THE DEFENCE OF TRADE. In a Letter To Sir THOMAS SMITH Knight, Governor of the EAST-INDIA Company, etc. From one of that Society.  
— Vexat censura Columbas.  
LONDON, Printed by William Stansby for john Barnes, and are to be sold at his shop over against Saint Sepulchres Church without Newgate. 1615.   

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, SIR THOMAS SMITH, KNIGHT, etc.  
Right worthy Sir,  
WHen I first heard of an invective published by some unknown busy Person, against the East-Indian Trade: I must confess, I held it, In eorum genere quae vilescunt spreta, worthy only of that Companies contempt, whose blessed endeavour, with good service to the State, hath surely freed them from the poison. Why should they then regard the hissing of those lurking Serpents, that when the Itching humour takes them, will be doing brevibus & carcere dignum, even with the State itself?  
But having since perused the Pamphlet, I find under the pleasing title of Increase of Trade, and gilded over with that Commendable Proposition of the Herring-fishing, a sort of Pills are put to swallowing, that perhaps may work weak stomachs to distaste our Course of Traffic by societies in London, especially that now of greatest hope and profit to the East-Indies. And though the Author handle the particulars with such confused Contradictions, as assure me he conceived not what he writ: Yet sure, some Ape hath put the Cat's foot in the fire, some cunning and malicious persons, for private ends, or lewder purposes infused the Quicksilver that set that running head a work. Remembering therefore that a wiseman should not only keep himself from hurt of the Brute Beast, but feed and cloth, that is as Plutarch notes, make profitable use of enemies: out of my love to you that spend so much of your Time, for the good of the worthy merchants liberal Adventures, to advance the reputation and revenue of the Commonwealth, I wish some one of our Committees best experienced in that business, would take this opportunity to show how wrongfully they are traduced, whose voluntary hazards in such long and costly voyages, for such even by their enemy's confession, dangerous and slow returns were rather thankfully to be commended.  
Good men, well-minded Merchants, while the idle Drone and greedy Caterpillars pray upon the substance of the Subject here at home, with eating usury and harmful arts, while such a Spider in a corner spends his fruitless days perhaps in weaving weak objections against them, from furthest parts abroad, they fetch and bring the honey to the Hive, laborious Bees, they cloth and feed the poor, and give the willing man employment to gain with them, and with the Common wealth, the honour, and the riches that Venice first enjoyed by their Trade over land, along the Mediterran, and then the Portugeses (poor Portugeses till then) procured by their more advantageous far Sea-trafficke with those Eastern Countries.  
This was the first intention, this is still the endeavour of that famous fellowship, best known to you that were their first, and are by well deserving, still their Governor; and if it please Almighty God to continue his wonderful blessing, and our good King his gracious countenancing of their industry, I make no doubt, but by discovery of some nearer passage, or if the worst fall, through the Advantage of our multitude of able bodies, and most commodious Sea-situation, even the way we have that rich Trade may receive yet our turn more, and in few years a Staple of Commerce for all the World be settled in these Northern parts with as much life and quickening to the navigation and affairs of this whole Island, as London and all sorts of Merchants in it found by one return from thence last summer, Quae nobis placet experientia veri.  
But Sir, this honourable enterprise, like Hercules yet in the Cradle, in the infancy hath been assailed by Serpents sly aspersions, which 
* Nativa generi humano pestis quae vepres nunquam desinit in alienis agris licet purgatissimi sint quaeritare. Pet. Mart.  Envy long since whispered in the ears of ignorance, of kill Mariners and carrying out the treasure of the land, in answer whereunto had the East India Merchant then but told a truth like Marshals, Bella, Dives, Puella, Fabulla, he might have been (it may be judged) neither fair nor rich, nor chaste, but only forward to commend himself: but now when as the poor Snake Envy grows to be a Monster, Malice, when the prattler late a creeping Worm is waxed a winged Goose, a setter forth in print of slanders. Now (me thinks) you are, if not enforced, at least invited happily to show the world the well deserving of that worthy Company, whose innocence will shine more gloriously even to the eye obscured of him that dwells farthest from London, by passing through those vapours of an idle or corrupted brain these forced or forged imputations.  
A work for truth's sake worthy of a fervent spirits careful handling: but were it recommended to my weakness; though I dislike as much as any man, to see one, by transcribing only in effect, an honest Gentleman's good 
* Quae non vult sic laudari-Nec tali auxilio nec defensoribus istis— Eget, etc.  Fishing-Proiect, steal occasion to censure all our Trades, and give intelligence what Ships of ours, how manned, and at what seasons yearly pass from place to place, with such particulars of our Sea-states decay, as must be either true, and so the secrets, or false, and so the slanders of our Country.  
Though I condemn his folly, that proclaims such weakness and such want of Mariners and Shipping in our Ports from fond reports of idle fellows, Informations certainly as false in these particulars, as we know they are in our East-India matters, especially at this time, when clean contrary, the power and greatness of our Royal Mr. and the reputation of his strength by Sea and Land, is for the good of Christendom, composing of those storms which Armies both in Italy, and Germany do threaten.  
Though I detest the hollow-hearted cunning, that doth look on Holland, but yet roves for other Countries, girding still and glancing at our Neighbours of the united Provinces, those in reason of state, and through band of Religion, best assured friends, with over sedulous insinuating into every ear, their eating up of our prosperity, their supplanting of us in our Trades, and such like seeds of Disaffection, prejudicial to us both. Whereas an honest subject, well disposed in Religion, well affected to the State, would rather rest content with this assurance, that our King hath power enough, when it shall please his wisdom to curb insolence. Our State may when it will, meet with unthankfulness, and they that made the 
* Their word was, Si collidimur frangimur.  Emblem, for their own good, must be careful to keep the Pots from knocking one upon another.  
though more particularly, out of many Touches, I observe such inclination, such a secret variation in the Compass of that Pamphletors' discourse, as makes me very jealous, for all his fair conclusion that he framed his Almanac for the Meridian of Toledo rather than our islands good fortune: witness his willingness to have us Trade into those Countries, where we must be ever under the Lee, in awe and subject to much inconvenience, rather than make double the profit to ourselves and to the Commonwealth by fetching from the wel-head, from the Indies, rather than weaken them, their wealth and shipping, that in all their Modern Treaties with all Nations show, how much account they make of that sweet Traffic.  
Though last of all that Pamphletors malignant raking up all sorts of railing arguments, and spleenful urging every thing against the East-India Merchant, might very well provoke from one of that Society, the lashes which his often fond excursions fit him for; yet surely I should leave him to the Rivall-free fruition of those errors, and apply my pen to satisfy an honest mind, rather than make him smart or careless Readers smile. And as a groundwork of Integrity, first I would set down what he says even in his own Apparel, Scarf, and Feather too, As thus.  
