A CHARTER of Regulations Granted to the East-India Company by Their Sacred Majesty's King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, under the Great Seal of England, Dated the 11th. of November, 1693. in the 5th. Year of Their Majesty's Reign.  

WILLIAM and MARY by the Grace of God King and Queen of England, etc.  WILLIAM and MARY,  
By the Grace of God King and Queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defenders of the Faith, etc. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting. 
Whereas the Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, have been long a Corporation, to the Honour and Profit ot this Nation, And enjoyed divers Immunities by virtue of several Charters;  Whereas the Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, have been of long time to the Honour and Profit of this Nation, a Corporation, and have enjoyed divers Liberties, Privileges and Immunities, by force of several Charters and Letters Patents heretofore granted to them by several of our late Royal Predecessors, More particularly by Letters Patents of our late Royal Uncle, King Charles the Second, under the Great Seal of England, 
VIZ,  bearing date the third day of April, in the 13th. Year of his Reign; And by one other Charter, or Letters Patents, of the said King Charles the Second, under the Great Seal of England, bearing date at Westminster the 27th. day of March, in the 20th. Year of his Reign; And by one other Charter, or Letters Patents of the said King Charles the Second bearing date at Westminster the 16th. day of December in the 25th. Year of his Reign; And by one other Charter, or Letters Patents of the said late King Charles the Second, bearing date the 9th. day of August, in the 35th. Year of his Reign; And also by a Charter or Letters Patents of the late King James the Second bearing date at Westminster the 12th. day of April, in the Second Year of his Reign: 
And whereas some doubt hath arisen touching the Validity of the Charters heretofore granted to the said Company,  And whereas some doubt or Question having been lately made, touching the Validity of the Charters granted heretofore by our late Royal Predecessors Kings and Queens of England, to the Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and whether the same were not in strictness of Law void by the not actual Payment into the Receipt of our Exchequer, 
By the not actual Payment of the first Quarterly Payment of the 5 l. per Cent. Tax.  of the first Quarterly Payment of the Tax of five pounds per Cent. charged on the General Joint-stock of the said Company; according to a late Act of Parliament Entitled, (An Act for continuing certain Acts therein mentioned, and for charging several Joynt-Stocks) And We having taken the same into our Royal Consideration, 
We, well weighing the Disorders that would happen if advantage were taken of the said Forfeiture,  and well weighing what Disorders and Inconveniences would befall the said Company, and other Persons concerned and employed in their Trade and Adventures, especially in the remote parts of the World, if we should have taken advantage of the Forfeiture aforesaid, Did by our Letters Patents under our Great Seal of England, 
Did by our Letters Patents, dated the 7th. of October last, Constitute Sir Thomas Cook, Francis Tyssen, Esq etc.  bearing date the 7th. day of October now last passed, make, constitute, ordain, declare and appoint that Sir Thomas Cook Knt. and one of the Aldermen of our City of London, Francis Tyssen Esq George Earl of Berkeley, Sir John Fleet, Knt. then Lord Mayor of our City of London, Sir Josia Child Baronet, Sir William Langhorne, Baronet, Sir Benjamin Bathurst Knt. Sir John Moor Knt. and one of the Aldermen of our City of London, Sir Sam. Dashwood Knt. and one of the Aldermen of our City of London, Sir Edward des Bouvery Knt. Sir Thomas Rawlinson, Knt. Sir William Gore, Knt. and one of the Aldermen of our City of London, Sir Joseph Herne Knt. Sir Rowland Aynsworth, Knt. John Pery Esq George Boun Esq Richard Hutchinson, Jun. Esq Frederick Herne, Esq Ralph Martial Esq Richard Acton, John Cook of Hackney, Francis Gosfright, John Da Bois, Isaac Houblon, Samuel Ongley and Nath. Mounteney Gentlemen, and all and every other Person and Person who were Members of the said Company, 
And all other the Members of the said or late Company, on the 24th. March last,  or late Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies on the 24th. day of March now last passed, who had not before the Date of the said last recited Letters Patents parted with their Stocks in the said Company, 
Who had not parted with their Stocks;  and all and every other Person and Persons who after the said 24th. day of March last passed, and before the date of the said last recited Letters Patents, 
