Page:History of merchant shipping and ancient commerce (Volume 2).djvu/334

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Mediterranean papers; on ships' fines for loss of papers; on ships' protection for three months; on protection granted to barges and boats for a similar period; on commissions, warrants, and appointments; on granting letters of marque; and on licences to join convoy; the Privy Council Office charging for licences to trade 4l. 16s. each, besides gratuities, which were divided amongst the clerks. The amount of the fees during the height of the licence system was calculated to yield annually about 100,000l. beyond the public stamp of 1l. 10s. which was added before delivery of the licence.

But the whole system of licences proved utterly indefensible, and, being granted to foreign vessels to the prejudice of English shipping, it grew at last to be altogether intolerable. Beyond the mere amount of fees claimed by the Council Office, the Secretary of State's fees for the sign-manual were as much again, and even this aggregate amount was frequently exceeded. For instance, it is reported in the 'Parliamentary Proceedings' that there was paid by a certain John Lubock for the certificate of one cargo, imported or exported, 15l. 0s. 6d., and for each duplicate, if required, 3l. 12s.; part of this was, however, admitted to be for agency. The charge for a ship going out in ballast to import a cargo of timber from Wilmington, in the United States, was 17l. 2s. 6d. A licence for St. Domingo (special) to trade to and from that island, cost 25l. 1s. 6d. For an order allowing small vessels to trade to and from Holland for six months, the charge for one licence amounted to 15l. 0s. 6d.; but an order