Now followeth the consideration of the East Indie Trade, 
East Indies.  into whose Seas, not only the River of Volga, as before you heard, disemboqueth itself, but even the bottom of the straits is emptied to fill up those gulfs, and not to only, but besides that many of our best Merchants have transported their Staples thither; it hath also begot out of all Callings, Professions, and Trades, many more new Merchants. Then where there is increase of Merchants, there is increase of Trade; where Trade increaseth, there is increase of Shipping; where increase of Shipping, there increase of Mariners likewise: so then rich and large East Indies. The report that went of the pleasing notes of the Swans in Meander flood, far surpassing the records of any other Birds in any other places whatsoever, drew thither all sorts of people in great confluence, and with great expectation to hear, and enjoy their sweet singing. When they came thither, they found in stead of fair white Swans, greedy Ravens, and devouring Crows; and heard instead of melodious harmony, untuneable and loathsome croaking. In indignation that they were so received and deceived, in stead of applauding, they hissed; and of staying, fled away. You are now brave East Indies Meander flood, your Trade is the singing of Swans, which so many journey so far to enjoy. God forbid you should be found so discoloured, and we so ill satisfied. And howsoever that I may be sure to avoid any detraction, whereby my nature might have any imputation, or by calling up more Spirits into the circle than I can put down again, I might incur some danger, and be taxed likewise of indiscretion, for that we only hitherto have complained of the want of shipping; we desire now but herein to survey the store, and see how you help the increase. You have built more Ships in your time, and greater far than any other merchants Ships; besides what you have bought out of other trades, and all those wholly belonging to you; there hath been entertained by you since you first adventured, one and twenty Ships, besides the now intended voyage of one new Ship of seven hundred Tun, and happily some two more of increase. The least of all your Shipping is of fourscore Tun: all the rest are goodly Ships, of such burden as never were formerly used in Merchandise; the least and meanest of these last is of some hundred and twenty Tun, and so go upward even to eleven hundred Tun. You have set forth some thirteen Uoyages, in which time you have built of these, eight new Ships, and almost as good as built the most of the residue, as the Dragon, the Hector, etc. So that at the first appearance you have added both strength and glory to the Kingdom by this your accession to the Navy. But where I pray you are all these Ships? four of these are call away, of the which one was of three hundred Tun, another of four hundred, the third of three hundred, and the fourth of eleven hundred; two more are docked up there as Pinnaces to Trade up and down: the rest are either employed in the Trade in the Indies, or at home out of reparations; which if true, if the Kingdom should have need of them on any occasion, it shall surely want their service; and so then there is not only no supply to the Navy this way, but hurt even to the whole Kingdom, the Woods being cut down, and the Ships either lost, on not serviceable. Surely Stories can show us, which we may read in the courses of Commonweals, how tolerable, nay how laudable it is in all States, to enlarge Commerce. Merchants, whom we should respect, can tell us of the casualties which not only the Ships, but their Estates are subject to by adventures. Mariners, whom we must pity, can teach us of the ordinary dangers not only that Ships and goods, but their lives are subject to by Sea. I must not then exprobrate that to them which is to be imputed to the Sea; nor are they to be blamed out of reason for that which deserveth in humanity, commiseration; nor is England bounded by our Horizon, to go no further than we see. We have learned long since, that Mercatura si tenuis sordida, si magna, splendida; the Stranger the Country, the greater the adventure; the more famous our Nation, the more worthy the Merchant. Before we were, even Horace Writ, Currit Mercator ad Indos. Loath then am I to borrow that saying of Demosthenes on his courting of Lais, to pay it to the Indian Trade, by alleging, that Non tanti Emam poenitentiam, only having now in common that Roman Proviso, Ne quid detrimenti Respub. capiat. Let us examine that which may move patience, that our Woods are cut down, and the Ships either lost or not serviceable: Our Woods I say, cut down in extraordinary manner, neither do the Ships die the ordinary death of Ships. Our Woods, extraordinarily cut down, in regard of the greatness of the Shipping, which doth as it were devour our Timber. I am able out of sufficient testimony to affirm, that since the Indian Trade, and merely through their building of their Ships of so great burden, and their repairing, (the building notwithstanding began but five years since) that Timber is raised in the Land five shillings, and more, in the load, nay, almost not to be had for money, which the Company (no question) being sensible of, very wisely seek to help themselves in, by building of Ships in Ireland for their service: yet it seemeth their encouragement that way, is but necessitous, in regard by their own saying, besides the hazard, the charges are little less; and which is worse, that kind of Timber is but untoward for that use, being so extreme heavy, that a Ship of a small burden draweth much Water. In five years space their building, together with their repairing of Ships almost equal to building, beget such a scarcity, what will a little continuance bring forth? Bring forth I cannot say aught, but a privation will follow even of all our Timber Wood The King's Navy must be maintained, other Merchants of lower rank must have shipping, and the Sea trade may increase, and then either we must Trade without shipping, or make Ships, without Timber.  
When the Norman Conqueror having subdued the most part of the Kingdom, passed from Essex into Kent, which then made head against him, the Kent's, having by the advice of their politic Bishop and their stout Abbot, cut down great boughs, and with them in their arms marched towards the Conqueror; whereby, besides the novelty of the sight, the Army appeared double as big: William himself so conceiving it, as also amazed to see Woods walk; more feared and discontented with that sight, than otherwise assured with his former success, condescended to what demands soever were made by those people, to have such weapons laid down, and to gain such ingenious Subjects; whereby, to their eternal benefit, and credit, their persons were never in bondage, no their Laws altered. In this their Land-Stratageme, I see our Sea-Arts, in that and these Woods being the fatal instrument of our fortunes, Boughs of Trees kept the kentishmen out of servitude, when they held them in their hands, and but for show; their bodies will keep us in liberty when they contain us, and are for service, and by their moving on the water they will amaze both French and Spanish, and whomsoever, and keep them, and all others, from coming near us: Out of which provident foresight, our most worthy Princes formerly reigning, have made divers Laws in favour of Timber Trees: 
35. Hen. 8. 17. 13 Elizabeth. 25.  and our most noble King hath provided thereto with new accessions for the preserving and increasing of them; but that a parricide of Woods should thus be committed by building of Ships, 
Forbidding by proclamation the building with Timber  it was never thought on by any of our Royal Solons, and therefore there was no proviso for it: Nay, this inconvenience was to little suspected, that our said famous Princes have provided clean contrary, with great bounty and indulgence have encouraged by reward out of their own purses the builders of great Ships; as bestowing on the builders five shillings on the Tun for every Tun that is builded above one hundred Tun in a Ship; so necessary did the Prince think his maintenance of shipping, the accession thereof consisting much in their greatness, to the honour and safety of the Kingdom; and such use he made account he should have of them. Whereas now this way he contributeth, to the spoil of his Woods, to the loss of the Ships, and to the hurt of the Kingdom. I heard a Shippe-wright say on the loss of the Trades Increase, that if you ride forty miles from about London, you could not find sufficient Timber to build such another. It was a Ship of eleven hundred Tun: for beauty, burden, strength, and sufficiency, surpassing all merchants Ships whatsoever. But alas! she was but shown, out of a cruel destiny she was overtaken with an untimely death in her youth and strength, being devoured by those Iron Worms of that Country, that pierced her heart, and broke many a man's withal memorable in her misfortune, only redounding to the commonwealths loss. For as for the Merchants, though I pity their adventures with all my heart, yet in this their part of loss was least; for all their goods were on shore; and she had brought abundance out of the Mecha Fleet, which she did both tithe and toll: And thanks be to God, they are more than serves by what is returned from her, and more than that often, by the grace of God, will come from her to the merchants gain.  
The like untimely fall had the other three of great burden, gallant Ships, never having had the fortune to see their nature soil again, or the honour to do their Country any service, in respect of all other ships that wander ordinarily to other Countries, therefore I may justly say that they die not the ordinary death of ships, who commonly have some rest, and after long service die full of years, and at home, much of their timber serving again to the same use, besides their Iron-worke, and the rest otherwise serviceable, and not in this bloody and unseasonable fashion, rather indeed as coffins full of live bodies, than otherwise as comfortable ships. For the rest that live, 
Our Ships are fain to take in the natives of the Indian Countries to supply the wants of our dead Seamen to bring home their Ship.  they come home so crazed and broken, so maimed and vnmanned, that whereas they went out strong, they return most feeble: and whereas they were carried forth with Christians, they are brought home with Heathen. What the profits are to the Merchants, for so great an adventure, I know not. I am sure amends can not easily be made for so great loss, even in this point which is our special subject, for waste of Woods, and spoil of shipping.  
The last consistence of shipping propounded, was that of the East Indies: which though youngest, was found in show and state to have overtopped all the rest; as a Bird that maketh herself gay with the feathers of all other Fowls; having borrowed, nay, having bought the best ships out of other Trades to honour their voyage, and plumed even Constantinople herself, of her shipping: therefore that men are entertained extraordinarily in this voyage, it is apparent out of the greatness of the shipping; the entertainment of them increasing, if should be a consequent that Seamen increase this way: But that we may not by ambages triumph in their loss, or our calamities, we see this way that our ships perish, and therefore our men they shrink, Nay, though ships come home, yet then leave the men behind: so in this voyage, there is a twofold way towards our want of Marmers.  
In that Ships, nay great ships, are extraordinarily subject to be cast away, and then there must be lest likewise of men; In that though they come home emptied of their men.  
By the loss of four ships, we have lost at the least four hundred and fifty men: and in the adventure of some three thousand that have been employed since that voyage began, we have lost many above two thousand.  
David refused to drink of the Well of Bethelem, which the strong men had fetched, when he thirsted and longed, because it was the price of blood. This Trade, their commodities are at a far dearer rate, being bought with so many men's lives.  
But happily some will say, that the greatest loss of these men was at the beginning, when as all things are difficult: but since our men framed to a better composition of themselves, to the variety of this Climate, and heartened to the tediousness of this voyage, have better endured and overcome those difficulties, and returned more comfortably. Herein the latest Uoyages will inform us best, and we will instance in the three last that have made returns.  
