they are sold in the name of Flemish Baize setting their owne Town Seale upon them so that we lose the very name of our home-bred commodities and other Countreys get the râ—…putation and profit there of Lamentable it is that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ld be deprived of so 〈◊〉 Millions and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of câ—…th 〈◊〉 of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 naturall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should be driven â—…o 〈◊〉 sâ—…ll advantage of 〈◊〉 and profit to your 〈◊〉 and people and so much imprâ—…v d and 〈◊〉 by strangers considering that God hath inâ—…d and 〈◊〉 your Mâ—…sty power to advance 〈◊〉 and dying and transporting of 〈◊〉 your cloaths within a yeare or two I speake it knowingly to shew how it may be done 〈◊〉 lawfully and approved to be honourable sâ—…asable and profitable All the Companies of your Land transport their cloaths drest and died to the good of your Kingdome except the Merchant Adventurers whereby the Eastland and Turkey Merchants with other Companies do increase your Majesties customes by bringing in and spending dying stuffs and setting your people on worke by dressing before they transport them and they might increase far more custome to your Majesty and make much more profit to themselves and this Realme and set many thousands of poore people more on worke for dressing and dying and likewise imploy more ships and Marriners for bringing in dying stuffs were it not for the Merchant Adventurers who transport their cloaths white rough undrest and undied into the Low-Countreys where they sell them to the strangers who afterwards dresse die and stretch them to such unreasonable lengths contrary to our Law that they prevent and fore stall our Markets and crosse the just prohibitions of our State and Realme by their Agents and Factors lying in divers places with 〈◊〉 cloaths to the great decay of this Kingdome in generall and discredit of our cloaths in particular If the accompt were truly known it would be found that they make not cleare profit onely by cloath transported rough undrest and undied sixty thousand pounds a yeare But it is most apparant your Majesty in your customes your Merchants in their sales and prices your Subjects in their labours for lack of not dressing and dying your Ships and Marriners in not bringing in of dying stusfs and spending of Allum is hindred yearly neer a million of pounds so that trade is driven to the great hindrance of your Majesty and people by permiting your native commodities to passe rough undrest and undied by the Merchant Adventurer Touching Fishing THe great Sea businesse of Fishing doth imploy neare twenty thousand ships and vessells and four hundred thousand people are imployed yearly upon your Coast of England Scotland and Ireland with sixty ships of War which may prove dangerous The Hollanders onely have about three thousand ships to fish withall and fifty thousand people are imployed yearly by them upon your Majesties coasts of England Scotland and Ireland These three thousand fishing ships and vessels of the Hollanders doth imploy near nine thousand other ships and vessels and one hundred and fifty thousand persons more by Sea and Land to make provision to dress and transport the Fish they take and returne commodities whereby they are inabled and do build yeerly one thousand ships and vessells having not one timber tree growing in their owne Countrey nor home-bred commodities to lade one hundred ships and yet they have twenty thousand ships and vessells and all imployed King Henry the seventh desirous to make his Kingdomes powerfull and rich by increase of Ships and Marâ—…ners and imployment of his people sent unto his Sea-coast Townes moving them to set up the great and rich fishing with promise to give them needfull priviledges and to furnish them with loanes of money if need were to incourage them yet his people were slack Now since I have traced this businesse and made mine indeavours knowne unto your Majesty your Noblemen able Merchants and others who having set down under their hands for more assurance promised to disburse large sums of money for the building up of this great and rich large Sea-City which will increase more strength to your Land give more comfort and doe more good to all your Cities and Townes than all the Companies of your Kingdome having fit and needfull priviledges for the upholding and strengthning of so weighty and needfull a businesse For example twenty Busses built and put into a Sea-coast Towne where there is not one ship before there must be to carry re-carry transport and make provision for one Busse three ships likewise every ship setting on worke thirty severall trades and occupations and foure hundred thousand persons by Sea and Land insomuch as three hundred persons are not able to make one Fleet of Nets in foure moneths for one Busse which is no small imployment Thus by twenty Busses are set on work near eight thousand persons by Sea and Land and an increase of above one thousand Marriners and a Fleet of eighty saile of Ships to bâ—…long to one Towne where none were before to take the wealth out of the Sea to inrich and strengthen the Land only by raising of twenty Busses â—…en what good one thousand or two thousand will doe I leave to your Majesties consideration It is worthy to be noted how necessary Fishermen are to the Common-wealth and how needfull to be advanced and cherished viz. 1. For taking Gods blessing out of the Sea to inrich the Realm which otherwise we lose 2. For setting the people on worke 3. For making plenty and cheapnesse in the Realm 4. For increasing of shipping