A plea for the bringing in of Irish cattel, and keeping out of fish caught by foreigners together with an humble address to the honourable members of Parliament of the countries of Cornwal and Devon, about the advancement of tin, fishery, and divers manufactures / by John Collins.

A plea for the bringing in of Irish cattel, and keeping out of fish caught by foreigners together with an humble address to the honourable members of Parliament of the countries of Cornwal and Devon, about the advancement of tin, fishery, and divers manufactures / by John Collins.

Table of contents

Title page

TO THE RAEDER.

A PLEA for the bringing in of Irish Cattle, and keeping out of Fish caught by Foreigners, &c.

The First Argument.

The Second Argument.

The Third Argument.

The Fourth Argument.

Concerning the New Art of Preparing Flax, and Hemp, before mentioned; it hath formerly been imparted to divers Members of Parliament, in the Words following.

The Consequences hereof are.

The Remedy.

The Consequences will be.

A Proposal for the Advancement of the Fishery, and employment of the Poor.

The REASONS are,

Some of the OBSERVATIONS made by W.P. upon the Trade of IRISH CATTEL.

The Particulars following are taken out of a Letter from Ireland, printed in 1677. viz.

If the former Measures take, these must be the Consequences.

POSTSCRIPT.

THE CONTENTS.

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A PLEA For the bringing in of IRISH CATTEL, And keeping out of FISH CAUGHT BY FOREIGNERS.

TOGETHER With an humble Address to the Honourable MEMBERS of PARLIAMENT of the Counties of Cornwal and Devon, about the Advancement of Tin, Fishery, and divers Manufactures.

By JOHN COLLINS, Accomptant to the ROYAL FISHERY Company.

E Reg. Soc. Philomath.

LONDON, Printed by A. Godbid and J. Playford, and are sold by Langley Curtis in Goat-Court on Ludgate-Hill, 1680.

TO THE RAEDER.

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Courteous Reader,

THE Royal Fishery Company having lost a stock of 11000 l. chiefly by reason Six of their Seven Doggers, (whereof Three were new built) together with their Ladings, were taken in 1676 by the French, were forced in July last to sell their Vessels and Stores to one Mr. Benjamin Watson Merchant, with whom some others of the said Company were induced to adventure, (by reason of Encouragements like to be obtained in the last Long Parliament, and yet hoped for) to renew a small Fishery (as a Basis to a greater) to supply LONDON with Cod from about Michaelmas to Lady-day.

Now for as much as such Little Fishery is blasted in the Bud with any fresh Loss, and cannot thrive without keeping out Foreign Fish, which were prohibited by the Irish Act, and the said Act is ceased, and now under Consideration of the Honourable House of Commons to be renewed; it was necessary to offer what concerns the Fishery, yea and when the Welfare of a Nation is at Stake, it is but seasonable for [Page] any one that wisheth its Prosperity, especially one that hath been Chief Clerk in His Majesty's late Council of Plantations, where Arguments of like kind were winnowed, to propound his Sentiments.

These Considerations begot the following Discourse: Which expects to meet with many Opponents. But there's an able Pen in a Treatise now at the Press hath undertook to be an Advocate for the Importation of Irish Cattle: And I not knowing what Arguments he insists on, nor consulting him, and hearing his Book is large, and fearing it may come out too late, when the Debate is over; took the opportunity to offer some sudden Thoughts about the same, to prevent (if it may be) the fatal Subversion of the Trade of England, which will thence ensue, as is herein shewed by

A Well-wisher to its Prosperity, JOHN COLLINS.

A PLEA for the bringing in of Irish Cattle, and keeping out of Fish caught by Foreigners, &c.

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FOreign Fish are kept out by an Act for the Encouragement of Trade, of 15. Reg. Car. 2. the Epitome whereof is, That after the first of August, 1664. no fresh Herring, fresh Cod or Haddock, Coal Fish or Gull Fish, is to be imported, but in English-built Ships or Vessels, according to the Certificate, the Master and three Fourths of the Mariners to be English, and which hath been fished, caught, and taken in such Ships or Vessels, and not bought of Strangers, on forfeiture of the Vessel and Fish, one Moiety to His Majesty, and the other Moiety to the Informer.

Foreign salt Fish though is to pay as followeth:

l. | s. | d.
Cod Fish the Barrel — | 0 | 5 | 0
Consequently the Last of 12 Barrels — | 3 | 0 | 0
The Hundred cont. 120 — | 0 | 10 | 0
Cole Fish the Hundred of 120 — | 0 | 5 | 0
Ling the Hundred of 120 — | 1 | 0 | 0
White Herring the Last — | 1 | 16 | 0
Haddock the Barrel — | 0 | 2 | 0
Gull Fish the Barrel — | 0 | 2 | 0

By the said Act every Head of great Scotch Cattle imported after the 24th of August, and before the 20th of December, in any year, is to pay 20 s. one Moiety to the Informer, and the other to the Poor of the Parish.

This Act is in force, and by vertue of it Stock Fish not being caught by our Vessels, are barr'd out.

And by the Act against Importing Irish Cattle, 18. Reg. Car. 2. no great Cattle, Sheep, or Swine, or any Beef, Pork, or Bacon, [Page] (except Sailing Provisions) are to be Imported from beyond Sea after the Second of February, 1666. hence Westphalia Hams are barr'd out.

By the said Act no Ling, Herring, Cod, or Pilchard, fresh or salted, dried or bloated, or any Salmon, Eels, or Congers; taken by any Foreigners, are to be imported or sold on penalty of losing the same, the one half to the Informer, the other to the Poor of the Parish; and the same Penalty is on Flesh before-mentioned.

This Act is expired, and is now endeavoured to be rendred perpetual.

The Query may be, What Clauses ought to be renewed? And with what Exceptions? And for what reason Fish or other Commodities ought to be kept out?

The Reason we take to be this:

Those Provisions or Wares that England doth or may afford, enough, good, and to spare, ought not for our own Expence to be Imported or admitted from abroad.

The Argument thus limitted is granted, with two Cautions: The First is, Provided one part can supply another without great inconvenience. The other is, That there be some Grains of Allowance for delight or ornament, besides necessity.

Hence we having no Stock-Fish, which being never salted is of great use in East-India, and long Voyages, that ought to come in: As to Cavair or Roes of Sturgeon, and Sturgeon it self from the Sound; Potargoe's, or Roes of Mullets and Anchova's from Italy, they were never barr'd; and Westphalia Hams being chiefly for the City Treats, may be admitted under the Exception of Delight. To which I shall not add three Vessels of Eels that usually and yearly come laden from Holland, but leave it to the Parties concerned: And these being permitted, all other Fish caught by Strangers that were not by the former Acts admitted, may be kept out

Though the Irish Act seems to be built upon the Reason abovesaid, yet I have heard of another Motive thereof; to wit, after His Majesty's Restauration much Money was raised to disband the Army, to releive His Majesty, and pay his Debts, and vast Sums brought out of the Country in Specie, to carry on the first Dutch War.

The Country finding the want of Money, the returns whereof [Page] were much obstructed by the Plague in 1665. whence also the expence and price of Provisions much fell, began to complain we wanted People, and to consider by what means it was possible to get the Money to return again into the Country. Some alledged there was no better way of doing it than by keeping out all Foreign Flesh and Fish, to the end London paying dear for their Provisions, the same would not only rise in price, but hasten the return of the Money: Adding for Reason, that as long as Provisions were cheap, People would be lazy and forbear work; and that the way to raise both Land and Provisions was to reduce Interest of Money to a low rate. And these Reasons, with the first about England's Plenty prevailing, an Act passed, prohibiting God's Blessings.

Others have undertaken to shew the ill Consequences thereof, and therefore I shall not engage in it, farther than to add two or three Arguments (that perchance are not obvious to them) as a means to occasion better measures to be taken, than to pass this Act, at least for any long time or perpetual.

The First Argument.

The Right Honourable the Lord Brereton lately deceased, lent me a Paper to peruse, that was a Copy of A Report of the Irish Council of Trade, intended to be presented to his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, dated March 26, 1673. in Obedience to An Order of Council of Jan. 20, 1672. concerning the Trade and State of that Kingdom; what were its Aggreivances, and the Remedies. Amongst other Articles I find divers relating to England, which are inserted at large into this Discourse, to wit, in Article 15. it is alledged, That Ireland pays a yearly Debt to England of about 200000 l.

In Article 16. 'tis said, That while the Cattel-Trade for live Oxen and Sheep was open, the value of all the Cattel exported to England never exceeded 140000 l. per Annum, whereof 60000 l. per annum was Commodity, [Page] to wit, Hides, Tallow, Wool, and Freight, so we had but 80000 l. in Flesh: In lieu whereof, they had Goods from England to about three or four times the value, that is, 280000 l.

And Article 17. the Customs between England and Ireland in the freest Trade, are said to come to 32000 l. per annum, as appears by their Custom-house Books. And therefore after a Harangue of some hard Measures in Article 13. come to a result in these words Article 17. That about one third of all the imported Manufactures might be made in Ireland, and that about two Thirds of the Remainder might be more conveniently had from Foreign Parts than out of England: And Consequently it is scarce necessary at all for Ireland to receive any Goods out of England, and not convenient to receive above one Fourth from thence of the whole which it needeth to Import, the value whereof is under 100000 l. per Annum.

The Case being thus, 'tis highly our Interest to admit not only Irish Cattel, but all their Commodities, to keep them by Agreement, on equitable terms (hereafter propounded) from furnishing Foreigners; their Hides were formerly wrought into Shoes, and exported to the Plantations; as also Tallow.

And as to their Wool, if they are permitted to export it, either manufactured or unmanufactured, it will in time ruine all the Wool and Cloth Trade of England, for now they feed on their lean Cattel, export their fat, and increase their Flocks of Sheep.

