There was several Committees appointed to regulate the abuses concerning the coyne, and removing the obstructions of the Mint these times, having appointed two Doctors of Phy­sick to be the chief Officers of the Mint.

Your Petitioner was required to give his attendance on this Committee, and commanded by them at his own charge to send for from beyond seas all the principal Coyns in Christendom, and to procure the Lawes, Orders and Statutes made beyond seas, for [Page 12] the due regulating their Mints; and their Policies, how they used to draw bullion into their Mints: these Lawes your Pe­titioner translated and printed, and presented them to the Com­mittee of this businesse, for removing the obstructions of the Mint.

And your Petitioner made Assayes of all these forraign Coynes of Gold and Silver, and writ down the just weight and standard of every several forreign Coyne, what proportion and value they held with the standard of our Mint, and what every forreign piece of Gold and Silver, would make to Merchants to be coyn'd in our Mint of London, and caused all the several stamps of the Coynes of forreign Gold and Silver to be engra­ved, for the true information of all our English Merchants, who generally are not so expert in this mystery as the Dutch Merchants are. The true reason of this defect is this, viz. In England we have only our own Coynes of Gold and Silver goes currant, which makes our Nation in general never to study the intrinsecal value of forreign Coynes of Gold or Silver; whereas in Holland almost all forreign Coynes of Gold or Silver goes currant by Proclamation, therefore of necessity all Merchants and others must know the intrinsecal value of all forreign Coynes, what proportion they hold with their standard; and several Books which they call Placarts, are printed by Authority of the States, with the several Figures of the Coynes of forreign Gold and Silver, being marked in the margin at what price the several Coynes shall go, not being washed and clipt, and full weight.

And the Dutch allowing these forreign Coynes to go cur­rant, having publick banks of treasure, that makes them Ma­sters [Page 13] of their Exchange of moneys, the mysteries whereof very few of our English Merchants understand, for the reasons aforesaid.

But had the Figures of all the forreign Coynes bin printed, which was prepared by your Petitioner, by order of the Ho­nourable the Committee of the Mint, in 1652. your Petitioner humbly affirms to your Honours, that the printing thereof would have been a great guide and advantage to our Merchants, and the Nation, had Mr. Secretary Thurloe given your Petiti­oner back again these Prints and Papers which was most model'd and acted by your Petitioner; but he buried them in Oblivion, as he did many other good Proposals, which your Peti­tioner presented to him, for the service of the Common-wealth.

Your Petitioner humbly offered, to the consideration of the Committee, for removing the obstructions of the Mint, that if they would set the Mint a work, they must take order to remove their chief Officers of the Mint; these Gentlemen, the present master. Worker and Warden, were never brought up to know the mysteries of the Mint, nor the private waies of correspondence with forein mints and merchants, and to make every winde bring grift to their mill, and to know what ships and merchants bring us in gold and silver, and to learn the mysterie to inforce them to coyn it; also to know what ships and merchants transport gold and silver without licence from the State, and to keep good intel­ligence and watch upon their actions, that so the gold and silver en­deavored to be unlawfully transported may be seiz'd and for­feited. For a man to be his Crasts-master in this mystery, re­quires as many years study as to be a Doctor of Physick, and is never to be learn'd by looking on an Ʋrinal.

Your Petitioner humbly saies, The Parliament had made a better bargain to have given these Doctors of Physick fortie thousand pounds for a pension, than to suffer that dammage they have received by the not imploying of the mint, daily gold and silver being imported into this Nation, and before ever it be coy­ned transported out again without licence, to the great dammage and weakning of the stock of this Common wealth.

There is silver and gold vast and great quantities brought daily from beyond the seas, and landed in this Nation, without paying of Custom, and this verie silver and gold is stoln out of the Nation again before ever it be coyned without licence or paying of Custom; so here is a Trade to the value of some hundreds of thousands of pounds by the year, for the particular profit of some covetous merchants, and the Common-wealth have no profit either by Excise, Custom or Coynadge; and till skilfull men in these Mysteries be imployed in the Mint, this mischief will not be stopt or removed either by Doctors or Apothecaries.

Your Petitioner did formerly offer, and now doth humby offer unto your Honours, that he may be impowered and commissioned to be master-Worker and melter of the Mint, to undertake now at this time to set your Mint to work, notwithstandidg the pre­sent Warre with Spain, provided your Petitioner may be impow­ered by your Honours order for the execution of what he shall humbly propound for the honour of the State and service of the Common-wealth in this business.

God send your Honours to order all these abuses by mee here presented, may be prevented for the future, and care taken where corrupt, ignorant and unskilfull persons are got into imploiment for the publick they may be removed, and trustie skilfull Officers put [Page 15] in their imploiments. Your Petitioner humbly saies, This is a sure waie to abate and lessen the great engagements of the Com­monwealth, when Drones are discharged and Bees imploied: for if your Honours take away the cause, the cure of the disease followes of course.

All the aforenamed Referrees upon reading this Petition, and the transactions thereupon, after many dayes meeting, held it very necessarie for the clearing of the truth, to acquaint the Lord Bradshaw, Sir James Harrington, Sir George Fleet­wood, and Francis Allen Esquires, with your Petitioners Pe­tition, and his Highnesse Reference thereupon, in regard your Petitioner had named all the aforesaid Honourable perjons in his Petitions and Papers, amongst others, who both knew your Pe­titioners services, touching the staying this silver, and were pri­vie to the Councel of States Ingagements and Intentions, to pay your Petitioner eleven thousand pounds, when your Petitioner undertook to disprove the Spanish and Flemish Claimers. And upon Consideration of the Councels promise to your Petitioner, [Page 19] as aforesaid, was the cause that made your Petitioner undertake this difficult, chargeable and dangerous service. And the aforesaid referrees received Certificates from everie one of the aforesaid ho­norable persons, which Certificates set forth the great service done by your Petitioner, viz. That your Petitioner was upon his first undertaking of this Business looked on by the then Councel of State as the Great Wheel that set all on work, and set on foot this dis­covery in getting the State this great Treasure, or else the State had lost it in the Admiraltie, and that these Actings of your Petiti­oner, accompanied with great charge, hazzard and trouble, was the Cause (sine qua non) of the after-benefit received by the State upon conversion of this silver. That the Councel of States Ingagements and intentions to the Petitioner, at his first assuming the imploiment, was not without good reason uncommitted to wri­ting, for avoiding of misconstruction.

And the Councel of State did not onely promise the Petitioner the restoration of his Estate for his particular service of staying the Silver, but did also promise to confer upon the Petitioner an Ho­norable Memorial, and had not the Petitioner had a real assurance from the Councel of State in 1652. for the paying of him the summe of eleven thousand pounds, the whole Businesse touching this Sil­ver had been lost and left undertaken, had not the Petitioner had such an insurance and promise, and also relied on the same for a just Performance.

It is true, they certifie that for some Reasons of State the Pe­titioners (Thomas Violets) assurance and reward was not com­mitted to writing, to avoid clamour and lewd tongues, but this o­mission was not to frustrate the Petitioner of his dearly earn'd Re­ward, the restoration of his Estate, or eleven thousand pounds.

These Certificats, though they doe declare the truth of your Petitioners service really performed, by a great number of Witnesses, yet without further consideration they pay not your Petitioners engagements, which were disbursed by him for the accomplishment of this service; and those Gentlemen that have lent their moneys reallie to your Petitioner, to enable him to do this service, look for real payment in moneys, and not in words, your Petitioners engagement at this daie for this [Page 25] businesse of staying of the silver, being above fifteen hundred pounds.

St. James saith what profit is it, if a Brother be naked or destitute of daily food, for one to say to him, be thou warm­ed, and bee thou filled, if he supply him not with food and raiment, so likewise a bare Certificate, without further sup­ply, will neither pay debts, nor cloath, nor feed a man, many words will not fill a bagg, (it is Justice that establisheth a Na­tion, and payment of money quits debts, and not words)

What a shame would it bee to those, that professe so much Justice, and reformation, as this age doth, to have it left to posterity and record, That your Petitioner that hath done this Common-wealth such an eminent service, in getting them more money then any man in this Nation ever did before, should not be justly rewarded, according to the promise and ingage­ments of the Council of State, which made your Petitioner undertake this chargable, difficult, and dangerous service, your Petitioner might have had tenn thousand pounds from the Claimers, to have held his peace and bin quiet, and to suffer the Judges of the Admiraltie, to let this Silver passe, the truth of this is certified under the hands of many persons of quality, had your Petitioner taken this course, to have bin bribed off, it had bin most for his ease but lesse for his honesty. The Common-wealths interest, and his own reputation, in making good his promise and ingagement to the Lord Bradshaw and Coun­cil of State he valued more then his life; your Petitioner hath done his duty, and will leave the issue to God. 'tis Solomon that saith a poor man delivered the City, yet no man remem­bred the poor man, when he had done his work. I humbly [Page 26] hope that your Honours Justice will prevent mee, that I may not have occasion to say the same, that is true of this Age, or leave so sad a memorandum of the ingratitude of these times. If the Rules of our Saviour were observed by men of power in this Nation at this day, to do to all People, as they would be done unto, your Petitioner should not have bin so long from time to time delayed with references, in so Just and equitable Petition.

If your Petitioner hath not this his dearly earned reward, it will remain to posterity in print, to fright and terrifie all persons, and make them wary how they ingage for the future, upon English States-mens promises, when they shall see and read these Transactions and Certificates, If your Petitioner hath not satisfaction according to Justice, it would be a means to make other men to take money when it is offered, and not to trust to English States mens promises.

About the 20. of April 1659. your Petitioner did ingage an Honourable person, to present to the Lord Richard Crom­well the late Protector these very Petitions and Certificates, which I now present unto your Honours in print, I am credi­bly informed, upon his perusal of them, hee was most honoura­bly pleased to be verie sensible of your Petitioners sad sufferings, great expence, paines and fidelitie for the Common-wealth in this service.

And that seeing all this Treasure (which your Petitioner stopt in the Ships Sampson, Salvador and George) was imploied and spent in the defence of the Common-wealth, his late High­nesse was pleased to declare, to an Honourable person that in­formed mee your Petitioner, his late Highnesse did think my [Page 27] promised reward to be a just debt, and that the Common­wealth ought to pay it, and had not the Government beene changed, I am assured from several honourable persons, his late Highness the Lord Richard Cromwell would have seen mee justlie paid the summe of eleven thousand pounds, and given me an honourable reward and Imploiment over and above.

These several Services and Proposals done by your Petiti­oner, for the honour and profit of the Common wealth, your Honours will see them certified under the hands of the Lord Bradshaw, Sir James Harrington, Sir George Fleet­wood, and Francis Allen Esquire, and that your Petitioner was faithfully promised the restoration of his estate, by divers members of Parliament and Councel of State, for several chargeable services your Petitioner had done the Parliament some years before, from the year 1648 to 1652. before your Petitioner undertook to stay the silver in the ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, and this is clearly demonstrated by the said Cer­tificates.

But upon your Petitioners happy and successful staying of this silver, and undertaking at his own charge to prosecute this discogery in the Admiralty, upon the Promise of the Councel of State 1652 to pay your Petitioner the summe of eleven thou­sand pounds for this service, in lieu of his sequestred estate, which for so many yeares your Petitioner had solicited both the Councel of State and Parliament to have it.

Sir James Harrington, and Sir George Fleetwood, fully and clearly certifie, that they think themselves bound in honour and conscience, to certifie the truth of their knowledge to his Highnesse Referrees, according to their Request and Desire, concerning the Councel of States promises and engagements to pay your Petitioner the summe of eleven thousand pounds, that so your Petitioner may have his dearly earned reward for this [Page 29] great service, and not labour for the State in vain; And that if the rule of the Gospel were observed to do to other men as they would be done unto, your Petitioner could not be many weeks without receiving eleven thousand pounds, and over and above an honorable reward and memoriall from the State for this great service, and that the State in Honour and Just­ice, was obliged to pay your Petitioner the above said summe, and that no doubt but so faithfull a service, so carefully and painfully performed would have a happy issue, and the Petitioners reward from the State would bee sutable to the greatnesse of the service, upon perusal of Sir James Harrington, and Sir George Fleetwoods Certificates, your Honours will see this more fully set down and amplified; The Lord Bradshawes Certificate for the substance is to the same effect, so is Francis Allens Esquire, who being a Goldsmith knew experimentally the great abilities in your Petitioner, to regulate and reforme the abuses in the Mint, and the servi­ces and overtures of your Petitioner. 1650. 1651. 1652. of­fered the Councel of State both to set the Mint on work, and to give a stop to the transporting of Treasure, he certifies your Petitioner had taken great paines, and spent much money in this business, (which had the humble advice and propo­sition of your Petitioner then bin taken by the Parliament) you had filled the Nation at this day with Gold and Silver, and constantly imployed your Mint to the great honour and profit of the Nation, for all the Warr with Spain.