The first was under Sir Henry Middleton, 
The Trade's Increase.  whose former government in that kind of voyage, had approved his wisdom and moderation. His ship was that famous and infortunate vessel of eleven hundred Tun; his company in that ship some two hundred and twenty men. After four years errors up and down the Sea, wherein he underwent many constructions at home, and overcame strange difficulties abroad; having, to his eternal reputation of policy and courage, outgone the perfidious Turk, and revenged their barbarous wrongs, 
Captain Pemerton that escaping imprisonment at Moha, journeying in that unknown Country 15. miles by night, got to the Seaside and finding a small Canow, made a sail of his shirt, and a mast of a stick, and so recovered the Ships.  to the merchants gain, and the kingdoms repute: After He, and his, had, I say, been accompanied with many sorrows; with labour, hunger, heat, sickness, and peril; That worthy Commander, with many a sufficient Marmer, with the whole number (ten excepted) of his li●e Cargazon, perished in that Acheldama, in that bloody field of Bantam.  
Nicholas Dounton, the Vice-admiral of that Fleet returned, and of seventy be carried forth, brought home some twenty; the rest, their labours and lives were sacrificed to that implacable East Indian Neptune: the Darling of that voyage is yet there, nor never will the master, and approved seaman, return, with divers others.  
The second was that of Captain Saris, and Captain Towerson, men formerly exercised in those journeys, and therefore thought meet to command. Whether they were short of the opinion conceived of them or no, I know not; it they were, I should attribute part of the loss of their men to their insufficiency, but that the destiny of that Country challengeth all to itself. Captain Towerson, who first returned having left behind him of some hundred and twenty carried forth, fourscore and five; and Captain Saris of 90. & odd not having brought home above two or three and twenty: the Thomas of that voyage, which went forth with some 60. men, was brought home by way of a wreck, you know the destruction of men that name importeth.  
The third, that of Captain Thomas Best, 
By staying an Armenian ship, wherein at least were some 400 men bound to the Indies, and commanding the Port, he drew from their plain dealing and made honourable conditions for the Merchants. He encountered four galleons, wherein might be some two thousand men.  Admiral of the Fleet, a man, whose former behaviour in sea-affaires drew into that journey with great expectation, and which is very seldom and hard, his carriage in this employment went beyond that great expectation of a reposed demeanour indulgent to his men, vigilant in his charge, his courage like on his carriage, and his fortune above all, he checked the Indians, he mated the Portugals: those honour our King, these fear his forces, he settled a trade in Cambaya, reduced things in order in Bantam, brought riches home for the Merchants, and kept reputation for himself; yet for all this had he, Nemesin in do●se, the Indian vengeance haunted his ship even to our Coasts; of some hundred and eighty men under him when he went forth, depriving him of one hundred and odd men for ever. Some four or five and twenty of the remainder are left, on the desperate account of men, for the Country's Facteridge, only thirty are returned. In two great Sea-fights with the Portugals and their Galleons, which continued four whole days, he lost not four men. It was not then the fortune of war; neither out of want of aught that victuals and good government could afford; imputations to some other Uoyages: Nor had the length of time any fault, part of others bane; he having made the voyage in shorter space than any other ordinarily▪ the dogged Star of those Climates, the ●●ench of those Countries were his fatality.  
As one swallow maketh no summer, so it is not much to be marveled, that in all these Uoyages some one ship hath but been scared, and not else much hurt in this journey: She indeed but even seeing those Coasts, and presently on so great a glut of our men and ships, with the which it seemeth the sea and Land was then busied and full: when as Captain Newport returned with little loss and in short time.  
Now then as we have said before, that the Indian ships die not the ordinary death of ships: and that we have shown likewise before, that men do die extraordinarily in this voyage, which is almost incredible: they are distressed likewise after their death, and that is very apparent by the mean account made to their heirs of what they had in possession in their life time, by what should otherwise be due to them in their purchase, by the calamities of their wives, children, and friends, after their death. Fabulous and fantastical Legends have been made of the restless death of many concealed Extortioners, and Murderers, whose Ghosts have been said so walk in pain and penance. On the contrary, how many live bodies indeed the true Images of the deceased, complain of the death, call for the due of their friends? Fathers, Husbands, Children, Kinsfolks, & Creditors: Poor Ratlife, Limehouse Blackewall, Shadwell, Wapping, and other sea-towns abroad can sensibly tell. The Merchant he is at home, and therefore he cannot embezzle the goods abroad: and it is likely that what is directly proved due is paid here to theirs. Then is the calamity of that journey more fearful, because out of his own ill Planet if maketh so many miserable. How this is recompensed it is neither my purpose, nor my part to examine: For certain there is want of Trade: the Hollander would grow greater, if he had all this Trade in his own hands. The King's Customs are now advanced: this way Shipwrights are set on work, which must be maintained; and other Mechanical Trades live hereby, with a number of poor busied. And surely he that would not have the poor to live, I would he might beg: And he that would not advance the King's profit in all liberal manner; and Merchandise is a fair means, I would he might die: and he that regardeth not his Country's good, it is pity he was ever borne. I desire not, like a second Phaeton, to make a combustion. All that I would enforce at this time is, that in this trade our men are consumed, and thereby more want of Mariners. Let the Straights-men, and the Lisborne-Marchants complain of their hindrance this way, and say their Traffic before was more beneficial by much, and more certain to the Customhouse than the Indies be now. Let others report that the foundation of this Trade was laid in the ruin of a Carick that Sir james Lancaster took in the first voyage, and that the main of this after-iollitie proceeded of the forced Trade driven with the Mecha Fleet by Sir Henry Middleton, 
Wherein he was his own Trade-caruer out of ten hundred thousand pounds worth of goods.  whereby divers durst not go presently after to the straits, as the Angel, and other ships, out of rumour of revenge for violence offered by our Indian men to the Turks in the Red sea. Let the common people say that their commodities are unnecessary: ask the Tradesmen, nay all men, what they have cheaper: look into the price of victuals how it riseth out of their great provisions. Let the whole Land murmur at the transport of treasure, and bring in Charles the fifth his opinion, speaking to the Portugals of their Trade to the East Indies, 
Hall Chron. An. 15 Hen. 8.  who said that they were the enemies to Christendom, for they carried away the treasure of Europe to enrich the Heathen. Let go the speech of the small relief thereby to the poor, and they whom it doth concern may suggest the Indian home state and particular profit. Once I am sure, that as Vespasian the Emperor said, He had rather save one Citizen, then kill one thousand Enemies; so his Royal Majesty had rather have his subjects, than Custom for them: and you see plainly, that his majesties subjects, our Countrymen, fall this way, and this way is want of Mariners.  
Now Sir, imagine that you were the Reader to be satisfied, and you shall see, how while the froth of his Meander flood and such like following fuming stuff evaporates itself, out of the residence, Dross as it is, I will extract all his Objections, which now like folded sheep, or as raw Soldiers in a rout, stand faces every way, but I will put them in array, in order Sir, and yet defeat them, fairly as I go.  
First, comes a very forlorn Hope, two light, flight charges, were they true, of the River Volgas' disimboquing, and the straits emptying, but I will take the former rather from the fifth page of his Book where he speaks English.  
The merchant formerly trading Russia, 
The first Objection.  hath for warmth and profit seated himself in the East Indies, and transported thither much of the Muscouie Staple, etc. To which I answer.  
IF here, 
Answer.  as some imagine, he have looked asquint upon Sir Thomas Smith, an Honourable Gentleman, whose constant and continual readiness to spend both time and money in any action that may good the Commonwealth, doth merit as much praise as modesty may give a living man: How much is he to blame, to wrong a worthy member of this City of the Kingdom, that (besides many other public businesses) hath been long, and is still Governor of the Muscovia Company, and with them continually as great a Venturer as any? If he intent if by the Company, how ignorantly doth he tax that body, the 
* With the expense of 120000. pounds in discoveries only.  Discoverers of the Northern World, that all the last age honoured our whole Nation with their famous Navigation, that far from letting full their Trade, after so many years of loss by reason of the troubles of that Land, do yet make good a stock, not only to 
a With twice as many ships, as they need send for fishing.  defend 
b At their charge it was first discovered, and by their great charge Visceniers sent for, and our Nation taught to kill the Whales.  their fishing of the Whale in Greeneland, against all other Nations, but at this present able to bear the charge of six or seven thousand pounds extraordinary, to defray a Muscovite Ambassador all the last Winter here, and Sir john Merrick, one of ours now there, in hope to settle once more Privileges for our Nation, and in time to bring over the Caspian Sea along that River Volga, whose name (it seems) he only knows, a Trade for Indigo and Silk so rich, that the East India Merchant may perhaps be glad for so much to join purse with them.  
