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1614.
Jan. 4. |
678. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The governor, Sir Thos. Smythe, acquaints them with the King's pleasure that they as well as the Muscovy Company, should send commissioners to the Low Countries, to give reasons for their sole challenge of the whale fishery at Greenland; the governor's desire to put off sending any at all, or else that the Low Countries might be drawn to send commissioners, seeing they were the complainants about the Greenland business; the King's resolution not altered "neither by that nor a special motion made by my Lord of Rochester," but leave given to the Company to answer for themselves before the Privy Council at which His Majesty intended to be present. Reasons against sending commissioners; former complaints against the Hollanders; the case now far different, "having received comfortable news from thence [the East Indies] and the Hollanders' discouragements;" promises of friendly proceedings towards one another; reasons which might have induced the King to promise to send over commissioners. The business of the East India Company distinct from the Muscovy Company, which has answered a complaint at the Council table and given good satisfaction to the State. Answers to objections that might be made against the East India Company. The Hollanders of a more humble spirit than formerly because of their losses; the English ought not to give way to be debarred from the trade of the Indies. It is thought convenient to yield to the motion of the Hollanders to enjoy the places they have conquered or first discovered where the English are to pay them customs, with condition that the Hollanders do the like in those places where the English claim a similar prerogative, that by a peaceable agreement they may both become strong against the Portuguese and Spaniards, the common enemy. Resolved to use the best means to put off sending any commissioners ; or if that cannot be avoided to defer so doing till hereafter. [Two pages. Court Bk., III., 1.] |
| 1614? |
678. King James' warrant to board and seize the Pearl, one Morice owner, so soon as she arrives in any port of the realm, without stirring any part of her lading. [One page. Mutilated by fire. Brit Mus., Otho, VIII., fol. 283*.] |
1614.
Jan. 7.
Whitehall |
680. Warrant from the Privy Council for a new Admiralty commission to discover and sequester the Pear], [Don Diego de] Sarmiento (?) the Spanish Ambassador, having requested that the name of a person appointed by himself might be added. [One page. Mutilated by fire. Brit. Mus., Otho, VIII., fol. 362. Purchas, I. 328, prints the "Journal of a voyage made by the Pearl to the East Indies, wherein went as captain Master Samuel Castleton of London and Capt. Geo. Bathurst as lieut., written by John Tatton, master." She sailed in August 1612.] |
Jan. 8
Madrid. |
681. Sir John Digby to King James. The Archbishop of Brague [Braga] long time Vice–King of the East Indies, made Vice–King of Portugal. Finds the Portugals very much discontented with the good success of the English in the East Indies, fearing lest in time the English will absolutely overthrow their trade, " which is indeed the only upholding and support of the kingdom of Portugal. [Extract from Correspondence, Spain.] |
| Jan. 13–29. |
682. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The Adventures of George Pitt in the 9th, 10th, and 12th, and of Nathaniel Deards in the 7th and 12th voyages, to be set over to Thos. Whitley Loan of 20l. repaid to Whitley. For preservation of quicksilver, some seven or eight cwt. lost, through being put up in bladders; leather, lead, and copper propounded. Allowance for the surgeons' chests of the New Year's Gift, Hector, Hope, and Solomon, after conference with Grenehurst, the surgeon of the Peppercorn. Freedom to Sir Richard Smyth, desiring to adventure 1,000l. in the joint stock. Information of Mr. Johnson, that a knight abroad cast many imputations upon the Company for monopolizing, as he pretended, the sole trade to the East Indies, and said that the goods of the Pearl were disposed of by the King for the Spanish Ambassador's use, the Company being interested in one half; the governor is desired to use his best means to move the council therein, and see what may be effected, "that if nothing be recovered, yet it will daunt others finding their power to prosecute matters at home as well as abroad." Committee appointed to hear the demands for the ship at Shoreham. Request of Lady Cavendish to be permitted to write in the joint stock, but the Company desired to be excused. The Samaritan bought of Mr. Leate for 3,100l. ; Mathew Fletcher to be entertained in her. Mr. Leate's payments "without broke" received. Suit against Edward Falkener to be stayed, there being some small matter still to be expected from the 3rd voyage, and he being in a place where he may continue