|
| April 2. |
437. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Inquiry to be
made whether the ruby, pearls, and embroideries refused by the
Company are, notwithstanding, sent to the Indies. Concerning the
breviates in Ball's business; the Palsgrave to be brought up from
Erith to Blackwall. Report of Mr. Governor, that himself and
others had attended his Majesty, and praying a mitigation of the
demand of 20,000l. for goods taken in the Indies; made offer of
10,000l., as had been agreed; "the rest of this dispute was for some
special reason omitted, but remains to be seen in the original."
Ordered that, in the conclusion of this business with his Majesty,
Mr. Governor and others shall "procure from his Majesty a declaration for the direction of their people in the Indies, that there be no
place left for any future question concerning any occurrents there
between his Majesty's subjects and any others whatsoever." Information that the executor of one Withington has preferred a bill
against the Company in Parliament. A fee of 40s. given to Mr.
Aylesbury on the warrant for release of the ships, "wherewith
he seemed nothing well contented." One hundred tons of cordage
contracted for at 24s. per cwt. Ordered that the bond of [Wm.]
Methwold, late the Company's servant iu the Indies, be delivered to
him. Petition of Lady Dale exhibited in Parliament read, together
with the order of Parliament that the Company shall appear to it
on Monday; agreed to use the help of some expert lawyers; Mr.
Stone to be one, and Sir John Walter's advice to be taken what
other lawyer to entertain. [Three pages. Court Minute Book, VI.,
pp. 470–472.] |
April 3.
Surat. |
438. Consultation held at Surat in prison by Thomas Rastell,
President, Giles James, William Martin, Joseph Hopkinson, William
Hoare, register, with John Glanvill, John Banggam, and Nathaniel
West. The perfidious dealings of these people in nullifying what
they had by solemn oaths contracted, their capturing and embargoing the Company's servants and estates, and the probability of
reconcilement appearing in former consultations; the President
advised the Council that, notwithstanding all possible endeavours to
give satisfaction, and finding their estate no whit bettered, but time
spent in frivolous disputes, neglecting the main business of "licensing
their liberties" and the lading of their goods, for which the Blessing
and the William have been attending ever since March 12, whose
much longer stay cannot be secured from the foul weather daily
expected upon these coasts, besides their necessity of provisions,
these people denying them supplies in any quantity; he proposed
in case it be not allowed to them to lade off at least one ship with
indigo, whether the two ships should attend the Company's affairs
in other ports, or apply themselves to the redemption of the Com
pany's estate and servants by seizing the Guzerats' ships returning
from their places of trade. To this proposition three obstacles of
main import offered themselves, viz., the danger of their persons,
being all prisoners in their power, and no hope of getting off; the
doubt that it may excite the Dutch to use the benefit of their force
in other places, since their estates and persons will be also engaged
to the same exigence of spoil and violance as their own; and lastly,
a doubt if the expected junks will equal the worth of the estate of
the two Companies ashore; all which being referred to the Council
it was agreed:—1. That they are willing to undergo all hazard; 2.
That what the Dutch may do against them in other places concerneth
not so much as the necessity of their present occasions; 3. For the
poverty of the junks, the greatness of their wealth cannot be assured,
so neither need it be doubted that there will be sufficient to countervail
the Company's estate, being by estimate about 26,000l. or 27,000l., for
one ship from Judda is worth more in treasure only. So agreed by
all, except Giles James and John Glanvill, that the seizure should
be endeavoured. What mainly importeth "the effecting of our
intended design" is then considered, and whom they are to require
to assist in this business, and that all vessels encountered belonging
to Guzerat, Choul, or Dabul shall be seized; also what is to be
done after seizure and to prevent purloining from any vessel, and
the punishment to be inflicted on the party offending. Reasons of
Giles James and John Glanvill for not agreeing with the above, the
chief reason being that in all likelihood the junks will return from
Mocho this year so poor that it will be labour lost. Addressed to
Capt. John Hall and Christopher Browne, commanders, and Edward
Heynes and Richard Lancaster, merchants, aboard the English ships
at Bar Surat. "Let this our commission be not opened until you
arive 10 leagues to the Soward of Damaun. Perused by the 2
Capts. & 2 merchants only." [Six pages and a half. East Indies.
