m these circumstances, it was held most necessary that the digging of
saltpetre and making of gunpowder should by all fit means be encouraged, at
that time when it so much concerned the public safety; nevertheless, to
prevent the reviving of those _oppressions and exactions_ exercised upon
the people, under the colourable authority of commissions granted to
_salt-peter-men_; which burden had been eased since the sitting of that
Parliament. To the end there might not be any pretence to interrupt the
work, it was ordained that the committee of safety, their factors, workmen,
and servants, should have power and authority, (within prescribed hours) to
search and dig for saltpetre in all pigeon-houses, stables, cellars,
vaults, empty warehouses, and other outhouses, yards, and places likely to
afford that earth.

The _salt-peter-men_ were to level the ground and repair damage done by
them; or might be compelled to do so by the deputy-lieutenants, justices of
the peace, or committees of parliament.

The _salt-peter-men_ were also empowered to take carts, by the known
officers, for carriage of the liquor, vessels, and other utensils, from
place to place, at specified prices, and under limitations as to weight and
distance; and they were freed from taxes and tolls for carriages used about
their works, and empowered to take outhouses, &c., for their workhouses,
making satisfaction to the owners.

This ordinance was to continue for two years, from 25th March, 1644.

An ordinance of a similar character was passed 9th February, 1652, to be in
force till 25th March, 1656 (_Scobell_, 231.).

By an act of the Lord Protector and Parliament, made in 1656, it was
enacted that no person or persons should dig within the houses or lands of
any person or persons of the commonwealth for the finding of saltpetre, nor
take the carriages of any person or persons for the carrying of their
materials or vessels, without their leave first obtained or had.
(_Scobell_, 377.) This is the act referred to by BROCTUNA ("N. & Q.," Vol.
vii., p. 434.), and by my friend MR. ISAIAH DECK ("N. & Q.," Vol. vii., p.
460.), though I am not certain that MR. DECK'S inference be correct, that
this act was passed in consequence of the new and uncertain process for
obtaining the constituents of nitre having failed; and it is quite clear
that Lord Coke could not have referred to this act. The enactment referred
to is introduced by way of proviso in an act allowing th