Treasury Books and Papers: April 1729

Calendar of Treasury Books and Papers, Volume 1, 1729-1730. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1897.

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'Treasury Books and Papers: April 1729', in Calendar of Treasury Books and Papers, Volume 1, 1729-1730, ed. William A Shaw( London, 1897), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books-papers/vol1/pp42-61 [accessed 27 November 2024].

'Treasury Books and Papers: April 1729', in Calendar of Treasury Books and Papers, Volume 1, 1729-1730. Edited by William A Shaw( London, 1897), British History Online, accessed November 27, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books-papers/vol1/pp42-61.

"Treasury Books and Papers: April 1729". Calendar of Treasury Books and Papers, Volume 1, 1729-1730. Ed. William A Shaw(London, 1897), , British History Online. Web. 27 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books-papers/vol1/pp42-61.

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April 1729

April 2.
[Sic
? clerical
errror for
April 3.]
173. John Scrope to the Commissioners of the Customs in Scotland. The Lords of the Treasury direct you to send one of the sloops under your direction from Scotland to the Thames for the tools and other ordnance stores for carrying on the communications in the Highlands, which Lieutenant-General Wade will have ready at the Tower some time next month.
[North Britain Book IX. p. 246.]
April 2. 174. J. Scrope to Mr. Baskett to send 300 copies of the Mutiny Acts and the Articles of War to be distributed amongst the officers of the army.
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 377.]
April 2. 175. Warrant from Lords of the Treasury to the Commissioners of the Customs for giving to Anthony Swymmer and Charles La Porte, of London, merchant, on account of the plague being in the Currant Islands when their ship took in her lading, and in consideration of their having suffered by the delay in the sale of their goods during the examination of their casks, an allowance of the difference of the tare of the currants as contained in their petition, amounting to 116 cwts. 0 qrs. 19 lbs. yielding a duty of 85l. 10s. 6d.
Appending:
—Report of the Commissioners of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, dated 1728–9, March 15, on the petition of the above, which complains that the tare which has been allowed by the Crown time out of mind is 16 lb. per cwt. but contrary to the known practice, petitioners' casks have been shipped under pretence they weighed under 16 lb., and upon taking a cask on an average they weigh 13 lb. and they are refused any greater tare, although they have allowed the grocers 18 lb. per hundred according to custom. The Commissioners report that receiving information that petitioners' casks were made lighter and with heads of deal, they directed some of the casks to be tared, the merchants making choice of such casks as they thought proper, and the officers taking a like number, in order to adjust the tare, as is the constant practice when any dispute arises concerning tare. The merchants declined, and accordingly 3 butts were tared promiscuously and found to weigh 12 and 12½ lb. per cwt. They accordingly allowed 13 lb. as the turn of the scales. Usually the casks for currants tare, for butts and carrateels, 16 lb. per cwt. agreeable to the table of the usual tares and allowance in practice in the port of London printed in the book of rates, “but we take leave to inform your Lordship that the tare and allowances in that table are not established by law, but are frequently objected to by the merchants as well as the officers, and upon taxing the goods the merchants often demand and are allowed more tare as well as less, as the goods tare, of which there are divers instances.” In petitioners' case the difference of the tare between 13 and 16 lb. per cwt. comes to 116 cwt. 0 qrs. 19 lbs. duty on which is 85l. 10s. 6d. [Customs Book XII. p. 339–41.]
April 3. 176. Edmund Bishop of London to the Lords of the Treasury informing them of the appointment of John Langley as a minister to the Island of Nevis in America, and requesting for him the King's bounty of 20l. for his passage. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXX. No. 55.]
April 3. 177. J. Scrope to A. Cracherode directing the payment of the expenses of Samuel Gray, messenger of the press, in buying up and getting marked for evidence all pamphlets and newspapers published in London, 1728, December 11, to 1728–9, March 13.
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 378.]
April 3. 178. Report of the Commissioners of the Customs to the Lords of the Treasury on the petition of John Huggins, late Warden of the Fleet, concerning the escape of David Boys. Boys, of Stokes Bay, near Portsmouth, was taken on a capias, having been concerned for some years in running large quantities of wine, brandy, &c. and in Michaelmas, 1726, judgment was obtained against him for 25,515l. In spite of strict notice to petitioner to allow no liberty to Boys, the Commissioners received information that Boys had again made an escape and been several times at large out of prison, since he was charged in execution. The Attorney and Solicitor General being of opinion that the permitting a prisoner charged in execution to go out of prison, even if he returned again, is an escape at law, and that the warden is chargeable with the debt, the Commissioners have prosecuted petitioner for the escape. There is another prosecution ordered against him for the escape of two other persons committed for 5,820l. 4 pages.
Appending:
a. Huggins' petition to the Lords of the Treasury. 1½ pages.
b.
& c. Statements of opinion on the case by Sir P. Yorke, Attorney General, dated 1728, June 18, and C. Talbot, Solicitor General, dated 1728, June 21. 4 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXX. No. 56.]
April 3. 179. The King's printer is to supply the office of the Secretary at War with 300 Acts for Mutiny and desertion and the like number Articles of War in accordance with the Secretary's letter of the 31st ultimo.
The Commissioners of Customs in Scotland to be required to order one of their sloops to the Thames to take the working tools and other ordnance stores ready at the Tower for the troops in North Britain, employed in making the roads there according to General Wade's desire, as by his letter of the 31st ultimo.
Order to Mr. Lowther to pay out of the King's money in his hands 6l. to Mary Winter for half a year's allowance due at Lady Day, 1729, for looking after the office belonging to the Treasury for the reception of books, papers, &c. and to pay same half yearly in future. [Treasury Minute Book XXVI. p. 200.]
April 4. 180. Royal sign manual addressed to the Lords of the Treasury for the issue of 1,000l. to Samuel Robinson, Esq. Chamberlain of the city of London, to be distributed by him to the parishes within the city and liberties as the King's charity and benevolence to the poor, in such proportions as Edmund Bishop of London and Sir Robert Balis, Lord Mayor, shall direct.
