|
| Feb. 1. |
253. Locke to Carleton. It will not be long before the States
[Commissioners] depart; they were solemnly feasted by the merchants at Merchant Taylors' Hall on 30th Jan., and were entertained
with a play after; yesterday the States gave a great supper at their
lodging to the merchants. [Extract from Domestic Corresp., Jac. I.,
Vol. CXXXVIII., No. 3, Cal., p. 486.] |
| (Feb. ?) |
254. Inventory of goods taken out of a China junk in the
Straits of Banca by the White Bear, and rated in Batavia according
to the price current, amounting to 5,058 ryals. Endorsed, "Received
the 18th June by the Lesser James. 1623." [Two pages. O.C.,
Vol. IX., No. 1093+3.] |
Feb. 4.
Batavia. |
255. Particular of goods taken out of the godown and seized
by the Dutch fiscal for the sum of 8115 ryals, at which the Dutch
General and his council valued the goods that were taken out of the
China junk by the White Bear by Robert Johnson's order. Total,
9,117 ryals. [One page. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1094.] |
| Feb. 5. |
256. Certificate given by order of Rich. Fursland and his council,
signed by Joseph Clark, carpenter of the Ruby, and others, that the
Globe is rotten and unfit for further service. [Half a page. O.C.,
Vol. IX., No. 1095.] |
Feb. 5.
The Hague. |
257. Carleton to Sec. Calvert. The States Ambassadors landed
in the Maese on Monday last, and have made so good a report of
their business, and of the King's gracious usage of them during the
whole of their long stay in England, that they remain here much
comforted, and well assured that our match with Spain will breed
no divorce with this State, of which there hath been of late days no
small jealousy. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
| Feb. 8. |
258. The Governor and Deputy Governor of the East India Company to Carleton. Acknowledge his readiness in their affairs. Have
had a tedious and inconstant prosecution of their business through
the King's unsettled abode, and a desire of the Dutch "to bring the
business within the compass." It is now at an end and they hope
well of a good performance hereafter. Will send him a copy of their
agreement, if he has not already received one. The King, when the
Ambassadors took their leave, propounded some things for the better
regulation of the Company's trade for the future, and desired that
Carleton should receive a copy. Find it is not yet sent, neither have
they yet got a sight of it. Will make further requests to him when
they have seen it. [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
Feb. 8.
Batavia. |
259. John Hitchens to the East India Company. He sent an
account of English stores by the Lesser James, and briefly advised of
wants to be supplied. Encloses copy of same, with such addition of
provisions as the President, &c. have thought fit for their yearly proportion for ships and factories. The stores may be rather increased
than any way lessened, as may appear by the balance of account.
Incloses,
259. 1. A balance of English stores, &c. remaining in the factory of
Batavia. [Together, two pages. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1096.] |
Feb. 8.
Batavia. |
260. John Brooke, master of the Trial, to the East India Company. Has explained in his letters by John Roberts and William
Hawkeridge his "hard and miserable crass" (sic), how the Trial was
lost, and he and 45 men and boys preserved in boats. They compared their judgments with Capt. Fitzherbert's journal, which was
their ruin; he missing the danger, being a ledge of sunken rocks,
not 15 leagues, as by his draught sent them by the President and
Council will appear. His desire is homeward, but is willing to use
his best endeavours for 12 or 18 months more than his time conditioned, being required by the President and Council. Desires them
to supply his wife's wants with 60l. or 80l. more. [One page. O.C.,
Vol. IX., No. 1097.] |
Feb. 8.
From aboard the Elizabeth, Jacatra. |
261. Edmund Lenmyes to the East India Company. His last
was per the Great James from Firando, wherein he related his
departure from Jacatra, 21st May 1620 for Japan. Since they have
made two voyages for Manilla, the first in Jan. 1621 with four
English and four Dutch ships, in which they took five junks; the
second in Nov. with five English and five Dutch ships, in which
they took six junks and two frigates and burnt seven or eight.
Our consortship being ended, and each Company upon their own
account, order came from the President for the Peppercorn to lie off
the Straits of Malacca, the Moon and Palsgrave to sail for Jambi,
the Bull for Jacatra, and the Elizabeth to stay for the merchants
and money. The moneys have safely arrived but the merchants
cannot end their business as they say. The Bull disabled and
not yet arrived, but they arrived in Jacatra Road 4th Feb. 1623,
and have been upon this voyage 34 months. Finds the Palsgrave
ready laden and bound for England. Mourns to see how the Dutch
flourish here, "we being subjects unto them both in government
and tribute, which might have been ours when time was." The
small return for the Company's great charges is a grief to any
honest man. By the loss of the Trial there is nothing to fit their
ships with sails, cables, and cordage; neither have the surgeons
means for the relief of sick men. Gave Capt. Pring a draught of
his journal from Tecoe to Firando, and for the Manillas. Complains
of their powder. Much envy amongst them; every one strives to
be great. Beseeches them if there be any imputation upon him
not to believe them, "for if I have not been an honest man since
I came into your service, let me lose my life. * * * But there
is a strong champion called strong drink that bears such a sway
amongst us, and he that will not encounter stiffly with him is a
fool, or proud, or hath more wit in his own conceit than all the
parish and the like." Begs them in their commission to put such
an article against this vice "that you may wring out all the juice
out of their brains." [Two pages. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1098.] |
Feb. 9.
