Statement by Joseph Hoyle of the Signet Office that appointments to the mastership prior to Newton's were normally for life

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Iuly 1660 12th Car 2d

A Grant of the Officer of Master and Worker of his Majties. Monies both Gold and Silver in the Mint in the Tower of London to Sr Ralph Freeman during his life with a salary of 500li ꝑ Ann. with all Buildings houses and fees &ca. belonging to the said Office.

August 1670 22th Car 2d.

a like Grant to Henry Slingsby Esqr. during life, to take place after the Death of Sr. Ralph Freeman,

Iuly 1678 30th Car, 2d,

a like Grant to Thomas Neale Esqr. during Life to take place after the Death of henry Slingby

Sr

upon Examination into our Books at this office, I find the Three persons above named to be Predecessors in the Office of Master's of the Mint, to Sr Isaac Newton, he succeeding Mr Neale in the Year 1699 I can go farther back as far as the 30th of Eliza. to Satisfy you, and Answer Your Question, but I think the Three foregoing precedents may be Sufficient to Prove, that this Office was usualy granted for Life, and Sr Presume it was always so granted till Sr Isaac Newtons time, I am with the Greatest truth and esteem Sr.

Your most obedient humble

Servant

Ios: Moyle.

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Precedents from the Signet office, of the grant of the office of Mr & Wr of the Mint for life.