THE PETITION AND REMONSTRANCE OF THE GOVERNOR And Company of Merchants of LONDON, Trading to the East Indies, Exhibited to the Honourable the House of COMMONS assembled in PARLIAMENT. Anno 1628. blazon or coat of arms Printed at LONDON for NICHOLAS BOURNE. 1628. TO THE HONOURABLE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS assembled in PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition of the Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading to the East Indies. Humbly showing; THat whereas by the special industry and great Charges of diverse Merchants of London and others of his Majesty's Subjects, the Trade to the East Indies was begun now twenty eight years past, and hath been ever since continued by a Company of all degrees of persons in this Kingdom, incorporated under the royal Charters of the late Queen Elizabeth and King james of blessed memory: which have been since ratified and confirmed by the Kings most excellent Majesty that now is, with such privileges and immunities, as are therein at large contained; whereby many and sundry Voyages have been performed into those remote Countries with good success and great gain, until of late years some evil Encounters, not only of the Seas and enemies, but more especially the undue proceedings and actions of our professed friends and Allies, have infinitely damnified the said Traffic, which otherwise might have prospered and grown much better: even as it is by time and industry greatly enlarged and discovered for a more ample Vent and Consumption of our Cloth, and other our native Commodities; Nevertheless, the afore-written disasters, and the carring of foreign Coins out of this Kingdom into the Indies, have begot such causeless Complaints in the mouths of many his Majesty's Subjects of all degrees and in all places of the Realm, that the Adventurers are thereby much discouraged to Trade any longer under the evil censure of the multitude, desiring nothing more than to obtain their private wealth, with the public good, Therefore the petitioners humbly pray this Honourable House to take the annexed Articles (or any others) into your most grave & wise consideration, that so if upon the due examination of the same, the said trade be found unprofitable to the Commonwealth, it may be SUPPRESSED. And if otherwise, that then it may be SUPPORTED AND COUNTENANCED BY SOME PUBLIQVE DECLARATION for the satisfaction of all his Majesty's Subjects, and better encouragement of the present Adventurers, or any others, who thereby might be the more forward and willing to adventure their Estates in a business of such consequence, when they shall know that it hath obtained such great and honourable approbation. Queres upon the Trade to the East Indies. Strength WHether it doth not much increase the strength of this Kingdom with Mariners, Warlike-Shipping, Ammunition, and all necessary Arts-men thereunto belonging. Whether it doth not greatly increase the general traffic of this Kingdom, not only as it is a very ample trade of itself, between England and the Indies, but also as it is an ample Staple or Magazine of many rich Indian wares, to send from hence into other foreign Countries. Wealth Whether it doth not increase the general Stock and wealth of the Kingdom. Whether it be not a means to save the particular Subjects much money yearly in their ordinary expenses upon all the sorts of Indian wares. Whether it doth not much increase his Majesty's Customs and Imposts in the yearly revenue. Whether it be not a good means to improve the price of Lands, Wools, Tynn, Iron, Led, and other the Native commodities of this Kingdom. Whether the King and the Kingdom (also) have not gotten much by this Trade even in these late disastrous times, when the Ad-venturers have lost great matters. Safety Whether it be not a means greatly to weaken the KING of SPAIN and his Subjects, and to exhaust their Treasure. Whether it be not a means to counterpoise the HOLLANDERS swelling greatness by trade, and to keep them from being absolute Lords of the Seas, if they may drive us out of this rich traffic, as they have long endeavoured to perform both by policy and force. Treasure Whether it be not the best means we have to increase the Treasure or Money of this Kingdom. Honour Whether it be not an honour suitable to the Majesty of so great a King and Kingdom. THE HUMBLE REMONSTRANCE OF THOSE REASONS which the Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading to the East India do make upon the Queres that are annexed unto their Petition, exhibited unto the Honourable House of COMMONS assembled in PARLIAMENT. And First; Whether it doth not much increase the strength of the Kingdom with Mariners, Warlike Shipping, Ammunition and all necessary Arts-men there unto belonging. Strength Whether it doth not greatly increase the general Traffic of the Kingdom, not only as it is a very ample Trade of itself between England and the Indies; but also as it is an ample Staple or Magazine of many rich Indian wares to send from hence into other foreign Countries. THE Trade to the East Indies some few years past did employ fifteen thousand tunns of Shipping all at once, either going or coming, or Trading there from Port to Port; but since (upon good experience) we find that so great a Charge is neither necessary for our defence; nor comportable by the benefit of the Traffic, until some further Discoveries may be made in China, or elsewhere, as is hoped: Nevertheless (according to the present times) there is and may be employed and maintained ten thousand tunns of great and warlike Shipping, besides three thousand tunns more now here in the Kingdom repairing for the next Supply of those Voyages. THe said Shipping do employ two thousand and five hundred Mariners, whereof one third part at least are shipped from hence Land-men, or such as were not formerly used to the Seas, but are bred and made good Mariners by these Voyages, which otherwise at home (being without Arts or maintenance) are a heavy burden to their friends and Country. THis Trade as it is thus great in itself; so doth it yet further enlarge our Traffic and strength, by