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

Licenced,  
October 6. 1694. Edw. Cook.   

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

To the READER, Especially the Loyal Subjects of Their Majesty's King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, of ENGLAND, etc.  
Gentlemen,  
YOU have here presented unto your View, the various Circumstances and Grievances, which the Nation in General, and in Particular, the Merchants and Seamen do labour under, relating to Sea Affairs— You will also find several Proposals with Reasons thereto annexed, humbly offered for Redressing the same; and saving to Their Majesty's considerable Sums of Money, which might be of great Use otherways, tending to the Welfare of the Nation; and also of procuring such Numbers of Able Seamen, who on all Occasions, and at a very short Warning, shall be thought sufficient to well Man Their Majesty's Fleet, without any sensible Charge to the Nation; whereby the great Inconveniencies and Mischiefs ofttimes attending Pressing will be prevented, the Seamen encouraged, the Merchants negotiating their Sea Affairs, without the least Interruption from our Men of War, or having their Men Pressed from them as is usually; and our Fleets in a probability of Reigning as SOVEREIGN of the Seas, when, and as often as Their Majesties shall please to Command the same.  
'Tis true, many Notions and Propositions have been the Product of this Age; but none of this kind has been yet offered, that I know of, ex●●pt what I proposed in my former Book.  
I confess, I might have been silent as well as others, had not the present Necessity of Affairs obliged me to appear in this kind: And as in the Body Natural, the Help and Assistance of its Members is required towards its Support: So in the Government of a Church or State every Person (by an indissoluble Bond of Self-preservation) is obliged to propagate and advance the Interest of that Commonwealth, of which he is a Member: And by how much the more Benefit he receives thereby, by so much the more he is bound both in Duty and Conscience to do his utmost, for the Honour and Service of the same.  
It being therefore Their Majesty's most Gracious Pleasure, that I should as it were immediately receive my Bread from their Hands, I must needs be thought guilty of the highest Ingratitude, not to be studious either of Detecting any fraudulent Contrivances or Practices, in any wise tending to the wrongfully lessening Their Majesty's Treasure, or in not promoting whatsoever conduces to the Benefit and Interest of Their Majesties and Their Subjects.  
Then there is this further Motive, to induce me to a solicitous Care of the Nations Good; Namely, as being a Native thereof. For what Person, whose Veins are filled with true English Blood, can contentedly think of wearing Saboes or Wooden Shoes; or willingly leave one Stone unturned, that he thinks may conduce to the Welfare of his Native Soil? And who but a Madman would prefer the Government of an Insulting and Tyrannical Prince, to that of a Faithful Defender of our Rights and Privileges, nay of our Faith itself; but rather with Tooth and Nail oppose whatsoever stands in Competition to its Happiness?  
Lastly, The barbarous Usage which I received from the Tyrannical Hands of the French, whilst I was a Prisoner there, (only for my Constancy and Resolution, not to be biased to admit even of a dishonourable Thought of Their Majesties, or the present Government) puts me upon endeavouring to retaliate their Kindness, which to do, I know no better way, than by proposing Methods, whereby we may be Strengthened Abroad, and Prosperous at Home; and if these following Proposals meet with such Effects, my Design is answered.  
To plead for my Book, I will not, the Subject whereon it treats, carrying its Advocate along with it: I am sure here is a Foundation for a more ingenious Architect to build on, if this be thought insufficient. As for Curiosity in the Method, that can't be expected from me, who pretend only to know something belonging to a Sailer: My Dishes being dressed not as at a Feast, but as at an Ordinary; neither are they placed so Methodically as they might have been; I taking things not orderly, but as they happened to come into my Mind. I believe that neither my Subject nor Methods will please all, yet I presume it may please some. What the Ignorant say of it, I value not; They are like the Cock in the Fable, who despised the Jewel only because he knew not its worth. And what the Envious say of it, I pass not; They are like the Dog, who would neither Eat himself, nor suffer the Ox to Eat: It's the candid Censure of the Impartial, Judicious and Solid Judgements which I respect, and to which alone I'll submit, being Servant to all such, whilst.  
George St. Lo.   

ENGLAND's INTEREST; Or, a Discipline for Seamen.  
AMIDST all the Addresses hitherto made, for the redressing Public Grievances, (it seems very strange) That although there are (doubtless) within this Kingdom, many Well-willers to Seamen in general, yet 'tis observed; That not one, (as yet) has taken upon him to propose a Method for redressing the Complaints and Hardships of those Seamen, who have been constantly employed in the King's Service all this War, and have to their power, born the Fatigues thereof; by contriving some ways or means, whereby Seamen (without Partiality) might take Turns to relieve each other, on Board the Men of War. For 'tis very obvious, that a great many Seamen, either by Protections, or some other Evasions, have shifted their Necks out of the Collar (whereby it has lain the harder on the first mentioned) getting into Merchant's Service, only for the lucre of greater Pay, than is given to Fore-mast-men in Men of War; without any respect to the welfare of the Nation in general; receiving sometimes Fifty Shillings, and sometimes Three Pound, Four Pound, and Five Pound per Month; whilst most part of those on Board the King's Ships, have not received above Three and Twenty shillings per Month during the whole War. And perhaps kept 
Some Seamen harder dealt with thanothers.  out of that for three or four Years, by being turned over from Ship to Ship; and in all that time, hardly enjoying the comfort of their Families for one Month. When others by the means aforesaid, have been at liberty to go when they would, and come when they pleased. Sometimes making more Wages in two Months, than those 〈◊〉 in Men of War do in a whole Year, to their Disencouragement and great Dissatisfaction.  
The Men of Wars Men, have not only had cause of Complaint, as before is hinted: But the Merchants at the same time have been Sufferers considerably many ways.  
First, Not only by giving extraordinary Wages per Month (as before) but also by losing a great part of the benefit of their Voyages; Their Ships ofttimes 
Merchant's sufferers several ways.  staying a great while longer, than is expected at their Ports, when arrived in England; only for want of those Men, who were pressed out of them; whereby their Goods have been much damnified, and especially their Wine and perishable Commodities: And the King's Customs considerably lessened thereby.  
Secondly, Many of their Ships have been Lost, by venturing to Sail without their Compliment of Men; part whereof have been pressed from them, as afore is mentioned. And for those that have had the good Fortune to escape both the danger of the Sea and of the Enemy, and to arrive at Plymouth or the Downs, have been obliged to give Ten Pound per Head from the former place, and Five or Six Pound per Head from the latter, only to carry them up to London: Which from the latter, sometimes has been effected in two Days.  
Thirdly, 'Tis very hard upon them to be obliged by Doctor's Commons to pay their Men their Wages, after the losing both Ships and Cargo, which usually amounts to several Thousand Pounds; when perhaps through their men's Cowardice, the Ship has been without resistance delivered to the Enemy, and not one Gun fired in her defence.  
Upon the foregoing Reasons, and others which might be produced, the Merchants are always at uncertainties, as to the time of the performing their Voyages, (Wind and Wether allowed) neither can they give any reasonable Estimate, whether to be gainers or losers by their Cargo: It being the Opinion of several Merchants, that it would be as much to their advantage, for those Ships which are Insured, to be taken by the Enemy, as to be detained so long, as ofttimes they are for want of their Men: For in the former Case, they would know what to demand of the Insurers; but in the latter they are most uncertain what to make of their Voyage; One third part of some of their Goods, as Wines, etc. being hardly Merchantable when it comes Home; as the Custom-House-Officers during this War have experienced, by the Abatements made in the Duties thereof.  
The Subjects (as in the foregoing Discourse appears) are not only injured and uneasy, but their Majesties are also concerned herein— For the King's Ships which are Cruizers (for want of a due Method for the acquiring a competent number of Seamen fit for their Majesty's 
Why Cruizers are not more abroad.  Service on all occasions) do ofttimes, for want of them, lie two or three Months after they are Clean, ere they can go to Sea, and almost at the same Charge as if Man'd, and abroad in the way to do Service, being many times in want of a second Cleaning ere they go once out of a Harbour.  
Here is likewise a very considerable Charge of many Thousand Pounds per Annum spent on the Nations account in impressing Men at Sea and on Shoar for the Service: In keeping many Tenders and their Men in Pay and Victuals; besides the hazard of losing them, which if it so happen, the King is obliged to pay for them. And many other considerable Sums of Money there are expended on several Accounts, a great part of which might be saved, the Particulars whereof take as followeth:  
First, The King is at a considerable Charge Yearly, in giving Imprest-Mony to Commanders; every Captain of a First-Rate being allowed Eighty Pound, of a Second-Rate Sixty Five Pound, of a Third-Rate Fifty 
Charge of Impressed to Commanders.  Pound, of a Fourth-Rate Forty Pound, of a Fifth-Rate Twenty Pound; besides the Bills brought in after for extraordinary Charges in Impressing, etc. amounting usually to between a Hundred and Four Hundred Pound for a Captain, and the Lieutenant's Bills to little less.  
