East Indies: May 1611 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 2, 1513-1616. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

Citation:

'East Indies: May 1611', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 2, 1513-1616, ed. W Noel Sainsbury( London, 1864), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol2/pp216-224 [accessed 29 November 2024].

May 1611



May 11. Mocha.	533. Lawrence Femell and John Williams to Sir H. Middleton, “general of the English fleet on board the Darling.” Ten of them in prison; being called before the Aga, he wondered, having but ten or fifteen days to stay, that Sir Henry should make his escape. The Aga must write to the Bashaw of what has passed; in 15 days at furthest the Aga doubts not an order will come for their enlargement. Not one slain, but Williams hurt, Femell escaping narrowly. All are “in chains by the neck,” the writers excepted. Some of the chiefest men who pity their state have obtained [a promise] from the Aga that none shall be put in irons or otherwise wronged, but remain in their house till the time has expired. If they are not then delivered, beg he will seek deep revenge. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 44.]
May 12. Mocha.	534. Femell to Middleton. The governor bids him write in answer to Sir Henry's letter, that although there were a thousand ships and Sir Henry burnt every one as well as battered the town, he could not dismiss them until he had advised the Bashaw, upon pain of his head, and requested Sir Henry would have patience for 15 days. Middleton's departure on board has stricken with fear the Dabuls and Malabars; presents since brought by them. Assurance given that upon the answer being received they shall be delivered. The schedule sent of their names ashore is just, only of Walter Taobutt there is no news. Are all in their house guarded by a dozen soldiers. Requests some wine and money. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 46.]
May 13. Aboard the Darling.	535. Sir H. Middleton to Femell. Has received his letter by the Nahuda of the Malabars, and is contented at his entreaty and for his sake to hold good quarter with the Turks for the time limited, upon condition that certain things specified are given up, for which the Nahuda has passed his word, and to whom Sir Henry has given a good sword blade. The ships are in sight, and it is hoped will be in the road before night. Wishes him to inquire concerning Walter; to buy certain things, and tell the bearer that all Sir Henry has yielded to is for his sake, otherwise he would have beaten the town about their ears. [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 45a.]
[1611.] May 13.	536. Femell to Middleton. Replies to his letter concerning the goods to be given up by the Aga. How their “ill fortune in not escaping proceeded.” Femell placed two bullets in one of his pursuers; and warded off another soldier with his pistol, who purposed to have cloven his head [in two]; the blow was so violent that his assailant's sword fell into the sea. Cannot hear of Walter Taobutt. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. I., No. 45.]
May 13.	537. Femell to Middleton. A sail in sight, he supposes from Jeeda. Whether it were best to seize her or no. It is reported that above 100 Jelbas will arrive. Thinks their purpose should not be betrayed except she be a ship of importance. The “Subbashy” who supped with them is in fear of his head; he says if he has not good news he will visit Sir Henry aboard. Cassam has taken sanctuary in the church, and is pardoned. Sends his bedstead. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 47.]
May 13. Mocha.	538. Femell to Middleton. Has acquainted the Nahuda and the Emir with the contents of this letter, except the first point in reference to Walter Taobutt. Suspects he is secreted in Mahomet Aga's house. The other points of Sir Henry's capitulations they Bay shall be granted. Sends various things on board. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 48.]
May 14. Mocha.	539. Femell and Williams to Middleton, on board the Trades Increase. Recapitulation of Femell's letter of the 13th, excepting the latter part cencerning Walter Taobutt, who they inform Sir Henry, in this letter, was drowned and cast ashore last night in the bay. Send him a pair of silk stockings and 20 mats, and beseech him to use kindly the Nahuda and Sufrage, the Shabundar's man who goes aboard. [One page and a quarter. O. C., Vol. I., No. 49.]
May 15. Mocha.	540. Regib Aga, governor of Mocha, to Middleton. Is contented to ratify what the Nahuda promised, from whom he will receive anchors, cables, and pitch and tar. Cannot give up the pinnace without the Bashaw's command, to whom he has written. Sends all the surgeon's tools that can be found, also 400 loaves of bread, an ox and two baskets of plantains to make merry with his friends that are come this morning. Doubts not all things will be performed according to his expectation, “and our promise at the time limited for the deliverance of your people here.” [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 50.]
