TO THE PARLIAMENT. The most humble Remonstrance of Sr. Balthazar Gerbier Kt.  
Showeth,  
WHereas your humble Remonstrant after his long and incessant attendance on the leisure of a Committee (once appointed by the council of State) to receive such of his tenders as do concern this commonwealth's service; and that he cannot be persuaded that some of his said tenders may any longer remain with him unreflectedon: He doth therefore enbolden himself (in all due reverence) to present in this humble Remonstrance, a Summary abstract of the several Papers, which by the foresaid Committees order he was enjoined to prepare for their serious inspection, and by them to be reported unto the council of State; that so they might seasonably be offered unto the Parliament. And whereas, the council of States last Order, dated the 19 of October 1650. appointed that the former Committee, should consider of your Remonstrants' proposals; and make a special report unto them of the state of the Flanders Debt: Your humble Remonstrant, doth therefore conceive that particular to be the most properest for him to begin withal: And therefore humbly saith thus much thereon, viz.  
First, That as the Inhabitants of certain Cautionary 
The state of the Flanders Debt consisting of seven millions of pounds.  Towns of Brabant and Flanders (as well as the several Heirs of such as were in those times) the States of those parts, are obliged to make payment unto the the English Nation of such moneys (together with its Use) as were lent unto them by Queen Elizabeth: So in like manner, that the said Debt must of necessity be claimed, at every change of Government as long as it is unpaid; for that orherwaies the said Cautionary Towns, and the Debtors heirs will plead a prescription, and consequently a Non-vallity.  
Therefore Queen Elizabeth, King James, and the late King observed the same necessary course; and caused their Agents to lay a public claim to the Debt. And whereas the said Debtors apprehending the said Debt exorbitant increase by reason of its being so long unpaid (when as they had cleared such like debts which at the same time they had made with other Princes) they having been legally summoned by late Mr. Trumball, the English Agent in those parts; And finally by your humble Remonstrant, during his being Resident at Brussels: Those which aimed at the best husbanding of that Debt, did make a proposition by secret friends of theirs, to come to a composition with the late King thereon; and they were some of those who treated in secret with your humble Remonstrant, about the putting off those Provinces into the protection of the English Nation: And as it seems, the said propounders had some particular Interest therein; for that they proffered unto your humble Remonstrant, no less than a gratuity of 30000 pounds in case he could move 
Thirty thousand pounds gratuity offered for a composition on the Flanders debt.  the late King to have condescended unto a favourable composition, on the total; for that by reason of the many years, wherein the said moneys were lent unto them, the non payment thereof (and the increase of the double Use) hath raised it to such an exorbitant sum, that those Cautionary Towns, nor the said States Heirs might perchance not be able to make it good; although the said Towns, and the said States Heirs stand obliged to all perpetuity, to make payment thereof: When as they neither can, nor will be born out of the non payment of the same by their King, nor by any of his governors in those parts; for that they did formerly pass the said Debt in their accounts, to their said King, who allowed thereof; and whereby the said Cautionary Towns, and the Heirs of those States made it their own. In which regard, it happened that the late arch-duchess 
The late Arch Duchesses declaration touching the Flanders Debt.  Isabel, (taking notice of the justice of the late King's claim) declared unto the said Debtors, That they were bound to give a present satisfaction thereon to the English Nation; for that she neither could nor would excuse them in the contrary.  
Now the exorbitant sum whereunto the said Debt doth at present amount (by reason as aforesaid of the long forbearance, and of the Use upon Use) is Seven Millions of pound; as it doth appear by an exact Arethmetical calculation thereon.  
And whereas the renewing of the said claim is but a matter of for mality, of no considerable charges, nor disadvantageous consequences to this State; For that when as the said claim shall have been renewed, the same may as then, at its own leisure press the Debtors to make payment thereof, or defer the same as long as they shall think fitting.  
Your humble Remonstrant hath therefore so incessantly attended to give this due account thereon; to the end, that the Parliament being truly informed thereof, might as then do therein, as unto their great wisdom it should seem best.  
