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| Aug. 6/13. |
48. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Report concerning the repairs necessary for the Palsgrave "to perform the designed voyage," a second boat to be sent into the Downs, in case two ships come in together. Complaint of Edmund Chambers that the barge had been insufficiently repaired at Blackwall and proposing that she be repaired above bridge, as he conceived that those "that work great work" do not understand how to work on a barge or wherry. Tue, the bargemaker, to be directed to make her serviceable. Motion to buy quicksilver, now it is good cheap having but for 1,000l. and always a certain commodity at Surat, also whether to truck with aloes for quicksilver, but Sir Hugh Hamersley offering to take the aloes on the 16th Division at 2s. per lb., the Court consented, and gave him time to consider till next Court. The work to be done on the ships now bound out to be dispeeded. Petition of Thomas Lawe of Poplar, husbandman, for allowance of a half-penny per load for 800 or 900 loads of gravel fetched out of his ground to make the causeway higher when the breach was about Michaelmas last, referred for consideration. Motion to raise the deck of the Speedwell 3 foot, which would increase her burden 20 tons, Committees to consider the charge. Offer of 40,000 Hhds of staves and barrel boards out of Ireland, referred to the Committees for pipestaves. Consideration of the great quantities of silk lately come and shortly expected in Europe, so resolved to lessen the adventure for Persia from 1,000 cloths to 600, and 100 cloths more in
perpetuanas and kersies; and that 400 cloths be bought. Ordered that the first Persian voyage allow 1 per cent. to the Second Joint Stock for charges, and that the Auditors make up the account accordingly. |
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Aug. 13. Report upon the Palsgrave that with the charge intended she could be made very serviceable for one voyage; remarks of Mr. Governor thereon. The ship once more to be viewed with the assistance of two of the most able seamen of the Trinity House. Ordered that the Committees for buying white cloths for this 3rd voyage exceed not the number of 400, and that Mr. Colthurst have notice not to receive any more, also that the Mary be furnished with 42 ordnance, the Exchange with 40, the Palsgrave with 36, the Hopewell with 16, and the Speedwell with 14; and whereas there are 161 pieces of iron ordnance honeycombed, of which the Company cannot make sale here, but the Dutch by new boring will make them serviceable, it was propounded that license be procured to transport them into Holland; but this course was conceived would much scandalize the Company, so Ald. Garway to confer with Mr. Burlamachi upon the Burse, whether he would contract for said ordnance. Ordered that 50 or 100 barrels of powder he sold to Mr. Fletcher at 3l. 13s. 4d. per barrel to be transported to Leghorn, the Company having license from the State for transportation of 1,000 barrels. Mr. Mustard to supply the place of Mr. Styles, displaced from the Committee for providing gunner's stores. Consideration of Mr. Barlow's accounts who, though often pressed to perfect them, has used many excuses, which may give cause of jealousy to suspect that all is not well with his estate, and finding he has 2,500l. of the Company's in his hands, which in case he should miscarry by death or otherwise, it might be questionable how to recover, and yet, in regard he hath been their ancient servant, they are loth to do anything to disparage his reputation. Ordered that he be charged this week with a Bill of Exchange for 500l., and be required to make over the rest of the money by the speediest means possible. Ordered that Dr. Westerman's friend in the Indies have leave to bring in the Company's ships 6, 8, or 10 bales of goods, paying freight, and also be permitted his passage giving consideration for the same, provided the goods be first brought into the Company's warehouse, which was ordered to be inserted in Mr. Barlow's letter. Messrs. James and Greene to have the account of their adventure with the Company when requested. The Company's joiners to make a new chair of wainscot for John Spiller, porter, to stand at the gate of Crosby House, and to oil it to preserve it from the weather; and to give him 14 or 15 deals to floor a room at Crosby House which he is to use as a kitchen. 7 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 21–27.] |
Aug. 15.
