February 1644
[26 February, 1643/4.]
Bullion and Coin brought to Dover and London in English shipping to have free passage and protection.; Two-thirds of such Bullion or Coin may be transported at 2d. per Cent. duty The third part to be brought to the Mint.
The Lords and Commons now in Parliament assembled, having
received Information by Merchant Strangers, and others concerned in the Importation of Plate and Bullion into this
Kingdome, That their Correspondents Inhabiting in the parts
beyond the Seas, have conceived many feares and jealousies,
which have and doe discourage them in the usuall Importing of
Bullion into this Kingdome. For the better security and incouragement of all Merchants and Importers in of Bullion or
Coyne into this Kingdome, doe Ordaine and Declare, That all
Bullion and Coyne that shall be brought in any English Shipping, shall have free and safe Passage and Protection as in any
former times both by Sea and Land into the Ports of Dover and
London. And that no Seisure or detention from this State shall
upon any pretence whatsoever be layd upon the same, or any
part thereof, in whose hand soever the same shal be intrusted
either Stranger or Native. But that the said Plate, Bullion or
Coyne shall be brought into, and out of his Majesties Mint in
the Tower of London as heretofore. And further That as in
former times they shall have free Liberty to Transport the two
third parts of such Bullion or Coyne that shall be so Imported,
paying two per Cent. duty for the same as formerly, And the
other third part is to be brought to the Mynt, And further, That
from the Downes they shall have Convoy as usually heretofore,
or free Liberty to Transport the said two Third parts in shipping
of their owne.