Lords will pay this & Lord Strafford's demands as soon as there is m^o applicable.” 1 page.
25 July.	6. Report of the Auditors to the Lords of the Treasury, transmitting an abstract of all the new salaries and allowances which have been paid upon occasion of the contracts made with the tinners of Cornwall and Devon, and the constitutions or warrants by virtue whereof the same have been paid. 25 July 1717. 2 pages.
29 July.	7. Copy of report of the Controllers of Army Accounts to the King. The want of muster rolls, as well as other papers, makes it impossible to give a satisfactory account of the garrison of Placentia. Have recommended the Secretary of State to give directions for the immediate sending provisions there. The companies have had no other clothing from their going there in 1713, but some remains of the Canada stores, which were almost rotten and unserviceable, so that they are now in a manner naked. Have recommended the Secretary-at-War to move his Majesty to grant a warrant to Col. Nicholson and Captain Stanhope to provide clothing for the effectives there. Suggest other measures. Propose that Col. Moody, the present Lieut.-Governor, against whom there are many grievous complaints, be ordered to return home to answer the same and settle his accounts. There being no other captain but Col. Moody with the four companies, who by the last returns from Placentia were reduced to 200 effectives, they believe it will be necessary that one captain at least should be sent thither immediately to command in chief. Approve of building a small fort to secure the entrance into the harbour there. It would not be above the sixth part of the expense and would save the repair of the fortifications. This would prevent the frequent disputes between them, the inhabitants, and the fishing ships, on account of a scandalous trade. Believe nothing would tend more to the improvement of the fishing trade than to remove these inhabitants from Newfoundland, since then such merchants only as are truly intent upon the fishery would have any encouragement to trade thither. 29 July 1717. Minuted:—“5 August 1717. Read. To be layd before the Council.” 5 pages.
[? About 29 July.]	8. Petition of the 800 Licensed Hackney Coachmen and their widows to the Lords of the Treasury. In the 14th of King Charles II. 400 ancient coachmen, who had served persons of quality, or their widows, were licensed to keep 400 hackney coaches, and no more, for which they paid but 5l. a year, and no fine. The Commissioners since then licensed the widows, on the death of their husbands, or allowed transfers to other coachmen. No coachman was to occupy any other calling during the time of his licence. By the present Act the Commissioners are required to license all ancient coachmen or their widows, &c. Notwithstanding which, within 10 days, M^r Way and the rest of the Commissioners took away a great many licences from ancient coachman and their poor widows, and gave them to persons that have good trades and never served any gentleman. Praying that transfers of licences might be ordered to be made, or given to the poor widows. Also the “case” of the Hackney Coachmen. Minuted:—“To be put with the other papers of this kind. 29^th July 1717. Read.” 2 pages.
[? About 29 July.]	9. Petition of Thomas, Earl of Westmorland, to the King. Is descended from Sir Anthony Mildmay, who was Chancellor of the Exchequer to Queen Elizabeth, who purchased of the Crown woods and lands, being part of Rockingham Forest, as freehold and had others by grant. The part of the forest remaining to the petitioner is only a part of the woods and grounds. The ranger[ship] of the walks and herbage for the deer are the only advantages to the Crown. By the custom of the forest five couples of bucks and five couples of does are taken for his Majesty, but the distance is so great that the venison seldom comes good to town, and that part of the forest is almost gone to ruin, and the deer much diminished for want of wages to the keepers, &c. Prays the grant of the deer and for the woods to be declared not to belong to the forest (French). Minuted:—“29^th July 1717. M^r Corbiere to translate this.” Also the translation. 2 pages.
[? About 30 July.]	10. Memorial of Daniel Pulteney, late Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Denmark, to the Lords of the Treasury. Prays an order for payment of the arrears due to him out of the money appropriated for paying the debts of the late Queen. Also the account of the arrears. Minuted:—“30^th July 1717. M^r Powys to state this demand.” Again:—“2^d August 1717. Orderd except the 100^li exceeding the regulation.” 1½ pages.
31 July.	11. Copy of report of the Principal Officers of the Mint to the Lords of the Treasury, on the bill of M^r Richard Barrow, for prosecuting clippers and coiners from Mich. 1713 to Mich. 1715. Recommending that 250l. should be paid for the same. Mint Office, 31 July 1717. Copy of M^r Barrow's petition and the account named. 11 pages.
