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Sept. 1.
Jambi.
|
419. William Gordone to President Ball. Delivered his letter
to Capt. Westby at the house at Jambi on 30 Aug. Hopes to be
fully laden within twenty days. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 690.]
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Sept. 4.
Jacatra.
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420. Ufflete to President Ball. Conference with the King
respecting the price the English are to pay for the ground (they
occupy) ; he demands 800 ryals per annum and two whole culverins
for the 39 months they have been there, and 1,200 ryals yearly
hereafter ; message sent to the King to persuade him to accept less.
[One page. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 691.]
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Sept. 4.
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421. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Letter read
from Richard Steele, from Saldanha, of 10 July 1617, craving
pardon for carrying his wife with him against the Company's orders,
and relating how the Saldanhans were forced to sell to them
bullocks and sheep. Letter read from Nicholas Ufflete from Jacatra
of 7 January 1617-8, describing the abuses committed by the
Flemings against the English ; giving notice of their providence in
having kine kept near that place to relieve their people, of their
building, repairing, and carrying many ships there yearly, and the
great quantities of goods they bring in, which they robbed the
Chinese of, and other people upon those coasts, under English
colours. Discourse also read by Ufflete, Edward Young, and John
Powle, relating the original cause of the Flemings abusing the
English in taking a pinnace betwixt Jacatra and Bantam, killing a
man, and cutting another asunder after boarding ; and "the arrogant,
bold, and audacious insolency that durst set up the French
colours in the poop of one of these frigates, in manner of a triumph,
the English in the middle and Prince Maurice's colours above all the
rest, maintaining and triumphing in the doing thereof, because they
have overcome both." Concerning the punishment of [Robert] Jones
(see his petition, 20 January 1619,) for his notorious abuse and wrongs
done at the Mogul's Court to Sir Thos. Roe, to whom he was recommended
by Lord Carew. The mariners to pay freight for goods brought
home by them. Complaint against George Ball, Cape merchant at
Bantam, for detaining the ships so long in the road. Letter read
from George Ball on the state of the Company's affairs in the East
Indies (see ante, No. 245). Ellam appointed to collect, out of the
several writings, the most material things relating to the outrageous
abuses committed by the Flemings against the English at Bantam,
the Moluccas, Jacatra, and elsewhere in the Indies, that they may
be made known to the King and the Lords of the Council. [Two
pages. Court Bk. IV., 194-196.]
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Sept. 4.
Easthampstead.
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422. Sec. Sir Robt. Naunton to Carleton. Reminds him anew
of Ald. Sir Wm. Cockayne's suit, which he assures him his Majesty
takes more and more to heart. Assures him that the whole
city and all parts of the kingdom they come to are extremely
exasperated against the pride of the Hollanders and Zealanders, and
complain of their indignities both in the East Indies, the Moluccas,
the fishing in Scotland, Newfoundland, and our coasts, and where
not. The merchants are preparing a general remonstrance against
them, by his Majesty's return from progress. Would gladly have
Sir Wm. Cockayne relieved before the fever comes to its paroxysm.
[Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 5.
Aboard the
Royal James
(Jacatra).
|
423. Capt. Martin Pring to President Ball. Presented at
Court to the King, Queen, and Prince, and gave the presents allotted
to them ; tedious discourse in a private room with the King ; but
Pring found "the gentleman so avariciously benumbed that he was
not sensible of any reason at all ;" his desire to know the utmost
the English would give ; Pring's answer was 600 ryals a year, and
two whole culverins. Received letter from the King two days after
that they must pay 2,400 ryals for their residence in his land for
three years, and 1,200 ryals a year henceforward, because Capt.
Jourdain promised to give more than the Flemings, and two whole
culverins for the ground where they live ; reasons for the King's
high demand ; has promised to reply within three days. Remembrances
to Spurway, Bindon, and Jackson. [Two pages. O.C.,
Vol. VI., No. 692.]
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Sept. 7.
Bantam.
