chkonological history of the herking-fishery. 159 



" Charles R. 

 " Eight trusty and well-beloved cousin and coun- 

 cillor, and right trusty and well-heloved councillors, 

 We greet you well. Having, with the advice of our coun- 

 cil here in England, materially considered that, as well in 

 thankfulness to Almighty God, as for the benefit of our 

 loving subjects, we ought no longer to neglect that great 

 blessing offered to us, in the great abundance of fish upon 

 the coasts of our islands ; to the end we may at length 

 enjoy, with mare honour, those riches which properly be- 

 long to oar imperial crown, and are usurped by strangers, 

 we have considered of a way which in time, by God's 

 favour, may produce this effect, and also increase our 

 navigation and trade ; and because this work concerns 

 equally our three kingdoms, and must therefore be under- 

 taken and ordered by common councils' assistance, we 

 have taken this opportunity of our convention, at Edin- 

 burgh, to send our instructions to Sir William Alexander, 

 Secretary for Scotland, to acquaint you with certain pro- 

 portions for the advancement of this service ; and we 

 require you both to give him hearing at large, and freely 

 to treat with him, in every point of his instructions, and 

 in whatever may be found expedient for the furtherance 

 of so good and great a work, concerning both our honour 

 and the public good ; and withal we expect that you pro- 

 ceed not only to a resolution upon such articles as shall 

 be agreed upon, but that you also put them in execution, 

 so as, by him, we may specially understand how you take 

 it to heart, and how far you concur for the accomplish- 

 ment of the work ; wherein you may expect from us such 

 privileges and powers as shall be convenient, and as rea- 

 sonable as you can desire ; and also be assured we shall 

 graciously accept your extraordinary care and forwardness 