31 July.	12. Report of the same to the same. The tin coined last summer exceeds 500 tons. A small quantity has been sold to Russia merchants at 3l. 10s. per hundred. Other quantities are to be shipped in Cornwall for Holland and the Straits at a cheaper rate. A good quantity will be transported to Turkey and Italy before the winter, and unless they have discretion to sell what remains at the market price, the great stock on their hands is likely to remain unsold. Mint Office, 31 July 1717. Minuted:—“31^st July 1717. To be further considered. In the Minute Book, Vol. 21, p. 153, 2 Oct. 1717, is:— “My Lords direct the Off^rs of the Mint to make publication that 500 tons of tyn will be exposed to sale by inch of candle at 3^l 10^sh p[er] 100^wt, and that after the disposal of this quantity no more shall be sold within the space of 3 months. Sir Isaac Newton and D^r Fouquiere to prepare an advertisem^t, to be inserted in the Gazette on Saturday, & the Daily Courant.” 1 page.
31 July.	13. Report of the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of John Graham and Daniel Campbell for themselves and others, the proprietors of the three sugar houses at Glasgow. The owners of the eastern and western sugaries at Glasgow appeared before them and insisted that they had a continuance as “manufactorys” entitled to the privileges and exemptions given by the Acts of Parliament. But the court upon a hearing could not come to any opinion as to the continuance of their rights. The proprietors claim a general exemption from all customs and excise, but they have no pretence to claim an exemption from Inland Excise, except as to 28 tons yearly. This must be settled in a judicial way, and until that is done they cannot give their Lordships an opinion as to an agreement with them. There is also a fourth sugary at Leith, and they cannot think it advisable for their Lordships to go on in the execution of their powers, unless all the “sugaries” are comprehended. Edinburgh, 31 July 1717. 3 pages.
[? About 2 Aug.]	14. “Memorandum for the Right Hon^ble the Lord Viscount Stanhope.” It is desired that a caveat may be entered at the Treasury against the renewal of the grant to any other persons of two lighthouses which were given by Robert Osbolston, Esq., to the Royal Hospital at Greenwich, the one being on the North and the other on the South Foreland. Minuted:—“2^d August 1717. Enter a caveat that no grant be made, & before any grant be made, the Trinity House to be advised with.” 1 page, quarto.
[? About 2 Aug.]	15. “M^r Dodington's case relating to reversionary annuities issuing out of y^e Exchequer.” Minuted:—“2^d Aug^t 1717. Ref^d to Att. or Sol^r-Gen^l to consid^r & report their opinion. W. L.” 4 pages, brief size.
3 and 5 Aug.	16. Robert Sanderson, Keeper of the Records at the Rolls Chapel, to William Lowndes, Esq. Two letters as to search made at the Rolls Chapel for a “liberate” to the sheriff or escheator of the Duchy of Cornwall. Found a patent of 13 James I. relating to the livery of the Duchy of Cornwall. Dated 3 and 5 Aug. 1717. Also, “A particuler of y^e places, &c. mentioned in the patent granted to Prince Charles for licence of entry.” 8 pages.
3 Aug.	17. Lord Radnor to the Lords of the Treasury. The allowances inserted on his Majesty's warrant exceed the present establishment of his (Lord Radnor's) office by one half. For the allowance to a gentleman of the Chapel Royal and other officers is no more than 3s. per diem; and half that allowance to the inferior officers and children of the chapel when the Court shall reside at any further distance than Windsor and Hampton Court, &c. As to the number of persons attending on the chapel service, it does not appear to him until the Court returns, and then a list is signed by the dean of the chapel. The travelling charges are the same as on her late Majesty's establishment of the chapel. 3 Aug. 1717. Letter from John, Bishop of London, to M^r Lowndes on the same subject. 3¼ pages.
3 Aug.	18. Report of the principal officers of the Mint to the Lords of the Treasury respecting proposals to import bars of fine copper into the Mint for coining copper money. Find that the Mint may be supplied with bars at 19d. per pound weight avoirdupois, or a little under, taking back the scissel at the same price, but scarce under 18d. The master and worker will undertake the coinage at 3¼d. per pound weight, and so a pound weight of copper, with the coinage, will cost about 21¼d. or 22¼d., and may be cut into about 23 or 24 pence “to answer all other charges.” Are best satisfied with M^r Hind's proposal. Mint Office, 3 Aug. “1713” [? mistake for 1717.] Minuted:—“5^th August 1717. Read. Off^rs Mint to attend at 12 o'clock to-morrow. 6^th August 1717. My Lords agree to the Rep^t. Sir Isaac Newton will prepare the necessary warrants.—A pound weight to be cut into 23 pence. 9^th August 1717. My Lords approve that the Ma^r of the Mint may agree with M^r Hind.” 1¼ pages.