Your Petitioner at this day humbly offers to set the Mint on work so he may be imployed, and not labour for the State in vaine, for your Petitioner to take the paines and bee at [Page 30] the Charge, and other persons who have no skill in this bu­sinesse, to run away with the profit: Your Petitioner hath too often bin so served by great men in power, and shall not do it againe for any ones pleasure whosoever.

Thus have I humbly presented my services done for the State, and the Councils ingagements and promise for your Pe­titioners satisfaction. It is a Rule set down by God and all Nations, Christians, Turkes, and Jewes, that there are degrees of rewards for vertue, and degrees of punishments for vice, the degrees of Punishments and Rewards are in all well-regulated Kingdomes and Common wealths put down, and the people know them that so they may not offend; and there is no offence to be justly punished, either by Gods Law or Mans, before a Law be made to give men the Rule, for the Apostle saith, I had not known sin but by the Law. And that punishment that is inflicted on a man, before a Law made to prohibit or restrain a man from doing the same, let it be inflicted by what Power soever, (must needs be a very great affliction and punishment sent of God for a mans other sins) and cannot as to men be said to be regularly done, especially where the offence is taken, and the punishment so heavy, as it shall deprive a man of all his e­state, and keep a man almost foure yeares a Prisoner, in which time your Petitioner spent eight hundred pounds for charges, whereof nine hundred twenty eight dayes of that time, he was kept a close Prisoner, without ever being brought to a legal Trial, according to the Fundamental Lawes of the Nation by a Jury, the birth-right of every Englishman rich or poor; but after a mans estate is squandred, disposed, and given away to se­veral Persons and Committees, for particular mens profit, and [Page 31] upon false and untrue pretences, to the value of above eleven thousand pounds, as your Petitioner for many yeares hath pro­ued and presented to the Councel of State and Parliament, ever since the year 1648. being much about the time your Petitioner was turned out of the Tower, without any legal Trial or Reason given for his Commitment, or the taking away of his Estate con­trary to Magna Charta, and all the Laws of this Nation.

God having given your Petitioner his freedom, your Petiti­oner presentlie, to shew that he was oppressed, and the Parlia­ment misinformed, and his estate unduly taken away, given and disposed of upon false and untrue pretences, for particular mens profit, to several Committees and others, the Petitioner did hum­blie addresse himself for relief, to many honourable Members of Parliament and Councel of State, and presented them with the true estate of his sufferings in Print.

The Cause of your Petitioners sufferings was for bringing up a Letter from Oxford 1643. from the late King, who had then a desire to emploie, and make your Petitioner Master-worker of his Mint at Oxford; which place the King did give me there, and the Petitioner had an Order from the House of Parliament, and a Passe from the Lord General Essex, about the 28. of Decemb. 1643. to go to Oxford to the King, upon condition to put in security in a thousand pounds, which security I did accordingly give, to make good my Exchange for one Mr. Hesilrigge, and did accordingly bring up my Exchange to Lon­don, and left it with Sir Arthur Hesilrigge, about the 3. of Jan. 1643.

And the late King Charles, upon my Exchange as aforesaid, commanded me to bring up a Letter from him to the Lord Mayor, [Page 32] Court of Aldermen, and Common-Councel of the City of Lon­don. I do confesse I honoured and loved the late King, for ma­ny benefits received from him, and it was my dutie to obey him as my King, though I had never received benefits from him; but had I known there had been any Act or Order of Parliament to prohibite me or any other to bring up the said Letter at that time, or that the Parliament would have taken any offence against me for doing thereof, my principles at that time, and the whole course of my Actions since, hath clearlie demonstrated to your Honours and the World, that I would have humblie declined that emploi­ment; for I have ever been an Honourer of the Parliament and my Countrie, as this Narrative will demonstrate to posteritie.

The Tree is known by its fruit, and no man I humblie con­ceive in the Nation of my condition, hath yielded better fruit, or ever got the Common wealth two hundred seventie eight thou­sand pounds in silver, but your Petitioner. At the same instant of time Van Trump was in the Downes with the Dutch Fleet, upon the clearing of these ships out of the Admiraltie, to have conveyed them to Holland. This was a real Plot, not a feined one, as appears by the Commissions this day in the Court of Admiraltie, under the Great Seal of Holland, to De Weet and De Ruyter, their Vice-Admirals, to guard these ships from the English, upon the Petitions of the Merchants of Amster­dam. I pray God England never forgets this deliverance nor the Councel of State the Performance of their Promise to your Petitioner for this discovery, your Petitioner going in danger of his life by the Claimers for several yeares for doing of this service.

To Our Trusty and Wel-beloved, Our Lord Mayor and Aldermen of Our City of London, and all other Our well-effected Subjects of that City.

TRustie amd Well beloved, wee greet you well: When wee remember the many Acts of Grace and Favour Wee and Our Royal Predecessors have conferred upon that our Citie of London, and the many examples of eminent Duty and Loyaltie, for which that City hath been likwise famous; Wee are willing to believe (notwithstanding the great defection wee have found in that place) That all men are not so farr degenerate from their affection to Ʋs, and to the peace of the Kingdom, as to desire a continuance of the miseries they now feel: And therefore beeing informed, That there is a desire in some principal persons of that City to present a Petition to Ʋs, which may tend to the procuring a good understanding between Ʋs and that Our City, whereby the peace of the whole Kingdom may bee procured; Wee have thought fit to let you know, That wee are ready to receive any such Petition, and the Persons who shall bee appointed to present the same to Ʋs shall have a safe conduct: And you shall assure all our good Subjects of that Our City (whose hearts are touched with any sense of Duty to Ʋs, or of Love to the Religion and Laws established; in [Page 34] the quiet and peaceable fruition whereof, They and their An­cestors have enjoyed so great Happiness), That wee have neither passed any Act, nor made any Profession or Protestati­on for the maintenance and defence of the true Protestant Re­ligion, and the Liberties of the Subject, which wee will not most strictly and religiously observe; And for the which, wee will not bee alwaies ready to give them any security that can bee desired: And of those Our gracious Letters, Wee expect a speedy Answer from you. And so Wee bid you farewell.

VVHen I was first sent unto the Tower the 6th. of January 1643. my mother had of mine good Bonds and Bills in her hands taken away from her at several times, to the value of one thousand three hundred and odd pounds; Besides many of my Papers and accompts of great concern­ment to the Common-welath; and as yet I cannot come to the knowledg who hath them: But this I am sure of, If there had been any thing in them that could have made against mee, there had then use been made of them.

2. My mother had at another time a Privy Seal ta­ken from her, wherein the late King acknowledged hee owed me (for my expences in discovering the Trans­porters of Gold and Silver) nineteen hundred threescore and eight pounds, which money I laid every penny out of my own purse to do the late King and Com­mon-wealth that service: in prosecuting the Transport­ers of Gold and Silver, in the Star chamber I caused them to be fined twenty fowre thousand one hundred pounds, besides several Merchants and others, who had their pardons from the late King, for transport­ing [Page 40] Gold and Silver, and melting down the heaviest Sil­ver Coynes of England, viz. Alderman Wollaston, and Alderman Gibbs, Mr. Peter Fountain and several other Merchants, the terror of which sentence and punish­ment, for some yeers did give a stop to transporting of Gold and Silver, to the great service and advantage of the Common-wealth, and if the Parliament please to passe the Act against Transporting Gold and Silver which has twise this Parliament been read in the House, and several times Committed, and impower your Pe­titioner to see to the due execution thereof, your Petiti­oner will give a stop to the Transportation of Gold and Silver, and discover the Offendors, if a Commission be granted to make enquiry of the same, according to former Presidents in Richard the Seconds time, by Act of Parliament.

This Parliament was so careful to have these Offences prosecuted, that they excepted them out of the general Pardon, being the desire of the Committee of the Mint, as appears by this following Order.

AT a Committee of the Councel of State for the Mint, this inclosed exception was presented to the Committee to have it inserted in the generall Pardon. The Committee do hold it fit, for the bene­fit of the Common-wealth, to have this exception inser­ted [Page 41] in that Pardon, and doe recommend it to you ac­cordingly.

viz.

EXcept all offences done or committed by any person or persons whatsoever, in transporting out of England any Gold or Silver, in coyne or in bul­lion without License, and all other offences in the un­lawfull buying, selling, exchanging or melting down of any the current gold or silver coynes of England, or of any gold or silver bullion, against whom, or for which, any Information is now depending in the Court of Exchequer at Westminster.

Ordered that Master Thomas Violet attend M. Attor­ney Generall with this Order of the Committee, and also the Committee of Parliament for drawing the ge­nerall Pardon to have these offences excepted.

John Corbet Esquire, one of the Members of this present Parliament at this day, and one of the Committee of Shropshire, meeting with your Petitioner in March 1655. was noblie plea­sed to take notice of your Petitioners good endeavours to serve the Common-wealth; and seeing that your Petitioner had put out in Print, a List of his particular damages, and the particular Bonds, Houses, Lands, Offices, set down, which had been taken from your Petitioner his Mother and Sister, who had then a great part of his estate in their Custody, at the time of his imprisonment [Page 46] in the Tower, and were plundred of it during that time of my Imprisonment there, by the title and name of Sequestration.

This Noble Gentleman Mr. Corbet, being very sensible of my sufferings, and how your Petitioners estate had bin squan­dred away, was pleased to tell your Petitioner he could do him a courtesie, in procuring to your Petitioner three Bonds taken from your Petitioner in two thousand pounds, for the payment of your Petitioner one thousand pounds 1644, which Bonds Mr. Corbet told me were at Shrewsbury in Shropshire, morga­ged by that Committee for fourty pounds, which the Committee had laid out for publick use.

Your Petitioner was glad to hear where these Bonds were, and to know who had them, though they day in Lavender for fourty pounds, your Petitioner for many yeares making diligent enquiry after them, and had never got true information where they were, had not Mr. John Corbet told him, and it was a thousand to one that these Bonds, being eleven yeares out of your Petitioners Custodie, that your Petitioner ever heard of them; or got them again into his hands.

This Worthy Gentleman Mr. John Corbet advised me to make my Application by Petition to his late Highnesse Oliver Lord Protector, and to his Councel, for to have these Bonds re­stored, and that if his late Highnesse and his Councel would give him order to do it, he wished me so well, be would procure your Petitioner these three Bonds safe and uncancelled, Provi­ded your Petitioner would pay the Committee of Shropshire for them the summe of fourty pounds, which your Petitioner wil­lingly offered to do, whereupon your Petitioner petitioned the late Lord Protector Oliver and his Councel for the aforesaid three [Page 47] Bonds. And the Councel of State ordered John Corbet E­squire, should attend them, to give them true information of this businesse, which accordingly he did, and thereupon this Order fol­lowing of the Councel of State was made, and your Petitioner paid his money to Mr. Corbet accordingly.

Friday, March 21. 1655 At the Counsel at White-Hall.

UPon reading a Report from the Committee (to whom the Petition of Thomas Violet was refer­red) praying that certain Bonds seized upon by the Com­mittee of Salop may be delivered unto him. Upon consideration of the said Report, and for that the said Bonds are ingaged for forty pounds, which the said Committee imploied for publique use, Ordered by his Highnesse the Lord Protector and his Counsel, That upon the said Thomas Violets paying unto the said Com­mittee the said summe of forty pounds, for which the said Bonds are ingaged, That the said Committee bee required to deliver up the said Bonds unto the said Tho­mas Violet, and that hee bee at liberty to sue the same and to take the benefit thereof as formerly hee might have done; and that it bee referred to John Corbet Esq. to see the said Bonds delivered up accordingly upon payment of the said forty pounds.

Henry Scobell, Clerk of the Counsell.

Mr. John Corbet I attended with this order; March 28. 1655. Hee was pleased to tell mee hee was to go down into Shropshire, and would speak with the Committee who were to receive the forty pounds, and then I should know where to pay my money, for hee told mee hee had never received Publique monies, and hee was verie unwilling to receive any now. But upon his return, upon my earnest intreaty and to save mee from further trouble, hee told mee hee would re­ceive and keep this forty pounds in deposito, for the use of the Committee till he had order from them for the disposing of it. That transaction follows, viz.