to make the Land powerfull 5. For a continuall Nurcery for breeding and increasing our Mâ—…riners 6. For making imployment of all sorts of people as blinde lame and others by Sea and Land from ten or twelve years upwards 7. For inriching your Majesties Coffâ—…rs for Merchandizes returned from other Countreyes for Fish and 〈◊〉 8. For the increase and inabling of Merchants which now drâ—…p and daily decay Touching the Coyne FOr the most part all Monarchies and free States both Heathen and Christian as Turkey Barbery France Poland and others do hold for a rule of never-failing profit to keep their Coyne at higher rates within their own Territories than it is in other Kingdomes The Causes 1. To preserve the Coyne within their owne Territories 2. To bring unto themselves the Coyne of Forraigne Princes 3. To inforce Merchant strangers to take their commodities at high rates which this Kingdom beares the burthen of For instance THe King of Barbafy perceiving the Trade of Christian Merchants to increase in his Kingdome and that the returnes out of his Kingdomes was most in Gold whereby it was much inhanced raised his Ducket being then currant for three ounces to foâ—…e five and six ounces neverthelesse it was no more worth in England being so raised then when it went for three ounces This Ducket currant for three ounces in Barbery was then worth in England
Majesties most loyall and true-hearted Subject THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT That the Seat of Government is upheld by the two great pillars thereof viz. Civill Justice and Martiall Policy which are framed out of Husbandry Merchandize and Gentry of this Kingdome THey say that the goodliest Cedars which grow on the high mountains of Libanus thrust their roots between the clifts of hard rocks the better to beare themselves against the strong storms that blow there As Nature hath instructed those Kings of Trees so hath Reason taught the Kings of Men to root themselves in the hardy hearts of their faithfull Subjects And as those Kings of Trees have large Tops so have the Kings of men large Crowns whereof as the first would be soone broken from their bodies were they not under-borne by many branches so would the other easily totter were they not fastened on their heads wiâ—…h the strong chaines of Civill Justice and Martiall Discipline 1. For the administration of the first even God himselfe hath given direction Judges and Officers shalt thou make which shall judge the people with righteous judgment 3. The second is grounded on the first Lawes of the World and Nature that force is to be repelled by foâ—…ce Yea Moses in the 20. of Exodus and elsewhere hath delivered us many Lawâ—…s and Polices of Warre But as we have heard of the neglect and abuse in both so have we heard of the decline and râ—…ine of many Kingdoms and States long before our dayâ—…s for that Policy hath never yet prevailed though it hath served for a short season where the counterfeit hath been sold for the naturall and the outward shew and formality for the substance Of the Emperor Chaâ—…les the Fourth the Writers of that Age witnesse that he used but the name of Justice and good order being more learned in the Law than in doing right and that hee had by farre more knowledge than conscience Certainly the unjust Magistrate that fancieth to himselfe a sollid and untransparable body of Goâ—…d every ordinary wit can vitrifie and make transparant pierce and discern their corruptions howsoever because not daring they cover their knowledge but in the meane while it is also true that constrained dissimulation either in the proud heart or in the oppressed either in publike estates or in private persons where the fear of God is not prevalent doth in all the leisure of her lurking but sharpen her teeth the voluntary being no lesse base than the forced malitious Thus it fared between the Barons of England and their Kings betweene the Lords of Switzerland and their people betweene the Sicilians and the French betweene the Dolphine and John of Burgoign between Charles the ninth and the French Protestants and between Henry the third his Successor and the Lords of Guise and hereof in place of more particulars the whole world may serve for examples It is a difficult piece of Geography to delineate and lay out the bounds of Authority but it is easie enough to conceive the best use of it and by which it hath maintained it selfe in lasting happinesse it hath ever acquired more honour by perswading than by beating for as the bonds of Reason and Love are immortall so do all other chains or cords both rusty and rot noble parts of their owne royall and politick bodies But we will forbeare for a while to stretch this first string of Civill Justice for in respect of the first sort of men to wit of those that live by their owne labour they have never been displeased where they have beene suffered to injoy the fruit of their owne travells Meum Tuum Mine and Thine is all wherein they seek the certainty and protection True it is that they are the Fruit Trees of the Land which God in Deuteronomie commanded to be spared they gather honey and hardly injoy the wax and breake the ground with great labour giving the best of their graine to the easefull and idle For the second sort which are the Merchants as the first feed the Kingdome so do these inrich it yea their Trades especially those which are forcible are not the least part of our Martiall policy as hereafter proved and to do them right they have in all ages and times assisted the Kings of this Land not only with great sums of money but with great Fleets of Ships in all their interprises beyond the Seas The second have