|
| Dec. 1. |
754. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Resolved not to send any pinnace to attend the two ships to the Indies, because pinnaces usually hinder the great ships, but to send the Charles for Surat and the London for Bantam, the Reformation deemed unfit in regard of her bad sailing. Ordered that the Charles be launched and the London be put in repair; also that 100 fodder of lead for kintledge be bought, 60 or 70 tons for the Charles and the remainder for the London, which it was conceived will sell well at the coast, and that officers be chosen for the two ships on Monday, and a bill set up in the hall to that effect. Capt. Pynn entertained commander of the London at 10l. per month, and directed forthwith to repair to Erith to take care of that ship's hauling ashore and repairing. Letters read from Messrs. Misselden and Barlow certifying the sending over of divers of the wrecked men of the Morris at an agreement of 8d. per day per man; ordered that satisfaction after that rate be given to Timothy Hart and the other master that brought them over. Five pounds to be paid to John Pecke of Harwich for his hoy employed five days about relief of their ships in distress. The election of a land purser in place of Nathaniel Cobb, employed at the Custom House deferred. Ordered that Capt. Weddell be treated with about going commander of the Charles. 2(½)pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI., 158–160.] |
Dec. 2.
Whitehall. |
755. Sec. Conway to Sir Robert Heath, Attorney-General. Certain printed papers go from hand to hand containing a relation of the proceedings of the Dutch against the English in Amboyna. which is set down in such manner as may breed much disaffection between the King's subjects and those of the Low Countries. Since his Majesty has taken that business into his own hands, and finds that these loose papers only exasperate misunderstandings, the Attorney-General is to prepare a Proclamation for the suppression of these, and all other writings and speeches not suiting with the good terms of amity between his Majesty and his allies the States General. 1p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CXXII., No. 2, Cal. p. 401.] |
| Dec. 3. |
756. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Gratuity of 40s. to Lucio Frezza, an Italian Minister, who had been a Popish priest and was banished his country for Christ, but has for 10 years
lived in the orthodox Protestant religion, and now finds himself in extreme poverty with a wife and small children. Every care and diligence to be used for lading the Charles and London; 20 month's provision for Bantam and 18 for Surat thought a competent proportion, but bread only for Surat for 12 months because it can be supplied as good and cheaper there, and for a trial in each ship three or four buts of muscadine wine to be sent instead of canary, which Capt. Weddell held would be very good for the ships company, he having observed that the Dutch always sent some. Committee to conclude with some linen drapers desirous to contract for the damnified calicoes. Resolved to send this time lead, coral, amber beads, strong waters, knives, and the 1,500l. worth of quick-silver at Dover of the old store, and to allow for the best ryals from Leghorn 5s. per ryal at four months after delivery, so they be delivered before the last of February. A General Court, also a Court of Sales, to be summoned, at which to offer the Company's silk by the candle, exception having been taken at the private sale of the last parcel, at the price of 26s. 8d. at six and six months. That it should then be propounded in case the Company will not adventure to Persia this year, to give free liberty to other of the adventurers that will, to send out a ship or two thither this year that so hopeful a trade may not be utterly lost. Request of David Bourne for payment of 150l. out of the 875l. ordered to be paid to him by the last General Court, granted. Suit of Mr. Stevens for the money due to him for work on the Charles. After examination of all the accounts, ordered that Mrs. Jourdain be paid the remainder of Capt. Jourdain's estate, and releases to be reciprocally sealed. Ordered that 5l. more be given to Adrian Mooter, who lay lame at Plymouth of a hurt received in fight with the French in the Reformation under Capt. Bickley, and is like to perish unless supplied with means for his diet and cure, the Court being sensible of his misfortune and loth the poor man should miscarry for want of means to relieve him. Capt. Weddell entertained Commander of the Charles on the agreement made two years since, viz., 16l. 13s. 4d. per month, and Capt. Bickley, master, at 13l. 6s. 8d. per month, whom the Court would have placed in the London, which is now supplied by Capt. Pynn, had the Company in time understood he purposed to go again to the Indies, with the promise if any place be void at his coming into the Indies to have it. Capt. Bickley expressed his willingness to accompany Capt. Weddell by shaking of hands and exchanging a reciprocal embracement the one of the other. The Court being glad to see the good accord of these two worthy and able Commanders desired them to take care of their ship, and they both promised to expedite her dispatch all in their power. 6pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 161–166.] |
| Dec. 4. |
757. [Sec. Conway] to Dudley Carleton. His proceedings concerning the Amboyna business well approved of. He is to continue the same language and press the States to give his Majesty's subjects satisfaction. The King's respects to the States and his patience hitherto hath not deserved these delays which if they persist in he
will take other courses to right his subjects. [Extract, Holland Corresp. May 1628.] |
| Dec. 5–10. |
758. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Direction to be given to Mr. Barlow to send over the books of account happily save out of Morris, and to sell at Amsterdam some small parcels of her goods recovered out of the sea. Warrants ordered to Jno Poynett and Nicholas Sneddall for payment of 10l. for piloting the Dolphin and 8l. for the Discovery, but old Mr. Poynett not being content with what had formerly been given for the Palsgrave and Reformation, is referred to next Court. Also the payment of 20 nobles to John Pecke for hire of his hoy for carrying down anchors, cables, &c. to Harwich and Yarmouth for relief of the Company's ships in the late great storm; his offer accepted to recover the anchors and cables "let ship". Petition of Thomas Lane, M.A., on behalf of his mother, a poor widow, for the wages of her servant Geo. Jackson, which were forfeited by his returning to England without leave, the Court in compassion bestowed on her 5l. John Elsemore, late mate in the Expedition, appointed mate of the London at 4l. 10s. per month. The owners of the Edward to be paid their due, also the remainder due to Mr. Steevens for his contract upon the Charles. Respecting the sale of calicoes in gross or in parcels, and of silk by the candle or in private, deferred till Monday, but the sale of cinnamon concluded upon, and a price propounded for Malabar pepper, viz., 20d. garbled and 19d. ungarbled to be transported or 18½ if sold in one parcel by the candle. Propositions for sending cloves to Leghorn to be returned in ryals, and for the disposal of indigo and cotton referred to the General Court. Offers of Alderman Freeman and Job Harby to accommodate the Company with cables and cordage. Lieut. Simcock's wages up to the discharge of the Reformation to be paid, also his bill of charges. |
|
Dec. 8.—Resolved to move to the General Court to sell their silk and cinnamon, and to make overture to any contractors for the whole parcel of calicoes, and then to propound the particular voyage to Persia to see if the Company will give leave to private merchants to send a ship or two for this year only. Offered to serve biscuit at 12s. per cwt.; referred. Ordered that Tho. Poynett receive 5l. for pilotage of the Reformation into the Thames, 11l. for the Palsgrave. and 4l. for extraordinaries. Francis Lloyd, late purser in the Dolphin, recommended for employment. Committees to view cordage from Muscovia. 40 or 50 tons of cider to be forthwith provided for next year's fleet. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI., 167–172.] |
| Dec. 8. |
759. Minutes of a General Court. Statement of Mr. Governor in answer to "idle and vain rumours," which he desired might "be blown over and washed away," that the disaster to the Morris had happened through the improvidence of the Committees in not supplying her with cables and anchors. The raw silk put to the candle and bought by Ald. Garway at 25s. 10d. per lb.; the cinnamon sold at 5s. per lb. to Richard Leigh. The price set upon pepper by the Court of Committees confirmed, viz., for Malabar
ungarbled 19d. per 1b., and garbled 20d., and for Bantam 17d. and 18d. The calicoes to be sold in parcels and not in gross. Proposition of Mr. Governor that seeing the weakness of the old stock could not supply Persia as well as Surat and Bantam, the Company would give leave to such adventurers as will raise a stock to send a ship or two for this year only, considering the great loss of blood spilt to purchase that trade, the charge expended, the perfection it is now brought to, the benefit received by customs at Ormuz, the contract made with that King for commodities of these kingdoms, as cloth, and tin, &c., and the exceeding loss and dishonour to this country if after all that has been done it shall now be put into the hands of the Dutch, who gape after nothing more than to gain this hopeful trade. Motion of one of the generality, who said he verily believed the remainder of the half capital not divided would be sufficient to supply Persia as well as Surat and Bantam; it was resolved to refer this proposition to the mixed Committees to be seriously debated. Suit of Geo. Bennett to be discharged of the mulct of 5l. per bag for not transporting his pepper; refused. 3½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI., 172–175.] |
