A DISCOVERY OF Indirect Practices IN THE COAL-TRADE, OR A Detection of the pernicious Maxims and unfair Deal of a certain Combination of Men, who affirm, It is a Cheat to be Just, and Just to Cheat.  
To which are added some Proposals for the Improvement of Trade and Navigation in general, and of the Colliery-Trade to New Castle in particular.  
By Charles Povey.  
LONDON, Printed by and for H. Hills, and Published by A. Baldwin in Warwick-lane, 1700.   

A DISCOVERY OF Indirect Practices IN THE COAL-TRADE, OR The Combination, that affirms, It is a Cheat to be Just, and Just to Cheat, with the Vanity of False and Malicious Reports detected, and exposed to Public View, by C. P.  

I.  
I Think myself obliged in several Respects, to Publish this short Tract for my own Vindication; Not doubting in the least, but it will be very acceptable to all impartial and disinteressed Persons, tho' as unpleasant to some few, that are otherwise disposed: And to assUre those few, who are my unreasonable Enemies, That what I have done was not out of Choice, but mere Compulsion: Not to gratify any Malevolent Humour, but to make them sensible of their own Failings: Not with any Design to expose their Trade and Reputation, as they have done mine; but with a Desire to Rectify every Thing that may be amiss in them: Nay, what I have done, I had much rather have left undone, had there not been an absolute necessity for it: For what Man living can be silent, when he finds himself wronged in the highest Nature imaginable, and Robbed of his Reputation, which is the richest Jewel in this World, that any one can be Master of? But after all this, I should have been silent, and looked upon a few Words as a blast of Wind, that might have Vanished like a Morning-Cloud, or an early Dew: But when I perceived my Name called into Question, before a Magistrate and a Court of Justice, for doing to others, as I would be done by: When I observed my Reputation endangered by twelve inconsiderate Men, even against the Consent of a just Judge: When I saw every Thing, that was dear to me in the World, just a going to be Shipwrecked on the Shoals of false and Malicious Reports; where many a good Reputation has been Split, and buried in the Land of Oblivion: Then I thought it high time to avoid so dangerous a Gulf before it was too late. Thus I Consider'd with myself, how easily I might prevent my own Ruin, and that of many more who may he under the same Misfortune with myself, by putting a stop to the Proceed of the Malicious: More especially since I am so Fortunate as to have an opportunity of wiping off all the Aspersions that have been most unjustly Cast upon me; by the testimony of several Witnesses of undoubted Credit; besides many Arguments and Reasons to Confirm it; none, I hope, will blame me for so doing: Nay, I am persuaded, The worst of my Enemies will forbear to censure my Conduct, when they suppose themselves under the same Circumstances, and seriously Consider, that I have writ nothing but the real Truth in every Particular: For I desire to proceed with all possible Moderation, without Passion or Prejudice, wishing them all the success imaginable in their Lawful Undertake; since my whole Design is, to Undeceive the World, that no Man may be Imposed upon, with groundless Suggestions, and false Reports.   

II.  
We live in an Age that is so full of Calumnies, and false Reports, that the most quick sighted of Men can scarce Discern the Difference between that which is Plain and Fair in the way of Dealing, and that which is Foul and Unjust; An Age wherein many Men live, who have no regard to their Neighbour's Trade and Reputation, whenever they have a Prospect of Advancing their own: An Age so wise in worldly Wisdom, and especially in making such Cunning Reflections, that most People are apt to believe what they say, to be the real Truth, till the Injured Person has a fair opportunity, to justify his Integrity, and by setting matters in their true light, makes the falsehood of their odious Calumnies plainly appear, beyond Contradiction, and then all their Machiavilian Policy, and Subtle Artifices, are suddenly detected and exposed to Contempt; But alas! how many innocent Persons are there who lie under the Lash of a Virulent and Scandalous Tongue, and are not able at least for some time, to vindicate their own Reputation. The main Reason (as I take it) is, That their Enemies are so Sly and False, that they never Discover themselves to the injured Person but Judas like Crucify his Reputation in his Absence; Flattering him with smooth Words and a Treacherous Heart before his Face: So that such Men may well be compared to the Venom of Asps, to Juneper-Coals, and to Arrows; and indeed, they are worse than all these: For there are Antidotes against the Venom of Asps; but what can secure a Man from the S●ing of an Evil Tongue? Not even Innocency itself: And Juneper-Coals, though they be very hot bourn none, but those that touch them; whereas a spiteful Tongue hurts them that never Offended it: As for the Arrows, Distance of Place will preserve one from them; but wheresoever a Man goes, the Malice of a lying Tongue will still persecute him: For such Infernal Furies no sooner open their foul Mouths to speak, but the noisome Stench of their corrupt Hearts burst forth, infecting with their poisonous Breath, both the Air, and the Ears of the Hearers. To conclude, a Malicious Person is just like the Crooked Serpeut, that having his Head one way, can distort his Heart, to another.   

III.  
But to come to matter of Fact; There is a certain Combination of Men, and I have good reason to believe, that most of them go under the Denomination of Coal-Merchants, who according to their mutual Compact have united themselves together, with a full Resolution, to ruin my Trade and Reputation, and to persuade the World, That it is a Cheat to be Just, and Just to Cheat; the falsehood of which Position will plainly appear by the following Discourse, and I Doubt not but to Discover the Rancour of their Hearts, by their False and Malicious Reports. I am also well satisfied, that there are very few Persons of any Note within the Bills of Mortality, who can be ignorant of their Proceed against me. These Gentlemen have been pleased to give themselves the trouble, to go from House to House; Casting many sinister Reflections on my Way of Dealing; and not only so, but have Encouraged their Friends, Agents and Servants to do the like, and have used their utmost Endeavours to Confirm their Villainous Practices by the method following.   

I.  
IN the first Place they give it out, That I Cheat every Person I have any Deal with, in their Measure of Coals, and to make their Assertion good, they confidently affirm, That they have twenty Indictments against me, and have already Convicted me for a Cheat, upon several of them, and particularly, that on the thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred, I was fined forty Pounds, for want of seven Bushels of Coals in half a Cauldron: A Report so Notoriously false, that it must needs make their Names stink in the Nostrils of all Men of sound Reason; especially when the first Rise of it is Discovered to the World; which I shall endeavour to do, with all the Plainness Imaginable. Two Persons whose Office it is, to see that every Man have his full Measure of Coals, took an occasion, not long since, to give me a visit, during which, their Demeanour was very agreeable, their Countenance Smiling, their Expressions Smooth and Diverting; wishing me much Happiness and a good Trade; speaking well of my Undertake; declaring that Nature itself had ordered every thing for my Conveniency; and setting forth, how beneficial the Coal-Trade would be to me, if I complied with their Demands: Whereupon I asked them what it was for, and how much they required? One of them Replied, it was for Winking-mony, and that others gave them ten Shillings a Quarter, upon the same Account. My Answer was to this Effect, That I Designed to give every Man his full due, and though I might meet with many Obstructions from them, and the Coal-Merchants, at my first Beginning; yet I doubted not, but in the End, it would Redouned to my Advantage, by giving the True Measure; for my Intention was not to make three, four, or five and twenty Cauldrons out of a Score. Thus these Industrious Officers finding themselves Disappointed of their Quarterly Salary, in a few Days after, they watched one of my Carts with a Cauldron of Coals, and Measured them in Chiswel-street, near moorfield's, where I had sold three Cauldrons of Coals which is the seventh part of a Score, full Pay, and in that Cauldron, which was the last of the three, there was half a Bushel over and above four Fats of Coals; which they were forced to acknowledge upon their Oaths, at Guild-Hall, on the thirteenth Day of May, One thousand and seven hundred However their Spite was so great, that they told the People of the House, that there wanted three Bushels and a half of Measure, and forewarned them to Pay me any Money till they gave Orders: Afterwards, they went to Billingsgate, and raised a Crowd of Coal-Merchants about me, who called me Cheat; hoping thereby to impair my Credit in a Public Market, and one of them offered to lay twenty Guinies, That that Cauldron of Coals, which was Measured in Chiswel-street, by the two City Measurerers, was not Measure, nor Water-Measure: Whereupon, I took the Gentleman at his Word, and laid them twenty G●●●es, That the same Cauldron of Coals, which was Measured in Chiswel-street, was true Measure, and Water-Measure. However, in a few Hours after, they were sick of their Wager, and employed many of their Friends, to make up the Matter: But I replied, I was obliged in several respects to Vindicate my Measure and Reputation, and to Expose the Gentlemen, with their Winking-mony to the Public View of the City and Suburbs, that the People many observe how finely they are Imposed upon in these Affairs.  
This Trial I design (God willing) to bring on in Michaelmas-Term next ensuing Anno Dom. One thousand and seven hundred, to prove that I fell Measure, and Water-Measure. In the mean while for the satisfaction of the Public, I shall explain in a few Words, what is meant by the Water-Measure, which is so termed for these three principal Reasons: The first is, that every Fat and Bushel, before it is Sealed, or becomes a Lawful Standard-Measure, is Measured and gauged by Water; every Coal Fat Containing Sixty six Gallons of Water, and every Coal-Bushel, Eight Gallons and one Quart of Water, neither more nor less. So that a Fat aught to Contain Nine Bushels, as you may read, in the Act of Parliament, for the five Shillings Duty on every Cauldron of Coals; and every Cauldron of Coals to Contain Thirty six Bushels; for a Fat is the fourth Part of a Cauldron. The Second reason is this, that the Coal-Fats and Bushels, are larger than those that are used in the Measuring of Grain: So that this is generally called Water-Measure, to Distinguish it from Water, and it is always used on the Water: So that I think every Person will, and of necessity must acknowledge, that the most proper Name that can be given it, is Water-Measure; if they will allow it any Name at all. As for Instance, is there not the same reason to impose that Name upon it, as to call a Man by his Christian Name, or to call a House or a Street, by the Name of the Founder of it; more especially, Considering, that this Measure has been known by that Name, time out of mind, and by the Coal-Merchants themselves; nay, they never use to call it by any other Name. But since they perceive, I am Resolved for a Trial, they come in with a nonsensical Shame, much like the threepenny Indictment, and tell you, that Water-Measure is full Pay; that is to say, the Cauldron of Coals that is given into the Score, and which is commonly called the Ingrain. Now to Expose their Wisdom to the View of every Reasonable Person, I shall Confute them in their own Words. If one Cauldron be Water-Measure, is not the twentieth Cauldron the same, as long as they are all Measured by the same Fat? The Parliament makes no Difference between that Cauldron and any other, but only Declares, That every Cauldron of Coals which Contains thirty six Bushels, shall pay eight Pence Meetridge, and five Shillings to the King. For example, suppose the Master of a Ship is Disposed to give two or three Cauldrons into a Score, does that alter the Property of the Measure, or give the Measure its Name? But to come closer to the Matter, and to Confute their own Writings; he that is their Petty King has Printed a Book called the Coal-Dealers Companion, and there is not one of the whole Tribe, but follows the Rule of this Book in all Respects; which I must own is very useful, and the Scope of it is pertinent to my present purpose: For the Author tells you, that fourteen Cauldrons of Coals make two third Parts of a Score, full Pay; which they themselves acknowledge to be Water-Measure, as they call it; as also, that seven Cauldrons are one Third of a Score; five Cauldrons and a Fat, the fourth Part of a Score; three Cauldrons and two Fats, the sixth Part of a Score; and one Cauldron and three Fats, the twelfth Part of a Score. Then they must unavoidably grant, that the three Cauldrons of Coals which I Sold and Delivered in Chiswel-street, were the seventh Part of a Score, and that the single Cauldron which they have Laid their twenty Guinies upon, is the One and twentieth Part of a Score; which is Water-Measure, according to their own Confession.   