furnishing this Kingdom with all sorts of Indian wares, not only for our own use, but more especially for the necessary wants of foreign Nations, which hath greatly increased the number of our Warlike Ships, to export them from hence into Turkey, Italy, the East Countries, and other places: For proof whereof we instance the last year when we brought in Pepper from the Indies to the value of two hundred and eight thousand pounds sterling, whereof one hundred and fourscore thousand pounds was within few weeks after Shipped, or sold to be transported into foreign Countries: the like is done with Indigo, either in the same kind it is brought in, or else after we have gotten the benefit of the manufacture in the dye of our Clothes, and so likewise of Calicoes and diverse other rich Wares; in so much that we may boldly affirm, that by these exportations as from a Staple Magazine of Indian Commodities for diverse parts of Christendom and Turkey, we do employ going and coming in those Voyages at least two thousand tunns of Shipping, which do require five hundred Mariners to man them. THe Arts and handicraftsmen, which appertain unto the building and repairing of all the said Shipping, together with the making of Ordnance, Muskets, Shott, Powder, Swords, Pikes, Cordage, Canvas, & many other necessary Ammunitions and provisions thereunto belonging, made here in the Kingdom, doth not employ less than one thousand men of diverse trades. SO that the whole strength by this Trade to the East Indies, The whole strength by the East India Trade. is the continual employment of twelve thousand tunns of Warlike Shipping, and four thousand Mariners and Arts-men more than in the times before this Trade begun, which is a great addition of power to the Kingdom. But if any man object and say, Answer to diverse Objections. that heretofore we employed three or four hundred tunns of Shipping yearly into Turkey, to lad Spice and Indigo, which Trade is now utterly lost, because those Commodities are now brought us directly from the Indies; the answer is, that in the times when we were served with the said Wares from Turkey, the importation was but small, because the prizes than were dear; so that we may well counterpoise the loss of that employment of Shipping with as much or more tonnage now set on work to fetch Timber, Plancke, Pipe-staves, and Timber knees out of Ireland, and Hemp out of East land to make our Cordage for the furnishing of so many great Ships as we now employ to the Indies, and also for the bringing in of Wines, Elephants teeth, wrought Silks, Coral, Quicksilver, and other foreign Wares, to furnish out those Voyages. ANd if it be further objected, that this great increase of Shipping which is here declared, is not always in the Kingdom upon occasion of service, the answer is. That neither are the Ships of any other Merchants here at home, but some are going, some are coming, and ever the least part are in the Kingdom; yet still wheresoever they are, his Majesty's Subjects have by them their employment and maintenance, and the Kingdom aswell as the East India Company have had their service: For how famous are their exploits to all Nations? how many rich Carracks have they sunk and spoilt? how many assaults of Spanish Galleons have they withstood and foiled? What slaughter of their Soldiers, sack of their Towns, subversion of their trades, and such like honourable actions have they performed? and all with little loss of Ships or men. It would require a large discourse, to declare the particulars: Neither doth the East India Company commonly want three thousand Tunns of shipping or more here in the Kingdom, which are either in building or repairing, together with all their Ordnance and other Warlike furniture, besides their Storehouses and Dock-yards plentifully provided with Timber, Plancke, Cordage, Powder, Shot, and many other necessary Ammunitions both for themselves, and oftentimes to help others with such provisions as cannot elsewhere be found for money in this Kingdom, especially Gunpowder, whereof they have a good quantity now in store, and do make weekly about thirty barrels at their own powder Mills, of such refined Salt Peter, as they bring from the Indies in their shipping. THere is yet one common Objection, but it is so weak that it scarce deserves an answer, which is, that this East India Trade destroys our Shipping and Mariners, when clean contrary to this we have already showed the great increase of both; and if men die in these long voyages, and Ships by length of time be laid up, either here or in the Indies, yet what's all this but nature's course; and that which happens here at home in our nearest Trades, although with far less noise and notice? How many brave Commanders have we bred from mean degree? (whereof diverse are still in our service,) some at this present are found worthy the best places in his Majesty's Navy, many of our ordinary men have lately lost their lives for their country, and others (being grown rich) do either keep at home or follow shorter voyages, but leaving these advantages we do answer all with this, that whatsoever is pretended in the decay of shipping or death of men, yet not withstanding the Kingdom, by this trade hath obtained no less increase or clear addition both of the one and the other, which continually subsist and are in action, then is before declared. Whether it doth not increase the general stock and wealth of the Kingdom. Whether it be not a means to save the particular Subjects much money yearly in their ordinary expenses upon all sorts of Indian wares. Whether it doth not much increase his Majesty's Customs and Imposts in the yearly revenue. Whether it be not a good means to improve the price of Lands, Wools, Tynn, Iron, Led, Wealth and other the native commodities of this Kingdom. Whether the King and the Kingdom (also) have not gotten much by this Trade, even in these late disastrous times, when the Adventurers have lost great matters. HEre we have five Queres which must be all proved severally, the first is general, wherein we must consider how the whole Kingdom may be enriched by our Commerce with