In sum, Ireland can and doth sell to Foreigners Wool, Hides, Tallow, Flesh, and Fish, at about one Moiety of what England can afford them at; and seeing our Lead and Tin are also in a very declining condition, as is [Page] hereafter shewed, it follows, that this must be redressed, or our Commodities lie on our hands: The Merchants in their humble Remonstrance in 1659. to the then pretended Parliament, represented it as their judgment; That for as much as the Ground of Ireland was of far less value than that of England, an Acre there nor being worth 4 s. which is here worth 40 s. and Provisions so much cheaper, and consequently the Labours of Men; they might afford their Commodities one half cheaper than the English can do: So that in time, if this were not redressed, Ireland would get all the Trade from England; but if not, 'tis better to Trade with them on an Over-Ballance than not at all; and better to lessen their Markets abroad, than quite to obstruct our furnishing the same: Whence the Query resulting is this:

Have we, or is it fit we should have, a Power over Ireland, to hinder them from selling their Commodities in Foreign Parts, when we will not have them our selves?

If we have, it is not well observed, of which take the following Narrative.

Mr. Euclid Speidell a Custom-house Officer, informs, that in the year 1678. there were 40 Ships lading of Wool Shipp'd off from Ireland, that according to Cockets ought to be unladen in England, but none of it arrived here; the Contents he certainly knew not: But according to a moderate supposition, Mr. Poyntz, His Majesty's Tapestry-maker, hath given the following Calculation; to wit, 40 Ships or Vessels at 40 Tuns each is 1600 Tuns, which will employ 29458 Men, Women, and Children, for a year, allowing 3 Persons to a pound of Wool for a day; in some of the faculties of Carding, Spinning, Combing, Weaving, Dying, and Dressing, [Page] which at 6 d. each per diem comes to 268804 l. per annum. And according to Mr. Poyntz all these Faculties may be estimated to employ 96000 Persons for a year, who may earn in that time at moderate rates 750000 l. which if wrought beyond Sea, is not only so much loss to His Majesty's Native Subjects, but as much gain to Foreigners, besides the loss of Navigation and Money, if the same should come in upon us.

The Second Argument.

Secondly, Suppose that Act pass, and Irish Cattel are barr'd out; and this in favour to the Western and Northern Parts, or breeding Grounds: I say, His Majesty and the Eastern and Southern Parts are for the present the losers; and in the event the Nation shall have no Fishery, nor by consequence be able to contest the Dominion of the Sea. Of each severally.

1. His Majesty loseth most of the Customs of 32000 l. a year before-mentioned; and also much by the over-dearness of Provisions for His Navy, which are twice as dear at home, as our Neighbours over the Water are furnished with them from Ireland (as followeth), in so much that if another War at Sea should happen, the Nation in this respect must soon groan under it as an unsupportable burthen.

2. The Kingdom loseth the Navigation between England and Ireland and consequently the Employment of three or four hundred Sail of Ships and Vessels, and the breeding of Mariners to manage them, whereof (alas!) we have too few.

3. The Eastern and Southern Parts have lost their Victualling of the Dutch, and of our own Merchantmen, [Page] as may be plentifully proved from the Searchers Office at the Custom-house, and 'tis already asserted in Print, that our Ships for the most part, Westerly or Southerly bound, Victual here but for six Weeks, and take in the rest of their Provisions in Ireland, or Irish Provisions in Spain, according to contract made for the same:

Whereupon I put this Querie?

Shall English Ships be permitted to Victual in Ireland or not?

If yea, then our Provisions are not spent at home, contrary to the Hypothesis in keeping Cattel out; and our Money must be returned to purchase them there.

If the English shall not be allowed to Victual there, I further Enquire, shall the Irish be permitted to carry their Provisions abroad, or sell them to strangers at home, or both? Have we power to impose upon them.

If they shall be permitted to carry them abroad, our Provisions cannot obtain Foreign vend, as being much dearer than theirs: And when they Export their Provisions they will also Export their Commodities, and furnish their returns.

Of this take the following instance; to wit, a Sea Commander Captain Swaine informes, that for 5 years past there were seldom less than 20 Irish Ships frequently at Dunkirk, Laden with Beef, Tallow, Hides and Leather, much Butter and some Wool; And that all the Capers or Privateers during that time were furnished with these Provisions.

That divers other Irish Ships furnisht Ostend: and many of them he hath seen at Nants, Burnes, Rochel.

[Page]That at Dunkirk, the Irish sold their Provisions at the following Rates.

Tallow and Butter the Hundred Weight, from 20 to 22 Livers, That is, from 30 s. to 33 s. whereas 100 l. of Butter cannot but cost dearer here, a Liver may be reckoned at 18 pence, and 10 Stivers to a Shilling, there is no great disparity in Weight, 100 l. there makes 104 l. here.

A Barrel of Beef Weighing about 2 Hundred and a half, from 12 to 23 Livers; That is, from seven and six pence, to thirteen and eight pence the Hundred Weight.

Tann'd Leather from 14 to 18 Stivers a Pound Weight, that is, from 16 pence to 21 pence.

That there was Imported but little Provisions besides Corn from England, to wit Butter; by which there was no great gain.

Cod, Salmon, and Herrings, abound most plentifully on the Irish Coasts, insomuch that some years there hath been seen at Wexford, no less than 200 sail of Ships at a time, part English, part French, but most Dutch, taking in Herrings and other Provisions, where a mesh of Herrings containing about 500 is commonly sold for Four Shillings, often under, and sometimes higher, and about two mesh fill a Barrel, moreover Cod at other places are sold for 4 d. or 5 d. a peece.

So that if this be permitted, and no redress found, it will be a folly to catch any Herrings in the Channel, in hopes of a profit by sending them to Spain or into the Streights, when at Yarmouth the first cost of a Barrel of Herrings is above double the value they cost at Wexford, one Mr. Jared Hancock, and others will attest the assertion.

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The Third Argument.

Hence we must either allow Ireland a free Trade with others, to the subversion of the Cloth Trade of England, and the incredible prejudice of the Fishery, and of Trade and Staple Commodities in general; or by agreement with them on equitable terms, (hereafter propounded) get so high a Duty of Customs laid on their Commodities as may, if exported by Foreigners or by themselves, unless to England, render them of equal or rather higher value than the like Commodities in England, and then take off as many of them as we can, and furnish them to others (after improvement here) at the second hand, the latter (if we will avoid our own destruction) is the choice to be made.

Hence their Cattel, &c. ought not to be refused; and in what else can they pay England the debt before mentioned, and over ballance of Trade.

The Fourth Argument.

The prime reason for Barring Foreign Commodities holds not in this case.

The Irish Cattel in question, with their Hides, Tallow and Wool, are not so much Imported for our expence, as to Ship off, to furnish Foreign Markets withal, and are received in payment of an annual debt, which cannot be well otherwise returned from Ireland.

Lastly, If we ought not for our own expence to be furnished with Commodities from abroad, that we can supply our selves with at home, then ought we to have no Foreign Salt, Iron, Brass, Paper, Tapestry-hangings, [Page]Canvas, Linnen, Earthen-wares, Madders, Safflore, Smalt, hard Soap, tinned Plates, and divers other Commodities of lesser moment Imported, and no Salt Petre from the East Indies, nor Sugar from Portugal, seeing our own Plantations will afford it.

And if we admit these great concerns from Strangers, 'tis more fit his Majesties Subjects should have a free Trade with one another, for matters of far less moment:

As to that straw, that unless Provisions be dear the people will be lazy, and will not work.

Answer, 'tis granted necessity begets industry, yet notwithstanding if some will be idle, it follows not that all or the Major part will be so: Poor people must either work, beg, or steal; If the latter, besides saving the Almes of the Parish, there are Houses of Correction and punishment.

Moreover goodness and cheapness are the main inducements to put off any Commodity: And it canot be well apprehended how Labour shall be cheap and Work plenty where Provisions are dear, where the one riseth the other doth so likewise: As at London and in other places where Provisions are dearest Labor is dearest: And this assertion is contrary to experience in memory, to wit, before the year 1640. Provisions were much cheaper than they are now, and Labour likwise, and work more plentifull, for then we had a great Trade; And about 60 Ships of about 400 or 500 Tuns burthen employed in the Streights, which afterwards in 1659. came to be reduced to 6 or thereabouts, as the City represented to Olivers Council: Whereas on the contrary at present we have so little work that many thousands of Families of Salt-workers, Rope-makers, Weavers, Dryers, Potters, Tanners, &c. have no Employment.

[Page]And to make Provisions dear as a means to make the poor work, is the ready way to drive them into Foreign Plantations, where they may either have greater Wages for their pains, or Ground for Plantations given them by the Law of the Country. Those that are for grinding and made the Objection, I suppose would not willingly undergo a mean comfortless drudgery themselves.

As to that Allegation about a low rate of interest, to the intent Lands and Provisions may rise in value:

'Tis granted and affirmed, that according to the Laws of Arithmetick for yearly Purchases, if Money be at 4 in the hundred, Land should be at 25 years Purchase; and at 5 in the hundred at 20 years Purchase: though the Effect doth not always follow the supposed Cause: As in the year 1640. when Money was at 8 per Centum, and Land should have been worth but 12 and a half years Purchase, yet it was commonly sold for 20 years Purchase; Whence take this Sorites.

If Land rises, the Commodities the Land yields must also rise, otherwise the Tenant cannot pay his Rent.

This rising-price must be paid either at home or abroad, if neither, consequently a low Rate of interest cannot advance the price of Lands.

Cloth, Lead, and Tin, are our chief Staple Commodities: And whether these will bear a considerable Rising price abroad or at home, is the Querie:

1. As for Cloth, I hear the Merchants hazard is great and gain little; and it was more formerly: This saith Mr. Baker, an eminent Merchant in a Book of the Spanish and Smyrna Trade, Printed in 1659. page 13. Intituled the Merchants Petition and Remonstrance.