II.  
These acute Gentlemen are pleased to tell you, that no Master of any Ship will deliver his Coals at my Wharf twice, by reason there is so much Danger, in the badness of the Ground, where they lie to Unload. This is so Notorious an Untruth, that few Words are needful in the Answering of it: For in the short time that I have Delivered Coals without the use of Lighters, or Porters Backing them, I have had Ships Delivered at my Wharf, four several times; with a desire to come to the same Place the next Voyage; there being no better Ground, for that purpose, in the River of Thames; which any Person may be satisfied in, with the viewing of it. For it has been Ship Carpenter's Ways for many Years and Ships of great value come on those Ways upon other Occasions; and they never, as yet, received any Damage in the least: However, I could relate many sad Accidenas that have happened to several Vessels, when they have lain from the Shore in the River.   

III.  
They affirm, That I give more for my Coals, than they; by Reason of the Trouble there is in the bringing Vessels a shore. This looks so much like a Drowning Man's Catching hold of every Straw, that I cannot but Condole the Weakness of their Arguments: For can it be reasonably supposed, That any Master of a Ship, when he lies within sight of the Wharf, (as all Ships of five, six and seven Score of Coals do) can have much trouble in weighing his Anchor, and fastening a Rope a shore to bring the Vessel in: Which is Completed in the space of an Hour, without any Charge in the least; more especially Considering that I always Buy the whole Freight together, and give them a quick Dispatch?  
As for instance, I have gone on Board a Ship of eighty eight Cauldrons of Coals in the Morning, and agreed for them. Then I having caused the Vessel be brought to my Wharf, and the Engine to be fixed, I have delivered the eighty eight Cauldrons into my Yard, taking the Engine away; paid the Master, so that the Ship has put off again to the same Place where she lay before; and done all in the space of twelve Hours, without the least Charge to the Master, who declared, It would be much more expedient for his Owners and himself, to sell their Coals,  in a Cauldron cheaper to me; than to be at the trouble and Charge of going to Billingsgate, where they are obliged to wait two or three Days, till the Price is Fixed, and then to sell twenty Cauldrons to one, ten to another, and five to a third Person, and sometimes a smaller Quantity; and at last, to take a great deal of pains in Collecting the Money, at so many several Places: Nay, though the Coals are sold all at a set Price, and Lighters on board; nevertheless, if they happen to fall, the Master must look out for a new Customer: But if they be upon a Rising Market; he must stand to his Bargain, or be threatened with a Lawsuit: And often times, when the Coals are very good for the most Part, yet if they chance to Rise Small, for five or six Cauldrons together, the Buyers give them an ill Name, and Drop the Ship, till the Master is forced to abate of the Price which he had really Sold them for. I firmly believe, There is scarce any Master, who Trades to Newcastle, but knows this to be too true, by his own Experience, some time or another.  
Moreover, if any Persons will give themselves the trouble, I will make it appear, by the Master's Receipts, That I have frequently bought my Coals a Groat, and  in a Cauldron cheaper than the Market-price; considering the goodness of the Coals: And I do solemnly protest, I never gave a 'bove the Market-price; excepting the first Ship that I delivered, which was Threepences in the Cauldron; by reason, I could not promise the Master when I could Discharge him, for it was to try the Experiment.   

iv  
They give it out, That I cannot deliver above twenty Cauldrons in a Day. One would be apt to believe, That these Gentlemen have laid a great Wager amongst themselves, who should tell the unlikeliest Story: When at the same time, they know, that I can, and have Delivered ten Cauldrons of Coals in the space of an Hour, for eleven or twelve Hours together; and will Engage myself under any Penalty, to Deliver One hundred and twenty Cauldrons between Sun and Sun.   

V  
They insinuate, That the Engine I Deliver these Coals by, is only a Cart with two Wheels. Now to show the vanity of this, as well as of all the rest of their false Reports; I shall here give a particular Description of my Engine, with the Method of using it. At first I lowered my Wharf about two Foot, and Plancked it the whole breadth: Then I caused two Rows of Planks of One hundred and sixty Foot in Length to be laid, as also a Ground-Plot in the River, about sixteen or eighteen Foot from the Wharf, with two Mortises and four Iron-loops: Now there are two upright Pieces about ten Foot high, two Tenons, four Iron-hooks, four Plates of Iron full of Holes, with two Iron-pins and Chains, and these are fixed in the aforesaid Plate: There is also a Cross-beam with two Mortises bound round with two Iron-Plates, and these Mortises are put into the upright Pieces with two Braces: To these are added four small Beams eighteen Foot in length, with Irons and Large Mortises at one end; which are put over the Cross-beam, and the other end is Pinned to the Wharf: Then they are covered like a Platform, and fenced with Rails on each side; but it ought to be observed, That the whole Frame may be Raised higher or lower, as Occasion requires. Besides this, there is another Platform of the nature of a Bridge, twenty two Foot long, and six Foot broad; with Rails on each side, and three great Chains at one end: These Chains are hung to the Ship, and in the other end, lie on the Cross-beam above described, so that this Fabric is in Motion with the Ship or Vessel; for as she rises and falls, comes nearer to the Wharf, or goes farther into the River, or goes a Head or a Stern, it is in a continual Motion as the Vessel itself, without any manner of trouble. For sometimes the Ship is within ten, fifteen, or twenty Foot of the Wharf, at other times as far again; and yet the Work is not hindered. Lastly, there are two Boxes running on Coach-wheels, which hold a Fat of Coals each, and serve to convey them from the Ship into the Yard: To conclude, every thing is so ordered, that the whole Engine may be removed in the space of a quarter of an Hour, and this is a true Description of it in every Particular, which any Person may see for further satisfaction.   

VI  
These Gentlemen avouch, That they give as good Measure as I, which Assertion is so Notoriously untrue, that it scarce Deserves the trouble of Answering: For none can be Ignorant of their Making three, four, or five and twenty Cauldrons of Coals out of a Score; as may appear to every Man's natural Reason. For Example, when Coals are at twenty Shilling per Cauldron in the Pool, they undertake to send them in at three and twenty Shillings a Cauldron; and so let them be at what Price they will, they'll Deliver them into your Houses, for three Shillings a Cauldron besides the Prime Cost of the Coals. If these Gentlemen are so very honest as they pretend, they must needs have the Philosopher's stone to turn Coals into Silver: For can it be believed, that they can live on the Air? Since most of them pay Sixty, Seventy, Eighty, or a Hundred pounds a Year Rent, and keep one or two Clerks; allowing them forty, or fifty pounds a Year each, besides all Expenses, which are very considerable. Neither can it be supposed, That they keep their Houses with all Conveniences, for less than One hundred pounds per Annum; besides their own Public and Private Expenses: And if they are Men of any considerable Business in the World, what by the loss of Horses, and bad Debts; they must needs sustain very great Damages: For some of them have freely owned to me, they have lost One hundred pounds in some Years by Horses, with One hundred and fifty pounds a Year in bad Debts; nevertheless these Men live, and get good Estates, and are willing to Pass off the Stage for honest Dealers: Besides all this Charge I have summed up out of their three Shillings in a Cauldron, there are many more Expenses to be defrayed out of it; viz. eight Pence per Cauldron for Meetridge, nine Pence per Cauldron Lighterage, (nay some give twelve Pence) and six Pence to the Porters that load the Carts: If they hire Carts, they must give two Shillings, or two Shillings and six Pence per Cauldron for the Carriage of them, and if they keep Teams of their own, what with the Charge of maintaining Horses and paying the Farrier, Collar-maker, Wheel-wright, and the Carman's Wages, with their being often out of work, they cannot be at less Expense than is above specified.  
After all this, they make a great Noise about the largeness of their Measure, which is so palpable a Contradiction, that I Challenge the whole Combination, to make it appear to the World, by Reason, and one good Argument, That they do, or ever did give every Man his full Measure, for three Shillings, besides the Prime Cost of the Coals, and the Advantage of one Cauldron in twenty, which makes four Shillings. Upon the whole, if they cannot make it out, than all People may plainly see where the Cheat is, and how they have been so long Imposed upon in the Measure of their Coals.   

