April 13.
Swally Mareen. |
32. President Richard Wylde and Council to the East India Company. Refer to their letters of 24th Dec. by the Exchange, Blessing, and Star, and of 11th April by the Hart, Expedition, and Hopewell, which they trust are safely arrived. Received their general letters of 31st March 1629, 10th Oct. following, by the Charles, and their particular by the Discovery, Reformation, and Samuel, together with the goods and moneys in good condition. Thank God for the safe arrival of the Palsgrave, Dolphin, Discovery, and William, and condole with them upon the untimely loss of the Morris, and the deceased Mr. Hawley, late President in Bantam, who might in many particulars have regained the Company's lost good opinion. Are right sorry for the damage sustained
in the Palsgrave's goods, where so much water was needful for suppressing so dangerous a fire, and rejoice at the finding of the lost bale of silk wanting in the Blessing's cargazoon delivered at Bantam; another bale of Dulka dutties also wanting, suspected to be purloined by the purser of the Mary, Daniel White, who delivered one short to Herwassee, one of their best friends at Surat. Send but little gumlac, doubting there was more sent last year than wanted. Of Agra indigo the last ships carried a greater quantity than has been sent these many years; have forborne buying more, employing Fremlyn only in sugar and saltpetre investments. Have laboured to fall the price of Serques indigo, but cannot effect it so long as the Moors buy such quantities for Persia, and the Banians engross it to resell; no better course could have been devised to pull down the price than they have practised without hazard of having none. The purchases of the Dutch and Portuguese, who have not left one bale in Ahmedabad. Through the want of rains these three years scarce half the usual quantity has been made, but this year gives hopes of greater abundance; fears of the Dutch seizing it, so have ordered 2,000 fs. to be provided for the New Stock. Have also provided William Fremlyn with means for buying Agra indigo for the same account. These two will stand them in little less than 25,000l., and the remainder of the 35,000l. landed from the Persian cargazoon will not keep all their linen investments on foot without a further engagement at interest, whereto they have resolved by consultation held the 24th Dec. to the sum of 25,000l. or 30,000l., in expectation that the same adventurers will second their good beginnings. Their endeavours to prevent the great desire of the Dutch to engross all these commodities, who in all their proceedings try to beat the English out of this trade also, and doubtless it is a plot from their politic masters both to raise the prices of goods transported and undersell those they import. Remarks upon the Governor's encroachments in the Custom House; hope the Company will be satisfied it is not their buying dear that causes commodities to rise. The unrefined saltpetre upon the Palsgrave was ordered for a trial; there was none upon the last fleet, nor upon this, though greater quantities of refined. This commodity has cost much trouble, being prohibited transportation by the King upon false information from this Governor of their and the Dutch proceedings in Masulipatam, and it has cost some bribes and extraordinary expense to work its release, and more will be required to regain their former freedom of buying it. The calicoes sent last year and now on the Charles and Jonas are mostly of the lower sorts provided in Baroach, Brodera, and Surat. Did little at Ahmedabad these two years, their letters by the Mary and Jonas complaining so much of the badness of those cloths, and their credit there being lost by the disorderly proceedings of some gone or going home. Something they did there these last rains, and will do more on the New Stock's account. Provided bloodstones last year by a muster of extraordinary making at 7 rupees and 4 rupees the 1,000; cannot have them so well cut as desired unless they raise the price; they are made in Cambaya, where they have not now a residency.
