|
|
|
|
Feb. 3/13.
The Hague.
|
583. Reply of the States General of the United Provinces to Sir
Dudley Carleton's proposition. (See ante, No. 541, 12 Jan. 1619.)
Excuse themselves for not having been able to instruct their Commissioners
upon all the five points. The distracted state of their
state and government does not allow of their devoting the necessary
time to call together the many persons interested in those points
other than the traffic in the East Indies and the whale fisheries.
Pray his Majesty to let the treaty proceed upon these two last points
until their present dissensions, both political and ecclesiastical, are in
a quieter state. [French. Five pages. Holland Corresp.]
|
|
Feb. 5.
|
584. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Robert
Younge, who returned in the Bull, entertained for employment at
150l. per annum, "but because it is extraordinary and not fit to be
known to others they appointed to have it recorded but 100l. per
annum." Petition read of Elizabeth, wife of Richard Swanley,
master's mate in the Swan ; Mary, wife of Arthur Archer ; Julian,
wife of John Gunter ; Elizabeth, wife of Aaron Burt ; Joan, wife of
Josias Undrill [Underhill] ; Helen wife of Thos. Hewes ; Anne, wife
of Ambrose Bursted ; and Elizabeth, wife of Geo. Yeomans in the
Swan, craving some means for their own and families' relief, and the
Company's assistance to procure the release of their husbands from
the Hollanders. The ships to be dispatched away. Capt. Jourdain
to be reminded to write more fully than Geo. Ball has done.
Advice to be sent to Bantam for all unprofitable factories to be
dissolved, and exorbitant or insufficient factors to be sent home.
News from Aleppo that the King of Persia has overthrown the
army of the Turk and slain most of his men, the rest escaping
with great difficulty back to Turkey ; that the Persian had prohibited
the sending of any more silks into Turkey, and refused to
deal with the Spaniard for the same, but continued constant in his
promise to the English ; what signs and tokens had been seen in the
element by a blazing star and fiery sword, which hath much daunted
the Turks and quite dismayed them ; and of a great mortality and
plague now raging in Constantinople, which consumes 1,000, 1,200,
and 1,500 a day. Letters to be written to the factors in Persia to
capitulate with the Emperor, that no nation should intercept the
English, but that he should forbid all others trade by sea, and to let
him know that the trade shall be furnished. Business about the
pirates. Lord Lincoln's adventure respecting the appointment of a
principal factor at Jask., and the indiscretion of Monox in contending
for "principality" there. Necessity of keeping secret
what is daily done concerning the treaty between the English and
Dutch. Thos. Kerridge's wages increased to 150l. a year. Committee
to be appointed to look to the general business of each ship. Means
to be taken to suppress the disorderly conduct of the mariners and
prevent their running away. Committee appointed about the
matter depending with Lord Rich. As to sending ships to Greenland.
[Two pages. Court Bk. IV., 292-295.]
|
|
Feb. 5.
[Pooloroon.]
|
585. Nat. Courthope, Robt. Jackson, and Robt. Haies to Cassarian
David and the rest of his loving friends [prisoners of the
Dutch at Pooloway]. Duplicate of No. 554. Endorsed, "Wherein
he writeth of all secrets which I make account the Hollanders
were acquainted withal." [One page. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 751.]
|
|
Feb. 6.
London.
|
586. Chamberlain to Carleton. On Saturday last [30 Jan.]
Sir Thos. Smythe's house at Deptford was burnt down to the
ground, and nothing saved that was in it, except the people, who
escaped narrowly. [Extract from Dom. Jac. I., Vol. CV., No. 83,
Cal., p. 11.]
|
|
Feb. 6.
