THE merchants AVIZO. VERY NECESSARY FOR THEIR sons and servants, when they first send them beyond the seas, as to Spain and Portugal or other countries. Made by their hearty well willer in Christ. I. B. Merchant. ECCLES. 40.18. To labour and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but the fear of God is above all, etc. printer's device of Richard Field, featuring an anchor suspended by a hand from the clouds (related to McKerrow 192 and 195 -- possibly an intermediate recutting) ANCHORA. SPEI Imprinted at London by Richard Field for William Norton, dwelling in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the Queen's arms. 1589. CONSTANTINI CRUX. emblem featuring Christ's cross with the five wounds, including the crown of thorns and the sacred heart, encircled by a crown of thorns and a circle of flames IN HOC SIGNO VINCES TO THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER THOMAS ALDWORTH MERCHANT of the city of Bristol: and to all the worshipful company of the Merchants of the said city: your bounden in good will john Browne, wisheth unto your worships, felicity in heaven, and prosperity in earth. Worshipful, upon very earnest motion & persuasion of a friend unto me, to set forth in public this matter, which I only had made private for instruction of me and mine. And then calling to remembrance some necessity and duty: necessity, because by mine own experience I know how greatly myself and many other my countrymen, at our first going into Spain were troubled with difficulties, for want of such a pattern as this, for ease of our tender wits. And duty, because I acknowledge myself bound, both to your Worship, and to all those of my profession, to employ my whole labours to do you any pleasure or profit that I might. I therefore have emboldened myself to dedicate and offer this my poor mite unto our Worships: whereby not only your name may therein be still remembered, but may also make manifest your kind favours, who are still willing to be furtherers of any general good. Mine own labour or skill I confess, is but very little or nothing in this thing, because I myself do but only as a poor willing labourer, to help forwards that work, the foundation & platform whereof, is settled and builded already. But my chief purpose herein is, only to work a general ease to all Merchants: whereby they may the less trouble themselves, either with writing, invention, or thought of these matters. And likewise that it might be some stay to young and weak wits: yielding them thereby the more freedom of mind toward their other business. Being careful in myself to order this work, that not only (as I hope) it shallbe lawfully permitted to be seen and read in any parts beyond the * If this book may not be thought tolerable beyond the seas: then will it be yet a good exercise and but little labour, for every apprentice to copy it all out in writing: and so carry it with him for his instruction. sea: but also shall instruct young novices, to use greater brevity in their writings then commonly they are wont. Wherefore I commit myself and my doings, first to the praise of God, and then to your good acceptance and favourable patronage. Desiring your Worships all, that howsoever you do determine of the unability of this my labour: yet that you vouchsafe to take in good part the ability of my love and good meaning in it. So I rest, beseeching God to give unto you all, eternal felicity in heaven, and prosperity to your lives end here on earth. From my house in Bristol the 26. day of October. 1589. Your Worships bounden in good will. I. B. MAR. To the Reader. WHen merchants trade proceeds in peace. And labours prosper well: Then common weals in wealth increase, As now good * This was spoken when was a long stay of the merchants trade, to the great decay of many a one. proof can tell. For when the merchants trade was free, His ventures for to make: Then every art in his degree Some gains thereof did take. The merchant made the Clothier rich, By venting of his cloth: The Clothier than sets many at work. And helpeth every craft. For first the Spinster hereby live, The Weaver and the Dier: By cloth, the Shearman also thrive, When Merchant is the buyer. The Landlord and the Tenant sell, By this means all their wool: Their Beef, their Corn, they sell the more, When merchants purse grow full. The Grocer with the Vintner, And Mercer profit reap: When Spices, Silks, and Wines, come store, By merchants ventures great. The Victualler and the Husbandman. And handicrafts each on: Makes gains, when merchants Ships & goods Do merrily come home. The Sailors here-hence gets their skill, To rule the stately Ship And so become right worthy men, For Sea and Land most fit. Yea divers more the merchants trade, Doth succour and relieve: As Bargeman, Craneman, Porter eke, To him that Cart doth drive. Let no man then grudge merchants state, Nor wish him any ill: But pray to God our Queen to save, And merchants state help still. I B THE TABLE OF THOSE things which are contained in this Book. A General remembrance for a servant at his first going to sea. folio 1. A letter to send to his master when he is forced by weather into any Port upon his voyage. folio 8 A letter to be sent presently upon his arrival at his Port. folio 9 A letter to be sent next after his first letter that he wrote of his arrival. folio 10 A letter to be sent from his second Port of arrival. folio 12 A letter to be sent in that ship where he hath laden goods. folio 13 A letter to be sent unto one that hath left some business to do under your hands. folio 14 A letter of thanks to a friend that hath done you some pleasure: wherein you also request again some farther good turn of him. folio 15 A letter to desire the goodwill of a friend to help you in some matter of your business. folio 16 Certain brief notes worthy observation: as first of the Kintal or hundred weight of Portugal, Spain, and France. folio 18 Of the measure of cloth in Portugal, Spain, and France. folio 19 Of the measure of corn and salt in Portugal, Spain and France. folio 20 Of the value of moneys, in Portugal, Spain, and France. folio 21 A brief instruction for the better knowledge of diverse wares of Portugal, Spain and France. folio 23 A brief form for making a Spanish or any other account. folio 30 A rule to take out your provision of two and a half in the hundred. fol. 32. And also in what sort you must gather it upon the Impliments. folio 34 A rule to bring Portugal Res into Spanish marvedis. folio 46 diverse particular notes worthy observation, as appeareth in every leaf of the Spanish account, beginning fol. 30. A form for making a bill of lading. folio 49 A merchants particular remembrance. folio 50 A bill of exchange for the country of Spain and elsewhere. folio 53 A bill of exchange for our country of England. Ibid. An acquittance. folio 54 A bill of attorney. Ibid. A bill of debt. folio 55 A bond or Obligation. folio 56 A policy for assurance. Ibid. Certain godly sentences, necessary for a youth to meditate upon. folio 61 The conclusion, which is an history very profitable and delightful for a youth to read and meditate. folio 65 A GENERAL REMEMBRANCE FOR A SERVANT WHEN HE FIRST traveleth to the Sea, as to Spain or Portugal, or other countries. Emanuel A GENERAL remembrance for you my servant I. A. that when it pleaseth God you shall travel unto the sea, first & principally you do not forget upon your fafe arrival at your Port, to give unto God most hearty and humble * For to fear God, and to be thankful unto him, is the beginning of all happiness and prosperity in our affairs. thanks for his gracious protection of you, by saying as in token of your thankfulness, some godly prayer of thanksgiving, or say only with reverence the Lords prayer, giving him withal thanks in some words of your own spirit. Secondly, that presently upon your arrival, you do make diligent inquiry, whether any ships be bound either to this Port of Bristol, or to any part of England. And then have especial care, that the nearest that cometh to this Port, you writ letters by them unto me, and to them that you have to deal for, of the arrival of your ship: according to this plain and brief form of inditing, as I will hereafter show you. And so writ likewise by your first letters, of the state of your business, and of the news of the country, according as that time passeth. And when you have learned of any ship that cometh for England, do not yourself make it * This I say: to procure the more care and diligence in a youth. known to any body at all: but writ and deliver your letters secretly, for it shall sound much to your especial credit and good liking, when your diligence shall be so seen, that your letters shall show the first arrival of your Ship: because it is the thing that every Merchant doth especially long after to understand. Thirdly, deal closely & secretly in all your affairs and business, and before you enterprise any thing, do you after courteous and gentle manner ask counsel, either of some Merchant in the Ship, or your Host, or of some English man: how you are to deal about your wares, both touching the landing it, the customing it, the selling it, the receiving of your moneys, the buying of any wares again, the customing the same again, and to have out all your writs and dispatches for every such thing, as is needful to be had. And having been thus once instructed, do you with carefulness remember it of yourself against another time. Also be earnest in noting & marking every thing that you may, but be yourself as secret and silent as is possible. Fourthly in any case show yourself lowly, courteous, and