History of the Company. 135 



'* May it please your Royal Highnesses — 



" The Company of Saddlers esteem themselves greatly 

 honoured by your Royal Highnesses' permission to con- 

 gratulate you on this happy occasion. 



" The Increase of your Royal Highnesses' family 

 presents us with a pleasing Prospect, and spreads uni- 

 versal Joy over the whole nation. 



" And this Company, by Inclination as well as Duty, 

 most humbly begg leave to assure your Royal Highness 

 that none more ardently wish a long continuance of 

 Prosperity to your Royal House. 



" And, in process of time, they doubt not but this 

 young Prince will become a Blessing to Posterity by 

 your Exam.ples." 



To v^hlch His Royal Highness made ansvi^er 

 to the follov^ing effect, viz. : — 



" That he returned the Company thanks for their 

 dutiful Address to him and the Princess, and that he 

 should take all opportunities to shew his Regard to the 

 Company." 



And afterwards the Company were regaled with 



wine. 



On the 4th May, 1739, the Court passed the 

 j^ following order : — 



" That when the Princess of Wales shall be brought 

 to Bed of a Prince or Princess, for the future, the Clerk 

 of the Company for the time being is empowered to 

 order a Bonfire to be made before the Hall. But 

 if there is a sufficient time to acquaint the Master 

 thereof the Clerk is to do it." 



We likewise learn that a similar form of 



