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| 1630. April 14 to 1631 April 5. |
171. Fragment of a journal of the voyage of the Charles, Jonas, Discovery, and Reformation from Surat to the Downs. Sailed 14th April 1630 from Surat in company with six Dutch ships; 25th, the Dutch fleet left them for Batavia; June 5th, anchored at the Mauritius, found letters left by Capts. Hall and Evans, advertising of very foul weather; 20th, the Charles constrained to bear up under the Island of Mascarenhas, and lost company of the rest of the fleet; 1st July, sprung a great leak, pumping above 250 strokes an hour; 4th, reached St. Augustine and found the other ships; 8th, found and stopped the leak and caulked up the hatches; 13th, the
Discovery and Reformation sailed for Johanna to trim, and await the fleet from England; 14th, arrived the Royal James, William, and Blessing from England, President Rastell, Chief Commander; 27th, departed for Johanna; Oct. 1st, sailed for the Cape, having bought very fair bullocks for 6, 8, and 10 long red cornelians, and goats, sheep, hens, oranges, and lemons for a very small value; 21st, descried Cape Falso; anchored in Saldanha Bay, found letters left by the Dutch, and perceived, by names engraven on stones, of the London's arrival and departure, Geo. Muschamp, Commander, but could not find any letters; Nov. 5th, arrived two Dutch ships from Middleborough for Batavia, which hindered the natives from bringing down any more cattle; 17th, sailed for St. Helena, and anchored there 4th Dec., and in landing sank the skiff and drowned two men; 16th Jan. 1631, the leak broke out again, but was stopped on 18th; 20th, sailed from St. Helena with good quantities of goats, hogs, fish, &c.; 24th, chased a sail, but could not fetch her up; Feb. 2nd, crossed the equinoctial; 17th, sprung a leak by putting a bonnet overboard; 27th, assuaged its violence; March 13th, encountered a great storm 50 leagues short of the Western Islands; 17th, descried Fayall; 22nd, met with a far more violent storm, and lost company with the Charles; 29th, about 30 leagues short of the Lizard with wind from S.S.E.; April 1st, wind continuing easterly, bore up for Kinsale, as they held it perillous to keep the sea, the ship being very leaky, and the men daily falling down. Note in margin, "The Charles made no such resolution for Ireland." 2nd, wind changing, altered their course for England; 4th, descried Scilly, and had advice of the peace with Spain; 5th, steered along the shore. Endorsed, "Journal of voyage from Surat to the Downs, a year's voyage." 2 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1359] |
| April 6. |
172. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Edmund Chambers's bill of 12s. 6d. for one quarter's rent of the yard room, and mending the Company's barge to be paid. The request of Sir John Wolstenholme referred to last meeting considered, and divers propositions made for accommodation thereof, both Sir John and Sir Thos. Roe, who were present, certified that the intention was only to defray some extraordinary charges incident to the voyage, and Sir Thomas gave great hopes of the passage being discovered as he had discovered more probabilities than were formerly known, thereupon the Company were content to write the letter requested to their Factors at Bantam with certain reservations and Sir John permitted to provide 10 or 12 cloths of colours vendible at Japan if said ship shall arrive there. Report of the arbitrators in the cause between the Company and Mr. Staverton, deceased, that when Staverton died Christopher Bogan succeeded him in Jambi without taking any inventory, but at his death Henry Sill took an inventory and found many debts standing out, amongst which one from Lankin, a Chinaman, for 2,200 Rs. of 8, who pretends a discharge from Staverton for same, wherein Lankin was conceived to be absolutely dishonest, who also denied other moneys since
received by him. The arbitrators of opinion that tho' Staverton erred in this business some favour ought to be shown to his executors, because it does not certainly appear whether the debt was made by him or Bogan; Sir Thos. Roe intimated on behalf of said executors that the knavery of Lankin and the negligence of Bogan would wrong Staverton's estate, the Court finding Staverton's credit in their books to be 1,800 Rs. ordered 200l. to be given to the executors to end all differences. On Mr. Governor's motion for lessening their charge at Blackwall "now there is nothing there to be done," that Mr. Ducy be earnestly called on to perfect his account of timber there, being at present no use for him, but for Messrs. Swanley and Fotherby, boatswain Ingram, and the porter of the gate, the Court found a necessity to continue them, and Mr. Lemprier discharged with 20s. for keeping iron stores a fortnight. To contract with Mr. Chambres for the necessary quantity of hogshead staves