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| Aug. 2. |
476. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Report of Mr. Treasurer that he had paid and discharged many of the Company's debts due upon Bills, but some persons and those not for small sums, refuse to accept their moneys when offered but earnestly press to have their Bills renewed; the Court desired him to answer those persons, that the Company will give their moneys house room, but if they shall refuse to accept them when offered, they would not be allowed a penny interest from that time forward. And whereas Mr. Treasurer often admits adventurers to pay in their subscriptions on rebate at 8 per cent., which is conceived prejudicial, ordered that thenceforth he should not allow any man to make rebate on their subscriptions but for moneys due on Bills for commodities sold, Mr. Treasurer to do therein as the Company occasions should require. Ordered that all those who were formerly warned and had not appeared, or had not paid in any part of their subscriptions in the Third Joint Stock as promised, should all of them be sent to once again to bring in their moneys, or the Court without further notice would lay broaks upon them, and take such other course as they shall be advised to enforce their bringing in their subscriptions. Markham again called in, Mr. Governor and others being absent from last Court, and reitterated his relation of the state of the Third Joint Stock; whereupon the Court resolved to send out for Surat and Persia next year, besides the ship now building for the coast, which was allotted 50 tons lead, 20 fine cloths, 16,000l. in gold, and 4,000l. in ryals, the London and Blessing, with a small pinnace, but referred whether to buy one or make use of one of the three now returned; but for returning again to Pooloroon, the Court resolved to send either the Star or Hopewell, and that she should run the course prescribed last year, particularly expressed in their general letters, experience hath found to be most profitable. Ordered further that the Jewel, after unlading, be prepared and fitted to be sent for
Bantam to go with the fleet; and in regard of the great mortality and lack of victuals, especially at Surat, as also the late disaster by the firing of the Swallow and Charles, and the advices received of the want of all manner of stores in all their factories, that the ships be furnished with victuals for 20 months at least, and also with stores sufficient for the relief of all their ships abroad. And that the Company may go on certain grounds, the Committees to assist the Auditors in perfecting the three particular voyages, were desired to look over the accounts of the Third Joint Stock, and report whether it agrees with Markham's relation. Ordered, on presentation of copy of an Extent out of the Exchequer requiring the Company to keep the adventure of 1,693l. 15s. of one Smith, for satisfaction of a debt owing to his Majesty, that Mr. Acton inform the Barons of the Exchequer that said adventure was long since passed over to Hamond Claxton, who had received it out. Committees appointed with full power to view Mr. Langham's defective silk, and give him such allowance of tare as is usual in such cases between the seller and buyer. Consultation held at Bantam 9th July 1632, read, wherein Richard Barnaby protested against Wm. Mynors, Henry Oulton, and Wm. Broadbanck, Master, Purser, and Mate of the Speedwell, and against the other Mates and the Steward, for their preposterous haste in selling their private trade at Tecoe and Priaman for black pepper and gold, whereby 50 bales of the Company's goods were left unsold, and carried to "a worser market," and the ship deprived of her full lading; this complaint to be registered in the Black Book that said persons at their return may be questioned, and the Court much commended Barnaby for his good service. Petition of Edward Oakeley, showing that he was taken into the East Indies by Capt. Greene, and after his death taken ashore by Agent Heynes in Persia, where and ever since until his arrival in the Blessing he did the Company service, that he is now destitute of friends and has no means of livelihood. The Court observed he went without the Company's order, and, therefore, he rather deserved to be punished and pay for his diet, but, understanding he came with the Company's silk with Walter Mountford from Spahan to Gombroon, demanded his knowledge of the two missing bales of silk; he confessed he came with Mountford from Spahan, that they travelled all night, and he was at the baling of the silk, and for aught he knows all was delivered into the Company's warehouse as it came from Spahan; remembers two bales were stolen by an Armenian at Gombroon, but Gove, "by causing a figure to be cast for them, he found them again under a pile of wood," and acknowledged there is a great deal of knavery used by the Factors in buying silk for themselves and selling it to the Dutch, and that there came from Spahan 50 camels with above 100 bales of silk for the Company, whereof four were Gibson's; the Court wished him to set down what he knew in writing, and referred him to Ellam to take exact account concerning the two bales or any other abuse, wishing him if he expected any favour to deal truly, which he promised to do. Petition of the widow of Bartholomew Ayle concerning the freight of her goods in the
Blessing; to confirm their late order, and to detain the silk and calicoes, and allow her 6s. per ryal for them free of freight and custom, referred to two committees. Request of George Clarke for payment of 20l. given to his son by the will of Wm. Hussey deceased, on which he had taken out letters of administration without consent of his child, but the Court, in charity and compassion, would not pay it without the direction of said child, who is 15 or 16 years of age. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 29–34.] |
| Aug. 2. Aboard the Great James, at Sea. |
