AN ANSWER TO A Scandalous and Deceitful Pamphlet: ENTITLED, Considerable Queries humbly tendered touching Reducement of the Excise to the Customs; Published by Necessity.  
BY a lover of truth, and discoverer of fawning cringing companions, who having little wit and much confidence; a large proportion of ignorance in affairs they intermeddle with; blinded with desire of Gain, and large Salaries, pretend the Commonwealth's good, while they only aim to enrich themselves, and by base flatteries, love lobby attendances, and other sneaking applications; think by fair words to deceive men into a good opinion of themselves, and would make men believe they are necessitated to confirm them in their employments, or transfer them to better places, where money is stirring and gain coming in, and then their work is done: whether the work of the Commonwealth be done or undone, sink or swim. Which presumptuous boldness, and immodest carriage, proceeds from a hope they have upon Uncles, or Cousins in the Parliament, as Necessity who had a Kinsman by his endeavours so powerful as to make a thin Lawyer, and slender Soldiers, instantly became a sound, substantial experienced Excise man, and a Cousin Commissioner, although he scarce knew Straw from Hops, or Satin from Buckram, as if there was a communicative power by the laying on of his Kinsman's hands, to ordain him and infuse new principles of understanding; and in an instant to make him know the mysteries of all Trade, and Commerce, the kinds, values, and denominations of all Goods and Merchandise, and to endue him with qualifications that might fit him to purse up money sufficient for himself and Ordinary, and yet all this to be accounted no fimony.  
It is almost to be wondered, that the influence of a malevolent Planet whose motion is so near the earth, by his  aspect should have such operation on so dull a body: That he who had not the audacity to come within a mile of a Corporation where Bailiffs held jurisdiction, should now be so presumptuously bold to take upon him to Excise and Judge the people, conceiting that the world is not governed by so much wisdom, as many Sage men have thought; and being thus steeled, dare openly appear at the Parliament door, setting forth self in Print, yea printing himself a considerable fellow; yea more, that the Brats of his own brains lately wet and squeezed, are so consderable as to be fit for the guidance of the Parliament. By this it's apparent how little brains and great Salaries work together; but such persons I hope will be soon espied and rejected; especially such, as being entrusted and impolyed by the Parliament, and think it no crime to be ignorant and neglectful of their own duty, and upbraid and scandalise those that are knowing and diligent in their trust, shall not only be judged unfit for any other employment, but as unprofitable and unfaithful servants be thrust out, and wiser and honester men employed in their rooms. Such men make a dust, lest their want of ability should be discerned; and puddle the waters, that you may not see the shallowness of their understanding, and how inconsiderately they manage the trust reposed in them; like Lapwings to draw you from their nest, make most noise where there is least cause.  
Pag. 1. He saith the receipt of the Excise is 300000 l. per an. notwithstanding the great obstructions, and is daily increasing.  
Answ. There will, and needs must be great obstructions, whilst men of no better abilities and insight into Trade, have the management thereof; for what can be expected from men that know nothing of regulating matters of Commerce and Trade? Merchants and Traders that understand all the ways, and byways of Trade, will easily out-wit ignoramusses, and inferior officers can easily see their Mr. Commissioners ignorance, and although in words they applaud him, yet may play their games with the Merchants, and other Traders to their advantage, whilst such a Commissioner is blinded with a notion of his deserving into that he never knew nor understood.  
And for the daily increase of that revenue; I cannot but wonder at the ignorance of the Author, for many years past, when wars were in the Land, and the Parliament had not the whole Nation under their power, yet the Excise was then about 400000. l. and now it is about 300000. l. per an. this is the growing receipt like a Cow's tail downwards.  
It's true for two years' last passed, some seeming small improvement hath been in the receipt of the Excise, but if the same be examined it will appear to be only by farming it out, whereby the people have been most miserably exacted upon and oppressed, not only by a due taking the utmost for Excise of Commodities, but also forcing Innkeepers and others to pay an Annual sum for above what their Annual Excise would come to, or else by the frowns and favours of them or their unreasonable farmers, to put them into a worse condition by fines and seizures of their goods; procuring Licenses for Alehouses to be taken on their own terms, or if the parties consent not they are suppressed, and a number such shirking tricks, grievous to the people. All which I hope the Parliament will not only reform, but also punish the Authors of such exorbitances.  
