Purchas his pilgrimes. part 1 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

CHAP. XVII. [ 40] A Discourse of Trade from England vnto the East Indies: Answering to diuers Obiections which are vsually made against the same.

Written by T. Mun.

THe trade of Merchandise, is not onely that laudable practise whereby the entercourse of Nations is so worthily performed, but also (as I may terme it) the very Touchstone of a kingdomes prosperitie, when therein some certaine rules shall be diligently obserued. For, as in the estates of priuate persons, we may account that man to prosper and grow [ 50] rich, who being possessed of reuenues more or lesse, doth accordingly proportion his expen∣ces; whereby he may yeerely aduance some maintenance for his posteritie. So doth it come to passe in those kingdoms, which with great care and warinesse do euer vent out more of their home com∣modities; then they import and vse of forraine wares; for so vndoubtedly the remainder must returne to them in treasure. But where a contrary course is taken, through wantonnesse and riot; to ouer-waste both forraine and domesticke wares; there must the money of necessity be exported, as the meanes to helpe to furnish such excesse, and so by the corruption of mens conditions and manners, many rich countreyes are made exceeding poore, whilst the people thereof, too much affecting their owne inormities, doe lay the fault in something else. [ 60]

Wherefore, industry to encrease, and frugalitie to maintaine, are the true watchmen of a kingdomes treasury; euen when the force and feare of Princes prohibitions cannot possibly retaine the same.

And therefore, as it is most plaine, that proportion or quantitie, must euer be regarded in the importing of forraine wares; so must there also be a great respect of qualitie and vse; that so, the things most neces∣sary

to be first preferred; such as are foode, rayment, and munition for war and trade; which great bles∣sings, when any Countrey doth sufficiently enioy; the next to be procured are wares, fitting for health, and arts; the last, are those, which serue for our pleasures and ornament.

Now, forasmuch as by the prouidence of Almightie God, the kingdome of England, is endowed with such abundance of rich commodities, that it hath long enioyed, not onely great plenty of the things before named, but also, through a superfluitie, hath beene much inriched with treasure brought in from forraine parts; which hath giuen life vnto so many worthy trades, amongst which that vnto the East India by name; the report whereof, although it is already spread so famous through the world: yet notwithstan∣ding, here at home, the clamorous complaints against the same, are growne so loud and generall; that [ 10] (my selfe being one of the Society, it hath much troubled my priuate meditations, to conceiue the meanes or true grounds of this confusion. But at the last I resolued my selfe, that the greatest number of these ex∣claimers are led away in ignorance; not hauing as yet discerned the mysteries of such weighty affaires: Some haue beene transported with enuy, as not participating in the said Society, or being thereby hindred (as they conceiue) in some other trade; and others, wholy corrupted in their affections, who whilst they willingly runne into these errors, doe also labour diligently to seduce others; that so, this good and glory of the kingdome, might be subuerted by our selues, which by the policie and strength of Strangers, cannot so easily be abated; wherefore, it is now a fit time to meete with such iniurious courses, by a true Narra∣tion of the passages in the said East India Trade; answering to those seuerall obiections, which are so com∣monly made against the same: That so these misunderstandings and errors, may be made knowne vnto the [ 20] whole body of this Kingdome, which at this present time is most worthily represented to those noble as∣semblies of the high Courts of Parliament; where I hope the worth of this rich Trade, shall bee effectually inquired, and so in the end obtaine the credite of an honorable approbation.

The first Obiection. It were a happie thing for Christendome (say many men) that the Nauigation to the East Indies, by way of the Cape of Good Hope, had neuer been found out; For in the fleets of [ 30] shippes, which are sent thither yeerely out of England, Portugall, and the Low-coun∣treyes; The Gold, Siluer, and Coyne of Christendome, and particularly of this King∣dome, is exhausted, to buy vnnecessary wares.

The Answere.

THe matter of this Obiection is very weighty, and therefore it ought to be answered fully; the which that I may the better performe, I will diuide the same into three parts. In the first, I will consider the necessary vse of the wares, which are vsu∣ally [ 40] brought out of East India into Europe; namely, Drugges, Spices, Raw-silke, In∣dico, [ 1] and Callicoes. In the second, I will imitate the manner and meanes by which the said wares haue beene heretofore, and now are brought into Europe. In the third and last, I will [ 2] prooue, that the treasure of England is not consumed, but rather greatly to be increased, by the [ 3] performance of the said Trade.

Touching the first, Who is so ignorant in any famous commonwealth,* 1.1 which will not consent to the moderate vse of wholsome Drugges and comfortable Spices? Which haue been so much desired in all times, and by so many Nations, not thereby to surfeit, or to please a lickorish taste (as it often happeneth, with many other fruites and wines) but rather as things most necessary to preserue their health, and to cure their diseases;* 1.2 euen as it is most notably set foorth by some learned men, who haue vndertaken to write vpon this subiect: and therefore it shall be altoge∣ther [ 50] needlesse heere to discourse vpon their seuerall operations and vertues, seeing that he that listeth, may be well instructed therein; if hee will peruse the Volumes which are penned by the learned, for the benefit of all those who shall make vse thereof.

But if peraduenture it be yet further vrged, that diuers Nations liue without the vse of Druggs and Spices: the answere is, That either s••ch people know not their vertue, and therefore suffer much by the want of wares so healthfull, or else they are most miserable, being without meanes to obtaine the things which they so much want: but sithence I intend to be briefe, I will insist no further vpon this point: For the Obiecters might aswell denie vs the vse of Sugers, Wines, Oyles, Raysons, Figges, Prunes, and Currands; and with farre more reason exclaime against Tobacco, Cloth of Gold and Siluer, Lawnes, Cambricks, Gold and Siluer-lace, Veluets, Sat∣tens, [ 60] Taffataes, and diuers other manifactures, yeerely brought into this Realme for an infinite value: all which as it is most true, that whilest we consume them, they likewise deuoure our wealth; yet neuertheles, the moderate vse of all these wares hath euer suted well with the riches and Maiestie of this Kingdome.

* 1.3But I will come to the raw Silkes and Indico, this being so excellent for the dying of our woollen clothes, thereby so much esteemed in so many places of the world; that ornament, to∣gether with the great reliefe and maintenance of so many hundreds of poore people, who are continually imployed, in the winding, twisting, and weauing of the same: Insomuch, that by the cherishing of this businesse (as his Maiestie for his part is graciously pleased to performe, in remitting the impost of Silke) it may well be hoped, that in short time, industrie will make the Art to flourish with no lesse happinesse to this Kingdome, then it hath done (through many ages) to diuers states in Italy, and lately also to the Kingdome of France, and to the vnited Prouinces of the Low-countreyes.

Now as touching the Trade of Callicoes, of many sorts, into which the English lately made an entrance, although it cannot be truely said, that this commoditie is profitable, for the state of [ 10] Christendome in generall (in respect they are the manifacture of Infidels, and in great part the weare of Christians) yet neuerthelesse, this commoditie likewise is of singular vse, for this com∣mon-wealth in particular; not onely therewith to increase the trade into forraine parts, but also thereby greatly to abate the excessiue prices of Cambrickes, Holland, and other sorts of Linnen cloth, which daily are brought into this Kingdome for a very great summe of money. And this shall suffice concerning the necessary vse of the Indian wares: In the next place, I will set forth the manner and meanes of their importing into Europe* 1.4

It is an errour in those men; who thinke that the trade of the East Indies into Europe had first entrance, by the discouerie of the Nauigation by the Cape of Good Hope. For many yeeres be∣fore that time, the trafficke of those parts had his ordinary course by shipping from diuers places [ 20] in the Indies, yeerely resorting with their wares to Mocha in the Red-Sea, and Balsera in the Persian Gulfe: From both which places, the Merchandise (with great charges) were after trans∣ported ouer-land by the Turkes vpon Cammels, fiftie dayes iourney, vnto Aleppo in Soria, and to Alexandria in Egypt, (which are in the Mart Townes, from whence diuers Nations, as well Turkes as Christians doe continually disperse the said Wares by Sea into the parts of Europe:) by which course, the common enemie of Christendome (the Turke) was Master of the Trade, which did greatly imploy, and inrich his Subiects, and also fill the Coffers of his owne Customes, which he exacted at very high rates;* 1.5 But by the prouidence of Almightie God, the discouerie of that Nauigation, to the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope (now so much frequented by the English, Portugals, and Dutch; and also attempted by other Christian Kingdomes) hath not [ 30] onely much decayed the great Commerce betweene the Indians and the Turkes in the Red Sea; and in the Persian Gulfe (to their infinite hurt, and to the great increase of Christian Trade,) but it hath also brought a further happinesse vnto Christendome in generall, and to the Realme of England in particular, for the venting of more English Commodities; and for exporting of a lesse quantitie of Siluer out of Europe vnto the Infidels, by many thousand pounds yearely, then hath beene accustomed in former times; as I shall prooue most plainely by that which fol∣loweth.

And first, it will be necessarie to set downe the quantitie of Spices, Indico, and Persian raw Silke (which is yeerely consumed in Europe) and in them all to consider the cost with the char∣ges to lade the same Commodities cleere aboord the ships from Aleppo; and the like of all the [ 40] selfe same wares, as they haue beene vsually dispatched from the Ports of the East Indies; where∣in will appeare that happinesse, which many doe so much oppose; especially our owne Coun∣trey-men,* 1.6 vnder the gilded termes of the Common-wealth; whilest being indeed either igno∣rant, or ill affected, they doe not onely grosly erre themselues, but also cause others to hinder as much as in them lyerh, the glorie and wel-fare of this Kingdome; but leauing them, I will set downe the said wares, in their quantitie and prices as followeth; and first,

At ALEPPO,

* 1.7 Sixe thousand thousand pounds of Pepper, cost with charges at two shillings the pound, six hundred thousand pound. Foure hundred fiftie thousand pounds of Cloues, at foure shillings nine pence the pound, cost one hundred sixe thousand eight hundreth seuentie fiue pound tenne [ 50] shillings. One hundreth and fiftie thousand pounds of Mace at foure shillings nine pence the pound, cost there thirtie fiue thousand sixe hundred twentie sixe pound. Foure hundred thou∣sand pounds of Nutmegs at two shillings foure pence the pound, cost fortie sixe thousand sixe hundred sixtie sixe pound thirteene shillings foure pence. Three hundred fiftie thousand of In∣dico, at foure shillings foure pence the pound, cost seuentie fiue thousand eight hundred thirtie three pound, sixe shillings eight pence. One thousand thousand of Persia raw Silke at twelue shillings the pound, come to sixe hundreth thousand pound. The whole summe of all is 1465001. pounds, ten shillings.