serviceable unto every person: for though you & many of us else may think, that too much lowliness bringeth contempt and disgrace unto us: yet assuredly (it is well known by experience) that there springeth of no one virtue so great fruit unto us, as of gentleness and humility: for it will both appease the anger and ill will of our enemies, & increase the good will of our friends. Also in any wise be not seduced by any person, to play at any kind of game, especially dice or cards, nor to use feasting or banqueting, or keeping company with women, nor to go fine and costly in apparel: for all these things are especially noted, and do bring any young beginner to utter discredit and undoing. Fiftly carry this for an especial note, that whensoever you have dealings for any merchants, you do in all things and every point observe according to their commission and direction. For although I know, it will sometimes seem to yourself, that you shall better please your merchant, not to buy those wares which he appointeth, because of the dearness of them: yet (I say) you shall give evermore best contentment to your merchant, and save yourself harmless, when you follow his own order and remembrance. And take this also for a caveat, that you never think the same ware which is best cheap, and is most bought up, that it will be best to bestow your money thereon: for ordinarily it falleth out, that the quantity of the best cheap wares that is brought home, hath smaller utterance and less profit, than such dear wares as there cometh but very little quantity of. Also be careful in setting up safely your money when you have received it: and likewise be wary when you receive your moneys for your wares, craving the pains of some merchant your friend, as to help you the first time to receive it for you, until you have more knowledge to receive it yourself. Moreover be you in any wise circumspect touching your behaviour when you be in the country of Spain or else where: and show yourself lowly and courteous to all people, and learn what be their civil laws and customs, and be careful to keep them. If any of the rude and common sort of people (as so it is in all countries) will by chance offer you any abuse or wrong, appease them again rather by sufferance and gentleness, then by revenge: for so shall you best quiet yourself, & overcome your enemy. In the sales of your wares, do you, before you set price of it to any man, make inquiry how other English men have sold the like commodities, and so do you accordingly set prize of yours. And lightly do not refuse the second or third chapmans' offer: for most ordinarily it falleth out, that the first and fourth offer is never so good as the third offer: but in this you are to have a good insight yourself, and to do according as is your haste and necessity for your sales. Be most faithful & just in all your accounts with every man, & defraud no man willingly not the value of a farthing. See that at no time you do take any man's doings or dealings into your hands, without my leave and counsel: because by the trouble of other men's business, you may neglect & frustrate mine own. And have also regard, for those small adventures which I shall licence you to make for your own private benefit, that every voyage you do deliver mean account of it, whereby from time to time I may see and know your estate, and what of right doth aperteine unto you. Be circumspect and nigh in all your expenses; making your reckoning, that what you now spare and save unto me, it may grow the more to your own benefit in time to come. lastly let this be yet your first and chiefest point in all your actions: that especially you omit not your dutiful service towards almighty God, but every morning and night, to pray that God will still prosper and protect you, & to give him humble thanks that he hitherto hath always mercifully defended you. And this do you perform, by saying silently, reverently, & atentively, such prayers as you have learned by heart: or it your memory cannot well remember any other prayer, say only to the praise of the blessed Trinity, the * Lords prayer and the * This order of prayer I have thought, might be good and godly: both because of the country beyond the seas, and because of merchants lets and hindrance to continue in long prayer. Creed, using evermore withal these three points of meditation. First, to meditate your sins, and ask God heartily mercy, and steadfastly purpose amendment. Secondly, meditate God's benefits: and humbly thank him. Thirdly, meditate your necessities: and crave his holy help for them. The which you may then conclude the effect of these meditations, by saying lastly again the Lords prayer. And this dutiful exercise of prayer, I do require you never once to pretermit both at morning & at night, how hasty and urgent soever be your business For how great equity & reason is it, that we should spend at the least one half hour or little moment of the day in thanks, service, and mindfullnes of God: who is both careful & mindful to serve & secure us, even all the whole day and ever all our life long. Also never sit down, or rise up from meat, but be mindful of God: & in expressing your thanksgiving, say some Godly grace or other: or only say (rather than fail) no more then, In the name of the father, of the son, & of the Holy Ghost, & let those words show your thankfulness to God. Finally in all your actions, use diligence, conscience, silence and patience. Thus making no doubt, but if you be mindful of your duty and service to God, all things shall go well and have happy success that you take in hand. But the contrary doing: your labours will not prosper, nor any thing that you do, will ever come to good pass or perfection. The holy Ghost be evermore your Protector. Your master to do you any good that you shall deserve. T. A. Here followeth a brief form of all such letters as you shall need to write throughout your whole voyage. The which form is effectual & sufficient enough, and may still be observed, until by experience you may learn to indite better yourself. A Letter to be written to your Master, if your ship be forced by weather into any place, before you come to your Port of discharge. Emanuel AFTER my duty remembered, I pray for your good health and prosperity. etc. These are certifying you, that by means of ill weather and contrary winds, we were within vi. days after our departure from Kingrode, forced into Milford: where here we abide according to God's pleasure, hoping that he will shortly better provide for us. Little news I hear worth the writing: only I understand that there is [Here write your news, if you have any.] Thus taking my leave with my dutiful commendations remembered to my good mistress etc. I heartily desire of God to protect and prosper you and all yours. From Milford the 4. day of October 1589. Your faithful and obedient servant R. A. A Letter to be written to your Master presently upon your arrival at your Port. Emanuel. AFTER my duty remembered, I pray for your good health & prosperity, etc. These are certifying you, that on the 24. day of October, within 16. days after our departure from Kingrode, we arrived here at Lisbon (God be thanked) in good safety, and the Gabriel and the Minnyon also. As yet we have not landed our goods nor sold any thing, for it is but 3. days since we arrived. Touching Sales or Impliments, I do understand that it will not fall out so well as I wished or hoped it would: but I will do my very best endeavour for you according as time shall serve. Broad clothes of the finest sorts, I do hear may be worth about 50. Ducats: and sorting clothes 38. Ducats: fine Stammels 80. Ducats a cloth: Reading Kerseiss about 14. Ducats a piece: Bays about 12. Ducats a piece: Led 19 Rials the Kintal: wheat 3. Rials and a half the Alquer. ¶ Of the wares here of the country: pepper is worth about 50. Ducats the Kintal: cloves 75. Ducats: maces 80. Dks: Nutmegs 80. Ducats: Cinnamon 68 Ducats: Callicowes' of Sancto Passes at 50. Ducats the Courge: Soap at 7. Ducats the Kintal: Brasill at 7. Ducats and a half the kintal: Oils 86. Ducats the tun: Salt at 11. Rials the Muy * Note that you inquire & also writ the prizes of all other vendible wars . Little news I hear worth the writing, only it is said that the king, etc. [Here write your news.] Thus taking my leave with my dutiful commendations remembered to my good Mistress, etc. I heartily desire of God to protect and prosper you and all yours. From Lisbon the 27. day of October. 1589. Your faithful servant whiles I live. R. A. A Letter to be written to your Master, or some other man that is of worship, next after your first letter. Emanuel. AFTER my duty remembered unto your Worship: I pray for your good health & prosperity, etc. These are certifying your worship, that by a ship of London called the Merchant royal, I wrote to you before of our arrival here at Lisbon. But lest some chance should let the coming of it to your hands, you shall again understand that on the 24. day of October, within 16. days after our departure from Kingrode, we arrived here at Lisbon (God be thanked) in good safety, and the Minion and the Gabriel also. Touching Sales or Impliments it falleth not out so well as I hoped and wished it would: but I have done my very best endeavour for you as time served. Your 10. fine broad clothes, I sold them for 50. Ducats and 6. rials a piece: but they forced me in rebates 8. Ducats upon them all. Your Stammel broad cloth I have sold for 84. Ducats and 3. Rials. Your lead I have sold for 23. Rials the Kintall. The wax for 24. Ducats and a half the Kintall. And as for your impliments, I have according unto your remembrance laden for you in the Gabriel, 6. Kintals and 2. Roves of pepper, which cost the first penny 50. Ducats the Kintall. Also in that ship 1. kintal of Cloves which cost the first penny 75. Ducats and a half: and have marked it all according to your mark in the margin. