A DISCOURSE concerning the FISHERY WITHIN THE British Seas, And other His Majesties Dominions, And more Especially, as it Relates to the Trade of the COMPANY of the Royal Fishery of England: OFFERED TO Consideration in Order to Subscriptions for Raising a Stock, for carrying on the Affairs thereof, upon the Terms Proposed. London, Printed for the Company of the Royal Fishery of ENGLAND, 1695. A Discourse concerning the Fishery within the british Seas; And other His Majesties Dominions, And more Especially as it relates to the Trade of the Company of the Royal Fishery of England; offered to Consideration, in order to Subscriptions for Raising a Stock, for carrying on the Affairs thereof, upon the Terms Proposed, viz. IT is not to be doubted, but that His Majesty of Great britain and Ireland is the Absolute Lord of the Seas flowing about, as an inseparable appendent of the british Empire. But, if any be to seek of Satisfaction therein, such may have recourse to a Treatise Written about the Year 1635. by that Famous and Learned Antiquary, John Selden; entitled, mere Clausum, &c. Translated into English, in Anno, 1663. and Published under the Title of mere Clausum: Or, The Right and Dominion of the Sea. If that be too Voluminous, the same is Epitomized in a lesser Volume, and entitled, His Majesties Propriety and Dominion in the british Seas, Asserted. And the same is yet more succinctly Evinced, by that Learned Knight, Sir John boroughs( sometime Keeper of the Records of the Tower of London) who hath not only cleared the Right, by Records, Histories, and the Municipal Laws of this Kingdom, in his Treatise written in Anno, 1633. But also other Important matters relating thereunto, Published in Anno, 1651. A Treatise worthy every English Mans perusal, who is desirous to be Informed of, and concerned in the Fishery Affairs. But this is not our present Undertaking, farther than to set forth what Advantages may accrue to His Majesty and these Kingdoms, by a speedy and effectual setting upon, and engaging in the said Trade: Which has been by many Treatises recommended to the People of these Nations, from the Consideration of the Advantage and Facility of undertaking the same: As likewise, from the Absolute necessity thereof, in order to the Safety and Well-being both of the King and People. Which said Treatises, or some of them, may be had at several Booksellers Shops in this City and Westminster; And, in order to the readier finding of them out, the Titles of some of them are herein after mentioned, viz. Englands way to Win Wealth, and to Employ Ships and Mariners; Writtten by Tobias Gentleman and Printed in the Year 1614. Brittains Buss, Written by E. S. and Printed Anno, 1615. Reprinted. 1630. Sir Walter Rawleighs Observations, touching Trade and Commerce with the Hollanders and other Nations, in his Address to His Majesty, King James the 1st. 1618. Gerrard Malynes Treatise, called Lex Mercatoria, in his 47th. Chapter under the Title of, The Fishing Trade, Anno. 1636. The Seas Magazine opened, Written by a Person of Honour, Printed 1653. The Trade and Fishing of Great britain displayed, by Captain John Smith. 1661. The Royal Trade of Fishing. Printed Anno, 1662. John Keymor's Observations made upon the Dutch Fishing, about the Year 1601. Printed for Sir Edward Ford, Anno. 1664. The Royal Fishing Revived, &c. 1670. A Discourse of the Fishery, by Sir Roger LeStrange, Anno. 1674. A Discourse of Salt and Fishery, Written by John Collins, 1682. These things Premised, We shall in the next place set forth what has been done in order to the Promoting and Encouraging this Trade, viz. His late Majesty King CHARLES the Second,( That an Affair of such a National Concern might be the better promoted) was pleased by his Letters Patents under the great Seal of England, bearing Date the 25th. day of September, in the 29th. Year of His Reign; To Constitute His Royal Highness James Duke of York, Thomas Earl of Danby( now Duke of Leeds) and several other Persons of Honour, and others therein name; and such others as thereafter from time to time should be admitted into their Company and Society, to be Traders and Adventurers with them; To be One body politic and Corporate in dead and in Name, By the Name of The Company of the Royal Fishery of England; To have perpetual Succession: Thereby also giving and granting unto the said Company and their Successors, divers Beneficial Clauses, Powers, privileges and Immunities; In order to the better Government of the said Company, and Management of their Affairs: An Abstract whereof here followeth, viz. To purchase Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, and to dispose thereof to the value of One Thousand Pounds per Annum. To have and use a Common Seal in and for all causes and businesses of the said Company. To Assemble and meet together for carrying on