ENGLAND's INTEREST; Or, a DISCIPLINE FOR SEAMEN: Wherein is Proposed, A Sure Method for Raising Qualified SEA­MEN, for the well Manning Their Majesties Fleet on all Occasions. ALSO A Method whereby Seamen will be obliged mutually to Relieve each other on Board the Men of War Yearly, or thereabout; Except where any Seaman by his own voluntary Consent shall be willing to stay longer. LIKEWISE Is shewed the Advantages, which by these Methods will accrue to the Nation in General, and in Particular to the Merchants and Seamen: For hereby the Wages now given in Merchant-Ships will be brought lower, and every Seamen will have the Liberty of Chusing his own Commander, after the First Year, and continuing with him, if he so likes.

By Captain George St. Lo.

LONDON: Printed for Robert Clavell, at the Peacock in St. Paul's Church-Yard. MDCXCIV.

Licensed,

October 6. 1694.
Edw. Cook.

To the Right Honourable the COM­MISSIONERS for Executing the Office of LORD HIGH ADMI­RAL of ENGLAND and IRELAND, &c.

Right Honourable,

THE Transcendency of Your Knowledge and Aptness gain'd by long Experience in Naval Affairs, hath heightned my Ambition pre­sumptuously to affix on You this Dedication: And truly I should not so boldly have adventur'd to commit these Productions of my Pen to the wide Ocean of Fluctuating Opinions; were I not assured, that as in Judgment You are able to discern it, so in Your Noble and Generous Di­spositions favourably to accept and encourage it; since the Design and Tendency hereof, is solely to promote and advance the Interest of Their Majesties and their Subjects, and to Encourage Seamen, even to a voluntary hazarding their [Page] Lives and Fortunes, for the Recovering the Pri­stine Glory and Reputation of our Navy Royal—By the Rules of Charity, the Labourer is worthy of his Hire; and none deserve it more than Sea­men, if the proposed Methods be put in Execu­tion, (which I presume will meet with Your Ac­ceptance and Concurrence, as being design'd for a Publick Good; for which Your utmost Endea­vours and Indefatigable Industry has not been wanting) Then will the Seamens Courage be fortified, Honesty encouraged, deserving Men rewarded, and Merchants Affairs cheerfully pro­ceeding, and the Reformers of ill Customs be had in everlasting Memory, for the Good they did in their Generations:—I humbly beg Par­don for this Digression, and humbly desire that you would take it into Your Consideration. For my part I ever did, and shall to the utmost of my poor Abilities endeavour truly and faithfully to Serve Their Majesties and Their Loyal Sub­jects, and to have a due Esteem and Veneration for this Honourable Board. Accept therefore this Off-spring of some spare Hours, improv'd wholly with an intent for a National Advantage: And be pleased (if Your Lordships approve here­of) [Page] to encourage the same by a timely Recom­mendation thereof to those concern'd therein, for the promoting and advancing the Interest and Weal of the Present Government, which is the hearty desire of

Your Lordships Most Faithful and Obedient Servant, George St. Lo.

To the READER, Especially the Loyal Sub­jects of Their Majesties King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, of ENGLAND, &c.

Gentlemen,

YOƲ have here presented unto your View, the various Circumstances and Grievances, which the Nation in General, and in Particular, the Merchants and Seamen do labour under, relating to Sea Affairs—You will also find several Proposals with Reasons thereto annexed, humbly offer'd for Redressing the same; and saving to Their Ma­jesties considerable Sums of Mony, which might be of great Ʋse otherways, tending to the Welfare of the Nation; and also of procuring such Numbers of Able Seamen, who on all Occasions, and at a very short Warning, shall be thought sufficient to well Man Their Majesties Fleet, without any sensible Charge to the Nation; whereby the great Inconve­niencies and Mischiefs oft-times attending Pressing will be prevented, the Seamen encouraged, the Merchants nego­tiating their Sea Affairs, without the least Interruption from our Men of War, or having their Men Press'd from them as is usually; and our Fleets in a probability of Reign­ing as SOVEREIGN of the Seas, when, and as often as Their Majesties shall please to Command the same.

'Tis true, many Notions and Propositions have been the Product of this Age; but none of this kind has been yet of­fer'd, that I know of, ex [...]pt what I propos'd in my former Book.

I confess, I might have been silent as well as others, had not the present Necessity of Affairs obliged me to appear in this kind: And as in the Body Natural, the Help and Assistance of its Members is requir'd towards its Support: So in the Government of a Church or State every Person (by an indissoluble Bond of Self-preservation) is obliged to propagate and advance the Interest of that Common­wealth, of which he is a Member: And by how much the more Benefit he receives thereby, by so much the more he is bound both in Duty and Conscience to do his utmost, for the Honour and Service of the same.

It being therefore Their Majesties most Gracious Plea­sure, that I should as it were immediately receive my Bread from their Hands, I must needs be thought guilty of the high­est Ingratitude, not to be studious either of Detecting any fraudulent Contrivances or Practices, in any wise tending to the wrongfully lessening Their Majesties Treasure, or in not promoting whatsoever conduces to the Benefit and Inte­rest of Their Majesties and Their Subjects.

Then there is this further Motive, to induce me to a sollici­tous Care of the Nations Good; Namely, as being a Native thereof. For what Person, whose Veins are fill'd with true English Blood, can contentedly think of wearing Saboes or Wooden Shoes; or willingly leave one Stone unturn'd, that he thinks may conduce to the Welfare of his Native Soil? And who but a Mad-man would prefer the Government of an Insult­ing and Tyrannical Prince, to that of a Faithful Defender of our Rights and Privileges, nay of our Faith it self; but rather with Tooth and Nail oppose whatsoever stands in Com­petition to its Happiness?

Lastly, The barbarous Ʋsage which I receiv'd from the Ty­rannical Hands of the French, whilst I was a Prisoner there, (only for my Constancy and Resolution, not to be byass'd to admit even of a dishonourable Thought of Their Majesties, or [Page] the present Government) puts me upon endeavouring to re­taliate their Kindness, which to do, I know no better way, than by proposing Methods, whereby we may be Strengthned Abroad, and Prosperous at Home; and if these following Pro­posals meet with such Effects, my Design is answer'd.

To plead for my Book, I will not, the Subject whereon it treats, carrying its Advocate along with it: I am sure here is a Foundation for a more ingenious Architect to build on, if this be thought insufficient. As for Curiosity in the Me­thod, that can't be expected from me, who pretend only to know something belonging to a Sailer: My Dishes being drest not as at a Feast, but as at an Ordinary; neither are they placed so Methodically as they might have been; I taking things not orderly, but as they hapned to come into my Mind. I believe that neither my Subject nor Methods will please all, yet I presume it may please some. What the Ignorant say of it, I value not; They are like the Cock in the Fable, who de­spised the Jewel only because he knew not its worth. And what the Envious say of it, I pass not; They are like the Dog, who would neither Eat himself, nor suffer the Ox to Eat: It's the candid Censure of the Impartial, Judicious and Solid Judgments which I respect, and to which alone I'll submit, being Servant to all such, whilst.

George St. Lo.

ENGLAND's INTEREST; Or, a Discipline for Seamen.

AMIDST all the Addresses hitherto made, for the redressing Publick Grievances, (it seems very strange) That although there are (doubt­less) within this Kingdom, many Well­willers to Seamen in general, yet 'tis observed; That not one, (as yet) has taken upon him to propose a Method for redressing the Complaints and Hardships of those Seamen, who have been constantly imploy­ed in the King's Service all this War, and have to their power, born the Fatigues thereof; by contriv­ing some ways or means, whereby Seamen (without Partiality) might take Turns to relieve each other, on Board the Men of War. For 'tis very obvious, that a great many Seamen, either by Protections, or some o­ther Evasions, have shifted their Necks out of the Collar (whereby it has lain the harder on the first mentioned) getting into Merchants Service, only for the lucre of greater Pay, than is given to Fore-mast-men in Men of War; without any respect to the welfare of the Nation in general; receiving sometimes Fifty Shillings, and some­times Three Pound, Four Pound, and Five Pound per [Page 10] Month; whilst most part of those on Board the King's Ships, have not received above Three and Twenty shill­ings per Month during the whole War. And perhaps kept Some Sea­men harder dealt with thanothers. out of that for three or four Years, by being turned over from Ship to Ship; and in all that time, hardly enjoying the comfort of their Families for one Month. When others by the means aforesaid, have been at liberty to go when they would, and come when they pleas'd. Sometimes making more Wages in two Months, than those [...] in Men of War do in a whole Year, to their Disencouragement and great Dissatisfaction.

The Men of Wars Men, have not only had cause of Complaint, as before is hinted: But the Merchants at the same time have been Sufferers considerably many ways.

First, Not only by giving extraordinary Wages per Month (as before) but also by losing a great part of the benefit of their Voyages; Their Ships oft-times Merchants sufferers se­veral ways. staying a great while longer, than is expected at their Ports, when arrived in England; only for want of those Men, who were prest out of them; whereby their Goods have been much damnified, and especially their Wine and perishable Commodities: And the King's Customs considerably lessened thereby.

Secondly, Many of their Ships have been Lost, by venturing to Sail without their Complement of Men; part whereof have been press'd from them, as afore is mentioned. And for those that have had the good Fortune to escape both the danger of the Sea and of the Enemy, and to arrive at Plymouth or the Downs, have been obliged to give Ten Pound per Head from the former place, and Five or Six Pound per Head from the latter, only to carry them up to London: Which [Page 11] from the latter, sometimes has been effected in two Days.

