1609.
June 10.
Spaune?
[Ispahan.] |
445. Thos. Boys to the Earl of Salisbury. His fortunes brought him from the Low Countries to Persia, where he has been accepted in the rank of the King's most favoured soldiers, being the first Christian, of which there is much marvel; notwithstanding, was upon terms of his return, but advised not to do so until he heard from his lordship. Being the first who has name and place, he will endeavour to uphold the honour of a Christian. Has presumed to advertise his lordship of what has happened since his arrival. [One page. East Indies, Vol. I., No.29.] |
June 10.
Spahune?
[Ispahan,]
[the King's]
Court. |
446. Thos. Boys to Salisbury. Was informed on his arrival at Babylon in August, 1608, of the town and castle being yielded up by composition, to Mahomet Bashaw, who was employed by the Great Turk to effect it. Found the King of Persia and his army within12 days' journey, entertaining a seeming resolution to besiege it; but fears he will have much to do, the Turks' country having become so peaceable. Defeat of “Jouile, the great Geloly,” with an army of 70,000 men, himself being slain and 12,000 horse obliged to yield to the King of Persia. The King becoming Christian but a report, only he desires to entertain time, having never more need of the Princes favours, unto whom last December he sent an ambassador [Robt. Sherley]. The King's usage of those of Ormus, the key to the East Indies, held by the Portugals; the Barren, a country of great worth in regard of the pearl fishing, taken by the King of Persia some six years past; had he not been withheld with the opinion of the Turks' great preparation against him, he had invested it with his army Ormus compounded to pay the King of Persia 500 tomans yearly, a toman being 16 piastres. Offer of the King of Lahore, “held in greatness to the Turk,” to the English and Hollanders to have free traffic into certain of his ports, being a friend to Christians; the riches of his country will return no small profits; the news moves especially those of Ormus, and will be no wise pleasing to Goa and the rest in general. Hears by the monthly caravans with merchants of the East Indies, of the behaviour of the Portugals; their pride begets great hatred of the negroes. The King of Portugal, as they term him, notable in all his dominions in the East Indies to number 4,000 natural-born subjects; likelihood of his losing all, especially Goa, from the ill proceedings of the governors. A Carmelite friar sent to Ormus, by authority of the Church of Rome, to erect a convent, was returned with much disgrace. Satisfaction of the King of Persia to hear that His Majesty and the Hollanders were in arms against the King of Spain, “confessing to have of the King of Spain (sic) a brotherly friend, but of the King of Portugal an enemy.” Efforts of Sir Anthony Sherley to divert the course of trade in silk, which it has been accustomed to pass by Aleppo only to be transported by Ormus. Sir Anthony Sherley's letters sent to Boys by the King to interpret, not knowing of his brother's [Sir Robert's] departure. Forbears to write what he dare not commit to the uncertainty of the bearer. There are arrived two Carmelite friars sent by the Pope, whose commission is by all means to endeavour to bring the Armenians of Persia to become Catholic; the King answers that if they will change their religion, being his subjects, they shall accept his, knowing how dangerous it will be to have at least 50,000 at the devotion of the Church of Rome within his dominions. Report of the coming of an ambassador from Rome of a noble house, no churchman; “if he be no Spaniard or at their devotion will be very welcome, being too much troubled with these religious people.” Wishes employment in these parts or in the East Indies. [Three pages. East Indies, Vol. I., No.30.Partly printed in“The Sherley Brothers,” for the Roxburghe Club., p.69.] |
| June 14–30. |
447. Court Minutes of tho East India Company. For obtaining money to pay about 3,500l. to Lady Chandos and Mr. Diggins. Mr. Hamersley, on behalf of the Company, to be with the arbitrators in Edmund Scott's controversy. John Allen the purser's accounts to be audited; also, the general accounts of the two first voyages, and of the third voyage outwards. Price of the Consent. Robt. Palmer, concerning his freedom. Committee to confer about building a pinnace of about 140 tons for the Company's use. |
|
June 30.—Request of Allen Cotton, brother and executor to Wm. and Roger Cotten, both free of the Company while they lived, for a bill of adventure, referred. Charges incurred by Wm. Burrell. Warrants for payment of timber may be signed by Sir Thos. Smythe only. Humphrey Handford's account. Furniture of the Consent to be appraised. Demand of the garbler. Allowance of 10l. per cent, interest for money brought in before it is due. Mr. Diggins and his account. Mr. Sandye, about the bad quality of mace sold to him. John Waldow's accounts to be audited. Gratification of 40l to Rich. Atkinson, and 500l. to those who have taken pains in the Company's service. Act for the better payment of money due to the Company. Money owing for cloves. [Six pages and a quarter. Court Bk, II.,121–124.] |
