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Jan. 2.
London.
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235. Nathaniel Brent to [Sir Dudley Carleton]. The merchants
of Middleburgh and the East Indies have undertaken to furnish the
Exchequer with 50,000l., of which the King has assigned 12,000l.
for Ireland, 8,000l. for the arrearages of artillery, 17,000l. for Lords
Hamilton, D'Aubigny, Hay, and Haddington, and 4,000l. for the
Prince's mask. [Extract from Domestic Jac. I. Vol. 95, No. 3. Cal.
p. 510.]
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Jan. 5.
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236. Robert Jackson to Geo. Ball, president at Bantam. Report
that they should go away out of the ship as to day, but if they
come not ashore begs him to let diligent search be made among
the ships for them. Was obliged by the master of the Admiral that
took their ship to take down his flag and ancient, and was taken by
force before the General. Begs, if not much to Ball's dishonour, that
he may be released, and Robt. Ambrose paid two ryals of eight
which Jackson owes him. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 588.]
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Jan. 8.
Jacatra.
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237. Nich. Ufflete to President Ball at Bantam. The rice and
boards requested in Ball's letter of the 4th inst. are ready. Wil.
Wilson sent to the Sabundar, who showed him a writing from the
King, in which was demanded a kind of duty to be paid for every
ship coming to Jacatra, called in Malay, Rooba Rooba. The King
said Capt. Jourdain agreed to give out of every ship two barrels
of powder, two pieces and four yards of broadcloth, or else the
value ; Ufflete replied he could say nothing until he had written to
Ball for directions. Capt. Dickers arrived this day in a Dutch
pinnace, and is to go for Holland. Two Flemish pinnaces at present
in the road. A French fleet ten leagues off in want of a pilot ; the
King has forbidden either English or Dutch to go aboard, the which
Ball may certify Mons. La Cane. Lading of the French ships. It
is thought the King himself will buy all that he is able, which is
thought to be the reason why he will allow none to go aboard. Has
fifty butts of rack and a lot of pickled fish, in want of cask and
hogsheads to put them in. [One page and a half. O.C., Vol. V.,
No. 589.]
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Jan. 9.
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238. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Concerning
payment to the wife of Wm. Addames of money lent to the sailors of
the Thomas by her husband. Doctor Wood's book "for the
comforte of navigators and such as shall travaile by sea," dedicated
to the East India Company, commended as a very good work.
Felix Kingston, the printer, willing to give 1,000 copies of the said
book for his freedom, which the Company held proper to be distributed
in several voyages amongst their mariners, sworn a free
brother. Twenty jacobus given to Dr. Wood for writing the book
and preaching aboard the Company's ships. All the ships to fall
down to Gravesend this week, and then to be dispatched together
by the committees. Imprest money to be paid to the ships by
Atkinson. Request of the Lord Chancellor for one of his bedchamber
to be admitted to the freedom of the Company and allowed
to adventure 1,000l. to be granted, if he will not accept 100 jacobus
instead, which the Governor is desired to offer, as also to beg the
Lord Chancellor not to make any further request of the like kind.
Request of the Attorney-General for his brother-in-law, Sir Edward
Cockett, to be admitted a free brother, and to adventure 500l., to
be granted, upon his assurance that it shall be the last request he
will make of that nature. Letters read from Christopher Farewell,
of 26th December last, for payment on account of his salary and goods,
referred. Petition of William Wilye, surgeon in the Peppercorn, to
remit freight for his pepper, refused. Letter read from Capt. Best,
"making a dark acknowledgment of an offence, and citing certain
places out of Solomon to prove that it is the part of a wise man to
pass by an offence ; resolved to respite his business till the departure
of the ships. Petition of John Smith, craving satisfaction for losses
sustained by the Flemings, and for the wages of Henricke Sedensnore,
a Dutchman, who bequeathed them to him, referred. Reasons
for deciding that the patent for "the custom of the knees" should
not be interfered with ; Hukeley to be granted his freedom, and
his good offices secured that nothing be done prejudicial to the Company
by that patent. Philip Richardson being disabled, dismissed
the service, with a gratuity of two double jacobus. Purchase
of plank by the "committees for the yardes ;" also of corn out of
the east country ; "in 10 years the company have not spent of
English 300 quarters, whereby a great deal of clamour is stopped."
Capt. Pepwell's goods to be delivered to Raphe Handson. Petition
of Lucy Delemove for part of her husband's wages and payment of
a debt and a month's pay yearly out of the wages of one Allye, an
Indian, refused. Proposals delivered by Sir Noel Caron, from one
of the "Maios" of the Low Countries, for the English and Dutch
Companies to unite, "whereby they shall be able to give the law to
others in the Indyes, seeing there is a new company setting up in
France and another in Denmark," to be considered. Sir John
Wolstenholme to procure a warrant for the transmission of the
piece of brass ordnance to the King of Acheen. Purchase of two
pieces of brass ordnance from Lord Lincoln. [Three pages and three
quarters. Court Bk. IV., 104-107.]
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Jan. 9.
Aboard the
Unicorn.
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239. Ric. Hounsell to Capt. Geo. Ball, president at Bantam.
Requests his directions for the removal of the surgeon of the Hope
to the Unicorn. There are Thos. Symons and two other surgeons
in the Hope. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 590.]