Beaulieu. |
49. The King to (the East India Company). The Earl of Denbigh has requested permission to make a journey into Asia into the Great Mogul's country and also into Persia. Knowing his journey would be too tedious and dangerous overland his Majesty requires the East India Company to give orders that he and his
followers be received into such one of the Company's ships as he shall make choice of, and be allowed for himself and his train of six persons at most the great cabin. And because he does not intend to be anyways chargeable or troublesome to the Company, but rather to further their trade, his Majesty expects the Company shall advise him with respect to his diet, and assist him, when he desires to return, as a person whom his Majesty tenderly affects, and whose furtherance and safety he earnestly desires; and the Company will find his Majesty mindful and himself grateful. 1 p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CLXXII., No. 63. Cal. p. 329.] |
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"Lord Denbigh went last week to the East Ind.," i.e., between 10–15 Jan. 1631. [Dom., Chas. I. 1631, Jan. 20. Vol. CLXXXII., No. 85.] |
| Aug. 15. |
50. King Charles I. to Shah Suffie [Sefi Ist], Emperor of Persia. We call to mind with joy and pleasure the glory of your father, Shah Abbas, of renowed memory, and like the renewing of a sweet perfume remember the mutual friendship between our ancestors. Congratulations on the inauguration of his Highness to his kingdoms and dominions. Desires to continue the same friendship, amity, and correspondence. Acknowledges the favour, protection, and justice extended to his Majesty's subjects trading in his dominions which shall be profitable to both kingdoms "so the fame thereof spreadeth itself like the sunbeams upon the fruitful meadows to the comfort of our friends and confusion and despight of all the envious." The renown of his prowess and valour in arms has like lightning thrown itself into all the parts of his Majesty's dominions and inflamed the hearts of many of his Majesty's subjects to see that glory which they hear with so much admiration. His Majesty's cousin, subject, and servant William Earl of Denbigh, desires to be an eye witness, which is the only cause of his undertaking so long a voyage; he is one of the Princes of his Majesty's kingdom, famous in arms as Admiral and Chief Commander of our victorious Armadas. Desires the Emperor to receive him and extend unto him his grace and favour, and when satisfied with the abundance of your glory give him leave to return with news of your health and prosperity which shall be to us as acceptable as the gold and spices of both the Indies. Given at our Royal Palace of Westminster in the sixth year of our reign, and of our obedience to the blessed law of Jesus, the son of God, and only Saviour of man, 1630."
On same sheet— |
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50. I. The King to the Nabob Aseph Khan, favoured of the mighty Emperor Shah Jehangire, Great Mogul. Recommends William, Earl of Denbigh, to his favour, who desires to see his Court so renowned in the remotest parts of the world. |
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50. II. Similar letter from the King to the Nabob Khan Channa, General of the victorious arms of the mighty Emperor of India. Endorsed, "Copies of letters to India and Persia written for the Earl of Denbigh, 1630." Together, 3 pp.
[East Ind., Vol. IV., No. 80.] See also Turkey, Royal Letters, 1st Series, p. 175. |
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51. Sefi Ist, Emperor of Persia, to King Charles I. Compares the King to Beeron, Rustan, Alexander, Darius, and others. Received with all honour and devotion his Majesty's letters by his most illustrious and noble Ambassador; and since his Majesty's factors and merchants freely exercise their commerce in his kingdoms, friendship requires that the Emperor's merchants and factors may find like entertainment in his Majesty's kingdoms Desires that their love, union, and friendship may through frequent letters and embassies be made still more evident. Whatsoever therefore his kingdoms do afford, which may seem pleasing to his Majesty, let it without all further compliment be made known to the Emperor, and he will command the accomplishment thereof. 2 pp. [Turkey Corresp., Ancient Royal Letters, 1st Series, p. 189.] |
Aug. 17.
Ordoe.
[The Camp.] |
52. William Burt to Messrs. Heynes and Gibson (Ispahan). Advised them five days since what had occurred by his own solicitation in this Court; and has since more effectually treated with the King and Khan, as well for present satisfaction as for constant and faithful performance in future with their nation; effectless firmans such as were granted the Hollanders last year for silk might easily have been obtained. Obtained last year the contract from the King by favour of Mahomet Allebeage, the deceased King's favourite and others, one of whom was slain by the King's own hand, another fled to Sanctuary, and the late favourite is now called in question, their servants by extreme tortures confessing the bribes for each action, and our business censured to have been partially passed to the King's prejudice, no small difference being found between it and the contract made with the old King. Hopes however by favour of friends and bribes to draw this year's accomplishment of the contract, and for the future an agreement (although some rebate on our tin) that will free from disturbance his successors; the sound effects whereof will cause his detention 20 days, for on his earnest complaint of defective compliance by the minister, with the King's firmans for silk, the King and Khan have sent to Ghilan to the chief collectors to take account of what quantity they have, and what is yearly collected in Guilan [Ghilan] and Mossandran [Mazanderan] for the Royal account. Two causes have forced him to prosecute this business so earnestly, with God knows what extreme vexation and loss of health, the duty the bread he eats requires, and his affection to Heynes, to free him from so great a trouble, which requires as large a patience as a cargazoone, for these faithless men are without all shame or honesty, the stamp of their greatness being a colour to pass their false coin. Has by all means endeavoured the drawing of the mart of silk to Port, the issue whereof is the King's promise to proclaim the forfeiture of all silk transported towards Turkey, so that Bandar Abbas must be the mart. Could prosecute this business with far more zeal, had he not some scruple of their master's liking; the King has promised to command the dealers in silk to make
