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Mar. 1.
London. |
612. Sec. Sir John Coke to Sec. Lord Conway. The States Ambassadors complain of the stay of their three East India ships, and desire restitution with that confidence that they use in Holland, where the Bewinthebbers give out they have already obtained a grant of their release on condition to redeem his Majesty's jewels. [Extract. Holland Corresp.] |
| Mar. 3. |
613. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Examination of John Samuel as to Swanly's goods put aboard the Expedition, he also justified the truth of what he had formerly set down concerning Jesson. The Remembrancer required to take care that the said Samuel, George Willoughby, Tho. Oaten, and Philip Bearden be examined on oath concerning Jesson, the President and his kinsman [Mr. Hawley], Mr. Steele, and Eustace Man. Having formerly resolved on printing the Proclamation for restraint of private trade, it was now thought meet to permit the Company's servants to bring home some such commodity as the Company deal not in, and as formerly to be allowed the same sized chests as noted in their bonds, provided no man colour another's goods, and also resolved to set down the particular commodities allowed on the back of the Proclamation, Commanders to have a double allowance. Ordered that Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Richard Weston) receive back his 62l. 10l., paid in and stand a delinquent and receive his 11th dividend. Ordered that George Scott take out his 9th, 10th, and 11th half capitals in cloves to be transported, at 5l. per lb. All the long pepper sold to Mr. Tryon at 20l. per cwt. 1,000l. offered for the 31 diamonds, yet Mr. Perry was entreated to bring a jeweller to value them. Request on behalf of Edward Grigge now in the Compter about Jesson's business, who is sick, to be released, the Court willing, if the Lords so pleased it. Capt. Swanly's bond for the last voyage to be cancelled. The waiters of the Custom House to have 1 cwt. of pepper. The Farmers of Customs consent to pass the diamonds at the value of 600l. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 301–303.] |
| [Mar. 3.] |
614. Extracts out of Mr. Misselden's letters presented to Mr. Sec. Coke. 3rd March 1627–8:— |
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1627, Sept. 22.—In the protest of his Majesty in the Treaty of Southampton the time of 18 months is given to do justice in the cause of Amboyna, and nothing being done his Majesty arrested three of their ships at Portsmouth. |
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Sept. 29.—The States seemed to slight said protest, yet declared that they had appointed one Sylla to be the Fiscal for the Amboyna cause. |
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Oct. 6.—The Bewinthebbers endeavoured to fetch off their arrested ships, and will endeavour to make the States break with his Majesty rather than come to account for any part of the East India Trade. The Fiscal writes he is to receive instructions from Misselden for the Amboyna cause. |
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1627, Oct. 20.—Misselden delivers the Fiscal papers proving the injustice of that cause. |
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Oct. 27.—The Fiscal sufficiently instructed, but the judges refuse to proceed till they see the depositions of the English taken in the Admiralty, which in three days were delivered them. The Fiscal was advised that an extraordinary course be used against the delinquents, their persons to be arrested and no advocates allowed. The opinion of the Fiscal that whatever the sentence of those judges it must "conclude" his Majesty and the English Company. |
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Nov. 3.—The Fiscal confessed that on perusal of the papers the matter appeared to be foul and gross. |
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1628, Jan. 26.—The Lord Ambassador's Remonstrance on the Judges insisting upon the sending over the witnesses. By commission already given the Judges may by their own laws and customs proceed on authentic testimonies without the witnesses themselves when out of their jurisdiction.' He also pressed hard to have Commissioners sent over with their Ambassadors to compose all differences. Opinion of the Fiscal, who has laboured much in the business and prepared 150 articles about the examination of the delinquents. The Judges utterly deny to keep them in prison, as well as the further examination of our witnesses in England. The Fiscal is confident that the remission of the cause hither gives the cognisance to the States, and so consequently his Majesty will be "concluded" by their sentence. The Fiscal informed by the Judges that they have perused all the pieces and ordered the Amboyna men to be sent for, desiring Misselden to give knowledge where they are to be found, a very impertinent question, manifesting their purpose of delay. Judges desire the Psalm Book, Catechism, and Table Book, authentic copies whereof were accordingly sent. These delays done purposely to spin out time till the Ambassadors are gone. Mareschalk and the others at Delft and Amsterdam very confident, and give out as bold and base language as ever, one saying, "What is done is done; we have cut off the heads of English traitors, and there's an end"; but M. Pawe says he much dislikes the business and wishes there were some good accommodation. Order of the States to the East India Chambers to direct the messenger where to find the Amboyna men, but still insist on the coming over of our witnesses. |
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Feb. 2.—The Judges insist on the coming over of the English witnesses. This week the Amboyna men appeared and stood boldly on their justification, saying they were glad they should now free themselves from the slanderous reports of the English. The depositions being read, they deny all, and desire to see the faces of those that dare avow them. Differences between the Judges and the Fiscal about examination of the witnesses and their being confronted with the accused. The Lord Ambassador marvelled at the manner of proceeding and refused to write to England for the witnesses; finally the States resolved to write to their Ambassadors in England for the witnesses. The Fiscal moves the Judges that the delinquents be committed, examined apart, and kept apart; but they refuse.