But the Commissioners of the Navy, by their strict scrutiny into the Truth and Reasonableness of their Accounts, do many times find a sufficient and just Cause for abatements in their Bills, by putting those said Officers to their Oaths, for a Justification of the verity of their Accounts, which being by some Officers scrupled at, giveth so great a Suspicion of some Fallacy in the matter, that thereupon deductions are made, or otherwise the Charge would be much augmented.  
Secondly, There is a very considerable Charge to the Nation in maintaining a Hundred and Thirty Tenders this Year with their Men, and Provisions for Six Months in the Year, which one with another is the least time they are in Pay: Each Smack and Yacht standing the 
Charge of Tenders.  King in Five Shillings Six Pence apiece per Tun, and each Hoy and Catch in Six Shillings per Tun per Month; of which Vessels each Master hath Four Pound per Month, each Mate Two Pound per Month, each Able Seaman Twenty Four Shillings, and each Ordinary Nineteen Shillings, being in the whole Nine Hundred Fifty and Five Men and Boys. There is also their Victuals, which rises considerably this Year, Provisions being very dear; the which stands the King (by a modest Computation) in Twenty Six Shillings a Man per Month; besides the hazard of losing those Tenders; it being (almost) no wonder for some, amongst so many, to come short home: Every one of those taken by the Enemy standing the King in about Four Hundred Pound. But the Year being not spent so far as for Tenders to be discharged, I can't at this time give an Account of that accidental and uncertain Charge.  
Thirdly, In the Year 91. There was given to Seamen 6530 l. Bounty-Mony, for Encouragement to come into the King's Service; besides Conduct-Mony, which being not practised at this time, I shall omit in the Charge of this Year.  
Fourthly, There is also about 206 l. given in one Year to the Rulers of Watermens-Hall, for their Charge 
Charge to the Rulers of Water-mens-Hall.  in sending Men for Sea-Service: But if they were such other Years, as those sent by them on Board the hired Merchant-ships this Year, 'twas a dear Bargain, ¾ of those sent this Year by them being Boys, as of late hath been observed.  
Fifthly and Lastly, The Money given to Vice-admirals' of Counties, for their Charge in sending (for the most part) such Persons as the Watermen did send this Year, has been very considerable: The least Sum given them being Fifty Pound, of which there were not above Three in one Year; The rest being between an Hundred and Six Hundred and Fifty Pound, as by the Accounts of the Collectors of the Customs given into the Navy-Office doth appear: But not knowing how to collect the whole Charge thereof, I can't insert it here. The aggregate of those particular Charges now in use, and what of them have come to my knowledge (by a modest Computation) do amount to 36030 l. 10 s. per Annum; The which if saved, or but ⅔ thereof, which may easily be done by the following Methods, might be employed several ways for the Benefit, and to the Satisfaction of the Nation: It being very plain, that the less extravagant and unnecessary Charge we are at, the less Taxes will be for every Man's share, and consequently the better able to hold out the War.  

See the particular Account of the  Charge, of what comes to my Knowledge, Summed up underneath.  
 Rates. Nᵒ  l.  l. s. Imprest-Mony given to Commanders in the Line of Battle. 1— 6 at 80 is 00480 00 2— 9 65 00585 00 3-30 50 01500 00 4-07 40 00280 00 Those are half of what are out of the Line of Battle, and receive Imprest-Mony. The other being in foreign Parts are not chargeable as those at Home, and so are omitted. 3-07 at 50 is 00350 00 4-14 40 00560 00 5-14 20 00280 00 Smacks, etc. 50 containing 1626. Tun, at 5 s. 6 d. a Tun. per Month for Six Months, is 02682 18 Ketches, etc. 80. Containing 5617 Tun, at 6 s. a Tun. 10110 12 Masters 130. at 4 l. apiece. 03120 00 Masters-mates 130. at 2 l. apiece 01560 00 Able 435. at 1 l. 4 s. each. 03132 00 Ordinary 260. at 19 s. each. 01480 00 955 Men and Boys Victuals, at 26 s. each. 07449 00 To the Rulers of Water-mens-Hall, for one Year— 00206 00 ⅖ of Captains and Lieutenants Bills for Five Years past, modestly computed is— 02255 00  36030 10  
The aforementioned Charges to the Nation: The Grievances and Sufferings of the Merchants, whose Loss usually exceeds the said Sum of 36030 l. 10 s. Yearly, and that purely for want of their Men, which are taken from them as aforesaid; whereby many Merchants of good Estates formerly, are now reduced, and Trading much decayed: Together with the Hardships which many Sailors undergo in respect of others, and the difficulty of getting those Men which are fit for their Majesty's Service, notwithstanding the extraordinary Charge attending the same. I say, all these things being premised, and as they are unquestionably True; it must needs be thought an acceptable Undertaking (by all those who are well affected to Their Majesties and the present Government) to propose a Method, and probable means of lessening the greatest part of the before-recited Charge; of redressing the Merchant's Grievances, and acquiring a competent Number of Seamen on all Occasions for the Service; without Pressing any at Sea, and of disposing them on Board the King's Ships from time to time, with an equal and impartial Hand, so as that every Man shall take his turn Yearly, or as shall be thought fit to be in the Service; except where any Seamen shall think fit to continue longer on Board Men of War, through hopes of Preferment: All which is humbly proposed to be done by the following Methods.  
But 'tis thought, that want of Encouragement and Patronage (from the Calumnies and Prejudices of those who are inveterately bend against the true Interest of the Nation) have been a Check and Restraint to the Genius of several Persons; who (doubtless) had they been at liberty, might long ago have offered divers good and advantageous Proposals, of this and other kinds, tending to the Nations Advantage and Interest. And 'tis not to be questioned, but that many an Engine of that kind stands still, for want of the assistance of noble and public spirited Persons to set it on work; which if encouraged might be of great Use. The better to effect what is premised, 'tis humbly proposed, That all Self-interest be discarded; and that no Persons of any Rank or Quality, do protect any Person belonging to the Sea or employed in any River: Or Trading in Boats or Vessels of any kind whatsoever. For as 'tis very reasonable, that any Man's private Opinion ought to submit to a general Council: So it can be no less equitable, that a few private Interests do give way to a National Advantage; a Limb being not so valuable as the whole Body.  
These things being granted as indispensably necessary, I shall endeavour to lay down the Method with as much brevity and plainness as I can.  
But I know, that whoever exposeth himself to the World, in things of this kind, must expect to meet with many virulent Censures of Detraction, and that 'tis impossible to please every one. But since there is not the least design in the Author, to make himself any peculiar Interest hereby; 'tis to be hoped, it may meet with the kinder Reception from all noble and generous spirited Patriots. The benefit of the Nation in general, and in particular, the Ease and Encouragement of Sailors, who through the whole Series of this War have constantly been fatigued therein, being the only aim and design in this Undertaking.   

A Method for the Choosing such Persons as are fitly Qualified to be made Officers, for the Registering Seamen, etc.  
Prop. 1. 'TIs humbly proposed, that a competent Number of Registers or Naval Officers, (for so they may be called) be appointed; one for each of those Counties bordering on the Sea, which are large; and for those Counties that are small to the Seaward and lie together; one Officer may serve for two. Each Officer to keep his Office in the chief Port or most convenient Place in his respective County, for the due Registering Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sailmakers, & Rope-makers; and performing such Offices as hereafter are proposed.  
Ratio 1. These Officers being established one in each County that is large, and one for any two Counties which are small to the Seaward, and lie together; will be able to give an account what Seamen are belonging to each particular Place in their several Counties, from whom the Lords of the Admiralty (as occasion shall offer) may require a List of their Numbers, and accordingly issue out Orders for the going on Board such Ship or Ships, as by them shall be thought meet and convenient, lying near those Places or any other.  
Prop. 2. That those Naval Officers shall be such Persons 
How Persons ought to be qualified to be Naval Officers.  as have been Captains of Men of War, Four Years at least, without intermission in the King's Service. And 'twill not only be most proper; but also less chargeable to their Majesties, That they be Half-Pay Captains, or Superannuated ones; if a sufficient Number of those may be had: Likewise that they be Commissionated to be Justices of the Peace for those Counties in which they shall be Established: And that they be allowed, (by the King) such an addition of Pay or Wages to their former Salaries, as may amount the whole to 400 l. per Annum, which may be thought a competent Maintenance for them: Whereby they will not be exposed to the breach of Trust, as otherwise they might, if straitened in their yearly Allowance of Salary.  