Whitehall. |
262. Sec. Calvert to Carleton. This despatch has stayed longer
than it should have done, because he could not get the copy of
the treaty out of our merchants' hands; the original they have yet
among them. Besides the particulars capitulated in the treaty,
there were divers things propounded on both sides for regulating
the trade hereafter, of which we could not agree; and therefore
the King, as a supplement to the treaty, made this declaration to
the Ambassadors when they took their leave, which he sends herewith [see ante, No. 250]. And thus, after many long and tedious
conferences, not without some harshness and discontents on both
sides, we are at last parted good friends, and I hope shall so for
ever continue. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
| 1623 ? |
263. Copy of the treaty agreed upon by the English Lords Commissioners and the States Ambassadors on behalf of the English
and Dutch East India Companies. This treaty consists of 14 articles,
and (1) engages each Company to observe all the articles of the
treaty [of July 1619] and the explanation thereof; (2) not to grant
letters of marque against each other; (3) perfect freedom of traffic;
(4) not to supply the natives with arms or other munition of war;
(5) the expenses of the Council of Defence to be borne equally by
both Companies; (6) to maintain their respective quotas for forts
and garrisons, according to the treaty; (7) each Company to maintain its 10 ships of defence, according to the 10th and 11th articles
of said treaty; (8) to contribute equally to open a trade with
China; (9) not to receive or conceal criminals or delinquents; (10)
the English Company, with the approbation of the Dutch Company,
to choose an indifferent place of residence for the Council of Defence;
(11) the English Company to be left to punish their own people
in the Moluccas, Banda, and Amboyna, and to enjoy all their former
privileges at the Fort of Pulicat; (12) and not to be liable for the
expenses of the colleges, schools, presents, or table of the Dutch
Governor or people; (13) the Fort of Pooloroon to be restored; and
(14) finally, to agree in a short time upon the number of fortresses
and where necessary.
This is the exact text of the above treaty, which the Editor of this
Calendar has not been able to find printed in any collection of
treaties that he has consulted. "The original" (Sec. Calvert tells
Carleton) "they have yet among them." Neither the original nor
the ratification is in the collection of treaties in the Public Record
Office:—
Comme ainsi soit que sur le doubte du vray sens et intention de
divers articles contenuz au Traicté general, en L'Explanation, et aux
Reglemens du Conseil de Defence faicts cy devant pour le bien commun
entre les deulx Compaignies d'Angleterre et des Pays-bas trafficquans
aux Indies Orientales, plusieurs conventions auroient esté negligées et
seroient tombées en inobservation, dont aussi seroient suivies de grandes
mesintelligences, non sans trèsapparent danger de debvoir en leur continuation produire une rupture de leur bonne et necessaire societé sil
n'y estoit promptement pourveu de remèdes convenables par une plus
claire explication des choses qui y pourroient estre rencontrées douteuses. Pour ces causes le Roy de La Grande Bretagne et les Seigneurs
Estatz des Provinces Unies, desireux de les faire cesser, et de restablir
entre elles la vraye amitié, avec la sincère correspondence, qui requiert
un negoce de si grande importance, auroient a cet effect deputé, scavoir
sade Mate de La Grande Bretagne, les . . . . . . . . et lesdts
Seigneurs les Estatz les . . . . . . . . leurs Ambassadeurs,
authorisez de part et d'aultre les quelz ayans à ceste fin tenu diverses
assemblées par ensemble ont finalement conclu et arresté au nom de sa
Mate et des Seigrs Estatz pour le bien de leurs subjects respectivement
les articles qui s'ensuivent.
1. Premièrement que chascune des Compaignies sera tenue d'observer
et faire observir rondement et sincèrement tous et chascun des Articles
dudt Traicté et son Explication, avecq les Reglemens et Resolucions du
Conseil Commun de Defence establi aux Indes qui explicquent la vraye
intention du Traicté.
2. Qu'il ne se accordera point de lettres de marque, ny ne se fera
aucune saisie de navires ny marchandises appartenans a l'un ou l'autre
Compaignie, sinon après le manifeste deny, ou extraordinaire delay de
justice laquelle l'interesse aura à poursuivre convenablement, premier
que de rechercher des voyes extraordinaires.
