THE French King's DECLARATION For Settling the General Poll-Tax: Together with His EDICT, ORDERING  
All Communities both Regular and Secular, and all particular Persons, (who have any Water from Rivers, Brooks, Springs and Fountains, or otherwise, whether for the Ornament of their Houses, or the Improving of their Estates,) to pay such Sums as shall be imposed upon them in Council, in order to have the Benefit of the said Waters confirmed to them for the future.  
Given at Fountain-bleau, Octob. 1694. and Recorded in Parliament.  
LONDON: Printed for Richard Baldwin, near the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-Lane, 1695.   

THE PREFACE.  
THE following Edicts being Extraordinary, both for the Matter and Manner, It's presumed that the Translation may not only be Grateful to the Curious, who don't understand them in the Original; but useful to the Public, that they may see the difference betwixt a Legal and Tyrannical Government. The disparity of the Style in these two Edicts is very Remarkable. That for the Tax on Water, demands it as a Royal Prerogative and Right; but for such Reasons as will sooner move Laughter than Choler in any but his own Subjects, who have cause indeed to be afraid of that severe Innuendo, that they are fineable for having made use of the Water without his Royal Licence; when they consider, that he, who hath been so often guilty of breaking the most Sacred and Solemn Treaties with his Superiors and Equals, will never be tied to keep Promise to his Subjects, any longer than Opportunity or Necessity affords him a Pretence to do otherwise. Then, as for the Edict imposing the Poll-Tax, it is every whitt as sneaking as the other is haughty: He ushers it in with a flattering and Romantic Prooemium, and to make his Subjects digest it the better, insinuates that the Envy and Ambition of the Allies hath occasioned this War, tho' it be justly chargeable on his own Usurpations; and that their Obstinacy is the Cause of its Continuance; whereas it is his own Pride and Injustice: but being sensible of the Risk which he runs by continual Encroachments on his People's Liberties, he finds himself under a Necessity to fawn sometimes, as well as to Hector at others; and therefore hopes that his Nobility and Gentry, who are so prodigal of their Blood, won't be niggardly of their Money, etc. He is sensible of the Nobilities Pretensions to be exempted from this Poll, and what Reason his Soldiery have to Grumble, that they, who spend their Blood in the War, should also be taxed to maintain it; and therefore finds himself obliged to give soft words, at least; such is the difference betwixt Dominion founded on the Love of the Subject, and that maintained by Tyranny and Force. How great is the odds betwixt the Authority of an Act of Parliament, and the Edict of the most Absolute and Imperious Monarch! How cheerfully do Subjects obey the one, and with what Regret are they forced to submit to the other.  
How much greater Reason have we in England to pay what is charged on us by Law for maintenance of our Liberties, than our Neighbours of France have to pay that which is arbitrarily demanded to support one who tyrannises over their Souls and Bodies? And why should we repine at paying for our Beer, when our Neighbours are forced to pay for their Water? This is judged sufficient by way of Preface, the Edicts themselves being so plain, that he who runs, may read in how much better Condition we are than the French, seeing no Money can be levied upon us without our own consent: Whence it comes to pass, that we have not only wherewith to maintain ourselves at Home, but Money to spare to make us redoubtable Abroad; whereas they have scarcely any thing left to be taken from them, and cannot plead a Property in that poor Remainder, but must surrender it at the Will of their Prince, whenever his Ambition or Necessity requires it: And that the latter is very great, needs no better Demonstration, then that he who never used to accost his Subjects in any other Dialect than We Will and Command, is now forced to make use of Arguments and Entreaties to move and persuade; which comes far short of that August Style,— Be it enacted by the King's most Excellent Majesty, with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons in Parliament assembled; and as it comes short of the Authority, will come as short of the Effects.   

