Extracts from the House of Commons Journal, vol 10 1688 - 1693.

24 March 1690

New Sarum Election.

A Petition of Wm. Wyndham, Esquire, was read; setting forth, That, at the Election of Citizens for New Sarum, the Twenty-seventh Day of February last, when the Petitioner Tho. Hobby, Esquire, and Thomas Pitt, Esquire, stood Candidates; and the Petitioner had the Majority of those Persons who had Right to vote in the said Election; and the Petitioner ought to have been returned a Citizen for the said City accordingly, together with the said Thomas Hobby, to serve in this present Parliament for New Sarum aforesaid: But the Mayor, in Wrong to the Petitioner, and contrary to Justice and Right, returned the said Thomas Pitt, Esquire, together with the said Thomas Hobby, whereas the Petitioner had a greater Number of qualified Votes: And praying the Relief of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Privileges and Elections: Who are to examine the Matter thereof; and report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.

29 March

Importing thrown Silk.

A Petition of the Governor and Company of Merchants trading into the Levant Seas was read; setting forth, That a great Prejudice ariseth not only to the Turkey Trade, but to the Nation in general, by the Importation of Thrown Silk; whereby there is a certain Loss of about Four Shillings in every Pound of Silk to the Poor, and the Hazard of the total Loss of the Trade of Throwing Silk in this Kingdom; the Act of Navigation, by the late Quantities brought in from Holland, and other Places, being also eluded: And praying, That the Importation of Thrown Silk may be discouraged, either by laying a further Duty, or by such Methods as to the Wisdom of the House should seem meet: And that Leave may be given to bring in a Bill to that Effect.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill accordingly: And it is recommended to the Members that serve for the City of London, and Mr. Papillion, and Sir Samuell Barnadiston, to prepare and bring in the Bill.

31 March

African Company.

A Petition of the Royal Affrican Company of England, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners, by their great Charge for many Years past, have preserved to this Nation the Trade in Affrica, from the Port of Sally to Cape de Bona Esperanza, under Letters Patents from the late King Charles the Second: But, Disputes arising relating to the Powers given to the Petitioners thereby; whereby they are disturbed in their Trade, and must quit the same, unless those Disturbances are removed; and praying Leave to offer a Bill for the better securing to them the said Trade.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill accordingly.

2 April

African Company.

A Bill for the better securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company of England, was presented to the House: and received.

Importation of Thrown Silk.

A Bill for the discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk, was presented to the House; and received.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read To-morrow Morning.

London Orphans.

Resolved, That the House will, upon Monday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of Ways to satisfy the Debts due to the Orphans of the City of London.

East India Company.

A Petition of the Governor and Company of Merchants of London, trading to the East Indies, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners, and their Predecessors, upon the Encouragement of Queen Elizabeth, and succeeding Princes, by their several Grants and Charters granted unto them, exclusive of all others, have adventured their Estates for the Discovery and carrying on a Traffick to those Parts, greatly to the Advantage and Enriching of this Kingdom; and that several Parliaments since that Time have had many Occasions to take Notice of their said Charters, without any Disallowance thereunto; but on the contrary, rather implicitly approved thereof: But that the Petitioners have lately received great Damages and Discouragements in their Trade by several private Traders or Interlopers, who originally were the Cause of all those Troubles and Losses brought of late on the Company: And that the Petitioners represent to the House, That the East India Trade cannot possibly be supported but in a Joint Stock, exclusive of all others; nor without such Powers, granted to them, equal to that of their Neighbours, by which they uphold their Trade; and such other foreign Trades from England as depend thereon will not only suffer much, but other European Nations will make great Advantage thereof, to the Hazard, if not the utter Ruin, of the English Commerce to those Parts: And praying, That the House would take into their Consideration the Preservation of their Trade; and that an Act may be made for that Purpose, under such Methods or Regulations as shall be thought fit; and that, in the mean time, they may be supported and encouraged in preserving the said Trade to the Nation.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consider of the East India Trade; and how it may be managed to the best Advantage of the Nation: And that the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the said Committee: Who are to prepare and bring in a Bill or Bills accordingly.