their Affairs; And, particularly To Elect and Appoint a governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, and 12. Committees Yearly for a Court of Assistants: Who, or any 3. or more of them,( whereof the governor, Sub-Governour, or deputy-governor, to be always one) are thereby authorised and empowered, according to such Rules, Orders and Directions, as should from time to time be made and given unto them, by the General Court of the said Company; And for want of such Orders, Rules and Directions, from time to time To Manage, Govern and Direct all the Affairs and Business of the said Company, and all their Ministers and Servants whatsoever; And Generally To Act and Do in all matters and things whatsoever as they should judge necessary and Expedient to the well Ordering and Government of the said Company, and the Improvement of their joint Stock and Trade: And To Do, Enjoy, Perform and Execute, all the said Powers, Authorities, privileges, Acts and Things, in like Manner, to all intents and purposes, as if the same were done at, and by a General Court of the said Company. That before they entred upon the Execution of their respective Offices and Employments, they were to take their Corporal Oaths, for their true and Faithful Execution of their Respective Trusts and Places, before the Lord High chancellor of England, or chancellor of His Majesties Court of Exchequer. After which, the said Court of Assistants, or any 3. of them as aforesaid, are authorised to Administer an Oath of Fidelity to the succeeding governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, and any Subsequent Members of the said Company; and to all inferior Officers, Ministers and Servants, that shall be Chosen and Employed under them in the Service of the said Company. The said Court of Assistants, or any 7. or more of them as aforesaid( as often as they shall find occasion) may Summon a General Court of the said Company; and no Assembly or Meeting of the said Company shall be deemed or accounted a General Court of the same Company, unless the governor, Sub-Governour, or deputy-governor, Six of the Committees and Five other Members of the said Company( at least) be present. That such General Court may admit other Persons to be Members of the said Company; and may Increase, Contract or divide their joint Stock, as they shall think fit. And may make, Ordain and Establish, such, and so many Good, Necessary, and Reasonable Laws, Ordinances, Orders, and Constitutions, as to them, or the greatest part of them, shall seem necessary and Convenient, for the good Government of the said Company, and their Affairs: And the same Laws, &c. may put in Ure and Execution, and at their pleasure Revoke, Alter, and make New. They may impose and set such Mulcts and Amerciaments upon the Breakers of such Laws, as to them, in their Discretions shall be thought reasonable, which shall be put in Execution by the Court of Assistants; To and for the use of the Company, &c. Or, they may Remit, Pardon or Release the same, upon the parties Submission, at their Will and Pleasures. Upon Conviction of any Misdemeanour, they may remove Offenders, and choose others in their Places, at such General Court of the Company. That the Members of the Company may, from time to time, Grant, Transfer, and Assign, all, or any part of their respective Stocks in the said Company; and the Procede and Profit thereof. They may from time to time, Build, rig, Man, Victual and Set out to Sea, such, and so many Doggers, Busses, and other Fishing Vessels, as by the Company or Court of Assistants shall be thought fit and convenient. They may Fish in, and upon all the Coasts, Estuaries, In-lets, Creeks, Arms of the Sea, Nooks, Lakes, and public Rivers, of, within, and belonging to His Majesties Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, or any of them; or any other of His Majesties Dominions, whereof the Fishings are not already Granted, Appropriated, or belonging to some other particular or private Person or Persons, Bodies politic or Corporate: And likewise in, and upon the Main Sea, or any part thereof. They have Granted unto them, free and full Liberty, to carry and Transport their Fish, and oil made of Fish, to all Ports, Places and Markets, both in England and beyond the Seas; and also to Sell the same there, for ready Money, or by way of Barter and Exchange for any other Commedities. They are empowered to Erect Store-Houses, Granaries, Ware-Houses and Work-Houses; and to dry and amend their Nets, and make Ropes; and also to build and make wharves and Docks, in, upon, and out of any of the Wastes, Commons, or Waste-Grounds of His Majesty, His Heirs, and Successors, adjoining unto, or upon any public Rivers or Seas, within any of His Majesties Dominions, without paying or rendering any Rent or Duty whatsoever unto His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors for the same. Also, that all and every the Masters, Skippers and Steersmen of the several Doggers, Busses, and other Fishing-Vessels of the Company, and their Ships Crews, Mariners, Fisher-Men, and others Employed by the said Company, in and about their said Fishery; as well Foreigners, as Natives and Subjects, &c. And during their respective Employments, shall not be empaneled, Summoned, or Sworn, or compelled by any Sheriff, bailiff, or other Officer of His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, to serve on any Juries or Inquests, at Westminster, the Assizes, Sessions, or Elsewhere. They have also Granted to them by His said Majesty, Twenty Pounds for each and every respective Dogger which they then had, & were owners of; and which within, and during the term and space of 7. Years from the date of the said Patent, they, & their Successors, should Build, or cause to be Built in England, or any other His Majesties Dominions; The same to be Paid Quarterly, out of the customs within the Port of London, &c. without any other or further Warrant or Direction, from His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, in that behalf, &c. They have also Granted unto them, and their Successors, All and singular privileges in the City of London, as fully and freely as any Company of Merchants Established by Letters Patents, or Charters theretofore Granted by His Majesty, or any of His Predecessors, at present do or may have, Use or Enjoy; Also, That all and singular Admirals, Vice-Admirals, General Commanders, Captains, Mayors, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Customers, Collectors, Searchers, controllers, waiters, and all other Officers, Ministers, Liege Men, and Subjects of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors whatsoever, from time to time and at all times thereafter shall be, in and by all things aiding, Helping and Assisting, unto the said Company, and their Successors, their Factors, Agents and Servants, and every of them, in the Execution and Enjoyment of the Premises, as well on Land as by Sea, whensoever they or any of them shall be thereunto desired, as they tender His Majesties good Will and Pleasure, and will Answer the contrary at their Peril. And lastly, His Majesty doth Grant, That these His Majesties Letters Patents, and all & singular the Grants, Clauses, and things therein contained, and expressed, should be, and continue firm, valid, good, sufficient, and effectual in the Law; and should be Construed, Reputed, and taken, as well in the meaning, as to the Words and Expressions of the same, most Favourably, benignly and beneficially, to and for the best benefit and advantage of the said Company and their Successors: Any Omission, Incertainty, Defect, Imperfection, or Contrariety in the said Letters Patents contained; Or any Law, Statute, Act, Ordinance, Proclamation, Provison, or Restriction, or other cause matter or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof, in any wise Notwithstanding, &c. As in and by the said Letters Patents( Relation being thereunto had for the better certainty thereof) may more fully and at large appear. Now, A Few things touching the Proceedings of the Company thereupon; Briefly, viz. THE Company thus Established, Divers particular Members thereof Advanced and Paid in thereupon( at First) a Stock of 10980 l. and after that, about 1600 l. more; All which was laid out, in Buying, Equipping, and setting forth Fishing Vessels, &c. and Employing them in Prosecuting the said Fishery Affairs. But that Undertaking was rendered In-effectual, and their said Stock Exhausted and Consumed:[ Not by any thing arising from the nature of the thing itself( as is apparent by the Experience the said Company had in having taken and imported in One of their Doggers, in a Voyage of Three Weeks, Thirty Two Thousand Gods; and proportionably thereunto, in several other of their Vessels. And, by the Advantage made of the like undertaking by our Neighbours; which shall be demonstrated by some Narrative thereof, with particular Enumeration of their successses, in what follows] But, By that ill Juncture of Affairs, wherein the Dutch and Spaniards were Engaged in War with the French, who seized the Vessels and goods of the Company, as Dutch, Being some, or most of them Dutch-Built, and manned by Dutch-Men: And principally, Because The Stock was not sufficient to Support so great an Undertaking, in case of any Mis-adventure. Whereupon, The prosecuting of the said Affair and Trade was under suspense for some time, and not thought fit to be Engaged in, but with a more considerable Stock: which was afterwards endeavoured, By a New Subscription Designed and Agreed by the then Company, to the Value of Sixty Thousand Pounds; But, By Reason of the Death of His said late Majesty, King Charles the 