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| Oct. 1–3. |
722. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of Mr. Ferris for leave to make use of the Company's powder mills for working out a small quantity of saltpetre, referred. Report of Mr. Mun of the cause of the Committees being sent for to Windsor; first, concerning the Isle of Lewis, wherein their Lordships assured them his Majesty's intention was never to grant the Hollanders power to fortify and plant there, but only to inhabit as in divers other cities for the better civilizing and bringing commerce to those parts, and so wished the Company to put by all fears for that business; secondly, seeing the Company's unwillingness to send over the Amboyna witnesses into Holland, his Majesty would not press that point any further, but desired them to send over some original papers, as the bill of Mr. Towerson, the Psalm Book of Coulson, and other writings declaring their innocency, to their agent to show them to the judges, who are very desirous to have a sight of them, advising that the said originals should be first authenticated
before Sir Henry Marten or a public notary, and the authentications brought to remain amongst the Council Records, which, though the originals should miscarry, their Lordships would hold equal with them; to which the Committees assented, and the authentications are ready to be sent this week; the third, which they conceived to be the chief business, was about the late paper or Declaration delivered by the Company informing the Lord President of what was written from their agents concerning a great sum of money reported to be given by the Dutch for the release of their three Surat ships at Portsmouth, which paper the Lord President sent to his Majesty, who perused the same and would be glad the Company were able to make good the report, for such a sum of money will do him good service at this time, and his Lordship wished the Company had been better advised or upon a surer ground before they had devulged the same, for it was in itself scandalous and cast an aspersion upon the whole Board for which the Company were to blame, and advise that hereafter their agents might be warned to be more circumspect what they write upon hearsay. Hereto Mr. Styles replied that he had often imparted to the Lord Treasurer and Secretary of State passages from letters of his Factors abroad that were not pleasant for them to hear, yet always received thanks and encouragement to continue his advertisements, and this being a business which as the Company conceived concerned both his Majesty and the State in honour they durst do no other than acquaint their Lordships therewith, but if his Majesty and the Lords be offended at what they in their duties have done they crave pardon and will hereafter be more sparing in this kind; and Mr. Mun answered to an objection made by a Lord that their agents write not only what they hear but many times maliciously what comes in their brain, that if their agents raise these reports they deserve to be punished, but whether true or not it is no more than is generally divulged in Amsterdam, and in the mouths of almost every man upon the Exchange. With these answers their Lordships seemed well satisfied, willing the Company to continue their advertisements when they have anything that may concern the State to know, which will be acceptably taken at their hands, yet after a gentle manner admonished them to direct their agents in business of so high a nature not to receive idle and slight reports, enjoining the Company nevertheless (forasmuch as all present disclaimed any share in the pretended sum) to use their best endeavours to learn the truth of this report, and to whose hands the money should be paid or promised, and advertise their Lordships thereof. After consideration it was resolved to send the aforesaid originals and authentications by the post, the Court being of opinion that by giving something extraordinary they would be as carefully and speedily delivered as if sent by an express messenger. Letter of attorney from the Countess of Leicester, presented by Mr. Parks, for payment according to the award of the arbitrators concerning Westby's estate, he was answered that the Company expect satisfaction for Westby's bond for private trade which he had notoriously forfeited, that the Countess of Leicester was but one of Sir Thos.
Smythe's executors, and that Westby left many legatees who might challenge the estate; offer of Parks that if the letter of attorney from the Countess were not sufficient to procure the rest of the surviving executors to join with her, and to refer himself wholly to the Company. The grocers having received their full proportion of pepper, liberty is given to those who have not taken out their pepper to sell it in town, first garbling it and paying 1d. per 1b. above the Company's price, and particularly to Wm. Middleton, but none to take benefit hereof unless they be first suitors to the Court. Request of Mr. Warner concerning the goods of Jesson bought out of the Expedition, he was wished to attend the issue of the cause. Thos. Wilkinson appointed porter, void by the death of William Marlowe, if on trial he be found fit. Ordered that 10l. more out of her husband's estate be paid to Mrs. Jourdain for the prosecution of her cause against Jonas Viney, which her solicitor alleged will receive an end next term, on her promise not to trouble the Court again till the cause be determined. |
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Oct. 3.—Suit of Tho. Pearce and Tho. Nokes, sureties for Richard Pearce for pepper, to remit 30s., agreed to. Account to be made between the King and the Company for stores lent. Concerning Mr. Fotherby's accounts of the yard, and Mr. Ducy's, clerk of the ironworks. Order in Chancery in the cause depending between the Company and David Bourne, read; answer to be given this day week. A mulct of 5l. per bag charged upon Robert Stone's account for having sold 15 bags of pepper in town which should have been transported. A former order confirmed that the waiters of the Custom House who discover these abuses through their own pains to have 5s. per bag so discovered. Charles Charles' wages to be paid notwithstanding his imprisonment. 9 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 74–83.] |
