A true Remonstrance of the State of the Salt business, undertaken (for the furnishment thereof between Barwick and Pool; they with the I'll of Wight, and members inclusive) by the Society of Saltmakers of South, and North-Shields, and of Scotland. IN the times of Hostility with Spain and France, which was in Anno 1627. 28, 29, 30. there was such a scarcity of Salt in this His Majesty's Kingdom, that it was sold at extreme rates, Viz. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 per Bushel and upwards, and in many places of this Kingdom, Salt not to be had for any money: and that, which in those times was imported (unless by way of Reprisal) was imported by Hamburghers, and Flemings, who made their advantage of our necessities for so useful, and necessary a commodity. When the Peace was concluded between His Majesty, and the French King; the French King made an Edict, that no Salt should be exported out of His Kingdom, upon confiscation of Ship goods, and life. In which straight, in December 1630. The Lord Maior, and Aldermen, and the Company of Fishmongers of the City of London, together with the Mayor, Aldermen, and Cominalty of the Town of Kings-Lynne, the Bailiffs, and Aldermen of Great Yarmouth, and divers others in behalf of themselves, and the Fishermen Inhabiting amongst them, did petition to the right Honourable, the Lords, and others of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Counsel (in haec verba.) Petition inhiting exportation. HUmbly showing, That whereas by an Edict made by the French King about six Months since, the exportation of any Salt was forbidden, whereas since that time, the Dutch for their supply have repaired to Newcastle, and places thereto adjoining in this Kingdom, and have there bought, great quantities of Salt, which they export out of this Kingdom, into their own Country, who before the said Edict, for the advance and benefit of their own people, did make a decree, that no Newcastle Salt should be imported into their Country, upon pain of Confiscation: and now by their daily, and continual exportation of Salt out of this Kingdom, the Fishermen here should be altogether unprovided of Salt, for their voyages to Wesmony, Iseland, and North-Seas. And forasmuch as all other things to furnish them to Sea, are now at excessive rates, as victuals, Cordage, and all other materials: and also Salt by reason of the said exportation, much enhanced in price, by reason whereof the Fishermen shall be disabled to go to Sea, their voyages overthrown, and thereby this Kingdom destitute of victual, which is by them brought in. The Petitioners humbly pray this Honourable Board, to take into consideration, that it concerneth the maintenance, and employment of many thousand Seamen, the Nursery of Navigation, the supply of this Kingdom with Fish, and therefore to restrain the exportation of all Salt from Newcastle, and places thereto adjoining, out of this Kingdom, until Midsummer next; by which time we hope this Kingdom, which is now destitute in all parts, may be supplied out of Spain, And your Petitioners shall pray, etc. Whitehall the eight of December, 1630. Ordered that none be exported. Their Lordships upon mature advice, and deliberation had thereof, have thought fit, and ordered, that the exportation of all Salt, aswell from the Ports of Newcastle, as from all other Ports of this Kingdom, into foreign parts, be hereby strictly prohibited, and that no Salt shall be laden or Shipped at any Port of this Kingdom, before good security be given, that the same shall be brought to some other Ports of this Realm, and there sold and disposed to his Majesty's Subjects, within the same. Hereof the Lord Treasurer is prayed, and required, to take notice, and give directions to the several Ports accordingly, 1630. The Peace being concluded between the Crowns of England, and Spain, divers Merchants of this Kingdom sent to Spain, between 2. and 300. sail of Ships, to fetch Salt for the supply of this Kingdom, and the King of Spain taking advantage of our necessities, did not only along time imbarge the said Ships, but did also impose upon his Salt 30 rials per Moy, and 3 Moys making a London weigh, and the principal price of the Salt was formerly but 12 to 15 rials per Moy; so the Impost on every weigh, was 45 ' per weigh: by which means of imbargement, and Imposition His Majesty's Subjects were damnified in that voyage (though Salt was sold here at a very dear rate) at the least forty thousand pounds sterling. Whereupon divers of the said Merchants for their relief, did a long time Petition His Majesty, and the Board, for imbargement of their Ships, and impositions laid by the King of Spain, upon the said Salt, but could get none. Thereupon His Majesty, in His Princely care, with the advice of His most Honourable Privy Counsel, and His Council learned in the Law, fell into consideration how to erect a native manufacture within His Majesty's Kingdoms of England, and Scotland, for the supplying of these His Kingdoms (without dependency upon any foreign State) with Salt, being so necessary and useful, as cannot be wanted, His Majesty being informed, that there were sufficient materials (as