MEmorandum, That the 24^th of May 1656. In obe­dience to the Order of his Highness the Lord Protector and his Counsel of the 21. of March 1655. I John Corbet Esq. have delivered unto Thomas Violet of London God-Smith, three Bonds: the first bearing date the 6^th of June 1638. of eight hundred pounds, for the payment of four hundred pounds within one year after the death of the Lady Anne Waad; in which Bond, the said Lady Anne Waad, Charles Mordent, Philip Cage, and Edmund Lenthal Esquires stand bound to the said Thomas Violet: and one other Bond of the 6^th of June 1638. in six hundred pounds, for the payment of three hundred [Page 49] pounds, within two years after the death of the said Lady Anne Waad; in which the Persons aforesaid stand bound to the said Thomas Violet: and one other Bond (of the same date) of six hundred pounds, for the payment of three hundred pounds, within three years after the death of the said Lady Anne Waad; in which Bond, the Persons aforesaid stand bound to the said Thomas Violet; The summe of forty pounds being paid by the said Thomas Violet, according to the said Order.

The Lady Anne Waad of Battels Hall in Essex died about May 1643. And the Bonds are due to mee Thomas Violet, at this day as abovesaid.

Your Petitioner may justly say his Estate was squandred a­way, when a thousand pound of good Bonds of your Petitioners lay in lavender for eleven years for forty pounds, and your Pe­titioner had never known where they had bin, had not Mr. Corbet tould him, your Petitioners humble Prayer to your Honours is, that seeing your Petitioner hath paid Mr. Corbet the forty pounds according to the aforesaid Order, and hath [Page 50] these Bonds safe and uncancelled now in his Custody, and in consideration of your Petitioner services, in staying this Silver, That your Honours would be pleased in part of your Petitioners satisfaction of eleven thousand pounds by your Honours Order, to Impower your Petitioner by Authority of Parliament, to shew and Implead these Bonds, notwithstanding any Order of Par­liament to sequester the said Bonds, and to Impower your Pe­titioner to take out Judgement and Execution thereupon, not­withstanding any Order or Ordinance to the Committee of Shrop­shire, or any other Committee Touching or Concerning these Bonds.

And my most humble Petition is to John Corbet Esquire, one of the Honourable members of this Par­liament, that as hee received my money for the use of the Committee of Shropshire, and gave mee the first notice and discovery in whose Custody these Bonds were, so hee would now bee pleased out of his love to Justice, to certifie his knowledge of the truth of this Business; that so I may have Releif in this business according to Justice and equity.

Hereafter followeth your Petitioners Peti­tion to Oliver Lord Protector, and his Reference thereupon to Col. Bark­stead, Alderman Viner, Capt. Iohn Lim­bery, Doctor VValker, &c.

TO HIS HIGHNESSE OLIVER LORD PROTECTOR Of the COMMON-WEALTH of England, Scotland, and Ireland, And the Dominions thereunto belonging.

The Humble Petition of Thomas Violet.

THat your Petitioner did about the 8^th of Decemb. 1652. deliver unto the Council of State a written Paper wherein was dis­covered that at that present time a practice and Combination, was set on foot by the then Spanish Ambassador Don Allonso de Cardenas, with several other Merchants both Strangers and Natives, to deceive the State of a great quantity of Silver near fower hundred thousand pounds, which was aboard the Ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, then riding at Eriffe.

Which Persons before-named, had contrived by forged Bills of Lading, false Claimes and Claimers, with other fraudulent pretences to get cleared the Court of Admiralty the aforesaid Sil­ver and Ships, and for the effecting thereof there was no Cost spared nor Stone left unturned, as appeared by intercepted Letters of Mr James Steniere, a principal Actor to have this Silver cleared, which Letters caused the said Mr. Steinere to be Commited to the Serjeant at Armes attending the Parliament, and by Mr. Pompey Callendrens Letter there was fifty in the hundred offered in Amsterdam, to ensure the said Silver and Ships out of our hands.

Many of the Council of State did upon the intercepting these Letters concerning the Silver Ships, believe that the Spanish Ambassador had, for a peece of money to be paid him, claimed this Silver as the King of Spaines Treasure and his Subjects, colourably, but they knew not which way to discover it, and to prove the fraud, that so the State might have the Silver as Prize, (there lay the mistery) that then the Council could not fathom, and that made the Lord Bradshawe and severall of the Coun­cil of State to ingage your Supplicant in this service, they telling your Petitioner that if this fraude was to be found out, they were assured your Petitioner could do it, if your Petitioner would be true to the State, whereupon your Petitioner did faithfully promise the Council of State his uttermost endeavours to disco­ver this fraud, and within three dayes after your Petitioner hearing the Parliament had made an Order upon the request of the Spanish Ambassador, for the Judges of the Admi­ralty to proceed to a speedy sentence concerning these Ships and Silver, thereupon about 8^th of Decemb 1652. your Petitioner [Page 53] made the Lord Bradshaw and Council acquainted, that hee had certain Intelligence and would prove it upon the perill of his Life by many credible Witnesses, that a great part of this Silver appertained to severall Merchants of the united Provinces, and that these Ships having unfree Goods in them, were by the Civill Law forfeited to the State, and upon the aforesaid Pa­per which your Petitioner delivered into the Council of State, the Council of State sent for Doctor Walker your Highness Advocate, who told the Council of State that if what was alleadged in that Paper could bee made good, the Ships should bee stayed let the Judges say what they pleased.

May it please your Highness. The Judges of the Admiraltie appointed 16^th Decemb. 1652. to give sentence for the Clearing or Condemning these Ships, Sampson, Salvador, and George, and they ordered the Commissioners for Dutch prize Goods to bee then in the Court, but the Commissioners Mr. Hill and Mr. W [...]lson declared unto your Supplicant the day before they were to attend in the Admiralty, that they were Merchants, and a great part of their Goods and Estates in Spaine, and therefore they durst not for feare of having an Imbargo on their Estates in Spaine bee seen in the Court of Admiralty to stopp these Silver Ships, but they earnestly prayed and advised your Petitioner, that if hee knew any way to entitle the State to the Silver in those Ships, hee should doe the Common-wealth very great and acceptable service, and save the State all the Silver, which otherwise would be discharged that morning; for then there was no other person appeared to stay these ships and silver, but your Supplicant, either at the Councel of State, or with Doctor VValker your Highnesse Ad­vocate, [Page 54] And this Doctor VValker knowes to be a truth.

In pursuance of entituling the State to this silver in the afore­said ships, your Supplicant received a Command from the Coun­sel of State 13. Decemb. 1652. That if your Supplicant would undertake at his own peril to disprove the Spanish Ambassadours Claim, and to prove that great quantities of the silver in the afore­said ships, appertained to Merchants of the united Provinces, and Amsterdam, by good and legal Witnesses, That then not­withstanding the Order of Parliament, your Petitioner should make his Protest in the Court of Admiraltie, against the dis­charge of the said silver, till his Witnesses were examined. The Councel of State declaring, that if the Court of Ad­miralty committed your Petitioner for making his Protest then the Councel would presently hear, and take cognizance of the same bu­sinesse. The Councel of State further declared, that if your Supplicant should faile to make good what he had undertaken, he would be utterly undone, for that they would certifie your Petitioner to be an Incendiary, in presuming to contradict the Spanish Ambassadour, and Duke Leopoldus Agents, in af­firming the silver belonged for a great part thereof to Merchants of Amsterdam, when the Ambassadour on his honour affirm­ed, it was all for his Catholick-Majestie, and his Subjects Accompts, and none other. But if your Petitioner was so assured, as he would venture his life, liberty, and estate, to disprove the Spa­nish Ambassadour, and Duke Leopoldus Agents claim, and prove great quantities thereof to appertain to the Dutch of the united Provinces then our enemies, by good and legal proof, and did perform this his undertaking, your Petitioner should not on­ly be restored to all his estate the Parliament had taken from [Page 55] him, being about eleven thousand pounds, for which summe your Petitioner had for severall yeares before Petitioned the Parliament and Council of State) but also your Petitioner should have both that Estate and a good reward over and a­bove for his good service, and this Promise your Supplicant had from the Council of State and the Committee for forreign affaires, and that they would see your Supplicant justly and truely satisfied, and upon this Honourable assurance your Petitioner engaged and undertooke this great service, and when your Supplicant Petitioned the Council of State, for an Order of the Council or Parliament in writing for the States just performance, when hee had proved that great quantities of this Silver aboard the three aforesaid Ships appertained to the Dutch the Committee of forreign affaires, and the Lord Brad­shaw was much offended that your Supplicant should scruple the Justice of the State, as not to bee fully rewarded according to the greatness of the service, Protesting it could not enter in­to the heart of any honest man to scruple or suspect the Council of State so ungratefull, as not to performe there pro­mise justly with your Petitioner, and had that Council of State continued in power, your Supplicant is assured in his Consci­ence that hee had reeeived every penny of the summe promised, being eleven thousand pounds out of the monies as it was Coyned.

The reasons that the Council of State did not give your Pe­titioner a written Order for the restoration of your Petitioners Estate, or the value being eleven thousand pounds, was that if it was done either by the Order of Parliament or Council of State, then the Spanish Ambassador and other Nations would know, [Page 56] that the Council of State had stayed that Silver contrary to an Order of Parliament, and had promised a reward to your Petitioner to make this discovery before the service done, which the Lord Bradshaw told your Supplicant at the Council-Board the Council would not (to get all the Silver in the Ships) bee knowne to make an agreement, to finde out Witnesses to have the businesse done, but that your Supplicant might rest assured on just and Honourable dealings, and the restoration of his Estate or eleven thousand pounds, If your Petitioner did by good and legall Witnesses disprove the Spaniards Claim to this Silver in the aforesaid Ships.

Your Supplicant having proceeded so farre as to make his Protest in the Court of Admiraltie, against the discharge of these Ships and Silver, hee was necessitated to proceed to make his discovery, or else the undertaking it had undone him for ever, and your Petitioner acquainted the Council that to proceed in this discovery would bee very Chargeable, and your Suppli­cant being under sequestration, unsupportable, but no allowance of money could bee obtained till your Petitioner had intituled the State to the Silver; and this being done on your Suppli­cants part, the Council said your Petitioner might rest assured of just and Honourable performance, for the payment of your Petitioners eleven thousand pounds or his Estate.

Your Petitioner being at or about that time, severall times offered by some Merchants of Flanders, Claimers of great quantities of the Silver, That if your Petitioner would desist and not prosecute this business in the Court of Admiraltie, hee should have paid him downe the summe of ten thou­sand pounds, either in money here, or in Bills of Exchange, upon [Page 57] the discharge of the Ships and Silver, but your Petitioner refu­sed the offers of the Merchants, and made the Lord Brad­shawe and the Council acquainted therewith, and valued more the safety and Honour of the Nation, and his own re­putation in this undertaking, then the Spanish Merchants money, relying wholly on the promise of the Council of State for his just reward and satisfaction.

Your Supplicants Expence and Charges in the prosecuting this business, in one year and a halfs time amounted to above five hundred pouuds, besides what summes of money your Suppli­cant hath since expended, hee having imployed constantly ten severall persons, some of them lived in Spaine and Holland, and severall monthes your Petitioner imployed severall Mer­chants and others in the Registry of the Admiralty, to inspect into all proceedings, Claimes, Exhibites, pleadings, Bills of Lading, and comparing many thousand sheetes of paper and writing, and translating many Bills of Lading and other transactions, all which your Petitioner did by the Command of the Council of State, and upon Warrants and Orders of your Highness Advocate Doctor Walker; Your Supplicant also imployed severall persons about Erisfe, Limehouse, Blackwall, Wap­ping, and St. Katherines, to finde out where the Seamen and Passengers of these Ships lay, paying all charges of their mee­tings, boate-hire, writing and transcribing all the proceedings, and printing them for the Parliament, to vindicate the Justice of the Nation in staying this Silver and Ships, for it is proved out of the mouthes of severall Passengers that came from Spaine that very Voyage. That vast and great quantities of this Silver appertained to the Dutch, and was delivered [Page 58] in Spaine aboard these Ships for the accompts of Mar­chants of Amsterdam, and by the Originall Letters un­der the States generall Seale to their vice Admiralls de Witt and de Rutter, remaining now in your Highnesse Court of Admiralty, commanding them to Convoy and guard these Ships from the Parliaments Forces, and these Commissi­ons or Letters were procured upon the Petition of the Merchants of Amsterdam, and by severall advices remaining in the Court of Admiralty, these Ships and Silver were bound for Holland, It is proved that when these three Ships first set Sale to go their Voyage, they went from Holland, and the Ports and Harbours of the united Provinces, also that severall Mer­chants in London for their own proper accompts, had Silver Laden aboard these Ships this Voyage in Spain, which cleere­ly disproves the Spanish Ambassadors Claime to all the Sil­ver in these Ships, to bee only for his Master and his Subjects accompts, for Merchants Natives of London are not the King of Spaines Subjects, It is also proved that severall par­cells of Silver aboard these Ships, were entered, and Bills made in feined names and colourably, to avoyd the taking and condemnation of the Silver and of these Ships, if they were taken by the English.