So likewise did your humble Remonstrant insert his humble proffer on this particular, in the account which he was to give them, viz. That if so be the Parliament (who in all its proceedings hath manifested a matchless care, in the heeding of all the rights which are due to the English Nation) would be pleased to permit, that their Act (not inferior to the decrees of the Parthes and Medes) allowing a certain proportion to such as shall disclose and recover any concealed Debt, may stand in force, and extend itself as well to your humble Remonstrant as to others; 
The Remonstrants' request on the Flanders Debt.  who by their fidelity and zeal, have rendered themselves capable of the Parliaments Justice and Favour; He might as then, to wit (after the claim of the said Debt shall have been renewed) undertake (at his own cost and peril) to procure a due satisfaction unto this State for the said Debt.  
But in case the Parliament should not conceive the said Debt to come within the Verge of concealed Debts (although your humble Remonstrant disclosed the same; and that by his care and diligence the Original Bonds were brought unto the Lord President of the council of State: Your humble Remonstrant doth thereon submit himself to the sense of his 
The original Bonds secured by the Remonstrants' means.  betters; and cannot choose but again represent (as he formerly did) his readiness to manifest unto any person in whom this State can best confide, the necessary 
The Remonstrants offer concerning the Flanders Debt.  particulars for the said Debts recovery. And if such a one shall be thought fit to accompany your humble Remonstrant unto Machlen in Brabant, he may be both an Eye and Ear witness of your humble Remonstrants proceeding, in the renewing of the said Debts claim in the high Court of Justice there and be brought acquainted with those secret Persons, who once before proffered the thirty thousand, pounds gratuity for a Composition; to the end that by their means (in case they are as wise and wary now as they were then) the said Debtors might be wrought into a fair composition for the capital with this commonwealth; since as above said, the State is in possession of the Original Bonds.  
And in this manner, all such advantages as the Debtors might make use of, to prevent this Nation in its right to the said Debt, will be renewed; as also their pleading that this commonwealth's silence therein hath rendered the same invalid; so likewise will it preserve this commonwealth's Title, and procure against any one whosoever, that shall be found to be in possession of the said Town.  
Secondly, Whereas your humble Remonstrant did 
A French secret design agitated in a Cabinet council against the English by the means of the Port of Dunkirk.  during his late being in France, observe how that there was a secret design much insisted upon, in the Cabinet council concerning the Town and Port of Dunkirk, in case their affairs, (which have been much imbroiled ever since) should permit a breach with this commonwealth, to wit; how that Harbour might be made use of, especially the Channel, which in Dutch, is called the Scheurken, to contain Squadrons of Men of War, as well as of fire and massonned mine Ships, thence for to set upon the English shipping at Sea; or, on the Coasts, as well as into Ports and Havens of this Land: Nay, to make up as high as London bridge (as Canutus the Dane once did) notwithstanding the Block-houses, and several men of War which guarded the River: But also to make use of the Massoned mines in Ships, for to blow up that part of the Town, which is adjacent to the River; in the same manner, as the Duke of Parma did at the siege of Antwerp.  
Whereon your humble Remonstrant had in those 
A former design to destroy the Port of Dunkirk.  Papers (which were by him prepared for the Committees inspection) mentioned an expedient which he was to have put in practice, during the last breach between England▪ and Spain; whereby that Port of Dunkirk (as also the Channel, called the Scheurken) might have been rendered incapable to receive any Vessels, especially, such as might have proved destructive to their Christian neighbours;  
The which he thinks fit now again to reiterate, together 
The Remonstrants' proffers concerning the Port of Dunktrk.  with his zealous proffers to endeavour the same at all time; when as this commonwealth's service shall require it: The aforesaid expedients having in former times been approved of by the than Cabinet council, unto which the Lord Belface was called: And they had at the same time been put in execution by your humble Remonstrants' direction, had not the Wars between England and Spain been terminated whilst they were a preparing. So likewise the Massoned mine Ships were by your humble Remonstrant prepared, and would have taken the expected effects on the Dyke of Rochel, had they been conducted thither by men who minded actions more than discourse.  
