Note 411 — Book XI.

Mr. Madox, in treating of the Exchequer, informs us, that “in general, accomptants were obliged to come in person to render their accounts. If they made an Attorney to account for them, it was usual to have the King’s leave for it. Sometimes, the accomptant nominated his Attorney before the King: and thereupon the King by his Writ commanded the Treasurer and Barons to admit such person, as Attorney, accordingly. But sometimes, especially towards the latter part of the second period, the Accomptant’s Attorney was admitted by warrant or leave of the Treasurer, Chancellor of the Exchequer, or Barons, or one of them.” (Madox’s Excheq. c. 23. s. 5.) Supposing there was a certain uniformity of proceeding observed in the superior Courts, this extract may furnish us with an idea of the gradual deviations from the strict rule of our text.