X.
That the said Earl of Strafford, being Lord Lieutenant, or Deputy of Ireland, procured the * 1.1 Customs of the Merchandize exported out, and im∣ported into that Realm to be farmed to his own use.
And in the Ninth Year of his now Majesties Reign, he having then interest in the said Cu∣stoms (to advance his own gain and lucre) did cause and procure the Native Commodities of Ireland, to be rated in the Book of Rates for the Customs (according to which the Customs were usually gathered) at far greater values and prices, than in truth they were worth; (that is to say) every hide at 20 shillings, which in truth was worth but five shillings, every stone of Wool at Thirteen shillings four pence, though the same ordinarily were worth but five shillings, at the utmost but nine shillings; by which means the Custom which before was but a twentieth part of the true value of the Commodity, was inhanced sometimes to a fifth part, and sometimes to a fourth, sometimes to a third part of the true va∣lue, to the great oppression of the Subjects, and decay of Merchandize.