Preface.
To the Merchants and Traders of the
City of London.
Gentlemen,
Although the publishing of the ensuing Pamphlet (or Catalogue) may at the first view, seem to several persons a ridiculous and preposterous attempt, yet the Author of this poor Collection humbly hopes, that it will not be exploded or rejected by you, for whose ease and conveniency (together with your forein correspondents) he principally intended it: And if it prove so successful as to receive a favourable acceptance from your hands, the censure of all other persons not concerned in the conveniency arising by it, will not discourage the Author to proceed and make such Improvements of this small Embrio, as may soon bring it to a perfect birth. He humbly hopes no Apology will be required for such Errata’s or Escapes as have been committed as to the Orthography, or true writing of the respective Names of this Catalogue, as well for that he hath found it a very difficult thing, to procure so ample an Account of Names as he hath done; as also in regard his main design is, to publish this forthwith, to the end that if those persons who are concerned in the Use of it, do give it a favourable Receptance, he may set forth an Additional Catalogue far more correct and accurate; wherein if he may receive Encouragement accordingly, he shall not in any thing be better satisfied than that his poor Endeavours shall have answered those Ends for which they were intended.
Advertisement.
Whereas, since the ensuing Tract was in the Press, the Author hath discovered the Habitations of several other Merchants, not comprehended in the Alphabetical Order; he hath therefore thought fit (rather than to omit them) to insert them in the last Page of this Book by themselves. And whereas the Author intends shortly to Reprint this Catalogue, with additions; he doth therefore desire, that for the better furtherance of the next Edition, all Merchants, as well such as shall be newly arrived from beyond the Seas, as also all such as shall be newly set up, would be pleased to give in their Names and Habitations to Samuel Lee Stationer, over against the Church, near Popes-head Alley in Lombard Street. And if it happen that any Omission shall be made of any Merchants Names in this or the ensuing Edition, let the parties concerned repair to the said Mr. Lee, where they may probably receive satisfaction. And if any Bill of Exchange happen to be drawn upon any Tradesmen or Shopkeepers under the denomination of Merchants, if they repair to the place aforesaid they may receive due Information.