3. Qu'il sera libre et en la volonté des peuples Indiens et traffiquans
lesquelz aulcune des Compaignies ne tiendra point pour ennemiz de
naviguer en seureté, et de pouvoir offrir et vendre leurs denrées et
marchandises, aux lieux ou le commerce n'est point commun ny reglé,
aux deulx Compaignies ensemble, ou a telle Compaignie en particulier
comme bon leur semblera, sans que l'autre Comp. pourra à cette cause
donner aux dts peuples aucun destourbue, ou molestation par prinses ou
saisies, par lesquelles l'ordre et la liberté du commerce viendroit à
s'interrompre au desavantage de l'une ou de l'autre Compaignie.
4. Qu'il sera expressement defendu aux deulx Compaignies de fournir
les Indiens en aulcune facon, par dons, vente, eschange, ou aultre voye,
d'artillerie, d'armes, de munitions de guerre, ou de semblables Instruments, qui les pourroient armer contre les dictes Compaignies.
5. Que la despence qui se fera aux entreprinses qui concernent le
bien commun des deulx Compaignies en execution des deliberations du
Conseil de Defence, sera portée par portions esgales entre les deulx
Compaignies, apres avoir faict preceder l'estimation des navires, afix
de prevenir toute dispute.
6. De mesme, que les deulx Compnies seront tenues de fournir sans
aulcune interruption, leur part et quote ratée au Traicté, pour l'entretien
des forts et des garnisons, selon le Reglement du Conseil de Defence,
encor qu'elles unissent à entremettre le trafficq pour quelque temps, en
aulcun des lieux.
7. Chasque Compaignie sera tenue de fournir et entretenir deuement
et continuellement, leur dix navires de guerre, Galeres, Fregattes, etc.,
comme il est porté par le 10e et 11e art. du Traicté, pour estre vigoureussement employez a la defence du commerce, pour l'ouverture du
Trafficq de la Chine, et ainsi que le Conseil de Defence l'ordonnera.
8. Que les deulx Compaignies auront à contribuer esgalement afin de
faciliter l'ouverture et la liberté du commerce de la Chine, et d'aultres
pays pour le bien commun, mais si l'un ou l'autre venoit a y defaillir,
celle qui n'aura point contribué sa moietié, ne sera receue aux avantages
dudt trafficq qu'apres q'elle en aura plenement contenté celle qui sera
trouvée avoir avancé la despense.
9. Que nulz criminelz ny delinquans ne seront par aulcune des
Compes receuz, cachez, detenuz, ny protegez en fraude de ceulx a qui
ilz appartiennent, soubz quelque couleur que ce soit, ains incontinent
renduz ou renvoyez sans aulcune remise.
10. Il sera permis a ceulx de la Compaignie d'Angleterre, de faire
avecq approbation de ceulx des Paÿs-bas, election d'un lieu commode
et seur pour les deulx Compaignies, ou par tour esgal de trois en trois
mois, le Conseil commun de Defence pourra prendre sa residence, sans
qu'il sera tenu de la continuer d'ordinaire comme il a esté faict jusques
icy dans la ville de Jacatra.
11. Comme aussi lsur sera laissée aux Molucques, Banda, et Amboina, la punition de leurs gens propres en toutes manières d'offenses
qu'ilz s'entreferont, sans pour ce estre subjects al a justice de ceulx
des Paÿs-bas, et y jouyront, comme aussi au Fort de Palicate (Pulicat),
de tous les privileges et libertez qui leur sont concedez et limitez au
Traicté, en l'explanation, et aux Reglemens du Conseil de Defence.
12. Et ne seront tenuz ny attraiables aux fraiz des Colleges, et
Escholes, ny à la table et nourriture des Gouverneurs de ceulx des
Paÿs-bas, ny aux dons et presens qu'ils feront, si ce n'est du consentement de leurs ministres, et au nom commun.
13. Le Fort de Pouleron leur sera aussi restitué au mesme éstat qu'il
estoit au temps de la conclusion du Traicté s'il se trouve que ceulx du
Paÿs-bas y ayent faict aulcune innovation.
14. Finalement les deulx Compes d'Angleterre et des Paÿs-bas feront
dans un brieff temps recognoistre et aviser par leurs ministres aux Indes
ensemblemt combien de Forteresses, quelles, et en quelles places, seront
doresenavant necessaires, afin de resumer la question des Fortz et la
tellement accommoder qu'elle puisse reussir au contentement commun
et reciproque des uns et des aultres.
[Six pages. East Indies, Vol. II., No. 77.] |
Feb. 9.