| Oct. 7/12. |
723. Declaration of Dudley Carleton in the Assembly of the States General concerning the business of Amboyna, being the substance and to the same effect as the letter of the Privy Council of September 23rd. Calendared, ante No. 718. French. 4 pp. [Holland Corresp.] |
| Oct. 8. |
724. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that when David Bourne come on Friday true copies be delivered him of the orders out of the Company's books required by order of Chancery. Ordered that John Beauple and Philip Joyce, waiters of the Custom House, be paid 7l. 15s. for discovering 31 bags of pepper which after their shipping were brought on shore, 16 belonging to Mr. Morewood and 15 to Robert Stone. Suit of Messrs. Dyke and Ferrers for the use of the Company's powder mills to work out two or three tons of saltpetre; granted on condition that they pay 10l. for wear of the cogs, &c., and leave the mills in as good a state as they now are. Accounts for the powder mills to be perfected by Mr. Blyth and Edward Collins. Report of Blyth that Mr. Baron Sotherton would not permit the dam head to be mended unless he would first take a tale of his fish, which he utterly refused; the
Court holding themselves not bound to any such conditions wished him in the absence of the Baron to amend the dam, taking care that Mr. Baron be not prejudiced by any wilful neglect. Suit of John Neale and Henry Hall, anchor smiths, to have 30l. remitted owing by their father, and a further increase of price for their labours, referred to the Committees, who had lately increased the former rates. Sir James Bagg to be spoken with about cables and anchors lent by the Company for the King's service. Rent of the cellars to be paid by Mr. Bell. Ordered that a private letter from Robert Floyd to his brother, complaining of the master and purser of the Discovery, not only for putting into Ireland, but for taking in passengers and spending stores and provisions, be registered in the Black Book. Petition of Edward Lee in regard he hath been an ancient servant and has great charge of children, to be allowed to continue making bills of debts and copying the warehouse books, agreed to, but to be discharged from calling in the debts, for which John Spiller, the Company's beadle, is appointed, with 10l. salary, to be deducted out of the 30l. formerly allowed to Lee. Two butts of lemon water to be bought of Mr. Bennett at 3s. 4d. the gallon, 6s. having been paid in former years. Mr. Ellam to write to Bantam this week and send the letter to Mr. Barlowe, to be conveyed by the Holland ships now ready to go for those parts. Ordered that the mixed Committee be warned for Friday, to consult upon some present course for prosecution of the trade. 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 84–88.] |
| Oct. 10. |
725. Minutes of a Court of Mixed Committees. Mr. Governor made known that though he conceived nothing would be determined before the arrival of the ships now in Ireland, it had been thought meet that the mixed Committees might consult and prepare the business for the General Court. He then recited the encouragements formerly received from Persia, which would not prevail for raising a supply, and lately from Bantam, whither the English are at last gone from Jacatra, and are received with much joy by the King and people; and the letters from Jacatra and from Mr. Steele at Bantam being read, he observed that the President and Council had done amiss to send the Exchange (a great ship) out of the way contrary to commission, and to resolve to send home small ships, which were to set out to trade from port to port; he likewise blamed the Factors for their delay in removing to Bantam, and observed the proceedings of the Dutch to hinder them from trade there, the resolution of the Javas to pursue the war against the Dutch, the reduction in the price of pepper, so that a small stock will lade a ship of good burden, and that ryals of eight are scarce and would require longer time to provide. He then proposed to take into consideration what was fitting to be done, as it is high time to resolve. It was thereupon advised to send money at a small charge to lade home the 2,000 tons of returnable shipping in the Indies, also to open a new book and let every one underwrite what he please; but others conceived that to deliver out one half capital on the old stock and bring in half a capital in money will be the likeliest way to raise money for the division due at Michaelmas, for payment of the mariners' wages, and for this year's supply
of the trade. Alderman Freeman proposed, now that there is better encouragement than in June last, that a book be opened for five or six years, and the subscribers be obliged for payment of the five remaining half capitals to the adventurers in the old stock, one in each year, to undertake the whole business, both for the remains of the old stock and for supply of the trade, offering to underwrite 6,000l. and pay it yearly in six equal portions. After the discussion of other propositions Mr. Governor put three to the question, viz., first, Alderman Freeman's proposition; second, the sending out of a book to subscribe for one year only; and third, to sent out two ships this year upon the old stock; and the last two were referred to the determination of the next General Court. Steevens to receive 50l. on account of work done to the Charles. The Company's barge, Edmund Chambers, master, to be forthwith painted and repaired. 5 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 89–93.] |
| Oct 15. |