Thirdly, 'Tis very hard upon them to be obliged by Doctors Commons to pay their Men their Wages, after the losing both Ships and Cargo, which usually amounts to several Thousand Pounds; when perhaps through their Mens Cowardize, the Ship has been without re­sistance deliver'd to the Enemy, and not one Gun fired in her defence.

Upon the foregoing Reasons, and others which might be produced, the Merchants are always at uncertain­ties, as to the time of the performing their Voyages, (Wind and Weather allow'd) neither can they give any reasonable Estimate, whether to be gainers or lo­sers by their Cargo: It being the Opinion of several Mer­chants, that it would be as much to their advantage, for those Ships which are Insured, to be taken by the Enemy, as to be detain'd so long, as oft-times they are for want of their Men: For in the former Case, they would know what to demand of the Insurers; but in the latter they are most uncertain what to make of their Voyage; One third part of some of their Goods, as Wines, &c. being hardly Merchantable when it comes Home; as the Custom-House-Officers during this War have expe­rienced, by the Abatements made in the Duties there­of.

The Subjects (as in the foregoing Discourse appears) are not only injured and uneasy, but their Majesties are also concern'd herein—For the King's Ships which are Cruizers (for want of a due Method for the acqui­ring a competent number of Seamen fit for their Maje­sties Why Crui­zers are not more abroad. Service on all occasions) do oft-times, for want of them, lie two or three Months after they are Clean, ere they can go to Sea, and almost at the same Charge [Page 12] as if Man'd, and abroad in the way to do Service, being many times in want of a second Cleaning ere they go once out of a Harbour.

Here is likewise a very considerable Charge of many Thousand Pounds per Annum spent on the Nations ac­count in impressing Men at Sea and on Shoar for the Service: In keeping many Tenders and their Men in Pay and Victuals; besides the hazard of losing them, which if it so happen, the King is obliged to pay for them. And many other considerable Sums of Mony there are expended on several Accounts, a great part of which might be saved, the Particulars whereof take as followeth:

First, The King is at a considerable Charge Yearly, in giving Imprest-Mony to Commanders; every Cap­tain of a First-Rate being allowed Eighty Pound, of a Second-Rate Sixty Five Pound, of a Third-Rate Fifty Charge of Imprest to Comman­ders. Pound, of a Fourth-Rate Forty Pound, of a Fifth-Rate Twenty Pound; besides the Bills brought in after for extraordinary Charges in Impressing, &c. amounting usually to between a Hundred and Four Hundred Pound for a Captain, and the Lieutenants Bills to little less.

But the Commissioners of the Navy, by their strict scrutiny into the Truth and Reasonableness of their Ac­counts, do many times find a sufficient and just Cause for abatements in their Bills, by putting those said Offi­cers to their Oaths, for a Justification of the verity of their Accounts, which being by some Officers scrupled at, gives so great a Suspicion of some Fallacy in the mat­ter, that thereupon deductions are made, or otherwise the Charge would be much augmented.

Secondly, There is a very considerable Charge to the Nation in maintaining a Hundred and Thirty Tenders this Year with their Men, and Provisions for Six Months [Page 13] in the Year, which one with another is the least time they are in Pay: Each Smack and Yacht standing the Charge of Tenders. King in Five Shillings Six Pence apiece per Tun, and each Hoy and Ketch in Six Shillings per Tun per Month; of which Vessels each Master hath Four Pound per Month, each Mate Two Pound per Month, each Able Seaman Twenty Four Shillings, and each Ordi­nary Nineteen Shillings, being in the whole Nine Hun­dred Fifty and Five Men and Boys. There is also their Victuals, which rises considerably this Year, Pro­visions being very dear; the which stands the King (by a modest Computation) in Twenty Six Shillings a Man per Month; besides the hazard of losing those Tenders; it being (almost) no wonder for some, a­mongst so many, to come short home: Every one of those taken by the Enemy standing the King in about Four Hundred Pound. But the Year being not spent so far as for Tenders to be discharged, I can't at this time give an Account of that accidental and uncertain Charge.

Thirdly, In the Year 91. There was given to Sea­men 6530 l. Bounty-Mony, for Encouragement to come into the King's Service; besides Conduct-Mony, which being not practised at this time, I shall omit in the Charge of this Year.

Fourthly, There is also about 206 l. given in one Year to the Rulers of Watermens-Hall, for their Charge Charge to the Rulers of Water­mens-Hall. in sending Men for Sea-Service: But if they were such other Years, as those sent by them on Board the hired Merchant-ships this Year, 'twas a dear Bargain, ¾ of those sent this Year by them being Boys, as of late hath been observed.

Fifthly and Lastly, The Mony given to Vice-Admi­rals of Counties, for their Charge in sending (for the most part) such Persons as the Watermen did send this Year, has been very considerable: The least Sum given them being Fifty Pound, of which there were not above Three in one Year; The rest being between an Hundred and Six Hundred and Fifty Pound, as by the Accounts of the Collectors of the Customs given into the Navy-Office doth appear: But not knowing how to collect the whole Charge thereof, I can't insert it here. The aggregate of those particular Charges now in use, and what of them have come to my knowledge (by a mo­dest Computation) do amount to 36030 l. 10 s. per Annum; The which if saved, or but ⅔ thereof, which may easily be done by the following Methods, might be imploy'd several ways for the Benefit, and to the Sa­tisfaction of the Nation: It being very plain, that the less extravagant and unnecessary Charge we are at, the less Taxes will be for every Man's share, and consequent­ly the better able to hold out the War.

See the particular Account of the afore-mentioned Charge, of what comes to my Knowledge, Summ'd up underneath.

 Rates. No l. l.s.
Imprest-Mony given to Com­manders in the Line of Battel.1—6at80is0048000
2—9650058500
3-30500150000
4-07400028000
Those are half of what are out of the Line of Battel, and re­ceive Imprest-Mony. The o­ther being in foreign Parts are not chargeable as those at Home, and so are omitted.3-07at50is0035000
4-14400056000
5-14200028000
Smacks, &c. 50 containing 1626 Tun, at 5 s. 6 d. a Tun.per Month for Six Months, is0268218
Ketches, &c. 80. Containing 5617 Tun, at 6 s. a Tun.1011012
Masters 130. at 4 l. apiece.0312000
Masters-mates 130. at 2 l. apiece0156000
Able 435. at 1 l. 4 s. each.0313200
Ordinary 260. at 19 s. each.0148000
955 Men and Boys Victuals, at 26 s. each.0744900
To the Rulers of Water-mens-Hall, for one Year—0020600
⅖ of Captains and Lieutenants Bills for Five Years past, modestly computed is—0225500
 3603010

The aforementioned Charges to the Nation: The Grievances and Sufferings of the Merchants, whose Loss usually exceeds the said Sum of 36030 l. 10 s. Yearly, and that purely for want of their Men, which are taken from them as aforesaid; whereby many Merchants of good Estates formerly, are now reduced, and Trading much decay'd: Together with the Hardships which many Sailers undergo in respect of others, and the diffi­culty of getting those Men which are fit for their Ma­jesties Service, notwithstanding the extraordinary Charge attending the same. I say, all these things being premi­sed, and as they are unquestionably True; it must needs be thought an acceptable Undertaking (by all those who are well affected to Their Majesties and the present Go­vernment) to propose a Method, and probable means of lessening the greatest part of the before-recited Charge; of redressing the Merchants Grievances, and acquiring a competent Number of Seamen on all Occasions for the Service; without Pressing any at Sea, and of disposing them on Board the King's Ships from time to time, with an equal and impartial Hand, so as that every Man shall take his turn Yearly, or as shall be thought fit to be in the Service; except where any Seamen shall think fit to continue longer on Board Men of War, through hopes of Preferment: All which is humbly propos'd to be done by the following Methods.

But 'tis thought, that want of Encouragement and Patronage (from the Calumnies and Prejudices of those who are inveterately bent against the true Interest of the Nation) have been a Check and Restraint to the Genius of several Persons; who (doubtless) had they been at liberty, might long ago have offered divers good and advantagious Proposals, of this and other kinds, tending to the Nations Advantage and Interest. And [Page 17] 'tis not to be question'd, but that many an Engine of that kind stands still, for want of the assistance of noble and publick spirited Persons to set it on work; which if encouraged might be of great Use. The better to ef­fect what is premised, 'tis humbly proposed, That all Self-interest be discarded; and that no Persons of any Rank or Quality, do protect any Person belonging to the Sea or imployed in any River: Or Trading in Boats or Vessels of any kind whatsoever. For as 'tis very rea­sonable, that any Mans private Opinion ought to sub­mit to a general Council: So it can be no less equitable, that a few private Interests do give way to a National Advantage; a Limb being not so valuable as the whole Body.

These things being granted as indispensably necessary, I shall endeavour to lay down the Method with as much brevity and plainness as I can.

But I know, that whoever exposeth himself to the World, in things of this kind, must expect to meet with many virulent Censures of Detraction, and that 'tis impossible to please every one. But since there is not the least design in the Author, to make himself any peculiar Interest hereby; 'tis to be hoped, it may meet with the kinder Reception from all noble and generous spirited Patriots. The benefit of the Nation in general, and in particular, the Ease and Encouragement of Sail­ers, who through the whole Series of this War have constantly been fatigu'd therein, being the only aim and design in this Undertaking.