His second Objection 
The second Objection.  is of the straits emptying, etc. or from his sixth Page. The Trade into the bottom of the straits is lessened by the circumvention of the East Indie Navigation, which fetcheth the Spices from the Wellhead, etc. but mark,  
IF this he says were true, 
The Answer.  so long as by the change the Kingdom gain, and only Turks do lose, of what faith is he that complains? The Turkey Merchant is too honest and too wise, he knows that when the great embargo and the war that followed with Spain, had forced us from the Marchant-strangers hand, to take our Spices (which were fetched from Lisbon formerly) 
c As when lowest Pepper eight shillings a pound, etc.  at extreme rates, His witty Predecessor plotted, by his Factors, with the Caravan, to bring those Spices to Aleppo over Land, and so awhile did help to serve the subject here at lower prices, until the Hollander, by the Cape Buena Esperanza found the means to bring such store of those Commodities, that the 
d Though not under four shillings the pound for Pepper, etc.  low price beat the Streights-Marchants from that 
e Which when it w●s at best, employed not pass 200. Tun of shipping yearly.  Merchandise: And then our Merchants, (that what ever ill men say, do scorn to wear the shoes of other Nations) resolved upon an India Voyage for themselves, with four good Ships, & some of them that wanted now employment to the straits: by the return whereof, and by continuance of that Traffic, our Spices are not only cheaper to us 
* As Pepper 2. shillings the pound when dearest, etc.  half in half, but the straits Merchant, long before this Pamphlet was put forth, out of our overplus hath served the Turks with Spice, and 
f Of that which came home 1613. already 2628. bags of Pepper, 5549. of cloves 22●0. of Nutmegs, etc. which employed outward at least 600. Tun of shipping & will freight at least twice as much home.  carried in one year much more into the straits then ever was imported thence: The proceed whereof, as Turkey Merchants know, besides the increase of shipping to export it, will return Wares, to employ at least twice as much shipping more: so much hath God Almighty blest us, if we can be thankful. So opposite to truth is all he says of the East India Trades decaying of the straits.  
Besides, if the East India Merchant (that would he look at private profit only, can employ his stock for swifter, and for surer, and perhaps more gain) should, through discouragement of such malignant tongues, now give that Traffic over, lives there any (in the City among Sea men) else so simple, as to think, that while the Dutchmen hold their Trade, there will be any more Spice brought from Turkey? Certainly that course is now for ever overthrown, and so I think, are these two forlorn accusations.  
Next then, to overpass his Fireworks of triumph only, before Victory, after some crackling noise, and no hurt, his Vanguard comes up upon our East-India Navy, and like one of the wise Captains of old time, he would cozen his Soldiers with false enumeration of their strength; I will therefore disprove him with a truer Catalogue of their ships.  

Per Ton & Tonnage.  The Dragon — 1060. An old worn ship bought by the Company, but by their cost made so strong, that she is now gone her fifth voyage to the Indies. The Hector — 800. An old ship bought too, and made new and warlike, and now gone her 5. voyage too. The Suzan — 400. A very rotten ship, when she was bought, and likely to have been broke up for firewood, yet she made one voyage, and in her second, foundered in the Sea, as we think. The Ascension — 400. An old ship bought, Ordinance, Tackle, Furniture, and all for five hundred pound, she yet made two voyages, and in her third was wilfully run aground upon the shoals of Cambaya The Consent — 150. A bought ship, she brought home Cloves, etc. but being found too little, was sold away. The Union — 400. An old Hulk, bought from carrying Masts and Deal, yet made a warlike ship, and lost in Brittany. The Expedition — 320. Gone out her third voyage. The Trades Increase 1293 New built, and overswayed as she was careening at Bantam, etc. The Peppercorne — 342. New built, and now gone her second voyage. The Darling — 150. New built, and now Trading and discovering in the Indies. The Globe — 527. Bought and Rebuilt for Trade and Discovery in Bengala, whence she is not yet returned. The Clove — 527. She was at japan with Captain Saris, a new strong ship, and going again her second Voyage. The Thomas — 342. New built and gone her second Voyage. The james — 600. New built, but not yet returned from the Indies. The Oceander — 213. New built, and not yet returned. The Solomon — 400. And now gone her second Voyage. The Concord — 213.) (Gone out lately. The new years gift — 867.) (New built of Irish Timber. The Hope — 533.) (New built in Ireland. The Samaritan — 543.) (The Thamazin — 133.) (New built. The advise — 160.) (New built. The Lion — 386.) (The Great Defence — 400. Ready to go out with the Clove.  
And two more now building at Depford, one of 1100. Tun, the other of 900. Tun, etc.  
Out of these ships, the Company have set forth already 17. voyages. Neither may he excuse his mentioning only 13. with pretence of his books being written long before his friend (no doubt) put it forth, since in the book he speaks of Captain * Saris return, etc. 
Pag. 29.  But let that pass. What says he to these ships?  
Four of these ships are lost, 
The third objection.  and that not by the ordinary death of ships. The Trade's Increase, that gallant ship, was overtaken by untimely death in her youth and strength, being devoured by those iron-hearted worms of that Country, etc. The like untimely fall had the other three gallant ships, never having had the fortune to see their native soil, nor the honour to do their country any service, etc.  
And is four of so many ships, so long at Sea, 
Answer.  so great a loss, especially in fourteen years of our yet infant and discovering trade, while in the farthest and unknown parts of the world 
— Ignari hominumque locorumque  
Erramus, vento vastis & fluctibus acti,  
Incerti quo fata ferant, ubi sistere detur,  while we seek for traffic with strange Nations? Surely we esteem it Gods great blessing, that we lost no more, and we are thankful for it. He hath not dealt so with some other Nations. Look on the 
* What work would he make, if we should lose so much wealth, and so many men, in so lamentable a manner as the S. john or S. Benoit, Carracks of Portugal were cast away  Portugal or Dutch beginnings. Nay now they are so well experienced, the first lost in a manner all their China Fleet and riches very lately, in return to Goa; and the other, the very last year, out of four ships richly laden, the return of many more set forth, saw the ruin, ships, goods, men and all, of two; and one of them even at their doors in 
m At the Tessel.  Holland. And if this Vulture that thus follows wrecks and dead men's bodies, should but reckon other merchants losses in that time, which I had rather pity, he would, it may be, in his so approved Newcastle coasting course, find as great loss of Mariners and shipping.  
And for the extraordinary death, I know not well what he intends: but sure the Company, even in the loss of most of them, for some things, Found Gods extraordinary blessing. Witness a true narration.  
First, for the Trades Increase, when that thrice-worthie General Sir Henry Middleton (that neither tithed nor tolled the Mecha Fleet, as malice would have men believe, but like true justice, with the Sword and Balance in his hand, made the beginning, laid the true foundation of our long desired Cambaya-Trade) had made the false Turks pay for his most barbarous imprisonment at Moha, he conceived, a twelve months stay, by that misfortune, longer forth, might peradventure bring his ship in danger, and therefore more for providence then need, he purposed to careen her at Bantam, our then greatest factory, where he was no stranger. But such was Gods good pleasure, as it hath done here, and may do any where, a mortal and infectious sickness raged then among the natives of that land, and fell on him and many of his people unto death, so as the ship (that by the breaking of a Cable overswaied) was left half ruined above water, 
Yet the goods were safe.  for want of skilful hands to help her.  
The Ascension, though an old Ship bought, made for the Company two voyages to India; but in her third, by the wilfulness of a lewd Master, that would not suffer-a Pilot to be entertained, she was run aground upon the shoals of Cambaya, where yet all the men, with the best merchandise, were saved.  
The Union, bought from carrying Masts and Deal, was by their cost made warlike, and so strong, that notwithstanding her unhappy loss of the Captain, and eleven more of her principal men, through foolish breach of their * commission, 
In going on land at Gongomora in the Island of S. Laurence, contrary to express instructions.  yet she had come richly laden home, if first a mutiny had not fallen among those new unfit Commanders, and then fourteen of her a blessed men had not forsaken her distressed, to go for Rochel with a ship of Alborough. And yet, good ship, almost at home upon the Coast of Brittany, where she drove in with her weak men, the lewd Inhabitants first drew her on the Rocks, then bored her full of holes, and with more difficulty far then would have saved her, made a wreck, as since upon their execution for it, some of the actors have confessed in France.  