Are sorry the sugar sent was not to their liking, it was the best this country affords; hope that sent upon the last ships bought in Agra will give better content; have now 768 bales, which, if they have other goods sufficient to lade these two ships, they will reserve until next season and send for Persia, where it is a good commodity. Will forbear buying any more, also aloes, until ordered. Sent last year no green ginger, sugar being so dear and bad, but have now laden 60 jars provided with more than ordinary care. Intended to send more cotton yarn than the last ships could carry, so left out 395 bales, which they would have sent instead of dry ginger and other coarse goods but for the great quantity sent on the Palsgrave. To these have added 205 bales provided in Surat; may not buy any in Baroach and Brodera, the weavers at their last investment having combined not to bring any baftaes to their house until they gave a writing not to buy any more cotton yarn; may not therefore expect so much as they require, for except in Surat, and there also by stealth, it is not to be had. Their great engagements in the usurers' books prevented any fear of their landing goods and moneys, and the country is in peace, and the King in Brampore intending war against the Decannees. The Company will do well not to send any more jewels except rare and rich pearls, wherein the King most delights; he has often required the best cloth of gold received by the Mary, but especially the finest scarlet and violet cloths. Their efforts to prevent the wrong done by opening bales of calicoes; some have paid soundly for it with corporal punishment. Goods from Ahmedabad change carts at Baroach and at Surat or Ranneile; nor are their own mariners free, for even at Swally Sands and under a court of guard they have found bales opened or clean carried away. It would be a matter of more difficulty to advise the names of such as are not private traders than of those who are; all in general may be said to do something more or less. Every man would live, but to advertise what quantities of goods any particular man puts aboard the ships is to them impossible; this office more properly belongs to the pursers, without whose knowledge nothing of bulk ought to be received in hold. Have these last two years endeavoured its prevention by strict edicts, severe fines, and punishment threatened, but without avail; have also ordered the merchants of the marine to notice these things and advise, but they answer they dare not, fearing, upon the least suspicion of prying into this abuse, a stab or a brace of bullets in their breasts, ordinary threats from the Company's uncivil seamen; insomuch that no man willingly will embrace the employment, for the best terms they get even from the chief of them, is the base informer. Have laboured, to avoid these inconveniences, to set a man in the Custom House to take notice, but will not be permitted, the Governor reaping benefit thereby; and caused a writing in Persian and Banian to be formed by both nations and published, which they are persuaded has and will hinder the excess of private trade. This instrument was made upon "the too much irregular proceeds" of Richard Boothby in this kind to the Company's prejudice and general scandal of the whole nation. Pray the Company to consider that if it be not possible
for themselves to hinder the great quantity of quicksilver, broad cloth, lead, &c. yearly brought out to their great and apparent damage, how much less possible is it for them to deal with their unruly seamen who are favoured by the Governor and customers to whom they bring so much profit. Made account of the pepper they bought from Jacatra with the pursers of the ships. Presume Mr. Kerridge will have satisfied them herein. Had the President and Council at Bantam demanded the return of the Exchange or any other, they had doubtless performed it, as they did the Mary last year, but cannot divine their wants when themselves are silent. Take notice of their absolute order for cessation from all investments for the Old Stock, and accordingly said accounts of all the factories perfected, with abstract of all remains, as well goods, debts, houses, utensils, &c., valued at present worth, the accounts of this factory excepted, which attending the rest, especially those from Persia, are left ready for a balance. Are not of opinion that any plantation may be attempted in these parts without apparent loss, and will cease from any enterprise of the kind until further order. Have charged the old account with half the Factors' salaries and house expenses, &c. at Surat and in Ahmedabad, but have ordered one-third only to be charged in Agra and Baroach, that account being finished in December. Will rejoice to hear of a new subscription for another joint stock and not for particular voyages, which in their opinion cannot be safely performed if the enemy increase his forces, as is much feared. Will follow their directions touching Baftaes, dutties, &c. Sent last year 4,000 pieces of neccannees, hussannees, and populees and the like are laden in these ships, provided half in Baroach and half in Brodera, for their better experience whether prove the best cloth (sic). Have long since agreed and earnested to be provided for them a far larger parcel of sallooes, guldares, girdles, &c. than heretofore, intending a second trial in the Red Sea, but that voyage is altered; doubt not the other sorts will find vent for Turkey or Poland, the wars in Persia