A full and true Relation of the whole Transactions of the Company of Vintners, the Farmers, and Co-adventurers, as to the Farms of 40 s. per Tun, and Wine Licenses, and the Medium. ON the sixth of November, 1637, at a general meeting of all Retailers of Wines in London, Westminster, and the Confines thereof at Vintner's Hall, the generality made choice of Alderman Abel, than Master of their Company, Edward Kynaston, Ralph More Wardens, Rowland Wilson, Thomas Hutchinson, William Bowyer Esqui●es, Robert Shaw, and Joseph Graves, George Hulbert, Michael Gardiner, Thomas Langton, and John Wilcoxe, or any three or more of them, (whereof the Master and the chief Warden to to be one) to deal for the generality touching an advancement of price upon retail of Wines suppressing the Cooper's, a general pardon, and divers other benefits to be granted by his Majesty to the retailing Vintners: But the Committee was not to conclude any thing therein without the consent of the generality of Retailers, as by the Order made that day at Vintner's Hall may appear. The Committee proceeded therein accordingly by and with the advice, consent, and direction of the generality from time to time, as appears by their own Orders at Vintner's Hall, which are here faithfully set down, as they were truly transcribed, and compared with their Book of Orders there. The Orders are in these words, ●…se were the ●…sistants be●…s the gene●…y. 22 Die Novemb. 1637. Master Abel Alderman, Master: Master Kinaston, Master More, Master Courtman, Wardens, Master Bowyer, Master Davis, Master Robert Shaw, Master wild, Master Bonomy, Master King, Master Darling, Master Leechland, Master Hamond, Master Griffith, Master Hulbert, master Field, master Gardiner. ●…neral ●…rt. At this Court all the vintners and others Retailers of wine in London, Westminster, and the parts thereunto adjoining were warned to meet together at the Vintner's Hall in London, the greater number whereof there appeared, and upon report made to them by the Committees formerly chosen by them, what was demanded for his Majesty. It was assented unto by the generality, that the Committees might yield to pay forty shillings upon a tun, provided that they might be assured to have from his Majesty the immunities and benefits proposed, the which their assents was showed and expressed by holding up of their hands, and they to report their proceed to the Court from time to time. The immunities and benefits were then put into writing by the Clerk of Vintner's Hall, and were comprehended in eleven heads or Articles, and entitled: The humble desires of the retailers of Wines and were Presented together with a petition to his Majesty a true Copy of both which here followeth. The Petition of the retailing Vintners of London, and their Propositions and Demands contrived and made amongst themselves at their Hall, in November 1637. Whereby it may appear who projected the penny a Quart on Wines. To the Kings most Excellent Majesty. The humble Petition of your Majejesties' Loyal Subjects, the Vintners and Retailers of Wines, Freemen of the City of London. Most humbly showeth, THat whereas the Company of Vintners of London, hath anciently in times past, been a flourishing Company, and hath had and enjoyed sundry ancient Privileges and Immunities, whereby the Freemen of that Company have in the exercise of their Calling, become men of eminent place and authority in this your City of London. May it please your most excellent Majesty to be informed, that of late times, the Wine Cooper's have so invaded the privileges, and intruded into the Trade and Profession of the Vintners, as that the said ancient Company is much decayed thereby and impoverished, and like further to decline, unless by your Princely Clemency the same be restored and upheld. And therefore your humble Petitioners, prostrating themselves at the feet of your sacred Majesty, do most humbly pray your Majesty will be graciously pleased to restore them to their ancient freedom in the use of their profession. And withal (for the better enabling them to do your Majesty service, and go on cheerfully in their Callings) and to grant unto them such further additions of your Princely Favours and Immunities, as are contained and expressed in the Schedule annexed, and to pardon all their Delinquencies and transgressions past. And in an humble and thankful acknowledgement of your Majesties so ample and royal favours extended to them, your humble Suppliants will with a free and unanimous consent pay to your Majesty's use●, and your royal Successors the sum of 2 l. for every Tun of Wine, which they shall hereafter retail or vend within this your Kingdom, and as in duty bound will ever pray. The humble desires of the Retailors of Wines. THat all Merchants and others Importers of Wines into the Ports of London, may be enjoined to sell their Wines to none but Retailors of Wines, being Vintner's, to the end your Majesty may have 2 l. on the Tun, upon all the Wines that shall be imported, whereby the Merchants and others may not undersell the Vintners, and deprive your Majesty of the said 2 l. on the Tun aforesaid, and the said Vintners be hindered both in their whole Sale and Retail. 2 That no Retailors of Wines, and other Buyers of Wines, within any place or places of this Realm, be permitted to buy any Wines at any Port or places within this Realm, unless the said Retailors or Buyers, do pay the aforesaid 2 l. on the Tun to his Majesty, otherwise it will come to pass that all Retailors and other Buyers of Wines will furnish themselves, to save the 2 l. a Tun, and neglect the free Vintners of London. 3 That all Cooper's and others may be restrained from intruding into the Vintner's Trade, buying or selling Wines either in gross or by retail for time to come. 4 That all free Vintners may dress and sell Victuals, Beer, Sugar and Tobacco in their Houses in London, or elsewhere as anciently they have done heretofore, they buying their Tobacco of any licenced to sell it. 5 That there may be a repayment by way of defalcation of the 6000 li. which the Vintners paid into your Majesty's receipt of the Exchequer, for a great part whereof they pay Interest at this day. 6 That the granting of Licenses to retail Wines within London and three mile's compass, may be hereafter and hence forth restrained, and none to be hereafter granted, And also that the free Vintners may have power according to their ancient Charter to draw wines freely in the four principal Roads, and all Cities and Port Towns within this Realm. 7. That his Majesty will be graciously pleased to grant to all free Vintners and retaylors of Wines his his most gracious, general, and free pardon for all delinquencies and transgressions whatsoever by them committed in the exercise of their Trade, either by whole sale or retail to this day, And also a confirmation of their ancient Charter with liberty to adventure for Wine of all sorts, with such additions as it shall please your Majesty to confer on them, and to be annexed to their Charter. 8 That all Retailors of Wines within London and three miles thereof, may be reduced to be Freemen of the Company of Vintners, for the better government of their trade in general. 9 That your Majesty will be graciously pleased to grant to the said free Vintner's licence to sell at 1 d. a quart, over and above the prices yearly set by the Lords of the Council; whereby they may be enabled to pay to your Majesty 2 l. upon the Tun. 10 That high Country Wines in regard of their extraordinary prices and small Cask, may be sold at 1 d. a quart, above the rate allowed for ordinary French Wines. 