The Virginia Gazette

Dec. 21. The Wardens and Court of Assistants of Fishmongers, went in Procession, from their Hall in Thames-Street, to Leicester-House; to present his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, with the Freedom of their Company. The prime Warden, presented his Royal Highness (who was seated, and surrounded by the young Princes, and the Lords of his Court) with his Freedom in a Gold Box of exquisite Workmanship. At the same Time Mr. Tomkyns, Clerk of the Company, address'd his Royal Highness in the following Speech; They all had the Honour of kissing the Prince's Hand; and after being entertain'd, by his Royal Highness's Desire, they return'd back in the same Order they came.

May it please your Royal Highness,

THE Wardens, and Commonalty of the Mystery of Fishmongers of the City of London, beg Leave to return their unfeigned Thanks For this additional Honour of being permitted to wait on your Royal Highness with your Freedom of their Company.

This worshipful Company, Sir, is fourth in Precedency of the several Companies of the City of London. But, Sir, inferior to none in Zeal and Affection to his Majesty, your Royal Highness, the Princes, and the whole Royal Family.

The Fishmongers were incorporated so long ago as in the Reign of King Richard II. and their Charter has been renewed and confirmed in several Reigns Since that Time.

This Company, Sir, are famous for having had near 60 Lords Mayors of the City of London, besides many of the most considerable Merchants and eminent Citizens, free of it; one of which, Sir William Walworth, is recorded in History for his Bravery, in the 4th Year of Richard II. when he was the second Time Lord Mayor of London, for destroying with his own Hand, that notorious Rebel Wat Tyler, then at the Head of 30,000 Rebels, and thereby putting an End to a very dangerous Rebellion, of which he was the Promoter and Ringleader.

But, Sir, these are Honours no longer to be boasted of, when such infinitely greater are conferred by your Royal Highness, in condescending to accept of the Freedom of the Company.

To which his Royal Highness was pleased to make the following most gracious Answer.

Gentlemen,

ALL Marks of Regard that come from any Branch of the City of London are very agreeable to me; and your Company will always find me a sincere and hearty Friend.