2d. and the Troubles Ensuing, the same was thought fit to be suspended for some farther time. And, The Company, about 3. Years since( conceiving it might be seasonably undertaken) Assembled for putting their former Design in Execution; And, Finding Encouragement from the readiness of divers Persons to join therein, upon certain Proposals for a Subscription; such, as( in case of like Losses of some few Vessels) the said Affair might notwithstanding be carried on, without the discouragement of being to seek of a Stock ready: They have been waiting ever since for a fitting season, wherein they might Humbly Address themselves to His Majesly, and both the Honourable Houses of Parliament, for their further Encouraging this undertaking. And in the Interim, Have spent their time, and taken much pains in and about the consideration and preparation of such a Constitution, Laws and Rules, for Management and Governing of their Affairs, And Framing such Proposals of Terms and Conditions, for Admitting Persons into the said Company, to be Members, Traders and Adventurers with them therein, as,( by discoursing others) they hope will be sufficiently encouraging to Subscriptions for the raising such Stock for that purpose; And, whereby His Majesty and the Parliament may be the better satisfied, That Persons of Honour, Interest, Estates, and public Spirits are jointly become engaged to carry on the same, as far as the nature of such an Affair will admit. The Company have thereupon thought fit to cause, as well the said Letters Patents, as the said Constitution, and terms of Subscription, to be fairly engrossed at large in Books, and Lodged in convenient Places within the City of London and Westminster, to be Perused, Considered, and Subscribed accordingly. And, Forasmuch as, All have not the conveniency of resorting to such Places, And, That the Affair may become as National as may be; The Company have thought fit, likewise, To prepare, and cause the Abstracts thereof to be printed and published; To the end, all Persons may have the Contents thereof before them, and may apply themselves to make such Subscriptions( at the Places Appointed for that purpose) as they shall think fit, on those Terms: Which are as followeth, viz. First, The Abstract of the said Constitution: entitled, A Constitution, Model, or Frame and Method for Government and Managing of the Trade and Affairs of The Company of the Royal Fishery of England; As also some Rules and Laws, necessary to be observed by the Persons concerned in the Improvement of the Stock, &c. Sect. 1. THAT the Chief Government of the Company, shall be in, and consist of A governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, and 12. Committees( whereof 4. to be called Directors, and 8. Masters) And also of 15. Assistants, viz. To each of them, One. Also, 8. Wardens, and 25. Commissioners or Agents for Scotland and Ireland; And as many of the other Members of the Company as shall from time to time be agreed to be admitted; who, or any 15. or more of them,( together with the governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, and their Respective Assistants, or One of them, to be present; 5. or more of the Committees, 5. or more of the Assistants, and 5. or more of the other Members of the Company) are to have the chief Power of making Laws, and ordering the whole Affairs of the Company, in their General Courts. Sect 2. That there shall be a Court of Assistants, to Consist of The governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor; the 12. Committees, and their 15. Assistants; who, or any 7. or more of them( whereof the governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, or their respective Assistants to be always One: 3. of the said Committees, and 3. of the said Assistants) are to have the chief Directing and Managing of the Affairs of the Company, By their Orders: And, For want of such Orders, may Do and Execute all things, as the general Court may. Sect. 3. That for the more distinct and Regular Management of the said Affairs; The said Court of Assistants are divided into 4. Chambers, viz. ( 1.) The Fishery-Chamber; Which is to consist of The governor, Sub-Governour, Deputy-Governor, and their respective Assistants, or One of them; One Director and his Assistant, 2. Masters and their Assistants, and 2. Wardens: Who, or any 3. or more of them to be a Quorum, are to Act and Execute by Rules and Instructions under the Seal of the Company, and not otherwise. ( 2.) The Stock or Store-Chamber, To consist of like Number, and to Act by like Instructions. ( 3.) The Treasury or Cash Chamber, To consist of like Number, and to Act by like Instructions. ( 4.) The Accompt-Chamber, To consist of like Number, and to Act by like Instructions. Sect. 4. There shall be other 28. Members of the Company, who shall be called Agents, or Officers, and