The CASE of the Free-men and Free-holders of the City of Bristoll, concerning their Election of Citizens to represent them in this present Parliament: Humbly Offered to the Consideration of the Honourable the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses in Parliament Assembled.
HIS Majesties Writs being Issued for Calling this present Parliament, one was directed to the Sheriff of Bristoll, requiring that City to proceed to Elect Two Citizens to serve for that City.
Was the day of the Election, 1 Sept. 1679, when there stood in Competition for the said City,
- Sir Robert Cann.
- Sir John Knight.
- Sir Robert Yeomans.
- Mr. Robert Henly, Merchant.
The Poll was demanded, granted, and duly taken by persons appointed thereto, by consent of all the Competitors.
The Poll by Proclamation was closed, 9 Sept. 1679, and the Books cast up by four several persons, by agreement of all the Competitors, except Mr. Henly, who refused to appear, though sent for, yielding that he had lost the Election. By the Poll-Books, when cast up, it appeared
- Sir Robert Cann had—1157
- Sir John Knight—1152
- Sir Robert Yeomans—1084
- Henly—0870
Whereupon the Sheriffs Proclaimed Sir Robert Cann and Sir John Knight duly Elected, and sealed their Indenture, and accordingly were returned, and sate in this Honourable House.
Sir Robert Yeomans, who had 200 Votes more then Mr. Henly, acquiessed therein.
Mr. Henly Petitioned this Honourable House against Sir Robert Cann.
Sir Robert, since the Petition exhibited, is for Misdemeanor removed out of the House.
The Free-men and Free-holders of Bristoll thereupon have humbly Petitioned to be heard, and that Mr. Henly may not be admitted to sit, but that a new Writ may Issue for Electing a new Citizen in the room of Sir Robert Cann.
⟨10 th⟩ Dec. 1680, Is the day appointed for Hearing upon Mr. Henly's Petition.