VII.  
To touch our just Dealers to the Quick; they are all sensible, that the main Reason of Casting so many Reflections on me, is this: Because I deliver my Coals, without the use of Lighters, or Porters backing them, and give every Man his full due; which is so great a Contravention to their Way of Dealing, that they are afraid of being Intercepted in their former Method: So that they Judged it the Highest Pitch of Wisdom, to Cry out Cheat first; just like common Shoplifts, Cry out, Stop Thief; hoping by that means to make their Escape: So these Gentlemen would fain have persuaded the World, That all the sinister Tricks and Cheats in the Coal-trade were Acted at no other Place, but at Execution-Dock: And yet none of these Men can produce any one single Instance, that any one Cauldron, or Load of Coals went out of my Yard, less than full Measure, ever since I kept a Wharf, with the Ingrain when ever I agreed for it: On the contrary, I always allowed the same Measure that I received myself from on board the Fleet.   

VIII.  
The Combiners perceiving, that all their Attempts hither to proved fruitless, thought fit to call a General Council to Consult what was fit further to be done in the Matter, and after a great Debate, during which many Things were proposed; at last, they came to a Resolution. For having intelligence, That I was in a great hurry of Business, and was Obliged to employ a poor Man to drive one of the Carts, who was not used to the Measuring of Coals; they doubted not, but by this Opportunity to compass their unjust Designs. At last a Farrier near Bishopsgate, was Pitched upon, as the Vanguard for this glorious Atchieument: He Receives his Commission, with a wish of good Success, and his Orders were as follows, viz. to go to the Wharf at the Hermetage-Bridge, and to bespeak a Load of Coals to be brought to the Farrier's House, about twelve or one a Clock. They being acquainted with the Design, muster up a set of Large Sacks, which I really believe, had not seen the Sun, for several Months; at the same time giving the Men a strict Charge to Sack them up, with all the might imaginable: This done, they send them to the Farrier's House; where G-'s Son-in-Law, who Measured my Coals in Chiswell-street, and one of them that was Disappointed of the Winking-mony, came and Measured his Father's Coals in an open Yard, in the presence of many People; and they hold out good Measure, rather over than under. Then the Farrier came mounted on the Back of one of his Patients, to my Wharf, with a great many Entreaties, that I would not fail to send a Load of Coals to his House, precisely by two a Clock. I gave Orders for the Measuring of them, and sent them accordingly, by the v Porter. They were no sooner brought, but Mr. G.'s Son-in-Law who gave his Attendance, ordered the Porter to shoot them on the Pavement: This done, he Commands him to fill every Bushel, and when the same Porter had laid on as many as he could; he took the Shovel, and heaped up as many more, on every Bushel, as he possibly could; hoping by that means, that there might have wanted two or three Bushels: But in the Conclusion of the Matter, after the Measuring of the Coals in my Yard; notwithstanding the Jolting of them in the Cart, and what might drop out of the Sacks by the way, or be lost in Shooting them on the Pavement, and the Measuring of them, after such a manner as they did; there wanted but a poor Peck and a half of Coals, which at most, cannot be Computed at above three Pence. This Accident put the whole Council to a Nonplus, and another Council was soon called; wherein great Disputes Arose: Some were of the Opinion, that if they made any Words about it, it might tend more to their disadvantage, and therefore thought it more advisable to wait for a fairer Opportunity. However, in general they Concluded, That somewhat aught to be attempted, now or never; judging it requisite to give it out, That there wanted six or seven Bushels, and that I was one of the greatest Cheats in the World. To colour the Matter, they gave me a Summons to appear before my Lord Mayor; which I did accordingly: Whereupon the Farrier and G-'s Son-in-Law gave their Oaths, That there wanted a Peck and half. My Lord Replied, That Coals would waste in the Measuring, and there might be some Spilt out of the Sacks by the Way. This prudent Answer could not Appease their Wrath, but they would needs have me bound over to the next Sessions, so that in less than the space of forty eight Hours, the News was spread abroad throughout the greatest Part of the City and Suburbs, That they had twenty Indictments against me, and they would not be in my Condition, for a hundred Pounds. Thus being obliged to vindicate my Reputation, after to many invidious Reflections, and scandulous Aspersions had been cast upon me; I resolved to join Issue with them, and to stand the Trial; which came on accordingly on the thirteenth Day of May, One thousand and seven hundred.    

The Substance of the Trial was as follows, being carefully taken in Shorthand.  
THE King's Counsel, My Lord, I am of Counsel for the King in this Cause; this Person Charles Povey stands Indicted for selling a Load of Coals less than Measure, and we shall prove to you, that in a Load of Coals, there was a Peck and a half less than Measure, and to prove it we will call our Witnesses.  Witnesses Sworn. Mr. Sergeant, 
Pray give an Account, what you know of Coals that Mr. Povey sold you.  Witness, 
He sold me a Load of Coals, and there wanted a Peck and half of Measure.  Mr. C. 
Who Measured them?  Wit. 
This Man.  Mr. D. 
Mr. Povey's Counsel, Did you buy any Coals of him ever before?  Wit. 
No.  Mr. C. 
Did you Measure these Coals?  Wit. 
Yes my Lord.  Mr. C. 
You are one of the Sworn Measurers, are you not?  Wit. 
Yes my Lord.  Mr. C. 
How much did there want of Measure?  Wit. 
There wanted a Peck and half.  Mr. R. 
Did you Measure the Coals out of the Sacks?  Wit. 
No Sir.  Question, 
How did you Measure them?  Wit. 
We had a Bushel, and a Man with us; and we threw them down in an heap, and Measured them, and there wanted a Peck and half.  Mr. D. 
Have you not watched Mr. Povey's Coals before now?  Wit. 
Yes Sir.  Quest. 
Did you not Measure them, at one Mr. Clayton's in Chiswet street?  Wit. 
Yes Sir.  Quest. 
How did they hold out there?  Wit. 
Half a Bashel more than Measure.  Quest. 
Did you ever Measure any Coals of Mr. Povey's at any other Place, that there wanted Measure?  Wit. 
No.  Mr. D. 
No Indictment of this Nature has been preferred here before, nor aught to be preferred upon the Reading of Mr. Povey's Paper, for the felling of Coals; which is the true reason of this Prosecution; because Mr. Povey was not bred a Coal-Merchant: But in that Place, he may Lawfully follow that Trade, and he having been Industrious, has found out a Way, whereby he can assord to make better Measure than others can do, and does so; as appears by what the Evidence says: For at Mr. Clayton's they held out half a Bushel above the true Measure. Now Gentlemen, as to what is pretended in this Case, the want of Measure, there is but a Peck and half in a Load; which is very inconsiderable, and such a quantity may easily be lost in Carrying from Mr. Povey's to that Man's House in Bishopsgate-street; no doubt but Coals will shed in Carrying.  Mr. C. 
Not out of the Sacks.  Mr. D. 
Some of them will, I hope the Jury will observe, That Coals will shake out, and if you Shoot them on the Ground, and Measure them afterwards, they will not hold full Measure: Now if there be such an inconsiderable Difference, no one can believe, there was any Design to Cheat; but that so small a quantity might be lost in Carrying, and scattered upon the Ground, after they were thrown out of the Sacks. But Sir, We shall prove to you by the Bushel which we have here, That there Coals were fairly Measured by a Bushel, which agrees with the Standard: We will prove to you, That this was his Order to his Servants constantly, to give good Measure: And if he did that, if his Servants did at any time by mistake, do that which was contrary to his Order; the Master cannot help that. But indeed, this was a Trick and they had a mind to try, if they could catch him faulty; and I am glad, they could do it in no greater a matter than in three Penny worth of Coals. He says, he has Measured them at other times, and then they were over-Measure: Some must be lost in Shooting out, did not you demand some Winking money of Mr. Povey? We think we ought not to pay you more than your due.  Wit. 
Not so much as our due, as we have of other People.  John Lucas, Edward Oliver, and John Snow, called and Sworn. Mr. D. 
Do you live with Mr. Povey?  Wit. 
Yes.  Mr. D. 
Do you remember the Coals carried to that Man?  Wit. John Lucas, 
Yes.  Mr. D. 
Were they good Measure?  Wit. 
Yes Sir.  Quest. 
Did you see them Measured?  Wit. 
Yes Sir.  Quest. 
Where is the Bushel they were Measured by?  Wit. 
It is here.  Quest. 
Is it a Sealed Bushel?  Wit. 
Yes  Quest. 
And for Coals?  Wit. 
Yes Sir, and we have no other.  Quest. 
Have you Measured it by the Standard?  Wit. 
Yes Sir.  Quest. 
And is it full Measure by the Standard?  Wit. 
Yes it is.  Quest. 
Were the Coals Measured by that Bushel?  Wit. 
Yes they were  Quest. 
And put into the Sacks so Measured?  Wit. 
Yes, and so sent away.  Quest. 
What Directions did your Master use to give to his Servants?  Wit. 
He always gave Directions for every one to have his full Measure.  Quest. 
You have driven this Business a great while, have you not?  Wit. 
Yes I have a great while.  Mr. M. 
Then, suppose a Load of Coals be Measured, and put into the Sacks, and Shot out upon the ground, will they hold their first Measure afterwards?  Wit. 
No, they will not.  Quest. 
Why?  Wit. 
There is loss, in Carrying and Measuring.  Quest. 
How in Measuring?  Wit. 
Some have not so much judgement as others have; some will Play the Knave, and some do not understand the Measuring of them.  Quest. 
Were these Coals Measured honestly?  Wit. 
Yes, upon my Oath, they were.  Mr. M. 
Was Mr. Povey there, when they were Measured?  Wit. 
No, but he was there before.  Mr. Oliver called. Mr. M. 
Were you by, when the Coals were Measured?  M. Oliver, 
Yes I was.  Quest. 
And were they fairly Measured?  Mr. Oliver, 
Yes, they were, upon my Oath.  Quest. 
By the proper Bushel?  Mr. Oliver, 
Yes.  Quest. 
Have you tried the Bushel?  Mr. Oliver, 
Yes.  Quest. 
Does it hold out full Measure?  Mr. Oliver, 
Yes, and these Coals were Measured by that Bushel.  Quest. 
Were they sent away, as they were Measured by that Bushel?  Mr. Oliver, 
Yes Sir.  Mr. Snow called. Quest. 
Were you by, when the Coals were Measured?  Mr. Snow, 
No Sir.  Quest 
Does your Master give Orders to make full Measure?  Mr Snow. 
He always says, give them their full Due.  Quest. 
Does he always order you to fid the Bushel?  Mr. Snow, 
Yes.  Mr. Davis a Sworn Meeter was Sworn. Mr. M. 
Was Mr. Povey's Bushel a bigger Measure than the Standard?  Wit. 
Yes Sir.  Mr. D. 
Mr. Davis, are you a Sworn Meeter?  Mr. Davis, 
Yes Sir.  Quest. 
Have you Measured by Mr. Povey's Bushel?  Mr. Davis, 
Yes Sir.  Quest. 
Is it a Lawful Bushel?  Mr. Davis, 
No.  Quest. 
Why?  Mr. Davis, 
It is rather too Large, it is Bigger than the Office-Bushel.  Mr. R. 
Was it as Big as the Standard?  Wit. 
It was Bigger.  Mr. D. 
They were full Measure when they went out of his Yard, and they were Measured by the same Bushel.  Mr. R—. 
Gentlemen of the Jury, Mr. Povey is Indicted, for selling of Coals less than Measure; the Evidence for the King Swears, That he bought a Load of Coals of him, being Invited by a Bill delivered to him, whereby he promises to fell good Bargains; and has found out an Engine, whereby he can save Many; and can fell Coals two Shillings a Cauldron Cheaper than other Men can; and here-upon, he did buy a Load of Coals. And a Second Witness Swears, He shot them out of the Sacks, on the Ground and Measared them; and there wanted a Peck and half in that Load: If that be true, it is a Breach of the Law, and he will be found guilty of the Indictment: But to Contradict this, he calls several Witnesses; first his Servants that did Measure these Coals, and they Swear, They were full Measure, by that Bushel which he uses. There were three more that Swore, He always Measures by that Bushel; for he has no other: Nay, one Swears, It cannot be a Lawful Measure, because it is too Big: If it were big enough, it answers the Law; and if they did Examine it by the Standard, then that is the Question, Whether, when they were Sold and Delivered at his Wharf; whether they were Lawful Measure or no? Not what they were, after they had been carried a Mile and half. Now as to this they say, when Coals are Shot on the Ground, they cannot gather them all up; there must be some Diminution and Loss. But the Question is, how they were when Delivered? They tell you, that in carrying so far, there will be some wanting: You are to Inquire, Whether it were Lawful Measure or no? If there did want a Peck and half in a Load, it was an Error; but on the othet side, you must not do him wrong, if it were Lawful Measure: If there were any Diminution, or Loss afterwards, by any Accident, than it was not his Fault, but an Accident, than you must acquit him.  
Instead of acquitting me, the Jury brought me in guilty of the Indictment, and I was fined thirteen Shillings and four Pence.  
The Bench Declared, they had done me wrong.   


