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Jan. 1.
Firando in
Japan.
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1. Richard Cocks to the East India Company. Arrival of the
Thomas 22nd June by way of the Moluccas. Death of John Baylie,
merchant. Arrival of the Advice from Bantam 13th July. Death of
Yeward, [Robt. Youart] merchant, the year before. The Company's
letters of 3rd and 19th Nov. 1614, and 20th Jan. 1615, received.
Reasons for wishing his salary to be paid to him in the Indies. Refers
himself entirely to the Company's good consideration ; confesses he
cannot brag of deserving much, as he is in a place where no benefit
redounds to them of all his labours, but has no doubt things will
amend in time. Touching their order to join all the voyages into
the joint stock. Was more than four months at the Emperor's
Court, about renewing the Company's privileges ; thought at one
time to have lost all, and that they should have been banished from
Japan. Finds it far contrary to Capt. Saris' expectation as well
touching the trade to Patani and Siam as to Corea or Tushma ; his
reasons. Richard Wickham's salary of 20l. per annum too little. Can
get no trade into Corea, that of Tushma not worth the looking after.
The factories of Patani and Siam cannot be furnished from
Bantam. Voyage to Cochin China undertaken by Wm. Addames
who is now out of the Company's service. Coromandel steel not
esteemed in Japan ; no sale for Russian hides and other skins.
Knives, looking-glasses, and glass bottles the Japanese do not care for.
The value of other commodities. How to realize the Company's
expectation to have the silver of Japan furnish all other factories in
the Indies. Details of his visit to the Emperor's Court ; the
Council's desire to know whether the English nation were Christian
or no, "but," said they, "are not the jesuits and friars Christians too,
which I answered they were, but not such as we were, for that all
friars and jesuits were banished out of England before I was born ;"
warning given to them that they were not to communicate, confess,
or baptize. Discovered that in their new privileges the English
were restrained to have their shipping and sales at Firando only ; his
unsuccessful endeavours to have the privileges amended or to have
three years respite. Leave to sell the goods they had at Yeddo,
Miako, Osaka, and Sakaii, refused ; this restraint has put him to
great shifts. The Emperor's secretaries very sorry they could not
remedy the matter at present, because an Emperor's edict by act of
parliament having been so lately passed, it could not so soon be
repealed without scandal to the State, but that if Cocks renewed his
demand next year, being so reasonable, they verily thought it might
be amended ; hopes when General Keeling comes, it may be, otherwise
the Japan trade will not be worth the looking after. All factors
withdrawn to Firando. A present, brought by a friar from the
King of Spain, returned by the Emperor of Japan after he had kept
it about half-a-year. A Spaniard refused access to the Emperor ;
the Spaniard's vexation and false reports of the English. Desire of
the Japanese Admiral to engage Addames' services as a pilot to
make conquest of certain islands rich in gold. The Japanese
verily think that the English pretence to discover to the northward
is to find out some such rich islands and not to seek for any passage
that way for England, but Cocks persuaded the Admiral to the
contrary and suggested to him the conquest of the Manillas. Is still
of the same mind as to procuring trade into China ; had it not been
for the great wars between the Tartars and Chinese last year, the
English had had entrance before now: Letters and presents sent
for that object ; is told that they will undoubtedly take effect. His
care to have all Chinese well treated ; Capt. Jourdain offended with
the Hollanders at Bantam. News of the false report of Mr. Peacock's
murder, he having lost his life by drowning through the accidental
running down of the vessel by the Hollanders ; his body found
with a bag of money in his pocket by Walter Carwarden, without
a scar upon it, by whom it was buried. Carwarden's stay in Cochin
China. Cocks' efforts to procure the Emperor of Japan's letter to the
King of Cochin China for payment of the goods bought of Peacock,
the King acknowledging the debt. If a trade can be got in
Cochin China, raw silk in great quantity is sure to be had every
year ; twice as much silk cometh yearly there as to Bantam, Patani,
and Siam. No benefit to be expected from Patani but pepper ;
from Siam, deer skins. Sends piece of root from Corea worth its
weight in silver ; all that can be got is taken by the Emperor ; it
is held in Japan the most precious thing in physic in the world, and
sufficient to put life into any man if he can but draw breath ; it is
like a parsley root and very sweet to the taste. Arrival of the
Sea Adventure from Siam, fully laden with skins, also of a junk in
Shashma or Xaxma, which had been lost but for Edmund Sayer, not
six men being able to stand upon their legs ; the King of Xaxma's
extraordinary favours ; ordered them fresh men. The junk since
sold to Addames and his partners. Sales of commodities. Presents
fit for the Emperor of China ; a white or red coral tree he would
esteem a most precious jewel. Arguments with the Emperor of
Japan's Council, concerning the privileges for trade granted by the
Emperor of China to the Spaniards and Portuguese. Conversation
between a Portuguese and the Emperor's secretary as to the former
exercising "their pagan religion ;" said the Secretary "Hath not the
Emperor of Japan as much reason to put your jesuits and friars
out of Japan and to withstand the secret entrance of them, knowing
them to be stirrers up of sedition, and turbulent people?" Good and
serviceable ordnance cast by the Hollanders, of copper mixed with
tin. The Japanese Secretary very anxious to have five or six brass
falcons or falconets from England, saying he would rather have one
cast in England than ten of those cast in Japan. The Portuguese
galleons from the Philippines that thought to have destroyed both
English and Hollanders at Bantam, destroyed before the fleet of
Don Juan de Silva arrived, who is said to have died of sorrow.
