|
| June 5. |
447. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Mr. Acton's bill of 11l. 4s. for law causes to be paid. On the late news received out of Persia of the death of Edward Heynes and the dangerous sickness of Edward Kirkham it was thought fit to think of some able man to send overland into Persia, there being only left alive Wm. Gibson and Richard Cooper to manage that great business; and understanding that Robert Young, sometime servant to Thos. Soame, an experienced merchant and honest and religious man, offered his services, they conferred with him, who doubted not but that he should deserve at least 200l. a year and so much more as the Court should think him worthy of, which they conceiving not unreasonable, resolved not to differ with him in point of salary, only desired him to prepare himself within a month, that so he might recover Persia by the end of December at the furthest; he desired till Friday next to consider. Motion of Mr. Mustard that in regard Young had not the Turkish language, and his journey overland will therefore be the more dangerous that one or two able men who had that language may be found to accompany Young, and be assistant to him in Persia, be propounded a kinsman, a merchant who hath had some misfortunes "by his too much adventuring in the world," qualified with the Turkish, Greek, and Italian languages, the Court approved of the motion, and directed that the party should present himself on Friday next. Request of Mr. Edwards on behalf of Mrs. Lawrence for payment of her brother's estate, the Court gave that answer they had done to Mr. Cotton (see ante, p. 411). Report of Mr. Treasurer of the great charge the Company is at in refining their saltpetre, and of an overture by Smethwick to take it all off their hands; Smethwick to confer with Committees of the warehouse about same. Report of the Auditors that there is a surplusage due to Mr. Sherburne on the foot of his accounts; ordered to be paid, and the Auditors to proportion the charge on the particular voyages and Joint Stock as formerly in other the like accounts. Mr. Highlord to be paid for two bundles of Rindband hemp at the price paid for the rest. Letter read from Alderman Bromfield on behalf of a poor widow, Eliz. Juning, of the Isle of Wight, for an allowance of two months' pay yearly from the wages of Robert Hall, Cook's Mate in the Jonas, for the maintenance of his son, Philip Hall, until his father's return, granted. Petition of Mr. Woolhouse for payment of 24l. out of the estate of Edward Heynes deceased, late the Company's Agent in Persia, he had expended over and above the allowance received by direction of the father for the maintenance of Edward Heynes, son of the deceased, and for something for his future maintenance; answered the Company may not part with any of said estate until the will is proved and the executor known. Relation of Walter Mountford endeavouring to vindicate himself from the imputation laid on him concerning the two missing bales of
silk; but yet his reasons are not satisfactory to the Court in regard they find him various and uncertain in his reports, both in the quality and weight of the silk, and observing that he was a very poor man at his going out, and had but small entertainment, and therefore could not purchase the silk; but he protested he had faithfully served the Company and had not defrauded them of one ounce of silk, and is confident the abuse was committed at Gombroon by Gove, the Court advised him not to conceal the truth for they have such strong presumptions against him as his bare negations are not of weight to balance. He then took occasion to inform the Court of the excessive and waste expense of Richard Cooper in Persia, who being entertained at 20l. per annum spent not less than 300 tomans., which is 1,000l. yearly; the Court required this information to be inserted in the Black Book. Suit of Suzan Walker for a legacy given by will of Robert Woder lately deceased in Persia; answered that his accounts are not yet sent home, and until they be returned the Company cannot part with any of his estate or pay any legacies. Names of securities allowed by the balloting box for 210 barrels of indigo. Request of Peter Richaut to accept his own security for 30 barrels, "the Court cannot admit of." Suit of a brother of Richard Cooper to have delivered the goods sent home to his mother and others; answered to have patience till the return of the next ships when his accounts are expected. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 302–307.] |
June 5.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne. |