annual repair to the Port for sales, and having had much conference with him and the Khan has drawn their acknowledgments that both honour and profit accrue to the kingdom by the trade. Has procured letters to Mullaimbeage to notice the friendly offices done to himself in this Court, and for delivery of what silk he has to their nation before the Dutch. Has also procured a firman on Mirza Tuckey of Ghilan to dispeed all the silk he has, and make speedy collection of the King's dues and send them to Ispahan. [These firmans are enclosed in Burt's letter of 3 Oct. See No. 76]. Another firman is passed on the Dutch, and their own behalf to Cojah Doot [? David. See No. 76 enclosure], who has 400 loads of Shirwan silk of the King's for his speedy lading and consigning it to Mullaimbeage for our use; this silk being far better than that of Ghilan. It now rests upon their earnest solicitation and discreet management with Mullaimbeage to draw such silk as he has into their custody; his nature they must discreetly manage by doing which he has formerly wrought their master's advantage; writes him a letter which will manifest his many good offices both with the King and Khan, the Dutch labouring the contrary, which they must make useful. Has advised their masters to forbear sending too great a cargazoone until this State be more settled; tin by reason of the great quantity from India is in small esteem; they must abridge its transport upon their ships, as of other commodities their masters may deal in, which if the Dutch would not import would turn to a fair account for both. Intends next year to show their masters the true path to their profit in this commerce, if the hungry grave of Persia intercepts him not, who has already much encroached upon his health. They were right in counselling him to go better provided to the Court, for he has with entreaties dispersed the presents he brought, the many regents and factions in this Court urgently requiring compliance therein. A pretty occasion happened before the King concerning such unconscionable covetous cormorants; presenting the King with monkeys he demanded how we took them, I replied we took cocoa-nuts from the tree, cut a hole that the hand of one of them might go in, which they finding, thrust in their hand and could not withdraw it unless they drew it back empty, which their covetous nature permitted not, insnaring themselves thereby; this tale wanted not some of their apprehension. Intreats them speedily to send him some satin and good cloth from Mullaimbeage such as the Dutch brought, for if our sort appear here it will call all our business in question, and fine Devon kerseys if they have any, their moneys are likewise gone, all things being extremely dear in this camp. Are fain to wring their bottles to get a draught of wine, the water being mere dirt and clay, which by report of the doctors had laid near 15,000 of this camp with bloody fluxes, whereof two are now suffering in their own poor family and nation; Prays them to send off a few mules immediately, for until they arrive he cannot free himself. Intreats them, if possible, to send these lines by way of Turkey to their masters, whom it concerns much to receive them before the next fleet comes forth, that they may forbear
sending any extraordinary quantity of goods, especially tin, of which he would have a very small quantity, but enlargement of moneys and India goods as much as they please, for if he had had the Hollanders cargazoone of moneys and India goods this year would have had the full return near half way at Bandar by this at 15 per cent. less than they receive silk of the King. The Dutch are held great merchants, but sees small appearance of it, they bribe without reason or sense, as if money and goods were dirt. Is grieved at heart at what he is forced to do, not being one-fifth of the Dutch, which they jestingly part with, surely their masters are liberal and patient men. 4 pp. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1310.] |
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53. Copy of the preceding, but dated 27th August. Endorsed, "This rec. overland, 11 April 1632." 4 pp. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1310–1.] |
Aug. 18/28.
The Hague. |
54. Sir H. Vane to (Sec. Lord Dorchester). At his first coming he let the States know his Majesty's resolution concerning the Amboyna business, not to recede from anything proposed in his last proposition; to which hitherto he can get no answer, so is resolved, if he hears not within these few days, to return the English witnesses. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Aug. 20. |
55. Court Minutes E. I. Co. Ordered that Mr. Fletcher have 50 barrels of powder at the Company's price and time, viz., 3l. 13s. 4d. per barrel at six months. Certificates read from Capts. Best and Bushell and others, Masters of the Trinity House, that the Palsgrave with some reparations may be made sufficient for another voyage to the Indies; the repairs ordered. A letter read from Mr. Misselden, concerning his allowance for ryals sent over, and the broke put upon his account for nonpayment of his adventure in time; it was thought fit to allow him 4s. 8d. on the R., but the same to be no precedent, but could not at present help him in the brokes. 5l. lent to the wife of George Forbes, who lay very sick, until her husband return from Holland where he is about the Amboyna business. Five butts of juice of lemons at 2s. 9d. per gallon to be bought of George Strowd, in regard of its cheapness. Part of the freight of Capt. Evans, late master of the Hart, deceased, remitted in pity to the widow, and for that she had lost her husband in the Company's service. Bills of Henry Askwith for riding post into the Downs, of Edmund Chambers, bargeman, for repairs, to be paid. Mr. Bownest to join in providing pipestaves in place of Mr. Kirby, whose occasions will not permit. Ordered that John Spiller take a note presented by Mr. Treasurer of divers who had not brought in their last payment upon the second voyage, and first payment upon this third voyage, and give notice to every subscriber. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 28–29.] |
Aug. 23./Sept. 2.