[The Hague.]
|
587. Carleton to the King. Sends the States' answer to his
proposition concerning the businesses their Commissioners have in
hand. A different temper will be observed by the modesty of the
terms, yet doubts whether the King will receive satisfaction in the
substance. Arguments against the dispatch of all these five businesses
pari passu. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] Encloses,
|
|
587. I. The answer of the States General of the United Provinces
to Carleton's propositions, see ante No. 583. The Hague,
3/13 Feb., 1619. French. [Six pages and a quarter. Holland
Correspondence.]
|
|
1619.
Feb. 8.
Aboard the
Clove,
Bantam.
|
588. Henry Bosvile, purser to Sir Thos. Smythe, "at his mansion
in Philpot Lane." Commending John Bonfoy, purser of the Clove,
who has been appointed factor at Japara. [One page. O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 752.]
|
|
Feb. 9-12.
|
589. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Monox,
whose carriage in Persia is much distasted, to be sent home except
the business in his hand be found to prevent it. The Victualler to
be called the Supply. All the ships to sail together from Surat to
Jask. Brockedon to proceed with the fleet for Bantam as chief
factor, but not to have command of the ship thither. Letter to be
procured from the King to the Emperor of Persia, in answer to the
one sent to his Majesty. George Finch, appointed a factor, to be
left behind, his master, David Bourne, claiming his time till Christmas,
besides a debt. Necessity of calling in a greater sum of money
next year for the new joint stock, the payment of debts, and the
prosecution of the trade with Persia, which will require great sums.
Petition of Sam. Squier concerning some money he borrowed in the
time of his sickness at Bantam of Hugh Greete, and which Greete
left to him as a legacy. The Deputy-Governor to attend the Lords
about the pirates and confirm the Company's former resolution of
2,000l. a year [sic, see ante, No. 582] ; as the Governor and Deputy
could not both be spared from a meeting of the States Commissioners
to be held at the same time at Merchant Tailors' Hall. 50l. a year
out of Capt. Jourdain's salary to be paid to Robt. Lee, appointed to
receive the same.
Feb. 12.-Coral to be bought ; advice received that 100 chests a
year will sell. Benj. Charke, formerly a factor in the East Indies,
recommended by Sir Thos. Smythe to be warehouse-keeper at
Leadenhall. Amount in ryals to be sent in the Palsgrave, the
Elizabeth, the Hope, the Charles, the Ruby, and the Diamond for
Surat and Persia, and all the dollars for Persia. Letter to be
written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in favour of Capt.
Vaughan. The Governor again urges sending into Greenland and
Muscovy to know whether the East India Company will lose the
half of their 47,000l. disbursed last year. Joseph Hopkinson
entertained factor for seven years. [Three pages and a half. Court
Bk. IV., 295-298.]
|
|
Feb. 12.
Acheen.
|
590. W[illiam] N[icolls] to Thos. Kerridge and the rest [at
Surat]. Their two years' trade expired in July last ; his earnest
suit for a renewal of trade, but could give no present answerable
to the King's covetous mind, and the Hollanders suing likewise and
giving great presents, his hopes were frustrated. Purchase of
pepper from the King of Acheen, much to the discomfiture of the
Hollanders, who were ready to quarrel with him, but durst not.
Goods and money laden aboard the Gift, which set sail 19 July 1618
with the Unicorn's horn that would not sell. Nothing to maintain
this chargeable factory but the stock that ought to be left for
investment in pepper against the next ship's arrival. These people
buy cloth from hand to mouth only, which they pay for in pepper.
If it be possible ruinate the Dabuls and restrain the Guzerats and
Gogo shipping from going to Acheen. Has had no news from
Bantam this year and a half. John Beamond writes from Tiku
that the Hollanders have taken three English ships at the Moluccas.