And all others who by buying Stocks, etc. Were capable to be Members of the said Company, To be one Body Politic, By the Name of the Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies.  by buying Stocks or otherwise, had come into, and then remained in a Capacity of being Members of the said Company, should be a Body Corporate and Politic in Deed and in Name, by the Name of the Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, And them, by that Name, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed and in Name, really and fully for ever, for Us our Heirs and Successors, We did make, declare, establish and confirm; And we have also in and by the said last recited Letters Patents for Us, 
And granted and restored unto them all the Ports, Islands, etc.  Our Heirs and Successors, given, granted, restored and confirmed unto the said Governor and Company thereby constituted and confirmed, and their Successors, All and every the Ports, Islands, Plantations, Territories, Castles, Forts, Fortifications, Ordnance, Armour, Artillery, Munition, Arms, Guns, Powder, Shot, Victuals, Magazines, Stores, Ammunition and Provisions of War, Ships, Junks, Vessels, Boats, Joint Stock, Manors, Lordships, Messages, Houses, Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, Goods, Wares, Merchandizes, Cattle, Chattels real and personal, Debts, Deuce, Duties, right of Actions and Demand in Law or Equity, Powers, Privileges, Liberties, Franchises, Jurisdictions, Customs, Rights, Royalties, Immunities and Advantages whatsoever, 
Which were or might be lawfully enjoyed by them, on or before the 24th. March last, or since,  and all other things which were lawfully held, received, used, exercised, or enjoyed, or might or aught to have been lawfully held, received, used, exercised, or enjoyed by the said Governor and Company, or late Governor and Company of Merchants of London, Trading into the East-Indies, on or before the said 24th. day of March now last, or at any time before the Date of the said last recited Letters, 
By Virtue of any Charters formerly granted or confirmed to them:  Patents, by Force or Virtue of any Grants, Charters, or Letters Patents whatsoever, thentofore granted unto them, or mentioned to be granted or confirmed to them, by any of our late Royal Predecessors, Kings or Queens of England, by any Style or Title of Incorporation whatsoever, or otherwise howsoever; To have, 
To enjoy the Premises to the said Governor and Company  hold, exercise and enjoy the Premises to the said Governor and Company, or late Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, in such and the same manner, and to and for such and the same Intents and Purposes in all things, 
In the same manner as they might have done on the 24th. March last.  as the said Governor and Company, or late Governor and Company might or ought lawfully to have had, held, used, exercised or enjoyed the same, on or at any time before the said 24th. day of March now last passed, as if the same Powers, Privileges, and Immunities, and other the Premises, 
And the Powers by the said Charter, had been particularly recited: Bu● under the limitations therein contained.  had been by the said last recited Letters Patents particularly granted, and the Letters Patents concerning the same at large recited, Under and subject nevertheless to the Prouisoes, Restrictions and Limitations contained in the said last recited Letters Patents, and in other the Charters formerly granted to the said Company. And Whereas, 
And whereas, in the said Charter of the 7th. October is contained the Proviso following, Viz.  in the said last recited Letters Patents bearing date the 7th. day of October now last passed, there is contained a Proviso or Condition in the Words following, (Viz.) Provided always, and upon Condition Nevertheless, and Our Express Will and meaning is, That if the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, do not accept of, and from time to time, 
If the Company do not accept of, and ●●fectually exec●●e such directions, are rations, etc.  and at all times hereafter Act according to, and put in due and effectual Execution, and submit and conform in all things unto such Orders, Directions, Additions, Alterations, Restrictions and Qualifications relating to the Constitution, Continuance, Determination, Rights, Powers or Privileges of the said Company, or the Government thereof, Or of the said Governor and Company or the Encouragement, Management, Regulation or Advancement of Trade, Or of the present or future Joint-stock of the said Company, Or concerning any future Subscriptions to be made by way of Increase or Addition to the Joint-stock, Or for ascertaining the true Values of the said Joint Stock, at and during the time of any such future Subscriptions, which, and as We, Our Heirs or Successors, 
At we shall make before the 29th. September, 1694.  by the Advice of our or their Privy Council, shall from time to time at any time before the 29th. day of September, which shall be in the Year 1694. think fit to make, insert, limit, direct, appoint or express in or by any further or other Charter, Letters Patents, or other Writing or Instrument under our or their Great Seal of England; 
