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| Nov. 3–6. |
371. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Upon the desire of Dr. Meverell and Richard Sares as executors of Mr. Knight, deceased, who married the widow of Francis Benbowe, to be entitled to the adventure of said Benbowe of 1,200l. in the second joint stock, the Court promised that the adventure should not be disposed of till it should be decided by law to whom it belonged. Request of John Martyn, interpreter to the Persian merchant, to be repaid 10l. he had been forced to pay Lawrence, the apothecary, who had arrested him for the debt; Mr. Cokes opinion to be asked. Report, of Mr. Styles that yesterday, in Aldersgate Street, he spied a cart laden with jars and commodities
which he supposed came from the Indies, that he followed it through by corners and lanes into Bucklersbury, where it was unladen in a warehouse belonging to John Sadler, who now being called in confessed that he and Humphrey Farley bought of Birch, Galloway, and others aboard the Great James at Portsmouth, 680 lbs. of hard wax, 3,200 lbs. of ginger, and 150 lbs. gumlac, which were landed at Portsmouth and brought from Southampton in a cart to Holborn. The Court holding this to be an abuse insufferable ordered that Messrs. Blunt and Cappur should view the goods and report. Note presented from Sir John Wolsten-holme of goods taken out of the Jonas in the Downs and put aboard a hoy of Rochester for London as the goods of George Robinson, heretofore a factor in the Indies; resolved to advise of some course to prevent the like abuses hereafter. Ordered that Thomas Rilston pay all petty charges in and about the warehouses. Thomas Smith entertained as assistant to Hockett at 20s. a week. Richard, brother and executor to Joseph Cockram, factor, deceased, presented the probate of his. brother's will, wherein were divers great legacies, as 700l. to himself, and three or four sums of 200l. or 100l. to others; the Court admired much that a factor of the Company should raise such a great estate to himself, and the executor was told, having desired that he might have his brother's goods, that when brought to the Company's warehouse they will take such order as shall be fitting; so a letter was sent by an express to Messrs. Millward and Gayer at Erith to send the goods of all private men, especially Cockram's, to London in a hoy, with some man of trust. Upon information that as soon as private men's goods were received into the Custom House at one door they were suffered to be carried out at another, Mr. Williams was desired to go to Mr. Carew at the Custom House and take order for the prevention of such abuses, and for bringing up all mariners' goods to the Company's warehouses. Upon information that Mr. Blyth had refined all the Company's old powder from the Indies and made it very serviceable, and that he desired leave to grind 50 barrels of brimstone and some coals at a little mill in the old place by Staines; ordered (in regard the powder mill was plucked down and the grinding of the brimstone and coals would not be any ways offensive) that he may do it. Ordered that Sambrooke give warrant for payment of the mariners of the Charles and Hart. Ordered that notice be renewed to the warehouse keepers that they neither buy nor trade in indigo, colicoes, nor anything else. Signor Jeronimo, the Portugal Jesuit, entertained at 40l. per ann., to go for the Indies in the Company's next ships, and 5l. was bestowed upon him for his charges at Cambridge till Christmas. |
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Nov. 6—A bill of exchange for 300l. taken up at Plymouth by Mr. Yonge of one Mr. Harris for the use of the Charles and Hart ordered to be paid, and the Court taking notice that Mr. Harris had done a friendly courtesy when the money was not to be had elsewhere, bestowed upon him 10 lb. of pepper. One of the storehouses at Deptford or Blackwall to be lent to Alderman Freeman to house cables. Demand of Jacob Johnson for money due for
weighing the Moon's ordnance, to be referred to Mr. Chauncey. Ordered that Capt. Bickley, Capt Fowkes, Mr. Cockram, and other private men's goods before delivery be brought up to the Company's house to be viewed. Request of John Nunes on behalf of the Portugals returned in the Charles for something to defray their charges of going to their own country, referred to further consideration; meantime ordered to work aboard the Hart for meat and drink until she be discharged. 20 marks bestowed on Pilot Burredge for conducting the Charles from Falmouth to the Downs. Upon consideration of the trade for this year, resolved, in consideration of the great strength of the Portugals and their late success by the overthrow of the Lion, to add a fourth ship to the three already designed for Surat, viz., the Hart or Jonas; it was objected that the Hart was a slug, and that the Charles would have been at home six weeks sooner if she had been alone, hut Capt. Bickley acknowledged that before the wind the Charles went better, but not otherwise, and said that he sailed to Jacatra in live months, but that the upper works of the Hart were very weak and her decks too low; resolved to hasten the unlading of the Jonas, which might be effected within 14 days, and have her brought into the dock and searched, and ordered that the Hart be forthwith docked and her decks raised, which would much increase her tonnage, and that the Jonas as soon as unladen be brought into dock. Complaint of the want of bags, thread, &c. at Erith; Committees to give directions for the supply of anything wanting. Information of Martyn, the interpreter, that the Persian merchant had taken a house at Limehouse and desired 100l. to furnish it; he was answered that both the Ambassadors in England and Holland had warned them not to feed the merchant with money for his wasteful, idle expenses, and therefore the Court refused, but if he would confer with them he should have such allowance as was fitting. The interpreter then desired the 10l. given by the merchant's will and brokerage for the silk, but was answered they could not pay the 10l. without warrant from the Ambassador and merchant, but the brokerage should be paid. Ordered that Capt. Bickley receive 200l. upon account. [Richard] Cockram moved for a warrant to take up his deceased brother Joseph's goods, but the Court resolved constantly to observe their order for bringing up all men's goods to the Company's house. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 168–176.] |
Nov. 8.