[King's Warrant Book XXIX. p. 295.]
April 4. 181. Royal warrant directed to the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland for the issue of their warrant to the Receiver General or Paymaster of His Majesty's revenues there for the payment to John Campbell, Esq. Treasurer of Edinburgh town, 100 guineas for a plate to be run for on the sands at Leith, at such times and according to such rules and articles as shall be settled and agreed by the provost and town council of Edinburgh. Given at the Court at St. James's. [North Britain Book IX. p. 247.]
April 7. 182. Henry Worsley, from the Barbadoes, to the Lords of the Treasury. Transmits the accounts of the Treasurer of the Island from 1726–7, February 8 to November 7 last, together with the excise account, the 2s. 6d. levy, and the 7½d. levy, raised for two years only, for building a magazine, town hall, and gaol; also the state of the public debt of the island. 2 pages.
Appending:—a.
A state of the publick debts of the island made by the Treasurer, and dated 1728–9, January 19. In duplicate booklets, 12 sheets each.
b.
George Plaxton his account as Treasurer for the sevenpence halfpenny levy for years ending 1726 31 October, and 1727, 31 October. 4 large sheets.
c.
The Treasurer's account of the 2s. 6d. levy for year ending 1727, September 30. 2 large sheets, in duplicate.
d.
George Plaxton's account as Treasurer of Barbadoes, settled by the Committee of Public Accounts, from 1726–7, February 8, to 1728, November 27. 4 booklets of 15 large sheets.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXX. No. 57.]
April 8. 183. J. Scrope to the Auditor of the Receipt requesting an account of the net income of the Civil List revenue for the year ended 1728, Midsummer. [Letter Book XVIII. p. 378.]
1729.
April 8.
184. J. Scrope to the Commissioners of Customs requesting an account of the payments made out of the net income of the Civil List revenue for the same year.
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 378.]
185. Same to the Commissioners of Excise requesting an account of payments at the Excise Office out of the net Civil List revenue for the year ended 1728, Midsummer. [Ibid, p. 379.]
April 9. 186. The memorial of the Treasurer of the Navy of the 5th instant for 328,263l. 9s. 8d. to pay seven months' course due 1727, March 31, for the navy and victualling, is read, and will be considered by their Lordships when they shall know from the Bank upon what terms they will advance the said sum, to be discounted out of the last payment for the purchase of the annuity of 50,000l.
The representation of the justices of the peace and others for making the harbour of Alnmouth, in the county of Northumberland, a free port, referred to the Commissioners of Customs to consider and report.
Sir Richard Lane called in and informed that their Lordships will send to Mr. Attorney General, for his consideration, the report of the Commissioners for the Revenue of Salt, dated 1728, June 21, on his case for discharging bonds given for the duty by discounting debentures and waste certificates value for value.
The Treasurer of the Ordnance called in and informed that when the deficiency of the last year's grants is voted by Parliament their Lordships will order that part which belongs to the Ordnance to be issued to him for the service of that office.
The Duke of Montagu's memorial for the usual warrants for passing his accounts for the years 1722, 1723, 1724, and 1725, upon the Auditor's representations of the sums exceeding the limited expense of the Wardrobe in those years, read, and the warrants ordered accordingly.
Order to the Exchequer to satisfy Mr. Baskett's order for 3,755l. 7s. 9d. by three weekly instalments.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVI. p. 201.]
April 9. 187. Robert Jacomb, Deputy Paymaster, to the Lords of the Treasury, from the Pay Office, Horse Guards. By warrant under his sign manual of 2nd instant, the King has directed Lord Wilmington, Paymaster General of the Forces, to pay Thomas Missing 3,755l. 8s. 5d. for two months' provisions on his contract for victualling Gibraltar. Begs direction of moneys accordingly. 1 page. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 1.]
[? 1729
April 9 ?]
188. Memorial of the University and King's College in Aberdeen to the Lords of the Treasury. Queen Anne issued a royal grant of 105l. per annum to be distributed among the masters of the college in regard of their small salaries, some of them having no other support. The sum was placed on the Civil List establishment for Scotland. The grant was confirmed by the late King, but has ceased by his demise, and memorialists are greatly reduced in circumstances thereby. Pray a renewal of the grant from the foot of the last payment. In duplicate, 2 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 2.]
April 9. 189. Royal sign manual for the passing of letters under the Privy Seal of Scotland, directed to the Lords of the Treasury and to the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland, for the payment of 210l. per annum, to be placed on the establishment for civil affairs in Scotland, to the use of the University of St. Andrews, out of princely zeal for the good and flourishing estate of that University, to be distributed among the principals and professors, viz., to the Principal of New College 18l. per annum, to the Professor of Divinity there 12l. per annum, to the Principal of St. Salvator's College 18l. per annum, to the Principal of St. Leonard's College 18l. per annum, to the six Professors of Philosophy, the two Professors of Greek, the two Professors of Humanity, the Professors of Hebrew, Ecclesiastical History, and Mathematics, 144 l. amongst them equally. To commence from Christmas, 1727. Given at the Court at St. James's. [North Britain Book IX. pp. 269–70.]
190. Same for passing of same directed to same, for the similar annual issue of 210l. to be divided amongst the professors of the University of Edinburgh, viz., the three Professors of Philosophy 30l. each, the Professor of Mathematics 30 l., Professor of Greek 30l., Professor of Humanity 30l., Professor of Hebrew 30l. To commence from Christmas, 1727. Given at the Court at St. James's. [Ibid, pp. 270–1.]
191. Same for passing of same directed to same for the similar annual issue of 105l. to the principal and professors of the college in the new town of Aberdeen, viz., to the Principal 20l., to the Professor of Divinity 20l., and to the six other professors, to wit, three of Philosophy, one of Greek, one of Mathematics, and one of Physics, 65l. amongst them equally. To commence from Christmas, 1727. Given at the Court at St. James's. [Ibid, pp. 271–2.]
