CCC. Lord Treasurer. Draft of Warrant for the Collection of
Duties[43]
March 25, 1623
Papers of Lord Sackville, No. 6165
Document at Knole Park, Kent
After my harty comendacions, Wheras I understand there is a ship
lately aryved within the porte of London from the Bermudos or Somer-
Ilands wherof for the most parte hir ladeinge is Tobacco, and for that
I have binn informed that you have made stay of passinge the Tobacco
in regard of the pretence of a contracte with the Company of Bermudos
and Virginia for the Importacion of Tobacco, beinge intended upon his
Majestie's parte for the benefitt and good of the said companyes, which
uppon debate of the Councell Boarde beinge ther amply argued and heard
before the Lordes of his Majesties Privie Counsell is conceived to bee
rather prejuditiall unto the Companyes if the said contracte should goe
forward in consideracion wherof his Majestie is graciously pleased that
you suffer the said tobacco to bee delivered unto the severall proprietors
therof they payinge unto his Majestie's farmers of the customes three
pence per pound for the subsidy which the said farmers are contented
to accepte of without demandinge any defalcation from the King, And it
is resolved by the Lordes of the Councell and so promised by many of the
Company both of Virginia and Bermuthos that they will hence forward [bring]
all the Tobacco exported from Virginia and Bermudos into his Majesties
dominions, And for the impost or increase of subsidy you receive unto
his Majestie's use for all the said Virginia and Bermudos Tobacco belong-
inge unto any Planter or free brother of the said companyes sixe pence
per pound redy monye beeinge the rate formerly agreed on, And for all
such Virginia and Bermudos Tobacco which shall not belonge unto any
Planter or free brother of the said Companyes the usuall impost of eighteen
pence per pound redy [money] due uppon Tobacco as hath bine formerly
used. And this shalbe a sufficient Warrante unto you for the present untill
further order shalbe given for the same. Chelsey this 25th. of March 1623.
Your very loving freind
To my very loving friendes the officers and farmers of his Majesties
customes and to Abraham Jacob and Jo. Jacob67 Collectors of
the impost and increase of subsidye uppon tobacco.
[Indorsed:] Warrant for to receive iii d. per pound for the subsidy of
Virginia and Bermudos Tobacco and vi d. per pound for the impost or
increase of subsidy of the same Tobaccoe.