[? About 6 Aug.]	19. Petition of Henry Smithson to the King. Has been employed for 14 years in apprehending and prosecuting false coiners, &c. Is informed of 80 persons in divers parts of England who carry on this trade. The Warden of the Mint discouraged him from apprehending and prosecuting them, and refused to disburse any money for that purpose, or to prosecute several that were in prison for that crime. Has seized divers tools, which are made with exquisite art. This he represented to the Warden of the Mint, but he took no notice thereof. Being unable to lay out any more money, made his address to the Earl of Oxford, then Lord Treasurer, who referred the case to Sir Isaac Newton, the controller and the present warden, who being the party complained of, and in great favour with his Lordship, had the matter referred to himself, so that the petitioner had scarce liberty to speak, &c. Has received encouragement from Sir Isaac Newton in carrying on prosecutions, &c. Prays for consideration and for an order for 95l. 17s. 6d. already expended. An affidavit on the same subject; on the back is:— “Order of Councill referring y^e petic[i]on of Henry Smithson to y^e L^ds of y^e Treãry. 6 Aug^t 1717. Ref. to Offic^rs of y^e Mint.” 3½ pages.
[? About 6 Aug.]	20. Memorial of Charles, Earl of Lauderdale, “General of the Mint,” in Scotland, and other officers of the Mint, to the Lords of the Treasury, praying that 1,800l. may be imprested to him for the fees and salaries of the officers, repair of the buildings, &c. The last sum issued was to 1 Dec. 1714. Copy of warrant relating to the last issue. The date is perhaps about 6 Aug. 1717, as a warrant was then issued for part of what is above desired. See North Britain Book, Vol. IV., p. 187. 2 pages.
7 Aug.	21. Account of the produce of the revenues from sheriffs' proffers, compositions, rent of land, and fines for leases. 1 Aug. 1714 to 1 Aug. 1717. Exchequer, 7 Aug. 1717. 2 pages.
8 Aug.	22. P. Van Borssell Vander Hooghe to “My Lord.” The merchants of Holland, trading in cotton stuffs, and their agents, complain of the officers of Customs for exacting higher dues than they are obliged to pay, as will be seen by the enclosed copy of a letter. Prays that orders may be given to the officers to desist from these vexations. Richmond, 8 Aug. 1717. (French). Copy of a letter from Tho. Halsey and Co. to Mons. Borssell, Envoy Extraordinary from the States General. Acquaints him with what passed at the Custom House in relation to the Haarlem manufacture of mixed thread and cotton coloured stuffs. One of the Surveyors of Customs (M^r Farwell) has stopped two cases of mixed thread and cotton stuffs, and obliges them to be entered as Holland linen or to stand a trial. Encloses copy of the surveyors' report thereon. Other parcels of goods have been stopped. This is a hardship and lessens the revenue. London, 31 July 1717. 5 pages.
9 Aug.	23. Report of A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of Thomas Potts, gent., Under Sheriff of the co. of Northumberland. The petitioner was authorized to take all forfeited goods and chattels, which belonged to any traitors, and to prevent waste of their estates, and to prepare rentals and accounts of the real estates forfeited, and of the possessors' names, and to return them to the Com^rs of Inquiry at Preston in Lancashire, which is above 90 miles from the petitioner's abode. Petitioner annexes an account of his charges, and prays to be reimbursed. Before the Act appointing the Com^rs of Inquiry was passed, he (Cracherode) desired the petitioner to take care (on his Majesty's behalf) of the estates of several persons in the co. of Northumberland, attainted of high treason for the late Rebellion, and to transmit rentals and inventories, which service the petitioner carefully performed for the estates of the Earl of Derwentwater, the late Lord Widdrington and George Collingwood, Esq. It appears that the petitioner was required to take the goods and personal estates of several traitors in his county, and to return the rentals, &c. to the Com^rs. He thereupon took the rentals and inventories of the real and personal estates of the above persons, and of John Thornton, John Hall, Philip Hodgson, Thomas Errington, George Gibson, Edward Swinburne, W^m Shaftoe, and Robert Newton. He also made enquiries after the estates of Robert Talbot, Nicholas Woogan, Allan Sanderson, Charles Widdrington, Peregrin Widdrington, and John Leadbeater, but could not discover any such estates in Northumberland. The petitioner's account of the costs for his trouble, &c. amounts to 70l. 10s. 4d., whereof 56l. 11s. 10d. is for moneys expended, which is very modest and reasonable. Recommends that he be allowed 21l. 10s. in addition for his journeys of 43 days. 9 Aug. 1717. The petition and nine other papers relating thereto, including a rental of the lands and estates of James, late Earl of Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, George Collingwood, Esq., John Thornton, Esq., John Hall, late of Otterburne, Esq., deceased, and William Shaftoe, Esq. 23½ pages.
9 Aug.	24. Letter of the Com^rs of the Forfeited Estates to the Lords of the Treasury, on an order from their L^ps preventing the issue of any moneys for payment of their salaries till the 5,000l. issued out of other funds for paying the incident charges of the Commission, be replaced. Essex Street, 9 Aug. 1717. Minuted:—“9^th August 1717. A state of this case ref. and sent.” 3 pages.