11 That if his Majesty hereafter shall be graciously pleased to let to farm the said 2 l. per Tun; Then that the Company of Vintners may be admitted to farm the same before any other. Whereby, and by the said Order of the 22 of November, it appears that the demand of liberty to raise 1 d. 2 d. a quart, and the offer 40 s. a tun, proceeded originally from the generality of the Vintners, and as it was their voluntary offer and project, so every Article of their desires is for the benefit of each drawing Vintner, the Clerk of the Company put the said Articles into writing in the Common Hall, as the several drawing Vintners directed and dictated to him. The next meeting at Vintner's Hall was on the 27 of November, 1637. The Order thus. These the Assistants this day. 27 Die Novemb. 1637, Reg. Car. 13. William Abel Alderman Master, Master More, Master Courtman, Wardens, Master Wilson, Master Bowyer, Master Shaw, Master Bludworth, Master Bonamy, Master King, Master Robert Lee, Master Griffith, Master Hulbert, Master Baily, Master Gardiner. At this Court upon relation made by our Master of the passage of the business referred to him and other Committees, touching the payment of 40 s. on a tun to his Majesty for Wines retailed, and upon reading of the Petition prepared to be delivered to his Majesty with the several reasons thereto annexed. It is ordered that the master together with the former Committees appointed by the court shall proceed in that business as they shall from time to time find expedient, acquainting this court with their proceed. By these orders it is manifest, that this project was the work of the general company of drawing vintners, for they chose the Committee, they take account of the Committee, and they order and direct the Committee to proceed, acquainting them with their proceed. In all which Alderman Abel was but one of the Committee chosen and employed by his Company for their public service; and neither he nor any particular man, but the drawing vintners had, or could have any private interest or end. For Alderman Abel had given over his trade long before. The next Order was the seventh of February, in these words, viz. Septimo die Februarii, 1637, Reg. Car. 13. These were Assistants besides the ge●…rality. Master Abel Alderman Master, Master Kinaston, Master More, master Courtman, Wardens, Master Wilson, Master Hutchinson, master Bowyer, Master Davies, Master Robert Shaw, Master Bludworth, master Bonamy, Master King, Master Darling, master Conradus, Master Griffith, Master Hulbert, Master Field, Master Ashwell, master Gardiner. A general Court. This day all the Retailors of Wines inhabitants within the City of London, and adjacent places being warned to appear at this Court, the greater number of them appeared: To whom the Master related what had been further propounded in that business now in agitation with his Majesty, and amongst other things, that his Majesty was pleased to accept of forty shillings a tun for wines retailed, and likewise for the farm thereof thirty thousand pound a year, but his majesty would not contract with the whole generality, but with some particular men of ability, to whom his majesty may resort for the performance of that which shall be contracted for, and thereupon the said master propounded to the generality. First, whether they did hold and confirm their former resolution to pay forty shillings a tun for all Wines to be retailed, and Secondly, whether they would accept of the Farm thereof at thirty thousand pounds a year: To both which Propositions with an unanimous consent, they agreed and declared their consents, by holding up their hands. And likewise it was also considered for furtherance of the proceeding in the said business, that ten persons should be named, who should contract with his majesty, in such manner as learned Council should advise, and for that purpose the generality did nominate William Abel Alderman, Rowland Wilson, Thomas Hutchinson, William Bowyer, Esquires, Robert Shaw, Edward Kynaston, Ralph More; Jacob Bonamy, George Hulbert Esquire, and Michael Gardiner Citizens, and vintners of London; with this, that if any of the said ten should refuse to take upon him to be one of the said Contractors, that then another should be chosen in his steed, and those ten to contract with his Majesty, and to stand engaged for payment of the ●arm rent at the times, and in the manner to be agreed upon, and it was thought necessary and agreed, that the said ten should take unto them so many as should make up thirty, who should under write, and bring in every man a thousand pound, for so much thereof, as should be thought expedient from time to time to disburse, and that every of them should ratably according to their sums disbursed receive profit, if the business proved profitable, and likewise to bear their proportionable shares of charges and loss, if the business shall not happen to produce profit, but loss. By this order it is to be observed, first, that as this project had his birth at Vintner's Hall, being there contrived by the generality of drawing Vintners, so it was still prosecuted by the generality, for the greatest number of them appeared at this Court. Secondly, That the generality confirmed it with an unanimous consent, not one contradicting it. Thirdly, That for furtherance of the business the generality nominated Alderman Abel then Master, and nine more Vintners, who should contract with his Majesty on the Companies behalf, because his Majesty would not contract with the generality. Which shows with what cheerfulness and earnest desire they prosecuted the effecting of the project; and this convinceth those that pretend that the Vintners were persuaded, or threatened by Alderman Abel, the Alderman did not, nor needed to persuade them, for they nominated and engaged him. And had not this and nine other Orders of their Hall clearly manifested with what earnest desires, and unanimous assents they contrived and prosecuted it, they would have outfaced all truth. But against their own orders what can be replied. And none do testify any words of persuasion or threats, but those that are parties and delinquents in the highest degree. 1 Parties to the original contriving the Project. 2 Parties to the Indenture of creation of the project, and 3 Parties that took benefit by the project, so they all speak in excuse of themselves. At another general Court, 21 Martii, 1637. and a Court of Assistance held 29 of March, 1638, they all ratified and confirmed their assents formerly given to the said project, not any one gainsaying it. On the nineteenth of May, 1638, they appointed who should seal the quadupartite Indenture (which is the Deed of Creation of the Project) the Order is in these words. 〈◊〉 were the ●…ants ●…t that 〈◊〉 19 May 1638. Reg. Car. 14. William Abel Alderman, Master, master Kynaston Warden, master Wilson, Master Robert Shaw, master Bludworth, master Bonamy, master Darling, master Leechland, master Conradus, master Griffith, master Hulbert, master Ashwell, master Gardiner. At this Court the names of such as are appointed to seal to the Indenture, between his majesty, the French and Spanish merchants, and the Corporation of the Vintners were here appointed and declared, viz. William Abel Alderman. Edward Kinaston. Ralph More. Robert Shaw. Jacob Bonamy. Ralph King. George Gopsel. Henry Barns. Cordwell Hamond. George Shaw. George Hulbert. Anthony Baily. John Birch. Francis Ashwell. Michael Gardiner. Matthew Forster. John Gregory. William Hancock. William Kimpster. Thomas Simcots. Thomas Dudley. George Stanley. John Wilcox. Mark Hillesley. William Bellamy. Ralph Hutchinson. Joseph Rogers. All these (except the Alderman than master, are drawing vintners, whereby it appears by whom, and for whose ends this project was set on foot, and prosecuted. 