726. Propositions of Thomas Smethwike to the Committees of the East India Company. They have in the Indies, on the way and homewards, 23 ships of 9,460 tons, besides pinnaces and the Royal Anne of 750 tons, which it is supposed cannot return. Of these three of 710 tons went hence in 1623, four of 1,650 tons in 1624, seven of 3,820 tons in 1625, six of 2,140 tons in 1626, three of 1,130 tons in 1627, and there are now at home four of 2,800 tons. Complains of unnecessary delays in relading the ships, and urges arrangements for their more speedy return from the Indies. Argues that the charges of 10,000 tons of shipping, at 12l. per ton yearly for three years (the usual time of a voyage), for factors abroad and officers at home, and for interest paid, amounts to 500,000l., besides interest for moneys borrowed in the Indies, and that therefore it is no marvel that this stock, if now ended, produce great loss to the adventurers. That had half this shipping been sent, 180,000l. had been saved to furnish the factories with lading for the ships, and this year and next they had received double the return they are like to do. That the best way now is to forbear divisions till there is a sufficient stock in the Indies to provide lading for all the ships against their coming, and to get out of their charge of interest at high rates. Still they should not do wisely not to provide for a large stock to be sent this year to avoid a little more interest, for if there had been 100,000l. more stock in the Indies these four years it had saved double its interest and gained 100,000l. besides. Remarks upon the great question of how to get money at interest. That they should hearken no more to any new projects, but go on cheerfully, though more thriftily, on the present stock, and let the ships this year carry sufficient stock to help home the ships already there, and provide lading ready for those sent the year following. Estimate of stock as it now stands :—The ships Palsgrave, Dolphin, and Discovery arrived from Surat with goods to the value of 280,000l., which cost 80,000l., and after paying freight and customs, leaving for gains 123,200l.; the William daily expected from Persia and Surat, with goods valued at 180,000l., costing 60,000l., leaving as above for gains 93,200l.; the Morris, Eagle, and Christopher daily expected from Bantam,
with pepper valued at 111,600l., costing at 2d. per lb. 13,980l., and leaving for gains 48,820l.; the 16 other ships in the Indies in laden with goods of like value will come to 663,450l., and the charges for customs, wages, &c. about 231,450l., so that the remains of this stock may in probability yield 1,000,000l., raised on a stock of 500,000l. employed for four years, which may now be assured for 60,000l. at most. 3 pp. [Dom, Chas, I., Vol. CXVIII., No. 76., Cal. p. 353.] |
| [October.] |
727. Information of Thos. Smethwike touching the carriage of our East India Company. The Governors and Committees, though many desire the continuance of the trade, while some persuade to give it over unless the King right them against the Hollanders neither propound not will hear of any but unreasonable courses. They pretend the trade cannot be maintained on the present stock which hath neither money nor credit, yet they have all the proceeds of the 500,000l. employed to the Indies these four last years, and daily expectation of returns for 400,000l. and as much next year. All which, with their great pretences against the Hollanders not long ago they seemed to value not worth 150,000l., and lately 300,000l., but now 400,000l., which in truth is nearer worth 800,000l. They would have a new stock undertaken, and is it not more than time another 500,000l. were put into their hands to be so managed, and they to take the Company's goods among themselves at their own prices. They have now resolved to propound to the generality that two ships be sent next year to the Indies with 60,000l. cargazon to help relade ships, about 2,000 tons they say, already in the Indies; never regarding the sending of means to provide lading for the ships that shall go the year following; which inconsiderate course of late years has damnified the Company many a hundred thousand pounds. The want of due consideration is the cause of the Company's confusion, and the Governors and Committees (as it seems) have some private ends and desire not the good of the present adventures, for if they would truly show the state of the business, and the great necessity that the continuance of a trade so hopeful should be so difficult as it is made. Endorsed by Lord Carleton as above, also 8ber, 1628. 1 p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 59.] |
| Oct. 15–17. |
728. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that the Lord Mayor elect be accommodated with a bag of pepper and 30 lb. or 40 lb. of cloves to be defalked upon his account. Also that Mr. Treasurer buy 600 or 700 rix dollars offered to him, and a parcel of ryals of 8 lately brought form the Straits. The mill stones and other materials of the Company's old powder mill at Egham to be sold to the best advantage, seeing that by reason of his Majesty's prohibition they are never like to employ them any more. Discourse with Jonas Colbach, from whom, according to his own report and the letters from Messrs. Misselden and Barlow, the Company expected a discovery of some strange matter and invention which might be advantageous to them, but found nothing but airy conceits and impossibilities which he made an introduction to
his old suit concerning his wages, to which was answered that nothing was due to him, nevertheless for his further satisfaction the Court would order a re-examination of the business. As for his projects and mathematical inventions he would do well to impart them to the State, who, no doubt, in these times of war (if he can make them good) will recompense him. After discussion of the business concering Westby's estate offer was made to Mr. Parks of 200l. which he desired leave to consider, yet he offered to stand to their order though they should give him but 3d.