And it is referred unto Sir Tho. Clarges, Mr. Slater, Sir Robert Davers, Mr. Vincent, Sir Sam. Barnadiston, Sir Hen. Johnson, Mr. Perry, Sir Cha. Bloyes, Lord Marquis of Worcester, Mr. Gwyn, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Burrard, Mr. Sacheverell, Sir Christopher Musgrave, Mr. Hawtry, Mr. Thornhaugh, Mr. Waller, Mr. England, Mr. Glemham, Lord Sherrard, Mr. Done, Sir Matth. Andrewes, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bowyer, Sir Gilbert Clerke, Mr. Fuller, Sir Tho. Littleton, Sir Peter Colliton, Mr. Dalben, Mr. Paul Foley, Mr. Parkhurst, and all the Members that serve for the Sea Port Towns, and that are Merchants; and all the Members that serve for the Cities of London and Westminster, and County of Middlesex: And all that come to have Voices: And they are to meet To-morrow at Three of the Clock in the Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

9 April

Exporting Coin.

A Petition of divers working Goldsmiths in and about the City of London was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners, in the Course of their Trade, observing a great Scarcity of Silver, have, upon their Search, found, at the Custom House, That, since the First of October last past, Entries have been made of Two hundred Eighty-six thousand One hundred and Twelve Ounces of Silver or Bullion, and Eighty-nine thousand Nine hundred Forty-and nine Dollars, and Pieces of Eight, by divers private Persons, for Exportation; and doubt not but that it will appear, that not only the East India Company for many Years, but also divers Jews and Merchants, have of late bought up great Quantities of Silver to carry out of this Kingdom; and given three-half-pence per Once above the Value: Which hath encouraged the Melting down of much Plate and milled Monies; whereby, for these Six Months past, not only the Petitioners in their Trade, but the Mint itself, hath been stop from coining: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Resolved, That the said Petition be referred to a Committee, viz. Mr. Foley, Mr. Machell, Sir John Knight, Sir Rich. Reynolds, Sir Sam. Bernadiston, Sir Levin Bennet, Mr. Thornhaugh, Sir Wm. Ellis, Mr. Slater, Colonel Birch, Lord Falkland, Mr. Palmes, Mr. Perry, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Buscowen, Mr. Kenyon, Mr. Wilmot, Mr. Fuller, Sir Cha. Windham, Sir Edw. Philipps, Mr. Francklyn, Mr. Glemham, Mr. Burdet, Mr. Arnold, Sir Walter Young, Sir Jonath. Jennings, Mr. Grey, Mr. Pelham, Sir Ralph Dutton, Mr. England, Sir Tho. Fowles, Mr. Rider: Who are to consider of the said Petition; and report their Opinion thereupon to the House: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Three of the Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

10 April

Aliens' Duty.

A Petition of Rich. Pierce, Esquire, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioner is, and for several Years hath been, Farmer and Collector of the Duties of Package, Scavage, Baleage, and Portage, payable by Aliens for their Wares and Merchandizes imported into, or exported out of the City of London, or its Liberties; for which Duties the Petitioner pays a great yearly Sum to the said City: That the Naturalizing of Aliens, by a Bill before this House, who many of them are Merchants and Traders tends very much to the lessening the said Revenues, and thereby the Prejudice of the Petitioner: And praying to be heard by his Counsel, at the Bar of the House, before the said Bill do pass.

Resolved, That the Petition be rejected.

General Naturalization.

A Motion being made, and the Question being put, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for the Naturalizing of all Protestants;

The House divided.

The Yeas go forth.

Tellers for the Yeas, Sir Rob. Rich, 77. Sir John Bolles, Tellers for the Noes, Mr. Dalben, 82. Mr. Fenwick,

So it passed in the Negative.