25 May 1638. The several persons here undernamed, brought and paid at vintners Hall the several sums here under mentioned, as Farmers and Adventurers of Sharers, and the persons and sums hereunder set down, are entered in the Hall Book, excepting two or three of them, who afterwards brought in their said sums of a 100 li. a piece to master Travers the Under-treasurer, to the said Farmers, and their names and sums are entered in his Book. li. William Abel Alder. 100 Ralph King. 100 Thomas Dudley. 100 George Stanley. 100 Mark Hillesley. 100 Thomas Simcots. 100 William Conradus. 100 William Leechland. 100 Cap. Matthew Forster. 100 John Gregory. 100 George Hulbert. 100 Jacob Bonamy. 100 Thomas Darling. 100 Joseph Rogers. 100 William Dickens. 100 Cordwell Hamond. 100 Edward Darling. 100 George Griffith. 100 Thomas Wilcoxe. 100 Robert Lee. 100 Ralph More. 100 Edward Kinaston. 100 Rowland Wilson. 100 Michael Gardiner. 100 Ralf Hutchinson. 100 Andrew Courtman 100 Matthew Terry. 100 Robert Shaw. 100 Richard Davis. 100 Francis Ashwell. 100 Henry Crone. 100 Cap. Henry Sanders Thomas Gough. 100 Christ. Metcalf Cap. Langham. 100 Henry Lee. 100 William Bowyer 100 Roger Kilvert. 100 Note the said sunmes were not brought or paid to Alderman Abel, but at Vintners Hall, whereby it still shows this to be the work of the Company. After all this, at two several assemblies of the Company in their Hall it was ordered, that the seal of the Compnny should be put to the said Indenture of creation of the project. The Orders follow in these words. These the ●…sistants this day. 16 Junii 1638. William Abel, Alderman Master, Master Kinaston, Master More, Master Courtman, Wardens, Master Wilson, Master Bowyer, Master Davis, Master Shaw, Master Hart, Master Bludworth, Master Clegate Master Darling, Master Hamond, Master Conradus, Master Griffith, Master Baily, Master Ashwell, Master Gardiner. Whereas for the settling of the Farm of forty shillings to be paid to his majesty upon every tun of wine to be imported, and sold in this Kingdom, there are Indentures quadrupartite to be passed between the Kings most excellent majesty on the first part; the Corporation of Vintners on the second, the Company of French merchants on the third, and the Spanish merchants on the fourth part, which are to be sealed on the companies behalf, with the common seal of this company, which is to be performed at the King's Aturnies' chamber. It is ordered that the common seal shall be taken forth and delivered to our master, and he to cause the same to be put to the said Indentures, and to return the same seal to be safely kept in the treasury. Secundo die August. 1638. Reg. Car. 14. These were th● Assistants present besides the generality. Master John Hart Master, Master Griffith, Master Alexander Child, Wardens, Master Alderman Abel, Master Wilson, Master Davis, Master Robert Shaw, master Kinaston, Master Bludworth, Master Bonomy, Master King, Master Darling, Master Leechland, Master Robert Lee, master Courtman, Master Conradus, master George Shaw, master Gardiner, M. Hulbert, master Birch, Master Foster. ●…neral ●…rt. The generality here assembled gave consent that master Alderman Abel should have the Companies common Seal delivered unto him, and that he should therewith seal the Companies part of the quadrupartite Indenture made with his majesty and others, and when that is done to return the same to be safely kept in the Treasury, together with the Companies part of the said Indenture. And accordingly the Seal was sent by master Hart, than master of the Company, to Alderman Abel's house, by the hands of their Beadle; and master Griffith, one of the Contractors than Warden of the Company carried it to master Attorneys, and sealed the Indenture with it, the Alderman being then out of town. What can be more plain, then that this was the work of the whole Company. The Companies part of the Indenture must be kept with their common Seal in their Treasury, for so was it appointed by this last Order of the General Court. The Project was contrived by the generality at a general Court, as by the Order of the 22 of November. It was confirmed by the generality with unanimous consent, not one contradicting it at a general Court 7 Feb. 1637. and then the generality nominated and appointed ten of their Company to contract with his majesty on behalf of the whole Company. And their common Seal was ordered to be put to the Indenture of creation of the project at a general court, when Alderman Abel was not Master. And besides out of Town. So all the material and principal passages of the creation of this Project were acted in their Hall at general Courts, and by the generality. And it cannot be denied, but that a greater number of drawing Vintners appeared at those general Courts, then hath been known at any Court of former times. And as it appears by the Orders of those general Courts, that Alderman Abel was engaged in the business by the generality (as he was master of their Company) so it appears also by the same Orders, that neither he, nor any others were single actors of any thing in the creation or contrivement of the Project, but that it was the very Project of the generality of Retailing vintners, for the profit of themselves only The 20th Novemb●… For upon reading the Petition of James Mason and Robert Quarterman and others, preferred against Alderman Abel and the rest of the Farmers, upon the 20th day of November at their Hall. The then Master and Wardens of the Company of the vintners, with the rest of the Court of Assistance, made a Declaration, and entered it in their Hall Book, wherein are contained these very words. And master Alderman Abel and divers other the Contractors never sithhence dealt in gross, nor benefited themselves by the advance upon the retail of Wines: so as he hath in all this been but a person even entreated into the business for the Company, and no whit for himself, nor hath otherwise, or in other manner, or for other cause acted any thing at all in or concerning this business. For the Medium. It was first occasioned by the drawing Vintners, for in the first Article o● their project, they demanded that all Merchants, may be enjoined to sell their wines to none but the retailing Vintners. The Merchants opposed it, and shown that in case they should be tied up from selling their wines to any but vintners, it would be their undoing, and the overthrow of their trades, unless the Vintners would oblige themselves to take off their wines at the prizes ●et by the Lords, for otherwise the Vintners would beat down the Merchant's prices, and leave their wines on their hands. Whereupon after several debates, touching that particular between the Merchants and Vintners, it was at a general Court held at Vintners Hall the 21, of March, 1637. agreed and consented to by the generality of Retailers: That they would yearly take from the Merchants at the set prices, such a quantity of wine as was by them yearly imported according to a Medium, to be taken of their last seven year's importation. And at another general Court, the 29 off the same March, they again consented to take off the Merchant's wines, as by the order following appears. 