The Clothiers and others complain against the Merchants [Page] in general, that they take not off and buy their Cloathes, and other their Manufactures: nor give them such prices for them whereby they may make a Livelyhood.

But the Turky Merchants complaints are very great, because they are rather losers than gainers by the sales of their Cloth, (on which Commodity I lately lost 10 per Cent out of my principal on an hundred Cloaths, well bought and sorted, that I sent to Smyrna:) And to put off our Cloth we are now forced to remit quantities of Monies to Purchase the Commodities of those Countries; which tendeth very much to the consumption of the English Stock.

At that time the Turks besieging Candy, in reason Cloth should have sold dearer than now, when they are far in the Inland Country, and when Turky is supplyed with the Cloth of Germany by the Venetians.

2. As to Lead, Mr. Baker page 8. saith, that during the late (Usurper's) War with Spain, the Spaniards wanting Lead Employed those that had skill in Mines, who presently found most excellent Mines by Xaen, and since they have needed little of ours from 1634 to 1646. saith Capt. Thomas Bushell, that great Miner, in his Case printed in 1649. pag. 13.3 or 4 Thousand Tuns yearly raised, was and now is the Trade and Customs, both by Transportation and Importation.

3. Concerning Tin, I have heard divers Merchants of late years affirm, they could not get the Interest of their Principal by it; and when the Debate about Tin Farthings happened, the Pewterers affirmed, That there was 22000 l. worth of Tin at Smyrna remaining, that had been some years in the hands of one Mr. Pythorne, a Factor there, that he could not sell to any advantage; [Page] and it's well known that Tin was never so cheap at home, nor more of it lying on our hands than now, albeit His Majesty ever since 1666. hath received no benefit by his Prerogative of praeemption, nor is like to have any for the future; whereas in former times it was farmed at 12000 l. per annum Rent.

The Case being thus, give me leave to make a Digression about the improvement of our Native Commodities.

Endeavours have been on foot to restore this fallen branch of the Revenue by Farming it of His Majesty, and coming to a Composition with the Miners of Cornwal to take off all the Tin the Mines yeild, or at least 1200 Tuns per annum, but there were two Rubs in the way; the one was, the Convocation could not well come to such an Agreement, till an Act of Parliament was obtained to bind all particular Miners to stand to such contract as the said Convocation should make: The other was, the Farmers would not undertake such Bargain without Covenanting with His Majesty, to supply England, Ireland, and the Plantations, with Tin Farthings, a Pound weight of them to be cut into 16 Pence, that by the profit of these Farthings the Farmers might be enabled to pay their Rent.

This Design was opposed by the Mint as a gross cheat and an abuse to be put upon the Nation. Amongst many things alledged against Tin Farthings: I shall enumerate some of the most material, as

1. That a Metal might be made whiter and harder than Tin of poysonous Ingredients, viz. Spelter, Arsenick, Regulus of Antimony, &c.

2. That such Metal, when worn, would not yeild above Two Pence a Pound, or little more, and no [Page] Pewterer durst use it, as being contrary to Law.

3. That Tin Farthings might be coyned with a Hammer, cast in a Mold, squeezed in a Vice, and be counterfeited by any Tinker, Plummer, Smith, Glasier, Tinman, Watchmaker, &c.

4. Hence a Query was put to the Farmers, whether they would change all that were brought them or not, good or bad, either made by themselves or others? And if so, who should allow the Country and City Brewers their Charges, in sending them up to London in Drays and Wagons, with Tellers?

5. They refusing, it was inferred, that if Tin Farthings were Established, His Majesty must receive His Revenue of Excise (and the Duke of York his Postage) in Tin Farthings, in regard a Brewer cannot avoid the taking of much Money in Tin Farthings at home of Tub-Women and Firkin-Men, and abroad of the Ale-house-keepers that are his Customers.

These Arguments ruined that wretched Design, and I pray let it sleep in its Rubbish.

Afterwards one Mr. Vane deceased, proposed a Design to make Tin the fundus of a Bank; to be managed for His Majesty's advantage by Commissioners that were able Merchants, that could pay the Miners by Contract for the Tin quarterly, and be reimbursed by Sales, when it should bear a price, or by others that would have credit in the said Bank: And His Majesty to promote the same, bought up 60000 l. of Tin when it was cheap, to wit, at 3 l. 8 s. 6. d. the Hundred weight, of which this was the event:

The Plot breaking out, and the Parliament not sitting, such Contract could not be made with the Miners; and the said Tin, after it had with Warehouse room, [Page] and Interest of Stock, cost about 3 l. 16 s. the Hundred weight, was sold at the African-House for about 3 l. the Hundred weight, or little more; and those that bought it so, Shipp'd off most of it to Holland, and are ruined by the bargain. And the cause is this:

The East-Indies abounds with Tin, which the Dutch buy there at about 5 d. a Pound, and bring it home for Ballast Freight free; and they have brought home so much in former years, as to bring down the price of ours. See a Book of the East-India Trade printed in 1667. where in pag. 9. you have this passage:

As for Tin, there is vast quantities in some parts of India, the Dutch during the time of the late proeemption of Tin having brought home in two years 4 or 500 Tuns: And it might be more advantagious to the English Company, not only to transport Tin from one part of India to another, rather than to send it from England; but also to bring Tin from India to England, for Ballast of their Ships that come with Pepper from Bantam, did they not prefer the Kingdoms Interest before their private Profit.

The Dutch, in August 1678. brought home, as a Letter from Holland mentions, above 150 Tuns, which is said to be 5 s. a Hundred weight better than ours; and at first sold it at 3 l. 5 s. the Hundred weight, then fell to 3 l. then to 2 l. 15 s. and ours would not sell for above 2 l. 10 s.

The Case being thus, to apply a Remedy I must humbly Address my self to the Honourable the Members of Parliament that serve for the Counties of Devon and Cornwal; and Propound,

That whereas we now in England make Salt the best yet known in the World, and are notwithstanding much [Page] oppressed by Foreign Salt; to Redress which, the Salt-workers have for many years endeavoured to bring on a small Excise on our own, to recompence His Majesty for the loss of the Customs of Foreign, to be kept out by a high Duty.

1. That you be pleased no longer to oppose such Excise, upon pretence that our English Salt will not cure your Pilchards.

I have a Treatise of Salt ready for the Press, shewing the several ways of making of Salt in England and other Countries, and setting forth the Excellency and manner of using our own in curing both Flesh and Fish, for the longest of Voyages through the hottest of Climates.

2. That you vouchsafe to make use of such opportunity to remove all burthens upon Tin, as well Sealing Duty of 4 s. a Hundred weight, which may come to 5000 l. per annum (except a competent Recompence to the Officers for sealing such as is free from Iron and Dross, according to Constitution;) as also exporting Duty of 7 s. 4 d. a Hundred, which may come to 7000 l. a year, or more.

3. That then a Farm of all the Tin the Mines produce, be let to the Turky and Pewterer's Company; the one will so regulate the Price abroad, and the other at home, that we shall not be undermined by the Dutch.

This done, the said Companies may erect a safe Bank, and not be damaged, albeit they have Tin on their hands to a vast quantity and value. The advantages of Banks are great, whereof I shall mention but one; It enables the Hollanders to Trade with a dead stock: to wit, when a Laden Ship arrives, the goods are appraised, deposited in the Bankers Ware-houses and Credit given at home or in Foreign parts, for about three quarters [Page] of their value; which is an incredible advantage in Trade.

I further humbly represent to you, that in the Usurper's time an Excise of a half peny a Gallon brought in 26000 l. per Annum when Fishery-Salt was excepted, and paid nothing, the which was observed to be a notable back door and a Cloak to many fallacious pretences, whereas laying the duty universal, the revenue raised by Fishery Salt, being employed for the advantage of a Fishery Trade, shall much more advance the design, than the payment of such duty can hinder it, especially seeing our Neighbours cannot be furnisht with Salt for that purpose so good and cheap, as we by 12 or 15 per Cent; And in case the same be employed in the Royal Fishery Company at London, out-parts may complain their Fisheries are discouraged; to which may be replied that at London a duty is paid upon Ballast, but not the like in the out-ports or most of them, where a revenue may be levied on Ballast to promote their respective Fisheries; And if such duty be laid universal and well managed it may produce 38000 or 40000 l. a year. And such a stock as that Employed to encourage our Manufactures, shall enrich the Nation much above a Million a year; I offer how and most humbly move you to promote:

1. In setting up a Fishery Company, to have 10000 l. a year given them, to Build Ships and Vessels to encourage Adventurers to undertake the Fishery Trade, and the making of Twine Nets, Canvas, and Cordage, at Clerkenwell work-house, not only for their own use, but also for his Majesties stores; as is hereafter propounded. And if they be rendred a Council of Trade, (for which reasons are afterwards given, why they [Page] are or may be a most proper constitution,) they will go far in earning such benevolence, and doubtless give such advice as followed shall redress the aggreivances of the Nation about Trade and Manufactures.

2. There is a new Art of preparing, whitening, and dressing both of Hemp and Flax, that shall render it of a silver Colour, so fine that of one pound of it a thread may be made 20 Miles long, and in value to 50 s. or 3 l. Hence we want no Foreign Linnen nor Canvas, which may be barr'd out by a high duty.

Of the refuse or Tow thereof, of Raggs, Old Fishery Netts and Sails, may be made Paper; whereof we spend in England in Writing and Printing, about 1000 Reams a day, or to the value of 120000 l. per Annum. Good Paper is made in Germany and Holland; and the Art thereof is attained in England; but to encourage the same here, there wants a higher duty on Foreign Paper; and a Company with a good stock to undertake the same; the which might be the Stationers Company, with other Adventurers; to whom for encouragement might be allowed the use of 5000 l. per Annum Gratis; to be taken out in Stationary Wares for the supply of all his Majesties Offices.