The fourth and last, was the old rotten ship, the Susan, ready to have been broken up for firewood, when the East-India Merchant bought her for their voyage, which she yet performed, though in returning home upon her second voyage, she foundered in the Sea, as men suppose: so that (as Neptune in the Poet said) 
unus erit amissum tantum quem in gurgite quaerent,  
unum pro multis, etc.  This only one ship properly was lost. Now let him then but read what he hath written of these ships, and if he can forbear to blush.  
I but the rest of their ships are either out in the voyage, 
The fourth objection  or here at home out of reparations, returning so crazed and broken, etc. that if the Kingdom should have need on any occasion, it shall surely want their service, etc. And this in truth is an objection worthy of an answer.  
ALthough before this Trade grew quick, the Company had leisure, 
Answered.  and were forced to new-build, and bestow great cost upon their old bought ships; yet now for divers years, since they built new, there is no shadow of a truth in that he says: for that their ships, some after two years and a half, some after three, and longer voyages, come home so strong and serviceable, that without cost of Plank or Timber (except only sheathing, due to every merchants good ship, and performed easily in thirty days) they have been found fit to send out again unto the Indies. And thus without new building  
The 

Dragon  
Hector  
Expedition  
Clove  
Solomon  
Peppercorne  

* This ship he says came home by way of a wreck, is it not likely?  Thomas   was only docked and sheathed for the new Voyage.  
And that this point of sheathing may be fully understood, The Clove one of the greatest, that had been at japan longest and farthest our, was for a trial sheathed and fitted perfectly in fourteen days: who then can doubt of their ability to serve the State at home upon our Coasts, or at the most, little above a Summer's Voyage out?  
I but they are not here, etc. 
The fifth Object.   
YEs commonly six Months, 
Answer.  and when our Navy is complete, and our Trade settled, by God's grace we shall have many ships returning every Summer, as well as those preparing in the Winter to go forth: and see this man's ill luck, even this last mustering year, before the putting out of that same Pamphlet, besides those seven above set-ships. The Samaritan, the Lion, and the great Defence lay many months within the River, ready, if need had been, to do the service which his Majesty in his Princely wisdom 
* How much is the whole Kingdom bound unto him for his care, not only with infinite charge to keep his royal navy in better state than ever, but to work out wisely such addition of strength in shipping even from his Merchants?  provides for, in his letters Patents of the Companies Incorporation.  
Ten goodly ships and such as (not to meddle with our merchants ships, our friends at home) being all together, well provided of munition and men, would not much fear the Royal Navy of some Kings in Christendom. A Squadron that within our narrow Seas, having the Land and Ports to friend, might stop the fury of another self conceited invincible Armado: what means this poor man then to write he knows not, and it seems, he cares not what?  
I think our Kentish boughs that got us Gavel-kind of the Conqueror, like Bees in his brains have made him wood: In a wood I am sure he is now, & like to lose himself, for his next forces, like Benzo his naked Indians come to fight Ligneis Telis, with wooden Arguments. But any Wood will serve his rancour for Arrows to shoot at the East-India Company: and would he fly into the Irish bogs, as he doth into their Woods, I must now pursue him. He says,  Our Woods are extraordinarily cut down, 
The sixth Objection.  in regard of the greatness of their shipping, which doth, as it were, devour our Timber, etc. King Henry the eight, and Queen Elizabeth, by Laws, and our King by Proclamation, sought to preserve and increase our Woods, but that a parricide of Woods should thus be committed, by building of Ships, etc. and so on, but 
Thinks he, 
Answer.  these royal Princes cared to keep their Woods for any nobler use, then to build gallant ships, and those not to lie still and rot his ordinary death, but such as round about the World disperse the honour of the Crown they serve, and then return with wealth for King and Kingdom, and for those that set them forth, in stead of Wood?  
We must with thankfulness acknowledge, though he coldly set it down, that our most gracious Sovereign hath not by Proclamation only helped the Kingdom in that point, but with a providence beyond his Predecessors, besides his recommending bills in Parliament, and speaking eloquently for them, He hath urged good husbandry of Planting to us all, the only means to breed up shipping Timber, since tall and goodly Trees do never prove of tilers, second springers out of old decayed stocks, how well soever kept by statute husbandry in Woods.  
But was this Care (thinks he) for Trees to look upon? The providence that bids us go and plant, commands us too to use our wel-growne Timber ere it rot, as that would soonest that is fittest for great shipping. His Majesty was loath to have our Timber spent on beggars nests (that growing scurf upon this City) new tenements, whose rotten rents make many Gentlemen before their time, or that our Woods should be consumed in fire & Furnaces for glasses & such babbles when God hath blest us with a Fuel in the bowels of the earth, the waist whereof can do no hurt: but as for building ships, his wisdom likes that well, and out of royal bounty, for encouragement gives them the most that build the greatest, A policy of his Princely Predecessors. If then these Eagles could foresee no inconvenience, what is he? that professeth himself  
Able out of sufficient testimony (questionless) to affirm, 
The seventh Objection.  that since the East India Trade, and merely through their building and repairing of their Ships (their building though begun but five years since) Timber is raised in the Land five shillings in a load, nay almost not to be had for money. This makes the Company fly into Ireland, And he heard a skilful Shipwright (doubtless) say, that all the Timber within forty miles of London would not build such another ship, as the Trades Increase, etc.  
I Know what men in Kent esteem of him, 
Answer.  that said (because they agreed in time) that the building of Tenderden Steeple was the cause of Goodwin sands increasing: but if there be a man so near of kind unto a block, that he thinks cutting down of Timber, Parricide: His tender conscience shall have some more satisfaction.  
It is no news to hear the price of Timber rise, with most things else (perhaps through moneys falling,) It did so, long before the East India Company began, It doth so now within the Land, where neither they nor any can build ships: but to confound that poor Conceit, that they have caused dearth, the East India Merchants Books will show, that to this day they have in all of English Timber spent but five thousand, six hundred, twenty three loads, and one thousand, eight hundred, forty two of planks. Whereas I know of my particular acquaintances within his Shippewrights limits, the Company are offered at this present more than that, at as cheap rates as when they built the Trade's Increase: And they that best can judge the East-India Shipwrights, 
I know where in one Corner of a Country 2000 Tun of Timber must be spent upon one Marsh-worke, yet no man dreams of dearth.  sent to bargain for the Company, aver upon their credits, that they know within that forty miles, Timber enough to build not only many a Trades-Increase, but to use their words, Ten times as many ships as the East-India Merchants have.  
Yet they foreseeing store can be no sore, especially near home, and hearing how the stranger daily fetched away our Timber out of Ireland; out of an honest good affection to their Country, put their foot in there, and now provide the most part of their shipping and materials 
m They have a stock of Timber, Trees and Plank cut down, and seasoning there, and as the old is fetched away, still new is provided.  thence, in which they find no 
n I am sure it is a great deal too serviceable for the stranger.  fault at all, save (as he only truly says) the charge and hazard: and if it shall seem good unto his Majesty to keep our Irish Timber from the stranger, for to build Busses and fishing Vessels for ourselves; This ready Company, to do him service, and to good their Country, may perhaps find means, to save homestore, by trying a conclusion in Virginia, which this worthy Author thinks, men know not what to do withal. Since therefore their provision out of Ireland, neither is for need, nor to save charges: What is he that requites that industry of theirs, and hazard, with ill words?  
Now Sir, we are upon his next Invectives, his main battle, nothing now but death of men, only a certain loose Wing, a straggling Objection about shipping comes first in the way, and says that  
The East India Merchants have bought the best ships out of other Trades, 
The eight Objection.  and plumed even Constantinople herself, of her best shipping, like a Bird that makes herself gay, etc.  