to do kindnesses to the Company. Request of Mr. Munden for a gratification having been 11 months master; he is charged with bringing home 1,200 weight of cloves and pepper contrary to his bond, yet his wages were paid ; and is told of his insolent, proud, and cruel behaviour during the time of his command ; his speeches favouring of no true submission, he is left to the Trinity House, "until he might know himself by true humiliation," and dismissed. Admission of Henry Carter, gentleman, for a mitigated fine of 20l. Demand of John Holloway for his dividend on the 4th voyage, bought of Martin Freeman, deferred. Mr. Trankmore, who built the ship at Shorebam, to be conferred with. Request of Thos. Jones, the boatswain, for his goods and wages; being willing to go in the next voyage, they are restored to him upon paying 20l. for freight Edward Holmden to be entertained as a factor. The factors appearing in court, they are charged to forbear private trade themselves, and to prevent it in others; are allowed to adventure what they will in the general stock, and to have their freedom. They are directed to use care and exquisiteness in keeping their accounts; to write out a journal ledger every year verbatim, to be sent home, and copies of their books, by such ships as return. Every kindness promised for their encouragement, but "all extremity if they demean themselves otherwise." Chichester, a kinsman of the Lord Deputy of Ireland, and commended for his sufficiency as a jeweller, referred. Wm. Wickham, a factor in the Hector in the 8th voyage, dying in the country, his wages to be paid to Alderman Smith, for the use of Wickham's mother. Humphrey HoBoway, sometime servant to Thos. Cutler, citizen, sworn a free brother of the Company. |
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Jan. 14.–The governor is desired to draw up a petition to the King, and enclose it in a letter to Lord Rochester, for a commission to search for the goods of the Pearl, which the Company are informed have been sold abroad; also to send a copy to the Lord Chamberlain. The Lord Chancellor and the French Ambassador to have copies of the Company's proceedings with their business in France. The former committee to conclude the purchase of the ship of Shoreham, but not to give more than l,500l., she being considered unfit for the Company's service to proceed as a merchant, but for a man–of–war or fishing for the whale at Greenland. Allowance to Mr. Taylor for silk, and to Mrs. Newport of 24l. per annum during Capt. Newport's absence. |
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Jan. 15.–Adventures of Levinus Muncke in the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th voyages, set over to Robert Offley. Debate in reference to the Pearl's goods; to have the opinion of the Lord Privy Seal whether it will not be fit to move the King concerning the power in the Company's patent to seize them. Allen Carey to have his freedom gratis. Warrant for payment of quicksilver. The Company of the North–west passage having certain clothes brought home and divers looking and drinking glasses, supposed to be fit for their service, request the Deputy [Wm.] Greenwell and [Robt.] Middleton to see and report upon them. Offer of Mr. Evelyn to take back the powder returned from the East Indies and "worn out by long keeping," on certain conditions of price. Petition of Raphe Hesam and Wm. Warrey, sailors entertained "for this second joint voyage," to have 5l. each given to them, for which they agree to resign all their right to wages and goods due to them on the purser's books should they die on the voyage, but if they return home, the money so advanced to be freely given them ; the Company willing to perform the bargain and to do the same for others who may desire it. Allen Carey, as also Raphe Preston, John Oxwicke, Henry Elumer, and Humph. Elkington, four factors, sworn free brethren. Request of Preston to adventure 260l. in the joint stock granted, as are also requests concerning the payment of his and of the wages of the other three factors. |
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Jan. 17.– Concerning the Indigo. Dislike of Mr. Edwardes to have a cabin in the New Year's Gift, except he might have liberty to go through the great cabin into the gallery ; the Company think it inconvenient to have any one joined with the general in his cabin, and resolve to give Edwardes the choice of any of the other ships. Letter received from Aleppo from Bartholomew Haggat, consul, of the coming of Starkey with inclosures from Surat. Concerning the goods of the Pearl; the King having taken certain proceedings in that business, the Company are recommended by the Lord Privy Seal to give up their petition, his opinion being that they would get nothing by it. As to enlarging their patent so as "not to be tied to bring home such goods in specie as they should take abroad in recompence of their losses," his