The Hague. |
56. Sir H. Vane to (Sec. Lord Dorchester). This day sent Sir Dudley Carleton to M. Vosberghen, President, for an answer both to the Amboyna business and that of the Tare. To the first he says that tomorrow the States have resolved to take it into deliberation. The English witnesses grow impatient, so as if he has not a satisfactory
and cathegorical answer to his last proposition in writing, which he does not hope for, will with the next passage return them for England. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Aug. 27. London. |
57. Sir John Watts to Sec. Lord Dorchester. Has delivered the King's letter to the Governor at the East India House, who received it with all due respect, but put off the answer till next Court day. 1 p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CLXXII., No. 400, Cal. p. 334.] |
Aug. 28./Sept. 7.
The Hague. |
58. Sir H. Vane to (Sec. Lord Dorchester). This afternoon five deputies of the States brought a declaration of the States in answer to his last proposition of the 20/30th April touching the Amboyna business, which is not so full and clear as the verbal offers of accommodation made before his last coming for England. Told them he understood this declaration to imply a sole jurisdiction of this cause to them, which he knew his Majesty could not with his honour ever admit, and so would have refused their answer; but being pressed to take it, said he would at the sitting of their Assembly tomorrow send them his sense thereof; which he has done. Accordingly with this passage returns the English witnesses, whom he cannot but recommend to his Lordship's favour, in being a suitor to his Majesty to command the East India Company to reimburse their charges since their coming to Holland about the beginning of Nov. last. Would not have put his Lordship to this trouble, but that the Company have sent express order to their Factors here not to furnish them with any more money, and had he not written expressly to Barlow of Amsterdam to supply them, they would not have had means to have transported themselves, which would have been much to the dishonour of his Majesty and the Company. 2 pp. Extract.
Encloses, |
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58. I. Answer of the States General to the proposition of Sir Henry Vane. Having maturely examined the proposition made in their Assembly the 20/30th April last, by Sir Henry Vane, and also his memorial to their Commissioners who were in conference with him for clearing up that proposition; and having a very great desire to comply with his Majesty in all that is reasonable, and to find proper expedients for escaping from this troublesome affair of Amboyna. The States General declare that they will conform to his Majesty's desire that said witnesses shall be examined and confronted by the Delegate Judges in the presence of his Ambassador, according to the forms of the two Courts of Justice in Holland observed in criminal cases, on the articles on which they have been examined by the Admiralty Court in England, and also on such others as the nature of the cause shall require. But the Judges shall proceed to deliver such sentence as they in good conscience shall find just; provided that the party that considers itself agrieved, may appeal, according to the forms of said Courts, to disinterested persons. And the States General declare that neither the overture of the Ambassador, nor
this declaration shall prejudice his Majesty's pretensions, nor the orders given in this cause by the States with the consent of his Majesty's Ministers, in case either party do not accept these conditions by mutual declaration. Hague, 1630, Aug. 26./Sept. 5. French. 2 pp.
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58. II. Reply of Sir Henry Vane to above declaration. Wishes they had clearly explained their right of Judicature, which however equally belongs to his Majesty and the States according to the Treaty of 1619, not only in this question, but in all differences between the two nations in the East Indies; and that they had acquiesced in his said proposition for examination of the English witnesses. But since he sees by their declaration that they still claim entire jurisdiction in this cause, wishing to confine it to the forms of their courts of justice only, without regard to what has been stipulated, also that their writing is less in substance than what their Deputies declared by word of mouth, in which his Majesty could not find satisfaction, as too derogatory to his right; he is too well instructed in his master's intentions to promise that what they now present can give his Majesty satisfaction, and therefore is resolved to dismiss said witnesses, who have waited here patiently 10 months. Declares nevertheless that his Majesty remains firm to his protest at the Treaty of Southampton; but hopes that according to their great prudence and many promises they will yet bring the affair of Amboyna to a conclusion satisfactory to his Majesty. French. 2½ pp. [Holland Corresp.] |
Aug. 29.
Ship Convertive in the Downs. |
59. Capt. Richard Plumleighe to the Lords Commissioners for the Navy. Putting into Plymouth and finding the wind contrary for the westward, was earnestly dealt with by the agents of the East India Company to waft into the Downs the London, a ship of 1,000 tons from Bantam, being very fearful both of Dunkirkers and Hollanders. To this he consented considering the importance of the ship. [Extract, Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CLXXII., No. 150. Cal., p. 335.] |