448. Sec. Sir John Coke to (Sec. Windebank ?). His Majesty is well content that the rope house be let to the East India Company so as it may be resumed into his hands when he shall have use of it. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXL., No. 33.] |
| June 7. |
449. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Mr. Governor acquainted the Court that Mr. Young had declared he cannot possibly settle his estate to undertake the journey overland to Persia till Christmas; so that they must look out for some other. Freight remitted to Roberts, Master of the Blessing, of 550 lb. green ginger, 700 lb. turmeric, 200 lb. sealing wax, and 9 pieces pintalloes, in regard they are none of the Company's commodities, being as he alleged all his private trade. Ordered that the calicoes sent home by Richard Cooper and consigned to Richard Swinglehurst as tokens to Cooper's mother and friends, be sold by Ellam, and the moneys reserved till his return. Bill of Boatswain Ingram for moneys disbursed for a whole year to be paid. Complaint of Robt. Stone that Adrian Woodward refused to attend the Court concerning the broak of 50l. for not transporting 10 bags of pepper; John Spiller ordered to warn Woodward to the next Court, when they will endeavour to settle the difference. 200l. lately ordered to be paid to Capt. Ditchfield, executor to Rich. Barbor deceased in Surat, on account of Barbor's wages, enlarged to 300l., in regard it was to be presently paid for buying a lease for the benefit of Mrs. Barbor and her children. Ordered, in consideration of the charge Mr. Sambrooke was yearly at, in the training up and fitting of youths for the counting house, that he have 20l. per annum towards the maintenance of a
servant from Christmas last. Motion of Capt. Crispe to nominate Committees to view the wet rich indigo and make fitting allowance, deferred till the indigo be divided and sorted. Names of persons presented by Capt. Crispe as security for the remain of the indigo sold to himself and partners, allowed by the balloting box. Petition of John Ley for allowance for the keeping of one Mrs. Katherine Reskymer, the contracted wife of Edward Heynes as is pretended, by whom also he had a daughter; but the Court told him the like request had been made for the keeping of a son of Heynes by one Mrs. Hungerford his lawful wife, and they must give him the same answer that he must repair to Heynes's executor. Accusation of Walter Mountford against Richard Cooper, with abuses committed by the Company's servants in Persia again read, and Mountford questioned whether he could make good the report that Heynes lost one night 1,000l. to Capt. Bickley, and that Francis Stockton, late Purser of the Blessing, had coloured divers fine goods of the Moors at Gombroon; to which he answered that he would produce Ridgway, Capt. Bickley's boy, who helped to carry the chest of ryals aboard his ship, and that he would justify to his face the accusation against Stockton; but Stockton being called in, denied colouring any goods which Mountford maintained, and that when reprehended he fathered them on Capt. Greene who was dead. The Master, Roberts, said it was generally reported in Persia that Heynes did lose 1,000l. in one night at dice to Capt. Bickley, and he had heard that Capt. Greene was questioned for colouring Moors goods, but he did not remember that the Purser was ever questioned. Mountford further said he could make good the information of lading 2,000 bales of goods in every fleet of private trade; that every Master, Mate, Purser, and Purser's mate were parties therein; and that Stockton, Langford, and Barry had one house together in Gombroon with no less than 150 bales apiece. He also said that he never heard other of Loftus than that he was an honest man and a good and faithful servant to the Company, having much advanced the Company's Customs at Gombroon, and he had heard Gibson say Loftus's estate, after his death, was worth 1,100l. or 1,200l.; all which particulars Mountford promised to express in writing against next Court; and Cappur was required to go with Stockton and bring some books and writings which he said would free him from this accusation, to be presented at their next meeting. Visit of the Dutch Advocate in the name of Mr. Carpentier and the Dutch Commissioners, to know whether the Company had received two packets of letters brought by their two ships lately returned out of India, and desiring the Court not to misinterpret the late delivery, which was occasioned by the stay of their Commander Willabrand at Portsmouth, in whose custody the letters were, but as soon as he arrived in Holland the Directors sent them to Mr. Barlow; desiring likewise the continuance of a good correspondence in this kind between the two Companies, and professing their readiness to do all good offices of love and friendship. The accounts delivered by the officers of the Navy for stores and provisions lent to the Company, and the like account for stores and