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Oct 17.—Committee appointed to confer privately with Mr. Treasurer about some collections he had made concerning the Company's estate, which he held unfit to be divulged in open Court, and to be concealed will be as inconvenient. Debate what was fit to be done to continue the trade this year, considering the great debt and disbursements to be made it was held to be an impossibility to proceed upon the old stock, therefore it was advised that a book be set out for a new subscription, of which there is more hope in regard of the three ships returned, the opening of Bantam, and the expectation of some good effect by the coming over of the Dutch Commissioners, who are daily expected: but to this is was answered that the composing of differences between the Companies is a work whereof no issue can be expected these many months, and that till his Majesty shall act something to encourage the generality no moneys will be raised upon a new subscription, and therefore (not withstanding their great debt, the dividend to be made, mariner's wages, custom and impost, &c. estimated to be near 300,000l.) there is no other way than to proceed upon the old stock, for the three ships now in Ireland with the Company's stock and debts in the land will discharge it all and yet leave enough to continue the trade, which may be done by dividing a whole capital in goods and bringing in a half capital in money, which will set out two ships this year, and, with the stock already in the Indies lade home 2,000 tons of returnable shipping which they have there, produce great profit and draw the old stock to an end with advantage, whereas new adventures will not care to bring home the ships belonging to the old stock, which perish in the Indies. Yet after all the Court concluded that until their ships were in the river they were not able to resolve upon certainly herein, but agreed to contract for 200 oxen and a proportionable quantity of pork, so as to fall to killing, before the frost begins. Mr. Ellam to collect from the Surat letters all the Commodities and merchandises advised by their factors to be sent to those parts. Letter read from Secretary Coke specially recommending Mr. Ball, formerly Secretary to Lord Knowles whilst Master of the Wards, for employment as purser; but he was told that though the Company were always ready to do his Honour their best service, they had many able and ancient servants who on their return would be suitors for those places, and that to accept strangers who had never been abroad and were ignorant of the employment was to dishearten and discourage their own servants, and therefore advised him not to depend upon them, yet if he shall put in his name with the rest
they will deal fairly with him. Special direction given that both Mr. Secretary's letter and Ball's petition be safely laid up in case they should be called for. The election of one in Mr. Cowley's place deferred till the arrival of the ships in the river, the salary to be 40l. Suit of a servant of Mr. Nevill's concerning allowance for rotten pepper. Suit of David Bourne for permission to compare the copies of two Acts of Court with the originals, and to have the names of the Committees present inserted in said copies; not granted 6½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 94–100.] |
Oct. 18.
Delft. |
729. Edward Misselden to Lord Dorchester. Some few days past was called before the States General, who laid before him some letters which he lately wrote into England, but when he had given his answers they had not much to say. No man living can be more wary than I what and to whom I write, yet there is no man that would be content his letters written to private men should come into Princes' hands, but the manner of this indignity done to him is far beyond the matter; entreats his Lordship to examine by what means these things thus come to pass. Sees it is a marvellous thankless office to have anything to do in this East India business, for a man cannot discharge his trust without he offends some one; therefore has written to the Company to excuse him from having any further dealing in their affairs, and prays his Lordship that nothing be put upon him by the Lords in that behalf. 1 p. [Holland Corresp.] |
Oct. 21.