9 Aug.	25. Opinion of the Solicitor-General (Thomson) given to the Lords of the Treasury as to the application of the money in the Exchequer coming from the Forfeited Estates, to the payment of the salary of the Com^rs or the inferior officers. 9 Aug 1717. Also the case for the opinion. Minuted:—“9^th August 1717. Prepare a warr^t pursuant to the Report.” 2 pages.
13 Aug.	26. Lord Sunderland to the Lords of the Treasury. By the King's desire directed M^r Cracherode to draw up an exact account of the state of the prosecution against the two Auditors of Imprests. This was done and submitted to the Attorney and Solicitor-General for their opinion. His Majesty, finding that it would be proper to put an end to the prosecution by a noli prosequi, Lord Sunderland sends copies of M^r Cracherode's paper and M^r Attorney and Solicitor's opinion and his Majesty's pleasure that they prepare a warrant for putting an end thereto. Hampton Court, 13 Aug. 1717. The copies referred to. [The auditors were charged with receiving 3s. 4d. each for entering certain letters of attorney contrary to the statute.] Minuted:—“14^th August 1717. Read. A warr^t for a noli prosequi to be prepared accordingly.” 7 pages.
[After 16 Aug.]	27. “A state of what has been paid upon account of Count Gyllenborg, the Swedish Envoy.” The first item is for 200l. to Major Trelawny, Governor of the Castle of Plymouth, to defray the charges of fitting up the castle for the reception of the Count, who was to be kept under arrest. Another item is for 150l. for his expenses, and those of his retinue, from Plymouth to Harwich. 1 page.
17 Aug.	28. Sir Isaac Newton to [Lord Stanhope.] M^r Kelsall was with him to forward the signing the warrant for setting on foot the copper coinage. Has not yet come to an agreement with the moneyers, and some of those who propose to import copper at 17½d. have been tampering with Hind, the brazier, and his partner to unsettle his (Newton's) agreement with him. The moneyers insist stiffly upon 2d. per pound weight, and if he cannot get them to abate a farthing, must intreat his L^p and the other Com^rs for a farthing to be added to the 3¼d. allowed him, &c. Begs the favour of a few more days to see what he can do with the moneyers. Leicester Fields, Aug. 17, 1717. Also letter of M^r Henry Kelsall on the same subject. 3 pages.
19 Aug.	29. Com^rs for Forfeited Estates to the Lords of the Treasury. Have considered the instructions laid before their Lordships by Sir David Dalrymple, his Majesty's Advocate, for bringing in the effects of the forfeited estates in Scotland. Apprehend their L^ps intended that Sir David should give his opinion concerning the proper methods for levying the rents, &c. of those estates, but they find that the Lord Advocate's letter relates only to the determining the claims affecting the forfeited estates. Apprehend that no directions can be given but by Parliament. And since that part of the Act has been strictly observed in England, they cannot conceive how it can be dispensed with in Scotland. Consider that his Majesty is put in actual possession of those estates, and all parties having an interest in the estates must enter their claims. &c. 19 Aug. 1717. Also the letter of the Lord Advocate (Dalrymple.) 7 pages.
20 Aug.	30. “Method concerning the Stannarys and particularly as to the pre-emption of tin.” 20 Aug. 1717. A paper thus docqueted containing good information about the history, &c. of the tin mines. Entitled:—“Matters which evidently appear concerning the stannarys of Cornwall and Devon, and particularly as to the emption or pre-emption of tin.” 13¼ pages.
25 Aug.	31. Memorial of the Duke of Richmond to “My Lord.” Is informed by M^r Saumarais that General Harvey was to be consulted in the matter of the tithes of the Isle of Guernsey. It is only a reversion after General Harvey that is in question Hopes that a favourable report may be made to his Majesty in this matter. Goodwood, 25 Aug. 1717. 1½ pages, quarto.
29 Aug.	32. Report of the Officers of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of “the R^t Hon. the Lord Chetwynd,” setting forth the necessity of repairing the gravel walks, drains, lodges, &c. in S^t James' Park. Are of opinion that what is necessary to be done this season will amount to about 1,355l. 29 Aug. 1717. Written on the back of the memorial. 2 pages.
30 Aug.	33. Memorial of James Craggs, Esq., junior, to the Lords of the Treasury. Sends an extract of a letter from the R^t Hon. the Earl of Portmore, Governor of Gibraltar, referring to the failure of the contractor in supplying provisions to the garrison, which had often been reduced to a fortnight's subsistence. Represents that the only danger Gibraltar is subject to, is to be surprised when they shall be provided but with a small store of provision; and that particularly at this time, the Spaniards, who have this place extremely at heart, had they turned their arms against it, the garrison might have been starved before supplies could have been sent from England. Asks that the contractor may be reminded to perform his contract more punctually. Hampton Court, Aug. 30, 1717. Minuted:—“25^th Sep^r 1717. A copie of this to be sent to M^r Missing, the contractor. A copy sent.” 1 page.
