There are three clauses in the Act of special interest. First, the clause (No. ix), which prescribes the nature of the charges embraced in the term "payment of scot;" secondly, the clause (No. xv), which confirms to the Aldermen of the city their right to negative Acts of the Common Council;[72] and thirdly, the clause (No. xvii) abolishing the custom of the City restraining citizens and freemen from disposing of the whole of their personal estates by will. [Sidenote: Death of George I, 11 June, 1727.] Just when the reign of George I was drawing to an unexpected close, it seemed as if England was on the point of becoming involved in a European War. The emperor and the king of Spain had laid aside their quarrels and become united in a confederacy against France and England. Unless Gibraltar were ceded by England, another invasion of the Pretender might be shortly expected. The citizens were highly incensed at the thought of their trade being periodically put in jeopardy by Jacobite risings, and they hastened to assure the king once more of their determination to sacrifice their lives and fortunes in defence of the constitution both in church and state against all enemies whatsoever.[73] Thanks to the pacific tendencies of Walpole and the diplomatic skill of Townshend, hostilities were averted, and George was able to set out for his customary visit to Hanover, where he had been in the habit of spending a portion of each year. Before his journey was completed, however, he was seized with apoplexy and died in his coach, near Osnabrück (11 June). FOOTNOTES: [1] Journal 56, fo. 130b; Repertory 118, fo. 357. [2] Journal 56, fos. 132b, 150; Repertory 118, fo. 363. [3] Journal 56, fos. 133-134b. [4] Journal 56, fo. 150; Repertory 118, fo. 394. [5] Repertory 118, fos. 389-391. [6] _Id._, fos. 368, 369, 384. [7] Repertory 118, fos. 377, 381. [8] This "indulgence" was granted by the lords justices, but was not to be drawn into precedent.--_Id._, fo. 395. [9] Journal 56, fo. 150b. [10] Proclamation dated 15 Sept., 1714.--_Id._ fo. 135b. [11] Repertory 119, fo. 8. [12] The City put in its customary claims, and the masters and wardens of the principal livery companies were appointed to assist the lord mayor in his duties.--Repertory 118, fos. 382-383. [13] Journal 56, fos. 151b, 161b, 181b. [14] Maitland, i, 517. [15] Proclamation dated 6 Dec., 1714.--Journal 56, fo. 139b. [16] Repertory 119, fos. 79-81. [17] Journal 56, fo. 147b. [18] Both aldermen had been knighted by George soon after his landing.--Maitland, i, 517. [19] Maitland, i, 518. [20] Journal 56, fo. 164. [21] Rapin's Hist. of England (continuation by Tindal), v, 424, 425. [22] Journal House of Commons, xviii, 232. [23] Journal 56, fos. 194b-195. [24] Stat. 1 Geo., i, c. 5. Journal House of Commons, xviii, 232.