Vol. III., No. 13.] |
| April 7–16. |
439. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of the
Muscovia Company by divers petitions to the Lord Treasurer to
have a sight of the books of this Company that concern both Companies when they were a mixed Company. Request of John
Lamprier to have his wages till Midsummer last, also to have a fair
trial concerning those masts which are said to be missing, and that
he may take out his dividends as other adventurers do. John
Young's account to be audited; 10l. to be paid to the churchwardens
of St. Mary Axe for the Company's warehouse there; the inferior
accounts to be audited every six months. 210 barrels of indigo
sold at 4s. 6d. Abraham Chamberlain content to take 170 barrels
of indigo to ship for France and the Netherlands on certain conditions. Opinion of the Governor that they may drive back the
trade of indigo from Turkey into the Indies, and draw it this way,
by keeping down the price, "or until they cannot be turned." Mr.
Vandeputt's motion to buy indigo. Ann Waldoe having received
8s. a week since 1617 for the education of her children, by special
grace and not out of any due, ordered that she shall have 4s. a week
for one whole year, and then the pension to cease, and, if desirous,
to send any of her sons into the Indies, she may propound it.
Report of the Governor, that himself and others had attended at
Parliament House to answer the complaint of Lady Dale, but could
not be heard; it was told them by the serjeant of the Parliament
that a woman had exhibited another petition against the Company.
Mr. Governor acquainted the Court that they are to pay to his
Majesty and the Lord Admiral in the whole the sum of 20,000l.,
which being a great sum, he desired the Court to consider what
discharge it will be fit to require for the same; resolved, to intreat
Sir John Walter, with Mr. Stone and other lawyers and civilians,
to consult thereon, the King having promised that the Company
shall have any discharge they will advise. Agreement with Thos.
Punnyett for pilotage into the Downs of the Great James, the
Jonas, and the Star. |
|
April 9.—Copy of Withington's bill against the Company in
Parliament to be taken from the Clerk of the House according to
order. Concerning payment of John Lamprey's wages. Information that the wife of [Robt.] Salmon, late wife of Capt. Bonner, has
exhibited her bill in Parliament, but the Court made little reckoning
of anything she can do, being conscious that they have done her no
wrong. Sampson Newport's petition for time for payment of bills
for 560l., granted on certain conditions. Concerning Mr. Barlow's
accounts, which were presented audited, and the Company's monies,
which he detains in his hands. Barlow is a man trusted, and a
commissioner in a treaty with the Dutch, together with Misselden,
for matter of great weight and consequence, though "there is little
to be hoped for from the Dutch by that way of treaty." There are
elected, by order of the State, nine to be joined with the mayors,
to govern the trade there, but it was answered, "that this adds
little to the business considering the quantities of gold bullion that
is furnished unto the State there from the East India merchants."
Motion that 100l., being a quarter's payment for the composition of
spices due to the late Lord Steward of the King's house, due at
Christmas, be paid to Sir William Hewett, agreed to. Petition
read from Thomazine Powell to the Lord President, from whom it
came recommended to Mr. Governor, wherein are contained several
unjust pretences of monies due from the Company; recapitulation of
what has been done for her; notwithstanding, to avoid the clamour
and satisfy the reference, it was left to Mr. Governor to endeavour
to satisfy her, her own demand being but 6l., "rather than be
troubled by her daily clamour." The Articles of Peace between
England and Spain, the Company's Patent, and the Treaty with the
Dutch, to be got ready to be shown to counsel for the business
between his Majesty, the Lord Admiral, and the Company. [N.B.—
Pp. 481–484 are left blank.] |
|
April 14.—The committees to press the lawyers, Sir John Walter,
Mr. Noy, Dr. Duck, and Dr. Zouch, to a speedy meeting concerning
the Company's discharge from his Majesty and the Lord Admiral
and strengthening their patent concerning goods taken in the Indies;
for his Majesty's occasions will require the rest of the money.
