_Wentworth to Sir Christopher Wandesford, July 25, 1636._ Knowler,
vol. ii., p. 19.
[A summary of his report to the King.]
... [I informed them] that there was little or no manufacture amongst
them, but some small beginnings towards a clothing trade, which I
had and so should still discourage all I could, unless otherwise
directed by his Majesty and their Lordships, in regard it would
trench not only upon the clothing of England, being our staple
commodity, so as if they should manufacture their own wools, which
grew to very great quantities, we should not only lose the profit we
now made by indraping their wools, but his Majesty lose extremely
by his customs, and in conclusion it might be feared, they would
beat us out of the Trade itself, by underselling us, which they
were well able to do. Besides, in reason of State, so long as they
did not indrape their own wools, they must of necessity fetch their
clothing from us, and consequently in a sort depend upon us for their
livelihood, and thereby become so dependent upon this crown, as they
could not depart from us without nakedness to themselves and children.
Yet have I endeavoured another way to set them on work, and that is
by bringing in the making and trade of linen cloth, the rather in
regard the women are all naturally bred to spinning, that the Irish
earth is apt for bearing of flax, and that this manufacture would
be in the conclusion rather a benefit than other to this kingdom. I
have therefore sent for the flax seed into Holland, being of a better
sort than we have any; and sown this year a thousand pounds worth of
it (finding by some I sowed the last year that it takes there very
well). I have sent for workmen out of the Low Countries, and forth
of France, and set up already six or seven looms, which if it please
God to bless us this year, I trust so to invite them to follow it,
when they see the great profit arising thereby, as that they shall
generally take to it and employ themselves that way, which if they
do, I am confident it will prove a mighty business, considering that
in all probability we shall be able to undersell the linen cloths of
Holland and France at least twenty in the hundred.