December 1782

Gentlemen

I most respectfully beg leave to decline being
a Candidate for the Office of Clerk of the Tolls of St. James's Hay
Market , which I am induced to do by an Apprehension that a
Candidate whose application was prior to mine, will be successful;
and therefore I am unwilling to put those Gentlemen who are
so kind as to favor me with their friendly Intentions, to the
Trouble of Voting for me. I beg leave to express my grateful
Thanks to such Gentlemen, and hope that I shall preserve
their good Opinion until an Opportunity shall offer more
favorable to

Gentlemen

Your most Obedient
and very humble Servant;
J. Webb.

Great Russel Street
Decr. 20, 1782.

His Majestys Justices of the Peace non proceeding to ballot
and the ballot continuing till the hour of two and being then closed
Upon examination of the ballot it appeared that 47 of His Majestys
Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex and City and Liberty of
Westminster had voted of which number there appeared for Mr.
Joseph Stocken< no role > 34 for Mr John Walford< no role > 13 Whereupon & motion was
made that Mr Joseph Stocken< no role > is duly elected. and the motion being
agreed to It is Resolved that Mr. Joseph Stocken< no role > is duly elected
Collector of the Tolls of the St. James's Haymarket .

A Motion was made that Mr. Stocken be called in and
acquainted with his election which being agreed to and Mr. Stocken.