Strangers, the which to perform, although it hath one and the same rule in all the particular places of the Trade; The places of our remotest traffic are most profitable to the Commonwealth. yet is not every Country alike profitable to this Commonwealth, For the remotest traffic is always most beneficial to the public Stock, the example may be framed thus. Suppose we therefore, that Pepper were constantly worth two shillings the pound here in England, if we should then fetch the same from Holland the Merchant may pay there to the Stranger twenty pence the pound out of this Kingdom's Stock, and gain well by the bargain, but if he fetch this Pepper from the East Indies, he cannot give there above five pence the pound at the most to obtain the like gain, when all charges are considered; which doth sufficiently show the great advantage we have to buy our Wares in those remote Countries, not only for that part alone which we spend and consume, but especially for that great quantity which from hence we transport yearly into other Countries to be sold at higher price than it is worth here in England; Whereby it is plain, We may grow rich in Trade by the Stock of other Nations. that we make a far greater Stock by gain upon these Indian Commodities, than those Nations do where they grow; and to whom they properly appertain, as being the natural wealth of their Countries: Neither is there less honour and judgement by getting riches in this manner, upon the Stock of other Nations, then by an industrious increase of our own means, especially when this latter is advanced by the benefit of the former, Cloth, Led, and Tynn, vented in the East Indies. as we have found in the East Indies by sale of much of our Tynn, Cloth, Led, and other native Commodities, the vent whereof doth daily increase in those Countries, which formerly had no use of our Wares, but for the better understanding of that which hath been said, A distinction between the gain of the Kingdom, and the profit of the Merchant. we must not forget to distinguish between the gain of the Kingdom and the profit of the Merchant. For although the Kingdom pay no more for this Pepper then is before supposed, nor for any other Commodity bought in foreign parts, more than the Stranger receiveth from us for the same; Yet the Merchant payeth not only that price, but also the freight, insurance, interest, Custom, impost, and many other charges which are exceeding great in these long Voyages; but yet all these in the Kingdom's account are but commutations among ourselves, and no privation of the public Stock, they remain still in the Kingdom. NOw concerning that which every particular Subject of the Realm saveth in his ordinary expense of Indian Wares, it is manifest that heretofore when we brought Indigo from Turkey, that sort was ordinarily sold here for six shillings the pound or more, which now we fell for four shillings the pound and under, Pepper then ordinarily at three shillings and three shillings four pence the pound, The Hollanders engrossing of Cloves, Maces, and Nutmegs, have made them exceeding dear. which now is sold by the East India Company for twenty pence the pound, with long time also given therewith for payment, and so likewise of diverse other Wares: But for Cloves it is true; they are now worth eleven shillings the pound, Maces in sorts ten shillings, Nutmeges five shillings, because the Hollanders by the expulsion of our people, have now three years past, and still do keep us by force from the trade of those Spices: In which Wares when we enjoyed the freedom in the Indies that unto us belongeth, We sold Cloves here at five shillings six pence, Maces at six shillings, Nutmegs at two shillings six pence the pound: But as the Dutch have raised the price of these Commodities, so would they much more enhance them and all other the rich Wares of those Countries, if we should abandon or be basely driven from the trade. THe next Quere needs but little proof, for who can truly say that his Majesty's Customs and Impost are not multiplied, when the traffic of this Kingdom is so much increased, only this we will affirm, that if the trade to the East Indies were so well encouraged that it might be effectually followed, it would yearly bring to his Majesty's Coffers much more than now it doth. THe next Quere concerns the Kingdom nearly, for it is no small worth to improve the price of Lands, which never hath nor can be done, but by the prosperous success of our foreign trade, The balance of our foreign trade is the true rule of our treasure. the balance whereof is the only means and rule of our treasure: that is to say, When either by issuing out of the Realm yearly a greater value in Wares than we consume of foreign Commodities we grow rich, or by spending more of Strangers goods than we sell them of our own, we are impoverished; For, the first of these Courses doth bring in the money which we have, the last will carry it away again when we have got it. It is a true saying, that plenty or scarcity of money makes all things dear or cheap in a Commonwealth, but it is necessary to distinguish the seeming plenties of money from that which only is substantial and able to perform the work; For there are diverse ways and means to procure plenty of money into a Kingdom, (for a short time) which do not therefore enrich, but rather impoverish the same, by the several inconveniencies which ever accompany such alterations. FOr first, if we should melt down our Plate into Coin, (which suits not with the Majesty of so great a Kingdom, except in cases of great extremity,) it would cause plenty of money for a time, yet should we be nothing the richer, but rather this Treasure being thus altered, is made the more apt to be carried out of the Kingdom, if we exceed our means by excess in foreign wares, or maintain a War by Sea or Land, where we do not feed and clothe the Soldier, and supply the armies with our own native provisions; by which disorders our Treasure will soon be exhausted, for it is not the Merchant's exchange by bills that can prevent the last of these evils, as some have supposed. Again if we think to bring in