A Method for the Chusing such Persons as are fitly Qualified to be made Officers, for the Registring Seamen, &c.

Prop. 1. 'TIs humbly proposed, that a competent Number of Registers or Naval Officers, (for so they may be called) be appointed; one for each of those Counties bordering on the Sea, which are large; and for those Counties that are small to the Seaward and lie together; one Officer may serve for two. Each Officer to keep his Office in the chief Port or most convenient Place in his respective County, for the due Registring Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sailmakers, & Rope-makers; and performing such Offices as hereafter are proposed.

Ratio 1. These Officers being establish'd one in each County that is large, and one for any two Counties which are small to the Seaward, and lie together; will be able to give an account what Seamen are belonging to each particular Place in their several Counties, from whom the Lords of the Admiralty (as occasion shall of­fer) may require a List of their Numbers, and accord­ingly issue out Orders for the going on Board such Ship or Ships, as by them shall be thought meet and conve­nient, lying near those Places or any other.

Prop. 2. That those Naval Officers shall be such Persons How Per­sons ought to be qua­lified to be Naval Officers. as have been Captains of Men of War, Four Years at least, without intermission in the King's Service. And 'twill not only be most proper; but also less chargeable to their Majesties, That they be Half-Pay Captains, or Superannuated ones; if a sufficient Number of those may be had: Likewise that they be Commissionated to be Justices of the Peace for those Coun­ties in which they shall be Established: And that they be allowed, (by the King) such an addition of Pay or Wages to their former Sallaries, as may amount the whole to 400 l. [Page 19] per Annum, which may be thought a competent Mainte­nance for them: Whereby they will not be exposed to the breach of Trust, as otherwise they might, if straitned in their yearly Allowance of Sallary.

Rat. 2. Why such Officers should be Half-Pay Cap­tains, or Superannuated ones, is because in all probabi­lity, they are most likely to understand Sea Affairs; and rightly to put in Execution such Orders, as from time to time shall be directed to them, from the Lords of the Admiralty. These Officers upon Examination into the Qualities and Abilities of Seamen, are also most likely to be competent Judges thereof: Further, such Captains have now each of them a Sallary from the King, as some 136 l. others 273 l. per Annum, according to the Rates of those Ships they served in last. So that what has been given to Deputy-Vice-Admirals, &c. as afore is menti­oned, for sending in those, which for the most part, have been raw and unfit for the Sea, and many of them never at Sea; together with the Impress-Mony given to Captains, will over and above compleat their Sallaries of 400 l. per Annum, and their Instruments Sallaries likewise: So that hereby the Charge of those Offices will be defray­ed out of extraordinary Charges, which may be saved.

Prop. 3. That each Officer be allowed two Clerks, One at 50 l. per Annum and another at 30 l. a Year Sallary, to be Clerks and their Salla­ries. paid by the Navy, according to the Ʋse and Custom thereof. These two Clerks shall be resident where the said Naval Officer keeps his head Office. But if the County be large and has several Seaports in it, then to be allowed as many more Clerks at 30 l. a Year, as shall be thought necessary for that Service, and the ease of the Subject.

Rat. 3. These Clerks will be useful in keeping the Registers: and in making and Copying all the Lists of Seamen, &c. and in making out the Warrants, which [Page 20] Masters of Ships must take with them, before they Sail: And the Bonds which they must give to observe the Articles hereafter mentioned. For it can't be expected to be done by the Naval Officer himself, who will have business enough to decide Controversies, and to see to the well Management of his Office in every respect: And for a further Illustration of the Disposing the Naval Officers and their Clerks, take the following Example of

Dorset-shire.

The Naval Officer with his two Clerks shall have their place of Residence at Weymouth, another Clerk at Lime, and another at Pool, which two latter shall likewise Register those Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers, &c. which shall live nearest and most convenient to come thither. In these Methods, respect being to be had to that which shall least offend the Subject, or be burdensome to them. These two latter Clerks (from time to time) shall give An Exam­ple of di­sposing the Naval Officers. an exact Acount to the Naval Officer at Weymouth of all their Proceedings; who himself, as often as need re­quires shall visit those particular Ports, to hear all Complaints and to rectifie the same; which will be a great ease to those Inhabitants who live remote from Weymouth: And before his going thither, shall give timely Notice to the Clerks there resident, that they may cause the same to be published on a preceding Market-Day or a Sunday, that the Inhabitants may know the same. The chief Clerk to the Naval Officer shall likewise be imployed, as oft as occasion shall require, to ride from place to place as a Supervisor over those two Clerks at the Out-Ports: And also to go on Board all such Ships, as are at any Ports, in his Precincts, at their going thence, or return Home from any Voyage: To see if their Warrants do agree with the Original kept in [Page 21] the respective Office, in every particular. Every Master of a Merchant-Man being to be obliged, to take a War­rant with the Names of his Men, &c. therein inserted, from that Port whence he fits out; for which he shall pay half a Crown to the chief Clerk; and the same price for the Bond he shall give for bringing back his Men, or giving a satisfactory account what is become of them; as hereafter shall be explained: A Copy of the Warrant may be this underwritten,

JOhn Jenkins, Master of the William and Mary Pink, Copy of a Warrant to be taken by Masters of Merchant-Men. (Inhabiting in the Highstreet in Pool) being about an Hundred Tuns, and bound for the West-Indies) aged Twenty Seven Years; having used the Sea Twelve Years; One whereof he has spent in the King's Service this War, in 1692. Has hereby a Permit to carry the Eight Persons under-mentioned with him to the West-Indies, without be­ing Imprest from him, or otherwise molested, to the hindrance of his Voyage:

Given under my Hand and Seal at Wey­mouth this 27th Day of August, 1694.
Names.Time of being Listed.Place of Aboad.How long us'd the Sea.Whether in the King's Service, and how long.On Board what Ship.AgeD. or R.Whither.
   Years.Years.    
James Clerk.Jan. 3. 91.Leaverpool.3Never.Portsmouth.27  
Will. Jones.Ju. 7. 92.Ramsgate.173Do.30  
Ro [...]. Burby.July 12. 94▪Newcastle.11Woolwich.17  
Tho. Horn.Do.Do.104Dartmouth.26  
Joseph Wood.Do.Do.113Do.28  
Francis Rose.Aug. 1. 94.Southampon.20Never.Mary.45  
Tim. Thom.Do.Do.194Do.36  
Charles Holt.Yarmouth.Yarmouth.303Dover.50  

Prop. 4. In the next place, it will be needful, that a general Office relating to the particular Offices be kept in London, and managed by a Naval Officer and a competent number of Clerks, who shall be allowed larger Sallaries than to those in the Coun­try, in respect of the multiplicity of Business, which must needs attend the Office, above what may be expected in the Country. Ʋnto this general Office, every individual Naval A general Office to be kept in London. Officer in the Country, shall every Month transmit a Copy or List of all the Men he shall Register from time to time; and of the Quality and Circumstance of each Man, according as he shall be entred, and what are in the Service, and what on Shoar; and shall keep an Alphabet-Book, beginning with the first Letter of each Man's Sir-Name, for the ready finding them at any time. He shall also from time to time, send a particular Account of what Charges he has been at on account of the Office, and what Mony has been issued as a Re­ward to any Persons upon the Conditions hereafter-mentioned: Which Accounts shall be adjusted (by the general Officer) with the principal Officers and Commissioners of Their Maje­sties Navy, from whom all Bills of Imprest (for the defray­ing any of the afore-mentioned Charges) shall proceed.

Rat. 4. This Grand Office being setled, and from time to time receiving an account of what Men, and how ma­ny are Registred at every individual Place, will be able to signifie the fame unto the Lords of the Admiralty upon their demanding it: And being likewise informed by the said Naval Officers, who are at Sea, and who on Shoar; The Lords upon any great and emergent occasi­on may issue out their Orders, for such a certain Num­ber of them, as shall be wanted on any Expedition in a very short time. As for the general Officer adjusting the Accounts of the other Officers, with the Commissi­oners of the Navy (that will prevent the Charge which a new Office would require for that purpose) And it be­ing [Page 23] most properly under the Verge of the Commissioners of the Navy, as things relating to that Office; it is there­fore most fit that the Accounts thereof should be by them examined and approved, or otherwise disallowed and rejected.

Prop. 5. Lastly, That two Clerks be allowed at Gravesend, Clerks at Gravesend. if so many may be thought sufficient, at 60 l. per Annum Sallary, who shall mutually assist one another, and shall be accountable to the said Office at London for what they do. Ʋnto these two Clerks every Master of a Merchant Ship that goes down the River shall shew his Warrant, which the said Clerks shall either Snip, as the Searchers do the Cocquets; or otherwise put their Names thereto, as by Directions to them shall be thought most fit and convenient for the Pro­secution of the intended Design.

Rat. 5. These two Clerks may be allowed 10 l. a­piece per Annum, more than other Clerks in the Country, being supposed to be at extraordinary Duty in the per­formance of their Office. Their business will be to exa­mine all Masters of Ships at their going down the Ri­ver by Gravesend; and likewise at their return from any Voyage; Whether they have in every respect com­plied with the Conditions required: That is, that their Men are the same specified in the Warrant which they must take from the grand Office; and that they have given Bond as they ought, and performed such Articles as they shall thereby be obliged to observe: A Counterpart whereof they shall produce to the said Clerks; who shall examine into the Truth thereof by comparing them with the Copies, which the said Clerks shall receive from the general Office.