Now follow the same wares both for quantitie and qualitie at their seuerall prices, as they [ 60] are to be bought and laden cleere of charges,

In the East INDIES,

Sixe thousand thousand pounds of Pepper, cost with charges at two pence halfe pennie the pound, sixtie two thousand fiue hundred pound. Foure hundred fiftie thousand pounds of

Cloues at nine pence the pound, cost sixteene thousand eight hundred seuentie fiue pounds. One hundred and fiftie thousand pounds of Mace, at eight pence the pound, cost fiue thousand pounds. Foure hundred thousand pounds of Nutmegs, at foure pence the pound, cost sixe thousand sixe hundred sixtie sixe pounds thirteene shillings foure pence. Three hundred and fiftie thousand pounds of Indico, at fourteene pence the pound,* 1.8 cost twentie thousand foure hundred and six∣teene pounds twelue shillings foure pence. Ten hundred thousand pounds Persia raw Silke, at eight shillings the pound, cost foure hundred thousand pounds. The whole summe of all is, 511458. pounds, 5. shillings, 8. pence.

So that by the substance, and summes of these accounts it doth plainely appeare, that the buy∣ing [ 10] of the said quantitie of raw Silkes, Indico, and Spices, may be performed in the Indies, for neere one third part of the readie moneys, which were accustomed to be sent into Turkey to pro∣uide the same: So that there will be saued euery yeere the value of nine hundred fiftie three thousand fiue hundred fortie three pounds foure shillings foure pence sterling, of readie moneys, that heretofore hath beene exported out of Christendome into Turkey: which is a matter of such note and consequence, that it may seeme incredible, before the circumstance be duely con∣sidered; and therefore left I should leaue the matter in doubt, it is requisite, that I doe make an explanation of some particulars.

And principally, it must not be conceiued, that this great aduantage which hath beene spo∣ken of, is onely the Merchants gayne; for the Common-wealth of Christendome, hath a very great part thereof in the cheapnesse of the Wares, as shall be (God willing) proued hereafter in his due place.

[ 20] Secondly, the time of the Merchants forbearance and interest is very long; his aduenture and assurance much dearer; his charges of Shipping, Victuals, Mariners, and Factors their wages, farre greater then by the voyage into Turkey for the same Wares: so that the former great diffe∣rence must be vnderstood in these particulars: whereby we may perceiue to our comfort, that the materials of the Kingdome,* 1.9 and the employments of the Subiects (in lieu of readie mo∣neys) becomes a very great part of the price which is payed for the said Indian Wares: which cannot hurt the State (as some erroniously suppose) but greatly helpe it, as I shall better proue in that which followeth.

First therefore, I shew for an vndoubted truth, That the Persians, Moores, and Indians, who trade with the Turkes at Aleppo, Mocha, and Alexandria, for raw Silkes, Drugs, Spices, Indico, [ 30] and Callicoes; haue alwayes made, and still doe make their returnes in readie money: for other Wares, there are but few which they desire from forraine parts; some Chamlets, Corrall, wrought Silke, woollen Cloth, with some trifles, they doe yeerly vent in all, not for aboue fortie or fiftie thousand pounds sterling; which is no valuable summe in respect of that wealth which is carried from Aleppo and Constantinople into Persia for raw Silkes; when least, fiue hundred thousand pounds sterling per annum: and from Mocha about sixe hundred thousand pounds sterling (likewise yeerely into India) for returne of Callicoes, Drugs, Sugar, Rice, Tobacco, and diuers other things. So here is stil a very great commerce maintayned betweene those Infi∣dels; not onely for the Callicoes of many sorts, and other Wares (which concerne their owne vse) but also for the raw Silkes of Persia, which are altogether transported into Christendome.

How worthie an enterprise is it therefore in the English East India Companie? by whose en∣deauours [ 40] there is now good hope to turne a great part of this wealthie Trade into England, by shipping directly from the Persian Gulfe, whereby the employments, trafficke, and Customes of the Turkes, may be still more and more impaired, and the generall Treasure of Christendome much lesse consumed; as is already performed for the businesse of Spices and Indico.

And who shall then doubt our want of Siluer to maintaine the Trade? if by this way we doe obtaine the Silke, which with more aduantage and conueniencie will draw the money to this Mart, then it hath beene heretofore conueyed vnto those remote Dominions of the Turke.

And lest peraduenture it should be thought, that the trafficke in those parts by the Christians for the Persian Silke, is performed by change for other Wares, or by the money which procee∣deth of the sales of many rich Commodities, which yeerely they sell at Aleppo, Alexandria, [ 50] Constantinople, and these parts. The answere is, that neither the Venetians, French, nor Dutch, doe vent so much of their owne Countrie Commodities in those parts, as doe prouide their ne∣cessarie wants of the proper Wares of Turkes: such as are the fine raw Silke made in Soria, Chamlets, Grograns, Cotten Woolls, Cotten Yarne, Galls, Flax, Hempe, Fleece Woolls, Rice, Hides, Waxe, and diuers other things; so that still the raw Silkes of Persia, must be bought with readie money. Onely the English haue more aduantage then any other Nation in this kind: for they vent so great a quantitie of Broad-clothes, Tinne, and other English Commo∣dities, that the proceed thereof, doth not onely prouide a sufficient quantitie of part of the said [ 60] Turkish Wares (which fit their vse) but also a proportion of about three hundred great Balls of Persia raw Silke yeerely.

And if in any yeere they chance to buy a greater quantitie of Silke, then must and doe they furnish the same in readie moneys from the Ports of Marcellis, Genouay, Ligorne, Venice, or the

Netherlands. Neither are these the onely meanes, whereby the Empire of the Turke is so abun∣dantly stored with Gold and Siluer, to the performance of the Indian Trade. For, many are the Christian ships which yeerely lade with Corne for readie moneys in the Archipelago: great is the commerce from Poland, Hungarie, and Germanie, with Gold and Dollers, for Chamlets, Grograns,* 1.10 and other things: But that which is very remarkable, is the great quantitie of Gold, and some Siluer coyned in Grand-Cairo, which by two seuerall Carauans (in bullion) is yeerly brought thither from the Abassens Countrey in Ethiopia, for returne of many rich Commodi∣ties, as Veluets, Sattins, Cloth of Gold, Taffatas, wollen Cloth, pollished Corrall, and other things.

Thus by the coherence of the Turkish Trade with the Christians, Persians, and Indians, I haue shewed both the manner and the meanes, whereby the East Indian Wares haue beene heretofore, [ 10] and yet are in part, procured into Christendome. But lest it should seeme incredible, that the Turke would let so great a masse of Treasure yeerely to passe his Dominions, to the Indians, and to the Persians his professed enemies; I will make the matter yet more plaine.

And first concerning the raw Silkes, it is alreadie shewed, that he hath the money from the Christians, besides the benefit he reapeth in their Customes, with great employments also for his Subiects.* 1.11 And for Callicoes (his whole Empire hauing little or no other meanes for Lin∣nen) he cannot possibly be without them, although it hath, and doth greatly exhaust his Trea∣sure, neither doth he gayne any manufacture by the same, as the Christians haue alwayes done by the raw Silke, to the great reliefe of innumerable poore people, so much prouided for, by the pollicie of all well gouerned and flourishing Common-wealths; As by this occasion, and in a [ 20] businesse of the like kind,* 1.12 I may instance the States of Genouay, Florence, and Luca; who for the maintenance of Arts and Trade, doe prouide raw Silkes out of Sicilia for the value of fiue hun∣dred thousand pounds sterling at least yeerly; and for the payment thereof they doe vent at Naples, Palermo, Messina, and those parts, a certaine quantitie of Florence Rashes, and some o∣ther Wares, for about one hundred and fiftie thousand pounds sterling per annum; so the rest, be∣ing three hundred and fiftie thousand pounds sterling, is supplied all in readie moneys: which treasure they doe willingly forsake to procure their Trade: for experience hath taught them that Trade is their employment, and doth returne them Treasure; for by those Silkes (being wrought, transported, and sold at Frankford and other Marts,) they haue the better meanes to furnish their Contracts with the King of Spaine in Flanders; and so from Spaine the Siluer must [ 30] returne againe to Italie. But if I should runne out in this and other particulars (fitting our pur∣pose) it would make me too tedious, and so carrie mee beyond my ayme. which is to be briefe.

Wherefore I will proceed to cleere some doubts in those men, who perhaps not hauing the knowledge of occurrents in forraine parts, might thinke that neither Venice, nor Marcellis haue the meanes or yet the minds, to export such great summes of readie moneyes yeerely out of those Dominions, especially Marcellis being a part of France, where neighbourhood doth daily tell vs, that Gold and Siluer may not bee conuayed out of that Kingdome, for any valuable summe, more then is permitted for the necessarie vse of Trauellers: yet neuerthelesse, experi∣ence hath likewise taught vs, that for the effecting of those Trades (whereof we now speake, and which they esteeme so much) there is a free extraction out of the said places, of moneyes [ 40] both gold and siluer; whereof with them there is no want; for, the said Wares doe procure it abundantly.

* 1.13First, to Marcellis, it commeth not onely from Genouay, Ligorne, Cartagenia, Malliga, and many other Port Townes of Spaine and Italy, but also from Paris, Roan, Sainct-Malloes, Tolouse, Rochell, Deepe, and other Cities of France; who want not meanes to haue great store of Rials and Dollers from Spaine and Germanie.