"God send revenge or a fair peace." They cleave to the King of
Mataram, who Nicolls hears is cutting way through mountains and
woods to take the King and country of Bantam, and is like to
prevail. The English must be indifferent on both parties. Thinks
the Hollanders will join with the King of Acheen in besieging
Malacca ; in such case this King may unhappily give them the
privilege of this island's trade. The English should be beforehand
with the Dutch in a present to this King's content, to gain two
years more trade with Tiku as the Hollanders lately did, "by being
indeed open fisted, * * * this King being so covetous as our
lawyers, doing little or nothing without a fee." The Flemings
basely respected at Tiku ; they endeavour to persuade the Governor
to stand out against the King of Acheen, and they will deal with
him by sea ; also that they would fortify some of the adjoining
islands. As to the sale of Surat goods. Plenty of pepper to be
bought, but has neither money nor goods to purchase ; difference of
the prices at Acheen and Bantam. [Four pages. O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 753.]
|
|
Feb. 14.
|
591. Sir Thos. Wynne to Carleton. A ship from the East
Indies, called the Bull, arrested by Lord Rich upon an action of
1,600,000l. Some of the merchants complained to the King, who
sent for Lord Rich to compound the business. Lord Rich very
earnest with the King that he might have the benefit of a subject
to wage law against them, but the King would not yield to it.
[Extract from Domestic Correspondence, Jac. I., Vol. CV., No. 104,
Cal., p. 14.]
|
|
Feb. 15
Aboard the
Dragon, in
Swally Boad.
|
592. Kerridge, Rastell, and James to Nicolls at Acheen, by
the Dragon. The Company's letters will show their desires and
what they have sent, together with his Majesty's letter to the King
of Acheen for presents. Goods laden on board the Dragon for
Acheen and Tiku. To use all possible endeavours to lade the
Dragon with pepper from Sumatra, and take especial notice of the
most profitable commodities for sale. Steel and opium sent on trial.
Refer him to Capt. Bonner and Mr. Fursland for their opinion
touching the Expedition which accompanied the Dragon, and they
hope will procure lading on the coast of Calicut. Advice received
from the Masulipatam factors of the expulsion of the English from
Tiku and the reception of the Dutch in their stead ; hope this news
"may be but as some of their accustomed bravos, fabulous." Rely
on his industrious care under all circumstances, and to get a settled
factory there. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 754.]
|
|
Feb. 16.
Surat.
|
593. Sir Thos. Roe to the Governor of Mocha. Received his
honourable letters with much joy, by the hands of Joseph Salbancke
and Ed. Heynes, which give great testimony of his noble disposition
and good affection to the English nation, "wherein you show yourself
to be a worthy and discreet man." The good correspondence
which has always existed between his Majesty and the Grand
Signor should by all means be maintained by their subjects ; and
whereas intercourse and traffic are the principal bonds of amity, the
English desire to resort yearly to the Governor's port to trade in
love and friendship as honest merchants, not doubting but that he
will confirm the privileges granted last year and procure more ample
privileges from the Grand Signor and his Viceroy, the Bashaw of
Synan [Sana], whereby the English may be encouraged to bring them
all sorts of commodities as well from Europe, as spices from the southward
and cloth from India, by which means his port will be more
famous and become the mart of all Asia. This on the honour of his
Majesty will be faithfully performed, and their ports and seas kept
from all trouble to his utmost, neither to molest any trading thence,
the Portugals, their utter enemies, only excepted. Has sent according
to his desire the same men as last year, desiring him to receive them
as friends. [One page. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 755.]
|
|
Feb. 19.
Lambeth.
|
594. Geo. Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Thos. Roe.
Approves of his making observation of the religious rites of those
eastern people, but confesses it must needs be a great labour, since
he understands not the language, and the Indians have no books
to express their superstition and idolatry. Thinks his account of
how a heathen lord came to his end by the pulling off of a hair a
marvellous example of the power of God upon rebellious atheists.
