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1632.
Jan. 2.
Bantam. |
254. Tho. Watts, Master of the Hopewell, to the East India Company. Arrived at Armagon 25th June 1631, all well, where the agent made a sudden dispatch with them, and 4th July sailed for Masulipatam and arrived 8th. On 29th sailed into the Bay of Bengalla, and anchored 3rd August in the road of Calapara, where lay in garrison a great Moor named Becarraune with a great army, without whose leave they could not be suffered to trade in those parts; next day their merchants went ashore in the shallop, carrying a great boat brought from Masulipatam, but coming to the river's mouth found an extraordinary and dangerous bar, which they got safely through into the river, where they found such entertainment by this great Moor as they could desire; but in returning over the bar the shallop was thrice sunk, but both boat and men saved, and the great boat being twice cast away and saved, was the third time split in pieces. The merchants seeing these disasters and having no possibility of getting aboard, determined to travel overland to another place reported less dangerous; and at their departure, having been ashore full 12 days waiting a slack to get aboard, and the ship riding in a very bad road with much foul
weather, the shallop and her crew concluded again to try this dangerous exploit, and with much trouble arrived safe aboard. Sailed 15th Aug. and anchored in Manegapatam Road 18th, where they were consigned by the merchants; here they had extremely bad weather and another very dangerous bar, but the merchants sent a country boat to certify their resolution to go no further to leeward, they were ordered to go to Pepole, 60 leagues to leeward, it being a very bad time of year for such a voyage, besides which they might hinder their general voyage. Sent the shallop ashore which once came well off, but the second time was cast away on the bar and lost four men, but was saved by the blacks and brought ashore; on which occasion were also split to pieces three or four of the country boats. This troublesome weather and these dangerous bars are caused by the westerly monsoon, but as the country people report in the easterly monsoon there is very fair weather and smooth water. All things being accomplished the merchants with the rest of their men and boat came safely aboard, sailed 6th, and anchored at Masulipatam 11th Oct., sailed 27th Nov. and 9th (Dec.) anchored at Armagon, whence they sailed 26th, and arrived at Bantam 26th Jan. Endorsed, "Rece. in London by the ship London 4 September 1632." 2½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1413.] |
Jan. 4.
Aboard the James at sea. |
255. Gabriel Kennicott, Purser's mate of the Great James, to (the East India Company). He whom the Company appointed chief Purser's mate of this ship is by the favourers of private trade put from his place and accommodation, because according to the Company's orders he has been careful to look to private trade, which is now grown so strong that unhappy shall he be in India made, that shows but an evil will thereto, as may appear by the displacing of Messrs. Willoughby and Barnes and the rest of the Factors, &c. of the Star, who showed an intent of rooting up that prejudicial tree, which all the Company's chief servants desire to cherish; whose sufferings have struck such terror among the small remnant of their true servants, as they dare not presume to speak against private trade, much less presume to advise the Company thereof, because strict inquisition is daily made for such letters, which has caused him to defer writing till they are at sea. Were better out of his life than known to advise the Company of private trade, being it would cause his sending home under other pretence in irons, with the President and Council's writings against him, and what could their Worships do but condemn him. Being abused by the chief and second at Bantam unadvisedly said he would write to their Worships of their great private trade and conniving at the abundance brought in this ship, for which he at present suffers; but hopes God will deliver him out of these blood-suckers hands, who only desire to enrich themselves, not caring how they gain it, and daily say the Company's trade must fail. Has long been the Company's servant, and thought they could not have been worse than last voyage, but finds them much worse. The private trade to Bantam on the James and Blessing was great, but much greater was it to Persia by the Company's Surat merchants, whose particulars
he refers to a more convenient time. Names of private traders and other particulars in the James and the Blessing, among whom Capt. Morton had 24 bales, and two Preachers 10 bales, but because he should not know all the particulars that were laden, was sent on shore at Sumatra as interpreter, and Capt. Morton went with him it seems to disable himself from declaring the same on a Chancery examination; some belonged to John Lawrence, Surgeon of the Blessing, deceased, and to Thos. Clarke, now bound home on the Palsgrave, supposes he knows of much private trade if questioned. At Bantam their lading was ready by the waterside, and few days would have dispeeded the ship, and saved her monsoon to Surat; but for their own occasions (as he supposes) they lengthened the time to 40 and odd days; yet, even with the help of many Dutch frigates and sloops from Batavia, and filling the market of Bantam, besides what was sent to Jambi on the Jude and Dove, and to Macassar on the Star, the James returned for Surat he is informed upwards of 100 bales, which on her re-arrival were unladed part in Bantam, and part aboard the Palsgrave whereof some brought to the Company's account. The private traders made no spare of spices, especially cloves; supposes his mate Barry can give certain notice of all. Time and spies constrain him to cease for the present. Endorsed, "Rs. by ship Palsgrave 1632." 4 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1414.] |
Jan. 6.