3. By the like encouragement, the Upholsterers with others might be induced to undertake the Manufacture of Tapistry hangings, the benefit of gaining such Manufacture is great, viz.

1. It will save an expence of Foreign Wool, and beget an expence of our own, to the value of One hundred thousand pounds per Annum, now imported in Tapestry-hangings.

2. It will cause our Cloaths to go off in Turkey in Barter, to procure raw Silk to work up with the said Hangings.

[Page]3. It will in the ballance of Trade save the value of such Hangings yearly to the Nation, and in time become a Staple Commodity to Ship off, in regard we can have Wool, Silk, and Provisions, much cheaper here than in Flanders, and Brabant, the sole Provinces where this Manufacture was formerly made, the skill whereof is now well attained in England; but Encouragement in its Infancy by keeping out Foreign, and a Stock to carry it on, is wanting.

4. It will employ many thousands of poor People in Carding, Combing, and Spinning, besides Dyers, Weavers, Worsted-workers, Drawers, and D [...]signers. See the excellent Proposal in Print of Mr. Francis Poyntz, His Majesty's Tapistry-maker.

5. The Parliament having lately built 30 Men of War, 'tis hazardous to trust them and many more in the River of Medway; and besides, their Moorage and Attendance is very chargeable: A wet Dock would add much to their safety, and prevent much of the constant charge

A Proposal may be drawn where to make such a Dock, with a Pool behind it wherein to keep Masts sunk, and at what Charge; which might be defrayed out of the Excise upon Salt.

Lastly, if there be yet a Surplus, the Revenue of the Mint craves it; the said Revenue was much too short for Coyning any considerable quantity of our Moneys into smaller pieces than Shillings, even before the Prohibition of French Wines, (which paid 10 s. a Tun Coynage-duty) and became a notable Abridgment of such Revenue, namely, 6000 l a year. Moreover to Coyn more Moneys small, is the best way to accommodate the People, and prevent its Exportation.

Now, after a long Digression, having shewed that our Commodities will not yeild the intended rising Price abroad, it seems ridiculous to suppose they should rise, lying on our hands at home.

I proceed to shew the languishing Condition of our Foreign Trade, and that in opposition to those gross ignorant Flatterers, that say, England was never more thriving, our Trade never greater, nor safer, and so endeavour to beget an Enmity in the Gentry, or Country Party, against the City, the Merchants, and Trading part of the Nation.

As to our ready Money, if we have about 7000000 of People in England and Wales, as Mr. Graunt, Sir William Petty, and others, on rational grounds suppose, and but 1000000 of ready Money, [Page] as Mr. Mun, and others, guess; these, if equally distributed, would not be 3 s. a piece.

As to our Foreign Trade, I begin with that of the East-India, where the Dutch have not less than 50 or 60 Men of War, and such vast numbers of Trading Ships, that it's ordinary to see 140 Sail at a time in Batavia Road, from 300 Tuns burthen to 1400 Tuns, not to mention 37 Magazines, and 20 considerable Forts, as we read, asserted in the printed Translations of two French Treatises of the East-India Trade. How small our number of Trading Ships thither is, (to wit, 15 or 16) and how great our danger▪ I need not to mention.

As to the West-India Trade, they have in a former War got Surinam from us, which (as the late Lord Brereion affirmed) hath sometimes yeilded about 3000 Tuns of Sugar in a year, and will yeild as much of that Commodity, Tobacco, &c. as they can get hands to Plant and manage, and being on the Main, is more free from Hurricanes, and more temperate, than the Leeward Islands; amongst the Westwardmost of which, they have one called Curasao, the Mart for their Negro's; amongst the Eastwardmost they have Tabago, and claim two little Islands from us, to wit, Sabia, and Stacia aliàs Eustachia, near St. Christopher's, which the French took from us in 1666. and by the Treaty of Breda were to restore, but baffled us▪ selling them to the Dutch, from whom our Governour Collonel Stapleton took them in 1673. and the Dutch under Everson retook them in 1674. he being gone, valiant Stapleton retook them the same year; and on the Conclusion of the last Peace with the Dutch, it not being known (as is presumed) that they were in our hands, we agreed to restore what was taken from them, and they what was took from us; accordingly they restored to us New York, and expect to have Sabia and Stacia from us, which, if we keep, will do us no good; but if we restore much hurt, for whilst the Dutch had them, they framed the Timbers of Sloops in Holland, carried them thither in the holds of their Ships, and there compleatly built them, a Sloop being a Vessel of about 25 or 30 Tuns burthen, and with these they went a Trading by stealth to replenish our almost-ruin'd Islands with Negro's in barter for Commodities, to wit, Cottons, Sugar, Tobacco, Indigo, Ginger, Fustick, and other dying Stuffs; and by vertue of such Trade with the French which they allow, and with us by stealth or connivance, they have some years laden home many Ships, as 12 or more, of Goods of the growth of those Islands▪ to His Majesty's great loss in the Customs, and carrying them home into Holland, and thence Exporting most of them to Foreign Markets almost Custom free, were capacitated to under-sell us 12 or 15 per cent. and 'tis their chiefest aim in getting Islands there not so much to Plant, as to drive on this kind of Trade. How great our loss of Negro's and Inhabitants was in 1666. off the Islands of St. Christophers, Montserat, and Antego, is not so proper to mention as bewail, in regard the French have more Islands full Mann'd, and a considerable Fleet commonly abroad in those Parts.

Thus we see the danger of our West-India Trade, except that of Newfound-Land, for poor Jack in which we are undermined by the French, and New [Page]Englanders by aid of 1000 of our own Seamen that stay'd there on shoar in 1665. to avoid the Service against the Dutch, where in a following years expedition our damage was so much, that the Town of Dartmouth alone lost 8000 l. but of this more largely in my Salt Treatise.

Before I come to our Streights Trade, let us consider the Dutch advantages over us at home, did they Trade meerly not to export again, which are these:

1. Their Ships lying for the most part at or near their own Doors or Warehouses, they save Lighterage and Cartage.

2. They save Interest of Money, not paying Duties there 'till a Sale, whereas here we pay Customs upon entry.

3. Their 7 Provinces, Switzerland and Germany, spend more imported Goods than England can spend; these Countreys are furnished by Boats and Vessels, some of 40 Tuns, that go above 500 miles up the Rhine, as far as Franckfort, which is not now hard to do by aid of towing Engins in Boats. The late Lord Brereton affirmed, the French make way up the River Rhodanus, one of the most rapid hitherto known, by a new Invention, after the rate of 4 or 5 miles an hour.

4. Down these Rivers they are furnished with Rhenish Wines, and other German Commodities, in large flat-bottom'd Vessels built of great Timber, never intended to return, out of which they build their Doggers, Busses, and Fishery Vessels, at about half the Rate we can do the like in England.

5. Their Bank enables them to borrow Money, and to Trade with a dead Stock, that is, Goods there deposited: By aid of such Bank, they in former years furnished about 80 Sail of Trading Merchants Ships in the Streights of about 600 Tun, and 30 Guns each, with a Stock of ready Money to be let out at Bottomree; that is to say, the Money is lent to Jews, upon taking in a Cargo of Goods at one Port, at the rate of 10 per cent. for Interest and freight, less or more, according to agreement, the Owners to run all hazards whatsoever of Shipwrack, Pirates, &c. and when the Ship arrives at the Port whereto she is bound, the Money is received on board before the Goods are delivered on shoar: In the mean while the Owners ensure at a moderate rate at home, by this means sending out their Ships with East-India, and Northern Commodities of Russia, the Sound, &c. they keep them in long Employment abroad. I have seen 40 of these kind of Ships at once employed as Men of War in the Venetian Fleet, when the English have not had above two or three; neither have we the like way of employing our Ships abroad, or little practice it.

6. The Dutch Trade, as Carriers, to supply all Foreign Markets with all sorts of Commodities, the English Trade chiefly to export their own Goods, and furnish Returns for their own Expence: And this comes to pass by reason we pay Customs, or a Duty, when we import Goods, and they Excise, that is a Duty not paid 'till the Goods are sold for Expence. The Disparity is so great, that it hath been the prime cause of the greatness of the Dutch Trade, Wealth, and Power at Sea.

In 1641. Mr. Lewes Roberts represented to the Long Parliament, in his Book called The Treasure of Traffick, two Examples thereof, to wit, suppose [Page] two Ships of equal burthen of 300 Tuns each, to come out of the River of Bourdeaux laden with Wine, the one arrives at London, and pays Duties inward, the other at Amsterdam, and then both Export; the Charges at London come to about 1200 l. and at Amsterdam 60 l. and in two Ships of Tobacco of 200 Tuns each, the charges shall be here 1000 l. and in Holland 120 l.

And by reason hereof the Hollanders use to employ about 300 Sail of Ships every Winter to bring in French Wine and Brandy to Ship off again, to the quantity of 40000 Tuns, by which they could not get less than 2 or 300000 l. and 200 Sail more for Salt. I have twice seen Fleets of theirs of about 500 Sail at a time in the Isle of Wight, whereas the English only trade for 11 or 12000 Tuns of Wine yearly to spend.

The Case being thus, and our building and sailing with more hands more chargeable, it is no wonder we do not much thrive, albeit we drive on rather a great Navigation, than a profitable Trade.

This inconvenience was long since represented to King James by Sir Walter Rawleigh, as we find in his little Book of Observations upon Trade, printed in 1653. pag. 10. in these words:

Of this their smalness of Custom (meaning in Holland, Hamburgh, &c.) inward and outward, we have daily Experience; for if two English Ships, or two of any other Nation, be at Bourdeaux, both laden with Wine of 300 Tuns a piece, the one bound for Holland, or any other petit States, the other for England, the Merchant shall pay above 900 l. here in Duties, when the other in Holland shall be cleared for 50 l. and so in all other Wares and Merchandizes accordingly.