Sinuod. |
372. Robert Tottell to John Banggam. Concerning the payment of 10,000 or 12,000 rupees, confesses he made an oversight, and will be more careful and have as much care in employment of Banggam's money as if he were here himself. Some 28 course of this place hath happened a great slaughter of men, the Khan's people bringing a casanne, from whom the Begum's servants have taken it. Has received a letter from Offley. 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XI, No. 1238.] |
| Nov. 10–17. |
373. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Resolved to ask the opinion of Sir Henry Marten as to the stay or otherwise
of goods bought aboard the Jonas by one Robinson and sent to London in a hoy. Divers suitors for pursers' and pursers' mates places told to come in a fortnight, when choice would be made only of such as had been at sea and were good accountants. Request of Richard Cockram to receive his deceased brother Joseph's goods, and in regard there was 1,250l. due for wages and 130l. in the pursers books, that he might receive half to discharge debts; for the foods he was willed to forbear until the ships were unladen, but to receive 300l. on account. Ordered that Mr. Blunt deliver to the Lord Mayor two bags of pepper and 6 or 10 lb. of cloves. John Poynett referred to Mr. Ellam, for pilotage of the Jonas from the Downs to Erith, and being charged for suffering Robinson to lade goods from the Jonas in his ketch, he confessed his fault, but protested he was ignorant of any wrong done to the Company thereby, and promised not to do the like again. Upon information that there was coming to Emanuel Finch 300l. from the wages and debts of Thomas White, deceased in the Moon, this business was referred to the Committees of the counting house and to persuade him to give 5l. to the poor. At the request of the Persian Ambassador ordered, the winter being now come in, that he be furnished with curtains for his windows and hangings for his chamber as formerly. Ordered that Margaret, wife of George Brewen, factor in the Indies, receive 40l. on account of her husband's wages. The price of cloves set at 11s. the lb. ready money. |
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Nov. 13—Report of Mr. Governor that 550 pieces of calicoes out of the Jonas were landed at Rochester for account of Adam Denton and George Robinson, bought of Robert Young and Wm. Eaton, factors from Surat, and being brought in a hoy to London were now in the Custom House; ordered to attach the money paid for them to discourage others from the like practises. Conference with Mr. Salmon about the danger of bringing the Great James into the river, who advised that she be discharged at Gore-end, the Court considering that she would there be in danger of Dunkerkers, resolved to write to Mr. Yonge to advise with the pilot thereon. Thomas Corne's bill of riding charges for journeys to Plymouth, Portsmouth, the Downs, &c. referred for examination. Motion for sending a fifth ship, grounded upon the opinion of those last home in the James and Jonas from Surat, the better to resist the force of the Portugals; opinion that the intended stock was not sufficient to bear the charge, that the Jonas could not in time be made ready, and it would be uncertain where to find another ship, and there would not be time to sheath and fit her, but nothing resolved. Payment to Capt. Pring, of Plymouth, of money borrowed of him for use of the Hart and for pilotage to the Downs. Resolved to appoint a day for hearing the business concerning the estate of Hasellwood, Cockram, and others. Motion revived for keeping a black book wherein to register all complaints out of the Indies against commanders, merchants, masters, pursers, &c.; ordered that such a book, with a calendar, be provided by the Remembrancer. to begin two years past, and to be brought to every Court. Ordered that the Portugals that came home in the Charles and Hart help
unlade the Jonas, and afterwards to be entertained for another voyage or something bestowed upon them towards carrying them home. Thomas Leeson, late steward of the Star and of the Palsgrave, propounded for steward of the Speedwell, but referred till inquiries be made of Capt. Clevenger, Mr. Haynes, Daniel White, or others. 50l. or 60l. to be paid to Robert Hackwell, late master of the Hart, on account of wages. |
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Nov. 15.—Ordered that the wife of John Kingstone, who went out purser of the Swallow, receive 1 cwt. of China roots sent to her in the Hart from her husband. Thomas Leeson, a very sufficient, careful, and quiet man, entertained steward of the Speedwell. Representation of the churchwardens of Stepney of the poverty of their parish, and request for the Company's wonted benevolence; ordered that the like consideration be had of them this year as formerly. On request of [Richard] Cockram for his brother Joseph's goods and more money on account, ordered that 200l., to make up 500l., be paid to him, but not to part with any more money until this business be settled. An article to be inserted in the pursers' commission to restrain them from abusing poor men for their own benefit Collection of the state of the Company's affairs read by Treasurer Bateman, whereby it appeared that there was to be issued out before Easter 143,000l., and to be received 89,893l., so that would come short 53,107l.; he further declared that debts came in slowly, and that he had borrowed money of divers in Court. Computation read by the Auditors of the Company's estate, who desired that those indebted might not receive any dividend before they had cleared their accounts, which was ordered accordingly. The Auditors being desired to set down what the Company owe or are shortly to pay, the debts due, and the goods in their hands, that so they may know what to divide, it appeared that the advance of the estate amounted to 240,000l., from which, if they should deduct 190,000l. for two divisions, there would yet want 20,000l. to make up the 70,000l. for setting forth this year's fleet; whereupon, after some dispute as to the lessening of their great debt at interest, a thing so much desired and endeavoured, it was the opinion of the Court that the division of three half capitals might be ventured on, which, with the sale of indigo, calicoes, silk, and cloves would raise 100,000l. for supply of Mr. Treasurer's cash; and because the grocers inquired earnestly after the cloves the price was set at 11s. per lb. at three months and one month in. Concerning trade to the southwards and preparing letters for the pinnace, the first thing considered was the stock of 500,000 ryals there, of which one half would lade home the London and Exchange, and of the other half much would be expended in charges before the pinnace arrived; next was the consideration of the several factories, and it was observed that Jacatra spent 5,000l. yearly in housekeeping, maintaining an unneceassary number of men (at least 100), and consuming what other factories yield, chiefly rice from Macassar and clothing from the coast, and was now become of no use; some of opinion utterly to relinquish that place, sell the house to the Dutch or Chinese, and settle at Bantam, and in case they could not do either,