Swally Road aboard the Mary Royal. |
730. William Banggam "to his loving and kind brother" John Banggam at Surat House. Is persuaded by some of his good friends to undertake this Bantam voyage, the good ship Mary being bound thither. Has warrant not be taken out of the Mary into another ship, as is their custom at Bantam, so he may return for England in her. Reported that Mr. Dover, steward of the Thomas, is to be steward of the house at Surat, and Mr. Daveson to go for England, but believes it not. Concerning his private trade. Endorsed. "Recd the 22nd October 1628." Greatly mutilated by damp. 1 p. [O.C. Vol. XII., No. 1281.] |
| Oct. 22 |
731. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Resolved not to give any further directions about their prize at Falmouth. Consideration about recalling home the Company's factors from Persia, there appearing no hope to supply them this year with any new stock, and that it is conceived all their old stock is invested in the 800 bales of silk now on the way homeward. It was at first resolved to frame a letter for their revocation, but upon serious debate and consideration of the benefit the Company receives by the customs at Ormuz and other privileges granted to their factors by that King, which have been obtained with so much charge, and the great preparations made by the Dutch not only in sending much cloth higher, but also a very great and rich present for the King, purposely to insinuate themselves in his favour and dispossess the English, and in respect that to send in the spring overland would come as timely as to send now by sea, it was resolved to suspend their resolution to recall the factors. Whereupon a motion made
and debated at large that in case the Company shall not be able to raise a stock for Persia as well as Bantam and Surat, free leave be given to such as would adventure thither for this year, which the Court conceived very reasonable, not only for Persia, but the like also for Bantam and Surat. But though this motion was very well approved of, it was thought fit to have a conference with the mixed Committees and some of the chief adventurers, and impart to the General Court what then shall be determined on. Proposition to attend his Majesty to give an account of the good success of his gracious letter to the King of Bantam, and to put the Lords in mind of the protraction of the Dutch in sending over Commissioners, who, according to their Lordships' promise in open Court, should have been in England in September last, deferred till the arrival of their ships and that they hear from Misselden. Gratuity of 20 marks to John Powell, one of the Amboyna men, especially in regard of a hurt by a fall into the hold of the Discovery and a rupture through a fall from a horse riding to Erith in the Company's Service. Morewood having refused to attend to give satisfaction concerning his 32 bags of pepper alleged to have been sold by him in town, to be charged 5l. per bag upon his account. On complaint of pepper receiving moisture in Mr. Treasurer's warehouse, ordered that it be forthwith brought into the Company's warehouse in Leadenhall. Concerning the repairs to the Charles and London, to be forthwith dispatched, and the Great James to be caulked. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI., 100–103.] |
Oct. 22.
Ispahan. |
732. William Burt, Robert Woder, and Robert Loftus to [the East India Company]. Part of the cargazoon of cloth and tin sent this year was delivered to the King's Treasurer, and they have received the full amount in silk with some overplus, for which they stand debtor to the King. Had they received any letters of the Company's this year's intents could have advanced the present returns with at least 100 bales credit, and will yet if letters come in time to dispeed it in their next fleet. What this year has been received they have six days since dispeeded in 108 great and 22 small bales, whereby the Company will find their small cargazoon well advanced and the expenses husbanded. It is 17 months since they received advice from the Company. God send them comfortable news, for it would grieve their hearts to eat their bread with idleness where their endeavours may so much advantage the Company. Have intelligence from the Exchange, designed for Mocha, that the Scout had repaired to Aden, where were only found living the master, Nathaniel Best, and one Nicholson. Hopkinson, of the Exchange, demanded the reason of their repair thither, but finds the master's answers to correspond more with his name than honestly or advisedly; from the Governor they are assured that on their return from Mocha their estate shall be restored to them and that the port is freely theirs in all merchantable advantages. Were advised that by reason of the Arabs' feud with the Moors the markets at Mocha were extremely bad. Arrival of two Dutch ships at Gombroon in July from Mocha for this year's silk, but they failed by reason of its tardy dispeed
hence, and are returned to Surat. Are advised by them that the William, with the President, departed for England in April, and are much grieved to see their cargo so singly adventured; the silk would have found more safety if Capt. Blythe's fleet had taken it in this port, which will not be amiss to be ordered by the Company. Need not enlarge upon the great advantage this trade affords, it having already by full effects manifested itself since their arrival. His Majesty's Ambassador, Sir Dodmore Cotton, died the 23rd (torn away), in the city of Kasbin, where the King intended to have given him his dispatch, having but once seen him since his arrival in Persia, when himself also was present, so that more than the delivery of his Majesty's letter, to which the Emperor has returned answer, was not treated of between them. His Lordships's extreme wants in things exteriorly befitting so high a minister caused him much disrespect, of which he was very sensible, blaming Sir Robert Sherley and his own unadvisedness. His Majesty gave present order for the dispatch of his followers towards Port, and by reason of the uncivil demeanour of the chaplain (in margin, "Dr. Goudge"), who on the King sending them each a vest, not liking his, threw it at the bringer's feet, they were very meanly dispatched to Gombroon. These passages have given themselves inexpressible