Regrets he is in a place which hitherto hath been rather chargeable
than beneficial. If the Emperor of Japan will not enlarge their
privileges, whether trade cannot be carried on between China, or at
least Cochin China and Firando and Nangasaki, where they are
permitted to keep factories. Inconvenience of being in so small a
town as Firando ; the Hollanders use every effort to drive the
English out of trade, not caring whether they profit by the commodity
they sell or no. [Fourteen and a half pages. Indorsed
"Received by the Charles the 31 August 1618." Original Correspondence
from the India Office, Vol. IV., No. 424.] Incloses,
Copy of the privileges granted to the English nation
by Shongo Same, Emperor of Japan. English shipping
arriving in any part of Japan to retire to Firando,
and there only to make sale of their goods ; all other
places in Japan forbidden to receive any English goods.
If by contrary winds their shipping be constrained to
put into any other port, then to be friendly used. Any
thing needed by the Emperor from the ships to be reserved
for him, he paying the worth of it. Neither Japanese
nor English to be forced to buy or sell. Disposal of
goods in case of death, and accommodation of differences.
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Jan. 1.
Firando.
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2. Copy of the preceding letter. Fifteen pages. Indorsed, "By the
Peppercorn, received 6th Sept. 1617." [O.C., Vol. III., No. 342.]
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Jan. 1.
Firando.
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3. Another copy of the above. [Twelve pages. Indorsed, "Received
6th of November 1619, by the Little James." O.C., Vol. IV.,
No. 425.]
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Jan. 2.
Ajmere.
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4. Fran. Fetiplace to the East India Company. The King and
his whole camp of late removed to Agra, so that this place is left
desolate. Robt. Hewes [? Haies] remains with Fetiplace, with
their goods. When the time and place of the King's settling is
certainly known, they will go to his Court. Wm. Biddulph is there
with his Lordship [Sir Thos. Roe.] Jos. Salbancke remains at
Agra. Knows not how those of Surat will dispose of him, but he
desires the Company to dispense with the residue of his time so that
he may return home. [One page. Indorsed, "Received by the Globe."
O.C., Vol. IV., No. 426.]
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Jan. 3.
to
April 11/21.
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5. Minutes of a Council held by Nathaniel Courthope, Sophony
Cozucke, Thos. Spurway, John Davye, and John Hinchley "upon
the coming in of the Hollanders." That the English having possession
of the land and road of Pooloroon given up to them (by the
inhabitants) for the use of the King's Majesty, and doubting the
Hollanders' treachery to dispossess the English of it as formerly
they have done at Pooloway and other places, a letter was written
to the Dutch Commander and sent aboard their Admiral, and that
he might not have the excuse of not being able to understand
English, [Geo.] Muschamp was sent to make them understand, who
reported that the Dutch "desired respect till the next morning."
This answer being considered a delay for their advantage, and
having been informed that the Dutch have shipping at Pooloway,
ready manned and armed, and as the Council think in all probability,
to come to Pooloroon this night to drive the English from the
island, Muschamp was again dispatched with the answer annexed
which the Dutch desired to have under the hands of the Council,
and this was presently sent aboard their Admiral. Annexed,
Answer of the English Council at Pooloroon. That in
respect of the abuses of the Dutch, the English cannot repose
any trust in them, "we have been the means to stay the hands
of the people of the island ; only two hours is the time limited,
from this time present. If you weigh not before, you shall have
shot from the land and we will aid them." Pooloroon, 3
January 1617. [Signed as above.]
"Insinuations made by the factors of the Dutch [East India]
Company to the servants of the English Company in Banda."
