|
| July 1. |
104. Petition to the Treasury from William Parsons and William Brown, chief clerks to the Comptroller General of the Customs. Set forth that they have framed in annual accounts from 1710, Xmas, to 1735, Xmas, a complete state of all the branches of the Customs, with great pains and diligence, being a work of great and general usefulness. Their present salary is only 100l. each, which affords them a very scanty subsistence. Pray an increase of salary that they may be enabled to carry on this work.
Referred:—To the Customs Commissioners.
[Reference Book X. p. 187.] |
| July 1. |
105. Report to the Treasury from the Board of Works, dated Whitehall, on the petition of the Reverend John Wilkinson, Minister of the Savoy. The chapel of the Savoy has been several times repaired by direction and at the expense of the Crown. Mr. Wilkinson has caused several repairs to be made and a new organ to be set up, and has delivered a bill of the work done, amounting to 811l. 14s. 5d., of which he has paid 353l. More work remains to be done at said chapel, which will come to 252l. 1s. 8d. No officer of the Crown was applied to previously to the making any of these repairs, several of which, especially the organ, amounting to 210l., were not, at least immediately, necessary. 1 page.
Appending:—Petition to the Treasury from John Wilkinson, Minister of the Savoy. The chapel of St. John the Baptist in the Savoy has been a royal chapel ever since the reign of Henry VII., and as such has from time to time since the dissolution of the hospital been repaired at the expense of the Crown. In 1719 500l. was allowed to the Board of Works for leading the roof, but that work was not thereby completed, and the roof had since grown ruinous and decayed. Has had a survey made and undertaken repairs in accordance. If the Treasury dispute the survey, prays them to have a survey made and to reimburse him for his actual payments.
With:—Treasury order of reference of date 1741, June 12. 1 page.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCV. No. 44.] |
July 1.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
106. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Sundon. The Duke of Newcastle being here on Friday last and leaving with my Lords the following extract of a letter from my Lord Harrington, viz.:—
Hanover, June 21./July 2. 1741.
“There is no mention whatsoever made in General Ligoniere's warrt., of making contracts for forage, which will be necessary. As I have no opportunity here of examining the several officers to see how that affair used to be setled, inquiry should be made in what manner a proper authority can be given for providing the Danish and Hessian troops, after they shall have passed the King of Denmark's and the Landgrave's frontiers, with forage: and send an account of what may be necessary for that purpose, and in what manner it is to pass, with the form of the commission or warrant to be issued.”
The said Duke desiring an answer may be given thereto, so as to be transmitted to Lord Harrington by this night's post, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer acquaints my Lords that the said Duke has had the underwritten put into his hands as an answer to the said letter.
“The reason why in the Treasury warrant for authorising Mr. Ligonier to contract for bread, &c., for the Danes and Hessian troops, there is no notice taken of any contract for forage was because it is entirely unprecedented, and because there never was any contract for forage made by the Treasury during the whole course of the late warr, nor any power given by the Treasury to any person to make such contracts for forage on behalf of the Crown.
“It appears that some contracts for forage were made during the late war, but they were all confined to the time the troops were in winter quarters or in some few instances for a month or six weeks in the Spring before the army could take the field or forage could be had.
“These contracts were made, by the best accounts that can be found, by the Duke of Marlborough or the Duke of Ormonde, or by my Lord Cadogan, authorized by them; who agreed with certain undertakers for certain proportions of forage to be furnished at certain places in winter quarters or in the spring: the prices for every ration of forage expressly agreed upon, the share to be borne by the troops, and to be deducted out of their pay particularly specifyed, six stivers for every ration to be paid by the Horse and five stivers by the Dragoons, which deduction was always the same, altho' the price of the ration often differed. The excess was to be made good by the Queen, to be paid in advance. But no provision of this kind is made except for the troops in winter quarters or about six weeks in the Spring.
There were no demands made in Parliament for any forage for the service of the current year. But in the subsequent session of Parliament in the estimates for the extraordinaries of the warr, demands were made for extraordy forage of the former year, which was always understood to be the difference paid by the Crown after the deductions made from the pay of the troops.