"Sir Walter Raleigh amongst us did question God's being and
omnipotency, which that just Judge made good upon himself in
over-humbling his estate, but last of all in bringing him to an
execution by law, where he died a religious and christian death,
God testifying his power in this, that he raised up of a stone a child
unto Abraham." Wishes for Thos. Coryat's, return to England,
because he would report of the furthest eastern countries in a better
fashion than any Englishman hitherto hath been able. Recommends
him to get together all the papers which Coryat hath written. The
King blames Coryat for writing in his memoirs that he saw men
have their eyes pulled out and their tongues cut off, which before an
idol were speedily restored again. The King says this cannot be
done by the power of Satan, and he is sure it is not by the finger
of God. Finds English traffic has a double rub in India by the
Portugal and the Hollander. Commissioners are come out of
Holland ; one of the principal points first to be resolved is the
business of the East Indies ; they carry themselves with insolency,
and sometimes speak very high, "but our men give no ground unto
them ;" and there is good hope of accommodating differences, and by
that means of very soon gaining upon the Portugals in those parts.
The King of Spain carrieth fair quarter with the English. Not
certain whether the Emperor Matthias be living or dead. Commends
him that he is so wary in settling a trade for Persia. Sir Robert
Sherley entertained by the King of Spain at Madrid as Ambassador
Lieger for the Persian. News from Constantinople that the Turks
have taken Tauris, razed it to the ground, and forced the Persian
to seek for peace ; if so, it is more than probable that the trade
of silk will go on to Aleppo as formerly, "and then there is an
end of all our debates concerning the silk of Persia." Lord Rich
before the King and Council about his men-of-war which he set out
to the Indies ; "I think he was so handled among us that you shall
hear no more of him there ;" he had procured commissions from the
Dukes of Savoy and Florence, so it is manifest that he intended
his men should bring home some taken goods. Our new admiral,
the Marquis Buckingham, has promised to be wary that no more
such commissions issue forth. Sir Thos. Lake's strange business
against the Countess of Exeter. [Six pages. Domestic, Jac. I.,
Vol. CV., No. 118, Cal., p. 16.]
|
|
Feb. 19.
|
595. Sir Thos. Wynne to Carleton. The English and the States
Commissioners begin "of late to piece better together." They were
this day feasted by Peter Van Lore ; they say the Lord Commissioners
will feast them one after another, and then the Company of the
East Indies. [Extract from Domestic Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CV.,
No. 117, Cal., p. 15.]
|
|
Feb. 19.
|
596. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Petition of
William Waterworth, employed by Mr. Browne at Ahmedabad, for
some indigo. Wages of Robert Gould, the preacher at Surat. [One
page. Court Bk. IV., 299.]
|
|
Feb. 20.
Succadana.
|
597. Cokayne and Hayward to Staverton at Macassar. Advantages
of his situation, from the constant recourse of strangers from all
places. Hope Capt. Jourdain or Capt. Dale will be with him at
Macassar by the end of June, on their return from the Moluccas.
Capital delivered to them at Bantam by Capt. Ball, in money, cloth,
copper, iron, and lead. Return of the Rose with diamonds ; worthlessness
of those found in the factory with Collins. A small Dutch
ship here twice within seven months. Eight Landak prows in
Succadana at present. Small means to defray their present charges.
Through "that lewd and base fellow Greete," this factory hath been
in disgrace ; "that rascal Collins" hath done the like. Succadana,
if stocked with 10,000 or 12,000 ryals worth of vendible commodities,
and honest men, would be found as profitable as any ordinary factory
in the Indies. The Dutch visit Java, Sumatra, and Borneo, all under
one voyage. Reasons why the factory is imputed not to be worth
the keeping. Request that Collins, if at Macassar or Bantam, may
be sent hither. Arrival of three junks from Patani ; also letter from
Gilman, who says he is chief there. News from Acheen that the
Dutch there have so wrought with the King as to prevent the
English from trading at Tiku and Priaman. Imprudent conduct of
the English chief in conference with the King, telling him that if he
would not grant his request this year, he would force him to it next.
"How can business take any good effect when they babble they know
not what, and the hearers understand neither head nor foot, for all
these kings in these countries, although they be but beggarly kings,
yet in their country they think themselves as great as the greatest
emperor in the world." Arrival of a Dutch ship at Bantam in
October last, with the King of Jhor. Any quantity of gold may be
employed. The diamonds they have must be sold, though at a loss.