The Dutch complain that the English not only endeavour to
wrest from them their trade in spices at Amboyna, Banda, and
the Moluccas, but that they also assist the Spaniards, Portuguese,
and Bandanese with whom the Dutch were at war. Among
other instances of their having done so, the following are cited :
In May 1615 at the conquest of the fort of Pooloway, the Dutch
found a quantity of English arquebuses, powder, and artillery
which the English confessed they had sold to the Bandanese ;
in the following January [1616], the English against the
wish of the Governor of Ternate, settled themselves at Lugho,
Cambello, and other places, planted their cannon on the little
fort of Cambello and killed "an Amboynese of ours" and
wounded another ; that in the past year [1616], the English
assisted the enemies of the Dutch at Tidore who were in great
straits, and daily, by undue and sinister practices incited the
inhabitants of Banda, Amboyna, and the Moluccas against the
Dutch, making them odious ; also that on the 3/13 January last
past, [1617], on the arrival of two of the Dutch ships with a
bark at Pooloroon, the English took away a red flag, planted an
English flag on the island, constructed two or three batteries,
and compelled the Dutch ships to withdraw within two hours,
on pain of being treated hostilely ; that they required restitution
of Pooloway, and threatened in case of refusal to take the
island by force ; that they planted an English flag at Rosingyn,
and committed other acts tending to prevent their peaceable
enjoyment of the traffic of spices in the places where they have
so dearly bought it. "We have thought fit in the most
courteous manner to declare and demonstrate to you that our
nation has taken under its care, and with the assistance of God,
has effected the defence of several Indian kings and people
against the violence and oppression of the Spaniards, Portuguese,
and their adherents, and we are resolved henceforth to persevere
in so laudable a design, according to the contracts and agreements
which the said kings and people, and above all those
of the Moluccas, Amboyna, and Banda in general, have reciprocally
allowed to our nation, not to give up the fruits of
the spices or any other [commodity] to any but our own
[people], without which it would be impossible to support the
excessive expense and charges of the said onerous defence,
requiring nevertheless as our good friends, allies, and confederates,
that you will so conduct yourselves as not to attempt anything
against the said contracts and agreements, or endeavour to
wrest from us by any means whatever the effect of them, and
especially that you will not attempt to deprive us of the fruits,
a right to which for a lawful consideration has been conceded
to us, [de nous priver des fruicts qui avecq une ligitime cause
nous sont oubligs,] or assist with artillery, munitions of war,
victuals, or other necessaries, the inhabitants of the Banda
isles in general, with whom we are at contention, and who,
the past year by the treaty of peace, so solemnly, to the
exclusion of all others, promised the said fruits." The English
are therefore required to depart with their ships from thence,
and put themselves under the protection of the Dutch fort, in
which they shall be used as the Hollanders' best friends, but
should they refuse, the Dutch will be constrained by all means
possible, even if need be by force of arms, to maintain the said
contracts and compel the English to withdraw. All the inconveniences
which may arise from the attempts or opposition of
the English, the Dutch acquit themselves of, before God and the
world, as wishing nothing but friendship with the English.
4/14 January 1617. [French.]
Minutes of a Council held aboard the Swan, by Nat. Courthope,
Sophony Cozucke, Thos. Spurway, Geo. Muschamp, Robt.
Hayes, John Davye, John Hinchley, Walter Stacie, Barnard
Downes, and Richard Swanley. The Flemings having received
an absolute answer not to anchor in "this our road of Pooloroon"
given up by the inhabitants of the island into the hands of the
King of England, it is resolved "for our further fortification"
if the Dutch attempt to come to the road, to defend themselves,
and to land seven pieces of ordnance for their greater
security, provided they may, with little trouble be brought
aboard again. It is further resolved that if the Dutch attempt
the assault of Pooloroon to the annoyance of the English trade,
agreed on by the islanders, "to use our best force against them
for the defence of our right and ourselves, and not to permit
them to anchor but our forces ashore to begin with them."
5th January 1617.
John Davye to N. Courthope and the rest of his friends.
The [Dutch] Admiral and the rest have sealed their resolution
to have Pooloroon according to their commission, if they may,
without spilling more blood in this quarrel, which has so far
passed already that it cannot be ended here or at Bantam,
but in England and Holland. Knows without they talk
together there will be much slaughter about it, for the Dutch
are all double manned from the castle, and must fight it out as
Davys has proved already, "for they did shoot at me twice
before I began, although I was in the sea, eight leagues off,
when they chased me. We fought almost board and board an
hour and a half till they had killed five men, maimed three,
and hurt eight, and when we began we had not 35 able men
to do anything, or any wind to work the ship withal, wherefore,
if you mean to save your men, parley before you fight,
for that will give you content, otherwise you are to stand to
the hazard of wars ; they know we have Rosingyn and Wayer
surrendered, but there must neither English nor French, nor
none to carry any goods away from none of these islands of
Banda, but to bring their ship, under their castle and let the
law end it at home, for they do think that this that is already
done will join both the companies in one when it shall come
home." Davye and his company are favourably used ; the
men have their victuals from the ship, but are kept ashore for
their own security, for the Dutch have many prisoners ; all is
spiked down close, "but if you fight the soldiers will have their
pillage." 4 March 1617.
Courthope, Spurway, and Hinchley to the Dutch (? Admiral).