10 Sept.	34. “An estimate of all the tin remaining unsold in the Tower, and in Holland, Hamburgh, and Cornwall, which was coyned before the last contract ended.” 10 Sept. 1717. 1 page.
12 Sept.	35. Report of the Com^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury, in relation to the state of the Lady Dorchester's account. A clear and full state thereof cannot possibly be had for some time to come. Have to distinguish how much of the quit rents in that lady's grant have been actually paid to the agents of the Countess, and what remains in collectors' or tenants' hands. Custom House, Dublin, 12 Sept. 1717. With this is an earlier report from the Com^rs of Revenue on the same subject, dated 7th March 1711–12, and a state of the account at that time, together with a memorial of the Lady Letitia Russell, widow, who was kept out of her pension of 600l. per ann. by arrears owing to Lady Dorchester. 6½ pages.
13 Sept.	36. “Reasons humbly offered to the R^t Hon^ble the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations against the disposing of the lands and hereditaments yielded to the Crown of Great Brittaine in the Island of St. Xtophers, by the late treaty of peace with France, in the gross, or to any one p[er]son or body of men, or to any others than the present proprietors, who are willing to purchase the same at a reasonable price, notwithstanding any greater or higher termes may be offered for the same.” Dated 13 Sept. 1717. With seven signatures. Also copy of order in Council of 29 Aug. 1717, referring to the Board of Trade the petition of Col. W^m Codrington, relating to 763 acres of land in the late French part of S^t Christophers. Also the copy of the petition. 5 pages.
14 Sept.	37. John Plumptre and others to “my Lord.” Acknowledge his L^p'^s letter and M^r Roop's account, who makes a demand of 222l. 12s. for provisions laid into the Castle of Alicant for the British troops there. Pray directions thereon, as by warrant of 10 Nov. 1710, it was directed to be charged to his Catholic Majesty. Dorset Court, Westminster, 14 Sept. 1717. Also two petitions and John Roope's account, and copies of several certificates. In one of his petitions he begs that he may not be thrown into a gaol in his old age as a recompense for his faithful services, “viz., in y^e Irish transport in Newfoundland, Alicant, and at y^e Battle of Villa Viciosa, where, and in Newfoundland, he was taken prisoner with the loss of all, and hard imprisonment in both, and y^e money being 9 years since layd out, and 7 years since hath had y^r Lords^ps warrants for payment.” 8 pages.
16 Sept.	38. Com^rs of Revenue, Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury. Are very sensible of M^r Maynard's loyalty, integrity, and ability, who was recommended by their Lordships to be the collector for Cork. He was, however, much misinformed in what he had suggested to their L^ps. Give the true reasons for removing M^r Melvill from the Inland Excise in Dublin. The Earl of Sunderland, when Lord Lieut., had written that Col. Sandford should be appointed Collector of Inland Excise in Dublin, according to the desire of the Earl of Kildare, his brother-in-law, who was then one of the Lords Justices, but he made no mention that M^r Melvill was represented to his Lordship as a person disaffected to his Majesty, or concerned in the schemes of Sir Constantine Phipps. The Board thereupon acquainted his Excellency that they had removed M^r Melvill to make way for Col. Sandford, but M^r Melvill being a most experienced officer in the Excise, was made a Surveyor-General, to reside in this city, and to have an eye over the Excise here, which amounts to more than a third of the Excise of the whole kingdom; but if his Excellency disapproved thereof, they would remove M^r Melvill from that post also; that he seemed a man very quiet and calm as to his politics, and tho' he had the character of a Tory he did not concern himself in the late disorders of the city. Thus M^r Melvill was not continued contrary to Lord Sunderland's direction, nor would they have waited for orders to remove him had they the least knowledge of his being guilty of the disaffection mentioned. Relate what they had formerly done concerning this collection. Tho' the Collector of Cork's salary is only 150l., yet the customary perquisites make that post much more valuable than a Surveyor-General's, though the salary is 300l., the latter having no perquisites, &c. Custom House, Dublin, 16 Sept. 1717. Minuted:—“Read 25 7br. 1717. Shew this to my L^d Castlecomer.” 3 pages.
