the improvement of trade. On August
17, 1660, the King in Council drafted a letter to "Our very good Lord
the Lord Maior of the Citty of London & to the Court of Aldermen of the
said City," reading as follows:

"After our hearty commendations these are to acquaint you, That
his Majesty having this day taken into his princely consideration
how necessary it is for the good of this kingdom, that Trade and
Commerce with foreign parts, be with all due care, incouraged
and maintayned, And for the better settling thereof declared his
gracious intention to appoint a Committee of understanding able
persons, to take into their particular consideration all things
conducible thereunto; We do by his Ma^{ts} special command and
in order to the better carrying on of this truly royal, profitable,
and advantageous designe, desire you to give notice hereof
unto the Turkey Merchants, the Merchant Adventurers, the East
India, Greenland, and Eastland Companys, and likewise to the
unincorporated Traders, for Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and
the West India Plantations; Willing them out of their respective
societies to present unto his Majesty the names of fower of their
most knowing active men (of whom, when his Majesty shall have
chosen two and unto this number of merchants added some other
able and well experienced persons, dignified also with the
presence and assistance of some of his Majesty's Privy Council)
All those to be by his Ma^{tie} appointed constituted and authoried
by commission under the Great Seal as a Standing Committee, to
enquire into and rectify all things tending to the Advancement
of Trade and Commerce; That so by their prudent and faithful
council and advice, his Ma^{tie} may (now in this conjuncture,
whilst most Foraigne Princes and Potentates doe, upon his Ma^{ties}
most happy establishment upon his throne, seek to renew their
former Allyances with this Crowne), insert into the several
Treatyes, such Articles & Clauses as may render this Nation more
prosperous and flourishing in Trade and Commerce. Thus by prudence,
care, & industry improving those great advantages to the highest
point of felicity, which by its admirable situation Nature seems
to have indulged to this his Majesty's kingdom. So we bid you
heartily farewell."[5]

This letter was signed by Chancellor Hyde, Earl of So