29 Martii 1638. These we●… Assistants ●…sides the ●…rality. William Abel Alderman, Master, master Kinaston, master More, master Courtman, Wardens, master Wilson, master Hutchinson, master Bowyer, master Davies, master Robert Shaw, master Bludworth, Master King, Master Clegate, master Darling, Master Hamond, Master Conradus, master Griffith, Master George Shaw, master Hulbert, Master Field, Master Baily, Master Ashwell. A general Court. This day upon a general summons of all retailers of wines given by the Officers of the Hall for their appearance here, a very ample number of them came, to whom the Master again declared what had passed betwixt himself and some other committees of this Company, and the Medium of wines by them required to be taken off, and the Master again propounded to the said retailers whether they were willing for accommodation of those English Merchants to take their wines being good and merchantable, as in former times, in such a moderate way as is lately propounded, and hereafter to be agreed upon, not exceeding the Medium; No wars, act of State, contagion, great sickness, or mortality hindering the vent of Wines. To which they declared and signified their consents, as also that the farm of 40 shillings a Tun, shall be accepted at the rent of 30000 li. per annum, and the granting of Licenses for Taverns at 7000 li. per annum. And the next Court day being the 19 of May 1638. the Company appointed a certain number of retailing Vintners to seal the quadrupartite indenture on behalf of the whole company which, indenture was several times openly read and ratified in their Hall at general meetings, and in that Indenture the vintners covenant expressly to take off from the Merchants 4000 ton Spanish, and 5000 ton French wines; (being the Medium agreed on by the merchants and vintners) and in consideration thereof the merchants covenanted and obliged themselves to sell to no coopers, nor country vintners. Thus was the Medium begot by the London vintners and for their benefit, who by this means monopolised the retailing of wines both in city and country, and were the sole Authors of the Medium; and afterwards to make sure work, they got an order from the Council-board that those merchants that should break their contract by selling wines to coopers or country vintners should not have their wines taken off. The vintners having thus tied up the merchants from selling to any but them, would not take off their wines, as by contract they were bound, but furnished themselves from Strangers, and left those native merchant's wines on their hands to their great loss and almost undoing. Thereupon, those merchants were driven to petition the Lords of the council, and to set forth the unfaithful and fraudulent dealing of the vintners, and upon several hear of what could be said on both sides, their Lordships ordered the vintners to take off from those merchants who had been so much wronged a small quantity, fare short of that which the vintners by their own contract were bound to take, and were wines which a select committee of vintners (Michael Gardiner being one) had chosen and marked out for good and merchantable wines. True it is, in regard of the great quantity of wines imported that year, the vintners might have bought those wines somewhat cheaper, but they retailed them all at the highest prices, and lost not, but gained by them, and in case any one piece of those wines failed on their hands, it was through the Vintners own wilfulness, in that they would not husband them, rack them from their lees, and take them from the Merchants in due time as by their contract they were bound and aught to have done. In the great and numerous company of Vintners, there are about 40. whereof some would not pay the Merchant for their Medium wines, others would not pay the 40. shillings a ton to the King, and some of the refusers to pay for their Medium wines were upon complaint of the Merchants, owners of those wines committed to the Fleet by the Lords; and others that would not pay the 40. shillings a ton, after long forbearance, were sued. These forty being indebted to his Majesty in great sums for the forty shillings a tun, petitioned the Honourable House of Commons against Alderman Abel, Ralph More, George Grifsith, Rowland Wilson, and the rest of the Farmers, and by their Petition they set forth, that they were compelled to take medium Wines to their loss, and enforced to pay fotry s. upon a tun all Wines, both which are untrue, for they had voluntarily obliged themselves by their said contract to perform both, upon more than valuable considerations as is before declared, and upon those and the like false pretence, that they opposed the project, they would exempt themselves from making restitution to the Commonwealth of the great sums which they have gained by the project. To these it's answered, that they amongst the rest were present at the contriving of, and gave their consents to the project at vintners Hall, and again, though they refused to pay the 40 s. per Tun to his Majesty yet they have the conscience to take the 1 d. and 2 d. a quart, and enjoyed all other benefits and advantages by the project, and yet more, some of them had the faces to take the 3 d. a quart, which was half a Tun above the set prices on Malligoes and Sheries, as was proved before the Committees of Parliament. Thus you may see how these men had the consciences to take on all wines 4 l. on some 8 l. on others 12 l. a ton above the set prices (although in the set prices there's included a competent gain to them) and to exact all other the advantages by the contract, but they will not pay the King 40. shillings a ton, nor take off the Merchant's wines as other vintners did, and as they by their contract were bound to do. These will enjoy all profits, but will endure no loss. Are not these men more inexcusable to blame, than the rest of the vintners, that taking the 1 penny and 2 pence a quart paid the 40 shillings to the King, and performed their contract with the merchants. For the end of these men's complaint in Parliament, was to free themselves from payment of the 40 shillings a Tun to the King, on those Wines for which they had taken from the Subject 4 l. 8 l. and 12 l. a Tun, above the set prices. But the truth is, that the Vintners, having received a double benefit by this their Project, to wit, pardon for their forepast delinquencies, and increase of price on all their Wines, would have escaped the justice of the high Court of Parliament, and have prevented both punishment and restitution by casting their Project from off themselves and others, and by conceasing and denying their most unconscionable benefit, but their own Orders which they so long denied, and would still deny, have been several times proved at the several Committees, and out of those their own Orders (against which no modest man would contend.) They have upon ten several hear before the said Committees been four times voted by the Committees to be the Contrivers of the Project and Delinquents. For the Licenses. The 22 day of Novemb. 1637 A general Court. At a general Court, viz. on the foresaid 22 day of November 1637, when the several immunities & benefits comprehended in eleven heads or Articles were put in writing at Vintner's hall by their Clerk, one of the said Articles (viz.) the 6th, was, that the granting of Wine Licenses in and about London be restrained, and that the free Vintners may draw Wines in the four principal Roads, and in all Cities and Market Towns. But the said Licenses being before that granted by the late King Charles, to the Lord Goring, and he in actual possession thereof. The 7th. of Februar. 