12 April

Duties on Linen, &c.

A Motion being made, for the Continuance of the Impositions on all French Linens, and all East India Linen, and several other Manufactures of India, and on all French Wrought Silks and Stuffs, and on all other Wrought Silks, and on all Brandies;

Resolved, That this House will, upon Tuesday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the said Motion, and of the Book of Rates, and the Balance of Trade; and particularly, in the First Place, of Linen, Silk, Wine, and Brandy; whereby to encourage our Allies, and to discourage the Trade with France, and to encourage and advance our own Manufacture.

21 April

Importing Thrown Silk.

A Bill to discourage the Importation of Thrown Silk, was read the Second time. Resolved, That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Ditto

A Petition of the Bailiffs, Master, and Wardens, and Assistants of the Company of Weavers at London and Canterbury, was read, setting forth, That the Bill before this House, for the discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk, will, if it passeth, be to the great Prejudice of the Manufacturers of Silk: For that Black Alamodes and Lutestrings are made solely of fine Italian Thrown Silk; and most other figured and plain Silks are interwoven with the same; and the most ingenious Trade of Weaving lieth under Great Discouragements by the late Advance of the Price of Thrown Silks, the frequent Importation of Foreign Manufactures, and the near Expiring of the Act, which laid an Impost on the Foreign woven Silks: And praying to be heard against the said Bill, before the same doth pass.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill to discourage the Importation of Thrown Silk, is committed.

A Petition of several Merchants of London trading to Italy, the Kingdoms of Naples and Cicily, was read; setting forth, That, in the Bill that is before this House for Discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk, is included Silk Thrown in Italy, Naples, and Cicily, which hath anciently been imported into this Kingdom, and is very beneficial thereto: Wherefore, if the same should be discouraged its Importation, it might not only prejudice the Manufacturers thereof here, but also obstruct the Exportation of Fish, Tin, Lead, Woolen, and other Manufactures of this Kingdom, into those Parts: And praying to offer their Reasons against the said Bill, before the same doth pass.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill to discourage the Importation of Thrown Silk, is committed.

Resolved, That the House will, upon Friday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the said Bill.

African Company.

A Bill for securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company of England, was read a Second time. Resolved, That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Ditto.

A Petition of divers Clothiers of Suffolke and Essex, and others, employed in the Woolen Manufacture of Says, and Stuffs, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners enjoyed an open Trade for the Woolen Manufactures of Says, when Trade was free for all Merchants to send their Ships to Guiny; whereby there was so quick a Vent and so good Prices given, that the Petitioners were encouraged to carry on the Making of far greater Quantities of Says and Stuffs; which gave Employ to many Thousands of Inhabitants of the County: But that now, and for some Years past, such their former Trade is restrained, their Goods under-priced and left upon their Hands, if not sold, for what Prices the Company, trading to Guiny, will give for them; who, being the alone Buyer, and none else suffered to export the said Goods, the Petitioners are forced to sell at the Rates they are pleased to allow; whereby great Quantities of the Petitioners Goods lie upon them; by which Means (having no other Sale than as aforesaid) they must be forced to lay down their Trades; the Effect whereof is too manifest in the Ruin of many poor Families, and Tradesmen dealing in, and living up on, the Woolen Manufactures: And praying, That the said Trade may no longer be restrained; but that all Merchants may have Freedom to export them, many being ready to buy, and encourage the Petitioners in making such their Manufactures, had they Liberty, and Freedom of Trade.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company of England, is committed.

African Company.

A Petition of several Merchants of London, Traders to the Coast of Barbary, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are informed, a Bill is brought into this House for the better securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company; whose Patent reaches from Tremisan, within the Streights, to the Cape of Good Hope; which includes all the Ports upon the Coast of Barbary, where the Petitioners have had a constant Trade, and settled Factories, for many Years: And praying to be heard against the said Bill, before the same do pass.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company of England, is committed.