then to dissolve the Presidency and Council and settle four or five able men at Jambi, the chief place for pepper, and three or four to remain at Jacatra until their stores and provisions might be had away. It was conceived that some use may be made of Macassar for cloves for a time; that for Masulipatam, though the clothing be fit for Jambi, yet that of Surat would serve that place, and as it serves rather for increase of private trade than for the Company's benefit, it might well be spared; that Siam was of little or no use, and not to be continued; and that Acheen, Tecoe, and Priaman might be visited by ships from Surat to the southwards, without keeping any settled factory in those places. It was observed that the Company thrived best when they sent out ships with stock only to lade, without settled factories, against which it was objected that the Dutch will take advantage to supplant them, to which was answered that keeping ships and factories in the Indies, if continued, will undoubtedly supplant the Company, but the general resolution was not now agreed upon. Request of Mr. Treasurer that he might either leave his place or have an assistant, because of his other place; Mr. Williams entreated to assist him. Estimate for repairing the Hart, amounting to 600l., which Steevens promised to perform within five weeks. Mr. Bell desired to hasten the provision of wine. |
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Nov. 17.—Renewed suit of Mrs. Lynsey for the estate of her brother, William Carter, who died in the Indies, she was willed to trouble the Court no further until the return of her husband from the Straits. Cloves to be offered at 10s. 6d. per lb. ready money, to invite buyers Because of the excessive gain made by pursers in the Indies of ryals of 8, ordered that no purser be permitted to make more than 8s. per ryal, which is to be inserted in their instructions, and if they take more it is to be defalked out of their own estates. Demand of [Adam] Denton of 60 pieces of calico lately seized, being part of the goods bought by Mr. Robinson aboard the Jonas in the Downs; so far from restoring them the Court intended to proceed by law for recovery of 300 or 400 more pieces thus unlawfully bought, he was recommended to make known the persons of whom he bought the goods and to deliver a particular thereof; but seemed to justify the sale, yet being persuaded, sent in a note of the names and quantities of calicoes, amounting to 594 pieces. Ordered that a bond formerly entered into by him upon an award long since performed be delivered up. A former order for Ducy to assist Steevens in the survey of any of the Company's ships to stand in force for the survey of the Hart, and Steevens to be required to answer why he utterly refused to allow Ducy to be his assistant therein. Suit of William, second son of Samuel Hare, deceased, and joint executor with his brother John, that the Company would divide his father's adventure, and permit him to dispose of his part; though assured by Mr. Attorney-General that they might do it by law, the Court refused to make any order until he procured his brother's allowance, or by a legal course compelled the Company to do so. Complaint of the "ill coming" of [Wm. Birch], carpenter of the. James, who was specially required for repairing her rudder Draught of a petition to the King to revive the Company's
complaints against the Dutch approved and to be engrossed. Mr. Ellam commanded to observe what was set down at the last Court concerning the removal of the Company's factory from Jacatra, and settling at Bantam and Jambi, that he may advertise the same in the general [? letter]. Gratuity of 5l. to George Vernon, late interpreter to the Persian Ambassador, now in prison and in great want. A general release presented under the hand of Nicholas Woodcock, and at his request the Court acquitted and discharged him from all demands for casting away the Whale or otherwise. 13½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 176–189.] |
Nov. 18.
Samana. |
374. Robert Tottell to John Banggam. This evening received letters from Agra, also the Council's letters of the 14th October. Perceives they have given order to cease in the Samana investment; cannot perceive how that can be, having put out cloth bought to the washers and distributed some 4,000 rupees to the weavers; had orders come sooner might have sought some other means. ½ p. [O.C., Vol. XI, No. 1239.] |
| Nov. 20–24. |
375. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that if any master, purser, or other hereafter let out or enter any money in the purser's books above 88. per R. of 8, the overplus be defalked out of their wages. Also that the Duke be attended with the petition against the Dutch upon his return from Gravesend with the French Ambassador. On reading the complaint in the general letter against Robert Young and John Willoughby now returned from the Indies, wherein both were found exceedingly indebted to the Company, ordered that the particulars he given to the Auditors and that Mr. Stone's advice be taken how to proceed against them. Request of Elias, the Persian merchant's servant, for the remainder of the money for his silk; was told that heretofore the Ambassador would by no means give way thereto, nevertheless in regard the sum was small two of the Committees would see if they could persuade his Lordship. Complaint that the pepper bags were naught, rotten, and too small; proposed that canvas for bags against next year be made in Bridewell, holding that this might conduce much to the reputation of the Company, a Committee was entreated to treat with the art master of both Bridewells to cause a sample to be presented in Court. Petition of Richard Washer for a factor's place in regard be was an adventurer when Sir James Lancaster went first to the Indies and had all his life been bred a merchant, but the Court held him no ways fit, yet for Sir Thos. Middleton and Sir John Leman's sakes he was proffered a steward's place, which he refused. Ordered that the Speedwell fall down to Gravesend. Petition of Mary, wife of Edward Salter, late purser of the Hart, deceased, for 191 ryals of 8 detained, for that her husband was charged with short delivery of 15 bags of pepper sent from Masulipatam to Jacatra; the purser ordered to bring his waste book and copy of bill of Jading next Court. Examination of Thomas Turner, purser of the Anne, concerning the estate of Mr. Cox, that he had only four gold chains which were sold at the 'mast for 3l. the ounce,
