By the Mayor to the Alderman of the ward of [blank] it being represented to me, that several rude and disorderly persons have already begun, in a riotous and tumultuous manner, to throw squibs, serpents, and other fire-works, in and about the streets of this city, to the great terrour, as well as endangering the lives of His Majesty's subjects, the apparent breach of the peace, and the scandal and dishonour of the government of the city.

Author: City of London (England). Lord Mayor.1697

[seal]

To the Alderman of the Ward of [...]

By the Mayor.

IT being Represented to Me, That several Rude and Disorderly Persons have already begun, in a Riotous and Tumultuous manner, to throw SQƲIBS, SERPENTS, and other Fire-Works, in and about the Streets of this CITY, to the great Terrour, as well as endangering the Lives of His MAJESTY's Subjects, the apparent Breach of the Peace, and the scandal and dishonour of the Government of this City.

And it being Resolved on by my Self and my Brethren the Aldermen, That for the future no Squibs, Serpents, or any other Fire-Works, shall under colour of any Day of Solemnity, Festival, or other pretence whatsoever, be made, sold, flung or fired within this City or the Liberties thereof.

These are therefore (for the prevention thereof, and to the end that no Person may pretend Ignorance) to Require you, That you forthwith give Directions to your BEADLE, to go from House to House and Warn every Inhabitant within your Ward, That they do not permit their Children or Servants to make, throw, or fire any Fire-Works in the Streets, or out of their Houses, Balconies, or other Places; nor that they suffer any Person to come into, or remain in their Houses, who may be guilty of such Offence.

And for the Exemplary Punishment of such as shall be offending, You are hereby further Required to Injoyn the several Constables and Beadles, together with the VVatchmen of Your Ward, to be constantly attending in every place of your Ward, (and more especially every Evening) and that they apprehend and carry before Me, or some other of His MAJESTY's Justices of the Peace of this City, all and every Person that shall be found making, buying, selling or throwing any Squibs, Serpents, or other Fireworks whatsoever, in the Streets, or out of any Balconies, Houses, or any Place within this City or Liberties thereof.

And although it is the Duty of every such Officer, as well as every good Citizen, to suppress such Mischiefs; yet for the Incouragement of them and all others to use their utmost Endeavours to that end, Every Person who shall apprehend or discover any Person or Persons, making or throwing of Squibs, Serpents, or other Fireworks, as aforesaid, so that he or they be prosecuted and convicted of the said Offence, shall (over and above his Charges) have and receive the Sum of Ten Shillings, for every such Offender so convicted.

And if any Constable, Beadle, or other Officer, shall be found omissive of, or neglecting their Duty, or concealing any Offender, they shall be prosecuted for such their Neglect, Default or Concealment, according to the utmost Severity of the Law.

Dated the Thirteenth Day of October, 1697.

Goodfellow.

Printed by SAMUEL ROYCROFT, Printer to the Honourable City of LONDON, 1697.

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