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Jan. 13.
Bantam.
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240. W. Stonywell to Edward Longe at Jacatra. Has not yet
received the money of Mr. Swanley. The French Admiral arrived ;
he will have great care in laying out the money according to Longe's
direction. Has delivered his two letters to La Cane, and advised
Ufflete of Gen. Decker's escape from the Flemings, and of his being
at the court ; it is supposed the Dutch will detain the ship till the
General be given up. Two ships sailed to day for Jacatra, but no
news as yet of what they have done. Will remember Mr. Powle.
The Solomon and the Thomas left for Macassar three days past ; the
Charles and the Hope are laden and ready to sail. [One page.
O.C., Vol. V., No. 591.]
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Jan. 13-16.
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241. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Resolution
concerning Beale, who was bound for certain sums for Lutterford.
Provisions to be got ready for the relief of the factories at Bantam
and Surat, and a surgeon to be left at Bantam. A pipe of wine a
piece to be provided for Sir Thomas Dale, Capts. Parker, and Bonner,
as chief commanders. Petition of Alice, widow of Robert Walldo,
against her daughter-in-law, the widow of John Walldo, for certain
moneys, to be determined by Hump. Smith and Handford. Capt.
Best's business deferred for consideration. Mountney's recompense
for his servant's services increased to "eight score pounds," to make
it 20l. per annum. Value of Christopher Farewell's goods, money
due to him, referred to next general court. New lease of Leadenhall
to be rewritten. Letter read from Nathaniel Martyn concerning
his losses and crosses and the great expenses he has been at through
his troubles ; motion to make him an allowance for his antelope,
which cost him dear, and was very chargeable to bring home, refused,
because by commission all were forbidden to bring any such rare
creatures but for the Company's use ; but being unwilling to send
him away discontented, he was given 100l., and promised further
favour at his return if he deserved it by his good service. Request
of Sir Thos. Dale for Capt. Harris and Capt. Christien to accompany
him in the fleet owing to his Vice-Admiral, Capt. Parker, being old
and corpulent, refused. Orders drawn out by John Woodall,
"general surgeon for the Company," to be delivered to the chief
commander of each ship, who is to see them observed on the voyage.
Careening of ships in the Indies. The carpenters' wives to be
relieved out of their husband's wages during their absence, although
an inconvenience, because of the difficulty of procuring carpenters.
Complaint as to the smallness of the breadrooms in the ships,
amended. Forty hogsheads of wheat to be bought at Surat and
carried to Bantam yearly, for relief of the ships and factory there.
Jan. 16. Information from the Lord Admiral that Sir Thomas
Bromley and Capt. Harvye were making a voyage from Flushing
to the East Indies in a great ship, and that he had sent orders to
the narrow seas for staying them till further order ; the Company,
doubting not their designs, desired the Governor to thank his lordship,
and so to leave the business. Discovery of copy of an act,
confirmed by the States General in Holland, of the resolution of the
Dutch to proceed against the English in the Indies as disturbers of
the peace and likely to overthrow their conquests and trade. The
Company, knowing their innocence therein, regard this as a fair
warning, "which does second some speeches delivered heretofore by Sir
Noel," [Caron] and therefore "direct our people to goe on peaceablie,
be the more circumspect, take care of themselves and proceede soe
much the stronger." Resolved to conceal the knowledge of this act
till some convenient time present itself, "the Company, distasting
much the carriage of the Dutch generally against the English in all
places in the Indies, being more bitter and violent against them
than the Portugals, who are content (as is thought) to wink at the
English in their trade, although not to give them leave, and to forbear
any further meddling with them." As to the Company compounding
for Mitton's "patent for the custom in Ireland for transporting timber."
Burrell suspended for discovering things out of court. Oliver Stiles
to send in his adventure. Request of the Earl of Arundel, on behalf
of his cousin Lamplugh, for some composition "for erecting and
maintaining a light at Dungeon Nesse," all other merchants having
conformed thereto, refused, as it in no way concerned the Company.
Concerning John Holloway and his ungarbled pepper. Answer to
Withington's bill to be presented to the solicitor. Capt. Best's case
to be referred to the Lords if he do not present himself in person
and acknowledge his fault. Burrell blamed for carelessness in
paying certain moneys lent to Anthony Gomye to Mrs. Sheffield.
Report of the Treasurer on the great charge of shipbuilding, the
charges of one ship with the rigging standing the Company in
18,000l. Committee appointed to confer with Browning of Ipswich
for the building of a ship of 500 tons. John Chesheire, a steward,
dismissed for bad conduct. A mark a week to be paid to Robert
Freeman for his diligence as clerk in the counting-house. John
Steele and Edward Fleetwood entertained, the latter to attend upon
Mr. Fridaye, the preacher. [Six pages. Court Bk. IV., 108-113.]
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Jan. 17.
Bantam.
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242. William Stonywell to Edward Longe at Jacatra. Has
received by his letter of 16th inst. news of the arrival of Staverton
and the purser at Jacatra, and of the death of honest Mr. Hanson,
for which he is heartily sorry. The French Admiral arrested by the
Dutch till they deliver the General back again ; she rides between
Bantam and Jacatra. The Vice-Admiral rideth in the road, but has
not as yet sold any of the ship's goods. The Charles and the Hope
to depart on Tuesday next (20th January). [Half a page. O. C.,
Vol. V., No. 592.]