amounting to 90l., and that Sayers had a parcel of diamonds which he pawned to Captain Goodall. Resolved to have further conference with Turner. |
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Nov. 22.—Request of Thomas Winterborne late quartermaster of the Lion for maintenance and employment; he had served 24 years and lost all he had in the Lion, and had both his hands maimed in the fight, the Court remembered he had been suspected to have aided Ruy Friero in his escape out of the Lion before Surat, and in the fight at Gombroon when the gunner resolved to blow up the ship, had given warning to the frigates to stand off, for which Ruy Friero had given him his liberty, which he utterly denied; whereupon the Court ordered payment of his wages, but deferred his employment. Demand of Thos. Poynett for himself and cousin John of 20l. each for pilotage of the Charles and Jonas, and 10l. for the Hart, payment ordered according to the burden of the ship, with 16l. for the Charles, and for the others 10l. a piece, and 4l. to make up 40l. Proposition of Thomas Lyddiatt, a mathematician, for settling a plantation on the east coast of Africa; which he offered to undertake, but was answered that the stock was now at an end, and the Company had no ability nor purpose to engage in so chargeable a work. Robert Woader entertained a factor for five years at 50l. per annum. Gratuity of 20 marks to David Giffie, purser's mate of the Jonas, who being sent in quest of the Anne with the Scout, and the monsoon taking them to the coast of Arabia so they could not recover the Red Sea, he landed at Baroun and journeyed through the deserts of Arabia 55 days to Mocha where he found the Anne and the Jonas come from Surat to relieve her; his request for payment of a debt from Humphrey Bill, purser's mate of the Roebuck, referred to Sambrooke A cellar of Canary wines containing 40 pipes, priced 18l. per pipe to be bought at as cheap rates as may be. Gratuity of 5l. to Wm Clarke, late purser in the Moon, for 10 weeks employment about recovery of the Moon's pepper and attending Parliament about Brooks; his desire for employment referred; 8l. allowed for three pieces of damask given to the captain of the St. James one of the Kings ships, for favour to the Charles and Hart confirmed, but as to two jars of nutmegs given to Lord Denbigh and Sir John Watts referred to another time. Ordered that Capt. Bickley have his tamarind and cassia fistula delivered, but for the rest a day to be appointed to settle a course for him and others. Upon Mr Munn's relation of his discourse with Capt Clevenger concerning the strength of the Portugals, the Commander of whose ships and frigates had undertaken never to return into Spain until they had driven the English out of the Indies, and the least of their ships being equal with the Great James, some of opinion to add one ship more to the fleet, but answered that a survey had been made, and there was not any fit in the river, and the time was too short to trim one of their own; resolved to reinforce each ship with some brass ordnance and good provision of wildfire and other warlike engines. Request of Capt. Goodall for the diamonds pawned to him by Edward Sayres, who died much indebted to the company
and was willing to deliver them if be might be secured from the executors of Sayres and repaid the 90l. he disbursed; the Court embraced his offer, ordered payment of said 90l., and received the diamonds sealed up, and calling in Sayres' brother and friends told them he was exceedingly in debt to the Company so they could not lay any claim to the diamonds until his accounts were cleared, but the paper should be opened in their presence; and they were desirable to attend at two o'clock with a jeweller to inform them of the value, and any surplusage should be paid to them. Ordered that 181½ R. delivered into the factory at Jacatra by Robt. Platt, deceased be paid; also that 20l. be paid to Margery Hayes on account of the estate of her late husband, Robert Hayes, a factor. Examination of the business of Edward Salter, deceased, (see Nov. 20), ordered that the 191 ryals of 8 detained be paid to his wife. Demand of Grove for satisfaction of 60 bushels of the Moon's pepper, bought by him and his brother in Kent, and delivered to too Company's warehouse, referred, he was sharply reprehended for his unmannerly carriage and speeches against Mr. Governor and the whole Court. |
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Nov. 24.—The valuation of two jars of nutmegs given to Lord Denbigh and Sir John Watts deferred until Captain Fowkes' return. Capt. Christian's motion for the wages of his servant referred for examination. As another ship cannot be made ready in due time, it was proposed to strengthen the ships with better ordnance, either brass or light iron, much lighter and yet as serviceable as the other, some whereof were to be seen at Tower Wharf, but deferred until the chief commander shall be known. Resolved to present Mr. Towerson, of Portsmouth, with some gratification, he having performed many friendly courtesies since the arrival of the Great James; also that the silk be brought up in waggons from Portsmouth from aboard the James. Ordered to forbear making any division until the James shall come into the river. Certificate presented by John Lawe, the mason, from the Master, Wardens, and Company of Masons of his sufficiency in workmanship; he desired payment of his wages, excusing himself as not guilty of the imputations against him from Jacatra; the Court held it fit to lay some mulct upon him and fined him five marks to the poor's box, with which he rested content. Capt. Clevenger, Commander of the Jonas, and Eaton, a factor from Japan, who went out with Capt. Saris 15 years since in the Hector, presented themselves, but the Court having no leisure to confer with them they were referred to another time. Consideration of the election of a chief Commander for this fleet; it was remembered that there had been some treaty with Capt. Hall, since when he had been abroad in a man-of-war, and had gone out again, Capt. Best said he was too old, Capt. Weddell it was supposed would not go so soon, Capt., Adams was deemed aged, Captains Christian and Goodall were also named but nothing was concluded Committee entreated to confer with Sir John Wolstenholme and Sir Paul Pinder about the collection of one per cent, for the expedition against the pirates. Ordered that the mother of Richard Phillips receive wages after