and the Red Sea hindering their transport into those parts. On their last advice they provided in Agra 8 bales spikenard for these ships, and the like they sent by the last, but hereafter will forbear till further order. The Exchange, &c. carried a large partitho of excellent cinnamon surprised by Capt. Slade from the Portugal in his passage to Jacatra; it is here very dear, so none provided for these ships. All unnecessary Factors and assistants are returned upon these ships according to order, and a list of all remaining, with their entertainments and employments, sent. Landed 35,000l. from the Persian cargazoon in gold, silver, and cloth according to order, but have not observed their directions for employing 3,000l. or 4,000l. in oil, &c. for Persia, for they can hardly get enough to supply the ships; it is also a commodity in jars, and which must lie below, under other goods, and cannot endure any great weight, and if laid aloft would leak and spoil all other goods. Cotton wool, rice, and tobacco yield 2, 3, or 4 for one, but 1,000l. in either would have filled all four ships and scarce yielded its cost after a year's time. With these cumbersome commodities the seamen have
been accustomed to fill the ships, so they have not been able to take in any other goods, but this year, during the lading of the ships for Persia, no tobacco, cotton, wool, or rice was suffered to pass the Custom House, and the Jonas and Charles alone made almost as much freight as the six last year, and near treble former years' freight on many more ships. On petition of Thos. Turner a general council held aboard the Charles, 23rd Nov., consented to his continuance in his place till the Jonas arrived in England, where he doubted not to give satisfaction to the objections laid against him. Do not know of any gamesters or dicers remaining in any factory, but will fulfil their commission and resend to the Company any such they meet with. Remarks upon the general want of cloth and the firmans granted by the King, the quantity landed by Heynes, and the prices of the various colours and qualities; some cloths landed from the Discovery a month after the ship's departure were stained and full of spots, others rotten, and all so coarse and ill dressed that they admired to see the Governor take any, especially having seen the Dutch cloth of the same colours and prices excelling theirs in goodness above one half. Their forbearing to send these two years has not only caused great loss, but made way for the Dutch to land greater quantities; these people look more into the colour than the fineness of the cloth. Describe the quantities and qualities the Company may boldly send yearly, which they may be confident of selling at good rates, if the mariners can be prevented from bringing any, which they do every year. Request the Company at this King's importunity to send some of the best scarlet and finest violet cloth. The price given by the Governor for these colours. So does he press for rich cloth of gold, as the best sent upon the Mary, invoiced at 10l. the yard; some things of this kind must be sent yearly to give the King, Governor, and merchants content, and work a quiet passage to their affairs. Without presents nothing can be done, general custom makes it a law, to comply with which have been forced to buy from others at most heavy rates. Have been of the same mind with their Worships to send no goods to court, but experience tells them they must not bring any rarities except they let the King have first choice; for on refusing to send Sir Francis Crane's tapestry to his durbar this Governor took it by force, with many abusive terms and threats. Have met with some unwonted rubs, and fear many greater if this Governor continues in place, all occasioned through denial to send this tapestry to court. Hope that henceforth the Company will deny any man to send things of this nature, except he will license the transport to the King's durbar or leave it to the discretion of the President and Council. Upon notice of the arrival this year of four galleons and three carracs, and knowing of five other galleons preparing at Goa, it was thought fit by a council held aboard the Charles, 23rd Nov., that the Discovery and Reformation should after return from Persia accompany the Charles and Jonas to the Mauritius, and thence proceed to St. Augustine and the islands to meet the fleet from England, and come together upon the coast in full strength, leaving the Red Sea designs, and the rather that the wars in Mocha
have spoiled all trade, the Surat junks returning last year with most of their goods unsold. It is said the enemy brought out 3,000 soldiers with all needful provisions of war, intending this summer to beleaguer Ormuz, expecting nine ships yearly from the King of Spain, with a resolution to expel the English and Dutch out of these seas. At return of the ships from Persia they expected an encounter upon this coast, but the enemy attends a greater strength, not daring to meet upon equal terms, yet on 6th Dec. past 12 frigates attempted the burning of the Dutch Wesopp of 24 guns, and the Samuel, riding at the river's mouth; eight fell upon the Dutch, who burnt two and sunk another, and four upon the Samuel, whose master improvidently laying a train, expecting they would have boarded her, fired and blew himself and all his people overboard; lamentably burnt himself, 15 were saved by the Dutch, and as many more perished or were taken prisoners, the vessel and one of