Batavia. |
264. Richard Fursland, Thos. Brockedon, and Augustin Spalding
to the East India Company. Their last letter was dated 21/31 January,
sent by General Coen. What was then written shall be enlarged
in this; send also transcript of their letter of 27th August last (see
ante, No. 143). The accounts received from the Moluccas, like the
former, and more unreasonable. Have delivered their objections in
the form of articles to the General and Council; but the time of
General Coen's stay was so short that he could not give an answer in
writing to their demands, but left his successor to perform it. Have
not yet received the answer, and have no hope of any restitution or
reformation. In reference to the Dutch accounts. These and their
former objections sufficient to lay open the matters of most importance wherein they are wronged. The accounts must be audited
by impartial men, and such particulars reformed as are unreasonably
taxed; which "are so many that it is almost (impossible) that any
agreement can be made between us." Unless they may pay, as the
Dutch do, with commodities, there will be no following that trade for
them, for "you will soon be eaten out of your means, and the Dutch
made rich by your monies." Send the accounts of a year's charges
and all the spices received, whereby they may perceive how dearly
they buy those commodities. Very needful to make a new accord
for accounting the year from primo May to primo May, for in that
time all the year's spices will be received, and so no wrong can be
done them, except apparent fraud be used. The Dutch pretend
there must be added the wages of 200 soldiers to the charges of the
garrison, which must not be consented to. Expect but a small
quantity of spice, for their capital is so small that most of it will be
eaten up in charges. Utterly destitute of ready money to supply
those factories; next year they have resolved to recall all the factors,
except two in each place where there are houses to keep them; and
for want of victuals and a ship have intreated the Dutch to suffer
them to come away in their ships. About the remains of their
goods. The Dutch have condemned them in 40,000 ryals for the
goods of a Chinese junk, taken by Robert Johnson, and 10,500 ryals
for a fine. They appealed to the King and States General, but the
General and Council have annihilated their appeal. Their protest
touching their accounts with the Dutch. If hereafter the Dutch be
suffered "to proceed in such management against you, and to condemn us at their pleasure, there will be no living in these parts for
us; for they will and daily do extend their sovereignty so far, that
if you speedily prevent them not, it will stretch over all the Indies."
They entitle themselves "Governors of the Netherlands Indies, and
do their best to bring both English and all others under their subjection; but we constantly hope that they shall never be suffered to
effect it upon our nation." The chief plotter and actor of all business, General Coen, the Company will find a fair spoken, but most
cunning fellow. Heartily wish they were present to confront him.
His successor, Carpentier, is as subtle, and far more malicious against
all English. Accounts of William Nicolls, he has "lavishly and
vainly spent"; about the inventory of his estate and his will. Accounts
received from Banda full of profuse expense; have put the excess upon
Mr. Welden's account. Mistakes made in the amount of "carracks
money," sent from hence in chests; have to deal with such unconscionable and dishonest men. Miserable state of their affairs when
they must trust men with their estates who dare to conceal the sums
that come to them by mistake. Chest sent to Pulicat, in the
Unity, from which money was stollen. Pray that this may be
remedied. Accounts of Mr. Methwold from Masulipatam. Brass
ware, received by Thomas Jones out of Sir Thomas Dale's fleet, and
attestation of James Troughton and Edward Sutton as to the weight.
Visit of Methwold, in company of the Dutch Governor, to the
diamond mine, about two years since. 200 pagodas left in the hands
of one Bampa, a servant, to be invested for the Company; but upon
Bampa's return, in company of the Dutch servants, they were set
upon by thieves, wounded and robbed, and so the Company's means
were lost. Differences between Methwold and his successor, Matthew
Duke, who advised the Company that the 200 pagodas were Methwold's; remarks thereon; refer the deciding of the matter to their
worships. Other particulars in Methwold's accounts; heartily wish
"your displeasure were not the cause of his not return, whose
absence from the charge he was employed in will cause you prejudice." Goods laden on board the Palsgrave, Charles Clevenger,
commander, sent for England, consisting of pepper, cloves, nutmegs,
gumlac, long cloth, fine cloth, green ginger, and cotton yarn, to the
value of 76,874 ryals. Remarks on the prices of same. The gumlac bought by Adam Denton. Many passengers sent in the Palsgrave, some of whom they wish they could have persuaded to stay,
but the greater part are good for nothing; and more such they have
yet to send. Briefly touch the deserts of all now sent, and refer to
copies of their consultations for the order of their proceedings against
such as have been displaced or otherwise punished for their misbehaviour. Have granted William Methwold's return, his request
being reasonable and their persuasions not prevailable to stay him to
clear himself of all imputations. George Muschamp, also a suitor to
go home, they could not in reason deny, in regard of his disability
of body by the want of one leg, he cannot perform his service as he
desires: he is a very sufficient merchant, and hath been faithful,
honest, and careful in his charge, and in the accounts of Amboyna,
in which place. "we have been as much exacted upon as in any
other, and in divers particulars grossly abused," he can thoroughly inform the Company. Have likewise, upon John Hinchley's request,
licensed his return because his age makes him so peevish that his
men will not be governed by him; otherwise he is a sufficient
man, and a good husband of his ship and provisions. Also Richard
Wood, Pickering, and Spottis, surgeons, honest men, long in the
country, but for whom at present they have no employment. John
Wood, sometime master of the Lesser James, a good for nothing, by
reason of his continual beastlike drunkenness, and not to be reformed,
they have sent home, his services not worth his meat and drink.
