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Supplication John Hilstone and Alexander Downie
30 May 1650
To the honourable and high court of parliament, the humble supplication of John Hilstone and Alexander Downie
Shows,
That we have been trafficking and bringing home the commodity of tartacle and whole canvas to this kingdom for the good and ease of those that had to do with these commodities, and though the profit arising by the bringing home thereof was but small, yet for the good of the country and that the ships, barks and boats within the same might be the more readily served therewith, we still continued trafficking therewith without any trouble until of late that we are troubled and charged for payment of excise; therefore whereupon, if excise shall be imposed, it will more than exhaust all the benefit that may be had thereby and so make us desert the bringing home thereof in time coming and discourage others likewise from this, which may occasion a prejudice to others trading. In consideration whereof, our humble desire is that we may be declared free of excise for the said commodity and that for all arrears, and declare the same and us or any other importers thereof free from payment of all excise for the same, and to give warrant to the commissioners of excise for that effect in time coming. And your lordships' answer.
It is humbly desired that your lordships would be pleased to explain the act and table anent made work.
Edinburgh, 30 May 1650
Remitted by the parliament to the committee of excise to bring in their report with a table of made work and to call for skilful men for giving information relating thereto.