"We insisted upon a more distinct accompt, whereupon he, (being very ill) sent his chief Clerk Mr. Sizer to us, who deposed, that the accompts could not be made more perfect without muster rolls, which Mr. Lynn the Commissary had not returned.
"In answer to this, Mr. Lynn hath declared, that he could not make up the muster rolls farther than the 24th of December, 1709, for want of the ships books, and the certificates from the Agents of the Commissioners of the sick and wounded: which books and certificates could not be had from the distant parts of the service, till those employed there came to England.
"These difficulties prevent our stating the accompts of the Marines, but it is obvious, that the expence of the Navy is increased by them.
"For the Pay of 8000 Marines, according to the establishment, amounts to £128,133 5 0 per annum.
"The Pay of 8000 ordinary Seamen, is £98,800 0 0 per annum.
"The extraordinary charge therefore, is £29,333 5 0—and how far it may be thought necessary to continue Marines in time of peace, is humbly left to the judgment and determination of Parliament.—The next great expence to the public, is that of the Navy, &c."
After the work of peace was accomplished, a great reduction of the forces took place, and the half-pay list for the year 1714, exhibits upon it the following Regiments of Marines:—The whole having been disbanded, and the officers thus remunerated.
Lieutenant General Holl's, &c.
[Here is a detailed list of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Majors, Captains, 1st Lieutenants, 2d Lieutenants, Chaplain, Adjutant, Quarter-master, and Surgeon.]
| Major General Wills's | do. | |
| Brigadier Borr's | do. | |
| Lord Viscount Shannon's | do. | |
| One Muster-master General, and | ||
| Three Deputies. |