It is true as Necessity saith, the Receipt of the Customs is a vast receipt, and he might have said a growing receipt, for it hath advanced under the Management of the present Commissioners. That in every one of these four last years they have accounted for between three and four hundred thousand pound per an. although in every one of these years, such hindrances have happened, that have much prejudiced that Receipt, as in former years have not been known. As first, the prohibition of French Wine, which if imported as formerly would have added 40000. l. per an. to the receipt. The Portugal Trade about 30000. l. per an. The Levant and Turkey Trade, about 40000. l. per an. The Barbadoss and other American Trade about 30000. l. per an. all of which have been wanting to the receipt of Customs, in some of those years, and some of the most considerable of them wanting still. And although the trade of Portugal be come into the receipt of late, yet not in that proportion as was heretofore. The trade of Barbadoes and other Islands are now added to the receipt; yet there wants the trades of Muscovia, Holland, and the east Country, whereby it is much less than otherwise it would be; as also, the French, Levant and Turkey trade, are lost to that receipt.  
Undoubtedly if such a free trade were now in England, as was in Anno 1648. or any year before, the receipt of the Customs would rise to 500000. l. per an. if managed with the same or the like judgement, care, skill, and industry, they now are by the present Commissioners and officers.  
In the same Page Necessity further saith, the Excise is a full check to the Custom, and the Customs a full check to the Excise; if ignorance were not the mother of this, he would never have published; there sits an honourable Gentleman in Parliament, who is one of the checks to the Customs, and can inform how true this assertion is.  
But if the Customs be a full check to the Excise, why is not that receipt bettered by that check of the Customs? For it is evident that of those Commodities imported, which are most unlikely to be conveyed away without payment of Custom and Excise, the Commissioners of the Customs do Annually receive above double as much money as the Commissioners of Excise for the same Commodities, due regard in this calculation being had as well to the values set, or taken for the said goods on the duties payable to the respective receipts, as also deduction for any of them exported.  
And since Necessity asserts from his own mouth, that the Excise is a full check to the Customs, and the Customs to the Excise; why then should not the Parliament (I hope they will on England's behalf) command both the Commissioners of the Customs, and Commissioners of Excise, to give in their several accounts perfect, for what hath been collected for every distinct kind and sort of goods imported, and if either of them have been deficient, that they will see the Commonwealth righted, out of the estates of such as are culpable?  
And this seems but just in respect each set of Commissioners have considerable Salaries, viz. the Commissioners of Customs 4 d. in the pound for their Salary, and for securing to the Commonwealth the whole receipt of the Customs every 24 day of June, how much soever stands out unreceived, or is lost by the insolvency or non-performance of any Collector, as also to forbear all manner of trade as Merchants, and to pay out of the said 4 d. per l. some additional Clerks, and to satisfy the incident charges expended for the better management of that affair, as appeareth by the Contract betwixt the late Parliament, and the present Commissioners of Customs, extant in the Records of Parliament.  
And the Commissioners of Excise have 3 d. in the pound for their Salary, without any engagement for debts, or incident charges.  
The least of which Salaries is a sufficient reward and consideration either to the aforesaid account or satisfaction.  
There is an old proverb, whem Gamesters fall out true men come by their goods; and Necessity hath put me upon the discovery of such ajust experiment, as may deter weak unskilful men from their bold attempts, for the same or like places of profit. And as it's fit to recompense men of parts and abilities, that serve the Commonwealth well, and profitably, so it is just to punish such as dare take upon them public trust, without skill, or ability, to manage the same suitably to the duty incumbent on them.  
It's manlike to beat a quarrel with his own weapon, the say Necessity will make a man fight, and it will not be amiss to turn the mischief he intends to others upon his own pate, that so he may do no more hurt with his pen, than he could formerly do with his Pike.  
Some men are opinionated they are fit for every employment, able to undertake any business, and would have others believe them to be the only useful men in peace and war.  