May 15 ?	541. Middleton to Femell. Perceives the Aga is willing to part with such things as he could not avouch the keeping of; suspected as much concerning the pinnace. Protests that neither the Subbashaw nor any others were accessories to his escape; for since he durst not trust the secret with any of his own people much less would he with a stranger. If Mustapha told the Aga the five hogsheads of pitch and tar were a gift, “he is a liar, for I never gave him any.” Does not think the coxswain was in fault as to Femell's apprehension. Requests him to procure certain articles. Is sorry for the death of Walter [Taobutt]. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 49a.]
May 15. Aboard the Trades Increase.	542. Middleton to Femell Expects to be recompensed for the things that are wanting; supposes he must lose his ring as the Emir Bahur denies it. Wishes him to tell Nahuda Mahomet that of all the indignities offered, this is one of the greatest, to be detained with a fair wind contrary to the Bashaw's promise; shall look to the Aga to provide him and his people with victuals all the time they are riding there, not less than three beeves and three sheep a day will serve them. Requests certain things may be demanded and sent to him. The Aga must needs either have the plate or know what has become of it, “for he was at the breaking up of the chest.” Wishes him to speak to the Aga that he forbid not Sir Henry's friends coming on board his ships at their pleasure. [One page and a quarter. O. C., Vol. I., No. 51.]
May 15. Mocha.	543. Femell and Williams to Middleton. Yesterday they received his letter and interpreted it to the Aga. All things remain quiet, both sides depending on the promise and determination of the Nahuda. Various things sent to him. The Subbashaw and others omit not to be their guests at times. Request some cider and wine, their best drink being water. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 53.]
May 15.	544. Femell to Middleton. The Aga will neither provide nor send him any beeves or sheep, and says he little esteems these every day new demands, and will not listen to any one of them. If Sir Henry break the peace by burning the India ships, that is nothing to the Aga; if he shoot at the town, the Aga will fire from the shore, and requite any harm done upon those [Englishmen] in Mocha and other places; how pleasing it will be to the Grand Signor to have his town of Mocha battered in, the Aga leaves to Sir Henry to judge. The Nahuda and Sir Henry's friends can have free access to his ships. Bragging words used by the Aga, “he would have you set your hurt at quiet and not to listen to light councillors” They have not been hardly used, all being suffered, two at a time, to go at liberty to provide necessaries. [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 51a.]
May 15. Mocha.	545. Femell and Williams to Middleton. Copy of the preceding, with the following addition:—All Indian commodities have risen [in price] exceedingly. Concerning the armourer's tools. Think it a discredit to borrow money of the Nahuda Mahomet. Wish to keep out of debt. His dealing upon a Jelba was seen in the town. He is desired to have patience till the limited time expires for their release. [One page and three quarters. O. C., Vol. I., No. 54.]
May 16. The Increase.	546. Middleton to Femell. Perceives the Aga's answer to his demands to be negative and respectless. Were it not for harming Femell and his company Sir Henry would make the Aga send both beeves and sheep. It is but bragging for the Aga to say how little he esteems Sir Henry's threats, for he knows his fear well enough. At the entreaty of the Shabundar and Nahuda Mahomet, he will forbear to do what he might. Will burn the India ships, which are Sir Henry's friends, rather than lose the benefit of revenge upon so vile a traitor. Before long the Aga's government will cost him his head. His ordnance is far inferior to Middleton's. Though Sir Henry should fire the town and beat it smooth about their ears, he cares not whether it be pleasing or displeasing to the Grand Signor, “I am out of the reach of his long sword.” Let the Bashaw and the Aga consider that the King of England will not take well the betraying, robbing, and murdering of his subjects to the great dishonor of the Grand Signor and his nation. Let Sir Henry's friends stay ashore, he will not be beholden to the Aga for them to come aboard, and let him not doubt but that the writer will make good his words at any time. Whoever tells Femell the winds will be variable for 12 days is better acquainted with the devil than Sir Henry desires to be. They begin to play their wonted tricks in intercepting things which are sent ashore. Requests him to purchase certain articles. What he did to the Jelba was with intent that the town might see it, and know he was commander by sea, but not to rob and steal, as the parties can witness. Sends him wine, cider, and other things. Some points of the letter have been interpreted to the bearer; he may use his discretion for the rest. Wishes to light upon some Turks of worth, to help redeem them if required; this a reason for taking Jelbas. [Two pages, O. C., Vol. I., No. 52.]