Mr. Treasurer to pay 1,000l. more to Sir Allen Apsley for victuals
for his Majesty's ships. Information that the business of Lady Dale
will be brought to a hearing before a committee of the Lower House
of Parliament on Friday next. Mr. Attorney to have notice to
prepare himself for the hearing of the cause pending in the Star
Chamber between George Ball and the Company. Alderman
Hammersley to have copies of certain orders concerning the contract
between the joint Companies of the Indies and Muscovia and
Alderman Freeman, as also concerning the business of Sir Jas.
Cunningham, and the 900l. formerly demanded by him, which is
now again revived. The contractors for the silk to have warning to
attend the Court on Wednesday, concerning their securities for
payment, &c. It was desired that the Company would not be too
quick in censuring Mr. Barlow's dealings, for he has returned 30,000l.
of money received from the Dutch, and he is named a commissioner
for the Company to treat with the Dutch in business much importing this Company; notwithstanding, the Court thought fit to proceed
still by charging bills weekly upon him, but not to declare any real
distrust of the man. Report of Mr. Kirby concerning his survey of
the wharf at Deptford, but as at the breaking up of the Lesser James
there will be stuff sufficient for the repairs there, Messrs. Steevens
and Ducy are appointed to view the work and report thereon to the
Court. Offers of 4l. per annum for the nailors' house at Deptford,
but the Court was informed that 5l. will be given, and therefore
resolved "to take their best chapman." Information that Sir Chas.
Cornwallis prosecutes afresh for the estate of John Browne deceased
in the Indies, and brings an inventory of diamonds, bezoars, and
other things of his, come to the Company's hands; Mr. Lanman to
report thereon to the Court. Letter read from Mr. Misselden, dated
5th April, with a case in French altered from that penned by
Dr. Zouch, upon which Misselden obtained a subscription of sundry
civilians at the Hague in favour of this Company, concerning the
seizure of their goods upon a sentence at Jacatra; Misselden's care
and pains therein well approved of, and the secretary ordered to
express so much in a letter to him. A release presented from the
widow Powell, to whom 5l. has been given, not as a due, but to rid
both the Lord President and this Company from her importunities.
Report of the Governor that Mr. Price, a member of the Parliament
House, takes himself to be wronged in the estate of his brother;
whereto Mr. Governor made answer that he shall do well not to
insist upon generals but to charge the Company with particulars,
and they will endeavour his satisfaction. |
|
April 16.—Nicholas Girdler "a common runaway," who the second
time received imprest money and went not the voyage, stands committed for that offence. Report of the Governor that he had
received from Mr. Wright, Clerk of the Parliament, an order to
appear in the afternoon at a committee concerning Lady Dale's
business; also that Mr. Tichborne has drawn such tedious breviates
in George Ball's business "that counsel will not stand to peruse
them;" he justifies them to be well drawn, affirming that for 20 years
he has never failed in any cause in that Court, but Sir John Walter
utterly mislikes them. Mr. Attorney has promised a meeting on
Sunday next to be informed in that business; it was therefore the
desire of the Court that those who had formerly followed the
business against Ball should be present, and that "such Lords as are
interested in the Company may be also "solicited to be at the hearing
and to give both countenance and other furtherance to the business."
Downing to have the nailor's house at Deptford, paying 5l. per
annum. Answer to be written to Mr. Misselden in reply to his
last letter concerning the payment from Mr. Barlow of monies
disbursed for the Company's use. Mr. Governor acquainted the
Court that sundry Parliament men take great exception to the East
India trade, and some of them have been desirous to hear what
answer he could make, which was this, "that the Company will
not hold the trade except it may appear to be mainly beneficial to
the State;" he said that on Thursday next the Company, with
other Companies, are to be at the committee for trade when not the
India trade alone but that of other Companies will be taken into
consideration, and they must have their patent ready, if called for.