lordship promised to give it his best furtherance. Inquiries to be made whether goods should be taken on board the ships at once, accounts being so contradictory. Capt. Downton, having an intent to carry a pinnace in quarters which may carry " some ‘Bases’ in her to offend further off, then Murtherers will," they are to be provided, and such a pinnace framed. Ordnance to be "put into a brasse color." Thirty great ordnance for the New Year's Gift. A new dock to be begun at Deptford; a crane fitted for the timber yard; a stone wharf at Deptiord, and a foundation for a store house built. The "city business" to be followed with the Lord Mayor. Suit of [Robt.] Offley for an increase of wages to Charles Fettiplace, not allowed; reasons. Petition of Tempest Peacocke, a factor, to put part of his wages into the general stock. Submission of Mr. Rowe, master's mate; he is advised to reconcile himself to Mitford, for the wrongs he did him, and to receive the Communion together before their departure, which he promised to do. Mr. Pringe and Mr. Spaight condemned for not having performed their promise to lie aboard. Mr. Munden's private trade. Debate on the letters and presents to the "Grand Magore," to be delivered privately, "a man of spirit, understanding, and judgment," must be the person; thought unfit to remove Mr. Canninge, if living there, he being so well experienced, but left to the general's understanding. |
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Jan. 18.–"A meeting of committees for Capt. Towerson's business." His demands to be gratified for good service and bringing the Hector safe home; a breach of his commission alleged against him, and forfeiture of l,000l. bond for private trade ; debate whether he should be punished; resolution to remit his offence, but to make him pay freight for his goods. His bond to be detained till the return of Capt. Saris, who commanded him. Says he will be contented with any end they think fit to make. |
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Jan. 19.–Mr. Whitley's accounts. Allowance to sailors from Bristol, "they being all lusty men and good mariners." Concerning the China roots bought by Mr. Hamersley of the Company, some being wet, rotten, and unmerchantable. Mr. Middleton and Mr. Bell appointed to report on the value of "certain ballast rubies" offered for sale to the Company by Mr. Hamersley, who also applies for leave to send them to some of the factors to sell upon his own account. Nathaniel Deard's adventure of 100l. in the sixth voyage to be set over to John Chamberlain. The order to bespeak 100 "lattyn basons" to take to Surat countermanded, after conference with Nicholas Ufflett, who finds they are very commonly made there. Agreement to pay 5l. to one very skilful in steeling looking glasses, which are held to be fit commodities, and very profitable for the East Indies, to teach a person the art, to be practised only abroad, there being a great doubt how the foil will hold when exposed to the heat. Order to pay "primage, arrearage, and load money." being 3s. 4d. upon every 100 tons, and 2d. for every man that returneth to the Trinity House, whenever due. Decision on a petition of John Marcer for wages, who went in the Hector to learn the art of a gunner. Difference between Martin Freeman and John Holloway referred to arbitration. Inquiry to be made how "callicoes and pintathoes" will sell in England that directions may be given to the factors in the East Indies to buy and send them over; like– wise to think of preparing some pinnaces to remain in the country to trade from place to place. Petition of Baily Ball for increase of wages. John Sandcrofte, or any other factor, to be allowed to adventure in the joint stock. Salary of John Waldoe, officer in the yard at Deptford, increased to 60l. a year. Alteration in Mr. Ellym's office, "to free him from having his books subject to the view of every man." Timothy Wood, Thos. Barker, Baily Ball, Edward Holmeden, and John Sandcrofte, factors, sworn free brethren gratis. |
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Jan. 20.–Debt due to Mr. Bucke. Edward Viney entertained for the general's man. Timothy Mallery, sometime servant to Thos. Harrison, recommended by Lord Evers to the Company's service. John Mancer to have no wages. Edward Allanson, very earnest to go the voyage, referred. Edward Richards, "a youth of a willing and cheerful spirit," to be entertained. About following the business at "Yield Hall" [Guildhall] with the Lord Mayor, for lands at Deptford. Cinnamon sold to Mr. Garraway not to be garbled. Provision of biscuit, the Company's baker only able to make "18,000 bread (sic) in a week," and has not above 80,000 ready. Robt. Larkyn's adventure of 100l. in the sixth voyage sold to Mr. Batty, being intended as a security for the factor's honest carriage. As to what account the silk and other things taken by Sir Henry Middle ton should be put, seeing it was in recompense of the losses sustained by the third voyage. Boatswain's stores, whether "waste cloathes for the close fights" should be provided. Freedom to Robert Younge, Edmond Aspinall, Christ. Farewell, Thos. Juxon, and Rich. Batty, factors. Rich. Pitt, one of the four that Capt. Downton entreated the Company to have allowed him in this voyage, bound for seven years as a factor. |
