A book of funds, or, Some reasonable projections and proposals for raising three millions of money per annum for supplies to be granted His Majesty by such ways and methods as will be least burthensome to the people during the war most humbly offer'd to the consideration of both Houses of Parliament / by Thomas Houghton ...

A BOOK OF FUNDS, &c.

THAT His Majeſty would be Graciouſly Pleaſed to give in Charge and Command, That the LAWS be exactly Obſerved, and put in Execution, through all His Kingdoms and Dominions, againſt all Felons and Criminals, both by Sea and Land.— And for ſuch as ſhall be Condemned, by due Courſe of Law, in England, Wales, and Berwick upon Tweed: That His Majeſty be Addreſt, by Both Houſes of Parliament, That He would be moſt Graciouſly Pleaſed to ſpare and grant them their Lives upon the following Conditions, or upon ſuch Terms as You (in Your Great Wiſdom) ſhall Propoſe, and His Majeſty moſt Graciouſly think fit, Murther only excepted.

Propoſal I.

Firſt, THAT Each and Every of them Pay to the King the full Value of what they ſtand Condemned for, be it Five Pounds, or Five Thouſand Pounds, more or leſs: And the full Value of all ſuch other Sum or Sums, as ſhall be prov'd upon them, for any former Fact or Facts whatſoever; together with Fifty Pounds for a Fine, whether the Crimes be Committed by Land or Sea. — And that they, and every of them, that are able to Pay and Diſcharge the ſaid Sums, be alſo Baniſh'd, and Sold for Four Years to ſerve on Ship-board, or in ſome part of Africa, America, or Eaſt-India, unleſs they be able to procure and can pay Fifty Pounds more for every Years Service, which will make Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds to acquit them of their Fine and Baniſhment, having firſt diſcharg'd all other Sums they ſtand Condemned for, or ſhall be proved upon them, as afore-ſaid.

Secondly, That he or ſhe who is not able to pay and diſcharge the ſaid Sums, be Baniſh'd, or Sold to ſome of the afore-ſaid Places during his or her Life; and to have the Letter R Burnt in their Cheek; which Letter will prevail with many to Pay, before they will be Burnt or Tranſported, if they can raiſe Money any way, and will diſcover ſuch as Return; which if any do, they ſhall incurr the like Penalties again.

Thirdly, That the Africa and Eaſt-India Companies ſhall be obliged to take and Tranſport all ſuch as cannot be diſpoſed off to America; or, otherwiſe, Sold to ſome Captains, to ſerve on Ship-board; and ſhall Pay to the King Twenty Pounds a Head for every Male and Female, that is Unbranded, who is to ſerve but Four Years; and Forty Pounds a Head for all that are Mark'd with R, who ſhall be their Souldiers or Servants during Life. —

Fourthly, That all Man-Slaughter, or accidental taking away of Life, be Puniſh'd with a Fine of Fifty Pounds, if the Slayers Real and Perſonal Eſtate be worth ſo much. — And if his or her Eſtate that ſhall be found Guilty of Man-Slaughter be worth Five Hundred Pounds or upwards, then to Pay Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds Fine; and if no Eſtate, nor cannot procure a Friend to Pay the Fifty Pounds, then to be Sold to one of the Companies for Forty Pounds for Seven Years, but not to be Mark'd with the Letter R; provided always, that there doth appear no Suſpicion of any premeditated deſign of Killing; nor the Slayer himſelf, nor his Friends, are not to receive any Benefit or Advantage by the Death of the other. — And if any ſhall be ſet upon by a Thief in his Houſe, in the High-Way, or elſewhere, and Kills ſuch a one in his own Defence, then to be freed from any Fine: — But that all Premeditated and Wilful Murther be Puniſh'd with Death, as the Law directs, where there appears a Deſign of Killing, and the Slayers Eſtate be diſpos'd on, as is hereafter-mentioned.

Fifthly, That all Dewellers, or ſuch who ſhall Fight hereafter with any Mortal Weapon; as Sword, Rapier, Daggar, or any other ſharp pointed or ſharp edged Weapon of Iron or Steel, — He that Wounds or draws Blood of the other, if the Blood-Drawer be a Knight, or above the degree of a Knight, he to Pay Five Hundred Pounds for a Fine; and the Wounded Perſon, if a Knight, or above the degree of Knight-hood, Four Hundred and Fifty Pounds; and if Both be Wounded, each Five Hundred Pounds, being Knights, or above that Degree, as afore-ſaid. — Provided always that there be Proof, or it doth appear that a Challenge hath been made by either of the Parties, before their Meeting to Fight. — And if Two ſuch Perſons Draw, and Fight immediately in the ſame Room, Houſe, Field or Place where they begin their Quarrel, and Challenge one another, without a Quarter of an Hours Intermiſſion of Time, then the Blood-Drawer to Pay but Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds, and the Wounded Perſon Two Hundred Pounds, becauſe their Action or Quarrel may happen to be without Deſign or Premeditation: But if any longer Time paſſeth, or if one leaves the Room or Place where the Quarrel began, and they meet again, though never ſo ſoon, and Fight, then the Blood-Drawer to Pay Five Hundred Pounds, and the Wounded Perſon Four Hundred and Fifty Pounds; and if Both Wounded, each Five Hundred Pounds, as afore-ſaid, becauſe they continue their Deſign and Reſolution of Fighting.

Sixthly, If one be a Knight, or above the Degree of Knight-hood; and the other an Eſquire, Gentleman, or a Perſon of any other Reputation, the Wounding and Wounded Perſons to Pay the Five Hundred and Four Hundred and Fifty Pound Fines, as afore-ſaid; Provided a Challenge hath been made by either of them before their Fighting; or if there be a Quarter of an Hours Intermiſſion of Time between the Beginning of their Quarrel, and the Time of Fighting; or if they, or either of them, leave that Room or Place, and meet again, and Fight, if Blood be drawn by ſuch Weapons, they to Pay the Fines afore-ſaid. — But if they Draw, and Fight immediately upon Words, in the Place where the Quarrel begins, then the Wounding and Wounded Perſons to Pay the like Fines as are before-mentioned, where the Action was, without Deſign or Premeditation, (viz.) Two Hundred and Fifty, and Two Hundred Pounds.

