Holograph draft of legislation restricting the export of silver bullion

Diplomatic TextCatalogue Entry

<94r>

Whereas the exportation of silver in the form of Bullion only occasions the coyning considerable quantities thereof by the Indians in such Ports of the East Indies where the Merchants tradeing to the those countries have not a Mint of their own for which coynage the Indians receive of the Merchants a considerable seigniorage or Duty at discretion, and whereas the bringing of forreign silver to the Mint may tend to increase the coyn of this kingdom and the coynage of such silver in England will be encouraged by giving liberty to export so much money by weight and no more as shall be coyned out of such forreign silver and the said monies by circulating in England till exportation will be usefull to the Merchant and be an addition to the coyn of this kingdom and so much thereof as shall at any time be exported will by circulating in forreign countries make this kingdome appear abroad more rich and potent then at present to the great credit of the English nation: Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid

<text in Unknown Hand begins>Memorandum Mr Harrison says that though they should export our Silver mony the East India Company would be obliged to retain it.

<95v>

Preamble to a bill, for allowing, exportation of money