Pan-coales, fit for no other use) within His Kingdoms of England and Scotland, to go on with the work, and by which means many thousands of His poor Subjects should have employments in making the said Commodity: which hath been proved, and will be maintained to be as sufficient for Sea, and in land uses, as any foreign Salt whatsoever. And that Fish salted with that Salt, doth out sell Fish salted with any Foreign Salt in any Market whatsoever. Vndecimo Caroli. The first Society. Upon which weighty considerations His Majesty was pleased to give encouragement by incorporating many of His Subjects of England and Scotland, to erect works for the making of Salt, enabling them with divers liberties and privileges, for the regulating of the said Trade, or Mystery for the term of fourteen years, with Proviso, that in case His Majesty, and the State should find any better way for the settlement thereof, within three years, their Charter of Incorporation to be surrendered: wherein the said Societies were tied to these particulars. 1 To make a sufficient quantity of good and Merchantable Salt for the supply of His Subjects within the limits between Barwick and Southampton, they with the I'll of Wight included. 2 At a certain moderate price, not exceeding three pounds per weigh for Land-use, accounting forty Bushels to the weigh, and ten Gallons to every Bushel, and 50 per weigh for Fishery-use, out of which they were to pay His Majesty for what they did make, 10 per weigh for Land-use, and 3 4d per weigh for Fishery use: In recompense to His Majesty for what he should lose in his customs by restraint of foreign Salt. 3. To permit any that had any Salt-workes erected within the Limits to make and sell, they conforming themselves to such meet orders of the said Society, for the regulating of their Trade, as were not repugnant to His Majesty's Laws. His Majesty covenanteth with the said Society. 1 To regulate the Society of Saltmakers in Scotland. 2 To inhibit foreign Importation within the Limits under a nomine penae of 48 6d per weigh to support the native Manufacture at home. Not long after, several Merchants of Southampton, and the West parts with some Salters in London Petitioned the Board against the said Inhibition of foreign Salt, and procured liberty to import great quantities of foreign Salt, pretending the Native Salt, was insufficient to save their Newfoundland Fish, and for other uses thereby intending rather to destroy then support so good a Native Manufacture in this Kingdom, as the making of Salt was. Shortly after one Nicholas Murford proposeth to His Majesty a new way of making of Salt by the Sun, and to supply the whole Kingdoms of England and Ireland, with sufficient Salt for all uses, and to pay His Majesty out of it 10 per weigh, for all Land use, and 3 4d per weigh for Fishery but propounded no certain price to the Subject: Which proposition of Murfords, and the liberty of Importation to the Merchants of Southampton caused the first undertakers, to Petition His Majesty to be discharged: Whereupon many disputes arose between the Societies of Scotland, and them of South, and North-Shields, and the said Nicholas Murford: For the hearing whereof, His Majesty, and the Board appointed a day to hear the said parties at Greenwich in July 1638. when the said Murford proffered His Majesty, and the Board to farm his said duties of 10s. and 3 4d. and 48 6d per weigh, and give ten thousand pounds per annum for the same, provided none might import any foreign Salt, but the said Murford to whom the said duties were let at 20000 per annum. And, the Society of South, and North-Shields left to use their Pans, and sell as they please; provided, they paid His Majesty's duties of 10 per weigh for Land use, and 3 4d per weigh for Fishery expense. Which caused the Saltmakers of South and North-Shields (seeing the said Murford was permitted to import what Salt he pleased, and set up what works he would, which assured them, that nothing less, than their undoing could befall them) for their relief therein to Petition His Majesty at Oatelands' the 15 of July 1638. that they might either be discharged of the duties of 10 and 3 4d per weigh, or have some course taken that they might have sail for what they made at moderate rates, so as they might subsist in their Trade, else they could neither pay His Majesty, nor subsist. His Majesty thereupon conferring with His most Honourable Privy Counsel, wished some course might be taken, that they might be relieved, and that they should think of some better course, and attend him at Oatelands' the than next sitting of the Lords. At which time, the present Society of Salt-makers made some propositions to His Majesty, both to pay His Majesty, and serve His Subjects at more moderate rates then formerly, which together with the said Nicholas Murfords were read, and consider of at Oatelands', July 29, 1638. and an Order as followeth, was thereupon made, At the Court at Oatelands', 29 July 1638. A draught of the Contract about Salt, on the behalf of Nicholas Murford, being this day read at the Board, also a Proposition made by Thomas Horth Merchant, and others owners of Salt-pans' at South, and North-Shields, and another Petition on the behalf of the Town of great Yarmouth, after long debate, His Majesty with the advice of the Board, did refer the consideration of the security presented by the said Nicholas Murford, to the Lord High Treasurer of England, and the Lord Cottington, and if their Lordships do approve thereof, then to proceed with to finish the contract with the said Murford, or as they should find most expedient for his Majesty's service. The said Lord High Treasurer of England, and Lord Cottington to whom the business for settlement was referred, made choice rather of the new Society, their propositions then of Mr Murfords. As by their report to his Majesty made in August 1638. appeareth, and for these reasons following. 