A just and impartial account of the transactions of the merchants in London, for the advancement of the price of tobacco. About the latter end of the year 1727, and beginning of 1728. / By Henry Darnall. Who was present at most of them. ; In a letter from him, to the inhabitants of Maryland dated September 18, 1728.

Author: Darnall, Henry.2004-08

[Page]

A Just and Impartial ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE Merchants in LONDON, FOR THE Advancement of the Price of TOBACCO.

About the latter End of the Year 1727, and Beginning of 1728.

By HENRY DARNALL. Who was present at most of them.

IN A LETTER FROM HIM, To the Inhabitant, of MARYLAND Dated September 18, 1728.

ANNAPOLIS Printed and Sold by W. Parks.

[Page 3]

A just Account of the Transactions of the Merchants, for the Advancement of the Tobacco-Trade, &c.

Gentlemen,

Sept. 18. 1728.

I AM fully persuaded, that I cannot furnish my Friends and Countrymen with a more agreeable Entertainment, than in acquainting them with what w [...]s done by the Merchants in London, who tr [...]de to Maryland and Virginia, whilst I stayed there, for the Relief of our most deplorable Trade. And, as the only effectual Means to communicate to the Publick a just and impartial Account of those Transactions, is, to have Recourse to the PRESS, I have therefore taken this Method to inf [...]rm them, that (upon a due Consideration of the melancholly St [...]te of our Trade) I thought I could not better employ my Time, for the Service of my Country, my Self, and Posterity, than by using my utmost Endeavours to bring the Merchants there, to frequent Meetings together, in order to consider of some Means for our Relief, which I was the more induced to attempt, as I was well ass [...]red from the Gentlemen themselves, th [...]t one of the chief Causes of the melancholly St [...]te of our Trade, was owing to their Disagreem [...]nt am [...]ngst themselves. Therefore, I took some [...] to preva [...]l with them, to unite themsel [...]es into a [...] and to act in Concert for the future▪ And [Page 4] tho' those Endeavours were attended with some Difficulties, which were chiefly occasioned by the Diffidence they had in one another; (for which they all complained there was too much Reason, from the Experience of their former Meetings, when the Measures then concerted, and Agreements made, were continually broke thro', whereby those who intented honestly to keep them were the Sufferers, and the Trangressors not only run away with the present Advantage there, but also with the Applause and Encouragement from hence) Yet, as this seemed to be the chief Objection, it was at length removed, by representing to them the Necessity they were under, to make one more Experiment, in hopes that Agreements would now be better kept than they have been heretofore; or that such Persons who would not come into, or bre [...]k Measures, after they had agreed to them, would certainly be here distinguished, and thereby occasion them to suffer in their Interest: But above all, by the assiduous Endeavours of Mr. Iohn Falconar, who seconded my Attempt very vigorously, and took true Pains to get them together, which was at length effected; and, upon the Seventh Day of March last, I had the Pleasure to b [...] present with all the Gentlemen in our Trade▪ (excepting Two or Thre [...] that were either out of Town▪ or out of Order) When the first Thing agreed upon, was, a Resolution to have regular & constant Meetings once every Month; after That was concluded, They came to a Resolution to continue the former Charge of 3 Pence per Hogshead, and to have all Arrears of that Charge duly collected, which had been for some Time neglected and omitted. This Fu [...]d was generally agreed on to be the B [...]sis and Support of their U [...]ion, not only as it was necessary to defray their own Expences, as a Society at these Meetings, but also to raise a Fund to en [...]ble them at any Time to make Application to the Parliament, when they shall [Page 5] think it necessary, for the Good of our Trade. Af [...] this was agreed on, Mr. Falconar was called upon, t [...] declare what it was he had to lay before them, since it was at his Instance they were met: He answered ‘That he had much to say; but, that he though it more regular to appoint a Committee of Six o [...] the Mar [...]land, and Six of the Virginia Merchants, t [...] meet between that and the next General Meeting to consult and make a Report of their Thoughts, as well in relation to the Evils they apprehended the Trade to labour under, and the Remedies that occurr'd to them necessary for its Relief; as upon some Rules for their own Regulation, as a Body or Society.’ Which Proposal was agreed to, and the following Gentlemen were appointed to be of that Committee, viz.

For Maryland.

Mess. Samuel Hyde.
Robert Cruckshanks.
I [...]seph Adams.
Iohn Handbury.
William Hunt.
Iohn Falconar.

For Virginia.

Micajah Perry.
Edward Randolph.
Humphry Bell.
Ieremiah Quare.
Iames Pradly.
Thomas Hyam.

THIS Committee met upon the 13th of March, when Mr. Falconar laid the following Representation before them:

A COPY of the Representation, delivered in Writing by John Falconar, the 13th of March, 1727-8, to the Committee, appointed by a General Meeting of the Merchants, trading to Virginia and Maryland, to take into their Consideration the State of the Tobacco-Trade; and to report their Opinion thereon, to the General Meeting.

THE General Meeting of the 7 th Current, having been unanimously of O [...]inion the Trade was in a bad Condition, and having [...] [...]nsider of W [...]ys and Means [...] [Page 6] to put my Thoughts in Writing, which I now offer to the Committee, for their Correction, Approbation or Rejection; which Last shall not at all displease me. I aim at nothing but the Good of the Trade in general, in which every Man's particular Good is included: Therefore, if the End aimed at be but obtained, I shall be very Thankful to any Gentleman, for communicating his Thoughts, tho' never so different from mine: So without farther Apology will come to my Matter.

IT is well known to us all, that the chief Cause of the Depression of the Trade, is from the great Ascendant the French Agent has got over us, which Ascendant is very natural; For, he being but One, and so very considerable a Buyer, must have a great Advantage over so many Sellers, acting without any manner of Consultation, or Agreement among our selves: Whereas, did we act in Concert, we might make our selves equal to him, and so keep up Tobacco at a living Pri [...], which is all I aim at. I am by no Means for running up Tobacco to an extravagant Price, or any other Way discouraging the French Trade, which is a valuable Consumption, and ought to be encouraged; but then it ought to be upon such Terms as the Planters and Others concern'd, may live by their Labour; which of late Years we know they have not done, & all along with the French Agents▪ who, every one of them, in their turns, have been (properly speaking) Sellers as well as Bavers: It has not been what Price we pleas'd, but They that have set the Price, and we could not help our selves, which has been of the worse Consequence, because all other Buyers govern themselves by what Price the French Agent gives; so that the good or ill Fortune of the Trade, depends altogether upon what Measures we take with the French. [...] the T [...]de of Fran [...]e is in a Company, and [...] what Price they please upon what they sell [Page 7] to their own People, or rather have a fixed Price, from which they do not vary, let them buy Tobacco here never so cheap; and as they constantly employ but one Agent at one Time, I think we might fall into a Method, so to incorporate our selves, as to treat as one Man with that Agent, for fixing the Price for such a Time as may be thought convenient; and so from Time to Time, to rise or fall the Price as the Circumstances of the Trade may require; which I wish to be done with all Civility, by Way of Contract, with the French Agent, by a Committee of the Trade specially appointed for that Purpose, at a General Meeting: And when the Time contracted for, is expired, or near expiring, then the same (or a new Committee) may be appointed, after Consultation in the General Meeting, to renew the old, or make a new Contract, according to what shall be agreed upon by a Majority in the General Meeting. I cannot but think the French Agent, would willingly come into such a Method, as it would make Things easy to him; and being done by Treaty with himself, will not look like Compulsion: As the Price will then be fixed and known, every Body will far [...] alike, and the French Gentleman will then have nothing to do, but please himself with the Quality of the Tobacco.

THIS Agreement I think ought only to be for Iames River Tobacco, which is almost only proper for the French Market, and such Part of Maryland Tobacco as is likewise proper for the French Market.

AS for all other Sorts of Or [...]n [...]ko Tobacco, I think the Price cannot be fixed other, than that I think some certain Price ought to be fix'd for a certain Time; within which Time, no Tobacco, even the worst of Scrubs, should be sold under that Price: Not that I suppose we may obtain such a Price for ordinary Scrubs; but I think it will be the Interest [Page 8] of the Trade to have a Price fixed, below which, no Tobacco shall be sold, without Consent of a General Meeting.

I do not think it reasonable to attempt debarring the French Agent from Buying whole Ships Loads, or any Pa [...]cel of Tobacco, not proper for the French Trade▪ in that he ought to have his Liberty equal with other Buyers.

BUT I think 'twill absolutely be our Interest to Sort our Tobacco; and what is specially proper for the French Consumption, not to sell that under the Price contracted for with the French Agent: If he will buy other Sortments, the Price must be govern'd by what other Buyers will give; only remembring to sell no Tobacco unde [...] the Price fix'd for Scrubs.

HAVING now spoke my Mind, as to what is proper to be done respecting the French, shall come to what immediately respects our selves, as a Society; in which I am in some Measure prevented by the good Harmony that appeared at last General Meeting, in which Meeting a Foundation was laid for (I hope) a good Understanding in Future, by agreeing upon Four Fundamentals, to a regular Society, viz.

I. THAT there shall be a General Meeting of all the Trade, once in every Month, therein to consult upon what may concern the Trade. I am glad so commendable a Method is revived, and shall be heartily glad it may never more be discontinued: The only Seeing and Conversing with one another, may be of Advantage; but more Benefits may be expected from the collective Body of the Trade, will they agree upon some certain Rules to proceed by.

ONE of the Chief, I think to be, That all Matters in Debate, be decided by a Majority of Voices; without that, we shall be a mere P [...]lish Diet, which seldom e [...]ds but in Confusion: A b [...]re Majority may be thought too strict, but I am content so a Majority [Page 9] do but decide how the Majority be limited, whether to two Thirds, or three Quarters of the Whole; and sure if so great a Part sho [...]ld be of one Mind, the remaining Third or Quarter, will acquiesce, so far as passively, to comply with what shall be determined.

BUT if some particular Me [...]bers will not agree, neither actively nor passively, or after Agreement shall break thro' Engagements. I would not have that disolve the General Agreement, but that th [...] Majority may still keep together, true to their Engagements one to another: If that could be accomplished, I am of Opinion the Refractory would in Time see their Error, and find it their Interest to join themselves to the Body; for, in Time, the Majority will certainly gain the Victory, and govern the Trade.