Ditto.

A Petition of the Planters, and Traders to Jamaica, was read; setting forth, That the Affrican Company have desired Leave to bring in a Bill for confirming their Charter: And the Company having been exceeding oppressive and injurious, as well to the said Island in general, as to their Majesties Subjects in England, to the great Discouragement of Trade (especially the Woolen Manufacture) and the Diminution of their Majesties Customs, and praying that they may be heard, by their Counsel, against the said Bill, before the same doth pass.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company of England, is committed.

A Petition of John Thrale, and John Tutt, and others, Owners and Freighters of the Ship Delight, of London, was read; setting forth, That the said Ship, English-built, Burthen One hundred and Forty Tons, manned with English Men, and laden with Woolen Manufactures, and other Goods, for which his Majesty's Customs were duly paid 10 July 1677, and then sailed to Affrica; and was there re-laden with Negroes, Elephants Teeth, Gold, &c. consigned to Jamaica to be delivered there: But that, in April 1678, one Captain Delavall, Commander of the Constant Warwick, did, in an hostile Manner, near the Barbadoes, command the Master of the said Ship to come aboard him: The which when he did so, he there detained him Prisoner, and seized the Ship and Cargo, and carried the same into Barbadoes; where Sir Jonath. Atkins, then Governor, in Confederacy with the Affrican Company and their Agents, adjudged the said Ship and Cargo as Prize; and condemned the same, to the Loss and Damage of Seven thousand Pounds Sterling, besides Interest; which Oppression and Grievance is maintained by the said Affrican Company; and the Confederates, or most of them, being beyond the Seas, so that the Petitioners cannot have any Remedy at Law, and are therefore necessitated to crave the Assistance of this House for Justice; Relief, and Reparation.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company of England, is committed.

Resolved, That the House will, upon Wednesday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the said Bill.

22 April

African Company.

A Petition of the Merchants and Planters, trading to, and interested in, the Island of Barbadoes, was read; setting forth, That the Trade to Guiny, and from thence to the West Indies, as it is now driven amongst a select Number of Men, is very prejudicial to the West Indies; and very much hinders the Increase of Shipping, and the Expence of the Manufactures of this Nation; and therefore a very advantageous Regulation may be made in the said Trade: And praying, they may be heard against the Confirmation of the present Company, and Proposals for a better, more beneficial, and equal Establishment.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for the better securing the Trade to the Royal Affrican Company is referred.

23 April

Importing Thrown Silk.

A Petition of the Company of Silk-Throwers of London was read; setting forth, That, by the Importation of divers Sorts of Silk ready wove, and great Quantities of ready Thrown, the Trade of Silk Throwing is greatly impoverished, and, if not prevented, will be utterly lost in this Kingdom, to the Ruin of the Petitioners, and all that depend thereon, being, at least, Two hundred thousand Persons; besides the Mischief it will bring upon the Woolen Manufacture, and Nation in general: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for the discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk, is committed.

24 April

London Orphans.

Resolved, That the House will, upon Tuesday Morning next, at Ten a Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of Ways to satisfy the Debts due to the Orphans of the City of London.

29 April

African Company.

A Petition of Thomas Byfeild, and others, Owners of the Ship Henry and William, was read; setting forth, That, in May 1683, the Petitioners bought and fitted out the said Ship for the Coast of Africa, whither she set Sail; but, not being designed to trade in any Parts to which that Company trades, That the said Ship and Cargo, in her Voyage upon the High Seas, before she came near any of their Ports, was taken by Captain Castle, Commander of the Orange Tree; and afterwards, delivered to Hen. Nurse, the Company's Agent; and by him condemned, and made Prize, and the Master and Seamen made Prisoners, to the Damage of the Petitioners Three thousand Pounds: And praying the Consideration and Relief of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the Bill for securing the Trade to the Royal African Company of England, is committed.

