1737/1738, from the eleventh year of the reign of George the Second, Topsham, receipt slip on parchment. The Latin text translates as:- “The sum of thirty-five pounds and fifteen shillings from David Edwards, for so much money by him offered in Court for the half-part of the price or value of [certain goods] found in [the ship/premises] by John Carter [and seized] as forfeited… in the eleventh year of the reign of King George the Second”. An official receipt from the Court of Exchequer or local customs house, issued when contraband goods were seized and condemned in court. The total value was typically split 50/50 between the Crown and the Customs Officer or informer who discovered them (in this case John Carter). David Edwards was likely the merchant or individual paying the fine or redeeming the half value of the seized property. Unfortunately we don’t know what was seized!