But if the 
* Horace, lib. 1. Epist. 3.  Poet were alive (from whom he borrows that conceit) to read first a Gentleman's Fishing-Proiect, 
Answer.  and then this Trades increase, assuredly, His Quae move at Cornicula risum, Furtivis nudata coloribus, in the proper sense, should not need to force itself upon the East-India ships: but to the matter of the Objection; if he had his will, that the East-India Merchants might neither build nor buy: what had become of those old ships they bought, as the Hector, the Ascension, and the Suzan, of Turkey Merchants, and some others of other men? had they not lain and rot for want of work, or been broke up for firewood, as well as others since? Or would he rather that they had been alienated into Spain with the Alceder, a ship of four hundred Tun, the Bevis of Southampton, a ship of three hundred Tun? or into Italy with the Royall-Marchant, of four hundred. The May flower, of three hundred. The Prosperous, of two hundred and threescore. The Suzan-Parnell, of two hundred and fifty. The Gold Noble, of two hundred and forty. The Consent, of two hundred and fourscore. The Concord, of two hundred and fifty Tun. Surely, an honest man would rather have said somewhat of this sale, if he must needs complain, than quarrel that, which was but change with gain unto the Kingdom. Where then, good friend, in the Epistle is that candour animi, in all Particulars? In all particulars it shows itself alike, and even as charitably in his following clamour, about loss of men: a subject worthy of a little meditation.  
It is a precious thing the life of man, and would to God our single Combatants, for idle words, would weigh it well, at least those joys, that are expressed by the term of Life to Come: Yet the true sweet thereof is not in length, but use; a month of health more worth than years of sickness; an idle week not worth one hour well spent. And if we look upon it, for itself or for ourselves, to stay from Sea for fear of death, and starve at home, or pine away in poverty, were foolish superstitious cowardice: But as we are the Bodies of our King, and of our Country (though in truth their greatest treasure, witness a 
o A poor naked King of  Pohatan, or a 
p The goodliest Country in the world, were it well inhabited.  Virginia, without them yet.) This necessary Relative of Sovereignty. Living bodies, unemployed, are nothing. And if unhealthinesse or danger of mortality, should keep us from a course, wherein we may enrich us, or our Masters, or serve the King, or good the Commonwealth: Who then shall live in Rumnie-Marsh, or Holland, or our Cinque Ports, or Cities visited with sickness, or go unto the Wars? There is an Author that can make all these the price of blood, with phrases: But perfect wisdom in all Commonwealths, hath honours, pay and privileges, to invite the private man into such dangers, for the public good; And God hath given men wit and understanding to find out preservatives, as armour against every peril, which Inbred courage, or obedience to Commanders, or care of those we must provide for, makes us undergo. Besides, the commonwealth esteems not of the life of any but good men, such as do good, the rest are Tacitus his Purgamenta Vrbium, their death to her is nothing but an ease. Nay Mariners themselves admitting them to be so scarce, were better die in the East-Indies, than here at home at Tybourne, or at Wapping, for want of means to live; or else be forced to turn Sea-robbers, and (besides their other hurts) give this man's 
* 34. page.  pen occasion to cast such shameful and unnatural aspersions on our whole Nation. But I will spin out this no farther: the paradox is needless; for the ground our Author took to fight this battle on, will fail him. Unskilful Sergeant-major, he is mistaken in his numbers. He says,  
That by the loss of four ships, 
The ninth objection.  we have lost at least four hundred and fifty men: and in the Adventure, of some three thousand, since that voyage began, we have lost many above two thousand.  
But how many soever have been employed since that Voyage began, 
Answer.  upon a true examination of our books, 
Whereas he speaks of Heathen men's bringing home our ships, it is a mere toy, for that they come as well to see our Country, and not near so many as we leave for them. The Clove brought home the most, from Lapan, yet not the fifth part of the ships company.  it doth appear, that in all our ships that have returned or been lost, unto this day, there were at first set forth but three and twenty hundred, thirty and three men of all conditions, Captains, Preachers, Chirurgeons, Merchants, Novices and all: so that, unless multiplication help him, when those are reckoned that are out in very many Factories abroad, and those that did come home in 19 ships that have returned safe, there will not rest much likelihood of many above two thousand cast away. As for his at least four hundred and fifty, lost in the four ships,  
The 

Trades Increase  
Union  
Ascension  
Suzan   had but 

211  
70  
70  
84   In all four hundred thirty and five, when they set forth.  
And three of these, the Trades Increase, the Union, and the Ascension, although the body of the ships were lost, as you have heard, lost not thereby one man. But he perhaps will mend this gross account in the particulars. He says,  
That Sir Henry Middleton carried out two hundred and twenty in the Trade's Increase, 
The tenth objection.  all which live Cargazon, ten only excepted, perished in that bloody field Bantam, etc.  
But Sir Henry Middleton had but two hundred and eleven at first; 
Answer.  and notwithstanding the loss of his Monson, by his imprisonment, for all his afflictions, and the accidental infection you heard of, besides four that should have been executed for malefactors, that therefore ran away unto the Portugeses, and five that were drowned, and many that were slain, when he was so barbarously captived by the Turks at Moha, and sixteen that were left abroad in factory, there returned with Captain Best thirteen more than the ten he speaks of. But he says further,  
That Captain Dounton, of seventy which he carried forth, 
The eleventh objection.  brought home but twenty: the rest, their lives were sacrificed to that implacable East-India Neptune, etc.  
But Captain Dounton, 
Answer.  for all his dangers with Sir Henry Middleton, besides divers left in factory, brought home twenty and seven. But he says further,  
That Captain Saris and Captain Towerson, 
The twelfth objection.  whether through insufficiency or no, he knows not, but Captain Towerson of 120. carried forth, lost 85. and Captain Saris of ninety and odd, brought home but two or three and twenty. And the Thomas was brought home by way of a wreck, etc.  
FOr the sufficiency of men alive, 
r Captain Saris would have M. Pamphleter know, that he is not to learn the duty of a Sea-commander from any of the wise Masters his Informers. He says his voyage was the longest, and hardest, and costliest, and yet wealthiest of any returned hitherto, and that he brought home above 40. men besides 15. japoneses' for those left at japan, where he obtained certainly ample and honourable privileges for our Nation.  able to answer for themselves, I will say nothing, let their actions speak. But for the reckoning, Captain Towerson carried out but one hundred and twelve, of which he left divers abroad in Factories, and brought home 35. And the General of that Voyage, Captain Saris, that carried out but 87. English, and 4. Indians, did leave at Bantam eight in factory, and fifteen in japan, and yet brought home many more English then he speaks of, besides three Indians for the four that went out. Neither may one without a name, name the Thomas a wreck, whose men brought ship and goods into safe Port in Ireland, which if she had done sooner, as she might, and not striven in the cold stormy winter, to come about for London, two months together, she had not lost so many men. But he says further,  
That by reason of the dogged star of those Climates, of one hundred and eighty men carried forth by Captain Best, there returned only thirty, over and above four or five and twenty left on the desperate account of the Country's Factoridge, etc.  
But first, 
The 13. objection.  to satisfy this desperate account of Factors, you may know, that their returns in every ship of ours, likely, many men, (ten at a time, and sometimes more) sent out in other Voyages, which I do never reckon, but only give a true account of those that did proceed in the same ship. And so besides those which Captain Best did leave abroad in factory, he put eight into the Darling, (the Pinnace that attended on Sir Henry Middleton, and is now discovering in the Indies) and four he lost by his accidental fight with the Portugal, and yet brought home sixty and five. Who then can think this man had any mind to publish truth, that would not once confer with Captain Best, well known unto him, as it seemeth by his friendly commendation, and one that could have told him both the truth of our men's dying, and that the true cause (saving 
f This place is unhealthy to our people, as time hath taught us. So is Scandarone in the months of june, julie, and August, to those that go into the straits. We therefore change our factory from Bantam, where though some (as Captain Saris 6. years) live well, yet more have died then in all our other Factories, if we reckon not them that die of the &c. women.  Bantam) is their own disorder? Therefore  
Certainly neither the dogged star of those Climates, nor that implacable East-India Neptune, nor that bloody field Bantam, is so fatal, so merciless, so murderous, as the malice of this man, that to slander the East-India Voyage, hath killed many that came home in safety, and some that were never there. But I resolved to give you satisfaction, and not laugh at him. Know therefore,  
It is the merchants grief (and he that knows what hazard they do run, that have their goods in Heathen Countries, in the hands of dying men, that must expect rich ships to come from places so remote, so weakly manned, thorough Seas of dangers, besides Pirates, will believe it is their grief) unspeakable, that hitherto they cannot absolutely clear themselves from this (to them indeed great) mischief. For though they put their wealth into the hands of such as come by suit and friends into their service, though they give them entertainment, and impressed for their provisions, beyond all other Merchants; though they provide what ere it cost, all that the wit of man, helped by continual experience, can invent, for victuals, clothing, physic, surgery, to keep them in good health, besides good Preachers, and the best Commanders, all that may be to preserve them: yet if (as for the most part through their own abusing of themselves, with the hot drinks and most infectious women of those Countries) they come unto untimely death, the Merchants, that by that means lose much of their goods, and hazard all, when they have paid the friends or creditors not only all their due, but oft times given more out of charity to such as want, shall yet have such a man as this raise ghosts, rather than they shall not be haunted.  