And when men of parts after long experience, great travel, and diligent study, with much hesitation, are hardly persuaded to take a command, or any other employment of charge, doubting their sufficiency, you shall have a confident pettifogger turn his buckram bag into a snapsack, and instantly become a Colonel, and Commander of a garrison, where he may have little to do, and lie far enough from his enemy, & never attempt any thing worthy the name of a Soldier; yet there is necessity he be paid as well as he hath hazards his life daily. And when the wars are done, at first dash can have wit enough, with help of friends, to be a Commissioner of Excise, although a place that would require more solidity, & better experience than he could find either in his snapsack, or buckram bag; yet is so bold to put himself in print, and thinks all men's understandings are shallow as his own, and hopes to raise so much mud at the Customhouse, that you shall never see what water runs besides the mill at the Excise: pag. 1. he asserts the Receipt of the Excise annually to be 300000 l. and pag. 3. he saith the annual Receipt of native Commodities to be 150000 l. then it must follow that the Receipt of imported goods, is the other moiety and but 150000 l. And I do not believe upon examination it will appear to be so much, and that the Receipt of the Customs for the same is double as much. And yet the charge of collecting the Excise, is much more as he confesses, pag. 1. to be about 2 s in the pound, which he calculateth upon the whole Receipt of Excise; as well for goods imported as for native commodities: the last of which were for the most part farmed, and so bring no charge, except 3 d. per l. to the Commissioners. And if Necessity understood the business of the excise, he might have told you, that the sums of money raised by farming the Excise without charge by the pound, other than is aforesaid, being deducted from the sum collected for goods imported, and other native goods not farmed, and the whole charge of officers, and other incident charges being proportioned, as in right it ought to be at the latter end of the charge of collecting the Excise, doth amount unto about 3 s. 8 d. or 4 s in the pound, for goods imported, but when gain is the end, mists and dark clouds are the way.  
I observed before that Necessity concludes the Excise, a full check to the Customs, as they now stand, and yet within four or five lines, he saith it was once a perfect Check: I would gladly know by what Logic, he can distinguish between full and perfect, in that sense wherein they are applied.  
In the end of the 1. pag. he saith the Officers of Excise formerly put aboard ships, and at water side, were taken off by the Committee of Regulation of Excise: which, he saith, was done to save charges, and the issue of it is, that few rich goods are entered either in Excise or Customs, and both duties lost.  
Ans. The Officers of Excise on shipboard and at water side were a great Charge to the State, and those aboard were a great grievance to the owners of shipping lying there at their charge for meat and drink, and no benefit at all, for they only joined with the Officers of the Customs on board to take the numbers and marks and outward forms of goods and come along with the Lighters to the Keys: but whether they were silk or thrums, full or empty, they knew not; and such officers were very like to make Necessities full Check to become a perfect Check; whereas nothing could come as perfect from the Tidesmen, but must be expected from the Land-waiter, the main and chief end of Tidesmen being aboard is to prevent any goods fromm being delivered without due entry.  
But it is apparently known, that what through the meanness of the salary those tidesmen had, and what through want of care and conscience, not only in the chief Officers in choosing them, and the behaviour of these tidesmen, they trusting to the Officers of the Customs, and the Officers of Customs trusting to them: it did plainly appear they were more burdensome than profitable, for Mr. Samuel Moyer and others sitting in Mincing Lane London, authorised for regulating the Officers, and management of the Customs, gave it as their opinion, that thenceforth all the Officers of Excise employed on shipboard, and at the water side, should be dismissed; and that the sole management for importation, exportation, and transportation, should be in the Commissioners of Customs and their Officers. And it was ordered accordingly: by which dismission the Commonwealth saved a large sum of money Annually.  
Since which time the Customs have been advanced to (near or altogether) double what they then were. And yet there is no entry for landing goods passed by the Commissioners of Customs, until the Deputy of the Commissioners of Excise do certify that they are satisfied for the Excise due thereupon; and yet Necessity saith the Custom is lost and Excise too. That the custom is not lost appears by the advance thereof: but that the Excise is lost appears is manifest by the declension of that Receipt, whilst the Deputy for Excise certifies he is satisfied, and Necessity saith it is not paid.  
It's manifest then how he manages the Excise; heretofore one of the ablest of the old Commissioners, did sit in the Excise Office at the water side, but of late no such thing. And indeed it matters not, if there be no wiser among them then Necessity, who could not tell what to do, if he were there. And therefore pag. 2. he saith, Attendance at the Custom house is the least work of the Excise Office. And so the work too mean for a man of his worth: whereas it's known to all experienced men, that it is the very key of the work, and the foundation for a true Receipt, for Goods inported, and as this is well or ill done, so it saveth or loseth the duty; for by this they can oly call men to account, and compel payment for goods imported when they are sold.  