Have received their letters, together with a letter, as they
pretend from Mr. Davis [sic, Davye ?], from which they understand
that the Dutch have by force taken the English ship
the Swan, killed and wounded divers of her men ; that the
Dutch first began the quarrel, upon what ground the English
know not, they therefore require one of the ship's company to
certify them of the very truth which they greatly mistrust,
as they have been informed by an escaped black that not only
the merchants, master, and others were killed in fight, but also
that all the rest of the company were murdered in cold blood.
"With what security can we commit ourselves into your hands
who have so barbarously taken our ship, and, as we credibly
hear, murdered our men?" The English also have commission
to maintain the King's Majesty's right to Pooloroon, surrendered
to his subjects, and to fortify it against all nations. "Therefore
to bring ourselves under your subjections we will not, until we
speak with an Englishman of the said ship to satisfy us
whether it be so with our men, as we hear reported, or not,
that upon his manifestation to us we may the better resolve
what to do herein." 7 March 1617.
[The Dutch Admiral ?] to Courthope and his companions.
Is much astonished at their very unworthy proceedings, notwithstanding
the "insinuations" and warnings [advertissements]
the Dutch have already given them. The strict alliance
and good understanding between the crown of England and
the United Provinces, which above all things have been recommended
to them on the part of the United Provinces, induce
the writer in the first place to beseech him, in order to avoid
the further effusion of blood, to take to heart and maturely
consider the position in which they have placed themselves,
since the Dutch cannot suffer any nation under any circumstances
to come and enjoy with them [the Dutch] the traffic of
spices which the Dutch have with so much cost, and to the exclusion
of all others, acquired in Banda, Amboyna, and the Moluccas,
but they are ready, according to the instruction of their
superiors [if fair means will not avail] forcibly to drive them
out of Pooloroon and Banda, and the writer hereby protests
before God and the world, that the evil or inconvenience that
will ensue on that account they [the Dutch] are innocent of, as
having desired to maintain a strict friendship with the English ;
if they please to send some one to speak to him on this point,
he shall have liberty to come and good treatment. Is very
much astonished that M. de Laire, assistant merchant, who was
sent to them some days since, has not returned, does not know
whether he is detained against his will. Recommends them
not to detain him against the common right of people, and
also to return to the bearer the goods he had with him.
30 March/9 April 1617. [French.]
Answer of the English to the Dutch letter of 30 March/9 April, signed
by Nat. Courthope. Have received their letters, whereby the
English understand the desire the Dutch have of coming to a
reasonable composition to avoid the effusion of much blood.
It is not their desire to spill blood unless forced thereunto, and
therefore they may confer of such composition if the Dutch
will, according to their letters, and send pledges. Courthope
makes choice of Seignrs. Henry de Waterfort and Henry de
Yonge, and he will himself come over to see if he can make a
good composition with them [the Dutch] as they pretend,
hoping he shall find them gentlemen of such courtesy as to
have free regress, as likewise the English will have through the
Dutch hostages. If therefore the men above-named are sent,
Courthope will go back in the same prow they come in. This
letter was purposed to have come to their hands by their messenger,
but Lantor men would not permit him to come.
Pooloroon, 2 April 1617.
"Presentation" given to Nathaniel Courthope. That he,
Courthope, having been four months chief merchant upon the
English ships, the Swan and Defence, come from Banda, and at
this time fortified in Pooloroon, knows and confesses that the
Sieur Laurens Real, Governor General on behalf of the States
General of the United Provinces, and of the [Dutch] East India
Company, has made Courthope an offer of restitution of the
ships Swan and Defence, with everything that at the time of
the taking thereto belonged, together with all his people, and
restitution to them of whatever damage they have sustained by
the pillage of the Dutch soldiers and sailors, provided that he
go out with all his people and abandon the isles of Bauda, in
which the said General promises all assistance, so that Courthope
may not only remove his people but also the artillery with all
their belongings, without danger. French.. Neira, 7/17 April,
1617.
Answer to the preceding Presentation, signed by N. Courthope
and Thos. Spurway. They have duly considered every point
in the [Dutch] demands, and find them altogether so impossible
that they cannot yield thereunto ; first, because they would
give away the right of their Sovereign and of the Company,
their employers, which by tbeir oath they are bound to maintain,
and would bring themselves within the compass of treason ;
next, that they would betray the people of these islands into
their [the Dutch] hands, who have surrendered these islands
and themselves unto his Majesty of England which, should
the inhabitants perceive the English to prove so false and
act so unchristianlike, they could expect no other than fury
from them, they [the inhabitants] being the stronger ; but the
writers make this proffer again, that if the Dutch return the
ship Defence, and men and anchors, and bring token to carry
the English cargo to Bantam, and "give under their hands"
that neither they nor any of their forces will attempt or offer
violence against either of those two islands of Pooloroon [sic] or
any of the English or Bandanese here, being all the King's
Majesty's subjects by lawful surrender, "provided until it be
decided in England or Bantam." 10 April 1617.