discontent, and questionless had not they the better demeaned themselves their nation would have been much slighted. Upon his Lordships departure for Court, having often moved us to furnish him at his return with 150l. to furnish himself with some curiosities, we assented, after whose decease the chaplain peremptorily demanded 200l. or 250l., assuming ridiculously to himself; he was answered that a more provident comporture befitted him, but he was offered all needful expense, which he refused unless he might have 200l.; he then privately repaired to the Dutch, who furnished him with 100l. out of the means they basely and inhumanly seized from the disconsolate widow of Sir Robert Sherley, whose breath was no sooner out of his mouth than on behalf of a creditor for 5,000 crowns they basely and unworthily seized all her estate to the utmost of their knowledge. The late Ambassador sent to the Favourite to know whether Sir Robert Sherley were the King of Persia's Ambassador or on, and whether he had order to treat about ships and galleys for his service, to all which he made flat denial, advising that the King's letters were given to credit him with other princes, admiring for what purpose he should solicit the bringing of ships and galleys for these parts where they are altogether unfurnished of the managers of sea affairs. Two Franciscan friars with a letter form the King of France now treating of a commerce between the nations to be seated at Bagdad. There will be not want of silk, for the King daily plants in all parts. The Turkish invasion puts the King to excessive charges, who has demanded a loan of 30,000 tomans. The Dutch painter dispeeded jointly with the Persian Ambassador for Holland is here arrived, having left the Ambassador behind him, who is again dispatched by this King on matters of great consequence to France and Holland, viz., to remain in the country that will best accept the condition to
sell 5,000 bales of silk annually for the King, and to treat of other matters of importance. The Hollanders excessive glutting of these parts with southern spices makes the King repine at his contract, though forced at present by extreme bribes to continue the rates; they have yet two years more, but such is their excess in pepper that there will be no hope for the vent of one-third of it, and this has induced them "to motion the conjoining your strength with theirs for the surprising Ormuz and forts of the Gulf, thereby to become joint Commanders of all commerce." This was discoursed by the Commanders of their last year's fleet. Experience of the faithless and compulsive dealings of the Dutch makes it seem more secure to hold friendship with the Moors. Had we formerly been effectually informed of the state of this commerce and furnished these parts with a reasonable quantity of spices, we had long since disheartened the Dutch, and without question if we follow this commerce three or four years, furnishing some quantities of spice, we shall quite beat the Dutch out. The sole commerce would be found far more advantageous and the Persian more pliable; the danger from the Portugal might require stronger forces from England, but at present they are extraordinarily weak. On intelligence of the late abuse, the King advised the Dutch to desist in their insolent language and presumptuous proceedings to the English, wherein they find them extraordinarily conformable. The Company's letters dispeeded by way of France are questionless intercepted, wherein especial care must be had, now that the French are in hopes of commerce in Persia. The King has shown the French extraordinary favours, having also allotted them one of the fairest buildings in Ispahan; they report eight ships of theirs repairing towards India and Persia. It is now 20 months since the date of the Company's last advices; are hopeless of any until the arrival of the fleet, which has prevented their taking 100 loads of silk with them to port, which favour they had obtained of the King and Treasurer. God send good news at their arrival, for if the Company have sent no cargazoon they will lose the credit and respect they have gained, and fear prejudice in other immunities they enjoy. Endorsed, "Reced. by the way of Aleppo, the—June 1629." 6 pp. See Court Minutes of the East India Company, 19 June 1629. To impart to the generality the good news received out of Persia in this letter, which was read and discussed. at a meeting of the General Court, see Nos. 846–7. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1282.] |
| Oct. 24. |
733. Minutes of a Court of Mixed Committees of the East India Company. Mr. Governor declared it would not be long before they heard of the three Surat ships safe anchoring in the river; that since their late conference a new overture had been made, proceeding from some conferences on the Exchange, that in case the Company shall not resolve to send into Persia this year that then liberty be given to those that will, divers being of opinion that a number of sufficient merchants will be found to send out a ship and adventure a competent stock there this year, whereby so hopeful a trade may not be lost or fall into the hands of the Hollanders who
gape after it with much eagerness. From hence the former propositions [see Court Minutes October 10th] were again rehandled, and lastly another proposition of Ald. Freeman to give out two half capitals in goods to the adventurers and they to bring in one in ready money. These diversely discoursed of, but after much arguing it was the general opinion to insist upon two of the four as most likely to take effect, viz., the sending out of two ships to Bantam and Surat upon the old stock, and if that fail then to proceed on a new subscription, for though Ald. Freeman's propositions were much liked yet so many difficulties depended thereon that the Court had little hope of either of them, yet it was intended that the whole proceeding of the mixed Committees shall be made known to the General Court, which it was resolved to forbear calling until the three ships from Ireland arrive in the Downs. A bill of charges of 12l. 13s. 4d. for exemplifying the depositions and other writings concerning the cause of Amboyna to be sent into Holland, to be paid. 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 104–106.] |
Oct. 26.