1637. A general Court. The said generality as in the aforesaid Order of the 29th. of March 1638. did consent and agree, That the granting of Licenses should be farmed at 7000 l. per annum, and whereas by the aforesaid Order of the seventh of February 1637, the generality nominated ten Contractors to contract with his Majesty for the duty of 40 s. per tun, at 30000 l. per annum, who should take to them so many as should make up thirty, who should go 1000 li. a man Adventure at this general Court (viz.) on the said 29th. of March 1638. The 29th. of March, 1638. A general Court. They order, that the said Contractors shall take to them so many as should underwrite 1000 l. a man, as shall make up with the said Contractors 37 shares, and accordingly the said Contractors did take to them so many as did make up their shares, who did underwrite their names at Vintner's Hall, to go a 1000 l. adventure in the said farms, and brought into stock a 100 l. a man, which was paid into the hands of master Traveis Under-treasurer to the Farmers. Thus the retailing vintners assumes the whole benefit of all the aforementioned benefits and immunities to themselves, excepting the farming of the 40 s. per tun, and Wine Licenses, which by the preceding Orders, most plainly appears. They turned over to the said Contractors and Coadventurers, who accordingly did contract with the said late King Charles, and the said Lord Goring for the said farms, and did rend to themselves an house for a meeting place, and did take to themselves a Treasurer an Assistant and Under-treasurer, Clarks and Accountants, and Waiters, and several other Officers, and did allot and pay to them by their Under-treasurer their several yearly stipends, and did sit and make Orders which were first drawn up by Master Griffith, one of the said Farmers, and afterwards engross in a fair Book by Master Winton their Clerk, and did receive the benefit and profits arising by the said Farms, which said Contractors and Coadventurers did take to them several Subadventurers. The names of all which are hereunto annexed with their particular adventures in the said Farms, as they are set down under the hand of Master George Griffith, one of the said Farmers & Assistant to the Treasurer, which said Contractors, Coadventurers, and Subadventurers did agree amongst themselves, about November a thousand six hundred thirty nine, to purchase of the said Lord Goring, his whole interest in the said Wine Licenses, and that each of them should have and bear his share of loss or gain in the said purchase, according to his said Adventure. And what moneys soever should be taken up at Interest, or brought in by any upon that occasion should be born and paid by the said Contractors, Co-adventurers and Subadventurers, according to their several adventures, as will appear by several Orders of the Farmers, and a note of Subscription hereto annexed under thirty of their hands. Which said sum of 18000 li. was paid to the said Lord Goring in manner following, That is to say, 9000 li. thereof out of the joint stock of the said Contractors, Co-adventurers and Subadventurers, and 9000 li. more by the order and desire, and upon the undertaking of the whole number, by moneys taken up at Interest by William Abel and Robert Shaw, together with two or three others, and upon payment of the said 18000 li. to the said Lord Goring, the said Lord Goring did assign his said interest to the said William Abel and Robert Shaw, and 10 others in trust for the rest, etc. Who by virtue of the said Assignment, did receive the profits thereof, until Francis Dickens their Clerk under pretence of a former Deed to his father William Dickens in the year 1643 went to Oxford, and carried all the Books of Accounts a way with him. Whereupon the then Committee for the public revenue, sequestered the agency of the said Wine Licenses with the profits thereof, and put in Agents of their own nomination. And the said Contractors, etc. refusing to pay their just shares, and the said Agents (since the said sequestration) receiving the Rents and profits arising by the said Licenses. The said William Abel and Robert Shaw after many tedious and vexatious Suits, and after several times petitioning and appearing before the said Committee for the revenue for release of the said Sequestration, and all without the least redress. The said William Abel and Robert Shaw have lately presented their humble Petition to the Honourable Committee of Parliament for Prisons and Prisoners against the said Contractors, etc. and others in that Petition named, which Petition their Honours have been pleased to recommend by their Letter to the honourable Committee of Judges sitting at Salter's Hall, and thereupon the said Abel and Shaw have applied themselves by their Petition for relief to their Honours, both which Petitions are here annexed, together with a Petition lately presented to the Parliament by some of the said Contractors, etc. under the names of the Master and Wardens, and Company of vintners of the City of London, in which Petition they acknowledge the payment of the said 18000 l. for the said purchase of the wine Licences, which they say in their Petition, they were forced to take up at interest, and for a great part thereof some of their members have been imprisoned these 9 years past, there are like without redress in the premises still to continue to their utter ruin; which said petition upon the Parliament, referring the examination of the Agency for Wine Licenses to the Committee for inspection into treasuries by their Order of the first of August 1653, The said Master and Wardens, etc. Contractors and Co-adventurers together have several times appeared before the said Committee, and now lately (viz) on Tuesday the sixth of December 1653, with Council owning the contents of their Petition and craving relief thereupon, as will appear by two several Orders of the said Committee, hereto annexed. In which petition they acknowledge the Purchase, the consideration of the Purchase (viz) 18000 l. The taking up of the moneys at interest, and the imprisonment of their members for the same and that even to their utter ruin and there never being any other member either of the Company of vintners (as of the Company) or of the contractors Co-adventurers and Subadventurers (as of them likewise) that is or ever was in prison for any of the said 18000 l. other than the said Master Abel and Master Shaw and one master Moor lately imprisoned also for the said monies. The said Abel and Shaw do humbly conceive, that upon comparing the Companies said Petition presented to the Committee for inspection, etc. and the said Committees two Orders, together with three several Orders of the Farmers here following, and their note likewise of subscription under their hands, hereto annexed. That these men will most justly be liable to pay the debts, either as the Company, or as Contractors, etc. The Vintner's Petition, the Committees Orders, and the Orders of the Farmers here followeth. To the Supreme Authority, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England. The humble Petition of the Master, Wardens, and Company of Vintners of the City of London. Showing, THat the granting of Wine Licenses in England and Wales, were excepted out of the Statutes against Monopolies, in the 21th year of the late King James. That the late King Charles. the 20th. day of December, in the seventh year of hise Rign, by his Indenture under the Great Seal of England, did constitute George Lord Goring, and others in trust for him Agent or Agents for the Wine Licenses in England, Wales, and Berwick, Devon and Cornwall, and Exeter excepted for 21 years, from the 20th. of December 1630. That in the year 1638, the said late King, for valuable consideration granted to Sir Sackvile Crow Baronet 1600 li, per annum, to be issuing out of the Rents