477. George Willoughby to the East India Company. Has not failed to send advice of their affairs by all conveyances, but thinks fit to send this brief relation of his proceedings and of other passages after his being unjustly taken from his place of Agent in Bantam. Departed the Downs 13th Dec. 1629, and attained Port of Armagon 27th June 1630, where he found Chr. Reade, a young and non-experienced director in that factory. Ordered the Star's investments and arrived at Masulipatam 19th July, where was Henry Sill, lately arrived from Bantam on the Falcon and Dove, with assistants. Account of Henry Sill's private trade and "wicked practises," of his being acknowledged Chief Commander in Armagon, and of his removal of Sill and Reade to Bantam, leaving in their rooms John Hunter and Nicholas Bix, and arrival at Bantam 27th March 1631. Advised them from Masulipatam by letter of 2nd Nov. 1630 of part of Sill's disorders, as also the President and Council on 2nd Nov. and 4th and 12th Dec. 1630, and from Armagon 30th Jan. 1631, briefly to the Company, and largely to the President and Council of Sill's faults and remove, seriously desiring by letters to Bantam to strengthen Willoughby for the utter destroying of the monster private trade, being it had almost devoured the Company's great trade; but, as by the issue appeared, they liked not Willoughby's proceedings or intents, but rather the cherishing of that monster, the clauses in their letters of 29th Sept. and 12th Nov. 1630 being written only to give them a loyal-like shadow before the Company. Found William Hoare chief at Bantam, who had very unnecessarily sent away his ablest assistants, Henry Sill to Coromandel, and Anto. Verneworthy to Macassar, whereby himself was not only head, but the whole body, with only Gerald Pinson, Purser, to assist him. In a short time reformed the great disorders of that factory by alehouse customs, "for evils are easy to be reformed if not settled in the head." Within 10 days of his arrival at Bantam dispeeded the Star to Jambi with a fitting cargo. According to the accustomed manner went to visit the King, before whom Hoare acknowledged Willoughby to be Commander of the English. As soon as Willoughby informed the King he would buy all the pepper in Bantam, then exporting by China junks to Batavia, for part money and part goods, the King stopped its export, whereby may be perceived their glad embracing of the English trade if well handled. After which bought 1,000 picul, and was in treaty for the remainder, but the James' arrival frustrated all those intents. To endeavour the sole enjoying of the clove trade of Macassar, made common to Danes,
French, Dutch, Javas, &c., the Dove was appointed to be dispeeded beginning of August, and by the way to try the inland trade of Java at ports Cheribon, Tegal, and Samarang for gold, &c., and to supply Japara with stock and Factors. Also intended the Hopewell should follow as soon as arrived from Coromandel, to procure next year's cloves, on whom he intended to have gone, after lading the James for Surat and Star with Palsgrave for England, &c. to re-settle the clove trade on good conditions with that King, and if possible remove the Danes and Dutch freemen, &c. from using that port, as by letter of 5th Aug. 1631 he advised the President, &c. Understood by the pinnace Simon and Jude from Jambi of the private trade sent in her, for whose good stowage many of the Company's bales were wet and rotted; also by the Dove from Macassar the private trade of Ant. Verneworthy, many tons whereof were sent to Surat on the Great James. The Falcon arrived from Japara, whither Lawrence Henley on news of Willoughby's arrival dispeeded, as though stolen goods, 1,700 Rs. prime cost of coast cloth by a Dane's boat, which the Falcon had left at Bantam. Also understood of great estates of Surat contractors in the hands of George Turner and others, belonging to John Skibbowe, Arthur Suffeylde, and others, which remained at Bantam for want of shipping from Surat the former year, and only attended the President and Council's order strengthening him to seize for the Company. Rastell by often discourses with Willoughby in England found him very sensible that the destruction of the great stream of private trade was needful for giving free progress to the Company's trade, and when the Company by letter of 9th March 1630 ordered the return of Geo. Muschamp, because of the great abuse by private trade, and appointed Willoughby to succeed him, Rastell was brought into a just suspicion that he should lose the profit of private trade in the south parts. It is presumed that Rastell had an intent to return to India, and provided harbengers to go before him, as Hoare for Bantam and Heynes for Persia. Coromandel was supplied from Bantam with Henry Sill, &c., whose advices met Rastell at Surat with information of the benefit of that coast to the private contract, and Rastell, "for a more understanding person for the India trade was not to be had in England," transferred that coast to Surat, as also the rich trade of West Sumatra. At Surat, Rastell met as good assistants for his intents of private trade as his heart could wish, and brought the like out with him, so that there was not any but Willoughby contrary to their proceedings, who being but one was the easier to be rooted out, yet had he not been subordinate to Surat, their hands nor feet, with all the strength of their monstrous body, could not have moved him out of place. To which end Skibbowe, who with Arthur Suffeylde had great adventures at Bantam, was stayed from going for England, though required home, on the Discovery and Reformation, on pretence of sending him to Bantam to settle the Company's affairs. At which time, in Nov. 1630, there was not so much as a thought of Sill's remove, which was not determined until Jan. following; so that Skibbowe was only intended and sent on James to Bantam for settling and sure
