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May 3.
Whitehall. |
82. Sec. Calvert to (Carleton). The States Ambassadors and
we his Majesty's Commissioners are again at a nonplus upon the
second article, which is a complaint for the restitution of their ship
the Black Lion, whose goods were casually burnt whilst she was
in our men's hands. The difference is about the understanding of
a gloss made for the clearer interpretation of the first treaty, which
clearness is yet so obscure as we cannot agree upon the meaning
of it. The words are that restitution shall be made "de part et
d'autre" of such goods as shall come into their hands "en effect,"
which they would have to imply actual possession; "we on the
other side" maintain that those goods only are said "pervenire
cum effectu" or "in effectu, ex quibus locupletior factus est," and
that we, not being the richer for them, are not tied to restitution.
The argument laid down nakedly may seem somewhat weak, and
we have not insisted peremptorily on a refusal, but are contented
to leave it in suspense as they have the first article. "This likes
them not by no means, and so we are broken off again, until H. M.
piece us, which I conceive he will do, the States having audience
of him to-morrow." [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
| May 3–10. |
83. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mrs. Viney
to have 100l. on account of her brother Capt. Jourdain's estate.
Petition on behalf of "a stranger's son born in England," whose
father was a free brother, for the freedom of the Company. State
of the treaty. The Dutch demand restitution for the ship Black
Lion and her goods. The English Lords Commissioners declare that
neither by the treaty, by civil law, nor otherwise, ought this to be
done. Levinus [Muncke] confident opinion to the same effect, "though
the English had voluntarily and wilfully fired her;" and because
three of the Lords Commissioners "are not yet satisfied," a committee is appointed to give them further satisfaction in private on
this point, "which being then done it was conceived necessary to,
intreat Mr. Secretary to be a means, that the Lords Commissioners
will set downe in writing under their hands, a declaration of their
opinion that the English ought not to restore either ship or goods."
The propositions of the Prince's servants, for sending a ship and
pinnace into the Indies. Paper brought by Mr. Porter of reasons
of the projectors, for the necessity of so doing. Resolution to
attend the Prince with a petition, for "if this project proceed, it
will be exceeding prejudicial to the Company." Halsey's petition
to the King subscribed by Sir Sydney Montague, read. A committee to examine the whole Muscovy business. |
|
May 6.—Smitheck's discharge unanimously ratified, and his note
of charges disallowed. Letter read from the Lord Treasurer to the
ports westward, in favour of the Company, for the better ordering
of the mariners and others aboard the Company's ships arriving
home in reference to carrying goods ashore, to the great prejudice of
the Company, "for this the Lord Treasurer's Secretary shall be gratified as in such cases is usual." Request of Joseph Young, master of
H.M. ship Garland, for balance upon a bond of one Simon Garnett,
gone into the Indies. Adam Denton's business to be settled on
Friday next. |
|
May 10.—Demands of Handson, husband of the French Company,
for "imposition and pirate money for certain corals shipped out of
France" for the Company's use. There can be no imposition, as the
coral is not a French commodity, but only passed through France;
and as for pirate money it is wholly compounded for in the 4,000l.
they pay annually. Committee for the purchase of Dearsly's ship.
Request of George Ball for his goods and apparel to relieve him in
prison. William and Francis Singleton to be paid 257 ryals of
eight, as their deceased brother's estate. At the Company's request
the Dutch Company will carry letters from them, in their next ship
to the Indies. [Ten pages. Court Bk. V., 408–418.] |
May 11.
Surat. |
84. Thomas Rastell, Giles James, and James Burford to Wm.
Methwold, &c., at Masulipatam. Have received their letters of the
26th February and 29th March. Complain of the many and
excessive wrongs injuriously shown to their nation; example of
extortion; their merchants detained five months prisoners at Agra,
and their property embargoed; they have done no less to their
friends at Amedenares (Ahmedabad ?), "merely and wholly for
the Dutch's robberies which in remote places are imputed to the
English" for that both are supposed one Company. The natives
find that the English are best able to pay, and most fearful to
offend, whilst the Dutch not having much to lose even awe them
with their threats. Their petitions, complaints, bribes, and daily
soliciting to the Prince and Governor produce nothing more than
plausible words and promises unperformed; not only is their trade
disturbed, but they remain on most perilous terms, even to the
hazard of their masters' affairs and estate in India. The Dutch
"the undoers of the world;" if they have any cause of offence
against these people, they visit it on this port, not to enrich
themselves, but to damage the English trade. Have sent the
Lion, Rose, and Richard to Mocha, to seize the Surat junks, and
hold them as hostages for the English and their propery at
Surat. There can be no safe trade at Surat, unless the Dutch at
home give orders that the Guzerats shall not be spoiled. With
the value of the junks and the supplies from England they will be
"soundly stored with means sufficient" for the southern trade,
and will be as well stored as the Dutch. The Dutch have greatly
outstripped them in Moluccas, because the English Company, trusting
to restitutions by the Dutch, forbad them to make investments in
Java; and so 25,594 rupees worth of commodities for Sumatra have
remained unshipped for want of vessels; also pepper lies at Acheen
all through the "fleet's detention in Persia." The fleet (Fitzherbert's) designed for the Malabar coast, has not been heard of, but
has doubtless diverted its course some other way as toward
Mozambique. The commander would not stop or land much goods
at Surat, lest he should fall into their predicaments, which "is too
mean and base an employment for a man of his rank and quality."