The Court entreated the Governor to be present at said committee
and the Deputy (Munnes) and Messrs. Westrowe, Bell, and Abdy to
accompany him. There grew a question which patent to carry, for
there are divers differing in that point that will be most disputed,
viz.: the matter of money to be exported, which is in one patent
30,000l., in another 60,000l., and in a third 100,000l. sterling. It
was propounded to carry but one of these patents, but argued that
the three have reference one to another, and therefore fit to carry
all. The order of the House required "a medium of issues and returns
for the four last years," and it was resolved "to deliver to the Parliament that as the trade shall be made appear worthy or unworthy it
may stand or fall." The Governor of opinion that this will be the
main business, for "as for the death of mariners, killing of beef, and
expense of timber, these are already blown away," and said that
admitting the uttermost of 100,000l. to be exported the returns are
400,000l. at the least, whereof 100,000l. of those commodities will
suffice the kingdom and the rest being exported will work itself
home again in money or commodities that yield money; for example,
England issues for hollands, lawns, and cambrics to the value of
500,000l. yearly, and now half of this is saved by importation of
calicoes; spices, which are now bought cheap out of the Indies, would
cost five times as much, and not be had but for ready money; besides,
if the trade be so much to be slighted, why do the Danes, Hollanders,
and others plant there with so infinite charge ? and it is to be noted
that neither the Hollander, Venetian, nor Genoese "are so curious to
forbid exportation of money as the English are," and "it is the honour
of the English nation that at this day they carry more Indian commodities into the Straits, than they were wont to fetch thence hither,
and so long as there is no privation but commutation of trade the
kingdom hath no loss." The merchant adventurers who were wont to
bring wares for wares now bring money for wares, and his Majesty's
customs and the shipping of the kingdom are increased to a
remarkable proportion by the East India trade, and the exporation
of the overplus of commodities. Many other auguments were used,
which "are digested into a form by the industry of Mr. Deputy,"
for the Company's use. Messrs. Browne and Eyers to inform them
selves of the true state of the business between Kendall and George
Ball concerning the saffron, and report to the Court. [Thirteen
pages. Court Minute Book, VI., pp. 473–480, 485–490.] |
April 18.
Ispahan. |
440. Jno. Purefey and Jno. Hayward to the East India Company.
Their last by [Wm.] Bell, "whom it has pleased the Almighty
to take to his mercy," related to the several treaties with this
Emperor, who has granted them the choice of his silk, and to have
it brought to Ispahan, but not the taking of their commodities at
any certain rates. Refer to their more judicious opinions to resolve
either of the continuance or dissolution of this hitherto so barren a
trade. Have had lately but small sales or investments, by reason
of the King's absence with his army. Cloth and (sugar) candy, the
most vendible commodities; have advanced, the price of the latter
being a commodity the Persian can in no wise forbear. Have
bartered morse-teeth and "bulgars" for carpets. The agent (Wm.
Bell), after a seven-nights' sore visitation with a burning fever,
notwithstanding the advice and endeavours of the King's best
physicians, "was dissolved, delivering his soul into the hands of his
Redeemer, the 24th Feb., being not only accompanied with the
Hollanders and such Franks as were resident, but likewise with
Cogiah Nazer and other the principal of the Armenians, with all
their churchmen, to bury him, and at least 5,000 Julfalines and
other Xpians;" amongst whom were many poor who they were
obliged to maintain at some extraordinary charge; also in enter
taining such great men as came to visit them, according to the
manner of the country, in the case of any eminent man's death.
The Hollanders, in money, spices, Indian copper, &c., have brought
this year into Persia 600 camels' load, and "are like to fare better
by your forbearance in sending-supplies;" but although the Hollander by giving himself out as an Ambassador escaped scot-free,
their goods this year, by virtue of a firman from the Khan, are
detained at Gombroon till customs, rahdars, &c., of both years be
satisfied, whereat the Dutch agent was not a little vexed, they (the
English) receiving at same time a friendly letter from the Khan.