Rat. 2. Why such Officers should be Half-Pay Captains, or Superannuated ones, is because in all probability, they are most likely to understand Sea Affairs; and rightly to put in Execution such Orders, as from time to time shall be directed to them, from the Lords of the Admiralty. These Officers upon Examination into the Qualities and Abilities of Seamen, are also most likely to be competent Judges thereof: Further, such Captains have now each of them a Salary from the King, as some 136 l. others 273 l. per Annum, according to the Rates of those Ships they served in last. So that what has been given to Deputy-vice-admirals', &c. as afore is mentioned, for sending in those, which for the most part, have been raw and unfit for the Sea, and many of them never at Sea; together with the Impress-Mony given to Captains, will over and above complete their Salaries of 400 l. per Annum, and their Instruments Salaries likewise: So that hereby the Charge of those Offices will be defrayed out of extraordinary Charges, which may be saved.  
Prop. 3. That each Officer be allowed two Clerks, One at 50 l. per Annum and another at 30 l. a Year Salary, to be 
Clerks and their Salaries.  paid by the Navy, according to the Use and Custom thereof. These two Clerks shall be resident where the said Naval Officer keeps his head Office. But if the County be large and has several Seaports in it, then to be allowed as many more Clerks at 30 l. a Year, as shall be thought necessary for that Service, and the ease of the Subject.  
Rat. 3. These Clerks will be useful in keeping the Registers: and in making and Copying all the Lists of Seamen, etc. and in making out the Warrants, which Masters of Ships must take with them, before they Sail: And the Bonds which they must give to observe the Articles hereafter mentioned. For it can't be expected to be done by the Naval Officer himself, who will have business enough to decide Controversies, and to see to the well Management of his Office in every respect: And for a further Illustration of the Disposing the Naval Officers and their Clerks, take the following Example of  

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

JOhn Jenkins, Master of the William and Mary Pink, 
Copy of a Warrant to be taken by Masters of Merchantmen.  (Inhabiting in the Highstreet in Pool) being about an Hundred Tuns, and bound for the West-Indies) aged Twenty Seven Years; having used the Sea Twelve Years; One whereof he has spent in the King's Service this War, in 1692. Has hereby a Permit to carry the Eight Persons undermentioned with him to the West-Indies, without being Impressed from him, or otherwise molested, to the hindrance of his Voyage:  
Given under my Hand and Seal at Weymouth this 27th Day of August, 1694.   
Names. Time of being Listed. Place of Abode. How long used the Sea. Whether in the King's Service, and how long. On Board what Ship. Age D. or R. Whither.    Years. Years.     James Clerk. Jan. 3. 91. Leaverpool. 3 Never. Portsmouth. 27   Will. Jones. Ju. 7. 92. Ramsgate. 17 3 Do. 30   Ro●. Burby. July 12. 94▪ Newcastle. 1 1 Woolwich. 17   Tho. Horn. Do. Do. 10 4 Dartmouth. 26   Joseph Wood Do. Do. 11 3 Do. 28   Francis Rose. Aug. 1. 94. Southampon. 20 Never. Mary. 45   Tim. Thom. Do. Do. 19 4 Do. 36   Charles Holt. Yarmouth. Yarmouth. 30 3 Dover. 50    
Prop. 4. In the next place, it will be needful, that a general Office relating to the particular Offices be kept in London, and managed by a Naval Officer and a competent number of Clerks, who shall be allowed larger Salaries than to those in the Country, in respect of the multiplicity of Business, which must needs attend the Office, above what may be expected in the Country. Unto this general Office, every individual Naval 
A general Office to be kept in London.  Officer in the Country, shall every Month transmit a Copy or List of all the Men he shall Register from time to time; and of the Quality and Circumstance of each Man, according as he shall be entered, and what are in the Service, and what on Shoar; and shall keep an Alphabet-Book, beginning with the first Letter of each Man's Surname, for the ready finding them at any time. He shall also from time to time, send a particular Account of what Charges he has been at on account of the Office, and what Money has been issued as a Reward to any Persons upon the Condition's hereafter-mentioned: Which Accounts shall be adjusted (by the general Officer) with the principal Officers and Commissioners of Their Majesty's Navy, from whom all Bills of Impressed (for the defraying any of the  Charges) shall proceed.  
Rat. 4. This Grand Office being settled, and from time to time receiving an account of what Men, and how many are Registered at every individual Place, will be able to signify the fame unto the Lords of the Admiralty upon their demanding it: And being likewise informed by the said Naval Officers, who are at Sea, and who on Shoar; The Lords upon any great and emergent occasion may issue out their Orders, for such a certain Number of them, as shall be wanted on any Expedition in a very short time. As for the general Officer adjusting the Accounts of the other Officers, with the Commissioners of the Navy (that will prevent the Charge which a new Office would require for that purpose) And it being most properly under the Verge of the Commissioners of the Navy, as things relating to that Office; it is therefore most fit that the Accounts thereof should be by them examined and approved, or otherwise disallowed and rejected.  
Prop. 5. Lastly, That two Clerks be allowed at Gravesend, 
Clerks at Gravesend.  if so many may be thought sufficient, at 60 l. per Annum Salary, who shall mutually assist one another, and shall be accountable to the said Office at London for what they do. Unto these two Clerks every Master of a Merchant Ship that goes down the River shall show his Warrant, which the said Clerks shall either Snip, as the Searchers do the Cocquets; or otherwise put their Names thereto, as by Directions to them shall be thought most fit and convenient for the Prosecution of the intended Design.  
Rat. 5. These two Clerks may be allowed 10 l. apiece per Annum, more than other Clerks in the Country, being supposed to be at extraordinary Duty in the performance of their Office. Their business will be to examine all Masters of Ships at their going down the River by Gravesend; and likewise at their return from any Voyage; Whether they have in every respect complied with the Conditions required: That is, that their Men are the same specified in the Warrant which they must take from the grand Office; and that they have given Bond as they ought, and performed such Articles as they shall thereby be obliged to observe: A Counterpart whereof they shall produce to the said Clerks; who shall examine into the Truth thereof by comparing them with the Copies, which the said Clerks shall receive from the general Office.    

The Method for Registering Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers, Rope-makers and Sailmakers, to be in Readiness for Their Majesty's Service at a short Warning.  
Prop. 1. THE Magistrates and chief Officers of each individual Place in every County, as the Mayors in Corporations, the Bailiffs, Constables, Headboroughs, Tythingmen, and the like, in their respective Towns, Burroughs, Villages, Hamlets, etc. shall each of them within six Weeks after the Publication hereof, (by Proclamation or otherwise) bring as perfect a List as possibly they can; of all Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sailmakers and Rope-makers: And of all Masters of Ships, Seamen or Watermen; And all other belonging to any Craft in any River, as Western-barges, Ware-barges, Row-barges, Sand-barges, Tilt-boats, Ferry-boats, Fishing-boats, Ballast-Lighters, Keels and the like, or that have used the Sea within these seven Years last; being between the Age of sixteen and sixty, being in or belonging to any Towns or Places within their Liberties as aforesaid, with as exact an Account as they can, of the respective Ages of each Person, and their Place of Abode; How long they have used the Sea, and whether ever in the King's Service; and how long they have served therein this War. The which Lists so made out; They shall attest under their Hands and Seals, and the same deliver (as before directed) unto the said Naval Officer.  
