Two Letters: Being Thoughts on the Means of Augmenting the Number of Mariners in These Kingdoms, Upon Principles of Liberty. Let. V. to Robert Dingley, Esq: Containing Moral and Political Reasons

Two Letters: Being Thoughts On The Means Of Augmenting The Number Of Mariners In These Kingdoms, Upon Principles Of Liberty. Let. V. To Robert Dingley, Esq: Containing Moral And Political Reasons For Relieving Prostitutes who Are Inclined To Forsake Their Evil Course Of Life by Jonas Hanway. In these pamphlets, Hanway advances practical policy proposals to enlarge the English navy's manpower and reform social ills. Letter IV advocates improving sailors' welfare—providing clean clothing, better conditions aboard ships, and a system to recruit landmen who can seamlessly become seamen; it argues for mixed fleets, incentives such as additional bounties and a form of half-pay for those living ashore, and for training and employing landmen to augment naval strength. It stresses the importance of education, discipline, and humane treatment, and it warns against neglecting seamen, warning that a failure to renovate maritime manpower risks national security and economic vitality. Letter V proposes relief for friendless prostitutes and repentant prostitutes through charitable schemes, including a carpet-manufacturing asylum to provide work and reform, anchored by the Marine Society and arts-and-manufactures networks. Together, the letters present a blend of naval strategy, social reform, and humane policy.