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March 5.—Pruson's writing to be delivered to the auditors; he
desired to be heard concerning his petition, exhibited in the General
Court. The Company's ships now bound to the Indies having been
stayed in consequence of a motion made in Parliament, the Deputy,
with others of the committee, sought the Lord Admiral as humble
suitors for the release of their ships; his Lordship said that he had
not been the occasion of their stay, but having heard the motion with
much earnestness in the Upper House, could do no less than give the
the order; but, he said, "he had something in his pocket would do
them good," and willed them to set down what reasons they could,
and he would acquaint the House therewith, and was pleased to give
way that their ships might fall down as low as Tilbury to attend
further directions. On petition of the Company, the Lord President
ordered that the Judge of the Admiralty shall be added to the other
two referees in the business between themselves and Henry Bate.
Concerning the coral sent away by Mr. Lear. Payment ordered to the
secretary for fetching out depositions, examinations, and duplicates of
patents out of the offices of Star Chamber and Chancery. Care to be
taken to haste away the ships "so soon as their ships shall get loose of
the commandment laid upon them by the State." Gratification to the
examiner and clerk in the Star Chamber and Chancery of two pieces
of calicoes of 10s. the piece, for their diligence in dispatch of the
Company's business in those courts. Two or three bushells of English
barley to be provided for the surgeon's use on board the ships for the
health of the men "to spare French barley," and an extra proportion
of lemon water. |
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March 6.—Recapitulation by Alderman Hammersley of his several
propositions to the committees appointed to confer with him concerning his adventure, which at one time was 30,000l. but at present is
for 16,000l., signifying that the present "value of the action is but
80 per cent.," and desiring they would settle his adventure at 8,000l.
and sink the rest, for his case was singular, his family great, and his
present fortune would not permit so great a sum to lie dead; the
power of ordering this business not in this Court alone, therefore it
was resolved to call the joint committee together, when Mr. Alderman
might propound his own request. Agreement having been made
with Mr. Burlamachi and partners for the whole parcel of silk; the
contract was read and confirmed. Ordered that Messrs. Bacon and
Cappur draw interrogatories with all convenient speed, and examine
Beversham's ten witnesses concerning the escape of Ruy Frere, and
any other that can speak materially in the matter. The Court
utterly refused to suffer Alderman Hearne's son to pass into the
Indies in the Jonas; being informed that it was to wean him from
evil company, and conceiving it very dangerous that his example
would do much hurt among their servants. Motion in favour of
Mrs. Barkeley to receive the money, due to her, agreed to as
Sir Thos. Smythe's attachment is dissolved. Letter read from [Thos.]
Kerridge, wherein he lays down the grounds of his demand of
interest for his wages during the time it remained in the Company's
hands, which had been denied him at the last Court, and in conclusion he desired to be excused from the voyage; after discussion
with him, the Court "setting apart his dispute of right," by erection
of hands, gratified him with 100 marks in full of all demands, which
he thankfully accepted, "but professed it was less than he expected."
Nathaniel Halliday entertained at 20l. per annum to wait upon him.
Report of Mr. Bell that Sir Henry Marten knew nothing of the stay
of the ships, but advised that they should know from Pexall what
warrant he had; it was moved to draw a petition "to signify that
the stay of the ships had not hastened the Company's coming to my
Lord Duke." Two great oriental emeralds offered by Mr. Deputy in
barter for indigo, which divers lapidaries and goldsmiths concurred
were "of the new rock and right oriental." Letter shown by
Mr. Traves from the King, wherein was desired that his adventure
might go to the satisfaction of his creditors; referred to the meeting
of the joint committee. The dismissal of Francis Cooper, steward's
mate in the Star, on complaints of Mr. Roe, confirmed. Copy of
contract between Philip Burlamachi and partners and the Company,
for the whole remainder of the Persia raw silk, at 22s. the pound.