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Jan. 18.
Jacatra.
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243. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball at Bantam. Has received his
last by the Attendance. The goods demanded shall be sent. Can
hear of no nuts at Jacatra. The Dutch galley and two frigates
have arrived fitted, and are ready to set sail. [Quarter of a page.
O. C., Vol. V., No. 594.]
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Jan. 18.
Savoy.
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244. Geo. Lord Carew to Sir Thos. Roe. News Letter. February
1617. Nine great ships left Holland for the East Indies. March.
The Holland fleet returned from the East Indies ; forbears writing
of their actions in those parts, and particularly at Malacca, as they
must be best known to him. May. The Dragon and the Expedition
come safely home from the East Indies, but yet are not unladen.
September. Entreats him to be careful to make the map of the
Mogul's territory as he intended ; it will leave to the world a lasting
memory when he is dust. Also begs him to get the story of that
country offered to him "by an old gentleman, the new Governor of
Scinde," translated. Admires the greatness of that monarch ; the
description of the riches he saw, when he left Ajmere, exceeds all
the reports ever read, yet he observes more baseness in that Prince
and people than can be imagined. His letter sent overland miscarried ;
knows not where to lay the fault, "and yet I am sure there
hath been some trumpery used." Hopes he may, with the next
shipping, be the messenger of his own health, "for your time spent
among infidels hath been sufficient, if not too much." Refers to the
friar's journey from Lahore to Pekin, and to his discourses upon the
Indus and Ob ; thinks he will do well to inform himself of those
rivers. November. The Hollanders this summer again attempted
the discovery of the North-west passage by Fretum Davis, and it is
reported that all difficulties are past. They found a nation of pigmies,
and took two of them in a small canoe ; but seeing the cook
dressing a piece of pork, and conceiving it to be man's flesh and
fearing to be devoured, both leapt into the sea and were drowned ; has
this story but by relation, but thinks it true. [Extracts from Dom.
Jac. I., Vol. 95., No. 22. Cal. pp. 514-516. Printed in Carew's
letters for the Camden Society, edited by John Maclean, pp. 80-139.]
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Jan. 19.
Bantam.
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245. Geo. Ball. Thos. Spurway, and John Byndon to the East
India Company. Since the departure of the Peppercorn for London
they have lost Geo. Barkeley, he died on 30 March 1617, and was
buried the next day, leaving to his successor, Geo. Ball, "an imperfect,
cumbersome and miserable business." They have spent nine
months over Barkeley's accounts, and cannot now send a statement
according to the Company's orders. Stock of this factory under
170,000 ryals., debts only excepted, of which the most part were
desperate, when Ball succeeded as chief. The rest of the factories
remain as Capt. Jourdain left them, Firando only excepted, where
the remainder is less by 110,000 ryals. Difficulties of making up
the accounts ; no factory except Bantam hath Barkeley's discharge
for expenses of housekeeping, building, presents, men's wages, and
such like, which during the three years of his negotiation will
amount to no small matter. Unsatisfactory state of the Company's
affairs in the Indies. Many invited out by golden rewards, but none
stay, indeed it were madness to do so. "At home men are famous
for doing nothing ; here they are infamous for their honest endeavours.
At home is respect and reward ; abroad disrespect and
heartbreaking. At home is augmentation of wages ; abroad no
more than the third of wages. At home is content ; abroad
nothing so much as griefs, cares, and displeasure. At home is
safety ; abroad no security. At home is liberty ; abroad the best is
bondage. And, in a word, at home all things are as a man may
wish, and here nothing answerable to merit." Arrival of the
Charles and the James on 21 July last after touching at Masulipatam ;
also of the Hope and the Hound on 15 Aug. and 21 Oct. As
to their letters no spurs are needed, where there is willingness and
bounden duty remembered. The Dragon, Clove, Globe, Expedition,
and Peppercorn are past the Cape homeward bound, and Capt. Pring
and his fleet towards Surat. The Solomon, with Mr. Lucas from
Masulipatam, and the Osiander, by way of Acheen, have safely
arrived ; the Unicorn and Rose have also arrived from Tecoe with
pepper. On the increased powers given by the Company to their
chief servants. Scarcity of spices prevented their sending cargoes
to Surat and Masulipatam. The Flemings thunder it most terribly
in these parts, that the inhabitants, "for fear of taking," have in a
manner given off trading. Two years past, notwithstanding Pooloway
was surrendered to the King of England, the Flemings took it
by force of arms, and the English factors and people there were
forced to fly, leaving behind them their goods. Last year the Swan
and Defence traded to Pooloroon, and the English were so well
thought of by the natives that they would needs be fellow subjects
to his Majesty, and made surrender of the island, with earth and a
young tree, and with writings drawn and confirmed under the hands
of the principal of the gentry, and seal or chap of the country.
The like was also done by the inhabitants of Rosingyn for their
island and town of Ware, situate on the island of Lantar, as appears
by the translated copies of the surrenders inclosed [wanting].
