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| Sept. 3–10. |
60. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Whereas on the recommendation of Sir Wm. Russell it was ordered at the coming home of the next fleet to take some harbour beer of Mr. Clay a brewer, the Court, on petition of Mr. Haughton their brewer that there hath hitherto been no complaint against his beer, ordered that no beer be taken of Clay but of Haughton only. Answer to his Majesty's letter on behalf of the Earl of Denbigh concerning his passage to the Indies and Persia brought this day sennight by Sir John Watts, deferred in regard of Mr. Governor's absence. John Spiller to fill the place of Edward Lee lately deceased, who was employed in making bills and gathering in the Company's debts, but at present without fee. Bill of Exchange for 100l. payable to Mr. Spight, charged upon the Company by Mr. Cramporne of Plymouth for so much disbursed
by him for provision of the London, to be paid. Messrs. Spurstowe and Mustard to repair to Erith to break bulk of the London, and to send down lighters for taking in her goods, that no time be lost in unlading her. Ordered that the wife of Capt. Weddell have three months' pay yearly of her husband's wages at his request. |
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Sept. 8. Offer of Mr. Sheriff Wright to pay in 1,800l. on rebate at 8 per cent. for indigo bought of the Company, but as money can now be had at 7 per cent. and Mr. Treasurer absent, resolution deferred. Request of Mr. Deputy to receive forthwith 20 or 30 bags of pepper out of the London to send in a ship now bound for the East Country, condescended to; and the like favour granted to Wm. Cockayne on the same terms. Motion that no entry of private men's goods in the Custom House be accepted unless first signed by Mr. Governor or Mr. Deputy, approved. |
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Sept. 10. Ordered that Mr. Sherburne attend the Lord Treasurer for a warrant to the Custom House that no entry of private men's goods be made unless first signed by Mr. Governor or Mr. Deputy. Ordered that beef and pork be provided for the ships on account of the third voyage, also for the Palsgrave on account of the Second Joint Stock. Ordered that the wife of Richard Boothby, Factor at Surat, receive 100 weight of pepper sent from her husband by the Hart. Four hundred white cloths having been already bought, it was thought meet, upon late advises from Persia and Surat, to provide 100 more (sic), viz., 100 for Surat, to be dyed according to advice, and 100 for Persia; also 100 Devonshire kersies and 200 northern kersies. Committees to consider whether the charge to be laid out for shipping and merchandises will not exceed the subscription, which amounts to 100,000l. or thereabouts. Wm. Steevens to have a stem piece of timber out of Blackwall yard for building a new ship he has on the stocks in lieu of any piece Mr. Ducy choose out of Steevens' yard to the like value. Ordered that Mr. Treasurer receive the third and fourth payments for the third voyage, due at Christmas and Lady Day, on rebate. A broke upon John Wheeler's account in the Second Joint Stock, remitted. On view of the Court Books and Book of Contracts ordered to settle Ald. Wright's rebate upon his bargain of indigo at 8 per cent. Also that the accounts of dead men in the London be cleared. And that Mr. Clark attend and certify why brokes are charged upon Mr. Stone's account for 15 bags of pepper not transported. Ordered, at the desire of Daniel White, Purser of the Mary, that Mr. Muschampe who signed the letters by the London wherein he is charged with detaining one bale of Surat cloth to his own use be with himself examined before the Court to clear himself of that imputation. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 30–35.] |
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61. Petition of John Powell and Ephraim Ramsey, two of the survivors who escaped the bloody massacre at Amboyna to Sec. Lord Dorchester. Have for almost seven years since the massacre and their escape continually solicited for satisfaction for their wrongs and goods unjustly confiscated by the Dutch without relief, his Lordship assured petitioners that when the Ambassadors came
over to treat about that business petitioners should receive satisfaction. But now said Commissioners are come, petitioners, albeit by the States own act cleared from that unjust accusation, are not only refused any satisfaction from them but also left by the East India Company here, who refuse to include them in their treaty; whereby having suffered in body and lost their whole estates, if his Majesty's clemency and his Lordship's favour be not afforded petitioners are likely miserably for want to perish. Beseech his Lordship's assistance to his Majesty in their petition now to be exhibited, as also in procuring them satisfaction and relief. 1 p. Endorsed by Sec. Lord Dorchester, "The English Amboinars petition." [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 81.] |
Sept. 14.