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424. Extract of a letter [written by Thos. Spurway] to the
East India Company. In Acheen the Dutch have offered the King
great store of money to turn the English out, and at Bantam they
do all they can for the same purpose ; the King, nobles, and commons
being content to receive their bribes ; "but while the Flemings
continue these practices to circumvent us, what is it that we may
do more than look on ?" The Thomas, Solomon, and Attendant
sent last year for Banda ; the two latter seized by the Flemings,
after some small resistance, and the English taken prisoners ; the
Thomas never since heard of. Mr. Davies and the rest dispersed in
Banda, Amboyna, and the Moluccas. The English, notwithstanding,
make good their forts of Pooloroon, in hope of being succoured this
next monsoon. The spices provided by the Company's factors in
Banda bartered away for victuals to certain junks, which were waylaid
by the Flemings. Such insolent courses are to the shame and
dishonour of the English nation till revenge be taken. Bargains
for pepper prevented by the outbidding of the Dutch. The house
is covered in, but at a stand, though much work has yet to be done ;
"thus are we every way abused and know not how to remedy the
same." The Hollanders have made large offers to the Pengran to
turn the English out. Capt. Ball gone this day to Jacatra ; Capt.
Pring already there, with the Royal James and Advice, to have
parley with the King about building a gedong. The Hollanders
have already built a house there, which they have mounted with
30 pieces of ordnance and put 300 people in it, Dutch soldiers,
and black men, women, and children, and do marry divers in the
house. In the Solomon and Attendant were taken by the Hollanders
Geo. Jackson, Cassarian David, and Kellum Throgmorton,
merchants ; Hugh Lane and Mathew Wills, masters. [Two pages.
This letter was brought by a French ship to St. Malo, and was
read at a Court of Committees, 21 May 1619. O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 693.]
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Sept. 8.
Windsor.
|
425. Secretary Naunton to Carleton. Sends two complaints,
which have been presented to the King and to the Privy Council,
which will show the cause of resentment which the Dutch have
given to all that have any sense at all of the honour of his Majesty
and of our whole nation. The King requires Carleton to present
them to the States, and to demand their answers how far they will
allow these insolences of their subjects, or how they will punish
them and make reparation ; and to insist particularly that they
send commissioners, articulately instructed, to give satisfaction at
the treaty to be instantly held between us and them. To press
them to accelerate all they can, commissioners having been expected
in England on the 1st, upon a former agreement between the Lords
here and Sir Noel Caron before the progress. Besides his general
remonstrance to the States General, Carleton is, in particular, to
acquaint them with these high aggrievances and indignities, from
whom his Majesty will expect an exemplary animadversion upon the
delinquents, as being Admiral, &c. [Holland Correspondence.]
Incloses,
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425. I. Declaration of the East India Company to the King. "Of
the manifest and insupportable wrongs and abuses lately
done by the Hollanders unto your Majesty and your
Majesty's subjects in the East Indies." That the English
sent last year from Bantam two ships to trade to Pooloron,
where they were well received, and the island was
voluntarily surrendered to his Majesty. That soon after
the island of Rosingyn and the free town of Wayre, on
the island of Lantar, likewise surrendered and desired
to trade with the English. Efforts of the Hollanders to
dispossess the East India Company, by force, of these
places ; capture of the Swan ; five of her men slain, eight
wounded ; their most outrageous behaviour, "as any
mortal enemies could do," showing "our chained men" to
the people of the isle of Neira, the mother of the isles of
Banda, "saying, Lo, these are the men whom ye made
your gods, in whom ye put your trust, but we have made
them our slaves ;" 20 since dead through bad usage ; the
rest still detained prisoners. Unjust seizure of the
Company's ship Defence ; refusal of Lawrence Ryall, the
Dutch Admiral, to restore her, unless the English would
give up all claim to Pooloroon ; and his assertion that he
could show the King's own writing for authority to take
any English ships to the east of the Celebes Islands. Difficulties
of getting from Pooloroon to Bantam for fear of the
Dutch. Outrage upon the Speedwell ; taking the men
forcibly out of her and keeping them prisoners in irons.
They threaten mortal war against any English who dare
trade to the Moluccas, Amboyna, or Banda, and declare
they will take from the English all the trade in the
East Indies ; they have often robbed the Chinese under
English colours, "to bring us into hatred and contempt."
Their endeavours to disgrace the English nation ; "one
Holland ship would take ten English, that they care not
for our King, for St. George was now turned child," and
other insolencies. [Indorsed by Carleton, "The petition
of the East India Company to his Majesty." Three pages.