Seventhly, If any Knight, or Perſon above the Degree of a Knight, ſhall Draw, and Wound any Knight or Noble-Man that hath no Sword; or if he hath a Sword, and that be undrawn, the Blood-Drawer to Pay One Thouſand Pounds; and Five Hundred Pounds if it be upon any other Perſon under the Degree of a Knight.

Eighthly, If any Eſquire, Gentleman, or other Perſon, ſhall Draw, and Wound a Knight or Noble-Man, that hath not a Sword; or if he hath a Sword, and that be undrawn, the Blood-Drawer to Pay One Thouſand Pounds, or Sold for Forty Pounds to one of the Companies, during his Life, if he be unable; or if able, and unwilling to Pay the Fine afore-ſaid. And if any ſuch ſhall Wound any other Perſon, not having a Sword drawn, the Blood-Drawer to Pay Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds, or be Sold for Forty Pounds, for Seven Years, to one of the Companies, as afore-ſaid.

Ninthly, That where Two appoints to Fight a Dewel, if either be Killed, or Die of his Wounds after Fighting; That His Majeſty be Addreſt not to Pardon the other, nor to give his Eſtate to any that ſhall endeavour to beg it, (upon any Pretence whatſoever) without Paying Five Thouſand Pounds to the Government: — Or that his Eſtate be Sold for what it will make, or for ſo many Years as will raiſe Five Thouſand Pounds, by a preſent Sale thereof; if the Slayer be a Knight, or above that Degree, or a Gentleman of an Eſtate, and ſhall Kill a Knight, or one that is Noble, upon ſuch a Challenge, the Slayer to be Baniſh'd for Four Years, unleſs he will Pay Two Thouſand Pounds more to acquit him of his Baniſhment: But if no Challenge hath been made, nor no premeditated Deſign of Fighting, then ſuch a Slayer only to Pay Five Thouſand Pounds.

Tenthly, If the Slayer be a Knight, or a Noble-Man, and ſhall Kill an Eſquire, Gentleman, or any other Perſon, upon a Challenge made ſome time before, that he be Fined Five Thouſand Pounds.— And if he Kill him in a Houſe, or in any Place, upon a Quarrel, ariſing from Words, without any premeditated Deſign or Cauſe of Fighting, but what ariſeth then from Words, both having their Swords drawn, then to Pay but Four Thouſand Five Hundred Pounds.

Eleventhly, If an Eſquire, Gentleman, or a Perſon of any lower Reputation, ſhall Kill a Knight or Noble-Man upon a Challenge made before their Fighting, he to Pay Seven Thouſand Pounds, if his Eſtate be worth ſo much; and if his Eſtate be not worth ſo much, to be Sold for the moſt it will make, and he Baniſh'd during his Life. — And if an Eſquire, Gentleman, or other inferiour Perſon, ſhall Kill a Knight or a Noble-Man, in any Place, upon a Quarrel ariſing from Words, without any premeditated Deſign, or any viſible or known Envy or Malice, but what happeneth at that inſtant time of Fighting, if Both have Swords drawn, nevertheleſs, he to Pay Seven Thouſand Pounds, if his Eſtate be worth ſo much. — And if his Eſtate be not worth ſo much, to be Sold for the moſt it will make, and he Baniſh'd during Life, as afore-ſaid.

Twelfthly, If Two Perſons, of what Reputation ſoever, under the Degrees of Knights, ſhall Challenge one another, and Fight, if one be Killed, that the Slayers Eſtate be Sold to raiſe Five Thouſand Pounds for the Service of the Government. — And if his Eſtate be not worth ſo much, to be Sold for the moſt it will make, and he Baniſh'd for Seven Years. — But if any Perſon ſhall Kill another, by Defending himſelf, there having been no former Quarrel or Malice, nor no Challenge made, then to Pay the Fifty Pounds Fine for Man-Slaughter, and to be acquitted, or elſe to Serve Four Years Abroad, as afore-ſaid, if the Slayn Perſon be not a Thief.

Thirteenthly, And if any Perſon whatſoever ſhall wilfully Kill another, upon the Account of Malice, Drunkenneſs, or for Profit and Intereſt ſake, whether the Dying Perſon hath a Sword drawn or not drawn; That His Majeſty would be Graciouſly Pleaſed, that henceforwards the Eſtate of the Slayer may be Sold, and the Money ariſing from it converted to the Uſe of the Government, and his Perſon to Suffer Death, as the Law directs, or as His Majeſty ſhall, in His Mercy, ſee Cauſe to diſpoſe of it.

Laſtly, Be pleaſed to conſider, the Felons and Criminals, by Sea and Land, in England, Wales, and Berwick upon Tweed, may be reckoned Three Thouſand Yearly; many of which Paying great Fines, and Forfeiting Eſtates, 'tis probable, the Product may ariſe to One Hundred and Fifty Thouſand Pounds per Annum; which, if you account but at Fifty Pounds a Head, one with another, will make up that Sum: And whereas Hanging them is a great Loſs to the Nation, ſeveral ways, too long to be here recited; the Preſervation of their Lives this way, will not only raiſe ready Money for the Service of the Government; but the Sending them Abroad will, in a few Years, increaſe the Power and Strength of the Engliſh in Foreign Parts, and will occaſion a greater Expence and Demand of the Engliſh Manufactures; whereby Trade would be Increaſed, Foreign Places Strengthened, preſent Money by them here Raiſed, their Owners Abroad Inriched, Themſelves Preſerved, and the Nation Rid of Rogues, which, in Time, and change of Place, may grow Honeſt; ſo that it may be better to Raiſe One Hundred and Fifty Thouſand Pounds per Annum this way, than to continue Hanging them, ſince daily Experience ſhews You, The Death of one doth not Diſcourage nor Reclaim another.