Theobalds. |
62. (Sec. Lord Dorchester) to (Sir H. Vane). Has not yet seen the witnesses he has returned, but has his Majesty's order to call the Governor of the East India Company before the Board, and to procure for them the charges they have been at since their going over in November last, as his Lordship recommends. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Sept. 15. |
63. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Ordered that Collins, the Company powder maker, receive 4 tons of saltpetre and 40l. The Auditors to consider the answer to be given to the Generality concerning the 14th and 15th divisions in money. Ordered that all goods belonging to particular men for private trade be brought up to the Company's House. John Smith, late Purser's mate of the Hart, entertained Purser of the Mary, and to keep prick and check until further orders. Walter Ambler to be purser in the Hopewell. ½ p. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 35.] |
| Sept. 16. |
64. "Points concerning the Convention betwixt England and Spain collected by Mr. Wever and other Merchants the 16th of Sept. 1630." (8.) That his Majesty's subjects may freely carry from England to Spain any East India commodities and sell them to their King's subjects, and that they may buy them without incurring any penalty. Answer to the above. Annexed, |
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(8.) The bringing of East India commodities into Spain would be very good for the English merchants, but it is a demand the Spaniards will never condescend unto. [Extracts, Spanish Corresp.] |
| Sept. 17. |
65. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Report that the ships are in good forwardness; ordered that all diligence be used for their dispeed before Christmas, so they may go first for Persia and after for Surat; and because the Mary, already launched, and the Exchange, ready to be launched, cannot both ride at Blackwall, ordered that the Mary be carried to Woolwich, and the London put into dock when the Exchange be launched; that the London, if found sufficient, may be made ready to go to fetch the remains to the southward for the account of the Second Stock. Consideration of an estimate for disposure of the subscription for this third voyage, whereby it appeared that the charge for shipping, furniture, and imprest on mariners' wages would amount to 30,000l.,
leaving 70,000l. for quickstock, whereof 3,400l. to be employed in coral, quicksilver, lead, cloth, &c. for Surat, and the rest in cloth, tin, and northern kersies for Persia with quarter money according to the contract with the King of Persia. The Court found there would be no stock remaining to pursue the southern trade by sending a small ship immediately as last year to the coast, and thence to Macassar to provide cloves, and as was hoped, nuts, and mace; so after some debate it was resolved to send 6,000l. in the Hopewell to the coast, and to lessen the Persian adventure so much for the present, as it would be no prejudice to shorten their trade, for one year in regard there is yet no news of the stock sent for Persia in the two former voyages. Ordered before giving an absolute answer to his Majesty's letter on behalf of the Earl of Denbigh, that Committees attend the Lord Treasurer and confer how the Company may receive satisfaction and assurance that his going shall not be prejudicial or chargeable to them, both by the way and in the Indies, as in his Majesty's letter is intimated. Motion to consider whether to deliver out the 16th division in the pepper come home in the London; Committees to confer with the Auditors and report upon the state of the Second Joint Stock, that the business might be prepared for the General Court. Notice taken that warrants were delivered out to ship pepper for the East Country and the States, which was held to be unequal, and therefore ordered that no more warrants be delivered until the General Court resolve upon the sale or division. Ordered to make up the number of cloths for Persia to 600, and if more be sent to be bought ready dyed and dressed; also to provide 500 northern kersies. Request of Mr. Stone for his father to be cleared of brokes charged for 15 bags of pepper not transported, he was directed to bring his father's book of account. Bill of Edmund Chambers for barge hire for discharging the London to be paid. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 36–38.] |
Sept. 21./Oct. 1.