It ought to be an Instruction to a Council of Trade, to State an Accompt thereof on every Commodity.

He proceeds, and saith▪ That this draws all Nations to Traffick with them, and although it seems but small Duties which they receive, yet the multitudes of all kind of Commodities and Coyn that is brought there, and carried out by themselves and others, is so great, that they receive more Customs and Duties to the State (besides Excise) by the greatness of their Commerce in one year, than England doth in two years, for the hundredth part of the Commodities are not spent in Holland, but vended into other Countreys, which makes all the Country Merchants to buy and sell, and increase Ships and Mariners to transport them. My Travels and meaning is, neither hath been to diminish your Majesty's Revenues, but exceedingly to encrease them, &c.

This might be remedied, by changing that part of the Duty of Customs that concerns Foreign Goods, into an Excise, to be managed in the same places, and by the same Offic [...]rs, and that without detriment to the Revenue, laying the Excise upon the Expence, especially of Goods we may want, or best spare, high, and yet hardly raise the price of them, for where Goods are plenty they will be cheap, and People will be rather content with a small profit at home, than run the hazard of a greater abroad.

If the advice of our renowned Hero had been followed, the Dominion of the Sea had never been disputed, which if once gained by our Adversaries, [Page] (as an eminent Peer in his Speech, well observed) is never to be lost, or recovered; and if so; we might possibly be at their mercy: whether the River of Thames should be stopt from Coals and Trade or not.

That we have lost the Greenland, Muscovia and Fishery Trades, is notorious. And all this digression, is but to render Gentlemen that may possibly meet with this discourse, more kind in their measures towards the trading part of the Nation: especially at such a time, when our staple Commodities, and Forreign Trades are under such circumstances: and we not out of danger of our Neighbours entring into a Conjunction against us.

The Remedy we Propounded in the Third Argument, will destroy the greatest part of the profit, the Irish could or might have had, by Trading with any but our selves. We must therefore propound equitable Terms of amends, Namely: that whereas we are now Furnished with Linnen, and Canvas, from Forreign parts, to the value of much above a Milion a Year: We ought to encourage the planting of Hemp, and Flax, and the Manufactures thereof, by keeping out Forreign, both in Ireland and at home: And by taking off all that Ireland can furnish▪ allbeit, it be to the value of 400 Thousand Pounds a Year: in that Commodity, and in building and fitting out (if the Fishery Trade be well encouraged) Ships and Fishery Vessels, Cordage, Twine, and Nets, Sails, and Barrels: which may be done there at Cheap rates, so by that means encourage their industry; and receive payment for the Debt, payable to England aforesaid; and for that great value of goods that used to be exported hence into Ireland. And withall allow them a Trade to our American plantations.

This was the Advice of Mr. Baker, and many eminent Merchants, given to Oliver and his Council; in 1658. as we find it, in Page 14 of his Book, Intituled, The Merchants Petition and Remonstrance: consented to by the Lord Mayor, &c.

How great Prudence, and Right State Policy were it, That all encouragements, and immunities, should be given to those of Ireland, that should Sow, Flax, and Hemp, and that the same might be made into Linnen; whereby England might become dependant on Ireland for the same. Which would make that Country to become very Rich, and Flourish; And so the wealth of these Nations would be kept within themselves. And for a mutual Correspondency; all the wools of Ireland, shall be brought into England: and converted into Manufactures. And these Manufactures Exported into Ireland, to pay neither Custome nor Excise. Whereby you will still keep Ireland dependant on England; according to the practice of the King of Spain, in the West-Indies: Where Vines for Wines, Olave Trees, for Oyles will grow better than in Spain. Yet none are suffered to be planted, upon pain of Death; because they may keep them dependant on Spain, for the Commodities of their own growth, and by which comes unto them most benefit. For if they should have permitted the planting of these in the West-Indies: they would not have needed that Assisttance from Spain. The West-Indies being large Territories: and the Ground of little value; And the Ground of Ireland, being of: far less value, than that of England; an Acre there, not being worth 4 s. which is here worth 40 s. And Provisions being so much cheaper, and consequently the Labours of men, they may afford their[Page]Wool cheap; which being wrought into Manufactures, and that Countrey better situated than England, for Forreign Exportations, they might afford them the one half cheaper than the English should be able to do. So that Ireland in time, would get all the Trade from England; And it will be no prejudice to them, to bring their Wools into England.

Now the price of Wool, will not therefore be the Cheaper in England: rather they will have thereby a greater value, because the Commodities that are made of the same, will be exported again into Ireland; and, Forreign parts, where the prices of these Manufactures would otherwise be lessen'd. And consequently the Wools, by how much they should make, and Export from Ireland, &c.

This occasions me to say, that Carolina is a Plantation that yields Wines, Oyles, Silks: As Sir Peter Colliton, and others proved before his Majesties late Council of Plantations.

The Council of Trade aforesaid, in the 12 Article, are desirous of an Accommodation; and thus urge.

If the Titles of Estates in Ireland, be the more hazardous and expensive, for that England, and Ireland, are not under one Legislative Power. If Ireland till now, hath been a continued charge to England; If the reducing the last Rebellion did cost England three times more in Men and Money, than the substance of the whole Country, when reduced was worth.

If it be just that men of English birth, and Estates, living in Ireland, should be represented in the Legislative power. And that the Irish should not be judged by those, who they pretend usurp their Estates: it then seems just and convenient, that both Kingdomes should be United, and Governed by one Legislative Power: nor is it hard to shew how this may be made practiable; nor to satisfie, repair, or silence those who are interested, or affected to the contrary.

ARTICLE 13. Articles of the Council of Trade before mentioned, at large.

IN the mean time, 'tis wonderfull, that men born in England; who have Lands granted to them by the King, for Service done in Ireland▪ to the Crown of England, when they have occasion to reside, or Negotiate in England, by their Countrey men, Kindred, and Friends, should be debarred, to bring with them Food, whereupon to live. Nor suffered to carry money out of Ireland: Nor to bring such Commodities as they fetch from America directly home, but round about by England: with extream hazard, and loss, and be forced to Trade only with strangers. And become unacquainted with their own Countrey; especially when England gaineth more than it losses, by a free Commerce, as Exported hither, above 3 times more than it receiveth form hence. Insomuch, as 95 l. in England, was worth about 100 l. of the like mony in Ireland, in the free time of Trade.

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ARTICLE 15.

The value of the Estates in Ireland, of such persons as do usually live in England; the Interest of the Debts of Ireland, due and prayable to England: The pay of the Forces of Ireland, now in England; The Expence and Pensions of Agents, and Sollicitors, commonly residing in England, about Irish Affairs: the expence of Irish and English Youths: now upon their Education, beyond the Seas. And lastly, the supposed profit of the two great Farmes now on Foot, do altogether make up more than two Hundred Thousand Pounds a Year. As a Debt payable to England, out of Ireland.

ARTICLE 16.

The value of the Cattel, viz. (Live Oxen and Sheep) Beef, and Mutton: carryed out of Ireland into England; was never more than 140 Thousand Pounds per an. The Freight, Hides, Tallow, and Wooll, of the said live Cattel; were worth about 60 Thousand Pounds, of the said 140 Thousand: And the value of the goods imported out of England, into Ireland, when the Cattel Trade was free. Was between Triple▪ and Quadruple: the Net value of the Oxen, and Sheeps Flesh; transported from hence, into England.

Concerning the New Art of Preparing Flax, and Hemp, before mentioned; it hath formerly been imparted to divers Members of Parliament, in the Words following.

(The Proposers name, being Franciscus Strick, a Flemming)

1. HE hath an Art, to Dissolve it, and make it extraordinary Fine, Soft, and of a Silver Colour; so that both the Flax, and Tow, may be Spun to an extraordinary fineness, and even Thread.

2. The Flax dressers, that dresses Flax the ordinary way in all places, cannot produce more than One Pound, and a Quarter, out of a stone of Flemish Flax, which stone ways Six Pounds. And the Proposer can produce Four Pounds and a half fine, out of the said Six Pounds; that shall Spin as fine a Thread as theirs, and shall bear a price currant with the same.

3. In the dissolving, he takes nothing from the Flax, but the Earthy ponderous and unprofitable substance: which they must of necessity take out at last, after the great charges, in the Hackling and Spinning of the said Flax.

4. They must Boyl, or Scoure their Thread, or Twine, after it is Spun, to take out that filthiness, which the Proposer takes out before: And in so doing, they lose out of every Pound of Twine, one quarter of a Pound; which is more worth, than the whole stone of Flax, before it was prepared.

5. The Proposers Twine or Yarn, needs not to be Boyled after it is Spun, or any other thing done to it. Onely given to the Weaver, or Throwster: to be Woven, or Twined, into fine Thread.

6. It will be an evener Thread, and the Weaver needs not to stiffen it, [Page] (with size,) as they do their own Thread, by which means it will be much easier and more speedily Twined, and will be much stronger: thereby the stock will have more speedy returnes. The Proposer's charge being but small, in the preparing of it.

7. The Tow may be spun as well as the Flax; and the reason is, because of its extraordinary fineness, before it is hackled. For in the Hackling, it is onely drawn together, and in the spinning, is easily drawn out again; And it is appraised, or rated, according to the fineness thereof.

8. Of Three Pounds, or less, of this Yarne: there may be pieces of Holland Woven, cantaining 50 Ells flemish, or 30 Ells English measure: Or fine Sewing Thread, from Ten Shillings a Pound weight, to Three or Four Pounds Sterling the Pound weight.

9. What is affirmed concerning Flax, is common to Hemp. It being prepared the same way; And there may be made of it, all sorts of died Thread; fine Tykes for Beds, all sorts of Fringes, may be, and commonly are Woven of the Hempen Yarn: And thereof better Linnen Cloth may be made, than is generally made of Flax in England: as hitherto practised.