It is also proved, that although the Bills of Lading were for Oastend, yet the Silver was consigned to Amsterdam. It is likewise proved by severall Passengers, that when these Ships had bin ten dayes at Sea, and hearing of the Warrs betweene the English and the Dutch, the Masters Books were alter­ed, and all the Hollanders and Zelanders names were put out, and other names put in their stead, and after three times [Page 59] perusall and examination of the names, the Bookes were writ­ten out saire (which were the Bookes produced in the Court of Admiraltie) And the originall blotted Bookes, which were the true Bookes, were not to bee found, but when these Ships came into the Downes, the Purser of the Ship Sampson, tooke them and tyed them to an Iron Barr, and then threwe them into the Sea.

These particulers with many others, are the volontary con­fessions of severall Passengers in these Ships, being actors and parties in Spain, and privie to all these actions both in Spaine and on Shipboard, and the Confession of Dutch-men and Easterlings.

Your Petitioner hath humbly presented these proofes and Witnesses to shewe the greatness of your Supplicants service, and the Justice of the Nation in staying and confiscating this Silver, so that it now cleerely appeares, the Claime of the Spanish Ambassador to this Silver, was but a fraudulent practice in him to have cozened the State, and cheated them of all this great Treasure.

This business your supplicant effected with the assistanee of tenn other persons, in a year and halfes constant attendance, sitting up many daies and nights together when your Petiti­oner first undertooke this service, being daily threatned to bee murthered by the Claimers, and expending above five hundred pounds in this service.

All which particulers of your Petitioners prosecuting this business, and the charges hee was at for doing the same, is attested upon the Oathes of four credible Witnesses, who were imployed in this service, and were privie to your Petiti­oners expence.

Which five hundred pounds your Petitioner borrowed, and hath ever since continued at interest, and is now above seven hun­dred pounds; Severall Gentlemen lending the same to your Pe­titioner out of their good will to the Nation in generall, and that your Petitioner might bee restored to his Estate againe, and had not your Petitioner borrowed this money to enable him to do this service, your Highnesse and the Parliament had lost every penny of this Silver, being about three hundred thousand pounds.

Never any man as yet, brovght and saved your High­nesse, and the Parliament so much money at one time in any age, as your Supplicant hath heard of; or read of.

Your Petitioner trusts and hopes in God, and your High­nesse, that so great service to your Highnesse and the Nati­on, shall not go unrequited.

What service this Treasure did your Highnesse, and the Nation at that conjuncture of time in 1653. Christendom knows, the Dutch (then our Enemies felt) and this Nation (under your Highnesse government) do enjoy and have the happy fruit of at this day.

Your most humble Petitioner prayes your Highnesse to take all the Premisses into your Princely consideration. And that your Petitioner may have his estate, or the value thereof restored to him, in recompence of his services a­foresaid.

Whitehall, July 13. 1657.

His Highnesse is pleased to referr this Petition to Sr. John Barkestead Knight, Lievtennant of the Tower of London, Sr. Thomas Viner Knight, Captaine John Limbery, Doctor Walker, Gabriell Becke, Serjeant Dendy, Maurice Thompson, Serjeant Middleton, and Jsaac Dorislaus Esquires, or any three or more of them, to take the Petition within written into their consideration, examine the premisses, and to State and Certifie the case to his Highnesses▪ together with their opinions upon the whole matter.

WE, whose names are here under-written, here­by certifie all whom it may concern, that we were present in the Court of Admiralty that day the [Page 62] Judges of the Court were reported to proceed to a sen­tence for the clearing or condemning of the ships Salva­dor, George, and Sampson,) it being about the seventeenth of Decemb. 1652. And there we saw Mr. Thomas Violet, the same day in the Court present a Paper unto the Judg­es, which he declared contained several Reasons and Ar­guments to the Judges; for respiting their Judgment concerning the discharging of those ships, and several other Prizes, till he had examined several Witnesses on the behalf of the State, to disprove the Spanish Claimes concerning these Ships, at which time the Silver was aboard these Ships: After some time spent in arguing the business by Mr. Violet in behalf of the State, the Judges seeming to proceed to a sentence concerning the said Prise Ships, Mr. Thomas Violet made his Protest in the said Court of Admiraltie aganist the discharge of all or any of these Prises, declaring hee did it upon his owne accompt, till his Witnesses were examined in the behalf of the State: And that the Judges, if they should proceed to the contrary, should answer it to the Parliament and Council of State at their peril. Thereupon the Court desisted from proceeding in the said Businesse; and the Judges thereof required Mr. Violet to attend the Councel of State that afternoon, about his carriage that day in the Court of Admiraltie, touching these ships.

JOhn Glover of London Merchant, aged about fourty years, maketh Oath, That Mr. Thomas Violet, having since December 1652. received several Orders and War­rants from his Highnesses Councel, and Doctor Walker (Advocate for the Common-wealth,) to assist in the be­half of the Common-wealth, against the Silver ships Sampson, Salvador. and George, and all their Silver and la­ding: In pursuance of which service the said Mr. Violet hath constantly intreated his (this Deponents) assistance, [Page 64] (amongst several other persons which he the said Mr. Violet emploied) for making discovery of the several frauds and practices of the Masters of those ships, and of several other Merchants, Claimers of the Silver and lading in the aforesaid ships, to deceive the State by their several Claims; And also of the several Bills of lading, and in several other particulars: in pursuance of this ser­vice for the Common-wealth, for several moneths this Deponent, with one Mr. Simon Baldwine a Merchant, who lived a long time at Cades and St. Lucars in Spain, and with Mr. Violet this Deponent and they two did veiw and examine all the Bills of lading, and the se­veral pleas and Exhibits, Extracts, and all other wri­tings and papers which were brought in, and remain in the Registrie of the Admiraltie concerning these ships, silver and lading; the Register declaring that they had seen all the Transactions that was then upon record in that business, which were many thousand sheets; and that the said Mr. Violet had several Warrants from Doctor Walker to the Register and Examiners of the Admiralty, to require them, that the said Mr. Violet, and all such as he should nominate under his hand to the said Register and Examiner, should be impowered to make several Searches, which he this Deponent and the rest did almost every day for about three moneths: And this Deponent further maketh Oath, That after he and the rest had taken such Observations and Directions, as Mr. Thomas Violet had given order concerning the marks of several Bills of Lading, and several other particulars, both Mr. Simon [Page 65] Baldwine and this Deponent delivered the Papers up to Mr. Violet, hee having imployed and contented us for our pains. This Business concerning the ships and sil­ver, this Deponent came to be ingaged in at the request and entreaty of the said Mr. Violet, hee having heard how necessary and advantagious hee (this Deponent) should bee, in making this discovery of the truth of this busi­ness; For that this Deponent for many years was an Inhabitant and merchants in Rotterdam, and had Com­merce and Trade with most Townes in Holland, where Trading was stirring. And this Deponent know's many of the marks of the Bills of Lading of these Silver Ships, though they pretend to belong to Spaniards, Hamburgers and Flaunders, yet they are the same marks as divers Merchants of Holland give to their goods and Merchandize; And that since the War with Holland, divers Ships and their lading have been condemned in the Admiraltie, and made prize of, which had Silver and merchandize aboard them at the time of the condemning, with the same markes which are in these Ships (Sampson Salvador and George); And this Deponent further deposeth, That hee knoweth the said Mr. Violet imployed (besides Mr. Simon Baldwin,) several other people for the making these discoveries ever since Decemb. 1652. And this Deponent hath been imployed by the said Mr. Violet in this business for almost a year and a half in the finding out and searching this business; and the said Mr. Vi­olet hath to his (this Deponents) knowledg, expended very great summes of monie in prosecution thereof, to the value of above five hundred pounds, besides all his pains, attendance and haz­zard; [Page 66] this Deponent having heard him several times threat­ned and in danger of his life by several Merchants and others, Claimers of the Silver in these Ships: they having declared in this Deponents presence, That by the said Violets protesting in the Court of Admiraltie against the discharge of these Ships and Silver in Decemb. 1652. the day the Judges appointed for discharging the Ships and Silver, (and by his further prosecution against those Ships and Silver since) hee hath been and is the onely cause of hindering them of their Silver and Ships; And that they had had their Silver long since, had not Tho­mas Violet undertaken the prosecution of this Business. And this, this Deponent hath heard affirmed several times by merchants and others, claimers, both at the Exchange and elsewhere. And this Deponent maketh Oath, That this Affidavit is for the affirming and justifying of Mr. Violets pains, hazzard and service in prosecution of this Business of the Silver ships and Lading.

Sworn the 27^th November 1654.

Both sworn the 25. of Novemb. 1654.

Sworn the 17. of February 1653.

A Coppie of my Letter sent to the Lord Bradshaw. 25^th of March 1653.

I Have left with Colonel Harbert Morley this day my Petition to the Council of State against Otho George: I humbly desire your honour to take notice, if the Council of State do not take some present order in it, to consider what encouragement my self or any man that serves the Common­wealth in the discovery of the Ships, silver and Merchandize now brought in as Dutch prize shall have when they shall bee as­saulted in the streets with Stilettoes and Poniards from Cap: Otho George, for being instrumentall to do the State ser­vice: I have been advised by several friends for this eight dayes, not to come to the Exchange or Admiraltie, least I should bee murthered for undertaking this business, Mr. Joachim Pesler Chirurg [...]on upon the Ship Sampson, now riding at Eriff, of which Ship Otho George is Captaine, and Jacob Elaes Otho George his Cabbin Boy, hath discovered the Silver in the Ships, Sampson, Salvador, and George, that a great part thereof belongs to the Dutch For when they had been ten daies at Sea, the Purser was ordered by the Captain to go into the Fore-Castle, and take his Book and blot out all the names of the Hollanders and Zealanders, and, in their place, to in­sert abundance of other names: for which discovery Captain Otho George did stab the Chirurgeon of the Ship. My hum­ble prayer to your Honour is, That the examinations taken about [Page 68] this business before the Lord Mayor of London, in the pre­sence of Mr. Will. Reymes, John Carleton, Jonathan Symonds, These Examinations will imforme you at large.

To Our most worthy friend John Thurloe Esquire, at White-hall, these present. The Commissioners for Prize Goods Letter to Mr. Thurloe.

WEE have a certaine discovery that a great quan­tity of Gold and Silver hath been stolne out of the Dutch prize ships that call themselves Hamburgers, wee desire, for the service of the State, to have a War­rant to bring all the Bullion in the Dutch prise-ships on shoare; Wee have here enclosed sent you Mr. Tho­mas Violets Letters to us, and his proofes taken in the Office; every houres delay of not taking the Silver a shoare is great losse to the State; Wee finde Mr. Violet the bearer hereof, very active and knowing to make these discoveries, and he hath done several good, and great services for the State already in this businesse, We [Page 69] desire you to present the same to the Councel of State, We are Sir,

A Warrant of Doctor Walkers, to the Exa­miners Mr. How, and Mr. Arnold in the Court of Admiralty, December 1. 1653.