Domestic, Jac. 1., Vol. CIV., No. 62, Cal. p. 607.]
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425. II. Statement of the injuries done by the Hollanders to the
English in the East Indies ; to the King in his dominion and in his honour by word and by fact ; and to his subjects in their fame, in their persons, and in their estate.
[Indorsed by Carleton and also by Bradshaw, "Abstracted One page. East Indies, Vol. I., No. 70.]
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[1618.]
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426. Copy of the last inclosure, indorsed by Sir Edward Coke
1. The King's honor. 2. Restitution, &c. 3. The time to come to be
free.(?) 4. That each of them may henceforth equally and justly trade
thither without any disturbance or interruption one of another,
any claim or pretence of title or right on either side heretofore made
or hereafter to be made notwithstanding. [One page. East Indies,
Vol. I., No. 71.]
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[1618.]
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427. Another copy of the above. [One page. East Indies,
Vol. I., No. 72.]
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Sept. 8.
|
428. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The mariners
to be made to pay freight for their pepper. A copy of the abstract
of the abuses committed by the Flemings against the English to be
given to each Lord of the Council before being presented at the
Council table. Letter read from the Countess of Nottingham to
borrow 300l. declined. Promise to Sir Thos. Lowe to give employment
to a kinsman of his. Concerning Norden and Bryan Edlyn's
accounts. Dividend upon the first joint stock to be referred to the
auditors. The ships being expected at Gravesend this night or
to-morrow, some of the committees to go there to welcome Lucas
Antheunis on his return. Sir W. Garway to be spoken with
concerning the custom taken for pepper. Whether any tin shall be
sent by the next fleet. [Two pages and a quarter. Court Bk. IV.,
196-198.]
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Sept. 9.
|
429. Sir Thos. Smythe to Sec. Sir Thos. Lake. Has received
information that a ship of great burthen is preparing to sail from
Flushing for the East Indies, and that it is intended that another
shall follow within a month. [Holland Correspondence.]
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Sept. 11.
|
430. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Concerning a
dividend on the first joint stock. No tin to be bought until the
return of some ship from Surat, to know whether it is needed in
those parts. Petition from Anne Herod for payment of a debt due
from Daniel Dunkyn, deceased. Petition from Alice Reade for
payment of a debt due to her from John Reade. Names of the committees
to go daily on board the Hope and the Charles to superintend
the unlading of them. Lee's brother to assist Mountney.
The Merchant Royal to be made ready and victualled for 100 men
for two years, and with as much provision as she can carry to
relieve other ships at the Cape and Bantam. The Muscovy account
for Greenland to be seen by this Company. Complaint against
Gordone, master of the Hound, for wasting her provisions. Barwick
to be sent with the Merchant Royal to Bantam. The Hope and
Charles to be made ready to sail with the fleet. Letter read from
W.Methwold, from Bantam (see ante, No. 246), commending the trade
between Surat and Bantam, at Tecoe and Acheen, to be very
profitable. [Two pages and a quarter. Court Bk. IV., 198-200.]
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Sept. 12.
Leadenhall.
|
431. Robert Bell to Carleton. Two ships have arrived from
the East Indies ; out of their advices complaints to the King have
been framed, a copy of which he incloses ; begs him to keep it
private, as the King has not yet seen it. Understands it is purposed
to send over commissioners to treat upon these businesses ;
"God grant we may agree, else will it be ill for us both." Although
the Dutch have done us wrong this year above 100,000l., yet have
they little occasion to brag, their charges and losses are so infinite.
They maintain 22 forts in the Indies, wherein they keep 4,000
men in pay continually, and have near 30 sail of ships in the
Indies ; "the trade of merchandise is not able to support any
such charge." [Holland Correspondence.]
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Sept. 15.
The Hague.
|
432. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. Although his Majesty "was
born in hand" by Sir Noel Caron that deputies should be sent
to accommodate all differences with his Majesty's subjects, the
States waver in that resolution. Deputies from the States and
the Company will have commission only to treat of the East Indian
business ; this is not all that his Majesty expects or the present
differences require. Requests instructions upon which to ground
his complaint in their public assembly. Has recommended Sir Wm.
Cockayne's affairs in general terms with much earnestness. [Extract
from Holland Correspondence.]