“Most of the payments for forage were made by warrants signed by the Commander in Chief abroad, and his secretary, directed to the Paymaster General or to Mr. Sweet, his deputy, to whom the money was remitted, and where the Dutch paid half, either Mr. Slingerland's certificate was annexed, or it was mentioned that the Dutch had paid half. There are likewise some warr's. on the Paymaster signed by the Queen, and countersigned by the Secretary at Warr, for paying contractors for forage, and some few of these mention a certificate from Mr. Slingerland having been produced; but the Queen's warrants for forage did not pass the Treasury, nor the contracts neither.
“Henry Watkins (afterwards secretary to the Duke of Ormond), was by Queen's warrant appointed Inspector of the extras of the warr abroad, but his commission is not entred at the Treasury nor Warr Office. It appears at the Auditor's Office that from the time of his appointmt. the warrants from the Commander in Chief were founded on his certificates, and that several payments for forage were made on his certificates alone, directed to the Paymaster General.
“There were different rates and prices for forage, which must be supposed to have varied according to the circumstances of time and place. The prices appear to be from 7 stivers per ration to 8 and 10, and once to 11½. But as the difference after the deduction from the troops must be a charge upon the publick and to be laid before the Parliament, it is not doubted but the contracts will be made at the lowest rates that can be had and for the shortest times.”
And for further information the Duke of Newcastle had delivered to him, with the aforesaid paper, copies of the following, viz.:
Mr. Beaumont's contract for furnishing forage in winter quarters, 1701–2.
A contract by Genl. Cadogan for forage in the campaign, 1711. A certificate under the hand of Mr. Watkins as Inspector of the Extras of the War.
Order for the issue out of the Civil List funds of 11,048l. to clear foreign ministers on their ordinaries and extraordinaries to 1740, Michaelmas; and of 105l. to Mr. Serjt. Urling.
The report of the Surveyor General of Crown Lands read on Majr. Samuel Savile's petition for renewing a lease of several messuages in Swallow Street, St. James's. Agreed to.
A petition of William Parsons and William Browne to be considered for their extraordinary service in framing annual accounts as chief clerks in the office of the Comptroller General of Customs, read and referred to the Customs Commissioners.
Alderman Geo. Arnold's petition read, he being present, concerning his bond at the Custom House for Benja. Bradley and Richard Griffin, now bankrupts. My Lords are of opinion the ship “Hannah,” therein named, lately arrived from Virginia with a considerable cargo, may be put into petitioner's possession on his giving security to the satisfaction of the Customs Commissioners and the Attorney General to account in the manner proposed by said petitioner.
“Transmit to the Commissioners of the Customs letters, now read, from the Secretary of the Admiralty and others (the Commissioners of the Victualling and the Victualling Agent at Dover) about victualling vessels which carry provisions to the men of warr being obliged by a late order to enter and clear at the Custom House and pay fees in like manner as merchant ships do; and complaining of the same as an innovation and likely to be injurious to His Majesty's service. And direct the Commissioners to consider the same and report the fact with their opinion thereon with all convenient speed.”
Lord Sundon proposing to go out of town to-morrow, Mr. Earle is to be acquainted therewith, and desired to meet Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer here on Wednesday morning next.
Order for the issue out of Civil List funds of 2,000l. to Mr. Paxton for law-charges.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. pp. 342–6; Customs Book XV. p. 137.] |
July 3.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
107. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Sundon, Mr. Clutterbuck.
The Attorney General's opinion of the 29th ult. read on the Customs Commissioners' memorial concerning lace brought over in the mails. To be transmitted to said Commissioners for them to consult with the Postmasters General thereupon, and pursue measures to be agreed upon with them for preventing that practice.
The report dated 1739–40, March 20, from the Agents for Taxes read, concerning allowances craved by Nathl. Mollineux, heretofore Receiver General of co. Lancaster, who failed indebted to the Crown in 1720. To be transmitted to the Auditor for said county for a statement of the said Receiver's accounts, and of the occurrences, if any, that have happened, since said state was made, to alter same.
The report of the lst instant from the Board of Works read, on the petition from the Minister of the Savoy to be reimbursed expenses for works and repairs to the Chapel of the Savoy. It appearing to my Lords that he of his own accord hath presumed to direct the said works, their Lordships very much resent his proceedings therein; yet are pleased to order the Board of Works to view what has been necessarily done, and examine the bills, and report what is reasonable to be allowed for such of the said works.