And in the like manner, the Venetians dispersing the said raw Silkes, and other Wares into the seuerall States of Italie, Germanie, and Hungarie, (who haue but few Commodities fitting their barter or exchange, but onely moneyes) are there with abundantly serued: for, the Mynes of Hungarie and Germanie affoord good quantitie of Gold and Siluer; and likewise the States of [ 50] Italie, especially Genouay, Florence, and Millane, haue euer store of Rials out of Spaine in satisfa∣ction of many great disbursements,* 1.14 which those Merchants make for that King in his occasions of Italie and Flanders; of all which I might make a large discourse, but I conceiue I haue said suf∣ficient, to shew how the Trade of the East Indies hath beene, and now is brought into Christen∣dome generally; what money is yeerely sent out, by whom, and the possibilitie or meanes which they haue to performe it. I will therefore in the next place, satisfie the Obiectors, that it is not the East India Trade, which wasteth the Gold, and Siluer, Coyne, or other treasure of this Kingdome in particular.

For first, who knoweth not that Gold in the East Indies hath no ratable price with Siluer? [ 60] Neither hath the Siluer coyne of England any equall value with the Spanish Rials according to their seueral prices here; besides that, his Maiestie hath not authorized the East India Company, to send away any part of this Kingdoms Coyne, either Gold or Siluer; but only a certain limi∣ted sum of forren siluer yeerly; which as they dare not exceed, so neuer haue they as yet accom∣plished

the same. For it doth plainly appeare in their bookes, that from the originall and first foundation of the Trade in Anno 1601. vntill the moneth of Iuly,* 1.15 Anno 1620. they haue shipped away onely fiue hundred fortie eight thousand and ninety pounds sterling in Spanish Rials, and some Dollers; whereas by licence, they might haue exported in that time seuen hundred and twentie thousand pounds s••••rling. Also they haue laden away in the same terme of ninteene yeeres, out of this Kingdome two hundred ninetie two thousand two hundred eightie sixe pounds sterling in Broad-clothes, Kersies, Lead, Tinne, with some other English and forraine Commodities; which is a good Addition, and vent of our Wares, into such remote places; where heretofore they haue had no vtterance at all.

[ 10] And note, I pray you, how time and industrie hath bettered this Trade,* 1.16 when in the last three yeeres there hath beene sent more Wares to the Indies, then in the sixteene yeeres before; and yet our expectation is not at the highest; for those new borne Trades within the Red Sea, and in the Persian Gulfe, doe bid vs hope for better things, as lately by Letters from Spahan, we vnderstand of great quantitie of raw Silke prepared by the English Factors, which (by Gods assistance) wee may expect here about the moneth of August next, with encouragement also to vent our English Cloth, and Kersies in good quantities; the like of Iron, Tinne, and other things, whereof experience (of those already sold) hath giuen vs sufficient approbation of their validitie.

And now (omitting much matter which might be written touching the discoueries of other Trades from one Kingdome or Port to another in the Indies, with the Commodities thereof;* 1.17 [ 20] whereby the employment of our ships, together with the Stocke of money and goods which is sent out of England in them, may be much encreased) I will draw to a conclusion of the point in hand, and shew that whatsoeuer summes of forraine readie moneyes are yeerely sent from hence into the East Indies, his Maiestie in the Letters Patents granted to that Companie, hath notwithstanding with singular care prouided, that the brethren of the Companie, shall yeerely bring in as much Siluer, as they send forth; which hath beene alwayes truly performed, with an ouerplus, to the increase of this Kingdomes treasure: Neither is it likely that the money which is thus contracted for by the Companie at certaine prices, and to be deliuered them at times appointed, would be otherwise brought into England, but onely by vertue and for the per∣formance of the said Contracts: for, without this assurance of vent, together with a good price for the said moneyes, the Merchants would vndoubtedly make their returnes in other [ 30] Wares; the vse and extraordinarie consume whereof, would be found lesse profitable to the Common-wealth, when the matter should be duly considered, as I shall yet further endeauour to demonstrate.

And here I will suppose, That the East India Companie may ship out yeerely one hundred thousand pounds sterling: yet it is most certaine, that the Trade being thus driuen, with sums of readie moneys, it will not decay, but rather much increase the treasure of the Kingdome: which to proue, I will briefly set downe the substance of the English Trade vnto the East Indies, concer∣ning the quantitie of the seuerall sorts of Wares, to be yeerly bought there, and sold here; with the vsuall prices giuen for them in both places. And first, I will beginne with their cost and charges laden cleere aboord the ships in the East Indies.

In the East INDIES.

[ 40]

Two thousand fiue hundred thousand pounds of Pepper, at two pence half-penie the pound, cost twentie sixe thousand fortie one pounds thirteene shillings foure pence. One hundred and fiftie thousand pounds of Cloues, at nine pence the pound, cost fiue thousand six hundred twen∣tie sixe pounds. One hundred and fiftie thousand pounds of Nutmegs, at foure pence the pound, cost two thousand fiue hundred pounds. Fiftie thousand pounds of Mace, at eight pence the pound, cost one thousand sixe hundred sixtie sixe pounds thirteene shillings foure pence. Two hundred thousand pounds of Indico, at fourteene pence the pound, cost eleuen thousand sixe hundred sixtie sixe pounds thirteene shillings foure pence. One hundred and seuen thousand one hundred fortie pounds of China raw Silkes, at seuen shillings the pound, cost thirtie seuen thou∣sand [ 50] foure hundred nintie nine pounds. Fiftie thousand of Callicoes of seuerall sorts, rated at se∣uen shillings the piece one with another, fifteene thousand pounds. The whole summe of all is, one hundred thousand pounds.

All the said Merchandize haue beene often experienced, or bought at or about the prices aboue written; and we doe hope for our parts (besides the Trade of raw Silkes from Persia) yeerely, to lade from the Indies, such quantitie of the seuerall sorts of Wares as are here set downe (if it shall please his Maiestie, to protect and defend vs concerning the Articles of agreement made with the Dutch, that they may not violate any of them to our hindrance or damage) all which wares in England will yeeld (as I doe conceiue) the prices hereafter following, viz.

[ 60]

In ENGLAND.

Two hundred and fiftie thousand pounds of Pepper, at twentie pence the pound, cost two hundred and eight thousand three hundred thirtie three pounds sixe shillings eight pence. One hundred and fiftie thousand of Cloues, at six shillings the pound, cost fortie fiue thousand pounds▪

* 1.18One hundred and fiftie thousand pounds of Nutmegs, at two shill••ngs sixe pence the pound, cost eighteene thousand seuen hundred and fiftie pounds. Fiftie thousand pound of Mace, at sixe shillings the pound, cost fifteene thousand pounds. Two hundred thousand pounds of Indico, at fiue shillings the pound, cost fiftie thousand pounds. One hundred and seuen thousand one hundred fortie pounds of China raw Silkes, at twentie shillings the pound, cost one hundred and seuen thousand one hundred fortie pounds. Fiftie thousand pieces of Callicoes of seuerall sorts, rated at twentie shillings the piece one with another, cost fiftie thousand pounds. The whole summe of all is, foure hundred ninetie foure thousand two hundred twentie three pounds sixe shillings eight pence.

So that here would be our owne money againe and more, the summe of three hundred nine∣tie foure thousand two hundred twentie three pounds sixe shillings eight pence aduanced to∣wards [ 10] the generall Stocke of the Kingdome. For although the East India Companie shall dis∣burse the greatest part of the said summe aduanced vnto his Maiestie for Custome and Impost; and also vnto the Factors, Officers, and Mariners, for wages, together with the cost of ship∣ping Victuals, Munitions, Assurance and the like: yet all these (the Materials of shipping one∣ly excepted) are but transmutations and no consumption of the Kingdomes Stocke.

But if any man obiect and say, that the said Commodities being brought into England (as is before written) they are either consumed in the Land, or being transported into forraine parts, they are changed into other Wares: So that still we want our hundred thousand pounds in readie money. The answere is, First, that in the occasion of this dispute, wee must conceiue the said Wares to be of no vse for this Kingdome, but onely for so much, as doe concerne the [ 20] Trade thereof. And Secondly, in the said Trade we must consider, that although the said goods be sent out, and returned home in other Wares from forraine parts; yet still, they are negotia∣ted to the increase of the said Stocke, and for the imployment of the Subiects. Lastly, if there be a resolution to determine and end the businesse: who doubteth, that the whole value may not bee presently returned hither in readie moneyes? For in Italie, Turkey, and other places, where they are most vendible to profit, there likewise is the money free to be exported at all times and by whomsoeuer.

And as it is most certaine, that some other Merchandize, sent out of this Kingdome, were the meanes to bring in the hundred thousand pounds in readie moneyes, which is here supposed to be sent and imployed in the East Indies (as aforesaid) so likewise, there is the same power in [ 30] these Indian wares, to procure other summes of readie moneyes, to bee brought into this King∣dome: For let not man doubt, but that money doth attend Merchandize, for money is the prize of wares, and wares are the proper vse of money; so that their coherence is vnseparable. And if the French and the Venetians, made any doubt of this, they would not so willingly permit the value of sixe hundred thousand pounds sterling, or more in Spanish Rialls and Dollers, yeerly to be carryed out of their Dominions into Turkey: whereof three quarter parts at least are imploy∣ed, onely for the buying of Persia raw Silkes, which commoditie doth presently enable them with readie money from diuers other States to performe the Trade; whereby their wealth doth much increase, and their people are greatly imployed. So to conclude this point, I will onely adde, that the East India Trade alone (although it be driuen in no amplyer manner then is afore [ 40] written) is a meanes to bring more treasure into the Realme then all the other trades of this Kingdome (as they are now managed) being put together. For if the rule be true, that when the value of our commodities exported doth ouer-ballance the worth of all those forraigne wares, which are imported and consumed in this Kingdome, then the remaynder of our stocke which is sent forth, must of necessitie returne to vs in Treasure. I am confident, that vpon a diligent and true inquirie it will be found, that the ouer-ballance of all our other Trades together, will not amount vnto so great a summe of money as the East India Trade alone doth ouer-ballance in this kinde.

