Ar the same Assembly, Alderman Richard Dutton was desired that he would be pleased with

all speed to repair to Oxford, to present a petition to his Majesty, in answer to a most gracious letter received from him. Alderman Dutton consented,

and it was ordered that his expences should be de

frayed at the city expence.

May 24.

the

In an assembly it was ordered by general consent, that the Justices within the city should weekly pay towards the reparation of the mud walls, the sum of twelve-pence, the Sheriffs and the rest of the Aldermen ten-pence, Common Council-men five-pence; also the sum of fifty pounds to be levied upon the inhabitants at large, for the speedy repairing the city gates, making of portcullis, cleansing the ditch by the Eastgate*, and all other things requisite for the good and safety of the garrison.

*In all probability where John street is now situated

Sept. 3. At an assembly it was ordered, that the sum of one hundred pounds per week, for and towards the maintenance of the garrison, should be assessed as follows:-The sum of sixty pounds per week to be paid by the citizens and ancient inhabitants of the city and the liberties thereof; and the remainder, being the sum of forty pounds per week, to be paid by the nobility, gentry, clergy, and others who had come for protection into the city, to be collected by such as the Governor should appoint: And the assessors of the sixty pounds were ordered to assess such of the city soldiers as were able and wealthy, having especial regard to those citizens as had most gainful trades in the city, whereby the poor might be eased in their assessments; and that this assessment be continued for five weeks only.

It was likewise ordered that the Treasurers of

the

the city should examine the mud walls according to the Governor's desire, who were likewise to

wait upon the Governor for his warrant to see the High Sheriff of Flintshire, to press carts for the carriage of coals to the garrison.

Ar the same assembly a petition was presented from the inhabitants near the Eastgate, shewing, that their cellars when rains fell, were overflown, and such noisome smells proceeded thereby, that they were not able to abide in their houses, much less to make use of their cellars; and they stated the reason to be, that the draw-bridge ditch was dammed and choaked up with filth, having no way to evacuate. This complaint was ordered to be redressed, under the direction of the Governor and Alderman Robert Starkie.

This act of assembly bespoke their humane considerations in behalf of the poor, and their determined

mined perseverance in the defence of the city, by the contributions of the rich; indeed the whole of the decrees of the corporation at this period, are strongly marked by unanimity, justice and wisdom.

CHAP

CHAP. II.

Jan. 31, 1644.

CHARLES WALLEY, Mayor.—It was or

dered, that one hundred pounds worth of the ancient city plate should be forthwith converted into coin, for the necessary use and defence of the city. At the same assembly it was ordered, That the sum of eight score pounds should be assessed upon the city, to be collected at twenty

pounds