| Dec. 10. |
760. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Payment to Jane, wife of Baptist Norris, baker of the Company's house at Surat, of debts returned in the purser's books. Ordered that after deduction of the sums owing on his Patani account the remainder of the 50l. legacy of his uncle, Capt. Jourdain, be paid to John Jourdain. John Kingston elected purser of the London, and John Swinglehurst his mate; Edward Prescott, steward, and Constantine Woodrofe his mate; also Francis Lloyd, purser of the Charles, and Geo. Gosnoll, his mate; Lyson Syre, steward, and Alex. Sibthorpe, his mate. Clement Dunscombe, son of a merchant, "a towardly young man, and writes a fair hand, recommended by the Company's Secretary, entertained writer under the President at Surat at 20l. per annum. Repairs ordered for the London to be brought up against the King's Wharf at Woolwich. Relation of Mr. Governor how much he is haunted daily by divers suitors concerning the delivery of their goods brought home as private traders, especially by Mrs. Darby and Mrs. Johnson, and that for the latter the quantity was so great that the freight comes to 300l.; it was the opinion of the Court to punish the offenders either by detention of their goods or by imposing a round freight. Concerning Messrs. Hill and Bullen, of "Lumberstreete," who had bought 23 parcels of private goods, which were seized at Sandwich and put into the Custom House. Debate upon the relation of Mr. Ellam, who hath sorted the calicoes in parcels of 5,000 pieces, and set a price on them of 3 or 3½ for one. Ordered that the cotton wool be sorted. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI., 175–181.] |
| Dec. 11. |
761. Minutes of a Court of Mixed Committees. Mr. Governor made known all that had previously been debated upon the motion for prosecution of the Persian trade, which was now again taken into consideration, and after long debate showing the impossibility for the old stock to prosecute that trade, seeing the Company's debts since taking the balance six months since of their estate by interest
and other occasions is grown from 82,000l.to 110,000l. more than was in the land to pay, and that the only way to proceed is to give leave to freeholders of the Company to set out one or two ships with a competent stock for Persia. These propositions being "sufficiently argued" at this Court consisting of 48 of the principal adventurers, it was in the first place absolutely agreed and concluded by general erection of hands that the old stock is not able to send out an adventure to Persia this year to supply that trade and in the next place it was likewise concluded to give way to any new adventurers, freemen of the Company to set out a voyage this year for Persia, no man to underwrite less than 200l., but to have subadventurers if he please, and that a General Court be called on Monday to report these proceedings. 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XI., 182–186.] |
| Dec. 12. |
762. Court Minutes of the East India Company. That 200l. be paid on account to Francis Browne, the father and executor of Thomas Barker, the Company's late factor in Persia. Burlamachi's proposition to contract for all the Company's pepper approved, and Committees nominated to treat with him. Proposition for adventurers to take out their 10th and 11th divisions in pepper referred to the General Court; also whether to sell calicoes, indigo, cotton wool, cloves, gumlac, and other commodities by private treaty or by the candle. Request of John Vyne, late master of the Discovery, for delivery of his goods. Purchase of 48 pipes of canary and eight of muscadine wine reported. The release of the Countess of Leicester and the other executors of Sir Thomas Smythe concerning the estate of Westby read and accepted, and payment ordered of 275l. awarded by the arbitrators. Resolved not to send any factors in these ships, though Edw. Heynes is specially recommended by Mr. Rastell. A proposition to send a preacher referred; also not to admit Smethwike or any other to view the Company's books of accounts without further order from the General Court. Propositions of Mr. Blyth, and Edw. Collins, and others concerning the Company's powder mills read and deferred. Request of Capt. Weddell for a barge for his ship condescended to, and a proportion of 40 pieces of ordnance for the Charles and 38 for the London approved. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XI., 186–190.] |
| Dec. 12. |
763. Commission and instructions from the President and Council at Surat to Captain Richard Swanley for a voyage to Gombroon in the Persian Gulf and back. The principal and sole purpose of his employment is the transport of Moors goods and persons, according to promise. Confirm him in chief command of the Jonas to go admiral, the Hart vice-admiral, and the Christopher, Expedition, Hopewell, Eagle and pinnace James, with all power provided that in cases of life and death the delinquents be reserved in irons until his return. To sail in company with the Dutch, and not disunite forces unless compelled by weather; and to treat the Moors and other passengers with all courteous respect, especially Cherant Khan his Majesty's Ambassador and family. Richard Preddis, merchant, Andrew Evans, Alexander Ball, Thomas Watts,
William Mynors, Peter Cowlan, William White, and Richard Garlick to be his council, and Thomas Turner, purser, to keep a register of all consultations, himself to have a casting voice. Their employers, for reasons best known to themselves, discontinuing trade in those parts, and being advertised by letters from the agent there of the Persians doubted perfidious intention to dispossess them of the moiety of the customs at Gombroon for breach of contract in commerce, to prevent the least occasion he is charged to make public proclamation aboard the ships, that no person fraudulently presume to protect any goods appertaining to any passengers or others, to defeat the Shah Abbas of his right and their masters of their customs on pain of forfeiture of goods and wages, punishment as felons, and remitting home in irons. To see strictly executed the Acts prohibiting the lading of cotton wool, tobacco, rice. If he surprise any Portuguese or other enemy's vessels to have an account taken of all merchandise, forestal all embezzlements, and distribute one sixth part as from home ordered. Strict inventories to be kept by the purser of each ship of the goods, moneys, of persons deceased, the goods for sale to be delivered to Mr. Preddis, apparel and necessaries to be sold by outcry at the mast. The Portugals having annually given out to attend the arrival of our fleet in Persia, and being doubtful if they have dispeeded their forces for the Gulf, to use all providence to avoid separation of his fleet, or losing company of the Dutch; to hale into Jask Road, and send ashore letters from Cherant Khan to the Sultan to ascertain the Portugal's strength about the Isles of Ormuz, which if greater than he and the Persian passengers are willing to encounter, he is to land their goods and persons, advise the agent at Gombroon, demand one or two able men to take account of the customs, and beg them to lade such silk as they have upon the Dutch ships and transport it to Jask if it may be done. If certified that the Portugals are weak to navigate to Gombroon with all expedition, deliver their letters to the agent, land goods, and not linger above 10 or 15 days; for his timely return much imports their affairs, being absolutely resolved to lade home the Hart on his return, and send a fifth ship in her company. If there be no fear of the enemy and the agent have provided a sufficient quantity of gera or red earth of Ormuz, to lade the Eagle and James or either, he may dispeed them thither, there to await his coming. If his return without the Dutch be perilous he may stay for them and take in what goods he can. Richard Preddis to supply any provisions wanting, who is exempted from his command and to be respected as next to himself, he, Geo. Williamson and Signor Jeronimo, factors, to be accommodated with cabins. The winds Favourable, to look into Dabul and other ports for vessels of the Deccanese or others not subject to this King or having their pass, surprise them and bring them into this road without the least injury; but if this consume any time to the disadvantage of his speedy gaining of Swally Road then to relinquish the project. In case of his decease, Andrew Evans, master of the Hart, to succeed to the command of the fleet. Postscript. Notwithstanding a postscript clause to return without the Dutch the late disaster befallen
the Little James in the river whereby he is deprived of a seventh ship, has induced the Dutch and themselves to make a more firm league betwixt the fleets, he is therefore on no occasion whatsoever to divide the fleet, but to go and return in their company, unless some accident compel him. Signed by Richard Wylde, John Skibbowe, Jos. Hopkinson, Geo. Page, and Richard Boothby. The Postscript is not signed by Boothby. Endorsed, "per the Blessing, &c. 5½ pp. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1286]. |