store of money by suffering foreign Coins to pass currant here at higher rates than their intrinsic value, compared with our standard; or by debasing, or by enhancing our own moneys (as some men have projected) all these actions bring their several inconveniences, and notable ruins, as well to the King, as to his Subjects; of which we omit to enlarge, (because it is not much pertinent to our cause in hand) but rather admitting that by these courses, plenty of money might be brought into the Realm, yet should we be nothing the richer, neither can such treasure (so gotten) long remain With us, Treasure which cannot long remain with us. for, whether it be the Stranger or the English Merchant that brings in this money, it must ever be done upon a valueable consideration, either for wares carried out already, or after to be exported, which helps us nothing except the evil occasions of excess or War aforenamed be removed, which will exhaust our treasure; for otherwise, the money that one man bringeth in for gain, an other man shall be forced to carry out for necessity, because there shall ever be a necessity to balance our account with Strangers, although it should be done with great loss upon the rate of the money which is exported, and peril or confiscations also, if it be intercepted by the Law, for necessity or gain will ever find some means to violate such Laws. THe business than is briefly thus, that as the treasure which is brought into the Realm by the balance of our foreign trade, Treasure that doth remain with us enrich us, and doth improve our Lands. is that money which only doth abide with us, and by which we are enriched, so by this plenty of money thus gotten (and no otherwise) do our lands improve, for when the Merchant hath a good dispatch beyond the Seas, for his Cloth, and other our native wares, he doth presently return to buy up the greater quantity which raiseth the price of Wools, and other commodities, which doth improve the Landlords rents, as the Leases expire daily; and also by this means money being gained and brought more abundantly into this Kingdom, it doth enable many men to buy Lands which must make them the dearer: but if our foreign Trade come to a stop or declination by neglect at home or injuries abroad, whereby the Merchants are impoverished, and so the Wares of the Realm less issued, then do all the said benefits cease, and our Lands fall of price daily: whereupon we conclude, that as the flourishing estate of our general Trade is the only means to make our Lands improve, so the particular Trade to the East Indies, is a Principal instrument therein, because (as we have already proved,) it hath so much increased the traffic of this Kingdom. THe next Quere seems to be a mystery, which many of our Adventurers do not well understand, for (say they) how can the Kingdom gain by this Trade, when we who are the members thereof, have lost so grievously? they do not well discern that their private loss may be far less in proportion, than the public benefit, as we shall instance some examples to make the business plain. IN the course of foreign Trade, Three degrees of gain in foreign Trade. there be three sorts or degrees of gain, the first is, that of the Common Wealth, which may be done when the Merchant (who is principal agent therein) shall lose. The second is the gain of the Merchant, which he doth sometimes justly and worthily effect, although the Common Wealth be a loser. The third is the gain of the King, whereof he is ever certain even when the Common Wealth and the Merchant shall be both loser's. COncerning the first of these, we have already sufficiently showed the ways and means whereby the Common Wealth may be enriched in the course of Trade, by the balance of the same, when excesses are avoided: therefore it is needless here to make any further repetition; only we do in this place affirm that such happiness may be in the Common Wealth, when the Merchant for his particular shall have no occasion to rejoice. As for example; suppose the East India Company should send out one hundred thousand pounds in Wa●es or Money into the East Indies, and receive home for the same, the full value of three hundred thousand pounds, hereby it is evident that this part of the Public Stock is trebled, and yet we may boldly say, that which we can well prove, that our said Company of Merchants shall be loser's by such an adventure, if the returns be made in Spice, Indigo, Calicoes, Benjamin, refined Salt Peter, Cotton-yarne, and such other bulkey wares in their several proportions, according to their vent and use in these parts of Europe: for the freight of shipping, the insurance of the Adventure, the charges of Factors abroad, and Officers at home, the forbearance of the Stock, his Majesty's custom and imposts, with other petty charges incident, will be above two hundred thousand pounds, which being added to the principal produceth loss, The King and Kingdom may get by Trade even when the Merchant looseth. and thus we see that not only the Kingdom, but also the KING may get very much, even when the Merchant notwithstanding shall lose in his proportion, which giveth good occasion here to consider how much more the Realm is enriched by this Trade, when all things pass so happily that the Merchant is a gainer also together with the KING and Kingdom. But for the better explaining of that which hath been already alleged, we must understand that if the said hundred thousand pounds should be trebled by the return of so much Silks and other fine Wares out of the Indies, than the Merchant likewise should receive good gain by such an adventure; and the reason is, because this great wealth would require but five hundred tunn of Shipping to lade and bring home the same, which is but a very small charge in respect of four thousand and five hundred tons of Shipping, which would be required to lad home the like value in the bulky Commodities of Spice and the like, which are afore-written. THe second sort of gain in the course of trade is, when the Merchant by his laudable endeavours may both bring in and carry out Wares to his advantage, by buying them