CASE Of Her Grace the duchess of Cleaveland, the Dukes of Grafton and Northumberland, touching an Annuity of 4700 l. per annum, payable out of the Post-Office. Offered to the Consideration of the Honourable House of Commons, in relation to a Clause in a Bill, entitled a Bill for laying several Duties on low Wines, &c.  
BY Act of Parliament made in the 15 Car. 2. cap. 14. the Post-Office was settled upon the Duke of York and the Heirs Males of his Body.  
And in the same Act there is an express Provision made, that no part of the profits of the said Office shall be paid into the Exchequer, but to the Duke or his Receiver General, with power in his own Name to Sue for the same: And in the same Act there is a power granted to His Majesty King Charles the Second, to charge the same with any sum, not exceeding 5382 l. 10 s.  
The Duke of York having Issue male, and inheritable to the said Estate, by Indenture bearing date the 26 day of January 20 Car. 2. and enrolled in Chancery, does grant and confirm unto King Charles the Second, his Heirs and Successors, the said sum of 5382 l. 10 s. to have and enjoy the same to his Heirs and Successors for ever.  
Afterward King Charles the Second, by his Letters Patents dated the 19 of January following, reciting as above, grants to my Lord Viscount Grandison and Sir Edward Villars, and their Heirs 4700 l. per annum, part of the said 5328 l. 10 s. to be paid them quarterly, the same to be paid them without any Warrant or Authority from the King, his Heirs or Successors; and the Acquittances of the said Viscount Grandison and Sir Edward Villers ●hould be a sufficient Discharge, as well to the Duke and all others, as also to the King, his Heirs and Successors.  
Which said last mentioned Grant was declared by the said Viscount Grandison and Sir Edward Villars, by Indenture dated the 26 Feb. 21 Car. 2. to be in Trust for the now duchess of Cleveland.  
Afterwards, by Act of Parliament 22. and 23. Car. 2. num. 14. reciting the former Act of 15. Car. 2. cap. 14. and that the said sum of 5382 l. to 10 s. was intended to be charged annually, and to be accordingly paid, tho' not so expressed n the Act; and also that some doubt might arise, whether the same Charge may remain a continuing Charge; and whether any Disposition, Grant, or Assignment thereof, or any part thereof, heretofore made by His Majesty, can or may be good and effectual in Law against the said Duke of York, and the Heirs Males of his Body, during the said Estate-tail, by reason of the doubtful Penning of the said Act; it was thereby declared and enacted, that the said sum of 5382 l. 10 s. and the power given to His Majesty, for charging of the same, is, and at the said time of the Act was intended, and so for ever then after should be taken, a power of charging the Profits of the said Office, with the annual and perpetual Payment of 5382 l. 10 s. a Year.  
And in the same Act it is expressly provided, That all former Grants, Dispositions and Assignments thereof, or of any part thereof, shall be good and effectual in Law. And farther, That such Grants, Dispositions or Assignments thereof, or of any part thereof, shall be held and enjoyed, according to the tenor, effect and purport of the same, any doubt or question made or to be made upon the Penning of the said former Act to the contrary notwithstanding.  
That since the passing the late Act, the duchess did in the late King James's time, by Conveyance settle the said Rent-Charge to her self for Life; the Remainder, as to one Moiety, to the Duke of Grafton, and the Heirs Males of his Body; and the other Moiety to the Duke of Northumberland, and the Heirs Males of his Body; and for want of Issue, the duchess has settled the Reversion in the Crown.  
Wherefore it is humbly hoped, that a Property so secured by Letters Patents, and confirmed by divers Acts of Parliament, shall not be divested or prejudiced; but that the several Rights of the said duchess and Dukes, shall be respectively secured unto them, by some Proviso to be inserted into the said Bill, or otherwise as the Justice of this Honourable House shall direct.