| Dec. 15. |
764. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered because of the scarcity in London of ryals of 8 that Mr. Barlowe provide 2,000l. or 3,000l. worth of that specie in Amsterdam in readiness to be shipped with those exported from Leghorn. Discussion whether to send the Reformation to Persia in respect of her bad sailing, or the Straits ships Sampson, Hercules, &c.; deferred. Also whether the new stock shall be managed by the same Governors as the old or by the new adventurers alone. Ordered that the wet saltpetre come home in their ships be sent to the powder mills to be boiled and made serviceable. Also that Mr. Vyne, master of the Discovery, receive 50l. on account of wages. 1½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI., 190–191.] |
| Dec. 15. |
765. Minutes of a General Court. Report of Mr. Governor of the proceedings of the Committees and principal adventurers for prosecuting the trade to Persia, and that 45 out of 48 adventurers were for a new subscription; that they had caused a preamble to be made, to which divers had already subscribed 500l., 1,000l., 1,500l., and some 3,000l. each. Exceptions taken to the preamble that the new adventurers were intended only to go to Persia, whereas liberty is given to visit Surat and other parts of the Indies, which if granted will be a great loss to the old adventurers, and many doubts and jealousies were cast out as if there were some underhand working to thrust out the old adventurers from this trade of Persia and gain it to themselves, that the old stock is sufficient to send this year to Persia as well as to Surat and Bantam, and that some might be appointed to examine the Company's estate before confirmation be given of the new subscription; but the Court satisfied that the new adventure will be a benefit rather than hindrance to the old stock, by preserving the trade of Persia, which would be utterly lost if discontinued but this year, and in danger to be gained by Hollanders, from whom it would never he recovered, and upon arguing the matter at large, being also fully satisfied of the impossibility to proceed upon the old stock, and that no way more fit can be thought of for the present, ratified and confirmed by erection of hands, the course resolved upon by the mixed Committees for a new subscription. And concerning the motion made to have some appointed for perusal and examination of the Company's estate, to the end satisfaction might be given to those that remained unsatisfied, the Court of Committees desiring that nothing be concealed in the accounts, which nevertheless the Company are to expect from Mr. Treasurer, and the Auditors, and Accountants, and not from the Governor and Court of Committees as some imagined, a Committee of 22 persons, whose names are given, were appointed
for this business. Ordered that the book be open till Christmas eve for such as are in town to underwrite, and till the last of January for gentleman and others in the country. An offer to buy all the Company's pepper as well as the sale of calicoes referred to the Court of Committees. A Court of Sales appointed for Friday next for the sale of cotton wool, cotton yarn, cloves, gumlac, and other commodities, and bills to be set up on the Exchange to give knowledge thereof. Ordered that any man may take out his 10th and 11th half capital in pepper before it be contracted for. 3½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XII., 191–195.] |
| Dec. 17–19. |
766. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Suit of David Bourne for payment of 200l. more of his adventure, ordered to be paid to him; his examination in respect of his unthankfulness and bad launguage, as though the Company had dealt so extremely with him that he suffered in his estate at least 1,500l., which speeches he utterly denied to have used; ordered that the remainder due to him be paid on signing a release not as of right but as of mere charity. Order that the Discovery being found strong enough with new sheathing to make another voyage to the Indies be brought into Blackwall Dock; Steevens promised to do all she needed within 14 days. News brought by John Hunter, purser of the William, of her safe arrival at Falmouth, which occasioned a treaty, on the point of being concluded, for sale of all their pepper, to be left to further consideration. The rest of the Court spent in reading the letters brought by Hunter. |
|
Dec. 19.—Gratuity of 5l. to Richard Chambers, a Farmer's Deputy, and his assistants, who made stay of 75 pieces of calicoes since brought into the Company's warehouse. David Bourne's release read and ordered to be engrossed for him to subscribe. Ordered that Wm. Cockaine be paid the residue of the account of Randall Syms. The grocers to be put off an answer about the pepper until Burlamachi, who it is conceived will make the best offer, may be spoken with. Proposal of Mr. Governor, now that the William is returned richly laden, to divide a half capital in pepper and cloves, to be debated on Tuesday next, some advising that it may rather be done in calicoes, in respect of the quantity they have and the high rates they are set at. Resolved after full debate that all goods brought home in private trade in the Palsgrave, Dolphin, and Discovery, be brought from the Custom House to Crosby House, and then restored to those who claim them upon payment of freight according to the Company's rate, except indigo and calicoes, which are not to be delivered without special order. Gratuity of 30 lb. of pepper each to Messrs. Dawes, Carmarthen, and Hollowaie for this time only, for the favour they pretend they afford in the dispatch of the Company's business at the Custom House. Ordered that the men of the Morris be paid their wages until her lading at Bantam, but not to have any wages from that time to her casting away, only those hired in the Downs to have 5l. per man. John Skinner appointed land purser in the room of Cobb, to look to the lading of the ships and prevent their being stuffed with the private goods of the Company's servants. Ordered
that the messenger of the Admiralty attach Elias Sherbrooke, carpenter of the Discovery, and others, and carry them before Sir Henry Marten to be proceeded against for raising a mutiny and forcing that ship into Ireland, whereas she might have come directly into the Downs. Contract with Burlamachi for all the Company's pepper at 19d. per lb. for Malabar, and 17d. for Bantam, ungarbled, to be transported at 18 months from 15th of January, and to have the refusal of the pepper in the William at the same price and time from delivery. Ordered that such as have not taken out their pepper to be transported may receive it to be sold in town, paying 20s. per bag, with liberty to garble it. A General Court of Sales only appointed for this afternoon, so resolved to refer any motion concerning the trade to the next General Court. Petition of Henry Fornely for the value of his barque taken by the Reformation and sunk, whereby he lost the utmost of his estate to the value of 100l. Bill of Mr. Williamson, the Company's Proctor, to be paid; also the wages of Wm. Mascall, shipped in the Downs in the Palsgrave, at 20s. per month. The Company's wonted charity of 10l. to the hamlets of Stepney and Blackwall "to be disposed against this blessed time amongst the poor there at the discretion of the churchwardens," to be continued, and 4s. apiece conferred on divers poor women. 6½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 195–201.] |
| Dec. 19. |
767. Minutes of a General Court of Sales. At the desire of Mr. Governor thanks were first given to Almighty God for sending home the William, three times the value of the lost Morris, in safety to Falmouth. Sale of cotton wool, cotton yarn, cloves, and spikenard, with names of purchasers and the prices. Offers of Messrs. Collins and Blythe for the powder mills considered after the rising of the Court; Collins accepted, and ordered to be digested into form, and his security taken. An inventory to be made of the materials to be delivered to Collins, with 200 barrels of old powder to refine at 15s. per barrel, and two or three tons of saltpetre upon which to make a trial. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 201–203.] |
| Dec. 22–24. |
768. Court of Minutes of the East India Company. Debate upon three propositions for bringing the William from Falmouth, 1st, whether to accept the offer of two of the King's ships, but resolved not to have anything to do with the King's ships but to expect the coming of the William with the Holland ships; secondly, whether to bring the William's silk by horse from Falmouth to London by waggon, but in was estimated that the charges would not be less than 2,000l. or 1,500l., and that it would be impossible to procure 800 horses in those parts; and, thirdly, whether to freight two of the Turkey merchant ships and send them to Falmonth to conduct the William, which was held the better course, and Committees were desired to treat with the owners and report to the next Court. The freedom of the Company conferred on Eliab, Michael, and Matthew, brothers of Daniel Harvy, desirous to be adventures in the new subscription for Persia and the fine referred to their own voluntary dispositions, though it was conceived they could not give less than 10l. to the poor box |
|
