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additional seats were assigned is conclusively shown by the
direct and avowed interference by the Government, from
time to time, with the elections. A letter of Edward to
all the Sheriffs is preserved, in which he commands them
to give notice to all freeholders, citizens and burgesses
within their respective counties, "that where the privy
council should recommend men of learning and wisdom in
such case their directions be regarded and followed."
Several persons so recommended were elected, all of whom
belonged to the Court or were in places of trust about the
King. The prevalence of these conditions renders the
course taken by the Vestry less surprising. A few extracts
have been made from the minute books as illustrative of
the manner in which the business was transacted:—
Sunday 17th Augst 1679.
A letter from ye Vestry Men of St. Martine in the ffeilds was
this day Read
Vizt.
At a Vestry of St. Martine in ye ffeilds
21st July, 1679.
Gentlemen,
We presume you are not Ignorant that his Matie has beene pleased
to declare that a new parlamt shall be assembled to meete on the
7th of October next And in regard ye Inhabts of ye Citty and
Liberty of Westmr are a greate Body of People & that it behoves
them to have Discreete men chosen to take care of their Lives
Liberties and Estates: On this occasion we who are of the Vestry
of ye parish of St. Martines aforesd do recomend it to you and
desire that within two daies after the date of this Letter you
would procure a Meeting of all ye Burgesses & Assistants & the
High Constable & acquaint them herewth And we do allso Inform
you that we have had so good experience in this parish of ye wisdome
& Ability of Sr Wm Pulteney that we resolve unanimously
to give our voyces for him to be one of or Burgesses to serve in
ye next Parliamt wherein we hope you will concurre But because
we will not Impose upon the rest of ye Parishes we desire you to
Consider who may be a fitt person to be ye other Burges to joyne
with him to prevent a confusion of many Competitors And that
you will desire ye Vestries of each of ye parishes to assomble on
Thursday next to agree amongst themselvos wth you on whom they
will determine And that you will also consider of some way to
communicate or Resolutions when they shall bo taken to ye Mgistrates
& Inhabitants of St. Martines Le Grande than when all parts