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| [Sept. 2.] |
707. Memorial for a letter to be written from Lord Conway. Signifying his Majesty's resolution by the advice of his Council here (at Portsmouth) that the Lords in London sending for the Governor and Committees of the East India Company shall acquaint them with a letter written by his Majesty's order to the States Ambassador at Portsmouth in answer to their desire for sending over the Amboyna
witnesses and move them to procure the voluntary going over of those witnesses so the Hollanders may not complain of want of full information. The original books, tables, and other writings wherein the parties executed left a dying testimony of their innocence to be sent over and verified by the witness of some men of reputation, which being thus performed may either be a means of ample satisfaction or else leave the Hollanders without excuse. And their Lordships should receive the answer of the Governor and Committees before they acquaint them with the contents of the letter. Endorsed "Memorial sent from Portsmouth to the Lord Conway by the Lord "Dorchester and Mr. Sec. Coke." 1½ pp. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 52.] |
| [Sept. 2.] |
708. Another copy of the preceding. Endorsed "a direction to be sent to the Lords of the Council concerning the East India merchants". [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 53.] |
| Sept. 2 ? |
709. The King to the Ambassadors of the States. On intimation that their superiors desired his Majesty's determination for sending over such persons as could give evidence concerning the fact of Amboyna, now in judicature before the Committees appointed to give sentence therein, for the further liquidation of the truth his Majesty expects the accomplishment of their promise in the execution of justice, and though he doubts not that the evidence already sent under the seals of his courts of justice is beyond exception, and he cannot be expected to force his subjects to give testimony before foreign tribunals, yet his Majesty will make known to the parties interested that he will be well pleased if they will voluntarily condescend to give their testimonies, and if they will not be drawn to the foreign tribunal, yet if the States give power to their Commissioners, who come in September next, to hear their examinations, his Majesty will cause them to make direct answers to any interrogatories material for finding out the truth, that by a fair proceeding the cry of innocent blood may be stayed. Draft in the handwriting of Sec. Coke with corrections. 2 pp. [East Indices, Vol., IV., No. 54.] |
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710. Draft of the preceding in French in Sec. Coke's handwriting with corrections. [East Indices, Vol. IV., No. 55.] |
Sept. 3.
East India House. |
711. The East India Company to Sec. Coke. Thanks for his Honour's letter of the 1st. inst. giving advertisement of three of their ships which they may shortly expect from the Indies. Know his affection to their trade, and make bold to send enclosed copy of that writing lately presented to the Lords. Begging him to inquire whether it be come to his Majesty's hands and if not to acquaint his Highness therewith, which they hope if the Dutch ships be not yet gone may work some good effect. Enclosed, |
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711. I. Memorial of the East India Company to the Privy Council, and enclosures. Calendared, see ante Nos. 706 I., II., III., IV. Together 3½ pp. [East Indies, Vol. IV., Nos. 56, 56 I.] |
Sept. 3.
Southwick. |
712. Sec. Conway to Lords of the Council. His Majesty has it in his resolution to keep up the trade of the East India Company, and will employ his care in all necessary assistance for its support and
encouragement, and for the matter of Amboyna, and the Declaration of the merchants transmitted by their Lordships, the States Ambassador has been spoken withal, and an account of the proceedings and resolution shall follow this presently. [Extract, East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 57.] |
| Sept. 3. |
713. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that if Burlamachi will give 1d. per lb. above the usual rates for garbled pepper he shall have liberty to garble up to 400 bags, rather than to ship out and bring them in again to perform his contract with the grocers, the Court conceiving it better to reap the benefit of 300l. odd, and to give way for sale of their own pepper in town than that the Dutch should serve the market. Report of Mr. Deputy that at the Council table on Wednesday last Mr. Governor gave account of the state of the Company and the discouragements which had hindered men from underwriting, that their Lordships required him to set it down in writing to prevent mistake in reporting it to the King which was done and on Friday last presented to the Lord President, and because the Company have yet heard nothing, ordered that Mr. Sherburne attend his Lordship and understand whether he hath heard anything from the Court touching that paper. Ordered that the house at Deptford wherein Mr. Burrell dwelt be let to Mustard, and the keys delivered to him by Steevens who is to clear out his goods forthwith. 1½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 67–68.] |
Sept. 5.