THE KING of FRANCE HIS DECLARATION For the Establishing of a POLL-TAX.  
LEWIS, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre; to all whom these Presents shall come, Greeting.  
Since the Glory of Our State, and the Prosperities wherewith it has pleased God to bless Our Reign, have excited the Envy of most of the Powers of Europe, and engaged them to make a League, in order to wage an Injust War against Us; the sincerity of Our Intention, and the Advantages We have Yearly got over them, putting Us still in hopes of a speedy Peace, We have endeavoured, in order to repel the Efforts of the States in League against Us, to make use of no other Means, but such as were least burdensome to our Subjects: In order thereunto we have alienated Rents, of which we have assigned the Payment on Our Ordinary Revenues; and Created Offices, the Salaries of which are set down on the Settlements of Our Finances. And if in the Sequel, We have been obliged to make use of some other Means which have been more burdensome to Our People, it was only because it was absolutely necessary to settle and fix such Funds as were requisite for the weal of Our State. But the Obstinacy of Our Enemies, who seem to be insensible of their Losses, and who, far from being concerned at the Misery of the People, seem even to take an Advantage at the Inclination We express towards a Peace, giving Us a Prospect of the Continuance of the War, and obliging Us to prepare for it, We are in hop's to make all Europe sensible, that the Forces of France are Inexhaustible, when they are well managed, and that We have certain reserves in the Hearts of Our Subjects, and in their Zeal for their King's Service, and for the Glory of the French Nation. Confiding in this, We have resolved in order to put Ourselves in a Condition to maintain the Expenses of the War, as long as the blindness of Our Enemies will incline them to refuse a Peace, to establish a general Poll-Tax, to be paid during the time of the War only, by all Our Subjects, without any distinction, by Hearths or by Families: And We are the more inclined to look on this Mean as safe and effectual, seeing that the most zealous and most knowing of Our Subjects of the Three Orders which compose this State, seem to have prevented Our Resolution; and moreover that the Estates of Languedoc being assembled according to the usual Custom, after having granted the free Gift of Three Millions which We had desired of them, and made Provision for the other usual Charges which the War has considerably increased, by an Express Decree of their Assembly, of the Month of December last, carrying their Foresight and the Testimonies of their Zeal and Affection, beyond whatever We could expect from them, have proposed this Aid to Us, and set down the Reasons, for which it ought to be preferred to all the other Extraordinary Means which we might practise hereafter.  
And indeed this Poll-Tax extending generally over all Our Subjects, will prove no great Burden to every one in particular, and being joined to Our usual Revenues, will raise sufficient Funds, which being Collected without Charge or Delay, will render the said Aid the more Speedy, Easy and Effectual. We do moreover believe, that in case the said Collection succeeds, as We have reason to think it will, it will enable Us for the future, to lay aside the extraordinary Affairs, to which the necessity of the Times has obliged Us to have recourse; promising upon the Faith and Word of a King, to annul the said General Poll-Tax, within Three Months after the Publication of a Peace. For these Reasons, and other Considerations Us thereunto moving, of Our certain Knowledge, Absolute Power, and Authority Royal, We have by these Presents, Signed under our Hand, Said and Declared, do Say and Declare, Will, and it is Our Pleasure, That, to reckon from the First Day of this Month, a General Poll-Tax be Established, Raised and Levied throughout Our whole Kingdom, Countries, Lands and Lordships under Our Command, as well as in the Countries and Cities Conquered by Us, since the Declaration of this present War, by Hearths, or by Families, payable Yearly during the present War only, and not to be Continued or Exacted under any Pretence whatever, Three Months after God's having granted Us a Peace: That in order thereunto, the Intendants and Commissioners sent forth in each of the Generalities, Provinces, Countries and Districts, the Syndics of the Dioceses and of the Estates; and the Gentlemen, who are to act jointly with the said Intendants according to this present Declaration, do agree about the Rolls of the Division of the said Poll-Tax, conformably to the Bill of Rates agreed on in Our Council containing the Distribution of Our Subjects, in Two and Twenty Classes, which shall be fixed under the Counter Seal of these Presents. Willing that none of our Subjects of what Quality or Condition soever, whether ecclesiastics, Secular or Regular, Noble, Military or others, should be exempted from the said Poll-Tax, Excepting only such of our Subjects as are assessed on the Taille, or other Common Impositions under Forty Pence, the Mendicant Orders, and the Poor Mendicants, whereof the Curates of every Parish shall give a List Signed and Certified by them, upon their Honour and Conscience. We are persuaded that the ecclesiastics will the more cheerfully submit to this Contribution, seeing that besides that, the Interest of Religion, and the Zeal which they have always expressed for our Service Engages them to it; their Profession hindering them from serving us in our Armies, where most of them should be called by their Birth, they have no other way on this occasion to contribute towards the defence of the State of which they make up the first Body: But in as much as the General Assembly of the Clergy of our Kingdom is to be held this Year, and that the Testimonies we have ever received of the Zeal of that Body, makes us presume that they will continue to give us Proofs of the same; granting us by a Voluntary Gift, Aids proportionable to the Necessities of the State, and that it would not be reasonable at the same time to oblige them to Contribute towards the Poll-Tax; It is Our Will and Pleasure, That at this Time, the Clergy, and the Members which have a dependence on them, be not comprised in the Assessment which shall be agreed on in Our Council, nor in the Rolls which shall be made by the Intendants for the Collection of the Taxes of this present Year. Neither do We question, but the Nobility of Our Kingdom, who daily Expose their Lives, and Spill their Blood generously for Our Service, and for the Support of the State, will as freely Sacrifice so small a portion of their Revenues, as that to which the Tax which will be laid on Gentlemen will amount. And whereas the Product of the said Poll-Tax is designed to supply the Expenses of the War, it is necessary for us to be in a Condition to make use of it during the next Campaign: Therefore we do Require and Command all those who are liable, to pay their Assessments in two Terms and Equal Payments; the first on the First day of March, and the second on the First day of June following. That Our Subjects who are liable to the Taille, do pay the said Tax into the hands of the Receivers of the Taille of every Election, or to the Collectors employed by them, who shall thereupon remit the Fund of their several Collections, to the Receiver-General of the Finances of their Generality: And the Citizens and Inhabitants of free Towns, which are not liable to pay the Taille, into the hands of the Receivers of the Public Stock of the said Towns, who shall afterwards remit the same to the Receivers General of the Finances of the Generality, and the said Receivers-General to the Keeper of Our Treasure Royal. That in such Countries in which Estates are held, the Roll of the Assessment of the said Poll-Tax be made and settled by the Intendants and Commissioners appointed in order thereunto, Jointly and with the Approbation of the ordinary Deputies or Syndics of the said Estates, and that all Persons so Assessed, do pay their Tax into the hands of the Collectors and Receivers in ordinary of Free Gifts, Subsidies, Subventions, and other Impositions in Use in the said Countries, who will afterwards remit the Fund of their Collection to the Treasurers, or Receivers General of the said Estates, and they to the Keeper of Our Treasure Royal. That the Roll of Assessment upon the Citizens and Inhabitants of Our good City of Paris, be made and signed by the 