and selling them to good profit, which is the end of his labours: Yet nevertheless, the Commonwealth shall decline and grow poor by a disorder in the people, when through pride and other excesses they do consume more foreign Ware in value, than the Wealth of the Kingdom can satisfy and pay by the exportation of our own Commodities, which is the very quality of an unthrift, who spends beyond his means. THe third sort of gain is the Kings, who is ever sure to get by Trade, when both the Commonwealth and the Merchant shall lose severally, as afore-written; or jointly, as it may and doth sometimes happen when the Merchant's success is bad, and when our Commodities are overbalanced by foreign Wares consumed: but if such disorders be not prevented, his Majesty in the end shall be the greatest loser, when his Subjects be impoverished. Whether it be not a means greatly to weaken the King of Spain and his Subjects, and to exhaust their treasure. Whether it be not a means to counterpoiz the Hollanders swelling greatness by trade, Safety and to keep them from being absolute Lords of the Seas, if they may drive us out of this rich Traffic, as they have long endeavoured to perform both by policy and force. THe safety of the Kingdom consists not only in its own strength and wealth, but also in the laudable and lawful performance of those things which will weaken and impoverish such powerful Princes, as either may or are become our Enemies; amongst which we will now rank the Spaniard in the first place, for his ambition hath no bounds, and being enabled by the power of his Indian Treasure, not only to keep in subjection many goodly States and Provinces in Italy, the Low Countries, and elsewhere, (which otherwise would soon fall from his obeisance) but also by a continual War taking his advantages, doth still enlarge his Dominions, aiming at nothing more than Monarchy by this plenty of his money, which are the very sinews of his strength, that lie so far dispersed into so many Countries, yet hereby united, and his wants supplied both for war and peace in a plentiful manner from all the parts of Christendom, which are therefore partakers of his treasure by a necessity of Commerce, Spanish treasure is exhausted by a necessity of commerce. Wherein the Spanish policy hath ever endeavoured to prevent all other Nations the most it could; For, finding Spain to be too poor and barren to supply itself and the West Indies, with those varieties of foreign Wares, whereof they stand in need, they knew well that when their native Commodities come short to this purpose, than their moneys must serve to make up the reckoning; whereupon they found incredible advantage by adding the traffic of the East Indies to the treasure of the West: Spanish policy and profit in the East India trade. For the last of these being employed in the first, they stored themselves infinitely with rich wares, to barter with all the parts of Christendom for their commodities, and so furnishing their own necessities, prevented others for carrying away theirmonies, which in point of State they hold less dangerous to impart to the remote Indians then to their neighbour Princes, lest it should too much enable them to resist (if not offend) their Enemies: And this Spanish policy against others is the more remarkable being done likewise so much to their own advantage; For, every Ryall of Eight which they sent to the East Indies brought home so much wares, as saved them the disbursing of six royals of Eight here in Europe (at the least) to their neighbours; especially in those times when that trade was only in their hands: but now this great profit is failed, and the mischief removed by the English and Dutch, who partake in those East India trades as amply as the Spanish Subjects. IT is further to be considered that besides the disability of the Spaniard, by their native commodities to provide foreign wares for their necessities (whereby they are forced to supply their wants with money) they have likewise that Canker of war which doth infinitely exhaust their Treasure and disperse it into Christendom even to their Enemies, Spanish Treasure is exhausted by war. part by reprisal, but especially through a necessary maintenance of those Armies which are composed of many Strangers, and lie so far remote that they cannot feed, cloth, or other wise provide them out of their own native means and provisions, but must receive this relief from other Nations: The effects of different wars concerning Treasure. which kind of war is far different to that which a Prince maketh upon his own confines, or in his Navies by Sea, where the Soldier receiving moneys for his wages must every day deliver it out again for his necessities, whereby the Treasure renaines still in the Kingdom, although it be exhausted from the King but we see that the Spaniard (trusting in the power of his treasure) undertakes Wars in Germany and other remote places which would soon beggar the richest Kingdom in Christendom of all their money, the want whereof would presently disorder and bring the Armies to confusion, as it falleth out sometimes with Spain itself (who hath the fountain of money) when either it is stopped in the passage by the force of their Enemies, or drawn out faster than it flows by their own occasions; whereby also we often see that Gold and Silver is so scarce in Spain, that they are forced to use base copper money, to the great confusion of their trade in want of supplies, and not without the undoing also of many of their own people. But now that we have seen the occasions by which the Spanish treasure is dispersed into so many places of the world; The Spanish treasure which is exhausted either by commerce or war, doth all come in the end into the general commerce of diverse Nations. it is needful likewise to discover, how and in what proportion each Country doth partake of these moneys: For we find that Turkey, and diverse other Nations have great plenty thereof, although they drive no Trade with Spain, which seems to tontradict the former reason, where we say that this treasure is obtained by a necessity of commerce; but to clear this point