Resolved, That this House will, on Thursday Morning next, at Ten a Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the Bill for securing the Trade to the Royal African Company.

Members not to leave Town.

Ordered, That no Member of this House do presume to go out of Town, without Leave from the House.

30 April

African Company.

A Petition of Benj. Rawlins was read; setting forth, That the Petitioner, being upon the Coast of Africa, on board the Alligator Sloop, whereof he was Commander, was, Twenty-sixth February 1686, taken in Taccarada Road, by the Ship Princess Anne, belonging to and under the Commission of the African Company; and, with the Petitioner, as Prisoner, carried to Cape Coast, and from thence to the Island of Berbadoes; where the Petitioner was detained Five Months; and forced, upon his Release, to pay Five Pounds for his Prison Fees: And praying to have Satisfaction from the said Royal African Company, for the Loss of the said Ship and Loading, and his Imprisonment.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for the better securing the Trade to the Royal African Company, is committed.

Importing Thrown Silk.

A Petition of the Clothiers of Strowdwater in the County of Gloucester, was read; setting forth, That the great Dependance of the Petitioners Trade depends upon the Turkey Merchants; which now many Thousands of People are sensible of the Decay, chiefly obstructed by the Want of Vend of the raw Silk, by reason of great Quantities of Thrown Silk imported from other Places, no way the Effects of our Cloth: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises, by removing all Discouragements of the Woollen Manufacture.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill for the discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk, is committed.

Importing Thrown Silk.

Then the Question was put, That the House do now immediately resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the Bill for discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk.

The House divided.

The Noes go forth.

Tellers for the Yeas, Mr. Colt, 134. Mr. Hen. Herbert, Tellers for the Noes, Mr. Cary, 145. Mr. Harcourt,

So it passed in the Negative.

Members summoned, not having Leave of Absence.

The House being informed, that Sir John Fowell, and Mr. Norleigh, are gone out of Town, without Leave of the House; Ordered, That the said Sir John Fowell, and Mr. Norleigh, be summoned by the Serjeant to attend this House forthwith.

2 May

East India Company.

SIR Joseph Tredenham reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to consider of the East India Trade, and how it may be managed to the best Advantage of the Nation, and to prepare and bring in a Bill or Bills for that Purpose, That the Committee had considered of the Matters referred to them; and had prepared a Bill for the Confirmation of the Charters to the East India Company, until another Company shall be established by Act of Parliament; which he presented to the House.

The Bill was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read the Second Time after Ten a Clock.

3 May

Importing Thrown Silk.

Then the Order, for the House to resolve into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the Bill for the discouraging the Importation of Thrown-silk, was read.

A Petition of several Merchants trading to Italy, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners, long before this Sessions of Parliament, had given Orders to their Correspondents in Italy for several Quantities of Thrown-silk, whereof Part is far advanced on the Way by Land Carriage to the Ports, and Part hath been shipped a considerable time for London: And praying some Provision may be made in the Bill now before the House, for discouraging the Importation of Thrown-silk; That what is already shipped off, and on the Way as aforesaid, upon the Petitioners Account, may not be charged with any new Imposition.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the said Bill is committed.

8 May

East India Company.