Propoſal II.

WHEREAS there were ſome Debates in the Honourable Houſe of Commons, the laſt Seſſions of Parliament, for Laying a Duty upon Leather; which Duty, unleſs it was Charged very high, (viz.) Value for Value, wou'd Raiſe but a very inconſiderable Sum: Therefore, to accompliſh and effect it the better, in all Humility, I humbly Propoſe, That a Duty be laid upon all Green Skins and Raw Hides, together with the Bodies or Carcaſſes of theſe Eatable Creatures joyntly, leaving the Butcher or Slaughterer thereof, to Proportion and Charge this Duty upon the Body, Hide and Skin together, as he ſhall ſee Cauſe; and that he be Charged for every and each of them joyntly, as followeth.

per Annum. l s d First, For all Lambs Skins and Carcaſſes, Twelve Pence a piece; of which I compute to be Killed in England, Wales, and Berwick upon Tweed, Yearly, 600000 which comes to 030000 00 00 Secondly, For all Goats and Sheep Skins, and their Carcaſſes; of which I compute to be Yearly Killed 1200000, at Two Shillings a piece, comes to 120000 00 00 Thirdly, For every Calf's Skin and Carcaſs; of which I reckon to be Killed Yearly 400000, at Two Shillings and Six Pence a piece, comes to 050000 00 00 Fourthly, For every Hog's-Head and Body, that is Killed, being upwards of Three Months Old; of which I reckon 300000, at Two Shillings and Six Pence a piece, comes to 037500 00 00 — And for all Pigs under that Age Two Pence a piece; of which I reckon 200000, which comes to 001666 13 04 Fifthly, For every Cow's Hyde and Carcaſs, Seven Shillings; of which I reckon 400000 Yearly comes to 140000 00 00 Sixthly, For every Ox, Bullock's and Bull's Hyde and Carcaſs, Twelve Shillings; of which I reckon to be Killed Yearly 400000, comes to 240000 00 00 Seventhly, For all Bucks, Body and Skin; of which I reckon 12000, at Five Shillings a piece, comes to 003000 00 00 Eighthly, For all Does, Body and Skin; of which I reckon alſo 12000, at Three Shillings and Six Pence a piece, comes to 002100 00 00 Ninthly, For all Hares and Rabbits, Bodies and Skins, at Six Shillings the Hundred; of which I compute 2000000 Killed Yearly, 120 being reckoned to the Hundred, comes to 006662 13 04

Tenthly, And that the Fiſhmongers and Poulterers may not have an Advantage of the Butchers, in the Sale of their Fiſh and Fowl, It may be reaſonable to lay a Duty upon all Pullen, and the ſame upon all ſalt and freſh Fiſh, ariſing to about Five Pounds per Cent. And to render the Aſſeſſing and Collecting of theſe Duties more eaſie and equal; That the Juſtices of the Peace, and the Aſſeſſors of the King's Taxes in every Pariſh, be enjoyn'd, by Act of Parliament, to make Enquiry, or cauſe Enquiry to be made, and to obtain the beſt Information they can concerning the Quantity of each Perſon's Trade that deals in theſe Commodities, in their reſpective Pariſhes; and to Aſſeſs and Charge him or her with a Quarterly Payment, that hath a greater or leſſer Trade accordingly;— that is to ſay, Five Pounds upon him that deals for a Hundred Pounds per Annum; and Thirty Pounds Yearly upon him that Trades for Six Hundred Pounds a Year in thoſe Goods; but no Fiſhmonger nor Poulterer to Pay above Thirty Pounds, nor leſs than Five Pounds per Annum, their Trades being never ſo great or ſmall.

l s d Eleventhly, That all Foreign Hydes, Skins, and Furs, be Taxed in the ſame manner, by Charging the Importer, Furrier, or Perſon Dealing in them, with a Duty of Five Pounds per Cent. which Duties of Fiſh and Fowl, being added to this of Foreign Hydes, Furs, and Skins, will Raiſe 60000 Pounds Yearly; and will make up the Sums aforegoing in this Paragraph, per Annum, 690929 06 08

Twelfthly, That Leaden-Hall-Market remain the Place (as it now is) for Sale of all Oxen, Bullock's, Bull's and Cow's Hydes, on the uſual Days of Sale, for all ſuch as ſhall be Slaughter'd in the City and Suburbs, or within Five Miles of London, or a greater diſtance, if the Owners find it Beneficial to bring them thither:— And that Southwark, White-Chappel, Smithfield, Clare-Market, and St. James's-Market, with ſuch other Places as the Officers and Collectors ſhall find convenient, be appointed for the Sale of all Lambs, Sheep, Goats, Bucks, Does and Calves Skins, on their uſual Days of Sale, between the Hours of Seven and Twelve of the Clock in the Forenoon, which ſhall be Slaughter'd in any Place within the Compaſs of the Bills of Mortality:— And for all other Parts of England, Wales, and Berwick upon Tweed, that convenient Times and Places be appointed by the Officers and Collectors, for the Sale of all Raw Hydes and Skins, as afore-ſaid.— And that no Perſon preſume to carry away any Hyde or Skin till the Officer or Collector hath ſeen and told them over, although they may Buy and Sell, or Agree for the ſame before.— And if any Perſon ſhall Buy, Sell, Conceal and Carry away any Hyde or Skin, which the Officer hath not ſeen, and taken an Account thereof; the Buyer and Seller to Forfeit each of them Five Pounds for every ſuch Hyde or Skin he or ſhe ſhall ſo Buy, Sell, or Conceal from the Officer, as afore-ſaid, if Diſcovered; one half to go to the King, and the other half to the Informer and Officer that makes the Seizure.