May 17. Mocha.	547. Femell and Williams to Middleton. The Aga demanded the effect of Sir Henry's letter received yesterday, and was well pleased to understand that there was nothing hurtful, swearing that when the Bashaw's answer arrives, they shall be at liberty to go aboard. Divers opinions on his taking the Jelba, being very fresh in their sight. If any of our people should be taken they would be put into miserable captivity. Provisions sent and required. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 55.]
May 17. Mocha.	548. Draft of the preceding. [O. C., Vol. I., No. 52a.]
May 18.	549. Middleton to Femell. Doubts not but the Aga by force or by fair means will be made to perform his promise. Would have desired nothing better than that he should have sent 200 soldiers to rescue the Jelba, for then Sir Henry would have had more pledges. “If they think they can mend themselves that way, let them attempt it when they will.” Sends a sword blade to Nahuda Melech, and 100 pieces of eight to Femell, according to his request. What provision he makes for sea will be welcome. Wishes him to get a very fine piece of brown calico to make Sir Henry some clothes. [Draught. One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 55a.]
May 18. Aboard the Increase.	550. Middleton to Femell. Has made seizure of the ship of Diu and her goods, together with all the people in her, who he purposes to detain as pledges for them [the English prisoners]. The Shabundar is Sir Henry's friend, but in this he must excuse him, Sir Henry will not permit one man to go on shore until the English are released, but will not suffer any wrong to be done to the crew. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 56.]
May 18.	551. Femell to Middleton. A small boat sent from the town to a Jelba with letter, from the Aga to return as Femell supposes for Cameran and there to stay till we [the English ships] were gone and give notice to all others. Requests a compass and a small map of the world for Mahomet Aga. Report of a ship in the Babb [Bab-el-mandel] with slaves and other commodities; recommends that she be prevented from unlading. The ships of Diu hardly expected. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 57.]
May 18. Mocha.	552. Regib Aga, governor of Mocha, to Middleton. Sends one of his swords “by chance found,” likewise two oxen and other provisions as a token of his good will. Very shortly expects news for the delivery of his people. Wishes him to unlade the goods remaining in his ships, and to suffer a ship of Diu quietly to unlade. Begs him to let things be referred, as they must, to their betters in Constantinople and part friends. The Shabundar to whom the Diu ships belong, sends him a carpet. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 58.]
May 18. Aboard the Increase.	553. Middleton to Femell. Has received the Aga's letter and returned an answer which Sir Henry wishes may be interpreted to him. Will not return a compass until he knows who it is for and whether it is deserved. Has no maps but such as Wm. Speed has;sends one of the world in two hemispheres. Regib Aga has sent a paper enclosed in wax, which Sir Henry wants interpreted. Will not permit any ships to unlade until they [the English prisoners] are on board. Femell's letters all dated a day after they were written. Sends a piece of gilt plate as a present to the Shabundar. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 57a.]
May 18. Aboard the Increase.	554. Middleton to Regib Aga, governor of Mocha. Has received his own naked sword and dagger, and hopes he will send the rest [of his things]. His oxen and other provisions have also been received; if he did right he would send the like proportion every day. Sir Henry will not permit the landing of any goods until he has all his people; their detention is as tedious to them as the forbearance of landing goods is to him. “If you advise the Bashaw, what is that to me; I am no subject of the Bashaw's, but a servant of the King of England, besides whom I will not be commanded by any king under heaven.” Dares him to show his face at Constantinople. The foolish paper he sent by Nahuda Mahomet, Sir Henry neither knows nor cares what it is; his own trust is in God, and he respects not “what the devil or you can do with your charms.” Rests “as you shall deserve, Henry Middleton.” With note that all is interpreted to the bearer as it is written. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 60.]