BUT if some Particulars, for private Interest, or Humour, will not come into Society, or break Agreements after made, I think the Majority should, in Justice to themselves and their Employers, acquaint the Gentlemen of Virginia and Maryland what they have done, and intended to do, for Advancement of the Trade; but that they are obstructed by such and such, (mentioning the F [...]cts,) and desiring their Assistance to prevail with such Persons to join with the Generality: Our Principals are so sensible what they have suffered by our Disagreement, that I make no doubt they will find out better Methods than we can, to make us Unanimous. As I would have This one of the Preliminaries of our Settlement, as well as carrying by Majority of Voices, no [...] can▪ in reason, be offended; because, if the Committee be of Opinion to report to the Generality these Two Particulars to be a proper Foundation of Society, and the s [...]m [...] be agreed to by the Generality, then it will be a Law of every Body's making; and so no Person ought to find Fault with what they themselves have assented to.

[Page 10]II. THE second Thing agreed to at last Meeting, was, The Continuing Three Pence per Hogshead on all Tobacco, which I very much approve of▪ without such a Fund we shall not be able to defend our selves against many Incroachments, or Hardships, that may be offered (as in Times past) to be afresh put upon the Trade: That Duty has been a Means of uniting us so, as to ward off Foreign Evils that affected us only in common with our Fellow Subjects; but henceforward I hope a Part of that Duty will be employed so, as to ward off Evils immediately relating to our selves, by begetting a friendly Acquaintance and Society, towards which, Monthly Meetings will very much conduce.

AND therefore I propose Two or Three Guineas be appropriated to defray the Charge of each Monthly Meeting: And, supposing so much may not be actually spent at each Meeting, I wish all the Savings may be kept distinct by it self; and when it amounts to a Sum sufficient, may be bestowed upon a Dinner, once or twice a Year, for the whole Trade. What I am at by this, is to beget a good Friendship and Harmony among the Merchants; which Eating together, does more often produce among Mankind, than bare Drinking.

III. THE third Thing agreed at last Meeting, was, Continuing our Treasurer, Alderman Perry, than whom I think we cannot have a better.

IV. THE Fourth was Confirming the former Managers, and filling up the Number to Twelve in all. This I think is a very good Part towards a regular Society, [...] they are a Controul upon the Treasurer, for all [...] expended, and are a sort of Guardians for the Trade, to watch against all Foreign Attacks.

BUT, in my Opinion, they may be made still more useful, were they appointed to take the immediate Care of the Trade into their Thoughts: And, for that [...]nd, to have fix'd Meeting [...] every Fortnight, [Page 11] between the Monthly Meeting, and so make Report to the General Meeting, and their Expences to be allowed▪ so that the s [...]me do not exceed one Guinea each Meeting, or Twelve Guineas per Annum; and the Savings to be expended once or twice a Year in a Dinner for the M [...]nagers. I am the more for Eating as well as Drinking, in our Society, in hopes Conversation may unite us in Affection as well as in Interest, and then our Work will be easy.

BUT, I am of Opinion, there is one Thing still wanting to cement us [...]e [...]rer together, and without which I am afraid we shall grow cool and negligent, as in Times past: What I mean, is a proper Person for a Secretary, one that should be a common Serv [...]nt to the Trade▪ [...]nd have a S [...]lary for so doing, paid out of the Publick Stock. I think we cannot employ our Money better, and such a Person m [...]y h [...]ve full Employment; for I would have him attend [...]ll M [...]etings of the Trade, take Minutes, & keep the Records in good Method, he might collect the Three Pence per Hogshead, and pay it to the Treasurer; and m [...]ny other Things m [...]y fall under his [...], some of them occuring to my present Thoughts I shall mention, vi [...].

I think he should keep an exact Account of all Tobacco imported into London, and also of all Exports or Sales that (at a View) we may at any Time know what Tobacco is at Market.

THE like I think we should have from all the Out-Ports in Grea [...]-Britain, [...]hich may be obtained by settling a Correspondent in every Port, to transmit Accounts thereof (by Post) to our Secretary, and he to record them in Books for that Purpose, to be [...] before the Managers at their Meetings.

I think [...] also wo [...]ld be mu [...]h for our Government, had we a Regist [...]r kept of all Ships bound to Vir [...]inia and Maryland, with the Time of [...] Departure from all the Out-Ports, as well as London, which may be transmitted to our Secretary.

[Page 12]BY knowing what Tobacco there is upon [...]and at any Time, and the Number and Burthen of Ships gone out for the ensuing Year, we shall be enabled the better to judge what Measures to take in respect to the Price.

WE might also settle a good Correspondency with the Merchants in the Out-Ports, by communicating Thoughts and Advice, by Letters directed to each Port, prepared by our Secretary, and Signed by some of the Managers, or by their Direction, only by the Secretary, who must keep Copies of them▪ and all Letters from the Out-Ports, to be directed to the Secretary, to be by him communicated to the Managers.

I think we should, as a Body, settle a Correspondency with our Principals. I know not how it is in Virginia, but in Maryland I am told there are settled Clubs in every County, where they talk over Affairs. With these Clubs, I think would be our mutual Interest to communicate Councils. I make no doubt what Advice they should have from us, as a Body, would have a great Weight to remedie many Evils we have long complained of, which only lies in Their Power to cure; as, mending the Quality, and [...]essening the Quantity of Tobacco, giving the Ships better Disp [...]tch, and better Freight too; which I am hopeful they would not begrudge, when they saw us so much in Earnest to adv [...]nce Tobacco, and put the Trade upon such a Foot as they may live comfortably by their Labour. I make no doubt when they feel the good Effects of our Agreement, they will think it unreasonable we should be so gre [...]t Sufferers by our Ship [...] [...] we have been of lat [...] Years, which put nothing in their [...] it has taken [...] [...] of ours, and chiefly by the unaccountable [...] extra [...]g [...]nt Charge in [...]: The [...] been many Ways to their Detriment as [...] as our [...], the Tobacco spoilt by [Page 13] hanging so long in the House, damaged by coming home in the W [...]nter, as well [...] the Ships tore to Pieces. Ships coming thus, all the Year round, is enough to distract any Market, and has cost them themselves very dear in the Sales, [...]om what they might have had in the Summer. I am jealous a great Part of the Delay has proceeded from the ill Opinion our Principals in Maryland have had of our Management at London: Therefore am in hopes, when they see us doing all in our Power to retrieve Things, they will be-friend us, in giving the Ships all Possible Dispatch, as well as a Frieght that will maintain the Ships, which Seven Pounds per Ton will never do.

ANOTHER and main Advantage by such a Correspondency with the Clubs in Virgin [...] and Maryland, will be [...] among us at London: For, upon acquainting them of such Persons that either will not come into, or break Agreements after m [...]de, they will find an easie and natural Way to make such Persons sensible of their Error; and, I think, nothing but Reason it should be so; for we are the [...]epresentatives or Delegates of a great many Thousand People, whose Bread (or at least a comfortable Livelihood) depends upon our good or bad Management. It is a melancholly Consideration, how much Money has been lost to Virginia and Maryland, by the low Price of Tobacco for some Years past; which, in a great Measure is owing to our Disagreement.

I am not [...] many Objections may be made to what I now propose▪ As, That the French will be out of Humour, [...]nd so go to the Out Ports for Tobacco, which will give those Ports the Opportunity of cleaning their Hands, [...] burthened with a Lord upon our Hands; I know [...] prove so: Even allowing that, I think we should try the Expe [...]me [...]. I make no doubt, when the [Page 14] Gentlemen of the Out-Ports find such a Demand come upon them, they will know how to make use of it; and the more, that their To [...]acco is mostly their own Property.

BUT, on the other Side, we know the French cannot supply themselves at the Out-Ports with the Quantity they want; nor in Quality equal to Tobacco at London. But should they drain the Out-Ports, I fancy that would be an Advantage to us, we shall in that Case have the Dutch Market all to our selves▪ which may more than make us Amends. But as I do not propose ever to run Tobacco up to very high Prices, I cannot see what should induce the French to desert London; No, not for a Time. They can be served so well no where else.

BUT to provide against the worst (expecting a Stop may happen for a Time, and may be inconvenient to some of our Number to keep their Tobacco look'd up so long,) I think 'twill be the publick Interest to supply any such Person with what Sums of Money may be absolutely necessary for them; which may be done without any Charge or Hazard to the Body of the Trade, who I would have be the Lenders, upon Security of the T [...]bacco; the Borrowers to pay the Interest: Which Money may be raised by a voluntary Subscription among the Trade, and deposited in one, two, or three Hands, as shall be agreed upon▪ to be lent out in their Joynt Names to the Borrower, upon giving them Security upon their Tobacco, o [...] oth [...]w [...]e as shall be agreed between the Lenders and [...].

WERE we once established upon some certain Basis, as here hinted at, [...] Things would come under Consideration not now [...]hought of.

AT last Meet [...]ng it was observed▪ we were look'd upon as a formid [...]ble Body▪ by the little Agreement that has been among [...], were we thus united, we should be a [...]m [...]dable [...]ody indeed, always c [...] pable [Page 15] to support and defend the Trade. Such an Establishment will, I think, absolutely require a hired Secretary to do the common Business, and also be a Means of keeping us together.

AT present I call not to mind farther, than that I think 'twill be very much for the Good of the Trade, that every Body refrain from sending Tobacco to Holland for Sale, but [...] the Dutch come here for it. There is a great Difference between us that are Importers upon other People's Accounts, sending Tobacco to Holland, and such as buy it here to make their Money of it again: Such if they have (as they will have) the Market in their own Power, if we forbear sending, will be careful how they part with their Tobacco without Profit, the End of Trade.

THOUGH I was not forward in last General Meeting, to declare my Sentiments, yet now (to this Committee,) I have been very frank and open, submitting all to your Correction▪ and wishing every Gentleman will as freely declare his Mind, that out of the Whole something may be digested, to be reported to the General Meeting, as necessary to be come into, for advancing the Trade, which is only what I have at Heart.

London, March 9, 1727-8.

Iohn Falconar.