Hostile proceedings of the Flemings in consequence. The Swan, on
leaving Ware, was captured by the Flemings, and Sophony Cozucke
with four others killed ; as many more were maimed ; the rest as
prisoners were committed to irons, the master and his boy excepted ;
since which 20 are dead. Some of the crew of the Defence, the
master and chief officers being ashore, in the night "ran away with
the ship to the Flemings." Restitution of both ships was demanded
by Mr. Courthope at the hands of the Dutch general then at Neira,
but refused unless the forts were surrendered to the Dutch and all
English interests disclaimed, not only in Pooloroon but in all the
islands of Banda. The natives anxious "to embrace us," and repent
not their doings. A prow sent to Bantam waylaid by the Flemings
and chased into Booton. Another arriving at Macassar found the
Attendance there. A boat laden with mace cast away upon a ledge
of rocks joining the main of Booton, and the goods all lost, the
men only being saved. If his Majesty accept this surrender the
rest of the islands will fall to him, and will not be worth less to the
English than Amboyna is to the Flemings, which yields them at
least 400 tons of cloves yearly, and in years of plenty three times as
much. Remarks on the insufficient pay of the Company's servants.
Inconveniences which arise from the independent powers given to
commanders of fleets. Hugh Greete, for fraudulent dealing, confined
a prisoner to his chamber by order of Council, but released without
leave by Capt. Pepwell. Observations on the Company's orders
prohibiting private trade. Many of them compelled by necessity
to trade on their own accounts, their third being too little to maintain
charges, "for the other, it is merely fiction." Do their
best endeavours to prohibit private trade among the factors, but
earnestly entreat the Company themselves to take care of their
captains, masters, and mariners. No goods for the Company's
account have arrived from Surat these four years. Authority and
power brought by Captain Keeling to give the fatal blow to all
private trade. Review of the Indian factories. Surat and the
dependent places, of all others, the most commodious both for England
and these parts, if supplied with wares answerable to their
markets. As to the abuses from the Governor and great men, remedy
may sooner be found in the Red Sea among their junks than at the
Mogul's court. "Nothing but fear keeps a Moor in awe ; use him
kindly, and he will abuse you ; but deal with him in smooth words
and nipping deeds and he will respect and reverence you." Sumatra
and the two factories of Acheen and Tiku vend great store of Cambaya
and Masulipatam commodities to good profit, and yield, besides
pepper, the best gold, camphor, sulphur, wax, and benjamin. The
mischief is, the King is a tyrant inconstant and covetous, and his
officers corrupt, and no certainty of the English continuing there.
The license for trade in Tiku, granted to Capt. Keeling, withdrawn
by the King, who strives to bring the trade of all strangers to Acheen,
and is, it is said, assisted by Nicolls, the chief factor. Remarks
on the untowardness and peevishness of Nicolls ; his trade with a
French ship at Tiku. The stock at present in Tiku and Acheen
very little, but it is hoped Capt. Pring's fleet will touch at both
places, supply their wants, and obtain a renewal of the King's licence
and privileges for trade in Tiku. Bantam, the greatest place in the
East Indies for trade, it yields at least 60,000 sacks of pepper yearly,
and in years of plenty 140,000 and 150,000, which is commonly clearly
swept off by the English, Flemings, and Chinese. Cause of the
present dearth, the contentions between the English and the Flemings,
which being known to these Moors and Pagans, is wrought
upon to their advantage and the damage of the English. Impossibility
of managing trade without credit ; unless the English agree
with the Flemings, the Company must either continue to trust or
leave off trade. At Bantam the English mostly deal with the
Chinamen. Outrages of the Dutch last year upon them, staying
their junks and getting a ransom of 2,000 sacks of pepper. Interruptions
to their building operations. The produce of Jacatra ; a
good road for shipping and a convenient place for building a warehouse.
League between the Kings of Jacatra and Bantam against
the Mattaram, by which their hopes of building are overthrown in
both places, except by force. Jambi, though newly entered into,
of great hopes, the trade increasing daily. It yields at present
10,000 sacks of pepper yearly ; cloth of Cambay and Coromandel
will vend at good prices. The English well thought of and well
treated, and the Flemings, as in all other places, only feared. Patani
yields little, and in respect of great charges, taxations, and other
unkind usage imposed on strangers, begins to be forsaken, and is at
present little worth except for sales of Coromandel and Surat cloth.
At Siam, Coromandel cloth will sell to the value of 50,000 ryals a
year ; there are deer skins and Sapon wood for Japan, and gold and
rubies to good profit, and if the country were in peace a place of
far greater expectation in trade. Have had but little experience of
Camboja and Tsiampa, which places they have very lately entered ;
the Company's factors there report that there are sales for Surat
and Coromandel goods, and that they supply camboja, benjamin,
lignum, aloes, and other commodities for the Indies. Japan gives
out silver, copper, and iron, and good store of victualling. Although
no great benefit accrues from returns from thence, they are of
opinion that were Japan supplied as it should be, not with gallypots,
pictures, looking glasses, table books, thread, and spectacles,
and such like trumpery from England, but with commodities from
these parts of the world, it would prove none of the worst factories.