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth Mases are here worth 80. Dks. the kintal: Cinnamon 68 Dks. Nutmegs 80. Dks. Callicowes' of S. Passes at 50. Dks. the Corge. Oils 86. Dks. the tun: soap at 7. Dks. the kintal: brasil 7. Dks & a half the kintal: salt 11. rials the Muy. ¶ Of our English commodities: Reding kerseys are worth 14. Dks. a piece: bays 9 Dks. 4. rials a piece: wheat 3. rials & a half the Alquer, etc., Within this four days we hope to make ready to go for Andalozia: God be our good speed whensoever we go. In Andalozia we understand that oils are worth about 78. Ducats the tun: and Secks 12. Ducats the But. Little news I hear worth the writing: etc. Thus taking my leave, I commit your worship to Almighty God. From Lisbon the 7. day of November. 1589. Your Worships at commandment to the uttermost of my power. R. A. A Letter to be written upon your arrival from Lisbon unto your second Port. Emanuel. AFTER my duty remembered, I pray for your good health & prosperity, etc. These are certifying you, that on the 7. day of December, within 5. days after our departure from Lisbon, we arrived at S. Lucar (God be thanked) in good safety. Touching sales or impliments here, it falleth out not so well as I hoped and wished it would; but I have done my very best endeavour for you as the time served. Your 12. pieces of bays I have sold for 11. Ds. and 7. Rials the piece: and your 15. tons of lead, after 21. Rials the Kintal, etc. [Here write forward as it is in the Letter next before, changing only the names of the wares which you have to buy or sell in that country.] Your faithful and obedient servant. R. A. A Letter to be sent in that ship where you have laden goods for any Merchant. Emanuel. AFTER * Note that when you writ to a Merchant or any other, which is not your Master or is not a man of worship: then may you well enough begin always your letters after this manner. my very hearty commendations unto you, I pray for your good health and prosperity, etc. These are certifying you, that I have laden for your account in the Gabriel of Bristol according to your remembrance, 4. tuns of oil, which is marked with your mark in the margin. The which doth cost the first penny 11. Rials and a half the Rove, and doth amount unto 75. Ducats, 3. Rials the tun. More I have laden for you 2. Roves of Cochenele, which cost after 160 Ducats the Kintal, and is marked according to the other mark. More 12. butts of Sack which cost the first penny 15. Ds. the But: marked also with the former. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth Al which goods (God willing) I hope you shall well and safely receive. Here within enclosed I send you a bill of lading for all your goods, & likewise your account. Thus for this time I take my leave, trusting myself very shortly to be at home, for by the grace of God I purpose to come alongst in the Pleasure: until which time I commit you to Almighty God. From S. Lucar the 23. day of december. 1589. Your assured to my power. R. A. A Letter to be written to one that hath left some business to do for him under your hands, there in the Country. Emanuel. AFTER my very hearty commendations unto you, I pray you for your good health and prosperity. etc. These are certifying you, that touching such business which you appointed me to do for you: I have now sold the 4. broad clothes which you left herewith me, for 48. Dks. a piece: and have employed the money according to your direction. Namely in 1. Kintal of pepper, which cost the first penny 45. Ducats and a half the quintal, and have laden it in the Minion. More in the same ship I have laden 3. Roves of cloves, which cost after 76. ducats the quintal, and have marked it all with your mark as in the margin. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth The money which you appointed me to receive of F.B. he hath paid it me: and I have passed it (and all the rest of the money in my hands, being in the whole 184. Ducats, 2. Rials): by exchange to Seville in B. E. as was your remembrance. I do send you your account here within enclosed. Also your letter that you left with me, I have sent by my brother in law I. R. in the Toby. I pray you do my hearty commendations unto my good friends at Bristol, master I.P. etc. Little news I hear worth the writing. Thus taking my leave I commit you to Almighty God. From Lisbon the 5. day of januarie 1589. Yours assured to my power. R. A. A Letter to be written to a friend, giving him thanks for some pleasure he hath done for you, and requesting again some farther good turn of him. Emanuel. AFTER my very hearty commendations unto you: I pray for your good health & prosperity, etc. These are giving you most hearty thanks for your great pains & gentleness heretofore showed unto me: assuring you that you shall find me to the uttermost of my power, both grateful and mindful to pleasure you again in the like & greater if I can be able. Desiring you heartily yet once more, to let me crave so much your good will, as to do me again this one pleasure: which is, to deliver this letter herein closed, to master P.R. Draper, that dwelleth in Lisbon in the Roa nova: and that you would receive for me of him 100 Ducats which I have written to him to pay you. And when you have received it, that you would be so good as to employ it all in good pepper, & to set my Master's mark on it, which is as in the margin. Praying you to agree for freyte, and to procure to have it laden in the Pleasure, & to write a letter unto my Master about it. I am sorry that I am driven to make still so bold upon you: wishing that you had the like or greater occasion to try also my good will towards you. Little news I hear worth the writing etc. Thus taking my leave, I commit you to Almighty God. From Civel 25 day of january. 1589. Your assured to my power. R. A. A Letter to be written to a friend when you would have him to pleasure you in any matter. Emanuel. AFTER my very hearty commendations unto you: I pray for your good health and prosperity. etc. These are most heartily to desire so much your friendship and good will, to do me this pleasure: as to receive for me out of the Gabriel when she cometh to S. Lucar, 6. tons of Lead containing 105. pieces, being marked as in the margin: & to do so much as make present sale of it, the best you can as the time serveth. And when you have made sale & received moneys for it, that you would be so good as to ride unto Shears and buy for me 8. Butts of very good Sack the best that possible can be gotten, though they cost a Ducat or two the more in a But: & to lad them away as soon as is possible aboard the Gabriel, marking them with the former mark in the margin. And the rest of the moneys that you shall have left, I pray you to pass it with all speed hither to Siuil unto me. Herein (if without seeming overbold) I may crave your pains to pleasure me: I do assure you that you shall find me to the uttermost of my power, both grateful and mindful to pleasure you again in the like and much greater if I can be able. Little news I hear worth the writing. Thus taking my leave I commit you to Almighty God. From Siuil the 27. day of january. 1589. Your assured to my power. R. A. This brief & plain order in your letters, I think it best you should for a time use, because of easing a while your own young invention of Inditing: for after this manner of style you may write to most sorts of persons. The superscription of your letters may be thus. To the worshipful, Alderman Aldworth Merchant, dwelling in Smalstreat in Bristol: give this with speed. Or say: to the worshipful my Master Master John Barker merchant. etc. Or: to my assured good friend Master Thomas Pits merchant. etc. CERTAIN ESPECIAL BRIEF NOTES OF WEIGHTS, measures, and value of moneys in Portugal, Spain and France, with an instruction for the better knowledge of diverse wares in those countries. Of the Kintal or hundred weight of Portugal, Spain, or France. Of the Kintal of Portugal. Observe beside these instructions following, to make diligent inquiry yourself, in all places where you trade, of every of these points for these notes may in some countries and through time be a little altered and changed from the rules here set down. NOte that in Lisbon in Portugal, the kintal of pepper and of ginger (which they call the lesser kintal) is 112. pound. And their Rove or quartern weight is 28. pound, and holdeth out with our English hundred of 112. pound, and sometimes two or thread pound more. The kintal of most sorts of all other spices, as cloves, maces, nutmegs, Cinnamon, etc. containeth 128. pound, and is called the great Kintal: and the Rove containeth 32 pound, and doth hold out about 15. or 16. pound more than our English hundred. Of the Kintal of Spain. Note that in most parts of Spain, their Kintal is, 100 li. and containeth of our English weight but * Note that the lead doth most commonly hold out after this rate of weight: but most sorts of other english wares, do not so. 102. li. So as our hundred weight is 10 in the 100 greater than theirs. Excepting the Kintal weight of Iron in Biskey, which is 150. pound, and doth make about 114. pound of our English weight. Of the Kintal of France. Note that in Rochel and Bordeaux, and so in most parts of France, the Kintal is 100 pound: and holdeth out with our English hundred: saving that through falsehood of the wayers, it falleth less in one place then in another. OF THE MEASURES OF cloth in Portugal, Spain, and France. Portugal. NOte that the measure of cloth in Lisbon is the Covada: which containeth about 3. quarters of our English yard. But the measure of Linen cloth, is chiefly bought and sold by the Vare: which is about an Ell less a nail of our English measure. Spain. Note that the measure of Spain is called the Vare: which containeth an English yard less a nail. France. Note that the measure of France, is the Aulne: which containeth almost a nail longer than our English Ell, OF THE MEASURES OF Corn and salt in Portugal, Spain, and France. Portugal. Note that the measure of corn in Lisbon is the Alquer: and 3. Alquers make about a Bushel of our Bristol measure, which is * The corn measure of Bristol is 8. gallonds Winchester. 