and headings for next year's shipping. Petition of Daniel Boneall concerning his debt to the Company for saltpetre, which he was utterly unable to pay and desired the Company would, like his other creditors, accept his estate and divide it amongst them; but the Court saw no reason to waive their suit, conceiving they had a good man (Mr. Fowkes) obliged with him to satisfy it. Offer of Mr. Browne, the gunfounder, of 40s. or 50s. per cwt. for honeycombed ordnance; but that being too small a price Mr. Mountney to speak with Burlamachi about its exportation. Renewed request of Mr. Muschamp that the Company would peruse and approve his answer before it be put in, also like request of Mr. Coggins; but the Court relying on Mr. Acton's opinion, insisted on their former resolutions (see 30th March). 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 198–202.] |
| 1618. June 16 to 1631 April 6. |
173. Extracts from Court Minutes, E. I. Co. concerning a debt of 2,000l. due from Daniel Boneale for saltpetre and for which Mr. Fowkes was security. [N.B.—The Court Minute Books for June and for July 1629 to July 1630 are missing from the series.] |
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1618. June 16. The Company, finding that in the sale of their commodities and procuring security for same, cavils and exceptions have been taken, ordered that whosoever is or shall be indebted to the Company for goods bought, notwithstanding bills, bonds, or other security given for satisfaction his stock and adventure, together with all profits in any voyage, shall be likewise liable for the same. |
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"Order 29 in the printed Book." It shall not be lawful for any man to transport his adventure to another otherwise than in open Court of Committees and not before it appears under the Accountant's hands that he is not indebted or his adventure engaged to the Company." |
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1629. Aug. 21. Court Minutes. Sale of 10 tons of saltpetre by Mr. Styles at 5l. per cent., approved. |
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1629. Aug. 28. Daniel Boneale, Merchant, sworn a freeman of the East India Company for a fine of 20l. and 10s. to the poor box. |
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1629. Sept. 15. The purchase of 20 tons of saltpetre by Dan. Boneale, conceived in no way dangerous to the Company in regard he is one of them. |
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1630. Feb. 19. Ordered to bestow 40s. upon the officers that arrested Dan. Boneale. |
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1630. Feb. 22. Letter read from D. Boneale representing his misery being under arrest upon a Ne exeat regno at the Company's suit, and begging they will accept what satisfaction he is able to give and grant his enlargement; his brother Samuel said he and his mother would strain themselves to give 500l. in full satisfaction, but the Court refused; then Dr. Warner begged the Company for charity sake either to accept that offer or bail for his forthcoming; bail was accepted for 3,000l. yet it was resolved to prosecute their suit against Dan. Boneale and John Fowkes; question whether Sam. Boneale was 21 years of age, the Court left it to Mr. Acton to perfect the security. |
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1630. May 7. Minutes of a General Court. Debate upon "a bad debt of 2,000l. for a parcel of saltpetre brought upon the Company by one of the Committees" [Mr. Styles]. Answered that howbeit this debt as to Boneale may not be so good as wished yet as to Fowkes, whom the Company holds an able merchant, they have no cause to think it desperate or to fear the payment, and this business is now depending before the Lord Keeper. |
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1630. June 11. Minutes of a General Court. Examination of "the business of the saltpetre"; but by the relation by Capt. Styles of the beginning progress and concluding of the contract it was thought fit he should forbear to discover because it will prove very prejudicial and disadvantageous to their cause already begun in the Chancery which has yet proceeded no further than to Bill and answer; these were read by Mr. Acton and it was resolved not to question this matter any further in this place, but to proceed in the Chancery, and as to Fowkes' pretence that Boneale absolutely cleared and discharged him of said debt it was again resolved to refer this cause to the censure and determination of the Lord Keeper. |
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The Minutes of 22 Oct. 1630, 11 Feb. 1631, and 6 April 1631 will be found abstracted in this volume under their respective dates, the suit was still depending whereby the Company hoped to make good their debt. 8 pp. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 94.] |
April 9.