Succadana is the rendezvous of trade for diamonds, bezoar, gold,
wax, and other commodities, and a place where they have been time
sufficient to know it ; but for want of able and industrious men
opportunities are slipped, and they seldom, if ever, get any but
refuse diamonds and at dear rates. Stones now worth twice as much
as at their first entrance there ; the Flemings send greater supplies
than ever. Accounts Banjermassin among the number of needless
factories. Cassarian [David] is returned thence, and Bishop and
Kendal left there for recovery of debts, which it seems they have small
hopes of getting in, and being unprovided with goods or money to
maintain their charges, are minded to leave the place. Macassar is
much resorted to by the Portuguese and Spaniards, and still followed
by the English, but forsaken by the Flemings ; trade has fallen off
since the Flemings by proclamation have forbidden trade to Banda,
Amboyna, and the Moluccas. About 40,000 ryals worth of Cambaya
and Coromandel cloth is sold there annually and other commodities.
It yields the very best rice in abundance, and some quantity of
turtle shells, but the chief profit of the factory must come through
Banda, Moluccas, or Amboyna. If the English can keep what they
have in Banda, Macassar will be of great import for victualling, otherwise
of small moment. Banda will sell 40,000 ryals yearly of clothing,
victuals, and other necessaries. The islands will yield 1,000 tons of
nuts and mace annually. General observations. There are no
factories but will yield profit worth the keeping if supplied with
fitting commodities, and with men of discretion to manage them.
Through bad management, despite their best endeavours, they have
been for a time forced to live upon the main to the Company's loss,
and, in the opinion of many, to their shame also. The Company not
altogether mistaken in imputing to them the shearing of sheep,
while the Company shear the hogs. Dishonest dealings of Hugh
Greete, by profession a jeweller but in practice a juggler and connivance
of Capt. Pepwell. Forced to lay up the Osiander for want
of victuals. Banda must be succoured ; "the Dutch horse will not
travail without provender at his nose, nor we English able to endure
without beef, bread, and good drink, of all which we are too much
destitute at present ; would to God it were otherwise !" Greete sent
home a prisoner ; his diamonds cannot be found, and he will not give
any satisfaction for the wrong he has done the Company in his
accounts. Complain of the Company not sending over the prices
current of goods at home, as the Flemings do, which helps to assist
their investments. "The glory of a factor is the gain of his employers,
and the contrary his discredit." The Endeavour, built from
the junk Grievance, is serviceable for nothing. His Majesty's letters
to the Emperor of China they can get none to translate, much less
to convey them ; have therefore sent them to Cocks in Firando, if
happily his friend Capt. Dettis, who is a Chinaman and the only one,
can get them done and sent. It is upon the promise of Dettis that
Cocks depends, and as it were makes himself sure of trade in China.
Fear Cocks' understanding is blinded with the expectation of incredible
wonders. It is death for any "Chiness" to translate or carry
those letters, or to give passage to any Christian carrying them. It
was revealed by oracle to the Emperor that his country should be
subdued by a grey-eyed people, and he therefore forbids all Christians
his country. If letters be so hard to be delivered, trade will be
harder to be procured, and cannot be expected by any fair course.
Desire arms for their security against the Dutch, considering the
weak state of the factories, and that they can no longer live in
security with their neighbours the Dutch. Have of late had bickerings
on shore with them, and lost men on both sides ; neither is it
expected that it will so end, for they are grown iusolent and desperate,
and strive in all possibility to oppress the English. What can
they do without arms, in comparison with the numbers of the Dutch ?
nothing. Insufficient victualling of the ships ; they are manned for
the most part with as honest men as are in Newgate, or any other
prison of common rogues. Bad quality of the ships' stores ; supplies
required to be kept in the country. Remarks on the mariners sent
to India. The Solomon and Thomas sent to Macassar to take in
rice, and so proceed to Banda. The Attendance, now at Jacatra, will
likewise proceed to Banda. Threats of the Dutch. Capture of the
Speedwell on 26 Nov. last by the Dutch between Jacatra and
Bantam. Arrival in February last of four French ships, two from
Dieppe and two from St. Malo. The Dutch took 49 Flemings
from them, mostly officers and pilots, and the chief commander Hans
Dekar ; they bought pepper, but, as the matter stands, their voyage
is likely to be overthrown. The value of the cargo of the Charles,
commander Henry Pepwell, 58,675 ryals, "as they cost first penny ;"
that of the Merchants' Hope 36,587 ryals. Hope they will arrive in
safety. Account of the estates of deceased factors left in the writer's
hands. Copies of the surrender of Banda sent by both ships ; the
protest of the Dutch against the English, and the answers ; copy of
the Court Book, and their proceedings against Capt. Henry Pepwell
and Hugh Greete. Refer the Company to Lucas Antheunis and
Thos. Brockedon for the more perfect relation of all things. Imperfect
account of the estate of the late Geo. Barkeley and Ralph
Coppindall, as also of Jno. Millward. The accounts of Patteson
likewise imperfect ; during the short time of his negotiating at Tiku
he has purchased himself a good estate, "though, as we are given to
understand, in a very bad fashion, because he appropriates that to
himself which in truth belongeth unto you." [Twenty-nine pages.
O.C., Vol. V., No. 595.]
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[Jan. 20.]
[Bantam.]