Rat. 1. The Registering Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sail-makers and Rope-makers, will be advantageous several ways: For thereby we shall always be provided with a Supply of such sort of Workmen at a very short Warning, both for the King's Ships, and Dock-yards, (without the Charge and 
The Advantage of Registering Shipwrights, Caulkers, etc.  Trouble of Pressing) which from the latter, being ofttimes necessitously drawn to send on Board the King's Ships, are wanted in the said Yards; (for the expediting and sitting out the Ships on emergent Occasions) whereby they are delayed, and lie still; when perhaps, if they were sooner dispatched and sent abroad, they might be in the way to take Prizes, or at leastwise at Sea to prevent the French Privateers from ranging the Seas, and taking so many Merchant Men as they do. In the next place, having plenty of those Workmen on all Calls, there may be more Cordage made in the King's yards, which may be either cheaper to the King, or better than what's made in Merchant's yards, or both. There may likewise more Men of War be built in the King's own yards, than now are, which may be worth considering; for it is found by Experience, That Ships built in the King's own yards, are much more serviceable than those built in Merchant's yards for him. There are several other Advantages that will attend this Method, if practised, which, since Time and Practice may discover, I shall forbear to enumerate at this time. The Registering Seamen, Watermens, etc. will be the ready way of knowing what Number of Seamen there are in England, and how many may be had from each individual place, on all occasions to serve in Their Majesty's Fleet: Which being put in Execution by Virtue of an Act of Parliament, can't in all probability miss of its desired Effects; Namely, Of procuring a competent Number of Saylors to Man Their Majesty's Fleet, on all occasions, without impressing any at Sea; whereby the greatest part of the  Charges to Their Majesties will be saved, which is worth while to be considered of, and practised: For 'tis evident, That one Third Part of the best Seamen in England, have by one means or other avoided being in the King's Service this War. And 'tis not, that Seamen are wanting in England, that the King's Ships are so ill Manned, as generally they are; and that so much unnecessary Expense daily attends the Manning the King's Ships; but only for want of a due Method for the same, and a Penalty to be inflicted on the hinderers of its due Execution: For 'tis observed, That both Justices of the Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, Constables, etc. for the most part have been too remiss in their Duties, in not assisting those Officers (sent to press) as they ought; for instead of routing Seamen out of their Coves and hiding Places, many of them ('tis to be feared) have rather concealed or countenanced many Persons, who ought, and were fit to be in the Service.  
Prop. 2. They shall bring all the Persons so listed (except 
Listed Seamen to Appear before the Naval Officer.  what are at Sea) unto the Naval Officer, on some prefixed days, that he may see them, and also search into the Truth of what the Magistrates shall have certified concerning them on the Lists: Which said Naval Officer, together with an other Justice of Peace, and a Surgeon, shall examine into the Abilities and Conditions of each Person returned on the Lists, who shall pretend unfitness for the Sea, by reason of Hurts, Wounds, Bruises, or any other Accidents of that nature; and according as they shall find the matter, shall either acquit, or continue them on the Lists, as Persons qualified for the King's Service.  
Ratio 2. The appearing of the said persons themselves, will oblige the Magistrates and other Officers to be as exact as possible they can in giving in perfect Lists, as is required, for fear of being found out if they do otherwise: For Seamen in every individual place, being for the most part acquainted one with another, and missing any one, they know who ought to appear before the Naval Officer as well as themselves, will be apt to discover the same. As for the examination by the Naval Officers, Justices of the Peace, and Surgeons, into the Qualities and Condition, of any, pretending unfitness for the Sea; it is very reasonable, that those who are really unfit for the Sea-service in Men of War, be not charged on the Lists; for if so, the Lists would not only be filled with many unquallified persons, but Their Majesties disappointed, by depending on so many able men, from such and such places on any occasion: When perhaps, a great part of them were wholly unfit for that service.  
Prop. 3. That all those Masters of Ships, who shall be thought 
Masters of Merchant Men who shall be Exempted from going to Sea, to find an able Man, or Pay 5 l.  fit to be exempted from going into the King's Service, shall nevertheless each of them send an able Seaman in his room, who shall be approved of by the said Naval Officer; and whose turn it is not to go into the King's Service that Year, or otherwise, to pay Five Pounds into the Naval Officers hands, so oft as 'tis his turn to go on Board the King's Ships: But in case of failure of Payment within the Six Weeks, wherein it ought to be Paid, then to forfeit Twenty Pounds, to be levied by Distress and Sale of the Offenders Goods, or as the Parliament shall think meet to Order. Farther, that every person going out of his turn, shall be entered in the Registers Books, upon whose Account, and in whose room he goes; and to be liable to such punishment for any fault by him committed, as any other person who goes for himself: Lastly, That the Naval officer shall enter into his Book of Accounts, all such Sums of Money as he shall receive for any forfeitures from any person, and the same shall transmit Monthly (or as oft as shall be required) to the General Officer in London, upon Pain of Losing his Employ; or to be Fined as the Parliament shall direct for his offending therein.  
Ratio 3. This can't be thought hard by Masters of Merchant Men; for in France, tho' Gentlemen are exempted from paying Taxes, yet they are obliged to serve the King in their own persons: And the payment of Five Pounds, or sending an able Man fit for the Sea, can't be thought much charge to them, since it will not come to a man's turn above once in Three Years. One 3d. part of the Seamen which have not been in the Service this War, together with those who are willing to continue on Board, and what will go Voluntarily, being thought sufficient to Man the King's Ships; but if all Masters of Ships and Vessels, and pretenders to it, should be exempted from sending a Man, or paying Five Pounds as afore, it must 
Why Masters of Merchantmen should find an able Man, or pay Five Pounds.  fall much the harder on the Hawl-bowlings; and under this pretext we should have the best part of Forty Thousand Men Protected; It being evident that most Ships & Vessels has protected Three Masters: For one being known to be a Master, is not questioned, and another getting a Protection for the same Ship, or Vessel, as Master of her, is by that means exempted from being pressed into the King's Service; & a Third, by carrying a Charter party in his Pocket keeps himself clear. Nay, the very Oyster-Cocks and other small Craft (as well as Ships, and other great Vessels) have found out a way, to Free themselves from the King's Service, as hath not long since been discovered by a Captain of a Man of War. For 'tis usual, as by some of their own company has been ingenuously acknowledged, for them to carry Bills of Sale in their Pockets, formally made for such and such Ships, as if their own, and were really Masters; when indeed they were not, and only contrived for to cheat the Press-Masters, and to keep themselves out of the Service: But this Method of obliging Masters to send an able Seaman, or to pay Five Pounds as afore, will be the ready way to prevent this, or other like Cheats for the future.  
Prop. 4. Every Officer or Officers, who shall refuse or neglect 
Penalty on such Officers as shall not bring in true Lists.  to bring in such List or Lists as before is directed; shall be liable to such Penalty as the Parliament shall think fit to impose on them, not exceeding Twenty Pounds if they so please; and for every person that shall be found in their respective Towns, Villages, Hamletts, etc. after the Six weeks are expired, wherein the Lists ought to be given in, and did at the same time belong to any of their respective places, and aught to have been Listed; and that it doth appear by good evidence to be the said Officers fault, every Officer and Officers so Offending; shall for every person so omitted, forfeit Ten Pounds. But if it appears that the neglect is in the Inhabitants, and that they have by any ways or means concealed any such Persons from the knowledge of the said Officers, whereby they could not be listed; then every such Inhabitant shall forfeit the said Sum of Ten Pounds, to be levied by Distress and sale of the Offenders Goods, or by any other means as the Parliament shall appoint: One Moiety thereof to be given to the Informer, and the other to be employed in the bringing up of Youth for Sea-Service, or for the Chest at Chattham.  
Ratio 4. The Penalty proposed to be Inflicted on such Officers as shall not comply with these Propositions to the utmost of their powers, and also on Inhabitants for concealing Persons from being Registered;  be thought hard or unreasonable, since the design thereof is not intended for their Money, but only to oblige them to a Performance of their Duties, as herein is required; which if observed, they themselves will be Sharers in the advantage, which thereby will accrue to the Nation in general: For by this Method, the King will be supplied with Able and Daring Seamen, instead of Raw Lads, and Persons never at Sea, without the great charge of Pressing, which the King is Yearly at; hereby also our Ships will be in a condition of Defending themselves better than many has formerly done, and Offending the Enemy. For one great Reason, nay, the greatest which can be given; for the Loss of most of our Men of War, taken by the Enemy, is, that our Ships have been very ill Man'd; which by this Method, being better provided for, the Enemy will ('tis to be hoped) find the advantage on our side, to their Expense and Cost.  
Prop. 5. If any Victualler shall entertain any Seamen, Watermens, etc. a Fortnight in his house being not Registered, and doth not discover the same to the Naval Officer, or his Clerks, or to the Magistrates and Officers who ought to bring in the Lists of them; being convicted of the same, shall (ipso 
Victuallers not to Entertain Seamen.  facto) forfeit Five Pounds to be paid and recovered as before is provided for other Forfeitures, and also lose his Licence, and for the future be utterly disabled to have another: If he be a Housekeeper only, to forfeit Five Pounds, One Moiety to be given to the Informer, and the other to the uses aforesaid.  
Ratio 5. The Penalty to be Imposed on the Victuallers, can't be thought to be a Severity towards them; for of late Years many able Seamen have exercised that Calling as a Pretext to keep them from going to Sea: Many of which Houses are prejudicial to the King's Service, by entertaining the Seamen in their Houses, when they ought to be on Board; and not only so, but many times concealing them from the Officers of the Ships when they come to fetch them on Board, whereby many of them are left behind, and consequently Pricked Run, to the great hindrance, and almost undoing of many Families; so that if those be themselves caught in the Corn, they ought to be put into the Pound: As for Housekeepers, if they will hazard the Penalty, and may avoid it, they can't grumble if they suffer for their own Folly.  