8. gallonds Winchester: and 5. Alquers or near thereabouts, maketh a Hanic of the measure of Spain. Spain. Note that the measure of Spain, is his Hanic, which containeth about a Bushel and a half of our measure of Bristol: so as 2. Hanicks makes about 3. bushels of ours. France. Note that the measure of Rochel and Bordeaux is the Boiseau: which containeth near about 3. pecks of our Bristol measure. OF THE MEASURE of Salt. Portugal. ITem the measure of salt of Portugal, is called the Muye: & 60. Alquers makes a Muye: and 2. Muyes and 15. Alquers or thereabouts, The water measure of Salt of Bristol: 10. gallonds Winchester: & the ton is 40. of those nusurs or bushels. makes a ton of our water measure of Bristol. Spain. Item the measure of Salt of Spain, is called the Kayis, and 12 Hanicks goeth to a Kayis. And 2. Kayis and 3 Hanicks or thereabouts, makes a tun of our water measure of Bristol. France. Item in Rochel in France, the measure of salt is the Boiseau: and 24. Boiseans makes a Muy: and 28. Muyes maketh a hundred: & 2. Muyes makes about a tun and 5. bushels of our Bristol measure. The best measure of all is the Oldron measure, which is 36. Muyes to a hundred: and every hundred maketh about 20. tons of our Bristol measure. OF THE VALVE OF moneys in Spain, Portugal and France. Spain. NOte that the Ducat of Spain, hath 11. rials of plate: and every rial of plate hath 34. marvedis: & every Ducat 374. marvedis. The Ducat is * Note that the Spanish ducat, is so much in number; but more in value. 5. shillings six pence of our English money: the rial of plate is six pence, & the Meruede is less than our farthing. The half rial of plate is 17. marvedis: and the quartel is 8. marvedis and a half: and the single pistolet of gold is 11. Rials, 3. quartels being 400. marvedis, which is 6. shillings less 3. half pence of our English money. Portugal. Note that the Ducat of Portugal is 10. Rials, and every Rial 40. Res: & every Ducat 400. Res. The Ducat is just our English crown: the Rial of plate is six pence: and the Res is about half a farthing. The Teston of Portugal is 2. Rials and a half, which is one shilling and three pence English: and the half Rial or Vinten is 20. Res, which is three pence English: and the Milres of gold is 1000 Res just, which is two Ducats and a half, and is twelve shillings six pence English. France. Note that the French crown of France called the Escu, is 3. Livers: and every Liver 20. Sous: and every Escu 60. Sous. The Escu is six shillings English money: the Liver is two shillings: and the Sous is almost one penny & farthing, for five Sous is six pence English. The Sous also is divided into Liardes and into Deniers: for there goeth to the Sous 6. Liards, & to the Liard 2. Deniers, and 12. Deniers to a Sous The Flemish crown is 2. Sous less than is the French crown. The Teston of France is 14. Sous and a half, which is one shilling five pence half penny: and some of the newer Testons are worth 15. Sous, which is one shilling and six pence English. A BRIEF INSTRUCTION FOR THE BETTER KNOWledge of certain wares of Portugal, Spain and France. Pepper. NOTE that of pepper, the greatest and largest is best, & that which is cleanest without much dust. The which you shall try the cleanness of it, by taking up a handful of it somewhat low in the bag, for the dust will appear on your fingers after letting down the pepper. The russet coloured pepper is best, and that which is sound: the which you may prove the soundness of it, by rubbing it hard betwixt your hands If it be very black of colour, and the dust of it moist, and sticking to your fingers then hath it taken wet, and is not so good. Cloves. Note, that of Cloves the longest and smallest stems are best, and which are clean without dust, & without much of the mother clove & which are dry. The which you may prove the dryness of them, by breaking the stems of some of them: that if they break short and not bow, then is it a sign that they are good and dry. But if they be very black, and will bend: then is it like they are moist and wet. Mases. Note that of Maces: the greatest and largest are best, and which are of fair and bright orange colour, and and such as are cleanest and best without the nutmegs, and without the bright yellow mazes. Cinnamon. Note that of Cinnamon, the largest and thinnest rind is best, and those which are of fair and bright orange colour, and which are quickest and pleasantest on the tongue. But the thick rind & dusky coloured Cinnamon is not so good. Nutmegs. Note that of Nutmegs, the largest and greatest are best, and which are of a bright russet colour, and sound, weighty, and quick on the tongue. Ginger. Note that of Ginger, the greatest and largest are best, and which are of yellow or fair russet colour, and sound, weighty, and hot on the tongue. Sugar. Note that of Sugar, the fair and white colour is best, and which is hard, and without brownnesse in the heart of the loaf: the which brownnesse of it is seen, by having the loaf broken in the midst, or otherwise if the whole head of the loaf round about be brown and dark coloured. Calicoes. Note that of * Of Calicowes' are divers and sundry sorts: and therefore the knowledge of them all can not be perfectly described. Calicowes': the whitest and cleanest without starch are best, and which are of fine third, close made, and that have substance in feeling them. But those which are much starched, of great third, and thine woven, are not so good. Salt. Note, that of Salt the brightest and whitest colour is best, & which is clean without dirt or straws, and that which is old and not new salt. The which if it be new, it is perceived by the moistness of it, and by the sticking of it to your fingers, after hard wring of it in your hand. Cochenele. Note, that of Cochenele the largest & brighest grey or silver colour is best, and that which doth cast the quickest & most orient red in the palm of your hand, after you have rubbed and mingled it with a little spittle. Oils. Note of Oil, the sweetest, and clearest, yellowest, greenest, and without water or foot, is the best. But if it be dark coloured, very rank and with much foot, it is not good. Sope. Note that of Portugal Soap: the whitest, hardest, dryest, and sweetest is best, and which hath most of the blue veins & the colour clear & fair, & which (as I said) is hardest & driest. The which is somewhat perceived, by the noise or rattling that it will make within the Scarne when it is shaken. But if it be dusky coloured, of few blue veins, soft, of greasy and rank savour, moist, and clinging one to another, it is not so good. Ode. Note that of Ode: the knowledge & goodness thereof, is very hardly perceived before it come to proof of boiling, and men choose it either by experience or good report of Soils where it groweth, or else of the fatness of the ode. The which is somewhat perceived the fatness of it, by breaking a clot betwixt your fingers, wherein will apeere certain veins or thirds: the which veins if they be many, and will spin long, it is a good sign: but if there be few or none, and do break short, it is an evil sign. Also some use trial of it, by rubbing it with a little spittle on a knife: the which if it do cast a good quick colour, & doth somewhat stain the knife: they say it is a good sign. etc. Iron. Note that of Iron, the smallest and thinnest drawn, and which hath least cracks though most flaws, it is the best. And if in breaking a tongue or bar, it do break tough, & not short, it is good. But if it look after a fiery red colour, & hath many cracks, it is not good. Train. Note that of Train: the clearest & sweetest is best, and that which is without much foot or water. But if it be thick and dark coloured and very rank of savour, it is not good. Wines. Of wines: it can not be set down by pen or words, the right knowledge of it, for it is perceivable only by the taste and savour. But the best sorts of wines generally are, when they do taste pleasant and strong withal, and when they drink clean and quick in the pallet of the mouth, and when they are clear & white hued if they be white wines, or of fair orient red, if they be red wines. But if they drink weak, rough, foul, flat, inclining to eagerness, or long: they are not good. Here followeth the Form of a Spanish account, and how to make a bill of lading, a letter of remembrance, a bill of exchange, a bill of debt, an acquittance a letter of Attorney, an obligation, and a Policy for assurance. etc. Set this following as the superscription upon the Account. THE ACCOUNT OF MY MASTER, ALDERMAN Aldworth merchant of the city of Bristol, given by me his servant R. A. the sixteenth day of januarie. 