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246. William Methwold to the East India Company. When the
Globe left the fleet, 9 March 1617, the rest of the fleet proceeded
along the coast of Malabar, and they in the Unicorn gave chase
to a frigate. The factory at Calicut, settled the previous year by
Capt. Keeling to little purpose, intended to be dissolved, so little
encouragement had Mr. Keridge either of the place or trade in the
letters from thence. On their arrival at Calicut, Peter Nedham was
principal, in lieu of Geo. Woolman, deceased of the flux. Nedham
confirmed what had been formerly written to Surat, "that this
country neither gave vent to ours, nor produced commodities in any
quantity or at reasonable rates to return for England." Most of the
cloth and other commodities left there were sold, but complaints
received in place of payment from the debtors, who say they were
forced to buy by the King. Each of the three Queens, sisters to the
Samorin, presented with a looking-glass, the better to colour the
designs of the English to quit the place, which was accordingly done,
and their presents accepted. Refers to Nedham for other circumstances,
whose year's service will enable him to give better satisfaction.
Arrival of the Charles and the James ; their kind usage at
Dabul. They freed the Dabul ships which the Lord Ambassador had
solicited the General [Pepwell] to take. Nedham and the Banian
broker having come aboard, they went the same day to Cranganore,
the residence of the Samorin, where the broker landed and brought
hostage from the King, so Nedham had conference with the King,
who used his accustomed fair promises of payment, but willed the
General to come ashore. The General refused. Methwold's advice
not taken. Sailed the next morning. Three frigates of Calicut put
themselves under their protection, for fear of the Portugals. Discovered
two great ships laden, and of no force, under the Portuguese
fort of Colon, but the General refused to make any attempt against
them. Came next day to Berenga. Arrived at Tiku, where Henry
Patteson, Diego, and Geo. Pybourne had been left merchants by
Capt. Keeling. The Rose, laden with salt, newly returned from Bantam ;
John Millward commander, commissioned by Capt. Bartlett to
re-assume the place of Cape Merchant at Tiku, and Patteson to
return to Bantam. Presented the Vice-King with a looking-glass,
fowling-piece, and other things, and gave other presents to the captain
of the King's slaves and the three priests. Did not think fit to
insist upon being principal, as he was commissioned from Surat,
knowing that "titular respect were no just grounds to breed disturbance
in the Company's affairs." Robt. Everard appointed second,
to whom Patteson willingly gave way. Prices of Surat goods at
Tiku. Death of Millward on 13 July [1617] intestate ; his goods
removed to Bantam. Death of Patteson ; how his estate, which he
valued at 1,700 ryals, is distributed by his will. Tiku will yearly
produce upwards of 600 tons of pepper ; goods vendible there. A
factory at Baroach absolutely necessary, which may also on occasion
supply Cambaya, not two days journey from thence ; goods which
Methwold has heard will sell there. Inconvenience of the commands
conferred on masters, mariners, and merchants ; the care of negotiation
depends upon the latter, and they should be free to treat for
trade or otherwise with the country people. The private trade
carried on by the commanders, which he is aware of, but knows not
how to prevent, only to give advice at Bantam. After upwards of
four months stay sailed from Tiku ; during that time were buried
23 persons, including four merchants, Patteson, Pybourne, Millward,
and Everard. Left the goods, which were of small importance, in
charge of Lewis Smith and Richard Harris. Arrived at Bantam
22 Oct., where were all the ships belonging to the Company in the
Indies, except the Rose and the Advice. [Indorsed, "Concerning
his voyage in the Unicorn from Surat to Tiku and Bantam, and all
accidents. Received by the Hope 1 Sept. 1618." See Court
Minutes Sept. 11. Three pages and a quarter. O. C., Vol. V.,
No. 596.]
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Jan. 20.
Ahmedabad.
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247. Sir Thos. Roe's pass to the subjects of the Great Mogul for
the ship Ghehangier, set out by Aseph Khan from Gogo, to trade in
the Red Sea. [One and a quarter pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 597.]
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[Jan. 20.]
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248. Declaration and instructions for the ship intended for the
Red Sea, if the Commander of the Fleet, Capt. Martin Pring and
Thos. Kerridge, cape merchant of the English factors, with his
consultation upon the motions made by Sir Thos. Roe, think fit to
proceed in the voyage. [Three pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 598.]
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Jan. 20.
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249. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Burlamachi
to deal with Sir Noel Caron for the stay of the ship of Sir Thomas
Bromley and Capt. Harvye, if Sir Noel think fit. Suit of Merabell,
widow of Arthur Jackson, merchant, pretending that her husband
had been robbed at sea by Turkish pirates, and complaint made
by the English Ambassador to the Bashaw for restitution, he having
detained those goods for certain supposed losses which he sustained
by the Trades Increase in the Red Sea, and therefore craving
relief from the Company ; but they conceiving it a business fetched
very far off and strained exceedingly to draw it to such a head,
gave answer that it nothing concerned them, and so dismissed her.