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Sept. 15.
|
433. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Suit of John
Martyn to make nails referred. Shareholders to be allowed to take
out one capital upon the first joint stock in pepper, and to receive
their dividends in money with the rest. Tender of surrender by
John Lamprier of the lease [of a house] at Blackwall. The diamonds,
cotton yarn, bezoar stone, and ambergris to be sold. Petition of
Lydia, widow of Edward Mason, to continue the nail-making at
Blackwall. Petition of Millicent, wife of William Lucas, boatswain
in the Unicorn, now in the Indies, to have some pepper sent to
her by her husband. Petition of a prisoner for a debt of 12l. due
to him from Hugh Greete. Letters brought in the ships for the
Low Countries to be sent over, though "their discourteous carriage
towards the English doth not deserve it." Crathorne, one of
the custom-house, gratified with five jacobus. Answer to be sent
to the letter from the Lords of the Council, that the Company has
not more than 20,000l. in the Low Countries in indigo or spices, not
meddling with money. Letter read from Robert Lorkyn, a factor
in the East Indies, to Sir John Wolstenholme, endeavouring to
justify his proceedings by giving an account of how he had raised
that estate he left. Desire of Sir John to receive his estate for the
use of Lorkyn's friends. It was suspected Lorkyn was poisoned by
a black who he took into his house. [One page and three quarters.
Court Bk. IV., 201-202.]
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Sept. 16.
London.
|
434. Robert Bell to Carleton. Sir Thos. Smythe is very thankful
to Carleton, and begs him to continue his favour to the East India
Company, especially at this time when the wrongs done them by
the Hollanders are insupportable, as he may perceive by a declaration
which they have drawn out of their own informations and
delivered to the King. Grievances with the Hollanders at Greenland.
If, when those nominated by the States and the Dutch East
India Company to treat of these businesses come, they do not agree
with them, it will not be their [the English Company's] fault. They
have long foreseen that except they do agree it will be the ruin of
both, and agreeing there is the richest trade in the world before
them. Requests him to advertise the time of their [the Commissioners]
departure, and if need be to dispatch away an express
messenger beforehand. [Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 16.
Amsterdam.
|
435. Matthew Slade to Carleton. Our Burgomaster Basse is
shortly to go for England about the Indian Company. Thinks
Carleton well knows that business lost a great furtherer in the
Advocate Coen, who died at the Hague in Carleton's absence. [Extract
from Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 16.
Bantam.
|
436. Thos. Spurwaie to President Ball at Jacatra. Arrival of the
Bee. The Bandanese lodged in the new "godowne" until the old
house be fitted for them. Kewee still in his house. Very still with
them ; they hear nothing from the Pengran or any of the nobles. The
French ship left ; the surgeon of the prize and three Japanese gone
with her ; gave the letter for the Company into the hands of the
French captain, Sig. Christophe, who promised its safe delivery.
[One page. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 694.]
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Sept. 17.
|
437. Minutes of a General Court of the East India Company.
Concerning the disposal of the cargoes of the Hope and Charles.
Sales in the first joint stock at 206l. per cent., and in the second
joint stock at 11l. 6s. and 11l. 10s. profit per cent. [One page and
a quarter. Court Bk. IV. 202-3.]
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Sept. 18.
|
438. Minutes of a Court of Commissioners for both Companies.
Concerning the sale of some wax sent from Muscovy to Hamburgh,
and some oil at 20l. a ton.
Court Minutes of the East India Company. Committees appointed
to overlook the goods brought home by the sailors, and to
regulate the cost of freight, and those belonging to Lucas Antheunis
to be given up to him. Letter read from the Merchant Adventurers
concerning impositions on foreign commodities from such as are not
free of their guild. Two ships to be sent to the Cape with money
and provisions to relieve the Company's ships and men there. "A
very honorable answer" received from the Privy Council in reply
to the relation of the wrongs done by the Dutch to the English in
the Indies. Some contracts read betwixt the governors and principal
men of the islands of Pooloroon, Rosingyn, and Waire of the
free surrender of their countries and themselves under the obedience
and sovereignty of the English, together with some attestations of
the Flemings in the Indies concerning the differences between them
and the English, showing the insolent behaviour of the Flemings,
and their endeavours to confine the English to such places only as
the Flemings pleased, presupposing contracts with those islands
who deny the same and utterly renounce them, hating them to
death ; together with such matters against the English as are
altogether most false and scandalous, and are manifest proofs of
their insolent, proud, inhuman, and bloody courses held both against
those poor people and continued against the English, professing
open hostility and threatening fire and sword against them except
they surcease from their trade in those places where the English are
possessed with the love and entire affection of the inhabitants.