1589. The 14. day of December 1589. Broad clothes 10. pieces and one fine Stammel: for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth merchant of the city of Bristol, marked under this mark in the margin, received out of the Gabriel in Lisbon: oweth these charges following. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth Nuo. 1. " For barkage, landing, and other charges, which cometh to 4. Rials 5. Res. Amount into Portugal Res. 0 Res 000 * M. 000 * V 165 " For Marco custom at 10. Res the pack. 0 V. 010 " For measuring at 10. Res the Cloth. 0 V. 110 " For wyndage at 20. Res the pack. 0 V. 020 " For brokerage at half per 100 0 1. V 236 " For averedge at 3. Ria the cloth. 0 1. V 320 " For my * provision at 2. and half per 100 6. V 180 The Neat hereof is 238 V 159 Res: for which I will make you creditor in account currant. Fol. 38. 000 M. 238 V. 159 Sum total. Res 000 M. 247 V. 200 Note that this letter * M. standeth for Million, and this letter * V standeth for thousand. Observe here in the account of Sales: that you writ first on the other side, what is due to your master and so shall you by sight of that, the better draw out the Neat of the charges, and also of your customs, brokerage, and provision. Note that * provision is not but in certain degrees to be charged, nor Auerege. The 14. day of December 1589. Per contra: is due 247. V 200 Res in the Sales of 10. fine broad clothes, and one Stammel, and a cotton wrapper: sold to jaques Magomes Draper of Lisbon at 53. Ducats 4. Rials a cloth: & the Stammel at 75. ducats: and the cotton wrapper containing 40. covades, at 2. Rials 10. Res the covada, etc. amount. Sum total. Res 000 M. 247 V. 200 The 18. day of December 1589. Wax 14. Kintals and 9 pound: for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth: marked under this mark in the margin, received out of the Gabriel in Lisbon: oweth these charges following. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth " For barking, landing, and other charges, which cometh to 2. Rials 5. Res. Amount into Portugal Res. oh Res 000 M. 000 V. 085 " For windage at 5. Res the hogshead. 0 V. 040 " For averege at one rial and a half per quintal. V. 440 " For brokerage at half per 100 0 V. 662 " For my provision at 2. and a half per 100 3. V 312 The * Neat hereof is 127. V 961 Res: for which I will make creditor in account currant. Fol. 38. 0 000 M. 127 V. 961 Sum total. Res 000 M. 132 V. 500 * sum all the charges in a waste paper, and then subtract it out of the total in the other side: and the remainder thereof is the * Neat. Note that the customs and duties upon wares in Portugal and Spain, doth oftentimes change: therefore you must every voyage, make diligent inquiry of it, and so accordingly charge the account. The 18. day of December 1589. Per contra: is due 132. V 500 Res in the Sales of 14. kintals and 9 pound of wax, sold to Bernard Priget merchant of Lisbon at 23. Ducats 5. Rials the quintal. Amount. Sum total. Res 000 M. 132 V. 500 The 28. day of December 1589. Lead 15. Tons containing 270. pieces, for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth, marked under this mark in the margin, received out of the joseph in Saint Lucar, oweth these charges following. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth " For barkage, landing, and other charges which cometh to 2. ducats 5. Rials. Amount into Spanish marvedis. o Mer. 000 M. 000 V. 918 " For lodge room and weighing it. Amount. V. 730 " For windage at 17. Mer. the Tun. 0 V. 255 " For * custom at 7. and and a half per 100 16. V 437 " For brokerage at half per 100 0 1. V 096 " For averege at 3. Rials per Tun. 0 1. V 530 " For my * provision at 2. and a half per 100 5. V 484 The Neat hereof is, 192. V 910. marvedis: for which I will make you creditor in Account currant. Folio 38. o 000 M. 192 V. 910 Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 219 V. 360 The easiest rule to take out your custom or provision upon the 100 is only to multiply your total by your number of 7. and a half, or 2. & a half. And then for your half, take the half of your first sum and set it under your Multiplier, and so sum it up altogether: and all saving the 2. last figures, is your provision or custom. Example. The 28. day of januarie 1589. Per contra: is due 219. V 360. marvedis: in the sales of 300. Kintals and ten pounds of lead: sold to Francisco Berea merchant of Seville at 21. Kials, 17. marvedis the Kintall. Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 219 V. 360 The 4. day of januarie 1589. Bayes 20. pieces, for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth, marked under this mark in the margin, received out of the Pleasure in S. Lucar: oweth charges following. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth Nu. 1. " For barkage, landing, and other charges, which cometh to 4. Rials. Amount into Spanish Meruedit. 0 Mer. 000 M. 000 V. 136 " For lodge room and carriage. 0 V. 086 " For custom at 7 and a half per 100 7. V 346 " For windage at 17. Mer. The Pack. 0 V. 017 " For Auerege at 1. Rial and a half the piece. 0 1. V 020 " For broker age at half per 100 0 V. 489 " For my provision at 2. and a half per 100 0 2. V 548 The Neat hereof is, 86. V 318. marvedis: for which I will make you creditor in Account currant. Folio 46. 0 000 M. 086 V. 318 Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 097 V. 960 The 4. day of januarie 1589. Per contra: is due 97: V. 960. marvedis: in the sales of 20. pieces of Bays, fold to Pedro Meris Draper of S. Lucar at 13 Ducats 4. Rials a piece. Amount. Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 097 V. 960 The 15. day of December 1589. Pepper for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth merchant of the city of Bristol, oweth 124. V 800. Res for 6. l. intals laden in the Gabriel of Bristol, which cost the first penny 52. Dukats the quintal. Amount. 0 Res 000 M. 124 V. 800 More oweth these charges following. " For 16. Vares of Canvas to double bag the pepper, at 65. Res the vare. 0 1. V 040 " For carriage and barkage. 0 V. 090 " For custom at the portage at 9 Res per quintal. V. 054 " For custom at the India house at one per 100 1. V 248 " For windage. Amount. 0 V. 017 " For brokerage at half per 100 0 V. 624 " For averege at 80. Res the bag. 0 V. 240 " For a Dispacho in the portage cost 10. Res. 0 * V 010 " For my * provision at 2. and a half per 100 0 3. V 203 Sum total. Res 000 M. 131 V. 326. Hear now in the impliments observe to write down first your master debtor, for the charges of those wares which you lad him. * Note here that in taking your * provision: you must sum all the Items before, and so of the total take it out. The 15. day of December 1589. Per contra: is due 131. V 362. Res, in the whole charges of 6. Kintals' of pepper marked under this mark in the margin: and bought of Michael Sebra merchant of Lisbon, at 52. ducats per Kinkats per Kintall. Amount. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth sum total. 000 M. 131 V. 326 The 16. day of December 1589. * Cloves 2. kintals, and * Mases 3. Roves: and * Cinnamon one quintal 2. Roves: for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth, oweth 103. V 220. Res, which cost the first penny 75. ducats 4. Rials the quintal of Cloves: and 83. ducats the quintal of Mases, & 68 ducats the quintal of Cinnamon. Amount. 0 Res. 000 M. 103 V. 220 More oweth these charges following. " For 10. Vares of Canvas to double bag the spices, at 65. Res the vare. 0 V. 650 " For carriage and barkage. 0 V. 120 " For custom at the portage at 20. Res per quintal. V. 080 " For custom at the India house at one per 100 1. V 032 " For windage at 5. Res the bag. 0 V. 010 " For averege at 80. Res the bag. 0 V. 240 " For brokerage at half per 100 0 V. 516 " For my provision at 2. and a half per 100 0 2. V 646 Sum total. Res 000 M. 108 V. 514 * Note that if you lad any great quantity of divers sorts of spices: then is it convenient that you charge and make an account of every one severally by itself. But if you but but a small quantity of each sort: then for brevity & ease of trouble, you may observe that form above prescribed, for the charges thereof will not be great, and every Merchant can quickly guess the several charge. The 16. day of December 1589. Per contra: is due 108. V 514. Res in the whole charges of 2. kintals of Cloves: 3. Roves of Mases: & one quintal 2. Roves of Cinnamon: laden in the Gabriel under this mark in the margin: and bought of Lewis Betron and Martin Ferbuc merchants of Lisbon. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth sum total. Res 000 M. 108 V. 514 The 3. day of januarie 1589. Oils 10. Pipes for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth. oweth 115. V 600. marvedis for 400. Roves of Oil, which cost the first penny 18. 〈◊〉 and a half the Rove. Amount. 0 Mer. 000 M. 115 V. 600 More oweth these charges following. " For 10. lere Pipes for the Oils, which cost 24. Rio. and a half the Pipe. Amount into Spanish marvedis. 0 8. V 330 " For watering the Pipes, and carriage of them at 15. Mer. the Pipe 0 V. 150 " For Marco almeran: and bota fuera, at 25. Mer. the Pipe. 0 V. 250 " For S. George's custom at one rial per Tun. V. 170 " For yesso for the Pipes at 10. Mer. the Pipe. 0 V. 100 " For carriage of them to the Shrof at 21. Mer. the Pipe. 0 V. 210 " For filling, rolling, and hooping of them, at 45. Mer. the Pipe. 0 V. 450 " For the Cooper's wages at 3. Rials the day, being 5. days. 0 V. 510 " For Nails, Cork, Canvas, and Leather. 