rooting private trade, and favourable sales and returns of the great quantity he carried with him, with what had been left there; and having the precedency and command should on some pretence carry Willoughby to Surat to be "Catholized," a new "phrase" used by the private traders at Surat. Rastell thought, it seems, to catch and carry Willoughby suddenly to Surat, and return him to Bantam before the dispeed of the ships for England; "but man determineth and God disposeth, for to the breaking of his heart no part thereof in his prefixed time was affected." Wrote their Worships three letters from Bantam in his strict imprisonment with much pain and grief, which went on the Palsgrave in the custody of Capt. Hall, Benj. Freelove, and Venne, Purser, and another from Mauritius 22nd April 1632. When Rastell, some days before departure of the James for Bantam, heard of the displacing of Sill, they were as mad and merciless as a she wolf when robbed of her young, for they were bereaved of a special imp, which will partly appear by their commission to Skibbowe for Willoughby's removal, wherein they order him, with a number of soldiers well accoutered, to land at Bantam, and without delay proceed to the Company's house and arrest Willoughby's person, &c. It was a happiness for the Company's affairs that on arrival of the James he went presently on board to welcome Skibbowe, for had he stayed on shore and they proceeded according to the President's order, very likely all had been slain by the Javas, for how could Rastell presume that the King of Bantam would, to his great dishonour, suffer the Commander of the English, who lived under his roof and protection, to be so absurdly and insolently torn out of his government and royal city by force of arms and carried away. The King has been suspicious of the English ever since their return, because of their strange proceedings in that trade and relieving the Dutch with provisions when they were enemies to Bantam, on which suspicion this spectacle would have produced bloody effects. Did not proceed with such violence to remove Sill from Armagon, but first caused himself to be published Chief Commander and acquainted the Governor therewith. Richard Barry, Purser, arrived in the James's barge at Bantam 24th July 1631, with news of the arrival of the James, Blessing, and of Skibbowe without the Straits, and under colour of buying hens, stayed behind to provide sales and returns for private trade. The next day Sill, having heard that Willoughby had been displaced, delivered a writing incendiary requiring his associates ("the private traders") to judge Willoughby for his proceedings, "but I easily quieted his seditious practices." The James with much difficulty arrived at Bantam 24th Aug., when he came aboard to welcome Skibbowe and receive the President and Council's advices; where he was so ill treated by arrest, close imprisonment, and cruel usage as may seem incredible, and so was carried away for Surat; but Sill and Reade were not only at liberty, but also very much respected, Hoare, whom the Company had put by as a Factor for the private traders, set up in Willoughby's place, and Lawrence Henley appointed second, who was more fit for Bridewell or Bedlam, growing much given to drunkenness and disorder, with such fits of
cursing and blasphemy that he seemed possessed with an evil spirit; is glad Henley is returned for England, where no doubt he will give satisfaction for the Company's estate he appropriated to his own use at Pettapoli. These proceedings caused wonder not only to the Javas, but also to the Dutch, who came from Batavia to be spectators thereof, whither Sill, in triumphing manner, went with the "musicianers" of the James to reanimate the free burghers joining in private trade, put off part of this ship's private trade, and help Capt. Hall to sell part of his wine and beer, but the General said they had enough drink for their people; yet they sold the Falcon, though they could not sell her lading. His own orderly proceeding in taking inventory of Sill's estate could not induce Skibbowe and associates to a reasonable proceeding with Willoughby's estate. The James's lading was ready by the waterside before her arrival at Bantam, and her stay need not have exceeded 10 days; but her great private trade, which might have served six ships, required far greater time, for the Factors at Surat, who had taken up those goods on credit, could better admit of her losing two monsoons than to return without their produce; whereupon she was stayed 40 days, otherwise might have recovered Surat, as the Dutch fleet did, which departed days after her arrival. For whose vend the markets of Bantam were clogged, and many sloops of Dutch, Danes, French, and freemen from Batavia filled, yet all not sufficient to receive that great glut, for when too late, on 7th Oct., she sailed for Surat she returned near 150 bales, for whose sale she turned back again to Bantam 7th Nov.; when, having lost her passage for Surat till the end of next year, Willoughby by protest required to be sent to England on the Palsgrave, but Skibbowe denied it, because the monster private trade might not be suddenly destroyed. Endeavoured to make Capt. Morton and the new chiefs here sensible of their great abuse in harbouring the excess of private trade on this ship, whereupon to show seeming sincerity they made a kind of seizure on those bales that would not sell, part of which Skibbowe sent on the Palsgrave for England. Here Capt. Morton deceased, in whose room was established by Skibbowe, John White, Master's Mate, who a few months before in Persia was by the Sea Council held unfit to be Master of any ship. Sailed 27th Dec. on the James from Bantam for Mauritius, where they arrived 3rd Feb., expecting the William and Blessing bound for England, into which the James's lading was supposed to be transported, and it being supposed the right of one of those Commanders to take command of the James, her goods, especially cloves, were preparing to be re-weighed, and to that intent well soaked; but they met no ships there or at St. Augustine's Bay, whereby the cloves lying so long in moisture may produce some damage. The Company's former lenity on want of weight in spice, has caused their seamen to presume on its embezzlement. In April arrived at Mauritius two Dutch ships from Persia, by which "I was large unto your Worships," 22nd of April 1632, in regard of mortality by my want of health and sufferings. Sailed 12th June from Mauritius, and 5th July arrived in Augustine Bay, when deceased John Skibbowe, who, though