192. Same for passing of same directed to same for the similar annual sum of 105l. to the principal and professors of the college in the old town of Aberdeen, viz., to the Principal 20l., to the Professor of Divinity 12l., and to the seven other professors, to wit, three of Philosophy, one of Greek, one of Medicine, one of Humanity, and one of Civil Law, 73l. among them equally. To commence from Christmas, 1727. Given at the Court at St. James's. [Ibid, pp 272–3.]
193. Same for passing of same directed to same for the similar annual issue of 210l. to the professors of Glasgow University, viz., to the Professor of Oriental Languages 20l., Professor of Mathematics 62l., Professor of Humanity 25l., Professor of Botany 30l., Professor of Ethics 11l., Professor of Logic 11l., Professor of Natural Philosophy 11l., Professor of Greek 20l., and to the Professor of Medicine 10l. To commence from Christmas, 1727. Given at the Court at St. James's. [Ibid, pp. 273–4.]
[? 1729
April 9 ?]
194. A statement of the distribution of the 210l. per annum to the University of Glasgow, and the difference of the present from the late distribution. ½ page.
[Treasury Board Paper CCLXXI. No. 3.]
April 9. 195. The Lords of the Treasury, Whitehall, to the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland, allowing and approving the civil list for Scotland for the quarter ending Lady Day, 1729, and amounting to 8,832l. 4s. 9d.
Appending:
—The detailed list with names and amounts.
[North Britain Book IX. p. 248–51.]
196. Same to same, allowing the established list of commissioners and officers for the salt duty in Scotland for the same quarter, amounting to 956l. 5s.
Appending:
—Detailed list as above. [Ibid, pp. 252–5.]
197. Same to same, allowing the list of salaries of the officers of the Customs for Scotland for same quarter, amounting to 5,937l. 15s.
Appending:
—Detailed list as above. [Ibid, pp. 256–269.]
April 9. 198. Warrant from the Lords of the Treasury to Charles Wither, Surveyor General of His Majesty's Woods, for the felling in New Forest such dotard and decayed trees as will raise 268l. 6s. 0d., for the repairs of Mrs. Kingdon's lodge there.
Appending:—Report by Withers to the Lords of the Treasury, dated 1728, November 20. The said premises are in a very ruinous and dilapidated condition, and have from time to time been repaired by the Surveyor General of the Woods by virtue of a warrant from the Lords of the Treasury. “New Park in the New Forest is an enclosure of about 3½ miles in circumference, with a large mansion house, and several barns, stables, and other outhouses thereon. This whole enclosure is the Lord Warden's pound, wherein all the waifs and strays, which in that large forest are sometimes very numerous, are enclosed for a year or till they are reclaimed by their respective owners. The office of keeper of this pound with all perquisites thereto belonging is held by petitioner (Kingdon) during her natural life under a reservation to the Crown of competent herbage for the deer, which have free ingress and egress over the enclosure. Great part of this enclosure is kept in tillage, and the residue in pasture.” Conceives it reasonable the Crown should be at the expense of repairing the premises, since petitioner's enjoyment of them is so precarious, and little has been done at them since His Majesty's accession. One whole barn needs to be rebuilt, dwelling-house re-roofed, floors new laid, and pales new set for the greatest part of the enclosure.
[Warrants not relating to money XXIV. p. 153–4.]
April 10. 199. Release granted to Sir John Williams, Sir Edward Gould, Wm. Brook, and Alexander Hamilton, of lands and tenements in Chatham, Kent, at a reserve rent of 17s. 1d. and fine of 34s. 2d.
[Crown Lease Book I. 419.]
April 10. 200. J. Scrope to the Comptrollers of Army Accounts, transmitting for examination Missing's memorial for payment of 1,805l. 14s. 2d. on account of victualling Minorca garrison.
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 381.]
April 11. 201. The Bank of England being obliged by the Act of Parliament now lately passed to pay into the receipt of the Exchequer the remaining moiety of 1,250,000l. for the purchase of an annuity of 50,000l. on or before 6th October next, has consented, at their Lordships' request, to pay in the same on any day their Lordships may judge convenient, on a rebate or discount of 3 per cent. per annum for the period of the advance. Their Lordships allow same accordingly.
The memorial of the Treasurer of the Navy of 5th instant for 328,263l. 9s. 8d. to pay seven months' course due 1727, March 31, to the navy and victualling, read and ordered out of the supplies, anno 1729.
Another memorial of the 9th instant for 2,000l. for necessary money, short beer money, and contingencies, read and ordered out of the like money. [Treasury Minute Book XXVI. p. 202.]
April 11. 202. J. Scrope to the Postmasters General requesting an account of the net receipts of the Post Office revenue between 1727, Midsummer, and 1728, Midsummer. [Letter Book XVIII. p. 393.]
203. J. Scrope to the Commissioners of Customs requesting an account of the net receipts of the branches of the Civil List revenue under their management for the year ending Midsummer, 1728. [Ibid, pp. 379, 380.]
204. Same for same to the Commissioners of Excise. [Ibid.]
205. Same for same to the Postmaster General. [Ibid.]
206. Same for same to Auditor of the Receipt, the Commissioners of Alienations, and the Commissioners of Wine Licences. [Ibid.]
April 11. 207. J. Scrope to the Governor of the Bank of England. “You herewith receive a copy of a minute entered in the books of the Treasury for allowing to the Bank of England a rebate or discount after the rate of 3l. % per annum for the sums which the Lords of the Treasury shall desire to be advanced by them [the Bank] sooner than the 6th October next, being the day appointed by Act of Parliament for their payment of the remaining moiety of [the] 1,250,000l. for the purchase of an annuity of 50,000l. This comes therefore by their Lordships order to advise you to advance and pay into the Exchequer to-morrow morning the full and entire sum of 300,000l. upon the terms of the said minute.”
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 380.]
April 12. 208. W. Jessop and Cor. Cayley, Commissioners of Alienations, to the Lords of the Treasury, certifying an account of the gross and net produce of the revenue under their management, Midsummer, 1727, to Midsummer, 1728. Alienation Office, 1729, April 12. 1. page. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. 5.]
April 12. 209. Papers read. The justices of peace and others of Northumberland that Alnmouth may be made a free port. Directions thereupon. [Referred] to Commissioners of Customs.