One man named John Joosten, a cooper, to be examined on all the 200 articles, the rest gone laughing home. The delinquents entertain the best advocates, and the Judges by this manner of proceeding will change the cause from a criminal to a civil cause. Misselden advises the Company to obtain his Majesty's favour for alteration of this cause. |
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Feb. 10.—Amboyna cause in an ill state, because the Judges proceed not according to law and justice. Dutch privately practise by insisting on sending over witnesses to draw from his Majesty a yielding to their jurisdiction, and thence to confirm their usurped jurisdiction in the Indies. The time hitherto spent in the examination of Joosten, who has liberty to say what he list and may confer with his companions and lawyers. The States answer the Lord Ambassador they see no reason to induce the Bewinthebbers to send over Commissioners for accommodation of differences, seeing the three ships are under arrest; and approve the Judge's proceedings. This answer taken back to the States of Holland to be reconsidered. Never King more abused than his Majesty in this action, their meaning being to weary out the English Company. It is reported if they cannot have their will they will conclude peace with Spain and the Archduchess. The States' answer to the Lord Ambassador's proposition referred to the States of Holland, to put off the business till they hear from their Ambassador in England. The Judges alter their purpose so as to arm the delinquents, hide the truth, and by show of justice greatly prejudice the cause. |
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Feb. 23.—Three or four Amboyna men examined, they deny all and challenge the witnesses to come face to face. No proceedings to be expected till they hear from their Ambassadors in England. 7 pp. [Holland Corresp.] |
| [March 3.] |
615. "Extracts out of Mr. Barlow's letters presented to Mr. See Coke 3 March 1627–8 ":— |
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1627, Oct. 5.—That by conference with a merchant deeply interested in the East India Company it is intended by a strong hand to fetch away the three Dutch ships arrested at Portsmouth; the inducements upon which this is grounded are set forth. |
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1627, Oct. 9.—Arrival of a man-of-war in the Texel with the two Amboyna Judges who made their escape out of the three Surat ships at Portsmouth. Was told by a passenger in said man-of-war of their great fear of touching upon any part of England, that the Judges slenderly excused the Amboyna business, and the Bewinthebbers declared much joy that they had made their escape, and are in good hope that their project for getting their ships away by force hath taken good effect, having sent 10 or 12 men-of-war for that purpose. Reasons why some of the Bewinthebbers should come over with the Ambassadors to accommodate their differences in England. |
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1628, Feb. 15.—The Bewinthebbers confidently report their ships shall be released and the business of Amboyna smothered up without further examination, which is the rather believed for that the Amboyna men have been at Amsterdam and at Delft since 27th of last
month, and meeting daily at the house of John Williamson Verscoed, Commander of the last ships from Jacatra. Since Jaques Oyles' arrival from London this morning" the Action" is risen from 213 to 218, his friends being confident of the release of their three ships. The Amboyna men are returned from the Hague in great jollity, reporting that nothing is like to be done against them, which confirms the general opinion of the release of their ships. |
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Feb. 19.—Is informed that the Surat ships are presently to be released, the ground being that the Bewinthebbers shall disburse so much money as the King's jewels are pawned for. Friends of Burlamachi have bought so much of "the Action "on the hope of the release of the ships, which makes Barlow confident the report is correct. |
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Feb. 22.—The East India business is carried on by certain Bewinthebbers who have absolute power to make what end they can and have taken oaths not to discover their proceedings to the rest. They labour for release of their ships, giving out they will be no niggard of their purses so in the matter of Amboyna the disgrace may remain upon our nation. 2l. pp. Endorsed as above. [Holland Corresp.] |
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616. Memorial of the States Ambassadors. After the ministers of the English Company, who had from the commencement of the year 1624 premeditated a separation from the Netherlands Company and a retreat from Batavia, had at the end of that year retired with all their ships, men, and goods to the Isle of Lagundy, such a sickness overtook them as that in less than six months they lost more than 350 of their men, which reduced them to miserable extremities and exposed them to the invasions of the neighbouring Moors. Having no other recourse, they sent a letter, dated 2 May 1625, to the Governor of the Dutch Company at Batavia, and begged him not to remember past vexations, but to rescue them from their misery and take them back in safety to Batavia, which was closely followed by a second dated from Lagundy, the 9th May. The Governor, moved with compassion at the recital of so many miseries, and led by a Christian spirit, forgetting all past quarrels, sent letters with a succour of 60 men, and two or three days after a ship of 1,000 tons and a pinnace with more men and provisions. These after 20 days' hard work in that infected isle embarked all the English and their goods, about 200 men, equipped their deserted fleet, and brought them to Batavia. On their arrival it was considered whether so great a number of sick people ought to be landed, but the Governor and Council received them into their town and assisted them with everything requisite. Notwithstanding all endeavours more than 60 died in a short time, and a like number of the Netherlanders who assisted them, amongst others Commander Verhalt, with his Lieutenant Sael. The English President sent, as a pledge of his gratitude, a chain of gold to the Governor General, who returned a similar one to the President and his two assistants [Cockram and Bix] in testimony of mutual good feeling, without demanding or receiving any other recompense. All avowed that without