MAster How and Mr Arnold, in the business of the three ships, Sampson, Salvador, and George, and the Silver and Lading in those ships, Mr Violet was ordered to contribute and yield his assistance, to bring in Evidence on the behalf of the Common-wealth. I did heretofore signe a Warrant, that all the Proceedings might be shewed him: He now desires, that the names of all the Witnesses already produ­ced on the behalf of the State, as also the Allegations and Mat­ter upon which they were produced: as likewise, the names of all Witnesses produced on the behalf of the Claimers; and every one of them particularly, and the Allegations and Interrogatories upon which they have been produced, might be shewen to him. [Page 70]I pray your Honours to consider, whether I could em­ploy men in this Discovery for two yeares, and not to pay them for their paines, and yet I have not had one penny for this service. Doctor Walker knew that I employed many people every day in these Discoveries, seve­ral of these being often with me, both at the Admiralty, and at his chamber; and he knew, I imployed none in this busi­nesse but credible persons, as appears here under his hand. And could Doctor Walker have made this Discovery, or known the tricks of these Merchants, Masters of ships, and Pursers, by forged bills, and many other subtilties of Trade, which is not in his Law-books, but is common a­mongst the Dutch Merchants in these times. Dr Walker would have saved me the labour and charge for employing people to make this Discovery, or from making my Protest in the Admiralty, and would have had the credit and thanks from the State for this Service and Discovery to himself. But this I dare say, though he be a great Lawyer, yet for the making of this Discovery, he was then 16. Decemb. 1652. utterlie ignorant of the way to do it, this being a subtilty amongst a few Merchants, and not to be read in the Civil Law-books, and had I not had all my Intelligence from their own crea­tures, and plowed with their Heiser, I could not have done this service, or made this Discovery. And upon examination of this business at the Councel of State, Doctor Walker confessed that it was not his study nor his place to seek up and down to procure Witnesses, or to finde out waies to entitle the State to this Silver; and except I could bring legal Witnesse, the State must lose this Treasure: this hee declared several times before the Councel of State. But if the Passengers did confesse this Silver to be loaden, a great part of it for the accompt of Merchants of Ansterdam, as I had undertaken they would do, then hee would improve that Testimony to the uttermost for the States advantage, which indeed Doctor Walker did. And I proved these frauds by the testimony of about ten of the Passen­gers, being all Dutchmen, Hamburgers and Lubeccars, and other Hans-towns men; and I had above fourscore witnesses the Passengers and Merchants more to examine in this businesse, many of them were after packed away by the Claimers, being Dutch marriners, and had money given them that they should keep out of the way and not be examined, and several Wit­nesses waited many daies to be examined in the Admiralty and could not. Spanish Gold and Silver was plentifully bestowed on some in the Ad­miralty, and they loved it well. The Claimers had their Instruments almost every night that stole silver out of these ships, to the value of many score thousand pounds, which I discovered to the Councel of State, as appeared by several papers which I presented to them. I imployed several men who spake the Dutch Language at my own charge, and gave them money to go on ship-board, and to drink freely with the Dutch marriners, and in their cups to fish out the secrets of this businesse, and when I had once got the end of the string, I would by other engines and instruments closely follow and never give it over till I knew the whole bottom of the Flemmish and Spanish cheats which they intend­ed to put upon the Nation. These men that I imployed on ship-board for to make this Discovery for mee never appeared to mee in the Admiralty, lest the Spanish and Dutch Merchants and marriners should have discovered them to have been my spies. And to deal clearly with your Honours, they were none of them Book-men, Civilians, nor Lawyers, but such persons as be-skellom'd mee soundly in their cups with the Dutch marriners; and though I paid for the Brandey-wine, strong beer, Mum, and Spruce beere, pickle Herrings and Holland cheese, yet I never exspected from them good word or peny of money for all this charge and pains. If I were to do the like service again for the State, I would never look in any Books of the Civil Law, but consult with such persons as know how to humour a Dutch Skipper or marriner, and fish out his secrets. Thus have I clearly told you the waies and instruments I used to do the Com­mon-wealth this great service. I now humbly exspect according to the Councel of States promise the summe of eleven thousand pounds for this service. And had I not undertaken it the Common-wealth had lost this Silver, which was to the value of two hundred seventy eight thousand pounds.This that he desires being just, I de­sire that you would not put him off, but let it be done forthwith unto himself, and all such others as he under his hand shall nominate; for he employes others under him in searching into this businesse. He will nominate none but such as may be trusted in it. And I desire you in your several places to give him, and all that he shall employ, all rea­dy dispatch and encouragement, that the businesse of the Common-wealth may finde no obstacle. Where there is publication, you may likewise shew him the Depositions and (I pray) let nothing that is just be denied him.

3 September, 1653.

MAster Dorislaus and M. Bud are now again desired to deliver unto Mr. Violet a Copie of the Specifi­cations given in by the Masters and Commanders of the ships Sampson, Salvador, and George: as likewise, Copies of all the Pleadings Articulate Exhibited and admitted on the part of the Claimers of the Silver in any of these ships: And they are to go with him to the Register, and Examiners Offices; and to procure him a view of all the Bills of Lading, Extracts and Exhibites, either brought into the Office, or exhibited by any Claymers: And whatever Papers are, or shall bee exhibited by any Claymers: And whatever Papers are, or shall bee exhibited by any Clai­mers in the three Ships. I do, as Advocate for the Com­mon-wealth, desire Mr. Dorislaus to yeild all his endea­vours and assistance, and also the Register, Examiner, and Deputy-Register in the Admiraltie from time to time to give Mr, Violet free admittance and view of all Acts, Bills of Lading, and Pleas Exhibited, and Extracts and Papers remaining in the Registry, or which shall come in: And to it readily and effectually; the same tending to the service of the Common-wealth; and being in order for preparing the Evidence fit to be produced for the Common­wealth. I am in this Letter, by order of the Councel of State to Doctor Walker, en­treated to make this Disco­very, but now I have done the States-work with the hazard of my life, and vast expence, I cannot by Peti­tions, Certificates, or Prayers, and many yeares attendance, get to be paid my most dearly earned re­ward which the Councel promised me, being eleven thousand pounds; had I thought of this usage, I could have bin paid by the Claimers. If this discovery had bin so easily made, and had bin every bodies work to have found out the Spaniards Frauds, I should not have had these earnest Entrea­ties from Dr. Walker, ac­cording to the Orders of the Councel of State, of the 1. of Septemb. 1653. The Commissioners for Prize-Goods, have certified to Mr Secretary Thurloe, how active and knowing they found me to make these Discoveries; and had I not been so, the Nation had lost every peny of this great Treasure, amount­ing to above two hundred seventy eight thousand pounds. And I do, according to the Order of the Councel of State of the First of September, 1653, earnestly desire and Entreat M^r. Violet, and also the Commission­ers for Prize goods, and their Solli­citors [Page 73] and Agents; as also, the Proctor and Silicitors for the State, and every one of them, with all convenient speed, severally to set down in Writing all the Informa­tions that they respectively know of, or can finde: And all the Evi­dences and Proofs that may be dis­cerned or produced on the part of the Common-wealth; That so a full Plea and Articulate Allegation may be prepared, and the Proofs brought in for the Common-wealth: And no Default bee done, suffered, or Committed

WHereas by an Order of Reference from his Highnesse the Lord Protector, dated the 13th. of July 1657. the Petition of Mr. Thomas Violet, (con­cerning his staying the ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, and therein the Dutch silver) is referred to the consideration of Sir Thomas Vyner, and Sir John Barkstead Knights, Captain John Limbrey, Doctor Walker, Gabriel Beck, Maurice Thomson, Edward Dendy, Henry Middleton, and Isaac Dorislaus Esquires, or any three or more of them, who according to the said Order of Reference, are to examine, state and certifie the premisses, contained in the said Petition to his Highnesse, together with their opi­nion upon the whole matter. And whereas upon reading the said Petition, of the said Mr. Thomas Violet, there are many particulars of service alledged by the Pe­titioner, which he affirms the Lord Bradshaw to have knowledge of; It is therefore desired, in order to a speedy and effectual proceeding upon the said Petition, That Gabriel Beck Esquire, Mr. Serjeant Dendy, or either of them, will take the paines to wait upon the Lord Bradshaw, and in the names of the above-said Re­ferrees, to Present the Petition and Reference relating to the said Thomas Violet, with the desire of the said Re­ferrees, That his Lordship upon perusal of the same, will be pleased to certifie his knowledge of the premis­ses, dated the one and twentieth day of August 1657.

The Lord Bradshawes CERTIFICATE.

I Have perused the Petition and considered of the desires men­tioned in the annexed Paper, and in compliance therewith so farr as my memory serves mee, which hath bin assisted by the view of several Orders, Certificates, Depositions and memori­alls formerly made in the Petitioners Case, and now shewed unto mee, I signifie and declare as followeth.

That although I may not take mee to make a narrative of Mr. Violets Case, much lesse to give a punctuall accompte, after so many years, of what passed at the Council, relating to that engagement of theirs asserted in the Petition (which to be in the manner therein set down) I can neither knowingly affirme nor deny, yet the Petitioners addresses in the time of the Warr with the Dutche, concerning the stay of the Ships which had the Silver in them being very remarkable, I can for the substance testifie, and do well call to minde the Petitioners tenders and in­timations to the Council, and undertaking the service touching the Silver specified in his Petition, and that upon good delibera­tion taken of the matter (the probability of his allegations being also much strengthened by the concurrant circumstances of some Letters about that time intercepted) he had thereupon very good encouragement given him by the Council, that (performing h [...]s discovery) his paines, cost and care, should bee throughly considered, and he honourably rewarded, or was told or promised to that effect.

Whereupon hee was Authorised and appointed by the Coun­cil [Page 81] to sollivite and assist in that whole business as by their Orders appeareth, and whilest that Council satt, was taken notice of as the maine Agent in the whole conduct thereof, as the proceed­ings of those times will shewe, what the beneficiall consequence of that imployment, and what fruite thereof hath been to the State may bee better manifested, by others who have been at the Heline of Affaires since the 20^th of Aprill 1653. the day of the dismission of the Parliament and old Council.

But if I may offer my sence of the man and his actings, which I apprehend to be in part expected, my opinion was and is, that his seasonable interposition and protest in the Admiralty, appli­cations to the Council, and discovery of the Dutch and Spa­nish frauds touching the Silver Contested for, these actions ac­companied also with great Charge, hazzard, and trouble on his part, as hee offers to Demonstrate, and affirmes to bee well knowne, adjoyning thereto for the legall part, the constant as­sistance of the learned Advocate for the Common wealth, were the maine occasion (if not the causa sine qua non) of the after benefit received by the State upon conversion of that Silver, the Petitioner being looked upon as the great Wheele that sett all on work, as I believe it would bee testified for him by others, who had the honour to serve the Common-wealth in Council, when this businesse was first began, and afterwards untill the close of the same if they were consulted herein.

His losses Anno 1643. and his disburstments aboute the Silver, for which hee prayes satisfaction and indemnity, I must leave to his own Evidencinge, and it seemes hee is ready for it.

The Councils Ingagements and Intentions to him-wards, at [Page 82] his first assuming the employment, were not without good reason uncommitted to writing for avoiding of all misconstruction, they proposing on the one hand a faire and just proceeding, and on the other all due encouragement to that person whose disquisition and effectual prosecution for making good the claime they knew must needs be very expensive, and liable to many difficulties and hazards from the multitude of the contrary interessed parties, and their many and powerful abettors: So as any one in reason may conclude, that without such assurance of the part of the Councel, and relying upon it on the Petitioners part, the whole business had miscarried, as left, un-undertaken, and un­done.

The Petitioners sore task and merit of the State in this par­ticular: I shall not further meddle with; or take upon me to di­vine or determine what the issue will, or should be as to his just re­compence and compensation.

His zeale, resolution, activity, and ability to promote the publick interest in divers respects, being known to me hereto­fore in good measure, as I formerly held my self obliged to cherish, and so much as in me was to improve for the States advantage: So upon the occasion now offered, wherein the honour and justice of the State, and their profit also, as I conceive, is mainly in­volved; I am very free to render him according to my best ob­servation of him and his actings, this due and deserved Te­stimony. Septemb. 5. 1657.

Francis Allen Esq; Report, and certificate upon the desire and request to him of Sir Tho. Viner, Sir Iohn Barkstead, Iohn Limbrey, and Maurice Thomson Esquires.

I Have received an intimation from you as re­ferrees by vertue of an order from his High­ness the Lord Protector referring to a Peti­tion of Mr. Thomas Violet concerning his staying the Ships Samson, Salvador and George: And the silver therein contained, That I would testifie my knowledge in writing concerning the same, or what else is contained in the aforesaid Petiti­on, in a ready compliance with what is so intimated, I do in the first place say, That I had not the particu­lar knowledge of those affairs, as they respect Master Violets actings in them, which other Honourable Per­sons had, and therefore cannot testifie so particularly concerning those transactions as others may see just cause to do, on Mr. Violets behalf only, Thus much in general I can and do freely testifie, from my own ob­servation and knowledge, that Mr. Violet did engage in that concernment of the staying the ships Samson Sal­vador and George; and in discovering the fraudes endea­voured to be put upon the State touching the silver in [Page 84] them, contained with a great deal of industry, courage and unweariednesse; and indeed I conceive to his ve­ry great charge and expence, besides his frequent at­tending the Committee for the mint in several affairs, re­ferring therunto, which could not but be expensive to him also; all which is submitted to your further consideration.

Sir George Fleetwoods Report and Certificate upon the desire and request to him of Sir Thomas Ʋiner, Sir John Barkestead, John Limbrey, Maurice Thomson, Esquires.