SINCE I wrote the Foregoing, some other Things h [...]ve come into my Mind, which I am now willing to communicate▪ in Order (if possible) to bring us into a strict and regular Society, as the only Way to support the Trade.

FIRST then, Whatever shall be agreed upon, as the Articles of our Union, I propose may be fairly recorded in a new [...]ook, by our Secretary, and Sign'd [Page 16] by every Merchant in the Trade; as thereby ratifying and promising to be obedient to those Rules and Constitutions.

FOR the orderly conducting our Meetings, in every one of them, I think there should be a Chairman; and as there are Twelve Managers appointed, one of them may be the President in the Monthly Meetings; and so, by Rotation, may go thro' all the Managers in a Year.

AND as I propose the Managers to have a Meeting between such Monthly Meeting, which I will call the Two Weeks Meeting▪ He that was Chairman of the last Monthly Meeting, to be Chairman of the next Two Weeks Meeting following that.

TO keep us together, I propose that every Merchant, at his Signing the Articles, deposit with the Treasurer, Three Pounds for the Use of the Mon [...]ly Meeting. And that each of the Managers, at the same Time, deposit in the Hands of one of their own Number, to be chosen by Majority among themselves. Thirty Shillings for the Use of their Meeting.

AS the First Thur [...]day in every Month is already appointed for the Monthly Meetings, so I would have the Hour of the D [...]y also appointed; and every Person's Name that appears at each and every of those Meetings, be minuted down in the Book by the Secretary, those that c [...]me before the Hour, first, and under their Names a full Black Line to be drawn; and below th [...]t e [...]ery Man's N [...]me that comes into the Room [...]fter the Hour appointed.

THOS [...] that stand above the Line, to have Five Shill [...]ngs▪ Part of their Three Pounds paid them back at e [...]ery M [...]eting.

THOSE whose Names stand below the Line, to have only Half a Crown returned: Those who appear not at all, to forfeit Five Shillings, Part of their Three Pounds, for every Monthly Meeting they are absent.

[Page 17]ALL the Forfeits for Non-Appearance, and the Half-Crown Forfeitures, to be applied as the Majority of the Monthly Meeting shall direct.

AT the End of every Year, each Member to deposit a fresh Three Pounds for the like Use.

THIS, in my Opinion, would be a likely Method to keep up our Monthly Meeting, and no Man need loose his Money except he pleases; he will have it all back at the End of the Year, if he gives due Attendance.

SICKNESS, or any lawful Excuse, to be allowed of by the Meeting, I think ought to excuse from Forfeiture.

THE like Regulation to be for the Two Weeks Meeting, or Managers Meeting; only as they deposit but Thirty Shillings, those whose Names st [...]nd above the Line, to have Half a Crown [...] each Meeting, and those below the Line but Fifteen Pence.

THE Forfeitures at the End of each Year, to be disposed of as a Majority of the Managers shall determine.

BOTH in the Monthly and Two Weeks Meetings, a Majority of those present to decide all Matters in Debate, and what there agreed upon to be Signify'd in Writing by the Secretary, to each and every Person absent, that they may conform themselves to what agreed upon.

THAT no Person be esteemed one of us, but such as shall Sign the Articles, and deposit his Money.

THAT upon any Emergency, any Three of the Managers have Power to summon [...] a General Meeting.

THAT the Treasurer be new chosen or confirmed every Year.

THAT the Managers be new chosen or confirmed every Year, or which I like better, That Four [Page 18] of them go out every Year, and the like Number of new Ones be appointed in their Room; so that every Merchant in [...] Trade, may by Rotation have a Share of the chief Management.

THUS have I put down in Writing what occurred to my Thoughts, which I did not begin to do but since last Meeting▪ That w [...]ll, I hope, attone for the undisgested Method they appear in; and so I shall for this Time conclude, with only one Observation more.

AND that is,— I am well informed, Abundance of People in Virginia ▪ and more in Maryland, that us'd to Consign their Tob [...]cco to London, h [...]ve (of late Years) declin'd Shippi [...]g, and Sold their Tobacco in the Country▪ which his given the Out-Ports a greater Weight in the Trade than they us'd to have, and subtracted so much from London: Which ought▪ [...]or the Interest of the Country, to be the chief Mart and Port▪ for that Commodity.

IF we be so happy to [...]ome into the proposed Method and Regulation▪ I question not but the People of Virginia, and Maryland, will find it more their Interest to Consign their Tobacco as they us'd to do, for their own Accounts▪ than to sell it to the Purchasers▪ and to Consign it to London, preferable to any other Port; whic [...] m [...]st certainly will be greatly their Interest, as it will take Weight out of the S [...]ale of the Out-Ports, and add a double Weight to the S [...]le of Lond [...]n, who will thereby have it better in their Power to keep the Trade in due Order.

IN my Opinion, the Tobacco-Trade, tho' now at so low an [...]bb, is capable to be made as Flourishing as any Trade belonging to England. But it can never be without Unanimity, and good Order among our sel [...]es▪ and a settled Correspondence between us and our Principals in V [...]r [...]inia and Maryland ▪ who, by communicating Councils from one Side to the other, may regulate every Thing amiss [Page 19] on either Side, and make one another easy and happy in all Respects, by mutual Consent, and Agreement. Which is the hearty Wish and Desire of

London, March 11, 1728.

Iohn Falconar.

AS I intend to confine my self pretty much to a [...] Relation of Matters of Fact, I shall make no Remarks on this Representation, but leave the Reader to draw his own Inferences and Conclusion from it; and proceed to acquaint him, that after the Committee's Consideration of the said Representation, they were of Opinion that before they could think of proper Means for the Relief of our Trade, it was first necessary to form the whole Body of the Merchants residing in London, that were in that Trade, into a Society, under some Rules and Regulations: They therefore [...]greed upon the following Report▪ as the first Thing necess [...]ry; which was by them delivered into the General Meeting, on the 21st Day of March; and is a [...] follows, viz.

A COPY of the Report made by the Committee, appointed by a General Meeting of the Merchants trading to Virginia and Maryland, to consider of the State of the Tobacco Trad [...], del [...]vered by the said Committee to the General Meeting, th [...] 21st of March, 1728.

To the General Meeting of the Merchants Trading to Vi [...]inia and Maryl [...]nd.

WE your Com [...]ittee, according to your Appointment of the [...]th Cour [...]t, have met and taken [...]nt [...] [...] Consider [...]tion the State of the T [...]b [...]cco Trade, and [...]re unanimously of Opinion, t [...]is in a very declining Con [...]tion▪ [...]nd [Page 20] has been so for some Time past, which we attribute in a great Measu [...] to proceed from the discontinuing the Meet [...]ngs of the Trade, wherein we used to communic [...]te Thoughts and Councils, which has been, and will always be of good Consequence to the Trade.

THEREFORE we are also unanimously of O [...]nion, that as it was agreed at last Gener [...]l Meeting▪ so hence [...]rwards, there may be constant and regular General Meetings of the Trade, on the First Thursday in every Month, throughout t [...]e Ye [...]r; and for the more orderly carrying on and con [...]inuing those Meetings, We think the following Articles necessary to be agreed to.

I. THAT a well qualified Person, be chosen and appointed to act as our Secretary, and to have a Salary paid him out of the Publick Stock: We think it the more necessary to have a hired Secretary or Clerk, as he [...]ll be a common Ser [...]ant to the Trade, and so under Command to attend all our Meetings and Committees and transact many other Affairs, that c [...]nn [...]t so well be done but by a Person who shall wh [...]lly devote his Time to our Service.

II. AS there are already Twelve Managers appointed, we are of Opinion, they be c [...]ntinued for this Courant Year▪ And that the First Thursday in A [...]r [...]l in every Year, in Time coming, there be a Choice of Managers.

III. FOR the more orderly carrying on Debate▪ [...] the General Meetings, we are of Opinion there should be a Chairman, and that one of the 12 M [...]nagers sho [...]ld preside in each of those Meetings, in the Absen [...]e of the Treasurer.

AND that the C [...]irman have a small Mallet lye [...] Order.

THAT every Member when he wants to speak, [...] and direct his Discourse to the Chairman, [Page 21] and when he has done to sit down, that other Members may have liberty to speak in their Turn, with [...]ut Interruption.

IV. WE are of Opinion, that every Question in D [...]b [...]te▪ be determined by at least Two Thirds of the Persons present.

V. [...] propose that every Merchant in the Trade▪ do pay i [...]to the Hands of our Treasurer, T [...]ree Pounds Yearly on the First Thursday in April, for the Use of the General Meeting.

AND that Five a Clock in the Afternoon, be the Time for the General Meeting.

AND that all such as come into the Room before that Hour, their Names to be wrote down in a bo [...]k by our Secretary.

THAT as soon as the Hour is past, a Line be drawn under the Names of those present, and under that Line all the Names of those that shall come into the Room after the H [...]ur.

BY this Method we shall always know who were present at each Meeting.

AND for Encouragement for every Body to be punctual, and to keep up our Meetings▪ we are of Opinion▪ e [...]ery Pers [...]n whose Name stands above the Line▪ shall h [...]e Five Shillings, part of his Three Po [...]nds, paid him back it each Meeting.

THOSE wh [...]se Names are below the Line, to have only half [...] C [...]own, part of their Three Pounds ret [...]rn'd [...]t each Meeting.

THOSE who appear not at all, to forfeit Five Shill [...]ngs part of their Three Pounds, for every General Meeting they are absent.

THAT no Person who shall appear at any of those Meetings, depart before the Business be done, without Le [...]ve first obtained from the Chairman.

VI. [...] are of Opinion▪ it will be much for the Good of the Trade, [...] t [...]e M [...]gers ha [...]e a constant Meeting by t [...]emselves, on every Third [Page 22] Thursday of the Month throughout the Year▪ that they may take care of and order e [...]ery Thing necessary, th [...]t may fill out in the Interv [...]l [...] of the General Meetings; and make Report to the next General Meeting.

THIS Meeting of the Managers, to be under the like Regulation as the General Meetings, in respect to our Chairman, & [...].

THAT every one of the Managers, pay into the Hands of one of their own Number, Thirty Shillings Yearly.

THAT Half a Crown, Part of that Thirty Shillings, be returned to each Member whose Name shall stand above the Line; and but Eighteen Pence to those whose Names shall be below the Line.