I.  
Charles' Povey has made Oath before Sir Rich. Holford Master in Chancery, That ever since he kept a Wharf, and proposed to give the full Measure; either Directly, or Indirectly, according to his Knowledge, Order, or Directions; he never sent any less than four Fats of Coals for a Cauldron, out of his Tard; which four Fats of Coals are thirty six Bushels, commonly called Water-Measure. And further, That he always gave Orders to his Men, to Act accordingly; and he further makes Oath, That he never will Directly, or Indirectly, by his Knowledge, Order, or Consent, ever suffer a Cauldron of Coals to go out of his Tard, with less than the Measure aforesaid: And the said Charles Povey does declare, That he never used any other Bushel than one; which Bushel overruns the Fat, by a Bushel and half in a Cauldron, and is very near two Bushels bigger than the Office-Bushel; as it was tried by two Sworn Metres, Edward Foulk, and John Davis in Goodman's Yard in the Minories, on the 8th day of May, One thousand and seven Hundred, in the presence of many People: And on the thirteenth day of May, One thousand and seven hundred, this Bushel that he always Sold by, was Measured and gauged by Water, at the Guild-Hall; and it held above a Quart of Water more than a Standard-Bushel ought to Contain.  
Charles Povey. Jurat. 17th July, 1700 Coram me, Rich. Holford.   

II.  
JOhn Snow, Edward Oliver, Edward Griffeth, and John Lucas, makes Oath before Sr. Rich. Holford Master in Chancery, as follows, viz. That they have served Mr. Povey a considerable time, especially. Edward Oliver and John Snow, almost ever since he kept a Wharf, as his Measurers and Servants: And that he always gave us Orders, to give every one his full Due; which he ever did to the best of our knowledge: And we all further make Oath, That we never gave any one less than full Measure: And that all the Coals which Mr. Povey ever Sold out of the Yard, and since we come to him, were Measured by the Fat out of the Ship and so Delivered or else Measured by that Bushel, which holds above a Quart of Water more than any Bushel ought to contain; as was tried at Guild-Hall, on the thirteenth Day of May, One thousand and seven hundred, and is Bigger than the Office-Bushel by two Bushels of Coals in a Cauldron: Which was tried in Goodman's Yard in the Minories, on the eighth Day of May, One thousand seven hundred, at the Sign of the Shears, by two Sworn Metres, Edward Foulk and John Davis; where many People were present. John Snow further makes Oath, That the Officer, who Measured the Load of Coals at Mr. Clayton's in Chiswell-street, where there was half a Bushel of Coals more than Measure; which he owned upon his Oath a● Guild-Hall, on the thirteenth Day of May, One thousand and seven hundred, when he Swore the Indictment about the Peck and half of Coals: Told Mrs. Clayton, that there wanted three Bushels and half of Measure. And the said John Snow firmly believes That the main occasion of his casting such Reflections on Mr. Povey and his Measure, was, that he was disappointed of his Winking money, or his Quarterly Salary. Edward Oliver and John Lucas makes Oath That that Load of Coals which Mr. Povey was Indicted for, as a Cheat, was Measured and Delivered out of the Yard, without any Fraud or Deceit, in any Respect whatsoever.  


John Snow.  
Edward Oliver.  
Edward Griffeth.  
John Lucas.   Jurat. 17th July, 1700, Coram me, Rich. Holford.   

III.  
WIlliam Essington Citizen, makes Oath before Sir Rich. Holford Master in Chancery, That he with some others, were at the White-Lion Tavern in St. John's Wapping, on the 26th Day of June One thousand and seven hundred, with two of my Lord Mayor's Officers, that Indicted Mr. Povey, where one of them declared in Company, that if Mr. Povey, had given them Winking-mony, the Trial about the Peck and half of Coals had never been: And he further makes Oath, That he saw one of them take Money on the same Account, according to his own Confession when he Received it.  
Will. Essington. Jurat. 17th July, 1700, Coram me, Rich. Holford.   

iv  
N. T. Druggist, and R. Brown Builder, makes Oath before Sr. R. Holford Master in Chancery, That they went on Board a Ship, saw a Cauldron of Coals fairly Measured by a Sworn Meeter into the Fat, the eighth Day of May, One thousand and Seven hundred; besides part of four Shovels full of Coals that the Meeter gave over and above. These Coals were put out of the Fat into a clean Lighter, and brought ashore, and put into Sacks, and Loaded into a Cart, and carried into Goodman's Yard in the Minories, at the Sign of the Shears: Where two Sworn Metres came and Measured this Cauldron of Coals, by Mr. Povey's Bushel, and there were no more than thirty four Bushels and a half by his Bushel. Then they Measured them over again, by another Bushel, which they declared to be the Bushel belonging to the Meeters-Office; and by that Bushel, there were thirty six Bushels and better: So that Mr. Povey's Bushel, which he and his Men declared they always Measured by, ever since he kept a Wharf, was bigger than the Fat, by one Bushel and half of Coals; and near two Bushels better than the Office-Bushel. And we make Oath, That we never left the Coals, from the time of their being Measured on Board, till they were Measured on Shore. And to the best of our apprehensions, there was no Fraud or Deceit used in the Measuring of them. The next Day being the ninth of May, we saw a Load of Coals fairly Measured by Mr Povey's Bushel, in his Yard put into Sacks, Loaded into the Cart, and carried about a Quarter of a Mile; then brought back again, and Shot on a clean Floor, and Measured again, by the same Man a second time, and rather lighter Measure than before; and there wanted half a Peck and better. Then we saw them Measured over again a third time, a little heavier than before, and there wanted half a Bushel, and half a Peck. So that we do firmly believe, That a Load of Coals may be sent out very good Measure, and not a Coal lost, nor wasted by the Way; and yet there may want a Peck and half of Coals, or more, by the Measuring of them again, a little heavier than ordinary.  