seldome or never offended their Princes to enjoy their trades at home upon tolerable conditions hath ever contented them for the injuries received from other Nations give them but the Commission of Reprisall they will either right themselves or sit downe with their own losse without complaint 3. The third sort which are the Gentry of England these being neither seated in the lowâ—…st grounds and thereby subject to the biting of every beast nor in the highest mountaines and thereby in danger to bee â—…orne with tempest but the valleyes between both have their parts in the inferiour Justice and being spread over all are the Garrisons of good order throughout the Realm OBSERVATIONS Concerning The Causes of the Magnificency and Opulency of CITIES THat the onely way to civillize and reforme the savage and barbarous Lives and corrupt Manners of such people is 1. To be dealt withall by gentle and loving conversation among them to attaine to the knowledge of their Language and of the multitude of their speciall discommodities and inconveniences in their manner of living 2. The next is to get an admired reputation amongst them upon a solid and true foundation of Piety Justice and Wisdome conjoyned with fortitude and power 3. The third is discreetly to possesse them with a knowledge of the condition of their owne estate Thus Orpheus and Amphion were said to draw after them the beasts of the field c. And this must be first wrought by a visible representation of the certainty truth and sincerity of these together with the felicity of a reformed estate All which is but to give foundation bottom and firm footing unto action and to prepare them to receive wholesome and good advice for the future profit and felicity of themselves and their posterity For the more commodious effecting of this Reformation in a rude and barbarous people they are to be perswaded to withdraw and unite themselves into severall Colonies that by an interchangeable communication and commerce of all things may more commodiously be had and that they may so live together in civility for the better succour and welfare of one another And thereby they may more easily be instructed in the Christian Faith and governed under the Magistrates and Ministers of the King or other superiour power under whom this Reformation is sought which course the Stoick tells that Thesius took after he had taken upon him the Government of the Athenians whereby he united all the p â—…ple into one City that before lived dispersedly in many villages The like is put in practice at this day by the Portugalls and Jesuits that they may with lesse difficulty and hindrance reform the rough behaviour and savage life of the people of Brazeel who dwell scattered and dispersed in Caves and Cottages made of boughs and leaves of the Palm-trees Alexander the Great built more than seventy Cities Seleucus built three Cities called Appanice to the honour of his wife and five called Laodicea in memory of his mother and five called 〈◊〉 to the honor of himself Safety for Defence of the People and their goods in and near the Towne IN the situation of Cities there is to be required a place of safty by some naturall strength commodiousnesse for Navigation and Conduct for the attaining of plenty of all good things for the sustenance and comfort of mans life and to draw trade and intercourse of other Nations as if the same be situate in such sort as many people have need to repaire thither for some naturall commodity or other of the Countrey which by trafâ—…k and transportation of commodities whereof they have more plenty then will supply their owne necessity or for receiving of things whereof they have scarcity And much better will it be if the place afford some notable commodity of it selfe from whence other Nations may more readily and at better rate attain the same Likewise and withall be so fertile pleasant and healthfull of it selfe that it may afford plenty of good things for the delight and comfort of the 〈◊〉 In former times great Nations Kings and Potentates have indured sharp conflicts and held it high policy by all meanes to increase their Cities with multitudes of inhabitants And to this end the Romans ever furnished themselves with strength and power to make their neighbour people of necessity willing to draw themselves to Rome to dwell and overthrow their Townes and Villages of mean strength downe to the ground So did they for this cause utterly destroy many Cities bringing alwayes the vanquished Captives to Rome for the augmentation of that City Romulus after a mighty fight with the Sabines condescended to peace upon condition that Tacius their King should come withall their people to dwell at Rome Tacius did accept and made choice of the Capitoll and the Mount Quitinalis for his seat and Pallace The same course held Tamberlaine the Great whereby he inlarged the great Sarmacauda still bringing unto it the richest and wealthiest Citizens he had subdued And the Ottomans to make the City Constantinople rich and great brought to it many thousand Families 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of the 〈◊〉 Cities 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Great from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the First from Cairo and Soâ—…n from 〈◊〉 Authority and necessity without the consideration of the conveniences and 〈◊〉 of situation above-mentioned are of small mâ—…ment in the 〈◊〉 of a City thereby only it would be unlikely either to grow or 〈◊〉 in magnificency or opulâ—…ncy for if profit height and delight go nâ—… companions therewith no authority or necessity can retain much people or wealth But if the plâ—…ce whereupon a City is to be founded be commodious for the aforesaid conveniences which help greatly for the felicity of this life then no doubt the same is likely to draw much abundance of people and riches unto the same whereby it may by the help of Arts and 〈◊〉 in time become magnificent and glorious FINIS