be employed in the respective 4. Chambers, as they shall be directed by the Court of Assistants. Sect. 5. That the Nomination and Election of the governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, and 12. Committees shall be in, and by the general Court Annually; Save that not above 5. of them shall be removed in any one Year but for just Causes expressed, &c. The 8. Wardens, and other Agents, Officers, or Commissioners, for England, Scotland, and Ireland, to be Nominated by the Court of Assistants, or Sixteen of them. Sect. 6. That within 20. days after Publication of Subscriptions of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds, A General Court shall be called, for Election of a Sub-Governour, or deputy-governor, and 4. Committees, by the New Subscribers: And, afterwards, Elections to be made on the 30th. of November Yearly: wherein not above 5. Committees to be removed as aforesaid. Sect. 7. The Articles, terms or Conditions, touching the Admitting of Persons into the Company, Are confirmed, as a part of the Constitution, Inviolably to be observed. Sect. 8. That all Subscribers who shall not be chosen for Managers, &c. Shall be denominated as Traders or Adventurers; And their respective shares both as to Profit and Loss, Yearly stated and determined, as other the Stock of the Company. Sect. 9. That no Member of the Company after the 30th. November next-after Subscriptions are completed, shall have any Vote in Elections, or making Laws, &c. who shall not have Five Hundred Pounds Subscribed, &c. in the Stock: Nor any Person be admitted a Member of the Court of Assistants, who shall not have One Thousand Pound Subscribed, &c. Sect. 10. One Tenth part of the clear neat Profits is appointed to be set apart for bearing the Charges of the Company, Court of Assistants and 4. Chambers, &c. Also to pay salaries, &c. to the Managing-Members, Officers or Servants: And the distributions and proportions of each are thereby settled. Sect. 11. The accounts of Profit and Loss are to be Yearly stated, by the Officers in the Accompt-Chamber: Each Year to end on the 10th. of June. The Court of Assistants are to Examine and Report the same to the general Court, on the 10th. of September following, And Nine of them to sign the brief Account thereof; And each ones share of profits to be paid amongst the Persons concerned. Sect. 12. In case of Loss in any one Year, The Stock is to be made good out of the next, before any Dividend or Apportionment to Managers, Officers, &c. Save that, Servants salaries or Wages of 30 l. per Annum and under, may be advanced out of the Stock, and reimbursed out of the next Years profits; And in case the profits of any first Years shall not Amount to 100 l. each share, the same shall also be made up out of the After-years profits assigned for that purpose. Sect. 13. Mentions, In what cases Persons may be dismissed their Offices and Employments; And, that the general Court or Court of Assistants judgement shall be Final for the determination thereof. Sect. 14. Sets the Fines on such as shall absent themselves from their attendance when Summoned, Or upon Adjournments; Or for not attending so many Hours as shall be agreed upon: Unless in case of Corporal Illness, or Licence from their respective Chambers. Sect. 15. Directs the Custody of the Larger Seal, as also of the Letters Patents, Deeds, Evidences of Lands granted to the Company, to be kept Locked up in the Treasury Chamber, under two Locks; whereof the governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, and Director, to have the Keys of One, and their respective Assistants of the other: Who are to produce the same upon all occasions of the Company or Court of Assistants. Also, that the Trustees, And each Chamber, The Secretary of the Company, And the respective Commissioners or Agents for Scotland, and Ireland to have one of the lesser Seals, to be used by them respectively in the Companies Service. Sect. 16. If any differences shall arise Between the Members of the Court of Assistants, or several Chambers relating to the Companies Affairs, They are to be determined by the general Court, &c. And the refusers to submit thereto, to be dismissed their Offices and Employments. Sect. 17. The Seven Trustees are name, And 3. of the other Assistants; The other 5. Assistants are to be Elected by them, Out of such as shall become Subscribers to the New Stock of the Company: Their after-Nomination and Succession is also agreed to be in, by, and amongst themselves, or the mayor part of the whole Fifteen. Sect. 18. The governor, Sub-Governour, deputy-governor, Committees, Assistants, And all Subscribers, before they be admitted into any Trust, or Office in the Company, are to declare their approbation of, and acquiesceing in the Constitution, And all after-Constitutions, Laws and Rules of the Company; as