the frigates burnt, and 100 bags of rice, besides provisions, lost; she was full laden with Moors' goods for Persia. In this broil their barges took two merchant frigates, laden for Cambaya with beetle and paddy of little value, and the Dutch took another, which they restored forthwith to the owners; theirs they kept a month, till the importunity of the Governor wrought restitution, rather than displease him. The Jonas, &c. on the way to Bantam surprised a Malabar junk, which sank in a storm, as Capt. Swanley reports. The owners required restitution, and Capt. Swanley delivered the goods to the President and Council at Bantam, rather than allow complaints of their robbing traders to his port to come before the King. Remarks upon the allowance to seamen out of prizes, and complaints of their greediness. These pilfering surprisals do the nation and the Company's action more wrong than any other thing which we labour to avoid, but all is fish that comes to our seamen's net, be it right or wrong. They have spared the Dutch 90 barrels of powder, having an overplus, taking Commander Van Hazell's bill on the Netherlands Company to repay in England. Lent them last year 25 barrels. Paid 40 Rs of 8 for Hugh Simcoe, cooper of the Blessing, deceased. Send inventory and goods of James Dover, steward of the Jonas, deceased. The Jonas's biscuit proved very bad, great part being thrown away and given to cattle, as is generally all the bread taken from him that provided this. Received a letter from Mr. Best, &c. in Aden in October last, and have laboured their release by letters to the Governor of Aden, but receive no answer; have sent others and offered 100 ryals, if need be, to free them and bring them thence. A German who has passage for England, and lived many years in slavery amongst the Turks, says Best might have his liberty, but will not come without his vessel; others report he cares not for coming thence, but cannot believe him so stupid; if they visit those parts with an able force will draw him off by fair or foul means. Concerning Joseph Hopkinson's accounts with their Ahmedabad broker and goods sold by him. Concerning coral and the price; that received by the Charles, though it cost more in Italy, not esteemed here so good as the last, though valued in Custom House by this unjust Governor at almost treble its prime
cost, as he shamefully overrates all things; have no present remedy, but expect one by his removal, which it is said is or shortly will be ordered. The coral called Recaduti, about 8s. or 9s. the 1b., yields most benefit, and of the higher price, if sound and well coloured, a large parcel would suddenly go off to great profit, but the small sort now sent, called Tiraglia Brutura, will not sell so well; of this sort that sent by the Palsgrave and William sold to most profit, since when it comes worse every year. 100 chests will sell yearly, 50 from 8s. to 15s. the 1b., and 50 from 8s. to 20s. (?) Have sold all at 35 per cent. under its rate in Custom House, producing 6,041l. 14s. and profit 2,230l. 10s., besides overplus of weight. It belonged to the Old Stock, which has a great debt at interest. Send abstract of what remains to be discharged. Have sold their lead to the Governor, taken in a manner perforce for the King's use, the like did the Dutch; the price; 1,000 pigs will sell yearly. Mountney succeeded in selling the quicksilver in Ahmedabad; the price. The purchasers repented of their bargain, but could not fly from it, on news that the Dutch had such another parcel, and private men in smaller parcels more than both together, which has fallen the price. The quantity that would sell yearly to a fair benefit if others could be prevented from bringing it. The pursers the greatest private traders; some which belonged to Robert Tottell, deceased, Mr. Heynes refused to deliver, and was seized by the Governor's people, who would have confiscated it, so were forced to take it and pretend it belonged to the Company. The rough amber sold in Ahmedabad; the price; a greater parcel will doubtless sell to good profit if well chosen, of a clear yellow and without white and other rubbish. Have had somewhat less trouble to put off the gold, which is somewhat improved in value this year, yet pray the Company not to send above one-third or at most one-half of their cargazoon in gold. The Factors' provisions yearly shortened in goodness and quantity, and they are forced to buy books of account for treble their cost in England. Sold the broadcloths stammels received from Bantam per the Jonas to the Governor; the price. Also the 120l. English money, but the sandal wood will not yet away, the Dutch having a great quantity; nothing else remains to sell but the refuse cloth on the New Stock's account. Our project against Damaun and Diu is grown cold, through sinister informations of this Governor, who is inclined more to the Portugals than to themselves. Reports of the King's intentions, who is at Brampore; some say it is likely he will be doing with the Portugals country about Damaun, others that he will fall into Deccan; his own country is in peace and likely so to continue, he having cut off all the blood royal that can lay claim to the crown but his own sons, and impoverished his nobles by taking all their treasure and allowing them no more than will barely maintain them. Have exacted a fine from Gregory Clement for misdemeanors in Ahmedabad and Agra, the principal of which will be found in a consultation held in Surat 13th July. The excessive charge attending goods provided in Agra with their inconvenient transport, made them often determine to dissolve that factory, but the Company requiring one-third of that