Dec. 24.—Letter read of Robert Flud from Ireland complaining of the master and purser of the Discovery for selling goods on board, private trade, and other matters; referred for consideration. The propositions for bringing the William or her silk from Falmouth again considered; ordered to make use of the King's two ships at Plymouth, and to strike a tally for the money to be advanced for their victualling to be repaid out of the impost as promised. Request of Mr. Fuller, a minister, to be entertained in the next ships for the Indies; to preach a thanksgiving sermon for the safe arrival of the Company's three ships, leaving it to him to choose a fit text. Gratuity of 20 marks to John Spiller, beadle, for extraordinary services. Ordered that Sir John Smith and the other executors of Sir Thomas Smythe have a warrant full of the estate of Richard Westby, deceased, whose bond is to be delivered up. Ordered that Henry Andrews, executor to his deceased brother, be allowed 8d. per lb. for his brother's pepper. 4¾ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 204–208.] |
| Dec. 24. |
769. Minutes of a General Court. Report of Mr. Governor that it hath pleased God liberally to repay the loss of the Morris with the return of the William, as rich a ship as ever they had from the Indies, with not a sick man in her, nor any dead by the way save one that fell overboard, and because of these dangerous times the occasion of this meeting was to consult for the safe bringing about of said ship which was computed to be worth 170,000l. or thereabouts. But before the consideration of this business protests were made by Messrs. Giles and Mynn, Sir Peirs Thellwall, and Mr. Pedaell Harlowe against the resolution of the last General Court for the Persian voyage unless it might proceed upon the old stock; answered by Mr. Governor. Opinion of one of the generality that since the coming of this rich ship the trade for Persia might be pursued upon the old stock; to which was answered that it is all one for a merchant whether he receive goods or money, if the Persian trade be set out upon the old stock then a man shall keep his money in his purse, if upon the new subscription then the goods of the William will perhaps afford a division to the old adventurers, and that it had been settled two or three times by the General Court that no more should be ventured upon the old stock. Arguments upon two questions put forward how to give satisfaction to those who will not give consent for a new subscription, and, secondly, how to find a stock; that those who had been directed to look into the Company's estate had found sufficient in the land to send for Persia upon the old account (and to keep Bayard in the stable) though the William had not come home, and that in February next 130,000l. would be due; but Mr. Governor called for a note of debts collected by Mr. Treasurer, whereby it appeared that in February next only 800l. will be due, and in February twelve months 1,000l.; Mr. Deputy also intimated that it was the desire of the whole Company to pursue the trade, and their expectation that the Committees, who by reason of their experience are best able, should give wholesome counsel and advice touching the same, and considering that at present the Company are indebted upon interest above 200,000l., and that if the
Persian voyage shall be set out upon the old stock it will add 100,000l. more to the debt at interest, and if the Court of Committees should advise the Company to pursue their trade upon so great interest he conceived it would be no wholesome counsel; in fine, after much debate, and considering, it was upon mature deliberation agreed to send out but two ships and only this year upon the old stock unless each particular man of the Company should give consent, and forasmuch as the order of the last General Court, whereby license is given to those that will underwrite a new subscription for Persia this year, was not only disputed in the Court of Committees, but also consented to by 44 out of 47 at a Court of Mixed Committees, and lastly, that it was argued and concluded at the last General Court, it was resolved that those orders be confirmed, and also that further time be given to any that please to underwrite till saturday next that no man hereafter pretend he was surprised or prevented for want of time. The resolution of the Court of Committees to make use of the King's ships at Plymouth to waft the William about, confirmed. The Court having risen Anthony Withers required Mr. Secretary to register his protest against the proceedings of the General Court giving liberty for a new subscription for Persia, because that trade is not pursued upon the old stock as well as the Bantam and Surat trade, which he conceived was first intended. 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 208–212. |
| Dec. 26. |
770. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Gratuity of 20l. to Capt. Parker, who had done many good offices, particularly in accommodating the Palsgrave with a long boat and men in the Downs. Mr. Treasurer to inquire after the ryals of 8 brought home in the Zant? (Levant ?) fleet, and give 5s. per ryal at four months after delivery. John Davies to be paid the remainder of his wages due in the Palsgrave. Eliab, Michæl and Matthew Harvey made freemen of the Company and take the accustomed oath, the Court "expecting from them some reasonable fine in that respect, but they presenting to the court but 6l., which howbeit they refuses not, yet they wished that Daniel Harvey would acquaint his brothers that the Court expected they would have enlarged themselves in a more bountiful manner, for the favour conferred upon them in not usually permitted to any under 20l. a man." Warwicke Fownes and Robert Percye, servants to Hugh Perry, to be admitted to their freedom upon a voluntary fine if from their indentures it appear that they were bound to Perry after he himself was a freeman, otherwise to pay 20l. apiece. Monday next appointed for choosing officers for the Discovery and Reformation, and to order the buying of cloth and kerseys. Tho beadle to give notice to the new adventurers for Persia to meet on Monday about paying in their subscription and governing this voyage. Resolved before determining how to bring about the William, that Mr. Sec. Coke be attended and desired to call before him the Officers of the Navy and Ordnance, to be truly informed how soon the King's two ships can be made ready. Also that a letter be written to Poynett, the pilot, to go presently into the Downs with his catch to attend the coming of the William. 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 213–215.] |
| Dec. 29. |
771. Minutes of a Court of the Governor, Deputy, and Committees of the second joint stock and of the new adventurers for Persia and other parts of the Indies. Mr. Governor declared that he cannot choose but let them know how he rejoiced in seeing the willingness and real performance of the new adventurers by their large subscriptions to uphold the Persian trade, which there is now good cause to hope the Hollanders shall not obtain that hopeful trade which they have so much desired and thirsted after, observing that 30 persons have underwrit for 40,000l., and propounded for consideration three particulars, firstly, how and by whom this stock should be governed; secondly, to appoint the times and manner for paying in their moneys; and, thirdly, to nominate their treasurer. After debate it was ordered that the voyage be managed by the present Governor, Deputy, and Committees, with the addition of eight of the chief of the new adventurers, viz., Sir Wm. Russell, Sir Hugh Hammersley, Alderman Freeman, and Messrs. Abraham Chamberlain, Thomas Bownest, Giles Martyn, John Cordell, and Matthew Cradock, and for Committees at large Sir John Wolstenholme, Sir Francis Crane, Mr. Bell, and Mr. Burlamachi were entreated to afford such assistance as their leisure would permit. Ordered, after some dispute, that the money be paid in by four equal portions on or before the 10th January, 25th March, 24th June, and 29th September next; those who fail to make their first payment before the 20th January to be utterly excluded, and a penalty at the rate of 15 per cent. per annum to be imposed upon any who are more than 10 days behind with their other payments. After debate Robert Bateman is appointed Treasurer without any other security than the confidence the Court had of his own worth and honesty; the appointment of subordinate officers left wholly to the Governor, Deputy, and Commtitees of the old stock. Proposal to sell the Discovery and Reformation to the new adventurers for the conveyance of their stock to Persia deferred until they are finished and can be valued. Exceptions against the Reformation as a slug and bad sailor answered by Capt. Pynn, and others, that though not a good sailor for a man-of-war yet for a merchant ship and for a long sea voyage she was as good as could be found, so resolved that all possible expedition be used to make the Reformation and Discovery ready to receive the tin, cloth, and other merchandises to be provided. Relation by Mr. Governor of a notable abuse and extreme insolency lately offered to the Accountants by Messrs. Mynn, Withers, Smethwike, and Cuffe, who, contrary to the order of the General Court (who authorised Messrs. Mynn, Withers, and Smethwike, with others, but not Mr. Cuffe, to look into the accounts of the old stock) came into the Auditor's office, and there by a commanding and inforcing manner required a sight of the Bantam letter, which when they had got into their hands commanded Mr. Hanson to leave the room, and, shutting him out, did not only read that letter and what others they pleased, but took extracts and copies thereof, from which the Company may see how unfit it is to have such ill affected persons to be adventurers with them in this new stock, for if this course be suffered they shall no sooner resolve upon anything