we must know, that all Nations (who have no mines of their own) are enriched with Gold and Silver by one and the same means, which is already showed to be the balance of their foreign trades, & this is not strictly tied to be done in those Countries where the fountain of treasure is, but rather with such order & observations in the trade and against excess as are prescribed: for suppose England by commerce with Spain may get and bring home Five Hundred thousand rials of Eight yearly, yet if we lose as much by our Trade in Turkey, and therefore carry the money thither, it is not then the English but the Turks who have got this treasure; although they have no trade with Spain, from whence it was first brought. Again if England having thus lost with Turkey, do notwithstanding gain twice as much by France, Italy, and other members of her general trade, then will there remain Five Hundred thousand rials of Eight clear gains by the balance of the same; and this comparison holds between all other Nations, both for the manner of getting, and the proportion that is yearly gotten. But if yet a question should be made whether all Nations get Treasure, and Spain only lose it: we answer no; for some Countries by war or by excess do loose that which they had gotten, aswell as Spain by War and want of Wares doth loose that which was its own. ANd so much shall suffice to show, that to partake in the trade of the East Indis, doth not only weaken the Spaniards Navigation & strengthen our own; but also to impeach him in this rich Trade, doth mightily exhaust his Treasure and increase our moneys. Having done with a powerful Enemy the Spaniard, we must now say something of our professed friends, the Hollanders, who of late years are become a flourishing People, The Hollanders greatness by Trade. Wealthy and strong, both by Sea and Land, by nothing else but Trade; and yet we know that they have little in their own Country wherewithal to Trade; but we must not therefore imagine, that so great a building is either raised or can stand without a strong foundation, which these industrious men wanting means in their own Land, do find out rich Mines in his Majesty's Seas; Golden Mines we may term them, for so the Lords States themselves do call them, The Hollanders best foundation is the English Fishing. and thus also in their public Proclamations, which they have set forth in all occasions for the better preservation of this Fishing, a treasure it is (indeed) inestimable, and an employment most profitable: From hence originally proceeds the increase & maintenance of their People, their flourishing Arts, their private wealth, their public Treasure, the multitude of their Ships which fetch materials, to build ships, the swarms of their small Vessels which catch Fish, to lad their great Ships which Trade with Fish; the proceed whereof doth furnish them with all their wants of foreign Wares, and makes them also rich in Treasure; with which Treasure they do also enlarge their Trade into all the quarters of the world, whereby they are become the Magazines for England, France, Spain, Turkey, and other places, for Corn, Cordage, English Ordnance, Powder, Shot, Ships, Wines, Fruits, Canvas, and many others, besides the rich Wares from the East and West Indies, serving each Country according to their several wants and occasions: In which course of Trade, they are not less injurious to supplant others (especially the English) than they are careful to strengthen themselves with more than ordinary diligence; for they know well, that, Trade hath raised their Fortunes, and doth feed their Hopes; We desire not here to aggravate their Actions against us in the East Indies, for they are already too well known to all the World, but we rather with patience expect the means of our satisfaction and future safety; wherein we doubt not of his Majesty's most gracious favours and resolutions so well begun, and in so good away to settle & support a Trade of such great consequence; the which if the Hollanders might solely enjoy (as they endeavour) they would (by the power thereof) soon make themselves Masters (also) of our other best Trades into the straits, If our Trade to the East Indies should fall, our other best Trades will fall with it. and be the only Merchants even of our Cloth and other native Commodities into those Countries, as they are already possessed of the Exportation of (almost) all our Herrings and Newland Fish, to the maintenance of their Shipping and decay of ours, which is the more considerable because it may be wished, that Victuals and Ammunition, should either not be Exported, or else be only Lycensed to the natural Subjects, but the Hollanders are diligent observers of such occasions as may give them advantage; they know well how to work their own ends in all places where they come, & as they have infinitely prevailed in the augmentation of their Trade by the declination of other Nations, so they aim at nothing more now then to weaken the English in their Traffic, for we only are their Corrivals, able to keep them from the absolute Dominion of the Seas, wherein we may hope ever to prevail if we lose not the power we possess, and the rich Trades which we have so well discovered. Whether it be not the best means we have to increase the Treasure or Money of this Kingdom. Treasure THis position is so contrary to the common opinion, that it will require strong Arguments, to maintain and prove it, before it will be accepted, especially of the multitude, who bitterly exclaim when they see any moneys carried out of the Realm; affirming thereupon that we have absolutely lost so much Treasure, being an Act against the long continued Laws of this Kingdom, and that many other places, nay, Spain itself (which is the fountain of Money) forbids the Exportation thereof, some cases only excepted. To all which we might answer, that Venice, Florence, Gaenoa, Savoy, Marseilles, Turkey, the Low-Countries, and diverse other places permits it, their people applauds it, and find great benefit by it; but all this makes a noise and proves nothing: We must therefore come to those reasons which concern the