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| June 1–6. |
448. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The Store-house on the Stonewharf lent to Mr. Moyer, of Redrith, for 14 days. Ordered that Mr. Acton's bill of charges, as well as 10l. due to him for one quarter's salary, be paid. Difference between the Company and Mr. Crew concerning his masts. Motion of Mr. Acton that a perfect account of Sir Thomas Dale's adventure be made up as it now stands in the books, to be produced in opposition to those copies of account insisted on by Lady Dale, to be drawn in readiness against next Court. Part of a letter from the Grand Signor to his Majesty read, complaining that the English ships in the Red Sea had surprised and pillaged 10 Indian ships laden with goods belonging to his subjects, whereof he demanded restitution, and a direction from the King to his subjects not to do the like hereafter; the Court, knowing by late advices out of the Red Sea, that if any reprisals were there taken it was by the Dutch ships, seven in number, one whereof was the English Bear, which they carried about the world in triumph, resolved to draw up their answer accordingly, to be delivered to Lord Conway by Mr. Governor, if his health should permit. The release delivered by Robert Young to the Company in no way to Prejudice his right to 207 rupees detained by Kerridge, and his goods left in the factor's hands at Court, or 105 rupees due by bill from Nich. Ufflet, deceased. Petition of Nich. Skinner for a reference of the differences between his son-in-law Wiseman and himself to the Committees, answered they could not make the reference without consent of both parties. Twenty barrels of powder brought up by Blyth; he alleged that it would cost 15l. or 20l. to make good the breach of the dam at the powder mill, and related how it happened; maintained that his powder was Tower proof and desired it might be tried, that he doubted not to make 30 barrels per week, and setting apart extraordinary expenses of building and removing, the weekly charge for making 20 barrels was about 39s., which was thought very reasonable; to make trial of the powder and make up the account of charges so they may exactly know how much powder was made of their. saltpetre, and what it cost the barrel. |
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June 6.—Concerning the differences between the Company and Mr. Crewe. Opinion to the Committees that Blyth's powder is defective; resolved that on the next parcel being sent up the Master gunner of England and other able men be entreated to deliver their opinions, with the cause of its defect. Motion by Mr. Treasurer for bestowing the stones in the Company's yard at Blackwall, brought home from the Indies instead of ballast, towards paving the highway without Moorgate; though ready to pleasure the city in so good a work, could not now deliver their resolutions. Two barrels of rich indigo bought by Kerby at 6s. per lb. Bill of charges presented by Richard Stanford, the Company's coachmaker, to be audited. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 548–554.] |
| June 6. |
449. Minutes of a Court of Sales. List of goods sold, comprising wet pepper, dust of Malabar pepper, stony pepper, cloves, flat indigo, Lahore indigo mixed with pepper, ebony, and "Stalby" pepper, with names of purchasers and the prices. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 554–555.] |
| June 7. |
450. Minutes of meetings at Deptford and Blackwall. Deptford: The wharf on the back side of Burrell's house having been repaired, ordered that the yard be raised to prevent danger from high tides. Burrell's house and tenements at Stone Wharf to be repaired. Blackwall: About disposal of old cables, unserving old ropes, the dismissal of unnecessary men in the yard; note presented of 12 great anchors wanting. As to the employment of Anthony Hall. Note of timber and plank wanting for finishing the two ships in the dock; 400 loads offered at 29s. per load, whereas lately 35s. had been demanded for compass and knee timber, and 40s. formerly paid. Motion for some stones to pave the way without Moorgate; some of the smaller stones would serve for ballast, but the great ones might be given. Divers old masts lying in the Thames to be drawn out and broken up. Note of stores wanting. Ordered that a slight pair of ladder stairs in the north-east corner of the lower powder room into the upper, with a trap door, be made. Provision of 1,000 or 1,500 yards of "vitres" for doubling the old sails left to the Court. That notwithstanding a former order for lessening the number of workmen there were still 239 workmen in the yard, viz., 163 carpenters, 14 caulkers, 16 sawyers, 8 sailors, 9 scavellmen, 14 labourers, 7 nail-keepers, 2 pitch-heaters, 2 hair-beaters, 2 grindstone turners, and 2 carters; resolved to dismiss 43 of the worst carpenters. Motion for division of the garden between Fotherby and Steevens' house, and Boatswain Hudson's note of boat hires left to the Court. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 552–558.] |
| June 8–13. |
451. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The remainder of Greete's estate, always intended for building an hospital, to be settled for erecting their hospital at Blackwall; on report of Mr. Deputy the opinion prevailed to have the house accommodated with such reparations, additions, or alterations as some skilful surveyor should think meet, and Sir Wm. Russell to be required to release all pretences to the remainder of Greete's estate, he being the surviving executor, Sir Tho. Smythe, the other, deceased. Motion of
Mr. Treasurer for lessening the Company's charge deferred till Mr. Governor's health permit him to come again to Crosby House. Ordered that whereas Henry Wheatley, late purser of the Great James, had wilfully transgressed the Company's orders in suffering men's servants to take up more than a third of their wages, what is so taken up be charged to Wheatley's account. Ordered that the 10 old cables remain in the storehouse at Blackwall till further order. Dismissal of John Atkinson confirmed. Concerning a former order that Anthony Hall should have the direction of making anchors, bolts, &c; to make out notes of the stores and provisions lent to the king, the Commissioners of the Navy, and others, and not yet restored. Motion of Mr. Treasurer for some of the stones at Blackwall to pave the way without Moorgate, but it was now thought meet to reserve them for the use of the Hospital. Ordered that 15,000 refused pipe staves in the yard be wrought out into hogsheads and puncheons. About reparation of the stone wharf at Deptford. To sell old unserviceable ordnance at Deptford, and call Blyth to account for the old powder by him received. Offer of 300 loads of timber at 29s. per load accepted. Committees to go to Blackwall and muster the men after the 43 carpenters had been discharged according to yesterday's order, to observe that good workmen are not dismissed. |
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June 13.—To procure from Sir William Russell, the surviving executor, a release concerning the estate of Hugh Greete. Motion of Mr. Treasurer for lessening the Company's charge ordered to be remembered from Court to Court until it should please God to enable Mr. Governor to be present. Richard Hall, the anchor smith, again ordered to attend. China silk sold to Mr. Davis being found very bad, ordered that he pay but 5s. per lb. for same. Letter read from Sir John Wolstenholme and other Commissioners of the Navy about paying 27s. per cwt. for a cable lent the James at Portsmouth, his Majesty's accustomed price. Inconvenience and danger of permitting John Becke with his family to dwell in the little cottage adjoining the place where the Company's cordage and other materials lay, but the resolution deferred until Mr. Governor be present. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX., 558–563.] |
| June 14/24. |
452. Proposition of Dudley Lord Carleton in the Assembly of the States General. Is also charged to answer the motion which their delegate extraordinary, M. Catz, has made in the Council for longer delay in the procedure which his Majesty and his subjects have long awaited touching the bloody fact of Amboyna. His Majesty remains firm to his protest, but in case their Lordships shall do good and prompt justice he will be content. This unhappy accident of Amboyna is considered a bitter fruit of the blood first sown in those parts by Jean Pieterson Coen (who on his Majesty's complaint was by their Lordships commanded no more to return thither, and the directors of their East India Company were charged no more to send him) so it has seemed very strange to his Majesty, his Council, and the whole nation to have sent him back again cum imperio et mandatis, which their own agents say is without their knowledge and consent, to be assured of which, and to prevent the inconveniences
that may arise therefrom, his Majesty has charged Carleton to ask them forthwith to recall the said Coen by some pinnace sent express, and to transmit to the English Company a duplicate of their letters to be sent by them. French. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| June 15–29. |
453. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Copy of the bill in Chancery exhibited by the executors of Sir Thomas Smythe, presented by Mr. Action; ordered that the defendants draw out their answers to the bill. Proposition for lessening the Company's charge remembered and ordered to be presented from Court to Court. The purchase of the house and land at Blackwall from Mr. Dalton as concerning a lease of 99 years to be decided between counsel on both sides. An old shed bestowed upon Ant. Ball, late overseer, for making cordage. Payment to Tapp, stationer, for printing 3,000 tickets to warn General Courts at 18d. per cent. Ordered that Anthony be foreign to Richard Hall, the anchorsmith. Complaint that Edward Seager is much absent from his business; to attend next Court to give reason for his absence. Concerning the suit of John Ale, Ratcliff, baker, for the estate John Boyd deceased, as a creditor. |