Prop. 6. That no Master Shipwright, Caulker, Sail-maker, or Rope-maker, do employ or entertain any Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sail-makers, or Rope-makers, into their Works or Service, but what they know to be Registered, or doth so appear 
No Master Shipwright, etc. to Entertain unregistered Seamen.  by Certificate under the hand and Seal of the Naval Officer, where he or they were Registered; upon the Penalty of forfeiting Ten Pounds for each man which shall be so employed: Except all those Apprentices who have not served 5 Years, after which time of Service, they shall be Registered likewise. And if any Shipwright, Caulker, Rope maker, or Sail maker, shall neglect to give in his Name to be Registered within Six Weeks as aforementioned; and shall presume to work in Merchants-yards, after the time they ought to be Registered, and are not, to forfeit 20 s. a Month for every Month they shall so stand out, to be recovered as aforesaid: One Moiety to be given to the Informer, and the other to the uses aforesaid.  
Ratio 6. By this means the Number of all those kinds of Tradesmen will be known in general, and in particular, how many are at each individual place; so that upon the want of any Number of them, to dispatch any Works requiring their assistance, 'tis but to send to the Naval Officers, who shall be empowered to send such Persons; and so many as are desired at a very short warning: And whatsoever person of them being pricked down to serve in any Yards or Ships, (and having notice thereof) who shall refuse or neglect to serve according as he shall be Ordered; shall from that time be liable to serve on Board the King's Ships during the War: Several of the Advantages attending this Service, being before hinted in the first Reason, for Registering Shipwrights, Caulkers, etc. I shall forbear to trouble the Reader any further therewith in this Reason, altho' both comes far short of what might be said thereto.  
Prop. 7. That the Naval Officers in the Country (upon their Receipt of any Orders from the Lords of the Admiralty (for the speedy sending any Number of Seamen from any Port or Ports under their Care and Management, on Board any Ship or Ships, as shall be appointed) shall cause the same forthwith to be put in Execution; by causing Lists of all Persons Names so ordered to go to Sea, to be affixed on 
Timely notice to be given to Seamen Ordered for Men of War.  the respective Church Doors where they live, and also on all Market-Houses, and at all public places which shall be thought most proper for the Notifying the same to the Inhabitants; with the time inserted therein when they are to go, and on Board what Ship: And every Seaman which shall be found to have refused or neglected going on Board as he ought, and whereto he was appointed, upon his being discovered and apprehended, shall be sent on Board one of the King's Ships; and from that time be obliged to continue in the Service during the whole War, without benefit of being relieved, by taking turns with those who shall duly observe Orders: And whosoever shall discover any Seaman so Offending, shall Receive 40 s. Reward from the Naval Officer, immediately after the apprehending and bringing the said Offender before the Naval Officer, or some Justice of the Peace so as that he may be secured: Which 40 s. shall be stopped out of the first Pay that shall grow due to the said Seaman, after his being sent on Board; the like Reward to be given to any Person who shall cause any Deserter from his Ship to be apprehended.  
Ratio 7. It is very necessary, That the Naval Officers do observe, and duly put in Execution, all such Orders as they shall from time to time receive from the LORDS of the ADMIRALTY; and that Lists of all men's Names Ordered for the Sea, with the time when, and on Board what Ship each Seaman is to go, be timely published, that the Seamen may have no pretence of Excuse, by saying, they did not know it to be their Turns; and having sufficient Notice, they may timely provide themselves with necessaries. Further, it being known in public, who are to go, there will be no hopes of shelter for them to stay on shore: Neither can they go into Merchant's Service, a Penalty being to be inflicted on all those Masters of Merchantmen, who shall carry any of those Ordered for Men of War; and either those, whose Turns it is not to go into the Service that year, will discover them, for fear of being sent themselves, if those men should be wanted, or else others for the Reward sake will impeach them; so that being unsafe and uneasy every way, 'tis presumed, that there will not be many, but what will comply with the Orders respecting them.  
Prop. 8. That a due Care be taken to relieve all those Seamen (who shall comply with such Orders as are sent for their going on Board) yearly, or as near to that Time as possibly it may be done, where 'tis desired; and that at the time of their Discharge, they be paid off: But as for those 
Encouragement for Seamen.  who by reason of a Foreign Voyage, shall serve longer than one year successively, to be allowed 2 s. 6 d. per Month for the Second Year, as an Addition to their former Wages; and for the Third Year, 5 s. per Month, for every Month they shall serve more than they are required by this Method, or what more the Parliament shall think fit.  
Ratio 8. The keeping Touch with the Seamen, by a due relieving them, as is proposed, and likewise of paying them off at their Discharge, will be a great Obligation to them to go on Board, as they shall be directed, without Trouble or Charge; to the forwarding whereof, 'tis not to be doubted, but that their Wives will contribute their Assistance, when they are at some certainty of having their Husbands a shore at such and such times, or thereabouts, with their Money in their Pockets: As for those who shall serve above their Year, and could not be relieved, by reason of their Ships being in Foreign Parts, 'tis but reasonable, that they be allowed the said additional Wages, as an Encouragement to, and Reward for, their continuance in the Service, more than the time they ought according to this Method.  
Prop. 9 That every Seaman, within six weeks after his Arrival from any Voyage (and being out of the Kingdom at the time appointed for the first Listing of Seamen) shall 
Seamen to List themselves at their Return from Sea, being not Registered before.  List himself in the respective place where he intends to inhabit, or otherwise, to be liable to the same Penalty as is to be inflicted on those Seamen, who shall refuse or neglect to go in their Turns, after a due Summons thereunto: And for the more effectual performance of this Proposition, the Naval Officer, or his Clerk, shall go on Board every Ship and Vessel, arriving at any Port within their Precincts; and there shall take an impartial Account of the Masters and Ships Companies Names; as also of their Respective Ages, etc. as is directed in the Listing Seamen aforementioned; the which shall be transmitted to the General Office at London: That accordingly from thence, the said General Office may send a Copy thereof to the Naval Officers at the respective Ports whereto they belong: But if any Seaman has a Desire (after his being Registered) to alter his Place of Abode, and to go into another County; upon his application to the Naval Officer of that Place, by whom he is first Registered, he shall have a time allowed him, proportionable to the distance of the Place where he designs to inhabit, not exceeding a Month: And upon his bringing a Certificate from the Naval Officer of that Place whereto he intends to remove of his being Registered there, he shall be discharged out of the Books, where he was last Registered before that.  
Ratio 9 This Method will be of use, by degrees, to get all our Seamen Listed, whereby a more regular Care may be taken, for relieving and exchanging the Seamen in due Order, according to the Methods proposed: And the Penalty to be inflicted on Seamen for their Neglect, will be a Spur, both to oblige and hasten them to a compliance with such Orders, as they shall find themselves tied to observe: The Naval Officer or his Clerk going on Board as aforesaid, will much forward this Work; and likewise they will hereby be able to give an Account thereof to the General Office at London, which may transmit Copies to the particular Places, whereunto these Seamen say they do belong; that Care may be taken for Registering them in their proper Counties; the giving Liberty to Seamen (after their being Registered) to remove into another Place, upon their acquainting the Naval Officer therewith, by whom they were first Registered, is but reasonable; because otherwise it would be an Imposition and hindrance to them, not to be permitted to Live where they do apprehend it to be most for their Advantage.  
Prop. 10. That every Seaman who shall be absent without leave, at the time of his respective Ships being preparing for a Careen, or to go into a Dock, or to come out of a Dock, 
Seamen to attend at the Fitting out their Ships.  or at the time of her taking in, or putting out her stores, or at the time of any other service, for which Labourers are fain to be hired to do the same, for want of the attendance of the Seamen belonging to the said Ship; every such Seaman to forfeit Forty Shillings for such his neglect, to be stopped out of his Wages the next pay, that shall become due to him. Further, that every Victualler, who shall Entertain any Seamen in his house between Sun & Sun, at such time, or times, as a necessity of business requires his attendance and Labour on Board, and not having Leave given him by his Commanders, or by one of the Lieutenants, in writing under his Hand, to forfeit Twenty Shillings for every time they offend in that kind; and Housekeepers the same Forfeiture: One Moiety thereof to the Informer, and the other to the uses aforesaid; to be recovered by Distress and Sail of the Offenders goods, by Virtue of a Justices Warrant for the same, or by any other means, as the Parliament shall think fit.  