or have advice from their factors but it will be divulged to the Hollanders (whose wisdom in keeping both their resolutions and letters secret Mr. Governor highly commended), especially Mr. Smethwike, who, in respect of his oath when admitted a broker, ought not to be both broker and merchant. Mr. Governor further acquainted the Court with the affronts and accusations pout upon him by Smethwike, also with his libellous papers dispersed abroad, and his underhand working to have put by three or four General Courts on purpose to embroil the Company's affairs for his and his confederates private ends, and in particular his underwriting 400l. this morning in addition to his 200l. formerly underwritten, the day limited being past, whereupon Mr. Governor desired the Court to declare whether it should stand or be vacated. Whereupon the Court, after Smethwike's answer thereunto, conceived that these abuses were in no sort to be permitted, but utterly to be condemned, and especially that particular boldness in taking copies and extracts of letters, therefore they sharply reprehended Mr. Smethwike and condemned the rest, and required that henceforth they should be debarred the sight either of the book of accounts or letters until the General Court might be first acquainted therewith, and it was ordered by erection of hands that Smethwike's subcription of 400l., written since the shutting up of the book, should be vacated, and that both subscriptions should be suspended till he should resolve whether to be a broker or a merchant. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI., 215–220.] |
| Dec. 30–31. |
772. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The Court observing that the subscription for the Persian voyage amounted to a greater sum than was expected, entered into a consideration to send a greater proportion of shipping than had been formerly proposed; overtures made to send the Charles, London, and Discovery to the northwards and trim the Great James for the southwards; debate thereupon. Mr. Governor advised because the old stock rather wants stock to lade home the ships abroad than shipping to bring home the stock, that the Charles may go upon the adventure of the old stock to Surat, and thence proceed with the Discovery upon the Persian design, and the Reformation remain at Surat for the use of the old stock; this was generally approved, but referred for consideration to the Committee for the Persian voyage, this Court understanding that those adventurers shall have liberty to land 10,000l. or 15,000l. in money at Surat to be invested in cloths for the coast of Sumatra and at Bantam, lade their ships with pepper and return to Persia, and next year send out more ships for fetching home the silk from Persia. 75 tons of cordage, especially ground tackle, to be forthwith bespoken for these ships, and Alderman Freeman's Muscovia cordage, if good, to be contracted for. Sureties for Nicholas Crispe's cloves approved. Resolved that the old Company make the needful anchors for their ships, and that the new adventurers take them at a price. Committees appointed to provide canvas for sails for the Persian ships, and to buy beef, pork, biscuit, meal, white and coloured cloth, kersies and perpetuanas,
and Mr. Ellam to draw an extract of the colours, sorts and quantities of cloth that will vend in Persia. The Persian ships to be victualled for 15 months, and supply themselves with fresh victuals at Surat and Persia. Two sufficient factors to be sent in each ship, and Committees appointed to speak with Messrs. Willough by and Methwold. Proposal of Sir William Russell that the Persian might bring his silk to the water side; answered that the old Company could not effect it, yet hoped by degrees to procure the bringing of it to Shiraz, but 10 days from the water. Capt Bickley, a man of approved valour and experience, appointed commander of the Discovery, and Mr. Vyne, master, if willing. The names with the sums of those who still desire to underwrite, for Persia, notwithstanding the time is expired, to be presented to the Persian Committee. Requests for admission to the freedom of this Society by Sir William Russell for his brother, Mr. Sheriff Acton, he having subscribed to adventure 1,000l., of Mr. Kirby for his son-in-law, and Sir Hugh Hamersley for his son-in-law referred. Committees to make use of Mr. Barlow at Amsterdam for the provision of ryals or bullion, it being conceived that 100,000l. must be sent out this year on account of the old and new adventurers, the Court having resolved to give 5s. per ryal to encourage merchants and others to bring them in. Resolved to make use of Mr. Treasurer for receipts and payments for the Persian voyage, Mr. Sherburne as secretary, and Messrs. Ellam and Sambrooke book keepers, and for allowance to be referred to the Persian Committee. All warrants to Mr. Treasurer to be signed by the Governor, Deputy, two of the Standing Committee, and two of the new Persian Committees. |
|
Dec. 31.—Suit of Elias Sherbrooke, late carpenter in the Discovery, for remission of his offence and payment of his wages; answered that he must attend the issue of his cause in the Court of Admiralty. Answer of Slade, purser of the Discovery, to the complaints of Robert Floud against him and [John] Johnson, the master, for taking in two Frenchmen at Surat and feeding them from the Company's stores and selling two butts of sack; the Court reprehended Floud for his scandalous accusations, but ordered his wages to be paid; nevertheless Johnson having taken two women slaves and a boy aboard, who fed on the Company's provisions, this was ordered to be inserted in the Black Book. After consideration to whom New Years gifts should be presented this year, it was resolved to present to the Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, and Lord Privy Seal a fair carpet each as a New Year's gift, 55l. apiece in gold to the two secretaries, and last year's proportion to Sir Henry Marten and the clerks of the Council and noblemen's secretaries and servants, and that to that end a warrant be issued to Mr. Sherburne for 220l. Ordered that Mr. Sec. Cock have a proportion of spices besides in respect of his many extraordinary good offices, and that Sir Henry Marten be remembered in the like kind, with Sir John Wolstenholme and Sir Robert Mansfield according to the proportions formerly given them. Petition of Mr. Mountney, the Company's husband, in his own and his son's name that the Court will not shorten but rather improve their salaries, it having much discouraged them to have them lessened from 200 l. and 50l. to 120l. and 30l.; whereupon the Court desired him
not to be discouraged for finding their business grow upon them the Company would consider his request in due time, but advised patience for two or three months till the ships should be dispeeded away. Ordered on petition of Edward Prescott, Nicholas Craunt, and Thomas Johnson that the 75 pieces of baftas brought home by them in the Discovery be delivered them, on payment of freight, custom, and all charges. Bill of Edmond Chambers, the Company's bargeman, for rent of the barge house to be paid. The Dutch Commissioners being daily expected to treat about the business of Amboyna and other injuries done the Company, the accounts and any such writings as may give any light herein to be perused and digested into form for the Court to perfect, that they may be in readiness with their proofs and demands. A form of acquittance for the payment of moneys for the new adventurers for Persia presented by Mr. Treasurer read and allowed. Ordered that 26 pieces of ordnance be appointed for the Reformation and 30 for the Discovery. Petition of Robert Phipps that in respect of his wife and seven small children the Company would withdraw their action and be favourable to his surety James Turner; refused, and order given to arrest Turner for the debt. Henry Andrewes to have his 40 pieces of coarse calicoes on payment of freight for the same. 8½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. XI. 221–229.] |
| 1628 ? |
773. Petition of Capt. Thomas Sherley to the King. Forasmuch as the Persian Ambassador here acknowledges the good service petitioner's late uncle, Sir Robert Sherley [ob. 13 July 1628], laboured to have done, by his endeavours to possess his Majesty's kingdoms with the commodities and silk of Persia through the ports of Persia and to shut up the commerce with the Turk, and that he lived and died in high esteem with the Persian Emperor, notwithstanding the calumnious traducements of some merchants here. Prays that before said Ambassador departs so great a cause may be heard before his Majesty, and the good services done and intended to be done be made manifest to petitioner's comfort and the reparation of the honour of his uncle's ashes. ½p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 60.] |
| 1628? |
774. Considerations as to whether trade with the East or West Indies may prove more profitable to his Majesty and his subjects. The East Indies are so remote that our mariners shipping and victual are consumed, and will admit of no trade unless with good store of gold and silver, and albeit the commodities are bought cheap enough the length of the voyage makes them over dear; but it is not meant suddenly to forsake that trade. The arguments are in favour of the trade with the West Indies. [Extract, Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CXXVI., No. 53, Cal. p. 436.] |
Dec. ?