MR. Thomas Violet shewing me his Petition to his Highness, and his Highness, and his desires mentioned in the an­nexed Papers, and requesting me to certifie my knowledge of his services for the Common-wealth, I finde my self bound, as I am a lover of Justice and Truth, that would to the uttermost of my abilities have vice punished, and vertue rewarded, in pursuance whereof I do signifie,

That I have known Mr. Violet for many years, he having daily recourse to my Ʋnele Watkins, during the time he had the office of head Searcher of the Port of London; They [Page 85] advising together to get an Act pass against transporting gold and silver, and the Bill being brought by Mr. Violet into the Parliament, there was several references to the Committee of the Navy, Officers of the Mint, and Commissioners of the Customes to certifie their opinions: and they all centured and agreed in this, that the Parliament, (if they would have the Mint set on Work, and the gold of the Nation preserved) the Act against transporting gold and silver then depending in the House should be passed, this was Anno 1647. as appeares by the original Orders.

These actings of Mr. Violet for the Publick, together with several proposals of Mr. Violets for the advancement of the Trade of the Nation, and Mr. Violets constant attendance for many years both at the Council of State and Parliament, and Council of Trade, to procure the restoration of his Estate: Cau­sed many of the Members of the House and Council of Trade, and my self amongst the rest to take especial notice of the Man, and such of the Council and Parliament as were pleased to make use of him found in Mr. Violet a deep and profound insight into Mint-Busines, and Merchants affaires.

And this good opinion of Mr. Violet procured him this be­nefit in 1651. that many of the Council of State, and Parlia­ment, waited an opportunity for to move in the House for Mr. Violets indemnity, and for the full restoratiln of his estate being about eleven thousand pounds.

And this was promised to Mr. Violet 1651. a yeare before his undertaking this great service of staying the Silver menti­oned in Mr. Violets Petition, and I am confident ▪ if Mr. Violet will take the paines to wait upon some of the Members [Page 86] of Parliament and Council of State, he will have many honour­able testimonies of this that I say besides my self.

And this was the true ground, and original of Mr. Violets being taking notice of by the State of his abilities to make dis­coveries of the fraudulent Claims of the Spanish Ambassador to the Silver in the Ships, mentioned in Mr. Violets Petition, all which Silver Mr. Violet by his seasonable discovery to the State, and by his protesting in the Court of Admiral­ty in Decemb. 1652. was the only cause of getting the State this great Treasure mentioned in the aforesaid Petition of Mr. Violet, being three hundred thousand pounds, and the Parlia­ment, and Council of State in 1652. imposed upon Mr. Vio­let the whole care of the management of this businesse in the Court of Admiralty as to the discovering part of the Spanish Ambassadors fraudulent claimes, as appeares unto me by the view of several Orders and Warrants.

It is most apparent in the whole proceeding in this difficult service, Mr. Violet had alwayes in his eye the restoration of his estate, or the value of eleven thousand pounds, and the particular of Mr. Violets demands to the Parliament in 1651. was about eleven thousand pounds, and had he not had a re­al assurance from the Council of State in Decemb. 1652. for the restoration of his Estate, or the value, this great Bu­siness had been lost and left un undertaken by Mr. Violet, had he not had both such a promise, (and also he relied on the same) for just performance, for Mr. Violet in this his high under­taking ventured all his Estate, Life, Liberty, and expended in this service above five hundred pounds, as I finde by the de­positions of foure persons employed in this service.

I remember well the appearing of the Spanish Ambas­sador in the Parliament 1652. in December, demanding the Ships, Samson Salvador, and George, with their silver and lading.

It is very remarkable, the courage of Mr. Violet, in giving the Ambassador of Spaine so high a charge in 1652, 1653. con­cerning his undue practices to defraud the Nation of this sil­ver: And yet the Ambassador never to vindicate his repu­tation, nor to desire reparation, he being here above a yeare after: This shews apparently there was a design set on foot by the Spanish Ambassador to defraud the Nation in this bu­sinesse of the silver Prises, for when I see the Spanish Ambassador make no Addresses to the Parliament for reparation, I was assured Mr. Violet would make him let go his hold and claime of this silver mentioned in his Papers, which he delivered into the House.

Ʋpon perusal of Mr. Violets Papers I observed, that though the Parliament was dismissed 1653. the 20. of April, yet Mr. Violets sore task continued on him still, he being by that pre­sent Council looked upon as the great wheel that set all on work­ing, as to the discovering part, and this appeares under the hand of Doctor Walker in several Letters writing to Mr. Doreslaws, Mr. Bud the States Proctor, Mr. Arnold, Mr. How, to require them all in their several places to let Mr. Violet, and all such as he employs under him have the full view and inspection of all proceedings in the Register of the Admiral­ty, and to require Mr. Violets attendance, he paying several persons, and expending in this business above five hundred pounds, as I finde it sworne by several persons.

It is true for some reasons of State Mr. Violets assurance and reward was uncommitted to writing to avoid claimers, and [Page 88] misconstruction of lewd tongues, and to carry an even hand both in respect of the claimers, and the Spanish Ambassador: But this omission was not to frustrate Mr. Violet of his dearly earned reward, the restoration of his Estate; many of the then Council of State, if they be attended by Mr. Violet, will say this could never enter into their thoughts.

To set a man so sore a task; and strictly to impose on him his daily attendance, and to enable him to undergo this great and heavy weight to be assisted by ten several persons, foure of them swear Mr. Violet expended, besides all his pains, hazard, and labour, five hundred pounds in this service.

And I am perswaded had not Mr. Violet undertaken this businesse in that very nick of time he did 13. of Decemb. 1652. and constantly and vigilantly followed, and agitated in this bu­sinesse, both at the Council of State, and Admiralty; this great quantity of silver had been lost, and the State deluded with pretended claimes, and how seasonable a service this was at that conjuncture of time, and the happy fruit and effect so great a treasure brought to the Nation, is visibly to all men.

My opinion is that for the Honour (and I may say profit of this Nation, to encourage all men for the future to be faithful to the Common-wealth, and to expose their Persons, and expend both their spirits and purses for the Honour and safety of the pub­lick, as Mr. Violet hath done in this great undertaking, and brought it to a happy issue.

That as the sum of money was the greatest that ever (I think) at one time was saved to this Nation by any one mans discovery, so his reward should be sutable, not only to have the ful restora­tion of his Estate, which was faithfully, to my knowledg, [Page 89] promised to him, both by many of the Council of State and Parliament before ever Mr. Violets undertaking this service mentioned in his Petition. But this service being finished, Crowns all his former undertakings, and in my opinion he not only deserves the full restoration of his Estate, but to have an honourable memorial left to posterity of his seasonable and faithful discoveries and services concerning the aforesaid silver, That so all others may be encouraged to trust to the faithful promi­ses of the Council of State, when they shall see the States promises faithfully performed in such a conjuncture of time, as when the Government was changed.

And I think I am bound in my conscience, that taking notice of such high proposals as were propounded either in Parliament or Council of State, during the time I had the honour to serve the Publick (amongst which I have and do hold this service mentioned in Mr. Violets Petition to be one of the first rank that was ever presented in Parliament or Council of State, when the work is finished,) I hold my self obliged, both in honour and conscience to give the undertaker, such as Mr. Violet, that hath in this business laboured all along to the perfecting of the work, The State having gotten by this discovery and undertaking, about three hundred thousands pounds (as M. Violet affirms to me so much money coined) he having finished his sore task, I think I am bound in justice to help him what I can, that so after so great paines and hazard Mr. Violet might not work in vain.

And upon this account I make this certificate, whereof one part is upon my own knowledge and experience I have had of Mr. Violet, the other Part I refer to the Orders of Par­liament, Council of State, Doctor Walkers warrants, and the Cer­tificates of the Officers of the Mint.

And I wish for the due encouragement of all active Persons that shall hereafter venture upon great and high undertakings for the profit, honour, and safety of this State and Common-wealth, that Mr. Violets reward and compensation for this great service may alwayes be had in remembrance, for no doubt so great and faithful a service discovered so seasonably, will have a happy is­sue, and the reward from the State will be sutable to the great­nesse of the Service.

This is a true Copy of Sir George Fleetwoods certificate on the behalf of Mr. Thomas Violet,

Doctor WALKERS CERTIFICATE.

I Can truly, and do certifie, That when the Cases of and touch­ing the Silver in the three ships, the Sampson, Salvadore and St. George, were depending in the Court of Admiralty, touching the same being Prize. And before the Argument touching the casting the Onus probandi thereupon in that Court were made; Mr. Thomas Violet did repair to the said Court of Admiraltie, and to my self, being Advocate to the then Parliament, and did produce from the then Council of [Page 91] State, one order bearing date the 13. of Decemb. 1652. And also some other Orders of the then Council of State, whereby he the said Mr. Violet was ordered to repair to the said Court of Admiralty, and also to my self as Advocate for the then Parlia­ment; And to look after and take care of those said businesses, touching the said Silver in the said three Ships or to such effect, and accordingly hee the said Mr. Violet was therein very care­full, and industrious, and did by himselfe and others imployed by him, and at his owne charge take great paines in following the said businesse, and in searching after, and examination of the said Ships, Papers, and Bookes, and writings, and other matters that were exhibited into the Registers of the Admiraltie, and in making his observations thereupon, and collecting thereout what might make for the State, and looking after such other evidences as hee could finde out, (wherein hee was noe way remiss or negligent) and the said Mr. Violet did openly owne the same business in Court, and moved therein on behalf of the Parliament, and that earnestly and with zeal, and made or decla­red some Protest therein in the said Court of Admiraltie. And did not only particularly apply himself to me, but did also in my hearing privately press it to some of the then Judges of the Admiralty. And I did finde that the said Mr. Violet, by his much publick owning and appearing therein in the behalfe of the Parliament and then Council of State, did contract much envy and ran great hazards of his person, and it cannot bee but that he did lay out and expend much money to such as he imployed therin.

Sir. James Harringtons Report and Certifi­cate upon the desire and request to him of Sir Thomas Viner, Sir John Barkstead, Iohn Limbery, Maurice Thomson Esquires.

I Have read Mr Thomas Violets Petition, and his desires mentioned in the annexed Paper, as also the desires of the Referrees, and in compliance of his sad request, [Page 93] so farr as my memory serves mee, which hath been re­freshed by the veiw of severall Orders of Parliament, Council of State, Certificates, Depositions, and memo­rialls formerly transacted in the Petitioners business, both concerning the Silver mentioned in the Petition, and severall other of Mr. Violets faithfull services done by him for this Common-wealth.

I do signifie and declare, that from the yeare 1649. to the year 1653. being the time I had acquaintance with Mr. Violet, I observed that hee had a deepe profound judgement and insight into the secrets of our Mint in England, & knew the mistery and secrets of other Mints in forreign parts, and the severall Arts, misteries, and waies forreign Nations used to induce and draw Bullion both gold and silver to their several Mints and Countries, and the Lawes and ordinances forreign Nations made for hindering the exportation in every respective Countrey.

And that both my selfe and others, my Associates of the Council of State, in business of high and great concernments as to the Civil part, especially concerning the Mint and Trade made use of him in many per­ticular services for the Publique.

And indeed for my selfe I must give him this just and due Commendations, that for all the time I knew him at the Council of State, hee was very diligent to ad­vance the publique service, as will appeare by the Acts of the Council in those times, if recourse be there­unto had.

Which actings of his, and his diligent attendance at [Page 94] the Council of State, was in prosecution for many years to obtain his estate which was taken from him by the Parliament, as hee constantly affirmed both to my selfe and others, my associates of the Council of State, when wee imployed him in many great busi­nesses for the Common wealth, and this dilligent and vigi­lant carriage of his, presented him both to the Parlia­ment and Council of State, as a man whose abilities, acti­vity, resolution and fideliry, was very necessary and serviceable for the benefit of the State, and great use was made of him in those times by the State, as ap­peares by the Silver businesse, mentioned in his Petition.

And that to those that knew him both in Parliament and Council of State, his trust and faithfullnesse was held in very good estemee, and his services were eminently taken notice of both by my selfe and divers others, both in the Parliament and Council of State, for seve­rall years before Mr. Violet ingaged in this great under­taking of staying the Dutch Silver in December 1652. mentioned in his Petition.

And truly I must attest that both my selfe and se­verall others of the Parliament and Council, looked up­on Mr. Violet in this great undertaking of staying the Silver mentioned in his Petition, in the Ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, That Mr. Violet was the great wheele of the worke that got the State this great Trea­sure, for hee both discovered to the Council of State, the fraude of the Spanish Ambassadour, and the fraudes [Page 95] of the Dutch and Spanish Claimers to the Silver, which seasonable discovery of his at the Council stayed it, toge­ther with his Protest in the Court of Admiraltie, being by him faithfully, and actively performed, the true At­testation whereof was examined at the Council of State, and now shewed mee under the handes of the Officers of the Mint.