The Method for Registring Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers, Ropemakers and Sailmakers, to be in Readiness for Their Majesties Service at a short Warning.

Prop. 1. THE Magistrates and chief Officers of each individual Place in every County, as the Mayors in Corporations, the Bayliffs, Constables, Headbo­roughs, Tythingmen, and the like, in their respective Towns, Burroughs, Villages, Hamlets, &c. shall each of them within six Weeks after the Publication hereof, (by Proclamation or otherwise) bring as perfect a List as possibly they can; of all Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sailmakers and Ropemakers: And of all Masters of Ships, Seamen or Watermen; And all other belonging to any Craft in any River, as Western-barges, Ware-barges, Row-barges, Sand-barges, Tilt-boats, Ferry-boats, Fishing-boats, Ballast-Lighters, Keels and the like, or that have used the Sea within these seven Years last; being between the Age of sixteen and sixty, being in or belonging to any Towns or Places within their Liberties as aforesaid, with as exact an Account as they can, of the respective Ages of each Person, and their Place of Aboad; How long they have used the Sea, and whether ever in the King's Service; and how long they have served therein this War. The which Lists so made out; They shall attest under their Hands and Seals, and the same deliver (as be­fore directed) unto the said Naval Officer.

Rat. 1. The Registring Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sail­makers and Ropemakers, will be advantagious se­veral ways: For thereby we shall always be pro­vided with a Supply of such sort of Workmen at a very short Warning, both for the King's [Page 25] Ships, and Dock-yards, (without the Charge and The Advan­tage of Regi­string Ship­wrights, Caul­kers, &c. Trouble of Pressing) which from the latter, being oft­times necessitously drawn to send on Board the King's Ships, are wanted in the said Yards; (for the expediting and sitting out the Ships on emergent Occasions) where­by they are delayed, and lye still; when perhaps, if they were sooner dispatched and sent abroad, they might be in the way to take Prizes, or at leastwise at Sea to pre­vent the French Privateers from ranging the Seas, and taking so many Merchant Men as they do. In the next place, having plenty of those Work-men on all Calls, there may be more Cordage made in the King's yards, which may be either cheaper to the King, or better than what's made in Merchants yards, or both. There may likewise more Men of War be built in the King's own yards, than now are, which may be worth considering; for it is found by Experience, That Ships built in the King's own yards, are much more serviceable than those built in Merchants yards for him. There are several other Advantages that will attend this Method, if pra­cticed, which, since Time and Practice may discover, I shall forbear to enumerate at this time. The Registring Sea-men, Water-men, &c. will be the ready way of know­ing what Number of Sea-men there are in England, and how many may be had from each individual place, on all occasions to serve in Their Majesties Fleet: Which being put in Execution by Vertue of an Act of Parli­ament, can't in all probability miss of its desired Ef­fects; Namely, Of procuring a competent Number of Saylors to Man Their Majesties Fleet, on all occasions, without impressing any at Sea; whereby the greatest part of the afore-mentioned Charges to Their Majesties will be saved, which is worth while to be considered of, and practised: For 'tis evident, That one Third Part [Page 26] of the best Sea-men in England, have by one means or other avoided being in the King's Service this War. And 'tis not, that Sea-men are wanting in England, that the King's Ships are so ill Mann'd, as generally they are; and that so much unnecessary Expence dayly attends the Manning the King's Ships; but only for want of a due Method for the same, and a Penalty to be inflicted on the hinderers of its due Execution: For 'tis ob­serv'd, That both Justices of the Peace, Mayors, Bayliffs, Constables, &c. for the most part have been too remiss in their Duties, in not assisting those Officers (sent to press) as they ought; for instead of routing Sea-men out of their Coves and hiding Places, many of them ('tis to be feared) have rather concealed or countenanced many Persons, who ought, and were fit to be in the Service.

Prop. 2. They shall bring all the Persons so listed (ex­cept Listed Sea­men to Ap­pear before the Naval Of­ficer. what are at Sea) unto the Naval Officer, on some pre­fixt days, that he may see them, and also search into the Truth of what the Magistrates shall have certifyed concern­ing them on the Lists: Which said Naval Officer, together with an other Justice of Peace, and a Surgeon, shall examine into the Abilities and Conditions of each Person returned on the Lists, who shall pretend unfitness for the Sea, by rea­son of Hurts, Wounds, Bruises, or any other Accidents of that nature; and according as they shall find the matter, shall either acquit, or continue them on the Lists, as Per­sons qualified for the King's Service.

Ratio 2. The appearing of the said persons themselves, will oblige the Magistrates and other Officers to be as ex­act as possible they can in giving in perfect Lists, as is re­quired, for fear of being found out if they do otherwise: For Seamen in every individual place, being for the most part acquainted one with another, and missing any one, they know who ought to appear before the Naval Officer [Page 27] as well as themselves, will be apt to discover the same. As for the examination by the Naval Officers, Justices of the Peace, and Surgeons, into the Qualities and Condition, of any, pretending unfitness for the Sea; it is very reasona­ble, that those who are really unfit for the Sea-service in Men of War, be not charged on the Lists; for if so, the Lists would not only be filled with many unquallified per­sons, but Their Majesties disappointed, by depending on so many able men, from such and such places on any occasi­on: When perhaps, a great part of them were wholly un­fit for that service.

Prop. 3. That all those Masters of Ships, who shall be thought Masters of Merchant Men who shall be Exempted from going to Sea, to find an able Man, or Pay 5 l. fit to be exempted from going into the King's Service, shall nevertheless each of them send an able Sea-man in his room, who shall be approved of by the said Naval Officer; and whose turn it is not to go into the Kings Service that Year, or otherwise, to pay Five Pounds into the Naval Officers hands, so oft as 'tis his turn to go on Board the King's Ships: But in case of failure of Payment within the Six Weeks, wherein it ought to be Paid, then to forfeit Twenty Pounds, to be levied by Distress and Sale of the Offenders Goods, or as the Parliament shall think meet to Order. Farther, that every person going out of his turn, shall be entred in the Registers Books, upon whose Account, and in whose room he goes; and to be liable to such punishment for any fault by him committed, as any other person who goes for himself: Lastly, That the Naval officer shall enter in­to his Book of Accounts, all such Sums of Money as he shall receive for any forfeitures from any person, and the same shall transmit Monthly (or as oft as shall be required) to the General Officer in London, upon Pain of Losing his Im­ploy; or to be Fined as the Parliament shall direct for his offending therein.

Ratio 3. This can't be thought hard by Masters of [Page 28] Merchant Men; for in France, tho' Gentlemen are exemp­ted from paying Taxes, yet they are obliged to serve the King in their own persons: And the payment of Five Pounds, or sending an able Man fit for the Sea, can't be thought much charge to them, since it will not come to a mans turn above once in Three Years. One 3d. part of the Seamen which have not been in the Service this War, together with those who are willing to continue on Board, and what will go Voluntarily, being thought suf­ficient to Man the King's Ships; but if all Masters of Ships and Vessels, and pretenders to it, should be exempted from sending a Man, or paying Five Pounds as afore, it must Why Masters of Merchant-Men should find an able Man, or pay Five Pounds. fall much the harder on the Hawl-bowlings; and under this pretext we should have the best part of Fourty Thou­sand Men Protected; It being evident that most Ships & Vessels has protected Three Masters: For one being known to be a Master, is not questioned, and another getting a Protection for the same Ship, or Vessel, as Master of her, is by that means exempted from being prest into the King's Service; & a Third, by carrying a Charter party in his Poc­ket keeps himself clear. Nay, the very Oyster-Cocks and other small Craft (as well as Ships, and other great Ves­sels) have found out a way, to Free themselves from the King's Service, as hath not long since been discovered by a Captain of a Man of War. For 'tis usual, as by some of their own company has been ingenuously acknowledged, for them to carry Bills of Sale in their Pockets, formally made for such and such Ships, as if their own, and were really Masters; when indeed they were not, and only con­trived for to cheat the Press-Masters, and to keep them­selves out of the Service: But this Method of obliging Masters to send an able Sea-man, or to pay Five Pounds as afore, will be the ready way to prevent this, or other like Cheats for the future.

Prop. 4. Every Officer or Officers, who shall refuse or neg­lect Penalty on such Officers as shall not bring in true Lists. to bring in such List or Lists as before is directed; shall be lyable to such Penalty as the Parliament shall think fit to impose on them, not exceeding Twenty Pounds if they so please; and for every person that shall be found in their re­spective Towns, Villages, Hamletts, &c. after the Six weeks are expired, wherein the Lists ought to be given in, and did at the same time belong to any of their respective places, and ought to have been Listed; and that it doth appear by good evidence to be the said Officers fault, every Officer and Officers so Offending; shall for every person so omitted, forfeit Ten Pounds. But if it appears that the neglect is in the Inhabitants, and that they have by any ways or means concealed any such Persons from the knowledge of the said Officers, whereby they could not be listed; then every such Inhabitant shall forfeit the said Sum of Ten Pounds, to be levied by Distress and sale of the Offenders Goods, or by a­ny other means as the Parliament shall appoint: One Moye­ty thereof to be given to the Informer, and the other to be employ'd in the bringing up of Youth for Sea-Service, or for the Chest at Chattham.