Then these presents to be revokable,  Then and in each and every of the Cases aforesaid, It shall and may be lawful to and for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, by Letters Patents under our or their Great Seal of England to determine, revoke and make void these presents, and the Grant hereby made, And from and immediately after the passing of such Letters Patents of Revocation or Determination under the Great Seal of England, These presents, and all the Powers, 
And all the Powers therein contained to cease.  Privileges, Grants and other things herein contained shall cease, determine and be absolutely void to all Intents and Purposes, any thing to the contrary notwithstanding, As in and by the said last recited Letters Patents (amongst several other Prouisoes, Powers and Clauses therein contained) relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear. NOW KNOW YE, 
NOW KNOW YE, That we considering how highly it Imports this Kingdom, that the East-India Trade should be continued,  That We considering how highly it Imports the Honour and Welfare of this our Kingdom, and our Subjects thereof, That a Trade and Traffic to the East-Indies should be continued, And being well satisfied that the same may be of great and public Advantage, 
And being desirous to make the same more National,  And being also desirous to render the same (as much as in us lies) more National, General and Extensive than hitherto it hath been (which will be best carried on and effected by a General Joint-stock) Have, 
(which is best to be done in a Joint-stock,) have for the Purposes aforesaid,  to and for the ends and purposes aforesaid, and in pursuance and part of the Execution of the Power to us reserved in and by the said Proviso in our said Letters Patents, and herein , by and with the Advice of our Privy Council, and of our especial Grace, 
by the Advice of our Privy Council, and of our Especial Grace, certain Knowledge and mere Motion, ordained and constituted:  certain Knowledge and mere Motion, ordained, constituted and appointed, And by these Presents for Us, our Heirs and Successors, do Order, direct, ordain, constitute and appoint, and the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, 
And the said Company de agree to.  do hereby accept and agree to, That all and every Person and Persons, as well our Natural born Subjects of this our Kingdom, 
That all our Subjects, and Persons Naturalised and Indenized, who shall hereafter Subscribe and pay down the Sums of Money by them Subscribed in such manner as is herein after-directed, shall be Members of the said Company, as is after expressed.  as Persons Naturalised and endenized, who shall hereafter subscribe and pay down the several Proportions of the respective Sums of Money by them respectively Subscribed, in such manner as the same is herein after directed and appointed to be Subscribed and paid, be, and by the Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, for the time being, shall be admitted and become Members of the said Company within the time, and in the manner herein after for that purpose expressed. And our Will and Pleasure is, 
And Our Will and Pleasure is, That,  And we do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant unto the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, And do hereby order, 
744000 l. be Subscribed  direct and appoint, That the Sum of 744000 l. of Lawful Money of England, shall and may be added to the present General Joint-stock of the said Company, by the New Subscriptions of such Persons who shall be minded to adventure any share in the General Joint-stock of the said Company, and to be paid in to the use of the said Company, in such manner and proportions, and within such time as is herein , for the carrying on and managing a Trade to the East-Indies by a General Joint-stock. And for the purposes aforesaid, We do hereby, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, Order, Direct, and Appoint, that a Book, or Books, made of velum for the said New Subscriptions to be Inserted, 
in a Book of velum. (within Six days to be provided,)  shall be provided within Six Days, after the Date hereof, by the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, which shall lie open every Day in the Week (Sundays excepted) at the East-India House in Leaden-Hall-street, 
to he open daily from Eight to Twelve, in the Morning and from Two to Six in the Afternoon, till the 10th. January next.  London, from the Hour of Eight to the Hour of Twelve in the Morning, and from the Hour of Two to the Hour of Six in the Afternoon, until the Tenth day of January next inclusive; In which said Book or Books, it shall and may be lawful to and for any person or persons whatsoever, being Natural born Subjects of this Our Realm and Persons Naturalised or Endenized, to pay and Subscribe on or before the said 10th. day of January now next ensuing, such Sum and Sums of Money, to be added to the present Joint-stock of the said Company, as they shall think fit to Adventure in the said Trade, So as no one person shall subscribe more than the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds; 