Cokayne has lost his passage this year for England, through Ball,
"which is much to my disgrace to stay in every beggarly place to
make clean what others have berayed." [Three pages and a quarter.
O.C., Vol. VI., No. 756.]
|
|
Feb. 22.
[Bantam.]
|
598. Spalding to Sir Thos. Dale. Conference as to the demands
to be made of the Pengran. Without he would permit them food
fitting to maintain health, and assurance of their being settled, in
writing, was certain there could be no agreement. The Pengran not
likely to condescend to most of the articles. [One page. O.C.,
Vol. VI., No. 757.]
|
|
Feb. 22.
Aboard the
Moon,
Bantam Road.
|
599. James Rynd to Sir Thos Smythe. Replies to the false
charge and gross untruth of Barnard Wright, purser's mate of the
Sun, that prayers were never read in that ship but when there was
nothing else to do. He read prayers with some portion of Scripture
twice a day, except during his sickness, when Sir Thos. Dale did so.
[One page. Endorsed, "Received 6 Nov. 1619 by the Little James."
O.C., Vol. VI., No. 758.]
|
|
Feb. 23.
|
600. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Difference
between the Company and George Scot. Letter read from Edward
Monox, from Ispahan, of 28 Sept. last, complaining of the want of
supplies in Persia, whereby some have taken advantage to disgrace
the English and their trade, but yet that the Emperor's resolution is
to make a little further trial in expectation of some goods being
sent according to Connok and Barkers promise ; that he hoped to
have speedily settled a most worthy trade, seeing how gracious the
Emperor was in granting their goods custom free ; confirming the
former capitulations made with Connok, and commanding his
treasurer, Lalabegg, to buy all the English commodities that arrived
and deliver silks for them at the prices current for both, and condemning
Barker for a most unworthy servant, to whom he attributed
the ill success of the business past. Also letter read from Wm.
Robbins, from Ispahan, of 29 Sept. last, showing the distress they
had been in for want of supplies, his expectations of a profitable
trade hereafter, and the departure of Monox and Pettus to Jask, to
meet the ships and commodities expected there. Gratuity of 100l. to
Robbins for his past services, and to have some certain yearly salary
if further employed. Also two letters read from Libby Chapman,
Consul at Aleppo, dated 18 Nov. last, giving notice of having sent
certain letters overland to Connok in Persia, the charges 3l., and
requesting payment. Ellam to write letters to Monox and the rest
of the factors, acknowledging their care in sending letters by sundry
conveyances, but that the charge of sending messengers overland
directly with letters is too great ; advising them to make use of
Georgian or Armenian merchants, who travel safely and freely, without
suspicion, between Persia and Turkey ; and wishing them to
make use of the "character" that is sent, so that nothing may be
discovered, though some letters should be intercepted. Notice to be
given at a general court of the despatch of the ships, and of a dividend
to be declared on the first joint stock in April next ; also to
let them know how gracious his Majesty has been to the Company
in Lord Rich's business, and to show the seal of the Admiralty that
the suit is dismissed ; and that the fourth part of the main capital
be paid in next year, in regard of the Persian business, for which
there is sent this year 180,000l. in live stock (sic), besides shipping
and provisions ; "and, moreover, care must be had to discharge the
Company's debts, although not fit to speak of them publicly."
Letter read from Rowland Quoitmore, master of the Royal James,
from Swalley Road, of 1st March last ; a voluntary contribution on
board, of upwards of 180l., towards building a new chapel at Wapping
parish ; account of the voyage and the danger they were in
through a great leak. Motion for one ship to be sent off to Persia
deferred. [Two pages. Court Bk. IV., 299-301.]
|
|
Feb. 23.