Thirdly, as your humble Remonstrant hath observed 
The French & Hollanders undermining of the English cloth trade.  both in France and in Holland; That the French by their erecting of a cloth Manufacture at Zedan, and the practising of the same in many parts of Holland; the Hollanders especially have begotten such an esteem of their clothes among many Nations, as that in the very City of Paris, there are yearly vented more than eight thousand packs of clothes: When by the transportation of Fullers-earth (contrary to the Parliaments prohibiting the same) the English cloth-trade is likely to be much impaired: 
A Spanish overture whereby the cloth trade may be made more worth to the English then the gold Mines are to the Spanish.   
Your humble Remonstrant hereon called to mind a secret overture, which had been made by one Don Hennin (a Fleming by birth) one of the Secretaries for the foreign Languages in Spain, during the late Kings being at Madrid; and whereby the cloth-trade might be made more worth to the English Nation than the Golden, Mynes ever were or can be to the Spaniards: Besides, that by the said expedient, the Spanish Interest would be so considerably, and indisolvably fixed to that of the English Nation, as that the said Spaniards should never engage, or side with any other, on what consideration soever.  
Now this being so great a concernment (and that the profit thereof would prove matchless) when as 
The Remonstrants' proffer on the cloth trade.  it would prevent all other Nations in any of their designs against the English Cloth Staple: Your humble Remonstrant, by the aforesaid Committees appointment, did pen the state of that case, and proffers to render acceptable service on that particular to the English Nation.  
And proffered also to leave with this State certain 
The Remonstrants' proffers touching secret concernments.  secrets which had been by your humble Remonstrant concealed, in the same manner, as they had been revealed, by the above mentioned, Don Hennin unto the late Duke of Buckingham, by the which secrets, this commonwealth might (at its own opportunity) extend the power, and increase the wealth of the English Nation beyond that of any People; and even make good a prediction which is currant in remote parts (among such men, who alas! have not yet the knowledge of the true living God) Of the coming amongst them of a People with white complexions, and flaxen hair, who shall possess their country; at which time, it's also related, that the very Leaves of the Trees shall be as pure Gold. All which in case the said Don Hennin, might happily have conceived to be likely to have been made good by the English Nation: It's no wonder that he pitched upon the said Duke, to make the said discovery unto him. However, sure it was, that the said Don Hennin was poisoned by a black Spaniard, for his having communed with the said Duke thereon; and for his having manifested unto him such particulars, whereby any Gentleman as shall set forth with an easy equipage, shall not need to look after one kingdom, nor any experimented Merchant with the buying of negroes, nor Myne-masters with the heeding or preserving the lives of such as work therein, but to aim at that which Kelly in Queen Elizabeth's days, kept so close in his breast, as that the Qucen could not get aught out of him thereon, save an imperfect relation: Nor shall any such undertakers need to bend their course towards a sponken of river, and get up as far therein as a third-fal off a torrent from the top of mountains▪ at the backside of which, other Nations gather gold; wherewithal these shall no sooner have filled their Bags, but that at the same time several Nations (whereof those of the West Indian Company in Holland, are like to be of the number) will endeavour to make towards them▪ and to dispossess them of their rivulets, unless the undertakers can carry a long with them so many Forts in their Ships, as may be at once, and the self same time planted (as it were) to guard that River.  
Don Hennins discoveries are in the first place so far beyond the known platform of descriptions and discoveries gathered out of Books, and taken upon common fame; as also of that which the famous Sr. Walter Raleigh, and unfortunate Captain Cavendish intended, as (though both of them have been very much traduced for that they were not upon Chim●ras, as the factious, which thirsted at that worthy persons life,) well knew; and who have ever since fortified several of their landing Ports, in their golden world.  
The said secrets so discovered by Don Hennin, remained ever since with your Remonstrant, who penned them even as Don Hennin declared them to the said Duke, who would have proceeded to the said undertaking, had he not been slain at Portsmouth.  
Moreover▪ whereas the aforesaid undertaking, requires not a fleet, nor such vast charges as may be conceived; so a private Gentleman with an ordinary association (that could make up a stock of some thousands of pounds) may go through therewith, without any venture of considerable loss; For as Merchants are not to seek, in the providing against casualties, even by their custom to ensure their Voyages, so likewise may such undertaking be secured.  