Aboard the Royal James. |
256. Thos. Grove to the East India Company. For the affairs of India refers to the general letters, having been employed Factor for Jambi on the ship Star, with 150 bales Coast cloth, 124 bales with 8,000 Rs. of 8 for the second general voyage, and 26 bales for the Second Joint Stock. Arrived 1 May in Sado Road, and 20th happened that miserable fire by ill-disposed men, and burnt 14 bales of the second general voyage, and the Second Joint Stock's remains excepting six bales. Was sent 16th Sept. by the new agent's order for Surat on a Dutch vessel, but found the James dispeeded, and Mr. Hoare employed him in weighing the Palsgrave's pepper, and a parcel of 38,769 lb. for the James at her return. The James departed with the Palsgrave 27th Dec., one for England, the other for "Mouristrees" [Mauritius] to expect the new fleet, and was ordered to take passage on her for Surat with Geo. Willoughby, by the sole President and Council's order, at whose strange proceeding in removing Willoughby he has cause to wonder doubting it will nurse some strange monster for the overthrow of this trade; for dare boldly say the Company were never better served than by Willoughby, whose honest proceeding though blamed for a time cannot hide the truth, for particulars of whose and Council's proceedings refers to his declaration. "By my good friend Mr. Thos. Fenn, Purser, whom God keep." Endorsed, "Rec. by the ship Palsgrave 1632." 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1415.] |
Jan. 23.
Surat. |
257. President Joseph Hopkinson, Nathaniel Mountney, Nathaniel Wicke, and Tho. Joyce, to Edward Heynes and Factors in Persia. The great mortality fallen among them this year, and the little time it is since some of them were able to crawl about must
serve as a plea for their present brevity, referring to copies of their last overland, of another to Capt. Wills last year, their invoices, abstracts, &c. Have been forced to detain three chests of ryals of those consigned to Persia, to stop the mouths and clamours of the Old Stock's creditors, whom, Mr. Wylde being not arrived, the Company have not sent means to satisfy; fear the debt will far exceed in interest the profit of the goods bought with the money, besides the hindrances done to all voyages since, which when the Company well weigh Mr. Wylde will have littlet hanks for his double diligence and unmerchantlike proceeding. They may detain the value of these three chests out of the Indian goods now sent, and return the rest in money or silk; entreat them to do their utmost in procuring all the silk they can against next year, because besides that and Agra indigo they have nothing towards lading one of the two great ships, this country through mortality being deprived of weavers, washers, dyers, spinsters, packers, husbandmen and all manner of handicraftsmen, so that linen is 50 per cent. dearer than usual, and scarce any to be had. Have sent the pinnace Intelligence for Bantam, that the Great James may receive her lading there, for after the William and Blessing be laden, they have no lading for her at Surat, and there is above 20,000l. worth of goods carried hither from the coast by the Star, and herself from hence, and the Mary must also seek her lading thence. Said pinnace from Bantam is designed for the island of St. Lawrence, &c. with letters for the outward-bound fleet to continue in making Persia their first port according to the Company's well-grounded resolution, which all their weak reasons will not be able to alter, neither will they escape censure if they wrestle not with some difficulties to its effecting. Their allegation of extremity of heat is not worth answering, all merchants affirm there is no want of camels in and about Lar, and there is no question but Gombroon Castle can secure itself and town against frigates, nor do they believe that the Portugal living higher up the gulf under the Shah's protection, dare pillage or rob any of his towns and ports: the commodiousness to the Company is, that they may leave some English at Port or Lar for getting camels, and receiving the ships and goods, as they did this past year; and though the first year may fail, yet against the next they will gain six months time for providing silk and having it brought down to or near Port, and enable them at