By all which proceedings it appeares to mee that Mr. Violets engagements in this service, was not only the in­strumentall occasion of getting the State this great Trea­sure mentioned in his Petition, but the only cause, and without him and his Protesting in the Court of Admi­raltie at that very instant nicke of time 16. Decemb. 1652. this great Treasure being about three hundred thousand pounds (as Mr. Violet affirmes to mee there was so much money taken out of the Sampson, Salvador, and George) had bin all let go out of the Nation, and bin dischar­ged by the Court of Admiraltie, and of what preju­diciall and dangerous consequence, such an oversight in the Court of Admiraltie might have produced to this Common-wealth at that conjuncture of time, when Van Trumpe the Dutch Generall was in the Downes, is obvi­ous to all men to conjecture, as also the contrary, the great advantage and benefit that hath accrued to this Nation by Mr. Violets happie and succesfull Protesting in the Admiraltie against the discharge of this Silver, and opposing the Spanish Ambassador, and all their numerous interessed parties and Claimers, and their powerfull abettors joyned with it, the hard and volun­tary [Page 96] taske hee imposed upon himselfe (as I finde it sworne by severall Witnesses) and that besides all his paines and hazards, hee expended in this service above five hundred pounds.

And I finde by Doctor Walkers Warrants directed to Mr. Dorislaus, Mr. Bud, Mr. Arnold, and Mr. Howe, the States Officers, and ministers in the Court of Ad­miraltie, and by Orders of the Council of State, that since the 20^th of Aprill 1653. Mr. Violet was required and en­joyned not only to contribute his own endeavours, but also at his own charge to imploy many others in make­ing this discovery, which I finde to be attested under Doctor Walkers hand, and by the Depositions of se­verall Persons imployed by Mr. Violet, for that although the Parliament and Council of State were dismissed the 20^th day of Aprill 1653 yet Mr. Violets fore taske, ex­pensive, and dangerous imployment was imposed and continued on him till the State had gotten the Silver, and this appears by Warrants from his Highnesse Council, and Doctor Walker of a later date ready to bee produced, which I have seen.

These actings of his, accompanied with great charge, hazard, and trouble, shewes to all the world Mr. Violets faithfull service, constant fidelity, and love to his Country.

Upon due consideration of all the premisses, I am very willing to testifie my knowledge of Mr. Violet, according to that true worth and great abilities I know in the man, with his readines to serve his Countrey, [Page 97] and I do it the rather because hee had severall times my faithfull promise (when I was a Councellor of State) that I would testifie his several services done to the Parliament, by which I conceive hee merited the indempnity and re­storation of his estate before this great undertaking, men­tioned in his Petition about the Silver in Decemb. 1652 but doing this service successfully in staying this Silver, I thinke my selfe therefore now much more bound in honour and conscience, after so longe a tryall of this mans patience, constancy, and fidelity, and his love to his Country, to give you my true observation of the man, both in his acting this and other great businesse, and this I attest upon my knowledge and experience of the man, and not upon hear-say.

And if the rule of the Gospel be observed, viv. that all men do to others as they would be done to themselves, Mr. Violet cannot be many weekes without a full restora­tion of his Estate or the value, and if Mr. Violet hath had such measure as he hath presented to the world in print, surely I must say he hath had hard measure, but I wish him not only his Estate, but also an honourable memori­all to be left to Posterity of his great service, according to former engagements to him by some of the then Council of State, for this particuler service of the Silver mentioned in his Petition, this just due and deserved Testimony, I do give him this first of October 1657.

WHereas by your Highness order of the 13^th of July last, your Highness was pleased to referr unto us or any three of us Mr. Thomas Violets Petition here­unto annexed, whereby wee are di­rected to examine the premisses suggest­ed therein, and to state and certifie the Case to your High­nesse, together with our opinions upon the whole mat­ter.

In obedience whereunto wee having perused the said Petition, and finding many perticular services which the Petitioner thereby affirmeth were done by him and well knowne to the Lord Bradshawe, and many others of the late Council of State, and hee having named to us Sir James Harrington, Sir George Fleetewood, and Francis Allen Esquires, who (amongst other of the Council) knew the Petitioners great service done concerning the Ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, their Silver and Lading mentioned in his said Petition, and the Council of States intentions and engagements to him, when hee under­tooke [Page 100] to disprove the Spanish Ambassador, and Spanish and Flemish Claimers thereunto in the yeares 1652. and 1653.

For the clearing of the truth of the Petitioners allega­tions suggested in his said Petition, wee held it necessary to acquaint the Lord Bradshawe, and the said Sir James Harrington, Sir George Fleetwood, and Francis Allen Es­quires, with your Highnesse said Referrence, and sent them Copies thereof with the said Petition, and with our desires that they would certifie their particular knowledges therein, that so wee might the better returne to your Highnesse the true state of the Petitioners Case.

And wee have accordingly received Certificates from all the aforesaid Persons, which wee have hereunto annexed, together with the said Petition and Referrence for your Highnesse gracious peruseall, all which Testimonialls and Certificates set forth the great services done by the Petitioner, by his seasonably discovery of the Spanish Ambassadors, and Claimers fraudulent en­deavors to deceive the Common-wealth in December. 1652.

Wee have likewise perused severall Orders of Par­liament and Council of State, that set forth the intended fraudes and Practices of Don Alonso de Cardenas, in coming in his owne Person to the Parliament and to the Council of State with severall other Merchants, and their Claiming the Dutch Silver then aboard the said Ships. And wee finde Mr. James Stenere committed by the Parliament for tamper­ing [Page 101] in this business; Wee finde it attested under the hands of Mr. George Brett, James Hoare, and Thomas Birch, all Offieers of your Highnesse Mint (they being then in the Court of Admiraltie the 16^th of Decemb. 1652.) that the Petitioner by his active, faithfull, and seasonable Protest in the said Court (at that very instant nicke of time, and the very hower the Ships and Silver were in judgement before the Judges there, and upon dis­charge) the Petitioner by his Protest stayed the Silver mentioned in the Petition, being to the value of above two hundred seventy eight thousand pounds in Silver, taken out of the aforesaid Ships and Coyned in your High­nesse Mint, as the Petitioner hath proved to us upon the sight of some accomptes.

And wee finde by severall Orders of the Council of State, and Orders from Doctor Walker the Common-wealth's Advocate, and by severall Depositions and Certificates that the whole weight of that businesse was imposed on the Petitioner by the Council of State in 1652. and 1653. as to the discovering part, and the Petitioner was required to prosecute this service after the dissolving of the long Parliament, by the Council of State then being.

The Heads of the Lord Bradshaws Certificate. Wee also finde it attested by the Lord Bradshawe, that the seasonable interposition of the Petitioner, and his Protesting in the Admiralty, applications to the Council, and discovery of the fraudes, both of the Spanish, and Dutch, touching the said Silver, those actions of the Petitioner accompanied also with great charge, hazard, and trouble, [Page 102] were the maine occasion if not the causa, sine qua non, of the after benefit received by the State upon conversion of that Silver, the Petitioner being looked upon by the then Council of State as the great wheele that set all on work, when this business first began and after til the close of the same; The Councels engagements and intentions to him wards at his first assuming the imployment, were not without good reason uncommitted to writing for avoyding all misconstruction, they proposing on the one hand a faire and just proceeding, and on the other all due incouragement to that Person whose disquisition and effectuall prosecution for making good the claime, they knew must needes bee very expensive, and liable to many difficulties, and hazards, from the multitude of the contrary interessed parties, and the many and pow­erfull abettors, so as any one in reason may conclude, that without such assurance on the part of the Council, and relying upon it on the Petitioners part, the whole bu­siness had miscarried, as left unundertaken and undone.

The Petitioners sore task and merrit of the State, hee saith hee will not further meddle with; The Petition­ers zeale, resolution, and ability, to promote the pub­lique interest in divers respects being knowne to him in good measure, as hee formerly held himself obliged to cherish and (so much as in him was) to improve for the States advantage, so upon this occasion offered where­in the honour and justice of the State and their profit (as hee conceived) is mainely inv olved; Hee saith hee is very free to render the Petitioner according to his best [Page 103] observations of him and his actings, this due and deserved Testimony. Dated the 5^th of September, 1657.

The Heads of Sir James Harringtons Certificate. Sir James Harrington also certifies us, that the Petiti­oner was the great wheele of the worke which got the State this great Treasure, for he both discovered to the Council of State, the fraudes of the Spanish Ambassador, and the Dutch and Spanish Claimers to the Silver, which seasonable discovery stayed it at the Council, together with his Protest in the Court of Admiralty, being by him faithfully, and actively performed, the true attestati­on thereof was examined at the Council of State, and the Petitioner imployed several persons at his own charge in the prosecution of this businesse, being requi­red by the Council of State to do it, by all which pro­ceedings he saith it appea [...]s that the Petitioners ingage­ments in that service, was not only the instrumentall oc­casion of getting the State that great Treasure mentioned in the Petition, but the only cause and without him, and his Protesting in the Court of Admiraltie, at that very in­stant nicke of time the 16^th of Decemb. 1652. this great Treasure (being about three hundred thousand pounds) had bin all let go, and further saith, that the Councll of State did not only promise the Petitioner, the restoration of his Estate, for this particular service of the Silver, but also an honourable memoriall, and that both himself, and others of his associates of the Council of State, in busi­ness of great and high concernment (as to the Civil part) especially as to the Mint and Trade, made use of him in [Page 104] many particulers for the Publique, and that he did observe that all the time he knew the Petitioner, which was from 1649 to 1653. the Petitioner was very dilligent to advance the Publique Interest. These actings of the Petitioner ac­companied with great charge, hazard, and trouble, shewes forch to all the world the Petitioners faithfull services, constant fidelity, and love to his Country, this Testimo­ny concerning the Petitioner, beares date under Sir James Harringtons hand the first day of October 1657.

The Heads of Francis Allen Esq. his Certifi­cate Mr. Francis Allen certifies, that the Petitioner did en­gage in that concernment of staying the Ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, the Silver and Lading, and in dis­covering the fraudes endeavored to be put upon the State, touching the Silver in them conteyned with a great deale of Industry, courage, and unweariedness, and indeed he conceives to his very great charge and expence, besides his freequent attending the Committee for the Mint in severall affaires referring thereunto, which could not but be expensive to him also. This Certificate beares date the 27^th of October 1657.

The Heads of Sir George Fleetwood his Certificate. Sir George Fleetwood likewise certifies, that the Petiti­oner by his seasonable discovery to the State of the Spa­nish Ambassadour, and Claimers fraudes as to the Silver mentioned, and his Protesting in the Court of Admiral­ty in December 1652. was the only cause of geting this great Treasure mentioned in the aforesaid Petition, and that the Council of State in 1652 and 1653. imposed upon the Petitioner the whole care of the management of this business in the Court of Admiraltie as to the dis­covering [Page 105] part, and that the Petitioner was several times imployed by the Council of State, and members of Par­liament, and such of the Council for the State or Parlia­ment, as were pleased to make use of him, found in the Petitioner a deep and profound insight into the misteries of the Mint businesse, and Marchant affaires.

And the said Sir George Fleetwood further saith, that it is most apparent in the whole proceedings of this businesse, that the Petitioner had alwaies in his eye the restoration of his Estate, or the value of eleven thousand pounds, which was the summe of Mr. Violets demand to the Parliament in 1651. which was promised the Petitioner by severall members of the Council and Parliament for service done before this great undertaking, and had not the Petitioner had a reall assurance from the Council of State in Decemb. 1652. for the restoring to him his Estate, or eleven thousand pounds for this service of the Silver, the whole business had bin lost, and left un-undertaken by the Petitioner, had he not had such a promise, and also relyed on the same for just performance, and he saith it is true that for some Reasons of State, Mr. Violets assurance and reward was uncommitted to writing, to avoyd claymor, and misconstructions of lewde Tongues, but this omission was not to frustrate the Petitioner of his dearly earned reward, the restoration of his Estate, as many of the late Council of State (if attended on by the Petitioner) would say this could never enter into their thoughts. This attestation under the hand of Sir George Fleetwood beares date 22^th September 1657.

These Certificates with the former Attestations are briefly reported. The Originals specifying the Petition­ers particular s [...]rvices, in this and other his undertakings, more at large are hereunto annexed.