[Surat.] |
775. President [Wylde] and Council to the East India Company. Scandalous conduct of Thomas Robinson and Gabriel Kennicott towards the President and Captain Hall, the former put in irons on board the Star for eight days; "he is one of the most shameless and impudent rascals that liveth"; his papers have been delivered
to Capt. James Slade on the Blessing. Wylde hopes the Company will not give ear to any envious and malicious detracting tongues, until he shall appear to answer fro himself, which he intreats may be next season, his time being expired. The accident to the Little James, and five boats belonging to these people being robbed by the Portugals, have caused them to detain the Persian fleet, both English and Dutch, for the King's junk eight days. These three ships being departed, they will have only the Jonas, Hopewell, and Expedition for the following year's return, for the Christopher and Eagle must return to Bantam. Arrival of the Exchange from Mocha, 4th Oct, where through occasion of wars between the Turks and Arabs, little of her cargo was sold, as Mr. Hopkinson can inform them. William Fall and William Knightley returned with him, James Oliver deceased there, and Thomas Beale, coming thence in a junk was chased on shore near Dabul, last year and slain by the Moors. The pinnace, Scout, went last year with nine men for Aden, where all died except the Master, Nathaniel Best, and another. Their release and the surrender of the pinnace were both fairly promised by the Arabs, but when the Exchange came to bring them away, the Castle shot at her, "whereby they perceived they had no intent to make restitution, and the season requiring her return, she sailed without them." Hope, through the mediation of the merchants of this city they shall obtain both men and vessels, otherwise will not fail to prevent trade to that port and force satisfaction. Cannot hear of the other pinnace, Spy, and doubt not she is sunk in the sea. Both pinnaces have been as unfortunate as unuseful in these parts. Arrival also of the Blessing with the Christopher and pinnace Cocoanut from Bantam, on 4th Oct., with pepper, boards, planks, provisions, cinnamon, betelnuts, and red-wood. The cinnamon, cocoa nuts, &c., were prize goods taken upon two Portugal vessels by Capt. Slade, in his voyage to Bantam, who brought one hither (to Swally Road) in an unhappy time; for "almost at the bar foot she with the Hart and Star's barges were assaulted by seventeen sail of Portugal frigates, and after long defence made and the Master slain she was blown up by her own people, of whom were lost and taken about 30." Many more escaped, some in barges, others by swimming; a Scotchman, John Dury of the Jonas was pitifully burnt and died five days after suddenly "and without any outward sign of death"; he reported that 14 or 15 were taken prisoners swimming in the water, whom we sent to release for other Portugals, but the Captain said he would first present them to the vice-King in Goa, who would dispose of them as he would. Much doubt their releasement, but will not fail their endeavours therein. The pepper, cinnamon, &c., all laden upon the Exchange, Blessing and Star: the value. The accounts of this year not now sent, but shall be sent with those from Agra, Ahmedabad, Brodera, and Baroach, for the Portugals whose forces and uncertain, would endeavour to waylay these ships if they stayed after the Persian fleet. Reasons for not sending the Hart for England as intended, and for being obliged to fit her to take in Moors goods for Persia. A
cafila of Agra goods consisting of 195 camels detained on the way Do not hear of the departure of the cavidal from Agra, which they cannot expect before the middle or fine of February, till when would be enforced to keep the four ships, whereas now may send these three in seasonable time. Will examine the reason why these goods are so long detained, for have required nothing so much as dispeed of the sugar, saltpetre, and indigo: but they will dissuade the Company from the continuance of that factory. The President in Bantam requiring a great ship for sending home pepper and cloves, dispeeded the Mary and pinnace the 12th last, with the goods returned from Mocha on the Exchange, and provisions of wheat, butter, oil, and biscuit. Have promised more provisions on the Christopher and Eagle if their credit will extend thereto. In case the Company revive the Bantam trade, beg them to determine on a constant correspondence between that place and Surat, sending all ryals to Surat for provision of goods that will yield 100 per cent. profit. They will do well also to send a ship yearly to Masulipatam as do the Dutch with ryals in season, for on these two factories must their southern trade be grounded. Designs of the Dutch this year to prevent them of the Ahmedabad indigo, but suspecting their intents gave order to go through for the whole parcel of old indigo, which was extraordinarily good and little inferior to that made in Agra. Do not think the price will fall unless the Armenian and Moor merchants forbear carrying to Persia, where it is in much request. Part of that sent taken for barter of lead at cheap rates. Are in hand for 150 bales more, for the Governor will not suffer any to buy but himself. Their letter received by the Jonas and Expedition. Have lent the Dutch 25 barrels of powder, their own ships having an overplus, send letter to his Majesty for its repayment in England. Are glad they have received theirs of 29th November 1626, [see ante No. 378] by Vincent Harris, also of the sage arrival of the London and Reformation, and perceive that the original was not delivered before the 14th January 1628, wherein, as in all other things, the Dutch have abused them. Did not write by the Palsgrave and William's fleet, not conceiving the Expedition would have been dispeeded thence so late in the season. Are Sorry the President at Bantam has incurred so much displeasure for sending the Abigail to the coast, and in her Mr. Man, as the Company conceive ton invest his great estate in diamonds; are persuaded they will be better informed when the parties arrive, the former they hope is long since with them, and the latter goes passenger on the Star, and has avouched that he did not buy one diamond in that voyage, but invested what little he had in cloth. Hope their own and Kerridge's relation will justify their detention of the Dolphin contrary to promise. Well apprehend the life of trade to consist in quick returns, and wish the Company were as forward in providing as they are in procuring. Hope the Mary's dispeed will be no less pleasing to them than was the Christopher's; the letters to Bantam were sent by her. Are very sorry they are included in the Company's displeasure at the excess of private trade to the southwards; some