THAT every one that appears not at those Meetings shall forfeit Half a Crown.

VII. THAT T [...]ree Guineas be appropriated for the Expences of each General Meeting, to be paid out of the Publick Stock.

THAT One Guine [...] be appropriated for the Expences of each of the M [...]nagers Meetings, to be likewise paid out of the Publick Stock.

THAT what of the Three Guineas shall happen not to be expended in the General Meetings, the Savings thereof, with all Forfeiture belonging to that Meeting, be expended in a Din [...]er, once a Year, or oftner; to t [...]e [...]t the whole Tr [...]de. By this Meth [...]d we are in Hopes to create a Friends [...]ip and good [...]nderst [...]nding [...]mong all the Merchants: Which is mu [...]h to be wish'd for.

THE One Guine [...], or Twelve Guineas per Annum, to be allotted for the Managers Meeting▪ the Sa [...] ings thereof, with all Forfeitures▪ among themselves to be in the like manner expended upon a Dinner once in the Year, o [...] oftner, to treat themselves.

TH [...]S [...] Rules we [...] necess [...]ry for a Foun [...]at [...]on of a good [...] among our selves; and is [Page 23] what in the first Place we think ought to be agreed to as the Basis of our Union, and to be standing Rules.

VIII. ANOTHER Thing we think Esse [...]tial to our Constitution, if we hope to reap the Fruits intended by our thus Associating our selves, is, That whoever of our Number, will not come into this Agreement, or hereafter acts contrary to what he has agreed to, or has been agreed upon by such a Majority as aforesaid, that such Person be esteemed none of our Body: And that the Majority, who we wish to keep together, notwithstanding One or a Few may take their own Courses; may, if they think proper, acqu [...]int our Principals in Virginia and Maryland, in a publick Man [...]er, of such Person or Persons acting contrary to what was judged by the Majority to be for the common Interest of the Trade, and of our Principals.

AND that all Rules, Agreements, and Constitutions, may be copied fair in our Book; and every Merchant sign the same, as ass [...]ting and consenting thereto; and promising to keep the same faithfully.

THUS much we thought proper to Report to you, to l [...]y [...] firm and reasonable Foundation of a friendly Society.

WHEN that Foundation is once laid, we think it will be then, and not 'till then, a proper Time to proceed to other Considerations.

London, March 19, 1727-8.

Mi [...]ja Perry,
Edward Randolph.
Hu [...]phry B [...]ll.
Ro [...]ert Cru [...]kshanks.
S [...]muel H [...]de.
Iohn Fal [...]nar.
Ieremiah Quare.
I [...]s [...]ph Ad [...]ms.
Iames Bradley.
Thomas Hyam:
William Hunt.
Iohn Hanbury.

[Page 24]AFTER a due Consideration of this Report, the Merchants agreed upon the following Resolutions, viz.

A COPY of the Resolutions come into, by the General Meeting of the Merchants, after reading the Report from the Committee.

Black-Swan Tavern, March 21, 1727-8.

AT a General Meeting of the Merchants trading to Virginia and Maryland ▪ a Report was made by the Committee appointed to take into Consideration the State of the Trade.

UPON taking the sai [...] Report into Consideration, the following Resolutions were agreed to, and ordered to be enter'd fair into the Book, to be sign'd at next General Meeting; and adjourn'd to the Fourth of April next.

THAT Mr. I [...]hn Walkley be appointed to act as our Secretary, and have a Salary, to be fix'd at next General Meeting, paid him out of the Publick Stock.

AS there are already Twelve Managers appointed, they are continued for this courant Year, and that on the First T [...]ursday in April in every Year in Time coming, there be a Choice of Managers.

FOR the more orderly carrying on Debates in the General Meetings▪ there be a Chairman; and that on [...] [...]f the Twelve Managers should preside in e [...]ch of th [...]se Meetings▪ in the Absen [...]e of the Treasur [...]r▪ [...]nd that t [...]e Chairman have a small Mallet [...]e [...] him to keep Order.

THAT every Member when he wants to speak, [...] Discourse to the Chairm [...]n▪ and when he h [...]s do [...]e, to sit down▪ that other Members [...] have Liberty to speak in their [...] without Interruption.

[Page 25]THAT the Number to make a General Meeting, be at least Twenty Five; and that every Question in Debate, be determined by at least Two Thirds of the Persons present; and a Summons to be left at every Member's House, the Monday before the General Meeting.

THAT every Merchant in the Trade, do pay into the Hands of our Treasurer, Three Pounds Yearly, on the first Thursday in April, for the Use of the General Meeting: And that Four a-Clock in the Afternoon, be the Time for the General Meeting, from the first Thursday in October, to the first Thursday in March; and Five a-Clock in the Afternoon, from the first Thursday in April ▪ to the first Thursday in September. And that all such as come into the Room before that Hour, their Names to be wrote down in a Book by our Secretary, and the Secretary to determine who comes in Time; that as soon as the Hour is past, a Line be drawn under the Names of those present; and under that Line, all the Names of those that shall come into the Room after that Hour.

AND for Encouragement for every Body to be punctual, and to keep up our Meetings, every Person, whose Name stands above the Line, shall have Five Shillings Part of his Three Pounds, paid him back at each Meeting. Those whose Names are below the Line, to have only Half a Crown, Part of the Three Pounds, return'd at each Meeting. Those who do not come within an Hour after the Time prefixt, shall receive nothing.

THAT no Person who shall appear at any of those Meetings, depart before the Business be done, with [...]ut Leave first obtained from the Chairman.

THAT the Managers have a constant Meeting by themselves, on every Third Thursday of the Month througho [...]t the Year, that they may take care of a [...]d order every Thing necessary that may fall out, [Page 26] in the Intervals of the General Meetings, and make Report to the next General Meeting.

THIS Meeting of the Managers, to be under the like Regulation as the General Meetings, in respect to our Chairman, &c.

THAT every one of the Managers pay into the Hands of one of their own Number, Thirty Shillings Yearly.

THAT Half a Crown, Part of that Thirty Shillings, be return'd to each Member, whose Name shall stand above the Line; and but Eighteen Pence to those below the Line.

THAT every One that appears not at those Meetings, shall forfeit Half a Crown.

THAT Three Guineas be appropriated for the Expences of each General Meeting, to be paid out of the Publick Stock.

THAT One Guinea, or Twelve Guineas per Annum, be allowed for the Managers Meetings to be likewise paid out of the Publick Stock.

THAT what of the Three Guineas shall happen not to be expended in the General Meetings, the Savings thereof, with all Forfeitures belonging to that Meeting, be expended in a Dinner once a Year, or oftner, to treat the whole Trade.

THE One Guinea, or Twelve Guineas per Ann. to be allotted for the Managers Meeting, the Saving thereof with all Forfeitures among themselves, to be in the like Manner expended upon a Dinner, once in the Year, or oftner, to treat themselves.

THESE Rules we judge necessary for a Foundation of a good Society among ourselves; and is what in the first Place we think ought to be agreed to, as the Basis of our Union; and to be standing Rules.

THAT all Rules, Agreements, and Constitutions, be Copied fair in our Book; and that every Merchant Sign the same, as assenting and consenting thereto; and promising to keep the same f [...]ithfully.

[Page 27]

Mi [...]ajah P [...]rry.
William Hunt.
Robert Cru [...]ckshanks.
Ionathan Pearth, and Son.
Samuel Haswell.
Iohn M [...]ynard.
William [...].
Humphry Bell.
Thomas M [...]r [...]er.
Hugh Ar [...]uthnott.
William T [...]rver.
Thomas Hyam.
Henry Stevens.
Iames Buchanan.
Ieremiah Quare.
I [...]seph Ad [...]ms.
Robert Cary.
Iohn Peele.
Iob W [...]lk [...].
William Black.
Samuel Woodlaw, for Thomas Colmore.
Richard Burbydge.
Thomas Sandford.
Ionathan Forward.
Ch. Smith.
Samuel Hyde.
Iames Bradly.
Io [...]n Falconar.
Iohn Berry.

N. B. [...] Resolutions were confirmed at a General Meeting the Fourth Day of [...], 1728; and then Sign'd by the above Persons, who were all that were present.

THESE Resolutions are (I believe) agreed upon by every Merchant in the Trade; whereby the Reader will see, that they are under good Regulations, for orderly and frequent Meetings; and I've very great Hopes, that those Meetings will be attended with very g [...]od [...], tho' there was little more done when I left London, than appears by the foregoing Resolutions, unless it was the Settling a Salary of Forty Pounds per Annum, on Mr. Iohn Walkely, their Clerk, to be paid him out of the Publick Stock: And a positive Resolution and Agreement among them, that not any Tobacco, even the worst of Scrubs, should be Sold under Two Pence Half Penny per Pound. But as I came from thence the 29th D [...]y of April, and a General Meeting of the whole Trade, was to be on the Second [Page 28] of May following, Mr. Samuel Hyde, gave me a Project, that he had form'd to lay before that Meeting, which he apprehended would be very much for the good of the Trade, if it should be agreed to, which Project is as follows, viz.

That the Price of the Oroonoko Tobacco, be fix'd at the General Meeting, according to its Nature, viz.

Fine Colour.
Second Ditto.
Dry Tobacco.
Worst Scrubs.
First Loaf.
Second Ditto.
Third Ditto.

THAT the Managers or any Five of them, be appointed to view every Loading of Tobacco, as soon as Landed, and before Sold.

THAT they sort the Tobacco according to its Nature as above described, viz. Three Sorts Colour and Dry Tobacco, Three Sorts Leaf, and and the very worst of all.

THAT the Manag [...] report in Writing, the Quantity and Quality of each Ships Loading.

THAT the Merchant or Importer, be oblig'd to make good to the Proprietors of the Tobacco, the Price settled, and as much more as the Tobacco Sells for.

THAT the Tobacco now on hand, be view'd, sorted and valued by the Managers; and a Report thereof made to the next general Meeting.

THESE Proposals were accordingly l [...]id bef [...]e the whole Body of the Trade, on the Second of May ▪ And by a Letter of that Day's Date from Mr. Hyde to me, which I received in [...] [...]owns, he says, ‘That my Proposal, as it stands in Blank, was received and referred to the Consideration of the Managers, with less Opposition than I expected, tho' a great many Objections were raised, which [Page 29] I am sure I can answer. And therefore I desired the Gentlemen to take Copies, and hope they will gi [...]e their Opinions in Writing. As we proceed, you shall be advised by the first Opportunity.’

