( 287 )
pence, and that were quitt to the State, and endeavoured to charge the same uppon the armyes security—
- I answer:
That I gathered up but what the army had quitted to the State; I must answer that to the State, not them.
From all which I humbly inferr:
1st. That I possess noe land without order from lawfull authority.
2dly. That the lands I have did cost me more proportionably then others usually have paid.
3dly. That I have noe advantages, as to the manner of my satisfaction, but what my present accusers and many others have procured for themselves, and doe enjoy; and this I say, not as recrimination, but as an argument ad hominem.
4thly. That the way of my satisfaction is neither contrary to law or equity, only itt is singular and extraordinary that I did not choose this way, but was forced into it, to avoid scandall in my employment, not having dealt for lands or debentures till three monethes after the body of the army was satisfyed; yet this was dearer, less safe, more lyeable to jealousie, then the common, and therefore allsoe not chosen by me, and is such away as I am willing to change for the common way, as I have severall times proffered to doe, both of late and heretofore.
5thly. That my care to avoyd scandall as afforesaid, and my service as a Comissioner, hindered me from laying out my money to neer 3700li more advantage then now I have made by itt.
6thly. That I have received nothing for my three yeares labour and misery, but am exsposed to calumny, &c., for my reward, and that the State have gained well by the very manner of my satisfaction. All which, reserving the liberty of further answer, is submitted by
William Petty.
Dated the 18th of March,
16589.