Answer to the preceding letter signed by Laurens Real.
Their letter of the 10th, old style, was received this morning,
the contents of which were well understood. Recapitulates the
terms set forth in the Presentation of the 7th present, and as
touching the alliance between the English and those of Pooloroon,
"upon which you so grandly repose," the Dutch put it
to the English to which they ought to attach the greater weight,
to the ancient alliance between the crown of England and the
United Provinces, or to this new alliance, which without orders
[charge] from their King the English have contracted, against
all right, with the infidel Moors their enemies, who are under
their subjection and under contract to them [ nous tenuz et
obligez par contract]. Three days are hereby given to the
English to consider which they will judge the best for their
convenience. If, notwithstanding, the English proceed besides
to the defence of the said Moors, the enemies of the Dutch
against whom they are ready to continue hostilities, the Dutch
protest before God and the world that they are not guilty of
the effusion of blood that may thereby ensue. They also
require that Christopher de Laire, with the Mardykers who
were sent to the English by the Lieut.-Governor of Banda, be
sent back. French. From the Fort of Nassau, Isle of Neira,
11/21 April 1617. Together seven papers ; 13 pp. Copies, with
Dutch certificates that they have been collated with the originals
and found correct. [East Indies, Vol. I., Nos. 50-56.]
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Jan. 4.
In the Factory
of Tecoe.
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6. Henry Pattesonn to William Nicolls, chief factor at Acheen.
Knavery of "the Pollema" which should be punished for future
example, though he thinks to have procured this letter on his behalf ;
no trade to be had without great bribes. [Two pages. O. C.,
Vol. IV., No. 427.]
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Jan. 8.
Surat.
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7. Attestations against William Leske, minister to the English
factory at Surat, on his removal by Capt. Henry Pepwell, Commander
of the English Fleet. Setting forth that he is a most
licentious, ungodly liver, and one that prefers his epicurism, drunkenness
and intolerable insolent pride before the divine worship of God.
Signed by Thos. Kerridge, Thos. Rastell, Henry Woodroffe, Fras.
Futter, Wm. Martin, Lewis Smyth, and Robt. Hutchinson. [Three
pages. O. C., Vol. IV., No. 429.]
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Jan. 14.
Firando.
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8. Wm. Addames to Sir Thos. Smythe, Governor of the East
India Company. Has been Cape merchant three years. His intended
voyage to China prevented by a grievous storm ; arrived in
safety at the Leques Islands, where they found marvellous great
friendship, but were forced to return to Japan, because the monsoon
was past. Prosperous voyage to Siam. Was most joyful to see the
Thomas and the Advice arrive. Went to Court with Rich. Cocks ;
their privileges renewed, but afterwards altered, confining them to
trade at Firando and Nangasaki. Fails in his endeavours to get
the privileges reformed. The present Emperor more against the
Romish religion than his father was ; he has forbidden, on pain of
death, any of his subjects to become Romish Christians, and also any
stranger merchant from abiding in any of the great cities for fear
on that pretence that jesuits and friars might secretly teach the
Romish religion. Intends taking a voyage in hand this year to
Cochin China, to see if by his means privileges may be obtained
to get free trade into their factory again, and also to find out how
Mr. Peacock lost his life. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. IV.,
No. 428.]
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Jan. 14/24.
Firando.
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9. Jacques Specx [the Dutch Chief in Japan] to John Jourdain,
President of the English at Bantam. Is sorry to find from his
letter to Capt. Cocks that he is discontented with the burthen of the
Osiander ; her goods have been brought to Bantam. Everybody
offered a price to lade goods thereon. Thinks they have not broken
his rules. All has been done in good will to the captain. Professions
of respect. [Dutch. One page. O. C., Vol. IV., No. 430.]
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Jan. 15.
Jask.
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10. Edward Connok, Edward Pettus, and Wm. Bell, to the East
India Company. The Company will, before this, have understood
of their new settled trade by the writers, and of the arrival of the
James in Persia. Having considered the necessity of servants, and
from experience of the dear rates of service of this country people,
they have entertained for land soldiers three of the men from the
James at 20s., 15s., and 10s. a month each : one as cook, the others
to be trained up in the feats of merchandise. [One page. O.C.,
Vol. IV., No. 431.]
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Jan. 15.
Jask Road,
in Persia.
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11. Edw. Connok and others to Capt. Alex. Childe, master of the
James. In case he cannot recover the Road of Surat by about the
end of February, he is to sail with the James directly to Bantam
Road, where he will receive further directions. [One page. O. C.,
Vol. IV., No. 432.]
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Jan. 16.
Firando,
Japan.
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12. Rich. Cocks to the East India Company. Brief of part of
his letter of the 1st January. Silver may be procured in great
abundance, and liberty to carry it out at pleasure, but not with
English commodities, rather with raw silk and silk stuffs, all of
which must be procured with money to have them in any quantities ;
so that to begin this factory, a great sum of ready money or plate
must be provided, and afterwards, the profits arising will provide
Bantam and other factories without sending any more out of England.