[Register of Papers VI. 133.]
April 12. 210. J. Scrope to the Surveyor General. “The Commissioners of His Majesty's Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich having represented to His Majesty that the said hospital is bounded to the east side by a narrow lane leading down to a crane, and on the other side of the said narrow lane there is a store yard and 3 or 4 low decayed edifices formerly used for an office but now of very little value, all which being the property of the Crown and containing about half an acre of ground they have prayed that His Majesty would be graciously pleased to grant the premises to the said hospital, the ground which the said hospital has on that side being as they allege too narrow and scanty for the situation of such a building and if a fire should happen in those old houses it would endanger the said hospital,” directs them to view same and report thereon. [Letter Book XVIII. p.381.]
April 13. 211. Memorial from Augustus Schutz to the Lords of the Treasury, certifying the sums due (in all 629l. 19s. 8d.) to the Office of his Majesty's Robes for trademen's bills, fees, and quarterly salaries; and praying issue of same by way of imprest and upon account. 1 page. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 6.]
April 14. 212. Thomas Granger, cashier, and Richard Nicol, deputy secretary and accountant of the Wine Licence Office, to the Lords of the Treasury, submitting an account of the net receipts of the revenue from wine licences, Midsummer, 1727, to Midsummer, 1728. ½ page. [Ibid, No. 7.]
April 14. 213. Like warrant with that of 1728–9, March 4, for a new trumpet, estimated to cost 20l., for Daniel Hopkins, trumpeter in the 4th troop of Horse Guards, commanded by Lord [Visct.] Shannon.
[Lord Chamberlain's Warrant Book I. p. 292.]
April 14. 214. Robert Stiles, appointed as his first clerk by George Lord Parker, one of the four Tellers of the Exchequer, presented to their Lordships and sworn in, pursuant to the Act 8o 9o Wm. III. for the observation of the course of the Exchequer.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVI. p. 203.]
April 15. 215. The Commissioners of the Board of Works to the Lords of the Treasury, remitting a petition of callmen as below, and recommending the issue of 500l. by way of imprest to the paymaster to enable him to pay them weekly. Whitehall, Office of Works, 1729, April 15. 1 page.
Appending:
—Petition of the callmen employed at His Majesty's several palaces to the Honourable Richard Arundell, Surveyor General, and the rest of the Commissioners of the Board of Works; complaining of delay in the payment of their small wages and arrears, insomuch that several are obliged from time to time to take up money at 20 per cent. discount. Undated. 1 page with 31 signatures. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 8.]
216. J. Scrope's account of the produce of the Civil List revenues, Midsummer, 1727 to 1728, over and above the annual weekly or other payments or incumbrances thereon and over and above all grants made by any of His Majesty's predecessors. 1½pages.
[Ibid, No. 9.]
April 16. 217. Order for 1,000l. to be issued to the Paymaster of the Works, to be paid over to Mr. Bridgman, the King's gardener, in further part of 5,000l. payable to him by agreement for works in the paddock and gardens at Kensington.
Lieutenant General Wade's memorial for 2,915l. for work to be carried on this year in making roads and bridges through the Highlands in Scotland read and agreed to. Warrant ordered for the payment of that sum on account by the Paymaster of the Forces as previously. [Treasury Minute Book XXVI. p. 204.]
April 16. 218. Carteret, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury, on the petition of William Molesworth, Surveyor General of Lands in Ireland. On the recommendation of the House of Commons in Ireland in 1721, the King has granted Molesworth an additional 100l. salary on the Civil List, Ireland. Desires preparation of proper instrument for same for royal signature. Arlington Street, April 16. 1½ pages.
Appending:
—(a.) Petition of William Molesworth, Esq. Surveyor General of Lands in Ireland, to the King. Was appointed Surveyor General by letters patent under the Great Seal of Ireland in the first year of George I. His said office was confirmed by His present Majesty at his accession. The employment, though considerable in nature, has only a salary of 60l. per annum annexed to it, which is insufficient to support the dignity thereof, especially since the fees which were formerly belonging to it are decreased to little or nothing by an accidental fire which consumed the records of that office from which those fees chiefly proceeded. The late House of Commons in Ireland, in the session of 1721, took petitioner's case into consideration, and observing that the salary and fees of it were in no way proportionable to the great trouble, expence, and constant attendance in the due execution thereof, and the usefulness of that employment, addressed the Duke of Grafton, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to induce His late Majesty to grant an augmentation of salary. His Grace undertook to lay the said address and proceedings thereon before His Majesty, but the King's death put a stop to the benefit of the recommendation. Begs consideration of his case, and of the expense of his voyage hither on purpose to lay his petition and the above address of the House of Commons of Ireland before His Majesty. Undated. 1 page.
(b.) Petition of same to the House of Commons in Ireland, recapitulating his appointment in 1714, &c. as above. The office is an ancient office of Record, and of necessary use both to the Crown and subjects of this kingdom, all the maps and surveys that are now extant being kept therein. Petitioner is by his said employment obliged not only to a daily attendance, but to a great and necessary expense in employing clerks and in other contingent charges, yet the salary is only 60l. without any allowance for such clerks or contingencies. And the fees of the said office which were the great support thereof are become very inconsiderable by the loss the said office sustained in 1711, when several of the books, maps, and records belonging to it were burned. Prays their recommendation to the Lord Lieutenant for his interposition with the King on petitioner's behalf. Undated. 1 page.
(c.) Orders of the House of Commons, Ireland, of dates 1721, October 13, appointing a committee for the examination of the matter of the petition; October 16, ordering the recommendation as desired in the report of the committee; November 21, ordering the entry in the Journals of the Lord Lieutenant's reply to the recommendation. 3 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. 10.]
April 17. 219. Lord Wilmington, Paymaster General of the Forces, to the Lords of the Treasury, with a list of demands for subsistence provisions for Gibraltar and the pay of the Hessians on account, on which he requires the direction of moneys by their Lordships. Pay Office, Horse Guards, 1729, April 17.
Minuted:—Letter signed. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 11.]