Portsmouth. |
714. Sec. Coke to Soc. Conway. On Tuesday night [2 Sept.] Lord Dorchester and he set down the substance of the Resolutions taken for the East India Company to be sent to the Lords, which Lord Dorchester promised to deliver to Conway. The effect was as follows (see Memorial for a letter to be written from Lord Conway, ante No. 707.) But in case the Company will not be induced to persuade the witnesses to go over, or they refuse to go, then the Lords must acquaint the Company that his Majesty has given order to the States Ambassadors that when they send their Commissioners over for the Treaty of this business they give them power to take the testimonies here. Endorsed, "Sept. 4, 1628," (sic.) 2 pp. [East Indies. Vol. IV., No. 58.] |
Sept. 10 ?
Bantam. |
715. George Muschampe to Henry Sill at Jambi. Gave hopes in his last in June by the Cinnamon prize, of a second supply by advice from their masters, since which has arrived a small pinnace with 40 broad cloths, 3,070 ryals of eight, and Dutch money and rix dollars to the amount of 8,000 ryals not current without extraordinary abatements. Their masters much discontented with their abode at Batavia and will not send supply till ascertained of their removal. President Hawley's proceedings against Robinson supported by Mr. Steele and countenancing his (nephew) above his quality is much aggravated against them, and the Company require all three to be sent home with the first. In this pinnace is come one Wm. Hoare to be of Council. The Company's importunity has prevailed with him for one year's stay; hopes their necessity and his friends society will resist Sill's resolution of going home. Is sorry he
cannot supply his extreme wants, especially to pay the King his custom, but they have neither money nor credit, therefore it rests in his discreet proceeding to procure the King's forbearance, which service shall be largely amplified to his repute, for without Jambi pepper they shall not be able to lade a great ship expected from Surat in December. The Materan's people (Javas) of late have much distressed Batavia; a few of them desperately entered the castle, in which assault there fell above 600 Javas and only three Dutch, since which they have beleagured the town with 10,000 men, but lately are driven from their works and dispersed in the woods. This sudden attempt has distracted their trade, and half undone the burghers, who were forced to send confusedly aboard their ships their women and goods. Is now bound thither to protest against the General for firing their (houses) and stores, which he hopes will bear action to their employers' profit, though at present they suffer by want of those necessary stores presumptuously consumed by their "insolent friends." At his return they will dispeed the Swallow for the coast and send his packet of gold and letter directed to Mr. Johnson. 1 p. Mutilated by damp. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1279.] |
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716. Letters and Consultations received at Bantam from Masulipatam and Armagon between 11th September 1628 and 20th August 1629. |
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1628, Sept. 11th.—Consultation held in Masulipatam, signed by George Brewen, Thomas Johnson, and Lawrence Henly. Forasmuch as their masters in England have determined to dissolve these factories upon the coast of Coromandel, and that they have been four months expecting an empty ship from the Council at Bantam to transport their goods and persons, they have thought fit for saving of charge, and in a peaceable manner to procure their masters debts by removing to Armagon. The Dutch having willingly helped them to carry their goods to Pulicat secretly in their ships, which is conceived more convenient than Armagon; their departure to be without the knowledge of the Moors, who would not permit it, but would find means to right themselves for all damages, debts, and bad usage. Thinking it unfit to use the Dutch for transport of their persons they bought a boat, which might prove profitable before their house at Armagon, which the Portugal vessels bound for St. Thome pass. As to their masters' orders for keeping their house is at a dear yearly rent, old, and rotten, their privileges all broken and of little validity, and they doubt not at any time of obtaining larger and better ones, for the wealth of the kingdom of Golconda consists in its inland manufactures, which for the most part find vent by sea transport, the greater part shipped by Moors, who dare not make an enemy of so powerful a nation as the English. And for their debts they have devised a more likely course. Yet considering it not fitting altogether to leave the place, not only to see what may be done for sale of the porcelain and remainder of cloves and sandal wood, but also lest the Dutch should put some tricks upon their masters "by pretending non