much intrusted with other men's goods, left no declaration thereof nor disposure of his own estate; whereby may appear part of the misery of the private traders, whose estates at decease dare not be revealed, whereby the surviving deceiver devours the estate of his fellow deceased. Here wrote another letter under covert of John Banggam. Sailed 14th July, and arrived at Joana 22nd, where many bales of calicoes returned from Bantam came to a good market, part being bartered at great profit for grain and ship provisions. The Dutch ships gave them to understand of one Capt. Quayle come into the Indies with a pink reported to belong to the King, but they conceived him a pirate; to whom the President and Council at Surat gave good quarter; he had store of gold which he had taken. This golden (else worthless) captain was by Mr. White much desired to be met with, and when she arrived 9th August he saluted her and furled the Company's flag, to the wonder of the people of Joana, who well knew Capt. Quayle, that he should thus honour a thief. After this homage Quayle would have his vessel careened with the provisions and carpenters of the James, who, although wanting sufficient provisions, yet Quayle's loadstone could draw it, who, man-a-war like, was free and jovial, his chamber being the great cabin of the James, in which five days of jollity spent, but 19th day came in the Charles's fleet to Joans, where Capt. Weddell took not in his flag. The James with the fleet sailed 24th Aug. 1632, and arrived at Gombroon 2nd Dec., and stayed till 22nd; where they fired powder so fast as if sent forth to spend in feasting. Here cloves and pepper bore good rates to the enriching, it seems, of Mr. White and consorts, who afterwards could brag of thousands estate; if they sold only their own, what needed they have soaked the Company's, it being well known that cloves steeped five days will yield great increase of weight, yet their wetting scarce discernible by inexperienced persons. Departed Gombroon 22nd Oct., and arrived at Surat 28th Nov. 1632, in which passage Henry Sill departed this life, having made away his remaining estate to Christopher Reade by deed of gift, who presently enjoyed it, though Willoughby advertised "dull John Banggam," who, if fit for interpreter of India language, not for more, to reserve and deliver it to the President and Council. His death was not a little lamented by the President and Council, who never stood in more need of such a trusty Factor for their private trade, to help them fetch up their former years' great loss by the Surat Rajpoots; in whose room Reade was welcomed, but himself continued on board the James till 7th Jan., though there was no multiplicity of affairs as misalleged. Wrote 13th Dec., intreating their proceeding in this the Company's cause, and received interrogatories, to which he, with William Matthewe, gave answer; but there being no news of their coming, and the James almost laden 26th Dec., they sent their answer under convoy of Capt. Weddell, with a protest requiring that their cause should be tried and Willoughby restored to his place of Agent in Bantam, the Company being in great want of able and honest men to negotiate that spice trade. But in vain; expected from Giffard a more tender care of the Company's affairs, but he said he had
children, and want brought him to India to get wealth, and that he told the Company he came not for his wages. The Factors' losses last year by Surat Rajpoots was great, and by fire on the Charles increased. The first sole President, Rastell, animated their presumption in excess of private trade, and had provided a junk to sweep up much wealth in short time, but the Almighty disappointed their project by death of the partners, and destruction of the junk, which yet lies in the River of Surat for a spectacle of dishonesty. 1st Jan. 1633 happened the unfortunate accident of fire on the Swallow, and thereby the Charles, caused by the great Commanders not observing the Company's orders. It seems the sea Commanders urged the President and Council to try their cause, for 7th Jan. they were called to Surat and examined with frivolous questions concerning Henry Sill and Christopher Reade, &c., and told that in regard Rastell, who sent for them, was deceased, they should be sent for England, and so dismissed. Understood at Surat that the Factors, amongst many ways to deceive the Company, secretly convey estates on each ship for England, some in goods, but more in jewels and gold, for which they are supplied on credit; and the Company cannot seize thereon, for they are in debt, if not to the Company, to the Banians, which it is supposed the Company must pay. But that way being discovered, some of them have by this ship seemed to show the contrary. Desired that Reade might be also sent for England on the James, but they have made him Cape Merchant of the Exchange to the west coast, Sumatra, sending with him William Matthewe, who will prove fitter for the private traders than the Company's affairs. Mr. Hopkinson by misfortune sole President, who, it seems, for covetousness sake counterfeits himself a fool, used crafty wiles in their frivolous examination about the act of Armagon, whereby John Hunter being slandered and refused right, returns to seek right from the Company. Mr. White so behaved himself towards the private traders to and from Bantam, that they have established him Commander of the Great James, though fitter to follow his old profession, and there were many able Commanders at Surat. But such as the President and Council are, such is White, whose indiscretion in government is not so strange as his neglect of procuring sails, twine, &c. for the homeward voyage, but the Almighty gave them summer weather in winter time, whereby they unexpectedly doubled the Cape. The James departed Swally Bar 28th Jan., arrived at Mauritius the prime April, dispeeded thence 7th, passed the Cape 17th May, attained St. Helena 6th June, and departed thence 11th. Refers to enclosed copies for passages at Surat on the Company's cause, for which he has long suffered. Had their former servants performed their duty, this plague sore had not been gangrened, yet it is very fitting it should be cured. Neither hates nor envies the faulty parties, but rather commiserates as men and subject to errors, "on whom mercy with justice will show beautiful." If in these lines, seems more suspicious than needful, he must tell them that the evils in their India trade and servants are more than he or any honest man can suspect. P.S.—22nd Aug. Supposes the sending this abstract of his former passages is not
impertinent, though he is safely arrived, to represent the important part without re-perusal of his former tedious lines. 11 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1512.] |
Aug. 4.