One of the Dutch factors sent for Guylan [Ghilan] to make choice
of silk, and after long delay were constrained to receive Legee silk.
Ormuz has "small frequent of merchants," who are fearful of the
security of their goods upon the English ships, through the boasting
bravadoes of the Portugals. [Thos.] Barker safely arrived, who
will answer the necessary points of the Company's letter here
omitted. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. X., No. 1157.] |
| April 22–24. |
441. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mr. Wheatley
charged with having taken calicoes to ship out, and not having
done so, but contrariwise some slight had been used to blind those
that should have seen them shipped out; he was enjoined to ship
them out under pain of forfeiting 20 per 100. In reference to
accounts between the Company and himself, "he desires to cut
scores" with the Company. Complaint of the contractors for silk,
that they came short in the whole parcel two or three cwt.; discussion thereon. Motion of Sandcroft and his brother concerning the
saffron between them and the Company. Petition of Beversham to
be released; but his business is in question before the Lords con
cerning Ruy Frere, and for the carrying away of his goods the
Company must right themselves as they may. Demand of Capt.
Hawkeridge for his wages, &c. Mr. Governor said he had observed
him to hover about the Parliament House, where it will not sound
well that they detain his wages without cause shown; the Court of
opinion that the best course is to commence their action with him
in the Admiralty, and in case the business be anywhere legally
depending, the House will not meddle with it; he challenged 140l.
lent on the purser's book, 100 wt. of benjamin, and a parcel of
China roots, and confessed that he kept 300 ryals taken out of a
China junk. The Court told him that where they give wages they
allow no sharing of goods taken, wherein he of all others should not
have, offended considering that he went at the greatest wages that
ever any did in so small a ship; in the end he submitted to the
Court, which was well taken at his hands, and he was appointed
to set down the quantity and condition of his goods landed in
Ireland, and a committee ordered to report what they find to be due
to him. Concerning the business in the Guildhall against John
Lamprey, resolved that the best way to proceed will be by an
action of trover. The Governor acquainted the Court that "Lady
Dale, at the Committee of Parliament, did by her counsel press
foully against the Company; and that which stuck most against the
factors was the testimony of Crowther, considering who was but
singularis testis." In the end there was a motion by Sir Ed. Coke,
that though the Company were no way faulty, yet to give something to Lady Dale, and it was moved to refer it to the Commissioners of the Navy, the Chancery, or to four of the House, to be
indifferently named by the Company and Lady Dale, whereto Sir
William Throckmorton, brother of the Lady, would in no wise give
consent, and so they broke up; it was resolved not to attend any
more until another summons. Sir Edwin Sandys, one of the
Committee for Trade, having told the Governor that he did not
remember that the Company's patent had been commanded to be
brought in, it was thought fit not to appear again at the committee
but upon a direct summons. Nicholas Girdler, having been sentenced by Sir Henry Marten for taking imprest of the Company for
two voyages, and going neither, to be ducked at the yard-arm
according to the fashion of the sea by the serjeant of the Admiralty
at Blackwall; ordered that the Company's servants there assist at
the execution of said sentence accordingly. |
|
April 24.—Sir John Wolstenholme to be conferred with about the
custom of the coral. Mr. Cater desired that Sir Richard Smith,
Sir William Russell, and himself, might see those orders of Court
which concern the Muscovy business, for every man to pay the
money rated by the Commissioners; but was answered they no
way concerned the, business in hand. Concerning a suit in Chancery
between John Ball and the two brothers of John Sandcrofte, deceased, about Sandcrofte's estate. The two men in the Marshalsea,
according to the sentence of the Judge of the Admiralty, to be ducked
at the yard-arm to terrify other runaways who have received
imprest, and that their prison fees be discharged by the Company
rather than this exemplary punishment should be neglected. Suit
of the sister of George Cokayne concerning her brother's estate;
ordered that the books be searched against Wednesday next, and
William Cokayne to be then present, with whom the Court would
end the business. Concerning the complaint of the contractors for the
silk of short weight. The Court utterly misliked that their weights
should be defective in the least, and blamed such of their servants
as knew it and concealed it, and suffered such a scandal to lye upon
the Company; ordered that the weights be proved, and, if found too
light, forthwith defaced, it being a great shame for the Company if
they should connive at such an error. Information of the Governor
that the Lord Admiral "presseth exceedingly to have the money,"
and has given order to Sir Henry Marten for a sentence in the
Admiralty to discharge the Company. Mr. Noy has made a draught
of the release from the King, which is to be carried to Sir John
Walter for his opinion; but as the Admiral's money is pressed to be
paid with such earnestness, four of the committees are entreated to
accompany Mr. Governor this afternoon to Sir Henry Marten to set
forward that discharge. By the opinion of both common and civil
lawyers these discharges will be in force only against the King and
my Lord, but cannot free the Company from the Spanish Ambassador if he commence suit against them. Discussion on Mr.