16 Sept.	39. ? N. Conolly to—. In favour of Cloud Henrickson, mentioned in petition annexed, who would be quite ruined if not compassionated by the Treasury, before whom his affair depends. The sudden alteration there prevented his relief. Prays his interest with the members of the Treasury board. Dublin, 16 Sept. 1717. United is the petition of Cloud Henrickson of the town of Coleraine, Ireland. Prays for the royal bounty, having lost his ship, which was used as a packet boat between Dublin and Holyhead, and was wilfully run on the rocks at Holyhead and perished. Also copy of another petition, and report on the same subject. Minuted:—“7^th Dec. 1717, To be recommended to the King for 100l. Warr^t signd.” 5 pages.
18 Sept.	40. Lord Sunderland to the Lords of the Treasury. Several poor foreigners from the duchy of Wirtemberg and other parts of Germany having lately come hither without the King's leave, and contrary to public notice, given in foreign parts, of his Majesty's pleasure in that respect, his Majesty is willing to be at the expense of transporting back to Holland such of them as shall immediately return home, and to give them some further assistance to prosecute their journey. Several of them have given their names to M^r John Vat, who is directed to attend on their L^ps on their behalf. Sends a list of them. His Majesty's pleasure is that their L^ps give direction for such a sum of money to be distributed as they judge reasonable. Whitehall, 18 Sept. 1717. The list of poor Palatines, Wirtembergers, &c., which consists of 200 persons, and a letter from John Vat. There are three Minutes on the back, the last of which is:—“3^rd Oct^r. L~re with instructions sent to M^r Colby.” In the Minute Book, Vol. 21, p. 155, 3 Oct. 1717, is:—“M^r Colby, Commiss^r for Transports, to provide all things necessary for the transportation of the 200 Wirtembergers and palatines mentioned in a list, transmitted to my Lords by Lord Sunderland, pursuant to his Ma^ts command, and for all such others of the said poor as will go for Holland, at the easiest and cheapest rates. My Lords direct 10^sh p[er] head to be allowed them, for their provisions in their voyage, and 10^sh more to be paid to each of them at their arrival at Rotterdam. The list and a copie of Lord Sunderland's letter to be sent to M^r Colby with these instructions.” 4 pages.
19 Sept.	41. Order of the Com^rs of Enquiry to the R^t Hon. Lucy Morton, Esq., Vice-Treasurer of Ireland, to pay to Hugh Henry, Esq., who is appointed receiver of all forfeited estates in Ireland, 10,000l. on the foot of pension, and 7,000l. on the foot of prizage and butlerage, as forfeited by the Duke of Ormonde. Dublin, 19 7^br 1717. 1 page, quarto.
20 Sept.	42. Charles Carkesse to Charles Stanhope, Esq., Secretary to the Treasury. The Com^rs of Customs cannot give directions for the goods bought for the Czar of Muscovy, to be exported free [of duty]. Custom House, 20 Sept. 1717. 1 page.
21 Sept.	43. Report of Sir Isaac Newton to the Lords of the Treasury, on the state of the gold and silver coins of the kingdom in weight and fineness, and the value of gold in proportion to silver, with his observations and opinions, and what method may be best for preventing the melting down of the silver coin. The following are some of the observations he makes, viz.: “That a pound weight troy of gold, eleven ounces fine and one ounce allay is cut into 44½ guineas, and a pound weight of silver, eleven ounces two penny weight fine, and eighteen penny weight allay is cut into 62 shillings, and according to this rate a pound weight of fine gold is worth 15 pounds weight six ounces seventeen penny weights and five grains of fine silver, reckoning a guinea at 1l. 1s. 6d. in silver money.” Again:—“So then by the course of trade and exchange between nation and nation in all Europe, fine gold is to fine silver as 14⁴/5, or 15 to one. And a guinea at the same rate is worth between 20s. 5d. and 20s. 8½d., except in extraordinary cases.” “And it appears by experience as well as by reason, that silver flows from those places when its value is lowest in proportion to gold, as from Spain to all Europe, and from all Europe to the East Indies, China, and Japan, and that gold is most plentiful in those places in which its value is highest in proportion to silver, as in Spain and England.” “If gold were lowered only, so as to have the same proportion to the silver money in England, which it hath to silver in the rest of Europe, there would be no temptation to export silver rather than gold to any other part of Europe; and to compass this last, there seems nothing more requisite than to take off about 10d. or 12d. from the guinea, so that gold may bear the same proportion to the silver money in England, which it ought to do by the course of trade and exchange in Europe; but if only 6d. were taken off at present it would diminish the temptation to export or melt down the silver coin, and by the effects would show hereafter, better than can appear at present, what further reduction would be most convenient for the public.” “If things be let alone 'til silver money be a little scarcer, the gold will fall of itself. For people are already backward to give silver for gold, and will in a little time refuse to make payments in silver without a premium, as they do in Spain; and this premium will be an abatement in the value of the gold; and so the question is, whether gold shall be lowered by the Government, or let alone till it falls of itself by the want of silver money.” “I am not for coining the plate till the temptation to export the silver money (which is a profit of 2d. or 3d. an ounce) be diminished, for as often as men are necessitated to send away money for answering debts abroad, there will be temptation to send away silver rather than gold because of the profit, which is almost 4 per cent., and for the same reason, foreigners will chuse to send hither their gold rather than their silver.” Mint Office, 21 Sept. 1717. Minuted:—“25^th Sept^r 1717. Read.” Accompanying it is a more modern copy. 13 pages.