Offer of Bullock, through Sir John Wolstenholme, to join with
another in the patent to attempt the discovery of the North-west
Passage, "by reason that they understand in the bottome of Bottons
Bay, which runneth in 450 leagues from the mouth, where a greate
tyde of floode runnes and riseth sometimes 17 or 18 feet in height,
which is supposed cannott bee butt by some current from the sea
in some other place, which in probabilitie may prove the desired
passage, whereof Mr. Brigges hath a very greate hope." On the
motion of Sir John, that this Company have formerly contributed
towards the discovery, and that he himself intended "a good round
adventure in his own particular," and will persuade his friends to
do the like, so that two pinnaces, which will cost 2,000l., may be
furnished forth ; seeing these works bring forth some good, "as the
whale fishing was found by the like occasion," a grant of 200l. was
allowed towards the discovery. The surrender for Leadenhall, being
engrossed, to be delivered to the officer of the Staplers. A patent
for the transportation of money, presented by the Governor, which
he had procured from the King. On the recommendation of the
Lord Treasurer and the Lord of Buckingham, adventures of 800l.
each were granted to Wm. Robinson, sec. to the Lord Treasurer,
and to Sir Raphe Freeman, a master of requests ; also one of 500l.
to Sir Richard Weston, though much distasted by some of the
Company ; but resolved to deny all others hereafter, and that if any
of the Company shall move for an adventure for a friend it shall in
future be paid out of the party's own stock. Adventures of 1,000l.
each confirmed to Sir John Villiers and Lord Wm. Compton.
Edward Seager entertained in Mountney's service at 30l. a year
and sworn a free brother. Resolution for the exporting of 20,000
pipe staves yearly from Ireland, and for conferring with Leate on
his offer of supplying pipe staves at 5l. per 1,000. Forty shillings
given to Christopher Dive, constable of Poplar and Blackwall,
owing to losses he sustained by the escape of one of his prisoners.
Purchase of elephants' teeth at Amsterdam. [Three pages. Court
Bk. IV., 114-116.]
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Jan. 21.
Port of Jacatra.
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250. Letter [from a Dutchman ?] to "loving and trusty friends"
[at Bantam]. Intelligence from Sir Cornelius Vanberre. In great
hindrance of knowing the great trouble and danger they all are
in at Bantam. Has received letters with news of the arrival of
their ships, the Harlem, the Amsterdam, and the Hart, with two
prizes. Desires they should go presently for Amboyna, and that
there they shall find that the General Jan Peterson Coome, with
the whole fleete, have departed from hence ; that upon this occasion
the whole strength of the Worshipful Company [of Holland ?] be
gathered together and return with all possible haste. A new agreement
has been made with the King of Jacatra, which is well liked
by all. The consequences of treachery, if any be meant. Would
have sent the agreement but for fear of its falling with their letters
into the hands of the English, and that thereby it should be known
how much they have paid for the freedom of the town and other
purposes intended by them [the Dutch ?] The Javas are glad of
this contract, and come and go into the Dutch as before. The English
ships remain in the road, except seven which are gone to sea ;
believes they are gone to Bantam. [One page. O.C., Vol. V.,
No. 590-1.]
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Jan. 22.
Bantam.
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251. Wm. Stonywell to Edward Longe at Jacatra. Advice concerning
the laying out of Longe's moneys. The Admiral [of the
French] is detained without by the Flemings. The Chinese have
bid so high for the cloth that the English President will not meddle
with it. The Charles and Hope have left for England, the Unicorn,
James, and Rose accompanying them to the straits, the Dutch
having reported that the Charles should never pass the straits
without they took all the Dutchmen out of her. The Neptune
sailed for Jacatra yesterday. Presents from Swanley and Fotherbye
to him. [One and a half pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 599.]
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Jan. 23.
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252. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Sir Julius
Csar having desired his freedom in person, and "persuading that
he is as willing and ready to do as great kindness for the Company
as others are or can be," to be permitted to adventure 2,000l., if no
less a sum will please him. The act of the last Court to refuse any
further adventures confirmed and resolved to be constantly observed.
William Legge entertained at 4l. a month. Petitions of John
Humphry, John Huffe, Thomas Hamlyn, and Robert Bell, gunners,
craving imprest and relief for their wives during their absence,
refused. John Nicholls, gunner and "partaker of the mishap which
befel Capt. Davies from the straits," entertained. Gratuity to
Thomas Russell, prisoner in the King's Bench, for his services and
expenses in setting up lights for the preservation of shipping.
Measures to be taken for the better provision of saltpetre. Canvas
to be sent to the Indies for the use of the ships, as the cloth of the
country is slight and unfit for service. Wages of Richard Stanley,
purser of the "Sun," to be increased. Gratuity to Wm. Biddulph,
factor at Surat, for his services, and his salary to be increased.
Request of Sidgwicke to receive money due for goods sold belonging
to the late Capt. Downton. Wm. Browne's debt of 170l., for goods
bought of Capt. Downton, forborne until payment of a dividend on
the seventh voyage. Calculation that the goods in the Indies are
sufficient to lade home all the Company's ships, "which giveth fair
encouragement to the adventurers." Committees for the commissions
to meet in the afternoon for dispatch of the letters. Conference to
be had with Bromrig, shipwright, regarding the building of a ship
of 600 tons. [Three pages. Court Bk. IV., 116-119.]
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Jan. 25.
Bantam.
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253. W. Stonywell to E. Longe at Jacatra. The Admiral of
the French will not be detained much longer, the reason, as
privately reported, that the General is going after the Charles.
None but "coast goods" in the Vice-Admiral, which the town is
full of. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 600.]
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Jan. 26.
Bantam.