A Bill for Confirmation of the Charter granted to the East India Company, until another Company shall be established by Act of Parliament, was read the Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed, upon the Debate of the House, unto Sir Tho. Clarges, Sir Rich. Onslow, Mr. Bickerstaffe, Mr. Godolphin, Sir Tho. Hussey, Mr. Pitts, Sir Carbury Price, Mr. Cary, Lord Cheny, Mr. Evans, Mr. Harcourt, Mr. Perry, Mr. Blowfeild, Sir John Turner, Mr. Pendarvis, Lord Ranelagh, Mr. Cognisby, Sir Cha. Bloys, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Sir John Barker, Mr. Hutchinson, Sir John Guise, Colonel Austen, Sir Hen. Goffe, Mr. Mansell, Sir Math. Andrews, Mr. Guy, Mr. Gwyn, Mr. Fuller, Sir Rob. Cotton, Major Vincent, Mr. Lampton Mr. Serjeant Hutchins, Mr. Herne, Colonel Birch, Mr. Brewer, Sir John Cotton, Mr. Wm. Johnson, Mr. Foot Onslow, Mr. Peregrine Bertie, Sir John Cary, Sir Rich. Hart, Sir John Knight, Sir Sam. Bernadiston, Sir Christopher Musgrave, Mr. Paul Foley, Mr. Dalben, Mr. Buscawen, Lord Falkland, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Hawtry, Sir Harry Johnson, Mr. Vincent, Mr. Gray, Sir Fra. Guybon, Sir Math. Andrews, Sir Fra. Vincent, Mr. England, Sir Rob. Davers, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Thornhaugh, Mr. Holt, Mr. Papillion, Sir Wm. Robinson, Sir Tho. Darcy, Mr. Anch. Gray, Mr. Done, Sir Tho. Littleton, Mr. Berty, Mr. Ash, Sir Gilbert Clarke, Mr. Turges, Sir John Thomson, Mr. Tho. Foley, Mr. Rudge, Sir John Bancks, Sir Benj. Newland, Sir Jon. Jennings, Sir Edm. Jennings, Sir Rich. Temple, and all the Members that are Merchants, and that serve for the Sea Ports: And all that come to have Voices: And they are to meet this Afternoon, at Three of the Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber: and are impowered to send for Persons, Papers, and Records.

Ditto.

A Petition of John and Thomas Temple, Owners of the Ship Bristoll, was read; setting forth, That the Petitioners, in the First Session of the last Parliament, exhibited their Petition to this House; thereby setting forth the great Oppression they had sustained in relation to their Ship; which was sunk and plundered by Captain Tyrrell, Commander of the Phænix, by Order of the East India Company; which Petition was afterwards referred to a Committee, and the Matter thereof by them examined: The which the Petitioners, are again ready to prove, together with their Damage, amounting to Thirty-one thousand Two hundred Eight Pounds Two Shillings and Ten-pence Sterling; besides a considerable Damage suffered by the said Ship's Company: By reason of which great Losses, the Petitioners are become insolvent, and not able to pay their Creditors their full Dues: And praying the Consideration and Relief of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the Bill for Confirmation of the Charters granted to the present East India Company, until another Company shall be established, is committed.

Exporting Coin.

Sir Rich. Reynell reports from the Committee to whom the Petition of divers working Goldsmiths in and about the City of London, was referred, That they had considered the Matters to them referred; and had directed a Special Report to be made of the whole Matter to the House: The which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same was read; and is as followeth;

That it appears, by a Certificate from the Custom-house, dated Seventeenth April last, That great Quantities of Silver have been of late exported; whereof we had a particular Account for the last Five Years: That above Seven Parts of Eight had been shipped off by the Jews, who do any thing for their Profit: The Reason was plain; that the French King, of late, finding his Money very scarce, had raised his Coin Ten Pounds per Cent.: Which was an Encouragement to send Silver to fill his Coffers: Which the Jews, for their Profit, exported daily in very great Quantities: That, on Monday last, they had shipped off about Sixty thousand Ounces by the Name of Foreign Silver; and great Parcels more were ready to be shipped: Which did make it scarce and dear, to the utter Ruin of the Working Goldsmiths.

That there were also English, as well as Jews, who, for their Advantages, would doubtless melt down our Crown Pieces, &c. and sell for Foreign Silver, to the Undoing of the whole Nation for want of Money, unless a present Remedy were found to prevent Exportation of any Silver or Gold.

That the Committee had also Certificates from the Officers of the Mint, for divers Years; and do find, that of late, very small Quantities have been coined.

That it was offered, that the Profit of melting down One thousand Pounds of milled Money for Exportation, was Twenty-five Pounds ready Money, and upwards.