this prompt assistance they had miserably lost goods and lives in that unhappy Isle of Lagundy, with protestations that they would ever remember so signal a benefit, and that not only their private writings but the public registers of England should bear witness of it to all posterity. 2 pp. French. Annexed, |
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616. I. President Henry Hawley to the [Dutch] Governor General [at Batavia]. Refers to the daily misunderstandings which occasioned in December last their removal from Batavia to Lagundy. That this ill tempered air and unseasoned soil poisoned with thickets and unwholesome trees, has bereaved them of their people in such a manner that they are not able to sail their ships out of the road. If, therefore, in remembrance of those kindnesses which had been betwixt the two nations, and for Christianity's sake, he will accommodate them (for their money) with shipping and some 200 men to remove them, they will ever acknowledge his kindness as friends and as allies ought to do, not doubting but their house and privileges as formerly shall still be free for them to retire to. Desire his friendly and speedy answer by the bearer, John Goninge, who more at large can relate each circumstance. [Lagundy, 1625, May 2.] |
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616. II. President Hawley to the Governor General. Wrote by Goninge the 2nd present to entreat his help in their distress. The arrival of letters from Jambi by this bearer affords him a writing time of which "our troubled brains can make small use." Let therefore, we beseech you, our former by Goninge and this bearer's report excuse brevity until "our happy meeting again together, whereof we trust to make that good use as by neither of us shall be repented." Lagundy, 1625, May 9. Together 4pp. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 44.] |
| Mar. 5. |
617. Answer of his Majesty's Commissioners to the propositions of the States' Ambassadors presented the 29 Feb/1 Mar 1628 [sic]. Amongst the particulars now pressed the arrest of the three East India ships is aggravated by three circumstances or reasons. That the officers of said ships had deserved well of the English by relieving their ships in distress; because the States had delegated judges and a fiscal for the judicature of the fact of Amboyna, who are accepted as irreproachable; and thirdly, that by treaty all ways of arrest and reprisal are forbidden. The English Commissioners charge the subjects of the States with being the only breakers of that Treaty, for thereupon followed after other depredations this bloody fact of Amboyna, done directly contrary to the 30th Article of said Treaty, wherein it was concluded that they should not proceed, one against the other by way of fact or hostility in any manner whatsoever, but advise their Companies in Europe. And for pregnant instance in a criminal fact before that Treaty, when the Dutch having whipped a common man, his late Majesty made a
clear declaration, accepted by the States against all .pretence of jurisdiction of one nation over the other in the Indies; so that justice is expected on these delinquents both as murderers of the King's subjects and disturbers of the common peace. It is argued that the arrest of these ships can in no way be drawn to be a breach of the Treaty, being no act of the Company nor done in the Indies, but that rather it is a gracious admonition to his Majesty's much esteemed neighbours, to awaken their better respect of his honour and their own, seeing the States had not within the 18 months done him justice, and made his subjects the promised reparation, and that his Majesty was free by Treaty to take revenge either by letters of reprisal to his subjects, or by his own forces, and moreover that the promise that Peterson Coen, the author of these violences, should not be sent back to the Indies, was not performed. What could his Majesty do more friendly than by arresting these ships to give the States advantage against the East India Company's importunities to expedite justice. If the Dutch Company think to redeem their ships without justice performed, they will fail of their end, and may translate both the guilt and punishment of that crying blood from the offenders to the States, whereof his Majesty will wash his hands. 5 pp. [Extract, Holland Corresp.]. |
| Mar. 5. |
618. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Capt. Milward to be allowed to send in the Jonas on his own account a rich embroidered Salt [sic]. Report of the Deputy Governor of the great danger of fire which they had escaped at Crosby House, wherein all are bound to acknowledge God's great mercy for the timely discovery and prevention of the fearful disaster which might have happened; Mr. Carter, the surveyor, to view the chimneys of the counting house that their defects may be amended. Request of Watts, master of the Expedition, to have his ship laid over with "that tempered stuff which is said will prevent the danger of fire," to attend on Friday. Petition of Randall Jesson read; answer given that till the difference between him and Warner be decided, the Company could say nothing, for his own fault had brought him to trouble and want, but they ordered the delivery of a barrel of rice which he brought home for his own provision. Bell's bill of charges for recovery of the long boat brought to Hastings to be paid. The easterly winds keeping the Straits ships from coming in, whereby thé Company may be disappointed of their coral, and the moneys intended to be sent in the Jonas and Expedition coming in so slowly, and that unless the ships be forthwith dispeeded the voyage may be lost, ordered that on Friday all the Committees be warned to attend for consideration of this business. John Ferne and Tristram Hughson, poor men maimed in the Company's service admitted into the almshouse at Blackwall, with an allowance of 6l. a piece per diem. 2 p. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 304–305] |
Mar. 5.