THUS far are the Words of the aforesaid Letter; by which it appe [...]s, that this Project was referred to the Managers Consideration, to report their Opinion of it to the next General Meeting. I heartily wish Thi [...], or something like it, may be agreed upon; it being, in my Opinion, the most effectual Method that can be thought of, to oblige every Body to keep Agreements, or to discover those that break thro' them: For, if this Method be agreed on, I know it is intended to send to the Collector or Naval Officer of e [...]ery District, to be by him communicated to the Publick, an Account of the Value fix'd by the Trade on each sort of Tobacco; under which V [...]lue those Sorts must not be sold; and also the Mark and Numbers of every Ship's Loading; with a particular Account how the Managers that were the Viewers, have sorted it▪ by which Means every one will see what Sortment his Tobacco is in; and will know that such a Sortment must not be sold under such a certain Price; whereby it will be easy to discover whether each Man's Correspondent complies with that Agreement, or not. This would therefore be full as effectual a Way to discover whether Agreements were kept or not, and who the Transgressors are, in case of their breaking Measures; as That which was proposed in Mr. Fal [...]onar's Representation, and the Committee's Report of jointly writing and informing us, who broke Measures, or would not come into Agreements; which was rejected by the Body of the Trade: And without one of these Methods, I fear it will be very difficult for us to make a just Discovery who they are that transgress: For, by what I have seen and heard amongst them, of their [...]laming and censuring each other for breaking Measures in [Page 30] Times past, where each accuses the other of the very Facts, which occasioned the Breach of all their former Agreements, I conclude, that there' [...] no Reg [...]rd to be h [...]d to their private Accus [...]t [...]ons and Letters, if any of them should take that Method; therefore I heartily wish Success to this Pr [...]posal, as it will be an effectual Means both to adv [...]nce the Price of Tobacco, and oblige the Gentlemen there, to abide steadily to their Agreements; yet I find it will meet with great Opposition: For, since my Arrival here, I received a Letter, d [...]ted the 15th of M [...]y, from Mr. [...]al [...]onar, with his Objections to this Pr [...]ject inclosed; which were to be given into the [...]ext Meeting of the Trade, in [...] very few Days: Which Objections are as follow, viz.

A COPY of John Falconar's O [...]ctions and Thoughts, upon a Scheme proposed [...]y Samuel Hyde.

THE Proposal given in, the Second Current, by Samuel Hyde, to the General Meeting, being by them referred to us their Man [...]gers, to consider thereof; and to report our Opinion to the next General Meeting; I intend now to give you my Thoughts upon that Project, which I here put down in Samuel Hyde's own Words, viz.

I. THAT the Price of Oroonoko Tobacco be fixed by the General Meeting, according to its Nature, viz.

Fine Colour.
Second Colour.
Dry Tobacco.
Worst Scrubs.
First Leaf.
Second Leaf.
Third Leaf.

II. THAT the Manager [...] (or any Five of them) be appointed to view every [...]oading of Tobacco, as soon as landed, and before [...].

[Page 31]III. THAT they sort the Tobacco, according to its Natures as abo [...]e described, viz. Three Sorts Colour and Dry Tobacco; Three Sorts Leaf, and the worst of all.

IV. THAT the Managers report in Writing, the Quantity and Quality of each Ship's Lading.

V. THAT the Merchant, or Importer, be obliged to make good to the Proprietors of the Tobacco, the Price settled, and as much more as the Tobacco sells for.

VI. THAT the old Tobacco now on Hand, be viewed, sorted, and valued, by the Managers; and a Report thereof made to the next General Meeting.

HAVING now put down the Scheme; my Opinion upon the Whole as it stands, is, that it will be impr [...]cti [...]ble, and in Part is unnecessary.

FOR the Impracticability, I need only mention, what a l [...]borious Work it will be, to view, sort, and v [...]lue, all the Oroon [...]ko Tobacco imported into the Port of Lond [...]n. I cannot think the Managers will undert [...]ke such a Task.

FOR, to come up to the Strictness of this Scheme, they must t [...]ke the Marks and Numbers of every Sortment by it self, with the Price annexed.

ELSE, How sh [...]ll we know whether the Possessor of the Tobacco, does not sell under the Prices fixed: or, if for more than the Price fixed, whether the Proprietor has that made Good to him.

TO know that, I can see no other W [...]y, than that the Viewers should take a particular Account of every S [...]rtment, and those Accounts be recorded in Books for that Purpose, which will require at least One Clerk to keep those Accounts.

FOR, to comply with this Scheme, the Sellers ought also to gi [...]e in particular Accounts of all Tobacco, when sold, that by comparing their Accounts with the Managers Report, we may see if Argeements be kept to.

[Page 32]THIS, if there were no other Objection, I think will be enough to deter the Managers from undertaking such a Task, unless they will be content to neglect their own private Affairs.

But were They to be content, I am afraid the other Merchants will not be willing to Submit all the Tobacco they have, come to the View and Directions of any Number of their own Body, for Reasons that need not be here mentioned.

NOT to say any thing of the Hinderance, such a Method will be to Business, at a Time of brisk Demand, when supposing the Seller may have very good Offers, yet must stand still, until he can get Five of the Managers together, which will be no easy Matter to do; besides the Time that will be lost in Sorting, Viewing and Valuing the Tobacco, and taking the Marks and Numbers; for without taking them, I cannot see how this Scheme can be complied with, to answer the End aimed at.

WERE this Method to be come into, I think it should not be the Manager, nor any of the Merchants that should be the Viewers, but Men specially appointed for that Work.

BUT where to find Men in all respects well qualified, I profess I know not. Such Viewers ought to be Men of nice Judgment in Tobacco, to put it into the sundry Sortments, and be able to carry in their [...]ye or Mind the different Qualities, so as to make the like Sortments at one Merchant's House, correspond with those at another Merchant's House; without doing of which, to Exactness, we shall not be upon an Equality, and some will be oppressed, while others get their Hands clear; and the more so, should such Viewers act with Partiality, or be corrupted by private Interest.

THESE are some of my Reasons against this [...] t [...]king it in the Gross: But some Parts there [...]f, I think may and ought to [...]e p [...]t in Practice.

[Page 33]WHAT Part I think needless, is the Bright and Colour'd dry Tobacco, the Value of such Sortments being so various according to the several Degrees of Colour, it will be no easy Matter to ascertain the Price, that depending upon the Fancy of the Buyer; so that instead of Three, there had need be more than Thirteen Sortments made of such Tobacco.

BUT in my Opinion, it is not That Sort of Tobacco that does us the Mischief, because for Colours we have many Buyers, and sundry Markets; so that if one Market will not answer, another may, and if one Buyer will not give a Price, another will; so that in that Case, it is more the Sellers Fault, than the Buyers, that the Price is run down.

IF this be granted, and I think it can hardly be denied, it will be easy to fix from whence the Evil we l [...]bour under proceeds.

IN my Opinion, it proceeds altogether from the L [...]afy Sortments, for which in a Manner, we have but one Buyer. I need only appeal to our own dear-bought Experience, for the Truth of this.

WE very well know, the Price of all other sorts of Tobacco has risen and fell, in Proportion to what Price was giv'n for Tobacco by the French; that has govern'd the Market, and no doubt will do the like for the Future, or at least as long as those Sortments are in Demand, (almost only) for France: 'Tis true, were Leaf in Demand at other Markets, the Case would be altered; but as it is chiefly France that consumes that Sort, if the Trade of that Kingdom continues as now it is, in a Company, and that Company continues to employ but one Agent, to buy all the Tobacco they have from London, it must be what Tobacco that Agent buys, that will for ever govern the Market, as in Times past it has done, and it is very natural it should be so.

FOR he being a great Buyer, all others Buyers govern themselves by what he does, and he being [Page 34] but one, has a mighty Advantage over so many Sellers, w [...]o [...] to have acted without any Correspondency [...]mong themselves, so that it has not been what Price we pleased▪ but that Gentleman has set his own Price; and if so [...]e refused to take it for a T [...]me, others▪ perhaps but o [...]e Person [...] has complyed to take the Price set, and then immediately every [...] else ha [...]e been obliged to d [...] the same▪ some [...] one Reason, and some for another. One of the best Reasons I ever heard alledged, was, that if they did n [...]t take that Price now, by and by the Fren [...]h would f [...]ll their Price▪ and then they should not get [...] much▪ which made every one crowd to offer thei [...] Tob [...]co, and that n [...]turally led the Fren [...] Age [...] to f [...]ll his Price, if he had not before thought of doing of it▪ th [...]s I think is an evident Pr [...]of, that it has n [...]t been us, but that Gentleman that made the Price upon what Tobacco he bou [...]ht.

THINGS being thus, I think it cannot be denied, but in this or any other Trade, where there shall be one S [...]le Gr [...]nd [...]ver, of a particular Commodity, what e [...]er Price t [...]t Buy [...]rs gives, or can be obtained from him, will govern all other Buyers of that Commo [...]ity, tho' there may be some Difference in the Q [...]lity of that Comm [...]d [...]ty: That this is our Case wi [...]h the [...]ren [...] ▪ I think I need not use more Arguments to evince.

THEREFORE in my Opinion, all we have to do is to pro [...]i [...]e against this Evil▪ but how that is to be [...]one, I own is not so easy to find out.

YET I am strongly of O [...]inion, a Cure must be found, else the Trade must drop; it cannot long subsist upon the Term [...] as it has been for Years p [...]st, [...] Pl [...]nters h [...]e [...]ot been able to live by their L [...]bour▪ [...]nd h [...]w it h [...]s been with us that have acted eit [...]er [...] I need not mention; e [...]ry [...] to D [...]structi [...]n, and all owing in my Opinion, to the Ascend [...]t t [...]e [Page 35] French Agents, have every One in their Turns, exercis [...]d over us: I need not ment [...]on Particulars; we all know h [...]w it has been; and s [...]ing One Person, I do not know One Merchant▪ but [...]scribes the Dec [...]y of the Trade, to the same Cause that I do.