provisions lent to the officers of the Navy presented by Mountney, to whom they were referred to examine and cast up, and so to clear the difference. Henry Pewtris, carpenter, Conand Prowse, gunner's mate, William Hicks, carpenter, and James Harris, boatwain's mate, all of the Blessing, remitted freight; and Thomas Pryme, carpenter, to have his calicoes and cotton yarn on paying freight. Margaret, wife of Richard Moylard, gunner in the Dolphin, Anne, widow of John Kinge, gunner in the James, and Eleanor, wife of Richard Wild, Mate of the Dolphin, to have 99 pieces of calicoes equally divided among them, sent to them in the Blessing, on paying freight. John Billingsley, cook's mate in the Blessing, to have 40s. on account of his wages. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 307–312.] |
| June 11. |
450. Sir Wm. Russell (Treasurer of the Navy) to Edw. Nicholas (Sec. to the Admiralty). Understands by letter from Sec. Coke, that order is given to Sec. Windebank whether the East India Company are to have Woolwich House ("the Rope House") or not. Prays directions, for all things there are exceedingly ruinated and purloined away to the King's prejudice, and therefore the sooner it be determined the better. Has sent Blackborne, the Company's servant, to understand his Majesty's pleasure. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXL., No. 56.] |
| June 14. |
451. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Mr. Spurstowe made known he had speech with Mr. Smethwick concerning his proposition for buying the Company's saltpetre, that it came from Mr. Evelyn, who wished to pay for same in powder; but the Court disliked this proposition in regard they had already sufficient powder, but they would willingly treat with any that will barter the same for quicksilver or money. Demand of the brother of the Dane that died in the Discovery, by direction (as he said) of the Earl of Lindsey, of a book of account missing of his brother's; answered that what books or papers came to the Company's hands they had delivered to his Lordship. Blount having, contrary to a late general order, delivered 60 barrels of indigo to Daniel Harvey before he had cleared his debt of 600l. upon the 1,100 bales of silk sold to Alderman Garwaie and partners, for which the Company have Harby, Middleton, and Trott's bill, is much blamed for this act. The Court sent for Harvey, who said he had fully paid so much as his part of the silk came to, so as this debt is to be paid by Alderman Garwaie and partners; but the Court found that Middleton and Trott were willing to pay the bill, but deferred doing so in regard Harvey refused to pay their part of the profit received by him; and the Court advised Harvey and Alderman Garwaie to call all the partners together and so settle this business as the Company may, without suit of law receive their debt. In regard part of the Custom House is to be rebuilt, the Court is moved on behalf of the Farmers for the use of the Company's warehouse at Bull's Wharf, which is willingly assented to. Committees nominated to view the wet rich indigo, and to give fitting allowance to Capt. Crispe and partners. Letter read from Thomas Cramporne, expressing
his readiness to supply any of the Company's ships that put in at Plymouth with money, victuals, or other provisions as formerly; the Court took thankfully this kind letter, and ordered an answer to be written desiring the continuance of his respects on these occasions, that they would be ready not only to repay his disbursements, but also to requite him, begging him also to be careful to prevent, as much as in him lay, the landing of private trade. Gratuity of 10s. out of the poor's box to Alice, widow of Thomas Bell, of Ratcliffe, blacksmith. 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 313–316.] |
| June 15. |
452. Minutes by Edward Nicholas of matters to be submitted to the Lords of the Admiralty, with their decisions. The officers of the Navy and East India Company desire to know their Lordships' pleasure touching the letting of the rope house at Woolwich. In margin, "This to be dispatched as soon as an order from the Council Board." [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXLI., No. 1.] |
June 18.
Deptford. |
453. Kenrick Edisbury to Nicholas. Was yesterday in Woolwich rope house to give order for its preparation for the East India Company's use, and has appointed that some of the Committees meet them at Mincing Lane on 25th, to deliver them possession, and in meantime to procure warrant from the Admiralty. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXLI., No. 12.] |
June 21.