A board the Garland, in the Downs. |
174. Capt. John Mennes to Edward Nicholas. Here are two East Indies ships arrived [the Charles and the Jonas]. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CLXXXVIII., No. 36.] |
| April 15. |
175. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Request of Lord Marquis Hamilton for the use of the Company's storehouse at Blackwall, for laying up 400 or 500 barrels of powder till his return out of Scotland, he being shortly to go with his forces to Sweden; the Court advised that Capt. Mason had a more commodious house at Deptford, which if he could not spare the Company would order a place to be prepared at Blackwall for stowage of the powder, so as it might be
removed by the end of June. Request of Richard Boothby, a Factor lately returned in the Jonas, that the Court would peruse the writings he had exhibited for his justification, not doubting but he should be able to give good satisfaction that he had carried himself as a faithful servant; answered that it was intended shortly to appoint him and Mr. Wylde, their late President, returned in the Charles, a day when their accusations should be read, and themselves heard the one against the other; and he fetched something else in writing against Mr. Wylde, justifying that he is able to prove that Wylde had at one time an adventure in gold in one of the Company's ships to the value of 16,000l. Complaint of Gregory Clement against Wylde for an unjust fine of 10,000 mamoothes; the Court promised a re-examination of the cause. Being demanded what he knew, he confessed there was a contract made between the factories of Surat and Jacatra for private trade, and he will present it, with his knowledge of the private trade brought home and landed out of these two ships, against Wednesday next. Mr. Wylde also came in Court, whom, after they had congratulated his safe arrival, the Court told him they would appoint a day for hearing the differences between him and others that had been in Court, and do equal justice; but much condemned him for the extraordinary quantity of private trade brought home and suffered to be landed out of the two ships, demanding what goods of Mr. Page's were taken out of the Charles, and where put out; he said about Portland, and they were put aboard a ship from Spain, by consent of the Master and Pursers; he promised to present in writing on Wednesday next his knowledge of what goods were taken out of the two ships and landed. The like questions demanded of Mr. Page, who utterly denied taking any goods with him when he left the Charles, and protested ignorance of the contract confessed by Gregory Clement, and that he never sold any goods at Jacatra, but confessed he came thither in the Palsgrave, and thence went to Augustine's Bay in pursuit of the carracs; but said he knew not of any goods landed out of the ships. The Court conceiving this abuse to be insufferable, and that it ought to be severely punished, resolved to order stay of the wages of all persons now returned in the Charles and Jonas, and to advise with Sir Henry Marten what other course is fit to be taken for the punishment not only of their Commanders, Merchants, Pursers, and other servants, but also of all buyers of this private trade, considering their wilful breach of his Majesty's proclamation without showing respect to any persons found to be gross and notorious offenders. Relation by Mr. Governor that he and others had attended the Lord Treasurer and Lord Dorchester about the business of the Dutch, which is now so settled that Mons. Carpentier and his colleagues know what they are to expect from this State and the Company if they intend any further treaty, which is first to make a general answer to the Company's demands, as we have to theirs, when the Company will be ready to give them a meeting, if not, they may return to their country, by which means their unjust clamour is taken away. Further, that they had procured the Lord Treasurer's warrant to the officers
of Sandwich for seizure of the goods landed out of their ships; and lastly, that Sir Wm. Russell had fully satisfied the Governor that Capt. Quayle was not gone for the East Indies as reported, so that the Company need not fear disaster from any act of piracy committed by him in those parts. Ordered that Henry Smith be appointed to attend aboard the Charles, and John Webb aboard the Jonas, to assist the Pursers and their mates in discharging their goods. Letter desired by Sir John Wolstenholme from the Company to their Factors at Bantam, to be sent in his ship now intended for discovery of a passage into the East Indies by the north-west, read, approved, and subscribed. Ordered that Mr. Ducy receive his quarter's wages due at Lady Day. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 203–207.] |
| July 16. |
176. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. This meeting purposely convened for consideration of the differences between Richard Wylde, late President at Surat, and Richard Boothby, a Factor of the Council there; and forasmuch as the Court had received many complaints against Boothby, confirmed by letters and consultations attested by their principal Factors and servants at Surat, and in contradiction said Boothby had delivered a large discourse and apology in justification of his innocency and proceedings in the Company's service, also charged many imputations and misdemeanours upon said Wylde, Geo. Page, and others, the Court thought fit to begin with Wylde's process against Boothby, which was read and these four particular accusations insisted upon: (1) his private trade; (2) his taking up great sums at interest for his own account, which in case he had died would have fallen on the Company; (3) his colouring of Bannians' goods, whereby the Company were defrauded of freight and custom; and (4) his contemning the authority of their President, which might have raised a mutiny and brought destruction on their whole affairs in India. The Court having maturely weighed and considered all these things, declared their opinion that Boothby was guilty of these charges, and conceived the sentence of their President and Council for his sending home and suspension of his wages was done on just grounds, and therefore confirmed the same; howbeit they disliked the putting him in irons as an act of too much severity, wishing his punishment had been more moderate and gentle, in regard he had been a merchant of good fashion and is a brother of the Company and in Council with them. This resolution Mr. Governor made known to Boothby, but taking notice of his good service in discovering private trade and advising a course for the bettering of the trade, and delivering the protest in the Company's behalf to Capt. Weddell at sea, they were pleased to give him by way of gratification his full wages, which would be about 200l., not in the name of wages, but as a voluntary gratification for his services, and to remit him the freight of his worm seeds. The Court further advised that the differences between Wylde and Boothby might be reconciled, buried, and forgotten; which Wylde said he was most ready to do, as he never did ought against him in malice, but solely for the good of the Company. Boothby seemed displeased at the Court's resolution, saying that if
his wages were not due he would not demand them, and seeing the Court would not repair his reputation, he desired leave to seek reparation elsewhere. 3½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 304–307.] N.B.—This entry is misplaced, it should follow No. 199 on p. 173. |
April 18.
Surat. |
177. President Rastell and Council to [the Commanders of the Fleet out of England]. Enclose copy of their letter of 31st Dec. by the Intelligence, Jn. Burley, Master, all which they confirm except what they find here retracted, namely, their first address from those Islands to Gombroon in Persia, which advices from the agent there cause them to annihilate, their business there not concurring with that design. Not knowing how long the James and Blessing may be detained at Bantam, they have purposely ordained the William, after first touching at the Coast of Coromandel, to go thence immediately in quest of their fleet with this second advice, which as it forbids their proceeding for Persia first so doth it require them with the William and pinnace to attend at those Islands for the James and Blessing till the last of August when not arriving, they shall instantly dispeed in good consortship for the coast of India, and again await them in lat. 18°, and depth 35 fathoms water till the 10th Oct., and then being happily conjoined together to ply in for Surat, not permitting any vessel to straggle whereby to give occasion of advantage to the watchful enemy; neither neglecting the "priddying" of their ships and clearing of their ordnance, and be otherwise provided for encounter, for doubtless they will find opposition. The raging famine over all these parts may invite them to glean up what rice, paddy, gravaux, or other grain those Islands will afford towards victualling both fleets, or any overplus to serve this market; which they may purchase partly with the bartering commodities delivered to Capt. Wills, and partly out of the Company's ryals, for which purpose they have liberty to open one chest, but desire them to hold a sparing hand in the expense of either, or of any other provisions, which as these miserable times rule, are hardly purchased with money. Endorsed, "To the fleet out of England." 1½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., 1356.] |
| April 18–20. |
178. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. On the report of Mr. Governor that he visited the Charles and Jonas at Erith with some of the Committees, and found a very great quantity of goods were gone out of them, so four of the Committee were entreated forthwith to repair aboard and take order for sending up all the private men's goods. Ordered that Messrs. Muschamp, Bix, and Coggins be warned forthwith to put in their answer or to expect attachments to be taken out against them. Mr. Younge and John Mountney ordered to make search at Rochester for all private goods landed out of the two ships, and afterwards Mountney to go to Sandwich, Deal, and Dover with a warrant from the Lord Treasurer, and a letter from the Custom House to the farmers' deputies there to send up the goods in their custody by cart to London. Ephraim Hopkinson, Joseph Walker, Nathaniel Cobb, and Benjamin Clitherowe appointed to attend the taking up of the goods at the waterside, as they come from the ships, and eight guardians to go
