November 1782.

"That they are greatly to be imputed to the encouragement given to
"Rogues and their Accomplices; by Persons who keep Night Houses
"and Cellars which are resorted to by great numbers of loose and
"disorderly Persons and that the gaming Houses as also the places
"where strong Liguors are drunk to excess contribute much to the
"corruption of the Morals of those of an inferior Rank, and to the
"leading them into these wicked courses has commanded me to
"recommend it in his name, in the strongest manner to the
"Justices of the peace for the County of Middlesex to employ their
"utmost care and vigilance in preventing and suppressing these
"Disorders by holding frequent petty Sessions for this purpose in their
"several Parishes or other Divisions by calling before them the High
"Constables and other proper Officers under their direction and giving them
"the strictest Orders and Warrants from time to time as there shall be
"occasion to search for and apprehend Rogues Vagabonds idle and
"disorderly Persons in order to their being dealt with according to Law.
"and likewise to proceed with rigour as well against all persons
"harbouring such Offenders as against those who keep the said Night
"Houses or Cellars Tippling or common Gaming Houses or who practice
"or encourage unlawful Gaming.

"And his Majesty having very much at heart the performance
"of this service wherein the honour of his Government the preservations
"of the peace and the safety of His Subjects are so much concerned
"does further require the said Justices in their respective Sessions to
"draw up in Writing from time to time an account of their proceedings
"herein inserting the names of the Justices attending such Meetings
"and of the Peace Officers whom they shall employ taking particular
"notice of the Zeal and diligence of each of them in the performance of his
"Duty: which Accounts are to be transmitted from the said several
"Sessions to one of His Majestys principal Secretaries of State to be laid
"before His Majesty who being informed of their behaviour may reward
"such of them as shall distinguish themselves in the faithful and
"diligent execution of their office: His majesty not doubting but the Justices
"on their part will take care to punish with rigour as by Law they may
"Those who shall appear to have been guilty of corruption or negligence therein

"You will be pleased to acquaint the Justices of the peace for the said
"County and all others whom it may concern with this His Majestys
"pleasure, that the same may be duly and punctually complied with

"I am
"Sir
"Your most obedient
"humble Servant
"T Townshead."

Chairman of the Sessions of the peace
of the County of Middlesex "