Whitehall. |
454. Order of the Privy Council. Whereas the officers of the Navy did formerly treat with the East India Company for the letting of his Majesty's rope house at Woolwich for three years at 100l. per annum, said rent to be laid out as same should grow due for building a brick wall about the yard, and for maintaining the reparations of the buildings and walls as the officers of the Navy should direct, ordered that the Commissioners for the Admiralty be required to direct the officers of the Navy for the performance thereof. 1 p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 108.] |
| June 21. |
455. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Account presented by Daniel Harvey of his partnership with Alderman Garwaie and others for the silk bought of the Company; he offered to refer his difference with Trott and Middleton to six men, but the business was left to another Court. Committees intreated to give the Commissioners of the Navy a meeting on Wednesday afternoon next, in Mincing Lane, about the cordage house at Woolwich, when Mountney is to present the account between the Company and the King for provisions borrowed on both sides. The Court, on petition of John Roswell, bestowed on him an old unserviceable "sayne" (seine). Mr. Stone alleged he could not prevail with Adrian Woodward to come to the Court about the broak in difference between them; Spiller to warn Woodward against Wednesday next. The day of election ordered to be on Friday, 5th July, being the day for the Quarter Court, and according to the resolution of the General Court to have a sermon preached in the forenoon, Alderman Garwaie being intreated to speak with Mr. Holdsworth, and if his leisure will not serve, then to desire Mr. Shute to prepare for said sermon. Report
of Mr. Acton that he had attended Mr. Dixon for copy of the Company's admittance, but is referred till my Lord of Cleveland's return out of Scotland; also that there is a writ in the hands of the bailiff of Whitechapel to arrest Fotherby and Stevens; Acton directed to appear for them, and to move for an injunction in regard my Lord hath not appeared to the Company in Chancery. Journals presented by Andrew Warden and Alington Clare, two Masters' Mates of the Blessing, and no objections being against them, ordered that their wages be paid. Demand of Mr. Hennings, executor to Anthony Honnye, of satisfaction for a parcel of cloves charged by Mr. Muschamp to the account of Gabriel Hawley, who, being present, offered to take his oath same was unduly charged; but the Court gave credit to their books, and directed Acton to speak with Muschamp to make affidavit of the truth of said charge. Request of Roberts, Master of the Blessing, for gratification for conducting the ship as high as Dungeness without touching in the west country, deferred, the Court not being full. Petition of Francis Stockton to receive his two bales of silk; after discussion referred to further consideration. 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 316–318.] |
June 22.
Whitehall. |
456. Lords of the Admiralty to Officers of the Navy. Have received order from the Privy Council for letting his Majesty's rope house at Woolwich to the East India Company. To perfect their treaty with the Company, and return a copy of their agreement. ½ p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXXVIII., fol. 62a.] |
| June 26. |
457. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Letter and order read from the Lords of Council to Officers of the Navy, declaring his Majesty's consent for letting to the Company his Majesty's rope house at Woolwich, Cappur directed to deliver same to Officers of the Navy, so the Company may have possession and forthwith go in hand with making cordage. The Secretary directed to attend Sir James Bagg once more, and desire his letter to the Officers of the Navy acknowledging the receipt of cables, anchors, &c. from the Company's storehouses at Plymouth for his Majesty's service, amounting to 515l., in regard the Officers of the Navy lately denied allowance thereof. Petition of Richard Mountney, the Company's husband, showing that it is now five years since they took his son from him and appointed him to continue Edward Seagar's accounts, and that ever since his son Richard has been his only assistant and praying some allowance for his son; ordered by erection of hands that he be allowed 20l. per annum from Christmas last. Ordered that the broak be taken off the account of Mr. Stone and set upon that of Mr. Woodward, who having been often warned to attend the Court refused to appear, it being an argument of Woodward's guiltiness that he declined an examination of this business; the Court also conceived it just that the 16 half capital be no longer detained from Mr. Stone, but be forthwith paid to him. Divers orders and instructions read for the better governing of the yard at Blackwall, and to prevent abuses, ordered to be fairly written and delivered to the several parties to be punctually observed, the Court conceiving they had sufficient authority by their charter without waiting for the