Surat to dispeed the ships for England more seasonably; and, lastly, should the ships the first year take in no silk, they will be more capable of freight goods; and what may be difficult at first will yearly be more easy and feasible, so that they are to appoint some of their great number to attend the reception and sudden dispatch of the ships next year, with or without silk, so that the time lost by the not coming down of the goods to Surat from their factories may, if possible, be regained; which, if private trade hinder not, both in themselves buying and the seamen in selling, they conceive may be finished in a few days. The buying of extraordinary quantities of grain may be a little restrained in regard the number of bunyaries and boats by sea have abated the
prices of most wheat and rice; but desire them to buy all the good butter they can, as before the rains there is no ho hope it will be cheaper. All the Factors being retired to Surat for want of business and saving of charges, have spared them two able men, Messrs. Sherland and Fall, whose help got through the Company's business when they were all bedridden; have appointed Sherland third and Fall fourth of Council if Gibson be living, though know no difference in their abilities, only imitating the Company, who have made the one's salary 50l. and the others 40l. In Oct. next a new stock arrives and begins its account, to which they are desired to conform their accounts. Have sent them the Company's letter unopened, being never delivered them till their coming aboard; desire a copy, though they suppose the Company have intimated all necessary matters in their own letters. Desire them to endeavour, though it cost dear, Mr. Rastell's projection of getting silk of the King to be paid in money and goods at Port, which he opined would be a service transcendent to any other before, wherein expect their greatest diligence and answer what hopes there are of its effecting by return of these ships. Pray them dispeed their letters with all expedition overland; have sent same by Capt. Quaile in the Seahorse, and hope one will come to hand before the coming out of the next fleet but one. Have had no time to rectify their accounts last year, and could much less enter them into their own till perfect; expect all that are perfect concerning the first and second voyages by return of these ships. Almighty God hath called to His mercy from amongst them this year, Thos. Rastell, late President, Ric. Barbour, James Bickford, Arthur Suffeylde, Thomas Smith, Robert Davison, Wm. Clarke, and Nico. Woolley, with Edwd. Sherburne, and Jno. Downe of this year's fleet, and divers inferiors taken ashore for convoys, &c. now taken into Abraham's bosom, unto which place God prepare us who remain, for the best among them can neither recover strength nor colour. Pray them to be more sensible of keeping so many men ashore, when the Company judge nine sufficient, and send back such as are unable or unfaithful, which it was thought strange they omitted last year. Pray them omit not their custom of sending wine, rosewater, and fruit of all sorts to the proportion they did last year, for their house's use and entertainment of friends. Let them also have some discourse of the wars betwixt the Turk and Shah, which the [pinnace] Intelligence never inquired after at Jasques, making them unable with shame to answer many that asked. This base King continues ungratefully his wars on Deccan, though the famine and their success has made him much the loser; and lately he has sent Aseph Khan upon them, against his will, with 40,000 or 50,000 horse, which will be to little purpose. The Shah's Ambassador is dispeeded from Brampore where the King is, and, as is reported, the Governor of Agra bears him company as Ambassador back again. Lastly, desire them to notice that the Mary going for Bantam, the Speedwell for Sumatra, and the Exchange for Masulipatam, to take in freight goods, will come to Persia may be one after another; have made the rendezvous to be at Jasques, where they are to
leave letters of advice whether the fleet be come into port or no, that they may either keep off or steer into port. Endorsed, "Copy of our letter per the Mary, rec. in London 9 Apr. 1633 by ship Blessing." 5 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1416.] |
Jan. 24.