* An Officer in the Nature of a Lord Mayor.  Provost of the Merchants, and the Sheriffs of Our said City, and that the Product of the said Imposition, be paid to the Receivers by them appointed, who shall remit the same into the hands of the Receiver-General of the City, and he to the Keeper of our Treasure Royal. That the Rolls of the said Poll-Tax, payable by the ecclesiastics Secular and Regular, be Signed by the Intendants and Commissioners appointed, Jointly with and by the Approbation of the Syndic of every Diocese, and the Money thereby arising paid into the hands of the Receivers, who shall be appointed by the Intendant or Commissary of the District, and by the Syndic of every Diocese; Which said Receiver shall afterwards remit the Product of his Receipt into the hands of the Receiver-General of the Finances, and in the Countries which hold Estates, into the hands of the Receiver or Treasurer-General of the said Estates, who will remit the same to the Keeper of our Treasure Royal. That the Rolls of the said Poll-Tax payable by the Gentry and Nobility, be made by the Intendants and Commissioners appointed, Jointly with and by the Approbation of a Gentleman out of every Bailiwick, who shall be chosen and nominated by Us to that Effect, and the Sums arising from the same paid into the hands of the Receiver appointed by the Intendant or Commissioner, and by the Gentleman by Us nominated, and the said Receiver shall remit the Product of his Receipt into the hands of the Receiver-General of the Finances, and in the Countries which hold Estates into the hands of the Treasurer or Receiver-General of the said Estates, who shall remit the same to the Keeper of our Treasure Royal. That the Rolls of the said Poll-Tax payable by the Officers, Soldiers, Troopers, Dragoons, and by the Officers, Soldiers and Seamen, as well of Our Men of War, as Galleys, be settled by the Intendants of Our Provinces, and by those of the Navy, and of the Galleys, within the District of which the said Forces, both for the Land and Sea Service, shall happen to be at the time of the said Imposition, and that the Product thereof be paid into the hands of the Treasurer-General of the Extraordinary of the War, and of those of the Navy and Galleys, who shall remit the Fund of their Receipt to the Keeper of our Treasure Royal. That the Officers of Parliaments and other Courts, who receive their Salaries by the hands of a Paymaster, do pay their Taxes into the hands of the said Paymasters, who shall remit them afterwards into the Treasure Royal. And as to the Princes, Dukes, and Marshals of France, Officers of Our Crown, and other Officers mentioned in the two first Classis of the Bill of Rates agreed upon in Our Council, and the Knights and great Officers of the Order of the Holy Ghost, they shall pay their Tax directly into the hands of the Keeper of Our Treasure Royal: And the Officers of Our Household, and others Employed upon the Settlements of Royal Houses, shall pay their Tax according to the Roll agreed upon by Us in Our Council, into the hands of the Receiver, who shall be by Us appointed to that Effect. All the Receivers, both General and Particular, who shall receive the Collection of the said Poll-Tax, either in the whole, or part, shall, instead of a Salary, retain the Taxations by Us Imposed upon them upon the Product of their Receipts: And as to the Method of Accounting, Fees, and manner of Accounts they shall follow the Regulation by Us made: Prohibiting their Exacting, or receiving any Duty of Acquittance, or other Penies upon any pretence whatever, on pain of being convicted of Extortion: We do also hereby Empower them to compel those who shall delay their Payments, according to the usual Method practised in these Cases, excepting the ecclesiastics, whose Temporal Estate only they shall be allowed to seize, according to the 15th. Article of the Seizures and Executions of Our Ordinance of the Year 1667. Moreover, We do allow the Rolls, Extracts of the said Rolls, Acquittances, Warrants, Assignations, and all other Expeditions and Proceedings which shall be made for the Imposition and Recovery of the said Poll-Tax to be made on Common Paper, and without a Seal, all Edicts, Declarations, and Decrees to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. And to prevent the Disputes which might arise about the Imposition and recovery of the said Poll-Tax, It is Our Will and Pleasure, That those who have many Places, Titles, Dignities or Qualities, and who upon that account might be comprehended in several Rolls, shall only be obliged to pay once, according to the highest Tax, which they are liable to upon the account of all those Qualities. That the Sons of Families being Married, or having Offices, shall be assessed apart in the Rolls, though they live actually in their Father or Mother's House. That the Children of Families, of Age or under Age, enjoying the Estate acquired by their Father or Mother's decease, shall be Taxed at the Rate of the Fourth part of what their Father should have been obliged to pay, according to the Bill of Rates agreed on in Our Council. That Widows shall only be comprised in the said Rolls, for the Moiety of the Tax to which their Husbands should have been Assessed. And that Women parted from their Husbands shall be Taxed in their private Capacity to half the Sums to which their Husbands shall be Taxed. And whereas it might happen that several of Our Subjects would pretend to be comprised in none of the Twenty Two Classis mentioned in the Bill of Rates fixed under the Counter-Seal of these Presents; We do declare, that all those who shall not be particularly comprehended in one of the said Classis, shall be Assessed by the said Intendants and Commissioners appointed, alone, or by the said Intendants, jointly with the Deputies and Syndics of the Countries in which Estates are held, the Syndics of Dioceses, and Gentlemen by Us nominated, if they are Ecclesiastics, Nobles, or inhabiting in a Country in which Estates are held, at the Rate of that Classis, to which their Profession, Condition or Quality has the greatest Relation. And whereas several Alterations may happen from Year to Year in the Condition of the Persons liable to the said Poll-Tax: It is Our Will and Pleasure, That upon Notice given thereof to Our said Intendants and Commissioners appointed, they shall have the Power alone, or Jointly with the Syndics of the Estates, of the Dioceses, and with the Gentlemen by us Nominated, to rectify their Rolls, to increase or diminish their Taxes in that of the following Year, sending an Account of the said Augmentations or Diminutions by them made, to the Comptroler General of Our Finances. And whereas it is very material for the Good of Our Service, and for the Ease of Our People to prevent whatever might retard the Raising of the said Poll-Tax, or put the Persons assessed to Charges: It is also Our Will and Pleasure, That all Disputes which might arise upon the Account of the said Imposition and Recovery, shall be Judged summarily and without Charges by the said Intendants and Commissioners appointed, and in relation to Our good City of Paris, by the Provost of the Merchants, and the Sheriffs, whom we do hereby appoint to be the sole and absolute Judges thereof; so bidding all our other Courts and Judges to take Cognisance of the same: It is also Our Will and Pleasure, That whatever shall be ordained by them, shall be Executed by Provision, allowing them however an Appeal to Our Council. We do also declare, That by these Presents, and by the Establishment of the said Poll-Tax, We do no-wise design to derogate from the Privileges, Prerogatives and Rights of any of the Orders of Our Kingdom, which We will maintain and preserve. Therefore We do Command Our Trusty and Wellbeloved Councillors the Persons holding Our Court of Parliament, Chamber of Accounts, and Court of Aids of Paris, to cause these Presents to be Read, Published and Registered, and the Contents thereof carefully and exactly to observe, and execute, according to the Form and Tenor thereof, putting a stop to all Troubles and Oppositions thereunto Contrary: Willing also, That Credit be given to the Copies of these Presents, Compared and Examined by one of Our Trusty and Wellbeloved Councillors and Secretaries, as much as to the Original; for such is Our Pleasure: In Witness whereof, We have caused Our Seal to be affixed to these Presents.  
Given at Verfailles, on the 18th. of January, of the Year of our Lord 1695. and of Our Reign the 52d. Signed Lewis, and lower by the King, Phelypeaux, and Sealed.  
Registered, and Ordered, upon the Motion of the King's Attorney General, to be Executed according to the Form and Tenor thereof.  
At Paris in Parliament, on the 21. Jan. 1695. Signed, Dongois.  
Registered in the Chamber of Accounts, and Ordered, upon the Motion of the King's Attorney General, to be in force and to be Executed according to the Form and Tenor thereof.  
The Offices being Assembled, on the 22d. of January 1695. Signed,  
Registered in the Court of Aids, and Ordered, upon the Motion of the King's Attorney General, to be Executed according to the Form and Tenor thereof, on the of January 1695.  
Signed,   