Aboard the
Sampson,
Bantam Road.
|
601. John Pery, purser, to the East India Company. Outward
voyage of the Sun, Moon, Clove, Peppercorn, and Sampson. Parted
company with the Globe through foul weather. Met with a
Portugal vessel of about 120 tons, but took nothing from it ; also
with a carac, from which they received 22 small chests and barrels of
commodities "in part of wrongs done." Death of Capt. Parker, 24
Sept. 1618. At their coming to Bantam, heard of the unhappy overthrow
of the Sun, and the loss of most of her company. On 19 November
following, the Moon, Clove, Peppercorn and Sampson anchored
within four leagues of Bantam Road ; "most part of all the company
in the fleet very weak." Capt. Jourdain landed at Bantam 22 Nov.
Safe arrival of the Globe 2 December. On 5th took a Holland ship
called the Black Lion, of about 800 tons, laden with pepper, rice, and
other goods. Fight within three leagues of Jacatra between the
English and Dutch fleets, which continued near three hours ; above
a thousand pieces of ordnance shot from the English fleet, and few
less from the Dutch ; some four Englishmen killed, and divers hurt.
Anchored, 27 Dec., near Jacatra, purposing to unload the Black Lion,
but next morning, about two o'clock, she was on fire, and burnt in
five hours close to the water, without saving anything. "The
fire came by some idle fellows, which broke down upon the orlop
(deck) in the night." Ordnance and powder carried ashore at Jacatra
to lay battery against the Flemings' castle. Departure of the James
Royal with Admiral Capt. Pring, the Gift, Unicorn, Globe, Sampson,
and Bee, sent to meet some Fleming ships ; gave chase to four sail,
but could not fetch them up. Arrived at Bantam 31 January.
Notice of the arrival of two Flemings (ships) at Jacatra ; and orders
for all the last fleet to sail with the Rose and Bee thither. [Three
pages and a quarter. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 759.]
|
|
1619.
Feb. 23.
Aboard the
Unicorn,
Bantam Road.
|
602. [Capt. Pring ?] to the East India Company. In favour of
Richard Bragg, who lost the use of one of his hands, and was
dangerously hurt in the fight with the Flemings. [One page. O.C.,
Vol. VI., No. 760.]
|
|
Feb 23.
Aboard the
Moon.
|
603. Minutes of a Consultation. Certain intelligence received of
the arrival of the Dutch ships in Jacatra Road. Resolved to send
the Moon, Clove, Globe, Sampson, Peppercorn, Hound, Rose, and Bee,
under the command of Sir Thos. Dale, and that Capt. Pring remain at
Bantam with the James Royal, the Gift, Unicorn, and Little James ;
the Advice and the Prize [the Black Lion] to attend upon the President.
Signed by Sir Thos. Dale, Martin Pring, John Jourdain, and
Geo. Ball. [One page. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 761.]
|
|
Feb. 24.
Aboard the
Rose,
Bantam Road.
|
604. Robert Carter, purser, to Sir Thos. Smythe. Sends by Robt.
Hind, purser of the James, accounts, inventories, and wills of all
men deceased in the Rose, from Jan. 1618 to February 1619. Came
forth in the Charles an attendant on Capt. Joseph, and, at the desire
of Wm. Watkins, was made purser's mate, afterwards purser of the
Rose, by Captains Pepwell and Ball. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 762.]
|
|
Feb. 25.
Aboard the
Peppercorn,
Bantam Road.
|
605. Andrew Bredgate, purser, to Sir Thos. Smythe. Hitherto
great many men have died on the ten months' voyage between
England and Bantam ; putrified beef and pork, "not man's meat,"
the chief cause of sickness. When arrived at Bantam not six men
were able to work ; the whole fleet in the like distress. The master
and seven men drowned at the Cape. Altogether twenty-five men
have died and been drowned, whose names and accounts are sent.
Concerning the carac, the fight with the Flemings, and state of the
country. [One page. "By the Little James." O.C., Vol. VI.,
No. 763.]
|
|
Feb. 25.