It's manifest that the decay of Excise is the deceiving the Commonwealth; for if the Custom be paid and due entry made, and the entry certified by the Excise Officers, that they are satisfied for Excise, it will be no hard matter to find where the fault is. And I dare affirm, if the Parliament will please to command an account of the Commissioners both of Customs and Excise as aforesaid, it will appear that Necessity doth not well (or knows not how to) manage such a Receipt: and therefore he is troubled, that any wiser than himself are employed in public Receipts, as appears in the bottom of his first pag. where speaking of the Committee for Regulating the Excise, he writes (not prints) Colonel Harvey one of the Commissioners for the Customs was a powerful Member. For my part I conceive it was well for the Commonwealth he was a Member of that Committee, and a Commissioner of the Customs; for all that know him do know him to be experienced in all manner of Traffic, and Commerce, of a quick understanding, industrious, and excellent in dispatch of business, and I hope truly honest; one made up with qualifications fit for a public Receipt. I might say more, and God knows I flatter not, but speak what I know, and Necessity constrained me to say something, because he is named so emphatically with Necessities own hand-writing (if I mistake not) but whether to commend or defame him I know not, he comes off so sneakingly.  
The rest of his Pamphlet is stuffed with such reason as he can devise to show his fear, lest the Excise be brought to the Customs, and managed by one and the same number of persons, and this alteration he knows may undo him, and therefore is in a bodily fear, not having a friend in Parliament to cover his black head with a white lock, and is like to want that fine dress of commendations whereby he was so well set out by his Uncle, that he became one of the Parliaments darlings, and an Officer in so great a trust. And therefore now lays about him, throws dirt in some men's faces, frowns on others, grows saucy with his Masters, swells high in his own imagination, offers the example of Holland and Leghorne, to abate the ancient and solid revenue of the Customs, and to enhance the new (and it is hoped not intended to be long continued) Receipt of the Excise, as p. 4. which last was set on foot only in times of extremity and expected to cease when the pressing occasions of the Nation will permit. I cannot easily pass by his argument, to expel pride, luxury, and drunkenness, by making proud, luxurious, drunken persons pay more for their sins.  
If the man did but know what necessity he hath to study his own business, for which he is so well (if not too well) paid, he might be able out of his own experience to tell others, that Wines and silk were never known so dear as of late times, and is there any less will or desire to the excessive use of either? And doth not daily experience manifest, that drunkards will have drink, set what rate you will upon it: and are there not many that can hardly get 7 s. a week by hard labour, that will spend 4, or 5 s. in a day though wife and children starve at home? Solomon says, a rod for he fools back, it's not pecuniary mulcts, but corporal punishment that must deter men from such sins.  
I do not a little wonder that any dares in a Christian Commonwealth propound such a motion, as if we should imitate the whorish Court of Rome, who allows common Stews because they fill the Pope's coffers and so increase their treasure with the hire of a Whore, or as the Russian, when reproved for drunkenness, replies, Oh its good for my master the Emperor, he being the great Merchant of Strong-Waters, and cares not to punish that sin because it brings in profit. But I hope there will be no Necessity to plead against such abominable gain, for you shall find him in the lower end of that page, talk a little goodish, he speaks of reformation, but it's not a throughout reforming he aims at, (the Excise are perfect already) but it's to pass upon the Custom Officers before such reducement.  
If it were good for the Commonwealth to make any such reducement, (as in my opinion it is not, but more for the public advantage to keep the Receipts apart) good reason might be for some variation of Salaries: but I know that is not his drift to observe, nor mine to reply; yet let me tell him, that the salaries that now are, were settled to the Officers of the Customs upon very great judgement, and prepared, and proposed by persons of unquestionable abilities, skill and experience, honesty and good affection, viz. The Committee of Merchants then sitting in Mincing Lane, authorised thereunto by Act of Parliament, Anno 1648, ad 49. of which Mr. Samuel Moyer, and Mr. Richard Hutchinson were two, with many other choice and select persons, who first presented them unto the Committee of the Navy and Customs, who reported the matter to the Parliament then sitting, and was by them confirmed: and dares he blunder out questions whether it be fit or unfit? And then from quarrelling at their salaries, he falls upon their persons, and in general terms, charges many with trading as Merchants and Factors, and indefinitely accuses all with obstructing the Excise, violation of trust, concealing and defrauding the State their deuce.  
Doubtless it was a more than ordinary passion that urged Necessity thus to lay about him and spare none: Why man, is there never an honest man at Custom house, not Alderman Titchbourne, nor Mr. Samuel Moyer? you made a critical distinction betwixt full and perfect: why are you now so indefinite, sure you never observed that rule in Logic, that every indefinite proposition must be construed universally; and if so, thou hast then comprehended them with the rest. But I dare undertake you did it unwittingly, or without wit, otherwise you would never have adventured to run the hazard of their displeasure, and go against a known rule to speak evil of dignities, but you may hope they have greater business then to trouble themselves with a— whose tongue is no slander, and so forgive, though I know not how they can forget because you have given them a remembrance in print.  