possion" in the kingdom of Golconda, they have thought fit to leave a sufficient man [in margin Richard Hudson] with commission to take a small house and put off the porcelain how he can, knowing that to ship it to Bantam is little better than, as the saying is "to ship coals to Newcastle." There is also a large parcel of wood called sandal of Madagascar, but no man will give anything for it, some has been used for house purposes, as it is not worth transport Annexed. |
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George Brewen, Thos, Johnson, and Lawrence Henley to Mirpass, Governor of Masulipatam. Let it not seem strange they have departed without giving him the salaam, had they acquainted him beforehand it would have been thought a kind of asking leave, which is the state of a servant to his master, but to him they owe no such duty. The causes of their departure are many, which had their beginning from his predecessor Mamatucke and are continued by him; they make no question without the privity of the King and his Council. Must tell him there is no cloth this country yields, but is to be had in other parts as good and cheap. Their particular grievances are that contrary to the custom of all nations he has farmed the trade of merchandizing for a great sum, and has debarred all others from buying and selling with them; that no country committee dare come within the precincts of his government; that he has infringed their privileges and the ancient custom of the land to arrest debtors until contentment be given; that they have complained for justice for money owing by Lingana and Rama and others, and can get nothing. Except satisfaction for that and other wrongs through this unnatural farming of trade which is explained. Complain that all their actions tend only to the enriching of themselves and the impoverishing of strangers, and wish him to call to mind the honourable regard they had of the Portugals when they only were at Masulipatam, being lords of the sea. Desire him to grant the privileges they enjoyed before the coming of Mamatucke, (1) freedom to come and go, to buy, and sell; (2) that all new juncans be forborne and only the ancient custom of the land paid by them; (3) free liberty to transport goods to any part of the King of Golconda's country, paying only the ancient custom; (4) also liberty to arrest debtors until contentment given; and lastly to correct their own servants who may boldly deliver their minds without his displeasure; also that their servant Richard Hudson, who is left behind, may find all fair carriage. |
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Sept. 26.—Same to Richard Hudson. Have fixed upon him as the fittest man to leave in this factory, and he is to follow the following instructions:—(1.) To procure their letter to the Governor already set over into Portuguese to be done into the Moor's language, which they hope the schoolmaster will faithfully translate, and deliver one copy to the Governor, one to the Savandore, and one to the Persian Ambassador; that the world may know the causes of their withdrawing, and the cunning working of the Dutch to eat them out of trade. [In the margin: "It should seem then that the Dutch had free liberty to sell to whom they would and buy of whom they pleased in Masulipatam, whereas we were
in both restrained to the Governor only or his deputies."] (2.) To leave this great house, which is rotten, and take a small one. (3.) To do his best to put off the remain of the porcelain. (4.) To dismiss the servants, retaining only a cook and two blacks. (5.) To sell the cloves and sandal wood as he can. To send letters by any English ship that arrives, but to prevent boats coming ashore for fear of any plot of this ill-minded Governor concerning their debtors, as Lingana, Rama, Mirmote, and others. To take certain goods named at the price current, but for the porcelain to take any goods in truck. |
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Sept. 26.—Same to the Master of such ship as may arrive at Masulipatam. Having for divers just occasions removed to Armagon and left only Richard Hudson, they desire that to prevent danger and inconvenience neither he nor any of his men go ashore, but repair to the factory at Armagon. Sept. 27. They left Masulipatam in a small boat for Armagon unknown to the Moors. |