[Two pages. Court Bk. IV., 204-205.]
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Sept. 19.
Sambopa
Macassar.
|
439. Thos. Staverton to President Ball. His last was by
Geo. Muschampe, who sailed 25th Aug. News brought by a Portugal
that Hawkridge had been at Tidore, and partly through
his own good carriage he and all his company received kind usage
from the governor, and laded thence a quantity of cloves, being,
as it is said, fully minded to come to Macassar. Hopes he has safely
arrived at Bantam ; has no doubt of Hawkridge's care in looking
after the goods, and of those who so unfortunately left the ship,
Geo. Jackson, Wm. Swetland the purser, Tatton, [? Totten] and others,
to fall in all likelihood into the same misery as Cassarian David and
the rest of the two ships' companies. The directions from Courthopp
left by Muschampe the writer fears he cannot accomplish, having had
to satisfy King of Gooa, King of Tallo, and Crayne Angillo. In favour
of the bearer, a Chinaman. Not to forget the piece of ordnance for
the King of Tallo, and also send him a small case of English hot
waters for a present ; also a present for the King of Gooa, and some
small remembrance for Crayne Angillo. [One page. O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 695.]
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Sept. 19.
The Hague.
|
440. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. His letter of the 8th pres.
arrived late last night ; will speak to the States in conformity
therewith. Regrets the absence of the Prince of Orange, but delay
in cases of this nature breeds danger. The States have already had
in deliberation the sending deputies to his Majesty ; hopes what he
shall say will quicken their dispatch. Has already spoken in private
with some who do much lament these just occasions of complaint
given his Majesty's subjects. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 21.
Firando.
|
441. Edmund Sayer to Rich. Wickham at Bantam. Was obliged
to put in at one of the Leques islands for a new rudder ; heard that
Eaton was at one of them with the junk, but believes he has since
sailed for Siam. On his return to Japan found the Jurabassa, who
Sayer left in Cochin China, returned, he having taken the thieves
who stole the money, the most part of which is in the King's hands.
They are alone this year and desolate, without ship or junk ; the
Hollanders monopolize the whole cloth trade ; afraid whether Wickham
reached Bantam last year or was taken by the Hollanders.
Capt. Cocks and Nealson gone to Yedo to make known to the
Emperor how the Hollanders use them. [One page. O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 696.]
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Sept. 22.
|
442. Court Minutes of the East India Company. A prohibition
for bringing in whale fins from other parts to be inserted at the
end of the proclamation intended for logwood, according to the
Company's wish made known to Sec. Naunton. Wages of the
sailors of the James and Hope to be stayed until their bad conduct
in the Indies be examined into. Petitions read from Robt. Perkins,
executor of Henry Perkins, claiming satisfaction for fifty ryals,
delivered to Christ. Newport and paid over to Ball at Bantam ;
from Will. Croft for a debt ; and from Joan, widow of Thos.
Bacon, for payment of money due to her from John Baylye and
Thomas Sheppard. Letter read from Sir Dudley Diggs, wherein
he seemed to be doubtful about going into Moscow by reason of
the troubles of the country, the Poles having given the Emperor
an overthrow, and quite close to the city. The governor communicates
the promise of the King to speak to Sir Noel Caron,
and to write to the Landgrave Maurice, governor of Zealand,
"to right the wrongs and outrages committed by the Flemings."
Petitions read from James Bayley that the two sailors for whom
he was bound, were drowned in the Company's service ; and from
Margaret Porter concerning the estate of Thomas Heath, her
deceased brother. Complaint against Decrowe for absenting himself,
there being a want of money to satisfy debts due by the
Muscovy Company. [Two pages and a half. Court Bk. IV.,
No. 206-208.]
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Sept. 24.