The Hague. |
66. Sir Henry Vane, Ambassador Extraordinary to the States General, to (Sec. Lord Dorchester). Touching the Amboyna business, the States have given order to their Judges to proceed to sentence upon such proofs as they have had long since exhibited to them; but makes doubt whether that sentence will prove so satisfactory to his Majesty as he has just cause to expect. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Sept. 24. |
67. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Report of Mr. Ellam that comparing the weight of the cloves brought in the London according to the Factor's invoice with the weight delivered into the Company's warehouse be found a want of 4,000 lb. Gratuity of 30l. to Capt. Plumleigh, Commander of his Majesty's ship Convertive as well to recompence him for his pains in conducting the London from Plymouth to the Downs, as to invite him and other of his Majesty's Captains, to afford the like favours, and ordered that the letter sent to Capt. Pynne from the Master of the Convertive be shown him, that he reprimand him for his arrogancy. Report of Sir Hugh Hamersley that the Committees appointed to examine whether the
account of the Second Joint Stock would satisfy their debts, and yet make a division of half a capital, found there was a clear estate within the land over and above their debts of 47,000l., so that the Charles being arrived together with the goods in the London there might safely be a division of half a capital, which he advised them seriously to consider; for if the adventurers, who have lately made such large disbursements in these particular voyages, have not some encouragement, it may be much feared that a 4th subscription will with difficulty be obtained; whereupon after large discourse it was ordered to make a division of a 16th half capital in pepper and other goods, but whether liberty be given to those that take it out in goods to dispose of them as they pleased deferred till next Court, when it is hoped Mr. Governor will be present; so resolved to deliver out this division without putting in security to pay it in case it fall out that the estate of the Second Joint Stock will not bear it, the Court being fully satisfied with Sir Hugh's relation. As to the time to appoint for payment of the 14th and 15th half capitals in money, which was pressed at the last General Court, consideration was deferred. Sir John Watts, attending for answer to his Majesty's letter concerning the passage of the Earl of Denbigh in the Company's ships to Surat and Persia which has been long expected, is informed that the deferring of the Company's answer was out of necessity, for by Mr. Governor's absence and the dispersing of the Committees to their country houses, they have not until of late had a full Court, but they have appointed Committees to attend his Lordship this afternoon; with which answer Sir John rested well satisfied and departed; whereupon it was resolved to propound to the Earl of Denbigh; (1) That a list of the names of his servants be given to the Company, and that he lessen the number as much as with conveniency he may; (2) That in regard the Admiral is to carry their Factors, who, with the Commander, are to be lodged in the great cabin, where they are to keep their consultations, that his Lordship would accept of the second ship, where he shall be every way as well accommodated; (3) That according to his Majesty's letter he will give good caution not to prejudice or be chargeable to the Company. Instructions to a Committee to bargain with Abraham Chamberlain for his parcel of quicksilver in barter for the Company's aloes Succatrina. Report of Mr. Treasurer that he had been forced out of the cash belonging to the Second Joint Stock to disburse 5,500l. for the necessary occasions of the 3rd voyage, the Court proposed at their next meeting to consider the bringing in of money for this voyage, and to settle some resolution concerning the southern trade in the Indies. Information that divers goods have been unladen out of the London into two hoys and in particular a great quantity of cloves brought home in the great cabin, Capt. Pynne questioned, but utterly denied upon his reputation to know of any such matter. The court, though unsatisfied with this answer, dismissed him for the present; nevertheless on his promise to engage his wages for payment of freight, ordered delivery to him of cubibs, part Mr. Muschampe's and part his own, 2 rundlets green ginger, 2 hogsheads long pepper, 3 pecul Cassia Ligna, and ½ hogshead
sugar. Also at his request to deliver to George Brewen 60 lb. raw silk and 70 books calico, paying freight, and to Thomas Johnson 16 pieces of narrow black taffeties, 17 pieces salampores, 200 pieces percullis, and 1 piece tapseils, all in his chest. Gratuity of 40s. bestowed in charity upon Mr. Tichborne the Company's late solicitor, lying very sick and in very great poverty, also of 40s. a piece upon Wm. Stripp and Tho. Legg who had been the Company's apprentices for five years without wages, and in regard Legg is a forward young fellow and willing to return to their service, ordered that he be clothed and put aboard the Palsgrave. Bill of Edmund Chambers, master of their barge, for tallow and house room for the barge for half a year to be paid. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 39–44.] |
Sept. 28–30.
Ship Royal James. |
68. Consultations aboard the Royal James. It having been agreed by consultation that the whole fleet should weigh anchor to meet the great Shahee of Surat to protect her from the Portugals, and referred to the Commanders and seamen where to lie in the latitude of Deomon, the undersigned hold it best to anchor between the point of the sand and land. (Signed) Math. Morton, Jno. Bickell, Matthew Wills, Michael Greene, John Roberts, Tho. Robinson, John Yarde, Richard Barry. |
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Sept. 30. Having this morning surprised three vessells, it is concluded that whereas one laden with bamboos pretends to belong to Surat it remain in custody until our arrival there, and the other two laden with rice, cocoanuts, &c. seem to be lawful prize, they are to be unladen, inventory taken of their cargazoons, and the vessels employed for prevention of fire boats. Signed as above with addition of Will Norris. 1½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1312.] |
Sept. 29.