Had it not been better policy to have hid yourself behind your large salary and vast ignorance, and have blessed yourself; you were so inconsiderable as not to be thought on, these being not times for men of poor parts and rich places to be rampant, when they have to do with an Eagle-eyed State.  
You say many of the Custom Officers trade as Factors, it's strange you can name none but one long since thrown out of his employment; it's not saying but proving they trade, that makes them punishable. And amongst the many crimes you lay to their charge in defrauding the Excise, you instance only a case near two years since of one Opye of Plymouth, who was detected and cast out of his Collectors place, although he had many friends in the Parliament, and divers eminent Officers of the Army, applied in his behalf to the Commissioners of Customs, yet so just and  were they to their trust, that no courtship could prevail with them.  
I could tell you of many more in the port of London, and elsewhere, whom they have cast out for the like offences, and it might have had some seeming show of honesty if you had named any at present in employment that had been guilty, which the Commissioners have winked at: nay I am confident that upon the exactest inquiry it will not be found that they ever indulged any proved guilty of this or the like misdemeanours, either in his place or conversation. And truly I conceive if you knew any such thing by any Officer, there lay a Necessity upon you to have discovered it to the Commissioners of Custom, wherein you could not have failed of a fair acceptance, and a due proceeding against the offender according to justice.  
Although Necessity have no law, yet he might have had some modest shame, every ingenuous man will say these are unhandsome, illegal, uncharistian like proceed; and that you rather intent to calumniate then reform: I wish the Parliament would enforce you to make good your charge, and if you do not, I shall be enforced to say Necessity hath no honesty. And in this Necessity hath showed himself a very busibody, quick ●ighted abroad but dull at home; he can spy a moat at Custom house, and sees not a beam at the Excise, you might have reckoned divers amongst your Commissioners and Officers that keep their trades, and deal in many Exciseable commodities, did Mr. Morice Thomson, M. Boner, Mr. Thomas Lentall, with others, as also divers inferior Officers give over their trades?  
And is there not the like order of Parliament against Excise officers trading in Commodities Exciseable? is not this thy complaining upon others and neglecting reformation at home, base hypocrisy? doth not this render thee one that keeps not company with a good conscience and understanding? & doth not thy affirming many to be guilty, and particularly naming but one (and he long since thrown out of his employment) throw dirt in the face of all, even Commissioners, Clerks, and all other Officers? And yet I am of opinion, that in your own conscience you acquit every one in the port of London, and know not any thing of guiltiness elsewhere: yet with an impudent face you charge the Officers with concealing goods Exciseable, and defrauding the Excise, due upon conviction of offenders for non entry of goods.  
It is true, the Excise may not be paid, but it's through your own negligence, or ignorance, or unfaithfulness, and it seems you bring not such sums to account; but I shall tell you, and make it good, that the Commissioners of Customs cause all goods seized, to be brought into the Commonwealth's warehouse, and the Excise officers are acquainted with them; whence they are not delivered before composition, or condemnation, or order of Parliament, nor before due entry be made of the same, and Custom paid and certified to be satisfied for Excise by your hand and eyes, indeed your skill, wisdom and experience, viz. Mr. Tho. Lenthall and Mr. Jo. Crew. And of these as also for all other goods have the Commissioners of Customs such Certificates and fair account kept thereof, that when this shall be inquired into, as I hope it will, and am assured you know will be proved; I wish you be able to answer the Commonwealth for the sums that they will prove you have certified to have received: and yet you now assert you have not, but that they are lost to the Receipt. Believe me, they that have found them, or kept them back, or concealed them from the Commonwealth, it's just they should be compelled to vomit them up again.  
Well Necessity, I perceive you can play the Orator (or he that comprised the Book, did it for you) to end highest at last: pag. 5. & 6. You fall upon the Commissioners themselves, yet have learned so much wit in your anger as to charge but some of them [and than it follows in written hand] Commissioners for Customs, viz. Col. Harvy, Mr. Hildersly, and Mr. Taylor have themselves strongly obstructed the receipt of the Excise, etc.  
Pray, what Necessity was there to charge three Commissioners and not the other, viz. Alderman Tichborne? I dare assure you no Act was ever done in order to the management of the Customs, but by and with consent and concurrence of the whole or major part, although it may be signed or pronounced by one for order's sake; they Register all their proceed, and can give an account out of their diaries of all they ever did as Commissioners: I wish you did observe the like order, for your own and the Commonwealth's sake. The reason than is plain, that the whole drift of your Pamphlet reports it fawning and scraping to be continued in your office, and are afraid to name Alderman Titchborne being a member of Parliament.  
