Copy of the second memorial of Henry Smithson
To the most Honble. the Lord High Treasurer of Great Britain
The further Memorial of Henry Smithson
Most humbly sheweth
That the said Smithson on the 25th. March last presented a Memorial to your Lordship thereby humbly representing That thro' the neglect of the present Warden of the Mint & the discouragement by him given in the prosecution of several notorious Coyners & Vtterers of false Money as likewise makers of Tools & Instruments for that pernicious Trade several such cCriminals have been (not long since) acquitted and discharged for want of a due prosecution, & others now in Custody likely to be released in the same manner for that the said Warden & his Deputy refuse to disburse a farthings towards the charge thereof
That since the delivery of the abovesaid Memorial to Your Lordship the said Smithson hath receiv'd certain Information of Great Numbers of false Coyners who have join'd themselves together in a Body on the Borders of England near Scotland where they Coyne (without disturbance) vast Quantitys of counterfeit money both Gold & Silver which may prove of dangerous consequence to the Kingdom unless timely prevented.
That about a fortnight ago One Iohn Thompson came out of the North about 260 miles distance from London to give in his Informations to the said Warden against divers persons now in Custody for the Crimes aforesaid as likewise agt. others not taken (some of whom are Outlawd) And tho' the daid Thompson is a very material Evidence & a very proper Person for discovering & apprehending such Criminals (having a particular knowledge of most of the Gang on the Borders aforemencond) Yet the said Thompson was discountenanc'd by the said Warden & dismiss'd with the poor reward of a Crown
All which is most humbly submitted to Your Lordsps.
great wisdom & Iustice by Yr Lops
most devoted humble servant
Hen Smithson
Source
MINT 1/7/66, National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK16 Apr 1714, c. 336 words.