April 17. 220. Royal warrant directed to the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland for the issue of their warrant to the Receiver General and Cashier of the Customs, or the Commissioners for Excise in Scotland, for the payment of 1,000l. to David Earl of Buchan for his charge and expenses as Royal Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church to be held in Scotland this summer. Given at the Court at St. James's.
[North Britain Book IX. p. 247.]
April 17. 221. Warrant from the Lords of the Treasury to the Surveyor General, authorising his procuring from the proper auditor a particular of the lighthouses on the North and South Foreland, in order to the passing a lease of same to Greenwich Hospital.
Appending:—Report of Phillips Gybbon, Surveyor General, on the memorial of the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital for same.
[Crown Lease Book I. pp. 419–21.]
April 17. 222. Warrant from the Lords of the Treasury confirming articles of agreement between the King and Wm. Wells, of St. Christopher, gentleman, for the purchase of 157 acres in Cabeca Terre quarter.
Appending:—The articles of agreement. [Ibid, p. 322–3.]
223. Same from same confirming same between the King and Valentine Morris, Esq. of the Island of St. Christopher, for the purchase of 155a. 3r. 9p. in Basse Terre quarter.
Appending:—The articles of agreement. [Ibid, p. 324–5.]
224. Same from same confirming same between the King and Wm. Pym Burt, Esq. of the Island of St. Christopher, for the purchase of 173a. 0r. 14p. in Basse Terre quarter.
Appending:—The articles of agreement. [Ibid, p. 325–8.]
225. Same from same confirming same between the King and Joseph Estridge, of the Island of St. Christopher, for the purchase of 188a. 0r. 6p. in Cabeca Terre quarter.
Appending:—The articles of agreement [Ibid, p. 330–1.]
226. Same from same confirming same between the King and Augustus Boyd, of St Christopher, for the purchase of 50a. 1r. 33p. in Basse Terre quarter.
Appending:—The articles of agreement. [Ibid, p. 332–3.]
April 17. 227. J. Scrope to the Commissioners of Alienations requesting an account of the produce of the Civil List revenues under their management for the year ending 1728, Midsummer.
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 382.]
228. Same for same to the Commissioners of Wine Licences, Postmasters General, Commissioners for Customs, and Commissioners for Excise. [Ibid.
April 18. 229. Same to the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland for an account of the produce of the several and respective duties and revenues payable to His Majesty in Scotland from Midsummer, 1727, to Midsummer, 1728, in accordance with the address of the House of Commons for the same, to be laid before the House.
[North Britain Book IX. p. 274.]
April 19. 230. Memorial from A. Cracherode to the Lords of the Treasury, apprising them of an order to him from Viscount Townshend, to pay to Mrs. Frances Kent, widow and administratrix of John Kent, late messenger of the press, 33l. 4s. 11d. for Kent's expenses in buying up and getting marked for evidence, by their Lordships' order, all pamphlets and newspapers published in London from March 26 to December, 1728. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 12.]
April 19. 231. J. Scrope to the Governor of the Bank of England a like letter to supra April 11 for paying 100,000l. more on April 22.
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 380.]
232. J. Scrope to the Auditor of the Receipt for an account of the produce of the respective branches of the Civil List, 1727, Midsummer, to 1728, Midsummer, to be laid before the House of Commons. [Ibid, p. 383.]
April 21. 233. Accounts of W. Jessop, Cor. Cayley, W. Ashburnham, Commissioners for Alienations, of the gross and net produce of the revenues under their management, from Lady Day to Midsummer, 1727. 1 page. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 13.]
April 21. 234. J. Scrope to the Commissioners of Customs to hasten accounts. [Letter Book XVIII. p. 383.]
235. Same for same to the Commissioners of Wine Licences, Postmasters General, Commissioners of Alienations, and Commissioners of Excise. [Ibid.
April 22. 236. Same to the Commissioners of Excise requesting an account to be laid before the House of Commons, of the gross and net produce of the Civil List revenue under their charge, 1724, Michaelmas, to 1727, Lady Day. [Ibid.
237. Same to the Commissioners of Customs for accounts to be laid before the House of Commons of the allowances for drawbacks before and after Midsummer, 1727. [Ibid, p. 384.]
April 22. 238. Return from the Commissioners of the Customs to the House of Commons, in reply to the demand of the House of the 18th instant for an account (1) of how much of the sum of 102,012l. 4s.d. standing out in arrears on the new subsidy at Lady Day, 1727, has been paid for drawbacks upon goods imported before Lady Day, 1727, distinguishing what was paid before Midsummer, 1727, and what since, and how the remainder has been accounted for, and (2) of how much of the sum of 79,022l. 4s.d. allowed for drawbacks on goods exported on the new subsidy between Midsummer, 1727, and Midsummer, 1728, was for goods entered before Midsummer, 1727. 1 page.
Appending:
—Report, dated April 22, of the Receiver General and Comptroller General and Officers of the Customs of the Port of London to the Commissioners. 4 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 14.]
239. Alexander Chocke's account of the produce of several branches of the Civil List revenues paid into the Exchequer, 1727, Lady Day to Midsummer. 1 page. [Ibid, No. 15.]
April 22. 240. An account of the gross and net receipts of the hereditary and temporary excise, from 1727, March 27, to June 24 following, as examined by Henry Needler, Accomptant General. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 16.]
241. Robert Jacomb, Deputy Paymaster of the Forces, to the Lords of the Treasury, enclosing a proposal of Henry Furnese, for furnishing his bills for the remittance of subsistence to the forces in Minorca and Gibraltar from April 25 to June 24, 1729. 1 page. Horse Guards Pay Office, 1729, April 22.
Enclosing:—The proposal referred to, viz., to furnish 19,000 dollars for Port Mahon at sight, payable in gold at 55 pence per dollar, and 17,500 dollars for Gibraltar at sight, payable in gold at 54½ per dollar, “he receiving the value here.” 1 page.
[Ibid, No. 17.]
242. Holles Duke of Newcastle to the Lords of the Treasury, requesting payment to the Treasurer of the Chamber of another 1,000l. to defray the expense of the messengers. Whitehall, 1729, April 22. ½page. [Ibid, No. 18.]
