Series 2 > Seafield correspondence from 1685 to 1708

1705]
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD
415
elusions and make such acts, whereby neu branches of
export of naturall product may be encouraged and under¬
taken. And as thereby the nation shall gain when the
first privat undertakers are lossers, so it will seeme just
and incumbent on the Parlament to give the necessary
helps thereto, and in order to this to apropriat one monthes
cess and name collectors thereof answearable to the Parla¬
ment, for the payeing of such drawbacks and out thereof,
in the termes and as the Parlament shall thinck fitt to
ordain. And what part of this fund shall be so consumed,
by so much in a proportion will the trade of the nation be
increased, and the ballance brought on its side, the re¬
mainder being still at the Parlaments disposall.
The means of export from this countrey, and whereof
for one I resolve to be ane undertaker, are barrelled herings
such as the Dutch, barrelled cod for the east countries, dry
cod for the coasts of Portugall Spain and the Streights,
and distilled spirits of corns to Holland, where is a very
great consumption off trash Genever, farr inferior both in
taste and strength to the spirits shall be made here, so
that what drawback may be on each boll of grain exported
ought to be in proportion allowed on spirits drawne there¬
from and exported, with respect had to the expense of
malting, fireing, vessells, servants dyet and wages not re¬
quired in the export of the simple grain, nether can more
be proposed to be drawn from sixteen stone weight of
bear then eight scots pynts off liquor fitt for fforreigne
mercats. And considering that we are yearly improveing
our landes to produce more and more grain, and the
number of people to consume it are still diminishing for
want of trade and profitable meanes of employement,
unless we alter our methodes, or fall on some nieu wayes of
export, our cornes will become such a drug on our handes,
that we shall neither be able to live or pay publick dues.
The countrey expects the Parliament will take into con¬
sideration the care of gardeing our coasts, so much infested
at present by privateers of such numbers and force that
Capt. Gordon allon is not able to deal with them, and as
he hath done very good service allreadie and safed much