Bantam. |
734. Ric. Bix, G. Muschamp, and W. Hoare, President and Council at Bantam to [the East Ind. Comp.]. The people on Sumatra in general are willing to trade, and some of them the rather for their friendship with the King of Bantam; the King of Acheen still continues to be a tyrant, and seeks to bring the pepper trade near him at Priaman that he may impose at pleasure. The Coaster made serviceable, the Dove, and Simon and Jude are at Jambi, where is ready 450 tons of pepper which they expect betimes in December. Expect the Abigail shortly, whose lading with the Speed-well's will be 300 tons, on the coast of Sumatra; the Swallow lately gone for the Coromandel coast; the Roebuck, Falcon, and Cinnamon at Bantam unserviceable, and the Speedwell also lately arrived at Bantam, the only ship fit for England; but have advised to Surat for one of the greatest ships, both overland, and make no question to have one in December by Capt. Slade, which they doubt not to dispeed full laden within a month of her arrival. The Materam, by much the greatest of the Kings of Java Major, having taken upon himself to do some exploit against the Castle and town of Jacatra, about the middle of August last there arrived many thousands of his people, who assaulted the Castle but were with no great difficulty put off, whereupon the Dutch, whether conceiving the Javas might fortify themselves in the Company's buildings, or for other cause best known to themselves, set on fire all their houses and storehouses, consumed all their goods and stores, and what the fire could not destroy they sent men to pull down and carry away. This coming to their hearing by Chinamen and others, they sent the Dove with letters to Anthony Vern worthy, chief there, who with the rest of their servants in a few days arrived on their ship and make the report true. Took their attestations, viz, of Anthony Vern worthy, merchant, Richard Broome, assistant, and Jno. Darell, surgeon, who all affirm that the Dutch did it. [See ante Nos. 693–5.] Have received certain knowledge by this King that the Javas had not any intent to damnify them; the Materam long since word that if the King of Bantam would
not entertain them fairly with trade he would provide them a residence. Thought it most fitting to frame a protest against the Dutch, and Messrs. Muschamp and Hoare went in the Roebuck the 19th September, but the Dutch General refused any conference, saying he would entertain no other business than the defence of the castle and town, and referred them to some inferior minister, with whom they left the protest. The General, however, has since read it, for the Dutch give out that they fear for their ships' stay in England since the Company have a new action against them of 200,000 ryals of eight. Beg them to give no credit to any report about this burning, for the Dutch did it. Marvel that they send other specie than ryals of eight, for none other are passable at Bantam. Had trade continued with Jacarta lion dollars might in some small quantity have passed. Endorsed, "Received by the Dutch Prince William; 100 tons of cloves received from Macassar." The first part of this letter is wanting. 3 pp. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1283.] |
Oct. 27.
Vanguard. |
735. Capt. Nicholas Parker to Edward Nicholas. Desires to be resolved whether he may take men from the Dutch men-of-war and East Indiamen outward bound, which come often into the Downs with many Englishmen in them. There are at present in the Downs six great Dutch ships bound for the East Indies, and four English East Indiamen safely arrived with a man-of-war for their wafter, Capt. Beckley (Bickley), who fought three French men-of-war, put them to the worse and took one of their ships, which is at Falmouth. [Extract, Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CXIX., No. 41, Cal. p. 362.] |
| Oct. 27. |
736. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Two hundred oxen and a proportionable rate of pork having been bought good cheap at 20s. the cwt., ordered that the slaughtermen begin to kill on Wednesday, and that Wm. Pingley, who was keeping prick and check on the London at Woolwich be sent for to attend this service, and Ephraim Ramsey take his place on the London. Complaint against Thos. Hillary, aboard the French prize at Falmouth, his wages to be stayed. Complaint of defective biscuit sent out in the Exchange. Letters received that the three Surat ships are safely arrived in the Downs. Mr. Governor thereupon propounded to the Court to appoint a time for calling a General Court, and after briefly recapitulating the particulars chiefly insisted upon at their late conferences, it was resolved that a General Court be summoned on Friday. Sufficient men to be appointed for unlading the three ships, it being feared that advantage may be taken of a fire that happened in the Palsgrave after she was laden in the Indies to embezzle her goods at her unlading, and to take exact account from the purser who or his mate is always to be aboard until the ship be unladen, and the like course to be taken with the rest of the ships. A particular to be drawn out of the Surat letters of provisions lent to the Dutch in the Indies, and sent to Mr. Barlow to demand payment from the Dutch East India Company. 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 106–108.] |
Oct. 31.