And to make the matter yet more plaine, whereas it is already said that one hundred thou∣sand pounds in money exported, may import about the value of fiue hundred thousand pounds [ 50] sterling, in wares from the East Indies, we must vnderstand that part thereof to be properly cal∣led our importation that this Realme doth consume, which is about the value of one hundred and twenty thousand pounds sterling yeerly. So the remaynder being three hundred and eightie thou∣sand pounds, is matter exported vnto forraine parts in the nature of our Cloth, Lead, Tin, or any other natiue commodities, to the great increase of this Kingdomes stocke, and that also in so much treasure, so farre as the East India Trade can be rightly vnderstood to subsist in this parti∣cular. For as all humane actions haue their Termination and Ends, so likewise there must bee an end assigned vnto the affaires of the East Indies; which are then truely said to bee finished, when this Realme is serued, and the remainder of those Wares which are sent from hence be∣yond [ 60] the Seas, sold there and conuerted into money; which likewise from thence may bee brought away freely and without the danger of Law, or prohibition. Forasmuch therefore as it is well knowne to many men, that moneys are thus procured by the Sales of Indian Wares to profit, in the parts of Turkey, and at Ligorne, Genoway, the Netherlands, Marcellis, and other pla∣ces:

yet notwithstanding if all the said Coyne, or any part thereof should bee diuerted from this Realme by some other new imployments or affaires, it must neuerthelesse bee granted, that the said India wares had their finall end in monies. But I will cease to heape vp any more argu∣ments, to proue a matter which is alreadie made so plaine; wherefore leauing this Obiection, I will endeuour to giue Answere to the next.

The second Obiection. [ 10] The Timber, Planke, and other materials, for making of shipping, is exceedingly wasted, and made dearer,, by the building of so many great Ships, as are yeerely sent to Trade in the East Indies; and yet the State hath no vse of any of them vpon occasion. For either they are not here; or else they come home very weake and vnseruiceable.

The Answere.

THis East India Trade seemeth to be borne and brought vp an Vnthrift, for it wasteth and consu∣meth all; Neither doth it good to any.

1 But the Obiection, in some part is very weake:

[ 20] 2 And in the rest it is mistaken.

For first, concerning the weaknesse thereof,* 1.19 would men haue vs to keepe our woods and goodly trees to looke vpon? they might aswell forbid the working of our wools, and sending forth our cloth to for∣raigne parts; for both are meanes alike to procure the necessary wares, which this Kingdome wanteth. Do they not know that trees doe liue and grow: and being great, they haue a time to dye and rot, if oportuni∣tie make no better vse of them? and what more noble or profitable vse then goodly ships for Trade and Warre? Are they not our Barnes for wealth, and plentie, seruing as wals and bulwarkes for our peace and happinesse? Doe not their yeerely buildings maintayne many hundred poore people, and greatly in∣crease the number of those Artesmen which are so needfull for this Common-wealth? And is not all [ 30] this good performed also (with great prouidence) by bringing in yeerely store of Timber,* 1.20 and other pro∣uisions from Ireland? Why then, where is the great waste and dearenesse? I am sure, the East India Companie finds it not; for whereas they doe onely buy their prouisions in Hampshire, Essex, Kent, and Barkshire, in all which places they now may haue both Timber, Plankes, Sheathing boards, Trenals and the like, both for goodnesse and price, as cheape (yea better cheape) then they haue beene this fifteene yeeres; and likewise in all that course of time their Bookes doe plainly shew that those wares haue neuer varied much; for if they haue risen any small matter in one yeare, they haue fallen as much the next. And yet I pray you obserue (besides the East India Companies buildings) the many goodly ships which are daily made for other priuate Merchants (such as England neuer had before) and that which is most remarkable, is the continuall late buildings of his Maiestie, thereby yearely adding more strength and [ 40] glory of great ships, to his Royall and matchlesse Nauy; so that here we see this supposed waste and want is not considerable.

Yea but, say they, the East India ships are neuer here to serue the Kingdome vpon occasion: Or if they be at home, they are weake and vnfit for seruice.* 1.21

In Trade of Merchandize our ships must goe and come, they are not made to stay at home; Yet ne∣uerlesse, the East India Company are well prepared at all times, to serue his Maiestie and his King∣domes, with many warlike prouisions, which they alwayes keepe in store; such as Timber, Planckes, Iron∣workes, Masts, Cordage, Anchors, Caske, Ordnance, Powder, Shot, Victuals readie packed, Wine, Sider, and a World of other things, fitting the present building, repairing and dispatch of ships to Sea; as may be plentifully seene in their yards and store-houses at Deptford, and more especially in those at Blacke-wall; which are growne so famous, that they are daily visited and viewed by strangers, as well [ 50] Embassadors as others; to their great admiration of his Maiesties strength and glorie, in one only Company of his Merchants, able at short warning to set forth a Fleet of ships of great force and power.

For it is well knowne to all men who please truly to bee informed, That the East India Companie (be∣sides their Fleets of ships going and comming, and also abiding in the In••i••s) are continually building, repayring, rigging, victualling, and furnishing to Sea, with all prouision needfull for such a long Voy∣age, some seuen or eight great ships yearely; which are to bee seene at an Anchor in the Riuer of Thames in a great forwardnesse some fiue or sixe moneths together, before they commonly depart for the Indies, which is about the moneth of March: and they are no sooner got off from the Coast of Eng∣land, but shortly after, is the season of our shippes to returne from the Indies;* 1.22 who come not home so weake as some would haue them; for how often hath experience beene made of our ships which haue per∣formed [ 60] two or three seuerall Voyages to the East Indies? Yet at their returne, they haue beene indoc∣ked, n••w trimmed and lanched out againe▪ fitted for the like Voyages, in lesse then two monethes. But it will be needlesse to spend any more time in shewing the errors of this second Obiection: therefore I will rather come to the handling of that which followeth.

The third Obiection. The Voyages to the East Indies doe greatly consume our victuals, and our Mariners: lea∣uing many poore Widdowes and Children vnrelieued; Besides, that many Shippes are yeerely sent forth to the East Indies, and few we see as yet returned; Also, this Trade hath greatly decayed the Traffique and shipping, which were woont to be imployed into the Streights: And yet the said Trade to the East Indies, is found very vnprofitable to the Aduenturers: Neither doth the Common-wealth find any benefit by the cheape∣nesse of Spice and Indico, more then in times past. [ 10]

The Answere.

WHy, what a World of Mischiefes haue we here? First, Dearth. Secondly, Mortalitie. Thirdly, Destruction. Fourthly, Beggerie. Fiftly, And neuer a whit the neere. A very Teame of Calamities, drawing on to miserie; is it not then high time to seeke a remedie? yes verily, and it will be easily done, because these euils neuer were (as yet at least) procured by the East India Trade, as I shall shew, by answering all the parts in order as they stand: and first of Dearth.

It is both naturall and iust, that euery Kingdome, State, or Common-wealth, should feede [ 20] and cherish vp the Natiue people of all degrees and conditions whatsoeuer,* 1.23 to their preseruation of life and health, with such meanes and moderation, as their plentie shall affoord; and this is not onely due to them in the time of their aboad at home, but also vpon all occasions of Voya∣ges into other Countries beyond the Seas, wherein they shall bee imployed for their owne main∣tenance, and for the good of the Common-wealth.

Now therefore concerning the pouision of victuals (which in this Kingdome is yeerely pre∣pared for the setting forth of those shippes which saile to the East Indies) it is well knowne to many men,* 1.24 that it is alwayes proportioned, for about eighteene monethes; whereas common∣ly the Voyages proue a yeare longer, so that this ouer-plus of time, is furnished with the victu∣als [ 30] of forreine parts.

And likewise for the Bread and Bisket which is shipped from hence, hath it not alwayes bin made of French Corne, purposely brought ouer hither (and that at a deare rate) onely to pre∣serue the plentie of our owne graine? vntill now of late dayes that the Farmers heere beginne to cry out and say, That the cheapnesse of Corne doth dis-inable them to pay their deare Rents: Thus doe the East India Company euery way accommodate their proceedings for the good of the Kingdome.

And further concerning their Drinke, is it not a very great part water? Some Wine and Sider and but little Beere.

Also the Flesh they eate, is Beefe and Porke, and that onely for three dayes in a weeke; the rest of their victuals is Fish, some Butter, Cheese, Pease, Oat-meale, and other things; all [ 40] which is proportioned into a very sparing Dyet to euery man by allowance: so that heere is no Excesse nor Riot, or any other meanes to make our victuals scant and deare, as is by some erro∣niously supposed; but rather by this course of life, our plentie is much aduanced. And so I will giue answere to the next part which is mortalitie and great decay of Mariners.

The life of man is so precious, that it ought not lightly to be exposed to danger; And yet we know,* 1.25 that the whole course of our life, is nothing but a passage vnto Death; wherein one can neither stay nor slacke his pace, but all men runne in one manner, and in one celeritie; The shorter liuer runnes his course no faster then the long, both haue a like passeage of time; how∣beit, the first hath not so farre to runne as the later.

Now, it is this length of life which Nature seekes, and States likewise endeuour to preserue [ 50] in worthy men; but none are accounted so worthy in this nature, saue onely they, who labour in their vocations and functions, both for the publike good, and for their priuate benefit.

Thus may we esteeme our good Mariners, to be of no small vse vnto this Common-wealth: but take them from their laudable and accustomed imployments,* 1.26 for want of Voyages to Sea; we see what desperate courses they doe then attempt, by ioyning, euen with Turkes and Infi∣dels, to rob and spoyle all Christian Nations; so that we may conclude, we must not onely breed vp Mariners, but also seeke by Trade, to giue them maintenance.

Well, all this is true, but (say they) the East India Company doth neither breed nor main∣tayne, but destroy the wonted number of our Mariners. How can this be, when it is most cer∣taine, that England (besides the East India Fleets) had neuer yet more shipping then at this pre∣sent? [ 60] neither doe any of them stay at home for want of Mariners, no, not at this time, when many hundred Sailers are employed in extraordinarie seruice, for his Maiestie in a Royall Fleet

of ships, now at Sea: besides those great numbers of our best Mariners, which haue beene and daily are wasted and taken Prisoners by the Turkes; so where is this want, or what is our miserie more then the want of true information in them that are so ill perswaded of our Com∣pany?