Gideon Johnson, also sent home, is such an one that the whole fleet
cannot contain him, he is so troublesome. William Kendall, when
at the best was good for little, but now being good for nothing is
sent home. Henry Woolman, who is out of cash 467 ryals, and
Beverley, who stole money at Amboyna, they have kept to work out
some part of the money. John Rose, the chief raiser of a mutiny in
the ship Globe, and formerly condemned to be hanged for running
away, is censured to be sent in irons. By the Palsgrave and Elizabeth, with letters from Japan, they have understood the whole proceedings of the Manilla fleet in their second voyage, where there has
been better agreement between the Dutch and our people than they
expected. Two China junks taken richly laden, and three others;
also the Palsgrave, before Macao, took a frigate richly laden with
silk; one half of which for our part amounts to 199,256 ryals,
whereof the factors, Mr. Cocks and the rest, have sent in the Elizabeth
and Bull 156,007 ryals. Know not what account they shall have of
the first voyage. Have absolutely charged Cocks, Sayer, and Eaton to
come away, leaving 5,000 taies with John Osterwick, but they scarce
so much as take notice of the order, neither can show any excuse for
their stay. Have earnestly required their accounts for two years, but
it is to be doubted they can give none, and if all be true which is
reported, it is a misery to know that men of such antique years
should be so miserably given over to voluptuousness, regarding not
what they consume therein. Next monsoon they will send some fit
man to bring them all away from thence. "This purchase taken by
the fleet" will help towards the Company's great charge, and what
they have received give some life to their declining affairs. No shares
have been allowed to the mariners this voyage, but know not what
they have sharked and stolen. Relation of the success of the other
Fleet of Defence, sent from hence for Goa; out of the three ships 150
men were lost, many of whom died of surfeit at the Comoros,
including Capt. Fitzherbert, for whose untimely death they sorrow and shall find great want of him. On 14th July the fleet of
three English ships, the Exchange, Royal Ann, and Diamond, and
two Dutch ships meet with three carracs and a galleon to the south
of Mozambique; they fought with them all that day and the next.
They sunk the three carracs, and out of the Vice Admiral saved
68,553 ryals. They also chased one other carrac and a galleon. These
and all the treasure they might have taken, but for the Dutch Admiral without Capt. Fitzherbert's consent, sending two of his ships
to the Red Sea for his own purposes; by which proceedings the
Company has just action against the Dutch for the overplus of ships
and all damages. Capt. Fitzherbert's protest to the Dutch Admiral,
Jacob Dedel, thereon. Said fleet now before Goa, but returns hither
"at the fine of March." Arrival of the Discovery, Slade master,
with cloth and six chests of ryals from Surat, and 30,000 ryals from
the Goa fleet. Rastell writes that this ship is so weak and badly
built that she cannot last long; "what a misery it is to have a new
ship, in two or three years to be utterly decayed and unserviceable
through falsehood of the builder." The taking and sacking of Ormuz
proves not so profitable as they hoped, the fault being in the commanders giving too much credit to the Persian's promises. The
London, Jonas, and Lion ready to sail for England 10th December
last. Had hoped the Siam and Patani factories would have been
cleared, and the factors come from thence, but are deceived in both.
Excuses of Edward Longe, factor at Siam, for not coming by reason
of some remains and debts he cannot get in, the King also is very
unwilling our people should depart before he receive answer to his
letter from his brother the King of England, to which purpose he
has sent hither in the Fortune, two of his gentlemen, with a letter
and present, desiring to continue the league of friendship, offering
any privileges we will demand in any part of his country. If it be
profitable for the Company to follow that trade where they may
find great vent of cloth, will send hereafter factors again thither,
wherefore they should procure the King's letter in answer to that
(with the present) last sent from the King of Siam by Lucas
Antheunis, and therewith send some present. These things will be
most acceptable to him: some curious picture of men and women; a
picture of the people and habits of all countries; and a picture of all
wild beasts, which a fair map may sufficiently express; a curious
perspective glass, fair and good; a fair and neat case of pistols; an
English watch; six yards of fine scarlet; scarlet baize so much as will
cover his white Olifant [Elephant] which may be some fifteen yards,
with any other novelties of no great value. At Patani, Jourdain
hath run himself so far in debt for china wares contrary to commission that he cannot come from thence until they send 4,000 ryals
to release him; expect to find a bad reckoning of all business passed
there by him, "he being given over to his pleasure." In Indraghiri,
factory, before the factors could clear to come from thence "your
house was fired by some of those villainous and treacherous people;"
guess the loss will not be under 1,000 ryals. This loss brought
with it another greater mischief, for by the rash proceeding of
Edward Sarney and the rest of the factors in taking six of the
country people, it cost Sarney his own life, and the lives of John
Darby, master of the Bear, and one of his men, occasioned by Robert
Johnson's denial to deliver the foresaid men to the King of Jambi
when he demanded them, and "Johnson himself and Byrd, master
of the Bee, had like to have tasted of the same cup, for they were
bound and the stroke ready to be given, but God altered the King's
heart and they escaped." These broils almost the ruin of the Company's affairs at Jambi. The price of pepper will not abate so long
as the Dutch and we vie who shall get most. Johnson left the
factory until they sent him express order to dissemble the wrong
received until a more convenient opportunity for revenge. Johnson
hopes to get half the Moon's lading. Have made him chief factor
again, for Stevinton is utterly insufficient. Johnson very earnest
to come from thence, so that they will be wholly unprovided with
a sufficient man in that factory. At Acheen, the pepper still lies for
want of a ship, which they will send as soon as the monsoon permits.