most by the Hollanders and other petty States into the East and North-East Kâ—…ngdomes of Pomerland Spruceland Poland Denmark Sweathland Leisland and Germany and the Merchandizes brought from the last mentioned Kingdomes being wonderfull mâ—…ny are likewise by the Hollandâ—…rs and other petty States most transported into the Southern and Westerne Dominions and yet the situation of Eâ—…gland lyeth far better for a Store-house to serve the Southern East and North-East Regions than theirs doth and hath far better meanes to doe it if we will bend our course for it No sooner a dearth of Fâ—…sh Wine or Corn here and other Merchandize 〈◊〉 forth with the Embdoners Hamburgers aâ—…d Hollanders out of their Store-houses lade fifty or one hundred ships or more dispersing themselves round about this Kingdome and carry away great store of coyne and wealth for little commodity in those times of dearth by which meanes they suck our Common-wealth of their riches cut down our Merchants and decay our Navigation not with their naturall commodities which groweth in their own Countries but the Merchandizes of other Countreys and Kingdomes Therefore it is farre more easier to serve themselves hold up our Merchants and increase our Ships and 〈◊〉 and strengthen the Kingdome and not onely keep our money in our owne Râ—…alme which other Nations still rob us of but bring in theirs who carrie ours away and make the banke of Coyne and Store-house to serve other Nations as well and far better cheap than they Amsterdam is never without seven hundred thousand Quarters of Corn besidâ—…s the plenty they daily vent and none of this groweth in their owne Countrey a dearth in England France Spaine Italy Portugall and other places is truly observed to inrich Holland seven yeeres after and likewise the petty States For example the last Dearth six years pâ—…st the Hamburgers Embdeners and Hollanders out of their Store-houses furnished this Kingdom and from Southampton Exeter and Bristow in a yeare and a halfe they carriâ—…d away near two hundred thousand pâ—…unds from these parts onely then what great quantitie of coyns was transported round about your Kingdome from every Port Towne and from your City of London and other Cities cannot be esteemed so little as two millions to the great decay of your Kingdom and impoverishing your people discredit to the Company of Merchants and dishonour to the Land that any Nation that have no Corne in their owne Countrey growing should serve this famous Kingdome which God hath so inabled within it selfe They have a continuall Trade into this Kingdome with five or six hundred Ships yeerly with Merchandizes of other Countreys and Kingdomes and store them up in store-housâ—…s here untill the prices rise to their mindes and we trade not with fifâ—… ships into their Countrey in a yeare and 〈◊〉 said number are about thiâ—… Râ—… every 〈◊〉 winde for the most â—…rt to lade Coales and other 〈◊〉 Unlesse there be a scarcity 〈◊〉 dearth or high prices all Merchants doe forbeare that place whâ—…re great impositions are laid upon the Merchandize and those places slenderly shippâ—…d ill servâ—…d and at deer ra es and oftentimes in scarciâ—…y and want imployment for the people and those petty States finding truly by experience that small dutiâ—… imposed upon Mâ—…rchandize drawâ—…th all Trafficke unto them and free liberty for strangers to buy and sell doth make continua'l Mart therefore what Excizes or Impositions are laid upon the Common-people yet they still ease uphold and maintaine the Merchants by all possible meanes of purpose to draw the wealth and strength of Christendom to themselves whereby it appeareth though the duties be but small yet the customes for going out and comming in doth so abound that they increase their Revenues greatly and make profit plenty and imployment of all sorts by Sea and Land to serve 〈◊〉 and other Nations as is admirable to behold And likewise the great commerce which groweth by the sâ—…me meanes inableth the common people to bear their burthen laid upon them and yet they grow rich by reason of the great commerce and Trade occasioned by their convenient priviledges and commodious constiâ—…utions There was an intercourse of Traffick in Genoa and there was the flower of commerce as appeareth by their antient Records and their sumptuous buildings for all Nations traded with Merchandize to them and there was the store-house of all Italy and other places but after they had set a great custome of xvi per cent all Nations left trading with them which made them give themselves wholly to usury and at this day wee have not three ships goâ—… there in a yeare but to the contrary the Duke of Florence builded Ligorn and set small custome upon Merchandize and gave them great and pleasing priviledges which hath made a rich and strong City with a florishing State Furthermore touching some particulars needfull to be considered of the mighty huge fishing that ever cou'd be heard of in the world is upon the coasts of England Scotland and Ireland but the great Fishery is in the Low-Countries and other petty States wherewith they serve themselves and all Christendome as shall appear In four Towns in the East Kingdoms within the Sound Quinsbrough Elbing Statten and Dausick there is carried and vented in a yeere between thirty or forty thousand Last of Herrings sold but at fifteen or sixteen pounds the Last is about 620000. l. and we none Besides Denmark Norway Sweathen Leifland Rie Nevill the Narve and other Port Townes within the Sound there is carried and vented above 10000. Lasts of Herrings sold at fifteen or sixteen pounds the Last is 170000. pounds more yeerly in such request are our Herrings there that they are oftentimes sold for 20. 