In the mean time the two new companies proceeded slowly. “Onslow’s Insurance,” as the Royal Exchange was called, and “Chetwynd’s Bubble,” the title given to the London, were hawked in Change Alley along with companies for “importing jackasses” and for “fatting hogs.” The House of Commons was privately importuned by lavish promises, and publicly solicited in two letters printed and given to every member. Even in that age of corruption their bribery proved vain; and had not a fortunate chance turned up in their favour, their application for charters might have been dismissed with contempt. By some inadvertence, the grand Committee of Supply had been dismissed before provision could be made for the arrears in the civil list. The ministers were in despair; and the companies took advantage of the necessities of the State to offer the large sum of 600,000_l._, on condition of receiving his Majesty’s charter for their respective companies. The offer was eagerly grasped by the ministry; and on evidence being given of the respectability of the members,--of the cash lodged at the Bank to meet losses,--of their funded property, and of the amount of the business transacted,--Mr. Aislabie, Chancellor of the Exchequer, presented to the House the following message:-- “His Majesty, having received several petitions from great numbers of the most eminent merchants of the city of London, humbly praying he would be graciously pleased to grant them his letters patent for erecting corporations to assure ships and merchandise, and the said merchants having offered to advance and pay a considerable sum of money for his Majesty’s use in case they may obtain letters patent accordingly; his Majesty, being of opinion that erecting two such corporations, exclusive only of all other corporations and societies for assuring of ships and merchandise, under proper restrictions and regulations, may be of great advantage and security to the trade and commerce of the kingdom, is willing and desirous to be strengthened by the advice and assistance of this House in matters of this nature and importance. He, therefore, hopes for their ready concurrence to secure and confirm the privileges his Majesty shall grant to such corporations, and to enable him to discharge the debts of his civil government without burdening his people with any aid or supply.” A bill was then ordered to be brought in, and the “most dutiful Commons” waited on his Majesty with an address of thanks “for communicating the application for an insurance company,” it being “an instance of so much condescension as deserved the highest return of duty and thankfulness.”