Laſtly, In regard Money muſt be Raiſed one way or another for the Support of the Government, if Equity may take place amongſt the People, there will be little Reaſon for any to complain, why this Impoſition or Duty ſhould not be thus Charged; for in theſe Duties every Perſon will be Taxed, and Pay more or leſs, according to the Quantity he or ſhe uſeth; if Poor, they uſe little, and therefore Pay the leſs; if Rich, they Pay the more, in Proportion to what their Expence and Conſumptions are; ſo that nothing can be more equally laid, and Charg'd upon the People, than the Taxes afore-ſaid.— And for the Butchers, Tanners, Fellmongers, Poulterers, and Fiſhmongers, they will have no Cauſe of Objection; for although they ſhall Pay theſe Taxes to the King in groſs Sums, the People, or Buyers of their Commodities, pay it them again with Advantage, by Parcels.— And for the whole Duty it ſelf, upon the Carcaſs and Skin, if reckoned together, will not riſe to a Farthing a Pound, one with another, which Charge is a very inconſiderable Burthen, and is no more but what they now may be out-witted in, or Cheated of by the Seller, without being thus Charged.

Propoſal III.

l s d First, THAT a Duty of Twenty Shillings for every Hundred Weight be laid upon all Hops, when, and ſo long as they are under Five Pounds the Hundred; and when they are Five Pounds the Hundred, or upwards, that the Duty be then reduc'd to Ten Shillings the Hundred during the time they continue ſo. This Duty the People may diſpenſe with, becauſe ſometimes they Pay Seven or Eight Pounds the Hundred for them; which Duty may raiſe per Annum, 012000 00 00 Secondly, That a Duty of Five Pounds per Annum be laid upon all Carts, and Car-Men that own them, within the Cities of London and Westminſter; and upon all ſuch as are driven and wrought within any part of the Bills of Mortality, of which I compute there are 3000; ſo that this Duty would certainly raiſe, per Annum, 012000 00 00 Thirdly, That a Duty of Six Pounds per Cent. be laid upon all Iron caſt Guns, Pots, Kettles, Chimney-pieces; and upon Nails, Sithes, Sickles, Hooks, Knives, Raiziors, Sizers, and upon all other Iron and Steeled Ware whatſoever, that is caſt or wrought up; the Duty to be collected at the Place where they are caſt, made, and wrought up, or where they are brought together in Quantities; which Duty may raiſe, per Annum, 015000 00 00 Fourthly, For Encouraging the Iron and Copper Works that are now going in England and Wales; That a further Duty of Five Pounds, for every Hundred Pounds Worth, more than what there now is, be laid upon all Foreign Iron, Caſt or Uncaſt; and upon all Steel, Lattin, Battery and Wyre, that ſhall be Imported after the Day of next enſuing; which Duty may raiſe, per Annum, near 010000 00 00 Fifthly, That a Duty be laid upon all Coppers of Ten Shillings per Ton; and a Duty of Twenty Shillings per Ton upon all Alum; which Duties may raiſe, per Annum, 008000 00 00 Sixthly, That a Duty of Two Shillings and Six Pence the Ton be laid upon all empty Cask, as 'tis wrought up; of which I reckon there is Yearly made 200000 Tons; which Duty will raiſe, per Annum, 025000 00 00 Seventhly, In regard there is a great Conſumption of Hemp, for making Roaps, and all ſorts of Cordage; That a Duty of Five Pounds per Cent. that is, for every Hundred Pounds Worth, be further Charged upon all Hemp and Flax that ſhall be Imported after the Day of next enſuing; which Duty may raiſe, per Annum, 010000 00 00 Eighthly, That a Duty of Five Shillings per Hundred Weight be laid upon all Tin, and Collected at the Mills where 'tis made; which Duty may raiſe, per Annum, 005000 00 00 — And that a further Duty of Twenty Shillings the Fodder, be laid upon all Lead and Shot that ſhall be Shipp'd from any of theſe Ports following, to go beyond Sea, (viz.) from Newcaſtle, Yarm, or Stockton; Hull, Yarmouth and Briſtol; becauſe it may be carried from theſe Places on our own Coaſt, to ſeveral Places beyond Seas, Cheaper than it can be brought from our own Sea-Coaſt-Towns, to London; which Duty may raiſe, per Annum, about 006000 00 00

Ninthly, It would be a great Advantage to this Kingdom, and the Foreigners would be brought to bear part of our Charges of the War, if all the Goods and Marufactures of our own Growth, which are Exported from every Sea-Port, but only the Port of London, were charged with a Double Duty to what they now are. For, if You pleaſe to conſider, moſt of our Goods that come from the In-land parts to London, are brought up by Land-Carriage, which, when Shipp'd from London, Carriage, Ware-Houſe, out-Room, and all other things conſidered, ſtand in Six Pounds, and ſome in Eight Pounds, per Cent. more than they coſt thoſe that Ship them from th • other Sea-Ports;— which Advantage the Foreigners gain by ſending their Commiſſions to their Correſpondents at thoſe Places for them;— ſo that when the Merchants in and about this City have Shipp'd their Goods from the Port of London, and ſent them to ſuch Places Abroad, they find themſelves defeated, and extreamly diſappointed in the Price and Sale of their Goods there, becauſe the Foreigner is able to ſhew them many of the ſame ſorts in his Ware-Houſe at a cheaper Price, by Six Pounds, Eight Pounds, and Ten Pounds per Cent. than the London Merchant can afford them. Therefore, to remove this Miſchief, which, as it now ſtands, is a great Loſs to the King and Kingdom, — with all Submiſſion, I humbly Propoſe,—

l s d That a double Duty Outwards may be laid upon all Goods, during the Wars, that are Shipp'd from any Place in England and Wales, the Port of London only excepted; which would reduce theſe Ports, and the Port of London, to be ſomething more equal to one another, and the Foreigner would then pay much the ſame, or near the like Prices, for the Goods, whether he hath them from London, or elſewhere: And this Duty, I reckon, would raiſe the King near 200000 Pounds per Annum, which the Foreigners now gain of us: So that the Duties in the ſeveral Articles of this Third Propoſal, will amount to, per Annum, 303000 00 00

Propoſal IV.