None to Subscribe above 10000  And We do hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, direct and appoint, That if it shall happen, That the New Subscriptions to be made by virtue of these Presents, shall exceed the Sum of 744000 l. in the whole, 
If the Subscriptions exceed 744000 l. to be reduced to that Sum by the Court of Committees.  That then and in such case the Governor or Deputy Governor, and the Court of Committees of the said Company (to be qualified in such manner as is herein after expressed) shall lessen and reduce the said New Subscriptions, to the said Sum of 744000 l. rata pro rata, and in proportion to the several Sums so newly Subscribed to the Joint-stock of the said Company. And Our further Will and Pleasure is, And we do hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, Order and appoint, That all and every Person and Persons so subscribing, shall at the time of his or her Subscription, 
The Subscribers to swear the Moneys subscribed is their own, and for their own use, and not in trust.  respectively take an Oath before the Governor or Deputy Governor, or any three or more of the Committees of the said Company for the time being, That the Moneys by him or her Subscribed is his or her own proper Moneys, and that he or she Subscribes the same for his or her own Use, and not in Trust, or for the use of any other Person or Persons whatsoever; 
The Governor, etc. to Administer the Oath.  To which said Governor or Deputy Governor, or any three or more of the Committee of the said Company for the time being, We do hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, give full Power and Authority; to give and Administer the said Oath, And do hereby Order and direct them, to administer the same accordingly. Provided always, and our Will and Pleasure is, And We do hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, strictly require and command, and do order and direct, That all and every Person and Persons, who shall make such Subscriptions as aforesaid, shall at the time of such Subscription, actually and bona fide, pay down or cause to be paid down unto the Committee of the Treasury of the said Company for the time being, or their Cashier, 
A Third part of the Subscriptions to be paid down,  one full and entire Third part of the several Sums of Money, by each of them respectively Subscribed to the said present Joint-stock, and shall also pay the Remainder thereof on or at any time or times before the said 10th. day of January now next coming. And further, 
The rest by the 10th. January.  Our Will and Pleasure is, And We do by these presents, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Grant unto the said Governor and Company and their Successors, and do hereby order and direct, That in all General Courts of the Adventurers of the said Company, 
In all General Courts every Qualified Member having  Such Persons (being Members of the said Company, and qualified as is herein mentioned) shall have for and in respect of such Sums, as they shall respectively have Subscribed and paid in to the Joint-stock of the said Company, such number of Votes or Voices in a General Court of the said Company, as are herein after limited and expressed (That is to say) That each Person having One Thousand pound or more in the Stock of the said Company, 
1000 l. Stock or more, shall have a Vote for every 1000 l. to 10000 l.  shall have one Vote for every Thousand pounds, not exceeding Ten Thousand pounds; and if Ten Thousand pounds or more, yet that such Person shall have but Ten Votes whatsoever his or her Stock be. 
None to have more than Ten Votes,  And further, That no Person or Persons who shall have in the Joint-stock of the said Company, for his or her own use any Sum less than One Thousand pounds, 
And no Vote, if less than 1000 l.  shall have any Vote or Voice at a General Court of the said Company for or in respect of such Sum being less than One Thousand pounds. And further, We will, and by these presents for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, do Grant unto the said Governor and Company and their Successors, And do also hereby Order and Appoint, That all and every Person and Persons who were Members, or free of the said Company by former Charters or capable to be so, 
All free of the Company by former Charters, or capable to be so:  And all other Persons who shall Subscribe and pay in any Sum of Money into the said Joint-stock hereby appointed to be raised, in such manner as is herein before directed, shall be admitted Gratis into the Freedom of the said Company. 