Hampton Court.
|
443. Sec. Naunton to Carleton. Instructions for his speech at
the next assembly of the States General ; that they of their own
accord first propounded, by Sir Noel Caron, that there might be a
meeting of Commissioners on both parts to treat of the settling a
joint stock between the companies of the merchants of both States
that trade in the East Indies ; that the King was again moved to
the same effect by Caron, who undertook to the Privy Council that
Commissioners should come over instructed not only to accommodate
the former business first propounded by themselves, but with full
power to treat and conclude and give satisfaction of all differences ;
and that they should have been here by the 1st pres. The King's
dissatisfaction at the delay ; the daily insolencies and wrongs done
to his subjects, and the indignities to his own person and the
whole nation, cannot with honour be endured by any prince ; he
is enforced to call upon them to hasten away their Commissioners,
fully instructed, to give speedy justice and satisfaction to the King
and his subjects, that he may not be driven to right himself, which
their further delay will in honour force him to. [Extract from
Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 25.
Jacatra.
|
444. Capt. Martin Pring to President Ball. Glad to hear of the
safe arrival of the Gift. According to what Pring has heard in the
Chinese quarter, he means to find out whether they have been
fortifying at the islands by sending a boat to sound the channels.
Hopes to effect his business with the King to-morrow, who has
invited Pring to his park, where he hopes to make an absolute,
though high priced conclusion, for the King is no changeling in his
insatiable desires, yet as inconstant as the ocean in performing his
promise. Remembrances to Spurway, Jackson, Beaumont, and
Holman. [One page. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 697.]
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Sept. 25-26.
|
445. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Sea-horse
blubber belonging to the united companies to be sold at 6l. 10s . or
7l. a ton, to save the trouble of boiling it into oil. Richard Brand,
a clothier, to be paid. Decrowe not to exceed his commission, nor
to mix the two accounts of the old and new joint stock. Westrowe
to pay his debts to the Muscovy Company. Hugh Greete's accounts
to be examined, and his diamonds sold. Edward Charley to be
guardian to Edward, son of the late John George, deceased, late
gunner of the Defence. John Bickley, master of the Hope, referred
to the committees to regulate the question of freight of goods
brought home. Concerning the wages of three Dutchmen employed
in the Company's service, and the stoppage of the wages of those of
the Osiander for having robbed divers junks in the East Indies.
Petition read from Katherine Gybon for a debt due to her by John
Brackstone, deceased. Peter Nedham left at Cranganore by Capt.
Keeling, and much condemned for his carriage in the country, to pay
freight for his pepper. Barrett, the King's grocer, to have four bags
of pepper for his Majesty's use. Petitions read from Joan Allen
widow, whose husband died three years since at Bantam, for relief :
from Richard Furbusher, master carpenter of the Charles, to have
his goods without paying freight ; and from Alice, widow of Richard
Taylor, of the Osiander, who was taken by the Flemings and kept
in chains till his death, for relief. Decree made by the States at the
Hague, authorizing the Dutch to use all violence against the English
in the Indies, to be inquired into. Petition read from Abbacuck
Kirbye, glazier, for two of his servants sent to the Indies as glaziers
to be sent back, as there is no employment for them there ; from
Joseph, brother of John Tucker, who died two years since at Jambi,
for his late brother's wages and goods according to his will ;
and from Eliza, widow of Richard Clare, to have her goods without
paying freight. Petition read from Margery, widow of Thos. Archer,
who died in the Hope, to have her very small estate without a letter
of administration. Letter read from Richard Carmarden to have
the legacies bequeathed to his children by Capt. Pepwell at his
disposal for their benefit.
Minutes of a General Court. Sale of diamonds and other, commodities,
with names of purchasers and the prices. 300l. adventure
in the second joint stock belonging to Mr. Buxton sold for 10l. per
cent. to Morris Abbott, deputy governor, and 200l. in the first joint
stock sold to Geo. Swynnhowe for 203l. 10s. per cent.
Sept. 26.-Court Minutes. John Bickley, master of the Hope
to have his goods on paying freight. The mariners questioned for
robbing the frigates in the Indies, laying the whole fault upon their
commanders, were discharged from all complaint, and ordered to
have their wages paid. [Six pages and a half. Court Bk. IV.,
208-214.]
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Sept. 27.
