the bank, paying no more but sixpence. It is expected, that a scheme of so much advantage to the public will meet with more encouragement than their chimerical banks; and the undertaker hopes, that as he has spent a considerable fortune in bringing this scheme to bear, he may have the satisfaction to see it take place, for the public good, though he should have the fate of most projectors, to be undone. It is resolved, that no compositions shall be made, nor licences granted for swearing, under a notion of applying the money to pious uses; a practice so scandalous as is fit only for the see of Rome, where the money arising from whoring licences is applied ad propagandam fidem: And to the shame of Smock-alley, and of all Protestant whores, (especially those who live under the light of the Gospel-ministry) be it spoken, a whore in Rome never lies down, but she hopes it will be the means of converting some poor heathen, or heretic. The swearing revenues of the town of Cork will be given for ever, by the bank, to the support of poor clergymen's widows; and those of Ringsend will be allowed to the maintenance of sailors' bastards. The undertaker designs, in a few days, to appoint time and place for taking subscriptions; the subscribers must come prepared to pay down one fourth, on subscribing. POSTSCRIPT. The Jews of Rotterdam have offered to farm the revenues of Dublin at twenty thousand pounds per ann. Several eminent Quakers are also willing to take them at that rent; but the undertaker has rejected their proposals, being resolved to deal with none but Christians. Application may be made to him about them, any day at Pat's coffee-house, where attendance will be given. A LETTER TO THE KING AT ARMS. [FROM A REPUTED ESQUIRE,' ONE OF THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE BANK.] SIR, IN November 18, 1721. N a late printed paper,2 containing some notes and queries upon that list of the subscribers' names, which was published by order of the commissioners for receiving of subscriptions, I find some hints and innuendoes that would seem to insinuate, as if I and some others were only reputed esquires; and our case is referred to you, in your kingly capacity. I desire you will please to let me know the lowest 1 The title, Esquire, according to a high authority, was anciently applied "to the younger sons of nobility and their heirs in the immediate line, to the eldest sons of knights and their heirs, to the esquire of the knights and others of that rank in his Majesty's service, and to such as had eminent employment in the Commonwealth, and were not knighted, such as judges, sheriffs, and justices of the peace during their offices, and some others. But now," says Sir Edward Walker, "in the days of Charles I, the addition is so increased, that he is a very poor and inconsiderable person who writes himself less." Accordingly, most of the signatures for shares in the projected National Bank of Ireland, were dignified with the addition of Esquire, which, added to the obscurity of the subscribers, incurs the ridicule of our author in the following treatise. [S.] 2 SUBSCRIBERS TO THE BANK, PLACED ACCORDING TO THEIR A true and exact account of the nobility, gentry, and traders, of the kingdom of Ireland, who, upon mature deliberation, are of opinion, that the establishing a bank upon real security, would be highly for the advantage of the trade of the said kingdom, and for increasing the current species of money in the same. Extracted from the list of the subscribers price of a real esquire's coat of arms: And, if we can agree, I will give my bond to pay you out of the first interest İ receive for my subscription; because things are a little low to the Bank of Ireland, published by order of the commissioners appointed to receive subscriptions. N.B: The temporal Lords of Ireland are 125, the Bishops 22. In all 147, exclusive of the aforesaid French Count. N.B. Total of baronets and knights in Ireland uncertain; but in common computation supposed to be more than two. Members of the House of Commons-41. One whereof reckoned before amongst the two knights. N.B. Number of Commoners in all 300. N.B. There are at least 20 of the said 37 Esquires whose names are little known, and whose qualifications as Esqrs are referred to the king at arms; and the said king is desired to send to the publisher hereof a true account of the whole number of such real or reputed Esqrs as are to be found in this kingdom. N.B. Of this number one French dean, one French curate, and one bookseller. Officers not members of Parliament-16 N.B. Of the above number 10 French; but uncertain whether on whole or half pay, broken, or of the militia. Ladies I Women. Widows 3 whereof one qualified to be deputy-governor. N.B. It being uncertain in what class to place the eight female sub |