Is it not certaine that as the East India Voyages are long,* 1.27 so likewise in Natures course many should dye by length of time although they stayed at home? And to recompence the losse of those that dye, doe not the East India Company with great prouidence, yeerely ship out at least foure hundred Land-men in their Fleets, which in one Voyage proue good Mariners to serue the Kingdome and Common-wealth, vnto which many of them were a burthen before they ob∣tayned [ 10] this employment? And thus is the Kingdome purged of desperate and vnruly people, who kept in awe by the good discipline at Sea, doe often change their former course of life, and so aduance their fortunes.

Neither indeed are these Voyages so dangerous and mortall, as is reported; for how many of our ships haue gone and come from the East Indies, without the losse of fiue men in a hundreth? Others againe haue had worse successe in the first beginning, when the seasons, the places and their contagions were not so well knowne vnto vs; yet time hath taught vs many things, both for the preseruation of health, and speedier performance of our Voyage then heretofore. But the Method of my Discourse bids me write more of this in the next part, which is destruction; and this I must diuide into two parts.

In the first, I will consider the want of diuers ships sent to the East Indies, which are wasted [ 20] there.

And in the second, I will answere the supposed ouerthrow of the Turkie Trade, together with much of our shipping which were wont to be employed thither.

First therefore, concerning the decay of our shippes in the Indies, it cannot bee denyed, but there hath beene great spoyle of them in these three last yeeres; not by the dangers of the Seas, or by the strength of Enemies; but by vnkind and vnexspected quarrels with our Neighbours the Hollanders, who haue taken and surprized twelue of our ships at seuerall times, and in sundry places, to our vnspeakeable losse and hinderance; together with the death of many of our worthyest Mariners, who haue beene slaine and dyed Prisoners vnder their hands▪ and this hath [ 30] so much the more encreased the rumour of their Mortalitie: Neither list I here to aggrauate the fact, more then thus briefly to giue answere to the Obiection: for our late vnion with the Dutch, doth promise a double recompence of gaine in time to come.

And they who make this Trade so poore and vnprofitable, are much mistaken in the recko∣ning; for the present losses which causeth many Aduenturers so much to despaire, is not in the substance of the Trade, but by the euill accidents which haue befalne the same: and to make this point more plaine, I must yet declare some other particulars: in which I will endeauour ve∣ry briefly to set downe the summe of the whole businesse, which the English hath hitherto per∣formed in the East Indies.

First, therefore I doe obserue that since the beginning of this Trade, vntill the moneth of Iu∣ly [ 40] last, Anno 1620. there haue beene sent thither seuentie nine ships in seuerall Voyages, where∣of thirtie foure are alreadie come home in safetie richly laden, foure haue beene worne out by long seruice, from Port to Port in the Indies: two were ouer-whelmed in the trimming there: sixe haue beene cast away by the perils of the Seas; twelue haue beene taken and surprized by the Dutch, whereof diuers will be wasted, and little worth before they bee restored: and one and twentie good shippes doe still remayne in the Indies. So this is a true account of our shippes.

And next concerning our stocke, it is a certaine truth, that in all the said ships there hath bin sent out in readie money as well out of this Realme, as from all other places wheresoeuer be∣yond the Sea (which hath not beene landed in this Kingdome) the value of fiue hundred fortie eight thousand and ninetie pounds sterling in forraine Coyne; and together with the said mo∣ny, [ 50] there hath been shipped the value of two hundred ninety two thousand two hundred eigh∣tie sixe pounds sterling, in sundry sorts of English and forraine Commodities; all which monies and wares amounting vnto eight hundred fortie thousand three hundred seuentie sixe pounds, haue beene disposed as hereafter followeth,

First, there hath beene lost thirtie one thousand seuentie nine pounds sterling in the sixe ships which are cast away: and in the thirtie foure ships, which are returned in safetie, there hath beene brought home three hundred fiftie sixe thousand two hundred eightie eight pounds ster∣ling in diuers sorts of wares, which haue produced here in England towards the generall stocke thereof, one million nine hundred, fourteene thousand sixe hundred pounds sterling, for the charges arising here, is but a change of effects from one to another, as hath beene said before in [ 60] this Discourse: So there ought to remayne in the Indies, to bee speedily returned hither, foure hundred eightie foure thousand eightie eight pounds: neither can wee conceiue that our charges and troubles with the Dutch, will haue wasted more then the odde eightie foure thousand eigh∣tie

eight pounds sterling: so that I am confident, that there yet remayneth foure hundred thou∣sand pounds sterling of good estate, for both the ioynt Stockes. And what a great value of In∣dian goods this summe of money may (by Gods blessing) shortly returne in our shippes,* 1.28 which are there readie to bring them, the example here doth teach vs to make vp the reckoning. So that notwithstanding our great charges of Discoueries, our losses by the danger of the Seas, our quarrels and infinite hinderance by the Dutch: yet here the kingdome hath and shall haue her stocke againe with a very great increase, although the Merchants gaines concerning the two ioynt stockes will proue but poore, in respect of the former Voyages, which haue not had the like hinderance.

And thus in a few lines may be seene, much matter truly collected with some paines, out of [ 10] the diuers Volumes of the East Indian Bookes.

Now concerning the decay of Trade and shipping which were woont to bee imployed into Turkey,* 1.29 I doubt, that in time it will likewise be affirmed, that the East India Company, haue hindered the vent of our white Cloth in the Netherlands, which to report were a very strange thing. But (praysed be God) to our comfort, we see the great increase of goodly shippes, daily built and imployed by the Turkey Merchants, with vent of more of our English Cloth (by one third part at least) then in times before the East India Trade began.

Yea, but (say they) wee haue lost the Trade of Spices, and Indico from Aleppo into Eng∣land.

Wel, I grant they haue; yet the Kingdome hath found it with more profit by another way, and they likewise are recompenced with a greater Trade, by the exporting from hence of the selfe∣same [ 20] Commodities into Italy, Turkey, and other places: neither can it be lesse profitable for this Kingdome, to turne the Trade of raw Silkes from Aleppo, and to bring them from the Persian Gulfe, with one third part lesse money, then it doth now cost in Turkey; Besides, that by this meanes, the money proceeding of our English Cloth, Tinne, and other wares in Turkey (not fin∣ding Commodities fitting to returne for England) would vndoubtedly bee brought home in Gold, as it hath beene performed heretofore, when by superfluitie of stocke sent from hence in Spice,* 1.30 together with our English wares; the Merchants (beeing thereby furnished with a suffi∣cient quantitie of Turkish Commodities) brought home the remaynder of their stocke of those yeares in gold for a great value. [ 30]

Thus doth it plainly appeare, that these reuolutions of Trades, haue and doe turne to the good of the Common-wealth; neither hath the affaires of the East Indies impayred or de∣cayed any other Trade, Shipping or Mariners of this Realme; but hath mightily increased them all in it selfe. Wherefore let vs now take a view of this Noble addition of the Kingdomes strength and glorie.

But this I must not doe, by setting downe the number of our English shipping now in the In∣dies, or lately gone that way; for they haue beene heaped thither, these three last yeares toge∣ther without returne, saue onely fiue shippes in all that time; the rest haue beene kept there to oppose the furie of the Dutch; but now wee are at vnion, wee shall (by Gods assistance) daily expect diuers great ships with rich returnes.

* 1.31And for the future time, this Trade I doe conceiue, will royally maintayne tenne thousand [ 40] tunnes of shipping continually: (That is to say) going, and returning, and abiding there in the Indies; which said shipping will employ two thousand and fiue hundred Mariners at least; and the building with the repayring of the said ships, heere at home will set to worke fiue hundred men, Carpenters, Cawkers, Caruers, Ioyners, Smiths, and other Labourers, besides many Offi∣cers; and about one hundred and twentie Factors, in seuerall places of the Indies. And so from these matters of great consequence, I must begin to write of Beggerie.

* 1.32The pouertie of Widdowes and Fatherlesse is matter of great compassion, and doth alwaies moue Christian hearts to commiseration and charitie; whereby many receiue reliefe and helpe of those whom God hath blessed with better meanes: but how this pouertie should totally bee preuented, it seemeth not onely difficult, but altogether impossible: For besides the euill acci∣dents [ 50] and miseries, which euer attend on our humanitie, we see how many daily (euen through their owne folly and wilfulnesse) doe as it were desperately plunge themselues into aduersitie. And thus the number of those is great, who hauing the charge of wife and children, are notwith∣standing altogether without meanes and Artes to procure their maintenance; whereby some of them wanting grace, doe run a desperate course, and haue vntimely ends. Others againe beeing better inspired, seeke for imployment, but find it not, or with great difficultie: for, who doth willingly entertaine a man poore and miserable, charged with a family, and peraduenture debau∣ched in conditions? Neither doe any of our other Merchants voyages to forraine parts accept of those nouices, who neuer haue been vsed to the Sea: So that when all the other doores of chari∣tie are shut, the East India gates stand wide open to receiue the needy and the poore, giuing them [ 60] good entertainement with two Moneths wages before hand, to make their needfull prouisions for the Voyage. And in the time of their absence, there is likewise payd vnto their wiues for

maintenance, two other moneths wages vpon account of euery yeares seruice: and also if any chance to dye in the Voyage, the wife receiueth all that is found due vnto her husband (if he doe not otherwise dispose it by will:) and this often happeneth to be more money, then euer they had of their owne together in any one time. And likewise, are not many poore Widdowes,* 1.33 Wiues and Children of Black-wall, Lime-house, Ratcliffe, Shadwell, and Wapping, often relieued by the East India Company with whole Hogsheads of good Biefe and Porke, Bisket and Doales of ready money? Are not diuers of their children set on worke to picke Okam, and other labours fitting their age and capacitie? What might I not say of repayring of Churches, maintenance of some young Schollers, relieuing of many poore Preachers of the Gospell yearely with good [ 10] summes of money; and diuers other acts of charitie, which are by them religiously performed, euen in the times now of their worst fortunes? for all which I hope there shall be a reward vnto them and theirs. And so I come to the fift part of this third Obiection.