Surat. |
70. President Thomas Rastell and Council to (George Willoughby and others, sent on the Star to Masulipalam and Armagon). Doubt not conformity to enclosed copy of a clause in the Company's instructions which confers the general authority upon Thos. Rastell. Will proceed to directions fit at present, until his arrival in Surat, where the Company have appointed him chief under Rastell. The 19th March last the James, William, and Blessing departed for Surat where they arrived 22nd Sept. current, with the Discovery and Reformation which awaited their coming at Joanna. At St. Lawrence they met the Charles and Jonas bound for England. If detained longer in those parts than was designed, to send a particular relation of proceedings relating to sales of English goods, the sorts and quantities vendible yearly at each of the factories, and the accounts in general or at least copy of invoice, a guess at the charge of the factories of Armagon and Masulipatam pertaining to this voyage, and a particular of any goods remaining. Also by consultation of Factors to consider whether both Masulipatam and Armagon or either of them alone would not suffice for furnishing cloth fitting for Bantam, Jambi, and Macassar towards compassing the annual proportion of pepper and cloves now aimed at by the Company, the west coast of Sumatra being wholly relinquished till they see cause to resume it, to whom it is wholly referred and to
hold no further dependance upon Bantam. But if both factories must be continued to consider and frame a list of the sorts and quantities of goods to be provided in each factory, distinguishing whether for Bantam, Jambi, or Macassar, rectifying it on coming to Bantam by a like consultation there, and sending it open if possible by the Dutch by way of Masulipatam for the perusal of those Factors. It will be also necessary to send lists of the sorts and quantities of India clothing required from Surat, being very exact in their denominations as in sending musters of those sorts not mentioned in former invoices, distinguishing the requires of each factory; and after well digested advice, give opinion what quantities over and above the goods and moneys, if any, to be sent from Surat for the purchasing of 1,000 or 1,200 tons of pepper and 100 tons of cloves, to which might find annual vent there, whose proceeds might be returned in gold and cloves, as has been practiced by some of the Company's servants. If this course can be encouraged the Company's trade which has been too grossly neglected in the past will be enlarged in these parts and Persia. To let them know the sum of money necessary to be sent for defraying expenses, customs, &c., and inform them what those expenses amount to in the several factories in the year. The Company's resolutions touching the Old Joint Stock which received its last supply by the London; to send a final balance, which ought not to be delayed through want of shipping to clear the goods belonging to the Old Stock; the Charles, which ought to have been appointed for Bantam for the spices lying there, sent home (from Surat) full fraught with goods purchased on credit at high interest, whereby the Old Stock is indebted little less than 60,000l., which must of force grow till the Company send means to extinguish it, and also empty ships to Bantam where there are goods but want of means of transport. Not to protract the sending of the Old Stock's accounts so that the New Stock can be appraised. To expect the James with supplies from Surat for accomplishing the Star's lading for England, a rendezvous appointed for the William and Blessing to meet the next year's fleet, for security against the enemy, who is bent upon awaiting their falling upon the coast of India or Persia, in which case the James if she come alone from Bantam must run a most imminent danger of perdition; if not able to get her full complement of lading and dispatch her in 10 days, she also may instantly apply herself for the rendezvous aforesaid. Desire information of the condition of all vessels of the Old Stock in any way serviceable, with inventories of their stores, &c., and to send in company of the James any vessel that can best be spared, with 100 or 150 tons of sugar and spices, which shall be discharged at Persia this year, and then arriving with the rest at Surat she may take in provisions, and India clothing and, with advices, English letters, &c., be immediately returned for Bantam. Desire his judgment how many and what sort of vessels will be necessary to be retained at the southwards for the prosecution of the trade the Company are now inclined to follow, namely, that only of Bantam, Jambi, and Macassar, correspondence with the coast of Coromandel and West Sumatra has been
