Page:Life of Sir William Petty 1623 – 1687.djvu/337

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310
LIFE OF SIR WILLIAM PETTY
chap. x

'2. That 124th parte of the peoples Expence, is a Competent Revenue for England in peace and warr.

'3. That the officers of the above Army, being 110th of the same, with a few others, seems to be the Naturall and to have been the originall House of Peers.

'4. That the Council elsewhere described, chosen by God and the whole people, is a good Representation of them and of the Church Nationall.

'5. That an account of [the] lands and hands of all the King's Subjects, is an effectuall Instrument of Government.

'6. That it is not the Interest of England to seek more Territoryes nor send out its Subjects, but to unite Ireland with England and soe enlarge their trade.

'7. That the Navy Royall should consist of particular ships, with a perfect account of all others, both at home and abroad.

'8. That there should be a Bank, sufficient for all the trade these Nations are capable of, as alsoe a Register of lands.

'9. That Liberty of Religion and Naturalization be secured.

' 10. That the Coynes, weights, and measures, be made regular and unabuseable.

'11. That there be a Reformation of Diocesses, parishes, and Church Duties.

'12. That means be used to lessen the plagues of London which probably the next time will carry away twenty thousand people, worth seventy pound p. head.'

Another paper in his handwriting was found on the table in his room, containing a remarkable forecast of the course of events in England and Ireland in the great struggle which was so clearly at hand. It ran as follows:—

'When the Establishment of Popery in England is found impracticable, then K.J., being a friend, and the Irish officers, with their 8,000 soldiers, will make a Convention of the forfeiting Irish and a Militia of 15,000 men. The French will send 7,000 men and shipping; and will have Cautionary Townes. The Revenue will be 300 thousand per annum, and the Protestants estates, above 800 thousand, in all 1100 thousand;