Have received more cloth from Masulipatam and Pulicat than they
know how to dispose of. At Pulicat the factors complain (like as in all
other places where we are under the Dutch authority) how they exact
upon us. The last year's charges raised the cloth at least 30 per cent.
Intend dissolving that factory. Have given orders to dissolve the factories of Amboyna, Banda, and Moluccas. About Macassar and Japara.
The latter a petty factory only for timber and boards. The Company may not lessen the proportion of stock set down, if they mean
to follow the Moluccas business, and maintain so many ships of
defence. Send copies of their general books, wherein the charges in
every factory may plainly appear. In Japan, Siam, and Jambi there
have been either wasteful expenses or many debts which will never
be recovered; also of their journal and pursers' accounts, wills, inventories, and copies of consultation letters, &c. Their general wants
cannot be reckoned less than they were by their last advices, the
necessity whereof requires them to be most importunate. Employment of all the Company's ships:—the Exchange, Ann, and Diamond
with the Dutch fleet afore Goa, which they expect in May or June,
unprovided of all things. The Moon at Jambi, to take in what
pepper may be procured. The Bull and Peppercorn at Japara,
driven thither by contrary winds and the current, the latter a poor
rotten ship; her master doubts he shall hardly bring her hither.
The White Bear at Jambi fit for nothing but the river. The junk
or pinnace Welcome on her voyage to Macassar. The Elizabeth,
Ruby, Unity, Discovery, and Bee here in the road of Jacatra, also
the Fortune, good for little, and the Clove and Globe, ready to be
hauled ashore, both being unrepairable. The Supply lately laid up,
and the pinnace Dragon's Claw the Goa fleet was fain to cast off
at sea, where she sank with all her provisions and munitions. These
are all the ships you have remaining in these parts under our autho
rity. Intend as soon as the moonsoon serves to send to Acheen,
Masulipatam, Sumatra, Jambi, and Siam, and afterwards for Japan.
Wish the Bantam trade were open, which might hinder the sending
to some of those places. Have now received the new General's
answer to their articles formerly delivered to General Coen and
contra-protest. Find, as they supposed, nothing but framed answers
and delays, without any hope of reformation, being according to their
ordinary custom "stuffed with colored glosses and false matters,"
wherein they stand so much on their sovereignty, that they comprehend all men in all parts of the Indies to be their subjects. "It is
high time to abate their pride and make them know themselves,
which we hope our King's Majesty will perform." Success of the
Dutch at Macao and the Piscadores, and fight with a carrac at Cape
Bona Speranza. Had many conferences before General Coen's departure about making peace with Bantam, but received for a final
answer from the Pengram that if the Dutch will have peace they
should first demolish their fort at Jacatra and deliver over the
country, and then they may come and be at Bantam upon such
terms as formerly; but with us English the Pengram saith he never
had any wars, therefore we may come thither when we will. Mean
shortly to speak to the Dutch thereon. Conceive it necessary to
recommend Chas. Clevenger's deserts, not doubting but the Company
will reward and cherish him and all well deserving men. Must
still put them in mind of their want of sufficient merchants, also of
a secretary that can perfectly translate Dutch, and is experienced in
law. It is most needful to set down some good order for the well
governing of the Company's people which is the prosperity of their
affairs, for the seamen are so disorderly that severity and exemplary
punishment must be used. Have a sensible want of three or four
good penmen; that such are needed may appear by copies of letters
now sent "wherein you may find so many faults committed that if
we could help it we might reap shame in sending them." Express
orders required as to the victualling of the ships; this must be remedied at home or there will be nothing but murmuring and
muttering. The commanders must be stinted as well, for in beer,
wine, &c. they will not be controlled. "At present we feed our
people with fresh meat, giving them two meals in the week, and to
each mess four pounds of flesh, and five meals in the week they have
butter to their rice. Murmuring and grumbling enough we have
with them, but such as are honest (the number whereof is very
small) are content, seeing there is no remedy." Expect the Dutch
will cross their design for Bantam, because it so nearly concerns
their new plantation. Hope it will not be long before the Company
express order come for their going to Bantam. [Fifteen pages and a
half. Endorsed, "Copy. . . the original hereof was received by
the Palsgrave." O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1099.] |
Feb. 9.