A petition read from John and Samuel Mason for 531l. 12s. 7½d. for the charges of passing a commission under the Great Seal for terminating disputes between the Mohegan Indians and the Colony of Connecticut; and all other despatches relating thereto pursuant to an Order in Council in that behalf [likewise read]. Referred to Mr. Paxton to examine the particulars and report.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. pp. 347–8; Letter Book XX. p. 9.] |
| July 7. |
108. H. Legge to the Customs Commissioners forwarding the Attorney General's opinion as below, and conveying the Treasury directions for them to agree with the Postmasters General on the best means of putting the Attorney General's proposal into practice.
Prefixing:—Said statement of opinion by Sir Dudley Ryder, Attorney General, dated 1741, June 29. “The importation and landing of lace without paying the duty charged on them is a forfeiture, and such lace may be seized and condemned. The most effectual way of preventing this way of running them, is to get them seized whenever they come to the Post House. The officers of the Post House are so strictly tied up by the Act that it will be difficult for them to do it themselves least it should be construed an opening or detaining, contrary to the act. But whenever they suspect it notice may be given to the Custom House officers that they may make a seizure. And if proper encouragement be given to them that give such notice, by a share in the forfeited lace, it may be worth the while of the Post officers to discover it, and I think this will be the most effectual means of preventing the practice for the future.”
[Letter Book XX. p. 8.] |
July 8.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
109. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exechequer, Mr. Earle, Mr. Clutterbuck.
Order for the issue to the Treasurer of the Ordnance out of funds anno 1741, of 60,000l., half for sea and half for land services, as by his memorial of the 7th instant.
Same for same to the Treasurer of the Navy out of the like, of 1,500l., on the head of wages, as by his memorial of the 4th.
Order for the issue of the following out of the Civil List revenues: |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To the Treasurer of the Chamber, to complete 1740, Michaelmas quarter |
2,771 |
13 |
1 |
|
To the Master of the Horse |
2,500 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the Privy Purse |
3,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
To pay fees, salaries and pensions at the Exchequer, 1740, Michaelmas quarter |
8,272 |
8 |
2¼ |
|
To the Judges et al, Hilary term, 1740 |
6,582 |
10 |
0 |
Bryan Chippindale to be tidesman, Lancaster port, loco George Sykes, deceased. Thos. Swyer to be distributor of stamps at Poole, co. Dorset, loco Bates Glover, deceased.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. p. 349.] |
| July 8. |
110. Treasury warrant appointing the residence of the Commissioners of Customs in England and Scotland respectively, viz., Sir John Stanley, Sir John Evelyn, Brian Fairfax, John Hill, Sir Robert Baylis, Richard Chandler and Isaac Leheup, 7 of the said Commissioners, to reside in the port of the city of London: and John Campbell, George Lord Ross, Wardell George Westby, Beaumont Hotham and Richard Somers, 5 others of the same, together with Colin Campbell and Edward Riggs, the remaining 2 of the said Commissioners, within the city of Edinburgh.
[Customs Book XV. pp. 142–3.] |
| July 9. |
111. Petition to the Treasury from the Commissioners for Westminster Bridge. Under the terms of their trust have bought divers estates for opening streets and passages within the city of Westminster, inter al. a small parcel of ground called the Pond or Sewer, extending from Lindsey Lane to the Parliament Office near the Old Palace at Westminster. Are informed that His Majesty is entitled to a piece of ground formerly called a Broad Ditch in the parish of St. Margaret's, Westminster, near the tower, in the custody of the Clerk of the Parliament in or near the Old Palace at Westminster. Apprehend that these two plots are the same. Therefore pray a grant of His Majesty's title without consideration, they having bought the plot as a freehold and for a consideration.
[Crown Lease Book V. p. 490.] |
July 10.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
112. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Earle, Mr. Clutterbuck.
Thomas Wells to have 20l. more and 50l. per an. from this day till he shall be provided for. Both to be paid by Mr. Lowther out of the King's money in his hands.
Thos. Hawes's petition for extraordinary expenses in passing Mr. Hampden's account as Treasurer of the Navy referred to Auditor Benson.
Lord Hobart's petition for a lease for 50 years of the ground in the Privy Garden, where the Lottery Office and a shed adjoining stand, referred to the Surveyor General of Crown Lands.