And all new Subscribers to be free of the Company, gratis;  But that all and every Person and Persons who shall not be so qualified as aforesaid, but shall come in by purchase of any part of the said General Joint-stock, shall take upon him or her the Freedom of the said Company, and before his or her Admission thereunto, shall pay or cause to be paid to the said Governor and Company, and their Successors, the Sum of Five pounds of Lawful English Money, 
Others to pay 5 l. for it;  by way of fine for his or her Admission into the said Freedom: And such Person and Persons, as also all Subscribers to the said Joint-stock, 
who with the Subscribers shall take the Oaths, Viz.  upon their Admission shall take the Oaths appointed to be taken by a late Act of Parliament made in the First Year of our Reign, Entitled, (An Act for the abrogating of the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance, and appointing other Oaths) and also the Oath usually taken by all Persons made Free of the said Company, before the Governor or Deputy Governor of the said Company for the time being, to whom We do hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, give Power and Authority to Administer the said Oaths accordingly. And further, We will, and by these Presents for Us, Our Heirs and Successors do grant unto the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, That it shall and may be lawful to and for the Governor or Deputy Governor of the said Company for the time being, 
The Governor or Deputy Governor of the Company to call General Courts and Courts of Committees:  from time to time to call, and we do hereby order and direct, That they shall call a General Court, and Court of Committees, to be holden for the said Company, which shall consist only of such Members of the said Company, who shall at such time have in the Joint-stock of the said Company, 
To consist of such only as have a 1000 l. Stock each, in their own right, and have taken the said Oaths.  the Sum of One Thousand pounds at least in his or her own Right, and shall have also taken the Oaths appointed to be by them taken as aforesaid; (in which said General Court or Court of Committees, the Governor or Deputy Governor of the said Company for the time being shall be present, 
The Governor or Deputy to have a Casting Voice in such Courts.  And in case of equality of Votes or Voices shall have a Casting Voice). And further also, that all the Members of the said Company so qualified as aforesaid, or the Major part of them, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, shall and may have power and Authority Yearly and every Year between the Tenth and last day of April, to assemble and meet together in some convenient Place to be appointed from time to time by the Governor, 
Governor, Deputy, and 24 Committees, to be yearly chosen in April.  or in his absence by the Deputy Governor of the said Company for the time being: And that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Governor or Deputy of the said Governor, and other the Members of the said Company, qualified as aforesaid, for the time being, or the Major part of them, being so assembled in a General Court (whereof the Governor of the said Company, or his Deputy for the time being to be one) to nominate and Elect out of the Members of the said Company, a Governor, Deputy Governor, and Twenty Four Committees, each of them being respectively qualified to be chosen into the said several Offices, in manner as herein after is expressed (That is to say) to nominate and Elect one of the Members of the said Company, who shall then have in the Joint-stock of the said Company, 
The Governor to have 1000 l. Stock in his own right:  the Sum of Four Thousand pounds at least in his own Right, to be Governor of the said Company for one whole Year from thence next following; and also one other of the Members of the said Company, who shall then have in the Joint-stock of the said Company, the Sum of Four Thousand pounds at least in his own Right, 
The Deputy the same:  to be Deputy Governor of the said Company for one whole year next ensuing; And also Twenty Four Members of the said Company, who shall each of them then have in the Joint-stock of the said Company, 
The Committees each 1000 l.  the Sum of One Thousand pounds at least in his own Right, to be Committees of the said Company, for one whole Year from thence next ensuing. And Moreover, Our Will and Pleasure is, and by these Presents for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, We do grant unto the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, and do hereby Order and Appoint, That when, and as often, as it shall happen, the Governor, Deputy Governor, or any of the Committees of the said Company for the time being, at any time within one Year after that they shall be Nominated, Elected and Sworn into their said several Offices, to Die; that then, and so often it shall and may be lawful to and for the Residue of the Members of the said Company, 
If any die within the year, others (duly qualified) to be Elected in their stead.  qualified as aforesaid for the time being, or the major part of them, within convenient time after the Death of any such Governor, Deputy Governor, or any of the Committees of the said Company; to assemble themselves in such convenient place as they shall think fit, and in a General Court to Elect and Nominate some other Member or Members of the said Company respectively qualified as aforesaid, into the Office or Offices of Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committees of the said Company in the place and stead of him or them that so died; which Person and Persons being so Elected and Nominated to the said Office of Governor, Deputy Governor, or Committees of the said Company, shall have and Execute the said Office or Offices, for and during the residue of the said Year. Provided always, And our Will and Pleasure is, And We do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, order, direct and appoint, that all and every Person and Persons, who shall hereafter be Elected to the Office or Offices of Governor, Deputy Governor or Committees of the said Company, shall before they be admitted to the Execution of their several Offices, 