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Same to [the President and Council at Bantam]. Have received theirs of the 14th October, and according to order intend to use their best endeavours for the ship's speedy return. Dispeeded her a few days since for Pulicat, to take in goods shipped from Masulipatam in a Dutch ship; and being this day returned they intend in a few days to sail for Masulipatam to procure their master's debts, and return to Armagon, and thence with all speed for Bantam. Have landed in part their poor cargazoon; turtle shells are altogether unvendible; some part of the sandal wood they carry to Masulipatam. Have requested gold thread. Find the great chain of gold much overrated, and that their great parcel of sandal wood will find no vent here; desire them to send no more. Having paid debts will hardly have sufficient for bare victuals, so that unless a good ship and means be speedily sent, they will not be able to supply them with any goods this year. Reasons why a small ship should remain on the coast. The Dutch daily find great benefit by keeping five or six sloops trading continually from port to port. Difficulty in recovering their debts at Masulipatam. Have made of a Masulipatam boat a king of sloop to send with the ship for reprizing junks or boats if there be no other remedy. Suppose at Masulipatam they shall be constrained to pay the debts for goods sent for Batavia by Thos. Mils. Armagon, 1629, Jan. 22. |
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1629, Jan. 29th.—The Swallow and Fortune sailed from Armagon for Masulipatam to demand their debts. |
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Feb. 1.—They arrived at Masulipatam and sent a letter to the Governor as follows:—George Brewen, Thos. Johnson, and Law. Henley to the Governor of Masulipatam. The many foul wrongs daily committed by him have caused their merchants to call them away from his town, and now they desire their debts paid and their goods ashore sent aboard with all speed, otherwise he must expect them to be enemies. From aboard the Swallow. |
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Feb. 2.—Mirpssee, Gov. of Masulipatam, to Brewen, Johnson, and Henley. Has received their letter and perceives their demands:
wishes them to come ashore and they shall have their debts paid, and may sell their good and get more cloth; promises they shall have good entertainment under his hand and chop. |
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Feb. 2—Brewen, Johnson, and Henley to the Governor of Masulipatam. Have already written that the many foul injuries their masters have sustained have caused them to remove this factory; desire him to order payment of their debts. Will not come ashore, but if he will give his "Coule," will acquaint their President, who, they make no question will cause a factory to be again settled in Masulipatam. Desire during their stay refreshing for money, and that Richard Hudson may come abroad for directions. |
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Feb. 3–5.—Arrived seven small junks from Gingilee, with rice, paddie, gingile, seeds, and butter, which they stayed. |
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Feb. 5.—Received a letter from the Governor as follows:—Has received their letters and is very sorrowful the merchants have kept their goods so long; has spoken to them, and if they will come ashore their debts shall be paid, and they may sell their goods, and he will be their friend. To which was answered that they could not trust his promises to send any man ashore until a sufficient person (or ? pawn) be sent in his place; 15 days ere they can have satisfaction is too long for their ship's stay, pray him to consider the damages; intend to keep the junks till his performance in full. Hitherto Richard Hudson was not permitted to come aboard, and the like for goods, chests of apparel; only refreshing not denied. |
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Feb. 10.—Letter to the Governor. Came not hither for pleasure, but to receive their master's debts and satisfaction for wrongs offered by him and Mamatucke, and now aggravated, and seeing he perseveres in his unjust actions, as soon as they have means to right themselves will show him an account of 40,000 pagodes, and the loss of a year's return for Bantam will lie heavy upon him. |
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Feb. 19.—In the dead of night some 30 Dutch merchants, soldiers, and seamen made their escape aboard armed, leaving their house destitute of any man. |
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Feb. 21.—Consultation. Having to receive cloth in satisfaction of their debts, have thought fit to send Arthur Fowkes to conclude all accounts. |
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Feb. 21.—Commission to Arthur Fowkes to call all that owe the Company money and receive the goods offered, taking care they be not overrated; Richard Hudson to assist. |