Firſt, THAT a Duty of Forty Shillings per Cent. be laid upon the laſt Will and Teſtament of every dying Perſon that dies worth Fifty Pounds, or upwards:— That is to ſay, he that Dies worith Fifty Pounds, and not One Hundred Pounds, ſhall pay but Twenty Shillings; and he that Dies worth One Hundred Pounds, ſhall pay Forty Shillings; and ſo for every Hundred Pound he Dies worth, till the Sum he Dies poſſeſs'd of ariſeth to Ten Thouſand Pounds: And that none be charged for any Sum beyond or above Ten Thouſand Pounds, nor for any Sum under Fifty Pounds: So that the higheſt Sum paid the King in this Tax, will be Two Hundred Pounds; and the loweſt, Twenty Shillings. — And for the Reaſonableneſs of this Tax being thus charged, none will have occaſion to complain; — Becauſe, the dying Perſons, from whoſe Eſtate or Subſtance this Tax will ariſe and proceed, need not grieve or repine before their Death; for this reaſon, whil'ſt they Live, they pay nothing, and when they are Dead they will want no more: Beſides, Two Hundred Pounds is better paid this way, and will do more good than Five Hundred Pounds left to a pretended Charitable uſe, and Extravagantly conſum'd, either in that, or Funeral Pomp. — And for the Heirs, Heireſſes, Co-heirs, Executors and Adminiſtrators of the Deceaſing Perſons, they will have no reaſon to complain, or grudge the Payment thereof, in regard Forty Nine times as much more is fall'n to them: And this may happen to moſt of them many times unexpectedly, or without any Trouble, Care or Coſt of theirs; ſo that they will be Gainers in happening to be the Perſons charged herewith.

l s d — The like Duty to be charged upon all that Die Inteſtate, from Fifty Pounds to Ten Thouſand Pounds, as aforeſaid; which Tax may raiſe, per Annum, near 200000 00 00

Secondly, That a Duty be laid upon all Wind-Mills and Water-Mills, for whatſoever Uſe or Uſes they are imploy'd in; And that the Juſtices of the Peace, and Aſſeſſors of the King's-Taxes in every County, and the particular Pariſhes thereof, be ſtrictly Charged and Commanded, that they, or ſome Two of them, view the Mills before they are rated, and give in upon Oath, to the beſt of their Knowledge, the trueſt Account they can obtain, by making enquiry of the Value or Produce each and every Mill makes Yearly, in their reſpective Pariſhes.

For Example.

Suppoſe a Corn-Mill, or any other Mill, be worth Forty or Eighty Pounds a Year; and makes ſo much to the Owner and Miller out of the produce now, more or leſs; — That the ſame Mill be charged with the like Sum for a Yearly Duty or Tax to be paid the King; for theſe Reaſons.

It is not the Owner of the Mill, nor he that Rents it by the Year, nor he that hath it in Leaſe, that will pay this Tax or Duty; but the People that bring or ſend their Corn to be ground there, paying a double Toll to what they did before; That only will pay the King this Duty or Tax, and not the Owner, Farmer or Renter of the Mill, as is before-ſaid; ſo that whether the Tax laid upon the Mill, be greater or leſſer, it will pay but as it is Cuſtomed, and as there are more or leſs Thouſands of People ſpend what comes from it; and no one will pay more or leſs than his Proportion; for a poor Perſon that ſpends but Six Pence or Nine Pence a Week in Bread, will pay no more of this Tax than his Proportion comes to; and he that ſpends Fifty Shillings or Five Pounds a Week, will pay the full of his Proportion; ſo that this Tax will be equal to all People, according to their Degrees, and will appear no Burthen to the Meaneſt ſort of them, if charged this way, who will more freely, and with greater Content, pay a Tax of Ten Shillings Yearly thus charged, than if an Officer ſhould demand but Two Shillings of them in Money. And the Aſſeſſors are to conſider, if a Man Rents a Mill at Twenty Pounds a Year, he muſt get Twenty Pounds more by it to maintain him, beſides the Rent he pays; and when the Toll comes to be doubled, it will be worth Eighty Pounds in all; of which, Twenty Pounds goes for the Rent, and Twenty Pounds to the Miller, and Forty Pounds per Annum for the King: So that the Aſſeſſors may take this for a Rule, That the King's-Duty be equal to the whole Produce of the Mill, the Owner's Rent, and what the Imployer makes, being reckoned together: That the ſame Rule be obſerved, in Charging all other Mills according to their Yearly Produce, and not Yearly Rent.

Thirdly, This Tax will raiſe Eight Hundred Thouſand Pounds per Annum, and will be the eaſieſt Collected, the leaſt Burthenſome to the People, and the moſt Equal of all other Taxes and Impoſitions that can be found; for I may truly ſay, There are Five Millions of People in England and Wales, who had rather pay a Half-Penny or a Penny at a time for their Bread, and all ſuch other Commodities as ſhall be prepar'd or come from any of theſe Mills, when they've occaſion to uſe them, though it riſe in the Year to Ten Shillings, more willingly, than if any Officer or Collector ſhould come to demand One Shilling in Money of them; the reaſon is, becauſe one goes away in ſmall inconſiderable Parcels, and the other in a Sum ſav'd together. — And this may be granted, for a Maxim in all Taxes and Impoſitions, Where the People are Taxed, and no Officer comes to demand it in Money, they undergo ſuch Taxes freely and contentedly; and many had rather pay Twenty Shillings per Annum ſo, than Two Shillings in Money demanded together.

Fourthly, Whereas, by the Act of Tonnage and Poundage, made in the Twelfth Year of King Charles the Second, all Aliens and Strangers were to pay a double Subſidy or Duty for all the Manufactures and Goods of the Product of this Kingdom they Exported; which Cuſtom or Duty was taken off, and they freed from it by the Twenty Fifth of Charles the Second; whereby all Aliens, Denizens, and Strangers, pay no other Cuſtoms for any Goods of the Product of this Kingdom, which they Export, but what the King's free-born Subjects do:— Therefore, in regard of this great Priviledge, which all Aliens now have and enjoy, equal to the King's free-born Subjects: And foraſmuch as many of them living here get Eſtates, and then remove; — It may be reaſonable either to charge them with the double Subſidy or Cuſtom again, as they formerly paid it; or elſe, that it may be Enacted; — That every Gentleman or Merchant, who is an Alien, and not Naturaliz'd, ſhall either pay Five Pounds per Annum to the King, during his Abode in England; or Twenty Pounds for being Naturaliz'd; and Ten Pounds for his Wife, and Ten Shillings a piece for his Children: And any Widow or Maid that is an Alien, to be Naturaliz'd for Ten Pounds.