That Silver was coined at the Mint at Five Shillings and Two-pence per Ounce; but, at the Time of Exportation, was generally sold at Five Shillings and Three-pence Halfpeny per Ounce: Which gave Occasion of its being melted down, and transported as Foreign Silver.

That divers Proposals were suggested;

1. A total Prohibition:

2. A qualified Prohibition for certain Times, or an Imposition for Exportation of Silver:

3. The enhancing our own Money.

So that, though the Committee found the Complaint of the Petitioners very just, and the Inconveniencies to the Kingdom very great, they could not agree of a Way for the preventing the same: But were humbly of Opinion, That it was worthy of the Consideration of the House.

Resolved, That the said Report be re-committed to the same Committee, upon the Debate of the House: And that they do thereupon prepare a Bill or Bills, as they shall see Cause; and present the same to the House: And that, in order thereunto, the Committee do sit de die in diem; and have Power to send for Persons, Papers, and Records: And that the Officers of the Mint do attend the said Committee: And that Mr. Neale, Mr. Norreis, Sir John Bancks, Mr. Thornhaugh, Sir Christopher Musgrave, Mr. Cognisby, Colonel Birch, Mr. Christy, Sir Peter Coriton, Sir Jerv. Elwes, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Mr. Evans, Mr. Slater, Mr. Tho. Foley, Mr. Hen. Herbert, and all the Members of the House that are Merchants. . . .: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Three of the Clock.

13 May

Importing Thrown Silk.

An ingrossed Bill for discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk, was read the Third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the Title thereof be, An Act for the discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk.

Ordered, That Mr. Bickerstaffe do carry the said Bill to the Lords; and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

14 May

East India Company.

A Petition of George White, Administrator of Samuell White, deceased, was read; setting forth, That his said Brother went to India on a Ship of the East-India Company's and remained there with the chief Factor's Permission; for which, at the Ship's Return, he paid One hundred Pounds by his Correspondent; and was afterwards, by the Company's Factors, introduced into the Service of the King of Siam, and by him advanced to most advantageous Employ; wherein he did the Company very beneficial Service; and acquired to himself a plentiful Estate; continuing in such his Prosperity above Ten Years: That, while the Petitioner's said Brother did no way deserve or suspect any different Treatment, the Company's Factors and Servants did, in 1687, unjustly seize on his Ships and Merchandize, to his Damage about Twenty thousand Pounds; and, by the Company's making an Assault, in the same Year, upon the Port of Mergen, where the Petitioner's Brother resided, who then narrowly escaped his Life, lost then Twenty thousand Pounds more; and, after such his great Losses and Afflictions, died in April 1689, leaving Two young Children to the Care of the Petitioner their Guardian: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises; and that he may be heard by Counsel, before the Bill, which the Company are endeavouring for their Confirmation, be passed.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the Bill for Confirmation of the Charters granted to the present East-India Company, until another shall be established by Act of Parliament, is committed: And that the Committee do hear the whole Matter; and report the same Specially to the House: And that the Committee do meet in the Speaker's Chamber; and adjourn to some more convenient Place, if they think fit.

15 May

Importing Thrown Silk.

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have passed the Bill, intituled, An Act for the discouraging the Importation of Thrown Silk without any Amendments.

16 May

London Orphans.

Resolved, That this House will, upon Tuesday Morning next, at Ten a Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of Ways to satisfy the Debts due to the Orphans of the City of London.

19 May

Exporting Coin.

Sir Rich. Reynolds reports from the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of the Working Goldsmiths in and about the City of London; and to whom the former Report thereupon was re-committed: And to prepare a Bill or Bills, as they should see Cause; that they had prepared a Bill to discourage the Exportation of Bullion, and to encourage the Importation; and to the Converting thereof into the current Coin of this Realm: Which he presented to the House.

The Bill was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read the Second time Tomorrow Morning at Ten a Clock.