TARIF, OR A Bill of Rates,  
CONTAINING The Distribution of the Classis, and the Regulation of the Assessments of the General Poll-Tax, Ordained by the King of France ' s Declaration.  

The first Classis. 2000 Livres.  
THE Dauphin.  
The Duke of Orleans.  
The Duke of Chartres.  
Madam de Guise.  
The Prince of Condé.  
The Duke of Bourbon.  
The Princess Dowager of Conti.  
The Prince of Conti.  
The Duke du Maine.  
The Count de Toulouze.  
The Duchess of Vernevil.  
The Lord Chancellor.  
The Precedent of the Royal Council of the Finances.  
The Ministers of State.  
The Secretaries of State.  
The Comptroller-General of the Finances.  
The Keepers of the Treasure Royal.  
The Treasurer of the Extraordinary of the War.  
The Treasurers of the Navy.  
The General Farmers.   

The second Classis. 1500 Livres.  
THE Princes.  
The Dukes.  
The Marshals of France.  
The Officers of the Crown.  
The first Precedent of the Parliament of Paris.  
The Governors of Provinces.  
The Counsellors of the Royal Council of the Finances.  
The Intendants of the Finances.  
The Treasurers of the Casual Revenues.   

The third Classis. 1000 Livres.  
THE Knights and great Officers of the Order of the Holy Ghost.  
The Judges of Provinces.  
The Vice-admirals'.  
The first Precedents of the Superior Courts of Paris.  
The Precedents à Mortier of Paris.  
The first Precedents of the Parliaments of the Provinces.  
The Secretaries of the Council.  
The Receivers General of the Finances.  
The Treasurers of the Countries in which Estates are held.  
The Treasurers of the Galleys.  
The Receivers of the Exhibitions of Paris.   

The fourth Classis. 500 Livres.  
THE Counsellors of State.  
The Attorneys and Advocates General of the Parliament of Paris.  
The Register in Chief of the Parliament of Paris.  
The Precedents of the Chamber of Accounts, Court of Aids of Paris, and Grand Council.  
The Provost of Paris.  
The Lieutenant Civil, or Judge in Civil Causes.  
The Lieutenant de policy.  
The Provost of the Merchants.  
The Captain-Lieutenants of the Companies of Gens d'armes, and of the Chevaux Legers.  
The Receivers General of the Clergy.  
The Great Audiencers.  
The Keepers of the Rolls.  
The Comptrollers General of the Great Chancery.  
The Treasurers of the Seal.  
The Treasurers of the Artillery.  
The Commissioners of the Real Seasarers of Paris.   

The fifth Classis, 400 Livres.  
THE Masters of Requests Titular and Veteran, and the Councillors of Honour of the Parliament of Paris.  
The Attorney General of the Chamber of Accounts of Paris.  
The Attorneys and Advocates General of the Grand Council, and of the Court of Aids of Paris, and the Registers in Chief.  
The first Precedents of the Chambers of Accounts, and Courts of Aids of the Provinces.  
The Intendants, of the Navy, and of the Provinces, who are not Masters of Requests.  
The Governors of Frontier Towns.  
The Registers of the Council, and the Keeper of the Minutes of the Council.  
The Register in Chief of the Chamber of Accounts of Paris.  
The Treasures of the Fortifications.  
The Treasures of the Buildings.  
The Treasures of the Switz Forces.  
The Custodes of the Treaties agreed on in Council.   

The sixth Classis, 300 Livres.  
THE Lieutenant's General of the King's Armies.  
The Lieutenant's General of the Navy and of the Galleys.  
The Lieutenant's General of the Artillery.  
The King's Lieutenants of the Provinces, whose Places are Hereditary.  
The Governors of Garrisons, etc. within the Kingdom.  
The Sub Lieutenants of the Gens-d'armes, and Chevaux Legers.  
The first Precedents of the Superior Councils of the Provinces.  
The Precedents à Mortier of the Provincial Parliaments.  
The Precedents of the Inquests, and Requests of the Parliament of Paris.  
The Particular, Criminal Judges, and the King's Attorney of the 
* A Prison so called.  Chatelet of Paris.  
The Registers in Chief, Civil and Criminal of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Treasurers of the Mace of Gold, or Golden Bullion.  
The General Farmers of the Posts.   