Swally Road. |
258. Joseph Hopkinson, President and Council, to the Commanders and Factors of the fleet from England. By the sending of this pinnace Intelligence to meet them at the islands, and copy of their last year's letter to that fleet, which came too late after Capt. Wills was departed from Armagon, they will perceive their reasons and resolutions to accomplish the Company's well-grounded orders in making Persia their first port, which they are still to follow, yea though Mr. Heynes' discouraging letters overland should have altered the Company's determination, as they will answer the contrary at their peril. Suppose the Company have given them the like orders as they did to the last year's fleet, to arrive at the islands by the beginning or middle of June, and have ordered the Speedwell, employed on the west coast of Sumatra, to meet them at the islands, but to stay no longer than 20th Aug., nor they for her, but rather to be gone sooner, leaving letters where they touch signifying the time of their departure. And because the Mary, Exchange, and Speedwell may come singly on the Persian coast, have concluded Jasques as the place of rendezvous, where the agent is appointed to leave letters of advice, whether the fleet be come into Gombroon or no, and with what safety they may follow; also entreat them after a few days spent at Jasques to leave letters for such as shall come after. Send them bartering ware, viz.,½Mn. opium, 400 beads, four corge alleiaes, and six cor. lunghees; the Speedwell also has 100 beads more, pray them see to both pinnace and Speedwell accommodated with what they want. Also entreat them in regard of the great famine here to open one of their chests of ryals and buy what mellio, cuscus, paddy, gravances, etc. grain is to be had. A great fleet of frigates is this year sent by the Portugals for recovery of Mumbasse [Mombaz] which the Cofeirs (? Caffres) have taken from them with a general massacre of all their people; so it behoves them to be watchful, supposing they may be about those islands watching treacherously to do them a mischief. Doubt not they will have the like care on coming to the coasts of Persia and India. Endorsed, "Rec. 20 Junii 1634 from Plimouth by Capt. Quailes's ship." 1½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1417.] |
Jan. 25.
Aboard the Mary, at Sea. |
259. Capts. James Slade and Matthew Wills to the East India Company. Since their last of 9th Dec., sent by Master Willabrand, Cape Merchant of two Dutch ships, have attended the Capt. of Ahmedabad caphilo, which arrived with Brodera and Baroach goods about the beginning of this month, having in all near 200 bales cloth, most for Persia, some for Sumatra, and little or none for England. With it arrived Mr. Mountney, from Ahmedabad, Mr. Wicke, from Brodera, Mr. Joyce, from Baroach, and Mr. Rand, from Cambaya, after whose arrival Mr. Hopkinson was chosen President by a general consultation held in the Surat factory. The Cambaya
goods arrived not before 20th inst., being also near 200 bales, of cloth; most of it for Persia and the southwards. When they last wrote it was resolved they should not stay so long for these goods; are ignorant of what has caused the merchants to alter their opinions; never any of the ships bound for Persia have stayed so late, which will cause their late return from Persia and dispatch homewards. The William and Blessing for aught they know are to return with them to take in the remainder of their lading, being neither of them half laden. The pinnace Intelligence, of 25 tons burden, was fitted to go for England with letters, but has been sent for Bantam, St. Lawrence, and the islands, with letters of advice; those to Bantam importing the lading of the Great James there, and not to suffer her return here where is no lading for her; and those to St. Lawrence are to advise the Commander of next year's fleet to repair for Persia first, according to the Company's former well-grounded injunctions to themselves, which they heartily wish they had followed, and broken those strict orders of the President and Council to the contrary. The Speedwell, with Messrs. Barnaby and Allen, as merchants, is intended for the west coast of Sumatra, and thence for St. Lawrence to meet the outward bound ships. Have not any certain report where the Portugal forces are this year, only there is flying news that their greatest force is gone for Ceylon, where the inhabitants have taken from them all the chief places, Colombo excepted; hear also, that they are distressed on the coast of Melinda and Munsonbeeke (Mozambique), especially in Mombaz, for whose relief the Viceroy of Goa has sent 20 frigates; that Rufrero, with 30 frigates, is in the Gulf of Persia; and that 30 more lie between Damaun and Diu; but that they have not had any shipping out of Portugal this year, and have had great mortality in all these parts. The Mary and Exchange, on return from Gombroon, are intended, the one for the coast of Coromadel, to take in freight goods for Persia, and the other for Bantam, to carry the goods provided for that place, and thence to return for Cape Jasques, the place appointed for rendezvous of their outward bound ships, and thence for Gombroon, together. Refer to enclosed copies of their letter sent by the Dutch, and of the other letters, &c. sent therewith. P.S.—Lord Denbigh took his journey towards the Mogul's Court 23rd Dec. last, being ill accommodated for such a journey, and the worse by the base usage and disrespect of this Governor, who would not suffer him to have one horse to ride on, but enforced him and his followers to travel in coaches such as this country affords. All their victualling has proved very good, some 60 butts of beer in all their ships only excepted, which stunk so much that they were forced to heave them overboard. Endorsed, "Rec. in London 20 Junii 1634 from Plimouth out of Capt. Quaile's ship." 2½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1418.] |
Jan. 26.