and sums of money to grow payable to him his heirs and successors, for or in respect of granting Licenses for selling of Wines, amounting then unto 2166 l. 13 s. 4 d. per annum; out of which 1600 l. per annum, your Petitioners purchased 400 l. per annum, which cost them 2400 l. and then there remained to the Crown no more than 566 l. 13 s. 4 d. per annum. That your Petitioners being beforehand advised by learned Council of the legality of the said Lord goring and his trusties interest did in the year 1639 by special command of the late King Charles, in consideration of 18000 l. paid to the Lord Goring, and of the said 2166 l. 13 s. 4 d. reserved to the Crown purchase the said Agency from him and his said trusties. That one William Dickens some time's Servant to the Lord Goring, did manage the said Agency for the Lord Goring, and aftewards for your Petitioners and the said Copartners (so long as he lived) & after him Franciss Dickens, Gent, his son did the like for your Petitioner, and respectively Accounted before Auditor Spackman in their Names and to their uses. That your Petitioner enjoyed the said Agency, and four hundred Pounds per annum until they were interupted by Francis Dickens under pretence of a fraudelent Deed who went to Oxford in the year 1643: By reason whereof the then Committee of the Public revenues sequestered the said agency, and all rents and Profits, &c and put in other Agents of their own nomination, who keep their Office in Fleet street, and have enjoyed the profits thereof ever since. And under pretence of Francis Dickins Delinquency. Your Petitiones have ever since been kept out of the said Agency. Notwithstanding they have used all the means they could to be restored thereunto. That when the present Agents entered upon the said Agency, there was due to your Petitioners for Arrears and Fines 14000 l. or thereabouts, and in annual Rents for Licenses about 3000 l. per annum, besides the profit and benefit of making and renewing of Licenses. And all arrears and profits, except 566 l. 13 s. 4 d. per annum due to the late King, all which was of right to have come into your Petitioners hands, they having really disbursed for the same 20400 l. which your Petitioners were forced to take up at interest. And for a great part thereof, some of their members have been imprisoned these nine years past, and there are like without redress in the premises, still to continue to their utter ruin. Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray your Honours will be pleased to commiserate their distressed estate, and speedily to take strict examination how, and in what manner the present Agents have demeaned and do demean themselves in the said Agency, and when, and to whom, and how much money they have answered to the Commonwealth, and in what condition the Agency now stands, whereby your Petitioners doubt not but the Interest of the Commonwealth will be much advanced, and your Petitioners also receive some competent satisfaction for the great sums of money so as afore by them disbursed; The rather for that, besides the sums before mentioned, They have lent to the use of the Commonwealth at least 12000 l. for which they pay Interest to this day: And your Petitioners shall ever pray, etc. George Griffith, Master. Henry Croone Edw. Fauconer Richard Maijor Wardens Joseph Rogers. Thomas Benson. At the Committee of Parliament for Inspecting the Treasuries, and regulating Officers and Salaries. Nove. 2●… Dickins 〈◊〉 his Sist●… WHereas, upon reading of the Petition of William Dickins, Anne, Elizabeth, Tomazin, and Mary, his sisters, being the younger Children of Mr. William Dickins, their late Father deceased, wherein they allege that the said William Dickins having an Interest in the profits of a Patent made from the late King unto the Lord Goring and others for compounding for, and granting Licenses to sell wine by retail throughout England and Wales (Devon and Cornwall excepted) did by his last Will, whereby he made Francis his Son, his Excecutor, bequeath unto the Petitioners several sums of money, amounting in all to three thousand nine hundred pounds to be raised out of the yearly Revenue of the said Patent, out of which the Petitioners assert, they have not yet received any thing towards their said portions for that the profits of the said office were in May, one thousand six hundred forty four, sequestered for the Delinquency of Francis Dickins, Executor of the said William, though he was only Interessed in the said Revenue, as an Executor and Testementary Trustee, for which Causes they prayed satisfaction of their Portions out of the arrears of the said profits of the said Patent. This Committee upon the whole matter, finding themselves uncapable to determine any thing; as to the relief of the Petitioners, until the present Commissioners and Agents for Wine Licenses, and also the Master and Company of Vintner's London, who claim several Interests in and to the office of Agency and granting of Wine Licenses be heard, do therefore Order that the present Commissioners and Agents for Wine Licenses, as also the Master and Warden of the Company of Vintners; and likewise Master Cousins, late Clerk to the Committee for the Revenue, together with the Petitioners, do attend this Committee in the Inner Court of Wards, on Tuesday, the twenty ninth day of this instant November, by two of the clock in the afternoon, to offer and manifest what they can unto this , relating to each man's respective Interests, and thereupon this Committee will declare their 〈…〉 make such Order therein as shall be 〈…〉 At the Committee of Parliament for Inspecting the Treasuries, and regulating Officers and Salaries. Decemb. ●… Dickins Vintne●… ●…don. WHereas upon reading of the Petition of William Dickens, Anne, Elizabeth, Thomazin, and Mary Dickens, his sisters. It was ordered the two and twentieth day of November last, that the matter of the said Petition should be taken into consideration the twenty ninth day of the same month, and that the Master and Company of Vintner's London, who make claim to the same thing, as the Petitioners do together with the present Commissioners and Agents for Wine Licenses should then attend this Committee, to say what they could in reference to their Interest: And accordingly the said parties then appearing, but not being fully prepared to make out their several Interests. Thereupon, by consent of all parties the Cause was put over to be heard this present day, and now the parties appearing, and the Petition of the said Dickins being again read, wherein the Petitioners prayed relief and satisfaction of the sum of 3500 li. in Legacies given to them by the Will of Mr. William Dickins their late Father deceased, and appointed to be paid out of the profits and arrears incurred upon the Patent for granting of Wine Licenses granted by the late King to the Lord Goring, the said William Dickins and others: and in lieu of a great sum paid and engaged for the Lord Goring, he the said William Dickins was to have one thousand eight hundred thirry three pounds ●ix shillings eight pence per annum out of the profits of the said Farm in case it should yield so much above the King's Rent, of which Will Francis Dickens eldest son of the said William being Executor, he the said Francis though but a Trustee for the Petitioners, in reference to so much of the benefit of the said patent, as amounted to satisfy the said legacies, yet was the said patent and the profits thereof sequestered by the Commissioners for compounding at Haberdasher's Hall for the Delinquency of the said Francis, insomuch that the Petitioners have been kept from their legacies, upon which their subsistence depends as in their portion is alleged upon consideration whereof and hearing of the Master and Company of Vintner's London, who also claim an interest in the profits of the said patent for Wine Licenses by grant from the Lord Goring and others, wherein the said William Dickens joined, for which the said Master and Company of Vintners paid eighteen thousand pounds in money, and 1800 pounds per annum, during the time that they held the same: and so they affirm that the arrears of Rent and Fines, are of right belonging to them while the term of years in the said patent remained, which determined in the year one thou- six hundred fifty one, this Committee upon the whole matter are of opinion that the several interests of the persons aforesaid are not comprised within their power to determine, and do order that Master Mayer be desired (as one of the Committee for Compounding at Haberdasher's Hall) to report to the Parliament with what convenient speed he can the true state of the cause relating to the interest of the petitioners, as it stands cleared before the said Commissioners. 