243. Account of Thomas Granger, Cashier, and Richard Nicol, Secretary and Deputy Accountant of the Wine Licence Office of the produce of the revenues from wine licences from Lady Day to Midsummer, 1727. ½page. In duplicate. [Ibid, No. 19.]
April 24. 244. Carteret, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to the Lords of the Treasury. His Majesty has directed that Lieutenant General Owen Wynne, who has now the pay only of a Major General on the Irish establishment, should have the pay of a Lieutenant General. Desires the preparation of proper instrument for signature. Arlington Street, April 24. 2 pages.
Minuted:
—Prepare a warrant. [Ibid, No. 20.]
245. David Dunbar to John Scrope. His ship for New England falls down the river next Saturday. Wants nothing to carry with him but the new Act for the preservation of the woods and for encouraging naval stores. Encloses copy of letters from his deputy. Has a memorial relating to a settlement on the east side of the river of Kennebec, which is the limit of New England Government, proposed to be made by a great many hundred families “mostly those from Ireland, who with many others who are weary of being among the obstinate people of New England desire to divide from them.” It has been referred by the King to the Council. If the answer is unfavourable, they will be dispersed to other places where they will not be so useful to England. 1½pages.
Enclosing:
—(a.) Letter of Thomas Haley to David Dunbar, dated Boston, 1728–9, March 6, referring to letters from Mr. Dunbar, dated from Portsmouth and Casco Bay, who had visited the woods in Hampshire and Maine. Spite of the snow, which has drifted 15 to 20 feet deep, he and Mr. Slade have marked 580 trees, all from 24 to 34 inches diameter. “In his last letter he gives me a little historical account of his journey to and from Casco Bay and complains very loudly of the vast expense he has been at in horses and their maintenance he paying half-a-crown a night for hay, … whereas were we furnished with a sloop we could penetrate a great way into the country.” Dunbar has been with Colonel Thomas Westbrook, agent for the contractors, who showed him the masts and bowsprits intended to be sent home. They will load two ships and are as fine as ever were seen. Dunbar has been at great pains to prevent the loggers cutting the white pine trees, but laments his want of power to prevent the destruction of the white oak with which the country abounds. They have seized 400 trees in Maine, many cut into four or five lengths called logs that otherwise would have made fine masts. “The havoc made in the woods before we came is beyond imagination. We have many enemies, but they are generally amongst that set who hold our authority in contempt as they would the Sacred Majesty from whom it is derived, among whom none are more active than one Plaisted and the famous Doctor Cook. These have industriously insinuated to the people of Maine that the King has no property in that Province. However your brother has proceeded in his duty without regard to these incendiaries and only waits a fit opportunity to seize their logs at their own mills and bring them to trial.” 20 of the 200 trees seized have been found fit for the King's service. All imaginable precautions are taken to prevent the country rascals cutting them in the night. The refuse has been put up to sale, but there did not appear one bidder, so the expense of their condemnation will fall very heavy upon every seizure. 2½ pages.
(b.) Copy of a letter from Arthur Slade, dated Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 1728–9, February 28. The New Hampshire woods are quite destroyed, wholly owing to bribery and the neglect, of former surveyors. From one of the most flourishing provinces in all America for masting the Royal Navy with white pine trees, there is but one vein left of about 3,000 trees, “which we shall endeavour to preserve although it will be with very great difficulty, the people being so indulged for this many years to the destruction of the woods.” Having done their worst in destroying His Majesty's woods in this province the people have turned their fury on Maine. On the 25th, 26th, and 27th instant, writer and Mr. Dunbar saw 5,000 logs, mostly from 30 to 40 inches diameter, a great many of which would have made masts. “Some we seized; the rest lying on the ice in midriver we deferred marking them till they were brought down to the mills. We have put up notifications offering rewards for the discovery of offenders, but with no effect, the people in Maine seeming resolved to destroy His Majesty's right in the woods and dare any person that shall oppose them. Governor Burnett and Lieutenant Governor Wentworth have done all possible to assist us, but with little effect.” The Act of 8 George I. must be strengthened by declaring the woods growing in townships to be His Majesty's undoubted right. The country abounds with a good white oak growing on a bluish clay. 3-inch oak planks can also be supplied from 30 to 48 feet long at the same price given for plank from Danzig and Poland. On the opening of the season, propose to go to Nova Scotia, but require a sloop. Hope to redeem the lost credit of former surveyors. “Our salary will not defray travelling expenses.” 2¼pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 21.]
April 24. 246. Royal warrant directed to the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland. “Whereas it has been represented to us by the General Assembly of the Church in Scotland that Popery and ignorance do increase and prevail in the Highlands and islands there and that one of the principal causes thereof is the large extent of the parishes in those parts, whereby the ministers of those parishes find themselves unable to visit their parishioners in their several bounds as they ought and give them such instructions as is absolutely necessary to enlighten them and arm them against the practices of many Popish priests that resort thither in order to pervert and seduce them from the profession and principles of the reformed religion … you are to issue your warrant to the Receiver General and Paymaster of our revenues there for the issue of 1,000l. per annum, unto such person or persons as shall be nominated and appointed by the General Assembly of the Church, which is to be held in Scotland this summer, to receive the same as of our royal bounty for the fourth year to be distributed for the purposes aforesaid in such manner as the General Assembly shall think fit, we being persuaded that the part which they take herein will lead them to make choice of persons qualified in all respects for so good and commendable an undertaking … the said General Assembly exhibiting an account of the expenditure to the Barons of the Exchequer or the Lords of the Treasury.” Given at the Court of St. James's.
[North Britain Book IX. p. 275.]
April 24. 247. J. Scrope to the Auditor of the Receipt requesting an account of moneys received at the Exchequer on account of the sale of the French part of the Island of St. Christopher; also demanding the making a copy of the patent granting to Dean Berkeley 20,000l. out of the produce of those lands.
[Letter Book XVIII. p. 384.]