Ratio 4. The Penalty proposed to be Inflicted on such Officers as shall not comply with these Propositions to the utmost of their powers, and also on Inhabitants for con­cealing Persons from being Registered; can't be thought hard or unreasonable, since the design thereof is not in­tended for their Money, but only to oblige them to a Performance of their Duties, as herein is required; which if observed, they themselves will be Sharers in the advan­tage, which thereby will accrue to the Nation in gene­ral: For by this Method, the King will be supplied with Able and Dareing Sea-men, instead of Raw Lads, and Per­sons never at Sea, without the great charge of Pressing, which the King is Yearly at; hereby also our Ships will [Page 30] be in a condition of Defending themselves better than ma­ny has formerly done, and Offending the Enemy. For one great Reason, nay, the greatest which can be given; for the Loss of most of our Men of War, taken by the E­nemy, is, that our Ships have been very ill Man'd; which by this Method, being better provided for, the Enemy will ('tis to be hoped) find the advantage on our side, to their Expence and Cost.

Prop. 5. If any Victualler shall entertain any Sea-men, Water-men, &c. a Fortnight in his house being not Registred, and doth not discover the same to the Naval Officer, or his Clerks, or to the Magistrates and Officers who ought to bring in the Lists of them; being convicted of the same, shall (ip­so Victuallers not to Enter­tain Sea-men. facto) forfeit Five Pounds to be paid and recovered as before is provided for other Forfeitures, and also lose his Li­cence, and for the future be utterly disabled to have another: If he be a House-keeper only, to forfeit Five Pounds, One Moyety to be given to the Informer, and the other to the uses aforesaid.

Ratio 5. The Penalty to be Imposed on the Victuallers, can't be thought to be a Severity towards them; for of late Years many able Sea-men have exercised that Calling as a Pretext to keep them from going to Sea: Many of which Houses are prejudicial to the King's Service, by en­tertaining the Sea-men in their Houses, when they ought to be on Board; and not only so, but many times con­cealing them from the Officers of the Ships when they come to fetch them on Board, whereby many of them are left behind, and consequently Prick't Run, to the great hindrance, and almost undoing of many Families; so that if those be themselves caught in the Corn, they ought to be put into the Pound: As for House-keepers, if they will hazard the Penalty, and may avoid it, they can't grum­ble if they suffer for their own Folly.

Prop. 6. That no Master Shipwright, Caulker, Sail-maker, or Rope-maker, do employ or entertain any Shipwrights, Caul­kers, Sail-makers, or Rope-makers, into their Works or Ser­vice, but what they know to be Registred, or doth so appear No Master Shipwright, &c. to Enter­tain unregi­stred Sea-men. by Certificate under the hand and Seal of the Naval Officer, where he or they were Registred; upon the Penalty of forfei­ting Ten Pounds for each man which shall be so imploy'd: Except all those Apprentices who have not served 5 Years, after which time of Service, they shall be Registred likewise. And if any Shipwright, Caulker, Rope maker, or Sail maker, shall neglect to give in his Name to be Registred within Six Weeks as aforementioned; and shall presume to work in Merchants-yards, after the time they ought to be Registred, and are not, to forfeit 20 s. a Month for every Month they shall so stand out, to be recovered as aforesaid: One Moyety to be given to the Informer, and the other to the uses a­foresaid.

Ratio 6. By this means the Number of all those kinds of Trades-men will be known in general, and in particu­lar, how many are at each individual place; so that up­on the want of any Number of them, to dispatch any Works requiring their assistance, 'tis but to send to the Naval Officers, who shall be impowr'd to send such Per­sons; and so many as are desired at a very short warn­ing: And whatsoever person of them being prickt down to serve in any Yards or Ships, (and having notice thereof) who shall refuse or neglect to serve according as he shall be Ordered; shall from that time be lyable to serve on Board the King's Ships during the War: Several of the Advantages attending this Service, being before hinted in the first Reason, for Registering Ship­wrights, Caulkers, &c. I shall forbear to trouble the Reader any further therewith in this Reason, altho' both comes far short of what might be said thereto.

Prop. 7. That the Naval Officers in the Country (upon their Receipt of any Orders from the Lords of the Admi­ralty (for the speedy sending any Number of Sea-men from any Port or Ports under their Care and Management, on Board any Ship or Ships, as shall be appointed) shall cause the same forthwith to be put in Execution; by causing Lists of all Persons Names so ordered to go to Sea, to be affixed on Timely notice to be given to Sea-men Or­dered for Men of War. the respective Church Doors where they live, and also on all Market-Houses, and at all publick places which shall be thought most proper for the Notifying the same to the Inhabitants; with the time inserted therein when they are to go, and on Board what Ship: And every Sea-man which shall be found to have refused or neglected going on Board as he ought, and whereto he was appointed, upon his being discovered and apprehended, shall be sent on Board one of the King's Ships; and from that time be obliged to continue in the Service du­ring the whole War, without benefit of being relieved, by taking turns with those who shall duly observe Orders: And whosoever shall discover any Sea-man so Offending, shall Re­ceive 40 s. Reward from the Naval Officer, immediately af­ter the apprehending and bringing the said Offender before the Naval Officer, or some Justice of the Peace so as that he may be secured: Which 40 s. shall be stopt out of the first Pay that shall grow due to the said Sea-man, after his being sent on Board; the like Reward to be given to any Person who shall cause any Deserter from his Ship to be ap­prehended.

Ratio 7. It is very necessary, That the Naval Officers do observe, and duly put in Execution, all such Or­ders as they shall from time to time receive from the LORDS of the ADMIRALTY; and that Lists of all Mens Names Ordered for the Sea, with the time when, and on Board what Ship each Sea-man is to go, be time­ly published, that the Sea-men may have no pretence [Page 33] of Excuse, by saying, they did not know it to be their Turns; and having sufficient Notice, they may timely provide themselves with necessaries. Further, it being known in publick, who are to go, there will be no hopes of shelter for them to stay on shoar: Neither can they go into Merchants Service, a Penalty being to be in­flicted on all those Masters of Merchant-men, who shall carry any of those Ordered for Men of War; and either those, whose Turns it is not to go into the Service that year, will discover them, for fear of being sent them­selves, if those men should be wanted, or else others for the Reward sake will impeach them; so that being un­safe and uneasie every way, 'tis presumed, that there will not be many, but what will comply with the Orders respecting them.

Prop. 8. That a due Care be taken to relieve all those Seamen (who shall comply with such Orders as are sent for their going on Board) yearly, or as near to that Time as possibly it may be done, where 'tis desired; and that at the time of their Discharge, they be payd off: But as for those Encourage­ment for Sea­men. who by reason of a Forreign Voyage, shall serve longer than one year successively, to be allowed 2 s. 6 d. per Month for the Second Year, as an Addition to their former Wages; and for the Third Year, 5 s. per Month, for every Month they shall serve more than they are required by this Method, or what more the Parliament shall think fit.

Ratio 8. The keeping Touch with the Seamen, by a due relieving them, as is proposed, and likewise of pay­ing them off at their Discharge, will be a great Obliga­tion to them to go on Board, as they shall be directed, without Trouble or Charge; to the forwarding where­of, 'tis not to be doubted, but that their Wives will con­tribute their Assistance, when they are at some certain­ty of having their Husbands a shore at such and such [Page 34] times, or thereabouts, with their Money in their Pockets: As for those who shall serve above their Year, and could not be relieved, by reason of their Ships being in Forreign Parts, 'tis but reasonable, that they be allowed the said additional Wages, as an Encouragement to, and Reward for, their continuance in the Service, more than the time they ought according to this Method.

Prop. 9. That every Seaman, within six weeks after his Arrival from any Voyage (and being out of the Kingdom at the time appointed for the first Listing of Seamen) shall Seamen to List themselves at their Return from Sea, be­ing not Regi­stred before. List himself in the respective place where he intends to in­habit, or otherwise, to be lyable to the same Penalty as is to be inflicted on those Seamen, who shall refuse or neglect to go in their Turns, after a due Summons thereunto: And for the more effectual performance of this Proposition, the Naval Officer, or his Clerk, shall go on Board every Ship and Vessel, arriving at any Port within their Precincts; and there shall take an impartial Account of the Masters and Ships Companies Names; as also of their Respective Ages, &c. as is directed in the Listing Seamen aforementioned; the which shall be transmitted to the General Office at Lon­don: That accordingly from thence, the said General Of­fice may send a Copy thereof to the Naval Officers at the respective Ports whereto they belong: But if any Seaman has a Desire (after his being Registred) to alter his Place of Abode, and to go into another County; upon his ap­plication to the Naval Officer of that Place, by whom he is first Registred, he shall have a time allowed him, proporti­onable to the distance of the Place where he designs to inha­bit, not exceeding a Month: And upon his bringing a Cer­tificate from the Naval Officer of that Place whereto he in­tends to remove of his being Registred there, he shall be dis­charged out of the Books, where he was last Registred before that.