The Governor, Depaty, and Committees before they Act to take the Oaths, Viz.  respectively take the Oaths before mentioned, and appointed to be taken by the said late Act of Parliament, Entitled, An Act for the Abrogating of the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance, and appointing other Oaths; and also the Oaths for the due and faithful Execution of their said several Offices, before such Persons, and in such manner as hath been heretofore used and accustomed, by virtue of any former Charters or Letters Patents, and this as often as the Case shall require. And further our Will and Pleasure is, and by these Presents for Us, our Heirs and Successors, We do grant unto the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and to their Successors, That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Governor, and others the Members of the said Company qualified as aforesaid for the time being, from time to time to assemble themselves for or about any the Matters, Causes, Affairs or Business of the said Trade, 
The Governor and other qualified Members of the Company may Assemble and hold General Courts where they please,  in any place or places for the same convenient, within our Dominions or elsewhere, and there to hold a General Court for the said Company, and the Affairs thereof: And that also it shall and may be lawful to or for them, or the major part of them being so assembled, and that shall then and there be present in any such place or places (whereof the Governor or his Deputy for the time being to be one) to make, ordain and constitute such and so many reasonable Laws, 
and (the Governor or Deputy being present) may make By-Laws for the Companies better Government,  Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances, as to them, or the greater part of them, being then and there present, shall seem necessary and convenient for the good Government of the same Company: And the same Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances so make, to put in use, and execute accordingly; and at their pleasure to revoke or alter the same, or any of them, as Occasion shall require. 
and revoke or alter them,  And that the said Governor and Company so often as they shall make, ordain or establish any such Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances in form aforesaid, shall and may impose, ordain, limit and provide such lawful pains, 
and may impose lawful Penalties, Fines, etc.  punishments and penalties, by Fines and Amerciaments, or by any other lawful ways and means, upon or against all Offenders contrary to such Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances, or any of them, as to the said Governor and Company for the time being, or the greater part of them, then and there being present (the said Governor or his Deputy being always One) shall seem necessary, requisite and convenient for the observation of the same Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances; And the same Fines and Amerciaments, shall and may by their Officers and Servants, from time to time to be appointed for that purpose, levy, take and have to the use of the said Governor and Company and their Successors, 
And levy the same to their own use.  without the impediment of Us, our Heirs or Successors, or of any the Officers or Ministers of Us, our Heirs or Successors, and without any account therefore to Us, our Heirs or Successors to be rendered or made; All and singular which Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances so as aforesaid to be made, We will to be duly observed and kept, 
All which By-Laws shall be kept, etc. if approved by a General Court, and not repugnant to the Laws of the Land.  under the pains and penalties therein to be contained, so always as the said Laws, Constitutions, Orders and Ordinances, Fines and Amerciaments, be first approved by a General Court of Adventurers, or the major part of them, for the time being, and so as the same be reasonable, and not contrary or repugnant to the Laws, Statutes or Customs of this our Realm. Provided always, and our further Will and Pleasure is, and we do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, order and appoint, That the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies, or their Successors, shall not at any time hereafter Licence or permit any Person or Persons whatsoever, to Trade or Traffic, 
No permission to any Person to Trade, or Ships to pass into, or from the East-Indies, on any private account,  or any Ship or Ships to Sail or pass into, or from any part of the said East-Indies, on any Private Account whatsoever; and that if any such Licence or Permission shall be granted, contrary to our said Order and appointment herein before declared, That then, and in each such Case, as well these Presents, as also the said recited Letters Patents, 
on Penalty of forfeiting this and the last Charter.  bearing date the Seventh day of October last passed, and all and every the Powers, Grants, Matters and Things therein and herein contained, shall cease, determine and be utterly void, to all Intents and Purposes, any thing to the contrary notwithstanding. And We do further hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, direct, order and appoint the said Governor and Company, and their Successors, That during the continuance of the said Joint-stock of the said Company, 