the rate of 12s. per month for the time he served the Company. Mr. Cocks, bróther of Capt. [Richard] Cocks that died homeward bound in the Anne desired his brother's estate, to whom the Court related the debauched carriage of his brother, and the evil service performed by him at Japan, where he had lived long contrary to the Company's mind and had expended 40,000l. in wasteful and unnecessary expences, never returning anything to the Company, and for three years refused to come away, so that the President and Council were at last forced to send a ship purposely for him, and for his estate there was little or none, for he confessed upon the foot of his account at Jacatra that he was indebted to the Company 900l. Mr. Cocks was sorry to hear this report of his brother, and desired the Court to deal favourably with him, who wished him to inform himself of the truth of these things, and to leave the business to Mr. Woodward to effect. Richard Preddis entertained a factor at 100 marks per annum for five years, and to forbear all private trade upon foreiture of wages, &c. The work of the day being to choose pursers, stewards, and their mates for this fleet. Daniel White was chosen purser of the Mary and Richard Langford his mate, Thomas Dawkes, steward, and John Lyffe, his mate; Robert Smith, purser of the Hart, and John Smith his mate, Richard Smith, steward, and Lewknor Petley, his mate; William Matthews, purser of the Star, and William Bard, his mate, Robert Bragge, steward, and John Joanes, his mate; Edmond Lynde, purser of the Hopewell, and Richard Baker, his mate, William Burrowes, steward; Robert Colson, purser and steward of the Scout, and Job Medley to attend the Captain to Surat; William Clarke, purser of the Speedwell, and John Wympe, his mate, and Thomas Leeson, steward, who were commanded to attend Capt. Styles the next morning to enter their names. 15½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 189–204.] |
Nov. 26.
Samana. |
376. Robert Tottell to John Banggam. Concerning the employing of 400 rupees for his friend; will take such care that he shall like it well. Does not purpose to disburse money of his own here ½ p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1240.] |
| Nov. 27–29. |
377. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that Captains Bickley and Swann receive 200l. apiece on account. Being questioned they acknowledged they had drunk English wine sold at Jacatra, but who carried it there they knew not. For the extraordinary expense of wine in the Charles, Capt. Swann referred himself to the purser's book, and for the badness of his beer on his outward bound voyage, he thought it was brewed at an unseasonable time, the weather in August being too hot to brew for so long a voyage. He declared he had given his hand to the Portugal John Nunes on behalf of another for a sum of money which the Portugal was importunate to receive. Ordered that Blunt view the books, bedding, and apparel off Mr. Rynde, deceased, and deliver them to Capt Bickley towards the satisfaction of creditors. Suit of Elias, the persian, for remainder of money due for three maunds of silk; notwithstanding the Ambassador's refusal to allow same, the Court were content he should receive it from Milward Petition of John
administrator to his brother Philip Hanson, deceased, to relieve his urgent occasions for the keep of his said brother's children out of moneys due to their father, notwithstanding the general order for administrators to stay six months before payment, referred to the Committees of the Counting House. Motion of John Oughleybie (Ogilvie) concerning a legacy from Thomas Lyndsey, deceased, to Rynde, deceased; payment ordered, Ogilvie to give security to the Company. Report that the cellar of Canary wines (see 22 Nov.) is very dear and not so good as expected; the Dutch used much muscadine, but some thought it meet to supply what was wanting with extraordinarily strong beer; notice was given of another cellar of Canaries belonging to Mr. Bernardo, which was ordered to be bought as good cheap as could be. Ordered that 400l. be paid to Capt. Goodall on account of what was due to him, amounting to 600l. or 700l. Report concerning Mr. Grove's pepper; ordered that he be allowed a mark a bushel, and he accepted 40l. in full of all demands. The Court took notice that the musk and Turkis stones belonging to the King of Persia were weighed at the time of the inventory, but nothing was resolved concerning the sale of them. The pursers of the Mary, Star, and Speedwell charged to expedite the lading of their ships and ordered to provide locks and keys for the hold, to prevent the great abuse continually practised by private men of carrying extraordinary quantities of wine and beer to sell in the Indies, and on forfeiture of wages not to suffer any private man's goods whatsoever to be put into hold. William Clarke entertained purser of the Speedwell, unwilling to go at the rate of 40s. per month, was offered 40l. per annum for three years in the Indies, and 10l. rising for the two next years, but he refused, and John Wympe was appointed purser in his stead. Ordered that imprest be paid to the Speedwell's men, and that she forthwith fall down to Gravesend. Request of Alnutt, master of the Speedwell, for payment of two months yearly of his own and servant John Italy's wages to his brother Edward for the use of his father and mother, granted. Petition of George Pettus for extra allowance for the time he served in the Indies as purser and factor, and for 10l. deducted which he had received from the Dutch during his imprisonment; the books to be searched. Gratuity of 40s. out of the poor's box to John, son of John Hutchins, master's mate in the Charles. |
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Nov. 29.—Petition of Jasper Dartnell, wharfinger at the Custom House, for enlargement of his allowance for lighterage from 3d. to 4½d. a bag (of pepper), alleging that the freight of a lighter laden with pepper at the rate now given came to 30s. and the charge to 40s.; reasons why the Court saw no cause to alter the rate. Dartnell desired the Court to provide other lighters, Request of John Ham, Comptroller of the Custom House at Bristol, to be employed as a factor at 100l. per annum to be considered. Report of the Committees of the Warehouses that the cloves went slowly at the price set, and that the grocers had offered 10s. 6d.; resolved not to alter the price, the cloves being very dry and well conditioned As to the want of room at Leadenhall for drying and curing the wet pepper. Demand of the Commissioners of 2,000l.