N. T.  
Rob. Brown.   Jurat. 17th July, 1700, Coram me, Rich. Holford.   

V  
JOhn Davis Sworn Meeter makes Oath, before Sr. Rich. Holford Master in Chancery, That he and one Edward Foulks another Sworn Meeter, Measured a Cauldron of Coals in Goodman's Yard, in the Minories, at the Sign of the Shears, on the eighth Day of May, One thousand and seven hundred with Mr. Povey's Bushel, and there wanted one Bushel and half of a Cauldron by his Bushel: And then we Measured them again by the Office Bushel, and there was a complete Cauldron of Coals, and better: So that I do declare, That Mr. Povey's Bushel is too large, and that it holds above a Quart of Water, more than the Standard.  
John Davis. Omnia Jurat. 17th July, 1700, Coram me, Rich. Holford.    

NOw to make it appear beyond Contradiction, That there are no grounds in the least, to raise such Scandalous, False and Malicious Reports, but what proceeded from the Ill nature of a Spiteful and Envious Combination of Men; I do hereby declare to the World, That it any two of these Gentlemen, who have given occasion to these base and unmanlike Reflections on me, or any two Persons whatsoever of Credit and Reputation: Nay, I will accept of that very Person, who Swore against me at Guild-Hall, on the thirteenth Day of May, one Thousand and seven Hundred, about the Three penny worth of Coals, and has devised so many notorious Untruths concerning me, to be one of the two: I say, if they will make Oath before a Master in Chancery, as my Witnesses and I have done; with respect to any one of the following Articles, they shall receive of me for their Oaths so made, forty Pounds of good and Lawful Money of England: And I will own it to be as due a Debt, as if I had given a Bill or Bond for the Payment of it, viz.  
I. That I never had any one Ship delivered at my Wharf, four several times; in regard it has been so slily reported for a real Truth, That never any Ship would deliver there twice.  
II. That I never did deliver into my Yard in one Day, Eighty eight Cauldrons of Coals, without the use of Lighters, or Porters backing them; since it has been confidently affirmed to many People, That I could not deliver twenty Cauldrons in a Day.  
III. That there ever were any more Indictments preferred against me, since I kept a Wharf, than that about the Peck and half of Coals; although a malicious Report was spread abroad, at that time, on purpose to make me odious in the sight of all Men, That there were twenty Indictments against me for a Cheat, and that I was fined forty Pounds on the thirteenth Day of May, one Thousand and seven Hundred.  
iv That I never allowed the Ingrain; it being given out, that I never did.  
V That I ever Sold by any other Bushel; since I kept a Wharf, to this Day, July the 17th one Thousand and seven Hundred, but with that Bushel which holds a Quart of Water more than it ought to contain: And that it did not overrun the Fat, by a Bushel and half of Coals in a Cauldron, when it was tried in Goodman's Yard, in the Minories, by two Sworn Metres, on the eighth Day of May, one Thousand and seven Hundred; notwithstanding that some Persons, would fain have persuaded the Public, as well as Mrs. Clayton in Chiswel-street, that it wanted three Bushels and half of Measure in a Cauldron.  
VI That there ever went out of my Yard, by my Knowledge, Direction, Order, or Consent, since I have proposed to give the Water-Measure, less than four Fats of Coals to every Cauldron.  
If they will Swear to any one of these six Particulars, they shall certainly Recover the forty Pounds aforesaid. I shall only desire them as soon as they have made their Affidavits, to Publish their Names with the respective Places of their Abbde, in the Gazette, and then they will acquit themselves like honest Men; and the Public will believe, That all that has been said of me, is matter of Fact: But let them Swear the Truth and shame the Devil, or else I'll prove the Truth, and put them to shame, in the Pillory, before the Royal Exchange in Cornhill.  
Moreover, these worthy Gentlemen are pleased to give it out, That the Advertisement, I published concerning my Method of Dealing, is full of Lies, and that there is not one Word in it, but what Contradicts another. Surely these Persons have been at School in the lower Regions, to learn of Satan himself, how they may persuade Men out of their Senses and Natural Reason. To prove matter of Fact on them, in this respect, my Advertisement is as follows.  
AT Charles Povey's Wharf near Execution-Dock in Wapping, all sorts of Paggets, Billets, Bavius, and the best Sea-Coals are to be Sold: Where all Persons may have the same Measure of Coals, that is usually Measured on board the Fleet, and at the same Pelee, as in the Peel; the Fleet lying so near the said Wharf, that he has the Privilege of Choosing such Cools, as will give all People satisfaction; freeing them at the same time from the Charge of Lighters, and the Inconveniency of waiting for Tides.  
The said Charles Povey has lately Invented and Ca●sed a certain new Engine to be made, of singular Advantage; which effectually delivers One hundred Chaldrens' of Coaols into his Yard, in one Day, without the use of Lighters, or Porters backing them, for twenty Shillings Charge; which cannot be done elsewhere by any other Person, at less expense than ten Pounds.  
It is also more especially observable, That neither this, nor any other Engine can be used at any place, but at the said Povey's Wharf; who has likewise built a Warehouse capable of holding three thousand Cauldrons of Coals: So that all Persons may be speedily supplied with what Quantity they please. To answer all Objections that can be made, with respect to the true Water-Measure, any Persons whatsoever may stand on the Wharf, and see their Coals Measured out of the Ship, into the Fat, by a Sworn Meeter; afterwards Loaded in Carts, and immediately carried to their respective Places of Abode.  
This Method has already given such general satisfaction, that the Undertaker has gained above five hundred Customers, especially considering, That the Charge of Wharfage, Leading and Carriage, amounts to no more than what is usual.  
Every Cauldron of Coals conveyed from his Wharf fill us fourteen Sacks; and all Persons who deal with him, may be assured according to their own Judgement, of saving two Shillings in every Cauldron.  
Moreover the said Charles Povey freights several Ships, upon his own Account, and these Persons that are minded to take their Coals out of his Yard, shall have the same Measure, as is usually given on board, a Sworn Followship Perter being employed in the Yard, from time to time, for that purpose.  
They that cannot come themselves, if they send a Penny-post Letter, with their Names and Direction, where they live, may have what Quantity they please, delivered at the Price and Measure, as if present, Or any one of the Clerks shall be ready to wait on them, when they think fit, and treat with them about this Affair. But in consideration, that the Profit is so small, ready Money is Expected, upon the Delivery of the Coals.  
It only remains to let the World know, That forasmuch as this Business is apparently too great, to be carried on with success, by any one single Person; several Gentlemen, have thought fit to join with the said Charles Povey, as a Company, and have actually advanced two or three thousand Pounds, for the better Management of the Undertaking.   

I shall now proceed to give a particular Explication of this Advertisement, and then leave the Decision of the Matter, to the Judgement of any impartial Person whatsoever.  