THEREFORE I am hopeful, now the Cause is so well kno [...]n, every Body, both for their own S [...]kes▪ and the I [...]terest of their Empl [...]yers [...]ill joyn their Hearts and Hands▪ to relieve themselves▪ and Friends, from so great Oppression. We ar [...] striving for Nothing but our Livelihoods▪ and the Livelihoods of many Thousands wh [...]m we represent, and whose Bread de [...]nds upon our good or bad Management.

THEREFORE, [...]s we [...]re only striving to live, and [...]re willing to l [...]t live, I think no Person can▪ with Reason, be offe [...]ded at what we ha [...]e been doing, or shall do, to attain so reasonable in End.

BUT how to come at this End, is the great Q [...]stion: [...] it is possible to be come at, is without Question. The Necessity of endeavouring a Remedy, admits I think of [...]s little Doubt: But the M [...]nner how▪ is to be co [...]si [...]ered.

TO willing M [...]nds, every Thing will be e [...]sy: Let every One but [...]im at the same Mark, and yield to one another, both in Opinion, and their separate Interest: For [...] Laws, a [...]d publick Agreements, what m [...]y be good for the Whole in a publick Capac [...]t [...] ▪ may [...] u [...]on some private Interest, in the [...] or Execution. If that be not sacrifi [...]e [...] to t [...]e Publick Good, no Society can prosper. Cou [...]d we on [...]e come into this Fr [...]me [...]f M [...]d and unite our Endeavours, we should soon surmount all Difficult [...]s.

FROM the united Councils of [...]ll the Merchants, [...] may be [...].

AS I am One of the Socie [...]y, I think my self [Page 36] bound in Duty to offer my Thoughts▪ I wish every Other would as freely declare their Minds.

THE first and most natural Way, and what I chiefly wish may take Effect, or at least may be Essayed, is, that the French Agent, and we, may come to a fair Treaty. He is so reasonable a Man, that were he made rightly sensible of th [...] only [...]nd we aim at, I cannot but think, so far from being offended, he would think it reasonable every Body concerned should live by their Labour, and come into an Agreement with us, that would make both himself and us easy.

THEREFORE I earnestly wish this Way be tried; and in the most genteel Way we can think of: If that should, as I am hopeful it may, take Effect, all other Methods will be needless to mention.

IF we do come to such a Treaty, I shall mention some Things proper to be thought of in such an Agreement, viz.

I. THAT the Price to be agreed for, be only for those Three Sorts of Leaf he sends to France, which he usually marks ABC; we all know what Sortments they are.

II. THAT the Agreement be for One whole Year, and no more.

III. THAT the Price be either upon all Three Sortments in an Average,

IV. Or Three Prices, according to the Three different Qualities.

THE last I think is the most equitable Way, as it gives most Encouragement to the Planters to take Pains in handling their Tob [...]cco.

BUT in this I own there is a Difficulty▪ for although at the S [...]ale they make three Sorts ABC, and so do in the Samples, when they look upon them at our Houses:

YET before bought▪ what we call A, they call B, and so B a C; and by that Means, [...] Buying, [Page 37] make very few A's, though at Weighing off, I know they are not so nice.

TO prevent all Disputes about the different Qualities, I think we had better, to the French, make but Two Sortments of Leaf: For such as they call A's, will bear no Proportion to B and C, hardly Five such Hogsheads coming in an Hundred.

SO that were we to make Three Sortments, ABC, in equal Quantity, and let the middle Price be the Avarage Price [...]or the Whole, I doubt that would be very difficult, if not impossible; the Seller and Buyer will so differ about the Quality.

TO preve [...]t such Disputes, I can think of no better [...], than to put the Tobacco into Three Sortments, viz.

THE very best superfine Leaf, which will be but a few, into the first A▪ all the other Leaf to be very good, but inferiour to the A's, to be the Second Sortment, (or rather the First Sortment to the French) called B.

THE Third, (or as I would have it,) the Second Sort, to be called C, and to consist of good Tobacco, proper for the French Use.

I would have a greater Disproportion made in the Price, between A and B, than between B and C; which two last Sortments, may be made pretty near in Number and Quantity to one another; always allowing the Advantage to the Buyer.

WHATEVER Agreement shall be made with the French, I propose may be only for B and C, and then whether the Price be made upon both Sorts together, or each separate, will break no Squares.

AS for Instance, Should the B's be put at Three Pence Farthing, and the C's at Two Pence Three Farthings▪ the Average Price will be Three Pence; which I think [...]s as low as the Planters can live by▪

[Page 38]IF those be the Prices fixed for the B's and C's▪ I think the A's should not be under Four Pence at least.

ACCORDING to this Division▪ if the B's and C's should be unequ [...]l; by putting some of the A's to them▪ may make them equal.

BUT I should like better to have each Sortment sold by it self, 'twould be a great Encouragement to the Planters; then such as took Pains with their Tobacco, would reap the Benefit thereof: Whereas now they [...]omplain we make hardly any Difference between Good and Bad.

THUS much I thought proper to hint, in case we should come to an Agreement with the French Agent.

BUT if he will not come t [...] an Undert [...]king with us, I think we are bound by Duty, and Interest, to think of other Methods▪

NO doubt, Methods may be found out▪ for we know the French want and must have our Tobacco, as much [...] we want their Money.

THEREFORE the only Dispute will be, which of us will have most Patience. I m [...]ke no doubt the French will endeavour to tire us out. If we have less Patience than them▪ they will gain the Victory. On the other Side, if we can stand it out but a while, the French must comply▪ for they cannot long let their Four Factories at Mo [...]l [...]eux▪ [...], Have [...]d [...]ra [...]e, and St. Vale [...], stand still▪ And those Four Factories, I am well informed, work up [...]ighty Hogsheads of our British Tob [...]cco▪ each and e [...]ery Wo [...]king Day througho [...]t the [...] ▪ besides wh [...]t Euro [...]an Tob [...]cco to [...]se▪ and well it may be so, all Fr [...]n [...]e be [...]ng suppl [...]ed from those Four F [...]ct [...]ries.

HOW then [...] be long without buying; [...] being d [...]ily wanted▪ and [...] to [...] King which m [...]st be [...] out of ou [...] Tobacco: So that there is for them [Page 39] no long standing still. Every Body is guided by their Interest, and no doubt that will induce them to comply with our reasonable Requests.

BUT should they be stiff, so I think should we be; whate [...]er Hard [...]ips for the present it may put us under. We are not striving for that vain Thing c [...]l [...]'d Glory, but for our Live [...]: And, if any War be lawful, I think Self D [...]fence to be so.

THEREFORE let us, as one Man, put our Shoulders to the Work, and endeavour to encourage and [...]ssist one another in any Thing may be wanting. W [...]ys may be foun [...] to m [...]ke keeping our Tobacco a Time, not over burthensome to any of our Number.

AS we have made a Beginning, and gone so far: should we now [...]ag and recoil, our latter End will be worse than our Beginning; our [...]sks will be doubled, we shall be laugh'd at for a foolish, unsteady People; and only fit to be made Burthen-Bearers.

THEREFORE, if we must thi [...]k of other M [...]thods th [...]n a friendly Treaty▪ I shall like Sam [...]el H [...]de's Propo [...]l very well, so far as it relates to th [...] several Sor [...]s of Leaf. I will for my own P [...]rt readily come into it▪ I don't care who are the Viewers.

AND I hope every other Merchant w [...]ll do the like: It will certainly do the Work, and may be done, with no great Trouble.

FOR every Merchant m [...]y himself, from his other Tobacco sort o [...]t the Three Sorts of Leaf, and have them ready for the View.

THAT can hinder no great Time; for, upon Notice over Night, Three of the Managers, or whoever shall be appointed for that Work, may the next Morning be [...]t his House, and do what they need do in a small Time: For, in Res [...]ect to Leaf, I do not t [...]nk it necess [...]ry to take M [...]ks and Numbers, the Q [...]ntity and Qu [...]l [...]ty of each Sortment, will be [...], we must take o [...]e another's Words and Honour, for faithful Performance of Agreeme [...]t [...].

[Page 40]BESIDES, ascertaining the Price of Leaf, which I judge to be the most essential Point of all; as what the French cannot have so good at [...] of the Out-Ports▪ and must, of Necessity, have from London.

I think we should still keep to our first Agreement, Not to sell the worst Scrubs under Two [...]ence H [...]lf-Penny per Pound▪ that will make better Tobacco go off.

AND if at the End of the Year, some Refuge Stuff should be left, that would not fetch that Price, we may then consider what to be done with it: We had better ship off a Hundred Hogsheads or Two at the End of the Year, and sink them in the Sea▪ than to sell them at a very low Price, to hurt the Market.

LET us but keep to the Price already fixed, below which none shall be sold, and fix the Price of Leaf: All other Sorts will find their own Way, there is n [...] Need of conf [...]ng them.

BUT if this last mention'd should not be come into by the General Meeting▪

AT present I can think of no other, than that every Body put their Leaf into one Man's Hand, to sell it to the French, and [...]en One to One will be a fair Match.

I know many Obje [...]tions may be made to entrusting one Man▪ but rather than suffer our selves to be undone, we ought to submit to any Thing.

AND even this Expedient of One Seller▪ may be so modelled as to please every Body.

I wish we had Two or Three good Houses of Warehouse Men, as in former Times, that would remove the Cause of all our Complaints, and make our Business mu [...]h easier th [...]n it i [...] to us.

AS the publick Inte [...]sts of the Funds is so much reduced, I believe many Men would be glad to employ their Mon [...]y to better Advantage in Trade.

[Page 41]IT may not be unworthy our Consideration, to try if some proper Persons, may not be induced to come into that way of Trade.

Iohn Falconar.

London, May 15 th, 1728.

P. S. IF after Tryal, we find the French Agent, will not come into reasonable Measures with us, but that we must be Obliged to stand it out with him, I think we ought in Justice to our selves, to acquaint the Merchants of the Out-Ports, with what we have been doing, and what we aim to do f [...]r the Good of the Trade. I make no doubt they will gladly come into the like Measures with us. In short I think it will be our Interest to settle a Correspondency with the Out-Ports, as hinted in my Representation given into this Meeting the 13 th of March last.