Hawkeridge's business; his accounts to be compared with Lanman's
books. No calicoes to be carried out of the back gate, but when
Mr. Blunt shall be present, as a fraud has been discovered. Humphrey Holloway having sold his dividend to one Watson, who being
no freeman, the Company cannot reach him, but it was resolved to
send for Holloway and Tully to answer their omission at the next
Court. [Seven pages and a half. Court Minute Book, VI., 490–
497.] |
April 25.
Whitehall. |
442. Sec. Conway to Morris Abbott, Governor of the East India
Company. Refers to his Majesty's letters to the Company on behalf
of Edmond Traves [of 17 Feb. last] which was obtained at the suit
of a servant of his Majesty, attending near his person, who will continue his solicitations. Would much rather present to his Majesty
their ready conformity, than be forced when asked to answer that
they have returned no account, or fail to give the King good satis
faction. [One page. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 14.] |
| April 25. |
443. Minute of the above. [Conway's Letter Bk., p. 117, Dom.
Cal., p. 223.] |
| April 25. |
444. [Sec Conway] to Sir Thomas Smythe and Sir Edw.
Barkham. Begs them to continue their favourable mediation for
making a composition between Edmond Traves and his creditors,
because he is unable to procure a sum of money due to him from
the East India Company. [Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CLXIII.,
No. 49, Cal., p. 223.] |
| April 26. |
445. Court Minutes of the East India Company. As the masts
are valued at 318l., the action against John Lamprey to be for 400l.
Then follows this mem.:—"Here is a great dispute concerning the
King and the Lord Admiral omitted, but remains to be seen upon
the original copy" (sic). Half a page. Court Minute Bk., VI.,
p. 498.] |
| April 28. |
446. The Duke of Buckingham's acquittance for 10,000l. received
of the East India Company. Whereas the East India Company or
their agents have seized and made prize of divers ships, gold, silver,
jewels, wares, and commodities in the parts of Asia and Africa
beyond the Line and the Cape of Good Hope, of or from some
princes, states, and their subjects, and have disposed and converted
the same to their own use. His Grace has accepted the sum of
10,000l. from the Company as a full satisfaction for all tenths,
duties, fees, or other rights due to him from the Company by virtue
of the office of Lord High Admiral of England, at any time heretofore from Jany. 28th, 1619, until the date of these presents. [Two
pages. East Indies, Vol. III. No. 15.] |
| April (28). |
447. Account of proceedings in the Court of Admiralty in the
above matter. That on the 10th March 1624, before Sir Henry
Marten, Judge, &c., appeared Dr. Thomas Ryves, Advocate of the
King, and of the High Admiral of England, and alleged that a sum
of 15,000l., piratically taken by Capts. Richard Blythe, John Weddall,
and others on the high seas near Ormuz and in other places, had
come to the hands of the treasurers of the East India Company, and
he prayed that said sum might be attached by warrant of this Court,
and deposited with the Registrar of the Court, but that on April 28,
a special warrant, dated April 27, from the Duke of Buckingham,
Lord High Admiral of England, was exhibited, acknowledging that
his Grace had received of the East India Company the sum of
10,000l. in full satisfaction of all his claims. Whereupon Sir Henry
Marten released and acquitted the Company from all claims. [Latin.