I.  
I Think it is very plain, That I live near Execution-Dock, and as plain, that any Person who has occasion, may be supplied with any sorts of Faggots, Billets, Bavins, etc.  
II. As for the best of Sea Coals, there are hundreds of Families that will testify, they never burned better, and as many who will readily give their Oaths, That they have seen their Coals Measured out of the Ship; and that they have Received as many Coals, as ever they used to have out of any other Vessel; and have paid no more for them than the Price such Coals went for in the Pool.  
III. It is evident, That the Fleet lies so near my Wharf, that I may Discourse with some of the Masters from thence, and go on board the farthest of the Vessels, in a few Minutes: Then it follows, that I have an Opportunity of Choosing any Ship of Coals, before any other Person; and such Coals as will give my Customers satisfaction.  
iv I think it is as certain, That every one is freed from the Charge of Lighters, and the trouble of waiting for Tides, by the Engine I have Invented, of which I have elsewhere given a large Description; showing how great a quantity of Coals it will Deliver in a Day, for twenty Shillings Charge; which will cost all other Persons ten Pounds to bring them into their Yards, or Warehouses. As for Instance, the Brewer, who lives next door to me, nay nearer to the Waterside than I do, giveth one Shilling a Cauldron Lighterage, and one Shilling a Cauldron to the Porters that carry them: So that every hundred Cauldrons of Coals that he Consumes, Costs him in Lighters and Porters backing them, Ten Pounds. Another Brewer, who lives at a little farther distance from me, gives for Lighters and Porters carrying them, fifteen Pounds sixteen Shillings and eight Pence, for every hundred Cauldrons so Delivered in: Nay, most of the great Dealers in Coals at Fleet-Bridge, give one Shilling Lighterage, three Pence Wharfage, and nine Pence to the Porters that load their Carts, without laying them up in their Warehouses.  
V It is Apparently manifest to the sight of all Men, who have, or may give themselves the trouble of viewing my Engine, or of Inventing any other of the like Nature, That it cannot be of any Use, or Advantage to any Person elsewhere; by reason of the Largeness of my Aware house for the stowing of Coals, with many other Conveniences too tedious to be recited in this small Tract: Nor indeed, is there any occasion for it, in regard that thousands of People have Declared, That there are not such Conveniences, any where else in London, nor such a spacious Warehouse in England, being large enough to hold three thousand Cauldrons of Coals.  
VI It cannot reasonably be denied, but any Persons may be furnished with what Quantity they shall have occasion for.  
VII. Come we now to plain ocular Demonstration; so that no Man can, or will be persuaded from what he sees with his own Eyes: For all may have the Liberty that desire it, and are pleased to give themselves the Trouble of coming down, or sending their Friends, or Servants, to see that they have the true. Water-Measure, and the Ingrain with it; by standing on the Wharf, and seeing their Coals Measured out of the Ship, into the Fat, by a Sworn Meeter, then loaded into Carts, and Immediately carried to their respective Dwellings, with the Ingrain as is usual. This Method has given such a general satisfaction, that it has gained five hundred Customers, more especially considering all other Charges are so Reasonable; which any Person may be satisfied in the truth of, by the looking over my Account-Books: And none can deny, but that I Constantly deliver fourteen Sacks in every Cauldron, and such Sacks as are generally used at other Places; which my Servants can give their Affidavits of, as well as the Party that sells the same Sacks: For I never had any made of a lesser size for my Use, and these are always filled to the utmost Extent. However the stress of the matter, does not lie so much on the dimonsions of the Sacks; but respect ought always to be had to the largeness of the Measure.  
Now to show how two Shillings may be saved in every Cauldron: I shall soon make it appear to all Persons of S●nse, if they'll be pleased to consider the following Particulars. First then, is it not a great satisfaction to every Man to have his full Weight and Measure? In the next place, Would not most People choose rather to give somewhat more to be certainly assured, that they have their full Due; than to have some small matter abated, and be at an uncertainty? To make this Argument plain, I have proved by undoubted Testimonies, that I deliver every Man his full Due, and allow all Persons the same Measure that I receive myself. Nay I challange any one that keeps a Wharf, to prove by as many Witnesses and good Arguments as I have done, that he has Acted conformably to the same Method at all times: Not but that I will grant, the Wharfingers may give as good Measure as they receive themselves, if they get a Price accordingly: And thus much I further believe, and know to be true of them, that for the Honour of their Wharves, and in hopes of doing me a Diskindness, they will let a Customer have Water-Measure at their usual Price; though they lose two Shillings by the Bargain; hoping by this means to persuade the Ignorant, that they do so at all other times. But I have already made it appear, according to every Man's Reason, that they cannot defray their Charges, and get Estates by losing Money out of Pocket, or by felling cheaper than what their Goods lie them in, considering the great Expances they are as.  
However, it ought to be observed, That I have nothing to Charge the Lighter-Men with, concerning their Trade; for I firmly believe, in the general, they give every Man the same Measure they receive themselves: Neither will I condemn all those that keep Wharves; for I am persuaded, that some few of them are Men of Justice and Honesty: So that what they do, is more out of Custom than Choice, and I have this Assurance from some of them, That they design to follow my Method; that is to say, to take their Price, and give every Man his full Due at all times. And indeed, although the Combination may blame them; yet all the Malice of the Winkers, and the Gentlemen with their Three penny Indictments, can never shame them in the End.  
Now to come to the Point of saving two Shillings in the Cauldron, I grant, I have something more, than what is usual at other Wharves; but in consideration thereof, I give every Man his full Due, and in so doing, I am Assured, that every one who buys of me, is a considerable Gainer: For I will give at any time, three Shillings and , or four Shillings, for any two Sacks of Coals, before they go out of my Yard, and yet they shall have twelve Sacks remaining and as good Measure, as has been sold at some places for a Cauldron. For Example, if any Persons would give themselves the trouble, to look into the Records at Westminster, Hicks's-Hall, and Guild-Hall, of all the Indictments, Trials, Fines and Cheats that have been transacted in the Coaltrade, they'll soon be convinced, That it would be more expedient for them to give two Shillings more in Money for a Cauldron of Coals, and have their full Due; than to be Cheated out of three or four Shillings.  
In the mean while, I would desire the Combination, First, to give me an Account, how many Cauldrons of Coals generally they make out of a Score; and who it was that sold no more than Eighty Cauldrons of Coals for a Hundred, to Alderman Lewin's Glass-house at Ratelif-Cross?  
II. Who it was that delivered no more than fifteen Cauldrons three Fats of Coals, at the Devel-Tavern in Fleetstreet, for one and and twenty Cauldrons?  
III. To declare, who he was that Cheated a certain Lord out of so great a quantity of Coals; insomuch that he was Obliged to give the said Lord twenty Guines to pass it by; which said twenty Guinies were honourably given to the Poor of the Parish, by the said Lord's Appointment?  
iv To let the World know, who it was, that sent no more than thirty Bushels for a Cauldron to a Pastrey-Cook's, almost over against Shoreditch Church; and whose Coals were those that were Measured by one Davis a Meeter, when there wanted six Bushels?  
V Whose Coals were those, that were Measured in White-Chappel, by Order of the Court-Leet, when a Tobacconist, who lives near St. John's Church in Wapping was on the Jury; and there wanted four Bushels and half in a Cauldron?  
VI I would willingly know, whose Coals were those, that were Measured at Guild-Hall, where there wanted three Bushels in half a Cauldron, and the Coals were seized on for the Use of the Poor. Let those Gentlemen give me a direct: Answer to these few Questions, besides several others that I know of, and a great many more that are unknown to me; and in so doing, they'll extremely oblige their humble Servant, C. P.  
Now I think I have made it as manifest as the Sun at the Meridian, that every Man, who deals with me, saves Considerably: But to make the matter still more plain to the meanest Capaciaty: I have proved by several Evidences, That the Bushel I ever sold by is bigger than the Fat, and I have likewise proved, that the Bushel was always well filled by my Servants: So that every Cauldron of Coals that I have sold, has contained a Bushel and half or two Bushels, more than it ought; which is above the Ingrain that belongs to any one Cauldron: I have also often given the Ingrain, notwithstanding the largeness of my Bushel.  
Moreover to prevent all Objections, we will suppose, that some Rubbish-Coals may be sold some small matter cheaper than mine, and the same Measure, the Ingrain only Excepted, which none of them pretends to give: Yet had not every Person much rather give a Shilling or two more, and conclude, that two Shillings are saved by the Bargain? For what can be a greater Inconvenience to any Family, than bad Coals, especially in the Winter? And every one knows, there is a great deal of Difference in the Price, between the Best and the Worst.  
It remains only to show, That I have at all times the best Coals that Money can purchase, which appears from hence, that among all the Families I served the last Year, there are not five of them, but came again, or promised to come, this; a plain Demonstration, that I served them with the best of Coals: More especially, by reason that I buy the whole Freight, and always deal in small Shipping; which every body will own to have generally the best Coals; for they can go to Sunderland, and other Places, where great Shipping cannot come: So that I hope, I have plainly Demonstrated to all  Persons, That partly in the Largeness of the Measure, and partly in the goodness of the Coals, two Shillings is saved: I shall Explain the rest in a few Words.  
As for the Frieghting of Ships upon my own Account, I think it is very apparent, by several Vessels that are actually set out, from time to time, on my particular Account: And for what relates to Persons, who take their Coals out of the Yard, I have proved by my Servants, that my Mearsure is as big or bigger than the Fat: So that it is evident, That they have as good Measure out of the Yard, as they receive on board the Fleet: And instead of having a Fellowship-Porter, I have a Sworn Meeter ashore, to receive the Coals from the Meeter on Board: So that upon the whole, all Persons may certainly be Assured of having their full Due, and I presume none will Question the Possibility of having Coals when they are sent for. To Conclude, most People know, That I make but one Price with all my Customers; neither can they doubt but my Clerks are most proper to wait on them upon such Occasions.  
As to the last Article about ready Money, 'tis plain, I do expect it upon the delivery of the Coals, and for what relates to those worthy Gentlemen, who have thought fit to be Concerned with me, their under-written Names, are an undeniable Proof of the matter of Fact; besides the Sum of Money that is actually raised, for the carrying on of the present Undertaking.  
I doubt not, but what has been delivered, will be judged a sufficient Explication of my Advertisement, the Publishing of which has so much exasperated my Adversaries against me, and a satisfactory Vindication of my own Integrity.    

However, it is worth the while to produce, Three notable Instances more of their Inveterate Malice towards me.  

I.  
NOt long since, a Linen-draper came to me, out of Fleetstreet, next Door to the Horn-Tavern, and bespoke five Cauldrons of Coals: As soon as the first Load was carried, there appeared a certain Person from a Wharf, attended with two Officers, and Measured two Sacks of my Coals. The Linen-draper desired them to Measure a whole Cauldron, which they refused to do; telling him it was all a Cheat, and that there wanted six or seven Bushels in a Cauldron; forewarning him to pay me any Money at his Peril, till he heard from them; and assuring him at the same time, that they would give as good Measure, for twenty three Shillings a Cauldron, as he gave me twenty five for. Whereupon, I thought it most proper, to make an Example of the Spark, who pretended to belong to the Wharf: Accordingly, I went to him, and required him to put in Bail to my Action; but mistrusting the justice of his Cause, he used many Entreaties; Disowning every Word that he had said; laying the Blame on the two Officers; promising in the presence of the Linen-draper, he would be an Evidence against the Officers; and Declaring, that it was done out of Spite, on purpose to ruin my Trade I went to the two Officers, requiring them likewise to put in Bail to my Action; for all the Fault was now imputed to their Conduct. They seemed to be much surprised, and Disowned every Thing they said or did; transferring the Blame on the aforesaid Person. However, I brought them before the Linen-draper and his Man, who plainly proved Matter of Fact on them. However, after many Entreaties, and owning their Misdemeanours, before the Linen-draper, with an ingenuous Confession, that it was merely done out of Spite, and a promise of Amendment, for the future, I withdrew both my Actions, and forgave them. For the Linen-draper declared, according to the best of his judgement, he had as many Coals of me in four bare Cauldrons, as ever he used to have at any other Place, for four Cauldrons and half; besides the Fat that he received as the Ingrain, in the five Cauldrons.   