is more at large therein expressed. Secondly. The Abstract of the forementioned Articles, Terms, or Conditions, touching Subscriptions: entitled, Articles, Terms or Conditions upon which All and Singular, Person and Persons of what Quality so ever within the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c. may be admitted into the Company of the Royal Fishery of England, or be Traders or Adventurers with them. 1. THAT whosoever shall Subscribe, and pay in any sum or sums of Money towards a joint Stock for carrying on the Trade of the said Company, shall be Admitted into the same; And have and receive all the Benefits and Advantages thereof, Subject to the Constitution, Laws and Rules of the said Company: And these Articles, Terms, and Conditions, &c. 2. That the Sum designed to be at present Subscribed, be Three Hundred Thousand Pounds. Whereof One Hundred Thousand Pounds by the surviving Patentees, their Heirs and Assigns, and the other present Members: And Two Hundred Thousand Pounds more by other persons. The same to be paid into the Treasury of the said Company, in manner following, viz. The first Tenth part thereof to be paid within Thirty Dayes from and after Notice or Publication of the completing the Subscriptions of the said 300000 l. or of 150000 l. at least, in part thereof. One Tenth part more within 3. Months next after their respective first Payments: And the other Remaining Eight Tenth parts, By Eight equal next successive Quarterly Payments. 3. That One Tenth part of each Sum so Subscribed, shall be appropriated to and for the use of the said Trustees, And of such other Persons as they shall judge have heretofore been, or may hereafter be useful for, or in promoting the Interest and Service of the Company, without account. So as the same neverthel●ss shall be and remain in the Stock, for carrying on the Trade thereof: And the remaining Nine parts, To and for the Sole use and benefit of the Respective Subscribers, their Executors, Administrators, and Assigns. 4. That whatsoever further Sums shall, at any time hereafter, be thought fit by the Company to be Subscribed and paid in, for increasing the said Stock, shall be in like manner subject to the payment of the like Tenth part, &c. for, or toward the Re-imbursement of the Subscribers said Tenth part of the said 300. Thousand Pounds. 5. That whosoever shall Subscribe and pay in his first Payment, and shall not make his second, or any after Payments, by the respective times before Limited, shall forfeit his first payment to the use of the Company; and have Credit only for such after payments as he shall make. 6. That all shares or sums amounting to 50 l. and Assignments thereof, shall be Entred and registered and Certificates thereof, Exemplyfied under the Sea be given for the same, to such Persons as shall desire it. 7. That no Person shall be hereafter admitted a Member of the Company, unless he shall at the time of his Subscription, declare his approbation of, and submitting to these Articles, and engage himself to observe and keep the same Inviolably: And also All such Constitutions, Laws and Rules of the Company as they have or shall make for the Management and Regulation of their Trade, pursuant to the Letters Patents, and the present Constitution. Thirdly, For the present further Encouragement of all Persons that shall engage herein; The Company hath also thought fit to cause to be subjoined, A Brief Account of what they find written by several Persons in Commendation of such an Undertaking, As well for the Honour, Strength and Security of his Majesty, as the Private Advantages of the particular Persons Subscribing: Grounded especially on an Estimate of the good Success of our Neighbours, in such an Undertaking; who have Experienced, and Proclaimed this Fishery to overbalance in Riches and Glory The Golden Mines of the Indies: which, carries with it the virtue of a Demonstration to such as shall Consider the same: Which account thereof hath been collected and tendered to the Company, and hath been also Examined, Considered and Allowed by them, under the Title following, viz. Some Preliminary Considerations and Advertisements towards Induceing and Encouraging, The Company of the Royal Fishery of England, &c. By a joint Stock to carry on the Trade and Affairs thereof, viz. I. THE Adavntages thereof may have Demonstration and Evidence, By the great Power, Wealth and Riches, which others have arrived unto thereby; In Multitudes of Ships and Sea-men Employed therein, &c. ( 1.) In Shipping, which is Estimated to be at least 10000. Vessels, employed in Fishing and Trading therewith. ( 2.) In mariners, and Persons employed thereby; computed by amoderate proportion of Ten for each Vessel,( one with another) which comes to at least One Hundred Thousand Persons, besides Men of War. ( 3.) In Towns and Fortifications: upon