Aboard the Mary. (Surat.) |
260. Capt. James Slade, the Commander, and others of the third Persian voyage, to the fleet of the Joint Stock towards Persia. Relate how they were ordered by the Company to make Gombroon their first port, but arriving at St. Lawrence met this pinnace
Intelligence with contradictory advices from Surat and Persia; how on 13th August the William arrived with a second advice, ordering their immediate coming, first, for Surat; and how they stayed there till the last of August in expectation of the James and Blessing from the southwards, after whose departure the agent in Persia had advised the President and Council, by a junk, that the silk should be near the port and men left to receive their goods, but this advice arrived too late. Thus the Company's injunctions have been broken to their no little prejudice, in regard their Europe goods are kept so long from port. Understand the President and Council have given them express order to redress themselves immediately for Gombroon, and has assigned these ships that are to be separated on the Company's employments to make Jasques the place of rendezvous; entreat them therefore, if so ordered, in case they arrive first, to leave letters with the Capt. of Jasques Castle whether they are gone in for Gombroon, or where they shall find them, and if any of us shall be there first will do the like, that they may the better prevent the practices of their common enemy, the Portugal, whom this year they hear little of, by reason, as they understand, of his wars at Ceylon, the Coast of Melinda, &c., but he sleeps not, therefore entreat them to keep ships and ordnance as "predie" as they may. The raging famine in India caused them, on the relation of Mr. Burley, to buy rice and gravances for their own use at Johanna, otherwise they had been destitute of all sorts of grain, being there was none to be got at Surat under 9 or 10 mamoths a maunde, and yet worth six or seven; therefore wish them to provide for both fleets and for the market as much as they have stowage for, if they can buy it at the same rate they did, viz., rice at 4 frossells or measures containing 100 lbs. per ryal; gravances, 7 measures per ryal; and, melia and paddy at the same rate. The melia and paddy will sell for good profit, as they may more at large understand by Mr. Burley. Signed by Jas. Slade, Mat. Wills, John Roberts, Wm. Minors, Rich. Barnabie, John Sherland, Wm. Falle, John Pashley, Peter Andrewes, and John Burley. Endorsed, "Rec. in London from Plimouth the 20 Junii 1634 out of Captain Quaile's ship." 2 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1419.] |
Jan. 30.
Bantam. |
261. Will. Hoare and Council to the East India Company "per their ship London whom God preserve." Their last was of the 21st Dec. by the ship Palsgrave which sailed 28th and cleared the Straits three days after. Went through not many days after with Caywan Sadeepa, the protector of this young King and ruler of the kingdom, for 168 peculls, 9 catees of cloves at 75 ryals per pecull clear of all charges, to pay in cloth at about 65 or 70 per cent. profit, which will come the second general voyage well to pass in putting off their remains before the third voyage comes in action; intend to lade the cloves on the London on freight for England. God brought in safety the London on 9th pres. from Jambi full laden with pepper for account of the Second Joint Stock; her invoice mentions 6,576 pll. 50 ca., amounting to ryals 49,050½, in the speedy dispatch of which Wm. Pearse has well expressed himself both a
diligent and laborious servant, but comparing this with what she carried hence in her last voyage, found five tons short, yet the Captain and all the officers affirmed her so full that unless 25 or 30 tons were taken forth they could not stow sufficient provisions for their voyage homeward. And seeing that in the last voyage the Company complained that she came home quarter empty, conceive the Factors at Jambi must have laden at least 30 tons more on her than invoiced, which is also the opinion of the Captain and officers. Concluded by consultation to take out 300 bags (199½pecull) pepper to make room for the cloves, being manifoldly more in value, and a peremptorily required commodity, referring the freight to the Company. Mr. Willoughby at his departure from coast Coromandel turned over all the remains of the Joint Stock to the second general voyage amounting to Rs. 6,411½in goods, stores, houses, and cattle, which the Company may perceive by his journal sent home by the Palsgrave, for which the President and Council at Surat have undertaken to pass bills of exchange; the remains at Jambi are likewise turned over, but the accounts, sent herewith, cannot be perfected till the arrival of the pinnace Jude or Dove; the Factors also at Japara and Macassar had order on the Star's arrival to do the like, which shall be their course also instantly after the London's departure, so that no more returns for the Joint Stock in goods are to be hence expected. Will endeavour to perfect all accounts both for stock and voyages against fine of the year, but since Willoughby's removal are very backward and somewhat confused; meantime refer them to the several accounts of Bantam, Macassar, and Japara sent home on the Palsgrave, and to lists herewith enclosed of names and employments of the Company's servants, and of the remaining stores in this factory, which are for the most part useless lumber, all the ordnance and shot being transported on the