Ispahan.
|
446. Edward Pettus to the East India Company. Barker and
the rest of the merchants arrived from Court 25 July with a reconfirmation
of the capitulations procured by Connok and two several
phirmaunds, one for the export of their silk lying at Moghistan, the
other for the Shah's treasurer to take all their imported goods and
deliver them silk all at price current. Connok had the like promise
last year from the King's mouth, who, however, refused their lead,
quicksilver, looking-glasses, and whatever he pleased, and took their
cloth at his own price. In case of disagreement with Lalabegg, the
King's treasurer, merchants are to estimate the price, though whatever
Lalabegg says they dare not gainsay. What happened last year
in that way. The English have not credit in the country for a penny,
either upon pawn or otherwise, and were deceived in the loan of some
money from Lalabegg, who gave them a letter to his vizier in
Ispahan to receive it a month past ; a portion only paid to Barker
and Bell ; they left for Jask 1 September, leaving Monox and
Pettus behind, who were put off from day to day with the answer,
I have no money. Thinks it a wilful excuse, and that the treasurer
is bribed by the Spanish Ambassador now resident in Ispahan, and
with no small sum of money ; is sure the great present which the
Spanish Ambassador has lately given to this King will work some
strange effect contrary to their expectation. Does not believe that
the Spanish Ambassador was only sent to congratulate this King
and give him presents ; thinks the King will see the event of their
proceedings this year, whether they continue not to lie to him as
his Treasurer says they have, talking of ships to come in, but he
sees none, and as they keep promise, so answer the Spanish Ambassador,
"Indeed upon his honour he must give us this year trial."
If the ships fail to arrive this year, they will be at their wit's end ;
they are masters of neither means nor money to buy themselves
bread, neither have they credit in the least, and the merchants of all
ports are generally their enemies, and throw every impediment
they can and dare upon them, filling the King's ears with doubt.
The fault lies with their deceased principal (Connok), but the
survivor is the most to blame. So undeserving a servant as Barker the
Company never employed. This place requires a man of spirit and
presence, who dares talk to the greatest of them. The Company
have lost a worthy servant in Connok, who would rattle the best of
them ; such an one must be here, or all will be nought. These
people full of lies from the greatest to the least, especially those
with whom they have had to do. Disgraceful conduct of Barker
at Court, when he went to obtain new capitulations of the King,
striving to make void those procured by Connok, making a dragoman
of Mr. Robins, whom he commanded to say nothing to the
King but what he was bade, and offending the King, who perceived
he was in drink and called him opprobrious names. Fears the trade
will not fall out according to their expectations ; his reasons : the
country most miserably poor of money with little trade in itself,
the Banians, the chief merchants, selling linens from India of all
sorts and prices, which the country cannot be without, except the
people go naked ; and unless the King be a mere merchant, as he
half promised, the Company will never receive benefit from the trade,
nor themselves, the merchants, any credit. To be plain, the experience
of this year teaches him that this country will not vend so much as
expected. The writer's sudden change of opinion must not discourage
the Company from giving all the furtherance they may to "this
once hopeful trade ;" another year's experience will give a true light
to all, for ever since their arrival in the country they have lived in
want, occasioned through the ill husbandry and quarrellings of
their principals. The chief reason why the country at present is
without money, is because of the wars between the Turk and the
King ; no merchant or caravan can pass to or fro in safety. The
Banians, in return for their linens, carry most of the silver and gold
out of this country, which being prohibited, if taken they suffer
death, and this happened to several when the English were at
Kasbin, one of Connok's dear friends being the principal person who
suffered. This King is a tyrant and will not suffer any of his
subjects to be rich ; he caused one of the richest merchants in
Ispahan to be beaten to death with cudgels, took away his estate,
and then had him hanged up in the Midan, to the annoyance of
any coming near, and no man knows the cause. The King's cruelty
makes the merchants afraid to have any quantity of goods, which
is the reason of "their peddling dealing." The King is a merchant,
and has the refusal of all goods that come to town, forcing his subjects
to take them at his price ; the danger therefore of overloading
the country with commodities, the King having conditioned to take
all. A great quantity of money with commodities must work this
trade. The King's successor is doubtful ; he has three sons, the
eldest most butcher-like, having some five years past attempted to
murder the King and seize his crown ; the youngest son the favourite
upon whom it is thought the King will confer his crown. There
are two other potent and mighty princes who the King suffers to
keep state, Emanguiliok Khan, Duke of Shiraz, and Cassum Khan,
Duke on the frontiers between Turkey and Persia, both of whom
it is feared will rebel at the King's death. The King is not beloved
by his nobles, but feared for his tyranny. Insecurity of their goods
in the event of the King's death. Ispahan is being daily beautified
and enlarged by the King, who makes it the chief mart town for
all merchants ; in his father's time it was nothing to what it is now.