II.  
Mrs. Woodman, who keeps a Distillers' Shop in the Minories, next door to the Sun dial, having desired me to send her in three Cauldrons of Coals, which is the seventh part of a Score, full Pay, and Water-Measure, even according to the acknowledgement of the most rigid of my Adversaries: My Servants Measured the same Quantity, and conveyed them to her House, in three several Carts; but as soon as one half of them was delivered, two Gentlemen appeared, with a Bushel, one of whom is a Warden of a certain Company, and the other a considerable Dealer in Coals; the first Letters of their Names being R. E. and T. G. Indeed, they make no small Figure in the World, and (as I am apt to believe) are sufficiently blessed with the Earthly Mammon. However, the Condescension of these two rich Dons was so great, that they took upon them the drudgery of Measuring four Sacks of my Coals, in the second Cauldron: In the mean while, my Servant John Snow, desired them to Measure the whole Cauldron, alleging, that otherwise they could not possibly do justice to both Parties: But taking no notice of this Admonition, they peremptorily declared to Mrs. Woodman, that there wanted above two Bushels of Coals, in the four Sacks, and consequently, that seven Bushels were wanting in every Cauldron; reckoning fourteen Sacks to the Cauldron. Nay one of them told this Gentlewoman in my hearing, That if she would Indict me, they would readily take their Oaths before a Magistrate, to confirm the Truth of their Assertion. Whereupon perceiving, I had to do with two Knights of the Post; I sent to the Meeters-Office for a Measure and three Sworn Metres, who having actually Measured the said Coals, on the second Day of August, One thousand and Seven hundred, there were three Pecks over Measure; to the extreme Mortification of the above mentioned haughty Gentlemen, the Air of whose Countenance is now quite changed; so that they hold down their Heads, and lowr like a couple of Irish Evidences just a going to lose their Ears: Although the Day before, they boldly declared, in the presence of several Persons, That their Flesh trembled within them to see how I had Cheated Mrs. Woodman, in the Measure of her Coals, and upon what they had said to her, she refused to take in the third Cauldron.  
Here follows the Declaration of three Sworn Metres relating to this Affair.  
On the second Day of August, One thousand and Seven hundred, we Measured two Cauldrons of Mr. Povey's Coals, at Mrs. Woodman's in the Minories; as to which two Cauldrons, we heard T. G. affirm, That he would take his Oath, there wanted above two Bushels of Coals in four Sacks, according to his Way of Measuring them: On the contrary, we are all ready to make our Corporal Oaths, before a Master in Chancery, That there were two complete Cauldrons, with three Pecks over and above: And we further declare, That the said Coals were Measured without any Collusion, Fraud, or Deceit in the least, and that three Cauldrons of Coals, are the seventh part of a Score, full Pay, as also, That one Cauldron is the One and twentieth part of a Score, commonly called Water-Measure.  

John Cleavely Sworn Metres to the City.  
John Davis Sworn Metres to the City.  
Samuel Barnes Sworn Metres to the City.    

III.  
My over-industrious Adversaries, use their utmost Endeavours to persuade the Masters of Vessels, That they lose a Cauldron of Coals in every Score, by Measuring them at my Wharf; which is so absurd and extravagant an Asseveration, that it would seem much rather to have been uttered by a Buffoon on a Stage, or a Liar in the Stocks, than by a Coal-Merchant at Billingsgate: For can it be reasonably supposed, That a Fat is capable of holding more at my Wharf, than it is at any other Place? Or would they induce the World to believe, That the Meeters-Office keeps a particular Fat, for my Use; or that Execution-Dock has an irresitible Charm, to oblige the Metres to break the Sacred Oaths, by which they are bound to do justice, between Buyer and Seller?  
But if the above-specifyed Assertion holds good, viz. That I have larger Measure, than any other Dealer in the Coal-trade; than it is evident, That all Persons have a doubleAdvantage, in dealing with me: For instead of making twenty one Cauldrons out of every Score; they are sure of receiving Twenty two, from me, whenever they see them Measured out of the Ship; as many or most do, who take any considerable Quantity: So that of Necessity, they must wave this Argument, or else all their Customers will come to Execution-Dock.  
NOw if such Things as these, are allowed of and encouraged, no Man Living can be safe, but is liable to be ruined in his Trade and Reputation, at the Pleasure of every desperate Villain; especially by such proceed, as the Threepenny Indictment. For Example, suppose a notorious Rogue, or any other Malicious Person should come to a Maulster, whom he has a Spleen against, or send a third Person to Buy two or three Quarters of Malt; with Instructions to convey them to a certain Place: The Maulster being ignorant of their Treachery, order his Servants to Measure the same, according to the aforesaid Directions. Whereupon, notwithstanding the Malt was delivered full Measure from his House; partly thro' the treachery of a Secret Enemy, and partly by the Waste that may happen in the Grain, a Peck and half, or half a Bushel of Measure is wanting, upon the delivery at the Place appointed. So likewise, if a Brewer should deliver a full Barrel of Beer to his Servants; nevertheless, by the Jolting of the Dray, it might want a Pint, or a Quart of being full, when brought to the Victualler; which every body knows, cannot be prevented, and many other Instances of the like Nature, might be easily produced: I say if these Things are allowed, every Man is as liable to be ruined by the Breath of a spiteful Miscreant, as he may be by Devouring Flames, or a Rogue that Riffles him of his Substance: Nay the Case is worse than either of these; for he may recover a Loss by Fire, by the Charity of well disposed People; or peradventure he may Apprehend the Villain, and Regain his Substance: But when he is once deprived of his Trade and Credit, and perhaps without the least Provocation, by a set of prosligate Wretches, it is a thousand to one, whether ever he be able to retrieve it to his Dying Day.  
Many Judicious Persons are apt to believe, That the next Age will surpass this, in Villainy, Perjury, and Malicious Slanders; but I am of the Contrary Opinion: For what Age ever did, or can outdo this in Subtle Devices, Perfidiousness, and all manner of sinister Practices; especially in such Instances as I have been treating of? What would a Turk, a Jew or Heathen take Men to be, if they should hear of a Threepenny Indictment, carried on by a Combination of Men under the Colour of Justice, that never used any themselves; but instead of that, are Recorded for the worst of Actions, that can be committed in the way of Trade? What would they think, if they were to see twelve Men Sworn by a Sovereign Prince, to do Justice, to the best of their Knowledge, and according to the Evidence given; and at the same time, Acting quite Contrary in all Respects: I am persuaded, they would Conclude, That it was a Combination of Men, that had met with some Person or other, who gave them a Check in the full Career of their fraudulent Dealing: And since no Matter of Fact, could be proved against him, they devised a counterfeit Cheat, to impair the Reputation of such an overbold Opposer. And as for the Jury, they would take them to be Men deprived of their Senses, or Persons of debauched Principles, disbelieving a future State: Or at the best, Conclude, That some of the Combination, with several of their Agents, were Impannell'd with them, with a Resolution of defending their bad Old Cause against all manner of Opposition, whatever it might cost them, even to the making Shipwreck of a good Conscience in this World, and to the hazard of their everlasting Happiness hereafter.  
I doubt not but in a few Years, the great Council of the Nation, will consider it among their most serious Debates, so as to empower the Gentlemen of the Meeters-Office with the same Prerogative, and Management of the Coal-trade ashore, which they have on board the Fleet, in the Pool: Then a stop will be effectually put to the Lawless and exorbitant Demands of the Quarterly Winking-mony: Then the thirty Bushels instead of a Cauldron, will be absolutely laid aside; and all Persons will have the same Measure ashore, as they now Receive on board the Fleet: In short, when Matters are so regulated, one of the main Oppressions of the disconsolate Widows and Orphans of this populous City, will quite cease, and they'll no longer have any cause to Complain, for want of their due Measure in Coals.  
Among many other subtle Contrivances, my industrious Adversaries thought fit to give it out, That they had a Tract in the Press called, An Answer to Povey's Advertisement concerning his Method of selling Coals; but this proves as false as all the rest of their notorious Slanders. However I now peremptorily Challenge the wisest of them all, nay the whole Combination together, to give such an Answer to the Contents of this small Tract, as shall be reputed Satisfactory, by any Competent and impartial Judges whatsoever, or to produce any authentic Evidences, or solid Reasons and Arguments for the making good their Allegations, and the heavy Charge, they have brought against me.  
If they can do this I shall readily submit to the severest Censure of the World; but if they refuse, than it will appear, That what I have writ, is plain matter of Fact.  
To conclude, let those Catchpoles who were Disappointed of their Winking-mony, be transported with Spleen and Passion; let them Swear, It is a Cheat to be Just, and Just, to Cheat; let them Commence a New Indictment, upon a pretended Cheat of their own Contrivance: Let twelve Men be summoned to give their Verdict in a Threepenny Shame; let them slight the Charge of a Just Judge, and the Checks of their own Consciences; let them break the inviolable Oaths of doing Justice between Man and Man: Nay let the whole Combination unite themselves in a stricter League than ever; let them Cheat and Defraud, and endeavour to persuade People, out of their own Natural Reason; let their Fury be raised to the highest Pitch of Spite and Envy: Nay let them disturb the Repose of Civil Society, with the false Alarms of an imaginary Cheat, that was never transacted, nor so much as thought of, but only proceeded from the rancour of their own corrupt Hearts: Let them Sweat and Run from House to House; discovering the Vanity of their own distempered Brains, by the Venom of a Spiteful Tongue: Nevertheless, in the midst of all this Hurry and Noise, I'll Steer on my Course, in the Channel of Truth and Justice. And though at any time the Floods of Wrong and Oppression, augmented with the Springtides of Spite and Envy, may for a while intercept my Steady Course, and retard my intended Voyage thro' a Stream of uninterrupted Calmness: Yet I have this assurance, That I shall be assisted with the fresh Gales of a quiet Mind. and at last, arrive in a safe Harbour; where the swelling Tides of Perjury and Oppression, will Ebb in the Streams of a silent Calm.  
FINIS.    