Ratio 9. This Method will be of use, by degrees, to get all our Seamen Listed, whereby a more regular Care may be taken, for relieving and exchanging the Seamen in due Order, according to the Methods proposed: And the Penalty to be inflicted on Seamen for their Neglect, will be a Spur, both to oblige and hasten them to a com­plyance with such Orders, as they shall find themselves tyed to observe: The Naval Officer or his Clerk going on Board as aforesaid, will much forward this Work; and likewise they will hereby be able to give an Ac­count thereof to the General Office at London, which may transmit Copies to the particular Places, where­unto these Seamen say they do belong; that Care may be taken for Registring them in their proper Counties; the giving Liberty to Seamen (after their being Regi­stred) to remove into another Place, upon their ac­quainting the Naval Officer therewith, by whom they were first Registered, is but reasonable; because other­wise it would be an Imposition and hindrance to them, not to be permitted to Live where they do apprehend it to be most for their Advantage.

Prop. 10. That every Sea-man who shall be absent with­out leave, at the time of his respective Ships being preparing for a Careen, or to go into a Dock, or to come out of a Dock, Seamen to attend at the Fitting out their Ships. or at the time of her taking in, or putting out her stores, or at the time of any other service, for which Labourers are fain to be hired to do the same, for want of the attendance of the Sea-men belonging to the said Ship; every such Sea­man to forfeit Forty Shillings for such his neglect, to be stopt out of his Wages the next pay, that shall become due to him. Further, that every Victualler, who shall Entertain any Seamen in his house between Sun & Sun, at such time, or times, as a necessi­ty of business requires his attendance and Labour on Board, and not having Leave given him by his Commanders, or by one [Page 36] of the Lieutenants, in writing under his Hand, to forfeit Twenty Shillings for every time they offend in that kind; and House-keepers the same Forfeiture: One Moyety there­of to the Informer, and the other to the uses aforesaid; to be recovered by Distress and Sail of the Offenders goods, by Vertue of a Justices Warrant for the same, or by any other means, as the Parliament shall think fit.

Ratio 10. 'Tis but reasonable that Sea-men should be obliged to give due Attendance on Board their Ships, especially at such times, as the King's Service do more im­mediately call for their Aid and Assistance; for 'tis a shame that Men should be born in Pay and Victuals on Board the King's Ships, and to be Loytring on shore, when there is most need of them on Board; and by these neglects it so happens, that the Commissioners of the Yards have been obliged to hire a considerable number of Sol­diers to do that work, which the Sea-men ought to do whereby the King is at a double Charge: For if Seamen dic but stand to their work, a Crusing-Ship might be cleaned, & in, and out of Harbour in 4. or 5. days, as has former­ly been done, Wind and Weather permitting; which now is oft-times a Month or Two in compleating: And if Saylors will be absent from their business, at such times as they should give attendance, if they pay for their neg­lects, 'tis only themselves that are blameable. As for the Victuallers and other House-keepers, if they will persist to entertain Sea-men, when warn'd to the contrary, 'tis meet that they pay for such their Contempt of Orders, and for Encouraging Seamen to stay on Shoar, when the King's business requires them on Board.

Prop. 11. That all Seamen, (after the publication of the Lists as afore is mentioned) who shall not find themselves ap­pointed What Seamen have Liberty to go in Mer­chant Men. for Men of War thereby, for that Year; may be at Liberty to go into Merchants Service, without being in any [Page] wise Molested in the prosecution of their Voyages that Year; but at their return from their Voyages, if they shall arrive at any other Port, except what they fitted out from (their Year being expired) then they shall be obliged to repair un­to the Port where they were Registered forthwith, that they may take their turns duly with those in Men of War.

Ratio 11. Those Sea-men who are free to Comply with, and observe Orders for the going on Board the King's Ships in their turns, and mutually to relieve one another, ought to be Encouraged; and to have all Immunities and Pri­viledges proper, to be allowed them in order thereunto: For 'tis allowed on all Hands, that our Ships of War, be­ing well Mann'd with willing and able Sea-men, may rightly be termed the Bulwark, or Brazen-Wall of the Na­tion: And who, but an enemy to himself, would dash that Armour to pieces which is able to defend him from the Violence, and Merciless Cruelty, of a Subtil and Powerful Adversary. But the obliging them to return to their proper Ports, when their time, in Merchants Ser­vice is expired, which is allowed them, in order to their taking turns on Board the Men of War, is but reasona­ble; and only an inducing them to an observance of that Golden Rule; Do as ye would be done unto.

Prop. 12. 'Tis humbly proposed, That no Master of any Merchant Ship, or Vessel, being above 50. Tun, do Sail from any Port in England, until he has entred into Bond of 500 l. and all Masters of Ships, or Vessels under 50. Tun, into Masters of Merchant Men Obliged to bring back their men, &c. Bonds of 100 l. with each of them two able Sureties for the true performance of the following Articles, (viz.) That they shall not carry any Person, or Persons to Sea with them, above the Age of Sixteen Years, but what are Registred by some Naval Officer appointed for the same; who shall like­wise Certify under his hand and Seal, That the said Persons are such as are not returned on the Lists, for the King's [Page 38] Service that Year; but have their Liberty to go in Mer­chants Ships, during the space of one Year, and no longer, till it comes to their turns again. 2. That at the return of any Ship from her Voyage, to any Port in England, or Ire­land, the Master, or whoever has the Charge of the Ship, shall immediately send an account (of what men are brought back) to the Naval Officer, whence he Shipt off his men and if in any Forreign Place, any Person or Persons so Regi­stred do run away, then the Master of that Ship or Vessel whereto he did belong, shall bring a Certificate under the Hand & Seal of the Consul of that place: That the said Master made affidavit before him, that at such a Time, and at such a Place, such a Person (inserting his Name in the affida­vit) ran away, and that he did his endeavour to get him again, by requiring the Consuls Assistance therein. But for want of such Testimonial, to forfeit Ten Pounds at the least for every Person he shall not bring back, except they have died in the Voyage, or any other unavoidable accident have hap­pened, of which every Master shall give very good and sufficient proof; one Moyety of all forfeitures to be paid to the Informer, by the Naval Officer upon the discovering the same, by such just proof as shall be sufficient to Convict the Offender, the other to the uses afore-mentioned.

Ratio 12. The obligation required from Masters of Mer­chant Men can't seem to be an Imposition on them, or Novelty to them; because the same Method is pract [...]sed in Barbadoes and Jamaica, &c. with double the Penalty for smaller Vessels, to prevent the carrying off Servants, and other Persons from the Island, without the Gover­nours Pass, as those Masters who use the West-Indies, ve­ry well know. In the next place, the Registring Sea-men can't prejudice, or in any case be Injurious to Merchant­dizing; because after a Competent Number of Sea-men is allowed, and prickt down to serve on Board the King's [Page 39] Ships, the remainder will be free, and without the ha­zard of being imprest, to serve on Board the Merchant Men, and not to sculk up and down as they do now, and wear protection Beards, whereby they look as if they were Fourscore Years old, when indeed they are not Forty, some of which are not 6. Months in a Year either on Board the King's Ships, or Merchant Men. By this means the said Masters may Negotiate their affairs without inter­ruption, or hazard of having their Men prest from them, which practise hath many times proved of fatal consequence to the Merchants, as before is discoursed. 2. As for their being obliged to bring back those men they carry with them into Forreign Parts, or to give a Satisfactory ac­count, what is become of them, at the return of every Master home to England, &c. can't be thought hard: Because there is an Act of Parliament still in Force, to oblige masters to the same; tho' time, and defect of duty in those who ought to see the same executed, has almost worn out its remembrance. This will also be one way to keep our Sea-men together, and not giving them the opportunity of serving Forreign Princes or States, which too often happens; for Masters oft-times selling their Ships and Vessels in Forreign Places, do thereby give a provoca­tion to their men to serve in other Countries, by being dis­appointed of a passage home, which by this will be prevent­ed: And the more Sea-men are engaged to serve under their Natural and Lawful Prince, the more will fall to the Merchants share; and consequently their Wages will be les­sened: For 'tis observed and agreed on at all hands, that a scarcity (and not a plenty of any Commodity) raiseth the Price. The bringing a Testimonial can't be hurtful to them; because that will justifie for them, that they have well and honestly complyed with what was required of them: And that they have not incurred any Penalty or [Page 40] Forfeiture for any neglect thereof. The Moyety propo­sed to be given to the Informers, will make them look out sharp, and the Masters themselves be Circumspect, how they take any Unregistred Persons with them, or any other, but what may Lawfully be carried without prejudice to the King's service, or themselves, since they will have a great many eyes over them, who for the reward sake, will use their utmost endeavours for the discovery of any such Offender. Further, That every Sea-man, whose turn it is to go on Board Men of War, and shall be found persona­ting another, (who according to those methods) might stay on shoar, or go into Merchant men, upon his being convicted of the same, shall forfeit to the Informer 40 s. to be paid to him by the Naval Officer immediately after such discovery, and stopt out of the first wages which shall become payable to him for his service on Board any of the Kings Ships, and likewise be obliged to serve therein du­ring the War.

Prop. 13. That all Justices of the Peace, Mayors, She­riffs, Bayliffs, Constables, Headboroughs, Tithingmen, and the like, be strictly required, to apprehend all Seamen whom they shall find inhabiting in any Inland Counties, where no Justices of the Peace, to take up Sea-men & Vagrant Per­sons. Naval Officer is appointed; and also all sturdy Beggars, va­grant Persons, Deer-stealers, such as rob Fish-ponds, Coney-Warrens, Dove-houses, or the like; and that they do care­fully send them to the next Naval Officer, to be sent on Board Men of War, or disposed of otherwise, as shall be thought fit.