Bantam. |
619. Richard Bix, George Muschamp, and Richard Steele to John Coward, at Jambi. and Richard to with the Abigail Eagle, and Falcon; leaving the Swallow to follow in three days with stores, and John Boulter, clerk of stores, Clement
Norton, his mate, and John Dorrell, surgeon, to look to their housing and provisions. The President (Henry Hawley) and Council very respectfully received by the King of Bantam, and on 18th February the Morris and Eagle sailed thence for London, the President going on the Morris contrary to all expectations, for almost all the time of his sickness he possessed them that he would stay another year, but on a sudden his mind altered, and no persuasion to the contrary, "so he is gone a weak man," and Richard Bix succeeds him. Henry Sill is persuaded to stay another year, and comes for Jambi again on the Coaster, Thomas Nash, master, with a small cargazoon of goods. Have given Sill commission to take the place of chief in Jambi, and that Coward be next to him. l¼ p. [O.C., Vol. XL., No. 1268.] |
| Mar. 7. |
620. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that the London and Reformation be repaired and made fit for his Majesty's service. Burlamachi to be allowed to change his surety to Abraham Dawes for his bargain of pepper. 4l. to be given to——George, the Company's apprentice, to set him to sea. A former resolution confirmed, whether the coral come or no in the Jonas and Expedition, to send 50,000l. in foreign coin. Report of Mr. Treasurer that the 31 diamonds had been valued at 1,056l., and that 1,000l. ready money had been offered for them. For preventing of lading private goods in the hold of the Expedition reserved for the coral, ordered that it be filled with other goods. A declaration of orders conceived by Mr. Mun giving liberty to Commanders, Factors, Pursers, &c. according to certain restrictions to use private trade, ordered to be printed and affixed to the King's Proclamation. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X., 306–307.] |
| Mar. 10. |
621. See. Lord Conway to Lord Carleton. The States Ambassadors have had audience, but hitherto have spoken of nothing but complaints, as the arrest of their East India ships, which will by no means be hearkened to till satisfaction be given and justice done in the business of Amboyna, whereof there is as little hope given here as his Lordship receives there. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| [Mar. 10.] |
622. Considerations touching the differences of the East India Companies of England and the Low Counties, more particularly the stay of the three Surat ships at Portsmouth. Grounds upon which the States intercede for the release of their ships. [These are a recapitulation of the correspondence and papers already abstracted.] They give little hope of sending over deputies to treat until these ships be released, for the Directors of the Dutch Company have declared that rather than treat with such a bridle in their mouths they will lose their ships. The States resolved in answer to Lord Carleton's proposition that deputies should be sent when by release of their ships they might treat in freedom; and the Prince of Orange told Carleton that he did not think it reasonable that ever the States or he should press the Company to treat on such terms. The very name of force ever makes that people worse, whereas fair persuasions have prevailed more upon their stiff nature than the sword. Arguments on the use which the stay of these ships has
served, and the hindrances that may come to him majesty's service by continuing the stay, together with the disadvantages like to befall the English Company, and the good which the release might bring to both. The conclusion follows that it were good these ships were released; for that arrest not only hinders his Majesty's service, but is like to bring on a new open rupture betwixt the two Company's in the Indies, which is a very ill match for the English unless helped with seizures and reprisals in Europe, and that will in a short time engage both States in the quarrel. This danger may be prevented by a restitution of the ships, grounded on the circumstance that his Majesty commanded the arrest before he could have knowledge that the States had actually put the Amboyna business into judgment, especially if the States Ambassadors undertake to have a deputation of East Indian merchants sent into England to treat of differences and settle once for all a constant course of commerce, which is more likely to be obtained by this gracious proceeding than by force. Answers to the three objections which remain:—(1.) That some of the States themselves advised the way of force, for the Directors of that Company are so powerful that the States cannot keep them within bounds contrary to their will. (2.) That the Amboyna process goes so slowly and with such favour to the delinquents that no good is like to come of it, and therefore the ships should be detained till the end be seen. And (3.) That Carleton in his despatches never showed mislike of this arrest. 12 pp. Endorsed by Dudley Carleton, 10 March 1628. Two copies. [East Indies, Vol. IV., Nos. 45, 46.] |
Mar. 11.