business in question. FIrst, therefore we will take that for granted which none will deny us, that we have no other means to get Treasure but by Foreign Trade, We have no treasure but by trade. for Mines we have none which do afford it, and how this Money is gotten in the managing of our said Trade, we have already showed, that it is done by making our Commodities which are Exported, to over balance in Value the foreign wares which we consume; so that it resteth only to show how our moneys may be added to our Commodities, and being jointly exported may so much the more increase our Treasure. ANd here we will suppose, that our yearly consumption of foreign wares is to the value of twenty hundred thousand pounds, and our exportations to exceed that two hundred thousand pounds, A near estimation of our yearly exportations and importations as they have been found by good inquiry. which sum we may thereupon affirm is brought to us in Treasure to balance the account; but now if we add three hundred thousand pounds more in ready money unto our former exportation in Wares, what profit can we have (will some men say) although by this means we should bring in so much ready money more than we did before, seeing that we have carried out the like value. TO this the answer is, that when we have prepared our exportations of wares, and sent out as much of every thing as we can spare or vent abroad; it is not therefore said, that then we should add our money thereunto to fetch in the more money immediately, but rather first to enlarge our trade therewith, by enabling us to bring in more foreign wares, which being sent out again into the places of their consume, they will in due time much increase our Treasure: For, although in this manner we do yearly multiply our importations to the maintenance of more shipping and Mariners, improvement of his Majesty's Customs and other benefits; yet our consumption of those foreign wares is no more than it was before; so that all the said increase of commodities brought in by the means of our ready money sent out as is afore written, doth in the the end become an exportation unto us of a far greater value than our said moneys were, which is proved by three several examples following. FIrst, we will suppose that one hundred thousand pounds sterling, being sent in our shipping into the East Country's, will buy there one hundred thousand quarters of wheat clear of all charges aboard the ships, which being after brought into England and housed, to export the same at the best time for vent thereof in Spain or Italy, it cannot yield less in those parts then Two Hundred Thousand Pounds to make the Merchant but a saver, yet by this reckoning we see the Kingdom hath doubled that Treasure. Again this profit will be far greater when we trade thus with our money in remote Countries, The trade to the East Indies (in its proportion) is the best trade and means we have to increase our Treasure. as for example, if we send one hundred thousand pounds into the East Indies to buy pepper there and bring it hither, and from hence send it for Italy or Turkey, it must yield five hundred thousand pounds at least in those places, in regard of the excessive charge which the Merchant disbourseth in those long voyages in shipping, wages, victuals, insurance, interest, customs, imposts, and the like: all which charges notwithstanding the King and the Kingdom gets. And we may here observe, that as the public profit by foreign trade is the only means whereby we gain our Treasure: So this trade to the East Indies (in its proportion) doth far excel all others. THe third example is, where the voyages are short and the wares rich, which therefore will not employ much shipping, the profit to the Kingdom willbe far less; as when an other hundred thousand pounds shall be employed in Turkey in raw silks and brought hither to be after transported from hence into France the Low Countries or Germany, the Merchant shall have good gain although he sell it there for one Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds: and thus take the voyages all together in their medium the ready moneys exported will be returned unto us near trebled. But if any man will yet object that these returns come to us in wares, and not really in moneys as they were issued out. THe answer is, (keeping our first ground) that if our consumption of foreign wares, be no more yearly than is already supposed, and that our exportations be so mightily increased by this manner of Trading with ready money as is before declared: it is not then possible (in the course of trade) but that all the over balance or difference should return either in money or in such wares as we must Export again; which as is already plainly showed will be still a greater means to increase our Treasure: For it is in the stock of a Kingdone, as in the estates of private men, who having store of wares, do not therefore say that they will not venture out, or trade with their money; (for this were ridiculous) but do also turn that into wares, whereby they multiply their money; and so by a continual & orderly change of one into the other grow rich, & when they please, turn all their estates into Treasure, for they that have wares cannot want money, and therefore the former objection is not considerable: for what begot the moneys which we sent out, but our wares. NEither is it said that Money is the life of Trade, as if it could not subsist or pass current without the same; for we know that there was great Trading by way of Commutation or Barter, when there was little Money stirring in the world. The Italians and some other Nations have such remedies against this want, that it can neither decay nor hinder their Trade, for they transfer Bills of Debt, and have other ways whereby they assign their Credits from one to an other daily for very great sums with ease and satisfaction by Writing only, Money enlargeth trade, and trade increaseth money. whilst in the mean time, the Mass of Treasure which gave foundation, to those Credits is employed in Foreign Trade as a merchandise, which doth much increase their Traffic. It is not therefore