Commodities which will and will not be vented. Great charge of
sending junks from Japan ; they should go twice a year from Siam
to Patani ; little or no silk at those places. It should be provided
at Bantam and not all sent to England, but part reserved for
Japan. Advantages of procuring trade in China. Doubtful whether
the Japanese will now assist in any discovery for the north-west
passage to England. Sickness of John Totten, master of the Advice.
In great want of hard wax, quills, sealing thread, and good ink,
[Two pages. Indorsed, "Received by the Peppercorn." O. C.,
Vol. IV., No. 433.]
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Jan. 16.
Firando.
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13. Copy of the preceding. [Indorsed, "Received by the Charles
31 Aug. 1618." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 424.]
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Jan. 16.
Firando.
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14. Another copy of the above letter. [Indorsed, "Received
6 Nov. 1619, by the Little James." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 425.]
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Jan. 17.
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15. Sir Thos. Roe to [William] Robbins [agent to Sir Robert
Sherley in Persia]. His honest and good affection to his country
will not be unrecompensed by the East India Company. Finding
Sir Robt. Sherley had undertaken to interest the Spaniard in the
trade of Persia, Roe deferred prosecuting his intents until he was
encouraged by Robbins' letters and by a conference with Mahomet
Baze-Leage, Shah Abbas' ambassador. The Company cannot profit
by landing their goods at Jask and transporting them up to Court at
their own charges, except under certain conditions. They therefore
desire that a port be secured by the King, free for them alone or for
all indifferently, where they may land their goods ; the requisite
privileges and a settled agreement as to prices ; and the King's
commands for his silks to be brought down yearly at the season to
the port, which is easier than by Aleppo. A trade thus settled will
be durable and steadily increase. To this purpose a ship is now sent
to Jask to unlade cloth and other goods. Encourages him to
assist in procuring the necessary phirmaunds, "for we aim, not at
gnats and small flies, but at a commerce honorable and equal to two
so mighty nations." Tells him "to open the King's eyes that he be
not blinded with the smoky air of Spanish greatness * * * You
are an Englishman ; show it rightly." If he find the above conditions
will not be agreed to, "assure the King that we will not
come like pedlars and to advise us that we spend no more time and
travail in vain." Expects to turn his face homewards in December,
unless he is ordered to visit the Shah Abbas. [One page and a half.
Indorsed, "Copy of a letter received 5th March from the Right
Hon. Sir Thos. Roe, dated 17th Jany. 1616-7, received by the way
of Aleppo and Marseilles, 26 Nov. 1617." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 434.]
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Jan. 18.
Savoy.
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16. Geo. Lord Carew to Sir Thos. Roe. Thanks for his letter
from Ajmere, "the King of Mogoll's Court" ; entreats him to
continue the curious description of that huge monarchy in which all
cosmographers are very much mistaken. All novelties of the country
will be welcome, especially books and coins, but not to trouble
himself about loadstones. Supposes he finds mighty opposition from
the Jesuits. Sends news since his last. The commentaries of
Matteo Riccio, a jesuit, who resided at Paquin in China many years,
printed in 1616 ; amongst other things, he reports the travels in
1603 of Benedictus Joesius, a Portuguese friar. A caravan was two
years going from Lahore to Paquin ; calculates the distance to be
above 4,000 miles, and if so, "it follows that all our cosmographers
are much mistaken, and China in the maps must be stretched farther
to the eastward." The friar's journey was by command of his
superior, to discover Cataya and see Cambalu, both mistaken by
our cosmographers ; no other countries called Cataya but China, and
Paquin is the city called Cambalu. A pamphlet lately extant of
Corint's travels to the Mogul's country, "you have him with you,"
or would have sent his book. He would do well to inform himself
of the countries to the north and north-east of Mogul, and of the
prince we call the Great Cham, "for it certain there are large
kingdoms whereof we are nearly ignorant." Describes the course
taken by the caravan by Mercator's Geography, and explains the
cause of the long travel which might have been performed in less than
492 days. Reasons for correcting his former opinion, that Asia ought
to have a longer extent to the eastward than is given in the maps.
The north-west passage attempted last summer, but nothing
effected, and now less hope to find it than before.
Suggestions for bringing commodities from the Mogul's country,
Persia, and the kingdoms adjacent, "if the rivers of Indus or Ganges
be navigable as the Ob is," by a less tedious and dangerous route.
The ground of the complaints of the Levant Company arises from
the spoils and robberies committed, as the Turks allege, by our
merchants upon the Grand Signor's subjects in the East Indies.
Leaves him to the report of the English factors going to Surat,
to state the cause of the difference between the English and the
Hollanders about English cloths ; it is a question of profit, as taking
from them Hollanders the maintenance of 600,000 persons who
gain their living by dyeing and dressing cloth.
