Wesley's Plate.
An order was made in the House of Lords, in May, 1776, "that the commissioners of his majesty's excise do write circular letters to all such persons whom they have reason to suspect to have plate, as also to those who have not paid regularly the duty on the same." In consequence of this order, the accountant-general for household plate sent to the celebrated John Wesley a copy of the order. The reply was a laconic one—
"Sir: I have two silver teaspoons in London and two at Bristol. This is all the plate which I have at present; and I shall not buy any more while so many round me want bread.
"I am, sir,
Your most humble servant,
John Wesley."