Generality to confirm the same. The Court observed that the Auditors do not give that attendance that the Company's service requires, that they are in their office only in the morning on Court days, but not at any other time, so as the Company's service doth much suffer; whereupon they were called in and admonished to bestow more pains and time than they had lately done in their places; Mr. Handson answered that his own occasions will not permit him to give his whole attendance, but he will be always ready to do his best service either in person, or by advising any other they shall put in his room; Mr. Markham likewise excused himself that his attendance is more than reported. In conclusion resolved that there is necessity to have two Auditors and that some fit persons be propounded to the General Court, out of whom to choose one in the room of Mr. Handson, who they do not think fit wholly to discharge but to desire his assistance as occasion should serve, but still to continue Mr. Markham in regard of his experience in their accounts, but to expect from him an attendance answerable to his salary. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 319–322.] |
June 26.
Spahan. |
458. Wm. Gibson, Rich. Cooper, and Wm. Fall to the East India Company. Their last was of (23rd) March by the Mary, since which have received the Company's of 20th April 1632. The first section of their letter has been answered formerly. Intreat them "no more inculcate upon the wrong and sufferance in your silk," for reformation whereof will, to their utmost powers, follow the Company's orders, as also for sending overland letters in duplicates, for their speedy arrival by several conveyances from Aleppo. Sent by the Mary the full weight of a maundshaw made in Spahan, which will resolve their doubt as to the difference 'twixt a maundshaw and 12½ lb. English; if the silk fall not out accordingly, know not what to say for that is the weight the silk is weighed to them by, but will do their endeavours to gain their rights. Are glad their reasons have wrought with the Company to resolve the dissolution of that project of the ships making this their first port from England or any to arrive from India here in Aug. or Sept., which has delivered them from a most inevitable danger, as by the woful tragedy befallen them last year through that occasion, the Company will perceive; but for all this cannot possess the Council of Surat that there is any such "eminent" danger in the matter, but that it may be very well effected, and by their advice they seem resolved to continue that course; hope now that by the Company's orders they will forbear, and not expose them through self will to such hastening to their graves. Cannot leave their caphillas to be guarded by their Armenian servants only, for many accidents fall out by the way, besides travelling with the caphillas, if seasonably dispensed, is no such danger, though a little tedious "in going so softly." The reason why such quantities of silk have lately been transported to Aleppo and sold there at such cheap rates, is that till these 15 months this King was scarce obeyed by his nobles in anything, and notwithstanding his firman's forbidding any silk to be carried into Turkey, by bribery to his great ones, good quantities were conveyed thither, in hope to meet with markets like former
times; so likewise, little heed has been given to his command that no silk should be bought but by the King's Ministers; as appears by the quantities bought by divers merchants yearly, who if they can transport it into Turkey, will not carry it down to port, where it has stood them in more than the prices they have given, and where the English and Hollanders are the only buyers. And now, it seems, everyone having striven to bring his silk thither in hopes of former markets, the quantity is great, and the merchants are forced to yield to the times, whence its cheapness. But now the King has of late gone on so strictly, hope he will look to have his commands better observed; or if not, these low rates at Aleppo will force them to bring their silks down again to port. Silk has been scarce and dear here almost these three years by reason of the extraordinary mortality of the worms, caused by extraordinary drought throughout the country, and had it not this year been blessed with rains, this country had been little inferior to that of India. Have not to enlarge on the contract made by Heynes since the Company, considering the times, are contented. What may be done by investments at port in barter of Europe and Indian wares, shall be. Find it a mistake that there will be any such remains on account of the third voyage after delivery of goods to the King on account of the second year, being only the 2,000 Ch. tin, which they received out of the Mary's Fleet, which must lie dead till they can bring the King to accept thereof by a new contract; for otherwise there is no hope to be rid of it, it not being worth more here at present than 24 shahees