Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1661-1675. 505

My Lords this is most true yett if yo^r Lo^pps but please to
looke back into the reason of it, you will then find That those
times had the Advantages that the present or future cannot
hope for; All the rest of his Ma^ties Plantations then made
Tobacco as well as Virginia and Maryland which made the
Quantitie (as now) Exceed the Consumption, and that brought
it to the same Ebbe, other places finding Ruine, Knocking at
their Doores tymely and most prudently left it off, and by the
Advantage of the Creditt the London Merchants gave them
vent upon more profitable and usefull Comodities, and Left
that Unhappie Weede to Virginia and Maryland, that became
the only Marts for that Comodity, their Leaving it off (My
Lords) with the hope of sweet sented Tobacco that then bore
a price, planted but by a few, gave the People for a time a
Competent Subsistance, But now (My Lords) the Number of
the Makers is soe increased by yearely Transportations That
peculiar sort grown so Comon by the generall planting it that
all kind of Tobaccos is as very a Drugg as ever, and soe like
to Continue, unless it finds some Regulation from yo^r Lo^pps
wisdomes since all wayes have beene Experimented both there
to mend the Quallity and here to give it what vent forreigne
places could receive, yet all Endeav^rs have proved soe ineffec-
tuall that it is found cheaper in all places than where produced.
But since yo^r Lo^pps have Commanded us to propose what
wee thought might give Life to this dying Country, Wee in
the first place p^rsent to yo^r Lo^pps Consideracon and Directions,
That some way may be thought on for the setting upon Silke,
fflax, transporting Masts making Iron Pitch, and Pott Ashes, of
all which the Country is most Capable though the Planter by
his great Poverty not in a Condition to attempt, they indeed
being Workers for publique purses (not for private) to under-
take, If any such practicall Expedient can bee found, It will
divert many from planting and soe Lessen the Quantity, double
to his Ma^ties Customs in Staple Comodities. what is taken off
from this worth nothing, Keepe great and Considerable Sums
within his Dominions which yearely goes out for theis
Comodities, and his Majesty will bee furnisht with many
necessaries for his Navy of his owne growth at home att a fan
cheaper Rate than hee has them now abroard from his Neigh-
bours.
Next wee humbly propose, That the tyme may bee Regulated
for the Shipps coming together from those parts, This att
Least will bring Security, and may make that harmless Experi-
ment whether or noe that great advance will accrew to the
Comodities, as many Knowing Men most confidently affirme,
Lastly, That the stint of dayes (soe much desired by his
Ma^ties Governo^r soe generally approved by his Ma^ties Country)

P. R. O.

Colonial
Papers. Vol.
XVIII, No.
141.