And here I must intimate how much they are deceiued, who thinke,* 1.34 that Spices and Indico are no better cheape in England now, then in times past, before the East India trade began. For, it is an vndoubted truth, that in those dayes we often paid sixe shillings, or more for a pound of Pepper, and seldome or neuer lesse then three shillings and sixe pence the pound; whereas since the Trade hath come directly from the Indies, it hath been bought commonly at seuerall prices betweene sixteene pence and two shillings the pound: but I will make the difference of price appeare more plainely by setting downe the quantities of Spices and Indico, which are yearely [ 20] spent in the Realme of England, together with the lowest prices, which they were wont to sell at, when we brought them from Turkey and Lisborne; and the like concerning their vsuall pri∣ces now that we bring them from the East Indies directly: And first as from Turkey,* 1.35 foure hun∣dred thousand pounds of Pepper at three shillings six pence the pound, is threescore & ten thou∣sand pounds: Fortie thousand pounds of Cloues at eight shillings the pound, is sixteene thousand pounds: twenty thousand pounds of Maces at nine shillings the pound, is nine thousand pounds: One hundred and sixty thousand pounds of Nutmegs, at foure shillings sixe pence the pound, is six and thirtie thousand pounds: One hundred and fiftie thousand pounds of Indico at seuen shil∣lings the pound, is fifty two thousand fiue hundred pounds. All these summes being put together, comes to one hundred eightie three thousand fiue hundred pounds Sterling.

[ 30] And the selfe same quantity and sorts of wares are commonly sold at the prices here vnder written now in these later times:* 1.36 Foure hundred thousand pounds of Pepper at twenty pence the pound, is thirtie three thousand three hundred thirtie three pounds, sixe shillings, eight pence: forty thousand pounds of Cloues at six pence the pound, is twelue thousand pound: twen∣ty thousand pounds of Mace at six shillings the pound, is six thousand pounds: one hundred sixty thousand pounds of Nutmegs at two shillings six pence the pound, is twentie thousand pounds: one hundred fiftie thousand pounds of Indico at fiue shillings the pound, is seuen and thirtie thousand pounds. All these summes beeing put together, is one hundred eight thousand three hundred thirtie three pounds sixe shillings eight pence sterling.

So that this Trade in Spice and Indico only, doth saue the kingdom yerely seuenty foure thou∣sand [ 40] nine hundred sixtie sixe pound thirteene shillings foure pence, which is a matter worthy to be obserued; and so much the rather, because it is a certaine truth, that l••sse then a quarter part of this summe of mony which is thus saued yearely, shall buy in the Indies,* 1.37 the full quantitie of all the seuerall sorts of wares before written, which doe serue for a yeares prouision for this Realme of England; but still it must be remembred, that the custom, impost, wages, victuals, shipping, and other charges (which are to be added) will be a greater summe, then the mony which is paid for these wares in the Indies: but as I haue noted before, the said charges doe not consume the King∣domes stocke, although it doth greatly abate the Merchants gaine.

And to conclude this point, I will adde vnto that which hath been said; that the commodi∣ties onely which we now send yearely into the East Indies and Persia, are of sufficient value there [ 50] to returne vs Indico, Spices, Drugs, and all other sorts of Indian wares (Raw-silkes of Persia only excepted) for one yeares consume, or more in this Kingdome: so that now all the money which is sent forth in our Ships doth procure an ouer-plus of the said wares, to the furtherance of Trade from India hither, and after from hence to forreine parts againe, to the great imployment of the Subiects, and inriching of this Realme, both in Stocke and Treasure; all which is matter verie worthy to be diligently obserued. And so I come to giue answere vnto the fourth and last Ob∣iection.

[ 60]

The fourth Obiection. It is generally obserued, that his Maiesties Mint hath had but little imployment euer since the East India Trade began; wherefore it is manifest, that the onely remedy for this, and so many euils besides, is to put downe this Trade: For what other remedie can there be for the good of the Common-wealth?

The Answere.

[ 10]

THis fourth obiection may be deuided into three parts: First, An euill declared: Secondly, A re∣medie propounded:* 1.38 Thirdly, And counsell demanded.

And first concerning the Euill or want of Siluer, I thinke it hath been, and is a generall disease of all Nations, and so will continue vntill the end of the world; for poore and rich complaine, they neuer haue enough: but it seemeth the maladie is growne mortall here with vs, and therefore it cries out for remedy. Well, I hope it is but imagination maketh vs sicke, when all our parts be sound and strong: For who know∣eth not the inestimable treasure of this Kingdome, in Plate possessed by the people thereof almost of all de∣grees; in such measure, as neuer hath been seene in former ages? And for his Maiesties Mint, it is well knowne, that there hath been coyned in fiue yeares together since the East India Company began, six thou∣sand [ 20] two hundred fourteene pound waight of Gold, and three hundred eleuen thousand three hundred fourescore and foure pound weight of sterling Money; all which Gold and Siluer doe amount vnto the summe of twelue hundred thirteene thousand eight hundred fiftie pounds of sterling Money: How then doth this Trade turne the currant and imployment of the Mint?

But vpon the sight of this truth, perhaps it will be said, That we must resort vnto the present times (the Mint being idle now.) To which I answere, That likewise the Mint had little or no imployment for coy∣nage of Siluer in former times, when the said Company did not export aboue fifteene or twentie thousand pounds sterling at the most per annum; no, nor yet in the yeares 1608, and 1612; when in the former they shipped out but sixe thousand pound, and in the latter but one thousand two hundred and fifty pounds sterling. So that both wayes we see, that the Mint hath had very great imployment fiue yeares together, [ 30] sithence the East India Trade began; and also it hath been without imployment diuers yeares, when the East India Company haue sent away but verie small summes of money; wherefore of necessitie there must bee some other causes and meanes whereby our Siluer is not exported onely, but also it is not imported into the Realme as in former times. For wee haue not had the meanes by our owne plenty, nor by the scarsitie of our Neighbours (for the space of the last foureteene yeares together) to send out hundreds of Ships laden with Corne, as in times past, which was returned home in Siluer; but rather of late yeares (as is much to be feared) a great quantitie of our money hath been carried out of the Kingdome for that Corne, which hath been brought vs from the East Countries, and other places, to sup∣ply our wants. Thus times doth change, and our fortunes change with them: neither list I to make this matter plainer, by setting downe those meanes, which heretofore brought vs store of money, euen out of [ 40] France, and other places, which now are ceased. But without any further medling in the Mint, I will come to the remedie which some propound, by putting downe the East India Company.

But here our comfort is, that the Obiectors are not our Iudges, whose wisdome and integritie labouring for the honour of his Maiestie, and the good of his Kingdome, will soone perceiue the mischiefes of this sup∣p••sed remedie. And that the pretended euill which many with malice chase, is that great good, which other Nations seeke by policie and strength to keepe, and likewise to obtaine; in which pro∣ceedings, it concerneth vs especially to obserue the diligences and practises of the Dutch, who with more gladnesse would vndertake the whole Trade to the East Indies, then with any reason wee can abandon that part thereof, which we now enioy; neither can our restraint from the Indies keepe our Siluer from thence, as long as the Dutch goe thither: for we know, that deuices want not to furnish such designes; and [ 50] when their Ships returne from India, shall not our Siluer out againe to helpe to pay a double price, or what they please, for all those wares which we shall want for our necessities?

Thus should the Dutch increase their honour, wealth and strength, whilest we abate, grow poore and weake at Sea for want of Trade: And call you this a Remedie? no, rather tearme it Ruine, Destructi∣on, or what you list. And so I come vnto the conclusion or last part.

And here I must confesse my self aground, for this matter is much too high for my handling besides, my excuse is faire, hauing alreadie done my taske to cleare the East India Trade from imputation; the which for want of learning, although I haue performed, without varietie of words or eloquence: yet it is done with all integritie of truth, in euery particular, as I shall be ready to make proofe vpon all occasions, which may be offered. And yet before I make an end, although I cannot satisfie euery mans desire, in such mea∣sure [ 60] as is necessarie: yet I thinke it not amisse to performe the same so farre, as I am able by common practice, and my obseruations in the Trade of Merchandize, which is my profession.

And first therefore, all men doe know, that the riches or sufficiencie of euery Kingdome, State, or Com∣mon-wealth, consisteth in the possession of those things, which are needfull for a ciuill life. This sufficiency

is of two sorts; the one is naturall, and proceedeth of the Territorie it selfe; the other is artificiall, and de∣pendeth on the industrie of the Inhabitants.* 1.39

The Realme of England (praised be God) is happily possessed of them both: as first, hauing great plentie of naturall riches, both in the Sea for Fish, and on the Land for Wooll, Cattell, Corne, Lead, Tinne, Iron, and many other things for Food; Rayment, a••d Munition; insomuch that vpon strict termes of need, this Land may liue without the helpe of any other Nation. But to liue well, to flourish, and grow rich, we must find meanes by Trade to vent our superfluities; therewith to furnish and adorne vs with the treasure and those necessarie Wares which forraine Nations doe affoord:* 1.40 and here Industrie must begin to play his part, not onely to increase and guide the Trades abroad, but also to maintaine and [ 10] multiplie the Arts at home: for when either of these faile, or are not effected with such skill as their mysterie shall require, then doth the Common-wealth abate and grow poore: neither is it easily per∣ceiued at first, vntill some euill accidents doe stirre vp our diligence to search out the true causes; that so they being remooued, the effects may cease. And this is the subiect of our Discourse which wee now pursue.

That which I haue hitherto deliuered hath beene altogether negatiue, still defending and prouing by arguments, that the East India Trade hath not hurt this Common-wealth: And now changing my stile, I must affirme as fast the true causes of those euils which we seeke to chase away.

These causes then (as I conceiue) are principally foure. The first, is the breach of Entercourse by for∣raine Nations. The second, is the abuse of the exchanges betwixt vs and other Countries. The third, is [ 20] neglect of dutie in some Subiects. The fourth, is our damage in commerce with Strangers. Now con∣cerning all these, I might make a very large discourse; but my purpose is onely to explane the meaning of euery point in order, as briefly as I can.