to June 15. |
623. Journal of the voyage of the Mary, Hart, Star. Hopewell, and Refuge under the command of Capt. John Hall, upon the coast of India and other places, and to return to Surat, kept by Richard Predys, Cape merchant of the said fleet. Set sail from Swally March 11th. On 15th passed the castle of Danda, Rogepore, and the town of Choul. A present of two great beeves and a complimentai letter from Seidy Ambar, captain of the castle, and another present of 70 hens from Abiscan, who still laid siege on behalf of the King of Deccan to the castle; whereupon resolved to send Seidy Ambar a present and see if he would surrender the castle. On 16th sent Signor Jeronimo with present of a chest of rose water and four sword blades, and with him Capt. Altham and Mr. Latch to discover the strength of the castle; were promised if they would return next year a firman from the King of Deccan for trade and to fortify, but conceives it was only from fear. Description of the strength and situation of the castle. On 17th reached the road of Dabul; fight with junks supposed to be laden for the Red Sea, two ran ashore half a mile above the town and the other got far up the river; could have got both had not the sailors been a crew of disorderly fellows that took to pillaging one of them. The town plied them with fire arrows and with great pieces of ordnance which they answered, but no man was hurt; the place might easily be taken if people enough to keep the castles, and for a harbour and trade there are few better in India. 18th. The junk little worth
her chief lading being lice. Richard Tuke who had lived amongst the Portugals, undertook to pilot them for Cettora, eight leagues south of Dabul, whence went yearly two junks to the Red Sea, but overshot the harbour. 19th. Reached Congra, which Richard Tuke took to be Seidepore. 20th. Discovered Karrapatam, and pursued two junks into a bay, and both were eventually taken, but all the men had gone ashore with the chief things. 21st. Shot at some Portugal frigates. Remained at Tambona from 20th to 26th, fitted the Dabul frigate and shipped the 50 tons of rice from the Dabul junk aboard the Refuge for Jacatra, and sold the two junks to the country people. This is a very fair harbour and the river runs at least eight miles up the country, where store of pepper is grown and sold. On 26th Signor Thomas de Coste (the Japanese who came passenger in their former voyage to Dabul), came with a message from the Governor of a province belonging to the Hydalshawe, advising that he had written to the President and Council at Surat to obtain the King's firman for trade on good terms; resolved to send factors to Rogepore to treat with this Governor. 27th. The Refuge dispeeded for Batavia. 28th. Arrived at Congra and took in a black to pilot to Seidepore where they anchored next day, and on 30th Signor de Coste came aboard with two Bannian merchants, who assured them the Governor partly approved the Articles, and Predys with Signor Jeronimo and Turner went with a present of a coat of mail valued at 10l., two pistols, a fowling piece, 16 amber hafted knives, and 10 yards of Florence satin to treat with Sibo Sibo at Rogepore. Were received on the second day at the Governor's house with all state and after eight or nine hours handling of their Articles he answered that he could obtain the firman for trade in all parts of the Hydalshawe's dominions, but excepted against building a castle until the King had had some trial of them, when they might obtain a fort near the water; to which was answered that the Governor of Dabul had twice sent for them to trade and put them off with frivolous delays, that they might have burnt their junks and battered their town, and that their President knew what present befitted so potent a prince. Came aboard the Mary 1st April with two Bannian merchants, bringing six Articles; resolved to promise the present to be worth 8,000 ryals of eight, which he thought too little, so was referred to the President at Surat; whatever it costs under 15,000 ryals will be well bestowed if they can procure a castle, so they be not subject to have a Moor's trick put upon them. Seidepore a good harbour, but no place to winter in. Are promised 5,000 cadyes of pepper per annum if they have liberty of trade, and the merchants said they will yearly freight two ships for Persia. Besides pepper the country affords indigo, sugar, gumlac, ginger, turmeric, and all sorts of fine cloth at reasonable rates, and 40 to 70 per cent, profit is usually made from thence to Gombroon. English commodities are like to vend, especially coral, most of what is sold at Surat being transported to Vizapore, the Hydalshawe's chief city, and at other places lead, cloth, quicksilver, rich stuffs, jewels, or any curious things will vend far better than at Surat. April 5th. Dispeeded