Ratio 13. The obliging Justices of the Peace, Mayors, Bayliffs, &c. to apprehend, and send those Persons last mentioned, unto the Naval Officer, in order to their be­ing sent on Board the Men of War, will be of great Ser­vice to the Country: For hereby Gentlemen will not only preserve their Game to themselves, and the Com­mon [Page 41] sort of People be rid of a great many dangerous Persons, who only lurk about, and watch Opportunities to break their Houses and rob them of what they have perhaps gotten with great Labour and Industry: But the King will have their Service on Board, which may be of use there, though not on shore; for many of those will make Cooks-mates, Shifters and Swabbers, &c. which must be had on Board as well as other Men; and doubtless many of them, when they are broke from their loitering and idle Courses, and see themselves con­fin'd on Board, may take up, and make good Sailers, but if they are permitted to stay on shore, and to follow the dictates of their own Inclinations; nothing but Mis­chiefs and Inconveniencies of many kinds must be ex­pected from them.

Lastly, The Merchants, Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sail­makers, and Ropemakers in and about the City of Lon­don, do not, I presume, need any other Motives to in­duce them to a Willingness, to have the afore-mention­ed Propositions put in Execution, then this Considerati­on Why the Merchants of London, and other Persons of several Cal­lings are obliged to forward these Me­thods. of their being more especially incommoded, by the continual alarms of Pressing, which lies much harder on them, than on Places farther distant. For 'tis very rare for the City of London and Places adjacent, to be free from the Press a Month together in a Years time; for fear of which, the Seamen, and others of the afore­mention'd Callings, do in such Numbers so abscond and hide themselves, that thereby the particular Wages of Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers and the like, are so en­haunsed that their Wages are almost doubled—Besides the loss which is sustain'd for want of having Men on all occasions for their Works and Services, which Incon­veniencies, being by these Methods likely to be removed, the Wages brought lower, and Business carried on with [Page 42] freedom, and without Interruption, must needs meet with a kind Acceptance, and with the Concurrence and joint Endeavours of the Merchants, Masters of Ships and others concern'd herein, to promote the carrying on the said Methods, and Establishing the same.

But some Persons, haply may take an occasion to reflect, and say, that if the whole matter had been con­tracted into fewer words, it would have done much better. To which I answer, 'tis true, I have studied for no Rhetorick to garnish it, or Flourishes of Oratory to set it out, those being things to which I am altogether a Stranger; being only a well wisher to a Sailer, and not a Nice one neither. In the preceeding Methods, I have not observed quaintness of Expressions; which probably might have better pleased the Ingenious and Sharp-wit­ted: But have with as much perspicuity and plainness as possible I could, run through every particular; and have the more enlarged thereon for the facilitating the same, and suiting it to the Capacity of the meanest Sailer, who may be concerned herein: I have likewise endeavoured to leave nothing doubtful and ambiguous; to the end, that all Seamen and others, might plainly perceive the drift and scope thereof. And that it is not a meer Project or a fallacious Invention, as many may suppose it to be, before they have well weighed and rightly consider'd the same: But that it is a real Sub­stance, and that which if practised must necessarily tend to the Honour and Welfare of the Nation in general, and in particular, to the Ease, Benefit and Satisfacti­on both of Merchants and Seamen, which latter if encou­raged as they ought, together with our Ships of War, may not unfitly be called the Impregnable Fortress and Safety of Their Majesties and Their Dominions. But that I may likewise indulge those Palates, who savor [Page 43] not Prolixity in matters of Discourse; I shall be as suc­cinct and brief as I can, in enumerating the Heads of the several Advantages, which the preceeding Me­thods treats of; and also the Grievances and Disadvan­tages, which thereby will be removed.

First, It would be needless to recount the number of Men of War lost these five Years past, it being a thing too well known in England: But how and which way, and by what means the greatest part of them have been lost, is not obvious to every one. Therefore to satisfie (in some measure) the Curiosity of those who desire to know the same, it's believed, and without gain-saying, must be allowed to be chiefly for want of competent Numbers of Able and Willing Seamen on Board them: For 'tis evident, that several of our Ships of War have been ta­ken of late Years, without losing a Mast or Yard, which was not so formerly: If these things had hapned through the Neglect or Cowardize of the Comman­ders, that would soon have been discover'd and blaz'd abroad; which since it appears not to be so with ma­ny of them, it must necessarily follow, that 'tis for want of Able Seamen on Board (except where they Want of our Ships well Man­ned the cause of many being taken. have been over-power'd, which hath been but now and then) And can we think our selves disinteressed and hurt, if we leave off an old Road, which we follow as it were for Fashion-sake only, to comply with such Rules and Methods, as will undoubtedly, with ease and little Charge, procure a competent Number of able and rugged Sailers (instead of Sha­come-filthies, Ragga-muffings and Serovies) to Man the King's Ships withal, at a very short warning; where­by Fifty Ships then, will be more Serviceable than One Hundred now: Besides, the French will then find, that they must pay the best Price for what Ships [Page 44] they take, and that Men of War will not be so easi­ly parted with, as of late they have been.

Secondly, When we are thus provided, and at a cer­tainty to have Seamen when they are needed, the King may lay up the great Ships for the Winter Sea­son, Much Mo­ny to be sa­ved by pay­ing and dis­charging Men from the great Ships at Winter. and discharge the Men out of Pay and Victu­als, but with their Mony in their Pockets, and liberty to serve in Merchant-Men, 'till 'tis their turns to go on Board again (which now can't be done; because for want of Methods, we know not how or which way to get them again, or others in their room at Spring) and how many Thousand Pounds in this very thing would be saved Yearly, on the Nations Account, eve­ry intelligent Man, but more especially those who are concern'd in the Navy Affairs, may judge.

But some may object, that the Registring of Seamen will be an abrogating their Liberties, &c. To this it may be answer'd, That were it really an Encroach­ment upon the Property of the Subject, (which I can't see how it is) yet the necessity of using these Me­thods, or the like, at this time would sufficiently plead its Excuse: And a desperate Wound must have the most searching and most probable means applied thereto for its Remedy.

Thirdly, The Registring Shipwrights, Caulkers, Rope­makers and Sailmakers, will in no wise be hurtful to Benefit by Registring Seamen, Caulkers, &c. any; for having a sufficient Number of them at all Calls, the Ships and Yards may be supplied therewith with­out Pressing. There may likewise be more Ships bu [...]lt in the King's Yards, than now are, which always out-do those built in Merchants Yards. There may also be more Cordage made there than is usual, which every thing considered, is always the best and cheapest; [Page 45] and many other Advantages will arise, which are now unthought of.

Fourthly, The Enemy has found the advantages of Registring their Seamen, thereby fitting out and Man­ning their Ships with more than an imaginable di­spatch; as I my self, whilst a Prisoner there, observ'd; Though at treble the Charge of what we shall be at for one fifth part of the Number of Seamen, we have in England; it being plain and apparent, to all those who have used the French-Trade, that we have five times more Merchant Ships (which are accounted a Seminary for bringing up Seamen) than the French have, and that ours are bigger than theirs; so that in all likelihood we must have five times as many Sea­men.

Fifthly, As for their Charge in Registring Seamen, Our charge in Regi­stringmuch inferiour to the French. that considerably exceeds what ours will be in this: For their Intendants, which are the chief Officers con­cern'd therein, have each of them some Thousands a Year, and the Inferiour Officers, which are very nume­rous, Sallaries proportionable: Whereas Four Hundred Pounds apiece, is what is proposed for our chief Offi­cers concern'd herein, and One Hundred Pound for the chiefest Clerks, of which only those in London will be Sharers. And 'tis my Opinion, that we need not be a­shamed to practise those Methods, which will undoubt­edly be effected with much less trouble, difficulty and charge, than what the Advantages which will flow from thence, will make good and answer for.

Sixthly, In the beginning of the War many Volunteers came into the Service, as particularly from Bristol, Lyn and Weymouth, whence they came by Forties, Fif­ties and an Hundred in a Gang; the greatest part where­of that are alive, are still in the Service, and the only [Page 46] Men which have throughly shar'd in the Toils there­of; but without any more Respect or Encouragement than those that were forc'd; which doubtless hath been a means of hindring others from following their Ex­amples. But were the Methods herein contained effe­ctually prosecuted, and Seamen Times appointed them, wherein they knew themselves oblig'd to serve on Board Men of War; and likewise when they might without Interruption go into Merchants Service, and at all times that Encouragement that is due to them, we need not be at any Charge in Pressing, or keeping Tenders, as now we do; nor ever want brave bold, and undaunted Seamen to Man the Fleet.

Seventhly, It cannot but be matter of wonder, to see with what Dexterity and Speed the French fit out their Ships; and that with one fifth of the Seamen we have in England; and how in a few days they are compleatly Mann'd, after Orders given out for the same: And I presume that English Seamen are as English­men as ca­pable of do­ing good Service as any Nation if Encou­raged. capable of doing any Service proper for them, as the French can be; and were they Ordered and Encourag­ed accordingly, might, as formerly, deserve and merit the Precedency of any others, in Sea-Affairs: But if for want of Courage and Conduct to adventure, and carry on those Methods (which seem very reasonable and also very probable to recover the Oeconomy and pristine Glory of our Fleets; to Animate our Seamen, and as it were, to engage Success on our Side) we sit as unconcern'd, and will not use any means, though never so likely for the retrieving the decayed Honour of the Nation; we can't, if we suffer thereby, blame any but our selves. For what Mischiefs and Miseries do fall upon us, are, as it were usher'd in by our own [Page 47] Consent, if we strive not, to oppose and hinder them.