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June 20.—Ordered that a release be drawn up for Sir Wm. Russell, the surviving executor of Hugh Greete to sign, who much commended the Company's charitable intentions. Petition of George Robins for charitable benevolence for his services in getting in the Company's losses when the Union was cast away at Audierne in Brittany, refused, being 20 years since. Petition of Henry Wheatley, late purser of the James, for the rest of his money and consideration of 250l. detained for freight, poundage, &c.; his accounts to be audited. Report of Mr. Governor about the repairs of the breach at the power mills, and that Blyth, notwithstanding his often promise to make 20 or 30 barrels per week, had not served above 55 since Lady Day. Edward Collins, clerk of the powder mills, blamed for not urging Blyth to accomplish the proportion, or informing the Court of his default, who said he conceived he had no authority to look into Blyth's actions, whereupon ordered that a letter be sent to Blyth that Collins have a more particular knowledge and oversight of that work; opinion of some either to employ a more able man, such as then offered his service at Amsterdam, or to rent out the mills, with condition to serve the Company at a certain rate; but though fit not to determine anything until trial be made of the next powder Blyth should send up. Motion whether to write to Italy for coral. Ordered that cloth be furnished for making pepper bags, such as were to be made in Bridewell. Ordered that Peter Priox may take out his dividend in carpets and quilts in regard there is no pepper left. Suit of Wm. Stairesmore, brother and executor of Capt. Cocks deceased, concerning his said brother's estate. Proposition of Treasurer Bateman's for lessening the Company's charge deferred to Friday, when all the Committees are to appear under a penalty of 10s. each. Edward Seager sharply reprimanded for his remissness in perfecting his accounts. |
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June 22.— Wednesday the 4th of July appointed for a Court of Sales. Ordered that the estate of John Boyd, deceased, be paid to John Ale, executor of Patrick Boyd, his brother, leaving for Wedderburne, deputy to Sir Wm. Alexander 12d. in the pound according to the grant from the King. Gratuity to Andrew Anderson whose leg was broken aboard the Jonas, for lodging and diet whilst under the surgeon's hands. Note of moneys laid out by Ephraim Ramsey for apparel, &c. for his journey into Holland, half said bill to be paid, and the rest defalked out of his allowance of 10s. per week. Suit of Nicholas Bourne for payment of 10l. 118. for paper and printing the Amboyna answer, was told he had much wronged the Company in selling it to the Dutch Ambassador, by reason whereof the books were taken away, but was allowed 2l. 10s. for 100 of the old Amboyna books he had bought by their direction. To write to Guadagni for 20,000 ducats worth of coral, which would yield cent. per cent. in the Indies. Report of Mr. Governor of the reasons that moved the Company to undertake the powder mills, viz., that the Lords of the Council had declared that the Company must not expect any powder from Mr. Evelyn, because the King's service would require more than he could make; that they had advised for good store of saltpetre to be brought yearly from the Indies, which could not be exported, and powder from foreign parts was not to be had, or would be bad, besides the first proposition to make 3 cwt. of powder, of 2 cwt. of saltpetre promised benefit, so that howsoever they had been at extraordinary charge in building at Thorpe, removing to Chilworth, repairing dams, &c., they had done wisely to undertake the work. The objections against the work were, the difference between Blyth and Collins, and the goodness and quantity of the powder; for the goodness they were not yet satisfied, and for the quantity, whereas 30 barrels per week were promised, since Lady Day only 55 had been brought up, and now 16 more, which gave occasion of doubt that the powder would not answer the materials; but Collins certified that 92 cwt. of saltpetre had been sent, and 158 barrels of powder made, which gave some satisfaction. Overture made that Blyth take the saltpetre at a price and deliver powder at a price and a Committee offered to allow three for one on the prime cost of the saltpetre and redeliver powder, which proposition was approved of, and it was observed that Mr. Evelyn bought his saltpetre one-third cheaper, and sold his powder one-third cheaper than the Company's would stand in, and yet raised great gain. Blyth desired a fair trial "by the paper, the musket, and the Master Gunner," confident his powder was every way good and strong, and for the quantity excused himself, but made no question to deliver from Wednesday next 30 barrels weekly; resolved thereupon to have a trial, and that the Master Gunner meet Mr. Governor, and some of the Committees at Crosby House. After some contestation between Blyth and Collins, ordered that all business touching the work be ordered by their joint advice and consent, the making of powder only left to the sole care of Blyth, and that Collins have a chamber fitted for him at the mill to write in. Consideration of Mr. Treasurer's proposition for lessening the Company's charge; it