0 V. 170 " For Incomiendo at one per 100 0 1. V 156 " For brokerage at half per 100 0 V. 578 " For cartage at 5. Rials the Tun. 0 V. 850 " For barkage at 7. Rials 12. Mer. the Tun. 0 1. V 250 " For hooping again aboard the ship at 17. Mer. the Pipe. 0 V. 170 " For hundage at one rial per Tun. 0 V. 170 " For windage at 17. Mer. the Tun. 0 V. 085 " For average at 3. Rials per Tun. 0 V. 510 " For my provision at 2. and a half per 100 0 3. V 267 Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 133 V. 976 Note that the customs and duties upon wares in Spain and Portugal do oftentimes change: therefore you must every voyage, make diligent inquiry of it, and so accordingly charge the account. The 3. day of januarie 1589. Per contra: is due 133. V 976. marvedis: in the whole charges of 5. Tons of Oils containing 400. Roves: laden aboard the Gabriel in S. Lucar in Andolosia under this mark in the margin: and bought of Sebastian de Lega Gentleman of Cyvell. Amount. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth sum total. Mer. 000 M. 133 V. 976 The 5. day of januarie 1589. Sacks for the account of my master Alderman Aldworth, oweth 89. V 760. marvedis, for 20. butts which cost the first pennoe 12. ducats the Butt 0 Mer. 000 M. 089 V. 760 More oweth these charges following. " For custom in Shears at 7 and a half per 100 6. V 630 " For imposition at 15. Mer. the Butt. 0 V. 300 " For Cartage to portal at 4. Ri. the Butt. 0 2. V 720 " For hooping, barring, and other charges, at 25. Mer. the Butt. 0 V. 500 " For nails, cork, and canvas, at 8. marvedis the Tun. 0 V. 080 " For Almerant at 14. Mer. the Butt. 0 V. 280 " For brokerage at one rial the Butt. 0 V. 680 " For hundage at one rial the Tun. 0 V. 340 " For barkehyre at 7. Rials the Tun. 0 2. V 380 " For custom to S. George's chapel at 6. Mer. the Butt. 0 V. 120 " For Auerage at 3. Rials the Tun. 0 1. V 020 " For ullaging aboard the ship, which came to 187. Mer. the Butt. 0 3. V 740 " For windage at 17. Mer. the Tun. 0 V. 170 " For my provision at 2. and a half per 100 0 2. V 788 Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 111 V. 508 The 5. day of januarie 1589. Per contra: is due 111. V 508. marvedis: in the whole charges of 20. Butts of Sock, laden aboard the Minion in S. Lucar in Andolozia, under this mark in the margin: and bought of Martinde Leso Citizen of Shears. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth sum total. Mer. 000 M. 111 V. 508 The 10. day of januarie. 1589. " My master Alder man Aldwoorth merchant of the city of Bristol, oweth 131 V 326 Res or Portugal moneys, which being reduced into Spanish marvedis, make 123. V 118. Mer. for so much cost with all charges 6. kintals Pepper, as appeareth more at large Folio 34. Mer. 000. M. 113. V 118 " More oweth 108 V 514 Res, which in Spanish marvedis is 101 V 731 Mer. for so much cost with all charges 2 kintals of Cloves: 3. Roves of Mases, & one quintal 2. Roves of cinnamon, as appeareth more at large. Fol. 35. 0 000 M. 101 V. 731 " More, oweth 133 V 976 Mer. for so much cost with all charges 10. pipes of Oil: as appeareth more at large: Fol. 36. 0 000 M. 133 V. 976 " More oweth 111. V 508 marvedis, for so much cost with all charges 20 Butts of Sack, as appeareth more at large. Fol. 37. 0 000 M. 111 V. 508 " More oweth 914. marvedis for registering the bills of exchange in civil, and recovering the moneys, which is one Meruedi upon the Ducat. 0. 000 M. 000 V. 914. " More oweth 10 V 608 Mer. which is 28. Ds. 4. Res, for so much cost all my charges and expenses of the voyage, as appeareth by the particular account thereof, which I will deliver you. 0 000 M. 010 V. 608 " Item 140 V 610 Mer. (which is 376. Ducats less 14. Meru.) resteth to balance this account: for the which I will be countable unto you at the sight hereof. 0 000 M. 140 V. 610 Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 622 V. 465 Note here in the account currant: that you must bring all your portingall (Res) into Spanish (marvedis) which is only to multiply your some of Res, by the number of 15. and so to divide the multiplier of that, by the number of 16. and that maketh it into marvedis. Mul. 15 Deu. 16. This is a principal rule, & it were too long to yield the plain reason of it. But note withal, that you must account after 375. Mer. to the spanish Ducat: which one Meruede is commonly allowed to the Factor or recoverer of the moneys. The 10. day of januarie 1589. My master Alderman Aldwerth merchant of the city of Bristol, is due 238. V 159. Res of Portugal moneys: which being reduced into Spanish marvedis, maketh 223. V 274. marvedis and is the Neat of 10. sin: broad clothes, one Stammel and a wrapper: as appeareth more at large. Fol. 30. Mer. 000 M. 223. V 274 More is due 127. V 961. Res, which in Spanish marvedis is 119. V 963. Mer. and is the Neat of 14. kintals and 9 li. of Wax: as appeareth more at large. Folio. 31. 0 000 M. 119 V. 963 More is due 192. V 910. marvedis, and is the near of 300. kintals and 10. pound of Lead, as appeareth. Folio. 32. 0 000 M. 192 V. 910 More is due 86. V 318. marvedis: and is the neat of 20. pieces of Bays, as appeareth. Fol. 33. 000 M. 086 V. 318 Sum total. Mer. 000 M. 622 V. 465 Note that you still observe, to keep a copy of every merchants account that you deal for: for so will it be available for you, if you should be called in question again, about your account. Thus endeth the Account. CONSTANTINI CRUX. emblem featuring Christ's cross with the five wounds, including the crown of thorns and the sacred heart, encircled by a crown of thorns and a circle of flames IN HOC SIGNO VINCES HERE FOLLOW CERTAIN POINTS NECESSARY FOR young beginners. A brief order for making of a bill of lading, the which may serve for diverse men's goods, and may be sent to one Merchant alone, and request him to give advertisement of it to the others. HAth * Note here that you observe to make still a several bill of lading for your master's goods: and not to use this form and order, but when your haste of business is great, or when you lad but some small cabo for a Merchant laden by the grace of God in in good safety in Lisbon in Portugal, and in S. Lucar in the province of Andalusia in Spain: by R. A. merchant of the city of Bristol, aboard the ship called the Pleasure, whereof is master for the present voyage W. M. and bound for the Port of Bristol in England, these goods & merchandise following Namely 5. bags of pepper containing 12. Kintals and 2. Roves: for the account of my master T. R. merchant of the city of Bristol, and marked under this mark in the margin. More 10. pipes of oil for his account, marked also with the former mark. More 20. butts of Sack for his account, marked with the former mark. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth More also 3. Roves of Cochenele for the account of master I. B. merchant of Bristol, and marked as in the margin. More 5. butts of seck for his account, marked with the former mark. mark or monogram of John Brown mark or monogram of T I More 8. butts of Sack for the account of master T. I. merchant of Bristol, and marked as in the margin. All which goods and merchandises, I R. A. purser of the said ship, do acknowledge to have received aboard, well and sufficiently conditioned. And by these presents I do bind myself with the ship, her apparel and freight, to deliver the said goods in just order and condition again unto the merchants and owners aforesaid, God sending the ship and goods to her Port in safety. In witness of truth I R.A. Purser have unto * Note that your are to make either 2. or 3. of these bills two of these bills of lading set my hand, given the 20. day of januarie. 1589. By me R. A. A brief order for making a merchants particular remembrance. A Remembrance for you my servant R. A., that principally you do with diligence * These words have relation to the General remembrance spoken of in the beginning. read & regard the counsel of that little book which I now give you. And now (God willing) at your coming to Lisbon, you shall receive out of the joseph wherein you go, one pack of 10. fine broad Clothes, and 1. fine stammel cloth, with a grey cotton wraper, the which are marked as in the margin. mark or monogram of Thomas Aldworth Nurse o. 1. The broad clothes stand me with all charges twelve pound a cloth, and I hope they will yield you in Lisbon about 52. ducats. The Stammel standeth me in 17. pound, and I hope will yield you 75. Ducats: & the wrapper cost 30. shillings. All which do you your best endeavour, to sell as the time serveth. More (God willing) you shall receive 3. Hog's heads of wax, marked also with the former mark, wherein is 14. hundred and 13. pound. It doth stand me all charges, about 5. pound 12 shillings the hundredth: the which you may sell for 25. Ducats a kintal, if time so offereth. More also you shall receive for my account 20 tons of lead, containing 345. pieces marked as in the top of the former page: the which if you cannot sell to some reckoning in Lisbon, do you let it go along in the Ship to S. Lucar, and there to sell it aswell as you may: I hope it will be worth 22. Rials the Kintal. And now for my impliments, do you lad me in the joseph 8. Kintals' of good and large pepper, and see that it be well made up in good bags, & give charge it may be stowed in the driest part of the ship. more at your coming to S. Lucar, do you lad me in the Gabriel 5. tuns of good oils: and do you see well both to the watering and hooping of your cask, and to the cleanness of the Oil that it be without foot. More do you also lad in the Unicorn 12. pipes of Oil, and have care unto it as before I have said. More lad me in the same ship the Unicorn 16. Butts of very good Sack, and do you give a Ducat or two the more in a But, to have them principal good. And if after you have bought all these wares, there be any surplus money remaining: do