I [...]hn Falconar.

I am not a Judge, whether the Difficulties that attend the Execution of Mr. Hyd [...]'s Project, be [...]nsuperable or not, as seem to be suggested in these Objections, but will only remind the Reader, that Mr. H [...]de, in the Paragraph of his Letter before recited, promises to Answer any Obje [...]tions that can be made to his Scheme. Whether he will do it in such a Manner, as to give Satisfaction to the other Gentlemen, we must leave to Time to discover▪ in the mean Time I can o [...]ly [...], that I really believe, howe [...]er th [...]se Two Gentlem [...]n may dis [...]gree upon the M [...]ns for the Relief of the Trade, yet that they have both the s [...]me good [...] it H [...]rt, and I should be very [...] j [...]st to [...]ll [...] in the Trade, if I did not say, th [...]t they unanimously [Page 42] appear'd (whilst I was there) to aim heartily at the same Thing, which Endeavours of the [...]s I am in Hopes may be attended with good Success, if we on our Parts concur to [...]o good a Work, which I've no reason to doubt, both as it is for our Benefit, and as I've had the Pleasure to see how readily every Body Sign'd the Letter lately form'd to the Merchants, which was by the [...]r own Desire, and conformable to their Directions, as w [...]ll manifestly appear to the Reader upon his Perusal of this Narrative: Such a Letter as this, they were of Opinion was the First Thing necessary for us to do; what further will be requir'd of us, we shall see when we receive their Answer. In the mean Time, I cannot Omit communicating to the Publick, the Paragraphs of several of Mr. Falconar's Letters, in which many Things are contain'd worth N [...]tice, which I shall del [...]ver in his own Words. In his First Letter, of the 16th of April, to me in London, are the following Paragraph [...], viz.

Herewith then h [...]st Copies of the Three Papers desir'd, viz. My Repre [...]entation to the Committee, the Committee's Rep [...]rt to the General Meeti [...]g, & the General Meeting's Resolutions after Consideration of that Report. My Representation contains, the very Root Cause of [...]ll the [...]vil, which is no other than the Ascendant the [...]ren [...]h Agent has got over us; if that Gentleman be suffer'd to go on as he has done, the Tr [...]de can never [...]ive, he will for ever keep it under the Hatches; his [...]ving whole Ship Loads, and sending P [...]t thereof to Holland, is the most mi [...]chievous Method could have been thought of; for [...]t is pl [...] to a Demonstration, that by throwing away Two Thousand Pounds in Holland Yearly, he may for ever keep down th [...]t Market, and consequently keep down the Market in London, and at all the [...] in Great-Britain, is in fact has been the [...] for some Years past▪ For, by w [...]t [Page 43] Tobacco he has sent to Holland, he has by Publick Sales, thick upon Publick Sales, kept co [...] tinually feeding that Market, and forcing the Tobacco off [...]t any Price, (no matter what) brought that Market to a very low [...], which has discourag'd all other Buyers, and that was what he aim'd at▪ by that Means [...]e is in a Manner, become the sole Buyer, and has had Tobacco at his own Prices, upon Pretence of the Lowness of the Dutch Market, complaining how much he lost by what he sent to Holland, and [...] at the same Time will not forbe [...]r sending to Holland, well knowing should he do that, that Market would soon get up, which would spoil his Project, by which I believe his [...], the East India Company in France, [...]ve Yearly from Forty to Fifty Thousand Pounds Sterling.

Fran [...]e [...] Yearly I belie [...]e, not less than Twenty Thousand Hogshea [...]s of our Tobacco; now suppo [...]ing they were to buy none but what actually went to Fran [...]e, whic [...] is the Leafy Sortment, and wer [...] to give Three Pence Half Penny, and so up to Four Pence, which formerly used to [...] the Medium Pri [...]es, the [...] between those Prices, and Two Pence F [...]thing, the now Current Price, would, I think, [...]a [...]l not much short of my Computati [...]n; so that the French are much in the Right, to or [...]er their Agent to go to work the Way he does; for without any Loss to them, he can keep the Dut [...]h Market low enough, and supp [...]si [...]g they should loose Five Tho [...]sand Pou [...]ds, by what went to H [...]lla [...]d, t [...]ey will [...] Ten Times as much, by what they consume themselves in [...], and that is Tem [...]tati [...]n enou [...]h, and too pl [...]inly the [...]: By these Methods, the [...] not only rob you of so much Money Yearly in wh [...]t they buy themselves, but likewise upon all the Tobacco imp [...]t [...]d into [Page 44] Great-Britain, for what that one Man does, governs all other Buyers; therefore our main Point consists in well Managing the French Agent, which I believe would be done, did all come heartily in, but of that I've small Hopes, unless they are forc'd to have the Good of the Country more at Heart, by express Orders and Requests from Maryland. Indeed without that, all we have been doing, will come to nothing, we shall soon flag and fall back into Indifferency.

THEREFORE, if your People have any Regard to their own Welfare, now is the Time for 'em to help themselves, we have done much more than ever I expected would have been done by us of our selves, without their Help. Indeed I thought the good Work now begun, must of necessity have commenced on your side; but as Things are, we have much shortned your Work; nevertheless a good deal remains for you to do; what that is, I need not mention to thee, I know thou hast it much at Heart. I need only wish the People may be so wise, to come into what thou intendest to propose; they never had such an Opportunity, and I am afraid never will again, if now neglected; the best Time to strike, is when the Iron is hot; we are now stirring, and in a Ferment, if we be suffer'd to co [...]l, I much fear shall never be sured up to such a Temper again, at least not in Haste. Whereas if you s [...]cond what we have begun, we shall be encourag'd to proceed; and such as now keep back, or endeavour to puzzle the Cau [...]e, will be obliged to come in for fear of your Displeasure.

I'M sorry the [...]ighth Article in the Committ [...]e's Report, was not agreed [...] by the General Meetting. In my [...], that Article should have been [...] of o [...]r Fundamentals, as the only Penalty in our Power to [...] on Delinquents▪ [...]t would [...] [Page 45] [...] the [...] stand in Awe, and I'm sure [...] necessary for your Welfare; but as it was rejected, I think you ought to supply, that Deficiency, by letting us know, that notwithstanding we do not care to inform you in a Publick Manner, who breaks Agreements, or will not joyn with the Majority, for the Good of the Trade, yet you will find Ways to inform your selves, and that you'll shew your Resentment against such Persons. In the same Article was rejected the Settling a Correspondence between you and us in a Publick manner, as from Body to Body, which would have been of vast Advantage, (indeed the Life of the Whole,) therefore I hope, you'll begin it on your side; if you write to us, we must answer you, and that will create a Correspondence, whether we will or not. Could we have such Letters from every County in Maryland, would be best, but as every Thing must have a Beginning, I shall be glad to see it come from Mar [...]ro [...], as that is the chief Place of Patuxent, will have great Weight, and be a g [...]od Example to other [...]laces, and the sooner something comes to us from you, will be the better.

I [...] is absolutely necessary the whole Country should be appr [...]d of the Evil▪ and the Methods how to help themselves; and that cannot well be done, without Printing. If That be thought necessary, I am content my Representation be printed, which I wish to be done [...]: And also the Report of the Committee▪ [...] the Resolutions of the General [...] Order of Time as they pass'd, with [...]. I make no doubt thou wilt [...]dd [...] and Ad [...]ice proper to the [...] will be the greatest Good that ever [...] the Country, if they will [...] good Council. [...] endeavour to make your People sensible, what they [...] their Tobacco coming Home so late; especi [...]lly [Page 46] the People on the Eastern Shore, and about P [...] taps [...]o. If they do not endeavour to have their Tobacco at Market, as soon as their Neighbours of Vir [...]inia, they [...] have a Price.

YOUR Ass [...]mbly can do n [...]thing to so Publick a Good, as [...] limit a Day, after whi [...]h no Tobacco shall be shipped for [...] Year. I think Mid-summer should be the longest Time allowed for Shipping, and from that Day to Christmas-Day, no Tobacco to be shipp'd on any Pretence. This would obl [...]ge People to get their Tobacco ready betimes, and then it would come Home in the Summer with a double Advantage: First, in better Quality free from Damage, and Secondly to the Summer Market, which is always the b [...]st. In this C [...]se, you would be upon a Level with V [...]rg [...]nia; and we should, in som [...] certain Time, know when we h [...]d all, and the Buyers done expecting for that [...] ▪ Ships coming as they have done of [...], all the Year round, have distracted [...]ll our Buyers, and made Things so bad as they've been.

Among the rest of the Advices I would have come from you; One should be to request us to be sparing in sending Tobacco to Holland for Sale, or rather that you may absolutely prohibit us to send any of your Tobacco there, unless has been so long upon H [...]nd, that must be shipp'd to [...] the Dr [...]wb [...]ck. This I'm sure will be your Interest. Did the Buyers once know we were so restrain'd▪ where there is now One, we should have Twenty Buyers; and that of it self would advance the Market.

IT would render my Work very tedious, were I to make such Observations on this Letter as [...] to me: But as the Sense is ob [...]ious, and as I am [...]nwilling to depart from the Method I have [...] to my self, [...]f only gi [...]ng a [...] Narrative of [...] ▪ I shall therefore leave it to the Reader's own [...] [Page 47] Observation▪ and only remind him, that he will find the Restraint [...] upon the Merchants not to send any Tobacco to Holland, in the Letter l [...]tely se [...]t 'em, is here recommended. The next Letter [...]rom him was of the Second of May, directed to me in the [...]owns: Some Paragraphs whereof are as follow, viz.

I am just come from the Meeting▪ where we stumbled at the Threshold, and had like to have broke all to Pieces: The Dispute happened upon a Question proposed by Samuel Hyde, in the follow [...]ng Words, viz.

THAT such Persons who have collected or charged the Three Pence per Hogshead; and refuse to pa [...] the s [...]me, ought not to vote [...]t any of our Meetings, 'till they've discharg'd their Arrears.