PROPOSALS for the Improvement of Trade and Navigation in general, and of the Colliery-Trade to Newcastle in particular.  
AS no considerate Person can be ignorant of the great decay of Trade in general, more especially that Part of it which has any relation to Maritime Affairs: So on the other hand, very few are sensible of the true Causes of such dismal Misfortunes. Some attribute this Defect to the Vices of the Nation, and others to the Scarcity of Money; but the main Source of these Miscarriages, (as I take it) is the want of a regular Conduct, in the management of every particular Trade, or Calling: Indeed, many ways and means have been devised, which have hitherto proved ineffectual, and the chief causes of such Disappointments may be reduced to these two Articles, viz. First, that the most proper Methods are not followed, or Secondly, whenever they have been proposed, they were rejected; few, or none thinking it worth the while to canvas the matter, or to give themselves any trouble in the rectifying of Errors: Insomuch that what every individual Person ought to apply his utmost Endeavours to remedy, is now altogether neglected by the whole Community; and instead of using the means, we only make it our business to utter lamentable Complaints. For wheresoever a Man goes, he either perceives, or hears of the effects of a bad Trade, or of some grievous Disaster, amongst all sorts of Professions: Thus if you happen to meet with any Gentlemen who enjoy plentiful Estates, they are apt to complain of the small Improvement of them; and if recourse be had to their Tenants, they tell you, Their Rents are so great, and the Times so bad, that they are rendered uncapable of defraying the necessary Charges incident to Humane Life: If application be made to the Tradesmen, they immediately cry out, of the dulness of the Times and the general decay of Trade, or else they accuse one another of felling their Goods or Merchandizes at so low a Rate, that they cannot subsist any longer: If enquiry be made of the Merchant, he tells you, That Merchandizing is now reduced to so low an Ebb, that he can improve his Cash in the public Funds, or Banks of the Nation, or in Stock-Jobbing, at home, to much better purpose, than venturing at Sea: If you should at any time accost the Owners of Shipping, they are ready to give you a doleful Account of great Sums of Money ventured in their Bottoms, without any Improvement at all, but rather Loss than Gain; adding perhaps, That in a few Years the greatest Part of their Stocks will be sunk by the decay of their Ships, or the Masters running out of the Stock: When you come to discourse with the Masters of such Vessels, they declare, That Freightage is so low in most Countries, that they know not whether to go, to get any Thing themselves, or to satisfy their Owners, and as for the Common Sailors, you may hear them in general, wishing for the encouragement of Navigation, and the increase of their Monthly Pay: Lastly, if you inquire after the Laboaring Man's Condition, he makes a grievous Complaint for want of Employment, or that when he is employed, his Daily Wages are so inconsiderable, that he is not able to maintain his Family.  
I could produce many more Instances of the like Nature, but my present design and this little Tract will not admit of such large Digressions: Neither indeed, is there any occasion for a farther Display of these melancholy Scenes, or to insist any longer on such plain matters of Fact, which all Persons must needs be sensible of, at one time, or another. Therefore I shall now explain the main Point of the Business, and endeavour to overcome all manner of obstacles, by laying down such Rules, which, if put in practice, will effectually redress all our above-specifyed Grievances. As it has been an ancient Maxim amongst us in our Island of Great Britain, That the safety of the Nation depends on the strength of our Fleet; so I am as fully satisfied, That the Grandeur and Flourishing Trade of England is chief promoted by the improvement of Navigation: For as Money is said to be the Sinews of War; so rich Fleets of Merchantmen constantly arriving at the Ports of any City, may be justly reputed the Nerves, or rather the main Basis of Trade. But if it be demanded, by what means Trade may be reduced to a flourishing Condition? I answer, There is not one Trade-Society, or Corporation, within this Kingdom, but by a discreet management of Affairs among themselves, may make such By-laws, or mutual Contracts as will be sufficient for the preventing of all those Misfortunes, that usually happen in the way of Trade; nay, had I a fair opportunity, I could give a particular Account to the Public, of the ill Conduct of most of them: I could also produce certain Rules and Directions for the rectifying of many Irregulatities incident to Trade, and solve all Objections, that might be made to the contrary. Indeed, most of our Disappointments as to this Affair, are owing to the want of Public Spirits, Men of generous Principles, who would not grudge to spend their Time, or Money, in promoting the Advantages of the Commonwealth: But alas! Instead of so laudable a Practice, every one is ready, upon all Occasions to consult his own private Interest, without any regard to that of the Community, and it is to be wished, That such Self-interest do not at last overthrow itself and prove more prejudicial to those that adhere to it, than they are ware of. But it is now time to resume the former Arguments, and to give a more particular account of my present Design.  
It is well known, That the Colliety-Trade brings up a greater number of Seamen, than all our Navigation elsewhere, and it must be acknowledged, that when Owners and Masters of Vessels gain by Trading to Newcastle, then, and then only, our Trade to foreign Parts is in a flourishing Condition: But were I obliged to produce a true Description of the lamentable State of the Newcastle Trade, I am persuaded, it would appear almost past all Belief: Should I tell you, how many thousands of Pounds have been run out within the space of a few Years, and more especially this Summer: Should I inform you, That some Owners of Vessels, who have laid out two, or three thousand Pounds in fitting them for the said Trade to Newcastle, would be glad to dispose of them for half the Value, and to my certain knowledge, have not made One per Cent. of their Money, for several Years last passed; nay should I add, that many Inhabitants of this City have ruined themselves and their Families by this means: Should I certify you of the general Complaint I hear from the Masters of such Vessels, how they have run out their Stocks and reduced themselves to Penury, by losing ten, twenty, or thirty Pounds in a Voyage, besides Wear and Tear, and the hazard of their Ships: Lastly, should I conduct you to the Prisons and show you the great number of Traders to Newcastle confined therein; or should I bring you the File of Tradesmens Bills, that are as yet unsatisfied: You would certainly conclude the Trade of the Nation, and especially that of Newcastle, to be in a most deplorable Condition, and past reviving, unless some proper Remedy, were speedily applied; which (in my Opinion) must needs be effected by one of the two following Methods, viz.  
I. That an authentic Instrument be drawn up conformably to the Common Interest of the Society, and that of every individual Person; so as none may, or can reasonably refuse to sign it; the substance of which may be to this effect, viz. 1. That the Masters of Vessels shall be obliged to give no more than one Penny for every Cauldron they bring into the River of Thames, and by that means be assured of receiving twenty Fold: 2. That the greatest part of the Profits arising from that Penny in a Cauldron, shall be appropriated to the relief of their Widows and Orphans, after their Decease, or even to their own Use, when by Age, or Losses, they shall be rendered uncapable of following their Employments: 3. That all engaged in this Concern, except one, shall be Masters of Vessels who Trade, or have Traded to New Castle, and Men of their own Choice (according to the majority of Votes) shall be the Managers of it. Now if any Masters of Ships should at first seem unwilling to consent to such an Agreement, it is not to be doubted but their Owners will oblige them to it: But admitting that some may peremptorily refuse to subscribe, can it be imagined, That a few obstinate Persons will be able to alter the property of the Market? Or can it be reasonably supposed, That Men will give their Goods away, when they may be disposed of at a Market-price?  
II. Forasmuch as the Lighter-men and Watermens are incorporated into a Company, by a late Act of Parliament, it would be expedient to settle an Office at Billingsgate, that might oblige all Masters of Vessels, who Trade to Newcastle, to enter their Names therein, and to sell their Coals, according to the Directions of the said Office: In case of their Refusal, the Company may agree among themselves to send no Lighters on board such Ships, till they complied with so reasonable a Proposal; and in consideration thereof, all Masters of Vessels shall allow One Penny in every Cauldron of Coals they bring into the River, to be disposed of as follows; that is to say, One half of the Profits arising from the said Impost of One Penny per Cauldron, for defraying the Charges of the Office, and the other half, for the Use of the Company, to relieve the Widows and Orphans of Lighter-men and Watermens, as also such of them as are past their Labour, or otherwise fallen to Decay.  
If Time and the bulk of this small Tract would permit, I could propose several other Methods, and confute all manner of Objections that might be started in opposition to what has been above-delivered, or against the establishing of so commendable a Settlement, which (as there are good grounds to believe) would be extremely advantageous to the Nation in general, and to the Coal-trade in particular. To conclude, if these my Endeavours to be serviceable to the Public, meet with a favourable Reception among the Judicious, I shall be encouraged to draw up such Articles, as I doubt not but will give general satisfaction, and afford the best means for the accomplishing of the proposed Design.  
In the mean while, let our most Gracious King be always triumphant and full of honourable Success; revered in the highest degree both at home and abroad; ever Reigning in the Hearts of his Subjects, and striking a Terror within those of His Enemies: Let His Parliaments be transcendently eminent for their Wisdom and Unanimity: Let His Nobles be magnificent and sagacious, and all His People Loyal: Let His Arms be Victorious and His Coffers full: Let our Clergy be learned, and our Laity industrious: Let our Churches and Congregations be numerous: Let our Preachers be eloquent in the Pulpit, and exemplary in their Lives and Conversations: Let our Auditors be attentive, and ready to put in practice what they hear: Let Vice, Immorality and Profaneness be reduced to the lowest Ebb: Let Tragedies, Comedies and Farces, be hissed off the Stage: Let the Actors and Buffoons do Penance for their horrid Blasphemies; and let their Playhouses be turned into Hospitals for the relief of the Poor: However, notwithstanding all these singular Advantages; unless some proper Measures be taken for the more effectual Improvement of our Navigation and Maritime Commerce, more especially to Newcastle, we can never hope to be a People completely happy, or to see that noble Stock of TRADE, (in which England may well be said to surpass the greatest Part of the European Nations) Flourishing in its Meridian Lustre and utmost Latitude.  
FINIS.