you bestow it in good Cochenele, so far as it will rise, and mark all these goods with my mark as is before in the margin. But if it fall out that you shall want any moneys, to furnish the lading of 15. tons in the Unicorn, which I am bound unto: them request so much friendship of T. M. to furnish that which you want, in moneys by exchange: and agree with him for the exchange so good cheap as you can, as about 6. shillings and 4. pens or 6. shillings and 8. pens the Ducat, and this my letter shall be your warrant. Make master W. O. in Lisbon, and master I. T. in S. Lucar, your friends to aid and instruct you, in the buying and selling of all your wares: and give them that thing, which I delivered you, for a token of goodwill from me. Inquire secretly what wares are in good request & best vendible: and send me speedy and secret intelligence of it. See that the purser of the Unicorn firm you bills of lading. Thus exhorting you to remember your duty towards God: whom I beseech to protect you evermore by his holy Spirit, and prosper you in all your affairs. Bristol this 17. day of December. An. 1589. Your Master to do you any good that you shall deserve. T. A. The form of a bill of exchange for the country of Spain. Worshipful: may it please you to pay upon this my first bill unto R. N. or the bearer hereof, within 15. days after the safe arrival of the Gabriel of Bristol to her Port of discharge: * Note that you must make 3. of these bills * Thirty and three pound six shillings and eight pence. thirty and three pounds, six shillings and eight pence. Which is for 100 Ducats that I have taken up by exchange for your use of T.M. a merchant of London at six shillings and eight pence the Ducat. From S. Lucar the 16. day of December. 1589. By me R. A. Say as followeth in your second bill of exchange, and so accordingly in the third. Worshipful: may it please you to pay upon this my second bill (my first not being paid) unto R. N. or the bearer hereof: and so forth as in the other. A bill of Exchange to be made in England. WItnesseth this present bill of exchange: that I R. A. merchant of the city of Bristol, do own unto T. M. merchant of the said city, the sum of 100 Ducats: I say an hundred Ducats of currant money of Spain, accounting after 11 rials of plate to the Ducat. To be paid unto the said T. M. or his assigns, within 10. days next and immediately after the safe arrival of the good ship called the Gabriel of Bristol, to the port of S. Lucar in Andalusia in Spain, or any other port of her discharge. And for the true payment thereof, I the abovenamed R A. do bind me, my goods my heirs executors, & assigns, firmly to these presents. In witness of the truth, I have caused two of these bills to be made (the which the one being paid, the other to be void): and have put my firm and seal unto them, & delivered them as my deed, in Bristol the 15. day of September 1589. and in the 31. year of our sovereign, Queen Elizabeth her majesties reign. etc. An aquitance. Witnesseth these presents: that I R.A. merchant of the City of Bristol, have received of T. M. merchant of the said city, the sum of a hundred Ducats currant moneys of Spain, due unto my master T. A. as appeared by a bill of exchange. Wherefore to testify that I am truly satisfied & paid of the aforesaid sum: I have unto this aquittance set my firm, and delivered it as my deed the 18. day of November. 1589. By me R. A. A bill of Attorney. Witnesseth these presents: that I R. A. merchant of the City of Bristol, do substitute and appoint my true & lawful attorney T. M. merchant of Bridgwater: to recover & receive of G. H. merchant of the aforesaid City of Bristol the sum of 25. pound, due unto me as appeareth by his bill. Wherefore I give also to the said T. M, all my own full power and authority, to deal and to do as in steed of myself. In witness of the truth, I have unto this present bill of Attorney, put my firm and seal, & delivered it as my deed, in Bristol the 17. day of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth her majesties Reign etc. A bill of debt. BE it known to all men by these presents: that I R. A. merchant of the City of Bristol, own unto T. M. merchant of the said City: the sum of 25. pounds 8. shillings, of good & currant moneys of England, to be paid unto the said T. M. or his assigns, at or upon the 25. day of july next ensuing the date hereof. And for the true payment thereof: I the abovenamed R. A. do bind me, my goods, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns firmly by these presents. In witness of truth I have caused this bill of debt to be made, and have hereunto put my firm and seal, and delivered it as my deed, in Bristol the 4. day of May 1589. and in the 31. year of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth her majesties Reign. etc. A Bond or Obligation. Noverint vniuersiper praesentes me R. A. de civitate Bristoliae mercatorem, teneri et firmiter obligari T. M. de eadem civitate Mercatori: in viginti libris bonae & legalis monetae Angliae. Soluendis eidem T. M. aut suo certo Atturnato executoribus, sive administratoribus suis. Ad quam quidem solutionem bene & fideliter faciendam, obligo me, heredes, executores & administratores meos, firmiter per praesentes. Sigillo meo sigillatum, datum septimo die Novembris, anno regni Dominae nostrae Elizabethae, Dei gratia Angliae, Franciae, & Hyberniae Reginae, fidei defence. etc. tricesimo primo. The condition of this Obligation is such, that if the abovebounden R. A. his heirs, executors or assigns, do well and truly content and pay, or cause to be contented and paid, unto the above named T. M his executors, administrators, or assigns, the sum of ten pounds of good and currant money of England, on the sixteenth day of May next ensuing the date above written, without coven or fraud: That then this obligation to be void, or else to stand in full force and virtue. A Policy or writing of assurance. IN the name of God Amen. Be it known unto all men by these presents: that Thomas Aldworth merchant of the city of Bristol doth make assurance and causeth himself to be assured from the Port of the said city of Bristol called Hungrode unto the port of Lisbon in the kingdom of Portugal, and therehence directly back again to the aforesaid Port of Bristol: upon the body, tackle, apparel, ordinance, munition, artillery, boat, and other furniture, of the good ship called the Gabriel of Bristol, of the burden of 60. tons or thereabouts. And also upon all goods, wares, and merchandises laden or to be laden in the aforesaid ship the Gabriel, whereof is master under God for this present voyage R.M. or by what other name the master of the ship may or shall be called. Beginning the adventure from the day and hour of the lading of the anchor, spreading the sail, and departure of the said ship from Hungrode aforesaid. And so shall continue and endure until such time as the said ship with all her said furniture, & all the goods and merchandises laden in her, shall return and safely arrive back again from Lisbon unto the Port of Hungrode aforesaid, & there hath surged and moored at an anchor by the space of 24. hours in good safety. Touching the adventures and perils which we the assurers hereafter named are contented to bear and take upon us this present voyage, are of the seas, men of war, fire, enemies, pirates, rovers, thieves, jettesons, letters of mark and countermarke, arrests, restraints, and detainment of Kings and Princes & of all other persons, barratry of the Master and mariners, & of all other perils, losses, & misfortunes whatsoever they be, or howsoever to the damage or hurt of the said Ship and goods or any part or parcel thereof. And that in case of any misfortunes: it shall then be lawful to the assured his factor, servant, or assign, to sue labour, & travail, for in and about, the defence safgard and recovery of the said Ship & goods, & all other the premises, without any prejudice to this assurance. To the charges whereof we th'assurers shall contribute each one according to the rate and quantity of his sum herein assured. It is to be understood that this present writing and assurance shall be of as much force, strength & effect, as the best and most surest policy or writing of assurance which hath been ever heretofore used to be made in Lombard street, or now within the Royal exchange in London. And so we the assurers are contented, and do promise and bind ourselves and every of us, our heirs, executors and assigns, for the true performance of the premises, according to the use and custom of the said street, or Royal exchange. Confessing ourselves to be fully satisfied and paid of and for the considerations due unto us after the rate of 7. upon the 100 And in testimony of the truth we the assurers have hereunto severally subscribed our names and sums of money assured, given in London the 19 day of September. 1589. I W. N. merchant of London am content with this assurance (which God preserve) for 25. pounds this 19 day of September. 1589. 25 li. I R. T. merchant of London am content with this assurance (which God preserve) for 25. pounds this 20. day of September. 1589. 25 li. I M. R. merchant of Bristol am content with this assurance (which God) preserve for 15. pound this 21. day of September 1589. 