letters for Surat, and gave Signor de Cosie 100 larrees towards his charges, with promise of a better reward if their business took effect. Capt. Hall and Messrs. Evans and Pashley had been at Karrapatam, which by their relation is the best harbour in all India, for 100 sail could winter there safely, it is also an excellent place for fortification; with the King's leave a small matter would build a fort. The knowledge gained of this people's ports is worth their labours. If the Company make a new stock and send good supplies, the ships may return laden the same year, and make their voyage in lese than 20 months as well as the Portugals; and if the Portugals break with this King they will be hindered of 5,000 or 6,000 sailors out of his dominions that row in their frigates for small means, and which the English are promised. Articles for trade and commerce proposed by the English to Sibo Sibo, Governor and Chief Justice of Pulvory and other places belonging to the Hydalshawe, dated the 26th March 1628. Demands of Signor Sibo for trade with the English in his country, with our answers; also the letter from Sibo Sibo translated out of Persian into Portuguese by Thomas de Coste, after receipt of our answer dated 3rd April 1628 and signed "Sibo Sibo, Avaldare." April 6th.—Came within a league of the Bar of Goa, where was discerned a very big castle on the north side on a high hill with walls reaching to the water, one on the south side, and a third on one of the Keymathes Islands, which are called Burnt Islands and brook the name very well for there is nothing upon them. From under these islands came out 12 men-of-war, at which the Star made eight or nine shots. These ships were built out of a free collection of the people of Goa to keep the bar and rescue any of their ships in distress, and are called the Caffila de Calletta. Arrived the next day at Angedive, 15 leagues south of Goa, the biggest of 12 or 14 islands; the inhabitants brought store of hens and fruits, but durst not sell beeves in the absence of the Governor; great store of pepper near and ginger and timber for building, and three leagues off is a river whence the Portugals at Goa have great part of their wood for building vessels. Advantages of this island, which is in the heart of India, for trade with the Malabars, Calicuts, and Cochinders, which places abound with pepper; the distance from Surat a difficulty, and it would be very dangerous for a lone ship to pass Goa, in coming from Surat there is no danger. 9th. Passed the castle of Onor about 10 leagues south of Angedive, and on 10th discovered the castle of Mangelore, which place supplies Goa with rice. Junks chased ashore belonging to the Malabars with pepper, carroway seed, and gumlac resin. Messenger from the King of Cananore offering anything his country afforded if they would ride before the town, but at the entry of the harbour the Portugals have a castle and they set no vessel to sea without a pass from the Captain. Having notice of three ships at Cochin resolved to make all speed thither, so wrote the King that another time they would commerce. This country abounds with pepper which he affords to the Portugals at cheap rates, so if they had a tort at Angedive these people would bring their commodities
and in time we might expel the Portugals. Contrary to the command of Capt. Hall the Hart's barge gave chace at night to a man-of-war frigate, and the master, James Cheshire, being somewhat pot valiant, though they had but two muskets, boarded her, but was pelted so furiously with arrows that Cheshire was killed and 11 of his crew hurt, who with great difficulty returned to their ship. Anchored on 14th a league short of Cochin, and next day saw three sail under the town, and further in seven or eight more, and it was determined that the Star, Hopewell, and Frigate should endeavour to surprise the laden ships; but encountering 13 man-of-war frigates and, by advice of Richard Tuke, who said the channel altered yearly, and for other reasons stated, Capt. Hall resolved to put to sea with all speed. Cochin is almost as great as Coa and fairly built with stone, with many churches and castles. 1½ mile up the river stands the King's town, whence he can put into the field 5,000 armed blacks in behalf of the Portugal and himself; nevertheless the place were easily to be taken with three or four ships like the Hopewell and a pilot. Eased the ships the better to endure the foul weather by putting 22 pieces of ordnance into the hold, and on 18th passed the high land of Brian John. Table of distances between Swally and Cape Comorin. Brian John the last land they saw on the coast of India. On 25th crossed the Equinoctial. May 23rd Saw the island of Diego Raiz; next day endeavoured to land, but could not. 27th. Saw two small islands, like the shell of a turtle and a hay cock, the southernmost called Mauritius. 28th .Got into the harbour, and had store of goats, hogs, fowl, and fish, some beeves have also been seen there; the fish very infectious, especially a great red fish, also one with scales much like a hake, and many of the men were taken sick with eating them; within the harbour no fish is hurtful. June 7th. The William arrived, l5th. William Brockish, a sailor, and Ally Rosset, a black born at Ormuz, both under years, punished for a detestable crime with 500 stripes a piece and so dismissed. Signed by Richard Predys. 26½ pp. [O.C, Vol, XL, Xo. 1269.] |
| Mar. 12–21 |
624. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that those that have not taken out their 9th half capital in pepper be paid in money at Michaelmas next. Motion of Sir John Wolstenholme that the Company accept the agreement about the custom and impost of the Moon's pepper made by the Barons before the customer's books be returned into the Exchequer, for it would be much more chargeable afterwards to procure a discharge than to pay the 100l. propounded; the Court acknowledged their thanks and intended either now or at next meeting to settle the business. Leave given to Treasurer Bateman to send into the Indies on his own adventure two pendant pearls and a jacynth valued at 30l. and to be allowed 5s. 6d. per ryal for the money made of them. Offer of Burlamachi to contract for ] 2,000l. worth of pepper if the Company would take assignment for same on the Farmers of the Customs, accepted. As the Company's declaration cannot be printed without his Majesty's hand first had thereunto, ordered that Mr.