with the lighters and hoys. Note read of the particulars of 350 parcels of private trade discovered by Messrs. Mun and Williams to have been landed at Sandwich, Deal, and Dover, of which divers already conveyed away and the remainder ordered to be brought by cart to London. Ordered that Mr. Sherburne take the Bill of Exchange for 90 barrels of powder lent to the Dutch in the Indies, and demand satisfaction of the deputies of the Dutch Company now in London. Motion that the remainder due on the foot of Mr. Barlow's account be remitted to him, but resolution deferred. |
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April 20. Letter read from Sir Wm. Russell and Sir John Wolstenholme in behalf of Mr. Clee for serving the Company with beer, but desired Clee to excuse them having contracted with Mr. Haughton. Report of Mr. Governor of the proceedings taken for seizing the goods brought home for private trade; that Sir Henry Marten had directed such a course as if the Masters refuse to declare the truth they shall be forced by a legal proceeding; so not to be doubted but the Company would in the end meet with a great part if not all their goods thus unduly conveyed out of their ships. And to prevent their Factors and Commanders from expecting any protection from his Majesty and the Lords; a petition had been presented to the Lords to this purpose, to which his Majesty had sent a gracious answer. Letter read from Mr. Philpott, one of the King's Heralds at Arms and Bailiff of Sandwich, that he was entreated by Sandwich men, who had been too busy in buying private trade brought in the Company's last ships, to become an intercessor to make their peace, without any further trouble of the Star Chamber or Chancery. And on relation from Mr. Philpott that they would make known the particular parcels of goods, the rates paid, and of whom bought, and enter into bond never to buy any more goods contrary to his Majesty's proclamation; resolved to suspend prosecution if they speedily repair to the Court and make good what they had engaged. Renewed suit of Haughton, the Company's brewer, for augmentation above his agreement, in regard the price of malt was much risen since his contract, which the Court knew to be true, but deferred resolution till they hear what report is given of his beer. Gregory Clement questioned concerning his private trade, and in particular the great quantity of indigo whereof part is lately seized; he promised to give the best information he could as to the private trade laden aboard the Anne from Surat to Jacatra; and presented a paper of complaints against Mr. Wylde's unjust proceedings; a day to be appointed for hearing these differences, and meantime to have his trunks of wearing apparel and linen. Motion of Mr. Treasurer concerning the moneys due to Mr. Barlow on the foot of his account, it being remembered that some attachments had been made here on those moneys and in particular by Mr. Highlord, but that some of them were of force, and divers were willing to take them off to countenance Mr. Barlow with his creditors; ordered, that Mr. Treasurer presently remit him 300l. in part of what is due, and ask what course he intends to take to satisfy Mr. Highlord's debt. Capt. Weddell attended and was much condemned for not only landing his own
private trade but suffering others to do the like contrary to his Majesty's proclamation, and a protest delivered to him at sea by Mr. Boothby, especially considering the Company's trust in him, and how nobly they dealt with him his last voyage by delivering him his goods upon easy freight; he seemed much grieved at what he had done, humbly desired the Court to pass by his offence, and protested that he would freely submit himself and his estate into the Company's hands, that his eyes were open, and he apparently saw his error, which he will endeavour to redeem by delivering all his goods into their custody, and giving a true information of others, and assured the Court he would never offend again in this kind. He alleged his good service, and in particular last year he saved them at least 2,000l. in Customs at Gombroon, by keeping a guard on shore to prevent the stealing of goods by the Moors and Persians. The Court, howbeit they much blamed him, yet were the better satisfied by his free acknowledgment and promise which they wished him to perform as a means to induce them from taking that severe course against him which otherwise they intended, being a business of that high consequence, as not only the Company but even his Majesty and the State take particular notice of, as that which much concerns the Company in honour and profit. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 207–213.] |
April 22.