A copy of his letter, dated at Ajmere in February last, was presented
by Sir Thos. Smythe and others of the East India Company
to the Lords of the Council on 16th January ; his project for opening
a trade with Persia so well liked by the Lords and the merchants
that it is concluded a trial will be made ; there is such a madness in
England to be clothed in silk that we cannot endure our home-made
cloth ; conceives, however, objections to his project ; the Grand
Signor may be irritated to the confiscation of all English merchants'
goods throughout his dominions ; the silks are only sold for ready
money, and 600,000l. will scarcely he able to drive that trade which
"will exhaust the treasure of the realm."
The East India fleet being ready to fall down the river, is enforced
to end this gazette. [Extracts from Domestic Jac. I., Vol. 90, No. 24,
Cal., pp. 424-428. Printed in Carew's Letters for the Camden
Society, edited by John Maclean, pp. 27-79.]
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Jan. 18.
Bram pore
[Burrampoor].
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17. Nicholas Banggam to the East India Company. By Capt.
Keeling's orders he settled a factory at Burrampoor last year.
English goods sell at a greater profit than at Surat ; list of those
sold, and the prices ; last year they amounted to 3,000l. sterling,
which he has passed on to Ahmedabad. Hopes to double the
amount this year. Refers them to Lawrence Walldo who lived here
the year past and now goes home sick. The Lord Ambassador (Roe)
is at Court at great charge by reason of the King's progress ; he is
sometimes in favour and sometimes out, he is standing upon the credit
of his place and our nation, and takes his place so near the King
that the great men of the Court envy him and would not have it
so. [A marginal note (made in England) says: Why was not the
3,000l. rather remitted to Agra to be invested there in hard indigo ?
Two pages. O. C., Vol. IV., No. 435.]
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Jan. 19.
Jask.
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18. Edward Connok and Thomas Barker to the East India
Company. Capital brought from Surat to Persia [in the James].
Can write with no certainty as yet of the sales of English commodities.
Spices will sell at almost the same rate as in England.
Ormuz, famous for her trade, has greatly declined the last three or
four years. The Portugals grow weak. Earnestly request directions
to be given to the factories at Surat and Bantam for a yearly
supply to the writers of at least 500 tons of spices. Hopes of a
good trade in Persia. Reasons for persuading the whole fleet to be
sent directly for Persia ; chiefly for the health of the mariners
which by toddy, rack, and women in Surat is much weakened.
Commends the victuals at Jask. The bay at Jask a fit place for
fortification, "which I doubt not but from the Sophy to obtain ;"
in a month's time it may be made defensible against a multitude.
Carriage of goods up the country cheap, some dispatched under the
conduct of Edw. Pettus and Wm. Bell ; Geo. Pley, and Wm. Tracy
left with other goods. Have not treated with the Governor of
Jask for privileges but refer to the Sophy himself. Sufficient
testimonies received of fair usage and good intentions. [Three
pages. Indorsed, "Read. Received 5 September 1617 by the
Globe." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 436.]
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Jan. 19.
Jask.
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19. Edward Connok and Thomas Barker to Thomas Kerridge,
chief factor at Surat. Arrived at Jask 24 Dec 1616, in twentysix
days from Surat. Gave chase to divers boats and took
one of 30 tons, with a Portuguese pass, and laden with timber.
Friendly reception by the Governor of Mogustan, which is eight
days journey from Jask, and where licence was obtained for
landing their goods. George Pley and William Tracy left there.
Found all places they passed through extremely poor and without
any commerce except for necessaries, having lately been overrun by
the King of Persia though formerly distinguished from the Persian
government and known by the ancient name of Ormuz. Nothing
discouraged, being assured the inland mart towns were exceeding
rich ; Combran [Gombroon] the present port of the Portuguese, Shirauz,
or Siras, and Ispahan, the seat of the King, being exceeding great,
populous, and wealthy. Reasons for returning some of the goods.
Desire all the cloth that comes in the next fleet for Surat to be sent
to them, as well as the whole fleet with all the cargo, having first
supplied their own wants, as at present they do not know what
English commodities will sell in Persia. For the purchase of a
good quantity of silk and other Persian commodities, they have
written to the President at Bantam to send them annually a ship of
400 tons laden with spices, which they believe will sell at as good
rates as in England. Large quantities of Guzerat cloth imported
by the Portuguese. List of goods required by the next ships. A
good supply of presents necessary for so potent a Prince. [Two
pages. Indorsed, "This copy sent into India to the above named
by express messenger under the 15th of May from Ispahan, accompanied
with others our letters of this date." O. C., Vol. IV.,
No. 437.]
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Jan. 19.
Jask.
