Page:Petty 1660 Reflections.djvu/37

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pickt out Lands by stealth or fraud: by shewing that I had leave and good warrant to do the same openly, which I used modestly; so I now shew, that it was a matter as well impossible, as of inconsiderable profit; for me to force men to sell me their Debentures.

For, 1. There were three other Commissioners besides my Selfe, any two of which could set out Lands; Besides, The Councell often did intermeddle therein themselves: wherefore I alone could not do the feat complained of, viz. obstruct at my pleasure.

2ly, If I alone had been able to give or with-hold Satisfactions, and would so with-hold them from such as would not sell, It argues that either there were no other Buyers (in which case I might lawfully have done harder things, then any man whispers against me) or else I did by this Prerogative, beat down the price of the whole Market, whereas it is most notorious, that from the time of my first buying, till my very leaving of Ireland, Debentures constantly rose. Now if I proffered under the Market; why should any Man sell to me? since when he had