James, Palsgrave, London, and Star, and the powder, about 128 pecull defective, sold to this King at Ryals 25 per pecull. That the Company consider the supply of these parts with shipping stores and men immediately from England; supplies from Surat being both uncertain and too sparing. Jambi cannot well be without two ships of 200 tons a piece, that being their only place to procure pepper, the west coast of Sumatra being prohibited them by the President and Council, and Bantam not affording more than 300 tons per annum which cannot be procured without ready money. Have only the pinnaces Dove and Simon Jude remaining, and fear both are on their last service, for they have no jot of any store to repair them, nor one piece of salt flesh to victual them to sea. It will be a very well performed service if the President and Council at Surat sent some Ryals of 8 with their goods to arrive by fine of May next and therewith the Mary or other great ship to sail hence directly for England, for then three, if not four, ships might be returned next October or November; for at Jambi lading will be ready for the biggest ship; the two pinnaces are shortly expected with 170 tons, which, with their remains and the cloves expected from Macassar, will be a full lading for the Star. The Speedwell will doubtless bring her own lading from the west coast of Sumatra about September next; and Hoare at the point of
going through with one Sancho, an able Chinaman, for 2,000 pec. clean pepper at 5¼ ryals for cloth to be delivered in three months, which with cloves from Macassar will make an ample lading for the Hopewell; the performance of all which will not doubt unless the President and Council at Surat alter their designs. Daily expect the Hopewell; if in 20 days she arrive not and is dispeeded for Macassar her voyage thither will be hazardous. Could wish the ship for the coast Coromandel might be dispeeded from England by middle of Sept., so as to arrive at the coast in April at furthest and have till October to provide goods, and a certain season for the Macassar voyage, whereas not arriving until July hazards the gaining of Macassar, as befell the Star and may befall the Hopewell. Have laden on this ship London for the second general voyage 129 pec. cloves, amounting to Rs. 9,582, and 42 pec. cloves and 6,377 pec. pepper, amounting to Rs. 47,562, as by enclosed invoice and bill of lading will appear. Of the 17 hhds. of Mr. Bell's white wine reserved for the London, the Captain would accept only 11, nor were those of the best; the other six not fit for other use than ordinary vinegar. The Hopewell arrived 27th inst. from coast Coromandel, with goods to the amount of Rs. 24,366 for the third general voyage, besides Rs. 6,350 for the second general voyage. Have received no accounts, the President having appointed them to account to Surat; upon her came Messrs. Reeve, Bix, Robinson, and Bloys; Richard Hudson was left at the coast, and Edward Prescott, deceased, at Masulipatam in August last. Send copies of advices received from Surat and the coast, wherein may be read the sad story of the miserable afflictions of those parts by war, pestilence, and famine; nor have their servants escaped, Messrs. Barbar, Bickford, and Suffeylde are all deceased, with two or three Factors more in Surat, and the rest of the Council dangerously sick and scarce yet recovered. Have proportioned 17,000 Rs. of the Hopewell's cargazoone for Macassar and Japara, and the rest for Bantam and Jambi to fit a lading against her return; and have appointed Messrs. Reeve and Robinson for Macassar to join there with Malachi Martin and Jno. Russell. Expect Martin thence on the Star, and on Reeve's coming thence on the Hopewell, then Robinson to remain second to Russell, who with Richard Champneys, a young man who has gained good experience and language there, and serves for Steward, are all the English that are there to remain. Nicholas Bix goes home on this ship by license from the President and Council, and William Flint, who has long served at Jambi, according to the Company's order; have also ordered Clement Norton to return, who long served as Steward, and at Jacatra had his wages raised to 30l. per annum, but on neglect was removed to Purser's mate in the Abigail, reducing his salary to 30s. per month. Fifty-six ryals paid to George Turner, part salary, not charged to his account. Refer for passages of the Hopewell's voyage to the enclosed relation of Messrs. Reeve and Robinson. Intend the Hopewell to sail for Macassar by 6th next Feb. at furthest. At instant intreaty of the Danes General, the Company's Agent and Factors on the coast gave license to the Captain of their fort, and one of their chiefest merchants, to take passage on
the Hopewell for England; which they have granted as well in respect of former courtesies from that nation in these parts, as also in confidence that they will gratify the same after their arrival. Are very busy in dispeed of the Hopewell; any omissions their next shall supply in a few days by the Dutch, who intend, as report says, one ship more this year for Europe. Signed by Will. Hoare, Lawrence Henley, John Reeve, Thos. Robinson, Gerrald Pinson, Robt. Coulson, and Richard Langham. Endorsed, "Rec. in London 4 Septemb. 1632." 6½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1420.] Annexed, |