Jacatra. |
265. Thomas Brockedon to Christopher Lanman, chief accountant
to the East India Company. Copies of books and accounts sent per
this ship Palsgrave. From Patani, where John Jourdain remains,
they can neither get accounts nor the man, though expressly sent
for, but understand he is so much indebted he could not come. But
a small matter resting in Siam, but in Jambi there will be 15,000
ryals (?) in bad debts. The charges of the Moluccas, Amboyna, and
Banda so excessive that a great part of the remains will be consumed. In Macassar are several debts made for account of the
first joint stock by keeping Pooloroon, which they will be forced
to make good; are informed that in Japan the charges are most
excessive, and great debts standing out likely to prove desperate.
Never could get accounts from thence. Cocks and the rest were
expressly sent for, but they neither come themselves nor send any
account. The Succadana debts are all desperate, the Queen being
taken by the Materan's people, and the natives fled. Particulars of
the accounts and want of men to keep them. Twenty reams of
paper may be yearly sent, and some gum, galls, and copperas
to make ink. Hopes the Company have granted his request to
return next year for England. "By the Palsgrave, whom God
preserve." [Two pages and a half. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1100.] |
Feb. 10.
Jacatra. |
266. James Slade, master of the Discovery, to the East India
Company. Refers to his letter from Surat, by the London and
Jonas, giving an account of what had happened since his departure
from England. Left Surat Dec. 14, with the six chests of money
they brought out of England, together with 400 and odd bales of
goods for Jacatra, to which place he was bound by commission, as
also to Goa, in search of the Fleet of Defence. Arrived at Goa the
22nd, and received from Capt. Green 30,000 ryals of eight, some
sandal wood, and 22 slaves, and departed the 28th, leaving the
Fleet of Defence, viz., the Exchange, Anne, and Diamond, and four
Hollanders, to hinder the Portugals of sending any goods this year
into Portugal, there being but one carac this year to lade. Arrived
at Jacatra, 4th inst., Feb., where they found the Palsgrave laden for
England, Mr. Cliffingham [Chas. Clevenger] commander, (by whom
he has thought good to advise the Company). Found here also the
Elizabeth, Ruby, Unity, Fortune, and Bee; and the Globe and
Clove decayed, "and little hope of her recovery, for want of all
kind of provisions," of which the factory and most of their ships are
in great want. The Moon is at Jambi, and the Bull and Peppercorn
at Japara. The Fleet of Defence to come hither from Goa to be
careened. Knows not when they shall return, for there are so
many ships of greater burthen, and as yet no lading for them; but
were it not for the Dutch, there would be hope to have them all
laden from Bantam. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. X., No. 1149.] |
Feb. 10.
London. |
267. Chamberlain to Carleton. The States [Ambassadors] left
this day sevenight. If they had been so disposed they might have
concluded the business as well in two months as in all this time,
with so much trouble and charge. The King gave them very good
words at parting, and they were feasted by the East Indian Company at Merchant Taylors' Hall two days before going away, where
were divers of the council and most of the lords and gallants about
town; the feast very confused and disorderly because so ill handled.
Hears Mons. Aerssens' son is made a gentleman of the Privy
Chamber, and stays behind to woo Mistress Smith, Lady Exeter's
daughter, of whom he is much enamoured. [Extract from Domestic
Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CXXXVIII., No. 23, Cal., p. 489.] |
Feb. 11.
Theobalds. |
268. Sec. Conway to the Lord Treasurer. The King desires him
to be diligent in the business of Ireland and the East Indies, and to
go in hand with the articles concerning Sir Anthony Welden and
Sir Robt. Banister. [Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CXXXVIII.,
No. 26, Cal., p. 490.] |
Feb. 11.
Theobalds. |
269. Sec. Conway to Sec. Calvert. For preparing the business to
be sent to Sir Dudley Carleton touching the East Indies, fishing, &c.
[Minute, Conway's Letter Bk., p. 1, Cal., p. 490.] |
Feb. 11.
Batavia. |
270. John Alexander to Sir William Halliday, Governor of the
East India Company. In need of pitch, tar, cordage, and canvas for
preservation of their shipping, "the which it is my charge, at this
time, for to look unto." [One page. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1101.] |
Feb. 14.
At the Cape. |
271. John Barnes, master's mate, and others to "Mr. Lorderman
Hollyday," Governor, and the committees of the East India
Company. Certify the ill-carriage of two of their factors [George
Jackson and Thos.] Bright, and one of the master's mates, David
Arnold, in usurping authority, setting bad examples, and with
"plots of Machevilianes," seeking the displacing of Mr. Cradle and
the good, honest, and worthy carriage of their commander, whose
people not only fear but love him, for he spends none of his provisions extraordinary, but gives to each man a like portion. [Two
pages, mutilated by damp. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1108.] |
Feb. 14.