“The Paymaster of His Mats. Forces having applied to my Lords to know from what time the Jamaica currency, at first fixed at 120l., and since altered to 125l. for every 100l. sterling, shall begin to be paid to the troops in the West Indies, and the following accounts being read to their Lordships:
9 July, 1740. Messrs. Burrell and Bristow propose to furnish at Jamaica the forces going upon the expedition, at 120l. Jamaica currency for every 100l. sterling, and accordingly 27,000l. is paid them here for bills at 120l. for each 100l. sterling:
20 Janry, 1740–1. General Wentworth writes from Jamaica to the Duke of Newcastle that the fixing of the Jamaica currency at 120l. gives great discontent to the troops, but believes all would be made easy if the currency was fixed at 125l.:
5 June, 1741. Mr. Bristow being called in, acquaints my Lords that as General Wentworth has applyed for the troops to be paid at the rate of 125l. he will take care the remittances shall be made accordingly:
their Lordships do thereupon agree and order that Messrs. Burrell and Bristow pay the troops in America at the rate of 125l. Jamaica currency for 100l. sterling from the 24th of April last.”
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. pp. 350–1.] |
July 15.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
113. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Earle, Mr. Clutterbuck.
Order for the following issues out of the Civil List funds: |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To Mr. Lowther |
2,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the Master of the Horse for extraordinaries |
2,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the Band of Pensioners, 1740, Xmas quarter |
1,500 |
0 |
0 |
A memorial from Mr. Stuart, Paymaster of Pensions, read to be allowed [poundage] on pensions and charities under 30l. per an., from which he deducts [from the recipients] no poundage. A warrant ordered to be drawn to allow it.
Order for a warrant for the Lords Justices to sign in accordance with the tenour of the letter from the Board of Trade in relation to the distribution of 20,000l. amongst the sufferers by fire at Carolina.
The Board of Works to view Mr. Danvers's house in Surrey Street for an office for the Comptrollers of Army Accounts, upon their removal from the Privy Garden, where the office is at present kept.
Order for the issue to the Treasurer of the Navy out of funds, anno 1741, of 23,499l. 5s. 11d. for services as in his memorial of this day. “Read and agreed to a memorial of the Board of Works for shoring the roof of the Chapter House at Westminster.”
Mr. Buckley's bill for 460l. 8s. 6d. to be paid by Mr. Lowther.
[Ibid. p. 352; Letter Book XX. p.10.] |
| July 15. |
114. Treasury warrant to the Customs Commissioners to give the necessary orders for paying to Stephen Poyntz, Inspector of Prosecutions on Uncustomed and Prohibited Goods, the usual poundage of 12d. per £ on all sums certified to have been paid into the Exchequer arising from such prosecutions for the intermediate time from 1741, April 18, the death of Thomas Pagett, late Inspector of same, to June 8 following, being the date of Poyntz's warrant for his patent.
Appending:—Said Poyntz's petition to the Treasury concerning the expense of the service during said interim period:—“The poundage due to the Inspector, though paid by the Receiver General of the Customs on order from [the Customs] that board, takes its rise from warrants of the Treasury of the 4th of August and 14th of November, 1687, in favour of John Pearse, the first Inspector, to which all subsequent constitutions of an Inspector have constant reference.”
[Customs Book XV. pp. 144–5.] |
| July 16. |
115. Warrant under the sign manual of the Lords Justices, countersigned by the Lords of the Treasury, to James Glenn, Captain General and Governor-in-Chief of South Carolina, prescribing the methods to be pursued by him and by the committee of the Assemblies there in the distribution of the 20,000l. granted by Parliament for the relief of the sufferers by the late dreadful fire at Charleston.
[Kings Warrant Book XXXIV. p. 305.] |
| July 16. |
116. The Duke of Devonshire, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to the Treasury, dated Devonshire House, forwarding papers as below, being transmitted to him from the Lords Justices of Ireland. Prays the proper Treasury instrument for the passing of the surpluses in question by placing them to the account of His Majesty's revenue at large in Ireland. 1 page.
Appending:—Statements of account as follow, certified by Luke Gardiner, Deputy Receiver General, Ireland.
(a) Payments made in the Treasury Office, Dublin, on account of Military Contingencies, Ireland, for one year 1740, Lady Day, to 1741, Lady Day. (Total payments, 4,233l. 6s. 1½d., as against an established allowance of 3,000l.). 5 pages.
(b) Same made in same on account of the Concordatum in same year (total payments 10,969l. 17s. 11½d., as against an established allowance of 5,000l.). 9 pages.