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254. Wm. Stonywell to E. Longe at Jacatra. Entreats him to
sell the cloth which he will receive from Cassarian [David]. The
Pengran has sent word to the Flemings that if they will not suffer
the French Admiral to come in, he will pull down their house to the
ground and send them out of this place. The Unicorn or James will
sail for Jacatra this week. Cassarian is to go in the Attendance for
Macassar, and from thence proceed chief commander in the three
ships for Banda. Remembrances to Ufflete and the rest of their
friends. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 601.]
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Jan. 27.
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255. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Committees
to conclude with Bromrig for the building of a ship of 600 tons.
Gratuity to Martyn Harrington, formerly "nouzeled up in popery,
wherein he took orders according to the Church of Rome," but now
conformed to his Majesty's laws, and in great want. Committee to
go to Gravesend with the commissions and letters, and dispatch
the ships for Surat. The piece of ordnance (for the King of Acheen)
to be sent down on Friday. Capt. Best, presenting himself in Court,
"submits himself plainly by writing ;" the Company promise to
write to Sir George Calvert and to use their best means to have
his offence remitted by the Lords of the Council ; he is to be ready
to appear whenever sent for and to give his best advice. Permission
to Francis Fetiplace, factor in India, to return home to take possession
of an estate left to him, and then to return back again.
Committee appointed to justify to Doctor Amye the truth of the
accusations against Withington. At the earnest suit of the Earl of
Arundel, on behalf of his kinsman Lamplugh, for some composition
towards the maintenance of lights at Dungeness, "where are 25 or
26 nightly of 2 in the lb.," it was resolved to grant 20 nobles per
annum so long as the patent is in force. Forty chests of money for
Surat to be placed in the Dragon, Lion, and Expedition. Information
of an Englishman being at Ispahan, supposed to be Connok ;
letters to be sent to him complaining of his not having written overland
since his arrival. Suit of John Hills, carpenter's mate in the
"Sampson," for part of his wages in advance, refused. Part of the
wages of Richd. Griffin, factor, to be paid to Alexander Stafford in
payment of a debt due to him. Increase of wages to John Courtys
[Curtis], master's mate in the Lion. [Two pages and a half. Court
Bk. IV., 119-122.]
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Jan. 31.
London.
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256. John Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton. Our East
Indian fleet setting out stronger than ever, there being nine ships
of great burthen, three or four of them newly built. Sir Thos. Dale
should go general, but is like to lose his employment if he return not
from Holland soon. The King has granted a patent to Sir Jas.
Cunningham to raise a Scottish East Indian Company, he and his
heirs to be governors ; other large privileges directly infringing upon
former grants. They only yet make a noise and show, and seek every
where for adventurers, who come slowly in ; hears they would fain
compound and sell their rights and interests to the East India
Company. [Extract from Domestic Jac. I., Vol. 95, No. 27, Cal.
p. 518.]
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Jan. 31.
Acheen.
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257. [William Nicolls] to Thos. Kerridge and the rest at Surat.
Has received the packet of letters sent in the "Gogeratt" ship
which he sent for Bantam in the Osiander, which came from Masulipatam
with a cargo of steel, all of which is sold to good profit.
Commodities of those countries fit for Acheen. The King has
commanded five hundred men to plant naught but pepper, which in
two years will grow to perfection. This King will permit no trade
at Tiku or Priaman without his sanction, which must cost a good
bribe. The Company has sustained much wrong and loss by denial of
their debts, as appears by the accounts of Millward and Patteson, who
died there, being poisoned, he fears, for having sent the Rose hither
to complain. Richard Harges now prime factor there. Baker, Phillips,
Stratford, Uppington, and Whitelock, merchants of General Keeling's
last fleet, all dead, with many more not now in his memory. Was
in danger of being poisoned himself by a slave. Capt. Geo. Ball
writes from Bantam in August last that the Hollanders, being at
the Manillas with twelve ships becalmed, the Spaniards burnt and
sunk six of them and took the best of their prize goods which they
had robbed the Chinese of ; in this fight the Hollanders lost 700
men. Also of the Hope's arrival at Bantam, Commander Capt.
Newport, who says seven ships were sent this year for Surat. Also
that the Hollanders took the Swan, John Davis, mr., about Banda,
and stayed the Defence ; the master and all the officers fled ashore to
the Flemings, and are by them detained. Arrival of two French
ships of St. Malo, the St. Michael and St. Louis, Louis Hance
general and Nicholas Fruter Berdelero captain ; merchants, John
Decker and Michael Hance, the general's brother, all Dutchmen.
The ships were laden with cloth taken in the Red Sea from Guzerats
and Dabuls. Dispute between two native merchants ; the writer
interceded with the King for Nocada Amye, for the favour he showed
to the English ; begs Kerridge to use him kindly for the writer's
sake. General Keeling, on his arrival in April 1616, procured a
letter for trade at Tiku for the sale of his own goods, under colour of
which the Unicorn has this year procured most of her lading ; her
goods landed are near upon sold. Return of the Hollanders after
two years and a half, with letter from their president at Bantam to
prohibit the English, Guzerat, and Dabul merchants from trading at
Acheen, Tiku, or Priaman ; the King's ire at their peremptory
demands, and bade the writer ask them if they could overmaster the
English. Depreciation in the currency of ryals of eight. [Three
pages and a half. O.C., Vol. V., No. 602.]
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