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Feb. 24.—Letter to the Governor of Masulipatam. Having these 24 days lain here at great charge in hope of payment of their debts, which he has often since their arrival promised, and perceiving no intent to make satisfaction, inforces them to a more rigorous course in discharging all the small junks into one large one and taking her to Armagon. |
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Demands of the English for future commerce in the kingdom of Golconda delivered to the Governor of Masulipatam by Arthur Fowkes, 20th March, 1629. |
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May 2.—Protest of Brewen and Henly against the Governor of Masulipatam for that they had no answer to their demands for future commerce. The particulars of demands for damages of trade, for farming the trade contrary to the customs of all nations, imposing new junckans, bribes to Mamatucke by Thos. Mills, without which he could not ship out goods. Interest and loss of markets of goods; ship's expenses, the enforced keeping of 52 chests of saltpetre above a year because they would not give a bride, total 53,618 pagodes. This instrument, translated into Persian, was by Arthur Fowkes delivered to the Governor of Masulipatam and read in presence of the chief of the Moors. |
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June 4, Armagon.—Johnson and Bix to (the President and Council at Bantam). Since their last have received letters from Masulipatam of 21st May. The ship tried to come for Armagon, but the wind and current forced her to return for she is so rotten that the seamen dare not return till she be careened; advised them to try an island near Narsapore, where the Dutch of late careened two ships. Understands the ship is much pestered with goods; to bring sandal wood here is mere folly, this place being stored with it for two or three years. Understand that at Masulipatam they have sold the turtle shells at a very low rate, which is all the means they have to defray all their great charges, so that they will want money for victuals if not speedily supplied. Cannot prefix any time when to expect them. Their demands of the King of Golconda not yet granted, nor those of the Dutch, but they live as friendly enemies; take all that comes into the Road, yet have what refreshing they desire and free access to buy or sell or come aboard at pleasure. The like is offered to the Dutch, but they will do nothing till their demands be granted. |
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June 6, Armagon.—Brewen, Henly, and Arthur Fowkes to (the President and Council at Bantam). Arrival of the Swallow, contrary winds having twice enforced their return. Their return in April, as the President expected, was not possible, for it was 31st December before the ship arrived with most of her men sick. They arrived at Masulipatam 1st February, and it was the middle of that month before any junks arrived, without seizure of which there was no hope to get either their debts or goods, and some time was spent for the Governor to write to the King of Golconda. Now the ship was several leaks which must be stopped before she attempt the voyage for Bantam. Send two letters to them from Surat, and hope they have satisfied all doubts of danger to their master's estates at Surat and Persia in their late arresting of junks; hope to be dispeeded hence in 20 days. Have cleared Masulipatam of everything except the sandal wood of Madagascar, for which no man will give anything, and a small parcel of crazed porcelain, both which are left with the Danes; also a bad debt made by Tho. Mills at Pulicat, and on by Matthew Duke. |
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June 25, Armagon.—Henly and Bix to (the President and Council at Bantam) by the Swallow. Received theirs of the 30th April by Dutch conveyance, the 10th June. After the Swallow's return
from Pulicat they sailed for Masulipatam and arrived 1st February, an both their debts and justice on the debtors being denied, necessity compelled them to make use of their order in seizing a few rice junks, which effected their desires. They then framed articles for future trade to be sent to the King, copy of which Brewen will deliver; but after long expectation and no performance of fair promises they thought it better to hazard the sandal [wood's] sale for another season, and left demands for damages sustained. The Dutch have taken the same course, but more severely, seizing all junks belonging to Golconda and forbidding all vessels to trade there. Demands of the English can leave their country. If articles be not granted there is no staying for foreigners, the government is so bad, which Brewen and Johnson, who go with this, will certify. Touching the cargozoon of the Swallow. If any mistake in their last advice, Brewen, in whose custody the Company's estate has been