24. 30. and 36. pound the Last and we send not one barrell into all those East Countreys The Hollanders sent into Russia neare fifteen hundred Lasts of Herrings sold about thirty shillings the barrell amounteth to 27000. pound and we but about twenty or thirty Lasts To Stoade Hambrough Breame and Embden upon the River of Elve Weaser and Embs is carried and vented of Fish and Herrings about 6000. Lasts sold about fifteen or sixteen pound the Last is 100000 l. and wee none Cleaveland Gulickland up the River of Rhine to Cullen Frankford or the Maine and so over all Germany is carried and vented of Fish and Herrings neare 22000. Lasts sold at twenty pound the Last is 440000. l. and we none Up the River of M zâ—… Leigh Mastrith Vendlow Sutphin Deventer Campen Swoole and all over Lukeland is carried and-vented 7000. Lasts of Herrings sold at twenty pound the Last is 140000 pound and wee none To Gelderland Artois Henault Brabant Flanders up the River of Antweâ—…p all over the Arch Dukes Countreys is carried and vented between eight or nine thousand Lasts sold at eighteen pound the Last is 171000 l. and we none The Hollanders and others carried of all sorts of Herrings to Roane only in one yeere 〈◊〉 all other
parts of France 50000. Lasts of Herrings sold at twenty pound the Last is 100000 l. and wee not one hundred Last thither they are sold often times there for twenty and four and twenty and thirty pouâ—…d the Last Between Christmass and Lent the duties for Fish and Herrings came to 15000 Crownes at Roane only that yâ—…re the laâ—… Qâ—…n 〈◊〉 Sir Thomas Parrie was Agent there then and S. Savors his man knowes it to be true who handled the businesse for pulling down the Impositions then what great summes of money came to all in the Port Townes to inrich the French Kings Coffers and to all the Kings and States throughout Christendome to inrich their Coffers besides the great quantity vented to the Straights and the multitude spent in the Low-Countries where there is likewise sold for many a hundred thousand pouâ—…d more yeerly is necessary to be remembred and the stream to be turned to the good of this Kingdom to whose Sea coasts God onely hath sent and given these great blessings and multitude of riches for us to tâ—…ke howsoevâ—…r it bath been neglected to the hurt of this Kingdome that any Nation should carry away out of this Kingdome yearely great 〈◊〉 of money for Fisâ—… taken in our Seas and sold againe by them to us which must needs be a great dishonor to our Nation and hindrance to this Realm From any Port Towne of any Kingdome within Christendome the Bridgemaster or the Wharemaster for twenty shâ—…llings a yeare will deliver a trâ—…e Note of the number of Lâ—…sts of Herrings brought to their Wharfes and their pricâ—…s commonly they are sold at but the number brought to Dâ—…nske Cullen Rotterdam and â—…sen is so great as it will cost three four or five pound for a true Note The abundance of Corne groweth in the East Kingdomes but the great Store-houses for graine to serve Christendome and the Heathen Countries in time of dearth is in the Low-Countreyes wherewith upon every occasion of scarcity and dearth thâ—…y doe inrich themselves seven yeares after imploy their people and get great fraights for their Ships in other Countries and we not one in that course The mighty Vineyards and store of Salt is in France and Spaine but the great Vintage and Staple of Salt is in the Low-Countreyes and they send neare one thousand saile of ships with Salt and Wine onely into the East Kingdomes yearly besides other places and we not one in that course The exceeding Groves of Wood are in the East Kingdomes but the huge piles of Wainscot Clapboard Firdeale Masts and Timber is in the Low-Countreyes where none groweth wherewith they serve themselves and other parts and this Kingdome with those Commodities they have five or six hundred great long ships continually using that Trade and we none in that course The Wool Cloath Lead Tin and divers other Commodities are in England but by meanes of our Wool and Cloath going out ruff undrest and undied there is an exceeding manufactory and 〈◊〉 in the Low-Countreys wherewith they serve themselves and other Nâ—…tions and advanceth greatly the imployment of their people at home and 〈◊〉 abroad and puts downe ours in forrain parts where our Mâ—…rchants trade unto with our own Commodities We send into the Eâ—…st Kingdomes yeerly but one hundred shâ—…ps and our Trade chieâ—…ly dependeth upon three Towns Eâ—…binge Kingsborough and Danske for making our Sails and buying their Commodities sent into this Realme at dear rates which this Kingdome bears the burthen of The Low-Countreyes send into the East Kingdomes yeerly about three thousand ships trading into every City and Port Town taking the advantage and venting their Commodities to exceeding profit and buying and lading their ships with plenty of those Commodities which they have from every of those Townes 20. per cent better cheap then we by reason of the 〈◊〉 of the Coyne and their fish yeelds ready money which greatly advanceth their Traffick and decâ—…yeth ours They send into France Spaine Portugall Italy from the East Kingdomes that passeth through the Sound and through your narrow Seas yearly of the East Countrey commodities about two thousand ships and wee none in that