was remembered that on the 4th October unnecessary servants were dismissed and others had their wages lessened, and Mr. Governor declared that it had been sundry times motioned to him that he, Mr. Deputy, and the other Committees, should abate part of their gratifications, that for his own part he was eontent to abate one third for the past year, not meddling with the time to come, lest it should be said that now he was leaving the Government he did it to the prejudice of those that should come after. Answered that the gratifications depended on the resolution of the General Court, that howsoever the trade had not been good their pains had been augmented, and seeing that the gratification was so small any abatement might in the opinion of ill-affected persons reflect upon them as though they made some private gain otherwise; and it was remembered that the King of Sweden having lately erected an East India Company allowed to each Committee 250l., and that at two General Courts lately it had been ordered that the gratifications should at the expiration of each year be taken by Mr. Governor Deputy and Committees without propounding it to the generality according to the precedent of former years; resolved therefore to insist on their gratifications as formerly. Consideration of their servants referred to another time. Sherburne's bill of disbursements referred to the Auditors. |
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June 27. Particular of all stores and provisions for divers years past lent by the Company to the Officers of the Navy, and from them to the Company, referred to the Auditors. Nathaniel Cob's accounts. Draft of the release desired from Sir William Russell, surviving executor of Hugh Greete, read, and ordered to be ingrossed and presented to Sir William to sign. Petition of divers grocers of London, showing that notwithstanding the late abundance of pepper in town it was all sold and they were left unprovided to serve their customers; proposal whether it were not much better to suffer the brothers of the Company to sell in town, than to permit the Hollanders to supply the want, but as the Company had contracted not to sell any in town, the Court desired until Friday next to consider petition. A sale of 102 bags of wet pepper at 12¼d. per lb. ratified, also sale ordered of a parcel of gumlac belonging to Nathaniel West. Concerning the rate to be paid by Hugh Perry for the pepper lately delivered to him on the stock. Bill of charges presented by Lee, attorney-at-law, in the suit between the Company and Phipps to be paid. Suit of Charley, late surgeon of the Blessing, for 70 ryals of 8 which (he pretended) he was forced to give their servants for taking "Court Mamood's" junk, the Court desired his patience till the return of their pursers in their next ships. |
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June 29.—Acton's bill of law charges to be audited and paid. Offer of Mr. Andrewes to reserve for the Company 1,000 albertines, which the Court accepted, remembering they had not brought into the Mint the whole proportion of foreign gold. Ordered that the two poor women who were tenants of the two tenements at the stone wharf at Deptford paying 30s. and 20s. per annum be allowed one year's rent apiece if they repair them. Bill of charges of
Henry North for procuring the Lord Chief Justice's warrant for the apprehension of those that stole the Company's nails to be paid. Ordered that 40l. be paid to Mrs. Brewen, wife of George Brewen, factor at Jacatra, out of her husband's wages. Allegations of Wright against granting the grocer's petition presented at the last Court; that it was against the Company's orders and would be very prejudicial to himself and partners who had still on their hands the greatest part of the pepper they had bought; that the petition was not from the whole or chief of the grocers, but from some few for their private ends,! many having good quantities in their warehouses, that it would be a very ill example and exceedingly disadvantage the Company: resolved to reject the grocer's request. 16½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 564–580.] |
| June ? |
454. Proposals concerning a design for a voyage to India which have been presented to the King and referred to the Lords Committee of the Council. First, the taking possession of Sumatra; 2nd, the attempt that may be made on the town and treasure of Acheen; 3rd, concerning the town and wealth of Siam; and 4th "Prisals" of China junks, also from the Spaniards and Portugals and trade with Japan. The fishing of pearls in many parts of India is of great hope and import provided the King's engines made by Cornelius Dribble prove true and may be had. On 5 June 1627 a warrant was signed to pay Cornelius Dribble 100l. for "forging divers water engines." See Dom. Corresp., Car. I., Vol. 66, No. 25. 2 pp. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 34.] |
