Response to a petition from Anthony Redhead [former master of the Norwich Mint] against unjust and over-long imprisonment Isaac Newton c. 370 words The Newton Project Oxford 2016 Newton Project, University of Oxford

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 c. 5 August 1702, c. 370 words. Treasurer

Printed in NC, 7: 427-8. Clerical copy dated 5 August 1702 in PRO, Mint 1/7, p. 40.

As the Mint Board understand it, a confiscation order was served on Redhead at Michaelmas 1699 by [Thomas] Neale [then master of the London Mint] because he owed the Norwich Mint over £3,300. He has been in gaol ever since and appears to be without funds: they recommend he be released subject to approval by the Queen's Counsel.

 MINT 19/2/485, National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK UKSurreyKew, RichmondNational Archives MINT 19/2/485 c. 5 August 1702 England English Holograph Unknown Hand Unknown Hand (1) MintClippers, Coiners and Embezzlers MintCorrespondence Catalogue information compiled by Rob Iliffe, Peter Spargo & John Young Catalogue exported to teiHeader by Michael Hawkins Transcribed by Will Scott Will Scott finished transcription

To the RtRight HonbleHonourable Sidney Lord Godolphin Lord High Treasurer of England.

May it please yoryour LordpLordship

In obedience to yoryour LordpsLordships Order of Reference of Iuly 3 upon the annexed Petition of Mr Anthony Redhead late Master & Worker of the Mint at Norwich, we have considered the matter and humbly represent that yethe Petitioner for a debt of above 3300li due to the Treasury of that Mint had an Extent in And taken out against his body & goods by Mr Neale about Michaelmas 1699 & was thereupon committed to Prison in Ludgate (as he represents) where he hath continued ever since. That we do not know what private engagements there were between Mr Neale & the Petitioner upon the setting up of that Mint nor how poor the Petitioner is. tho he hath been frequently represented us unable to pay the debt it seems to be poor. When he was first imprisoned the Officers of the Mint believed that he had money but it doth not appear to us that he hand. And But considering that he hath lain long in prison & that his estate if he hath any doth not appeare to us we beleive it very reasonable that he should be set at liberty so soon as it can be done by a due course of law method. ButFor if her MajtyMajesty sets him at liberty she discharges Mr Neale & his security from the debt. The Petitioner was Mr Neale's Prisoner & to set him at liberty belongs to Mr Neales Administrators (whenever there shall be any) & to his & security & yet if they set him at liberty they discharge him of the debt. And on order to his opinion weIn order to his liberty we are humbly of opinion that the AcctsAccounts of the country Mints wchwhich lye in the Auditors hands be dispatcht wthwith all convenient speed & that Mr Neales security do attend the passing of them And when it appears how recconings stand between her MajtyMajesty & them, we shall be ready to advise with the Queens Councisel about the next step for bringing things to an issue

All wchwhich is most humbly submitted &c

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