The seventh Classis, 250 Livres.  
THE Marquesses, Earls, Viscount's and Barons.  
The Provost of the Isle, The Lieutenant Criminal of the Short Robe, and the 
* Captain of the W●●cle.  Chevalier du Guet.  
The King's Attorney, the Register and Receiver of the Townhouse of Paris.  
The Registers appointed for the Registry of the Grand Chamber of the Parliament of Paris.  
The Paymasters of the Rents.  
The Receivers of the Tailles.  
The Receivers of the Demain.  
The Receivers of Fines, Receivers of Fees and Vacations, Receivers of Exhibitions, and the Commissioners of the Real Seizures of the Cities in which there are Parliaments, Chambers of Accounts, or Courts of Aids.  
The Treasurers of Bridges and Causey's.  
The Receivers of the Admiralties.  
The Comptrollers of the Posts.  
The Comptrollers of the Switz Forces.  
The Pay Masters of the Salaries of Superior Courts.  
The Directors of the Farms.  
The Cash-keepers of the Aids and Gabelles.  
The Sub Farmers.   

The eighth Classis, 200 Livres.  
THE Marshals de Camp of the King's Armies.  
The Flag Officers of Men of War and Galleys.  
The Quarter-masters General of the King's Camps and Armies.  
The Ensigns, Cornets, and Guidons, of the Gens d'armes, and Chevaux Legers.  
The Counsellors of Superior Courts of Paris.  
The Grand Bailiffs of the Sword.  
The Masters of the Chamber of Accounts of Paris.  
The Advocate General of the Chamber of Accounts of Paris.  
The Attorney General of the Requests de L'hostel.  
The Judge of the Marble Table.  
The Great Masters of Waters and Forests.  
The King's Secretaries of the Great Chancery.  
The Precedents and Treasurers of France, of Paris.  
The Register of the Presentations and Affirmations of the Parliament of Paris.  
The first Clarks of the Secretaries of State, of the controller General of the Finances, of the Treasure Royal, and●●●●al Revenues.   

The ninth Classis, 150 Livres.  
THE Brigadiers of the King's Armies.  
The Marshal's General of the Horse.  
The Major's General of the Foot and Horse of the King's Armies.  
The Captains of the King's Ships and Galleys.  
The Masters of the Chambers of Accounts of the Provinces.  
The Correctors and Auditors of the Accounts of Paris.  
The Counsellors, Knights of Honour, Attorneys and Advocates General of the Superior Courts of the Provinces.  
The Registers of Extraordinary Commissions.  
The Clerks of the General Comptrollers Office of the Finances.  
The Comptrollers General of the Navy and Galleys.  
The Comptrollers General of the Gabelles.  
The Clarks of the Secretaries and Registers of the Council.   

The tenth Classis, 120 Livres.  
THE Colonels of Foot, Horse and Dragoons of the King's Armies, and other Officers having the Rank of Colonels.  
The King's Lieutenants or Sub Governors of Frontier Towns.  
The Colonel of the Arches of the City of Paris.  
The Gentlemen Lords of Parishes.  
The Advocate General of the Requests de L'hostel.  
The Sheriffs and Counsellors of the City of Paris.  
The Notaries and Secretaries of other Superior Courts of Paris.  
The Ushers of the Council and of the Great Chancery.  
The Precedents Treasurers of France, the King's Advocates, Attorneys, and Registers of the Offices of the Provinces.  
The King's Advocates of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Comptrollers of the Mare of Gold, or Bullion.  
The Director General of the Mint.  
The Notaries of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Expeditionary Bankers at the Court of Rome.  
The Bankers and Agents of the Exchange.  
The Book-keepers, and the controller General of the Remenants of the Chamber of Accounts at Paris.   

The eleventh Classis, 100 Livres.  
THE Commissaries of the War. The Commissaries of the Navy.  
The Comptrollers General of the Ordinary and Extraordinary of the War.  
The Correctors and Auditors of the Chambers of Accounts of the Provinces.  
The Particular, and Criminal Judges, the King's Attorney, and Registers in Chief of the Baliwicks, and Seneschalships under the Jurisdiction of Parliaments.  
The Knights of Honour, and the Counsellors of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Mayors of Cities in which there are Parliaments, or other Superior Courts.  
The King's Secretaries in the Little Chanceries.  
The Receivers of Fines, Fees and Vacations, the Receivers of Exhibitions, and the Commissaries of the Real Seizures of the Cities in which there is an Officer of the Finances, or a Presidial Court.  
The Clerks of the Secretaries of State, and controller General of the Finances.  
The controller of the Paymasters of the Salaries of Superior Courts.  
Wholesale Dealers.  
The first Ushers of the Parliament, and other Superior Courts of paris.   

The twelfth Classis, 80 Livres.  
THE Knights of Honour, King's Advocates and Attorneys, and Registers in Chief of the Presidial Courts of the Provinces.  
The Wax-chafers, Coffer-Carriers and other Inferior Officers of the Great Chancery.   

The thirteenth Classis, 60 Livres.  
THE Sub-Governors and Majors of Garrisons.  
The Engineers-Directors of Fortifications.  
The Precedents and Lieutenants Criminal of the Elections and Salt Lofts.  
The Judges of the Constableship, and of the Admiralties.  
The Sheriffs, King's Attorneys, Registers, and Receivers of the Common Bank of the Cities in which Parliaments, or other Superior Courts are held.  
The Mayors of the Cities of the second Order.  
The Judge's keepers of the Mint of Paris.  
The Substitutes of the King's Officers of the Superior Courts of Paris.  
The Comptrollers of the Paymasters of the Salaries of Superior Courts.  
The Clarks of the Intendants of the Finances, of the Treasure Royal, and Casual Revenues.  
The Receivers General of the Gabelles.  
The Inhabitants of Large Cities, living on their Estates.   

The fourteenth Classis, 50 Livres.  
THE Lientenants of the Artillery.  
The Comptrollers of the Ordinary and Extraordinary of the Wars.  
The Substitutes of the King's Officers in the Superior Courts of the Provinces.  
The Commissaries of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Sub Farmers of the Posts.   