But you can mildly take your fellow servants by the throat of their reputation, and falsely accuse them unto their masters; having herein neither as a wise man or a Christian well informed yourself, nor considered with them for satisfaction, information, or reformation as it ought to be done. But as the love of money is the root of all evil, so it is the root of that evil; will you show against your brethren, the fear of loss of your gainful trade makes you imitate Demetrius and his Coppersmiths, they cry up the greatness of their Goddess, and make a tumult and would seem devout observers of that deity, and enrages the people against the Apostles; But that which troubled them, was, lest he should lose his gainful occupation: so your jealousy lest your craft should fail, and your gain lessen, hath put you upon this unchristian, uncharitable behaviour, so dishonestly to bespatter these worthy, religious and Godly persons.  
Can you not consider they were too well known for you to get any Credence by a bare general accusation.  
All men of any eminent trade and business knows, Coll. Harvy, who never obscurely lived being borne & bred in the City, had a considerable estate left him, and when he traded as a Silkman or Merchant, had one of the greatest trades in London, had the repute of a fair dealer, and was a man of great business in honourable employment in the service of his Country, and quit himself like a man of worth and valour, as a Captain, a Major, a Colonel and Major General, after served in Parliament, and a Commissioner of Customs with so much industry and fidelity, as a man unwearied with business, that to speak ingenuously, I know but few men that can and will take the pains which I daily see him undergo, being naturally inclined to go through with what he undertakes, and this with his impartial dealing hath sufficiently irritated many men that would be ready to work him a displeasure: but God who gave him a heart to act by a principle of grace and true love to piety, hath carried him on in his work, that malice itself hath not had any just charge against him.  
And as for the other Commissioners, if wisdom herself had been set a work curiously to search, she could not have found men more single hearted, upright, fearing God and eschewing evil, men that desire in all good conscience to discharge their duty to the trust reposed in them. And I dare say, it is believed by all that know them, they are such, and I can with truth and boldness affirm it, and add this to them all in general, that discreeter, juster, abler, and men according in one mind and judgement, with love and respect to one another and all with whom as to their employment they have to do as Commissioners, never yet such were known to me, and I am persuaded it will be hard to find such an agreement for so long a time by any four men in the world, in so eminent an employment.  
Yet Necessity stigmatizeth them with the blackest marks of infamy as grand obstructers of the public revenues, violation of trust, defrauders of the Commonwealth, concealers of the duty of Excise.  
And yet again, another charge for obstructing the receipt, pag. 6. They constantly grant Sufferances.  
It's not true that they constantly grant them, but in one of these cases following.  
1. By way of exportation, and only on such goods where the half subsidy is to be drawn back and the whole Excise, only for accommodation of trade that they may be shipped and not pass Gravesend until a Cocket be passed, and the Excise officers have certified they are satisfied.  
2. When Custom is paid and Excise certified to be satisfied for small parcels, sufferances are granted to bring up the said goods in. Wherries, which otherwise traders are obliged to do in Lighters.  
3. For the landing Graff and bulky goods, as Deals. Masts, Spars, Pitch, Tar, Hemp, etc. which ever were granted, and without which Merchants could not trade in those commodities, the lawful Keys, if four times as many, being too few to take up and store the same.  
4. Sufferances are granted to land such goods as no Merchant comes to claim, and to put them inthe Commonwealths warehouse till the Merchant comes to demand them, which goods are not delivered without a warrant passed by the Commissioners of the Customs, which they never pass till the Customs be first paid, and never suffer the same to be executed until they have certificate from the Excise officer that Excise is satisfied.  
5. And lastly, Sufferances are granted for landing goods transported from other ports of this Nation to the Port of London, and they are either goods Exciseable, or free from Excise, as Sea-coles, Corn, Butter, Chief, Wool, etc.  
For such goods as are Exciseable there is never any Sufferances granted, until first the Excise officers hand be subscribed; and these are the Sufferances this empty headed man makes such ado about, accusing the Commissioners of Customs for granting sufferances without any Excise officers hand subscribed; when as they never grant any of the aforesaid sufferances except that for exportation and goods not Exciseable, but when they have first granted a warrant, and they never grant a warrant but they first have the Excise officers hand to certify he hath received satisfaction, and that this is the constant practice at the Customhouse as is daily manifested; and all this they are authorized to do by the Parliament, for avoiding unreasonable inconveniences to the Merchants.  