Ratio 10. 'Tis but reasonable that Seamen should be obliged to give due Attendance on Board their Ships, especially at such times, as the King's Service do more immediately call for their Aid and Assistance; for 'tis a shame that Men should be born in Pay and Victuals on Board the King's Ships, and to be Loitering on shore, when there is most need of them on Board; and by these neglects it so happens, that the Commissioners of the Yards have been obliged to hire a considerable number of Soldiers to do that work, which the Seamen ought to do whereby the King is at a double Charge: For if Seamen dic but stand to their work, a Crusing-Ship might be cleaned, & in, and out of Harbour in 4. or 5. days, as has formerly been done, Wind and Wether permitting; which now is ofttimes a Month or Two in completing: And if Saylors will be absent from their business, at such times as they should give attendance, if they pay for their neglects, 'tis only themselves that are . As for the Victuallers and other Housekeepers, if they will persist to entertain Seamen, when warned to the contrary, 'tis meet that they pay for such their Contempt of Orders, and for Encouraging Seamen to stay on Shoar, when the King's business requires them on Board.  
Prop. 11. That all Seamen, (after the publication of the Lists as afore is mentioned) who shall not find themselves appointed 
What Seamen have Liberty to go in Merchant Men.  for Men of War thereby, for that Year; may be at Liberty to go into Merchant's Service, without being in any wise Molested in the prosecution of their Voyages that Year; but at their return from their Voyages, if they shall arrive at any other Port, except what they fitted out from (their Year being expired) than they shall be obliged to repair unto the Port where they were Registered forthwith, that they may take their turns duly with those in Men of War.  
Ratio 11. Those Seamen who are free to Comply with, and observe Orders for the going on Board the King's Ships in their turns, and mutually to relieve one another, aught to be Encouraged; and to have all Immunities and Privileges proper, to be allowed them in order thereunto: For 'tis allowed on all Hands, that our Ships of War, being well Manned with willing and able Seamen, may rightly be termed the Bulwark, or Brazen-Wall of the Nation: And who, but an enemy to himself, would dash that Armour to pieces which is able to defend him from the Violence, and Merciless Cruelty, of a Subtle and Powerful Adversary. But the obliging them to return to their proper Ports, when their time, in Merchant's Service is expired, which is allowed them, in order to their taking turns on Board the Men of War, is but reasonable; and only an inducing them to an observance of that Golden Rule; Do as ye would be done unto.  
Prop. 12. 'Tis humbly proposed, That no Master of any Merchant Ship, or Vessel, being above 50. Tun, do Sail from any Port in England, until he has entered into Bond of 500 l. and all Masters of Ships, or Vessels under 50. Tun, into 
Masters of Merchant Men Obliged to bring back their men, etc.  Bonds of 100 l. with each of them two able Sureties for the true performance of the following Articles, (viz.) That they shall not carry any Person, or Persons to Sea with them, above the Age of Sixteen Years, but what are Registered by some Naval Officer appointed for the same; who shall likewise Certify under his hand and Seal, That the said Persons are such as are not returned on the Lists, for the King's Service that Year; but have their Liberty to go in Merchant's Ships, during the space of one Year, and no longer, till it comes to their turns again. 2. That at the return of any Ship from her Voyage, to any Port in England, or Ireland, the Master, or whoever has the Charge of the Ship, shall immediately send an account (of what men are brought back) to the Naval Officer, whence he Shipped off his men and if in any Foreign Place, any Person or Persons so Registered do run away, than the Master of that Ship or Vessel whereto he did belong, shall bring a Certificate under the Hand & Seal of the Consul of that place: That the said Master made affidavit before him, that at such a Time, and at such a Place, such a Person (inserting his Name in the affidavit) ran away, and that he did his endeavour to get him again, by requiring the Consul's Assistance therein. But for want of such Testimonial, to forfeit Ten Pounds at the least for every Person he shall not bring back, except they have died in the Voyage, or any other unavoidable accident have happened, of which every Master shall give very good and sufficient proof; one Moiety of all forfeitures to be paid to the Informer, by the Naval Officer upon the discovering the same, by such just proof as shall be sufficient to Convict the Offender, the other to the uses .  
Ratio 12. The obligation required from Masters of Merchant Men can't seem to be an Imposition on them, or Novelty to them; because the same Method is practised in Barbadoes and Jamaica, etc. with double the Penalty for smaller Vessels, to prevent the carrying off Servants, and other Persons from the Island, without the Governors Pass, as those Masters who use the West-Indies, very well know. In the next place, the Registering Seamen can't prejudice, or in any case be Injurious to Merchantdizing; because after a Competent Number of Seamen is allowed, and pricked down to serve on Board the King's Ships, the remainder will be free, and without the hazard of being impressed, to serve on Board the Merchant Men, and not to sculk up and down as they do now, and wear protection Beards, whereby they look as if they were Fourscore Years old, when indeed they are not Forty, some of which are not 6. Months in a Year either on Board the King's Ships, or Merchant Men. By this means the said Masters may Negotiate their affairs without interruption, or hazard of having their Men pressed from them, which practice hath many times proved of fatal consequence to the Merchants, as before is discoursed. 2. As for their being obliged to bring back those men they carry with them into Foreign Parts, or to give a Satisfactory account, what is become of them, at the return of every Master home to England, etc.  be thought hard: Because there is an Act of Parliament still in Force, to oblige masters to the same; tho' time, and defect of duty in those who ought to see the same executed, has almost worn out its remembrance. This will also be one way to keep our Seamen together, and not giving them the opportunity of serving Foreign Princes or States, which too often happens; for Masters ofttimes selling their Ships and Vessels in Foreign Places, do thereby give a provocation to their men to serve in other Countries, by being disappointed of a passage home, which by this will be prevented: And the more Seamen are engaged to serve under their Natural and Lawful Prince, the more will fall to the Merchant's share; and consequently their Wages will be lessened: For 'tis observed and agreed on at all hands, that a scarcity (and not a plenty of any Commodity) raiseth the Price. The bringing a Testimonial can't be hurtful to them; because that will justify for them, that they have well and honestly complied with what was required of them: And that they have not incurred any Penalty or Forfeiture for any neglect thereof. The Moiety proposed to be given to the Informers, will make them look out sharp, and the Masters themselves be Circumspect, how they take any Unregistered Persons with them, or any other, but what may Lawfully be carried without prejudice to the King's service, or themselves, since they will have a great many eyes over them, who for the reward sake, will use their utmost endeavours for the discovery of any such Offender. Further, That every Seaman, whose turn it is to go on Board Men of War, and shall be found personating another, (who according to those methods) might stay on shore, or go into Merchant men, upon his being convicted of the same, shall forfeit to the Informer 40 s. to be paid to him by the Naval Officer immediately after such discovery, and stopped out of the first wages which shall become payable to him for his service on Board any of the King's Ships, and likewise be obliged to serve therein during the War.  
Prop. 13. That all Justices of the Peace, Mayor, Sheriffs, Bailiffs, Constables, Headboroughs, Tithingmen, and the like, be strictly required, to apprehend all Seamen whom they shall find inhabiting in any Inland Counties, where no 
Justices of the Peace, to take up Seamen & Vagrant Persons.  Naval Officer is appointed; and also all sturdy Beggars, vagrant Persons, Deer-stealers, such as rob Fishponds, Coney-Warrens, Dove-houses, or the like; and that they do carefully send them to the next Naval Officer, to be sent on Board Men of War, or disposed of otherwise, as shall be thought fit.  
Ratio 13. The obliging Justices of the Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, etc. to apprehend, and send those Persons last mentioned, unto the Naval Officer, in order to their being sent on Board the Men of War, will be of great Service to the Country: For hereby Gentlemen will not only preserve their Game to themselves, and the Common sort of People be rid of a great many dangerous Persons, who only lurk about, and watch Opportunities to break their Houses and rob them of what they have perhaps gotten with great Labour and Industry: But the King will have their Service on Board, which may be of use there, though not on shore; for many of those will make Cooks-mates, Shifters and Swabbers, etc. which must be had on Board as well as other Men; and doubtless many of them, when they are broke from their loitering and idle Courses, and see themselves confined on Board, may take up, and make good Sailors, but if they are permitted to stay on shore, and to follow the dictates of their own Inclinations; nothing but Mischiefs and Inconveniencies of many kinds must be expected from them.  
