by Gods ordinary blessing, defend this Nation, being an Island, against any Force in view: But the charge of Arming, Disciplining, and Rendezvousing all these Men, twice, or thrice a year; would be a very gentle Tax, Levyed by the people themselves, and paid to themselves. Moreover if out of the said number ⅓ part were selected, of such as are more than ordinarily fit and disposed[1] for War, and to be Exercised, and Rendezvoused fourteen or fifteen times per annum; the charge thereof being but a fortnights Pay in the year, would be also a very gentle Tax.
Lastly, If out of this last mentioned number, ⅓ again should be selected, making about twelve[2] thousand Foot, and near[3] six thousand Horse, to be Exercised, |[48]| and Rendezvoused forty days in the year; I say that the charge of all these three Militias, allowing the latter six weeks Pay per annum; would not cost above one hundred and twenty thousand pound per annum; which I take to be an easie burthen, for so great a benefit.
For supplying the Navy, and Merchants with Seamen. Forasmuch as the present Navy of England requires thirty six thousand Men to Man it; and for that the English Trade of Shipping, requires about forty eight thousand Men, to manage it also; it follows, that to perform both well, there ought to be about seventy two thousand Men, (and not eighty four thousand) competently[4] qualified for these Services: For want whereof we see, that it is a long while, before a Royal Navy can be manned; which till it be, is of no effectual use, but lies at charge. And we see likewise upon these occasions, that Merchants are put to great straights, and inconveniences; and do pay excessive rates for the carrying on their Trade. Now if twenty four thousand able bodyed Tradesmen, were by[5] six thousand of them[6] per annum, brought up and fitted for Sea-Service; and for |[49]|- ↑ S, 'and disposed' inserted by Petty.
- ↑ S, R, 1691, 'sixteen.' Cf. errata?
- ↑ S, R, omit 'near.'
- ↑ S, '& not 84000' inserted by Petty, R, 'about 84000 completely,' altered to 'about 72000 completely,' by Petty.
- ↑ G, 'whereby.' The 1683 ed. probably was not printed from S or R, as the words 'were by' are plainly written in both.
- ↑ S, 'of them' inserted by Petty, not in R.