Finally, Let it be granted, that men cannot be cautious nor wary enough in making of objections, and Ifs? as the sickening of men and other casualties, whereby Ships are enforced to return: Why as then Merchants full well know, that the bare lading of some commodities, to serve as Ballast, might supply to satisfy those Ifs, and to make up a Voyage.  
And as your humble Remonstrant had just cause to conceal the said Don Hennins overtures, ever since he was entrusted with them; yet was it not for want of an Association within the circuit of Europe, who would gladly embrace such an opportunity, to make to the attaining of that which most men desire; but that in the first place, most men are as sawdust and Sand, which makes no good mortar; that few can be trusted, and few do aim at God's glory: And that in the second, Your humble Remonstrant was moved merely by a true zeal to the English Nation, amidst which, he hath spent above thirty three years of his life: with which your humble Remonstrant proffers to leave the secret of that undertaking, on such easy and reasonable terms (for as much as concerns only himself and his family) as may seem just to this commonwealth: So likewise doth he humbly conceive, that on this state's silence (which he shall take as a refusal thereon) he hath done his part; and that he still remains, as he ever was, a free man born, and in their regard a second Colomba.  
Fourthly, Your humble Remonstrant saith, that 
The Remonstrants tenders as have reference unto Credentals and Instructions concerning a party abroad.  having been required (from a great party abroad) to manifest unto this commonwealth, most certain secret concernments, the which are made apparent by the contents of Credentials, and other Papers, which have a reference thereunto; and the which have been entrusted unto your humble Remonstrant, conditionally that he should give a speedy▪ and true return thereon, unto the Party, from whom they originally proceed: He therefore hath the more incessantly attended, to quit himself on that particular; for that (as in the first place) he could in no wise omit the same, in regard of the said parties reflecting on this commonwealth, and the consequence of that reflection; so likewise in respect of the satisfaction which this commonwealth might receive therein, when as the truth and secret grounds of that parties ends should be made so apparent, as that it must prove an impossibility for any man (on what colour or pretence soever) to hinder this commonwealth from taking assured Levels, on that said parties designs; either for the present, or future, on such occasions as Providence should happen to lay before this State: So likewise, in the third place, did your humble Remonstrant so urgently insist thereon, to the end that whereas the said particulars may be manifested, in one quarter of an hour's time, it might not seem to be the more preposterous to such a considerable party, that no account could be given in two years' time▪ on a business which was entrusted unto your humble Remonstrant, with the greatest precaution that could be, as also on the greatest ties of secrecy, and on the greatest score of confidence and credit: when as spies, counterfeits (and men of small trust) have had access. All which (as he humbly conceives) will plead in his behalf, a sufficient harmless excuse, for his said incessant instances; and his present reiteration thereof: when as he is also very well assured that this commonwealth hath not had an account of the contents of those Credentals by any other way; neither could certain advertisements, whereon the preservation of the lives of eminent persons (which stand at the Helm of this commonwealth were concerned) come from a more considerable hand then that which had signed the aforesaid credentials.  
True it is, that there was a time taken to order one of your humble Remonstrants' Sons (who is now with the Lord) to uncyfer the said advertisement, and thereon a Messenger was sent unto those whom it did concern; but there was not so much time taken as to express such a well liking of the party's affection, as might have served to prevent his reflecting on the Italian saying, viz. Passato il periculo gabato il sancto; nor could one quarter of an hour's time (which was requisite to have perused the contents of the aforesaid credentials) be set apart for the same; when as the said party hath not ceased to call for an account even until this present day? &c.  