[Eleven pages and a half. Court Minute Book, VI., pp. 437–449.] |
| March ? |
422. Names of persons to be examined, which include Robt.
Addams, captain of the Moone, John Hall, captain of the Blessing,
concerning the ships taken by the East India Company from the
Portuguese and Chinese since 1616, some being laden with silks,
others with gold and silver. In Edw. Nicholas' hand. [One page.
East Indies, Vol. III., No. 8.] |
| 1624 ? |
423. Copy of the preceding; on the back is another copy of part
of the same paper, with the addition that one Cottle is employed as
attorney to follow the business in Parliament House for seamen
against the East India Company. [One page and a half. East
Indies, Vol. III., No. 9.] |
| March ? |
424. Memorandum, signed by Jas. Martin, that certain ships were
fitted out in May 1620 by the East India Company from Jacatra for
capturing Chinese and Portuguese vessels, and that they continued
in that course three years, "the true number whereof will appear to
the Honble House of Commons assembled in Parliament upon oath."
Endorsed by Edward Nicholas, "That there were divers goods
taken by the E. I. Co. servants a° 1620." [One page. East Indies,
Vol. III., No. 10.] |
| March 8. |
425. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The Court was
acquainted by Mr. Deputy that upon occasion of speech of the East
India Company in Parliament there was a sudden motion that the
East India fleet might be stayed, others cried out, "stay the money
that they send out of the land," which some reported to be 80,000l.
this year; that the heat was such that Mr. Bond, one of the burgesses
of the city, did but whisper a few words to the gentleman next him
and was cried to speak out else to the bar; Mr. Treasurer Bateman,
another of the burgesses of London, was called up to deliver his
knowledge clearly what money is to go in this fleet; he said he
could not precisely satisfy them of the just sum, but that there is
to be sent in these ships 30,000l. in ryals of eight. The house was not
satisfied with that answer, and cried out, "search the books."
Mr. Deputy, hearing the motion, grew hot, stood up, and made known
that Alderman Hallidaie the late Governor being deceased, he was
ready to give answer to the house what they require and said that
the Company carry out not so much as they bring in, and not half
what they are allowed to carry; it is true there is now to go some
40,000l., but that their returns when not interrupted are 400,000l.
per annum in good real commodities, as calicoes, indigo, silk, and such
like, whereof calicoes alone save the kingdom the expense of at
least 200,000l. yearly; in cambric, lawns, and other linen cloth,
neither is it barren in return of money; that he himself last year
brought to the Mint 60 lb. weight of gold for Indian commodities
exported; and that of the value of 400,000l. imported, about
100,000l. serves this kingdom, and the rest being exported, works
itself home again, either in money, or commodities that would cost
money, and that the Company will be ready to make this appear
to the House whensoever it shall be their pleasure to call them.
Mr. Munnes, having heard this relation, and that the House had with
such earnestness cried down the patent, said "he doubted not to
satisfy the Parliament that the strength, the stock, the trade, and the
treasure of the kingdom are all greatly augmented by the East
India trade." Then follows this mem: "In this Court was a great
dispute concerning the Lord Admiral, omitted but remaines to be
seen in the original." [One page and a half. Court Minute Bk.,
VI., 449, 450.] |
|
[N.B.—The dispute in question has been referred to in previous
Court Minutes. It had reference to the "Lord Admiral's rights"
to his share of what was captured by the East India Company at
the taking of Ormuz; and eventually led to the Duke of Buckingham
moving in the House of Lords "for stay of the Company's ships."
The whole circumstances were reported to the House of Commons
by Mr. Wandesford in the Parliament of 1626, 20 April, as
"exactions by the Duke of Buckingham." See Commons Journal,
pp. 846; 847. The debate above abstracted does not appear in the
Commons Journal, the only reference to the subject being as follows:
"Sir Thos. Estcourt moveth to search the E. I. ships for money."
Ibid., p. 678.] |
| March 10–13. |
426. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Information
that all their ships are fallen down to Tilbury Hope; expecting
further order. Committee for despatch of the ships to go down
with next evening's tide; but the money, which is to be made up to
48 chests of ryals, not to go down till the ships be fully released.