[? About 29 Sept.]	44. “An estimate of the neat monies which, within the year commencing from Micħas 1717, will be produced by the surpluss of the fonds of the Bank and South Sea Company, and of the duties in the Act for redeeming the fonds of the four lotteries and the banquiers' debt, and by the overplus of the general yearly, fond established by the Act.” 6 pages.
3 Oct.	45. Report of the Attorney-General (Northey) to the Lords of the Treasury, on the memorial of John Anstis, Esq., as to the grant to him of the office of Garter Principal King-at-Arms, the right to which was disputed by the Earl of Suffolk, Deputy Earl Marshal. M^r Anstis, in order to obtain the fees belonging to the office, has brought actions against several persons for the fees, who have paid the same. Having brought an action against Sir John Coldbach for such fees he has suffered judgment thereon, and has paid the fees. In regard that the grant of that office is to pass the great seal, whether the grantee is to be at the nomination of the Earl Marshal or his Deputy or not (which does not appear to have been so by any letters patent whatsoever) is of opinion that M^r Anstis will have a title to the fees of that office by virtue of his letters patent, so long as the same remain in force, as no scire facias is yet brought for their repeal. 3 Oct. 1717. The memorial and affidavit. 6 pages.
4 Oct.	46. Thomas Missing to William Lowndes, Esq. In answer to a memorial under date 30 Aug., which he says is most malicious, and on purpose to do him an injury. Encloses his account of provisions [supplied to Gibraltar]. By his care has kept the garrison well supplied. Complains of the hardship of being kept out of his money. Portsmouth, 4 Oct. 1717. 1 page 3 lines.
[? Between 5 & 31 Oct.]	47. Report of the Com^rs for Licencing Hawkers, Pedlars, and Petty Chapmen, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the subject of the compulsion of lacemen to take out licences. These people are as able to take licences as any other sort of traders who are obliged thereto. Have directed all prosecutions to be suspended till their L^ps' orders are known. Minuted:—“31^st October 1717. Read. My Lords direct a warr^t to the Com^rs signifying their pleasure that neither they nor their solicitor shall direct process to go out against these people till the next sess. of Parliam^t.” Accompanied by a letter from the mayor, aldermen, and bailiffs of the borough of Chepping Wycombe, in Bucks, to [? Mr. Lowndes], representing the case of Ferdinando Shrimpton, of Penn, in the same county, bone-lacemaker, and others of the same trade in that neighbourhood who follow bone-lacemaking in the wholesale way, by keeping several hundred workmen constantly employed. These wholesale men trade weekly to London, where they sell their lace and buy thread and silk, which they bring home and deliver to their workwomen, who by their directions work or weave it into several sorts of lace as their respective masters (the wholesale lacemen) direct, which, when done, the workmen, once every week, deliver to their respective masters, who pay them what they earn. The wholesale bone-lacemakers every Monday morning go to London with the lace they have caused to be made, where they have two large chambers to sell the same. One of these is the George Inn, Aldersgate Street (the market day being Tuesday), the other in the Bull and Mouth Inn in St. Martin's, by Aldersgate (the market day being Monday). By a resolution of Parliament these wholesale lacemen were not deemed to be hawkers. Begs him to intercede with the Lords of the Treasury or the Com^rs for Licencing Hawkers, &c. to stop prosecutions against them. Dated 5 Oct. 1717. 3 pages.
[? About 9 Oct.]	48. “State of the debt at Blenheim House, in Woodstock Park, due from his Grace John, Duke of Marlborough, to Edward Strong, sen^r., Edward Strong, jun^r., and Edward Bray, Esq., for work and materials, together with the interest of each sum from the time it was due by the respective bills till the time that ⅓ of the debt was paid, w^ch was y^e 7^th & 9^th of Jan. 1715.” At the foot is:—“N.B.—We beg y^r L^dships to observe that the interest of our money from the time the respective bills became due to Octob^r 9^th 1717, amounts to 3,461l. 1s.” There are also four other papers relating to these debts in the years 1705 and 1706. 5½ pages.