Will send a horse as requested, either by sea or by "caphila."
As to their relation of the Hollanders' successful proceedings with
the Portugals whom they surprised, the miseries of the English
captives at Macao, and the adventures and kind usage of Richard
Hatfield in Cochin China, and the King's desire of trade with the
English; a trial may be made of trade there "when opportunity
shall minister occasion;" in the interim enquiries might be made
either of the Prince, his trade or dependencies, and correspondence
with the Portugals, which they will be thankful participants of.
Forbear their censure on the proceedings of the Persian fleet, and
leave to their more mature judgment what benefits may follow,
as they (the commanders) have gone so far astray without their
orders, so they have not dared to meddle as yet till they see their
"uttermost success;" it is most certainly reported that the town
of Ormuz is sacked, but the castle still holds out, yet some affirm
that that also is surrendered. That which most discredits them
is the negligence of the Lion's people in letting Ruy Frere [de
Andrade, the Portugal Governor in India] escape, after continued
orders to guard him carefully. After his escape he sent letters,
pawning his honour to procure the release of all the English
prisoners with the Portugese; whereupon the other Portuguese
prisoners were released, to oblige them the more to performance.
Request that their resolutions concerning the Guzerats may be
kept secret, especially from the Dutch; to send notice to Jacatra,
that they intend (if these people hinder not) to send a ship and
pinnace with Sumatra and southern goods in September or October
next. Endorsed, "Copy of a letter from Surat sent to Masulipatam,
and from thence hither." [Three pages and a half. O.C., Vol. IX.,
No. 1047.] |
May 12.
Batavia. |
85. Richard Fursland, Thomas Brockedon, and Augustin
Spaldinge to Thos. Mills, at Pulicat. The Dutch will make no other
division of the cloth than proportionably according to the capital
which each shall invest. If this injuriously affects him he is to
protest, and perhaps may have to remove altogether from Pulicat,
for it is contrary to reason that they should pay the half of the
charge and cannot have quarter part of the trade. The [Dutch]
General tells them he will give order for a place to be appointed for
them to build a warehouse and lodging, and for shipping the bales
they have ready; answer with frivolous excuse, and are sure by one
trick or another to prevent them. Hope he will do nothing in the
building of a house till he has better means. Suppose the general
spleen (of the Dutch) is now qualified, but if they find no alteration
must resolve to bear all with patience. The Unity ready to be sent
to him with 20,000 ryals of eight, which leaves them so bare, that
unless supplies come speedily from England they will be put to an
exigency to defray their charges. Have not sent any money to
Masulipatam. The capital now sent is to be laid out according to
the list formerly sent; not to rely on any further supplies. The
ship to be dispeeded away for Masulipatam as quickly as possible.
[Mathew] Duke appointed to supersede [Wm.] Metwold as agent,
and Dodde to be merchant at Masulipatam. To send by this ship,
if possible, from 10 to 15 able-bodied man slaves, from 16 to 22
years of age. Send a rumlet of 17 gallons of sack. Endorsed,
"Copy of a letter from Jacatra sent into Pulicat, and from thence
into England." [Two pages. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1048.] |
May 12.
Malaya. |
86. Governor Frederick Houtman's reply to William Nicolls
complaint; especially in reference to a fight between the English
and Dutch, and to words spoken by the merchant Peter Peters
Wagensfelt, the younger, at Sabowa to John Alexander, master of
the Ruby, to the prejudice and disdain of the English nation, also of
the little satisfaction accorded to his former complaints. He earnestly
and lovingly requests him to send particulars of those complaints in
writing, that he may justify and clear himself of that before passed,
and do right according unto merit for the future. Signed by
Frederick Houtman. Dutch, with a translation. [Three quarters of
a page. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1049.] |
| May 15–17. |
87. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Illness of
Hawley; entertained to go in the next ship for Bantam. Suit of
Lady Dale against Thomas Jones, late a factor, for some goods of
her husband's; upon reference to the Trinity House it was certified
that the goods of any man dying are to be sold at the mainmast,
and no factor ashore ought to meddle therewith. The cause to be
delivered to some well-experienced advocate for his advice. Report
of the committee on the Muscovy business, in reference to debts
owing and due. |
|
May 17.—Review of the Muscovy business, especially the debts of
Kirby and Harrison, and of Decrowe for caviare. Clifton's demands
for some few cwt. of whale fins out of a parcel of 14 tons, but as
"he was to take them as they were," and bought at 2¾d. per pound,
which cost the Company 2s. per pound, nothing was allowed.