there has been, but far short of what the Company apprehend, and without any great prejudice to them, for the ships otherwise had gone empty for want of means. Have endeavoured to suppress it, as may be perceived from their consultations prohibiting the lading of provisions, cotton wool, and tobacco, by which the seamen not only pestered the ships but made all kinds of victuals dear, and much abused the Company. Hope to remedy it by degrees, for private trade is a disease which must not be purged by too violent medicines lest the whole body be endangered; but the main hindrance must come from the Company by restraint of the seamen, without whose leave the factors can do nothing, who think they have as much privilege as the seamen, and whose expense in maintaining the credit of the nation is in some cases more by far than the small entertainment their Worships allow, so that if not helped by some honest course they must either return home poorer than they came out, or wrong the Company by indirect or dishonest courses, which God forbid any of them should be driven to. Doubt not the Company have heard of the removal of their people to Bantam from the insolency of the Dutch in Batavia, and hope his Majesty will at last provide for satisfaction for their many wrongs and a more firm and peaceable trade, which otherwise will never be really performed by the Dutch. In these parts they live on fair terms with the Dutch, but "it is more for want of power to do us wrong than will to effect it, nor to say the truth hath there been want of will or power in us had we warrant for our action." Acknowledge the powder bought in Ahmedabad to be worth little, but the want in the ships could not be neglected, and doubtless Hopkinson used his best skill in its provision. The information of Wm. Langford "is only a seaman's advice who will persuade you... to believe anything though never so false," for in no part of India is made so good powder as in England, neither by the Portugals, much less by the heathens and Indians; besides their wants may sooner be furnished from home than the coast of Coromandel, where it is uncertain whether the King would suffer any quantity to be shipped, and when ready the powder must first be sent to Bantam, and afterwards to Surat. All the rest is but wind and projects to gain favour by promises which cannot be performed. (Four ages are missing here.) Gumlac sent by these ships more than they require, and aloes soccotrina enough for many years. May not question their reasons for discontinuance of the Persian trade, but have sent ships there with a freight of Moors goods, which will yield at least 10,000l. in customs if they be not abused as heretofore. Have consigned them to the management of Rich. Preddis. Have advised the return of Mr. Bateman and Capt. Styles' jewels if not sold in Ahmedabad; and would have sent Jno. Mil ward's salt thither, but forbear "that place being empty of the nobility that usually lay there, and are now with the new King." The curiosities thereon not esteemed by this Governor, as they do not understand the course of the planets and use of the dial, &c. Touching the coral and quicksilver, have sent
half of the latter to Ahmedabad to Nath. Mountney. The goods now sent were provided, in Agra by Gregory Clement, in Ahmedabad by Nathaniel Mountney, in Baroach by Richard Barber, in Brodera by Nathaniel West, and in Surat by Henry Glasscock. Have thought fitting to settle a clerk of the stores, and appointed Thomas Wilbraham. Jno. Willoughby has made two journeys to Ahmedabad with gold and quicksilver, and employment fittest for his humour. Employment of Richard Boothby, Thomas Joyce, and Peter Munday. Many of their servants, whose times are expired return there being small or no employment for them. Doubt not that Joseph Hopkinson, after 10 years good service, will be graciously welcomed. Send John Banggam, for discharge of Sir Francis Crane's "unjustly conceited opinion of wrong done him." Robert Clitherow desirous to see his country and friends. William Fall returned from Mocha, who deserves better entertainment, and Wm. Knightley who hath suffered a long time of trouble in Mocha and will deserve their favour; Jeremy Shuger and Malachi Martyn, both able and deserving men, are sent upon the Mary to Bantam. The paper and quills are exceeding bad; and there is also a want of the customary provision of sack. Eustace Man has a large credit in their books. The tapestry is unsold; a quantity is made at Lahore, so they will do well to forbear sending any more. Desire of this Governor to have 20 sword blades made in Germany; if they can be sent on the next ships they will be pleasingly acceptable and excuse a greater present to him. Are uncertain of the Portugal forces, neither know where they lye. The vice-King arrived at Goa with two galleons, and other three are wanting, and no news of them; give other galleons fitting in Goa for Muscat, doubting the Persian intends to assault it this year; but we believe they have other ends, well knowing Shah Abbas to be busy in his own defence against the Turks, and next year your fleet will run great hazard if it come upon this coast separated, "for we hear of great boasts this vice-King giveth of our and the Dutch's utter ruin in these parts, but we hope it will be his turn first, at least we will endeavour it." Send packet from their friends in Armagon, who have removed from Masulipatam through want of supply. Doubt they will not find admittance so easy, for the Dutch will work their hindrance, if to be obtained either by force or bribes. Do not well apprehend the causes of their wrongs, but if they had first gone to the King and required restitution or licence to depart, and had been refused the way they propound for stopping their junks, had been more allowable than now it will be whensoever attempted. Neither must this last be put in execution either there or here again; but upon a resolution to leave all trade when they may right themselves at any time. Imperfect. 12 pages mutilated. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1286.*] |
|
PETITIONS to the East India Company of Persons who solicit Employment, Increase of Wages, or Payment of Wages due to their Relatives in the Company's Service. |
|
Date. |
Name of Petitioner. |
Subject of Petition. |
Reference. |
|
1628. |
|
|
Court Min. Bk. |
|
Jan. 1 |
Thomas Rilston |
Increase of wages |
X. 206 |
|
" 4 |
William Chapman |
Part of his wages to Allan Davis |
" 207 |
|
" " |
John Martin late Interpreter to the Persian Ambassador. |
Charity |
" 208 |
|
" 0 |
Anne Corbett widow |
Part of her servant Joseph Martyn's wages. |
" 211 |
|
" 11 |
Widow of Thomas Thornborough, purser of the London. |
Money due to her husband |
" 215 |
|
" 16 |
Wife of Richard Bix |
To receive 50l. sent by her husband. |
" 223 |
|
" " |
Jane, wife of Thomas Beekensale, carpenter. |
Part of her husband's wages |
" " |
|
" 80 |
Thomas Browning of Woodbridge |
Payment for timber |
" 248 |
|
" " |
Capt. Pynn, commander of the London. |
Moneys due to him |
" " |
|
" " |
Christopher Hunt |
Employment |
" 249 |
|
" " |
Thomas Langton |
Money belonging to his brother Wm. deceased. |
" 250 |
|
" " |
Elizabeth Linsey |
Pepper sent to her by John Carter. |
" " |
|
" " |
Thomas Joyce, purser of the London. |
Entertainment as factor |
" " |
|
Feb. 1 |
Richard Boothby |
Employment |
" 252 |
|
" " |
Mr. Chace, a free brother |
Employment for his son |
" " |
|
" " |
John Headley; surgeon of the London. |
Freight of cassia ligna |
"254 |
|
" 4 |
Walter Mountfort |
Money due |
" 256 |
|
" " |
Francis Randall and John Edlyn |
Estate of Robert Randall, factor, deceased. |
" 257 |
|
" 6 |
Thomas Davies |
To be purser's mate of the expedition. |
" 263 |
|
" " |
William Cooper |
His debt of 50l. to the Company |
" 264 |
|
" 8 |
Grace, wife of John Snowsell |
Part of her husband's wages |
" 269 |
|
" 13 |
Thomas Rose |
Employment |
" 275 |
|
" " |
John Rowe |
Employment |
" 277 |
|
" 15 |
Elizabeth, widow of Tho. Johnson, gunner in the Palsgrave. |
Part of her husband's wages |
" 279 |
|
March 3 |
Anthony Brampton |
Part of wages of Henry Brough mason at Jacatra. |
" 308 |
|
" 13 |
William Peck |
Part of his son William's wages |
" 310 |
|
" 21 |
Anne, wife of Thomas Andrewes. |
Part of her husband's wages |
" 317 |
|
" 24 |
John Willoughby, factor |
Part of her wages in his wife |
" 320 |
|
" " |
Elizabeth, wife of Hugh Peirce |
Part of her husband's wages |
" 321 |
|
Arpil 7 |
Honor Webb |
Part of her son Francis Webb's wages. |
" 328 |
|
May 5 |
