Page:Life of Sir William Petty 1623 – 1687.djvu/278

 my great Portmantle, which was full of papers concerning my businesse; but all is well. Wee got all safe to Chester the same night, where wee are ready to take coach to be in London on Thursday night, the Eight instant. Robbin Napper comes with me, as also one of the black coach horses, Maurice and Phil.

'The Principall passengers were my Lady Reynolds and her daughter upon account of my Ladye's deep consumption. There came also Mr Justice Turner and his Lady with her woman Cicill, who was dear Masyes maid. There is also the Elder Lady Davies, young Mrs Stopford and her sister, all goeing for the Bath and 2 of Mr Aldworth's Children. Wee supped this night, being Sunday night, at the Bpp. of Chester's, who presents you his service, where wee had Pease to Supper, haveing had the same at Dinner at our Inne, altho' wee paid 8 shillings a quarter, Wednesday last.

'Alderman Anderson has marryed one of his maids. Wee left our Children and Sister Biddy well at Dublin. God grant I may find you all so at London. 'Adieu my dearest. 'Wee hear the Yatcht is recovered again and almost ready to sayle.'

On arriving in London, Sir William submitted to the Privy Council a plan for abolishing the whole system of farming, and for the introduction of large reforms—including a heavy ale licence—which would have introduced order and regularity into the collection of the taxes, and have greatly increased the royal revenue. He so far prevailed that the obnoxious system of farming the revenue was abolished, but his other proposals were rejected. His disappointment was great, especially as he could trace the hand of his rival, Sir James Shaen, in the defeat of his plans. 'Yesterday,' he writes, 'came to toune. It was declared on Sunday night at Windsor, viz.: that the Revenue of Ireland is to be managed by the Lord Langford,