ABSTRACT
By his warrant dated 21 October 1685 James II transferred all future payments to musicians to the Treasurer of the Chamber. Substantial arrears remained due to Charles II’ servants and it is an impressive testimony to James II and his administrators – and to others in William and Mary’s reign – that a determined effort was made to satisfy these debts as far as resources would allow. Arrears of musicians formerly paid by the Exchequer were still to be settled by that department, the money coming from a tax on tobacco and sugar. One set of books contains copies of the warrants from the King to the Exchequer authorizing payment of the arrears to the musicians and other servants of Charles II.
