The following is an Extract of the Patent of the Commissioners of his
Majesty's Customs Dated the 2d day of December 1769.

" And to the Intent that you our said Commissioners may be the better
" enabled to attend the Execution of this our Commission and of the
" Trust in you reposed and may not be withdrawn there from
" Our Will & Pleasure is And we do hereby Grant Declare and
" Ordain that whilst this our Commission shall Continue inforce
" you our said Commissioners hereby Constituted and all
" officers of the Customs as well those appointed or authorized by
" Letters Patenter by Constitution or Warrant from the Commissioners
" of our Treasury or of our High Treasurer of Great Britain
" as those Officers which are or shall be appointed or deputed
" by you our said Commissioners in or for the management of our
" said revenue shall not be compellable to serve on any Jury
" or appear or serve at any Assize or Sessions or to Serve any
" Parish or other public Office whatsoever Civil or Military
" Hereby requiring and Commanding all Mayors Sheriffs
" Justices of the Peace Bailliff Constables and all other our
" Officers & subjects whatsoever whom it shall or may concern:
" that they and every of them do take Notice of this our Royal
" Pleasure as they will answer the contrary at their utmost Perils"

Quy

Your Opinion is desired-Whether the said Mr Skinner
is by virtue of the aforesaid Warrant & Patent to the
Commissioners of the Customs Exempted from the Services of
the said office of Overseer & all other Offices whatsoever
or not.

Opinion
although Mr Skinner is stated to have purchased his appointmt
originally from the City, yet & apprehend he become as much