[Geo.] Muschamp, one of the Company's factors, acquainted the
Court that his intention was always to serve the Company at Surat
and not elsewhere, for some respects best known to himself and
principally for his health's sake; but the Court made answer that
they always intended his employment to Jacatra. Motion for
payment of 20l. pretended to be given by the company of the
Coaster towards building a school in Virginia; but the Court considering they had no warrant but only a letter from Randall Jesson,
the master, with the names and proportions of each man's gift,
conceived they could not safely pay it. Ordered that Mr. Deputy
may send into the Indies "two fair oriental emeralds" on his own
adventure, and receive the proceeds here at 5s. per ryal. Report
that Sec. Calvert had recommended the desire of Mr. Minn to sell
in town the calicoes he took to ship out; Mr. Deputy entreated
to acquaint Mr. Secretary "of the impossibility to satisfy his desire
with the reputation of the Court." William Beane, brother and
administrator of John Beane, to receive what is due on the account
of his brother, John Beane, late purser's mate in the Jonas. |
|
March 13.—The auditor's report to be examined concerning Mr.
Pruson. Henry Bate to be warned that Sir Henry Marten, judge
of the Admiralty, has been added to the former referees about his
business. The following memorandum is added:—"Here was
omitted a dispute concerning the Lord Admiral, but is to be seen
in the original." [Four pages. Court Minute Bk., VI., 450–454.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
427. Warrant from Sec. Sir Ed. Conway to the Clerk of the
Signet to prepare a bill to pass the Privy Seal to make allowance
of 30l. a week to Sir Robert Sherley, Ambassador with his Majesty
from the King of Persia, to commence from 28 Jan. last, the day
of his audience, and to be continued during his abode as Ambassador
here. [Quarter of a page. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 11.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
428. Minute of the above. [Ibid., No. 12.] |
March 14.
From the William at the Bar of Surat. |
429. Protest of John Hall, Chr. Browne, Ed. Heynes, Rich.
Lancaster, and Thos. Waller, addressed to their "loving friends"
[the Dutch]. Know not why the Dutch resolutely protect these
India junks, their enemies, who to their own knowledge have so
manifestly dishonoured the King's Majesty of England and wronged
their masters, the honourable Company, by seizing their whole estate
and imprisoning their servants. Utterly disclaim any intent to
infringe the articles and capitulations (if themselves give not the
cause of first breach), which require that if one nation be wronged
by foreign nations, the injury done should be taken as common to
both; but assure them that these junks, colourably protected by
them, shall not part "from under our command until we understand better of the estate and condition of our President and Council
in Surat, which by all circumstances we may justly suppose are
both betrayed and enthralled by your instigations and underhand
dealing with our enemies, these people." Endorsed," Copy of our
protest against the Dutch. Made [sic] by the Willm. and Blessing."
[One page. O.C., Vol. X., No. 1152.] |
| March 16. |
430. [Sec. Conway] to the East India Company. His nephew
Tracey informs him that a brother of his was heretofore employed
in the East Indies as one of their factors, where he died, and that
some part of his wages are due. Thinks it needless, yet because
of his alliance recommends him to their favour. [Domestic Corresp.,
Jac. I., Vol. CLX., No. 87, Cal., p. 190.] |
| March 17. |
431. Minutes of a General Court of the East India Company.
Those absent to be fined 12d. per piece. Question whether a General
Court can be called without a Governor, the Governor being dead,
but it was declared to be lawfully called, and the proceedings as
binding as if there had been a Governor present; "neither were
it civil to elect a new before the deceased Governor had received
his last rights." Long discussion concerning the business of Hilde
brand Pruson, in reference to the quantities of timber, cordage, and
other materials alleged to have been supplied by him to the Company. One said he had been told by Pruson that where he served
the Company with oars at 4s. the dozen he was a fool, for he should
serve them at 7s. the dozen, provided Pruson might have a share in
the gain, and he should serve all their oars and put off all his
rotten stuff. Mr. Deputy said they had more need to join in affection than nourish faction; that Pruson had joined with Sir Jas.