The fifteenth Classis, 40 Livres.  
THe Provosts of the Marshals. Gentlemen Possessing Fiefs and Castles.  
The Quarter-Masters of the Gens d'armes and Chevaux Legers.  
The Lieutenant of the Archers of Paris.  
The Substitutes of the King's Attorney of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Comptrollers of the Rents of the Townhouse of Paris.  
The Registers of the Presidial and other Royal Courts of Justice.  
The Aldermen of Paris.  
The Clarks Receivers of the Farms.  
The Inhabitants of the Cities of thy second Order, living on their Estates.  
The Intendants of Private Affairs and Families.  
The Farmers of Lands and Estates the Rents of which exceed 3000 Livres.  
The Farmers of Mills, the Rents of which exceed 2000 Livres.   

The sixteenth Classis, 30 Livres.  
THE Professors in Law. The Grand Masters, Bursers, and Heads of Colleges.  
The Officers of Royal Baliwicks, of Elections, Salt Lofts, of Waters and Forests, of the Constableship, of the Admiralties, and the Judges of Transportations.  
The Judges, Attorneys, Fiscals and Registers of Dutchies, to which the Title of Peer is annexed.  
The Sheriffs, King's Attorneys, Registers, and Receivers of the Common Stock of the Cities of the second Order.  
The Substitutes of the King's Attorneys in Cities in which there are Parliaments, or other Superior Courts.  
The Mayors of small Cities.  
The Pay masters and Comptrollers of the Salaries of Presidial Courts.  
The Advocates of the Council.  
The Officers of little Chanceries.  
The first Ushers of the Superior Courts of Provinces.  
The Usher's Audiencers of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Great Shopkeepers.  
Merchant's dealing in Corn, Wine and Wood  
The Secretaries of the Councillors of State, Masters of Requests, Intendants, Governors of Provinces, Marshals of France, Generals of Armies, Lieutenant Generals by Land or Sea, Judges Civil, the policy, Criminal, of the King's Attorney in the Chatelet of Paris, of the Provost of the Merchants, and of the Attorneys and Advocates General of Superior Courts.  
Ordinaries.  
The Messengers of Cities in which there are Parliaments, or other Superior Courts.  
Part of the Farmers and Husbandmen.   

The seventeenth Classis, 20 Livres.  
THE Lieutenants and Esigns of the King's Ships and Galleys.  
The Colonels and Majors of the Train-bands.  
The Commissaries of the Artillery.  
The Exempt of the Archers of the City of Paris.  
The Professors of the College Royal of Paris, and others as well of Paris as other Provinces, who receive Pensions and Salaries from the King.  
The Physicians, Surgeons and Apothecaries of Paris.  
The Notaries of Cities in which Parliaments on other Superior Courts are held.  
The Judges, Keepers of the Mint of Provinces.  
The Advocates of Superior Courts.  
The Attorneys of the Parliaments, Superior Courts, and Requests of the Palace.  
The Reporters of Causes in Superior Courts.  
The Ushers of the Superior Courts, and Requests of the Palace.  
The Criers de Corpse and de Vin of Paris.  
The Particular Directors of the Mint Part of the Vintners of Paris.  
Part of the Farmers and Husbandmen.   

The eighteenth Classis, 10 Livres.  
THE Captains and Lieutenants of the Train-bands.  
The Commissaries of the Musters.  
The Captains and Majors of Horse and Dragoons.  
The Enginiers of Gamion.  
The Aid Majors and Captains of Gates.  
The Rectors, Chancellors, Attorneys of Nations, and Deputies of Universities.  
The King's Attorney's Substitutes in Presidial Courts.  
The Physicians, Surgeons, and Apothecaries of Cities of the first and second Order.  
The Advocates and Attorneys of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Comptrollers of the Taxes of Costs of Councils, Parliaments and other Superior Courts.  
The Comptrollers of Writs in Cities, in which Parliaments or other Superior Courts are held.  
The Notaries of Cities of the Second Order.  
The Comptrollers of the Patrimonial Revenues and Grants of the Cities of the first Order.  
The Ushers of the Rod on Horseback, & a la douzaine of the Chatelet of Paris.  
The Overseers of the City of Paris.  
The Artists and Registers of the Scrutore of Paris.  
The Sworn Architects.  
The Metres of Wood, Coals, Brokers, Gaugers, and other Officers of the Policy, and of the Ports.  
The Barbers and Periwig. Makers of Cities of the first and second Order.  
Handicrafts Men of great Cities keeping Shops and Journeymen.  
Part of the Vintners of Paris.  
Part of the Farmers and Husbandmen.  
Part of those who labour in Vineyards.   

The nineteenth Classis, 6 Livres.  
THE Captains and Majors of Foot. The Gentlemen who have neither Fiefs nor Castles.  
The Regent's, Beadles and Messengers and of the Universities.  
The Sheriffs, King's Attorneys, Registers and Receivers of the public Stock of little Towns.  
The Mayors of the Walled Towns.  
The Receivers of Exhibitions and Fines, and the Commissaries of the Real Seizures of Royal Courts of Justice.  
The Notaries of small Towns.  
The Comptrollers of Patrimonial Revenues, and Grants of Cities of the second Order.  
The Usher's Audiencers of Presidial Courts.  
The Roll-keepers of little Towns, living on their Estates.  
Part of the Vintners of Paris, and those of the Enclosed Towns.  
Small Ordinaries.  
The Handycraftsmen of the Cities of the Second Order, keeping Shops and Journeymen.  
The Messenger of little Cities and Enclosed Towns.  
The Post-masters.   