(c) Same made in same on account of Barracks in same year (total payments 20,075l. 12s. 11¼d., as against an established allowance of 13,336l. 10s. 0d.). 5 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCV. No. 48.] |
July 17.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
117. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Earle, Mr. Clutterbuck.
Order for the issue to the Treasurer of the Chamber of 1,000l. for the messengers, in advance, to enable them to perform foreign voyages: to be abated out of their bills.
Same for same out of the Civil List funds of 750l. to satisfy a warrant signed by the Lords Justices in the name of John Shepherd for that sum, to answer bills of exchange drawn from Paris for His Majesty's service.
A report from the Board of Works read upon repairs done at the Savoy by Mr. Wilkinson. Ordered that said Board pay him according to said report.
James Thomas to have the next vacancy of a watchman in fee or tidesman at the recommendation of Lord Sundon and Mr. Earle.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. p. 353.] |
| July 20. |
118. Report to the Treasury from the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland, dated Exchequer Chamber, Edinburgh, on the petition to the Treasury from Nicol Spence, agent for the church of Scotland, on behalf of the ministers of Abernyte and Benvie, in the Presbytery of Dundee and county of Angus, praying an augmentation to said livings out of certain small rents and benefices. Find that since the previous report of 1733–4, Feb. 24, upon the petition of the Presbytery of Dundee in favour of the ministers of Abernyte and Benvie, the greatest part of the small duties and benefices mentioned in the petition have been collected and brought in by Mr. James Hogg, minister of the Gospel at Caputh, they being payable, as he had made appear, by the heretors of his parish. It would be a proper act of royal bounty to grant said duties and small benefices to the ministers of Aberynte, Benvie, and Caputh equally amongst them during the incumbency of said Hogg in the parish of Caputh, and thereafter to the ministers of Abernyte and Benvie and their successors equally between them. 2 pages.
Enclosing:—(a) Said petition to the Treasury from said Spence. The benefices or livings of the said 2 parishes are about 31l. per an. each, although by the law of Scotland the lowest provision or stipend for a parish minister, where the tithes can afford it, ought to be 800 marks Scots or 44l. 8s. 102/3d. But the ministers are by common law remedyless in respect that the tithes of their parishes are exhausted and cannot afford an augmentation. Since the late happy revolution the Sovereign has frequently granted augmentations to small livings in Scotland out of the rents of the bishops and other dignified clergy which fell to the Crown at the abolition of these offices. At the said revolution it happened that several small benefices formerly belonging to the dignified clergy in the Diocese of Dunkeld were not stated in the rental that was then taken up of the Bishop's tithes, and consequently remained for years in the hands of the persons liable for payment. In 1726 Mr. Mitchell, late minister of Abernyte, discovered these to the Exchequer Court, Scotland, and obtained a commission to uplift them. Mitchell died in 1732, and as some other small benefices had been meanwhile discovered, and the stipends of Benvie and Abernyte stood equally in need of augmentation, the Presbytery of Dundee applied to the Treasury for a grant of said benefices to said parishes equally. Although recommended by the report of the Exchequer Court, Scotland, of date 1733–4, Feb. 22, the grant has never been effectuated, and Mr. Laurie and Mr. Blair, ministers at Benvie and Abernyte, still continue with their mean stipends.
With:—Treasury order of reference of date 1741, April 24[? 22], to the Barons of the Exchequer, Scotland. 3 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCV. No. 50; North Britain Book XIII. p. 144.] |
July 22.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
119. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Earle, Mr. Clutterbuck.
Mr. Gore being present is desired by my Lords to furnish Mr. Compton, the Deputy Paymaster in Holland, with a credit at Amsterdam for 75,000l. sterling, payable 20 days after sight; which Mr. Gore undertakes to do. Gore to be paid by the Paymaster here, on receipt of notice that the credit is accepted to the satisfaction of said Deputy Paymaster. Gore to be paid the usual interest and allowance made for providing said money in Amsterdam, in case said sum be not called for or any part thereof.
Order for the issues [out of the Civil List funds] as follow: |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To the 2 principal Secretaries of State for [their] Secret Service, 1741, Midsummer quarter |
1,500 |
0 |
0 |
|
To the Farmer of the Post Fines |
1,205 |
18 |
5 |
|
To the Gentlemen and Grooms of the Bedchamber, for 1740, Xmas quarter |
4,650 |
0 |
0 |
A memorial read from Mr. Baker, agent to the Independent Companies in Jamaica, for making good the losses occasioned by Popple's failure. Ordered that 8,716l. 13s. 9½d. be issued thereupon to the Paymaster of the Forces.
