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85.

both within & without doors,, Petitions from all quarters expressing the bad effects of Monopolys in Trade were sent up against them, amongst these one from several Working Goldsmiths in relation to the scarcity of Silver, contain'd matter of such importance that special Committee was appointed to take it into consideration.

It was set forth in this petition that 286, 112. ounces of Silver, & 89, 949. Dollars had been enter'd ^ addition underline in the Customs House Books /underline /addition by private persons for exportation since the 1st. of Oct; it was also suggested that the East India Company & divers Jews & Merchants had bought up great quantitys of Silver for exportation at three half pence per ounce above the value, which had encourag'd the melting down plate & mill'd Money, & thus prevented the Mint from Coining; the Commite sate the 9th. of Apr. the report was not made till the 8th. of May