utterly frustrate. Cannot conceive how Jambi and Macassar should require more than two small pinnaces, and one of these to be spared every June with sugar and spice for Persia. Request particular advice of the Dutch's progress; resettling in Bantam will be doubtless troublesome; if their enhancing of the price of pepper could be prevented it were worthily worth endeavouring. The Dutch fleet this year had as late dispatch out of the Downs as theirs, being 10 weeks wind bound and not much less in their own ports, and being full of men were fallen into great mortality. Request advice of the quantity of pepper and sugar Bantam yearly produces. Had proceeded thus far without conference with the Factors at Surat and it was the 24th inst. at night before they could safely come aboard, the news newly arrived from England, by reason of 30 frigates which had awaited their coming 20 days, and in that interim had seized a very rich ship of Surat, and are in further expectation of the junk Shahee of far greater value. Their intended mischief is by four fire-ships chained two and two to be let driven by wind and tide upon the Admiral and Vice-Admiral, which devilish stratagem was exactly discovered by examination of two of their soldiers happily surprised by our barges in a small vessel that too daringly approached; perceive they will delay till we are got into the Hole of Swally, where we had long ere this been to await the project, had not the Governor, merchants, and the whole town importuned the sending out of the whole fleet to secure their expected junk, whose loss would be the downfall and absolute ruin of this place. The merchants only went ashore the 25th with some peril, and next day after an extraordinarily ceremonious reception by the Governor and Chiefs, we yielded to their requests and dispatched our fleet towards the usual landfall of these country junks, and since then have been altogether taken up with reciprocal visits. Having perused some late advices from Mr. Hoare giving more than usual satisfaction touching southern affairs, will add somewhat to the reply of the late President. Reasons why the timely dispatch of the James by the help of the Old Stock's pepper will prove no less commodious to the Old Stock than advantageous to the New Stock, the pepper now in those defective ships the Christopher and John before Bantam. The want of Factors will be supplied by the Star; will also send Thos. Robinson and Wm. Clarke, the first to be second at Macassar, and the latter to be steward at Bantam. Will send by the James what pitch, tar, small cordage, &c. can be spared out of the fleet for repairing the decayed ships. Doubt not that the means now invested from the coast with the 10,000l. to be employed from Surat will produce sufficient over and above the James and Star's lading for that Persian cavidal; but if Macassar yield such quantities of cloves as is hoped, and there should be no overplus for the Persian design, then disannul that order, for though the Company by reason of the base esteem of pepper (now sold at 16d. and 17d. at three years) restrain them to 1,000 or 1,200 tons yearly, they put no limit on cloves, to the purchasing whereof will send supply to the utmost of their credit. Desire precise information of the quantities expected as also of the
goods proper from Surat, the want whereof, as of those fit for Jambi and Bantam, may lead to error. To use any of the Old Stock's vessels for the furtherance of the James and Star's lading, and they also will assist the Old Stock by shipping of the New Stock for the transport of remains from the coast of Coromandel. The charge of the factories to be borne in proportion to the sum employed for each Stock, and the Company have in their letter directed the transport of remains from one Stock to another. Desire a note of the mariners remaining of those vessels with names of the Factors, their entertainments and employments, and how many in each place will be necessary. Learn that the Portugals will fall far short of their number of galleons for want of men, yet it still holds current that the Vice-King will be here in person. The subscription for a third voyage to India was completed the day before Rastell's departure from London, so that an ample supply annually need not be doubted with more alacrity than ever, and the rather in respect of a new contract with the new King of Persia, that trade being now the main prop of the adventurer's hopes in England. Signed by Thomas Rastell, John Skibbowe, Joseph Hopkinson, Richard Barbar, James Bickford, Arthur Suffeild, and John Norris. Endorsed, "Sent by the way of Masulipatam to Bantam &c. Recd in Bantam the 11th Feb. 1630(–1.) p ship Falcon, rec. in London 10 Octo. by the 7 Dutch ships," &c. 9½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1313.] |
Sept.