Fifthly, And whereas there are Multitudes of Aliens, who are Mechanicks; That all ſuch, whether they be Maſters of Families, or ſingle Men, and are worth One Hundred Pounds, may either pay Twenty Shillings a Year to the King, or Five Pounds to be Naturaliz'd; and Fifty Shillings for every Wife of ſuch a Man, and Ten Shillings for a Child. And for all ſuch as are not worth One Hundred Pounds, to pay the ſame with Servants, (viz.) Five Shillings per Annum, for all that are upward of Twenty Years of Age; And if any ſuch deſire to be Naturaliz'd, that they may be ſo, for Payment of their Five Pounds.

l s d Theſe Duties will induce and prevail with many to be Naturaliz'd, whereby there will be great Sums of Money raiſed, either from the double Duties before-mentioned, or by ſuch as ſhall have a mind to be Naturaliz'd, or from the Annual Payments, as afore-ſaid; the leaſt of which Ways may raiſe, per Annum, 150000 00 00

Propoſal V.

1. THAT whereas, not only in the Sea-Ports of England, Wales, and Berwick upon Tweed, but alſo in the Members and Creeks thereunto belonging, many Perſons have, and do yet practice fraudulent ways, and Cheat the King of His Cuſtoms, by ſmuggling and running Goods on Shoar, without Paying any Duties for them.

l s d In all Dutiful Submiſſion, I humbly Propoſe, That hence-forward the Goods may not only be Forfieted, if Seized; but that a Fine of Fifty Pounds, for every Five Pounds worth of Goods, more or leſs in Proportion, that ſhall be ſo run or concealed, may be ſet upon the Perſon that runs or owns them, if taken; and the ſame Fine upon him or her in whoſe Houſe or Cuſtody they ſhall be found or Seized: By which means the King will either have his Cuſtoms better paid, and thereby advance Him more Money; or elſe, there will be conſiderable Sums raiſed by Fines and Seizures; which may produce, per Annum, 100000 00 00

And if any ſhall run Goods, who, being taken, are not able to pay the Fines, to be Impriſoned till the Fines are diſcharged; and that one half of all ſuch Fines may go to the King, and the other half equally divided between the Officer that ſeizeth, and the Informer; and that the Officer, or any other Perſon that hath a Suſpicion of Goods to be run, may call a Conſtable, and ſearch for them, and if hindered, the Perſon ſo hindering to be fined One Hundred Pounds; one half to be paid the King, and the other half to the Officer and Informer.

l s d Secondly, That a Duty of Five Shillings per Annum be charged upon all Perſons that wear Wigs, being upwards of Sixteen Years of Age; and that all Apprentices to working Trades, and ſuch Servants as ſerve for under Ten. Pounds per Annum, be excepted in this Tax; but that all others wearing Wigs pay; of which I reckon 500000 People, at Five Shillings a Head, comes to, per Annum, 150000 00 00 Thirdly, That a Duty of Five Shillings per Annum be laid upon ſuch as wear Swords, all the Officers and Souldiers, by Sea and Land, and ſuch Servants as attend or belong to the Court, and all that wear Liveries, being excepted; of which I reckon 200000 Perſons, at Five Shillings a Man, comes to, per Annum, 050000 00 00 Fourthly, That a Duty of Twelve Pence a Thouſand, or one Thirteenth part they are Sold at, be laid upon all Bricks and Tiles, at the Kilns where they ſhall be made; of which Bricks and Tiles I reckon there are Yearly made as many as are worth Two Millions of Pounds; ſo that one Thirteenth part for the King's Duty will raiſe, 153846 03 00

— And if any Perſon ſhall make Bricks and Tiles for his own Uſe, to pay after the Proportion ſuch Bricks and Tyles are worth, or ſold for the Thouſand in that Countrey or Place where they are made.

Fifthly, I Humbly Propoſe, That You would be pleaſed to Addreſs His Majeſty, for Liberty to Erect a Fine Office, to be kept at Grocers-Hall, in the City of London, to be managed by ſuch Perſons as the Lords of the Treaſury, together with the Governour and Deputy-Governour of the BANK, ſhall think fit to appoint. — In which Office, to be kept a Liſt and Catalogue of all the Offices dependant on the Crown; and of all Officers and Servants Names excepting theſe following, and ſuch others as You, in Your Great Wiſdom, ſhall think fit further to except. (viz.)

EXCEPTED. I. All ſuch as are within the Degree of Nobility, in what Poſt, Station or Function ſoever they are. II. All the Officers in the Army above the Poſt of Captains. III. All Admirals, Vice-Admirals, and Rear-Admirals, at Sea. IV. The Lords of the Treaſury. V. All ſuch as Wait and Attend upon his Majeſty's Perſon.

And that an Account may be taken of the Names and Imployments of all others, both by Sea and Land, that are Officers, except ſuch as are in the Army, and what their Sallaries may be worth Yearly, which each and every of them receives from the Crown; together with all Perquiſites belonging to their reſpective Offices and Imployments; whether in the Exchequer, Treaſury, Poſt-Houſe, Cuſtom-Houſe, Exciſe-Office, Admiralty, Office of Ordinance, Navy-Office, or in any other Office or Imployment whatſoever dependant on the Crown; for which they receive Sallaries from the King, or Fees and Perquiſites from the People; That all and every of them, Serving the King by Land, from the higheſt to the loweſt Imployment, for Payment of One Years Sallary into this Fine-Office, for the Uſe of the King, may be eſtabliſh'd in his Imployment during Life; provided he be not found guilty of Negligence, Inſufficiency, or Diſhoneſty; if any of which be fairly prov'd againſt him, to be Diſcharg'd. — And that Printed Certificates be ready in this Fine-Office, to be given to all Perſons upon Payment of their Fines.

