The cry of Dowgate against Leadenhall Street was louder than ever.
Caveats were entered; petitions were signed; and in those petitions a doctrine which had hitherto been studiously kept in the background was boldly affirmed.

While it was doubtful on which side the royal prerogative would be used, that prerogative had not been questioned.
But as soon as it appeared that the Old Company was likely to obtain a regrant of the monopoly under the Great Seal, the New Company began to assert with vehemence that no monopoly could be created except by Act of Parliament.

The Privy Council, over which Caermarthen presided, after hearing the matter fully argued by counsel on both sides, decided in favour of the Old Company, and ordered the Charter to be sealed.

[467] The autumn was by this time far advanced, and the armies in the Netherlands had gone into quarters for the winter.

On the last day of October William landed in England.