the keeping of our Money in the Kingdom, which makes a quick and ample Trade, but the necessity and use of our Wares in foreign Countries, and our want of their commodities which causeth the Vent and Consumption on all sides. WE must not here forget the practice of the great Duke of Tuscany in his Port of Leghorne, which of late years from a poor Town is become a fair City, and one of the most famous places for Trade in Christendom, by the resort of many Nations, but most especially by the English and Dutch with Merchandise, to a very great value yearly, and yet it is worthy observation that the multitude of Ships and Wares which come thither, have little or no means to make their returns from thence, but only in ready Money, which they may, and do carry away freely at all times and without Custom, and such charges to the incredible advantage, of the said Duke of Tuscanie and his Subjects, who are much enriched by the continual great concourse of Merchants, from all the States of the neighbour Princes, bringing them plenty of Money daily to supply their wants of the said wares. And thus we see that the Current of Merchandise which carries away their Treasure, becomes a flowing stream to fill them again In a greater measure with Money. THe example of this growing greatness, hath lately moved the Duke of Savoy, publicly to declare his Princely resolution to all Nations, offering them many Privileges and immunities, that shall come to Trade in his free Port of Vila Franca, and especially a liberty to carry away ready Monies for all the Wares they bring, or other occasions: and yet we know that neither in Tuscanie or Savoy, are any Mines or moneys more than they have and do daily get by trade; but they know likewise that if we yearly bring them wares (although for a very great value) the money will immediately follow; For, let no man doubt but that money must ever attend on Merchandise, for they go together: And it is worthy the noting that those Princes are content to part with their treasure only to enjoy the trade of the wares which are brought them, for which (to encourage the Merchant) they take no Custom; whereas we by sending out our money do gain the employment of our shipping, the trade of the wares, and the profit of the Customs which is a treble benefit. THere is yet an objection or two as weak as all the rest: The first is, that if we trade with our money, we shall issue out the less wares; as if a man should say, those Countries which heretofore had occasion to consume our Cloth, Led, Tynn, Iron, Fish, & the like shall now make use of our moneys in the place of those necessaries, which to affirm were most absurd, or that the Merchant had not rather carry out wares (by which there is ever some gains expected) then to export money, which is still but the same without any increase. But on the contrary there are many Countries which may yield us very large and profitable traffic for our money, that otherwise afford us no trade at all because they have no use of our wares, as namely the East Indies for one, in the first beginning thereof although since by industry in our Commerce with those Nations we have brought them into the use of much of our Cloth, Lead, Tynn, and other things, which is a good addition to the former vent of our commodities. Again, some men have alleged that those Countries which permit money to be carried out, do it, because they have few or no wares to trade withal: but we have great store of Commodities, and therefore their action ought not to be our example. TO this the answer is briefly; That if we have such a quantity of wares, as doth fully provide us of all things needful from beyond the Seas, why should we then doubt that our moneys sent out in trade must not necessarily come back again in Treasure. together with the great gains which it may procure in such manner as is before set down? And on the other side if those Nations which send out their moneys, do it because they have few wares of their own; how come they then to have so much Treasure as we ever see in those places, which suffer it freely to be exported at all times and by whom so ever. We answer even by trading with their moneys: For by what other means can they get it, having no mines of Gold or Silver? THus may we plainly see, that when this weighty business is duly considered in its end (as all our humane actions ought well to be weighed) it is found much contrary to that which most men esteem thereof, Our humane actions ought especially to be considered in their ends. because they search no further than the beginning of this work, which misinformes their judgements and leads them into error: For if we only behold the actions of the Husbandman in the seed time, when he casteth away much good corn into the ground, we will rather account him a mad man then a Husbandman: but when we consider his labours in the Harvest, which is the end of his endeavours; We find the worth and plentiful increase of his actions. Whether it be not an honour suitable to the Majesty of so great a King and Kingdom. Honour. WE have endeavoured upon all the former Queres to be as brief as conveniently we might without obscurity, and now upon this last point there will be no occasion at all to enlarge; for when it shall be found that the trade to the East Indies is so good a means to increase our strength, wealth, safety, and treasure, and that those discoveries have spread his Majesty's fame into Persia, japon, China, the Dominions of the great Mogul, and many other remote Nations of the Eastern world, there will be no ● denial, but that these great blessings are so precious & honourable both to the King and his Kingdoms, that they ought to be preserved with our best endeavours against the strongest opposition. And for conclusion the East India Company do humbly declare unto this Honourable House, that they have not made their Petition and this Remonstrance for their own private ends, but for the public good; And even so having performed their duties, they hope it shall be their sufficient discharge in all future times concerning the Suppressing or Supporting of the said Trade. FINIS.