[Before 10 Oct.]	49. Letter to “my Lord,” announcing that the late Mayor of Newcastle awaited his commands pursuant to his L^p'^s directions. Signed:—“Henry Dalston.” Minuted:—“To be consider'd when there is a board. 10^th Oc^tr 1717. To be layd before the King. 500^li warr^t signd.” Also a letter of approval of the Mayor's conduct, signature gone. Two petitions of Henry Dalston, Mayor of Newcastle, in respect to his services during the Rebellion. One has a testimonial in his favour by Lord Carlisle. There is also a copy of the last. 5 pages.
11 Oct.	50. Lord Sunderland to the Lords of the Treasury. Encloses petition that their L^ps may give order for relief to the petitioner, whom the King looks upon as an object of great compassion and charity. Hampton Court, 11 Oct. 1717. Minuted:—“23^rd October 1717. Read. 14^th Aug^t 1718. Rejected.” The following is the petition: “The humble petition of the unhappy wife of the Duke of Leeds most humbly showeth, That your pet^r from the happiest state of plenty and prosperity (which she enjoyed from her infancy till about six years since), is reduced to such misery and want that she hath been forced to parte with all her plate, goods, and even her wareing cloaths for bread to support her life in a prison, and is now in a starving condition, ruined by her cruel Lord's inhumane usuage.” Prays for some present relief or she must unavoidably perish for want. 2 pages.
11 Oct.	51. Lord Lieut. of Ireland (Bolton), to the Lords of the Treasury. Referred the petition of Hartley Hutchinson, Escheator-General of the Province of Munster, to the Solicitor-General, whose report thereon he transmits, whereby it appears that what the petitioner desires is a matter of his Majesty's grace and favour; that some recompense has been usually given to officers where Acts of Parliament have taken from them their accustomed fees; that the petitioner has been at expense, and that the fees he would have been entitled to would have amounted to a considerable sum had the inquiry into the late Duke of Ormonde's estate been made by him by virtue of his office, which circumstances may recommend him to his Majesty's bounty. Dublin Castle, 11 Oct. 1717. Minuted:—“12^th November 1717. Read.” The petition and report, and two affidavits. 6 pages and 2 halves.
14 Oct.	52. Earl of Suffolk to [? Mr. Lowndes]. In answer to a letter from [Mr. Lowndes] by direction of the Lords of the Treasury, desiring to know what were his objections to the paper enclosed, entitled, “Attorney-General's report about the office of Garter King of Arms.” Is not so well prepared to answer here as if he were in town. Came to try if the country air would contribute anything towards the relief of an ill state of health, which he has a long time laboured under. As to what M^r Attorney-General says, that no person has dared to question the legality of his (Mr. Anstis's) patent, has to reply, that he has disputed it from the very first, and if the Attorney-General had paid that deference and respect to the King's warrant, which he did to the late Queen's, this dispute had long since ended. Is sorry to say that notwithstanding the King's warrant went to him from the proper officer, and the late Queen's was carried to him in the most unprecedented manner, yet he still refuses to obey the King's warrant in preparing a Bill for the passing of a patent under the Great Seal to Sir John Vanburgh, &c. Has heard that M^r Anstis has received some fees, but has been told that he has offered security to indemnify those who have paid him the money, which they ought not to have done, because he (the Earl) sent an order to them to keep the fees in their hands till the difference was decided as to the right of nomination of officers of arms upon all vacancies, does, and must insist upon it, and believes it has never been questioned until now, since the entail of the office of the Earl Marshal upon the Duke of Norfolk and his family by King Charles II. When the King was last in Germany, he (the Earl) petitioned the Prince of Wales to give directions to the Attorney-General to prepare a Bill to pass a patent for Sir John Vanburgh, to supply the place of Garter, then vacant by the death of Sir Henry S^t George, pursuant to a warrant the King had signed before he went abroad; but as nothing was done, renewed his petition to the King on his return from Holland, who transmitted it to the Lords of the Cabinet, who referred it to the Attorney-General, who appointed a day to hear all the parties. Acquainted the Duke of Norfolk therewith, desiring him to be at the hearing, and it being a family concern, he (the Earl) sent to Lord Carlisle, Lord Effingham Howard, and as many more of the family as he heard were in town, to be there at the same time. The hearing was put off by the Attorney-General; his laying the fault on others is a very extraordinary proceeding. Hopes the Lords of the Treasury will not do anything to his prejudice in the affair during his absence. Audley End. 14 Oct. 1717. 4pages.
14 Oct.	53. Sir J. Vanburgh to the Lords of the Treasury. Gives the details of what passed on the application to his Majesty in Council from the Earl of Suffolk on the above subject. Hopes it will be considered just for the King to keep his money in his hands, till he sees whether a patent, granted by himself or his predecessor, determines who is to be his officer. Bath, Oct. 14, 1717. Minuted:—“16^th Oct. 1717. Read. A copie of this to be sent to M^r Anstis. Copie sent. Another to the Duke of Norfolk.” 1½ pages.