the maundshaw, which is near upon its price in Europe, and the King to their knowledge has a world lying in his warehouses still on his hands. And whereas the Company think it strange they should covenant to pay 43 tomans for Shirwan silk when the other is more requested by the Company, have always desired the Ghilan, but if there be no other to be had must accept Shirwan or none, and it has always been preferred in goodness and price here, but will constantly endeavour the attaining of Ghilan. Know not what may be the adventurers' expectation, they can have no more than the voyage produces, but for their better satisfaction they may be referred to the accounts for the second and third voyages which shall be sent by next ships. Confess it will be but a poor business for the Company to drive no greater trade than sending yearly so many cloths and kersies, but to be plain, except the King grant a new contract, know not how they will mend themselves, for it is vain to think of trading with any other here besides the King. In the little occasion they have had to use some small quantity of cloth sent this year for presents, find it little superior to that wont to be sent. The Company need not fear for the future concerning Mullaimbeage, they having taken such a course that neither he nor any other can wrong them; Mr. Burt and others may thank themselves for their negligence in that kind, who might have prevented the ruining of their estates in that scurvy manner. Must confess their Worships are right as to the cause of these errors, but dare boldly speak that none can say the books were kept obscure since his taking charge thereof. Gibson is thankful to the Company for in some measure granting his
request, but is sorry they are so hard to him as that their bounty should extend only in case of a longer stay, conceiving his past endeavours ought better to have been considered, but must rest contented till times better favour him. Desires them to accept of his mind concerning his longer residence in a particular here enclosed. To resolve the Company doubts whether after the expiration of this contract it were best to renew it with the King or take the liberty of the markets, must say they dare not hazard their cargazoons to such an adventure, for dealings with any other than the King are so poor and mean that they are not to be looked after, and in all the country never knew any besides the King's Ministers ever able to deal for 500 tomans. Again to go seek their silk up and down in Ghilan will cost more men's lives than 'tis worth, for they never yet heard of any of their nation on that employment that ever returned in safety, so bad is the climate; and when it is known they have broke off with the King, and trade as other merchants, their usage will be as theirs, which is too mean to be endured, the bribes and taxations to yield to, being insufferable. It may be said they may get the King's express command for prevention, but will find it little avail them in such remote places, where the men in office are either servants to the greatest of the nobility by whom they are backed on all occasions, or farm the place of the King, and except we pay the duties as others do, we shall do nothing, and yet not seem to be hindered neither. The Hollanders have attempted no such thing, though, in regard the King refused for a long while to make any contract with them, they feared they should be forced to try their fortunes that way. Again whereas the Company would have them deal with the Armenians, knew they the baseness of that nation "in all manner of degrees" they would never wish them thereto. Have had occasion to use them in small matters, and all vow never to have to do with them again, so unfaithful in word and deed, so ungrateful, so griping and deceitful in their dealings, and so slow in performing their promises are they, from the meanest to the very best of them. Have had an overture from them, but knowing them to be as aforesaid, how, think your Worships, 'tis to be embraced; besides will not this Emperor wonder when our King's Majesty, whose business himself and people take it to be, shall leave him to deal with such as these; know also they are not able to perform the proffer, and conceive it to be a mere trick to bring us first in disgrace with the King and so little by little to work us clean out of all; and they have reason for it, for our trade here has taken the very bread out of their mouths. Before our coming they were the King's only merchants for most of his silks that were transported out of his country, but since our arrival and the Dutch, they have been glad to content themselves with what by much labour they can get, and not to any value. Thought they had made one with the Hollanders, as by some of the Armenians confessed, thinking to draw them in, but found it to be no such matter. Find this business the Company are much wished to by Mr. Kirkham in his letter by the James, who, had he lived to have tried the fidelity of the nation, are persuaded would have