course They trade into all Cities and Port Towns in France and we chiefly to five or six They traffick into every City and Port Town round about this Land with five or six hundred ships yearly and we chiefly but to three Townes in their Countrey and but with forty ships Notwithstanding the Low-Countryes have as many ships and vessells as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Christenâ—…om hâ—…ve let Eâ—…gland be oâ—… and build 〈◊〉 yeere neer one thousand shipâ—… and not a timber tree growing in their owne Countrey and that also all their home-bred commodities that grow in their Land in a yeere 〈◊〉 then one hundred good ships are able to carry them away at one time yet they handle the matter so for setting them all on worke that thâ—…ir Traffick with the Haunce Towns excâ—…ds in shipping all Christendom We have all things of our owne in superabundance to increase Traffick and Timber to build ships and commodities of our owne to lade about one thousand ships and 〈◊〉 at one time besides the great fishing and as fast as they have made their voyages might re-lade againe and so yeare after yeare all the year long to continuâ—… yet our Ships and Marriners dâ—…cline and Traffick and Merchants daily decay The mainâ—… bulke and Mass of 〈◊〉 from whence they raise so many miâ—…lions yearly that inrich other Kingdomes Kings and States Coffers and likâ—…ise thâ—…ir owne people proceedeth from your Sâ—…s and Lands and the return of the Commodities and Coyne they bring home in exchange of fish and other Commodities are so huge as would require a large 〈◊〉 apart all the amends they make us is they beat us out of Trade in all parts with our own Commodities For instance we had a great Tâ—…e in Russia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pâ—…st we sâ—…nt stâ—… of 〈◊〉 shâ—…ps to trade in those pâ—…s and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pâ—…st we sâ—…t oâ—…â—…t fâ—… and this last yeare two or three 〈◊〉 to the contrary the 〈◊〉 about twenty years 〈◊〉 traded 〈◊〉 with two ships onâ—…ly yet now they are increasâ—…d to about thirty or forty and one of their ships is as great as two of ours and at the same time in their troubles there that we decreased they increased and the chiefest Commodities they carry with them thither is English Cloath Herrings taken in our Seas English Lead and Pewter made of our Tin besides other Commodities all which wee may doe better then they And although it be a cheap Countrey and the Trade very gainfull yet we have almost brought it to nought by 〈◊〉 trading joynt-stock and the Merchants banding themselves one agâ—…nst â—…r Aâ—…â—…o 〈◊〉 sâ—… wâ—… usâ—…d to have 8. or 9. 〈◊〉 sâ—…s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a fâ—…sh nâ—… to Waâ—… usâ—… and this yeare but one and so per ratoâ—…y 〈◊〉 in all kinde of â—…shing and marchandizing in
all 〈◊〉 by râ—…ason they spare no cost 〈◊〉 ny no priviledges that may 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of tradâ—… 〈◊〉 Now if it please and with your Majesties good liking stand TO take notice of these things which I have conceived to bee fit for your Majesties consideration which in all humblenesse as duty bindeth me I doe tender unto your Majestie for the unfained zeale I bear to the advancement of your honour and profit and the generall good of your Subjects it being apparent that no three Kingdomes in Christendome can compare with your Majesty for support of Traffick and continually imployment of your people within themselves having so many great meanes both by Sea and Land to inrich your Coffers multiply your Navie inlarge your Traffick make your Kingdomes powerfull and your people rich yet through idlenesse they are poore wanting imployment many of your Land and Coast Townes much ruinated and your Kingdome in need of Coyn your Shipping Traffick and Marriners decayed whilest your Majesties Neighbour Princes without these meanes abound in wealth inlarge their Townes increase their Shipping Traffick and Marriners and finde out such imployment for their people that they are all advantagious to their Common-wealth onely by ordaining commodious constitutions in Merchandizing and fulnesse of Trade in Manufactory God 〈◊〉 blest your Mâ—…jesty with incomparable benefits AS with Copper Lead Iron Tin Alum Copperas 〈◊〉 Fâ—…lls and divers other native Commodities to the numbâ—…r of about one hundred â—…d other 〈◊〉 vendible to the 〈◊〉 of about one thousand as shall 〈◊〉 besides Corne whereof grâ—…at quantity of Bâ—… is made and most 〈◊〉 by strangers as also Wool whereof 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 forth 〈◊〉 into 〈◊〉 loath or 〈◊〉 and Cloath 〈◊〉 undrâ—…st and undied which doth imploy aâ—…d 〈◊〉 nâ—…r fifâ—…y 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 parts your 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wanting thâ—… 〈◊〉 in England many of them 〈◊〉 inforced to live in great want and sâ—…k it beyond the Seas Colâ—…s which doth imploy hundreds of 〈◊〉 ships yearly to 〈◊〉 them out of this Kingâ—…me whilest we doe not imploy 〈◊〉 ships in that 〈◊〉 I on 〈◊〉 which is a jewell of great 〈◊〉 far moâ—…e than it is accounted by reason that no other Countrey could ever attaine unto it although they have 〈◊〉 it with great charge Your Majesty hath timber of your owne for 〈◊〉 of Shâ—…ps and 〈◊〉 plenty to ladâ—… thâ—…m which 〈◊〉 other 〈◊〉 want yet your 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Shipping 〈◊〉 and Marriners These Inconveniences happen by three causes especially 1. The unprofitable course of merchandizing 2. The want of course of full Manufactory of our home-bred commodities 3. The undervaluing of our Coynes contrary to the