Cowes Castle. |
478. Capt. Humphrey Tourney to Lords of the Admiralty. The anchor and piece of cable left in the bay when the (Dutch) East India ships went away in contempt of the arrest are in his custody till their Lordships further dispose of them. Has been at the charge of saving them, and made a journey to London with the Commander of those ships, whom he stayed ashore with some 40 of his men to further the arrest. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXLIV., No. 21.] |
| Aug. 7. |
479. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Report of Harman, the jeweller that by diligent search he hath at length come to the knowlede of the Company's emerald, lost by him, but the party will not deliver it without a deposit of 50l., pretending it had passed several hands and been lawfully sold in open market. The Court told him they were glad, for his sake, he had hope to recover it, but whether he did or no, they must expect satisfaction from him; and, after confessing that Mr. Ashe, a Muscovia merchant, hath given this information he was required to come along with him to the Court. Letter read from Mr. Young, in the Downs, giving notice that divers linendrapers and others had been aboard the William; resolved, when he shall give their names, to put a Bill into the Star Chamber against them to answer their contempt of his Majesty's Proclamation. Report of Mr. Highlord that the Officers of the Navy, contrary to their former agreement, demanded, over and above the 100l. rent for his Majesty's cordage house at Woolwich, that the Company be also at the charge of reparations; the Court conceived the difference was not great, and desired the Committees to speak with the Officers of the Navy and settle it. On motion of Mr. Styles, who much disliked that Walter Blackburne, appointed to oversee the cordage works, though an honest and able man, should have so much trust committed to him, ordered that Cobb be appointed to see to the weighing of the hemp from the merchant, and that Young and Rilston pay the workmen monthly, and not weekly; no wages to be made without consent of one of the Committees; and that Blackburne only have the oversight of the work and the keeping of prick and check. Report of Strancke thathe had delivered out 250 cloths to the dyers and had nine already dyed; the Court wished him to use all possible expedition that their proportion might be made ready whilst the days are long and fair, otherwise they will lay the blame on him, "as the man whom they trust," requiring him once in eight days to give account of this business; and because there was some question whether the proportion of 1,000 cloths could be bought and made ready, the Committees for cloth are desired to buy what they could with all speed possible, but not any after the fine of August. On motion of Potter, father-in-law to Giffard, Factor at Surat, ordered that he receive 100l. on account of Giffard's wages, according to an order of 2nd March 1632. Relation of Handson of the Company's estate in Bantam, according to a
collection out of Hoare's books, brought home in the William, by which it appears that there is remaining of the Second Joint Stock, 76,426 Rs., of the second voyage, 34,148 Rs., and of the third voyage, 38,261 Rs.; whereupon a Committee observed that, thanks be to God, the second voyage, with the returns now made in the kingdom, will yield to the adventurers, with the 30l. already divided, a division of 64l. more, all charges deducted, rating the pepper at 16d. and the cloves at 7s. per lb., so as, with the remains abroad, this second voyage is like to prove beneficial, and to advance to the adventurers near cent. per cent. profit; but it was demanded whether this calculation will be avouched by the Auditors, and that the Court may boldly rely thereon and declare as much to the Generality; that the certainty may appear, the Auditors were desired to calculate the estate of the second voyage once more, and report on Wednesday next. Ordered that broaks of 15 per cent. be charged on the accounts of divers adventurers in the first Persia voyage who had not paid in their money in time, according to order of the General Court of 29th Dec. 1628. Ordered that the Jewel break bulk on Friday next, and that Mountney send down porters and lighters to unlade her. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 35–38.] |
| Aug. 14–16. |
480. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Request of Mr. Smethwike for 20l. out of the wages of Thomas Woodson, Agent, at Bantam; according to a letter of attorney before his departure, to receive for seven years 20l. yearly out of his wages for satisfaction of a debt; answered that they do not pay wages on letters of attorney unless the party, before going, obtained an order for same, which Woodson never did; besides, they had made divers orders in contradiction, which shall be looked out against next Court, when his request shall be further considered. Motion of Smethwike, by desire of Mr. Lucy, the Dutch Agent, that the Dutch mariners lent to the ship Jewel may have dispatch to return to their country; ordered that they be forthwith paid the full wages demanded and one month's pay extraordinary as a gratification. Letters read from the Master and Purser of the Pearl complaining of the badness of their cordage; ordered that inquiry be made of Swanly and Fotherby, of whom the Company bought that parcel. Like complaint of the Purser of the Speedwell