Petition from Ralph Freeman, alderman, Job Harby, and Company, to James Ley, Earl of Marlborough [manuscript], 1627.

1 leaf ; 30 x 39 cm folded to 30 x 16 cm

Contains unsigned petition explaining the export of cloth and other items into Muscovy and how they have returned with a "shipps laden w[i]th Cordage, beauers, tarr, & other com[m]odityes; allsoe two small ships w[hi]ch had in them about fower hundred & fower butts of cauyare." The caviar is not vendible in England, but they wanted to keep the convoy together because of the present wars and asks to land the caviar free of duty for re-export in ships of better defense. Petition followed by response signed by Marlborough dated February 11, 1627, requesting that the contracted farmers of the customs consider the petition; on verso a signed response dated March 15, 1627 from four unidentified men; followed by a final response signed by Marlborough and dated March 24, 1627. Half rate granted on caviar.

Petition addressed: To the Righte hono[ra]ble Jeames Earle of Marlborow Lord Highe Treasurer of Englande. Response dated: "ffebr the 11th 1627"; signed: Marleburgh. 2nd response dated: Custome house the xvth of March 1627. 3rd response dated: March the 24th 1627; signed: Marleburgh. Endorsed: Mr. Alderm[an] ffreeman and Harbyes peticon referred.

Also includes a note of sums possibly related to import duties on caviar.

Great Britain -- England -- London.

X.d.680 (8)

MS Add 862