Lastly, The Merchants, Shipwrights, Caulkers, Sail-makers, and Rope-makers in and about the City of London, do not, I presume, need any other Motives to induce them to a Willingness, to have the  Propositions put in Execution, than this Consideration 
Why the Merchants of London, and other Persons of several Callings are obliged to forward these Methods.  of their being more especially incommoded, by the continual alarms of Pressing, which lies much harder on them, than on Places farther distant. For 'tis very rare for the City of London and Places adjacent, to be free from the Press a Month together in a Years time; for fear of which, the Seamen, and others of the aforementioned Callings, do in such Numbers so abscond and hid themselves, that thereby the particular Wages of Seamen, Shipwrights, Caulkers and the like, are so enhanced that their Wages are almost doubled— Besides the loss which is sustained for want of having Men on all occasions for their Works and Services, which Inconveniencies, being by these Methods likely to be removed, the Wages brought lower, and Business carried on with freedom, and without Interruption, must needs meet with a kind Acceptance, and with the Concurrence and joint Endeavours of the Merchants, Masters of Ships and others concerned herein, to promote the carrying on the said Methods, and Establishing the same.  
But some Persons, haply may take an occasion to reflect, and say, that if the whole matter had been contracted into fewer words, it would have done much better. To which I answer, 'tis true, I have studied for no Rhetoric to garnish it, or Flourishes of Oratory to set it out, those being things to which I am altogether a Stranger; being only a well wisher to a Sailer, and not a Nice one neither. In the preceding Methods, I have not observed quaintness of Expressions; which probably might have better pleased the Ingenious and Sharpwitted: But have with as much perspicuity and plainness as possible I could, run through every particular; and have the more enlarged thereon for the facilitating the same, and suiting it to the Capacity of the meanest Sailer, who may be concerned herein: I have likewise endeavoured to leave nothing doubtful and ambiguous; to the end, that all Seamen and others, might plainly perceive the drift and scope thereof. And that it is not a mere Project or a fallacious Invention, as many may suppose it to be, before they have well weighed and rightly considered the same: But that it is a real Substance, and that which if practised must necessarily tend to the Honour and Welfare of the Nation in general, and in particular, to the Ease, Benefit and Satisfaction both of Merchants and Seamen, which latter if encouraged as they ought, together with our Ships of War, may not unfitly be called the Impregnable Fortress and Safety of Their Majesties and Their Dominions. But that I may likewise indulge those Palates, who savour not Prolixity in matters of Discourse; I shall be as succinct and brief as I can, in enumerating the Heads of the several Advantages, which the preceding Methods treats of; and also the Grievances and Disadvantages, which thereby will be removed.  
First, It would be needless to recount the number of Men of War lost these five Years past, it being a thing too well known in England: But how and which way, and by what means the greatest part of them have been lost, is not obvious to every one. Therefore to satisfy (in some measure) the Curiosity of those who desire to know the same, it's believed, and without gainsaying, must be allowed to be chief for want of competent Numbers of Able and Willing Seamen on Board them: For 'tis evident, that several of our Ships of War have been taken of late Years, without losing a Mast or Yard, which was not so formerly: If these things had happened through the Neglect or Cowardice of the Commanders, that would soon have been discovered and blazed abroad; which since it appears not to be so with many of them, it must necessarily follow, that 'tis for want of Able Seamen on Board (except where they 
Want of our Ships well Manned the cause of many being taken.  have been overpowered, which hath been but now and then) And can we think ourselves disinteressed and hurt, if we leave off an old Road, which we follow as it were for Fashion-sake only, to comply with such Rules and Methods, as will undoubtedly, with ease and little Charge, procure a competent Number of able and rugged Sailors (instead of Shacome-filthies, Ragga-muffings and Serovies) to Man the King's Ships withal, at a very short warning; whereby Fifty Ships then, will be more Serviceable than One Hundred now: Besides, the French will then find, that they must pay the best Price for what Ships they take, and that Men of War will not be so easily parted with, as of late they have been.  
Secondly, When we are thus provided, and at a certainty to have Seamen when they are needed, the King may lay up the great Ships for the Winter Season, 
Much Money to be saved by paying and discharging Men from the great Ships at Winter.  and discharge the Men out of Pay and Victuals, but with their Money in their Pockets, and liberty to serve in Merchantmen, till 'tis their turns to go on Board again (which now can't be done; because for want of Methods, we know not how or which way to get them again, or others in their room at Spring) and how many Thousand Pounds in this very thing would be saved Yearly, on the Nations Account, every intelligent Man, but more especially those who are concerned in the Navy Affairs, may judge.  
But some may object, that the Registering of Seamen will be an abrogating their Liberties, etc. To this it may be answered, That were it really an Encroachment upon the Property of the Subject, (which I can't see how it is) yet the necessity of using these Methods, or the like, at this time would sufficiently plead its Excuse: And a desperate Wound must have the most searching and most probable means applied thereto for its Remedy.  
Thirdly, The Registering Shipwrights, Caulkers, Rope-makers and Sailmakers, will in no wise be hurtful to 
Benefit by Registering Seamen, Caulkers, etc.  any; for having a sufficient Number of them at all Calls, the Ships and Yards may be supplied therewith without Pressing. There may likewise be more Ships bu●lt in the King's Yards, than now are, which always outdo those built in Merchants Yards. There may also be more Cordage made there than is usual, which every thing considered, is always the best and cheapest; and many other Advantages will arise, which are now unthought of.  
Fourthly, The Enemy has found the advantages of Registering their Seamen, thereby fitting out and Manning their Ships with more than an imaginable dispatch; as I myself, whilst a Prisoner there, observed; Though at triple the Charge of what we shall be at for one fifth part of the Number of Seamen, we have in England; it being plain and apparent, to all those who have used the French-Trade, that we have five times more Merchant Ships (which are accounted a Seminary for bringing up Seamen) than the French have, and that ours are bigger than theirs; so that in all likelihood we must have five times as many Seamen.  
Fifthly, As for their Charge in Registering Seamen, 
Our charge in Registringmuch inferior to the French.  that considerably exceeds what ours will be in this: For their Intendants, which are the chief Officers concerned therein, have each of them some Thousands a Year, and the Inferior Officers, which are very numerous, Salaries proportionable: Whereas Four Hundred Pounds apiece, is what is proposed for our chief Officers concerned herein, and One Hundred Pound for the chiefest Clerks, of which only those in London will be Sharers. And 'tis my Opinion, that we need not be ashamed to practise those Methods, which will undoubtedly be effected with much less trouble, difficulty and charge, than what the Advantages which will flow from thence, will make good and answer for.  
Sixthly, In the beginning of the War many Volunteers came into the Service, as particularly from Bristol, Lyn and Weymouth, whence they came by Forties, Fifties and an Hundred in a Gang; the greatest part whereof that are alive, are still in the Service, and the only Men which have throughly shared in the Toils thereof; but without any more Respect or Encouragement than those that were forced; which doubtless hath been a means of hindering others from following their Examples. But were the Methods herein contained effectually prosecuted, and Seamen Times appointed them, wherein they knew themselves obliged to serve on Board Men of War; and likewise when they might without Interruption go into Merchant's Service, and at all times that Encouragement that is due to them, we need not be at any Charge in Pressing, or keeping Tenders, as now we do; nor ever want brave bold, and undaunted Seamen to Man the Fleet.  
Seventhly, It cannot but be matter of wonder, to see with what Dexterity and Speed the French fit out their Ships; and that with one fifth of the Seamen we have in England; and how in a few days they are completely Manned, after Orders given out for the same: And I presume that English Seamen are as 
Englishmen as capable of doing good Service as any Nation if Encouraged.  capable of doing any Service proper for them, as the French can be; and were they Ordered and Encouraged accordingly, might, as formerly, deserve and merit the Precedency of any others, in Sea-Affairs: But if for want of Courage and Conduct to adventure, and carry on those Methods (which seem very reasonable and also very probable to recover the Oeconomy and pristine Glory of our Fleets; to Animate our Seamen, and as it were, to engage Success on our Side) we sit as unconcerned, and will not use any means, though never so likely for the retrieving the decayed Honour of the Nation; we can't, if we suffer thereby, blame any but ourselves. For what Mischiefs and Miseries do fall upon us, are, as it were ushered in by our own Consent, if we strive not, to oppose and hinder them.  