Cunningham and Sir Thos. Dorrington for the overthrow of the
Company; still he had done the Company some service, though his
abuses were as foul as any man's. Pruson's petition, and a relation
of his proceedings, were then read, and it was said that the Company hath not alone suffered by trusting Pruson, but that being
question for some falsehood in his Majesty's service, he burnt his
books. It was in the end agreed, by erection of hands, "that the
accusations against Pruson appear to be just, and that he shall in no
sort be employed in the Company's service or be admitted to the
sight of any of their books." Mr. Deputy declared he was to move
the Court in a private business nearly concerning the Company,
which will light heavy on them; but the greater part, "understanding well what was meant," advised to call some of the greatest
adventurers and treat privately of that business, the publishing
whereof might much wrong the Company. Resolved that none be
admitted to the Courts, or permitted the sight of the Company's
books, that hold any correspondence with the mayors of the Dutch
Company. A General Court to be held on Tuesday next, for the
election of a new Governor. "Here endes Mr. Aldran. Halliday's
Govermt." [Six pages and a half. Court Minute Bk., VI., pp. 454–
460.] |
March 21.
Batavia. |
432. Thomas Brockedon, Henrie Hawley, John Goninge, and
Joseph Cockram to Thomas Staverton, at Jambi. Are sorry to hear
of the King's ill dealing, because the necessity of lading ships for
England consists chiefly upon the pepper of Jambi. Cannot sufficiently blame Johnson's indiscretion for making such large promises
to the King, and for his abrupt departure. For assisting the King
they find the Dutch no way inclined, but resolved to temporize;
but if the Achinder come they will secure their people and goods
aboard their own ships, and neither assist the one nor the other.
The General has promised to order his people in Jambi to observe
sincerely the contracts for joint buying of pepper, which Staverton
should also observe. Desire him to keep good correspondence with
the Dutch, and rather endure a small injury than break friendship
with them; yet if they practice by sinister means to circumvent
him, in such case to give measure for measure. Johnson, fearing
to be kept prisoner, made such promise of assistance as the King
required, but that formerly made was upon condition that the King
should be a means to get in their debts, and suffer none to transport pepper but the English and Dutch; but he has observed
neither. Staverton may answer the King that the English will
be as ready to give him assistance as the Dutch, but to receive
his people aboard the ships would be a dishonour to the nation.
If he has intelligence of the Achinder coming, or finds the King
unreasonable, he must trust as little ashore as possible, as the Dutch
intend to do. He did well to lend the King 500 ryals, to take away
all jealousy, for heretofore he has paid his debts very well. If the
King thrust them out, and suffer the Dutch to remain, he may
demand of the Dutch half the trade, by virtue of a former contract, sent herewith; and if they refuse, protest against them.