Surat. |
179. President Rastell and Council to George Willoughby, Factor at Bantam. Straightly charge him on sight hereof as he will answer the contempt to his peril readily and without the least opposition to submit himself to the arrest of John Skibbowe and Jno. Banggam, or either of them, and to obey them in disposure of himself and estate, and take passage for Surat in the ship they shall appoint to give reason to such matters as they shall object against him. Endorsed, "Copy of a warrant for the apprehension of George Willoughby, Factor. Recd 1 July 1632 from Bantam by the ship Palsgrave, 1632." ½ p. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1357.] |
April 22.
Surat. |
180. Commission and instructions from President Thos. Rastell and Council of India and Persia, &c. to John Skibbowe and John Banggam, to be observed in their voyage to Bantam and back. Notwithstanding they are acquainted with their designed employment for Bantam, this Commission is framed intending them first a relish of the motives thereunto which are abundantly collected from the enclosed transcripts of letters. By instigation of the many insolencies acted by George Willoughby and his adherents when on the coast of Coromandel with the Star, we are compulsively drawn to call them to Surat; for besides his arrogant usurpation of a forged authority there, contempt of this Presidency, debarring Mr. Sill and his assistants from all consultations and in other ways impetuously addicted to his own will, he hath in a hostile manner taken possession of the English fort at Armagon, and bereft them of their experienced servants; arrested the persons of Henry Sill, cape merchant, and Christopher Reade his second; sequestered the estate of the first who [appealing for justice] laid felony to their charge; and have plunged themselves into many
extravagant enormities too tedious to manifest. Shall expect them to keep journals of their voyage, and Bantam attained to require a competent number of soldiers well accoutered from Capt. Morton or Mr. Roberts to attend them on shore and without delay proceed to the Company's House, and assisted by Wm. Hoare, Ant. Vernworthy, and Lawrence Henley, and others apprehend George Willoughby, now agent of the southern factories, and seize his books, papers, and estate, and in his presence make a just inventory thereof, under their own and his hands if he may be induced thereto. Apparel and bedding may be returned to him, but moneys, plate, merchandises, and papers which concern not the Company's affairs are to be transmitted with Willoughby aboard the Great James or Blessing. Authorise them likewise to attach Wm. Matthews and Thomas Grove who came thither on the Star; to dismiss Jno. Barnes, Master of said ship, and establish Thos. Beamont therein; remove Gilbert Gardner and Edward Hall, his Mates, and Philip Bearden, Purser, and bring them all passengers for Surat. To assemble all the Factors there, invest Wm. Hoare with the title of agent of the southern factories, select his Council, settle the Company's servants in their employments, and furnish the factories with able men, the want whereof is to be supplied with Pursers or Stewards, or in case of urgent necessity out of any of the Factors sent for home, Anth. Verneworthy excepted. Then to produce the letter missive to that agency informing the Factors of the President's resolution for borrowing the James's lading of pepper from the Old Stock's store, and buying with ready money 500 tons more, with all the spices, turtle shells, and sandal wood there in readiness, and, if possible, to sail thence so as to arrive at Johanna Island by the last of August next at the farthest there to conjoin with the William from the coast of Coromandel and the fleet from England. Have licensed the repair of Henry Sill and Christopher Reade to Surat. During their abode at Bantam, which must not be longer than for both the James and Blessing to return for Surat, ordain John Skibbowe, principal over all the Company's servants and negotiations, with order to convocate to all consultations on shore. Wm. Hoare, John Banggam, and Lawrence Henley, with the power of a customary casting voice, and in case of his decease, John Banggam to see their orders fulfilled. Endorsed, "Rec. in Londn. by the Dutch from St. Lawrence Island, 9 Apr. 1633." 3 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1358.] |
| April 22. |
181. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Request of Theophilus Cope to pass over part of his adventure, answered there was an order in Chancery to detain it till the suit between him and his brother be determined. Attendance of Mr. Batten, Master of the Charles (see ante, No. 175), who set down the quantity of goods he bought from the Company's ship Charles, viz., indigo to the value of 700l. at 3s. 4d. per lb. bought of George Gosnell, Purser's Mate, eight barrels in the Custom House besides what yet remained aboard his ship; the warrant out of the Admiralty not to be executed upon him. Motion of Sir William Russell on behalf of Capt. Weddell that the