1 Because their price was certain, and at cheaper prices then formerly. 2 That their means of making, was certain, being made only by Salt-Water and Fire. And Master Murfords undertaking uncertain. 1 By reason he depended on hot and dry weather, which was uncertain, without which he could make little or no Salt. 2 He would set no certain price, but would be left to his will to raise, and fall in it, as he pleased. 3 That none should import any foreign Salt but he. As by the order of His Majesty, and the Board the 15 day of July 1638. appeareth. Whereupon His Majesty in His Princely care, tendering the good of the Weal Public, was pleased to admit freedom of dispute, what could be said in opposition by all the several Ports within the Limits, with the City of London, Fishmongers, and Traders in Salt there; appointing a particular day for the hearing of all their complaints, reasons, and discourses for the full clearing thereof, before the settlement thereof, expressed as followeth. At Whitehall the ninteenth of December, 1638. This day upon consideration had at the Board (His Majesty being present in Counsel) of the several Petitions presented in the name of the Cinque Ports, and their members the Towns, and Counties of Southampton and Poole, and the Towns of Weymouth, and Welcomb Regis, the Town and Fishery of great Yarmouth, Lewes, and of the Traders in Fish, and Salt of the City of London, touching the vending and making of Salt at Shields: And upon hearing of the Agents of the said Ports, and their Council, and the answer of Thomas Horth, and the new undertakers of the said Saltbusinesse. His Majesty, and the Board conceiving it to be a matter of great advantage to the Kingdom, that Salt made within His Maies own Dominions should be preferred, and used before any foreign Salt, and finding upon debate, that the Salt made in His Majesty's Dominions is sufficient for all uses; Did therefore order that the said business be forth with established, and that for the price, the Lord Treasurer, and the Lord Cottington should be hereby prayed, and required to call before them some Fishermen, and others, and upon hearing of them, and the said Horth, to set down what rates and prices Salt shall be sold at by the undertakers, which was by their Lordships settled accordingly. Since which settlement, the said present undertakers, have been always furnished with sufficient quantities to serve within the limits, and have not at any time sold the same above three half pence per Gallon at the most, but for the greatest part they have not sold for above one penny per Gallon. The second undertaking began 14ᵒ Caroli. And they are able to make such quantities of good and sufficient Salt, to serve within the limits, and the whole Kingdom, if need be, at jd. ob. per Gallon, which is far cheaper than it hath been at many years before, or since the surrendering and discharging the said undertakers. It having been sold, before either of the said Societies were settled; at 4l. 3l. 15s. 3l. 10s. and 3l. the Shields weigh, many years together: And since the discharge of the said Charter, Salt hath been sold in London by the Engrossers, Forestallers, and Regrators, at 2s. and 2 6d. the Peck, Land-measure, which is lightly measured, whereby they make 5 Pecks and half out of every Bushel that they buy from the Merchant, which is 13s. 9d. per bushel, accounting 40 Bushels to the weigh, As in the months of january and February. The French King for mixed clothes. The States of the Netherlands for white Salt. is 27 10 the weigh; which cost them not at the dearest (laid up in their houses) above 5 per weigh, which in the being of both the Charters was not sold at above five pence or six pence per Peck at most by the retailer: which moderate rate was occasioned by the certainty of the price: And therefore the Retailers of Salt in London, with the Refiners of Salt. And some Western Merchants trading to the Newfoundland; are the main opposers of this Native Manufacture, which all other Princes and States, do so nuch cherish when they can erect any Native Manufacture within their own principalities, to give employment to their own Natives, that they prohibit the importation of any such Commodity, upon confiscation of Ship and Goods. Objections by the opposers: Are 1 That it is a Monopoly. 2 That the Imposition laid upon the foreign, and Native Salt, is contraty to Law. 3 That the prosecution hath been unjust, and with violence. 