indigo, they sent thither John Willoughby and Crispin Blagden. Find it also needful to keep a residency in the King's durbar, especially in time of this Governor, who, quite contrary to expectations, proves their strong enemy; have therefore recalled John Willoughby to attend the court, as fittest in respect of his language, and to take charge of Sir Francis Crane's two suits of tapestry, which, if not sent, would have saved more than its worth and such trouble as they have not hitherto passed in this place since their arrival in India. Richard Wylde having craved license to return for England, and no business requiring his stay, he takes his passage upon these ships, with his own accounts and the accounts from every factory, as also inventories, valuation of remains, &c. George Page, according to order, takes passage upon these ships, of whose sufficiency and honest demeanour they may happily be better satisfied than hitherto; so does Thomas Smith, whose careful diligence hath no parallel, the ablest and fittest secretary that ever came or shall come into India; his small means and desire to make himself better known to the Company moved him to crave license to return. Thomas Aldsworth, an ancient servant, also returns; though not capable of any prime place, he has honestly and carefully discharged that of assistant in sundry factories, wherein his language has much improved him. Would have kept Mr. Fuller, minister upon the Charles, but he was not very willing to stay; are bold to entreat in his behalf if he be willing to come back, his doctrine and life being so exemplary as they doubt of his like. Divers other necessary members in this factory go on these ships, so if a supply be not provided will be forced next season to furnish their places from the ships. Send a list of all the Factors remaining, with their entertainment, all honest, able, and well-governed men. Their broker sent to Scinde for musters of every commodity, at last returned after much danger, having been detained eight months by wars between the rajahs. Send two bales indigo and musters of white cloth, to determine whether they will recompense the charge of settling a factory there. Send also to Bantam and reserve others to send for Persia. There is no doubt the King will grant license, Aseph Khan having often demanded why they did not keep a residency there also; the Portugals sitting there the greatest obstacle. The Vice-King has solicited this Governor to mediate with the King to expel both the Dutch and us from his kingdom, promising to settle in Surat and bring as much trade as both nations, and give liberty to their own junks to trade in all parts, with other fair offers of assistance; are certain the Governor is more the Portugals' friend than ours, yet firm to none, being a most false hearted, dissembling fellow as lives in India. Their forces by sea must be able to confront the enemy, who has promise of an annual supply of nine galleons and ships. Arrival of our ships from Persia in company with the Dutch, 17th March 1629(–30); refer the Company to the letters and papers from Heynes, which are sent herewith. Amount of the freight, whereof the Factors have detained one moiety for the New Stock. Long detention of the ships by the refusal of the Factors to let any Moors lade upon the ships of the Old Stock
before those of the new were full, so that Capt. Weddell agreed to part the goods equally, which were found to be many more than all the ships could bring. Desire the Company to provide for a more fair correspondency from the Factors of each stock, and to know why the two ships of the New Stock made no more freight from hence. Mr. Heynes can give a reason, as also why so many of their ryals are come back thence by English, Moors, Armenians, &c., upwards of 50,000 Rs. all new and the greater part in their own bags. Endeavours of the Viceroy of Goa to induce the King to expel the English and Dutch. A great breach like to ensue; the King being near with so powerful an army, may be induced to fall upon the Portugals' country about Diu and Damaun, and the Governor has written for his firman to assure them of the same quarter Shah Abbas gave their people at the taking of Ormuz if they will promise to assist him next year, the like he has required for the Dutch. For their own parts have given no further encouragement than that if they have strength sufficient they will afford their best services. If the Company second not this motion with strong sea forces, it is likely the Dutch will, and in the end, work them out of all. Remarks upon this "business of great weight." The King inclines rather to their aid than to the Dutch, and to either or both rather than endure so many insolencies from his braving enemy. A war both dangerous and doubtful will be by the enemy attempted upon their own and the Dutch ships. Have received from Persia some silk, rhubarb, wormseed, galls, and ruhanas, with three horses; have re-imbaled and laden upon these ships the former, as also 106 bales of silk for the new account; the ruhanas are full of dirt and stones, and the horses are bad, though they have so often written for so many as might be licensed, especially last year, for four extraordinary for this King. The King being in the wars, has commanded that all horses on their or the Dutch