And first for the breach of Entercourse; by this I vnderstand those Nations,* 1.41 who haue either de∣based their Standard, or else ouer valued the price of their Coynes from that equiualence which former∣ly they had with the Standard and Moneys of this Realme: and also doe tolerate, not onely their owne Moneys, but also the Coyne of other Countries (and especially of this Kingdome) to bee current with them at higher rates, then the prices of the exchange; by which courses (being directly against the En∣tercourse) there is a greater cause giuen of exportation of the Moneys of this Realme, then otherwise there would be. For although this is done with great danger to the Exporters of the same, (it being an [ 30] act against the Law of the Land) yet notwithstanding couetousnesse being euer conuersant in wicked acti∣ons, thinketh nothing vnlawfull which promiseth a certaine gaine; and how to remedie this euill practice I find it not easie. For the debasing of the Coyne, or raysing the price thereof in this Realme, would much impouerish the estates of particular men, and yet in the conclusion, would proue a businesse without end: for who doth not conceiue that which would follow beyond the Seas vpon any such alteration heere with vs? so that still the euill will remaine, vntill we find some other remedie.

And for the exchanges of money vsed betwixt Nations,* 1.42 although the true vse thereof is a very laudable and necessarie practice for the accommodating of Merchants affaires, and furnishing of Tra∣uellers in their occasions, without the transporting of Coyne from one State to another, with danger and losse both to the publike and priuate wealth: yet is the abuse thereof very preiudiciall vnto this King∣dome [ 40] in particular; whilest in the interim the benefit doth arise vnto other Countries, who diligently ob∣seruing the prices whereby the moneys be exchanged, may take aduantage to carrie away the Gold and Siluer of this Realme at those times, when the rate of our sterling money (in exchange) is vnder the va∣lue of that Standard, vnto which place they are conuayed: For in respect the prices of the exchanges, doe rise or fall according to the plentie or scarsitie of money, which is to bee taken vp, or deliuered out, the exchange is hereby become rather a Trade for some great moneyed men, then a furtherance and ac∣commodation of reall Trade to Merchants, as it ought to bee in the true vse thereof. And thus many times money may be made ouer hither by strangers to a good gaine, and presently carried beyond the Seas to a second profit; and yet the mischiefe ends not here: for by this meanes the takers vp of money in for∣raine Countreys must necessarily driue a Trade to those places, from whence they draw their moneys; [ 50] and so doe fill vs vp with forraine Commodities, without the vent of our owne Wares: but for this great euill, there is an easie remedie, and so I come to handle the next cause which is neglect of dutie.

Neither is it my intent to write of duties in their seuerall kinds; but onely of that kind of dutie which is here thought to be neglected by some men in their seuerall vocations. As it might peraduenture come to passe, in those who haue the working of his Maiesties Coyne, either gold or siluer; if diligent care be not had in the size of euery seuerall piece, to answere iustly to his weight: for howsoeuer vpon triall of many pieces altogether, the weight may be sound according to the Couenants, and within the remedies ordained in the Indentures: yet notwithstanding many of those pieces may be sized too light, and others as much too heauie, which giueth the greater aduantage to some people, to carrie away that which is ouer∣weight, and so to leaue vs them which are too light, if they leaue vs any. And this mischiefe is not [ 60] single; for thereby also some Gold smiths, regarding profit more then dutie, may bee the more readily drawne to melt downe the heauie Coyne into Plate and other ornaments both of gold and siluer. But what might wee thinke of those men who are placed in authoritie and office for his Maiestie, if they should not withall dutifull care discharge their trust concerning that excellent Statute, wherein it is orde∣red,

that all the moneys receiued by strangers for their Merchandize, shall be employed vpon the Com∣modities of this Realme?* 1.43 the due performance whereof would not onely preuent the carrying away of much Gold and Siluer, but also bee a meanes of greater vent of our owne Wares: whereof I purpose to write some thing more in the next part which concerneth our commerce with strangers.

* 1.44And now I come to the last point, which I feare is not the least amongst the causes of our want of money (so farre as any such may be,) and let it not seeme strange to any man, that Trades should hurt and impouerish a Common-wealth, since it hath beene alwayes accounted an excellent meanes to helpe and enrich the same: for, as this truth cannot be denied with reason, so it is likewise most certaine, that the vnskilfull managing thereof hath euer proued a great decay vnto those Nations who haue beene en∣tangled with such errours. And are not the examples too frequent in many of our owne Merchants, [ 10] who not onely by the perils of the Seas and such like misfortunes lose their goods, but also euen through want of knowledge, wisely to direct their affaires, doe ouerthrow their whole estates? Neither may we properly call this their losse, but rather the Kingdomes losse in them. Wherefore it were to be wished, that this mysterie of Merchandize might be left onely to them who haue had an education thereunto;* 1.45 and not to be vndertaken by such, who leauing their proper vocations, doe for want of skill in this, both ouer∣throw themselues, and others who are better practised.

But there is yet a farre greater mischiefe by our Trades beyond the Seas, when peraduenture, there might be imported yeerely a greater value in forraine Wares, then by any way or meanes wee doe export of our owne Commodities; which cannot otherwise come to passe, then with a manifest impouerishing of the Common-wealth:* 1.46 for as it is a certaine course to make vs rich, both in Stocke and Treasure, when wee shall carrie out a greater value of our owne goods then wee bring in of forraine Wares; so by conse∣quence, [ 20] a course contrarie to this, must of nec••ssitie worke a contrarie effect. Neither is this importa∣tion meant otherwise then concerning those Wares, which are consumed in this Realme: for the Com∣modities which are brought in, and after carried out vnto forraine parts againe, cannot hurt, but doe greatly helpe the Common-wealth, by encre••se of his Maiesties Customes and Trades, with other im∣ployments of the Subiects: by which particulars I might yet set forth the glorie of the East India Trade, which hath brought into this Realme in fif••eene moneths space, not onely so much Spice, as hath serued the same for the said time; but also by the superfluitie thereof, there hath beene exported into for∣raine parts for about two hundred and fifteene thousand pounds sterling. So then let all men iudge, for what a great value we may hope hereafter to export yeerely; when vnto these Spices wee may (by Gods assistance) adde the infinite worth of raw Silkes, ••ndicoes, Callicoes, and some other things: all which [ 30] are to be issued in the nature of Cloth, Lead, Tinne, or any of our owne Merchandize to the enriching of this Kingdome by encrease of the common Stocke. So then to conclude this point, wee ought not to auoid the importation of forraine Wares, but rather willingly to bridle our owne affections to the mode∣rate consuming of the same:* 1.47 for otherwise, howsoeuer the East India Trade in particular is an excel∣lent meanes greatly to encrease the Stocke of money which wee se••d thither yeerely, by returning home fiue times the value thereof in rich Commodities; all which (in short time) may be conuerted into Trea∣sure, as is plainely shewed alreadie. Yet notwithstanding, if these Indian Wares thus brought home cannot be spared, to serue for that purpose of Treasure; but must bee sent forth together with our owne natiue Commodities; and yet all litle enough, to prouide our excesse and extraordinarie consume of forraine Wares: then is it likewise as certaine, that the generall Trade of this Kingdome doth hinder [ 40] and diuert the comming in of the said Treasure, by ouer-ballancing the value of our Wares exported with the importation and immoderate consume of forraine Commodities.

Therefore, forasmuch as the number of the people in this Realme are thought to be greatly encrea∣s••d of late time (both in themselues and strangers,) whereby necessarily the Commodities of this King∣dom, and also forren Wares, are the more consumed and wasted, (a double meanes to abate the Common-wealth) it therefore concerneth vs all in generall, and euery man in his particular, to stirre vp our minds and diligence, to helpe the naturall Commodities of this Realme by industrie, and increase of Arts; seeing that the materials cannot be wanting to make such Stuffes, and other things as are daily brought vnto vs from forraine parts, to the great aduantage of Strangers, and to our no lesse damage. Neither should wee neglect the riches which our Seas affoord, whilest other Nations by their labour doe procure [ 50] themselues great Treasure from the same. And as the diligent performance of these things would plen∣tifully maintaine the Poore, and much increase the common Stocke of this Kingdome: so likewise for the better furtherance thereof, wee ought religiously to auoyd our common excesses of food and ray∣ment, which is growne to such a height in most degrees of people (aboue their abilitie) that it is now be∣yond all example of former Ages. Neither is it needfull for mee to set downe the particulars of these abuses; for they are too well knowne: and I am confident, that the wisedome of our Gouernment doth endeauour to see them as well amended, to the glorie of God, the honour of the King, and the good of the Common-wealth. Amen.

[ 60]

COurteous Reader, I could haue added others indeauours in this defensiue Argument for the East Indian Trade; and especially that of that learned Gentleman Sir Dud. Diggs: But because himselfe is now absent in weightier Employments, and I knew not whether he would be willing to see it mustered and marshalled in my Files, I was loth to doe it: For his ill-will I haue cause to bee vnwilling to purchase, whose good-will hath purchased mine and mee (a worthlesse Purchas) in effecting my present good, in affecting greater, that I might haue beene enabled to haue bestowed on the world my promised perfected World. Wherein not to haue succeeded, is yet (as that vast and incompetible designe of mine) to haue exceeded, as others otherwise, so herein himselfe. Besides, later occurrents haue ministred other Strings for busie [ 10] Fingers to harpe on, (though not with best Harmonie) since the edition of that Booke. I had thought also to haue added somewhat out of Master Misseldens FREE TRADE, fitting the present businesse: but seeming to haue made not an Indian Voyage, but a Plantation, in so long stay there, I will bring you homewards: and because the wonted way of returne is by en∣compassing Africa, that course also wee will here take: and to preuent Sea-sicknesse, and the lazie Scorbute, we will not onely touch on the Shoare, but aduenture into the maine Land, and follow the best Guides, both English and others, thorow the African both Desarts and Habitations: of whom Iohn Leo is the best that hath writ∣ten in that Argument, and as a Lion may conduct the most fearefull thorow the most perillous passages. For [ 20] what may not Cowards doe, hauing a Lion to their Guide and Captaine?