18ᵒ Junii, 1639. Present, Mr. Alderman Abel Mr. Kinaston Mr. Robert Shawe Mr. Darling Mr. Wilcockes Capt. Forster Mr. Rowland Wilson Mr. Griffith. Mr. Leechland Mr. Courtman Mr. Simcockes' Mr. William Dickins. Moved, that those that shall be bound for the 7000 l. per annum for the Licenses for retailing of Wines to the Lord Goring be nominated. Master Wilson and others moved, That Mr. Treasurer and the Deputy should treat with the Lord Goring about the buying in of 3000 l per annum, due to him for thirteen years out of the said Licenses, and if they could prevail to have it at five and an half years purchase, or under, then that the Adventurers in the 30000 l. Farm should buy it in, and then whom were bound should run the less danger, and however those bound should be saved harmless by Covenant from the other Adventurers pro Rato to their particular Adventures. 21th. of June, 1639. Present, Alderman Abel Mr. Darling Mr. Courtman Mr. Dickins Mr. Conradus Mr. Dudley Mr. Griffith Mr. Davis Mr. Bonnamy Mr. Robert Lee Mr. Hilsely Mr. Cox. The last Court read and confirmed, and Mr. Treasurer and Deputy now moved to have a further consent to treat with the Lord Goring, and that they hoped to prevail to obtain his 3000 l. per annum at six years' purchase, which comes to 18000 l. out of which to abate 1768 l. which is found to be received less than 7000 l. the last year, which the Adventurers are to make good, so that there is really to be disbursed only 16232 l. which is to the adventurers under five and an half years purchase, and to obtain his Lordship's security to pay the 3000 l. per annum during the whole time, if it should happen that the Licenses should be resumed by his Majesty, or by any act of Parliament, or act of State, which, if could be obtained, the Committee present consented unto, and wished the bargain perfected; and those that happen for it any way to be engaged, the total adventurers to save them harmless; and it was consented unto, that if the Lord Goring desired the 400 l. per annum, which the adventurers bought formerly of Sir Drue Deane's Executors for 2400 l. he should have it, deducting the said 2400 l. out of the 18000 l. for the six years' purchase, as aforesaid. The third of November 1640, present, Master Alderman Abel, Master Leechland, Master Hammond, Maptain Foster, Master Griffith, Master Courtman, Master Bowyer. At this Court it was ordered, that master Alderman, master Leechland, master Edward Darling, and master Griffith should confer with the Lord Goring, to cause master Dickens to seal the Deed for the Licenses, with expedition, that it be no further delayed, which being effected, that it be made over for the security of master Alderman and others that are engaged at interest, and master Alderman, and such others so entrusted to re-assigne the same, when they shall be freed of such their engagements. BY which foresaid Petition & orders, & the note of subsciiption here following, nothing more plain, Then that the Wine Licences were by the said Contractors, etc. ordered to be purchased, and moneys likewise to be taken up for the said purchase, and the parties that shall become engaged for the said purchase to be re-imburst: But that the said Abel and Shaw were and are the parties so engaged, and that by their last mentioned Order of the third of November 1640, the Deed of the Wine Licedses be assigned over to them, for or towards satisfaction of the said moneys or debts, so by them entered into, which they never did, nor ever after (the said Order making) went about to perform, but that the said parties Abel and Shaw are the very parties imprisoned for the said debts, there being never any other imprisoned for the same, except lately the aforesaid Moor. But it doth further appear by the said Petition, and Orders, that the said Contractors, etc. under the names of the Master and Wardens, etc. instead of giving the least satisfaction to the said Abel and Shaw, they (by their said Petition, and the said Orders) set forth their claim and Title in and to the said Wine Licenses, and endeavour to get them and the profits thereof to themselves and their own uses, leaving the said Abel and Shaw like most unconscionable men (as in their Petition) to continue in prison without redress. The two petitions of the said Abel and Shaw, together with the note of Subscription, under the hands of the said Copartners, and the names of all the Contractors, etc. as they are set down under the hand of Master George Griffith now Master of the Company, and one of the said Contractors, here (followeth.) One of which petitions is directed to the Honourable Committee of Parliament for prisons and prisoners, and recommended by their Letter to the Honourable Committee of Judges sitting at Salters Hall. The other to the said Judges themselves, and both for relief against the said Copartners. TO THE HONOURABLE the Committee of PARLIAMENT FOR Prisons and Prisoners. The humble Petition of William Abel, and Robert Shawe, now Prisoners in the Upper Bench. Shows, THat the granting of Wine Licenses in England and Wales were excepted out of the Statutes of Monopolies, in the 21 year of the late King James. That the late King Charles the 20th day of December, in the seventh year of his Reign, by Indenture under the great Seal of England, did constitute George Lord Goring, and others in trust for him Agent or Agents for the Wine Licenses in England, Wales and Barwick, Devon, Cornwall, and Exeter excepted, for 21 years, from the 20th. of December 1630. That in the year 1638, the said late King for valuable considerations, granted to Sir Sackvil Crowe Baronet 1600 li per annum, to be issuing out of the Rents, and Sums of money payable to the late King his Heirs, and Successors, for or in respect of granting Licenses for selling of Wines amounting ●hen unto 2166 li. 13 shil. 4. d. per annum. So as there remained ●o the Crown only 566 li. 13 shil. 4. d. per annum, out of which ●…600 li. per annum, your Petitioner William Abel with three o●hers purchased 400 li. per annum, which cost 2400 li. That also certain Copartners, being beforehand advised ●y learned Counsel of the legality of the said Lord goring and ●is trusties Interest, divers of them to the number of thirty, ●…d authorise & give order under their hands to your Petitio●…ers and others to buy the said Interest, and did likewise under ●…eir hands engage to save your Petitioners and the rest harm●…ss for what moneys they should take up at interest towards- ●…e said