25 li. CONSTANTINI CRUX. emblem featuring Christ's cross with the five wounds, including the crown of thorns and the sacred heart, framed by a crown of thorns and a circle of flames IN HOC SIGNO VINCES HERE FOLLOW CERTAIN GODLY SENTENCES, Necessary for a youth to meditate upon. FIRST seek the kingdom of God and the righteousness thereof: and then all things shall be given thee that thou hast need of. Apply thyself unto labour while thou art young, lest in thine old age thy body become full of diseases, and thy end be in reproach and poverty. The godly and diligent man shall have prosperity in all his ways: but he that followeth pleasure and voluptuousness, shall have much sorrow before he die. Take heed of using a false balance or measure, for it is an abomination before God: and a swearing and lying tongue, maketh hot the curse of God upon his house. Covet not overmuch familiarity amongst men: for it maketh thee spend much loss of time. Let not thy expenses be equal with thy gains: for either Sickness, naughty dettors, let of trade, and misfortune by the sea or land, may soon ovetthrow thee. Link not in amity with too many men that are above thy calling: for it will much increase thy trouble and charge. Beware in any case of suretyship: for it maketh thy friend thine enemy; it endangereth thy estate; and impaireth thy own credit. Be not hasty in giving credit to every man; but take heed to a man that is full of words, that hath red eyes, that goeth much to law, and that is suspected to live unchaste. When thou promisest any thing: be not slack to perform it, for he that giveth quickly, giveth double. If either of goodwill or necessity thou must do a thing, see thou do it gladly & cheerfully: for so shall thy gift be well accepted, & thy labour and cost never a whit the more. Remember often thy Creator, and how he hath made the whole compass of the day and night to serve thee, but thee to serve only him. Wherefore if thou requite not thy maker, to serve him one hour or little moment of the day, for four and twenty hours which he serveth thee: for thy beastly unthankfulness thou hast lost both thy light in this world, and shalt find darkness in the world to come. If thou wilt prosper, pray: if thou wilt have blessings, restore what thou hast evil gotten: if thou wilt have joy of thy labours, be single in thy tongue and eye, use no lying nor deceit. Think it not enough to refrain thee from doing evil: but know that it is also thy duty to do that which is good. Therefore be fervent for the praise of thy Creator: give good example: put forwards thy Children & servants in the service of God: help the widow, the fatherless, the stranger, the poor, and the oppressed. Do unto another as thou wouldst be done to thyself: and offer not that unto another, which thyself wouldst take in offence. Be not greedy nor in lust after that, which is both displeasant unto God; hurtful to thy body; an enemy to thy soul; and a shortner of thy life: which is: Wine, Wealth, and Women. What winneth a man by whoredom? even but a moment any pleasure; a present sorrow to his mind; a perpetual sickness to his body; and eternal damnation (without hearty repentance and amendment) to his soul. What profiteth a man by deceit, forswearing, and dissimulation? he heapeth to himself the horrible vengeance of God? and servants who shall serve him the like; and offereth his soul as a pray unto Satan. What availeth it a man to far delicately, & to drink much of pleasant & strong drinks? His mouth receiveth twice so much bitterness as it had before delight; he shall become corrupt as the Toad, and shall return to vomit with the dog. What getteth a man by lying? Not to be believed when he speaketh truth. Fear God: for he can destroy both thy body and soul. Honour thy Prince: for she hath power over life and death. love thy parents: for they are the best friends thou shalt ever have. Give reverence to thy betters: for therein thou shalt have honour to thyself. Be courteous and lowly to all men: for thereby thine enemy's report shallbe doubted of. Be not wise in thine own conceit: for thou canst not know all thine own imperfections. Be not careful to please thine eye: for it is the deceiptfullest enemy thou hast. Remember who made thee: it was God: remember of what thou wast made: even of earth and clay. Remember wherefore thou wast made: to honour and glorify God. Remember to what thou shalt be made: even to dust and ashes. Remember to what thou mayst be made again: even a glorious and immortal body. Who so taketh upon him the degree of a servant, let these three things be his chiefest thought and meditation. The first that every morning and evening, he perform his dutiful obedience and thanksgiving, by his prayers unto God. The Second, that he always carry in mind, what carefulness, truth, and diligence, is required in his service towards his master. The third, how he himself may live with honesty and credit in time to come. THE CONCLUSION, WHICH is an history very profitable and delightful for a youth to read and meditate. THere was a certain Philosopher, who lying on his death bed, called his son, & said these words unto him. My son when I thy father am dead, remember me by recompting often unto thyself this counsel which now I give unto thee. First learn of the little singing birds, who never miss in the morning and at evening, but in their kind, they yield forth their voices in praise and rejoicing of their Creator and maker: and so see that thou also do never forget & neglect the same. Learn of the little emet, that provideth in the summer her food for the winter: and so see that thou also in thy youth, labour for thy maintenance against thine age. Learn of the cock, that often watcheth and croweth in the night, both to preserve himself and his fellows from the wefell: and so see that thou often watch, and stretch forth thy voice in prayer by night unto God, and in that quiet time, study to prevent thy dangers. Learn of the little dog, who because he is the humblest creature of all unto man, is therefore most loved and esteemed: & so see that thou evermore show thyself humble & lowly unto every man. Learn of the silk worm, who as soon as she gathereth strength to yield any virtue from her, never ceaseth nor waxeth weary until she die: and so see that thou also content not thyself, to do thy duty to God and man for a time, (as most men do) but still continue in virtue till thy very lives end. Thus my son (quoth he) if thou wilt obey this my counsel, it shall always go well with thee: but contrariwise if thou forsake it, & follow thine own imaginations, it will happen unto thee according to this example. There dwelled by a forest side a shepherd, who to preserve his sheep from a lion, which oftentimes had carried them away for a pray to his whelp, prepared many snares and engines to destroy this lion: but the old lion perceiving these traps to be laid for him, departed with his young one to another forest. But when the whelp grew to be as big a lion as his father, he thus saith unto him: Father me thinks I can remember that this place is not the country where I was born, what then was the cause that made thee to departed there hence? Saith the old lion, my son it is not indeed our native country: but there is a little dwarf a man dwelling in that place, whom for his subtle traps that he laid to take from me my life, I feared, and so fled therehence. Saith the young lion: and I swear by my beard that I will be revenged of him, and will go now and tear him in pieces with my teeth. Nay (saith the old lion) do not so, for if I myself could not possibly get revenge against him, thou canst not in any sort do it. But the young lion would not be ruled by his father, but goeth unto this forest where the shepherd dwelled: who finding him within his house & the doors shut, called unto him and said, o thou naughty & vile wretch, why hast thou so abused my father, as to drive him from his native country, over which & all the beasts thereof, he reigned as king: I tell thee that I his son willbe revenged of thee for making him so to lose his right. The man being within his house stoutly answered: I regard not a rush either thee or thy father, but if thou once offer to enter within my doors, I have here both my staff and my axe to beat and to cut thee in pieces. The young lion was strait ways amazed at his stout words, and said: then come thou forth, and go with me to yonder moil, and let him be judge betwixt thee & me, whether thou hast done my father wrong or not, Saith the shepherd: if thou wilt adjure and swear to do me no harm, I will go with thee. So the young lion swore unto him to do him no harm. The man than leadeth the way unto the lion, by those engines that he had prepared long before: and anon the young lion fell into one of his pits, and was entangled by his 2 forefeet. O (saith the lion) help me, for I know not what is this that hath bound my feet very fast together. Saith the shepherd, I am not able to help thee, but tarry thou here, and I will go and call hither the moil. But the lion as well as he could, did yet get forth of the pit, & went jumping and leaping to follow after the man. By and by again he fell into another pit, whereby his two hinder legs were also caught fast. The shepherd now seeing him well tied and bound: he than cutteth with his knife a good green staff, & beginneth to lay blows strongly upon the lion. The lion then remembered his father, and said to the man: o beat me not on my back nor my belly, but rather beat me on mine ears & on my heart: because with mine ears I would not hear the counsel of my father, nor with my heart would not believe it, when he said thou hadst more subtlety to prevail, than I had strength. So the man beat him so long, both on the ears and the heart, that in the end he killed him. Even so (saith the Philosopher to his son) will destruction come upon those which shall not accept & obey the good counsel and instructions of their aged fathers. FINIS.