10. Also a way will be found, to draw the Negotiation of the French Sail Cloth, and all kind of Tackle, concerning Ships, in as small or big Cordage, as all other Nations afford, a Third part lighter, stronger, and lesser stowage; to more profit to the English Nation, and Companies of Merchants, as well as particular Trades.

Thus far the Proposer. Others add, that the Hurds, offall refuse, or Tow, of Flax, and Hemp, will serve to make a weaker, or a worser sort of Linnen, or a good Printing and Writing Paper, here in England; some Tryals of all sorts whereof have been lately, (and never before) made, by Mr. Henry Million, Stationer in the Old Bayley; who deserves well of the whole Nation; for his indefatigable pains, in promoting the Paper, Woollen, and Linnen, Manufactures; and well understands the Art of preparing of Hemp, and Flax.

And whereas it is objected, that English Hemp, even that which is dew wet, and not River wet, is not so long; nor will not take Tarr, to make Cables of, as Swedish Hemp doth, and consequently, hath not that strength, or durability.

To this 'tis answered. That it hath been affirmed at the Royal-Society; That the late Earl of Strafford, sent over an Agent, to Riga, to observe on what Ground, Hemp, and Flax Royal, as they call it, grew there: And to bring over some of the seed, &c. which being planted in Ireland, grew very well. And that the Hemp being fine drest, took Tarr; why may not the like be done in England? and some say it is in York-shire: the reason our Hemp will not take Tarr, is conceived to be, either because it is not fine enough drest, or over hard▪ I have heard of a Rope maker, that having wetted our Hemp in May dew, steeved the same for some time; that it might somewhat swelter, moisten, or impair it self; and then it took Tarr but although our Hemp should not be fit to make great Cordage; as Cables, and Halsers. Yet it is much coveted, and used by Forreigners, and our selves, for small rigging: And is affirmed to be much lighter, and stronger, than any Forreign Cordage of the same size.

[Page]I believe, there only wants some good Experiments to be made, to determine the matter, whether our English Hemp, will take Tarr: and hope some of the Lords of the Committee, of his Majesties Privy Council for Trade, will give order, to some of his Majesties Rope-makers, to try the Experiments, before the Royal-Society.

Enquiry being made at the Royal-Society, what was known, concerning the aforesaid Art of, preparing Flax and Hemp, Answer was given,

1. That this Art of preparing, and dressing of Flax, and Hemp, was long known, and practised, by Mr. Charles Howard, Brother to the Duke of Norfolk: who many Years since, had shewed divers Examples of Hemp, and Flax, so prepared; as also to one Mr. Stephens. And that Engines, or Tools might be contrived, so far to facilitate the work, that one man therewith furnished, should dispatch as much, as divers could do without.

2. That there are divers Marsh, Sandy Clay, and other Grounds, on the Coasts of England, and Wales, belonging to the Crown, that ly wast, or turn to little, or no benefit, that might properly be made use of, for planting of Hemp, and Flax, which admirably prepares for Corne.

3. That Mr. Charles Howard, lately imparted this new art of preparing, and Whitening of Flax, and Hemp, to one Mr. Fermin, who before he knew it, is said to have Spun Thread so fine, out of Flax, that one Pound hath yielded 20 Thousand Ells, but now can produce much more.

4. How much the working of Rough Hemp, into Cables, and wrought Cordage, hath been discouraged; may be taken from an instance at Yarmouth, put in Print, by one Mr. Bowers, a Merchant of that place; who presented his Papers, to divers Members of the House, setting forth.

1. That in Anno 1653. Four Rope-makers of Yarmouth, wrought up 208 Tuns of Hemp, for the then Parliament, besides what they, and Six Master Rope-makers, wrought up for private uses, a good part whereof, was English Hemp.

2. That the whole Town at present, doth not make 7 Tuns of Cordage in a Year. Whereas in those times, there was 4 or 500 stone, at 14 lib. the stone, of English Hemp, (besides Forreign) wrought up weekly into Cordage, and now it falls short of 30 Stone.

Mr. Cooke, in a discourse of the Norway Trade, saith, that we have lost the making of 2800 Tuns of Cables, and Cordage, Yearly, in the County of Norfolk. The cause thereof is:

The Customes of Cordage, and Cable Yarn, being Forreign wrought, and commonly bad, are but 8 Pence the Hundred weight, the same with the Customes of rough, or unwrought Hemp.

The Consequences hereof are.

1. The Importation of Hemp unwrought, is obstructed.

2. The Marsh Grounds on the Coasts, and within Lincoln-shire, Norfolk, Essex, Kent, &c. Formerly Sown with Hemp, either ly waste, or are now for want of a proportionable Consumption Sown with Corn, to an incredible detriment.

[Page]3. The Employment and skill, many poor People might attain unto, in Sowing, Planting and Manufacturing such Hemp, either for Netts, Twine, Canvas, Cordage, &c. Is lost, and for want thereof, Rents, and Lands, are fallen, and the Parishes are burthened with such poor.

4. The Nation, if a Warr breaks out, when his Majesties stores are not thoroughly replenished, may ly under a surprize, and either be barr'd the Sound, or be driven to great inconveniences.

The Remedy.

Is, to continue the present duty of 8 d. per. Hundred weight on unwrought, or rough Hemp, and to enlarge the duty of Customes on Cordage, and Cable Yarn, imported, 5 or 6 s. the Hundred weight.

The Consequences will be.

1. If Hemp be either imported or sown here, it will give Imployment to the People.

2. If Cordage, and Cable Yarn, be still imported (as it is like, it will be for some Years) the duty is multiplied to his Majesties advantage; As for instance, the Town of Yarmouth, Yearly spends, 2 Thousand Tuns of Cordage, or thereabouts, which at 8 d. the Hundred weight Custome comes to 1333.6 s. 8 d. Whereas, at 6 s. the Hundred weight, the Customes would come to 12000. l. The like is the case of other places.

Lastly, the expence of the Nation in Linnen, Cordage, and Canvas, cannot be less than a Million a Year. With which, it is fit we should supply our selves, as far as we can, by discouraging Forreign, by an imposition, of a Penny an Ell, and possibly a higher duty on Flax, and unwrought Hemp, to encourage the Planting of it here, in which case we must be wary, that it be not oppressed, with Taxes, and Tyths. Now to encourage the Manufacturing we offer,

A Proposal for the Advancement of the Fishery, and employment of the Poor.

FOrasmuch, as the Fishery probably connot prosper, without good encouragements; and in time of peace, cannot well employ their Boys in Summer time, and furthermore, a Warr may happen, and prevent Fishing; And consequently, cause the adventurers to give over: To prevent such inconveniences, it is proposed.

1. That the Royal-Fishery Company, undertake the making of Canvas, at Clerken-well workehouse, to supply his Majesties stores with, it being well known, that our own Canvas is as good, and as strong, yea, better than any Forreign.

2. That his Majesty be graciously pleased, to take off to the value of 10 [Page] Thousand Pounds per a [...]. paying for the same quarterly aforehand, allowing the Company to gain half a Crown in the Pound, that in 10000 l. will come to 1250 l.

3. That the Company pay his Majesty 10 per cent. for the advance of the Money, out of such bounty or benevolence, the Parliament shall be pleased to give, which if but narrow: may be in this manner enlarged, by letting the Company gain that in his Majesties affaires, which otherwise must be got by others.

Courteous Reader, Thou mayest perceive the Advantage I have taken from a report, agreed and drawn up by a Council of Trade in Ireland, and if we had enjoyed a good one continually in England, with proper instructions, I believe the Nation might have been twice as rich and much stronger at Sea, than now it is. I my self about three years since, drew up a Draught of instructions: such as do not interfere with the work of the present Committee, of his Majesties most honourable privy Council, for Trade, with a Narrative of the losses of our English Fisheries, in all making about 7 Sheets of Paper, and intend to publish the same: after it hath obtained License, from one of his Majesties Principal Secretaries of State, for there are some things in it, of a private Nature, and others that much concern the advancement of his Majesties revenue, and prevention of frauds.

The preamble is this. That as soon as such Council shall be constituted, and their House agreed upon, that it be declared to all the Nation, in the Gazets, and upon the Exchange: That his Majesties Gracious intentions, in erecting the same is to encourage the Manufactures, and employ the poor of the Nation. And that hereupon, all Merchants, Trades-men, Corporations, Counties, and places, be invited and desired, to send up their Complaints, and aggreivances about Trade, and Manufactures, or any Act relating thereto, to the Secretary, who is to Collect, and draw up out of all Papers sent in, or otherwise procurable, all that can be pertinently said, on any argument of Trade, by way of Debitor and Creditor: all that can be said, pro on one side or the left hand Page; and all Contra on the right hand Page, observing the like Method, in Replies, and Duplies.

The first of the Inland instructions was about the Irish Act, to consider some Laws in being, whether they hinder, or encourage Trade, particularly the Irish Act about Cattel. And to be the better satisfied about the same, to send to all Counties, and Corporations, for their sentiments therein, how much they conceive they are benefited, or damaged thereby, and to give an account of how much feeding, and breeding grounds they have, and thence accordingly, to state an Accompt, and Report in readiness, when called for, the like for the Act of Navigation; and whether our Trade to the Sound be not obstructed thereby, and the building of Ships, and Vessels, for the Norway and Fishing Trades hindred, and what the Annual damage may be.

And the first Instruction about Forreign affairs was. That whereas, suits of Law, in Chancery, about Merchants Accompts, depend long there, to the great trouble of the Court, the vexation of the Masters, to whom the same are referred, and in the event, to the ruine of the Parties concerned; to prevent [Page] which, the Instruction is to obtain the Constitution of the Court of Merchants in Holland, for ending Suits of that nature, and to consider whether the like may not without inconveniency be put in practice here, and what additional Laws, Constitutions, and Instructions, will be necessary for the setling thereof.