purchase (as by a Copy of the said Subscription hereto annexed will appear.) That in pursuance of the said Copartners order, your Peti●…oners and others did in the year 1639, for and in considera●…on of 18000 li. paid to the said Lord Goring, and of the ●aid 2166 li. 13 shil. 4. d. reserved to the Crown, purchase the ●aid Lord goring Interest and Agency from him and his said trusties. That the said Lord Goring did enter into a Statute of 24000 ●i. to your Petitioners, and ten others of the Copartners nominated by the rest, and did likewise himself, and one Philip War●…ick his trustee Covenant to and with your Petitioners, and ●he said ten others likewise nominated by the rest, that they ●hould peaceably and quietly enjoy the said agency from themselves or from any other person or persons claiming in, from, by or under them, or either of them, etc. That one William Dickins, sometimes servant to the Lord Goring, did manage the said agency for the Lord Goring, and afterwards for the said Copartners so long as he lived. And after him Francis Dickins Gentleman his son, did the like for the said Copartners, and respectively accounted before Auditor Spachman in their names, and to their uses. That the said Copartners enjoyed the said Agency, and 400 li. per annum, until they were interrupted by Francis Dickins, under pretence of a former Deed from the said Lord Goring to the said William Dickins. Which Francis went to Oxford in the year 1643. By reason whereof the then Committee of the public Revenue sequestered the said Agency, and all rents and profits, etc. and put in other Agents of their own nomination, who keep their Office in Fleetstreet, and have enjoyed the profits thereof ever since. And under pretence o● Francis Dickins' Delinquency. And your Petitioners thereupon have several times petitioned and appeared before that Honourable Committee for a release of the said Sequestration, but could never obtain a fina● hearing thereupon. That when the present Agents entered upon the said Agency▪ there was due to the said Copartners for Arrears and Fines 14000 li. or thereabouts, and in annual Rents for Licenses about 3000 li. per annum, besides the profits and benefit of making and renewing Licenses, and all Arrears and Profits, except 566 li 13 shil. 4 d. per annum, due to the late King, all which was of right to have come to the hands of the said Copartners, they having really disbursed for the same, by the hands of your Petitioners 20400 li. a very great part whereof was taken up at interest (as by a particular of the bonds hereto annexed will appear) by your Petitioners, and some others, by the order and appointment of the said Copartners (as aforesaid.) And your Petitioners have a long time undergone the hard bonds, great charge and disgrace of imprisonment for the same, and are still like to continue there (without redress) to their utter ruin. Now for as much as your Petitioners have had many tedious and vexatious suits, yet undetermined, with the said Copartners and others involved in this business, whereby vast sums have been fruitlessly expended in suits at law and equity, and your Petitioners estates wasted, and they become altogether unable to support such exorbitant charges, with so many and so powerful adversaries. Your Petitioners therefore (for their more speedy relief herein) humbly pray that your Honours will be pleased to commiserate their distressed estate, and to call before your Honours the said Copartners, the said now present Agents, the said Lord Goring and his trusties, and the said Francis Dickins, and to command to be brought before all Deeds, Writings, Books of Account, and to examine all such parties and witnesses upon oath, as may tend to the setting forth of right and truth, and the discovery of deceit and fraud, and to restore to each party according to justice and equity. And your Petitioners shall ever pray, etc. This presents witnesseth, That we the Adventurers in the Farms of 40 shil. per Ton and Wine-Licenses, do give order unto the Worshipful William Abel Alderman of the City of London, Richard Kilvert Esquire, Master Robert Shawe, Master Edward Darling, Master Ralph Moor, and Master George Griffith, to make an absolute end with the Right Honourable George Lord Goring, concerning his three thousand pounds per annum out of the Wine-Licenses, and what they conclude we will allow, and for what moneys shall be taken up at Interest by any towards payment of that business, we will save them harmless for our proportions adventured. In witness whereof we have hereunto put our hands the 15th. November, 1639. Edward Kynastone Richard Kilvert Matthew Forster Jacob Bonamye Robert Lee Andrew Courtman Fran. Ashwell John Gregory Thomas Symcottes John Wilcocks Thomas Darling Thomas Goughe Ralph Hutchinson William Abel Rowland Wilson William Conradus Henry Sanders Ralph King Henry Croone George Stanley Chr. Metcalfe Edward Terry joseph Rogers William Kempster William Dickins William Jhanns Thomas Dudley Cornelius Cook Mark Hildesley Thomas Cox. Will. Abel Bound to George Gaell Gent. in a Bond of 1200 li. to pay 676, the Bond is dated the 27 of May 1640 payable the 27 of November following. 676 Will. Abel Rob. Shaw E. Darling Bound to Edmond Hamond in a Bond of 1500 li. to pay 1037 li. 10 sh. the Bond is dated the 18 of November 1639, due the 20 of May 1640. 1037-10 Will. Abel E. Darling W. Dickins Bound to Sir Jarvis Elwes in a Bond of 800 li. to pay 520, the Bond is dated the 16 of May 1639 payable the 18 of November following. 520 Will. Abel W. Leechland Rob. Shaw Ral. Moor. Bound to Peter Bulteel Merchant in a Bond of 1000 li. to pay 624, the Bond is dated the 16 of June 1640, payable the 24 of December following. 624 Will. Abel W. Leechland Rob. Shawe Ral. Moor Bound to Richard Woodward Esq. in a Bond of 1000 li. to pay 622 li. 10 sh. The Bond is dated the 15 of June 1640, payable the 17 of December following. 622-10 Will. Abel W. Leechland Rob. Shaw Ral. Moor Bound to Dame Anne Moulson in a Bond of 2200 li. to pay 1556 li. 5 sh. The Bond is dated the 15 of June 1640, payable the 17 of December following. 1556-5 William Abel is damnified by the Co-partnership over and above these Bonds, Robert Shaw is damnified by the Co-partnership, over and obove these Bonds, Ralph Moor obscures himself, so as he cannot be taken by Arrest. Edward Darlingr, William Leechland, and William Dickins, are all three deceased, and plead no Assettes, yet were all three supposed to have left great estates behind them. A Particular of the Names of the Co-adventurers, with their particular Adventures, as they are set down under the hand of Mr. Geor Griffith one of the Farmers or Cortractors, and now Master of the Company of Vintners. Alderman Abel 1000 li. Mr. Davis. 1000 Mr. Darling. 1000 Mr. Leechland. 1000 Mr. Ralph Moor. 1000 Mr. Griffith. 1000 Mr. Courtman 1000 Captain Forster. 1000 Mr. Hamond. 1000 Mr. Rowland Wilson. 1000 Mr. Bowyer 500 Mr. T Hutchinson. 500 mr. Rich Kilvert. 1000 mr. Robert Shaw. 1000 mr. Matthew Terry 250 mr. Edward Terry 250 mr. Ed. Kinaston 500 mr. Kimpster. 500 mr. Bonamy. 500 1000 mr. Hancock, 500 mr. King. 500 mr. Conradus. 500 mr. Ashwel 1000 mr. Hillesley. 750 2000 mr. Tho. Cox 500 mr. Corn. Cook 250 mr. Herald Lee Vi. 250 mr. R. Meers 250 mr. Gregory, 1000 mr. Simcots. 1000 mr. Dudley. 0500 mr. Wilcoxe. 1000 mr. R. Hutchinson, 1000 mr. Rogers. 0500 mr. Crone. 0500 mr. Robert Lee 0500 Capt. Sanders. 0500 mr. Meacalf, 0500 mr. Gough. 0500 Ca Geor. Langham. 1000 mr. Dickens. 1000 mr. G. Stanley 500 1000 mr Ihanns 500 mr. Roger Kilvert 1000 mr. Thomas Darling 0500 mr H. Lee merchant 1000 mr. Hulbert. 1000