since Mills's death, must give reason thereof. Sold the turtle shells at Masulipatam, or cold not have defrayed their ship's charges; the price; also about the sale of other commodities. The three farmers of trade at Masulipatam sacked and beaten out of their means both by the Moors and the Governor to pay the Dutch and themselves. The Danes put off their sandal wood for two years together, but at low rates and dear payments, which they got from fear, the Moors knowing that if the one Danish ship be not seasonably dispatched for Macassar they would take some other course for satisfaction; but with the English and Dutch they deal otherwise, thinking it impossible they can leave the country. Are confident their Worships will relieve them as soon as supplies come from England. Here are many sorts of white cloth made as well as "paintings," of which Johnson carries several pieces, and many other sorts would be make if they had hopes to sell them. The promised frigate will stand them in much stead, as well for providing victuals, which here are excessively dear, as for other occasion. Beg them to send small hawsers, cordage, and anchors. They must new timber their house that the goods may lie dry. Have always been wary to keep fair with this Naik, who seems conformable, but has malignant knaves about him, who cease from false informations only when they have their mouths stopped with brides, which will never be otherwise until the Company fortify, till when as much must be given in brides yearly as the charge of fortification. Since the remove of the last Governor they have lived more peaceably, but no trust can be given to these people; besides this Naik is an usurper, and the true King daily takes from him. On the other side the Portugals of St. Thome are our bad neighbours, and a few days ago burnt a junk in Pulicat Road notwithstanding the Dutch forces. The Company must fortify if they intend to continue this factory. The Dutch reports of our seizing Arracan or any other junks coming to Pulicat with supplies is false. Have kept so good correspondence with the Dutch in all outward ceremony that more cannot be expected between friends. Are glad to hear of the Royal Mary and Speedwell dispeeded for
England and the other ships to several factories. Their packets for Surat were dispeeded by an express the same day they arrived. As for the state of Armagon, our merchants have provided great store of "paintings," but not having money to beat down the prices, they are not worth buying according to the rates they are sold for at Bantam. Gold well bought will yield good profit, and the rather if they had a quantity to mint into pagodes, they having the chop or stamp now in thins town. Lead, brimstone, good alum, quicksilver, coral unpolished will yearly sell according to the list enclosed, but so weak a trade as they have driven will not quit the charges of soldiers and other unavoidable expenses. Hope to put off part of their sandal wood in truck for cloth. Send note of the stores wanting, paper and quills also they stand in great need of, and some wine to countervail the Dutch courtesies often received, oil and English butter. If they intend to fortify here, ships coming should bring stones from Lagundy or elsewhere for the foundation and points of the castle. Mr. Cartar reports great store of brimstone at Macassar at easy rates; a great quantity will vend here yearly. Sends his books balanced till Mills's death, since when Mr. Brewen has taken charge. Johnson short in his estimate of house and ship charges. Concerning the wages of Jacob Fadle, who came in the Abigail for gunner of this place, who is very urgent, having lately married a Mestizo woman; also of John Collins, Richard Barlowe, Leonard Piff, and Henry Cufe, appointed soldiers. Desires to speak a little for himself; their Worships know the place appointed him by the Company could not prove less than 80l. per annum, which he left with promise of augmentation at the first advice of his sufficiency, which was two years since; desires therefore some other to be appointed to supply his place. It will be six years before he will return to England, too long, if he might be his own judge, to serve for 24l. per annum. |