Attorney General be desired to procure the same so it be printed and sent abroad with the Proclamation (about private trade). The 31 diamonds sold to Capt. Styles for 1,100l. at six and six months. John Willoughby, entertained as a factor, to receive 10l. on account of his wages. Petition of John Samuel, purser of the Expedition, concerning a debt of 4l. charged on his account for clothes delivered to him at Jacatra for the ship's company which he alleged were stolen when Jesson, the master, broke open his cabin at sea. The widow of Capt. Jourdain to be paid 5l. for her present wants and to enable her in the prosecution of her cause in the delegates against Jonas Viney concerning her late husband's estate. Request of the grocers to contract for 400 bags of pepper referred to Messrs. Abdy and Spurstow, and to persuade them to take 500 bags. Request of 'Mr. Treasurer to be spared from taking up moneys upon bills of exchange by reason of his indisposition and the great sums he had already taken up; the Court, observing him to be no way affected to this course, were unwilling to importune him, but he promised to underwrite the bills, and Mr. Perry undertook for 2,000l. or 3,000l. for Antwerp, the rest of the Committees being desired to make trial what they could do on the Exchange for Venice, Hamburg, and Amsterdam either at double usance or at usance and half. Request of Capt. Millward for leave to send by Willoughby into the Indies 10l. or 20l. for carpets for his house; but the Court for precedent's sake denied it, yet ordered that direction be given to the President at Surat to deliver to Willoughby 40 or 50 ryals of 8 for the aforesaid occasion out of the proceeds of the sale of Capt. Millward's jewel. |
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March 14.—Debate how to supply about 20,000l. in foreign coin to make up the proportion of 50,000l. intended to be sent in the Jonas and Expedition; resolved to take up as much as could be by exchange for Antwerp, Venice, Amsterdam, and Hamburg, and the rest at interest. Thomas Browne, the broker, to be spoken to at the Exchange to inquire where money might be had on the Committee's security; and the general opinion not to send the ships without the proportion agreed upon. Fotherby to report upon the condition of the four pieces of ordnance returned by Lord Warwick. Bargain concluded with the grocers for all the Bantam pepper, and so much ef the Jambi as would make up 400 bags, and for 40 barrels of cloves at the Company's prices. 5l. remitted to Capt. Styles of the 1,100l. he gave for the 31 diamonds in regard he promised to pay a month before the day. |
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March 19.—Ordered that 21l. 10l. -returned by Richard Anderson from Jacatra, be paid for the care of his children, his wife being lately dead. Information that 6,000l. was taken up by bills of exchange, and offer made of 4,000l. more; ordered to accept the same and earnestly to desire that diligence be used in supplying on the bonds of the Committees what is wanting to make up" the 50,000l. to be sent aboard the ships by Monday next, and all possible means to be used for the safe and speedy sending aboard of the coral into the Downs, and if that fail to hire carts and carry it overland. Permission to Capt. Styles to send to the Indies
on his own adventure a jewel of 302. value, and to be allowed 5l. 6d. per ryal on the moneys made. Information of the unlading of the three Dutch ships at Portsmouth, the Lord President and Sec. Coke having promised a warrant from the Board to go aboard and search whether it were true. Committee appointed to take the warrant to Portsmouth, if granted, and meantime to accompany the Company's Secretary to the Lords to satisfy any question concerning the business Three bonds amounting to 19,996l. 10l. from Farmers of the Customs for pepper sold to Burlamachi, read and approved, and the pepper ordered to be delivered. Bequest of Richard Boothby entertained a prime factor at 100l. per annum, concerning the payment of his salary. Difference between the brother and executor of Wm. Langton, deceased in the Indies, and Thomas Beach, apprentice of Wm. Langton, concerning Beach's wages referred to the Court. |
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March 21.—Ordered that Sheriff Gar way be saved harmless concerning two bills of exchange underwrit by him for Venice for 3,000 and 1,500 ducats. The proportion of English specie to be sent in the Jonas not yet come, each Committee is entreated if he has any money, or could procure it, to bring it in, the same to be secured by assignation of goods in the warehouse, or of bills for pepper sold to the grocers in town. The Officers of the Navy having again desired to buy 15 tons of Spanish iron for ready money, agreed to let them have 10 tons on condition they pay ready money and also for the five tons lent to the King long since. Mountney to weigh out 10 tons, but not to deliver it till he received money for both. Gratuity to Savage Leversage, late servant to Lanman. 10 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 308–317.] |
March 22.