4 That the Commodity is not sufficient for the Fishery Trade. 5 That the prices are extreme. 6 That there cannot be sufficient quantities made to serve the Kingdom. 7 That it is a very great decay to Navigation. 8 That it is an Enbargement to Free Trade. Answer 1 The Charter was granted for 14 years with proviso, that if His Majesty or State should find any better way for the settlement thereof, to be surrendered at three years. It debars no man from making, that formerly had any works, no man from erecting of new works, only requires them to be of the Corporation, and to pay the duty imposed by His Majesty, and to serve the Subject at the rates agreed on. If a Monopoly be a sole Vendition, the Society are not the sole Vendors, for all Salt retailers are free to come and buy at the works, or without the lymitts. Chief justice Popham, in the Case of Currents. 2 It is a Judged case, that His Majesty may under a nomine penae prohibit importation of any foreign Commodity, it hath not at any time been adjudged against His Majesty, that without a nomine penae he cannot prohibit the Importation of any foreign Commodity that he intends to make a Native Manufacture. 3 The prosecution is warranted by order of the Lords, and yet not prosecuted with violence, but with great moderation. 4 It is sufficient to cure both Cod and Ling, and doth sell at any Market dearer and better than that which is cured with French or Spanish Salt. 5 During the Charter, Salt hath been cheaper than before or after the Society selling it at such moderate Rates to the retailers, that the Commonwealth from the retailers of Salt, might be served at any time at 2d½ or 3d the Gallon at the most, and yet the retailers of Salt, sufficient gainers thereby, but since the Delivery up of the Charter, Salt hath been, and is sold by the retailers to the Subject at two shillings the Peck, as at this day. 6 The Society of both Kingdoms, are able to make fare greater quantities than His Majesty's Kingdoms can Vend. 7 Navigation shall not be prejudiced, but rather beneficed by the Manufacture, for it will appear upon Examination by the Books of entry returned by the Officers of the Ports, that whereas there is one English bottom that formerly hath imported Salt, there have been ten strangers to one, but hereby will be many hundreds of English Barqes employed from Port to Port of His Majesty's Subjects only. 8 The complaint of want of free Trade concerns the Complainants private ends, and not the general good, they intending in their particular way by engrossing, forestall, and regrating to make a scarcity at their pleasure, to the great abuse of the Weal public, which they cannot so well do if this Commodity be made a Native Manufacture, and settled at a certain moderate known rate, as aforesaid. Inconveniences. 1 THe importation of Salt, by the French, is the exportation of the treasure of the kingdom although the Law command, that the money, taken for Salt &c, shallbe employed in the Commodity of this kingdom, yet not one stranger of ten employs his money in England, for between the Buyer, the Officer, and the Seller, there are only factionall Bills of employment, but no employment. 2 If Salt prove scarce in France, than our English must dear pay for that scarcity. 3 If the French King lay an Edict, that none shall be transported (as he hath done) upon confiscation of Ship, goods, and life, than these Kingdoms cannot be served with that most useful and necessary Commodity. 4 If wars fall between the Crowns of France and England, than we can have no French Salt, but such as is imported by Flemings, or some other Neutral States, who (as they have done) will make advantage of our necessities. 5 In the like Case we stand with Spain, to both of them we shall be Subject to what tax or Imposition they please to lay upon that Commodity which we cannot be without, nor the Commonweal at any certainty, unless the Manufactures be supported. Conveniences BE it war, or peace, Scarcity or plenty in foreign parts His Majesty's Kingdoms and Subjects, may be served with a sufficiency of good Salt, many thousands of his poor Subjects set on work, and gain their daily livelihood, the materials that the Salt is made by, not useful for these Kingdoms, only for the Salt works, being Salt water and Pan-coales, Navigation no ways prejudiced, much less destroyed, nor any Enbargement of any free Trade to the prejudice of the Weal-public, why should the Manufacture be destroyed to the dishonour of His Majesty, the ruin of such His Loyal Subjects, who by His Majesty's command, and Princely Encouragement, have spent many thousands of pounds to bring the work to perfection, beside the miserable distress that many thousands of His Majesty's poor Subjects will be left in, who eat their daily bread, by their daily labour in that Manufacture. Which reasons are humbly offered for the supportation of so absolute, and necessary a Commodity which must of necessity be destroyed, unless the inhibition of importation of foreign Salt, within the Lymitts be ratified and confirmed. The consideration whereof is humbly presented to the most honourable Houses of Parliament.