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Aug. 20, Armagon.—Henley and Bix to [President and Council at Bantam]. Hope the Swallow, which sailed 25th June last, is with them long before this. Nothing happened since. Have put off some sandal wood in truck for cloth, but the Dutch have a great quantity. Great quantities of paintings and other cloth made ready by our merchants, but can only give them fair promises until the arrival of supplies; if not supplied this year will be forced to borrow agnin of the Dutch, which is a great disparagement to their trade, but necessity has no law. Arrival at Pulicat of two Dutch ships richly laden with quicksilver, lead, vermillion, broadcloth, and great quantity of gold; they brought news of the safe arrival of the Palsgrave, Dolphin, and Morris, and of their own 18 sail, eight in their company and eight more to come in December following. The Dutch Governor of Pulicat shows us many courtesies, offering money or goods for a bill of exchange on their friends at Surat. Have received letters from the Governor of Masulipatam and Marcamaldee, to which was answered that they had stayed long at Masulipatam for answer to their articles for trade, and had advised their President of all that passed, whose order must be followed Brewen left three debts for which he has made Bantam factory debtor. Has
received copy of a former letter form Surat, with further news of the Jonas, Eagle, and . . . dispeed for Bantam, with a small cargazoon, God knows. The great King of the Gentewes is now so powerful on this coast that he has conquered all his former dominions, save only the Naik of this place, who it is supposed cannot long resist. Know not what alterations these proceedings may bring to their masters, but will stand vigilantly on their own guard till God send them more force, but have no reason to doubt that the King will be conformable as this Naik has been.—P.S.signed by Lawrence Henly. News from Pulicat that 13 ships came last year from Lisbon, with commission to spoil the Dutch and English trade in Persia, Surat, and upon this coast. Five fell with Malacca, one at Negapatam and the rest at Goa, except the Admiral, which is not yet arrived. Also have heard certain news, of 30 frigates gone from Goa to succour Malacca against the King of Acheen, who lies before it. If their Worship send a ship through the Straits of Malacca this monsoon, they ought to have a care of those frigates. 27 pp. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1280.] |
1628.
Sept. 12–19. |
717. Court Minutes of the East India Company. offer of Sir Alexander Nappier of a new invention for preserving ships from sudden sinking, but the Court observing it would be exceeding chargeable besides uncertain, would proceed no further with the project, but returned him hearty thanks for so freely offering the fruits of his labour. Another invention presented by Stephen Richard for firing ships by arrows to be shot out of long bows; he was willed to repair again to the Court this day sennight and meantime they would consider his book. Ordered that a mulct of 5l. a bag be charged on the account of Robert Stone for 15 bags of pepper sold in town, which ought to have been transported. Offer to buy 10 barrels of cloves ungarbled, the price set at 9s. per lb. Concerning Burlamachi's security for pepper bought to the value 12,333l. 6s. 8d., who had deposited seven tallies out of the Exchequer for so much money due to him from his Majesty, and delivered a bond of 20,000l.; ordered that warrants be delivered to him for the pepper bought, and the tallies and bond to be safely kept by Mr. Treasurer. Report of Mr. Governor that himself and three Committees had attended the Lord President, from whom they understood that his Majesty, taking notice of the paper lately delivered, had commanded his Lordship to signify that he would not have them discouraged in the prosecution of their trade, for he would make good his promise of protection, and countenance; his Lordship further intimated that he expected within five or six days to receive something in writing of his Majesty's further pleasure concerning this business. To which was answered that if his Majesty desired to uphold the Company it must not be done as formerly by fair words and promises only, for that will not now serve the turn, but by some real act to be done forthwith and manifested to the world, otherwise men will not be encouraged to adventure again, but will call in their estates, for where such intolerable injuries have been suffered without being righted, viz., the murdering of their servants, taking away the Company's ships
and goods, debarring them of their lawful trade, yea, and the violent dispossessing of his Majesty from his own islands, what encouragement can this give, or what hope may men expect to invite them to continuance of the trade until they see something first acted by a powerful hand upon the Hollanders to vindicate those barbarous insolencies; this being the substance of what was delivered they commended the same to his Lordship's care and took their leave. Ordered that Southam, who had been very careful in attending to the work of the Charles, survey the defects of the London and report to the Court. |