No private Contract,  No private Contract for the Sale of any Goods or Merchandizes, shall be made by the said Company, to any Member or Members of the said Company, or any other Person or Persons whatsoever (excepting only such Salt-Petre as shall be sold for the use of Us, 
(excepting Salt-petre for the Crown)  our Heirs and Successors): But that all Goods and Merchandizes belonging to the said Company, shall be sold openly and publicly by Inch of Candle, 
but all Goods Sold at the Companies Candle, and for their account:  at their public Sales upon the Companies Account; And that all Moneys arising by the Sale of any Goods or Merchandizes of the said Company, shall be faithfully, and bona fide, accounted for, and applied to the public and common Benefit and Advantage of the General Joint-stock of the said Company, 
and the Money arising thereby applied to the Companies use.  and of all and every the Persons therein concerned, ratably and according to every persons proportion and share in the said Joint-stock, and not to the private Advantage of any particular person or Persons whatsoever. And that no Lot of any Goods or Merchandizes, shall be put up or Sold, which shall exceed the value of Five Hundred Pounds (Jewels excepted). 
No Lot of Goods, except Jewels, to exceed 500 l.  And for the better Increase of Trade, and Encouraging the Exportation of Goods and Merchandizes, of the Growth, Product and Manufacture of this Kingdom, It is Our further Will and Pleasure, and we do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, order and appoint, That the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, shall Yearly and every Year, during the continuance of the said Joint-stock, Export and carry to the East-Indies, Goods of the Growth, Product or Manufacture of this our Kingdom of England, 
To Export yeatly to India 100000 l. worth of Goods of the Product, etc. of England.  so many as shall amount to the Value of One Hundred Thousand Pounds at the least: Provided always, and upon Condition, and the said Governor and Company do hereby for themselves, and their Successors, Covenant, Grant and Agree to and with Us, our Heirs and Successors, And we do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, order and appoint, that they the said Governor and Company and their Successors, shall Yearly and every Year, during the continuance of the said Joint-stock, Furnish, 
To furnisn the Crown yearly with 500 Tons of Salt-petre at the Prices tollowing;  Sell and Deliver out of their Warehouses in or near the City of London, unto the Officers of the Ordnance of Us, our Heirs and Successors, or to such other Person or Persons as We, our Heirs or Successors, shall in that behalf direct or appoint to Our and their Own Use, the Quantity of Five Hundred Tons of good, clean, and Mercantable Sal. Petre, consisting of One Hundred and Twelve Pounds to the Hundred, when and as the same shall be required by the Master, Lieutenant, or other Chief Officer or Officers, of or belonging to the Ordnance of Us, our Heirs and Successors, or by such other Person or Persons, as We, our Heirs and Successors shall from time to time Appoint in that behalf, We, our Heirs and Successors paying to the said Governor and Company and their Successors, for every Tun of such Salt-Petre, the Sum of Thirty Eight pounds and Ten shillings of Lawful English Money in time of Peace, and in time of War, the Sum of Forty Five pounds of like Money for every Tun of such Salt-Petre. And Our further Will and Pleasure is, and We do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Command, direct and appoint that all Dividends hereafter to be made of the Profits arising by the Joint-stock of the said Company, 
All Dividends to be made in Money only.  shall from time to time be made in Money and not otherwise. And further, We do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Order and Appoint the said Governor and Company and their Successors, that they, 
The Companies Accountant to Enter in a Book, or Books, from time to time, the Value of the Stock upon Oath;  and their Successors shall Cause an Accountant to keep a Book or Books in the Public Office, or place of Meeting of the said Company, to be provided for that purpose, and therein fairly enter or cause to be entered from time to time the true Value of the Joint-stock of the said Company, the same to be by him attested upon Oath; which said Book or Books, shall from time to time lie open to be Viewed, and perused by all Persons concerned. And also that all Alienations, Mortgages, 
And also all Alienations and Transfers of Stock  Transfers and Assignments of any Part of the said General Joint-stock, to any Person or Persons whatsoever, shall be entered and Registered by the said Governor and Company and their Successors, in the Public, Ordinary and Common Book or Books to be provided by the said Company for that purpose; 
to lie open to the view of the Concerneds.  and that such Common Book or Books shall lie open from time to time for the View of all Persons concerned. And our further Will and Pleasure is, 
The Joint-stock to continue 21 Years:  and We do hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, Order, direct, limit and Appoint that the Joint-stock of the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, shall continue for Twenty One Years, to be computed from the date of these Presents, and no longer, any thing herein, or in the said recited Letters Patents, or any of them contained to the contrary notwithstanding. 