Concerning the cargo of the Rose and the price of the pepper;
Bogan to send his accounts to compare with Johnson's. The excessive sum of desperate and doubtful debts in Jambi, if Bantam trade
open, will dissolve that factory. Instructions for carrying on the
trade. Reasons why they have not thought fitting to move in
the matter of fortifying in Jambi River. Will consider of the
employment of the Rose for Malacca, "but being a slug will never
make a good man-of-war." Commend themselves to Mr. Hackwell. Have ordained Helmore the mate, master of the Coaster in
room of Randall Jesson. In reference to a "base trick" which the
Dutch General told them of in a taunting manner, request he will
let his actions be such as may be justifiable at all times. Advice
from [Thomas] Rastell from Surat that their ships have had good
success upon the junks of those parts. Are resolved to send
three ships for England this year, which will partly recompense
the loss of the Whale last year, which with her full lading sunk
in the sea and drowned most part of her men. The Moon so
rotten there is no hope to save her, so have resolved to send the
Bull to Japara to relieve her. Dispeeded the Royal Anne for England 25th Feb. last. Intend to dispose of the serviceable ships at
present here as follows, viz.:—The Hart for a new plantation on
the coast, where the Danes reside; the Unity for Masulipatam; the
Discovery for Acheen; and the Diamond and Abigail for the west
coast of Sumatra, so that they shall not have one serviceable ship
remaining. Have granted Bogan increase of wages to 70l. yearly,
and will not be forgetful of Croft if he continues diligent and careful. If Randall be not fit for that place, send him to us. Have
been mindful in their letters to the Company of his particular
business, and doubt not they will grant what he desires. Approve
of his lending pepper to the Dutch, and wish him to continue such
kind offices, for the continual jarrings of Johnson's time have much
prejudiced both Companies. On further conference with the Dutch
have thought good that if the Achinder come thither, he with the
Dutch should entreat him to forbear to sack Jambi, alledging their
great debts, which would be lost, but not to resist him by force,
for they are persuaded the Achinder will offer no violence unless
he first begins. Hold it necessary that he trust no more goods
ashore; but if the King shall thrust them both from the trade, to
take counsell with the Dutch and seize the Jambi junks, to force
the King to some good composition. To use his best endeavours
to bring down the price of pepper from 7 to 6 ryals per picul by
consultation with the Dutch; concerning this matter the General
has promised to give express order. Provisions sent for the factory.
[Five pages. Endorsed, "Rec. in Jambi p the ship Coaster, 5th
April 1624." O.C., Vol. X., No. 1154.] |
| March 23. |
433. Minutes of a General Court of the East India Company for
the election of a Governor. Mr. Deputy said "it might be expected
he should say something in commendation of their late Governor,
who is with God, but he should but sully his virtues through want
of a due expression, and therefore he would be silent." The following were named, viz., Morris Abbott, Sir Wm. Cokayne, Messrs.
Alderman and Sheriff Freeman, Alderman Hamersley, Alderman
Cambell, and Alderman Ducy, and Sir Humphrey Handford. Discussion thereon; and as to whether any one of the Custom House or
any Turkey merchant is capable of being elected Governor. Mr. Alderman and Sheriff Freeman excused himself from election, but said he
should think his stock the better if the present Deputy were chosen
Governor. Mr. Alderman Hamersley moved concerning his adventure of 16,000l., to cut off the one half; but the Court referred all cases
of this nature till God shall please to send home their next ships.
Question how to proceed to the election of a Governor. Resolved not
to choose by the ballotting box, but by the erection of hands, as had
been usual. The election found to rest between Sir Wm. Cokayne
and Morris Abbott. In the end the Company were "numbered by
the poll," in the Stone Court, when the election fell upon Morris
Abbott, who took his oath as Governor till the next day of election
in July next, according to former custom. Of those named for
Deputy-Governor, viz., Christopher Eyres, Tho. Munnes, Anth. Abdy,
Tho. Styles, Christopher Clitherowe, and Robt. Bell; the major part
of hands were for Mr. Munnes, who though absent, was elected accordingly. [Four pages and a half. Court Minute Book, VI., 462–466.] |
1623. March 24.
Malaya, in the Isle of Ternate. |
434. Protest of the Dutch against the English. John De Vogel,
Joachim Hendricks, and Gregory Cornelis, Cape merchants, commanded by Frederick Houtman and Jaques Le Feber, Governors of
the Moluccas, to require of John Gonninge, agent for the English
Company, the sum of "84,983 guldens 13 stivers 15 pens," the third
part of the general charges in the Moluccas from the ultimo March 1623
(sic) to the ultimo February of this present year; the said Gonninge
gave this answer, in English, in writing: "I am willing and ready to
pay the whole remainder of the charges which the English Company
oweth unto the Netherlands Company, for their third part of the said
charge due for this year, from the ultimo March 1622 (sic) to the
ultimo February 1623; and for that at present I am not able to pay
the same in ready money, I proffer unto the said Governors to make
them full satisfaction of the said remainder in goods and cloths at
reasonable and indifferent prices;" concerning which, for that according to contract the English Company is obliged to pay their third part
in ready money, and said Gonninge cannot accomplish the same, therefore, by order of the above-mentioned Governors, and in their name,
the Dutch protest against the English Company for all damages
which said Netherlands Company may any way sustain thereby.