Court would direct what he should do to give them satisfaction, answered that if those things spoken of were performed the Company would consider the business. Request of Burlamachi for leave to set some statues and pictures, brought home for the King in the London and Industry, in their storehouses at Blackwall, assented to. Petition of Richard Croxon, a fisherman of Barking, arrested by warrant out of the Admiralty, confessing he was lured by Mr. Batten of the Charles to carry eight barrels of indigo to Ipswich, where, finding no vent, he brought them to London, and they were now in the Custom House; the Court content he be discharged out of prison, putting in security. Ordered that the goods (private trade) at Sandwich, Deal, and Dover be brought by sea to London, and the proprietor's consent obtained that the Company may bear the less adventure in their coming about. Mountney to view Boothby's trunks and chests of apparel, and if there be no merchandise to deliver them to him. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 213–215.] |
| April 25–29. |
182. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Ordered that no bills of store be allowed to any of the Factors, Commanders, or mariners for any goods brought home in the Charles and Jonas, unless the goods be first brought to Crosby House and the Court give order for same. Suit of Mr. Page for 50l. or 100l. on account of wages to supply his present occasions, and for delivery of his trunks and small tokens brought home for friends; answered that the Court would not give him any money till they had examined the complaints against him, but to bring up his trunks and goods to the Company's warehouse, on perusal whereof they would order delivery of what they thought fit. Confession of Dennis, Master of the St. Ann, lately come from the Canaries, that there were put aboard his ship in the Downs out of the Jonas, by Capt. Swanley's order nine bales of indigo and two fardells of cotton yarn, and from the Charles two bales of cloth or calicoes, and all were put into the house of one Kidney, a baker in Limehouse, except the cotton, which was fetched by the waiters of the Custom House. Report of Mr. Governor that John Mountney was sent down to Dover, Sandwich, and Deal, and had taken John Powell and Ephraim Ramsey to bring up the private trade which was there seized, having the letter of the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, requiring Sir Edward Dering, Lt.-Gov. of Dover Castle, to give him all furtherance; but Capt. Weddell and Mr. Wylde both desired to bring up their goods by land, promising to deliver them to the Company without concealing any part. Committees entreated to examine the accounts between the Company and Sir Dudley Digges, who much desires to have them cleared, and report how the business stands. Motion of Mr. Baron Sotherton to refer his difference with the Company to the determination of Mr. Stone and Mr. Phesant, who drew the covenants between them, being unwilling to proceed to trial in the Exchequer, agreed to. Suit of Alexander Sibthorpe, Steward's Mate of the Charles, for delivery of his goods, being 100 lb. of hard wax and a trunk and sea chest, wherein were two kintado quilts, trenchers, table cloths, calicoes, three pearl cups,
and a little pearl cabinet, free of freight; save only for the wax, to be deducted from his wages, agreed to. Authority to four of the Committees to view small parcels of goods and toys brought home by mariners and others as tokens for their friends, and deliver them to the owners on paying such freight or otherwise as they think fit. |
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April 27. Letter read from Sir Henry Marten complaining of the undue payment of the estates of dead men, who die in the Company's service, by reason of administrations taken out of the Bishop of London's Court, which is derogatory to the undoubted prerogative of his Grace of Canterbury, before whom the said wills are only to be proved; ordered that from henceforth no wages or estates be paid to the executors or administrators of any man deceased in the Company's service without first they prove the will before Sir Henry Marten or take out letters of administration with the will annexed, as formerly accustomed. Petition of John Algood and Susan, his wife, administratrix of John Coward, her brother, showing that 12 years since her brother was entertained at 20s. per month, and employed by the President and Council in the factory at Acheen, and served his full time of seven years, was contracted with for three years at 40l. to 60l. per annum, and died two years after at Jambi, demanding payment according to the latter agreement, which is denied; answered that the Court had a release from petitioner for 105l. in full of all wages, &c., and that it was not in the power of their then President and Council to augment any man's wages without direction of the Court; and therefore they wished him to content himself with what had been already paid, or repay the 105l., and they would again examine the account. The contract written by Thomas Robinson, and made between Gregory