Sixthly, That the Act of Parliament, relating to this Fine-Office, (if it be ſet up) may demonſtrate and ſet forth, for the Benefit of the King, and Information of the People, — That all Perſons who are now out of Office, and deſire to be Imploy'd, under the King, in the Exchequer, Post-Houſe, Cuſtom-Houſe, Exciſe-Office, or in any other Office, Post or Station whatſoever, either by Land or Sea, as hereafter-mentioned, — That if they, or their Friends, go to this Fine-Office, and pay One Years Sallary in, for the Uſe of the King, (let the Fine be for a greater or leſſer Office,) That their Names ſhall be there Regiſtered, and they ſerv'd with the firſt Office that falls, ſuitable to the Proportion of the Fine paid in, To Have and to Hold it during Life, with a Certificate for the ſame, upon the Conditions afore-ſaid; that is to ſay, for a Fifty Pound Fine, a Place of Fifty Pounds per Annum; and for a Hundred Pound Fine, a Hundred Pounds per Annum; and ſo for a Thouſand Pounds, more or leſs, according to the Value of the higheſt Office of Imployment there is under the King Yearly; and that every Man be ſerved according to Priority of the Payment of his Fine, always excepting the before-excepted Perſons, and their Imployments.

Seventhly, That if any of the King's Officers or Servants, whoſe Buſineſs is at Land; as in the Exchequer, Cuſtom-Houſe, Poſt-Houſe, or in any other Office, from the higheſt to the loweſt Station whatſoever, excepting the before-excepted, and ſuch others as You ſhall think fit to except, be unwilling, or neglecteth to pay the Value of One Years Sallary for his Imployment into this Fine-Office, in Three Months Time next after publick Notice is given in the Gazette, for all Officers to make their Payments; — That ſuch Perſon ſo neglecting be diſcharged, and turned out of his Office, and the firſt Man that ſtands in the Regiſter for the like Office, according to the priority of the Payment of his Fine, be put in.

Eighthly, That all Officers in the Army be free, and excuſed from paying any Fines for the preſent Offices they are in:— But for the Encouragement of all ſuch who are out of Office, and deſirous to ſerve His Majeſty in the Army, in Expectation of Preferment, by Entring into Offices, as they become empty; That Fifty Pounds paid into this Fine-Office, by a fit Perſon, may be accepted as a Fine for a Captain's Place in the Guards, and ſo proportionably for other inferiour Officers; and Forty Pounds for a Captain's Place in every other Regiment of Horſe or Foot, and ſo in proportion for all other lower Offices: whereby many Perſons, who are willing to try their Fortunes, in Hopes of Preferment, will pay in Fines, and attend the Army as Volunteers, having Certificates to introduce them, as Places fall: And that all ſuch behaving themſelves well; and performing their Duty as they ought to do, may continue in their Imployments (and advance themſelves if they can) during the War, or ſo long as His Majeſty ſhall have occaſion for them.

Ninthly, That all Captains, Lieutenants, and other Officers that ſerve His Majeſty by Sea, who have behaved themſelves Honeſtly, and are able and fit to perform their Imployments, may continue in their Offices till juſt cauſe ſhall be found to remove them. — But for the Encouragement of all ſuch who are out of Office, being fitly qualified, and are deſirous to ſerve His Majeſty at Sea, in hopes of Preferment, as Places fall; — That ſuch Perſons paying a Hundred Pounds into the Fine-Office, may be accepted as a Fine for a Captain's Place in any of the King's Ships, that are not of the Firſt, Second and Third Rates, being a Perſon well known, and fitly qualified, as afore-ſaid; and Eighty Pound for a Lieutenant and Purſer's Place, and ſo proportionable for other inferiour Officers; for which Places, any Perſons to have Liberty to Fine, being willing to go on board, in hopes of Preferment; and that all ſuch having Certificates, may continue in their Imployments ſo long as His Majeſty ſhall have occaſion for them, performing their Buſineſs as it ought to be done: — Which Fines the Firſt Year, may raiſe near 500000 Pounds; and 200000 Pounds per Annum after. To prove the Reaſonableneſs of this Fine-Office and Fines, I ſhall not inlarge; only ſay, in my Opinion, He that will not pay One Years Sallary to ſecure him in his Imployment, during Life, upon his good Behaviour, deſerves no Office or Commiſſion at all under the King; for, in regard Money muſt be rais'd, it is but reaſonable they ſhould aſſiſt Him that ſupports them.

Propoſal VI.

IN Order to remove the growing Difficulties that attend the Coyn, with the Obſtuction of Trade; and to make the Circumſtances which now clog Commerce, and all Payments more eaſie to the People, who daily groan under great Diſcontent.

In all Dutiful Submiſſion, I humbly Propoſe,

Firſt, That, with all Expedition, You cauſe Three Millions of Parliamentary Notes to be Stamp'd, and Printed upon ſuch Marbled Paper, and ſo Mark'd, as not to be Counterfeited, from Five Pounds a Note, to Five Hundred Pounds; which Notes to be to this Effect following:

No. 1. 169 Parliamentary Note for the County of Darby.

THIS Note Entituleth John Wood of Middleton, in the Pariſh of Workſworth, and County afore-ſaid, or the Bearer hereof, unto One Hundred Pounds.

Witneſs our Hands A. B. Sheriff. C. D. Iuſtice of the Peace. E. F. Iuſtice of the Peace. G. H. Deputy-Receiver. J. K. Deputy-Receiver.

And if You think fit, the Names of every Perſon, whoſe Hands theſe Bills paſs through, may be ordered to be put on the back-ſide; whereby they may be trac'd from the laſt to the firſt, by the Sheriff, if any ſhould be Counterfeited or Suſpected.