And for the goods not liable to Excise, as Sea-coals, etc. You cannot forget, if you have not quite lost your memory, that about two years since, the Commissioners of Excise desired a conference with the Commissioners of Customs concerning sufferances by them granted, where you would needs show how ignorant you were in the business you would pretend so much knowledge in, and did there sputter out a deal of nonsense, insomuch as your brethren were ashamed of you, and like discreet men did inform you in good words, you understood not the thing you spoke of: were not many officers of Customs and Excise witnesses of your pertinacious carriage in managing that debate, and were much grieved that a Commonwealth abounding with many excellent men of parts and integrity, should be served in so high an employment by a supercilious conceited pragmatic busibody, that pretends to find holes in other men's coats, when he might have work enough to employ more wit than the shallow pan of his brains can hold, in searching out the leaks whereby so much treasure slips beside the receipt of the Excise, and so begin reformation at home. But to proceed, after your wiser brethren had persuaded your imperiousness to admit of a debate between them and the Commissioners for Customs, it was concluded for goods Exciseable from the Coast, that the ancient and uninterrupted way of sufferances granted jointly by the Commissioners of the Customs and Excise should be continued, but as for this new device of your brain for such an injunction for goods that owed no Excise, they all except yourself (wiser in your own conceit then seven men that can render a reason) could see no cause for, yet you could not rest with this, but about a month after your survayour or deputy came to the Commissioners of Customs to let them know, it was expected that sufferances for goods that owed no Excise, should be signed by the survayour or deputy for Excise, as well as by the Commissioners of Customs; whereupon the Commissioners of Customs readily complied (although they knew it useless to the State) and gave order to their Clerks to prepare and order accordingly.  
But the Masters trading to Newcastle, and other parts, refused to go to the Excise officers for any such sufferances, saying, they were English men and by law not enjoined thereunto; and that those things required were inovatious and troublesome, and they could not write the bills well enough to please the Excise officers; and therefore were necessitated to get the Deputy or some other Clerks of Excise to write, and so on every entry to pay for two lines writing 6. d. or 4. d. which upon so many thousand entries would amount unto a vast sum of money, merely cheated out of their purses, and thereupon the Ship-masters resolved to land their goods upon tender of their Cockets unto the Commissioners of Customs, as by law they were enjoined; which the Commissioners well weighing, and knowing by law no more was enjoined, did desire the Survayor of Excise to acquaint the Commissioners of Excise therewith, that except they did show reason to the contrary, the Commissioners of Customs ought and would proceed to grant sufferances by themselves for all goods not Exciseable.  
But the Survayor of Excise answered, that the Commissioners of Excise did adhere to their former resolution, whereupon the Commissioners of Customs did again confer with the Commissioners of Excise, and found but one of them engaged with the Deputy, and the rest declared they were put upon it by the Deputy. And I am persuaded it was only Necessity put him upon it, and had it been carried on their parts, it would have made a good revenue for themselves by a multitude of six-pennies or groats, which it seems they had projected to have received: a mere oppression and exaction as ever was thrust upon a people.  
Which caused the Commissioners of Customs to send for the Surveyor or Deputy of Excise T. L. and plainly tell him, that they now discerned the reason of his strong endeavours for this innovation being of no use but to vex the ship-masters, and traders, and bring money to his office, and supply Necessity. And therefore this goes so near the heart of this Miser, that he complains pag. the 6. lin. 10. And one of them did sharply rebuke the Surveyor of Excise for discovering their misdemeanours to the Commissioners of Excise.  
But consider this juggling Necessity had urged the Surveyor or Deputy T. L. upon a foul misdemeanour, for which he was worthily reprehended by the Commissioners of Customs. And now this shitlecock cries whore first, and lays misdemeanours upon the Commissioners of Customs; who, as I have said, are men of unquastionable integrity and ability to manage their trust; yet he hath the impudence to do what he can to blush their reputation: But they are above the air of his stinking breath, nor can his black mouth bespot their innocence, and those sharp arrows his bitter words, will retort upon his own soul either to humble or terrify him.  