The twentieth Classis, 3 Livres.  
THE Lieutenants, Sublieutenants and Ensigns of Foot.  
The Cornets of Horse and Dragoons.  
The chief Clerks of Ships and Galleys.  
The Quarter Masters of Horse and Dragoons.  
The Lieutenants and Exempts of Marshalsees.  
The Store-Keepers of the Artillery.  
The Keepers of the Navy.  
The Archers of the Town house of Paris, of the Provost of the Isle, and of the Lieutenant of the short Robe.  
The Judges of Seignerial Courts of Justice.  
The Advocates and Attorneys of Presidial and other Royal Courts of Justice.  
The Reporters of Causes in Presidial and other Royal Courts of Justice.  
The Comptrollers of the Taxes of the Costs of the Presidial Courts, Baliwicks, and other Royal Courts of Justice.  
The Sheriff's, King's Attorney's, Registers, and Receivers of the common Stock of small Cities and Enclosed Towns.  
The Physicians, Surgeons, and Apothecaries of Little Cities and Enclosed Towns.  
The Treasurer's Collectors in Languedoc.  
The Registers of the Rolls of Tailles, and other Impositions.  
The Attorneys, Fiscals, and Registers of Seignerial Courts of Justice.  
The Ushers, Attorneys and Sergeants of Royal Courts of Justice.  
The Criers de Corpse & de Vin, of the Provinces.  
The sworn Aulnagers of Linen Clothes, and the Warder of the Linen Cloth-Hall at Paris.  
The Comptrollers of the Farms.  
The Artists and Register of the Scrutore of the Provinces.  
The Gaugers of Waters and Forests.  
The Notaries and Pleaders of Towns and Villages.  
The Comptrollers of the Patrimonial Revenues and Grants of Little Cities and Enclosed Towns.  
The Substitutes of the King's Attorneys in small Cities and Communities.  
The Sergeant's Keepers of Waters and Forests.  
The Essayers and Ingravers of the Mint.  
The Clerks of the Mint.  
The Tole Gatherers.  
The Handicraftsmen of little Cities and Enclosed Towns, being House keepers.  
The Innkeepers, and drinking Houses of Enclosed Towns.  
The Millers, whose Rents are under 2000 Livres.  
Part of the Farmers and Husbandmen.  
Part of those that work in the Vineyards.   

The one and twentieth Classis, 2 Livres.  
THE Gens d'armes & Chevaux Legers, Kettledrums and Trumpeters of the said Troops.  
The Sergeants of Infantry.  
The Archers of the Marshalsees.  
The Sergeants of Seignerial Courts of Justice.  
The Handycraftsmen of Towns and Villages.  
Part of those that work in Vineyards.   

The two and twentieth and last Classis, 1 Livre.  
Soldiers, Troopers, Dragoons, Seamen, Trumpeters, Kettle-Drummers, Drummers and Hautboys.  
Labourers and Journeymen.  
And generally all the Inhabitants of Towns and Villages rated 40 Pence on the Taille and upwards, who are not comprised in the preceding Classis.   
Done and agreed upon at the Royal Council of the Finances, held at Versailles, on the 18th of January, 1695. Signed, PHELYPEAUX.   

THE French King's EDICT, ORDERING All Communities both Regular and Secular, and all Particular Persons (who have any Water from Rivers, Brooks, Springs and Fountains, or otherwise, whether for the Ornament of their Houses, or Improvement of their Estates) to pay such Sums as shall be laid upon them in Council, in order to have the Benefit of the said Waters confirmed to them for the future.  
Given at Fountain-bleau, Octob. 1694. and Recorded in Parliament.  
LONDON: Printed for Richard Baldwin, near the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-Lane, 1695.   

