ADDISON, Joseph (1672-1719). Essayist, poet & statesman.
Document Signed ('Feb. 17 1707/8 / Jurat. coram me / Jos. Addison.'), 1 page folio. A deposition, witnessed by Addison as commissioner of appeals, evidence given by Johanna Riches concerning the drinking activities of William Bland and his companion Mrs Atwood, and his probable smuggling trips to France.
England, being then at war with France, frowned upon trips to France which, according to Mrs Riches, Bland had made four times since the beginning of hostilities.

' ... being there very merry together, she told Mrs Riches she hoped in a few days they should have better Lyquor to be merry with than that they were then drinking, for she expected to have some very good wine shortly ...'

Also included is a copy of the act of 1657 For punishing of such Persons as live at high Rates, and have no visible Estate, Profession or Calling answerable thereunto.
[No: 7401]