Clement and Messrs. Bix and Muschamp for 1,000 Rs. of 8, presented by Clement and ordered to be carefully kept; he declared he never heard of another for a greater sum between three Factors for the southward and three for the northward for driving private trade, nor of any other than this. Mr. Armitage entreated to assist Sheriff Abdi in the examination of Mr. Woodall's bills for the surgeons' chests sent out in the last fleet. Divers tradesmen and others of London, who had bought great quantities of private trade aboard the Company's ships in the Downs, contrary to his Majesty's proclamation, ordered to attend, viz.:—John Sadler, Francis Heath, Bullen, a salter and thatcher, who all protested their ignorance of his Majesty's proclamation, and if they may gain the Company's favour they will never commit the like offence again. Stone, the cutler, confessed he knew of his Majesty's proclamation, but bought some small trifles, as beads and hafts for knives, to the value of 40s., for which the Court exceedingly reprehended him, holding him worthy to be of the number of those they reserve to be made an example of by the Star Chamber. Note presented to Mr. Philpott, according to promise, on behalf of the Sandwich men that had likewise been offenders in private trade, of the goods and the names of persons of whom bought, but expressing not the quantity nor the names of the buyers, which he seemed very desirous to conceal; but observing the Company's resolution to insist thereon, he promised on Friday
next to deliver a more exact note of the quantities and names of the buyers, requesting the Court for his sake to promise that, saving the Company the freight, they should enjoy their bargains, as they had paid for them; but the Court told him to leave it to their consideration, who will deal fairly with the delinquents if they deal clearly with the Company. Complaint of Walter Boothby, one of the executors of his late father, Thos. Boothby, concerning the payment of his dividends deferred till Friday next, when his brother and Mr. Beadle, the other executor, shall be warned to be present. |
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April 29. Relation by Mr. Governor that he had been with the Attorney-General, who had directed such a course as compounding with the informers for their parts and with his Majesty for his moiety of the goods seized by Messrs. Maperley and Francklyn, being 240 books of calicoes and 19 cwt. 3 qrs. and 26 lb. indigo, which should then be delivered to the Company; Mr. Acton appointed to go to one of the Barons for compounding for his Majesty's part. Examination of John Clifton, a chandler, of Blackwall, and Roger Crowther, waterman, concerning the landing of goods, the private trade of Thos. Johnson, baker of the Charles, and other poor men of the ship, which consisted of books of calico, and that when the pursuivant came Clifton resisted him, telling him he should not enter unless he brake open the door. Relation by Mr. John Younge of what he had done at Ipswich in finding out private trade sent thither out of the Charles and Jonas from the Downs, and which he had shipped in a hoy for London. Examination of Mawood, a linendraper of Canning Street, that he and others contracted for 16 churles of indigo aboard the Company's ships in the Downs, but only received four, which he sold; that he never knew of his Majesty's proclamation, and was content to bring in the profit he had made by sale of the indigo, about 30l., which the Court wished him to do, commending his free confession, which may induce them to show him the more favour. John Lawrence also acknowledged buying stuffs and calicoes to the value of 4l., but not above. Sir William Russell acquainted the Court that Capt. Weddell had brought from the Indies a leopard and cage of birds, the one for the King and the other for the Queen, and desired leave to present them in his own name; but the Court conceived it more fit to present them as from themselves, and resolved to attend the King and Lords on Monday afternoon next, and then make their presentment. On motion of Sir Wm. Russell, to imprest to Capt. Weddell 200l., ordered that same be imprested to him by way of loan, but not on account of wages. Order concerning the difference between Walter and Richard Boothby and Mr. Beadle, executors to Thos. Beadle, deceased, in reference to the payment of 510l. upon the 12th division and 510l. upon the 13th division. Tuesday next appointed for examination of the differences between Clement and Wylde and between Wylde and Boothby. Wednesday, the 11th May, appointed for calling a General Court to determine the disposure of the goods brought home in the Charles and Jonas, and to resolve on a course for payment of the debt left in the Indies on account of the Old Stock. Bill of fees from the officers of the
Bridge House about renewing the Company's lease at Deptford, ordered to be paid, with gratuities to the Bridge Masters, the Clerk, and other officers, for their pains in furthering the dispatch of the lease. 11 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 215–226.] |