Your humble Remonstrant hath also attended to tender, and to leave with the commonwealth several other public concernments, whereby other Nations 
several advantages to a State.  have strengthened and enriched themselves, as some of those whereby the General States of the United Provinces did attract unto themselves, the concourse of several Nations, as well as the stocks of very wealthy persons of them, after they had expressed their mildness on the point of the Liberty of Conscience; that they had manifested their readiness to grant Immunities, and privileges to foreigners; the settling of a Free-trade, and the Imposing of easy customs, which doth ever attract Negotiants, and rectifieth divers of such as are somewhat more than ordinary inclined to defraud the Customers, and their fellow Negotiants, by the falsification of Wares: And that as then those States proceeded to settle those establishments, and to promote those means whereby to make moneys to flow into the public Coffers, and in the Casshes of all Negotiants. The which was so carefully minded by the said States, during the time of William the old Prince of Orange, of Maurice, and of Frederick Henry his brother▪ as that it was no wonder, if that Nation (notwithstanding their long and bloody wars against the potent King of Spain, in whose coffers gold and silver doth daily and yearly spring and flow) became so mighty rich during the time of their wars:  
For that they at the first dash pitch● on a main resolve, 
In what marner the Dutch reduced their moneys.  whereby to reduce moneys unto so low a rate, as that they attained unto more moneys at three and four per Cent. Use, than they well knew how to bestow: Where as they having no great store of▪ Land (and the extent of their jurisdictions consisting in a great part of Water) they could not pitch upon any better course, then to employ their whole Stocks upon Merchandise, and by the abundance of ready moneys, which they thus had at small Use, they became the more capable of buying and selling at better rates than any other Nation whatsoever: when as by their thirstiness of feeding their mariners, and by the Manning of their Ships, with a less number of men (Than any other Nation) they have attained unto the best profit of the Commerce.  
One of the main expedients whereby they furthered the reducing of moneys (as all experienced men know) was first, by the exterpating of all Lombards, and forbidding of the excessive Usury of Brokers, such as those at present here are, who make no conscience to take 30, 40, nay, more per Cent. Use; besides, the horrid customs of forfeitures: For as the Lombards (and such Brokers as take 30, 40, and more per Cent. Use,) must needs also give excessive rates for the Use of such stocks of moneys, whereby they furnish the necessities of men on their pawns of Plate and Jewels; It was a very hard task for any negotiant to raise moneys but at unreasonable rates.  
A second expedient, whereby the reducing of moneys 
A second expedient whereby moneys were reduced.  was furthered, was the practical establishment of a bank of payment; whereby the credit of a negotiant (who had moneys in Banco) became so great, as that all persons (as well widows as orphans) would trust him with their moneys; whereby they were enabled to drive the greater trade, and to leave the more considerable stock in the bank: And what a particular secret Revenue the Magistrates procured unto the State from such a bank, is not so easy an Arcana Republicae, as to be discovered.  
The third expedient for the reducing of moneys, 
A third expedient to reduce moneys.  was effected by the practical establishment of banks of Loan, and of Sale-offices in the chief Cities and Towns; whereby the traffic was strengthened and increased; all needy persons were supplied and relieved, and it drew unto such Towns (especially to the Markets ones) the confluence of all Negotiants, for whose secret relief the said banks of Loan do also serve, and prevent many Merchants from breaking; Besides that by them ready moneys are provided for all those who make speedy returns of their Wares, and so redouble their gains. In a word, by the means of such like banks, men may become rich on warrantable principles.  
As for that blessed thing called the public Security 
Concerning public security.  or Faith (that which secures all men in the making good their propriety) It was by the aforesaid States endeavoured by the practical settlement of a general Record-office, by the which any proprietant whatsoever was secured in his Inheritance, purchases, and Bargains; all cheats of several sails, double transactions, and several mortgages were prevented; and the which gave such a firm assurance unto all men, as that each one strove to be owners in chief and not tenants: And this expedient did likewise reduce moneys to a reasonable rate; for that beside the general benefit which those States and Magistrates obtained thereby, they also procured to themselves the applause and general love of the People. And its observable, how that it is a custom amongst those People to call the best of them by the name of Father: Nay, so will the meanest man amongst them call their General, were he a Prince of an Imperial descent.  