April 26. 248. Same to Mr. Wither transmitting for consideration the memorial of the Duke of Bridgewater and Lord Berkeley about the timber on the royal manor of Chertsey, Surrey.
Appending:—The memorial. [Ibid, p. 384–5.]
249. Same to Mr. Cracherode to provide counsel to defend the Bill to disable Mr. Bambridge to execute the office of Warden of the Fleet if he move the House of Lords to be heard by counsel against the Bill.
[Ibid, p. 385.]
250. Same to Postmasters General for an account to be laid before the House of Commons of the gross and net produce of the Post Office from 1727, Midsummer, to 1728, Midsummer.
[Ibid, p. 386.]
April 28. 251. J. Scrope to the Commissioners of Excise for an account of the net produce from 1724, Michaelmas, to 1727, Michaelmas, of the Civil List revenue under their care, to be returned to the House of Commons. [Letter Book XVIII. p. 382.]
April 29. 252. The Prince of Wales having put into the Chancellor's hands a petition of John Cranwell for his ship to be restored which is seized for bringing tea from Holland, Mr. Chancellor orders that the petition be transmitted to Mr. Carkesse for consideration, since petitioner was the person who brought over the Prince's servants and baggage from Rotterdam.
The privy purse is to have two months' allowance paid at once. Order to the Exchequer to issue 6,000l. accordingly.
On information by petitions, representations, and other papers from Baron Walef and many officers of his regiment, which was in the English service during the late war, that 27,713 florins of the public money remains in the hands of Mr. Swete, deputy paymaster of those forces, which they desire may be applied towards payment of the arrears due to them, their Lordships refer said papers to the Auditors of the Imprests for report.
Order for sign manuals for the issue of 750l. to William Ellis as the King's bounty, and of 800l. for like bounty to John Jacob, formerly issued to Henry Crafton.
The rewards which the Commissioners of the Customs propose by their presentments from time to time to be paid to the discoverers and seizers of British coin carried on board ship for foreign exportation, ordered to be paid out of the fund set apart by them for rewarding seizures and informers, being a moiety of the compositions for running goods without paying the duties.
Order for the payment to the Earl of Warwick of his pension to Lady Day last.
Order for a warrant for passing a privy seal to confer 400l. salary per annum upon Woodes Rogers as Governor of the Bahama Islands from the date of his commission.
Memorial from the Commissioners of the Customs that an attempt has been made by three persons in disguise to murder Thos. Pearce, who has given information of great frauds in the customs, and desiring offer of a reward of 100l. for discovery of the men. Letter written to Mr. Delafaye and the memorial enclosed for the inserting an advertisement accordingly.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVI. p. 205–6.]
April 29. 253. (a.) An account of the produce of the Casual Revenue payable to His Majesty, arisen from compositions of signatures passed in the Exchequer in Scotland, Midsummer, 1727, to Midsummer, 1728. 1 page.
(b.) An account of the produce of the Casual Revenue payable to His Majesty, arisen from compositions on leases of the late Bishops' tithes granted by the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland for same period. 1 page.
(c.) An account of the produce of the Crown rents and revenues payable to the King in Scotland, for same period. 1 page.
(d.) An account of the produce of the Crown rents and revenues under the collection of sheriffs, stewards and bailiffs in Scotland, for same period. 1 large sheet.
(e.) An account of the sums payable by the royal burghs, &c. in Scotland to the Crown, for same period. 2 pages. Dated May 1.
(f.) An account of the King's Crown rents in Scotland, arising from the Feu and Blench duties for same period with the appropriations, salaries, and allowances payable therefrom. 4 pages. [Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 22 a-f.]
April 29. 254. Royal sign manual to the Paymaster General for paying to Thomas Missing 1,996l. 8s. to answer the charge of victualling the garrisons of Annapolis Royal and Placentia, from 1728, July 1, to December 31, at the rate of 6d. per man per day for 434 men, of which the said garrisons consisted within the said time, exclusive of the 29 men born on the establishment of the Office of Ordnance.
Appending:—Certificate of P. Medows and Ja. Bruce, Comptrollers of the Accounts of the Army, to the Lords of the Treasury concerning Missing's accounts. Dated Comptroller's Office, 1729, April 16. [King's Warrant Book XXIX. p. 314.]
255. Same addressed to the Clerk of the Signet for the preparation of a Bill to pass the Privy Seal to empower the Lords of the Treasury to issue commissions appointing Receivers General for the Land Tax, 1729. [Ibid, p. 307.]
256. Same addressed to the Paymaster of the Forces directing the issue of 2,915l. to Lieut. General George Wade, commander in chief of the forces in North Britain, in advance and on account of the charge of carrying on and finishing the new road for wheel carriage, extending from Dunkeld northward to Inverness through the middle of the Highlands, and building bridges where the communication with the said new road shall require same.
[Ibid, p. 308.]
April 29. 257. Warrant under the royal sign manual [directed to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland] to authorise the issue of the necessary directions for placing upon the establishment of Civil Expense Ireland an additional salary of 100l. to be accounted payable to Wm. Molesworth.Esq. Surveyor General of Lands in Ireland, as an augmentation of salary in accordance with his petition to the Irish House of Commons; same to date from Lady Day last past. Given at the Court at St. James's.
[Irish Book VIII. pp. 331–2.]
April 29. 258. Warrant under the royal sign manual [directed to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland] to authorise the issue of the necessary orders to the Commisioners appointed to take the accounts of the Deputy Vice Treasurer of Ireland to allow thereupon the several exceedings and overdrawings amounting to 11,969l. 4s.d. “as informed of in your letter to the Lords of the Treasury of date 1729, April 16: Nevertheless we do hereby charge and require you to take care that the payments on the said respective funds be restrained so as the same if possible may not exceed the allowances inserted on the establishment for those heads for the future.” Given at the Court at St. James's.
[Irish Book VIII. p. 332–3.]
April 29. 259. Same directed to the Clerk of the Signet attending, for preparation of a Bill to pass the Privy Seal empowering the Lords of the Treasury to issue commissions to the respective Receivers General for 1729.
Appending:—A list of Receivers for the whole country.
[Affairs of Taxes III. p. 267–72.]