THIS Question rais'd very great Debates and [...]eats; Some abs [...]lutely ref [...]sing to pay any Thing for Years past, although they both own'd they had received and charged the Three Pence per Hogshead in their Accounts to their Friends. This, by those that w [...]re w [...]lling to pay all Arrears, wa [...] thought very unreasonable, that any Body should pretend to con [...]ert to their own private Use, the Three Pence per Hogshead that they had collected from other People, for the Publick Stock. [...] Tho [...] be [...] pr [...]nt, I'm persuaded this Opposition would not [...] been [...] ▪ which shews the Necessity of some Gentlemen from Maryland b [...]ng here Ye [...]ly, to over l [...]ok our Behaviour: We shall stand in Awe of their Pres [...]nce. [...] Dispute makes me wi [...]h▪ That in your intende [...] Lett [...]rs t [...] the [...] Meeting, you'll [...] Desire, [...]hat [...] may make no [...] [Page 48] in paying the Three Pence per Hogshe [...]d; being the very B [...]sis and Foundation of our Union, and without which, we cannot subsist.

BY this Letter it appears how necessary it was to recommend a punctual Discharge of the Three Pence per Hogshead to 'em. It also shews this Gentlem [...]n's Opinion, That One from the Country to be always present with them would be of Use; and evinces the Necessity there was, of some such Letter as that lately sent 'em. In the next, of the Sixth of May, are the following Words, viz.

‘I fear all our People are not yet in Earnest. I expect no other, but before the Year is out, we shall be to Pieces, and the French have Reason to laugh at us: Nevertheless if it should prove so, if it pleases GOD to spare my Life, I will the next Year strive to rowl the Ball up the Hill again; but it must be upon this Proviso, that the Assistance desir'd comes from your Side, that may awaken our Folks; and without that it will be Labour in Vain.’

THIS is plain, and needs no further Comment than to acquaint the Reader, that the Assistance here hinted at, is no more than some such Letter from all Parts of the Country, as is already sign'd by great Numbers, and sent from some Places. His last Letter of the 15th of May, which cover'd his Objections to Mr. H [...]de's Proposals before recited, has what follows, viz.

WE are come to a Crisi [...]: The French Agent declares he will break our Combination (as he calls it.) By the Uneasiness he expresses [...]t what we have been doing, he shews how it pinches him. That I think should be Reason sufficient for us to go on to unite our selves: But really I'm much afraid, [Page 49] That Gentleman will prevail upon some of us to break the Agreement: My self was tempted that Way Yesterday; and Hi [...]ts given, That if I would give Way, I should find my Account in it. My Answer was Resolute, I would not. So I expect no Fav [...]ur from him. The whole Tryal will depend upon which Side has most Patience. I make no Doubt the French will refrain Buying as long as they can; but very long they cannot: I wish our People may but have Patience until they are forced to Buy; in that Case we shall gain the Victory: That I should not despair of, were we all Unanimous; but That I doubt: And the more, for that I perceive a great Alteration in some, for wa [...]t of thy Presence: That Restraint seems now to be taken off.

THOU'LT see by the inclos'd Objections to Samuel Hyde's Proposals, that I have express'd my self with all the Earnestness I well can; I can but do my Part; I wish every Body were of the same Mind; but we are too many to do Good: Were we fewer, would be much easier to agree.

THUS far Mr. Falconar.— But it still remains to acquain [...] the Readers ▪ That one of the greatest Difficulties the London Merchants apprehended they had to encounter, was, to bring the O [...]t Ports into some such Measures as they themselves were going upon; without which their [...]ndeavours would be re [...]dered ineffectual. To obvi [...]te Thi [...], they had writ to all the Out Ports of England and S [...]otland, to which any Tobacco is Imported, and had received Answers from most of them before I [...] ▪ wherein they said, they were very glad [...] that the London Merchants were endeavouring [...] the [...] of T [...]de; and [...] them that they would [...] with them ther [...]in; [...] [...]dd [...]d, that [...] it [...] n [...]t be do b [...]d, but that they [...] re [...]dily [...] the [...]r Power to [...]dvance [Page 50] Tobacco, since what came to them was chiefly their own; which is so good a Reason, that I think there is no Room to doubt their Sincerity. So that I conclude, they have already in all the Out Ports of Great Britain, form'd themselves into Societies, under some such Regulations as the Merchants in London have done, and consequently that That Difficulty is removed.

I have now plainly and sincerely published what is come to my Knowledge of this Affair, without any Remarks of my own; which I could not have forbore, were I not sensible that these Things alone, would make this Piece longer than I could wish it: But, as the Sense in all the foregoing Recitals, is clearly express'd, there is the less Necessity to repeat, or put it in other Words. Yet, I hope, the Reader will excuse me, if I do Justice to those Gentlemen that have distinguished themselves by their assiduous Endeavours for our Interest; who those are, I hope will evidently appear by the foregoing Narration: And I can further testify, That Mr. Falconar, particularly, has taken true Pains to promote what he conceived would be for our Advantage:— And Mr. Hyde's Scheme, for the same End, manifestly evinces his Earnestness to help forward so good a Work, and I hope all the other Gentlemen mean the same Thing, tho' they had not made it so much their Business; I can only say that they appeared to do so whilst I was with them.

I should here conclude; but I believe it will be observ'd how solicit us Mr. Falconar is, that the People of this Country may have some Regard to what I shall Propose to them, which he apprehends would be much to their Advantage; so that I conclude, some Proposal fr [...]m me will be expected: To comply therefore in some Manner with that [...]xpectation, I shall only say, that the [...]irst Thing I had to Propose▪ a [...]d indeed the only Thing that can be done [Page 51] by the Country, without the Assistance of the Legislature,) was no more than Writing some su [...]h Letter to the Merchants from all Parts of the Country as is already so Universally approv'd, and sign'd in all Places, where it has yet been offer'd: What appears to me to be further necessary, and may be worthy of our Legislature's Consideration, is chiefly contain'd in Mr. Falconar's Letters before recited, in Relation to the fixing a certain Time for the Shipping off our Tobacco: The many Advantages and Conveniences that would attend such a Thing, are there so amply explain'd, that I need not add any Thing further to enforce them. And as lessening the Quantity, and mending the Quality of our Tobacco, is what every Body is already satisfy'd would be for the Universal Good▪ and as I have formerly, and several other Gentlemen since, proposed such Methods as appear [...]d to us most Necessary, and Equitatable for attaining that End, I Question not therefore, but our Legislature, will take the Whole under their Consideration, and do therein what is best for the Country. But as the Evil we labour under, proceeds very much from the Discord amongst the Merchants, to whom we Consign our Tobacco, which they themselves allow, I would therefore particularly recommend it to the Consideration of our Legislature, Whether some effectual Means may not be found to oblige 'em to a strict and steady Union. What [...] to me to be necessary for that Purpose is, to restrain every Master of Ship, from taking any Tobacco on Board, under severe Penalties, until he produces an authentick Certificate, that his Owner has bound himself in a Bond, under what Penalty the Legislature shall think convenient, to Mr. [...] Per [...] for Instance, or some other principal M [...]n of [...] Community, to abide by, and conform himself to [...] eve [...] shall be agreed on, by such a Majority [...] Number, as they have [Page 52] already agreed, shall determine all Debates amongst them: And that their Masters be likewise impowered and so secured by his Principal, That each and every one of them may also enter into Bonds to the Country here, That his Owner shall punctually and faithfully comply with his Bond, for that Purpose pass'd in London, before he be permitted to take Tobacco on Board. If it be objected to this, That it will be a Hardship on the London Merchants to be so restrain'd, whilst the Out Ports have their Liberty: I answer, That the Out Ports must also be under the same Restraint; that is, That they, and their Masters, be likewise bound in the same Manner, to abide by such Agreements as they have or will come into, in their respective Ports. For, as I inform'd the Read [...]r, It's not to be questioned, but that they have form'd themselves into Societies by this Time, as well as the London Merchants; if not, some such Method as this, will oblige them so to do. After all, by this Method, we do not lay them, or the London Merchants, un [...]er any Restraint: We only use Means to oblige them punctually to comply with what they have, or shall restrain them [...]el [...]es to: So that it can be no Hardship upon any of them to be bound to abide by the Determination of Two Thirds of their own Number, who will not surely lay themselves, and the other Gentlemen of the Trade, under such Diffi [...]ulties as cannot be complied with; or if by [...]xperience they find, that what they had agreed upon in any of their Meetings, was like to be I [...]convenient to the Trade in general, there is no doubt but that at the next Meeting▪ they would [...] it. So that upon the [...], I hope it will not appear unreasonable to oblige them to stand [...] to what they themselves [...]ree to▪ for [...] more. I shall only add, That in [...] approved of, a re [...]son [...]ble [...], before it can [...] place, [...] [Page 53] conform themselves to it. I wish any Thing of this Kind, may be found, upon due Consideration, to be practicable: If so, I am possitive it would effectually convince them, that we are in Earnest, and oblige them to keep their Agreements; which would alone (as some of those Gentlemen are of Opinion) be at least Forty Thousand Pounds per Annum, in this Province's Way: It is certainly worth trying, to save so much Money to the Country.

I now conclude, with assuring my Country-Men, That if further Particulars relating to this Affair come to me, which I think may be useful, I shall in the same Manner communicate them to the Publick; and shall only add, That if in any Thing I have been able to do herein, either in London or here, I have rendered any Service to my Country, I shall think my Time well employ'd; if not, I shall still enjoy that Peace of Mind, which always attends an honest Man, who is conscious of having used his utmost Endeavours in so l [...]udable a Cause as th [...] Good of his Country; which was the sincere Intention of,

My Friends and Country-Men, Your assured Friend and Servant, HENRY DARNALI.

[Page 54]

POSTSCRIPT.

THE Reader may perhaps mistake those Twelve Gentlemen that were appointed to be of the Committee upon the first Meeting of the Trade, for the Managers: Therefore I have Under-noted those that are appointed Managers for this Year, viz.

For Maryland.

Mr. Samuel Hyde.
Mr. Iohn Falconar.
Mr. Iames Bradly.
Mr. William Hunt.
Mr. Ionathan Scarth.
Mr. Ioseph Adams.

For Virginia.

Mr. Micajah Perry.
Mr. William Dawkins.
Mr. Samuel Haswel.
Mr. Iohn Maynard.
Mr. Edward Randolph.
Mr. Iohn Willis.

N. B. There's to be a new Choice of Managers every Year.

To all the Inhabitants in MARYLAND.

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