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261. I. "List of writings in this packet." These include copies of letters sent to and received from Jambi. Accounts of men deceased in the Dove and Jude. Reynold Dowry's inventory, Stephen Sayres will, letters from Bantam, Armagon, and Surat. List of Factors in the southern factories, invoices, bills of lading, and lists of stores, and Wm. Flint's acknowledgment for sundry account books. Bantam, 1632, Jan. 31. Endorsed, "Rec. by ship London, 4 Septemb. 1632." 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1422.] |
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261. II. "List of all the English belonging to the Southern Factories," viz.:— |
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In Bantam. |
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William Hoare, Agent; Lawrence Henley, Accountant; Gerrald Pinson, Warehousekeeper; Robert Coulson, Clerk of Stores; and Richard Langham, Assistant Accountant, all intended home per next ship; Richard Alcoke, appointed Chirurgeon from Surat; Humphry Weston, Steward and Cook; Steven Porter, Writer; George Darr and Thomas Dyson, Copiers; and Edward Kellway, Butler, all intended home by the next. |
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In Jambi. |
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William Pearse, Chief; John Webb, Silvester Grice, and Roger Browne, all intended home on the next ship; Roger Derrom and Richard Wilson, Purser's and Surgeon's Mates on the London, and Francis Courtney left there by accident and to be returned by the next. |
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In Macassar. |
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Malachi Martyn, Chief, Jno. Reeve, and Richard Truslowe return home by the first; Jno. Russell, Thomas Robinson, and Richard Champneys, Steward, will remain if they can prevail with them. |
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In Japara. |
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George Williamson, Chief, late Purser of the Palsgrave; William Johnson and William Hawkes to return to England on the next. |
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The following have been added [by the Secretary of the East India Company in London]:— |
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At Armagon. |
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Jno. Norris, Chief, and Ralph Cartwright; Henry Sill taken for Surat. |
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Sent in the Star for the southward and carried away in the James: Geo. Willoughby, Jno. Hunter, Wm. Matthewe, and Tho. Grove; Mathew Duke, dead. |
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In the Hopewell: Jno. Reeve to return for Armagon; Emanuel Altham, Ric. Hudson, to be left at the coast; Edward Prescott, dead. |
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In the William: Thomas Robinson removed to Macassar. |
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[The "List" is then continued on the third page.] |
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In Pinnace Dove. |
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James Birkdale, Master, |
John Graford, |
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Jno. Thomas, Purser, |
Francis Read, |
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Thomas Bell, |
Phillip Rutleydge, |
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Jno. Marshall, |
Hugh Millard, |
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William Allison, |
Rumball Pincocke, |
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Thomas Knight, |
William Bigg, |
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Paul Leech, |
George Mortice, |
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William Macknobe, |
Thomas Fulstone, |
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Amis Miles, |
Thomas Sankey, |
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Nicholas Brinscombe, |
Richard Watmore, |
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William Smart, |
Nicholas Oliver, |
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Alley Rossett, |
Samuel Page, |
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Mathew Smith, |
Gregorie May, and |
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John Patricke, |
Thomas Geering. |
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William Perry, |
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In Pinnace Jude. |
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Thomas Williamson, Master, |
Henry Hamon, |
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George Goldington, Purser, |
William Chapman, |
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Lewis Orpitt, |
Randall Jenkins, |
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Edward Marshall, |
Andrew Babb, |
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Edmond Steevens, |
William Davis, |
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Andrew Hearde, |
John Davis, |
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Jno. Lester, |
Walter Ercam, |
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James Bicraft, |
Edward Barnerd, |
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Willifreid Cockine, |
Henry Harrington, |
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Abraham West, |
Thomas Life; |
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Philip Pepprill, |
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and five more men, their names unknown. Endorsed, "Rec in London 4 Sept. 1632 by the ship London." 3 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1426.] |
Jan. 31.