THE French King's EDICT, ORDERING A TAX UPON All RIVERS, BROOKS, SPRING'S, FOUNTAINS, etc.  
LEWIS by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre, To all who are present and to come, Greeting.  
The Distribution, Conducting and Ordering of the Waters derived from Streams and Rivers Navigable or not Navigable, and others which run either through the Jurisdiction of Our Demain, or through the public Roads within the Extent of Our Kingdom, being one of Our principal Rights of Royalty or Demain, the Kings, Our Predecessors, took a particular care to prevent their being Usurped: In the mean time, We are informed, that divers of Our Subjects have in Contravention to our Orders, let out or turned off the Water of Navigable Rivers and Streams, and have moreover taken the Liberty to convey the Waters of the said Rivers Navigable and not Navigable, Brooks, Springs, Fountains and others, through the great Roads, Streets and public Places, the Property of which belongs unto us; which occasions a prejudice so much the more considerable, that by these Enterprises they alter the Course of Navigation, and deprive the Public of the benefit which they might reap from the same, and that they do many times also render the Ways unpassable, by overflowing of the same; which does also oblige Us to be at the Expense of Ditches for maintaining the Canals, and augments Our Yearly Charge, for keeping up of Our Bridges and Causeys. We are also informed, that divers particular Persons or Communities, have let out, turned off, or stopped the Waters of Rivers Navigable or not Navigable, and Brooks, Springs and Fountains, in the Extent of those Lands, whose high Jurisdiction appertains to Us, without having obtained any Permission from Us. These Considerations prevailed with Henry II. to inquire into such Usurpations, and for that effect did expedite his Letters Patents in 1549, by which amongst other things, it is expressly forbid, that any particular Persons should have Water, except the same be alienated for their Use, on consideration of a Rent agreed on by the Commissaries deputed thereunto. There was also an Act of our Council, prohibiting the same, dated Octob. 24, 1687, betwixt the Farmer of our Demains, and the Consul and Community of our City of Arles, which contained the like Prohibitions. In such sort, that, according to the Tenor of those Letters Patents, and that Act, We have Right to declare, That all those who have Water, have incurred a Fine for enjoying the same, contrary to the said Declaration, and the Acts issued for Execution of the same. Nevertheless, having taken into Consideration, that this Fine joined to the Sums which We may pretend to against the said Possessors for time past, would much diminish the Value of their Stocks and Estates, We have judged it more convenient to confirm and maintain them in the Possession of the said Waters, on paying of a Moderate Sum, in consideration of which, they may enjoy the same as in time past: Whereunto We are so much the more inclinable, that by securing the public Roads and Navigable Rivers from such Attempts for the future, We do in some measure make up the Losses of Our Demain, and procure unto Ourselves a present Supply from many Persons who have not hitherto contributed any thing to the extraordinary Charges of the State. For these Causes, and others Us thereunto moving, and from Our own certain Knowledge, full Power, and Royal Authority, We have by this Present, Perpetual and Irrevocable Edict, Said, Statuted and Ordained, and Say, Statute, Ordain, Will and Please, that in the space of one Month at farthest, from the Day of the Enrolling of this present Edict, and the Publication thereof in the Baliwicks, Senesohalships and other Royal Courts, all Communities Secular or Regular, and all particular Persons of what Quality and Condition soever, who have Waters derived from Navigable Rivers within the limits of Our Kingdom, or Countries, Lands and Lordship's subject to Us; As also those who have Waters derived from Rivers that are not Navigable, Brooks, Springs and Fountains, or otherwise, which they stop or retain about the Roads, or bring it across the Streets, Ways and Public Places for their own use, whether it be to Water their Lands, Embellish their Houses, or what other Use soever; Also those who have let out, or turned off the Waters throughout the High Jurisdictions which belong to Us, and in those by Us Mortgaged; shall be obliged to give unto him whom We shall entrust with the Execution of the present Edict, his Proctors, Deputies and Substitutes, exact Declarations of the Quantity of Lines of Water which they enjoy, from whence they flow, the Houses and Edifices bettered or beautified by them, the Places, Streets and Ways thro' which they pass, and what Acres of Land belonging unto them, are thereby watered, on pain of being fined in 500 Livres, which shall neither be remitted nor moderated upon any Pretext whatsoever. We Ordain, That upon those Declarations, it shall be forthwith Enacted in the Rolls of our Council, in which the said Communities and particular Persons shall be Taxed, that is to say, those of Our good City, Provostship, Vicounty, Presidial and Province of Paris, at the Rate of 150 Liures per Line. Those who enjoy any in other Cities of Our Kingdom, where there is a Parliament Chamber of Accounts, Courts of Revenue, Provostships or Baliwicks of the same, at the rate of 100 Liures per Line: Yet so, nevertheless, that the said Taxes may not exceed the Sum of 1000 Livres for each Grant, for what Quantity of Lines soever. Those of other Cities of our Kingdom at the rate of 50 Liures per Line; yet so as their Taxes may not exceed the Sum of 500 Livres. The Proprietors of Watered Lands, at the rate of 3 Liures per Acre. And those who serve themselves of the said Waters for what other Use soever, whether for Profit or Ornament, without the Extent of the said Cities and other Places designed as above, at 25 Livres per Line, yet so as their Taxes may not exceed the Sum of 250 Livres; which Sums shall be paid, as also the 2 Sous per Livre of the same, the one half within a Month after the signification of the said Rolls, and the other half in the Month following, to such Person as we shall name, to recover the same, his Proctors, Deputies and Substitutes, viz. the Principal upon their Acquittance, bearing a Promise to furnish them with a Discharge from the Keeper of Our Royal Treasury; and the 2 Sous per Livre, upon their bare Receipt. By means whereof, it is Our Will that they be confirmed in their Right, Possession and Enjoyment, from the Grant of the Mayors and Sheriffs, without being liable to be dispossessed for any Cause or Pretext whatsoever, nor obliged to pay unto Us, by reason thereof, any Annual Sum; and in case of Default, and not payment of the said Sums, within the time above specified, that they shall be Constrained thereunto, as for our proper Revenues and Affairs; And in case that the Houses, Goods and Estates where there is Water, shall come to be really seized, It is our Will, that the Sums for which they shall be Comprised in the Rolls, shall be paid out of the Money arising from the Leases so seized, or that which shall be made by the Sale of the said Goods preferable to all other Creditors. We done't however comprehend in this present Enquiry, the Canals, Aqueducts, and other Works, which serve for the Conveyance of Waters of Public Fountains, Hospitals, or Almshouses of Lay administration. In case of opposition to the Execution of the said Rolls, It is Our Will that they should not be received until the said Persons from whom they shall be due do in the first place consign the Third of their Taxes. We Command all Our Officers, also those of Lords, and all Mayors, Sheriffs, Clerks, and other Municipal Officers of Cities, Towns and Parishes of Our Kingdom, Countries, Lands and Lordships, under Our Jurisdiction, to furnish him who shall be employed by Us for the Recovery of the said Taxes, Extracts of the Grants which they have made to any for the Enjoyment of the said Waters; for each of which Extracts, they shall be paid Four Sous for all Charges, the Stampt-Paper being therein included. We do expressly discharge all those who shall find themselves Comprehended in the Rolls, enacted in the Execution of Our present Edict, to oblige any of those who grant them, the enjoyment of the said Waters, to Vouch or make good the Grant, in order to the Redemanding of the Sums which they shall have paid unto us. We give it likewise in Commandment to Our beloved and faithful Counsellors, those who hold Our Court of Parliament, Chamber of Accounts, and Court of Aids at Paris, That they cause this Our present Edict to be Read, Published and Recorded (even in the Vacation time) and the Contents thereof to observe and execute, according to the Form and Tenor, ceasing from, and making to cease, all Letts and Impediments which may be brought or given, any Edicts, Declarations, Regulations, and other things to the Contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding, from which we have derogated, and do by these Presents derogate. To the Copies whereof, collated by one of Our beloved and faithful Counsellors and Secretaries, it is Our Will, that Credit be given as unto the Original, for such is Our Pleasure.  
Given at Fountainbleau in the Month of October, and the Year of Grace 1694. and of Our Reign the 52d. Signed Lovis, over against it Boucherat, and underneath, By the King, Phelypeaux, and seal'd with the Great Seal of Green Wax.  
Recordèd and Herd, at the Instance of the King's Attorney General, that it might be executed according to the Form and Tenor; and the Collated Copies sent to the Courts, Baliwicks, and Seneschalships of Jurisdiction, there to be likewise Read, Published and Recorded, the Substitutes of the said King's Attorney General being commanded to give their Assistance thereunto, and to Certify the Court thereof in a Month's time, according to the Act of this Day.  
At Paris in Parliament 17 Novemb. 1694. Signed Du tiler.  
FINIS.