Notes

• * 1.1

  The first part concerneth the vse of In∣dian wares.
• * 1.2

  Sir Thomas Eliot his Ca∣stle of health. Rembert Dodo∣neus his history o•• Plants. The French A∣cademie se∣cond part, and others.
• * 1.3

  France and the Low-Countreyes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 late yeares do make gre••t quantities of wrought silke, of which wares they were heretofore ser∣ued from Italy. France, Italy, South Barbery, and other Countreyes.
• * 1.4

  The second part

  Sheweth the manner & the meanes by which Indian wares haue beene & now are brought into Europe.
• * 1.5

  Rates vpon all sorts of Spices. 22. per cent. raw Sikes e∣steemed about 2. per cent. Indico about 8. per cent.
• * 1.6

  Such people as effect not the good of this Kingdome
• * 1.7

  The quantity of Spice, Indi∣do, and Persian raw Silke, yeerely consu∣med in Eu∣rope.
• * 1.8

  The exporta∣tion of the va∣lue of 953543. l sterling out of Christendome into Turkey yeerely saued.
• * 1.9

  Instance only, that ten shil∣lings imployed in Pepper in the East Indies, will require thirtie and fiue shillings for all charges what∣soeuer to deli∣uer it in Lon∣don.

  The great summes of money which the Persians and the Indians carrie yeerely out of Turkey. The East India Companie doe endeauour to bring the raw Silkes from Persia directly by Sea.

  Marcellis sen∣deth yeerely to Aleppo and Alexandria, at l••••st 500000 l. sterling, and little or no wares. Venice sends about the value of 100000 l. and a great value in wares. The Low coun∣tries sends a∣bout the value of 50000 l. sterling mo∣ni••s, and litle wares. Messina 25000 l. in ready money.
• * 1.10

  Abassens a Peo∣ple in Ethiopia whose influ∣ence hath made them dull, lazy, and without arts; enioying di∣uers Mines of Gold, and one of Siluer, which doe procure their wants of for∣raine Wares.
• * 1.11

  Turkey hath litle meanes for Linnen but onely from India.
• * 1.12

  The proc••e∣dings of some States in Italie for the main∣tenance of Arts.

  The readie moneys which are yeerely carried from some States of Italie into Sicilia.
• * 1.13

  How Marcellis and Venice are furnished with ready moneys.
• * 1.14

  The Italian Merchants doe furnish the King of Spaine with money in Italie and Flan∣ders.

  The third part

  doth shew how the East India, Trade doth enrich this Kingdome.
• * 1.15

  How much money and wares the East India Compa∣nie haue sent forth euer sithence the beginning of this Trade.
• * 1.16

  The vent of English Wares encreased in the Indies.
• * 1.17

  Our stocke may be much increased by Trade from Port to Port in the Indies. For this see the former re∣lations, of the Trade from Surat to Achen, and all the Southerne and further Eastern Indies: as thence also to the red Sea &c.

  The moneys sent to the Indies is all forrain Coyne. The East India Companie are obliged to bring in as much money as they carrie out of the Realme. Tobacco, Rai∣sons, Oyles, and Wines, whereof there is no want, but rather too much Smoke. A proportion of such Trade as is hoped yeerely to be brought into this Realme from East India.
• * 1.18

  How much the Kingdomes Stocke may in∣crease yeerely by trading to the East Indies. 2500. tunn••s of shipping will lade home all the wares a∣fore written from the East Indies. And the materials of the said ship∣ping (vn∣wrought) is worth about 15000l. sterling India wares wil bring readie moneys into the Realme. We h••ue no other meanes to procure Treasure but by Trade and Merchandize. The French and the Vene∣tians send the value of 600000l. ster∣ling yeerely in ready money into Turkey. Trade maketh some States very rich which haue littl•• other meanes.

  If the generall Trade of this Kingdome doth export a greater value in wares then it doth import yeerly, then doth our trea∣sure increase. The Trade to the East Indies may be said to export 480000 pounds and to import 120000 l. yeerely. So the ouerballance is 360000 l. sterling. Euery action ought especi∣ally to be con∣sid••red in his end.

  The East Indi∣an wares whi••h were sent be∣yond the Seas, are sold and haue their fi∣nall end in money, which might bee brought into this Realme in that kind, if our other Trades did not diuert the same.
• * 1.19

  The first Part

  concerneth the folly of the Obiection.
• * 1.20

  The proui∣dence of the East India Company for Timber and Plancke. The East India Trade h••th not indeared the materials which serue to make ships.
• * 1.21

  The second Part

  sheweth the mist••king in the Obiection. The Warlike prouision which the East India Compa∣nie keepe in stor••.

  His Maiesties strength in the East India Company alone.
• * 1.22

  The shippes which returne from the East Indies home, may be rep••y∣red in a very short time.
• * 1.23

  The first Part concerneth Dearth.
• * 1.24

  The manner how the East India Compa∣ny do victuall their ships.
• * 1.25

  The second Part concer∣neth Mortality
• * 1.26

  Good Mari∣ners are ac∣counted wor∣thy men in a Common-wealth.
• * 1.27

  The breeding of 400. Mari∣ners yearely. Besides that the feare of a few mens death ought not to ouer∣throw or hin∣der the perfor∣mance of Ho∣nourable acti∣ons for the ser∣uice of the K. and Common-wealth.

  Our Mariners owne disorde∣red life is that which killeth many of them. The third part concernes the decay of ship∣ping which haue beene sent to the Indies.

  Of the Dutch wrongs & the ships taken by them, see the former Relati∣ons of Spurway, Hore, Knowles, &c. with the Depositions of diuers men, & in manner all these Indian Voyages. The twelue shippes are the Swan, Defence, Salo∣mon, Attendance (all taken at Banda before Sir Tho. Dale began the war) the Speedwell, the Starre; the Dragon, the Beare, Expedi∣tion, Rose; and the Samson, with the Hound Our troubles with the Dath. The summe of the affaires to the East Indies euer since the Trade began. Account of all the money and goods which hath been sent to the East In∣dies euer since the beginning of the Trade. 256288. l. sterling, hath beene returned from the East Indies which did produce here towards charges, 1914600. pounds sterling.
• * 1.28

  There remains yet in the East Indies to bee returned home from thence about 400000. pounds ster∣ling.
• * 1.29

  Concerning the decay of shipping and Trade in to Turkey.
• * 1.30

  The Turkey Merchants can and will iusti∣fie this truth.
• * 1.31

  The strength of the East India ships.
• * 1.32

  The fourth part concernes the pouertie of widdowes, &c.

  The East India Trade doth employ many poore men, & deboist people which other Trades refuse. Wages before hand is not gi∣uen in other Merchants Voyages, ney∣ther yet so great wages as the East India Company pay.
• * 1.33

  When did any of these Wid∣dowes beg for reliefe in our Churches, as others often doe?

  The East India company their charitie.
• * 1.34

  The fifth Part concerneth the cheapenes of Spice and Indico at this present, in re∣spect of former times.
• * 1.35

  Prices of spice and Indico in former times.
• * 1.36

  Prices of spice and Indico in these latter times.
• * 1.37

  Lesse then eighteene thousand pounds ster∣ling in the In∣dies, will buy Spice and In∣dico to serue this Realme for a yeare, whi••h is not halfe so much money as it spendeth be∣yond these is to buy Cur∣rands only, or to buy Tobac∣co.

  The wares on∣ly which are sent out of this Kingdome into the East Indies, are of sufficient value to furnish this Realme with an ouerplus of all man∣ner of Indian wares (Persian Raw Silkes only excepted.)
• * 1.38

  The first Part concerneth his Maiesties Mint.

  Twentie fiue thousand pound weight at least of Sil∣uer yearely melted downe into Plate, be∣sides old Plate new fashioned, as by credible report.

  There hath been coyned great store of Gold and Sil∣uer in his Ma∣iesties Mint, since the East India Trade began.

  There hath been little or no Siluer coy∣ned in some yeares, when the East India Company sent out very small summes of money.

  Some causes and meanes whi••h were wont to bring Siluer into the Realme are ceased at this present time. Th•• second Part conc••r∣neth the put∣ting downe of the East India Trade.

  The East India Trade is great∣ly desi••ed by other Christi∣an Nations. The Dutch might grow strong and rich by our destruc∣tion.

  The third Part concerneth the councell which the Ob∣iecters de∣mand.
• * 1.39

  The riches of a Kingdom, is of two sorts.
• * 1.40

  This Kind of industrie ma∣keth some Countries which are poor of themselues, to grow rich and strong by other Nations, who haue grea∣ter meanes, and are lesse industrious. Foure princi∣pall Causes which carry a∣way our Gold and Siluer.
• * 1.41

  The First Cause concer∣neth the Stan∣dard.

  Proceedings against enter∣course.
• * 1.42

  The Second Cause concer∣neth the ex∣changes of moneys with forrain Coun∣tries.

  The practice of those Strangers here in this Realme, who make a Trade by ex∣change of mo∣neys.

  Forrain Wares brought in with our ready moneys carri∣ed out of this Realme.

  The Third Cause concer∣neth neglect of duties. Our heauie money is con∣uayed beyond the Seas, and melted downe into Plate here in the Realme.
• * 1.43

  Anno 17. Ed∣ward. 4.
• * 1.44

  The Fourth Cause concer∣neth our com∣merce with Strangers. Vnskilfull Merchants ouerthrow our Trades.
• * 1.45

  Merchants by education are onely fit to trade in for∣raine parts.
• * 1.46

  How rich Common-wealths may become poore. Forrain Wares brought in for Trans. to can∣not hurt, but grea••ly helpe the Common-wealth.

  Hopes to in∣crease Trade by exportation of Indian Wares to for∣raine parts.
• * 1.47

  The particular Trade to the East Indies will bring great store of treasure into this Realme, if the generall Trade of this Kingdome doe not hinder and consume it. The Dutch in particular, are said to reape such infinite wealth yeerely by this fishing Trade, that without more certaine know∣ledge thereof I dare not set downe the summe it see∣me••meth so incredible. See hereof D. Dees booke: as also Cap. Smiths.