MACCLESFIELD.[17] GISM.  COOPER. 
  CADOGAN.[18] EDWD.  PAUNCEFORT. 
  JAMES LAMBORN, Mayor.  FRANCIS MASON. 
  THO.  PARKER.  RICHD.  MILES. 
  GEO. LANE PARKER.  EDWD.  PRASSEY. 
  JOHN FREEMAN.  JOHN CLARKE. 
  SAMBROOKE FREEMAN.  THOS.  HALL. 
WILLIAM STOCKWOOD, Rectr.

[Annexed to this petition is a copy of the same, with the names of the petitioners, also copied, and underneath them is written—­]

  Mr. Sharpe received this additional paper from the Duke of Newcastle
  with directions from His Grace to lay the same before Mr. Attorney
  General and to desire his opinion.

  Qu. Whether it may be advisable to Issue a Proclamation with the
  Offer of a Reward for apprehending Lieut.  Cranstoun.

This is a matter of mere discretion in His Majesty, and as there is no objection in point of Law to the Issueing such a Proclamation, so if there is any prospect of success in apprehending Cranstoun by that means I should think it an advisable measure.  But as he has certainly notice of an Intent to apprehend him it is probable he may be gone beyond sea, to his service.  If so the most probable means would be to get him seized by the order of the States General or any other State where he may be found to be.

  D. RYDER, 14 Oct., 1751.

  [Endorsed] The Noblemen & Gentlemen in the Neighbourhood of Henley
  upon Thames, and the Mayor & principal Magistrates of that Town to
  the Duke of Newcastle.

  Oct. 14th, 1751.

  For your Opinion hereon.

  Mr. Attorney General.

  3 Gs.  Sharpe.

V. LORD HARDWICKE TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.

(B.M.  Add.  MS. 32,725, f. 259.)

  Wimple, Oct. 9th, 1751. 4 o’clock p.m.

Dear Cousin,—­ ...  I enclose the Representation of the Noblemen etc., in the Neighbourhood of Henley relating to the issueing a Proclamation for the apprehending of Lieut.  Cranstoun.  It is impossible for me to judge whether this is a proper Case for issueing such a Proclamation, without seeing the Examinations & proofs of his Guilt, & of the probability of his having fled for it.  But, if there is proper Evidence of his Guilt, & a probable one of his Flight, I think it is a just foundation to issue such a proclamation in so flagrant a Case.  I submit to My Lord Duke whether he will not think it proper to refer the Papers to Mr. Attorney General....

  I am, etc.,

  HARDWICKE.

VI.  EARL OF MARCHMONT TO DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.

(B.M.  Add.  MS. 32,725, f. 291.)

  Redbraes Castle, 15th Oct., 1751.