A Year before which time Books for New Subscriptions shall lie open for a New Joint-stock.  And also that during one whole Year next, before the Expiration of the said Term of Twenty One Years, herein before mentioned for the continuance of the said Joint-stock, the said Governor and Company and their Successors shall cause, and procure a Book or Books to be kept at their Public Office or place of Meeting, to which said Book or Books all Persons being Natural Born Subjects, or Naturalised, or Endenized, shall or may have free access, and therein make new Subscriptions, for the making a succeeding new General Joint-stock, as to Us, our Heirs or Successors, shall seem meet and convenient. 
Provided, etc. as in the former Charter of the 7th. October.  Provided always, and upon Condition nevertheless, and Our Express Will and Meaning is, and We do hereby Order, Direct and Appoint, And the said Governor and Company do hereby agree, That if the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East-Indies, and their Successors, do not accept of, and from time to time, and at all times hereafter, Act according to, and put in due and effectual Execution, and submit and conform in all things unto, as well all and every the Orders, Directions, Additions, Alterations, Restrictions, Qualifications, Matters, and Things herein before expressed, as also all and every such further and other Orders, Directions, Additions, Alterations, Restrictions and Qualifications, relating to the Constitution, Continuance, Determination, Rights, Powers or Privileges of the said Company, or the Government thereof, or of the said Governor and Company, or the Encouragement, Management, Regulation or Advancement of Trade, or of the Present or future Joint-stock of the said Company, or concerning any future Subscriptions, to be made by way of Increase, or Addition to the Joint-stock or for ascertaining the true Values of the said Joint-stock, at, and during the times of any such future Subscriptions, which, and as We, our Heirs or Successors, by the Advice of Our or Their Privy Council, shall from time to time, at any time before the 29th. day of September, which shall be in the Year 1694. think fit to make, insert, limit, direct, appoint or Express in, or by any further or other Charter, Letters Patents, or other Writing or Instrument, under our or their Great Seal of England; Then and in Each and every of the Cases aforesaid, It shall and may be lawful to and for Us, our Heirs, and Successors by Letters Patents under our or their Great Seal of England, to determine, revoke and make void, as well these Presents, and the Grant hereby made, As also the said Charter, or Letters Patents, bearing date the 7th. day of October last passed herein , And all, and every, or any the Matters, and things therein, and herein contained, and from and immediately after the passing of such Letters Patents of Revocation, or Determination under the Great Seal of England, as well these Presents, as also the said Charter or Letters Patents bearing date the 7th. day of October last passed, and all the Powers, Privileges, Grants, and other things therein, and herein contained, shall cease, determine, and be absolutely void, to all Intents and Purposes, Any thing to the Contrary notwithstanding. In Witness whereof We have caused these our Letters to be made Patents, Witness Ourselves at Westminster, the 11th. day of November, in the Fifth Year of our Reign.  
By Writ of Privy Seal, Pigott.