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Jan. 22.–Further inquiry to be made of Richard Biddulph, formerly appointed steward in the New Year's Gift. All the pipe staves to be sent out of Ireland; there being extraordinary good wood in Ireland, where there are good means for making iron, and great doubt of finding wood fit for the Company's shipping; if they continue building, a committee to confer with Mr. Crooke thereon. 75l. of Mr. Kirbie's adventure in the sixth voyage set over to John Hawkins. Ten or twelve tons of tin, quicksilver, and elephants' teeth to be put in the ships. Desire of Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Nicholls concerning their adventure in the joint stock. Mr. Freeman, about quicksilver bought of him. A book of dialogues, heretofore translated into Latin by the Hollanders, and printed with the Malacca tongue, Mr. Hakluyt having now turned the Latin into English, and supposed very fit for the factors to learn, ordered to be printed before the departure of the ships. To remind the Lord Mayor about the Deptford business. A scar– let cloak, ready to be sent to the embroiderer's, found to have yellow spots; a new one to be provided "of the best and gentlest wool." Suit of John Crouther, factor, as to the payment of his wages. Petition of Mr. Mountney, husband to the Company, setting forth his long services, and praying for an allowance competent for his future maintenance; the auditors strongly recommending his case, and nearly 40 of the principal adventurers certifying to his efficiency, a gratification upon the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth voyages is promised him; 100l. is given to him, and his wages are increased to 200l. per annum. Proposals for keeping the husband's accounts in a great day book. Mr. Ellym to go in hand with drawing the commissions. |
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Jan. 24.–John Osterwicke recommended by Mr. Wolstenholme as a purser in the next ships. Payment to Mathew Springham for charges disbursed in going from the Lord Deputy in Ireland to the Earl of Ormond, about discharge of the Peppercorn, which was under arrest. Admission of Sir Richard Smyth. Request of Mr. Bell to have the title of the "Grand Magore" to add in the letters, and also the privileges formerly granted by the King of Dachem, [see ante, p. 140, No. 326]; the originals ordered to be looked out. Ordnance to be procured. Mariners to be paid on board the New Year's Gift, Hector, Solomon, and Hope, being "ready to fall down." Commissioners appointed by the Lord Mayor to go to Deptford about the Bridge House lands; to be entertained at the governor's house, at the Company's expense. Report on the "ballast rubies;" a further report requested. The treasurer's request for money for present use; to see what amount Sir Wm. Craven and Lord Cavendish can furnish the Company with. Offer, through Mr. Abbott, to lend 1,000l. or 2,000l. at 10 per cent. The Company desire to have the offer of the Pearl's goods, whenever they should be sold. Augustine Spalding's accounts. Report that the galleons sent out of Spain are piloted by Portuguese, and manned by 2,000 Spaniards, who intend to take "Majore," where the Flemings have built a fort, and so proceed to Castle de Maine, and from thence to the East Indies. Humphrey Ambler, Atkins, the salter in Friday Street, Mr. Foxe, Mr. Middleton, at "Soperlane end," Raphe King, a grocer, Robt. Bagshawe, young Carmarden, Paul de Caper, and John Johnson, said to be adventurers from Brest to the East Indies. Anthony Bridges, apprentice of Bartholomew Holland, clothworker, to be admitted for a fine of 5l
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Jan. 27.–Mr. Munden having submitted himself, to be entertained in the next ships. Mr. Rogers, a preacher at Deptford, esteemed an honest man and a good teacher, but no great scholar, to be entertained and have an allowance of 50l. per annum. Ordnance. Consideration about the Deptford business with the Bridge House lands. Mr. Calvert, one of the clerks of the council, allowed "in regard of his place" to add 600l. to his adventure of 1,000l. in the joint stock. The Lords Chamberlain and Privy Seal having been informed by the Governor of a report that a voyage is preparing in France to the East Indies, with letters patent from the French King, and that many in England have become adventurers, their lordships were "found very honorably inclined in favour of this Company to hinder the project," and desired