And yet he hath one envenomed dart which he would stick in their very hearts, and charges the Commissioners of Customs that they have unduly maintained persons detected of defrauding the Excise; the Devil himself would have been ashamed to have printed such a lie, it's true he is the Father of lies, and skilful in making lies, but he was so careful in delivering his oracles that they should have some colour of truth in them, and would so contrive his answers that whatsoever the event was, yet he would show so much wit as not to be found in a lie; but though you cannot out-wit him, you will outlie him, take heed he be not too wise for you at last; how can you think ever to be believed by honest men? they say, what is bred in the bone, will never out of the flesh, your first trade in drawing Chancery bills wherein men take liberty to lie at large, hath begotten in you such a custom that you cannot leave it.  
You might have done well to have named some of those detected persons, that so there might have been some colour of truth, and that Knaves might be known from honest men; but you throw your dirt at random, and care not who you daub, and deprave a great many better men than yourself, and till you make good your charge, they cannot but think as bad of you as you writ of them.  
But what persons did your wisdom ever detect? I can instance many discoveries that have been made by the wisdom and insight of the Commissioners of Customs, of several frauds whereby the Commonwealth was basely cheated, as that of counterfeit warrants, which all your skill could not find out although it was chief in defrauding the Excise, whereby the Commonwealth was wronged of many thousand pounds, and was but newly begun to be practised in the Customs, but the Commissioners there discovered and found out those unworthy officers of your putting in, or continuance.  
Witness also that notable combination of your dearly beloved Prat with Ludlow and Welden Custom officers, what deceitful practices were by them discovered: I might instance in many more, wherein by the prudence and vigilant inspection of the Commissioners of Customs, such persons have been detected, and imprisoned, and cast out, and made uncapable of any preferment where they have to do, and yet this pertinacious piece of confidence says, they maintain persons detected, etc.  
They say that the receiver is as bad as the thief, if you knew this why did you not reveal it? if you were privy to such unjust practices, you did not well to conceal them; how have you discharged your trust for these many years? why did you not complain before? the law upon conviction would punish such with imprisonment, and forfeiture of double value of the goods that the Excise amounted unto, and could your fellows be all this while silent in a matter of so great concernment? and now as if on a sudda'n your conscience were awakened, you show yourself to do something to be talked of, as if you were the only man that did all business, and they all stand for cyphers; But they know, and I know, and all the world (that have to do with you) knows you to be a shatterbraind, ratle-headed man, altogether unfit and unworthy the place you hold, and those that act with you, know my words to be true, and would be able to give a better account of their business, if you were out. I have heard and believe it, that when you crept into this employment, you were presently so elevated, that having the luck (as you know who hath the best) to be named first in the Act of Parliament, you began to look big, and would take the first place, and thought yourself the best man; and it seems you persist in this conceit: your brethren like wise men follow their own business endeavouring to discharge their trust, whilst you neglect to sweep your own door; are raking in other men's sinks, and hope to domineer every where as you do in your office, to put in kindred into employments, and will suffer nought to be done without applications in private be made to your worship, and be it right or wrong, nothing must be done but according to your own sense.  
But the last, though not the least thing that troubles Necessity, is a Reducement; and this his fear hath occasioned all that he hath written before: for here he shows pag. 6. what is his main drift, In case Reducement of Excise to the Custom be adjudged advantageous to the Commonwealth, may not not both receipts so reduced be managed by persons versed in both employments, that have suffered in their estates for the Commonwealth, and are of approved integrity, at the salary of three half pence poundage?  
Poor man, thy qualfications have undone thee, it will be to great a work for your brains, nor are you capable by your own words: you say well that there should be respect had to men that have suffered for the Commwealth; but all that know you can tell you have been a gainer not a loser by the Commonwealth, having had divers good warm places, wherein you have not been wanting to make the uttermost; and having learned to make advantages of places, you are now loath to be left out, and then you would imagine yourself into the opinion of good men, that you are one that seeks the welfare of the Nation. And (good soul) art grieved to see the public treasure so miscarry, and like Absolom, O that I were Judge in Israel! So, if I had the management of both receipts of Custom and Excise! and so by glavering words and scraping officious attendances, you trust to get into an Office which will require a more able, solider, and better qualified man, than one so low puzed as you set yourself out to be; you see Absalon he had a design or end he aimed at in his flattering the people, and so have you, and for aught I know it might be better for the Commonwealth you had Absoloms' end, than your own; but you hope to speed by offering your service cheaper than others will do it for; but I hope all wise men know, better give 2 s. * a day to a workman, than 12 d. a day to a bungler: can it be imagined that it is good to trust two such receipts in the hands of those who is like to bring a Noble to 9 d.  
I have many more things to write, but I shall reserve them till I come to rejoin with you.  
Jeremiah Wattes.  
FINIS.