Eighthly, The difficulties which may seem to attend this Service in the first establishing and settling the proposed Methods, may make it look with a sour Face, and 
Every thing of moment hard at first.  so retard and hinder its going forward, and thereby many may be startled, who otherwise see nothing but what is reasonable and needful enough to be practised— 'Tis true, that in this, as in all other things at the beginning, difficulties will interfere; and 'tis likely enough that the most significant and most material Undertake, for a Public Good, will meet with the greatest Hardships, in its first Birth and Infancy; and that 'tis no easy matter to put some People out of their old Road, though never so rugged and uneasy: But the greatest Care and Trouble which can befall the carrying on of the foregoing Proposals, will be in the first Year; which being with Diligence, Faithfulness and Industry (in the Management thereof) passed over for succeeding Times, 'twill easily be done. And that sufficient amends will be made for the Toil and Fatigues thereof, will not be doubted, (upon mature and deliberate Thoughts) by any, who zealously desire the Welfare and Prosperity of their Majesties and their Kingdoms. These Methods, if industriously managed, may in some measure, run parallel in time with the Post-Office, in rise, growth and perfection; which being known to most Gentlemen, I shall not speak of it here.  
Ninthly, If those Methods are followed, we shall 
Turning over of Seamen remedied.  have that Epidemical Grievance, which so much gauls and disturbs the Seamen removed, namely of being turned over from Ship to Ship; which many times delays their being paid, makes them lose the Benefit and Favour of their Commander (of whom, by their Care and Industry they have deserved well) by being absent from them; and from the quality of a Mate, or Midshipman, or the like in a former Ship, by being turned over to a Captain that knows them not, are reduced to go afore the Mast; and how any Person of Sense or Courage can brook this, I do appeal to every sober Mans-Judgment.  
Tenthly, Although 'tis proposed, that Seamen be left to their liberty at the end of the first Year or thereabouts, after they are Registered; yet 'tis not to be 
Many Seamen will continue in the Service notwithstanding the Liberty proposed.  doubted, but that many will still continue in the Service, who might be relieved from it according to the Proposals, and that out of Respect to their Commanders; and many who are at liberty will then have the freedom to go with those Commanders whom they most affect; whereby Commanders and their Men being united by a free Choice (for no Captain can well refuse a Person that voluntarily offers his Service under his Command) will then carry such an harmony of Affections amongst one another, that there will be great reason to hope for Success in all their Undertake, according to that Maxim, Force united is strongest: And further, by these Methods and Agreements amongst Seamen and their Officers; Pressing, that Scarecrow and Bugbear to many Men, will be out of Fashion, and the vast Charges and Inconveniencies attending the same, be utterly removed and expelled.  
Eleventhly, Then there is another thing, which if confirmed, will encourage the Seamen to continue in, and also prize and value the Service; it being reported that the Lords of the Admiralty do intent to prefer none to be Warrant-Officers, but such as have actually and successively served Three Years in the Men of War: Which will stimulate and provoke many Seamen to put themselves forward; a likelihood of Preferment, being of more force to draw some, than the Whip to drive others into the Service.  
Having touched upon some Heads, more particularly relating to Their Majesties and the Seamen; I shall add a few words concerning the Merchant's Circumstances, and so conclude.  
First, In the first place, the Merchants have been feelingly sensible of the Effects of the War, as the exhausted Coffers of many (which in the beginning thereof were full) can witness, occasioned chief by the great Numbers of their Ships taken by the Enemy 
Merchant's great Sufferers for want of due Methods in getting Seamen for the King's Ships.  this War: One great Reason whereof has been the want of due and proper Methods for the procuring Able Seamen, who should be in readiness at a very short Warning to Man the King's Ships: For notwithstanding all the Circumspection and Care imaginable of the Lords of the Admiralty, for the due ordering of Ships to Sea, both Convoys and Cruizers; yet if Men can't be gotten, the Ships must lie still. But by these Methods a sufficient number of Seamen may be at all times ready; whereby Cruizers and Convoys may be abroad, and to and again at Sea, to prevent the Enemy from so often making a Prey of our Merchantmen, as of late they have done.  
Secondly, In the second place, the exorbitant Wages which the Merchants must give, and still are obliged so to do, or all must lie still, have been a Pull-back to many of them; And the want of Men (for fear of being pressed from them) notwithstanding the offers of great Wages, has many times retarded the Prosecution of their designs, to almost the overthrow of their Voyages.  
Thirdly, Many other Inconveniences and Enormities have flowed in upon them, of which themselves are the most competent Judges and the best Remembrancers; all which Grievances and Sufferings, or most part thereof, by the proposed Methods, might (for the future) be prevented. The Merchants likewise might negotiate their Sea-affairs, without interruption, or 
Wages in Merchants Ships likely to be brought lower.  hazard of having their Men taken from them, when once Shipped and willing to serve them: And the exorbitant Wages, given now, would then be brought down, and many other Inconveniences removed, which now they labour under: But would be glad of a Remedy for them.  
Fourthly and Lastly, That the consideration of the foregoing Propositions and Methods, being humbly and timely offered to the Parliament, and by them approved, some of the Effects thereof may be experienced in the next Summer's Service.  
Object. But some may object, That if this had been done in the beginning of the War, it had been of some Moment, and might have done good Service; but now 'tis hardly worth while to set it on foot, a Peace being expected in little time; and that the War in all probability can't hold out much longer.  
Answ. To this it may be answered, That as to the duration of the War, that's very uncertain; and 
The want of these Methods on the like not practised sooner, no reason to hinder their progress now.  that it may continue longer than is expected by many People, is likely enough: However, because so necessary and advantageous a design as this, (if practised) may prove to the Nation, has been hitherto unthought of; yet in my Opinion that's no convincing Argument for to frustrate its being put in Execution now; since we know not how long or how little while the War may last. But admit a Peace do in little time ensue: We can't be sorry, that we have no Occasion to use these Methods, if the War continues: We have no reason to be offended that a way is found out, to save a very considerable sum of Money, which is spent in Pressing and other Services; and to have able and rugged Sailors ready on all emergencies to Man the Fleet as it ought; whereby the French Kings Fleet will be more likely to be decreased, than increased by ours.  
I remember, that when we had Wars with Holland; nay, not long before the beginning of this War; The Seamen seemed desirous to have Wars with France, and would be often boasting what they would do, and how ready they would be to fight the French. But now we find the Case much altered, and as much, if not more difficulty now than ever to Man our Fleet; and likely to grow worse and worse, if not timely prevented by proper Methods for the same: And if those are not thought sufficient and perfect enough (the Examination whereof I humbly commit to the unbyass'd Judgements and candid Censures of those who are zealously desirous of the Nations Interest) yet, I presume, here is a Foundation for a more well composed and nobler Structure, than what my Skill or Pretensions will reach to; which being built upon for the Nations Interest, by the Endeavours of any public spirited Person, will give the Author as much satisfaction and content, as if completed by himself; He having no Ambition of getting himself a Name by these Undertake, nor of reaping any Advantage thereby, otherwise than as it centres with a National Interest.  
FINIS.    

Books Printed for, and Sold by R. Clavell at the Peacock in St. Paul 's Churchyard.  
THE Reasons of Praying for the Peace of our Jerusalem, in a Sermon Preached before the Queen at Whitehall, on the Fastday, being Wednesday August 29. 1694. By Thomas Comber, D. D. Dean of Durham, and Chaplain in Ordinary to Their Majesties. Printed by Their Majesty's Special Command.  
A Daily Office for the Sick; Compiled out of the Holy Scriptures, and the Liturgy of our Church; with occasional Prayers, Meditations and Directions.  
The Pantheon, Representing the Fabulous Histories of the Heathen Gods, and most Illustrious Heroes; in a short, plain and familiar Method, by way of Dialogue, for the Use of Schools Written by Fra. Pomey, of the Society of Jesus; Author of the French and Latin Dictionary, for the Use of the Dauphin.  
Q. Horatij Flacci Opera; Interpretatione & Notis Illustravi: Ludovicus Desprez Cardinalitius Socius ac Rhetor Emeritus, Jussu Christianissimi Regis, in usum Serenissimi Delphini, ac Serenissimorum Principum Burgundiae, Andium, Biturigum. Huic Editioni accessere Vita Horatij, cum Dacerii Notis ejusdem Chronologia Horatiana, & Praefatio de Satira Romana.  
L. Annaei Flori rerum Romanarum Epitome; Interpretatione & Notis Illustravit Anna Tanaquilla Fabri Tilia, Jussu Christianissimi Regis, in usum Serenissimi Delphini.  
Compendium Graecum Novi Testamenti, Continens ex 7959. Versiculis totius. N. Testamenti tantum Versiculos 1900. (non tamen integros) in quibus omnes universi Novi Test. Voces, una cum Versione Latina, Inveniuntur: Auctore Johanne Lusden, Philos. Doctore, & Linguae Sanctae in Academia Ultrajectina Professor Ordinario. Editio Quinta.