The Reasons of such Instruction Mr. Baker thus renders:

That tedious Law Suits create great Expence, (which otherwise would go in Trade to the benefit of the whole Nation) the makers of the Law not understanding Accompts, could not provide for the same; and the Councellors having their Study by the Law, and they and the Judges having no experience in Merchants affairs, or skilled in Accompts, they cannot be so competent Deciders and Judges thereof, and great inconveniencies come unto all Traders for want of such a Court (where rhe Parties alone and their Witnesses should be heard) spending both their Monies and their time in Law, and after many years of Contest, for the most part their business is referred out of Chancery to Merchants, or ended at Law, as it were, at hit or miss, when very often both Parties have spent more than double the value of the thing they contested for, being necessitated for every motion or tryal to have many Lawyers on both sides: Whereas in Spain, and other parts, there can be admitted for each Party but one Lawyer, nor can there be more present in any of the Courts where the Causes are tryed, than one Lawyer for the Plaintiff, and another for the Defendant; and to the eminentest of them 20 s. is an extraordinary pay, when he shall attend purposely for the hearing of that one Cause several days. To which may be added, that it discourages Merchant-Strangers to live and trade with us.

Being loth to omit mentioning such an Aggreivance, I come now to give the Reader a Copy of a Paper formerly drawn up to assert, that the Royal-Fishery Company when well filled and constituted, are proper to be rendred A Council of Trade, but with this limitation:

That it be not hence concluded that none but the Fishery Company, nor all of them ought to be concerned in such a Council, nor that others shall be excluded; the Regulation and Choice as to Number and Persons, is most humbly submitted to His Majesty's grave Prudence, who by adding some eminent Persons to such a Company, may have the more frequent Informations how such Affairs move on.

The REASONS are,

1. Such Company did of late, and 'tis hoped will again consist of Members enough, to wit, Nobles, Gentlemen, and Merchants, where out at all times to have a sufficient Choice.

2. Such Company connot thrive (at least in its Infancy) without good Encouragements from the Crown or the Nation, (by its Representative in Parliament) and therefore in lieu of such Encouragements, may be put on Duty to earn the same.

[Page]3. In regard of the Capacity the Members thereof are proposed to be in, to wit, of obtaining the Honour of being of the number of such Council, it will excite many who aim at His Majesty's and the Nation's welfare, to become Adventurers in such Company, which in probability may in some time become as splendid as either the East-Indian or African Company, who thrive already without any such Encouragements.

4. If such Company (at least for some years) be allowed House-Rent by His Majesty, and Salaries to their Officers for doing the work of the Fishery, and withall, that of the Council, it is as good as so much given to the said Fishery Company; whereas to settle it on any other Constitution, were to put His Majesty to a needless Charge.

5. Yea, and it may be suspected to almost a fruitless Charge, for it is not reasonable to expect that eminent Persons named to be Members of such Council shall be so diligent in attending an Affair, whereby they have no profit, nor no particular concernment of their own, as wherein they have, especially if their House have an inconvenient Situation.

6. If a War break forth and hinder Fishery Affairs, the Company must then lose House-Rent and Officers Salaries, which would be a discouragement to them, and may by this means be prevented.

7. The main work of such Council, will be first to call for and receive the Complaints, Sense, and Informations of the trading People of the Nation about Aggreivances concerning Trade, and the improvements of Manufactures, and the amendments of Acts relating thereto, and thence to draw up all that can reasonably be said pro or con ▪

Former Councils have not prescribed this, which ought to be the main work of the Officers, and such Councils have been so slow or ill paid, that little of this kind could be expected; whereas it is supposed the Royal Fishery will be so well paid by Effects in their hands, that there will be no failure of the like kind hereafter: And doubtless it is very material to encourage the writing on Arguments of Trade as here propounded.

8. A Royal Fishery Company well constituted with a good Stock, may furnish the Sound with Herrings before the Dutch, by using the Islands of Lewis and Shetland; yea also Portugal, Spain, and the Streights, by fishing in the Irish Seas, where Herrings and Cod arrive six weeks sooner than in the Channel; yea also with Cod and Ling caught about Anglesey: To which (besides the advantage of time) may be added, the propinquity of Situation; yea, such Company may also have a Trade to New England, for building of Vessels, and returning with Cod, Salmon, and Sturgeon, (if it prove good and well-cured) and with poor Jack from Newfound-Land; whence it may be reasonably presumed, such Company, by reason of its Foreign vent and returns, may have a greater insight in Foreign Trade, than any other constitution.

9. The planting of Hemp and Flax, and the Manufactures thereof, as also the furnishing of materials for Paper (if not undertaking that Manufacture) and consequently employing the Poor, and many Trades will much depend upon the example and directions of this Company, whence they may be [Page] judged a better constitution for Inland Affairs than any other, and are like to afford more Parliament-men, to speak to matters of this nature.

Since the writing of this Treatise, there came to my hands a printed Paper of the learned and most renowned Sir William Pe [...]y, of the Royal Society, about Irish Cattel: A Copy of it followeth.

Some of the OBSERVATIONS made by W.P. upon the Trade of IRISH CATTEL.

1. THat the value of the Oxen and Sheep (their Hides, Tallow, and Skins deducted) which were ever imported in one year out of Ireland into England, were never worth above 80000 l. nor above the hundredth part of the Rents of Land in England, nor above the hundredth part of the Butchers meat yearly spent in England.

2. That Ireland never yet did, nor could spare, as many Sheep and Oxen alive or dead, as would maintain a fifth part more People than now it hath, that is to say, than would maintain about 1300000 People, of which number there are about 1100000 now in Ireland.

3. Whereas Ireland contains three quarters as much Land as England and Wales, and there be above 6000000 of People in England it follows, that if Ireland can furnish Flesh meat but unto 1300000, that E [...]gland cannot with equal plenty furnish meat unto said 6000000.

4. The Owners of breeding Lands have since the Prohibition not gotten above 10 s. per Head more for their Cattel than before it which the Owners of the feeding Lands have paid them and lost. Moreover the Mariners of England have lost the getting of 9 s. 6 d. per Head for Freight and Primage, and the People of England have lost 4 s. 6 d. per Head more for driving and grazing; the King hath lost 3 s. 6 d. per Head for Custom on both sides, besides Officers Fees; and the Traders in Hides and Tallow have lost what they might have gained out of 15 s. per Head; and the Merchants and Artizans of England have lost yearly what they might have gained by 140000 l. worth of English Manufactures; the Wool-growers of England have lost as much as their Wool is fallen; by reason of the extraordinary Sheep-walks now in Ireland; the Landlords of Ireland resident in England, have lost 5 percent. extraordinary for exchange of Money. Lastly, the Bulk of the People of England have losts one Half-peny for every pound of Flesh meat they have spent, amounting for all England unto about 2000000 per annum, of which great sum, the Owners even of breeding Lands have paid three times more in the enhansement of Wages and Manufactures, than they got by the raised price of their Cattel above-mentioned.

5. Since this Prohibition, the Papists in Ireland (who are 800000 in number) have gotten a Dispensation from Rome to eat Flesh five days in the week, whereas formerly they did but four, in which extraordinary day of Indulgence, there is as much meat spent by the Papists in a year, as ever was brought into England.

[Page]6. Although a Beast worth 40 s. might be brought out of Ireland even to London for about 20 s. yet the Land of England generally taken is worth five times as much, Acre for Acre, as the Lands of Ireland generally taken; neither can the Lands of Ireland rise up to a level of value with those in England, without the Mission of some millions of People more into Ireland than now are there, nor without the expence of more Millions in buildings and improvements, than all Ireland now is worth; nor can the Lands of England fall down to a level with those in Ireland, without vast Depopulations and Devastations preceding.

Every of the before-mentioned particulars can be readily proved from grounds of Sense, known, granted, or Authentique.

Here it is not improper to acquaint the Reader, that Ireland before the Rebellion was planted with Native Irish, and the Lands were in their possession; but now after so great a Desolation, and Destruction as the Wars made, most of the Lands were planted and peopled by the English and Scotch, who adventured their Lives and Fortunes in reducing it, who carried over with them the best Cattel, Horses, and Sheep, England could afford, where they have raised such a Breed, as will compare with the best in England for largeness and fatness, and the Wool, Butter, and Cheese there raised, is not inferiour to what is made in England for goodness, and yet notwithstanding they have many lean Cattel to spare, but their Sheep need no fattening.

The Laws there are made by a Parliament, consisting of most English and Scotch, with aim especially to encourage the making of Cloth and Woollen Manufactures, to the end, they may supply Foreign Markets, which they doubt not to effect ere long at half the price English Cloth goes at: And they do by their Laws discourage the bringing of their Wool into England, and have laid a great Custom upon all Cloth, Stuffs, Stockings, and Hats, that shall be imported out of England. This they do acknowledge in Print, and that they have furnished Holland, Flanders, France, Portugal, Spain, and the Streights: plentifully with Provisions, namely, Beef at 9 or 10 s. the hundred weight; confessing, that not only English, but other Nations have their Factors residing in Ireland, to buy up Beef, Fish, Tallow, and Hides, and that all their Ports are well stored with Shipping, whereby they supply all those Parts with Provision, and make their returns with those Commodities the Kingdom can vend, which they can have much cheaper than from England, and the Surplus [Page] plus they return in Money: This I take out of a Sheet, printed with Allowance by J.B. in 1677.

The Particulars following are taken out of a Letter from Ireland, printed in 1677. viz.

Pag. 8. We find more advantage by Victualling Foreigners, than we had formerly by a whole Sale in England.

Pag. 9. You were provided by a sufficient Act of Parliament to be the only Mart for Wool, it being made Felony to transport it into Foreign Parts, and Confiscation to import it to you otherwise than crude and unmanufactured.

Pag. 20. This is not to be exported neither without License, paying both the King's Duty, and that to the Lord Lieutenant,

Pag. 9. Which is at least 2 s. a Stone, besides Freight, Factorage, and Market Charges.