of the badness of their powder. Letter read from Mr. Cramporne, of Plymouth; the Secretary ordered to answer with knowledge of their acceptation of his Bills of Exchange and order for payment, and that the Company intend shortly to requite his pains. Mr. Treasurer intreated to endeavour to make ready the 20,000l. in silver and gold intended to be sent in the Jewel for the coast of Coromandel, and Mountney to take special care for the speedy providing of all provisions, being to be dispeeded by the fine of next month, and Friday next come sennight appointed to make choice of their Commander and other officers. Suit of Philip Careles on behalf of Prudence Bell to be remitted freight of 40 pieces of calicoes, but the Court perceiving they are all marked with the Company's mark, and so had in all likelihood been stolen,
ordered them to be detained till they be satisfied how her husband came by them. Blunt directed to speak to the contractors to take away the Company's silk, as they have occasion for the use of their warehouse themselves. Freight remitted to James Watts on two jars of ginger brought home in the Jewel, but as to 1 hhd. sugar answer deferred. On reading certificate from the mayor and others of Barton-on-Humber, on behalf of Elizabeth Lawson, ordered that she receive two months' pay yearly of her husband's wages in the Discovery, and 5s. out of the poor box in regard of her extreme want. |
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Aug. 16. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Ordered that Mr. Hurt pay the wages of the mariners of the Charles and Swallow until the disaster of fire happened, as there is no question to be made that they ought to be paid, but no longer. Blunt directed to use all diligence in laying abroad the pepper wetted by the badness of one of the scupper holes in the Jewel, so that it may be dried before the day of sale. Ordered that Smethwike receive 20l. per annum out of the wages of Agent Woodson, at Bantam, according to the tenor of his letter of attorney, he entering into bond to save the Company harmless. Complaint of Mr. Hicks that having paid in two-thirds of his subscription in the second voyage and sent the remain by his servant, the same is refused, for that he did not tender it in time, he pretending to be ignorant of the time by reason of his being altogether in the country; but the Court told him that by an Act of the General Court all who had not brought in their moneys by the time limited, are to be accounted adventurers only for so much as they had paid, wishing him, if he expect favour therein, to address the General Court. Motion of Mr. Treasurer for 5 hhds. cloves for transportation at such price and time as hereafter set upon that commodity, denied by erection of hands. Request of Smethwike that Sambrooke be appointed to attend Sir Wm. Russell to accept of the transport of his adventures in the first, second, and third voyages, he being not able, by reason of some special business, to come to Court in person; answered that they could not give way to the passing away of said adventures till Sir Wm. should give security for his debt of 2,000l. for 100 bags of pepper, but that done they will admit the transport and willed Sambrooke to attend him. A broak of 10l., formerly imposed on the adventure of Peter Priaulx, on information that he had not transported some pepper and calicoes, but sold them in town, remitted on perusal of an account presented by Mr. Kipp, his brother-in-law, showing the goods were sold at Rochelle. Motion of Mr. Deputy for 100 bags of pepper at such price as should hereafter be set on that commodity, to be sent on a ship which he and Sir James Cambell are now upon dispeed for the East Country, granted in regard that unless they took this time they could not send to the East Country again until the spring; but the like motion of Mr. Mun for 100 bags to be shipped for the Straits denied, it being objected that it would be very prejudicial to the Turkey merchants that one should anticipate the market, and as they may at all times send for the Straits. Motion of Mr. Travers to be remitted interest
on 1,400l. due by him and Capt. Lee, deceased, for goods in regard of his late disaster and losses, promising likewise to pay in the other 1,600l. shortly due; but the Court finding Sheriff Andrews joined in the bills with them, answered they could not give away the Company's money, and advised him to importune the Court no further, but to pay what is due. On relation of Mr. Ash, the Muscovia merchant, how he came to the knowledge of the Company's emerald, lost by Harman, the jeweller, he is advised to deal fairly with the Company and discover the party's name that had possession thereof to vindicate Harman's reputation, but the Court would not condescend to disburse the 50l. desired, nor have anything to do therein more than to assist Harman, from whom they expected satisfaction, and therefore wished him to entreat the Lord Chamberlain's warrant to call Ash before him to reveal the party's name, that he may be enjoined to restore the jewel. Motion of Mr. Mun to hasten the sale of their pepper, lest the Dutch serve the markets; but the Court resolved to forbear the sale until their other ships came in. Freight of two jars of green ginger remitted to William Edwyn, midshipman in the Jewel, being all his private trade, as he affirmed. 7½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 39–47.] |
Aug. 20.