rules of other Nations For instance THe Merchant Adventurers by overtading upon credit or with money taken up upon exchange whereby they lose usually ten or twelve and sometimes fifteen or sixteen per cent are inforced to make sale of their cloaths at under-rates to keep their credit whereby cloaths being the jewell of the Land is undervalued and the Marchant in short time eaten out The Merchants of Ipswich whose Trade for Eâ—…ing is câ—…fly 〈◊〉 fine cloaths and somâ—… few 〈◊〉 câ—…ths all died and drest within 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 do for the most part buy their fine cloaths upon Time and by râ—…on they go so much upon credâ—… thâ—…y are inforced not being able to stand upon their Markets to sell giviâ—…g fifteene or eighteene Moneths day of payment for their cloaths â—…d having sold them they then prâ—…sently sell their bills so taken for câ—… allowing after the rate of 〈◊〉 or fifteen and somtimes twenty per cent which money they imploy forth with in wares at 〈◊〉 prices and lose as much more that way by that time their wares be sold at homâ—… Thus by over-running themselves upâ—… credit they disable 〈◊〉 and others inhancing the prices of forraign 〈◊〉 and puâ—…ling down the rates of our owne The West Câ—…untry M 〈◊〉 that trade with cloaths into 〈◊〉 â—…r Spâ—…n do usual y imploy th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 youâ—…g men of smâ—…ll 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 cuâ—…ing combining of the 〈◊〉 and Spâ—…nish M 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 that when all customs and charges be accompted their Masters shall hardly 〈◊〉 tâ—… 〈◊〉 moneys As for 〈◊〉 out of France thâ—…r silver and gold is so 〈◊〉 rateâ—… that ouâ—… M 〈◊〉 câ—…t 〈◊〉 it home 〈◊〉 to great lossâ—… therefore the â—…nch Merchants set higher rates upon their commodities which we must either buy deare or let our moâ—…s lie dead there a long timâ—… uâ—…ill we may 〈◊〉 imploy the same The 〈◊〉 Merchants of York Hull and Newcastle trade onely in white Kâ—…s and 〈◊〉 dozzâ—…ns and 〈◊〉 M 〈◊〉 be his Adventure 〈◊〉 so smâ—…l doth for the most part send over an 〈◊〉 yâ—…h unfit for 〈◊〉 zâ—…g which brâ—…ngeth to thâ—… 〈◊〉 great 〈◊〉 but to his 〈◊〉 and common 〈◊〉 great 〈◊〉 for they 〈◊〉 their goods be 〈◊〉 go to 〈◊〉 strâ—…r and â—…uy such 〈◊〉 of Iron â—…ax Coâ—… 〈◊〉 other 〈◊〉 as they 〈◊〉 bound to 〈◊〉 thâ—…i ships 〈◊〉 which ships 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to relade within thâ—… wâ—…s or a moneth and do give 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Merchant 〈◊〉 asketh because he gives them credit and lets them ship away their Iron Flax and other commodities before they have sold their Kersies and other commodities by which meanes extraordinary deere commodities are returned into this Realme and the servant also inforced to sâ—…ll his cloaths underfoot and often times to losse to keep his câ—…dit and to make payment for the goods before shipped home having soâ—… twenty dayâ—…s or a moneths respite to sell the cloaths and to give the Merchant satisfaction for his Iâ—…on Flax and other wares by which extremities our homebred commodities are abased Touching Manufactory THere hath been about fourscore thousand undrest and undied cloaths yearly transported It is therefore evident that the Kingdome hath been yeerly deprived of about 400000 l. within this five and fifty years which is near twenty millions that would have been gained by the labour of poor workmen in that time with the Merchants gains for bringing in dying stuffs and return of cloaths drest and died with other benefits to the Realme besides exceeding inlarging of Trafficke and increase of Ships and Marriners There would have been gained in that time about three millions by increase of custome upon commodities returned for cloaths drest and died and for dying stuffs which would have more plentifully been brought in and used for the same There hath been also transported in that time yearly by Bayse Northerne and Devonshire Kersies white about 50000 cloaths counting three 〈◊〉 to a cloath whereby hâ—…h bâ—…n lost about five millioâ—…s by those sâ—…s of 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 time which wâ—…uld have comâ—… to 〈◊〉 workmen for 〈◊〉 â—…ur with the customes for dying stuff and the peoples profit fâ—…r bringing them in with 〈◊〉 of other 〈◊〉 and fraights for shiping Bâ—…yse are transported white into Amsterdam and being there drest and died are shipped into Spain Portugal and other Kingdomes where
seven shillings and six pence and no more worth being raised to six ounces since which time adding to it a small piece of gold hee hath raised it to eight and lastly to ten ounces yet at this day it is worth but ten shillings and one penny notwithstanding your Majesties late raising of your gold Having thus raised his gold he then devised to have plenty of silver brought into his Kingdome raised the royall of eight being but two ounces to three and three pence hâ—…lf penny which caused great plenty of silver to be brought in and to continue in his Kingdom France THe English Jacobus goeth for three and twenty shillings in Merchandizing The French Crowne for seven shillings and six pence Also the King hath raised his silver foure Sowce in the Crowne North-Holland THe double Jacobus goeth for three and twenty shillings Sterling The English shilling is there eleven stivers which is two shillings over in the pound Poland THe King of Poland raised his Hungary Ducket from 56 to 77½ Polinsh groshes and the Rich Dollor from 36 to 47 and ½ groshes the Reich Dollor worth in Poland 47 and ½ groshes is by account valued at 6 s. 4 d. Sterling and here in