It does not appear what report was upon this occasion made by the committee for trade; and I find no other proceedings of the government respecting this trade and fishery till after the year 1696, when the board of trade was instituted.—In January 1697, the new board took up this among other subjects that came within their cognizance; but not before they were called upon by petitions and representations from the towns in the west concerned in this trade. These, like former petitions and representations from the adventurers and fishers, were calculated to advance their pretensions, in opposition to those of the planters and inhabitants, to deprecate the appointment of a governor, and to pray a convoy for the safety of the ships going out, either to _Portugal_ for salt, or to Newfoundland, and to protect them in their return home, or in their voyage to market[3]. The report and representation made by the board on this occasion applied rather to the present defence of the place than to any matter of general regulation; and they at the same time expressed an opinion, that planters, in a moderate number, were at all times convenient for the preparation and preservation of boats, stages, and other things necessary for the fishery; but that they should not exceed _one thousand_[4]. In the year 1698 was passed the stat. 10 and 11 Will. 3. c. 25. intituled, _An Act to encourage the trade to Newfoundland_. It does not appear what were the steps that immediately led to the passing of the act; but it appears, in the matter of it, to be founded on the policy of former times; and it is, in truth, little more than an enactment of the rules, regulations, and constitution that had mostly prevailed there for some time. PART II. [Sidenote: PART II. From Stat. 10 & 11 Will. 3, to A. D. 1728.] _Mr. Larkin’s Observations—Character of the fishing Admirals—Character of the Commanders—Want of Police—Opinion of the Board 1706—Representation 1708—For Sea Commanders to command at Land—Such Commission issues—Laws and Orders made at Newfoundland—Representation 1718—Claim of the Guipuscoans to fish—Of the Lands ceded by the French—A Salmon Fishery granted—Opinion on the 7th Sec. of Stat. 10 and 11 Will. 3.—Representation 1728—Recommends a civil Government—A civil Governor is appointed—Disorders of Newfoundland, and Conduct of the fishing Admirals during this Period—Complaints from the Merchants._