Note. Very few of theſe Bills will paſs through Six Hands before they are called in.

Secondly, That theſe Parliamentary Notes be immediately diſpatch'd to all the Sheriffs in England, Wales, and Berwick upon Tweed; And that You apply Thirty or Forty Thouſand Pounds in theſe Notes to every County, more or leſs, to ſupply the Trade thereof, as You, in Your Great Wiſdom, ſhall think fit to appoint.

Thirdly, That You Petition for His Majeſty's Proclamation, to be iſſued along with theſe Notes, Commanding the Sheriffs and Juſtices of the Peace to meet immediately, in Order to take in and receive the Peoples Money, and that they pay it to them accordingly.

Fourthly, That the Sheriffs, Juſtices of the Peace, or their Deputies, do deliver out theſe Notes, upon the Receipt of the Peoples Money, and take it in by Tale and Weight, according to the Directions I have laid down in the Book, Entituled, The Alteration of the Coyn.

Fifthly, That for a Hundred Pounds received in Clipt Money, the Officer give out a Parliamentary Note of a Hundred Pounds, which ſhall paſs for ſo much Currant Money till they receive the Value in Money New Coyn'd; and ſo for any Sum, more or leſs, which, when paid, makes their Damage good.

Sixthly, That when the Sheriffs are furniſhed with Money from the Tower, they call in all theſe Notes, and pay the People, and return them to Your Honours.

Seventhly, That 'tis neceſſary to take the Weight of the Money, to know what Loſs there will be upon every Hundred Pounds, more or leſs, by Comparing the Weight of a Hundred Pounds of Clypt Money, with a Hundred Pounds of New Money; and to whom each Loſs muſt be made good.

Eighthly, That the Difference of the Weight between a Hundred Pounds, more or leſs, of Clypt Money, and the like Sum, by Tale of New Money, be ſpecified on the back of each Note that is given for it; whereby You may immediately know the Loſs each County brings forth by their Clypt Money.

Ninthly, That the Sheriffs, Juſtices of the Peace, or their Deputies, obſerve the Directions in the before-mentioned Book, for keeping the Peoples Money ſeparate, otherwiſe, all will be in Confuſion, if one Perſon's Money be mix'd with another; and alſo, in packing it up, and haſting it to the Tower, or ſuch Place you appoint for Coynage: and the like Care to be taken for the ſpeedy Return of it to them again.

Tenthly, That all the Parliamentary Notes be Sign'd by the Sheriffs, Two Juſtices of the Peace, and Two of their Deputies; which Notes may be return'd to You, or Your Order, again, in a few Months, if ſpeedy Care be taken; and that none of them be allow'd to paſs for Money out of the County they are aſſign'd to: And that 1500000 Pounds in theſe Notes be appropriated to paſs in the Cities of London and Weſtminſter, and County of Middleſex; which Notes will reduce the Exchange, and make it par ipſo facto, upon their coming forth.

Eleventhly, That, with all Expedition, Care be taken for Settling of Funds, not only for a further Supply of the Deficiency of the Clipt Money; for which, the 1200000 Pounds, I believe will fall much ſhort: but Funds upon which You may take up what Money the Bank of England, the Orphans Bank, and the Million Bank, can ſpare, or of any ſingle Perſon or Society, where Money is to be had, giving them Parliamentary Notes for the Value thereof: for before any lends or parts with their Money, enquiry will be made upon what Fund, and when they ſhall have it again, if this 1200000 Pounds falls ſhort.

Twelfthly, By Delivering out of theſe Notes, the Clypt Money will be faſter brought in, than it can be Coyned; and the People, by help of them, will be able to carry on their Trade till New Money comes forth; who, if not ſupply'd with ſuch Notes, or ſomething that will paſs for the Value of what they are to part with, will meet with great Diſappointments in their Affairs, and be very ſlow in bringing in their Money, which will not only be a great Prejudice and Delay to the Coynage, but alſo may affect and retard the King's Buſineſs in the next Campaign.

Thirteenthly, For the Conveniency of the Poorer ſort of People, and to keep them from Diſorders, of whom there are Two Millions, who can have but little Credit; it is abſolutely neceſſary, That ſpeedy Orders be given for ſetting up Six Mills, to Coyn Copper into Pence, Half-Pence, and Farthings, of equal Value with the Copper; and that Twenty Tons be ſo Coyned, and the Buſineſs followed Night and Day, till it is diſpatch'd.— The Ʋndertakers to be allow'd Twelve or Fourteen Pounds per Cent. by the Government, for their Copper and Workmanſhip, and to take their Copper Coyn in again when the New Money comes forth, and a Fund ſettled to pay them.

Much more might be ſaid concerning the Coyn and Coynage; but till Funds are ſettled, and Parliamentary Notes given out, it will be difficult for You to proceed in Methods to Your own Satisfaction, or the Peoples Content; whoſe Clamours will increaſe daily, till they are enabled ſome way to pay and receive, and the Poor more plentifully fitted with Change, or ſmall Money.

It is alſo neceſſary, That the New Coyn'd Money be made one Sixth part broader than it was before, which will prevent the Counterfeiting of it, and make all thoſe falſe Stamps and Ways they have now to Caſt it, uſeleſs;— for, if it be Coyn'd of the ſame Size it was, or if King Charles and King James's Money may yet paſs, You will have as much Counterfeited of thoſe kinds in a few Months, as there is now of it really good.

Laſtly, Before the Concluſion of this Seſſion of Parliament, That effectual Laws be made to prevent the Melting down of the New Coyn, with reſpect to the Importing and Exporting of Bullion; concerning which, there may be ſuch Methods taken as will prevent the Melting down and Exporting of the New Money; (which Ways I have not Time now to lay down) for You may conclude, Your Enemies Abroad, and Male-Contents at Home, with many others, for Intereſt ſake, will have Deſigns upon it: Which, that You may do all You can to prevent, is what offers at preſent upon this Subject,

By Your moſt Humble, And moſt Obedient Servant, T. H.