But by the blessing of Almighty God, now that we are acquainted better with that Voyage, and so taught to settle Factories in healthier places; now that our Factors are more stayed, and better known unto us, than many of those young men were that first adventured on that then discovering Trade; now that our common Mariners, in effect the food of that mortality, (as may appear by the often Voyages of our Captains, Masters, Mates, and men of government) shall neither be so long at Sea, nor stay longer on Land, then to unlade and lad, and so return in fifteen or sixteen months, as in straits Voyages; we are in good hope that our ships will come as safe from loss of men, as the Consent did first, and Captain Newport since, whose happy Voyages taught us the experience. And so, Sir, our Pamphletter is now come ad Triarios, to his Rearguard, his last Refuge, his own Regiment, and that a ragged one.  
Friends, 
The fourteenth objection.  Fathers, Widows, Children, Kinsfolks, and Creditors, out of poor Ratcleefe, Limehouse, Blackwall, Shadwel, Wapping, and other Sea-Townes, clamoring for the due of the dead, etc.  
I Would some other poor, 
Answer.  yet honest business, could as well shake off this clamour, as the East-India purse doth, that gives such extraordinary wages, and still pays so readily, that men for many months out in this Voyage, in continual pay, although in their return they chance to die, and leave perhaps to the survivors their extraordinary gain by private Trade, yet the good money due soon dries the eyes of friends and creditors, as it might do widows, but that the merchants careful choosing by their good wills none but single men, doth for the most part save that labour. For my part, I that often visit 
t Sir Thomas smith's house, where the Company entertain and pay their men.  Philpot Lane, profess, I meet few sorrowful East India Clients, but such as are refused to go the Voyage.  
And though I would not wish the East-India Merchants to answer this imaginary clamour with setting truly down how many Hogsheads of good Beef and Pork, how many thousand weight of Biscuit they have given to the poor, even in the parishes and places which he names; nor yet with telling what proportion weekly in pottage, beef, and bread they send to the Fleet, Ludgate, Newgate, the two Counters, Bedlam, the Marshalsea, King's Bench, White Lion, and Counter in Southwark, besides good sums of money yearly to relieve poor painful Preachers of the Gospel, whose means are small, and charges great. For which and other works of charity, God hath so wonderfully blest their labours. Yet if they should awhile forbear their alms, and let the poor souls want it, because this man thus railed upon them, think then but what an army of complaints and curses would fall on him and all his feigned rabble, which he brought to fight like Satan's seeming soldiers in the air.  
Poor man, his case was desperate, and like the Captain of the Fort that Monluc speaks of: he did but set up old clothes stuffed with straw, to win a little time to run away: for hark, he is already in his violent retreat, with  
For certain there is want of Trade. The Hollander would grow greater, if he had all this trade in his own hands: the King's Customs are advanced: this way Shipwrights are set a work, etc.  
And so forth with a Misericordia, till he leave us to examine the Baggage— Arguments remaining.  
Inprimis, Complaint of the straits Merchant, etc. Dead already.  
Item, 
The fifteenth objection.  The foundation of this trade was laid in the ruin of a Carrack taken by Sir james Lancaster, etc.  
Sore wounded, 
Answer.  and not worth the knocking in the head.— Yet for full satisfaction, it was founded by Queen Elizabeth of famous memory, before Sir james Lancaster went to Sea: and that I may set down her reasons in the Patent, for the honour of her Realm of England, for the increase of her Navigation, for the advancement of trade of merchandise, and for other important causes and reasons, etc. But alas, she wanted this man's wisdom to assist her Counsel, etc. What have we next?  
The jollity of this trade proceeded from Sir Henry Middleton his trade coming out of the Mecha Fleet, 
The sixteenth objection.  whereby divers Ships, as the Angel, durst not go after into the straits, etc.  
FIrst then, 
Answer.  for jollity of trade, the seventh, the eighth, and the ninth Voyages at least, were gone to Sea before we heard one good word from the sixth, which was Sir Henry middleton's: and before return of any goods, the tenth, the eleventh, the twelfth were likewise gone, if not the thirteenth, with a resolution of the settled great joint stock. The jollity I think he envies. Nor find we fault with Captain Middleton, although his Voyage prove one of our worst. But sure the Heathen man that said, Tibi innocens sit, quisquis est pro te nocens, will much condemn this man, that blemisheth, as much as in him lies, Sir Henry Middleton's good service for our Country, to take the part of Heathen men, that have more conscience, that complain not, for they know the wrongs which they had done our Nation, and that Captain, for whose valiant justice sake they use our people better ever since. As for the fear of some one ship, if it were true, we weigh it not, sith the whole body of the Turkey Company, on good deliberation, were secure, as men that knew, Our Lidgier at Constantinople now shall find a readier ear to all Complaints since that example taught them, that our Nation can (as far as 'tis) stop up the mouth that gives them sweetest sustenance.  
But, their commodities are unnecessary, etc. 
The seventeenth Objection.   
HE means not this, 
Answer.  I hope, by Indigo and healthful drugs, though Calicoes, and Silks, and peradventure Spice be censured. The truth is, in strict terms of need, our Land that flows with food and raiment may Be, without all other Nations, but to Be Well, to flourish and grow rich, we must find vent for our abundance, and seek to adorn us out of others superfluities. So other Merchants bring in Wines, and Sugars, Currons, Raisins, Oils and such like, that while we eat them, do eat on us, and so of manufactures wearing: But I shall show you now a Mystery of the East India merchants merit of the Commonwealth, even out of their unnecessary Wares.  
In any of their Voyages, The Commonwealth pays nothing for the victuals nor the wages of the men, nor for the work of Shippewrights, Smiths, Cooper's, Rope-makers, Porters, Lighter-men, etc. and such like infinite number of Labourers which they have continually in pay; but hath the employment of all these, and the keeping of many Factors abroad, for the materials, out of which they raise their shipping and provisions, so that there rests to reckon unto her, only the stock of Merchandise and money sent to barter. 
This stock in the greatest year, was but 36000. and The kingdom saves yearly in the price of Pepper, Cloves, Mace and Nutmegs-70000. pounds besides all other wares.   
This stock in two years doth not rise unto the sum of that which yearly since the East India Trade (as I shall show you by and by) the Kingdom saves, in the price only, of the Spice it spends, so that the Commonwealth hath more than two for one, even in the first return for her Adventure. Now then mark further, over and above that which was left to serve the Land, from Michaelmas 1613. unto Christmas 1614 There was exported of East India goods, out of the Kingdom.  
As much In 

Pepper, as at two shillings the pound amounted to— 2096231— 14. s— d  
Cloves, as at four shillings the pound amounted to— 4338— 16— 0  
Nutmegs, as at two shillings eight pence the pound amounted to— 740— 16— 0  
Mace, as at six shillings the pound amounted to— 3613— 4— 0  
In all 218316— 10— 0    
So that by the East India Merchants happy charge and industry, besides the Custom paid for it to the Crown, and the employment of many Ships and Mariners, in sending it abroad, into Germany, and the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and other places, there was already in fifteen months, out of four sorts of Spice only (not to speak of the Indigo, Calicoes, China Silks, Benjamin, Aloes-socotrina, etc. then exported) above two hundred thousand pounds sterling, added to the stock of the Commonwealth, to proceed for the enriching of the Kingdom in the nature of Cloth, Led, Tin, or any of our own Staple Merchandise. Which I hope was no unnecessary commodity.  
But you that read may judge by this what great Increase the Commonwealth will have, now the joint stock is settled, and are long, returns by God's grace, to be looked for yearly of many ships with many hundred thousand pounds worth of Spice, Indigo, Calicoes, China and Persia Silks both raw and wrought, and other Merchandise, to serve ourselves, and most parts of the World as we begin already, and should more easily, if such busy men as this Pamphletor would let the Martchant do it without noise. But  
What have we the cheaper?  
I'll show you Sir, and since I so began, in Spices only, 
The eighteenth Objection.  which before our India Trade, 
Answer  were often accidentally sold dearer much, but constantly, the lowest price.  