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20. Connok and Barker to Capt. W. Keeling, "Commander
General over all the English in the East Indies and to the English
merchants resident in the factory of Bantam." Inclose accounts of
their arrival and proceedings in Persia. In former times the
Portuguese supplied the large territories of Persia with spices, by
which means chiefly they made the barren island of Orm z to yield
more profit than any of their Eastern trades beside ; they are now
so weak through losses, chiefly by the English and Hollanders, and
so molested by sea robbers that no quantities of spices are now
imported by them and the price is very much improved. Expediency
of sending large quantities of spices. Refer to other reports as to
the fittest time for sending the ships. [Three quarters of a page.
Indorsed : "By the James." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 438.]
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Jan.
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21. Advice by Capt. Anthony Fugars for ships sailing for the
coast of Persia, given to Edw. Connok for the good of the East
India Company ; also for the safe landing of goods and for fortification.
[One page. O. C., Vol. IV., No. 439.]
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Jan. 20.
Lambeth.
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22. Archbishop Abbot to Sir Thos. Roe. Thanks for his letters ;
begs him to continue the same course of advertisements, which are
of great consequence to our affairs here, particularly for the welfare
or ill fare of the Portugals and the King of Spain. A man is simple
who doth not see that the King of France, the Princes of Italy, and
especially the Hollanders are the greater or the lesser as events
turn out in those Eastern parts. Cannot hastily resolve what may
be thought of the trade for Persia ; exceptions to it. [Sir Thos.]
Sherley's children have all been shifters, venturing on great matters,
carrying high shows, and in the end coming to beggary. Describes
the position of each. Sir Thomas in the Fleet for debt ; Sir Anthony
in Spain has his pension seized for debt, and is barely kept from
starving ; Sir Robert "if he have any religion is a Papist ;" Papal
indulgences, medals, &c. granted to and dispensed by him, among
them a power to legitimize bastards, he laid the fault upon his wife,
whom he acknowledged to be a Romanist ; "in a word you know
that he is a hungry fellow and liveth merely by his wit." [Two
pages. Domestic Jac. I., Vol. 90., No. 34., Cal. p. 429.]
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Jan. 20.
Firando.
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23. John Osterwick to the East India Company. Has not
written since he left England in the fleet under the command of
Capt. David Middleton. Account of his several employments.
Death of John Bailey on 29 August ; Capt. Totten and himself
appointed overseers of his estate ; their disposal of it. [One page
and a half. Indorsed, "Received from Bantam by the Charles,
1 Sept. 1618." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 440.]
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Jan. 27.
[Firando.]
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24. R. Cocks to the East India Company. Sickness of Capt.
Totten ; Rich. Wickham going chief commander of the Advice to
Bantam. Six men ran away from the two ships during Cocks'
absence at the Japanese Court, one having stolen a bag of money
from his master. Drunkenness and bad conduct of many of those
in the ships from England ; thinks their friends glad to be rid
of them, send them out, hoping these long voyages may make an
end of them. His advice to Jourdain in case Capt. Keeling be gone
to the Moluccas before the Advice arrive at Bantam ; also in case
they get trade in Cochin China which they cannot tell until Capt.
Addames' return. Thinks the Advice fit to undertake the discovery
to the northwards. The King of Firando owes 3,000 taes for
goods bought last year ; he is moneyless and they cannot get a
penny from him ; he owes the Hollanders about 10,000 taes. The
pictures of the planets, which cost 3l. sterling a piece, wrapped
together face to face before being dry are all utterly defaced and
not worth one penny ; had they come in their full beauty they
would never have sold for a quarter of their cost. Useless sending
such things, they esteem a painted sheet of paper with a horse
or ship or a bird more than such rich pictures ; no one will give
6d. for that fair picture of the conversion of St. Paul. Account of
monies laid out. [One page and a half. Indorsed, "Received
by the Charles, 31st Aug, 1618." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 424.]
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Jan. 27.
[Firando.]
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25. Another copy of the preceding letter. [Indorsed, "Received
6 Nov. 1619 by the Little James." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 425.]
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Jan. 31.
Firando.
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26. Cocks to the East India Company. The Advice ready to
sail with Wickham as chief commander. III condition of the goods
sent to Firando ; cloth rotten and moth eaten, looking glasses
spotted, skins worm eaten ; cargoes for Japan should not be opened
until they arrive at their destination. The pictures, maps of cities,
shires, and provinces come so torn and defaced that they are worth
nothing ; the pictures in oil all defaced through being clapped
together wet ; rich pictures not esteemed in Japan but rather
printed black paper with ships, horses, battles, and birds, and such
like trifles. [One page. Indorsed, "Received by the Hope from
Bantam 2 Sept. 1618." O. C., Vol. IV., No. 441.]
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Jan. 31.
Firando.
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27. Another copy of the preceding letter. [Indorsed, "Received
from Bantam by the Charles 1 Sept. 1618." O. C., Vol. IV.,
No. 442.]
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