AFter my hearty Commendations, whereas there was formerly sent you several Printed Copies of the Act for laying Impositions on Proceed at Law, together with the Copy of an Order and Resolution of the late Lord Keeper, and divers of the Judges and others, whose Assistance was desired for the better promoting His Majesty's Service. Which Order (amongst other things) concerned the Suppressing of Unlicensed Alehouses, and directed, that persons Licenced might duly enter into Recognizances, and that the Duty of Two shillings Six pence due to His Majesty for every such Recognizance entered into, should be received thereupon. And that such Recognizances should be certified, and remain of Record in the Court of Quarter Sessions, as is directed by the Statute of 5 & 6 Edw. 6. And whereas by a Letter of the 22. of June 1671. the late Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, Did especially recommend it to your Care, to put the said Order in Execution. And His Majesty having thought fit to let to Farm the Duties arising by virtue of the said Act. To Peter Calverd, Samuel Vincent, Esq; and others, And to the End his Majesty's Interest may be promoted, and all due Countenance and Encouragement given to the said Persons in collecting and receiving the said Duty, These are therefore to desire you, That at the General Quarter Sessions hereafter to be holden, next after the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord in every Year, you give Notice to the said Persons, or such as shall attend you on their behalves, of such Days and Places as you shall appoint Meetings for the Granting Lincenses to Ale-house-keepers, to the end the said Duty of Two shillings Six pence may be duly collected and paid to the said Persons, or their Agents: And if none shall happen to Attend, That then the said Duty be paid to such other sufficient person or persons as you yourselves shall Appoint to receive the same; such person or persons keeping Books of Entries thereof, and Accounting for the Money Received, upon Oath, and paying the same to the said Persons or their Agents. The full and effectual execution hereof, as also of the Suppressing of all Unlicenced Alehouses, I especially recommend to your Care, assuring you that your Care herein will be very Acceptable to his Majesty. And so I bid you hearty Farewell, and Remain  
Your very Loving Friend, CLIFFORD. Wallingford-House, January, 1672. To His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of _____   

A True-Copy of the Lord High Treasurer's LETTER, TO THE Justices of the Peace, Concerning the Duty of Two Shillings Six Pence on Recognizances for Alehouses.