Opinion of Dr. Winston that the last surgeon's chest sent to Surat
had a much greater provision than was necessary; the Indies hath
drugs in far greater plenty and perfection than here. Woodall's
salary of 30l. for the providing of surgeon's chests, on account of his
services to be continued until Midsummer. The Bantam ship to be
provisioned for 12 months. [Ten pages. Court Bk. V., 418–428.] |
May 18/28.
Malaya. |
88. Reply (in detail) of Governor Frederick Houtman to a protest in six articles of William Nicolls. Dutch. See ante, No. 86.
Signed by Frederick Houtman. [Ten pages. O.C., Vol. IX., No.
1050.] |
| May 21. |
89. Locke to Carleton. The States continue their wonted
course in meeting frequently with the Privy Council, but yet have
not concluded anything. This day they are feasted by Lord Exeter,
who keepeth his St. George's feast at home. [Extract from Domestic
Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CXXX., No. 104, Cal. p. 396.] |
| May 22. |
90. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The [minutes of
the] Court wherein the bargain with Leate and Garroway was made
to be looked up against next Court. Lady Dale's suit against Thos.
Jones; she hopes to recover a good matter from the Company
through "a strange oath" taken by Isaac Crowther in the Court of
Admiralty. Expenses paid to Capper for prosecuting Ball in the
Star Chamber, and the Dutch treaty. Addyson to be master of the
new ship, the Abigail, if he will come on reasonable terms. Bartholomew Churchman's business; he has had all his wages, and a loan
of 40l. As to his lending money to the Company's servants in
captivity with the Dutch, it neither appeared under any one of
their hands nor had he any warrant to do so, therefore the Court
considered they had done enough, and willed him to rest content.
Not less than 30,000 or 40,000 ryals thought necessary to be sent to
Bantam. [Three pages. Court Bk. V., 428–431.] |
May 23.
Amboyna. |
91. Henrie Woolman to William Nicolls at Malaya. Hears from
the President that [John] Gonninge is to succeed Nicolls, and George
Willoughby, Gonninge, who [Geo.] Muschamp could hardly have
spared, only to relieve Nicolls out of that remote and unprofitable place. The cargazon consigned to him is waiting conveyance
on board the Dutch Morning Star; the Endracht, appointed for the
Moluccas, was cast away, and 50 men lost, and nothing saved.
Thinks the Amsterdam from Banda will go on to the Moluccas; he
has a happy time for leaving, for there will be a great want this
year in the Moluccas; only the Globe and Supply have arrived this
year; the Globe brought rice from Macassar, and cloth, but never
a penny of money. Muschamp is forced to borrow of the
"Burgers." Thinks the Globe will have as many cloves as she is
able to stow. Muschamp is bound for Jacatra, and so for England,
and Capt. Towerson is here to succeed. Has procured his own
liberty also, and purposes going for England, and hopes to have his
company. The Supply is bound for Jacatra from Banda, laden
with nuts and mace. "John Joste had a great loss, being in the
Endracht when she was cast away, who, with his simpering wife,
Perera, commend very kindly unto you." By a frigate from Acheen
he hears that [Daniel] Wight is dead, and George Robinson remains.
There is little correspondence with the King, he holding his pepper
at such extraordinary rates. Nan Ubore in good health, and her
son (Captain Bread-and-Cheese) hath a son also. The King caused
the children to be brought into the court to see them, and has ordered
Laxaman to see them brought up. Sends a letter brought by
Hawkeridge from Nicolls' brother in England; also a letter to
Perry from "his quondam mate," now purser at Jacatra. Will send
him a jar of rack by next conveyance. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. IX.,
No. 1051.] |
| May 24–31. |
92. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Petition of
John Elliot to his Majesty, sent by Sir Christopher Perkins, one of
the masters' of request for payment of wages and property taken by
the Dutch. The case already decided by the Judge of the Admiralty
and in Parliament, in favour of the Company. Also petition of
Denton. Committee sent to explain; he is satisfied with regard to
Elliot; but asked for further instructions, that he might know
how to answer the King. Sale of the Gamaliell. Kirby and
Harrison's debt. Request of Abraham Chamberlain about his
calicoes. Claim of Thomas Sussell to the goods of the late Elizabeth
Ashdowne. |
|
May 29.—Minute of a General Court of Sales. Those absent to
be fined 12d. a piece. List of goods sold, with prices and names of
the purchasers. |
|
May 31.—Court Minutes of the East India Company. Payment
to Samuel Hazard for ryals supplied to Fursland and Brockenden,
factors in the Indies. A request of the Dutch for a list of the
victuals, ordnance, munitions, &c. of the ships taken by them,
referred to the committees "that had entered into speech with the
Dutch. Request of Capt. Davis for recompense for an anchor
and cable, lost through the James coming athwart him. Offer of
Edward James to go factor. Hawley's wages. Committee to set
straight the account between Mrs. Harrison and the Muscovy
Company. "It is supposed there will be a good quantity of pepper
found between the ceilings of the Great James." A charge for
bringing a letter from Denmark containing a rumour of three homeward bound English ships allowed. Committee to attend Sir
Christopher Perkins, on Adam Denton's business. [Seven pages.
Court Bk. V., 431–438.] |