Ten pages and a half. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 16.] |
| 1624 ? |
448. Account of the proceedings between the East India Company and the Lord Advocate, concerning reprisals in the Indies.
The Governor having given notice to the Duke [of Buckingham] of
their proceedings in the East Indies, that he might claim his due for
the spoils and misdemeanors there committed. The Duke acquainted
the King therewith, and Sir John Coke was willed to treat with
some of the principal of the Company about it, which he did, and
showed them that what had been done must have been either by
way of reprisals, in which case one tenth would be reserved to the
Lord Admiral, or voluntarily, when he could pursue them as pirates,
when not only the spoils, but also the goods of the offenders and
their abettors would be forfeit. The tenth for reprisalls would
amount to more than 10,000l., but the Company were left free to
stand to a legal proceeding if they would. They chose the legal
way; but when the Judge of the Admiralty commanded their
Treasurer to pay the money into Court, or yield his body to prison,
the Lord Admiral sent his servant to mitigate the punishment
incurred, whereupon they effected a composition. [Two pages. East
Indies, Vol. III., No. 17.] |
| April 28–30. |
449. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Miscarriage of
a letter sent from Mr. Kirkham, consul at Aleppo, by way of Marseiles in May last. Motion for a place to stow the Company's cables
and boats for supply of their ships in the Downs, as the house built
for that purpose is ordered by the Lord Warden to be removed,
because it is seated between the castles of Deal and "Wamore,"
so as the ordnance of those castles cannot scour between them.
Estimate of timber for building the pinnace, repairing the London
and Lion, and such boats as are to be built. Committee appointed
to report on a Flemish-built pinnace about 120 tons burden, offered
for sale. Touching a bargain of masts, and "the Court entreated
the Deputy and Mr. Kirby to have consideration, that over great
masts do overclog a ship, and therefore to choose them well sized in
whole trees." Consideration of Capt. Hawkeridge's business, and
that it were fit to have an end with him, because the Company
undergoes an ill report, when business of this nature hangs long
undecided; it was therefore thought fit to cast up the value of his
goods and moneys in the Company's hands, and having deducted for
his disservice to the Company, such a proportion as may in some reasonable sort punish his errors and deter others, to order him the rest.
Resolved to take a proportion for freight of cloves, pepper, &c. He
excused his going to Ireland, because the Dutch would not touch
upon English coast; many other things were laid to his charge, as
expense of fresh victuals, powder, &c. He submitted himself to the
censure of the Court, hoping to do the Company good service hereafter, and so wipe away these stains and set himself upright again
in their favours; by his private trade he had forfeited a bond of
1,000 marks to the Company. In the end it was ordered that he
pay for the ryals taken in the junk at 8s. per ryal, also for the
benjamin and china roots and for freight and wasteful expense of
powder and resolved to cut off his wages, being 250l., wherewith
Capt. Hawkeridge was satisfied, which the Court, taking in good
part, as also his submission and promises, reduced to 200l., and
ordered payment of the rest. Mr. Governor acquainted the Court
that he hath been tired with solicitations for the 4,000l., residue of
the 10,000l. to the Lord Admiral, and Mr. Aylesbury has brought a
proxy for a full discharge to the Company; motion that, "considering
this real forwardness in the Duke," part of the 4,000l. might be paid
in. The Court was contented 1,000l. more shall be paid when called
for, and Mr. Deputy and others were entreated to be at the Court of
Admiralty at afternoon to see that all things pass freely for the Company. The release to be signed by the Lord Admiral read and allowed.