Ispahan. |
71. Edward Heynes and William Gibson to the East India Company. Refer to their last from Gombroon by the Charles and Jonas of 20th Feb. [see ante, No. 10], which the agent (Burt) has since amplified in several copies of the 26th Feb. [? 27th Feb., see ante, No. 12] sent overland viâ Constantinople, Aleppo, and Smyrna, advising of the death of the King and of a new contract for trade made with his successor. Have received the Company's five transcripts of No. 6, 7, and 8 of 24th April viâ Constantinople and Aleppo, and 2nd of the 27th April and 22nd May, the first three on 8th July and the last two by way of Russia 20 days after. Their orders for convoy of letters by way of Russia shall be observed, though they hold that of Turkey the speediest and securest. The Company's last transcript, No. 3, sent by way of Venice and Aleppo arrived 17th Sept. Have advised receipt of the cargazoone directed to this factory, but much of it in bad condition, especially the cloth upon the Charles and the tin; 20 bales of cloth are all rotten and worm eaten, not a yard sound; what may be found by Mallaymbeage, the Treasurer, when he comes to open the bales may be doubted much more; by reason of broken chests near one-third of tin wants much in weight; some course must be thought on to secure it from the mariner's fingers which are lime twigged on all such occasions. Have advised what cloth and moneys they delivered to the factory of Surat, and the neglect of that factory in the investments ordered by the Company for this place, together with their own extraordinary want of provisions for packing and transport of goods, presents, and housekeeping, as rice, sugar, butter, conserves, &c., all which they are forced to buy 20 or 30 percent. dearer than in
India. It is a practice of the Dutch to bring quantities of India commodities and few passengers upon their ships, and sell them for money or in truck of silk to great advantage, silk now lying open to all to buy; it would not be amiss therefore that the Company strictly order the Factors at Surat to correspond with themselves by some large supply yearly. Will see by the invoices and bills of lading the goods laden upon the Charles and Jonas for both stocks, viz., 80 bales silk, 21 bags galls, 30 bags ruhanas, 4 chests rhubarb, 4 bales wormseeds, 1 small ballet of taffetas, and 3 horses for the Old Stock, and 106 bales silk for the New, consigned to Surat, that for England to be repacked. How the 313 pieces of gold and three ingots of silver taken ashore for trial are sold. These species are not for this place to produce profit, the species usually brought to these parts are ducats, sherafins, and venetians, and these also transported to India to find profit. The moiety of customs has yearly been collected, not without much trouble and deceit practiced by the customers; this year it has been in the charge of Mr. Loftus, who a month after their departure suddenly deceased; his accounts are promised fair dealing by the Shabander, and Agent Burt has procured the Duke's commands to do us right therein. The Duke continues our fast friend and doubt not the continuance of our customs so long as he lives, but afterwards it may be questionable. There are very few in this factory capable of the Company's better business, those taken on shore being only fit for inferior employments; a supply of solid, well governed men is therefore requisite in case of mortality. By the Company's transcrips, especially those of 27th April and 22nd May, perceive they have resolved on a further supply by a New Joint Stock, and directed the James, William, and Blessing to Surat with a cavidal of 150,000l., and another ship for the coast of Coromandel, what for Persia they write not, but suppose that on news of the late King's death and the invasion of the Turk, which must bring the kingdom into much distraction, the Company have lessened their supply, for although they have no just cause to discourage the Company yet they may wish it until time brings forth a more settled state in these parts. Will endeavour their utmost to accomplish the 200 or 300 bales of silk for the Great James as their Worships desire. One of the agent's principal negotiations with the King is to procure the silk to be brought to port, but if he prevailed that all silks may be brought to Ispahan, prohibiting all buying elsewhere, as the King has partly promised, think it will be as much as can be procured, and whether he or they transport it to port will be much at one, for the charge of transportation will be valued upon the silk, and it cannot be brought down sooner than by themselves, for the season for its arrival at Ispahan is in Sept. and Oct., the gathering in Ghilan and other places in August. Divers merchants last year brought down silks to the port expecting profit, but many affirmed that through the charges and duties by the way they lost by the sale, yet doubt not some quantities may be found there, when few buyers are to be seen at Ispahan to transport it to Aleppo as accustomed. Concerning the great loss of weight in the William's