No fear of anything happening during the present King's life ; he is
willingly obeyed in everything, and this year the Duke of Shiraz
in person with 16,000 horse served him against the Turk. Money
owing to Lalabegg and others. Incloses particulars of the English
and Indian commodities which will vend in Persia, and what this
country affords for investments, with the places set down where to
be had, especially those commodities which Pettus thinks are unknown
to the Company, and which he has collected together with
the help of sundry brokers. Rhubarb, being subject to sweat, will
not keep good because of the heat of the ships ; the Portugals have
not exported any for many years ; all that goes to Aleppo goes
direct from Tartary, where it grows, and is so transported overland
for Venice. Description of the coins, weights, and measures in
Persia. Complains of the principal (Barker), keeping Monox and
himself ignorant of all proceedings. Monox will send the Company
copies of letters which will explain the whole passage of their
business up to Connok's departure for Jask in October 1617.
Geo. Pley and Connok's accounts given to Pettus to perfect.
Methwold's perverseness in all the Company's affairs. Arrival at
Tauris of Malill Bashaw, the grand vizier of Aleppo and General of
the Turkish army, with 400,000 men ; his success against the Persian
army not known. The vizier's aim is to take Ardabil, where all
the King's ancestors lie interred ; the Turks will never again be able
to bring such a force against the King if he be able this year to hold
his own ; his army of 100,000 men he has divided into three parts,
and does everything by policy, cutting off the supplies of his enemies ;
if the Turks have provisions for two months, all will be endangered,
but wisdom and valour were never daunted, nor is the King.
William Nealson dispatched with letters from the Court to the
Company ; was met by a Frenchman fifty days since within three
days' journey of Aleppo ; "if he accomplish his journey he escapes
fair, considering the great wait laid for Englishmen and their letters ;
if any, of what nation soever, be taken carrying letters for England,
nothing more sure than death." The merchants at Aleppo in a
hurly-burly about this new intended trade of the English ; fears
Nealson will put the English consul at Aleppo to much trouble and
danger before he can ship Nealson away. Incloses,
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446. I. Particulars and prices of all sorts of commodities, both
English and Southern, vendible in the Empire of Persia,
as also the commodities that Persia affords for investments.
Indorsed, "Edward Pettus, from Persia, dated
27 and 28 September 1618. Received 13 September 1619
by the Ann." Together fifteen pages and a half.
O.C., Vol. VI., Nos. 699-700.]
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Sept. 27.
Jacatra.
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447. Ufflete to President Ball. On the 26th the General (Pring),
Wickham, the writer, and others were with the King at his park,
with whom the General has agreed for the ground, 1,500 ryals to be
paid at six months' time and 700 yearly. John Come arrived from
the island ; is informed that for certain the Hollanders fetch away
the earth from Hector island to build a fort upon their island. For
licence for Waddon to stay and finish the accounts. [Half a page.
O.C., Vol. VI., No. 698.]
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Sept. 29.
The Hague.
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448. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. Will punctually observe his
instructions. The return of the Prince of Orange, and the arrival
of certain deputies from Zealand, who are all expected before the
end of the week, will be the most proper opportunity to draw the
States to a resolution. Has given his Majesty an account of what
he has already performed. Causes of the delay in sending over
Commissioners. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 29.
[The Hague.]
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449. Carleton to the King. Has made a remonstrance to the
States General upon the complaints presented to his Majesty by
his subjects against the Dutch for their violences committed in
Greenland and the East Indies. The difficulty betwixt the provinces
is laid aside, it being judged more than necessary to send deputies
to his Majesty, but who will be sent, and how they will be instructed,
will yet ask some few days of deliberation. Trusts the King will
excuse the delay, it being not as heretofore an artifice to gain time,
but real and serious, caused through the distraction of an unsettled
government. [Draft. Holland Corresp.]
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