May 19. Mocha.	555. Maleck Amber, Nahuda of the great ship, captain of Dabul, to Middleton. Compliments. Doubts not but that within eight days an answer will come from the Bashaw for the English people's deliverance. Offers to give Sir Henry letters for any part of India, and desires the like from him for safety if the writer should meet with any Englishmen. Promises him friendly entertainment and trade if he will go to Dabul. [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 59.]
May 19. Mocha.	556. Femell and Williams to Middleton. Concerning certain things Sir Henry wrote for. Last night a very extraordinary night, nothing but preparation of soldiers and weapons. The removing of the ship from the place where she first anchored is taken very heavily. The Shabundar, to whom the goods belong, goes aboard Middleton's ship this morning. Send all the singing books that can be found. Beg him to send a compass. [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 61.]
May 20.	557. Shermale Shabundar of Mocha to Middleton. The ship which came into the road last night belongs to the writer; hopes as they have been friends that he shall find Sir Henry friendly towards him. It cannot be long before the Bashaw's answer comes, when Sir Henry's people shall be sent aboard. Begs that some of his own people may come ashore. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 62.]
May 21. Mocha.	558. Femell and Williams to Middleton. Since their last they have had a heavy storm, having all been put in irons, four together, in galley chains. Were called before the Aga the next day, and told the reason was because Sir Henry demanded the return of the goods taken from them; the Aga says he will keep themselves also, for as easily they may answer both as one; were then released from their irons. Are persuaded that Nahuda Mahomet deals doubly. Jaffar Aga is appointed to lie with them in their house, that they may not escape. The Aga gave them an ox to make them amends. Request he will send them a good compass. Mr. Fowler writes bad news from Cambaya. Nahuda Mahomet the cause of the late storm, “if you please you may make as if you did not know it.” Hear from the purser of the Diu ship no other but good news of Cambaya. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 64.
May 21. Mocha.	559. Draught of the preceding, not signed. [O. C., Vol. I., No. 56a.]
May 21.	560. Middleton to Femell. Is sorry to hear of his hard usage, caused by a report that Sir Henry should challenge restitution of themselves, and all the goods. Propounded no such matter, neither would be so indiscreet as to reveal his designs to any Indian whatsoever. Aims now at the liberty of their persons only. Doubts whether to eat the ox coming from so manifest an enemy. The news touching the English at Cambaya he fears is too true. Let the Aga look to himself if he perform not his promises within the limited time. Wishes 100 lb. of candles to be bought. The Nahudars neglect him, and no man stirs in his business but the Shabundar. To write no more for a compass unless he says who it is for. [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 63.]
May 22. Mocha.	561. Femell and Williams to Middleton. Acknowledge their error in dating their letters a day too soon. Would not have him ground his affection so suddenly to condemn the Nahuda and excuse the Shabundar; protest they know not which is the “honester.” Causes alleged for putting them in chains; Maleck Amber spoke most earnestly and boldly in their cause. The compass is for the Maleck of the Great Dabul's ship. The Shabundar very desirous for a youth, a Guzerat, to come on shore. If the news be true from Cambaya, the slackness used in following that trade has been the cause; “if the Portugals seek to work us out we must endeavour to keep ourselves in.” Answer expected as to their delivery on Friday; the common voice is, the news must be good. Are at present in the Aga's house. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. I., No. 65.]
May 22. Aboard the Increase.	562. Middleton to Femell. Explanations concerning the treatment of the Nahuda and the Shabundar. If Maleck Amber be kind now, it is more from fear than love. As for the compass Sir Henry brought none to sea to sell, is nevertheless content to send one since he hopes it will do him good. Will not part with the Guzerat youth till all his own people are aboard [One page. O. C., Vol. I. No. 66.]
May 23. Mocha.	563. Femell and Williams to Middleton. Acknowledge having received the compass. Concerning other things required by Sir Henry. Visit from a decrepit old man, [father of the Guzerat youth], showed Sir Henry's promise, that as soon as they were sent aboard, he would be sent ashore. Prices of goods. Fear the news from Surat to be too true, “for when John Mednall was in Agra, a fryar wrought him out of the country, fitt instruments of evill” [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 67.]