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Sept. 19.—Note presented by Mr. Hanson of the Company's officers and servants who have cleared their accounts. Jo. Walker and Edw. Seagar's, books not yet perfected. John Mountney appointed to perfect Seagar's account; and Ducy, clerk of the iron stores, ordered to perfect his accounts, without which Fotherby cannot perfect his account for the stores of the yard. Thomas Corne to give account of all the bills of runaways; motion that one Askwith may have this charge, as Corne could not attend to it; referred. The mulct of 5l. per bag charged on the account of Robert Stone on information that he had sold 15 bags of pepper in town to be suspended, and notice given to him to attend next Court. Ordered that any man desirous of buying 10 barrels and upwards of cloves ungarbled to be transported shall pay at the rate of 9s. per 1b. Committees appointed to attend the Lord President and some of the Lords of the Council at Windsor on Sunday next according to their Lordship's desire. Mr. Cox, Keeper of the Council Chamber, to have the old stable at the back of the almshouses at Poplar, for 20 nobles, and the money to be put into the poor box. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 69–74.] |
| Sept. 23. |
718. Lords of the Council to Dudley Carleton. Whereas his Majesty having been often moved by the States Ambassadors to send over all witnesses, proofs, and documents requisite for the discovery of the truth of the fact of Amboyna, has answered that if the witnesses could be induced to go over his Majesty would be very well pleased therewith; and forasmuch as all manner of persuasions have been used to said witnesses to undertake that journey, but without effect, and it is not agreeable to the rules of state for a prince to compel his subjects to go out of his own jurisdiction in a case of this nature, his Majesty's pleasure therefore is that if the States desire further testimonies and depositions of said witnesses, and will appoint any of their Ambassadors, or send over one or two judges, or authorise the Commissioners shortly to come over to see the depositions taken before any of his Majesty's judges in England on any such interrogatories as they shall think fit to propose it shall be done to their contentment. And for the documents the Company intend to produce, namely, the Bible of Capt. Towerson, and the Table Book of one Thomson, wherein there is something written with their own hands in justification of their innocence while in prison, his Majesty has commanded that the originals be sent over to said Company's agent to be by him exhibited to the judges above-mentioned, with as many certificates as
can be had to prove them to be of their own handwriting, and meanwhile authentical copies of those papers shall be kept in the Council chest. Of all which he is to give present notice to the States and others whom it may concern, and to let them know that howsoever his Majesty has been content hitherto to have patience, he does not so submit the judgment of this bloody and enormous fact (not to be paralleled by the like example betwixt any nations) to the determination of their judges, as not to reserve himself full power to see his subjects righted; and these being the last offices his Majesty can do for the furtherance of this cause he will shortly expect the resolutions of their judges, and if they do not administer good and speedy justice, his Majesty will do his subjects right by his own power. 2½ pp. [Holland Corresp.] |
Sept. 23.
The Hague. |
719. Dudley Carleton to Lord Dorchester. Is glad the East India Company have been so plain in their remonstrance to the Lords of the Council, producing the abstracts of letters received hence. His Lordship knows what a train Misselden laid to make the merchant adventurers forbear their trade at Delft, and now he would make the other forbear the East Indies; assures him he takes Misselden to be the likeliest man to have had a share in the three tons of gold (if any such sum has been distributed) that is so eager to discourage our men and bring all the trade to Holland. The Surat ships not yet come, but the Bewinthebbers meet this day at Amsterdam to resolve on their deputies. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
Sept. 29.
The Hague. |
720. Dudley Carleton to Lord Dorchester. Has not yet seen M. Joachimi, who is gone to Amsterdam principally to relate to the Bewinthebbers the particulars of the release of their ships, and to exhort them to hasten away their deputies for England. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
Sept. 30.
The Hague. |
721. Dudley Carleton to Sec. Conway. M. Joachimi has gone to Amsterdam, one of his businesses there being to hasten away the Deputies of the East India Company, and the States and Prince of Orange have written letters to the same purpose. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
