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d. 43.

The Truth was the Bill laying these dutys so pernicious in its nature, so inconsiderable in its product was nevertheless a favorite Scheme to those in power, as it furnish'd a pretence for enlarging the Establishment by creating a new Office, & making room for a new Set of Comms. Clerks, & c.

The City of London were the greatest Sufferers, therefore by way of palliative the House pass'd a unanimous Vote to address the King that permissions & protections might be granted for coasting Vessels & for the Supply of provisions for London.

We have observ'd formerly that the Sum Voted for the Fleet was £ 2,342,712. The appropriations to that Service by the Several Acts were as follows