Pag. 20. All exported, must be first entred for England and pay these Duties, though afterwards it loseth its way at Sea.

Pag. 11. An Account is given of their Progress in setting up the Woollen Manufacture.

Much Provisions also and Goods they Ship off to our Plantations, from whence 'tis probable in time we must export Money for our own supply.

Against this whole Discourse may be raised the following grand Objection, to wit, an Opponent may insist, that the admission of Irish Cattel causeth Rents of breeding Grounds exceedingly to fall, contrary to the Interest of the Owners and Farmers thereof; and this is the reason why Cattel, in themselves a Blessing, are called a Nusance.

Answ. The Objection is granted, and comes to pass, because we cannot Victual our Neighbours and their Shipping, nor most of our own, nor is the sale of Flesh much hindred by Fish or Izeland Cod, for of late years little or none hath been spent in His Majesty's Navy-Royal: But a remedy is propounded. On the other side, the Owners of feeding Grounds, the Merchandizing and Trading part of the Nation, or Corporations, who bear above two Third parts of the Charge of the Government, sustain the greater wrong, [Page] which in the event will be very prejudicial, if not ruinous to the whole.

I my self have my life in Lands in Marshland in the County of Norfolk, which tell from 32 l. to 17 l. a year, but is of late risen to 21 l. a year.

I know some Gentlemen Owners of feeding Grounds in our Midland Counties, whose Rents are fallen above one quarter of what they usually made before the Irish Act had a being, they know not to what other cause to impute it, and I have not liberty to mention particulars.

Also there is a London Minister, who hath Lands in Gloucestershire which fell from 60 l. to 30 l. per annum, and both he and som [...] of the Gentlemen aforesaid, are forced to stock their Grounds, and keep them in their own hands, committing the management to Bayliffs.

The Author of the Irish Letter, pag. 7. saith, That if the business were now to tell Counties, he hath been lately assured from some in England, that those Counties that find not themselves benefitted, and those that are really aggreived by this Act, do by this time upon Experiment, and second thoughts, make up the greatest Party.

And pag. 5. he saith, That when it passed, it was not without some repugnance at first in His Majesty.

The Reason is obvious, His Majesty could not but foresee some of the ill consequences thereof, as namely, that it would cause his Duty of Customs to fall, lessen our Navigation, much increase the charge of Victualling his Navy, and disoblige all his British Subjects in Ireland, which might be of dangerous Consequence.

But to restore an Union with them and at home, suppose they consent to the terms Propounded in pag. 9, 23.

Then there will be a considerable Accession made to His Majesty's Revenue in Ireland, to wit, near the value of all the Commodities exported out of that Kingdom that come not to us, and this will help to maintain a Navy, there or in the Channel; and such help is but highly necessary, for one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty was pleased to inform me, that 300000 l. a year, supposing the same constantly allotted and paid to that use, would but defray the ordinary annual Harbour Charges of Repairs, Yards, [Page] Moorage, the Wages of Workmen and Labourers, the Salaries of Officers, and 14 Men of War at Sea.

Whereas to furnish Stores, build a necessary supply of Ships from time to time, and maintain a competent Fleet abroad, will require a far greater Sum, as hath been represented to the late Long Parliament.

So that I hope if the Irish Act pass, it shall not be perpetual, and that in the interim, our Grandees will propose, and receive terms of Accommodation with Ireland.

If the former Measures take, these must be the Consequences.

1. The Poor will obtain Employment; in other Nations they have been their Renown, Wealth, and Strength, but here on the contrary, our Shame, Improverishment, and Burthen; hence to employ the Poor, and to render idle beggarly Persons profitable Members to the Kingdom, to reclaim Vice, and encourage Industry by proper Expedients, cannot but be Subjects that may always deserve and expect due encouragement from Authority, but more especially now, when too too long empoverishments make us groan for Redress, which if obtained, will be a bitter potion to our too powerful Neighbours abroad,

2 Navigation and strength will encrease; and if we can be either happy or safe without Navigation, and maintain it without a Fishery, and mannage it without Pilots, 'tis well; but if not, the Fishery is of an absolute and indispensible necessity to the welfare, both of King and People.

3. The Merchants, and Trading part of the Nation, will be encouraged, and are they not as Writers denominate them. The great Revenue of the King, the honour of the Kingdom, a noble Profession, a School of Skill, the supply of our Wants, the source of Employments, the improvement of our Manufactures, and cause of our Exportation, the Nursery of our Mariners, the Walls of the Kingdom, the means of our Treasure, the sinew of our Wars, and the terrour of our Enemies.

4. I my self hope through Divine Bounty to obtain a good Employment to sustain a numerous Family, having met with great Losses in publick Affairs, however if not, I have cast in my Mite, and I hope a Person whose business and study hath been the Argument of Trade, may have as much, if not a greater, liberty as others, to propound how to remove the Encumbrances thereof, to the advantage, I hope, of all Interests. Hence if His Majesty and the Nation, reap any benefit, I have in a great measure obtained my

END

POSTSCRIPT.

[Page]

THis Discourse hath been all penn'd and printed in great hast, to wit, in about a Fortnight's time, and therefore could not be so well digested as were to be wished, some Escapes we shall remark.

Pag. 1 line 25. for force, read force as to Fish. p. 11 l. 29. for more, read worse, p. 15. l. 25. for not sell, read not then sell. I do not say our Tin was sold for 2 l. 10 s. the hundred weight, I hear it was kept 'till theirs was gone and yeilded a better price, p. 20. l. 1. for these, read this. I am not of Mr. Man's opinion, but beleive the Cash of the Nation to be much more. p. 21. l. 25. for about 600, read from 450 to 600. p. 23. l. 25. for this, read much of this. p. 27. l. 26. for Yarn, read Yarmouth. p. 30. l. 21. for Councils, read Courts.

Since the writing hereof, I met with a new ingenious Discourse of the East-India Trade, printed for Robert Boulter, Stationer, at the Turks-Head in Cornhill; by which it appears, that the said Trade and Shipping is encreased since their last Account of it by me mentioned in pag. 20. to wit, saith the Author in pag. 23. The Company have 25 Ships and Vessels Trading in the East-Indies from Port to Port, besides 11 great Ships sent out last year. The Author pag. 4. and 5. saith, He is of opinion we cannot cope with the Dutch in White Herrings, Fish, Salt droaging from St. Ʋvals to the Eastland, or the Russia or Greenland Trade, 'till the Interest of our Money be as low as theirs, namely, 3 per cent. I add the remedy is unsufficient, we must also render Provisions, and exporting Duties (of which see pag. 22.) cheaper than theirs, in regard our Building, and Sailing with more hands is much dearer.

As to an Objection about want of People, pag. 3. 'tis hoped Sir William Petty will be pleased to publish a Discourse he dedicated to His Majesty, Entituled, Political Arithmetick, where in ch. 8. he asserts, there are spare hands enough amongst His Majesty's English Subjects, to earn above two Millions a year more than we do, see p. 10. of this Discourse.

THE CONTENTS.

[Page]

THE reason of prohibiting Foreign Provisions or Wares Pag. 2

The value of the Cattel from Ireland 3

Wools, great quantities carried from Ireland to Foreign Parts 6

So of other Provisions and Fish 8, 9, 33, 34

A Proposal about Trading to Ireland for their Provisions, Wo [...]l. and Manufactures, w [...]thout damage either to our selves or them, yea, to the great advantage of all 9 23

A low rate of Interest will not raise Lands, unless Comm [...]ditie [...] rise in price accordingly 11

The Declension of our Staple Commodities, to wit, of Cloth, Lead, and Tin 12, 13

Tin Farthings an abuse 14

Tin how to become the [...]undus of a Bank 15, 16

An Address to the Honourable Members of Parliament of Cornwal and Devon, about the same, and about Salt 15, 16, 17

Proposals for advancement of the Fishery 17, 28, 29, 30, 31

And for encouraging and gaining the Manufactures of Paper and Tapistry Hangings 18

Also about making a wet Dock for the Navy Royal 19

And about a supply for Coyning small Money at the Mint Ibid.

The danger and declining condition of our Foreign Trade 20 to 23

Articles taken out of the Report of the Irish Council of Trade 24

A new Art of preparing of Flax and Hemp 26

Whether English Hemp will take Tar Ibid.

The Manufacture of Cordage how lost 27

The Manufacture of Cordage and Canvas how to be restored 28

Arguments to prove a Royal-Fishery Company a proper constitution to be rendred a Council of Trade, and the benefits thereof 29, 30, 31

Mr. Baker's Proposal about a Court of Merchants, for ending Law-Suits about Accompts, &c. 30

Some of Sir William Pettys's Observations on the Irish Act 32

Proofs of Assertions taken out of printed Papers about Irish Affairs 33, 34

More Arguments against the Irish Act may be met with at the end of a Book new printed, Entituled, The Trade of England revived, with another Answer to their grand Objection about the fall of Rents.

Information about this book

Title statement

A plea for the bringing in of Irish cattel, and keeping out of fish caught by foreigners together with an humble address to the honourable members of Parliament of the countries of Cornwal and Devon, about the advancement of tin, fishery, and divers manufactures / by John Collins.

Collins, John, 1625-1683.

Edition statement

1680

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A34002

ID [STC]

Wing C5379

ID [STC]

ESTC R18891

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

11751764

ID [OCLC]

ocm 11751764

ID [VID]

48596

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A34002)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 48596)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 486:35)

Source

— A plea for the bringing in of Irish cattel, and keeping out of fish caught by foreigners together with an humble address to the honourable members of Parliament of the countries of Cornwal and Devon, about the advancement of tin, fishery, and divers manufactures / by John Collins., Collins, John, 1625-1683..

Extent

[4], 38 p.

Printed by A. Godbid and J. Playford,. London :: 1680.. (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.)

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