England is worth but 4 s. 7 d. The Hungary Ducket 77 is worth by account in Poland 10 s. 4 d. and in England is worth but 7 s. 10 d The Jacobus of England here currant for 22 s. in Poland 24 s. at the rate of 7 s. 10 d. for the Hungary Ducket Now to turne the stream and riches raised by your Majesties native commodities into the naturall channell from whence it hath been a long time diverted May it please your Majesty to consider these points following 1. VVHether it bee not fit that a State-Merchant be setled within your Dominions which may both dispose more profitably of the riches thereof and incounter pollicies of Merchant strangers who now go beyond us in all kinde of profitable Merchandizing 2. Whether it be not necessary that your native commodities should receive their full Manufactory by your Subjects within your Dominions 3. Whether it be not fit the coales should yeeld your Majesty and Subjects a better value by permitting them to pasle out of the Land and that they be in your Subjects shipping only transported 4. Whether it be not fit your Majesty presently raise your Coyne to as high rates as it is in the parts beyond the Seas 5. Whether it be not necessary that the great Sea-business of Fishing be forthwith set forward If it please your Mâ—…jesty to approve of these considerations and accordingly to put them in a right course of execution I assure my selfe by Gods help in short time your Majesties Customes and the continuall commings into your Coffers will be exceedingly increased your Ships and Marriners trebled your Land and waste Townes which are now run out of Gates better replenished and your people imployed to the great inriching and honour of your Kingdome with the applause and to the comfort of all your loyall Subjects May it please your Majesty I Have the rather undergone the paines to looke into their pollicies because I have heard them professe they hoped to get the whole trade and Shipping of Christendome into their owne hands as well for transportation as otherwise for the command and master of the Seas to which end I finde that they do daily increase their traffick augmenting their Shipping multiplying their Marriners strength and wealth in all kindes whereat I have grieved the more when I considered how God hath inâ—…ed this Kingdome above any three Kingdomes in Christendom with divers varieties of home-bred commodities which others have not and cannot want and indued us with suâ—…dry other meanes to continue and maintaine trade of Meâ—…andizing and Fishing beyond them all whereby we might prevent the deceivers ingrosse the commodities of the ingrossers inrich our felves and increase our Navigation Shipping and Marriners so as it would make all Nations to vaile the Bonnet to England if we would not be still wanting to our selves in imployment of our people Which people being divided into three parts two parts of them are meere spenders and consumers of a Common-wealth therefore I aime at these points following To allure and incourage the people for their private gaine to be all workers and erecters of a Common-wealth To inrich and fill your Majesties Coffers by a continuall comming in and make your people wealthy by meanes of their great and profitable trading and imployment To vent our home-bred commodities to farre more reputation and much more profit to the King the Merchant and the Kingdome To returne the Merchandizes of other Countries at farre cheaper rates than now they are to the great good of the Realme in generall To make the Land powerfull by increasing of Ships and Marriners To make your peoples takings in generall to be much moâ—… every day than now they are which by Gods help will grow continually more and more by the great concourse and commerce that will come by setled 〈◊〉 and convenient priviledges as in other pâ—…ts they doe by this their great freedome of Trade All this and much more is done in other 〈◊〉 where no hing growâ—…th so that of nothing they make great things Then how much more mighty things might we make where so great abundance and variety of home bred commodities and rich materialls growes for your people to worke upon and other plentifull means to doe that withall which other Nations neither have nor cannot want but of necessity must be furnished from hence And now whereas our meichandizing is wild utterly confused and out of frame as at large appeareth a State-Merchant will roundly and 〈◊〉 bring all the premises to 〈◊〉 fill your Hâ—…vens with ships those ships with Marriners your Kingdom fu'l of Merchants their 〈◊〉 fâ—…ll of out landish commodities and your Coff rs full of coyne as in other parts thâ—…y doe and your 〈◊〉 shall have just cause to hold 〈◊〉 happy memory that your Majesty was the 〈◊〉 of so profitable praise-worthy and renowned a worke being the true Philosophers stone to make your Majesty a rich and potent King and your Subjects happy people onely by setling of a State-Merchant whereby your people may have fulnesse of Trade and Manufactory and yet hold both honourable and profitable Government without breakings of Companies And for that in the setling of so weighty a businesse many things of great consequence mâ—…st necessarily fall into consideration I humbly pray that your Mâ—…jesty may be pleased for the bringing of this great service to light to give me leave to nominate the Commissioners and your Majesty to give them power to call before them such men as they shall thinke fit to conferre with upon oath or otherwise as occasion shall offer that the said Commissioners with all speed for the better advancement of this honourable and profitable work may prepare and report the same unto your Majesty Your