repented of the project. If, notwithstanding the Company seeing their great charge and the King's so bad performance, wish for the liberty of the markets or contract with the Armenians, shall be loath, it should be in their times, knowing the issue; the Company cannot drive any trade here to any purpose except they deal with the King, who, though he has much failed at his entrance, they hope will give content in future. Within five or six days are to take their journey towards Court, where they will, by all means possible, endeavour to settle their business wholly upon one as formerly, for now it is somewhat in a distracted kind by so many having to do therein; will also see how they may thrive in procuring a new contract to put off their remains, for the old one made by Heynes is wholly finished in goods with an overplus. How they speed the Company may expect to be advised by another express within this 2½ mo. at furthest; God give issue to their labours, for they have a troublesome business to go through.' On the Mary went passenger home a young youth named George Hungerford, brought out by Heynes, who, in his will, ordered to be paid out of his estate in this country 100l., with all his plate to said youth, which is sent, and the Company may please deliver to him or his friends at home, as also the legacy, and they will make it good here. The bale of coarse silk the Company sent back they will carry to Court, where it shall not want showing to those whom it concerns; but hold Mullaymbeage the least culpable, for he delivered it as it was delivered to him; the fault is in those employed by Mirza Tuckey, "our back friend," who both buys it and makes it up; hope to make some of them smart for their knavery. Since coming to Spahan have been almost beside their wits for want of those moneys which Kirkham so rashly made use of for his own private ends, such vexation and trouble have they had. Much endeavoured putting off the goods at port, but, merchants offering nothing near their prime cost, were forced to bring them to Spahan, where scarce any one when they hear their prices will look on them, so they are fain to take the price current, and fear their Worships will be no small losers. The still increasing mortality makes them put the Company in mind of a new supply to this factory, for since the ships' departure their small number has been lessened by the decease of Messrs. Sherland and Betts, two able men as they took them to be, though what they left behind them proved them otherwise. The first they had intended to confirm the accounts of this factory on, but now Mr. Fall is forced to accept them; find the account of Sherland's time spent at port so confused that God knows how they shall rectify it, and of the cargazoon received on shore in Kirkham's time, if it had not pleased God to preserve Jas. Clement, not any man in the factory was able to give any account. If Kirkham had lived, he would have given all that were here before him license for their country, for of four or five they sent down to port, never one was found able to be employed herein, but his own company, who (God knows how) have left them thus distracted. To be brief, this mortality has struck such a general fear, that every one is coveting license to be gone; cannot blame them, for
they run great hazard of their lives, and ever and anon daunted with fearful speculations, and then their small means discourages them quite. Have often put the Company in mind of this latter, and are persuaded that if they gave ear thereto they would find it again in their servants' integrity; in fine, hope the Company will be more liberal, if not, they must either come home or die in the Company's debt, for they cannot maintain this forced bravery with nothing. Would the Company examine each man's account, they will find the third allowed for maintenance almost wasted on broad cloth to make clothes for travel to and again, in which pilgrimage, to be plain, the carriers in England have a hundred times better accommodation. To manage their affairs in these parts there are only himself (Gibson), Cooper, and Fall of a year's standing, the second whereof will, on no terms, be drawn to any longer residence than for the next ships; there are others who will be able hereafter to do good service, but their experience in the business will ask some time. Of the nine directly appointed for this place are living only Beere, Dickinson, and James Clement, the two first very infirm, Beere dangerously sick in Shiraz; wherefore, it behoves the Company with all speed to furnish them with able and experienced men, if they mean to continue business any longer in these parts. Have all been down this year with the accustomed sickness in port voyages; himself none of the least, for in his journey towards Spahan he was pulled down so low, he thought, and so did others, he should scarce gain his journey's end, but since his arrival in this place he is reasonable well amended; only this is the misery of it, a man is no sooner a little recovered but he must to travel again, as now this Court