Joana. |
481. Wm. Methwold to President Joseph Hopkinson in Surat. Writes to enclose letters recommended to him, and improve their little former acquaintance. The accidental knowledge which arrived to the Company of the great mortality in India, brought him on a second employment, not without hopes that there might have been so much mistake as to have left his affectionate friend Rastell living, until the day of their departure from the Downs he encountered the Blessing. When nominated to succeed Rastell there was no knowledge of Hopkinson's incumbency, it could not therefore be his intention to supplant any man and being contentedly gratified he cheerfully entered the Company's employment. It affords him true grief that the distracted affairs of India will produce them much more trouble than accustomed, and yet their masters receive less content. Left their friends in England in perfect health, become honest men in being well married; such were Messrs. Wylde, Muschamp, and Page all so lately coupled. Sends hearty love and affectionate well wishes to Mountney and Giffard, and as many more as he is known to. Endorsed, "Recd 12th 7ber 1633 in Surat." 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1513.] |
| Aug. 21–23. |
482. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Order of the Council Board presented by a messenger from Sir Morgan Randall pretending the right of Chilworth Mills and land to be settled on him, and demanding two quarters' rent formerly paid to his father; but the Court answered they had paid the rent by virtue of their lease, and for the future shall be ready to pay it to whomsoever in law it shall be found to belong. Mr. Hurt referred to the Committees of the Counting House concerning 1,400 ryals pretended to be due to his wife's estate for calicoes taken into the Company's hands at Bantam. Ordered that Capt. Milward receive 300 dollars for waistcoats sold at Bantam at 6s. per dollar. The Factors now come
home to be questioned concerning the Company's cloves and pepper which from time to time fall short of the weight invoiced from the Indies, and the warehouse-keeper ordered on discharge of every ship forthwith to present the weight he received. Ordered that 20 bags of pepper be delivered to Daniel Gorsuch to be shipped for the East Country, on the same conditions as the rest of the pepper sold or divided; 20 bags to Capt. Styles; 10 each to Sheriff Andrews, Sheriff Perry, and Mr. Eyans for Hamburgh; and 10 or 15 to Stephen Boreman for the East Country. Abraham Beck and Joas Godscall accepted as security for 100 bags of pepper instead of Sir Wm. Russell and Sir John Merrick. Ordered to deliver to the grocers all the cloves come home in the Jewel at 11s. per lb. at 4–6 months. On notice that some of the calicoes long brought home for private trade are marked with the Company's mark and doubtless are their goods, ordered that no calicoes be delivered at the Custom House, but all brought up to the Company's house to be viewed. Ordered that on opening the hold of each pepper ship the porters shall shovel and mingle the uppermost mouldy pepper with the other, and there being no difference in respect of goodness the Committees that go down to break bulk desired to give order aboard accordingly. Request of Francis Heyward, having served as apprentice eight years, to bestow something upon him and give him further employment; but first required to deliver his knowledge of the private trade in the Indies. Capt. Wills gave testimony concerning the 13 Frenchmen he took in at the Cape that they had done very good service, whereupon the Court bestowed 20s. apiece to carry them into their country, which they thankfully accepted. |
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Aug. 23. Ordered that the adventures of Capt. Lee be not passed over to any man without the consent of Sheriff Andrews in regard he stands greatly engaged for him to the Company. At the request of Matthew Cradock, ordered that he have 20 bags of pepper to be transported for Danske (Danzig), and Alderman Fenn 10 bags, at the price and time to be hereafter set upon that commodity. Ordered that the William's men receive their wages, excepting the officers and runaways, who the Court will first question for this abuse. Request of Francis Hayward, the Company's apprentice now returned in the Jewel, to be entertained as Purser or Steward's Mate in the ship now intended for the coast; but the Court understanding he was able to give information concerning private trade and of the occasion of the difference between Willoughby and Sill, having long attended on Sill, referred him to Ellam to take his examinations concerning the premises, and what Sill sent to Bengala and Gingilee, and whatever else he knows that may conduce to the good of the Company, and to receive 3l. for his present occasions. Ordered on recommendation of Alderman Fenn that John Philpott, apprentice in the William, be apparelled and have 40s. to supply his present occasions until he be again shipped for their service. Petition of John Peeterson, a Dane, for gratification for service in the William, dismissed in regard he was a runaway servant of the Dutch, and came by stealth into the ship. Freight of 1 cwt. cassia lignum remitted to Mary, wife of George Owen, if
he hath brought home no other goods. Petition of Anne, widow of Richard Kempe to be remitted freight of 79 pieces calicoes: Ellam to view them whether they had not the Company's mark. Bill of 7l. of Edmund Chambers, Master of the Barge, for carrying down the Committees to Erith and Blackwall divers times, to be paid. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 48–53.] |
Aug. 24.
Bulwick. |
483. [Sir Thomas Roe] to Philip Earl of Pembroke, and Montgomery. Concerning the fishing, is sorry the books have yet had no better effect. Has not heard what success he has had with the three Companies of East India, Eastland and the Merchant Adventurers; they gave him a fair answer when he presented books in his Lordship's name. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXLV., No. 4.] |
| Aug. 28. |
484. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Ordered that Hurt forthwith pay the two Dutchmen who did good service in the Star such recompense as was given to the Dutchmen who came home in the Jewel, that they may have no cause of complaint that they are stayed here. Simon Lawrence to receive 20 bags of pepper to be transported for Hamburg, at the price and time to be hereafter set upon that commodity. Committees intreated to see the weighing of the silk and give allowance of tare, those lately nominated having gone to the Downs. Ordered that 300 northern kersies be forthwith bought and made ready for the next ships, and that the Committees for cloth hasten to make up the proportion of broadcloth formerly ordered before the end of this month. Upon information lately given of the extraordinary abuse committed by Commanders, Factors, Pursers, and others in carrying out great quantities of quicksilver and other prohibited goods to the Company's no small prejudice notwithstanding the strict condition and endorsement on their bonds; ordered that Mr. Acton confer with the Company's learned Counsel whether the condition may not be more strictly drawn, the Court resolving for the present to punish offenders by putting their bonds, in suit and detaining their wages, which they have also forfeited according to the tenour of their bonds; and Nathaniel Mountney being amongst those complained of, who had sent his father a Bill of Exchange for 293l. and other goods, the Court thought fit not only to question Barry, Purser of the James, concerning said bill, but also to require Mountney to produce his son's letters, and bring up to Crosby House all the goods specified therein, which he promised to perform. Letter read from Philip Bearden, prisoner in the James, complaining of his cruel and barbarous usage by White, Master, who for a long time kept him in the bilboes, and Barry, the Purser, being demanded the cause, answered that it was for abusing the Master and himself, and the punishment was inflicted by consultation; but the Court much condemned these inhuman proceedings, especially by those who are parties and in their own cause, and thereupon ordered that a letter be written to Mun and others to release Bearden, and advised that White and Barry should at Erith, be suspended from their places and not permitted to remain aboard, and that for the encouragement of Willoughby and Bearden who with others had
suffered much by endeavouring to do the Company good service, Willoughby should be appointed to take charge of said ship and goods in place of the Master, and Bearden in place of the Purser, by which means the private trade will be the better discovered; for effecting whereof Mr. Mun and the rest are intreated if the James were gone from the Downs to meet her at Leigh and remain aboard till she be moored at Erith, and then put in execution this opinion of the Court, which nevertheless was left to their judgment. Ordered that the Bantam pepper now brought home be kept apart and not weighed with the Jambi pepper, in regard some are of opinion there is a great difference in price between them. John Elsmore, John Roberts, Peter Dunn, Thomas Williamson, and Andrew Warden, nominated for Master of the Jewel designed for the coast of Coromandel, but the place conferred upon Roberts as the most able and best acquainted with that coast, of whom the Company had good experience, with 20 marks per month; he was charged to choose able and experienced Mates and well acquainted with that coast, to recommend no landmen to the Committees, but good mariners, and to forbear not only in himself all private trade not warranted by proclamation, but endeavour his best to prevent it in all others, which he promised to observe. Ordered that the men to be shipped in the Jewel should not exceed 50, for which Mountney is ordered to prepare provisions. 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 53–57.] |
Aug. 28.
Westminster. |
485. Jas Howell to Sec. Windebank. Lord Denbigh is returned from the Great "Mogor" full of jewels. Extract. [Dom., Car. I., Vol. CCXLV., No. 33.] |
| Aug. 30. |
486. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Report of Ellam that they had weighed all the silk, and found 2,175 small pounds wanting by the invoice, that the value of the silk as now weighed came to 58,088l. 16s., and that Mr. Langham tendered as security for same, himself, Aldermen Garwaie, and Abdi, Wm. Acton, Sheriff Andrewes, John Milward, Thomas Stone, and Abraham Beck, who were allowed good security by the balloting box, and their joint bills to be accepted. He also informed the Court of the great abuse of the Pursers in selling dead men's goods contrary to the Company's express directions, causing an unjust scandal to be cast on the Company, and greatly wronging the executors, it being their custom to sell at the mast the goods of the deceased of the best value at base rates, whereas they should only sell perishable goods; and for instance complained of Casey, Purser of the Jewel, for sale of the goods of Lawrence Henley deceased on the Coast of England at insufferable rates; the Court on perusal of Casey's books, found he had not only sold to others but bought himself divers of Henley's goods at so mean rates, as by all likelihood they were sold much under their true worth, and therefore condemned Casey for this notorious fraud and abuse, and proposed to question him, and other Pursers found faulty, and as well for this as for their private trade to proceed against them by some exemplary course and punishment. A little box sealed with Casey's and the Master's seals wherein were
15 rough diamonds, a diamond ring, a hat band set with rubies in gold, and a jewel of counterfeit stones in the fashion of a feather belonging to said Henley deceased, which Casey had delivered to Mr. Bowen, was delivered to Mr. Treasurer to be weighed and safely kept by him. Motion on behalf of Henley's brothers and sisters now in Ireland that divers bonds and bills of debt due from sundry men to Henley be viewed by Ellam, and the debts stayed by Sambrooke; ordered accordingly. Letter read from Thos. Robinson at Macassar with relation of the Hopewell's voyage to Bengala, which he had formerly sent overland from Masulipatam to Rastell at Surat, of which the Court well approved, but wished he had given them more timely information. Letter also read from Capt. Pynne excusing himself of Willoughby's information of the 190 bales of private trade put aboard the Exchange at Surat, as also a certificate under the hands of divers of his ship's company, wherein he seems to clear himself and them of this report; but neither gave any satisfaction, for on reading Mr. Hunter's relation concerning said 190 bales and other passages, the Court was of opinion the information is true, and required it to be inserted in the Black Book, commending Hunter for his care and pains in this relation which at their next meeting they would hear more fully read. Concerning Mr. Gearing's security for 50 bags of pepper bought in Feb. last, but still remaining in their warehouse, rejected, in regard he is indebted to the Company 5,500l. Mr. Secretary put the Court in mind that it is time to petition his Majesty for license for transportation of gold; the Court remembering that they are every year at charge for a license, directed Mr. Secretary to frame a petition to his Majesty, that on surrender of their patent for transportation of 100,000l. in foreign silver, "his highness" would confirm the same with power to send out gold as well as silver, and to attend Sec. Coke; and Alderman Garwaie requested to desire the Lord Treasurer's approbation and consent. Renewed complaint of Blunt of the want of warehouse for laying up the Company's goods, by reason the contractors for indigo would not take away the commodity; Committees intreated to speak with them. Bill of Exchange of Mr. Cramporne, of Plymouth, for 32l. 9s., being the full remain for provisions and necessaries laid out about the Jewel, ordered to be accepted and paid, and 20 nobles conferred on him as a gratification for his services. 5 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 58–62.] |