upon account of the expedition against the pirates of Argire (Algiers); Committee to examine what remains unpaid by the several Companies. Payment ordered to Sir John Watts, who had done many good offices to the Company of 80l. due to his deceased son, notwithstanding he had not administered. Proposition for choice of a Commander revived, but referred until some of the prime men lately returned be spoken with, how they stand affected to proceed again. Information of Mr. Governor and divers Committees of great quantities of goods secretly conveyed out of the Great James and sold by the Commander, masters, mariners, and other officers, in particular 3,000 or 4,000 weight of cotton wool, tons of indigo, pepper, calicoes, &c, the freight whereof at 50l. per ton for indigo and 30l. for pepper and other goods would amount to 800l.; the Court as the only way to discover the certainty thereof and to whom said goods belong, ordered stoppage of said sum out of the wages of said persons, as also the wages of the gunner's mate for having left the ship now when there was most need of his service. Information of Alnutt, master of the Speedwell, that she cannot fall down to Gravesend because she is not yet accommodated with an iron hearth and furnace for dressing meat, besides canvas for the foremost bread room; said wants to be forthwith supplied, so the ship fall down to Gravesend by Friday or Saturday at furthest. Request of Peter Chamberlain and Peter Symonds, executors of Peter Chamberlain the younger, deceased, that his adventure be passed over into their names, but the Court refused the transport and ordered that notice be taken of the Company's claim and stay made thereof to their own use. Certificate of Steevens that the damage done by the Jonas to a bark of Benedict Hixon in her passage from Erith to the Wall would cost 40s.; ordered that 20s. be paid towards same. 11 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 205–215.] |
Nov. 29.
Surat. |
378. President Kerridge and Council to the East India Company. Refer to their last letters of the 3rd and 29th March last by the Royal James and Jonas, which met the Royal Exchange and Christopher in Saldanha Bay, so have omitted to send transcripts of same, in full assurance that the originals have safely arrived. The residence at Ahmedabad had formerly been dissolved, and that at Baroach immediately after. The cloves sent on the James from Batavia found not the ready vend expected, so sent the greater part to Agra, where the Dutch having the same commodity the eagerness of both greatly abased the price, and yet all were not sold. A parcel of ruanas from Persia, a commodity for dyers, lay long on hand; distributed the greater part to Burhampoor and Ahmedabad, which, with some broadcloth, all sold at mean rates, and the proceeds were paid to creditors. Have sold the 10 chests of coral remaining from the 35 sent from England, rated at 2,354l. 15s. 1d., at M' 47,095 22/3 cannot distinguish which sort yielded most profit, but the whole profit is far less than other parcels have proportionably yielded. Have also sold 10 chests received by the james of the lion's cargo, which have yielded far more profits. Boardcloths, velvets, satins, and the like at present
in mean esteem in these parts, occasioned through the transportation of all sorts of the like European commodities through Persia overland, and to the king's progress, who hath spent all this summer in travelling to and from Cabul, the confines of his territories towards Tartaria. Aseph Khan deferred payment for 47 pieces of tapestry to induce the factors to consent to a cheaper rate for Sir Francis Crane's three suits, which are since bought by Mocrob Khan and Cojah Abdul Hassan, but the money yet unreceived. The proceeds of those sold to Aseph Khan have been procured with very much difficulty, the factor being forced to follow the King a long time; the recovery happened through unexpected alterations at the Court in manner following: Aseph Khan was father-in-law to Prince Kharome, the King's third son, who murdered his elder brother and rebelled against his father, but was defeated and fled to Bengal and thence to Deccan, where hovering under the protection of Malick Amber he submissively sought reconciliation, which his father-in-law, being still in favour, mediated by intercession of his sister, the predominant Queen, and obtained that Mahomet Khan, general of the King's army, Kharome's fierce enemy, should be dismissed. But the King being with his family and attendants on one side of a river and his nobles on the other, the said Mahomet Khan seized his person and took him to his own tent; the Queen fled to her brother and friends on the other side of the river. The King returned to his own pavilion and the Queen was sent for, who refused to come. The next morning Mahomet Khan's army put the Queen's friends to flight with slaughter of about 5,000 men, and she came to the King; her brother recovered a castle of his own with many of his friends. Aseph Khan has ever since remained a close prisoner in the hands of Mahomet Khan, who has ever since governed with such insolence that the inhabitants of Cabul at a sign given slew in an instant almost 2,000 of his soldiers, and their fellows in revenge have done divers outrages; the Queen has since reinforced herself for the delivery of her brother in such manner as the armies of both have been on the point of joining battle, but still prevented by the King's endeavours to accord them, which is seemingly effected, for both the favourites have exchanged hostages and Aseph Khan is delivered; yet new and greater stirs are suspected, Kharome having passed through Deccan into Scinde. Sultan Parveis, the King's eldest son then living, lately died at Brampore, as is supposed, by poison, and the army there being under command of Khan Irhan, an especial friend of Kharome's, his hopes are again revived he is now the eldest living of the King's children, but has a younger brother married to the daughter of the beloved Queen, the son also of his eldest brother, indubitate heir in favour of the King, and all of them competitors of the kingdom. John Banggam followed Aseph Khan to the river and procured order to his Treasurer at Lahore for payment of the debt; his estate was granted to the Queen, his sister, who promised payment of his debts, and at Cabul gave command for their satisfaction from his treasure at Lahore, which besides the expense in travel has drawn sundry
