Addenda, James 1 - Volume 41: August 1618

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda 1580-1625. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1872.

'Addenda, James 1 - Volume 41: August 1618', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda 1580-1625, (London, 1872) pp. 599. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1580-1625/p599 [accessed 23 April 2024]

August 1618



Aug.?	The Levant Company to —. Upon receipt of the Council's letter to you, desiring our resolution, that their Lordships might proceed to suppress pirates and robbers at sea, we assembled and considered the project, which two years since, was petitioned to His Majesty by us, and other merchants of the city, that His Majesty would put a reformation therein. But since that time, the trade of our company is so much impaired, what by the trade of India taken away, and now the trade of silk following, that we are not likely to trade for Turkey to the one-third part of that value which we formerly did, and we cannot undergo our usual charges of ambassadors, consuls, &c.
	Besides, as to that little remainder of trade left us, principally of currants, we have caused many tall ships to be built, and adventure in none but extraordinary good ships, and enjoin them so to keep company, both out and home, that we stand in little fear of the pirates; neither have we had any great losses that way. If others keep this course, the pirates would gain little, and fall of themselves. We therefore desire to be spared from any particular charge; but if His Majesty enter into reformation hereof, being a general cause of all his subjects, one place of trade depending upon another, we are ready to be at his pleasure therein. In case the Lords require our answer, pray deliver this. [1 page, copy. Levant Papers, Vol. I., No. 24.]