For the 10,000l. to the King, the resolution was to pay only 5,000l.
as had been promised, and the other 5,000l. in his due time; some
have advised with counsel what discharge will be fit for the Company from his Majesty, and find that the King may discharge the
Company against the Spaniard by way of covenant, but not otherwise. Motion on behalf of Mary Jackson, sister of George Cokayne
that died at Succadana, who now pretends there is more money due
to her. The Court thought it no reason further to trouble themselves with that business, but if some reasonable matter would content her, would rather give it than be subject to clamour, but, as
she was resolved to accept of no less than her full demand, they left
her to her course. A new warrant for a dividend to be given to
Mr. Fisher, he having casually lost his old warrant. Payment to
William Wade for water casks, labourers, and carriage aboard the
ships lately bound for Surat. Demand of 60l. for custom of coral
unladen at Dover, but Sir John Wolstenholme has promised to move
the rest of the farmers therein, that the Company shall be reasonably dealt withall. Suit of Roberts, late master in the Lesser James,
for his wages; resolved to deduct only 10l. as a light punishment
for his great error in carrying his ship into Ireland, which cost the
Company some thousands, said 10l. to be put into the poor's box.
Project recommended by Sir Thos. Smythe, consisting of seven
several particulars, viz.: to preserve ships and sails from "wild-fire,"
and the worm, and the hatches from sticking to men's feet, and to
preserve a ship sweet and her keel smooth for three or four years,
and the charge of thus trimming a ship will not cost above 40s. per
100 tons. The Court remembered that this very project had been
formerly offered, but then, as now, resolved not to entertain it without
due proof of the particulars. 20l. to be paid to Kendall in full
discharge of his wages. |
|
April 30.—Twenty nobles to be paid to Mr. Tichborne, the Company's solicitor, for his quarter's wages, due at Lady Day. Sir John
Walter to "move for a dismission" in the business between the
Company and Adam Denton in the Chancery. Information of
Tichborne that the business with George Ball is ordered to be first
heard in the Star Chamber next term, before any hearing in
Chancery. Suit of Messrs. Browne and Paget for increase of time
in certain lands held by them in Deptford, Paget desiring 40 years,
in respect he is to build upon his part. Demand of Mary Jackson
for certain moneys she pretends are due to her brother, George
Cokayne, deceased; she had formerly received 77l. 10s., and as
she refused any courtesy except she might have her full demand,
the Court would have no parley with her, but left her to her
course by law. The penalty set upon Mr. Roberts reduced to 5l.,
as there is but 7l. odd due to him. Mr. Wight, a brother of the
Company, came into Court and craved pardon if he delivered the
opinion of divers grave men to whom it would give great content
if the Company would deliver out goods for no more than 8½ capitals
until order be taken for payment of their debt, and said the Muscovy
Company failed in that and smarted for it. Mr. Governor said the
motion was good, though no new thing to the Company; that
fit care had been taken therein, and that it was conceived after
payment of the last dividend there would be enough left to
answer all debts, but that since the setting out of six ships some
things have happened that have made an alteration. Suit of Mr.
Bugges that he might bestow his dividend of calicoes (to the value
of 180l.) amongst his 12 daughters; which being ordered to be
transported, the Court would in no wise grant, but for a matter of
20 pieces they would not question it. Letter read from Mr. Sec.
Conway, wherein he takes notice of a former letter of his Majesty
on behalf of Mr. Traverse, for sinking his adventure and making
use of the money paid in for satisfying his creditors; the Court
answered that they had denied that favour to divers, and the Lord
Treasurer had importuned them on behalf of his brother, and that
Mr. Secretary shall be attended and satisfied. Howsoever there was
a release from the Lord Admiral promised for discharge of the
10,000l., yet because the money was paid to Mr. Oliver, it were not
amiss to have a receipt of his hand for same, which it was resolved
to require. [Eight pages and a half. Court Minute Bk., VI.,
pp. 498–506.] |
April 30.
Delft. |
450. Edward Misselden to Carleton. Has advertised the East
India Company of his "noble propension" towards their cause.
Sent for Barlow on receipt of Carleton's letter, and they have
written jointly to the 17 in Zealand. The Prince of Bohemia hath
invited himself to the Company to dinner on Tuesday next. Entreats to know whether there be any purpose in the Queen to be
there. [Holland Corresp.] |