which vast sums of Money have been Expended, to their strength and glory. ( 4.) In Power abroad; whereby they have gained other Considerable Countries, Islands and Dominions: Even in both the Indies. II. Their Wealth also is considerable, in the particulars following, viz. ( 1.) Their public Revenue, consisting of at least 300000 l. per Annum, by the Sole customs of Herring, Besides by all other Fishings and Trade. ( 2.) Their Trade by Fish, Enables them to Deal and Truck with all Nations for their Commodities, and bring away their Moneys. ( 3.) Their private Wealth Advanced to many Millions Yearly, amongst their Merchants, Artificers, &c. By the Fishing Trade only. ( 4.) Their Provisions and Stores of all sorts, Sufficient for supply both of themselves in War and Peace; and of their Neighbours, to great advantage, &c. Whereas, on the Contrary, ( 1.) We have not one Ship of War Built or Maintained thereby. ( 2.) Nor mariners bread up, or very few comparatively, of equal Skill, Hardiness or Strength, for Labour and Service. ( 3.) Nor Towns nor Fortifications, But all our Fishing Towns almost decayed. ( 4.) Nor Trade by Fish Considerable, but Buy, and are supplied by our Neighbours at so dear Rates, as none but Persons of great Estates can eat Fish, &c. ( 5.) The Decay of many Manufactures relating to that Trade, viz. Of Sail-Cloth, Ropes, Cables, Ancors, Nets, &c. ( 6.) The Consumption of our coin sent abroad, for these necessaries, &c. which, by this Trade would be prevented, and Coin exceedingly increased, &c. Quest. If it be Demanded: What advantages may be made to His Majesty by His undertaking, encouraging and Protecting this Fishery Trade, in Future, within and upon his own Dominions, &c. Answer. In general, By this His Majesty may be rendered the the Greatest Monarch in the World, For Command and Wealth. 2. All the forementioned Advantages made by others may be ours; and we become the most Opulent and Flourishing Nation under the Heavens. In Particular, we should be provided with, 1. Increase of Ships and Multitudes of mariners, and those of the most skilful; And hardiest for Labour, Strength, and Courage. 2. Our Towns and Fortifications, Especially such as have been destroyed, or neglected through the Decay of the Fishery and Manufactures, will become reedified, and Populated. 3. Our Power Abroad as well as at Home will be upheld, And new Territories planted, and secured against Attempts or Conquests by foreigners. 4. Our public Revenues Augmented, Even to a sufficiency of preserving His Majesties Sovereignity and Dominion of these Seas against all Encroachments. 5. Our Trade will be vastly spread and increased, in all parts of the World, by the Fish wherewith His Majesties Seas and Dominions do abound: Even to many unknown, or at least untraded parts. 6. Our private Trade will afford vast Wealth to our Merchants, employ our Poor and Idle People in the Manufactures attending this Trade; which will also both Cloath and Feed them: For, Their Earnings will enable them to buy both, &c. and save the vast collections made every Year for their maintenance in Idleness and Sloth. 7. We may become the Mart of all Trade; and Furnished at all times with Magazines, and Stores of all sorts both for War and Peace: For ourselves and our Neighbors, &c. Being better situated for Markets than any other Trading-Nation whatsoever: Having this Additional Staple Commodity to our other Manufactures, wherewith to procure the same, &c. Quest. If it be enquired, How shall this be disposed and Accomplished so as to Prevent former Miscarriages and Discouragements? Answ. 1. By making a present Entrance upon this Trade, By The Company of the Royal Fishery of England, &c. And incourageing such as shall contrive and diligently promote the same. 2. By a Large Stock proposed to be advanced by Subscriptions, for carrying on the same, to the utmost Extent it will bear. 3. By His Majesties and the Parliaments further Grants of aid, Countenance and Encouragements to the Company; Such as may be propounded with little or no Diminution to his Majesties present Revenues, or Grievance to the People. 4. By Nobles, Members of Parliament, and Council, Subscribing and Countenancing Subscriptions for the inlargeing this Stock, in their respective Countreys. Obj. If it be objected: 'Tis a time of War, And a Stock may be soon lost if it should be now undertaken. Answ. 1. It may be hoped the War will have an end. But, 2. There are several things requisite to be prepared and provided: And several Manufactures, Relating to the Trade, and to be Erected, And Persons to be Trained up and employed therein, for some time, before it can be set on Foot( after the Stock is Provided) in which the Stock, as it comes in gradually, will be improved, for the present to the Adventurers Advantage, for their Encouragement to begin the same. 3. There are several Fishing Places so situated, as that they may be made use of very profitably, without considerable if any Hazard, Loss or Damage; for that, Some Vessels will seldom need to lie or Labour out of sight and protection of our own Shores. 