"Therefore," the
petition to Parliament concluded, "as he has not hitherto
received the intended benefit of the aforesaid patent, and in
consideration of the extraordinary nature of this undertaking,
the very great expense, hazard, and difficulty he has undergone,
as well as the advantage he has thereby procured to the nation at
his own expense, the said Sir Thomas Lombe humbly hopes that
Parliament will grant him a further term for the sole making and
using his engines, or such other recompense as in their wisdom
shall seem meet."[6]
The petition was referred to a Committee. After consideration,
they recommended the House of Commons to grant a further term of
years to Sir Thomas Lombe. The advisers of the King, however,
thought it better that the patent should not be renewed, but that
the trade in silk should be thrown free to all. Accordingly the
Chancellor of the Exchequer acquainted the House (14th March,
1731) that "His Majesty having been informed of the case of Sir
Thomas Lombe, with respect to his engine for making organzine
silk, had commanded him to acquaint this House, that His Majesty
recommended to their consideration the making such provision for
a recompense to Sir Thomas Lombe as they shall think proper."
The result was, that the sum of 14,000L. was voted and paid to
Sir Thomas Lombe as "a reward for his eminent services done to
the nation, in discovering with the greatest hazard and
difficulty the capital Italian engines, and introducing and
bringing the same to full perfection in this kingdom, at his own
great expense.
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