Moreover by the practical establishment of that general Record-office, those States did in the space of 
How a vast stock of money and a constant yearly revenue may be raised.  one six weeks get a vast stock of ready money into their Coffers, and a yearly revenue of 40000. pounds, with such an applause of the people and its love, as may be justly argued: For whereas they would otherways have been constrained to pay as great rates perchance as the English Lawyers, Scriveners, and Ingrossers do exact of men for their Grecian-likegreat breastplate writing; they were as then only to pay a very inconsiderate duty unto the said Record-office.  
And this the commonwealth of England can do with the same applause of the people, with the same advantages to themselves, and thereby attain unto Millions of ready moneys, as well as unto a constant yearly Revenue of one hundred and fifty thousand pounds, in lieu of other duties.  
Hereon your humble Remonstrant hath written at large, and took a special inspection into the same, that so he might be able to give a full and clear account thereof; the which he was long since commanded to do, both by King James and by the late King, viz. To study the truest and most advantageoust way to further the same; so likewise, all the other aforementioned establishments, whereby the Cities (where they may be so settled) would infallibly produce a very considerable Revenue to the State.  
Besides all which, your humble Remonstrant hath also set down in writing, the means whereby all Silken 
The adunatages concerning Silken manufactures.  Manufactures may be established here in England, which would prove to be a gain of fifteen per Cent. in the hundred: So likewise the moneys which are remitted by bills of exchange into other parts would be kept in the Land; as also many laborious people would thereby be put in a way of subsistence.  
Moreover, as the refining of Salt can be performed 
The advantages of refining Salt without fuel.  without the expense of fuel, as one Swanenbuorgh doth practice the same on the coast of Grooninghen; the said expedient may be very beneficial unto this State; especially, in a time of breach with the French, when as their Bay-salts from the Isles of Olon, and Brovage should not be had, but at a second hand, and not at eight shillings the Bushel, as it is had now; and that the French policy of State, suffers the exportation thereof at such a rate, purposely to attract foreigners to their Ports; when as they cause their own Inhabitants to pay four pounds sterling in the bushel.  
Now the said expedient of refining Salt might be set on foot in case the State may deem it fitting to grant the like privileges unto the undertakers of it, as the above mentioned Swanenbourgh hath granted him by the state's General.  
Finally, although your humble Remonstrant hath hereby no other particular ends, save such as may be consistant with this commonwealth's Interest; and that he also doth not presume to trouble any particular member of Parliament, or of the council of State, with the addressing or promoting of this his last Tender and summary account.  
Yet he humbly conceives, that as they all (and every one in particular) mind the public good, that after his zeal shall be hereby manifested unto so many of the Parliament, and of the council of State, as this Remonstrance may be humbly presented unto, it may rather by some of them in particular (or by all of them in general) seem fitting to be reflected on by the whole body of the Parliament; and that their sense and pleasure may be evidenced concerning the same.  
At least, your humble Remonstrant may justly promise himself, that this his last diligence and endeavour, will argue a discharge in him, to have done as much as possibly can be expected from him. And this is the Summary of your humble Remonstrants Tenders, and his personal proffers, viz.  
First, To endeavour by a present claim, to preserve the force and validity of the Flanders Debt in its former Esse; as also to put any person, whom the Parliament may confide in, into such a course as may recover the same, on such a reasonable consideration to your humble Remonstrant, as the Parliament may in Justice and Honour deem fit.  
Secondly, To render any seaport or Haven whatsoever incapable of prejudicing this Nation, in case the same be thought fitting.  
Thirdly, To make use of his best endeavours, at any time, wherein this State shall find it expedient towards the advancing of that grand profit, which the English Nation may make by the Cloth commodity.  
Fourthly, To give a clear account of the contents, of such Credentials and instructions as concern a great party abroad.  
Fiftly, To prefer the commonwealth of England before any Dominion whatsoever, for to declare and leave with the same those particular secrets, which were revealed by Don Hennin the Spanish Secretary; if so be the Parliament be pleased to consider of them, and of your humble Remonstrant, in a just and reasonable way.  
Finally, to make good his willingness to contribute his best experience and endeavours towards the promoting of any of those profitable and beneficial establishments, which are mentioned in this his said Summary Remonstrance.  
FINIS.