4. If some Vessels should be Lost, The Stock being great, and managed by a Corporation for a joint account, The Damage would scarce be felt; and soon Recovered in so gainful a Trade. 5. A small Convoy or Guard, on such Coasts will secure them. 6. The Letters Patents provide for Guards and Convoys. Obj. We cannot Build our Vessels, or Sail them, nor Manage our Affairs to that Advantage, that our Neighbours can, &c. Ans. 1. Many such Objections have been cast in, and probably will be revived to discourage the undertaking; But, Satisfaction may be given touching those Vulgar Errors, were it Seasonable to expose the Methods and Ways which the Company have under Consideration, for obviating of them: And the same is in a great Measure already done, By Sir Roger Le Strange, in his forementioned Treatise. 2. It is the Nations Interest to Assist and Encourage the undertaking by such means as have been suggested already from the Letters Patents; And which we are well Assured the Parliament will Super-add to Our Stock, for the rendering our Charge in Building, &c. as easy as may be. 3. The Parliament( in and by the Act for settling the Duty of Salt on His Majesty) hath already provided for allowance of our having the Charge on Salt to be repaid, viz. 2 s. 6 d per Barrel for all that shall be Exported: Besides, what hath been further done by several other Acts of Parliament formerly made concerning the Fishery, whereby the Company may be Enabled to out-do them in all Points Relating to that Matter. Quest. What will be the Ordinary Charge of Building and Equipping a Fishing Vessel of about 70. Tun for the first Year; and so, afterwards for 20. Years, in Repairing and Amending the same: And also the ordinary annual Profits thereof, over and above the Churges, including Victuals, &c. for each Fishing Season? Ans. None may presume on what depends on Gods Providence and Blessing in the prudent Managing of this Affair, more than of other Martime and Merchantly Adventures. But, Computing the particulars by the Ordinary Profit and Loss from others observations and Experience, It may be Reasonably expected Such inquiries may be thus Resolved, viz.   l. s. d. First, The Charge of first Building, Setting out, and Wages for One Year, is Computed to Amount to about 1332: 09: 08 The Produce of that Years Fishing, is ordinarily Estimated at, about 2250: 00: 00 Consequently The Neat Profit of the first Year,( all Charges deducted) will be 0917: 10: 04 Secondly. The After Yearly Charges for 20. Years( all Charges deducted) will be( Communibus annis) but 0928: 19: 08 Consequently the Neat Profit of each After Year( and so for 20. Years) will be per Annum, 1321: 00: 04 All which may be made appear by the Particular Estimate following, viz.   l. s. d. THE Building of such a Dogger or Duss will Cost about 0403: 10: 00   l. s. d. The Furniture, with Necessaries common to other Ships, viz. Victuals, &c. 217: 19: 02 The Nets, Tools, &c. Proper for a 12 Ms Fishery, viz. For Herring, 242: 09: 06 256: 19: 06 The Hooks and Lines for Cod and Ling 014: 10: 00 0928: 19: 08 For both Fishings, Casks and Salt 221: 00: 00 For Wages for 6 Months, or 24. Weeks for the Herring Fishing Season 088: 15: 00 For 7. other Months or 28. Weeks, for the Cod and Ling Season 103: 02: 06 233: 01: 00 For Wages, Gratuities, &c. at Land, for General Officers, &c. Yearly 041: 03: 06 So the Total Charge of Building and Equipping one Buss or Dogger for the first Year, will be, as above 1332: 09: 08 Whereof the 233 l. 10 s. above-mentioned is not disbursed till return of the Vessel. The produce of this Vessels Employment for one Year, is Ordinarily computed thus, viz. One Hundred Lasts of Herrings, Each containing 10. Barrels, worth de claro 1000: 00: 00 2250: 00: 00 Out of which said 2250 l. deducting the Charges of Building, &c. which Amounts, as above, to 1332: 09: 08 The Neat produce thereof for the first Year, will be, as above 0917: 10: 04 The Next Years produce, computed at about 2250: 00: 00 Out of which, deducting the same full charges( except for building) which Amounts to about 0928: 19: 08 The standing eat Yearly Profit for the said 20. Years, will be ( per Ann.) about 1321: 00: 04 But supposing( for Round-reckoning) yet not admitting, That the 321 l. 00 s. 04 d. per Annum be struck off, and deducted thereout, For Extraordinary Losses, Damages, Hazards and expenses, For Buildings, Ship-wrecks, Repairs, Ware and Tare, &c. There will still Remain of Clear Profits, per Annum, for every such Vessel— 1000 l. One half whereof were Sufficient Gain, For Encouraging the Undertaking: Yea one Quarter. FINIS.