The grievances of the Owners and Masters of shipping trading to the Southwards, against the patent for Dungennesse lights.  

What was consented unto.  IT is true that some of us gave consent to the setting up of a light at Dungennesse: which was intended should have been a fair stone-tower, wherein to have kept a blazing fire light: and for the charge of building and maintenance thereof, consent was likewise given to pay a penny upon the ton of all ships that should take benefit thereby; and this penny to be paid, part by the Owner and part by the Merchant, at the return of the ships 
The Patentees abuse of the consent: in erecting an unfit light, and ill keeping thereof.  from their voyages, and not before.  
But the Patentee hath abused this consent: for in stead of a stone tower, he hath erected sleight structures of 3 or 4 masts: and on the top thereof keeps only a candle light, which is nothing fit for that place, for that we cannot have any benefit thereby, because it cannot be seen, till ships come very near it: and also that candle light is so evilly kept, that it is suffered in many dark nights to go out, to the often endangering of our ships and men's lives.  

The Patentee receiveth as much again, as was consented unto, and receiveth it of those that have no benefit by the light.  And in stead of a penny upon the ton to be paid at our ships return▪ the Patentee hath inserted a penny out, and a penny in, which is two pence upon the ton, every voyage. Which two pence we refusing at first to pay, he procured his Majesty's letter to the Customhouse, to have our entries refused, and our Coquets stayed until payment were made of the said two pence upon the ton. And also he receiveth the like imposition of all ships that bring salt, wines, or oils out of the Low Countries, ●●though they come not near the said lights by 18 or 20 miles, nor can have any benefit thereby.  

What we now desire.  We do therefore humbly pray this honourable Assembly to provide that a fair tower may be built, wherein may be kept a blazing fire-light, at the charge of a penny upon the ton, to be paid part by the Owner, and part by the Merchant, at the return of our ships: or otherwise altogether to extinguish the light: for much better were it to have none, than such a one, by which we can have no benefit, but are often endangered to lose both our ships, goods and lives.