Of 

Pepper, was four shillings the pound, at which rate, fifteen hundred bags, containing four hundred & fifty thousand pounds, (the smallest quantity, that the Kingdom yearly is esteemed to spend) amounted to ninety thousand pounds sterling. But since our trade, the highest price is but two shillings the pound, so that the Kingdom saves in Pepper yearly half, that is 45000l. 00s. 0d.  
Cloves, was eight shillings the pound, at which rate, two hundred Hogsheads, containing fifty thousand pounds spent in the land) amounted to twenty thousand pounds— But till the Dutchmen interrupted that part of our Trade, our greatest price was but four shillings, so as the kingdom saved in Cloves 10000l. 00s. 0d.  
Mace, was ten shillings the pound, at which rate one hundred Hogsheads, containing fifteen thousand pounds, the Kingdoms spending came to seven thousand and five hundred pounds— But we have already brought the price to six shillings the pound, and so the Land, in Mace saves yearly 3000l. 00s. 0d.  
Nutmegs, was five shillings the pound, at which rate, four hundred Barrels, containing one hundred thousand pounds, our yearly spending amount to twenty & five thousand pounds, but by our price of two shillings and eight pence for a pound, the Kingdom saves. 11666l. 13s. 4d.  
So that this Trade in only Spice, doth yearly save the Land— 69666l. 13s. 4d.    
And if (as some perhaps for their particular advantage of returning Spices out of Holland, would have us) we should trust unto the Dutch, and leave this Trading for ourselves, how soon the price would rise, you shall perceive by this particular Example.  
About some two years since, our Merchants brought in a good quantity of Cloves, which to ship out again, they sold wet-dryed for two shillings and eight pence the pound, and the dried for four shillings: But by our next ships failing, we were forced to fetch from Amsterdam, where suddenly the Dutchmen took the advantage, so that we could not get (as all men know) the very wet-dryed sold by us so lately for two shillings and eight pence, under seven shillings sterling for a pound. judge then by this, how dear strangers would quickly make us pay for all things, if we should give this Traffic over. But,  
Look into the price of Uictualls, how that riseth through their great provisions, etc. 
The nineteenth Objection.   
TO which I answer, 
Answer.  that no sober man can doubt, but that the mouths the East-India Merchant sends to Sea, would eat at home: but further, he that is acquainted with the finding and the feeding men at Sea, knows well it would be riches infinite unto this Land, and unto every private Master of a Family, if men would waste no more in victuals here at home, than Seamen do abroad, yet since he says this is the poors complaint, in truth a poor one, it shall have some further satisfaction.  
The greatest fleet that ever yet the Company set forth, was this last year 1614 the charge whereof amounted to one hundred thousand pounds.  
In 

Shipping and their Furniture. 34000l. 0s. 0d.  
Victuals, impressed money and other ordinary and extraordinary charges. 30000l. 0s. 0d.  
Native and foreign Merchandise, and ready money, sent to Trade. 36000l. 0s. 0d.   More particularly this Cargazon of thirty and six thousand pounds, was:  
In 

Bays, Kerseys, and most broad clothes died and dressed to the kingdoms best advantage. 14000l. 0s. 0d.  
Led, Iron, and foreign merchandise. 10000l. 0s. 0d.  
Ready money, in all the ships, but 12000l. 0s. 0d.    
And it is worth the noting that this twelve thousand pounds, was scant one third part of that, which the Company paid that year for the King's custom, impost, and other duties, and not one third part of that which they paid Mariners for wages: but for the victual, that is thus provided.  
The Bread of corn sent for of purpose out of France.  
The Drink, all in a manner Spanish Wines and Cider, little or no Beer.  
The Flesh is Beef and Pork, proportioned into ship-messes, and that only but for three days of seven in the week, and but for twenty months of thirty, the other ten months, which proves often more, is provided in India, or parts abroad.  
Now then, if our Obiector be none of those, that rise up early to follow drunkenness, and continue until night, till the Wine do inflame them, etc. if he be free from Seneca his Foedissimum patrimoniorum exitium culnia: if he be no Fucus, & Piger, & Vorax, no unprofitable burden, that consumes the good fruits of the earth, but labours not at all: yet in his best sobriety and temperance, let him but consider his own mouth, and he shall find it justlier to be blamed for making victuals dear, than the provision of the East-India voyage, and yet this mouth will not be stopped, but how. How now?  
What Monsieur Transportation of Treasure in the Rear, 
The twentieth Objection.  among the baggage? with the Victualler of the Camp? You that heretofore have served so resolutely, before the King, before the Parliament, at the Council Table; nay, almost every Table, now dying in a Ditch?  
ALas Sir, 
Answer.  his dear brother in Arms Death of men, is run away wounded to death by Captain Newport: what would you have him do? When he saw, that the East-India Company, by the Books of Entry with his majesties Officers, by their own books of Accounts, besides a sudden and secret searching of their ships, had manifested that they never in any year (no not when they went to discover what of our Commodities would vent in those parts) carried near so much, as his majesties gracious Letters Patents doth permit. When he found that some particular Merchants of that Company, did at one time bring into the Kingdom more silver, than the whole Company together did at any time carry out. When he perceived, notwithstanding, that the East-India Merchant, to avoid all colour of scandal, did provide, That foreign 
u It was ever the money of foreign Nations, which they exported, and that which Merchants brought in not our own coin.  coin, beyond the Seas, with much hazard (as lately at Sandwich) by bringing of it over in small Pinks, and paying dearer for it, than others, yea, strangers here at home do buy it to steal over for want of their licence. When he beheld, to his great grief, such daily increase of broad clothes died and dreft, with other merchandise, and such decrease of ready money, in the Cargazon of stock they sent to Traffic. When last of all, he heard for certain of a factory settled at japan, and of such store of silver there, as is not only like to serve the Trade in all those parts, but to return perhaps some good part hither, what would you have him do, but hide his head? And yet you hear, he holds his manly words, he talks of murmuring and 
* Out of Hall's Chronicle.  Charles the Fifth.  
But sure, men will not murmur, when they know the truth, and would these hasty Writers fill their brains a little better, ere they press them, by reading the Records of Spain and Portugal, and better Stories than Hals Chronicle for India matters, they might find reasons, to make more reckoning of the East-India Traffic then th'objector doth; The sole fruition whereof hath yielded many Millions yearly to those Nations, and as they say themselves was worth more to that Crown, than the West-Indies. I am sure the sweet thereof was such even in the Infancy, that 
x By an agreement made at Zaragosa 22. of April, 1529  john the Third of Portugal, gave to that Charles the Fifth he mentions, before his going into Italy, three hundred and fifty thousand ducats, only not to interrupt his People's then beginning Trade with the Moluccas: Which sum of money, a few Subjects in Castille, did offer to repay (on strange easy conditions) rather than their Emperor should sell the hope they had of wealth, from those rich countries.  
But I have done, and now it may be mine Author, that in his first Page, called himself, a Freshwater Soldier, if he should chance to see the Martial order his Objections have appeared in, might believe himself to be some great Commander, whereas the Truth is he was but a Trumpet of Defiance to the East-India Merchant, according therefore to his duty, I would send him back to take a view of all his Falsehoods, scattered in the field, which I persuade myself, will show him his overthrow was shameful.  
At least, Sir Thomas Smith, judge what it may be, if some able Merchant undertake the Argument, when so much hath been said (and more that comes too near matter of State, secret of Merchandise, hath been omitted) by your faithful Friend and Kinsman, that wisheth well to Trade and Merchants.  
Dudley Digges.   

Postscript to the Reader.  
SInce he that may dispose of me, will have these rough lines printed for your satisfaction, I that am neither ashamed of my love to the East-India Trade, nor the truth I have written, must (if but for fashion sake) say somewhat unto you () Reader. It may please you then to know, that the substance of this which you have read, was taken out of Custome-bookes, out of the East-India Companies books, out of Grocers, Warehouse-keepers, Merchants books, and conference with men of best experience. As for errors of pen or press, you will either not mark them, or can mend them; all I ask for my pains. And so I leave you, to commend (if you list) piperi & scombris, that Trades Increase to pack up fish, and this Defence of Trade to wrap up spice: a couple of Inke-wasting toys indeed, that if my hearty wishes could have wrought it, should have seen no other light then the fire. So far from the ambition of your acquaintance was  
D. D.