Eighthly, The difficulties which may seem to attend this Service in the first establishing and setling the propo­sed Methods, may make it look with a sower Face, and Every thing of moment hard at first. so retard and hinder its going forward, and thereby many may be startled, who otherwise see nothing but what is reasonable and needful enough to be practised—'Tis true, that in this, as in all other things at the beginning, difficulties will interfere; and 'tis likely e­nough that the most significant and most material Under­takings, for a Publick Good, will meet with the great­est Hardships, in its first Birth and Infancy; and that 'tis no easy matter to put some People out of their old Road, though never so rugged and uneasy: But the greatest Care and Trouble which can befal the carrying on of the fore-going Proposals, will be in the first Year; which being with Diligence, Faithfulness and Industry (in the Management thereof) passed over for succeeding Times, 'twill easily be done. And that sufficient amends will be made for the Toil and Fatigues thereof, will not be doubted, (upon mature and deliberate Thoughts) by any, who zealously de­sire the Welfare and Prosperity of their Majesties and their Kingdoms. These Methods, if industriously managed, may in some measure, run parallel in time with the Post-Office, in rise, growth and perfection; which being known to most Gentlemen, I shall not speak of it here.

Ninthly, If those Methods are followed, we shall Turning over of Sea­men reme­died. have that Epidemical Grievance, which so much gauls and disturbs the Seamen removed, namely of being turn'd over from Ship to Ship; which many times de­lays their being paid, makes them lose the Benefit and [Page 48] Favour of their Commander (of whom, by their Care and Industry they have deserv'd well) by being ab­sent from them; and from the quality of a Mate, or Midshipman, or the like in a former Ship, by being turn'd over to a Captain that knows them not, are re­duc'd to go afore the Mast; and how any Person of Sense or Courage can brook this, I do appeal to every sober Mans-Judgment.

Tenthly, Altho 'tis proposed, that Seamen be left to their liberty at the end of the first Year or there­abouts, after they are Registred; yet 'tis not to be Many Sea­men will continue in the Service notwith­standing the Liberty proposed. doubted, but that many will still continue in the Ser­vice, who might be relieved from it according to the Proposals, and that out of Respect to their Comman­ders; and many who are at liberty will then have the freedom to go with those Commanders whom they most affect; whereby Commanders and their Men being uni­ted by a free Choice (for no Captain can well refuse a Person that voluntarily offers his Service under his Command) will then carry such an harmony of Af­fections amongst one another, that there will be great reason to hope for Success in all their Undertakings, according to that Maxim, Force united is strongest: And further, by these Methods and Agreements amongst Seamen and their Officers; Pressing, that Scarecrow and Bugbear to many Men, will be out of Fashion, and the vast Charges and Inconveniencies attending the same, be utterly removed and expell'd.

Eleventhly, Then there is another thing, which if con­firmed, will encourage the Seamen to continue in, and also prize and value the Service; it being reported that the Lords of the Admiralty do intend to prefer none to be Warrant-Officers, but such as have actually and [Page 49] successively served Three Years in the Men of War: Which will stimulate and provoke many Seamen to put themselves forward; a likelihood of Preferment, be­ing of more force to draw some, than the Whip to drive others into the Service.

Having touched upon some Heads, more particularly relating to Their Majesties and the Seamen; I shall add a few words concerning the Merchants Circum­stances, and so conclude.

First, In the first place, the Merchants have been feelingly sensible of the Effects of the War, as the exhausted Coffers of many (which in the beginning thereof were full) can witness, occasioned chiefly by the great Numbers of their Ships taken by the Enemy Merchants great Suf­ferers for want of due Methods in getting Sea­men for the King's Ships. this War: One great Reason whereof has been the want of due and proper Methods for the procuring Able Seamen, who should be in readyness at a very short Warning to Man the King's Ships: For notwith­standing all the Circumspection and Care imaginable of the Lords of the Admiralty, for the due ordering of Ships to Sea, both Convoys and Cruizers; yet if Men can't be gotten, the Ships must lie still. But by these Methods a sufficient number of Seamen may be at all times ready; whereby Cruizers and Convoys may be abroad, and to and again at Sea, to prevent the Enemy from so often making a Prey of our Merchant-men, as of late they have done.

Secondly, In the second place, the exorbitant Wages which the Merchants must give, and still are obliged so to do, or all must lie still, have been a Pull-back to many of them; And the want of Men (for fear of being prest from them) notwithstanding the offers of great Wages, has many times retarded the Pro­secution [Page 50] of their designs, to almost the overthrow of their Voyages.

Thirdly, Many other Inconveniences and Enormities have flow'd in upon them, of which themselves are the most competent Judges and the best Remembran­cers; all which Grievances and Sufferings, or most part thereof, by the proposed Methods, might (for the future) be prevented. The Merchants likewise might negotiate their Sea-affairs, without interruption, or Wages in Merchants Ships likely to be brought lower. hazard of having their Men taken from them, when once Shipt and willing to serve them: And the exor­bitant Wages, given now, would then be brought down, and many other Inconveniences removed, which now they labour under: But would be glad of a Remedy for them.

Fourthly and Lastly, That the consideration of the fore­going Propositions and Methods, being humbly and timely offered to the Parliament, and by them approv­ed, some of the Effects thereof may be experienced in the next Summers Service.

Object. But some may object, That if this had been done in the beginning of the War, it had been of some Moment, and might have done good Service; but now 'tis hardly worth while to set it on foot, a Peace being expected in little time; and that the War in all probability can't hold out much longer.

Answ. To this it may be answered, That as to the duration of the War, that's very uncertain; and The want of these Methods on the like not practiced sooner, no reason to hinder their pro­gress now. that it may continue longer than is expected by many People, is likely enough: However, because so necessary and advantagious a design as this, (if practised) may prove to the Nation, has been hitherto unthought of; yet in my Opinion that's no convincing Argument for to frustrate its being put in Execution now; since we [Page 51] know not how long or how little while the War may last. But admit a Peace do in little time ensue: We can't be sorry, that we have no Occasion to use these Methods, if the War continues: We have no reason to be offended that a way is found out, to save a very considerable sum of Money, which is spent in Pressing and other Services; and to have able and rugged Sailers ready on all emergencies to Man the Fleet as it ought; whereby the French Kings Fleet will be more likely to be decreased, than increas'd by ours.

I remember, that when we had Wars with Holland; nay, not long before the beginning of this War; The Seamen seem'd desirous to have Wars with France, and would be often boasting what they would do, and how ready they would be to fight the French. But now we find the Case much alter'd, and as much, if not more difficul­ty now than ever to Man our Fleet; and likely to grow worse and worse, if not timely prevented by proper Me­thods for the same: And if those are not thought suffici­ent and perfect enough (the Examination whereof I humbly commit to the unbyass'd Judgments and candid Censures of those who are zealously desirous of the Na­tions Interest) yet, I presume, here is a Foundation for a more well compos'd and nobler Structure, than what my Skill or Pretensions will reach to; which being built upon for the Nations Interest, by the Endeavours of any publick spirited Person, will give the Author as much satisfaction and content, as if compleated by himself; He having no Ambition of getting himself a Name by these Undertakings, nor of reaping any Advantage thereby, otherwise than as it centers with a National Interest.

FINIS.

Books Printed for, and Sold by R. Clavell at the Peacock in St. Paul's Church-Yard.

THE Reasons of Praying for the Peace of our Jerusalem, in a Sermon Preached before the Queen at White-hall, on the Fast-Day, being Wednesday August 29. 1694. By Thomas Comber, D. D. Dean of Durham, and Chaplain in Ordinary to Their Majesties. Printed by Their Majesties Special Command.

A Daily Office for the Sick; Compil'd out of the Holy Scrip­tures, and the Liturgy of our Church; with occasional Prayers, Meditations and Directions.

The Pantheon, Representing the Fabulous Histories of the Heathen Gods, and most Illustrious Heroes; in a short, plain and familiar Method, by way of Dialogue, for the Use of Schools Written by Fra. Pomey, of the Society of Jesus; Author of the French and Latin Dictionary, for the Use of the Dauphin.

Q. Horatii Flacci Opera; Interpretatione & Notis Illustravi: Ludovicus Desprez Cardinalitius Socius ac Rhetor Emeritus, Jussu Christianissimi Regis, in usum Serenissimi Delphini, ac Serenissi­morum Principum Burgundiae, Andium, Biturigum. Huic Edi­tioni accessere Vita Horatii, cum Dacerii Notis ejusdem Chrono­logia Horatiana, & Praefatio de Satira Romana.

L. Annaei Flori rerum Romanarum Epitome; Interpretatione & Notis Illustravit Anna Tanaquilla Fabri Tilia, Jussu Christia­nissimi Regis, in usum Serenissimi Delphini.

Compendium Graecum Novi Testamenti, Continens ex 7959. Versiculis totius. N. Testamenti tantum Versiculos 1900. (non tamen integros) in quibus omnes universi Novi Test. Voces, una cum Versione Latina, Inveniuntur: Auctore Johanne Lusden, Philos. Doctore, & Linguae Sanctae in Academia Ultrajectina Professore Ordinario. Editio Quinta.

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