Gwalior, "a
great castle and
city 40 course
[coss] from
Agra."
|
606. John Banggam to Thos. Kerridge and Company at Surat.
His arrival at Gwalior from Agra with 170 camels laden with
goods. Will make every possible haste to get to Surat. Is sorry
to hear of John Young's disaster. Danger of the route between
Burrampoor and Surat. [One page. O.C., Vol. VI., No. 764.]
|
|
Feb. 26.
Aboard the
Unicorn.
|
607. Capt. Pring, Jourdain, Ball, and Denton to Spaldinge at
Bantam. Received intelligence half an hour ago, from the Portugals,
of four Flemish ships riding without the entrance of the straits.
Are resolved with the James Royal, Gift, Unicorn, and Small James
to go in quest of them, leaving the Advice and Owl for guard. To
send forthwith all seamen ashore at Bantam, for they are getting
their anchors aboard ; also a prow to Jacatra to give intelligence to
Sir Thos. Dale and his fleet. [Three quarters of a page. O.C.,
Vol. VI., No. 765.]
|
|
Feb. 26.
|
608. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mr. Scot's
business. Concerning a dividend of one capital in the first joint
stock. About indigo, whale fins, and logwood. Building of victualling
houses at Blackwall, to prevent the men going forth to
breakfast and afternoon drinkings. Complaints from India of
tainted beef ; the fault of the butchers knocking down so many
oxen together and letting them lie in their blood until it be settled,
without cutting their throats whilst alive, whereby they would
strive and strain the blood out of their bodies, and for want thereof
their flesh cannot take salt. Petition of Richard Doves, master of
the Zouch Bonaventure, of London, with 14 English captains in
Argier (Algiers), "who having made a long, bloody, and dangerous
fight with the Turks and slain many of them, were at last taken
and captived." Doves lost 1,000l., and their ransom is set at 1,000l.
more. Craves the King's favour to collect charity from certain
companies of merchants ; to be considered, wishing them to procure
what they can of the rest of the companies. Want of a good ship-carpenter
in India ; agreement with Richard Furbusher, an old
servant, who built a pinnace in the Somers Islands, and is known to
be very skilful, and willing to go and live in India for seven years
with his two sons.
Minutes of a General Court. Return of the Bull laden with
calicoes, indigo, conserves, bloodstones, gumlac, carpets, &c. Declaration
of a dividend of one whole capital on the first joint stock.
The Company having great occasions to employ large sums of
money next year in regard of their trade in Persia and other urgent
occasions, a fourth part of their whole underwritings to be paid
next year by the adventurers. Lord Rich's suit discharged out of
the Admiralty ; the King's gracious favour to them. Because of
the reports that the Hollanders in the Indies have with a strong
hand offered violence and wrong to the English, and have brought
home great quantities of goods taken from the Chinese and others,
"which prosperity maketh them somewhat too peremptory in the
eyes of the world, and gives a great deal of distaste to all men in
general," but this Company having desired ever to proceed peaceably
as merchants, have carried themselves in another nature towards
them, it is hoped that some good accord and conclusion may be effected
between the Commissioners on either side ; but if the Hollanders
stand too stiffly upon unreasonable terms, then it was resolved to
strengthen themselves sufficiently to withstand and counter-check
their violence ; and to have a double proportion called in for next
year, being a fourth part of their whole adventure for the second
joint stock, which if necessary they are contented to double again,
or at all events to pay the whole of their adventures ; full authority
to the Governor to call in what was needful ; a double proportion
to be paid in next year. Tickets of the amounts to be paid in, to
be left at each adventurer's house, "whereby all pretended excuse of
ignorance shall be avoided." Leave to the Virginia Company to
sell by the candle 1,000 weight of tobacco in rolls, lately brought
from the Somers Islands. [Three pages. Court Bk. IV., 301-304.]
|