ships be bought and sent to him, whereupon this Governor has stayed 30 bought by the Dutch for Batavia. Concerning Joseph Hopkinson's accounts. Through the decease of Robert Wooder and Agent Burt's absence the Persian accounts are not come this year. Their importunity to a more careful proceed in Custom House has increased their interest to treble that of former years, yet does it hardly equal the freight of their ships alone, which is a mystery. Have hitherto yearly provided 2,000 to 4,000 bags for pepper, and could never find a remedy for their detention aboard, but such is the malice of their seamen that because they cannot keep them as heretofore they rip them up and spoil them; have threatened to make the purser of the ship pay for such bags, but it has not prevailed; therefore send an abstract of what are wanting in each ship, that the Company may make an example; every bag would serve two if not three years, and the like for provisions if their stewards were good husbands. Eight of the Samuel's men were taken, whereof three died in prison, sorely burnt, and the others had liberty given them by the Vice-King, three (James Wood, Richard Copp, and William Redstone) are returned, and the other two are thought to be returned to Goa. In requital have given liberty to four mesticoes and two boys, and written to
the Capitan Mayor of the frigates who laboured their release a complimentive letter promising the like to any of their people. The Vice-King, seeming to be a noble gentleman, gives hopes of a fair correspondency, though assured he will give them much trouble the next and following years if not suppressed. Have unexpectedly met with 216,550 red cornelians of a reasonably good sort; such as the Company require are hardly to be had without a year's time for provision. The Portugals and Dutch buy great store, yet are not so curious in their choice as themselves are. Yearly deliver 1,000 to 2,000 long red beads to the pursers of every fleet for bartering, in case they put into St. Augustine, yet find the ships from England for want thereof give 10 times their value for beeves, &c.; there certainly is an error somewhere worthy reformation. Their general letter will acquaint the Company with Richard Boothby's irregular proceeds and mutinous and contemptuous demeanour, and how unfit such factious persons are in these parts. Contrary to a consultation held aboard the Charles 18th March, Capt. Weddell has taken in 106 bales of silk belonging to the New Stock, leaving out 318 bales of cotton yarn belonging to the old, whereof they have laden 113 on the Discovery and Reformation, being the complement of 395 left last year; these at the Mauritius may be transladen upon the Charles and Jonas in room of provisions spent; the other 205 provided this year are re-sent to Raneile to be housed till the following season. Refer to a consultation at the Mareen, 12th April 1630, whereby John Skibbowe was elected President and the other factories settled, and Richard Wylde, late President, established Commander of the Charles, &c. Know Capt. Weddell will not submit, as did not Capt. Browne to Mr. Kerridge, yet are persuaded there will be no difference, Mr. Wylde being willing to give way in all things that shall not too much derogate from his esteem. A constant course should be settled by the Company for a more peaceable correspondency between the seamen and merchants. Mr. Fuller, their minister, has at last been persuaded to stay, and doubt not a man of his quality and demeanour will draw a blessing upon their labours surpassing the Company's charge by his detention. Have remitted 1,000 pagodas to Masulipatam, the factory of Armagon being in want of means even to provide food till their expected relief from Bantam arrive. Touching their affairs in those parts, refer to transcripts of their last letters herewith sent. At dispatch of the ships Richard Boothby presented a protest, as he terms it, or rather a railing and scandalous pamphlet, which in regard of their many negotiations they have forborne to answer, sending it upon the Charles and entreating Richard Wylde to cause its transcript to be drawn at sea and put into the packet of the Jonas. Beseech the Company to weigh the state of their affairs if managed by such wrangling reformers, who can neither master their own passions nor pass by the weakness of others. Have put some broad cloths, &c. aboard the ships, many of the seamen being destitute of clothes even to cover their nakedness, which they have valued at cost in England and charged to the new account, which is to receive the benefit of their sale. Refer for
many other particulars to the relation of Richard Wylde. Signed by Richard Wylde, John Skibbowe, G. Page, Richard Barbar, Richard Predys, Arthur Suffeylde, Nath. Mountney, and John Norris. Postscript dated on board the Charles, 14th April 1630. Cannot but accompany their late President with their voluntary testimony to his great care and judgment and upright and judicious proceedings in managing the Company's action, being not culpable of the least neglect or indirect carriage, albeit such detractions may by some malevolent spirits now returned be unjustly suggested; and are confident their worships will recompense so high deserts in due time. Signed by John Shibbowe, Richard Barbar, Arthur Suffeylde, Nath. Mounteney, and John Norris. Endorsed, "Rec. by the Jonas 7 Decr 1631." 20½ large and closely written pages. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1306.] |