the names of those who had "become so unnatural to their own country and unrespective to their King," that they might know how much they have wronged His Majesty and the State. Admission of Edward Harborne, Thos. Mitford, John Crouther, and Robt. Harrison, factors. Permission to the children of John [Joe ?] Chilcott to adventure 200l. in the general stock. l,000l. lent to the Company by Mr. Cater at 9 per cent. Hutchinson, knowing Italian, French, Dutch, arid music, to be the Company's apprentice, or Mr. Edwardes' servant, for the Company's use. Owen Snellinge to be entertained and learn the art of navigation. Gratification to Edward Lee. Committee on Mrs. Hawkins' business to meet tomorrow. Reward of 5l. to one Wilmot, for having relieved the Thomas at sea. Three months' imprest granted to Martin Cheshire, and John Slany. |
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Jan. 29.–Invitation from Mrs. Stockley to the Governor, Deputy, and Committees to attend her husband's funeral and dine with her. Instructions to be given for the commissions. Mr. Hawkins' accounts to be audited. Mr. Munden entertained as a master's mate, his former faults overlooked. Letter received from Paul Triggs from France, relating to the business of the English merchants, negotiated by the lord ambassador, as to certain privileges of customs upon their goods, Wm. Vernon and Rich. Sadler, at first engaged for linguists, to be employed as the chief merchants shall find them qualified. Suit of Arthur Robinson, concerning certain defective calicoes bought by him of the Company. Request of Win. Brawnson, a carpenter of Plymouth, to go to Greenland. [Twenty–four pages. Court Bk., III., 1–24.] |
Jan. 31.
Bantam. |
683. John Jourdain to the East India Company. Lading of the Expedition, Clove, and Darling. Death of Edw. Langley; his will, goods, and papers delivered by Capt. Saris' orders to Mr. Melsham, purser of the Clove, for the Company. Great danger of lire to the goods in warehouse three times within ten days, the town having been burnt. Cannot yet obtain the king's writing to build upon the ground he gave to General Best, the king hoping for some bribe ; both generals, Best and Saris, did their utmost, being a matter of so great importance. The Hollanders are mortal enemies to the English in their trade. Endeavours of the Chinese and Javas to encroach upon them in the sale of their commodities. Intends proceeding to build the house, if he can, upon a sure foundation. In favour of trading at the Moluccas. No profit to be made of Surat goods at Bantam; nothing sold there but pepper, and it is a most unhealthy country. The Moluccas very healthy and the people willing to trade with the English, but will be out of hope, no English ship having gone there this year. Scornful speeches of the Hollanders. Incloses receipt of Sir Robt. Sherley for 250l. Arrival of the Darling, disabled. Orders left by Capt. Saris for her to go to Patani and Siam. [Two pages. O. C, Vol. I., No. 128.] |
1614?
Jan.? |
684. Representation against Capt. Jourdain for opposing the sale of part of the Globe's cargo [at Bantam?] the captain averring that the goods did not belong to the Company, but were a private adventure of Mr. Floris. Not signed. [One page. O. C, Vol. I., No. 85.] |
1614.
January.
Firando,
Japan. |
685. Richard Cocks to Richard Wickham. Instructions for his voyage to Yedo, Sherongo [Surunga], and those parts of Japan, with a cargo of merchandise. Not to detain Capt. Addames after the business with the emperor is dispatched, but to send him back to Firando, where there will be necessary use of him. To take lodgings in the best merchant's house in the town, where he may have "a gadonge," fire–free, to prevent the danger of fire which the country is much subject to, and to live under the roof of a natural Japan; the better man's house he lives in, the more credit it will be for him; speaks from experience. Is informed the people are not to be trusted, and that no merchant of account will seek to buy upon credit, "for others they are to be refused." To choose a native assistant for great deceit is used, to make much of friends and use the country people kindly, "for fair words will do much, and as soon are spoken as foul." Against gaming, although only to pass away the time for trifles. To use all strangers kindly. For the sale of commodities. Authority to lend money to Tomesame, the young king of Firando, "but this must be done when you have received money of the emperor." To go overland from Oseky [Osaka] to Surunga with Capt. Addames. To correspond with Mr. Eaton at Osaka. A "Jurebasso" to help him. Invoice of goods. Requests him to give Capt. Addames content with kind speeches; is persuaded he could live seven years with him before any extraordinary speeches should happen between them. The necessary use they have of him. Tables of the weight of 600 bars of lead. [Seven pages. O.C., Vol. I, No. 127.] |