silk which they cannot understand. The Dutch have refused to receive theirs by the King's steelyard, and were told that unless they would receive it by that weight and the sworn officers, whereby all the King's goods are received and delivered, they might go without. Relate an incident concerning Visneck, sometime Commander of the Dutch affairs, and a merchant who was sent from Batavia to succeed him; how he invited the English and Dutch to a farewell feast two miles from the town, and the same night after much mirth and wine took horse and fled for Ispahan, pretending his accounts not balanced; that the new Commander indiscreetly prosecutes him, and both have disgraced themselves, their nation, and business, even with the King and nobles. Since the combat betwixt the English Agent and Visneck, wherein the one approved himself a true Englishman before the principal of these people to the honour of his nation and the other a cowardly drunken Dutchman; they have lived friendly, but experience has taught them not to put much confidence in that perfidious generation. Prices at which they delivered their cloth, kerseys, perpetuanas, and tin to Mullaymbeage the Treasurer. Doubt not but they will comply with us this year, nor question the receipt of 700 bales timely to meet the fleet; had the old King lived or this not been troubled with the invasion of the Turk even to six days' journey of Ispahan, might have promised a full return of last year's cargazoone, but will use their best endeavours, nor as yet have they any cause to deter the Company from supplying this trade, though in some less proportion. Complain of the broadcloth last sent as mean and bad in colour, and that had they not been favourably respected by the Treasurer, most of it, and all the perpetuanas, had been turned on their hands. The tin is also complained of for quantity and dearness, this country being overcharged by the Company, the Dutch and Indians, the price current less by one-third than we deliver it to the King. Desire the Company to amend the badness of their cloth, the colours desired are stammells, red, popingay, French and grass greens, yellows, straw colour, sky colour, lemon, and pink, and some Venice reds, blues, violets, and tawneys, others disliked; let the kerseys be finer, and more of Devon and less northern; lessen the proportion of tin; and by no means send any perpetuanas. After delivery of the Company's goods to the Treasurer, Agent Burt, about the 25th July, departed to the Court, 10 days' journey from Ispahan, to deliver his Majesty's letter and negotiate with the King for a confirmation of his last year's contract, and to procure firmans for silk to the import of such goods and moneys as they had delivered. He is not returned or his business yet effected, but within 20 days expected by his letter here enclosed [see ante, No. 52]. The Company may expect on his arrival advice by an express of the issue of his business and the state of their affairs. |
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Oct. 26. Postscript.—By reason of sickness the bearer proceeded not until this present; meantime have received letters from the Agent at Court, expressing somewhat amply his proceedings with the King, so thought it requisite to send some clauses [see No. 76] whereby may be perceived what hopes he has for a new contract with the King, and what silk he has by firmans procured, The troubles of
the Court and the King's unpreparedness to give audience to business of such quality has been the cause the Agent could not obtain his firmans more timely, yet doubt not by the fine of next month to receive all the silks at Ispahan, and by the middle of January to arrive with them at port. Bagdad by report is hardly besieged by the Turk and in some danger, and the King on his march with 70,000 men to relieve it, and if he return not till next year (as is most likely) will be forced to a dangerous and bad travel after him, for unless they procure new contracts and firmans yearly from him there will be no expectation of silks from his Ministers. Thus is and will be the condition of their business. Their Worships may expect from their Agent advice by some speedy conveyance of all occurrences and assurance of their trade with the King. 5 pp. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1311.] |
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72. Copy of the preceding postscript of 26th Oct. 1630. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1320.] |
Sept. 30.
Ispahan. |
73. Ed. Heynes and Wm. Gibson to the East India Company. The state of the Persian empire stands thus. The Turkish army of 200,000, or as some report 300,000 soldiers, having advanced to Amadon, a principal city within six days' journey of Ispahan, and sat there some few days, the Emperor with his army of 60,000 cushelbashes withdrawing at their approach, retired to two days' journey short of Bagdad, and there sits this winter; the Emperor with his army attending six days' journey short on this side. Bagdad not yet beleaguered, but furnished for a two years' siege. The Persian dares not give the Turk battle though provoked by many light skirmishes. Much treachery in the Persian army, for which the General and others of no mean quality have suffered death. The Turk's intentions not known, but supposed to be a siege of Bagdad, or a resolute invasion of the whole empire the next Spring. The Portugal with 10 galleons and four others expected from Christendom, with 150 frigates, is expected to encounter our fleets this year at Swally or in the gulf of Persia, commanded by the Viceroy in person, Don Alvio Battellia, his General, and Rufrero, Capt.-Major of the frigates; but some suppose that by reason of their this year's expedition to Malacca (where by report they wrought wonders against the King of Acheen with little loss, to the destruction of 1,000 of their enemies and 60 galleys with great booty) they will not be able this year to encounter ours; but for next year there is no question thereof; it behoves them therefore to come strong, for on this action depends their whole rest. This letter is directed to the Consul of Aleppo by conveyance of John Cavallino, a Venetian merchant lately come from Macao by land through India, under cover of a known friend, who brought their letters from Aleppo. Are promised trusty and speedy conveyance, of which they desire advice. Endorsed, "Postscript of Mr. Heynes his general letter 30th September," &c. 1, p. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1314.] |
