skilful, and well-organized Hollanders?[1] Reflect that by erecting two hundred and fifty busses of 'reasonable strength and bignesse' employment would be made for 1,000 ships, and for at least 10,000 fishermen and mariners, 'and consequently for as many tradesmen, and labourers at land'. The herrings taken by the busses would afford his Majesty '200,000 l. yearely custome outward, and for commodities returned inward 30000 l. and above'.[2]
'For conclusion seeing by that which hath formerly bin declared it evidently appeareth that the Kings of England by immemorable prescription, continuall usage, and possession, the acknowledgment of all our neighbour States and the municipall lawes a the Kingdome have ever held the Soveraigne Lordship of the Seas of England, and that unto his Majestie, by reason of his Soveraigntie the supreame command and Jurisdiction over the passage, and fishing in the same rightfully appertaineth, considering also the naturall scite of those our Seas that interpose themselves between the great Northerne commerce of that of the whole world, and that of the East, West, and Southerne Clymates, and withall the infinite commodities that by fishing in the same is daily made. It cannot be doubted but his Majesty by meanes of his owne excellent wisdome, and vertue, and by the Industry of his faithfull Subjects and people may easily without Injustice to any Prince or person whatsoever be made the greatest Monarch for Command and Wealth, and his people the most opulent and flourishing Nation of any other in the world. And this the rather, for that his Majesty is now absolute Commander of the Brittish Isle, and hath also enlarged his Dominions over a great is of the Westerne Indies; by meanes of which extent of Empire (crossing in a manner the whole Ocean) the trade, and persons of all Nations (moving from one part of the World to the other) must, of necessitie, first, or last, come within compasse of his power, and jurisdiction.[3]