Order for the issue to the Paymaster of the Forces out of funds, anno 1741, of 41,421l. 8s. 9d. to pay the Danish and Hessian troops as specified in his deputy's memorial of this day.
Same for same to the Treasurer of the Navy out of same of 22,850l. for services as in his same of the 20th instant.
An account to be laid before my Lords at their next meeting of what is due on the Establishments for the Huntsmen at Midsummer last.
“Write to the Postmasters General acquainting them that Lord Abercorne, being sworn of His Majesty's Privy Councill, and living constantly in town to attend the business, their Lordships think it reasonable he should be allowed to frank and receive letters free.”
Order for the issue out of the Civil List funds of 475l. to Mr. Stewart, Paymaster of Pensions, as follows:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
For Lord Saye and Sele, 1741, Midsummer quarter |
150 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Mr. Manning, half-year to same date |
200 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Majr. Foubert for 1740, Xmas quarter |
125 |
0 |
0 |
Auditor Benson's report read on Mr. Hawes's memorial for his trouble and expenses in passing Mr. Hampden's account. Ordered that the sum of 287l. 9s. 4d., repaid into the Exchequer by Sir Thomas Littleton's executors, be paid to Mr. Hawes in full of all his demands.
Mr. Lowther to pay, out of the King's money in his hands, 50l. to Mr. Whatley, and 8l. 5s. 8d. to Hugh Philips, store stamper.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. pp. 354–5; Letter Book XX. p. 7.] |
1741
[After
July 22.] |
120. An incomplete set of papers wanting the covering document, of which they formed the numbered enclosures, all relating to the state of the accounts of the 4½ per cent. duty in Barbados and the Leeward Isles.
(a) (numbered 1). The report, dated Custom House, London, 1741, July 22, from R. Parsons, Comptroller General of the Accounts of the Customs, to the Treasury concerning the said accounts. 18½ pages.
(b) An appendix to said report containing confirmatory items in detail, e.g.: a list of the Journals of said duty wanting from the respective Leeward Isles, specimen forms prescribed to be observed in the accounts of said duty, a copy of the Customs Commissioners' presentment to the Treasury of date 1693, April 1, the observations dated 1732, November 2, from the Auditors of Imprests on the general accounts of said duty for 1685–7, the report dated 1734, August 5, of the Comptroller General of Customs revenues on the aforesaid observations; further specimens of accounts, &c., &c. 20 pages.
(c) (numbered 5). A method suggested by the Auditor of Imprests for passing the accounts of the said duty. 1½ pages.
(d) (numbered 11). Representation to the Treasury, dated 1741, May 26, from Horatio Walpole, senior, Auditor of the Plantations, concerning the irregularities in connexion with the 4½ per cent. duty in the Plantations. Forwards a copy d (1) infra of a previous representation of his own to the Treasury on the same subject. The exhibiting and passing the general accounts of the collectors of that duty through the Exchequer in London is incumbent on the Controller General of Customs, but the said accounts have not been passed ever since the year 1684, though some imperfect accounts thereof from 1684 to 1712 had been delivered to the Auditors of the Imprests by Mr. Lydcot when Controller General. These remained unprosecuted. Since the date of the abovesaid representation several orders have been made by the Customs Commissioners for remedying the irregularities complained of in the collection of the said duty abroad. But in spite of all the steps taken with regard to the general accounts there is no likelihood of their being speedily passed unless the Treasury interpose afresh. 1½ pages.
Appending:—(d) (1) Copy of said representation to the Treasury from said Walpole of date 1730–1, January 13. 2½ pages.
(e) (numbered 12). R. Parsons to Horatio Walpole, dated Customs House, London, 1741, May 15, giving his thoughts why the general accounts of the 4½ per cent. duty had not been passed by the Auditors of Imprests to 1721 and from that date by said Walpole. 3 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCV. No. 54.] |
| July 24. |
121. Treasury warrant renewing the contract with the Bank of England for the circulating of Exchequer bills for the year ending 1742, July 24.
[Warrants not relating to Money XXVI. p. 102.] |
July 29.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
122. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Sundon, Mr. Earle, Mr. Clutterbuck.