April 29. 260. Warrant from the Lords of the Treasury confirming articles of agreement between the King and James Bunyard, merchant, of St. Christopher, for the purchase of 5,550 square feet in Basse Terre town.
Appending:—The articles of agreement.
[Crown Lease Book I. p. 334–5.]
261.Same from same confirming articles of agreement between the King and John Willett and Abraham Payne, Esq. of the Island of St. Christopher, for the purchase of 183a. 1r. 32p. in Cabeca Terre quarter.
Appending:—The articles of agreement. [Ibid, p. 328–9.]
262.Same from same to the Surveyor General to procure a particular from the proper auditor of a house in St. James's bailiwick, of which a reversionary lease is desired by Sir John Jacob, Bart.
Appending:—Report, dated 1729, April 5, by Phillips Gybbon, Surveyor General, on the memorial of Sir John Jacob praying same. [Ibid, p. 422–3.]
263.Same from same to the Clerk of the Pipe for preparation of a lease to pass the Exchequer seal granting to Guy Vane, Esq. lands in the Bishopric of Durham in Eastwood and Moor Close Dean, in the manor of Chopwell, and a wood called Westwood, 700 acres in all, parcel of the possessions of the Crown at the ancient rents of 16l. and 1l. 18s. and a fine of 450l.
Appending:
—Copy of original lease (Latin) and memorandum and particular of same, by Auditor Jett and Surveyor General Gybbon, dated 1728–9, March 5 and 17. [Ibid, p. 423—7.]
April 29. 264. Warrant in Latin from the Lords of the Treasury to the Clerk of the Pipe for preparation of a lease of tithes in Bestwall, Dorset, formerly part of the possessions of the Monastery of Sheen, and of a cottage and lands in Sigglesthorne (“Singlethorne alias Siglethorne”), Yorks, and land in Knottingley, to Ann Sampson, widow of George Sampson, for 28½ years from Lady Day, 1731, at a reserved rent of 6s. 8d. for the tithes, 14s. for the cottage and land in Sigglesthorne, and 6s. 8d. for the land in Knottingley, and at a fine of 180l.
Appending:
—Copy of original lease (Latin) and memorandum and particular of same by Tho. Jett, Auditor, and P. Gybbon, Surveyor General, dated 1728–9, March 5 and 14.
[Crown Lease Book I. 430–2.]
April 29. 265. Same from same to the Secretary at War for procuring a warrant to be signed by the King authorising the payment of 5,322l. 18s. 4d. by Spencer Lord Wilmington, Knight of the Bath, &c. to the contractor for the supply of the several companies of invalids with clothing and accoutrements.
Appending:—Report, dated 1728–9, March 15, from the Comptrollers of the Accounts of the Army to the Lords of the Treasury on their orders of reference of 1728, December 5, on the memorial of the Lord Wilmington for the contract for the clothing of the invalid regiments of foot, consisting of 10 companies, as well as that of the other 25 companies of invalids, to be reckoned after the rate of 1d. per day per man for two years, including two sergeants, two corporals, and one drummer for each company. Total, 5,322l. 18s. 4d.
[Warrants not relating to money XXIV. pp. 164–5.]
266. Same from same to Thomas Foley, one of the Auditors of the Imprests, authorising the preparation for declaration and passing of the account of Charles Wither of money imprested to him at the receipt of the Exchequer for carrying on divers works in the paddock in Hyde Park, and also in the Great Park at Windsor, viz. 25,682l. 2s. 7d. for the new works in Hyde Park, and 1,385l. 4s. 7d. for the like in the Great Park at Windsor.
Appending:—The account in detail. [Ibid, pp. 166–8.]
April 30. 267. Memorial from the Commissioners of Excise to the Lords of the Treasury in reply to the letter of the Lords of the Treasury of January 31 last, and enclosing an account of the number of acres of hop grounds in the kingdom for five years past, and of the quantities of hops produced in each collection for seven years past. 1 page.
Enclosing:
—The account as above with an N.B. “The greatest part of the hops charged in a few collections not being hop countries, particularly Barnstaple and Tiverton, are called Hedge hops being planted in hedges, and as there is very little ground regularly planted in those collections no perfect accompt can be given of the quantity of ground which did produce the hops charged there.” 1 large sheet.
[Treasury Board Papers CCLXXI. No. 23.]
April 30. 268. Warrant from the Lords of the Treasury for execution of a warrant, dated 1728–9, Feb. 10, from the Duke of Grafton to James Brudenell, Master of the Jewel Office, for the provision of a new silver trumpet, the Duke of Bolton having by letter represented that the trumpet belonging to Lord Beauclerk's troop of the royal regiment under his command was trodden to pieces by the horses when His Majesty returned from Windsor.
[Lord Chamberlain's Warrant Book I. p. 294.]
269.Same from same for the execution of a warrant, dated 1729, April 22, from the Duke of Grafton to the Duke of Montagu, Master of the Great Wardrobe, for the provision and delivery to Woodes Rogers, Esq. Governor of the Bahamas, the following for the use of His Majesty's chapel there: one large Bible, two large Common Prayer Books, two cushions for the reading desk, a cushion and cloth for the pulpit, a carpet for the altar, all of crimson damask with silk fringe, two linen cloths for the altar, and two surplices.
Memorandum:—The particulars of this warrant will come to 110l. or thereabouts. Tho. Dummer. [Ibid.]
270.Same from same for the execution of a warrant, dated 1729, April 22 from the Duke of Grafton to James Brudenell, Master of the Jewel Office, for the delivery to Woodes Rogers, Governor of the Bahama Islands, two little flagons, one chalice, a paten, and a receiver to take the offerings; for the use of His Majesty's chapel there.
Memorandum:—This warrant will amount to 80l. or thereabouts. R. Sedgwick. [Ibid, p. 295.]
April [30.] 271. Treasury fees, &c. for the month of April (ut supra January, p. 13), 478l. 14s. 8d. divided equally ut supra ibid, and with receipts of Horace Walpole, John Scrope, and the clerks.
[Treasury Fee Book VI. pp. 273–9.]