210 



My task is finished. I have traced, with a rapid hand, the outlines 

 of the civil, statistical, political, and diplomatic history of the principal 

 American sea fisheries, from their origin to the present time. I have 

 endeavored to be careful in my authorities, and accurate in my state- 

 ments. That, however, I have sometimes arrived at erroneous conclu- 

 sions, is probable ; and that I have occasionally misapprehended facts, 

 is almost certain. In the performance of such a duty, some mistakes 

 are unavoidable. I have spoken earnestly, and, permit me to add, 

 honestly, in behalf of a great branch of national industry. 



My case is so like that of the renowned "John Smith, Admirall," 

 that I cannot forbear once more to quote his words. "But because," 

 said he, "I speak so much of fishing, if any take me for such a devout 

 fisher as I dream of nought else, they mistake me. I know a ring of 

 gold from a grain of barley as well as a goldsmith; and nothing is 

 here to be had which fishing doth hinder, but further us to obtain." 



nosed Noll" as Cromwell was called, the fish forsook the seas in very disgust at his wicked 

 rule, and one of them, in rejoicing over the return of Charles, declares that "our mischiefs 

 began with tumult and sedition, and we are restored to our former felicity with miracles ; that 

 the sea-coast, famous for fishery, was barren since his Majesty went from Scotland to Worces- 

 ter, insomuch that the poor men who subsisted by the trade were reduced to go a begging ; 

 but that now, blessed be God, since his Majesty's return, the seas are so plentiful that in some 

 places " sole were even used to dress the land; "an argument," continued the pious monarch 

 ist, "sufficient to stop the black mouths of those wretches that would have persuaded the peo* 

 p'.e that curses were entailed upon the royal family." 