The following is entered as the answer made by the Lords of the Treasury to Lord Harrington's letter to the Duke of Newcastle, intimating some difficulties or delays made about the pay of the Danish and Hessian corps.
“Mr. Compton, the Deputy Paymaster at Amsterdam, is by his instructions authorised to pay the subsistence of the Danes and Hessians into the hands of such persons as shall be duly authorized to receive the same by proper powers from the respective Princes to whom the said troops do belong: and the money is in Mr. Compton's hands for the subsistence of both corps from the 25th of March last, for 4 months: and Mr. Compton writes word that the only difficulty in paying the money was the defect in the powers sent from Hesse Cassel. There is no want of any warrt or royal authority from hence or from Hanover, but as the establishment when it is made will commence from the said 25th day of March last, that will be the authority from the King for paying the whole year's pay which is the constant practice in all other troops.”
The Admiralty clerks to be repaid their land tax, 1740.
Order for the issue out of the 1,000,000l. from the Sinking Fund for the service of 1741, of 75,000l. to the Paymaster of the Forces on the unsatisfied order in his name for 200,000l. part of 300,000l. granted by Parliament for supporting the liberties and balance of power in Europe. Said sum of 75,000l. is to answer a letter of credit given by John Gore on Messrs. Pells and Sons at Amsterdam to furnish the Deputy Paymaster in Holland with said value.
Same for same out of the Sinking Fund of 100,932l. to the Treasurer of the Navy for services as in his memorial of the 27th instant.
Same for same of the following out of the Civil List funds:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To several persons as in a letter [of direction] to the Exchequer |
6,702 |
17 |
1 |
|
To Ralph Jenison, Master, to clear the establishment of the Buckhounds to 1741, Midsummer |
1,755 |
15 |
0 |
|
For the establishment of the Harriers, 1740, Xmas quarter |
500 |
0 |
0 |
|
For the same of Staghounds, same quarter |
400 |
0 |
0 |
Same for same to Mr. Stewart of 100l. for Mr. Arthur Shorter's pension of 200l. per an. for 6 months, due 1741, June 24: and 250l. for Mrs. Grace Cosby's same of 500l. per an. for 6 months to 1741, Lady Day.
Memorandum:—These two last sums are included in the letter for 6,702l. 17s. 1d. abovementioned.
George Tottingham to attend at the waterside in order to his being instructed in the business of the Customs, for an office in which he is recommended by Mr. Thomas Herbert.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. pp. 356–7.] |
July 31.
Whitehall,
Treasury
Chambers. |
123. Present: Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Sundon, Mr. Earle, Mr. Clutterbuck.
A letter from Mr. Corbet, Secretary of the Admiralty, read desiring an order to the Customs Commissioners for the transhipment, duty free, of 121 pipes of Vidonia wine at Spithead, on board three of His Majesty's ships there. Ordered that the Commissioners of Victualling do attend this Board on Wednesday next.
[Treasury Minute Book XXVIII. p. 358; Letter Book XX. p. 11.] |
| July 31. |
124. Treasury warrant to the Board of Works to execute works as below at the estimate of 151l.
Prefixing:—Memorial to the Treasury from the Board of Works. “Mr. Lawton, Keeper of the Records that are placed in the Chapter House, Westminster, apprehending that the stone roof of the said Chapter House was in danger of falling in, desired we would cause the building to be examined, which we have done, and find the roof to be so bad that we think there is a necessity to take it down and put on a new one.” As however the season is improper for this, propose to shore the roof to prevent a much greater charge, and the destruction of the records, until it shall be thought a proper time to make a sufficient repair. Said shoring must be done whenever a proper repair is made, so that no part of the cost thereof will be lost. Cost of said shoring will be about 151l.
[Lord Chamberlain's Warrant Book II. p. 157.] |
| July 31. |
125. Report to the Treasury from the Board of Works. Have viewed the house in Surrey Street belonging to Mr. Danvers, and are of opinion that there is sufficient room for the accommodation of the Comptrollers of the Accounts of the Army to keep their office there. Mr. Danvers is willing to let it on lease at 150l. per an. Sir Philip Meadows has also viewed the house, and makes great objections to it, not thinking it sufficiently light.
Minuted:—“My Lords agree to this report at the rent of 130l. per an. for 21 years to be paid out of the contingencies of the army.” 1 page.
Appending:—4 plans of the house. 4 pages.
[Treasury Board Papers CCCV. No. 56.] |