Bantam. |
262. John Reeve (Cape Merchant of the pinnace Hopewell) to the East India Company. His last was of 15th March from the Cape per the Swallow, Commander John Joy, which left for St. Helena, and they for St. Lawrence, where they arrived 1st April. Obtained from the blacks 17 beeves, sheep, &c, and departed 15th, arriving at Johanna 26th, where they were courteously entertained by the
King and people. Left 3rd May, and arrived at Armagon 25th June. Found John Norris by the President's Commission established agent for the coast of Coromandel, assisted by Ralph Cartwright, Tho. Robinson, and Nich. Bix, who on perusing their instructions and the Surat and Bantam letters willed them to deliver up the ship and goods for disposal, which, being advertised of the strange stratagems and combustion made by Mr. Willoughby, they did, and by joint consent landed part of their goods, and 3rd July departed for Masulipatam, leaving Nicholas Bix and Clement [? Manuel] Altham to manage affairs at Armagon. Arrived at Masulipatam, the ship departed 29th for the Bay of Bengalla with 700l. cargazoone and Thos. Robinson, merchant for that voyage, for the relation whereof refers to a general letter sent to the President. Norris, Cartwright, and Edward Prescott were to stay at Masulipatam, and himself and Rich. Hudson at Pettapoli. The Hopewell returned from Bengalla 2nd Oct., having lost 10 men, arrived at Pettapoli 28th Nov., with 71 bales Masulipatam goods, 6th Dec. departed with 75 bales from thence, and arrived at Armagon 10th, where finding business very backward by reason of the rains, and the wars of the King of Jentu and his Naiques, were forced to take what cloth was imbaled. Left 26th Dec., and arrived at Bantam 26th Jan. in health and safety. Before leaving Masulipatam the agent received answer to their letter to the President, confirming his authority to dispose of all ships and merchandise which should arrive there, and willing him to account to Surat. Could not take an exact transcript of their accounts, which were not finished, but the agent promised to send them to Surat by the next ship. Edward Prescott deceased in Masulipatam 29th Aug., his estate delivered to the agent and Council there. Great mortality of poor in Masulipatam and towns adjacent, occasioned by the great dearth of rice and grain, the cause of their longer stay by 60 days on the coast, for the major part of weavers and washers are dead, and the country almost ruinated, but great hopes of a plentiful harvest this year. In the kingdom of Jentu those parts adjoining Armagon are so afflicted with wars between the King and his Naiques as to endanger the ruinating of the whole country. The Fort of Armagon of so mean strength that the residents daily fear to be oppressed by the King's soldiers that range over those parts. The agent "stand as Mewtes" and has provided a present for the conqueror, intending to procure license for building a brick wall about the house, which may be effected with small charge, and once accomplished they need not fear the power of the whole kingdom. Great hopes that Armagon will shortly be able to furnish the southern factories with paintings and white cloth of all sorts required, the merchants there having provided 20 bales, but durst not send for them from the makers, fearing it should be taken by the soldiers aforesaid. At Armagon sold 80 pigs of lead at 25 pags. Armagon per candy, and the rest was shipped to Masulipatam, where part was sold at 15 pags. Masulipatam per candy. The whole quantity of quicksilver and vermilion yet to sell, the former worth 14 and the latter 13 pags. per maund. Most of the cloth yet unsold, being too coarse and the
colours not proper, for they desire very fine stamills and the finer the more profit. No Dutch ships arrived this year at the coast from Batavia, which made our agent unwilling to sell the goods at undervalue, hoping after the departure of the ship the goods will still sell at a good rate. Summary invoice of goods with charges from the coast, comprising 269 bales amounting to 23,027 pag. Armagon. Arriving at Bantam Mr. Hoare determined to dispeed our ships in six days for Macassar, landing here one-third of their cargazoone for Jambi, and the rest for Macassar for furnishing cloves for their lading, intending to complete it with pepper, and dispeed her with the Star and Speedwell for England. Endorsed, "Mr John Reeve Cape Merchant of the Pinnace Hopewell. . . . Rece. in London by the ship London 4 Septemb. 1632." 3 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIII., No. 1421.] |