And whereas the Petitioner alledgeth in his Petition, that had he desisted the prosecution of the said businesse in your Highnesse Court of Admiralty, and betrayed the Trust the Councel [...]f Sta [...]e [...]eposed in him, he was seve­ral times offered, and might have received in the yeares 1652. and 1653. from several Merchants of Flanders then in London, the summe of ten thousand pounds. Up­on examination of this Allegation, we finde that the Merchants Claimers did several times offer the Petitioner ten thousand pounds, to have deserted this businesse of prosecuting against the Spanish Ambassador and Claim­ers concerning this Silver. And this was confessed by the Merchants Solicitor to be true, as appeareth by two several persons Affidavits, viz. Mr. Thomas Hewet, and Mr. William Savill, taken before William Glascock Esq. one of the Masters in Chancery.

And whereas the Petitioner alledgeth, That in the pro­secution of this great businesse, for the space of about two years he was at the sole charge himself thereof, and paid ten several persons whom at that time he employed in this service, as he hath proved by Affidavit of foure Witnesses, viz John Glover and Symon Baldwin Merchants, Thomas Ley and John Gerrell Citizens of London, Sworn before John Page and Robert Kelloway Esquires, Masters in Chancery, in 1654. That the Petitioner to their [Page 107] knowledge expended above five hundred pounds in this service in 1652. and 1653.

We finde the Petitioners debts and engagements con­tracted in the prosecution of this businesse of the Silver Ships to be very great, amounting unto the summe of seven hundred sixty five pounds, and upwards, which the Petitioner oweth at interest at this day. And he hath presented us a particular List of the several mens names, of whom the Petitioner borrowed the said money to do this service, the truth of which appears unto us by the Affidavit of the said Mr. Violet, sworn before Doctor Har­rington, one of the Masters of your Highnesse Court of Chancery, besides several other great summes of money, which the Petitioner affirmes to us to have taken up at interest, for his necessary support and maintenanee ever since the Sequestration of his estate in 1643.

May it please your Highnesse, upon this businesse of the Petitioner we have had many meetings. And being by your Highnesse Reference required not only to slate the Petitioners Case, but to certifie our opinions upon the whole matter; We do accordingly in all faithfulnesse and humility certifie to your Highnesse, That upon due consideration had of the great travel, charge and ha­zard, which the Petitioner hath undergone in the prose­cuting of this businesse, as hath been proved unto us as aforesaid. As also upon the Attestation of Sir George Fleetwood, and Sir James Harrington, concerning the Pro­mise of the Councel of State to Mr. Violet, for the restorati­on of his estate, or eleven thousand pounds.

Upon the whole matter, we do in all humble man­ner certifie your Highnesse, that we finde the Petitioner is a person, who not only deserves the making good the Councel of States Promise to him as abovesaid. But also by your Highnesse goodness, bounty and favour, that there be some signal Reward conferr'd upon him for this his eminent service, according to the Promise of the said Councel, as by the Certificates of Sir George Fleet­wood, and Sir James Harrington, hath been attested unto us, That so all others for the future, may be encoura­ged to serve the interest of your Highness and the Com­mon-wealth with all faithfulness, as it appeareth to us the Petitioner hath done.

We have also considered of the Petitioners debts and expences contracted in this service, and for his support since 1643. and beleeve the Petitioners engagements at this present are very great and pressing upon him. Where­fore being ordered by your Highness to certifie our opi­nions upon the whole matter, We humbly offer unto your Highness, That for the present, (left the Petitioner should be thrown into prison, and thereby utterly ruined for the very moneys he hath expended in this service,) That some considerable summ of money in part may speedily by your Highness be assign'd unto him, for the paying of his debts contracted in this great service for the publick. And also that care be taken for his subsistence, according to his quality. And that the remainder of the money promised him by the late Councel of State as aforesaid, may be paid unto him, assoon as your High­ness, [Page 109] and the great affaires of the Common-wealth can permit, he having eminently and signally shewed his zeal, resolution and forwardness, with the hazard of his life in this service for his Countrey.

All which we Humbly submit to your Highnesse Wisdome and Justice.

WHereas wee are informed that Thomas Violet of London Goldsmith, hath formerly done our most dear Father of famous memory and this Nation severall great services, and that the said Thomas Violet hath made his addresses unto you, and in many particulars hath acquainted you with his humble desires and good affections to our service, and shewed you severall transactions which ought to be taken into our considerations, being (as wee are informed) both for our service, and the pro­fit, [Page 113] safety, and honour of this Nation. Wee therefore re­quire you to give us an accompt of all such particulars con­cerning the Publique, as the said Thomas Violet hath alrea­dy acquainted you with, and if you conceive it fit for our ser­vice, you are by these presents authorised to send for the said Thomas Violet, and to examine him upon any other questi­ons or matters, which you shall conceive is fit for our service, and in what way the said Thomas Violet may be serviceable unto us and the Publique, and the result of your debates to present unto us in writing, with what expedition you can.

Dated 28. October 1658.

IN obedience to your Highnesse Order of Re­ferrence dated 28. October last hereunto annex­ed, wee have several times mett, and finde that Thomas Violet Petitioned your Highnesse royall Father for his promised reward, which Petition his late Highnesse 13 July 1657. referred to the Lord Barkstead, Sir Thomas Viner, and severall other Persons, and their [Page 114] Report thereupon is hereunto annexed, which Report we have perused, and also severall Certificates of the Lord Bradshawe, Lord George Fleetewood of the Vache, Sir James Haning­ton, and Francis Allen Esquires, and severall other Certi­ficates of the Officers of the Mint, as also the Orders of the late Council of State, Depositions, and Orders of the Court of Ad­miraltie, whereby it appears to us that the said Thomas Vi­olet by his seasonable interposition, and Protest in the Admi­raltie 17. December 1652. his application to the then Council of State, and his discovery of the Spanish and Dutch fraudes, touching the Silver in the Ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, being neere three hundred thousand pounds, this his discovery and prosecution in the Admiraltie, in all probabillity saved the State this great Treasure, or else the State had been cozened thereof, as appeares to us at large by all the aforesaid Certificates ready to bee produced to your Highnesse.

Wee finde it proved and certified, that Thomas Violet expended seven hundred sixty five pounds in the prosecution of this service, besides all his time and hazard, which monies ap­peares to us he tooke up at interest, for which he stands indebted to severall persons, and he hath proved to us he is every day in danger to be taken in execution, for the very monies hee expend­ded in this service, to get the State this great Treasure.

And wee finde it attested unto your Highnesse royall Father, by the Certificates of all the aforesaid Referrees, that the State did promise unto Thomas Violet, upon his undertaking at his own charge to do this service, to pay him the sum of eleven thousand pounds, and some other rewards for this service, in stopping the aforesaid Silver.

And it is further certified to your Highnesse royall Father by all the aforesaid Referrees, that they finde it proved that Thomas Violet was offered ten thousand pounds in the behalfe of the Claimers, to have desisted his prosecution in the behalfe of the State, touching this Silver.

And we finde that the Lord Barkstead, Sir Thomas Viner and all the other Referrees humbly propounded to your Highnesse royall father as very fit and just, that a considerable summe of money bee presently paid unto Thomas Violet, for to discharge his debts, and for his support, lest otherwise hee should bee throwne into Prison and utterly ruined for the very money he hath expended in this service, and that care be taken for the future for Thomas Violets subsistence according to his quality, and that the re­mainder of the money to make it up the summe of eleven thousand pounds, promised to him by the State for this service, may be paid unto Thomas Violet as soone as the great occasions of the State can permit. This Certificate is hereunto annexed and signed by all the aforesaid Referrees 1. May 1658. to your Highnesse royall Father.

And wee humbly offer it as our opinions, that it is both just, and fit for the honour of the State, that the monies Thomas Violet hath expended in this service, and a due consideration for his support for the future be speedily paid unto him, to preserve him from a present ruine, and the remainder of the aforesaid sum to be paid him as soone as the great occasions of the Common­wealth will permit

And the Referrees do bold Thomas Violet to be a person ve­ry fit and usefull for imployment either in your Highnesse Mint, or in the Office for the due Regulation of gold and silver wyer, [Page 116] and Lace, &c. and in several other emploiments, as appears by several Certificates. And Violet himself hath made several Proposals unto us in writing for his satisfaction, which we have hereunto annexed for your Highnesse gracious perusal, In some of these Proposals we do humblie apprehend Thomas Vio­let may be useful for your Highnesse and the publick service. All which we humblie submit to your Highnesse consideration.

To his Highnesse RICHARD LORD PROTECTOR of England, Scotland, and Ireland. And the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging.

The Humble Petition of Edward Johnson Junior, Esq. &c.

THat there are many fraudes and deceits dai­ly practiced by diverse petty Retayling Tradesmen, Chapmen and others, in makeing and uttering farthing tokens of their own stamping, almost every petty Re­tayling Tradesman putting forth a severall farthing token not valueable without any Licence, some of Pewter, Tinn, Lead, Brass, and some of Copper, according to every mans fancy that makes their own farthing tokens.

Great numbers of these Retayling Tradesmen breake, others remove themselves from one place to another, and many of them die insolvant, and their farthing tokens thus unduly uttered be­iug not valueable, one of them not being worth in value the sixth part of a farthing, and some of their farthing tokens not worth the twentieth part of a farthing, the people of this Nation (especially the poorer sort) are daily cheated and cozened by these indirect practices.

To prevent these abuses for the future, your Petitioners hum­bly pray your Highnesse that a common valueable farthing may be made of fine Rose Copper of a valueable weight (that is to say) of the weight of about halfe a quarter of an ounce Haver du poys to a farthing, and twenty two Shillings by tail, to weigh eight pounds Haver du poys, with the remedy of six pence under or over to pass currant within your Highnesse Dominions of England, Scotland, and Ireland, for all such persons as will make use of them for their necessity of change, and to prohibit all other far­thing tokens now made, or to be made or uttered within your, Highnesse Dominions aforesaid

That to have a valueable common farthing to be made, to pass currant within your Highnesse said Dominions, is so needfull a thing in the Common-wealth, and of such necessity for change, that the making of the same will relieve and accommo­date many thousands of petty Tradesmen and poore people, as will plainly appeare unto your Highnesse, in our most humble Reasons and motives hereunto annexed, to which wee do most humbly Referr.

Your Petitioners most humbly pray your Highnesse, in respect of the great charge, and trouble they shall undergo in performing this service for the good of the Common wealth, to grant unto them and their As­signes and Deputies, the sole making and uttering of the aforesaid Common farthing for one and thirty yeares, and to prohibite all other farthings, and the making and counterfeiting of this farthing by any other, upon paine and losse of Estate and [Page 120] imprisonment during your Highnesse pleasure, and in consideration thereof, your Petitioners will serve your Highnesse Dominions with valueable farthings of the goodnesse and weight aforesaid, and also pay unto your Highnesse Exchequer to your High­nesse use, twelve pence for every two and twenty shillings in farthings, which shall be vented and uttered by your Petitioners, their Deputie, or De­puties in England, Scotland, and Ireland, which will bee certaine revenew to your Highnesse of ma­ny hundred pounds a yeare, and a great accommo­dation and benefit to the poore of all your High­nesse Dominions.

And your Petitioners shall dayly pray &c

WEE have perused the Petition of Edward Johnson Junior Esquire, &c. together with the reasons hereunto annexed, and our will and pleasure is, that our Sollicitor Generall prepare a booke fit for our signa­ture, for the erecting of an Office for the sole making, venting, and uttering of a Common farthing, to go currant in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, according to the weight, proportions, and propositions, in their Petition, conteined with such Rules to be ob­served [Page 121] by the Petitioners, or their Assignes, for the stamps, figures, and Arms of the said farthings, as wee and our Successors shall appoint, and for the granting the same to the said Edw. Johnson Junior Esq; &c. and their Assignes and Deputies for one and thirty yeares. Reserving to us and our Successors twelve pence for every two and twenty Shillings of the said farthings, so vented and ut­tered. And our Solicitor Generall is to attend and ac­quaint the Parliament with this Petition, together with the reasons thereunto annexed, and with this our War­rant. VVho are desired to Ordaine and appoint such Rules, Prohibitions, and Penalties, for the effectuall and better management of this service, the preventing of all former abuses, and restrayning of the Counter­feiting, and importation of any the said farthings from the parts beyond the Seas, as they shall thinke fit and necessary for the carrying on of this Service for the good of the Common-wealth. Given at Whitehall the 19^th day of Aprill 1659.

To our Trusty VVel beloved Sir William Ellis Barron­ett our Sollicitor Generall.