The Hague. |
737. Dudley Carleton to Sec Conway. The East India Directors are here making ready for their journey into England, the persons nominated being Simon de Ricke of Amsterdam, Meerens of Horne, General Carpentier, one de Haes of Zealand, with an advocate named Heemskerke. The States are perusing their papers, and dispatching their commissions, and they intend speedily to set forward with M. Joachimi to England; but they first desire letters of safe conduct from his Majesty as others have had, after the form sent by this bearer to their Ambassador. The judges of the Amboyna cause advance very slowly, having stuck above three weeks in consultation what to do upon the presentation made by his Majesty touching the witnesses they desired sent over, according to the proposition he made to the States by order of the Lords of the Council. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Oct. 31. |
738. Court Minutes of the East India Company. After a relation by Mr. Governor of the business to be brought before the General Court, it was resolved that the last two Courts of mixed Committees be first read to the General Court, and then the two letters from Bantam, but not the general letter as impertinent to the business of the day, and that the delivery of the King of Bantam's letter to his Majesty be deferred till their ships are in the river, and then to present it together with the King of Bantam's present. Sir Edward Randall and his Lady to be spoken to about their promised assurance to the Company for the ground whereon their powder mills are built near Guildford, for if Lady Morgan, wife to Mr. Baron Sotherton, die, the Company's estate may be questioned by Sir Edward in right of his Lady, who is the daughter of Lady Morgan; and it was ordered that Sir Edward be offered once more the assurance to seal, and 20l. to buy his Lady a velvet gown, and if he refuse then to commence a suit in Chancery to force him. Sails and rigging to be ordered for the London and Charles, but the masts deferred till the resolution of the General Court; 120 bolts of canvas for pepper bags from Bridewell at 12d. per ell ordered, and the bags forthwith to be cut out, to be ready against the coming in of the ships. The will of the late President Hawley, delivered to his brother and executors to read, and a copy ordered to be made for him. Suit of Mr. Edwards against paying 1d. per lb. for his 60 bags of pepper. Nathaniel Cobb appointed to the place of Walker at the waterside, and Thomas Chauncie in place of Cowley at the Exchange, with the yearly salaries of 40l. apiece. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 109–112.] |
| Oct. 31. |
739. Minutes of a General Court. Mr. Governor reported that not only the three Surat ships, the Palsgrave, Dolphin, and Discovery are safely arrived in the Downs, but also a fourth ship, the Morris, from Bantam, which was most happily met with near Scilly by Capt. Bickley, who was sent out to relieve any ship from the Indies, she being in a very weak state by reason of an infectious disease; for sending home which ships with so fair and large a return it became them all to bless God; nor was that all, for they have some hope of the return of the Eagle this year, which
lost company with the Morris beyond the Cape, and is thought to have gone for St. Laurence Island to refresh and stop a small leak; besides they may also look for the William from Surat before Christmas, for she was to receive her lading of 800 bales of silk from Persia in March last; which will give encouragement to the adventurers to go cheerfully on in the trade, especially if they be protected by the King and State, whereof they make no doubt. Mr. Governor then ordered Mr. Steele's letters and the proceedings of the mixed Committees to be read, and recited the propositions mentioned in the mixed Committees' Court, viz, to send out two ships this year for Surat and Bantam, with 30,000l. quick stock in each, on the old stock, or to set out a book for a new stock, and a third course, namely, to give free liberty to those that will to send there and likewise into Persia, in case the Company resolve not to send thither themselves this year, which was left to their consideration; but Mr. Governor delivered his opinion that there was little or no difference whether to proceed upon the old or upon a new subscription, but without sending a round stock to fetch home their remains and freight their returnable ships (which were at least 2,000 tons), they would perish in the Indies to the great dishonour of the nation and prejudice of the Company, but whatever they resolve will be all one to him, so as the trade go on. Remarks of Mr. Deputy on their prospects, and that now they should put their hands to the plough. Debate upon divers overtures and propositions for prosecution of the trade; Mr. Governor observing that these particulars had been severally and at large discoursed, put it to the question in this manner, "As many of you as think fit to send out two ships, the one for Surat and the other for Bantam, for this year only, with a quick stock of 60,000l. or 70,000l. upon the old stock, or upon a new subscription, hold up your hands," and by erection of hands it was ordered and concluded to be upon the old stock, and it was likewise resolved to divide one half capital in pepper to be transported, but the price left till the arrival of the ships in the river, when another General Court shall be summoned. In regard there is at present great scarcity of calicoes in the Kingdom, which will sell at good prices, ordered that none of them be divided, but sold by the Company. Yet although the Court hath resolved to send out two ships again upon the old stock this year, it was not to be understood that it is done to continue the trade, but only the better to fetch home the remains of their stock, and to freight their serviceable ships in the Indies; for until they really find the protection of the King and State, and see that justice is done upon the Hollanders for their barbarous cruelties and intolerable injuries, it was not their meaning to make preparations for continuance of the trade, but only to use their best endeavours to bring home what is abroad. On the motion of Mr. Governor the Court (commending the just proceedings of the Court of Committees in this particular) ordered that unless the mulct of 1d. per 1b. or 20s. per bag be paid by those who have not taken out their pepper, the same be not delivered to them. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 112–117.] |
| Oct. |
740. The King's letter of safe conduct for the Deputies of the Netherlands East India Company appointed by the States General to come to England to treat and settle the differences between the two East India Companies. French. 1½ pp. [Holland Corresp.] |