presents, bribes, and other charges ere procured The sum of these moneys being 35,835 rupees, have received intelligence that 16,293¾ rupees are exchanged for Agra; have ordered it to be remitted thither for employment in indigo. Have also received notice from Agra of the provision of saltpetre. Have remitted hence 10,000 rupees and dispeeded a letter of credit for 12,000 more if occasion of cheap investments in indigo shall induce its requiry; fear that this is more than will be profitably employed, for the commodities, as said in Justinian Offley's letter, were improved ere he began to buy. The Spy arrived in June at Augustine's Bay, on St. Lawrence Island; letters left by Capt. Blythe, safety of the Palsgrave and Dolphin at Mohilla. Arrival of the William, Blessing, and the rest of that fleet at Joanna, July 29, which in company with the Palsgrave and Dolphin sailed Aug. 21, and arrived on the coast of India on Sept. 21. They found six of Speult's fleet, took counsel with them and repaired to Swally, where they arrived on Oct. 3. The galleons which attended our fleet going south set sail for the Red Sea to attend the Dutch ships, but departed for Muscat before their arrival. Speult ended his days in Mocha, and there is interred. One of his ships with 44 guns, valued at 12,000l. sterling, sunk at sea. The Portugal galleons visited Muscat and returned to the coast of India, where they descried the Dutch and used their best endeavours to encounter them, but were avoided. The galleons then directed their course for Damaun, and receiving advertisement of the English fleet conjoining with the Dutch stood over to Diu. Both Dutch and English fleets then repaired to Bombay, landed some people, and set on fire all that could be burnt in a small fort and monastery adjoining; thence they returned towards Swally, and near Damaun met with the Christopher, who with them arrived here the 23rd last month, and brought tidings that the James and Jonas were at Saldanha Bay, whence the Christopher set sail July 22, leaving the Exchange there, and arrived at Joanna Sept. 23, without touching at the Cape of Good Hope. By these ships have received all writings mentioned; will reply so soon as a ship of our own can be dispeeded. Have landed all the treasure consigned to this factory except one chest of ryals reserved for Persia. According to orders have sent one chest of gold to Ahmedabad, the other remains here; the Company need not doubt to send large supplies of this sort of specie, for it will yield about 6 per cent. more profit than ryals as by an ensuing valuation appears of Lion dollars of Holland, Zealand dollars, rix dollars, Ambertin gold, Dutch riders, Hungary ducats Checkeens and Barbary ducats and double pistolets; the English 20s. piece is worth here M' 21¾. Have landed 30 bales of broadcloth from the Dolphin and Discovery, and have left about half for exportation to the Red Sea or Dabul to save custom. Have appointed the 20 bales sent in the Palsgrave for Persia, the other being more than these parte will vend in two or three years, private men having brought in the Company's ships above 50 pieces, which they sell at base price. Some damage is found in the bales that came unleaded in the William's fleet, and much more
in much of the coarser sorts designed for persia on both fleet, conceived to be through ill dressing, especially the Suffolk blues, many being merely rotten and unvendible. Have landed three bales of kerseys from the Blessing, for those last year received upon the Falcon found ready vend at reasonable prices. Have taken ashore two bales of pernetuanoes, but find the greater part so rotten that they are utterly unserviceable. Quicksilver, 224 barrels on both fleets, all received save two that were almost leaked out on board the Palsgrave and after emptied into bottles; at Swally emptied them all, and filled the quicksilver into cocoanuts; this commodity continued all this year in very good esteem, by reason the Dutch brought none, ours arrived not, and very little either from Portugal or the Red Sea, but private traders have abased the price; resolved to sell ours altogether, and have happily effected its total sale on the terms stated to two partners, merchants of Ahmedabad, to our great content; have thus sold more than could otherwise have been put off in two years, and perchance at meaner price if any in the interim had arrived from other places. The coral now sent is a very great quantity and affrights the accustomed merchant for dealing therein; have sold two chests only at competent profit Elephants' teeth now sent are likewise unrequired after; 56 are missing, but conceived to be in the ship's hold. The lead likewise is much more than this place will vend in a year; the last customer, when the government was Sicff Khan's, used to engross it all, and at his resigning had quantities unsold, which he forced on the merchants of Ahmedabad; shall sell little till theirs is spent. Amber beads were often enquired after when there were none; doubt not that they will vend now to content and profit. Satins are greatly fallen in price and esteem; except two or three pieces yearly for presents, the Company may desist from sending any until further advice. Plushes now come are very slight and coarse and much ruffled in packing. Cannot advise what esteem the jewels will find, the troubles at Court considered; but the Court is greatly impaired of its magnificence, and jewels of all kinds in far less than wonted esteem; which, if the present occasion did not contradict, should induce withdrawal of agents thence, for commodities do not sell to any profit answerable to the charge of a residence, and past exactions and wrongs are not to be remedied. Last year's dissolution of adjacent factories, want of means, disturbances at Court, and negligence of Agra factors prevented provision for returns home. Amount appointed to be invested this year in round indigo, improved by Justinian Offley's advice to 32 or 33 rupees the maund; fiat indigo will be provided at Ahmedabad. Will observe the Company's order in the provision of calicoes. Fear that pepper will fail partly through wars betwixt the Deccan princes, but chiefly through the last year's sterility. Time and means will allow of only one ship this year, and she will receive very late dispatch; reason will induce choice of the Palsgrave or Dolphin if desire and likelihood of encounter with the Portuguese do not detain the former. Utmost industry shall be applied to furtherance of the Company's purpose to extend trade in these
