|
1610.
Nov. 14.
[Mocha.] |
490. Lawrence Femell and Hugh Frayne to “our General Sir Henry Middleton aboard the Trades Increase.” After long stay they had speech with the Aga, governor of this place, who was very loving and courteous, and sent hearty commendations to Middleton, with comfort not to fear any hurt to his ship, as without doubt she will come off without danger. The governor has requested a particular note of all goods in the ship, which he says it is the custom to give, to be sent to the Bashaw. Mr. Sharpey did the like. Desire instructions. Five per cent. custom has to be paid on all goods sold. Were most anxious that the boats should return again this night; reasons why they could not. Think the pinnace should be kept aboard, when he sends more goods, for here is no place to set her up. Have a house, but no table, which is necessary to show their cloth and other commodities. The Aga confidently affirms there is no going to India until the great western monsoon comes in May; very little trade will be had before then. [One page. This and the letters Nos. 491, 493 and 494 from Mocha were received, as indorsed by Middleton, “ before I was betrayed by the Turks.” 0. C., Vol I., No. 17.] |
Nov. 15.
[Mocha.] |
491. Femell and Frayne to Middleton. Send particulars of goods given to the Aga, who was very inquisitive to know what money was aboard. Are of opinion that the Aga means they should stay here until the great monsoon; told him our pepper was from Acheen and Bantam where we 'have factories. If the ship be afloat, request Middleton not to be too hasty in landing any more goods. Boat is sent with a present to Middleton. Think he should promise a present in return when his ship is afloat. Wm. Reynolds has the key of the closet of velvets. To-morrow he shall have beeves, sheep, or what else he requires. [Three quarters of a page. 0. C., Vol. I., No. 18.] |
| Nov. 16. |
492. Lawrence Femell to Middleton. Report from Aden that our people as yet have neither bought nor sold anything but victuals. Thinks the present for the Aga should be two vests of velvet, two of cloth, one piece of kersey, the piece of plate and sword blade, which will be a very royal present. Sends him two kids and some soft bread. [One page. Dated 1609 by mistake. 0. C., Vol. I., No. 14.] |
Nov. 17.
Mocha. |
493. Femell to Middleton. On conferring with their interpreter about delivery of Middleton's present to the Aga, Femell was told that all the officers of the custom house must first see it; either the governor is a man of no command or our interpreter a dissembling fellow. The customers have nominated five others that must have presents, so that Femell purposes to have private conference with the governor, to whom he will certify that it is not the custom of other countries for all the world to know these things. Does not think it convenient that the present to “the fat man” should be delivered, “for nothing can be done here but what is openly seen,” so returns the presents aboard. Will make the governor acquainted with his resolution. Sends him an ox, as much as could be got, also some onions which are scarce and dear. [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 19.] |
Nov. 18.
Mocha. |
494. Femell to Middleton. Writes concerning the ebbing and flowing of the tides, which he conceives to be very necessary in respect of the building of their pinnace. Goods to be sent ashore to-morrow. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 20.] |
Nov. 27.
Westminster. |
495. Grant to the Governor and Company of Merchants of London, trading to the East Indies, to admit into their society, merchants strangers, aliens, or denizens to trade with them in common stock they paying such duties for commodities returned out of the East Indies into the realm as are payable by Englishmen, with the like liberty to export Indian commodities out of the realm, custom free, within 13 months, as have paid import duty; with a proviso that the King may at any time after three years's warning, revoke this grant, if the continuance of it be unprofitable to His Majesty or the kingdom. [Sign Manuals, Jac. I., Vol. I., No. 52 Cal., p, 647.] |
Nov. 29.
Westminster |
496. Commission to Anthony Hippon to command the Globe, fitted out by the East India Company for a [seventh] voyage to the East Indies, with power to use martial law; charging him not to surprise or take any vessels or goods of the King of Spain, or of any other of His Majesty's confederates. Robt. Browne to succeed in case of Hippon's decease. [Sign Manuals, Jac. I., Vol. I., No. 58. Cal., p. 648.] |