Endorsed, "Translated by L. Wayt. Protest made by the Dutch
against us for nonpayment, 24 March 1623." This belongs to the
year 1623. [One page and a half. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1107.] |
| 1624. March 26. |
435. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mr. Governor
reported that himself and the rest that had been named and desired
to attend the King, could not come to a full speech with him concerning the sum of money required, but his Majesty is pleased to give
way that the ships may depart; whereupon an express had been
sent to the Downs, but Mr. Kerridge, "the man extraordinarily
trusted," stayed a whole day in London, notwithstanding his promise
to make speed. "By occasion of this error, the Company called to
mind his condition, which was noted to be haughty and given to
avarice," &c., so that some were of opinion he should not go; it was
also observed that the embroidered pieces, also the ruby and pearl
refused by the Company, are gone on some private man's account.
The quicksilver, "oelophantes" teeth, and all other things now
aboard, and the ships very deep laden, insomuch that the James draws
23 foot water, and has 80 tons of ballast, most of which might have
been supplied with "lead and other heavy and sad commodities."
Mr. Fotherby to buy a parcel of tiles at 11s. or 12s. per 1,000.
Advice from Mr. Barlow that the money he has to send be no otherwise adventured than by bills of exchange, "because the Dunkerkers
are very busy;" and what he cannot exchange he will send by the
English cloth ships. Information that the cause grows rife for a
hearing between the Company and George Ball, and the hearing in
the Star Chamber shall be first. Divers of the Company having
been sued by Ball with process out of Chancery. Sir John Walter
is intreated to direct the drawing of the breviates by Mr. Tichburne,
for otherwise the cause may suffer much prejudice, and to be attended
concerning the adventure of Mr. Osborne, a free brother of the Company, and the purchase of some "excellent good cordage" at 24s. the
100. A survey to be prepared of all the Company's stores against
"Thursday in East week; " also estimate for repairing the rest of
their ships, whereof the Lion and London are already in dock at
Blackwall. The Court, put in mind by Mr. Governor, to have in
readiness what has been required from the Parliament on Tuesday
come sennight. Copy of the order of the Court of Parliament delivered by a servant of Lady Dale, upon her petition, whereto the
Company is required to appear on Tuesday come sennight. Refusal
of Mr. Munnes to take upon him the office of Deputy; discussion
thereon; the Governor doubted whether the Company will dispense
with Mr. Munnes, neither is it in the power of this Court to do so,
and he expressed the great comfort he should receive by Munnes'
assistance; but Mr. Munnes replied that he had given his answer
before, and persisted constantly in his resolution not to accept the
place of Deputy. [Three pages and a half. Court Minute Book, VI.,
pp. 466–469.] |
March 27.
Batavia. |
436. The President and Council to the Naick of Taniner
(Tanore ?) or Tanjore. His Highness' letter, which has they suppose been lost by the negligence of their agent at Masulipatam, they
humbly entreat might excuse this abrupt coming to "his Majesty"
before they could commend his gracious favours to their own
Sovereign; but since their knowledge, by Mr. Johnson's relations,
of his good inclination towards their nation, they have dispeeded
the bearer, Joseph Cockram, with said Johnson to offer their service
in the accommodation of commerce, with such sincere respects as
may ever remain "a band of amity between the Houses of Taniurr
and Great Britain." Their intents are only to transport such commodities of the kingdom of Taniner as may conveniently be spared,
and furnish such necessary provisions as they shall understand are
wanting. Endorsed, "Copy of a letter, &c. to the Nayge of
Taniner, &c." [One page. O.C., Vol. X., No. 1155.] |