parts, a main strength and chief pillar whereof will be constant correspondence with the Council southwards, by annual supply of shipping and large quantity of merchandise to and from each other, commodities of this part yielding ample profit there and spices thence competent benefit here, which the President there has promised by all good opportunities to further. Are now dispeeding thither the Christopher, with provisions and 336 bales and parcels of sundry goods, which is less than was ordered, but more than the ship can conveniently carry. Send the other ships accompanied by the Dutch in their full strength for Persia with the whole cavidal assigned thither, besides 20 bales of broadcloth and some few commodities of this place; that supply is not so profitable as either the Red Sea or southwards, because the proceed employed in silk doth lose at its return home near as much as is gotten by the investment from hence. Trade at Dabul will be a great furtherance to Persian design, the country of Deccan affording shashees and all other kinds of rich clothing fitting those parts, besides pepper. Like profit may also be made thence into the Red Sea; the Company's order in settling there should suddenly be attempted if the Portuguese forces awaiting our separation did not prevent it. Joseph Hopkinson and Nathaniel West safely returned from Mocha, your people left there by the Jonas all living and their pepper sold; of the proceeds Hopkinson brought 70 ryals of 8, but their persons could not be licensed, the Governor alleging their detention to secure the Indian traders. The Dutch sent two principal men with present of near 1,000 ryals to the Bashaw at Seinan, resolving to settle a factory there if their people so long detained prisoners might first be freed, which being denied nothing was done save sale of spices and other Indian commodities. Since this have received two firmans from the Bashaw, in answer to letters from Kerridge and Hopkinson, to invite trade and secure the Indian vessels, with promise not to question any past business; but his government being expired, are liable to the demands of any other Bashaw, except the Company procure the Grand Signor's command to the contrary. May visit Mocha this year with a ship or two if fear of the Portuguese do not hinder. Correspondence betwixt this factory and Masulipatam hath been always frequent. Concerning the Company's purpose of sending shipping hence with provision for investment here, and relading the same ships thence for England, it is not so facile as they seem to conceive; reasons: If the Company intends supplies thither immediately from England it will be requisite to appoint a ship to separate from the Surat fleet 300 or 400 leagues short of this place, whereby she will arrive at Masulipatam in September and may again be dispeeded for Europe without dependence on Surat within two or three months after; but the best course is to dispeed a ship from England in November or December, so that she may arrive at Masulipatam in June, July, or August, bring to Surat timely advice of the. Company's designs, and be again laden and dispeeded from Masulipatam in October, and so arrive in England in March or April. Experienced factors must be sent, those at Masulipatam earnestly desiring to go home. Cannot give hope of any fortification
to be effected in these parts. At Bombay is no ill air but a pleasant fruitful soil and excellent harbour, but it is impossible for the English alone to fortify there, seeing the Portuguese, whose country it is, will with their utmost force prevent it. Have therefore invited the Dutch principals on behalf of both Companies to a friendly conjunction in the attempt and equal division of the success, intending a double fortification and each to have a fort; but they in their reply merely reject the project as incommodious and absolutely refuse any conjoining. The second place nominated is too far distant from hence; the third, time may manifest; the fourth is a most barren place without fresh water and remote from all places of trade. Best care shall be applied to accomplish injunctions. Can give no certain relation concerning Ormuz, Muscat, and the Persian Gulf. Burt now goeth there. Uncertainty of advice proceeds chiefly from Portuguese galleons continually awaiting our designs and thereby prohibiting separation of forces; until a fleet of greater force than theirs be purposely appointed to pursue and await them neither Dutch nor English can be freed from danger, and yet order is not given from Batavia for conjunction of Dutch and English. The Spy not returned; conceive she is either harbouring at Socotra or cast away; do not believe she is taken by the enemy. The Anne arrived safely at Jacatra unserviceable; Gregory Clement returned; the Christopher sent thence with supplies. Will determine on a ship for Masulipatam and send in her goods and 8,000 ryals or more, required by the factors there to pay debts. A poor number of factors has come by these last ships, and some of them unserviceable; great need of competent able factors in greater number, for therein the Dutch in all employments have the advantage; most of these sent are raw youths, but experienced merchants are needed. The Dutch fleet consists of eight ships, of which four were laden last year; this letter is sent upon the Walcheren in charge of Commander Cornelius Jacobson. A transcript is also sent by Vincent Harris, who came on the Palsgrave and through earnest suit to return home taketh passage with the Dutch. |
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Dec. 4.— Postscript —A sudden rumour of Prince Kharome's approach has so distracted all men that for six or seven days no business could be proceeded with; he came not near the town, but proceeded in very peaceable manner to his rendezvous in Deccan; it is generally conceived that the King will pardon his offence and receive him again into favour. Commodities laden in the Christopher for southwards mostly brought from Ahmedabad and Cambaya hath protracted dispeeding of ships till this present. Have lent the Dutch provisions of cordage, fresh wine, and oil The freight of Moore's goods and passengers for Persia amounts to but a mean consideration for so much trouble, if the moiety of the customs at Gombroon did not induce its acceptance. If ancient servants in Persia return, that business will want assistants; have therefore induced Purifey and Benthall to remain by public entreaty and private augmentation of their salaries. The three Dutch ships for Holland will not go first for Persia. but immediately from hence. If ships are sent for Masulipatam, it
should be remembered that ryals and all silver are in far less request there than at Surat; gold will yield there little less than in these parts. Signed by Tho. Kerridge, Richard Wylde, Wm. Burt, and George Page. The last leaf mutilated. 13 pp. [O.C., Vol. XL, No. 1241.] |