The Hague. |
625. Lord Carleton to Sec. Lord Conway. Was visited yesterday afternoon by four deputies from the States of Holland, who taking knowledge of his revocation recommended some affairs in favour of their province. One was the restitution of the three Surat ships, for which they alleged many arguments to prove the arrest unlawful and restitution necessary; but he showed the justice of his Majesty's proceedings, and that restitution depended on themselves by a good dispatch of the process of Amboyna, reparation of the wrongs complained of by the English in the Indies, and re establishment of that trade by Treaty. They replied that delay in the Amboyna business hung chiefly upon want of the appearance of the witnesses who are in England, confessed a conveniency but no necessity for their appearance, and recommended their sending deputies into England for the reconcilement of the two East India Companies, but was answered they could not ordain anything without their Company's consent. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Mar. 21–28. |
626. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Motion concerning the Company's ships which shall not be reladen home this year, whether to sell them in the Indies or some other way; ordered that so many as are serviceable be reladen home with such stock as their means in the Indies permit, and rather to employ the rest on some expedition to the Red Sea than sell them to the Dutch
or Persians, which would be dishonourable and might prove prejudicial to our nation, and so much to be inserted in the General Letter to the President and Council. Debate on a motion concerning the ships going to Masulipatam should they lose their monsoon, but it was concluded to leave the success of the voyage to God, without giving any further directions than are already given for Surat. Messrs. Mun and Spurstowe entreated to make a journey into the Downs, as well for the safeguard of the gold, which is to be carried overland, as to accomplish the service of dispeeding the Jonas and Expedition. Resolved if the quicksilver come not' seasonably not to stay the ships an hour if the wind come fair, and Messrs Mustard and Spurstowe are entreated to go to the Treasury tomorrow and see the money carefully packed. Ordered that Capt. Styles be supplied with 30 seasoned deals, giving at the same price the Company paid. The difference between Sir Francis Crane and the Company concerning his tapestry hangings sent to the Indies referred to arbitration. The frigate to be forthwith made ready, it being conceived that she will be of good use upon our coast against the Dunkirkers. The remainder of the estate of John Darby, master of the Bear, who by an unfortunate accident was slain in the Indies, ordered to be paid to his widow. Gratuity of 40l. to boatswain Ingram, who chosen by the harjlet of Poplar constable for the year, and refusing in regard of the Company's service, was fined 4l. 10l. Order concerning wages of Wm. Davis detained for freight of six cwt. of nutmegs, brought home betwixt him and Wm. Yomans. Ordered at the earnest request of Sir Sackvile Crowe, Treasurer of the Navy, that notwithstanding the scarcity of Spanish iron that he be furnished with 10 tons thereof, for ready money, and for the five tons formerly lent to his Majesty, but not under 20l. per ton. |
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March 28.—Ordered that the London and Reformation in Woolwich Dock be launched next spring tide, and that they be double sheathed. Proposal of Burlamachi to buy 10,000l. worth of pepper more, but considering that he had already contracted 'for 36000l. worth, and almost all on the same security, was answered the Company could spare no more. Committee entreated to attend the Parliament House to answer Warner's complaint. [On 25th March a petition of Som. Warner, imprisoned by Mr. Recorder, against the East India Company was read and referred to the Committee for Grievances.— Common'8 Journal, I. 875.] Ordered that the 50l. custom and 50l. impost formerly ordered by the Barons of the Exchequer, be paid for the Moon's pepper. Motion on behalf of Mr. Treasurer for a supply of money to pay bills of exchange and supply other occasions, also note of sums due to the Company, presented; ordered that those that owe money pay it in according to their contracts, and that those in arrear be applied to for payment. 100 barrels of powder bought for the' Company's occasions to be brought in presently. Ordered that Mr. Treasurer, who had lately underwrit divers bills of exchange for Hamburg, Amsterdam, &c. be saved him harmless, as also any others for engagements entered into for the use of the Company. Request of (George) Willoughby to have an end
with the Company; the letters read to him from the President and Council, also letters and attestations of Richard Allen and Henry Woolman against him; is examined thereon, and utterly denied he ever let out the Company's money at interest to a Chinaman, but said it was a plot between Coward and Woollman, who lived under him at Acheen, because Woollman would have been chief, and that Allen was instigated by Woollman; Willoughby recriminated that Woollman, for abusing the King and his nobles, was condemned to death, but that Willoughby begged for his pardon, and Coward was continually drunk and employed for private trade; that Willoughby had been condemned by the President and Council at Jacatra to a fine of 120l., which he desired might be remitted, and his credit restored; ordered that Woollman and Allen, who are in London, he warned to the next Court, when they would make an end with Willoughby. Willoughby was then questioned about private trade, and said that Robinson, who wrote against him, might as well have certified the great abuse of private trade, as also the articles between the factors of Jacatra and Surat, which were drawn up by Robinson, Bix and Muschamp being parties thereto on the arrival of Gregory Clement on the Ann from Surat. Examined concerning the suspicion that Jesson would have carried his ship to Dunkirk. Renewed request of Ellesmore, late mate of the London, for payment of the 210l. due to him on Henry Sill's account; being demanded concerning his private trade, he confessed he had 500 cwt. of pepper and no more, and was required to bring certificate from Harrison, an officer of the Custom House at Plymouth. 8 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X., 318–325.] |
March 29.
The Hague. |
627. Lord Carleton to [Sec. Sir John Coke]. The Amboyna process goes on by degrees, there remaining but one of the Amboyna judges to be examined, with whom they will end this week; and by that time they expect answer to their desire to have the witnesses appear in person, which if his Majesty consent to, it is necessary to be done with caution against the men advantaging themselves as if the business were submitted to their judicature, which they are apt to draw to themselves, and to hold the world here in belief it is so indeed. The long and earnest speech the Fiscal Sylla had with Carle ton yesterday on this argument makes him mention this matter, not that Carleton is against the appearing of the witnesses, which doubtless is requisite for finding out truth where contradiction remains betwixt parties. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| March 31. The Hague. |
628. Lord Carleton to Sec. Lord Conway. Has been visited by three Deputies of the East India Company, Basse, burgomaster, and Burrel, pensioner of Amsterdam, and Scott, burgomaster of Middelburgh, who complained much of the continued arrest of their Surat ships, and prayed Carleton to do good offices at his return for their restitution, whereupon they had much discourse of the differences betwixt the Companies. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
