Note 35 — Chapter V · THE COLLECTOR OF THE HARLEIAN MSS.
Reading edition
In the interval between June, 1707 (after the Union with Scotland), and February, 1708, the following entries occur in the Council Books:—
‘1 July, 1707. The Rt. Hon. Robert Harley, one of Her Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, delivered up the old signet of office—which was thereupon broken before Her Majesty—and received a new one by the Queen’s command.’ The entry is followed by the note:—‘This order was thus drawn by Mr. Harley’s particular direction.’ (Register of Privy Council, Anne, vol. iii, p. 395.)
‘8 January, 170⅞. The Rt. Hon. R. Harley, ... having this day presented to Her Majesty in her Privy Council a new signet with supporters, Her Majesty was pleased to deliver it back to him, whereupon he returned to Her Majesty the old signet, which was immediately defaced,’ &c. (Ib., p. 485.)