May 23. Mocha.	564. Draft of the preceding, not signed. [O. C., Vol. I., No. 66a.].
May 23. Aboard the Trades Increase.	565. Middleton to Femell. Acknowledges receipt of certain articles. Understands the father and mother of the youth detained, make great lamentations for him; is glad they can take it so to heart; purposes to keep him till he sees all his company safely aboard. Requests him to send three beeves and three oxen, “but be careful the Turks feed them not with that which may do me and my people hurt; I mean poison.” To remember his loadstone. [One third of a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 68.]
May 24. Mocha.	566. Femell and Williams to Middleton. The Maleck will furnish a loadstone. Provisions sent. This day the Bashaw's letters arrived from Zananne [Sana] and it has been spent in consultation about their delivery. The Nahuda Mahomet to go aboard to receive a writing from Sir Henry that he will not harm any ships whatsoever in this sea, with other articles, when the Shabundar and the Nahuda will become pledges for them; entreat him to give them content. Difference between the Governor and the Nahuda of the Dabuls, the Nahuda telling him plainly of his injurious dealing toward them. The market yielded but one beeve. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 69.]
May 25. Aboard the Increase.	567. Middleton to Femell. Promise of Nahuda Mahomet that “you all” [the English prisoners] and their things, and the pinnace, shall be delivered on board to-morrow. Sir Henry's promise to sail 48 hours after. Sureties demanded for performance, but thinks he has satisfied them without. The Nahuda has undertaken to restore Sir Henry's plate and other things belonging to him. The bearer partly promises all save the main bulk of their goods. Perceives he need not tie himself to so sudden a departure; they have promised to deal for some merchandise, and to allow free recourse to the shore. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 70.]
May 26. Mocha.	568. Femell and Williams to Middleton. The Nahuda, so valiant aboard to promise, utterly denies to the Aga having made any promises at all. Beg him to send a boat ashore, for they have not a sufficient one. Their pinnace is being launched. Request him to make an absolute demand that they be sent aboard to-morrow, for delays breed dangers. A chief man come from the Kyha; fear it is about the 1,200 ryals promised to his master, see not how it can be avoided or excused. Good will of the Aga to Sir Henry. Presents. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 71.]
May 26. Aboard the Trades Increase.	569. Declaration that Sir Henry Middleton arriving at Mocha with three English ships in November, 1610, was at first in outward show, lovingly received and entertained, but a few days after was treacherously surprised, with all his people on shore, Sir Henry being wounded, many of his people slain, and the rest put in irons; all their goods confiscated, and themselves led in triumph, captives to Sana. Signed by Middleton, Nicholas Downton, Gyles Thornton, Wm. Pemberton, and John Fowler. With note to tell the Aga that the meaning of this paper was that upon delivering up the English prisoners and the pinnace, all the ships and men should have free liberty, and Sir Henry binds himself not to meddle with any ships in this sea. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 72.]
May ? Mocha.	570. “Letter of advice to all English ships to shun the Red Sea.” Setting forth the tyrannous treatment of the Turks to those of the sixth voyage; the treacherous surprise and massacre of the English on 28 Nov. 1610, after promises had been given that they should be well used; eight being killed, 14 wounded, and the rest 51 persons put in irons and imprisoned by express command of the Grand Turk; the cause for coming so near the Turks' holy house of Mecca. Their goods confiscated. Attempt to surprise the Darling with 100 soldiers; three English and 26 Turks slain. Carried to Sana, 14 days' journey from Mocha. The Bashaw praised his own mild nature in not putting them to the sword. Estimated loss in goods. Caution to avoid the froad of Mocha and coast of Arabia. Divers copies of this advice left at Mocha and Socotra. The bearer should be well recompensed. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 73.]
May ?	571. Another copy of the preceding, but differing in two points, the escape of Sir H. Middleton on May 11, 1611, being added and the estimated loss in goods omitted. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. I., No. 74.]