By the Mayor.  
To the Alderman of the Ward of _____  
WHEREAS divers good Laws have been Made, and are still in Force, for the Suppressing and Punishment of Vagrants, Vagabonds, and other idle Persons, the not executing whereof is the Reason that Vagrants and Beggars do so much Swarm in the Streets and Places of common Resort within this CITY, To the great Annoyance and Disturbance of the Citizens and Inhabitants thereof, and all others resorting thereunto, and the great Scandal of the Government in tolerating so great a Mischief: To the end therefore the said Laws may be better put in Execution for the Future, and the Streets, Common Passages, Church-Doors, and all other Places of Public Resort be cleared from that Living Nuisance; These are in His MAJESTY'S Name straight to Charge and Require you, That you forthwith call before you all the Constables within your Ward, and give them yourselves strict Command, as by the Laws in that behalf they are required, to be very careful, diligent and active to observe and apprehend all Vagrants and Beggars, that shall at any time be found Begging in their respective Parishes and Precincts, and such of them as shall have Dwellings or Abode within the City, or the Liberties thereof, that They carry to BRIDEWELL, there to be received and dealt withal according to Law; And all others that (as the Law in that behalf directs) they punish and pass away from Parish to Parish, the next straight Way to the Parish where they were Born, if the same may be known by the Parties Confession, or otherwise; and if that be not known, then to the Parish where they last Dwelled, by the space of one whole Year before the same Punishment; and if that cannot be well known, then to the Parishes through which they last passed without Punishment. And if through the Remissness or Negligence of the Constable of any Precinct to put the said Laws in Execution, any Vagrant shall at any time be found Begging in any Precinct within your Ward, you are desired to cause the Constable of the said Precinct to be Bound over to the Sessions, there to Answer the same; the Law having provided, That every Constable shall in such case Forfeit Ten Shillings for every Default: And you are earnestly desired to Press (what in you lies) all the said Constables to a due and careful observance of their Duty in this particular; And also that you will make it your Care, That where any Constable shall at any time fail herein, He may certainly suffer the Penalty of the Law for every Default. Hereof fail not, as you tender the Honour of the Government, and the public Weal of this City.  
Given this 15th Day of March, 1686/7. Wagstaffe.   

Printed by SAMVEL ROTCROFT, Printer to the Honourable City of London.