Batavia. |
272. Answer of the Dutch General Coen to six and thirty points
"raped" together by the committees of the English Company,
touching the common charge of the Moluccas, Amboyna, and Banda,
which their worships do say to be constrained to pay to the full
(against all right and reason) to the Netherlands Company. If the
galley be valued at more than it was worth, the same must be
restored again to the English; good shipping must be maintained in
Banda as well in peace as in war, a good garrison of soldiers, a
hundred mariners, and an armada of 30 tingans and other small
boats must be maintained by the tolls of merchandise. Whatever
each nation may happen to conquer, by right appertains to its
sovereign lord, whereto no merchant that pays the toll has ought
to pretend. As to the wages paid to the slaves and prisoners, the
Dutch General will better inform himself, and "mediate" the
charge, if found too high. If any buildings be found charged to the
tolls which concern not the fortifications, we will make those good
to the English Company. Schools for bringing up the chilren in
the Christian religion are among the best works that can be done,
and must be charged to the tolls, until the lords of the land find
some other revenues. The double charge for the soldiers sick in
hospital is a great fault of the respective governors, and shall be
reformed. The furniture of the Governor's chamber and the clothing
of his boys must be put to the general charge, but those of the merchants to that of each Company. If any presents were given for
services done to Governor Lam, the same must be done good to the
English again; but those made by General Coen in Amboyna were
for matters of State, with which the merchants ought not to trouble
themselves. The voyage of the Governor of Amboyna was to prevent
the designs of the Moors, and keep every one in their own limits,
and not to blaze out the conquest of the Netherlands, as is alleged.
If the English can prove the promise of a third of the cloves received
by the Netherlands Company for the King of Ternate's debts, it is
reason they should enjoy the same. No other than good rice and
clothing are sent inwards; it is fit that the bad be given to the hogs,
poultry, and surgeons. Will procure direct advice from the Governors
concerning price. They will inform themselves better on the next
articles. If the taxation of goods is unreasonable, amends shall be
made. The English are not forbidden to "cross" the common
enemy to both, but only not to hinder the friends of the Dutch
trading at Banda. It is more than reason that each provide his
people with meat, drink, and apparel; what can a soldier purchase
for nine guilders a month. The officers receive their hire in ready
money. If the soldiers sell again, how can the Dutch help it; if
there be deceit in bringing goods to account, it must be proved.
The most hinderance both Companies suffer in the matter of clothing
is caused by the Spaniards, Portugals, Macassars, Javans, Malayans,
Guzerats, and particular Hollanders and English, especially English,
and the Dutch, for their parts, would do the best they can to remedy
it. The Netherlanders taught by a debt of 211,489 (ryals) still outstanding, have lent nothing since the Accord, and therefore the
English are misinformed. In the Moluccas, the Netherlands Company
reap no benefit of tolls, &c. In Banda and Amboyna they are now
in hand to do it; no other may make pretence to the fruits of the
land than the owners, and those of the Moluccas, Banda, and Amboyna do not defray the extraordinary charges for shipping, &c.
"Meantime we must with patience endure the charge that we rake
all profits to the Netherlands Company," whereas, on the contrary,
it is long ago that the charge of the ships of Defence, which are of
necessity in the Moluccas, has but shifted on the Netherlands Company. It is fit that a reasonable tax be imposed upon all wares
given out, and that the abuses in accounts be corrected and reformed,
they shall appoint committees so speedily as the English Company
please. [Eight pages. East Indies, Vol. II., No. 78.] |
Feb. 15.
Hague. |
273. Carleton to Sec. Calvert. The 17 directors of the East Indian
Company are now to meet about the accomplishment of their conditions with our men resolved on in this last treaty. The nine
ships which were unladen at Gore last year, upon the alarm of a
Spanish armada, are now setting out again with the same admiral
and the same equipage, but the design, though still kept secret, is
plainly seen to be for the Indies. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
Feb. 22.
Amsterdam. |
274. Barlow to Carleton. Has received a letter from the Governor
and Committee of the East India Company, advising that the States
that were Ambassadors in England sent to his honor the King's
declaration concerning the future trade of both Companies, to which
they promised to return answer, both from the States and the Company here, which the English Company much desire, that they may
give the better directions to their servants in the Indies. Desires
he will further the same, so they may have it before their ships
depart. [Holland Corresp.] |
Feb. 24.
The Hague. |
275. Carleton to Sec. Calvert. The East India merchants, as
well Bewynthebbers, as the chief of the Participants, are all here in
debate about their private differences, which falls out opportunely
for the Ambassadors and States, to induce them to payment of the
money, at the just time accorded by the treaty, wherein otherwise,
by reason of diversities of humours and interests, there might have
been some default. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
March 6.
The Hague. |
276. Carleton to Sec. Calvert. The Ambassadors pretending
ignorance of the declaration which the King made, as a supplement
to the East Indian treaty, has delivered the writing to them; because
all the directors of the Dutch Company are here at present, and he
perceives that the English Directors expects to hear whether these
men will accommodate themselves to the King's declaration, to the
end they may govern themselves accordingly in the instructions
they are now sending to their factors in the East Indies. [Extract
from Holland Corresp.] |