voyage, twenty to one but t'will pull some of them low enough before they return. As they were writing, came to hand copy of the Company's letter formerly received enclosing another for Surat with order for its present dispeed overland; have done this by hiring two expresses, who they make account will arrive the end of August. Have also advised them of the whole state of their business here, which has been some hindrance in the dispeed of this. The Hollanders this year have left this factory the weakliest manned that ever it was since they had trade here, they have taken away all the old standers, except two or three of small note and as little ability, and in their rooms put only three new ones, whereof the chief is a young man never here before, nor any of the others that came with him; he has been at Court almost this month to see what he can do in clearing accounts with the King's ministers, in which their predecessors have much "plaugded" them: how he will come off, future times must demonstrate. Those remaining in Spahan endeavour to get what silks they can light on for ready money, are given to understand they have reasonable good store; some small quantity have they bought, and so might we, were we also furnished with ready money, but are always so bestraited "that all is little enough to hold buckle and thong together." Know not where the fault lies, but it should seem that the Company's orders, they should always abound rather than want in that kind, are not well understood, or should be better supplied;
cannot conceive there should be any such loss in the lying by of 4,000l. or 5,000l. in such a factory as this on all occasions, for many opportunities offer, which, were there power to embrace, would quit the interest. Hope by means of divers friends at Court that the King shall either accept of the long owing debt of the Khan of Shiraz in account, or give his firmand for present payment out of the Khan's means in Shiraz, where, ever since their last advice, notice is being taken of his wealth, and his account being made up. Refer for news since their last to enclosed relation to their friends in India; the King remains still in Kasbin and all things very quiet. By a consultation held in Port since ship's departure, they will perceive the cause of taking a new house, which, though the hire be somewhat of the most, t'will be saved in the many inconveniences suffered in the other; 'tis almost three years that they have been in hand for it, and these base Hollanders would fain have stepped in, filling many of the warehouses, but have made shift to turn them out. Make account there will be some heartburning about it, but had rather have less of their familiarity, and more of their room: "they seek daily to thwart us in all they can, like treacherous rascals as they are, and it shall go hard, but we will thwart them too ere it be long." The 16 loads of silk are now so plainly proved to be ours, and that by bribes the Dutch gained them, that we hope we shall go very near to make them restore them to the right owner. Find the Company somewhat sharply tax the missing of the Discovery's bill of lading, saying they had not plain dealing therein: takes God to witness Gibson knew no other but it was sent them. Endorsed, "Overland Rec. 5 Apr. 1634." 11½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1507.] |
| June 28. |
459. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Mountney ordered to pay to Sir Edward Randall's son 5l. 6s. 8d., a quarter's rent due to his father for certain lands near Chilworth, on promise to procure a note from Sir Edward to the Company as he brought last quarter, authorising him to receive the same. Letter from Gibson to his uncle, Robert Young, advising to have sent him a parcel of seed pearl, read, and the Secretary directed to take a copy, the Court intending to question Francis Stockton, Purser of the Blessing, who was alleged by Young to have possessed himself thereof by the death of Bartholomew Ale in that ship, same being delivered to him by Capt. Wills. Understanding Sir James Bagg's answer concerning the 515l. owing by him for cordage and other provisions taken by him out of the Company's storehouse at Plymouth, for his Majesty's service as he alleged, that the Secretary once more attend him, and if he put them off with any more delays, let him know that they purpose to complain of him both to my Lord Treasurer and the Council Board for satisfaction of the said debt. Divers petitions for remission of freight; freight remitted to John Allen, gunner in the Blessing, but the rest of the petitions and all such hereafter to be referred to a Committee. 1½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 323, 324.] |
| June. |
460. Minutes of Edward Nicholas of business to be considered by the Lords of the Admiralty when they come from Scotland. To call
the officers to account touching bringing into his Majesty's stores provisions lent to the East India Company and other merchants. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXLI., No. 88.] |
