Page:The histories of Launceston and Dunheved, in the county of Cornwall.djvu/65

 There is this note at the end, apparently in the judge's handwriting:

We have shown the origin of the "almes" to which the petitioner refers, and have no doubt that Colonel Bennett [of Hexworthy] and Mr. Trefusis soon induced the Mayor to pay the "detayned mony."

The Corporation had for some time been, and still were, harassed by the Civil War. In this same 1648 they had among other things "dieted fifteen troopers and their horses;" given money to various distressed and maimed "souldiers;" paid for quartering of soldiers, and for guides with troops to Liskeard and Okehampton; supplied candles and faggots of wood to "Captn Ashes souldiers;" "Paid for sending a letter to Colonel Bennett by night," &c.

During the busy and bloody contest of brother with brother, of Royalist with Parliamentarian, which ended in Cromwell's victory, it is probable that the demand of Mr. Rawe and his fellows had been rather neglected than rejected.

Among the many charters issued for fiscal purposes by King James II. was one dated 3rd March, 1684, to the Borough of Dunheved otherwise Launceston. The king thereby professes to grant unto the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of that Borough and their successors, that the Mayor for the time being shall have the custody, direction, and government of the House and Hospital of St. Leonard, and the government, punishment, and correction of the poor, infirm, and leprous people therein, "to the uses and purposes and upon the foundation thereof ordained or to be ordained;" and then the Charter continues: "And for default of leprous persons in the Hospital aforesaid, that it be and shall be lawful to the Mayor, Aldermen, and