Lawrence Halstead |
His brother Nathaniel's estate |
" 353 |
|
" 28 |
Marie, relict of John Becke |
Her husband's wages |
" 386 |
|
May 28 |
Martha, wife of Thomas Miller |
Part of her husband's wages |
X. 386 |
|
" 30 |
Wife of John Phelps, master of the Spy. |
Same |
" 388. |
|
June 27 |
Wife of George Brewin |
Same |
" 419 |
|
" " |
Mrs. Steele |
Money for cloves sent home by her husband. |
" 420 |
|
" " |
John Ellesmore |
Money due to him on Henry Sill's account. |
" " |
|
" " |
Margaret, wife of Edward Bridges |
Part of her husband's wages |
" " |
|
July 2 |
Susan, wife of Philip Trippett |
Same |
" 424 |
|
" 4 |
Mr. Clifton, baker |
His account |
XI. 10 |
|
" " |
Thomazine Clarke |
The estate of her brother Edward Pike. |
" 11 |
|
" " |
Robert Fisher |
Elephants teeth stolen from the Company. |
" " |
|
" " |
Henry Hall |
To succeed his late father as anchorsmith. |
" 12 |
|
" " |
Executor of Captain Cocks |
Copy of Capt Cocks' account |
" " |
|
" " |
Thomazine Clark |
Her brother Edw. Pike's estate |
" 18 |
|
" " |
Anne, wife of James Starling |
Part of her husband's wages |
" " |
|
" " |
Judith, wife of John Johnson |
Part of her husband and servant's wages. |
" 19 |
|
" 17 |
John Atkinson |
Re-employment at Blackwall |
" 20 |
|
" 23 |
Wife of John Kingston |
Part of the wages of Philip Hill |
" 37 |
|
" 25 |
Jane, wife so Philip Parker |
Part of her husband's wages |
" " |
|
Aug. 6 |
Annel Veale |
Same |
" 50 |
|
Oct. 1 |
Wife of Randall Jesson |
Same |
" 79 |
|
" " |
Honor, mother of Francis Webb |
Part of her son's wages |
" 80 |
|
" " |
Anne, wife of John Willoughby |
Part of her husband's wages |
" " |
|
" 15 |
Thomazine Powell |
Part of her son Edward's wages |
" 95 |
|
" 24 |
Adrian Montgomery, purser |
Part of his wages |
" 106 |
|
Nov. 7 |
Mr. Ball |
Employment as purser |
" 121 |
|
" 17 |
Ellen Chesterton |
Part of her husband's wages |
" 133 |
|
" 19 |
Alice, wife of John Barnes |
Same |
" 136 |
|
" " |
Agnes, wife of Robert Cobb |
40s. promised for her servant John Elgar. |
" 137 |
|
" 21 |
Jane Wakeham |
Estate of Rich. Norrington, gunner of the Palsgrave. |
" 139 |
|
" 24 |
Mary, wife of Charles Clarke |
Some turmerick sent by her husband. |
" 145 |
|
Dec. 3 |
Parnell, wife of Richard Bapell |
Her husband's wages |
" 161 |
|
" " |
Thomas Bodman |
His wages |
" 165 |
|
" " |
Widow of John Johnson, master of the Discovery |
Her husband's wages |
" " |
|
" 5 |
Margaret, wife of Gersham Muser |
Part of her husband's wages |
" 167 |
|
" " |
Agnes, wife of Thos. Mace |
Same |
" 168 |
|
" " |
Thomas Parsons |
His wages |
" 169 |
|
" 12 |
Eedy, wife of John Edwards |
Part of her husband's wages |
" 187 |
|
" 24 |
Magdalen, wife of William Jackson. |
Same |
" 206 |
|
" " |
Samuel Coutch |
Part of his brother Thomas's wages |
" 208 |
|
" " |
Sarah, wife of Henry Pickas |
Part of her husband's wages |
" " |
|
NAMES of PERSONS admitted and sworn FREE BRETHREN of the EAST INDIA COMPANY. |
|
Date. |
Free Brethren. |
To whom bound. |
By fine or otherwise. |
Reference. |
|
1628. |
|
|
|
Court Min. Bk.X. |
|
Feb. 20 |
Thomas Rastell, late President at Surat. |
- |
Service and 10s. to poor's box. |
284 |
|
Mar. |
William, son of Samuel Hare, deceased. |
- |
By patrimony, and 10s. to the poor's box. |
308 |
|
June 27 |
William Methwold |
- |
Service and 10s. to poor's box. |
417 |
|
" " |
George Willoughby |
- |
Service and 10s. to poor's box. |
" |
|
" " |
John Woode |
Robert Pennington |
Service and 10s. to poor's box. |
" |
|
July 2 |
The Earl of Warwick |
- |
- |
421 |
|
" " |
Thomas Jones |
- |
Service and 10s. to poor's box. |
424 |
|
" 9 |
Thomas Bowyer |
George Strowd |
10s. to the poor's box. |
XI. 16 |
|
" " |
Edward Heynes |
- |
Service as factor, and 10s. to poor's box. |
" " |
|
" 16 |
Adam Denton |
- |
Service as factor, and 10s. to poor's box. |
" 21 |
|
Aug. 15 |
William Meggs |
- |
By patrimony, and 10s. to poor's box. |
" 58 |
|
Nov. 7 |
—Powlett |
Ald. Allen, decased |
By service and 10s. to poor's box. |
" 123 |
|
" 19 |
Thos., son of Alderman Clitherow. |
- |
By patrimony, and 10s. to poor's box. |
" 134 |
|
" 26 |
John Reeves |
William Walton |
By service and 10s. to poor's box. |
" 150 |
|
Dec. 26 |
Eliab Harvy, Michael Harvy, Matthew Harvy. |
} - { |
By fine, left to their voluntary dispositions. |
205
" 213 |
|
" 31 |
John Hobson |
Mr. Gorsuch |
By service and 10s. to poor's box. |
" 228 |
|
TRANSFERS of ADVENTURES in the EAST INDIA COMPANY. |
|
Date. |
From |
To |
Amount. |
Name of Stock. |
Reference. |
|
|
|
|
£ |
|
Court Min. Bk. X. |
|
Jan. 8. |
The wife and executrix of Thomas Smith deceased. |
Richard |
400 |
Second joint stock |
224 |
|
" 24 |
John Highlord, executor to his father John Highlord. |
John Highlord, jun. |
£457 3s.
|
- |
236 |
|
Feb. 8 |
Samuel Willmore, executor of Andrew Willmore deceased. |
Richard Bull |
600 |
Second joint stock |
265 |
|
" 20 |
James Herriott |
Thomas Rastell |
1,000 |
Same |
284 |
|
Feb. 20 |
Cadwell Farrington, administrator to Alice Farrington, deceased. |
Henry Polsted |
400 |
Second joint stock |
Court Min. |
|
" " |
Wm. Barrett, executor to Sir John Suckling, late comptroller of his Majesty's household. |
George Strowd |
3,000 |
Not stated |
Bk. XI. |
|
Mar. 5 |
Richard Davis |
Sir Richard Weston |
800 |
Second joint stock |
304 |
|
" 12 |
Samuel Hare, deceased |
William Hare |
800 |
- |
309 |
|
" " |
Magdalen Cartwright, administratrix to Abraham Cartwright, deceased. |
Samuel Vassall |
800 |
Second joint stock |
304 |
|
" " |
Arthur Juxon, executor to John Juxon, deceased. |
Henry Polstead |
4,100 |
Same |
309 |
|
" " |
Same |
George Benson |
600 |
Same |
310 |
|
April 7 |
William Hare |
Arthur Sheeres |
1,300 |
Same |
" |
|
" 25 |
Milcah Hare |
James Cocks |
800 |
Same |
328 |
|
" " |
Same |
Tho. Colthurst |
400 |
Same |
340 |
|
" " |
Same |
Tho. Smethwike |
300 |
Same |
" |
|
" 28 |
Sir JohnHowland |
Jeoffery Kirby |
100 |
Same |
" |
|
May 14 |
Edward Hawkins, executor to Arthur Colby. |
Thomas Smethwike |
500 |
Same |
345 |
|
June 27 |
Tho. Browne |
Hump. Browne |
300 |
Same |
349 |
|
July 2 |
Simon Lawrence |
Thomas Rastell |
400 |
Same |
319 |
|
" " |
Clement Harby |
Thomas Symonde |
1,000 marks
£666 13s. 4d.
|
Same |
424 |
|
" 16 |
Dame Anne Lovelace, administratrix to Sir William Lovelace, deceased. |
Daniel Gorsuch |
600 |
Same |
XI. 22 |
|
" " |
Humphrey Slany |
John Milward |
|
Same |
" |
|
" 30 |
Nathaniel Owen- |
Henry Andrewes |
600 |
Same |
XI. 22 |
|
Aug. 15 |
William Cocks |
Jaques Oyles |
1,000 |
Same |
" |
|
" " |
William Towerson |
Richard Davis |
1,400 |
Same |
40 |
|
Sept. 3 |
Richard Davis |
John Langham |
2,000 |
Same |
57 |
|
Oct. 3 |
Jaques Oyles |
Richard Davis |
1,000 |
Same |
58 |
|
" 10 |
John Kipp |
Same |
4,000 |
Same |
68 |
|
Nov. 10 |
Stephen Burton |
Same |
2,000 |
Same |
83 |
|
" " |
Hester, widow and executrix of Ellis Crispe. |
Nicholas Crispe, junior |
2,900 |
Same |
93 |
|
" " |
Same |
Same |
3,200 |
Same |
124 |
|
" 12 |
Sir Henry Davis, Knt, on behalf of Dame Thomazine Lee, his wife. |
William Cooper |
4,400 |
Same |
" |
|
" 19 |
David Papillon |
Jane Dollin, widow |
1,766 13s. 4d.
|
Same |
" |
|
" 24 |
George Franklin |
Thomas Smethwike |
1,400 |
Same |
130 |
|
" 26 |
Sir Richard Young |
Richard Davis |
200 |
Same |
135 |
|
" " |
George Clarke |
Tho. Smethwike |
400 |
Same |
141 |
|
" 28 |
Thomas Plommer |
—Allen |
2,000 |
Same |
146 |
|
" " |
Thomas Chace |
Richard Davis |
2,900 |
Same |
149 |
|
" " |
Robert Palmer |
Matthew Craddock |
500 |
Same |
154 |
|
Dec. 10 |
Jasper, administrator to his father, Augustine Lucatella. |
Geoffrey Kirby |
1,600 |
Same |
178 |
|
" 24 |
Thomas Gardner, administrator to John Browne, deceased. |
Richard Davis |
1,000 |
Same |
207 |
