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| Sept. 4–9. |
487. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. A rumour having spread abroad, concerning private trade, which reflects upon the Court as though they having power by virtue of their patent and proclamation were negligent to suppress it, Mr. Mun moved that the Proclamation be strictly put in execution upon those found faulty herein. And whereas advices report that Sherland, Knipe, and Burnaby, Factors in the Charles' fleet, at their first arrival at Surat became immediately great private traders, he further moved that they be sent for home. Another motion made as well to restrain it at home as abroad, that no wages, Bills of Exchange, or debts in the Purser's books
amounting to any great sum over men's wages, be paid till the Court examine the reason. Complaints made of George Gosnell, Purser of the Jonas, for landing 60 barrels of quicksilver for private trade at Surat; of Capt. Swanley for not permitting the Purser to keep account with him of the expense of victuals and provisions, which Capt. Weddell slighted and would not reform; and of Capt. Weddell for shooting 100 pieces of ordnance when the Governor of Surat came aboard the Dutch ships, but would not come aboard the English, they being then in disgrace at Surat by reason of their great debt at interest owing. Committees intreated to take especial care for the speedy dispatch of the Jewel, the season for her departure coming on apace; and Mountney directed to give order for brewing beer for her and for the speedy and careful provision of stores and provisions; but the provision of bread for the other ships respited in hope that corn will be cheaper. Henry Smith appointed Land Purser for discharging the James, and Robert Foster his mate. 50l. out of 140l. due on foot of account to John Webb, Factor at Jambi deceased, to be paid on account to Francis Webb his brother and administrator, and the rest detained till further order in regard Webb was a great private trader. |
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Sept. 6. Motion of Mr. Ellam what authority the Court would give to their agent at Bantam and what government they would establish there whether absolute and immediate from hence or subordinate to Surat; the Court after serious consideration and having observed the inconvenience and prejudice which hath lately befallen the Company by making that factory subordinate to Surat, ordered to re-establish the same with the same power they formerly had; and in regard his Majesty's Commission to the Company for regulating their affairs and servants in those parts was taken away by Rastell, that they become suitors to his Majesty for renewing said Commission, or at least to take out an exemplification of same to which end Mr. Secretary is directed to make search in the Rolls and procure a copy. Letter read from Mr. Attorney-General on behalf of the wife of James Bickford, Factor, deceased, at Surat, for satisfying her with such moneys found due on his account; Sambrooke ordered to peruse the accounts and report how they stand, and Mrs. Bickford, in respect of Mr. Attorney's recommendation and that both her husbands died in the Company's service, to receive 5l. to bear her charges into the country, on security given to repay it in case her husband's accounts shall not be able to bear it. The petition formerly ordered to his Majesty for renewal of the Company's Patent for transportation of 100,000l. that it might be altered with liberty to transport as well foreign gold as silver, read and ordered to be ingrossed and presented to Sec. Coke to obtain his Majesty's reference. Complaint of Mr. Mun of the bold and contemptuous carriage of divers persons who, notwithstanding his Majesty's Proclamation to the contrary, presume to go aboard the Company's ships and buy great quantities of private trade, disguising themselves and pretending to be of other trades than they are; and note presented of the names of nine persons dwelling in Dover, who will be proved to have bought goods aboard the William and James
which include sugar, pepper, indigo, and calicoes. Resolved to have a bill forthwith put into the Star Chamber against them, and the names of said persons delivered to Mr. Acton to frame a bill against them accordingly. Relation read of John Barnes, Master of the Star, displaced by Rastell, Gabriel Kennicott, Edward Hall, and Gilbert Gardiner making known the intolerable abuses in Private Trade committed by John White, Master of the James, Richard Barry, Purser, and others, with the causes of the James losing her monsoon from Bantam to Surat; thanks given to Barnes for his good service, who promised to justify and make good the same, declaring he had written nothing out of malice, but out of his duty to the Company. Renewed complaint of Blunt of want of warehouse room by reason the contractors have not removed their indigo, Mr. Carleton sent for who promised forthwith to remove the goods. Disposure of the James' goods deferred till she be moored at Erith; and for displacing the Master and Purser, and better discovery of private trade, and what is become of the estates of those men that died in the ship, whereof they could receive no certainty from Barry, Capt. Styles, and Mr. Mun intreated to meet the James before her arrival at Erith, break open Barry's cabin, and seize all his books, papers, trunks, and goods and cause them to be brought to Crosby House, the Court undertaking to save them harmless in respect of this Act, which the Secretary was required to subscribe and deliver to them for their warrant. Two tubs of china ware of Robert Bloys, deceased, Purser of the Hopewell, on paying freight to be delivered to his widow. 20l. on account of the wages of Alexander Bannister, Factor, in the Indies, to be paid to his wife on security to repay same should he die before that amount and 30l. imprested to him become due. Offer of Mr. Clifton, the Company's late baker of biscuit, to serve the Company at 14s. per cwt., whereas they now pay 17s., referred to Committees to do as they find best for the Company's profit. Report of Ellam of the great damage sustained in the calicoes brought home in the Star, which he conceived to be private goods now thrust on the Company and desired they might be thoroughly examined; resolved, that for this and the damage in the Great James mentioned by Barnes, satisfaction be received out of the wages of the officers of the ships, in regard the Company's goods have been stowed in unfitting places to make room for their private trade. |
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Sept. 9. Resolved on better consideration not to displace the Master of the James. The Purser required to give account of the Company's goods from Port to Port and of private trade, which he promised to perform. Mr. Webb ordered to take up the pallating of the Star and take out the pepper to prevent its spoiling by fresh water, in regard the ship is leaky, and to be unrigged and the hull sold as not worth the charge of breaking up. The pointed diamond sent from Henry Sill to his mother given to Richard Barry to deliver accordingly. The waterman's bill of 4l. 10s. for carrying the Committees to Blackwall to be paid. 8 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 63–70.] |
Sept. 10.
Plymouth. |
488. Robert Smyth to Edward Nicholas. Is employed about discharging Capt. Quaile's men by ticket. Many have gone away upon other voyages, having spent since they came on shore more than their wages will come to. The lading of the ship is not worth much. Extract. [Dom. Car., Vol. CCXLVI., No. 21.] |
| Sept. 11–18. |
489. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Mr. North, Constable of Blackwall, having in a late private search found 44 pieces of calicoes appertaining to the Boatswain of the William in the house of Rooks, one of the Company's ship-keepers, ordered that Rooks and the Boatswain be warned to appear on Friday next to give account how they came by them, North to come with them, and the calicoes to be brought to Crosby House. The difference complained of by Smethwick, between the executor of Gregory Markham and Valentine Markham referred to Messrs. Armitage and Gayre. Cappur to attend Mr. Wyan, Registrar of the Admiralty, to know his opinion, what course to take against Giles Waterman, late Master of the Swallow, and others brought home prisoners in the James, in respect of that late unhappy accident of fire, which by their wilfulness befel the Swallow and Charles. Relation of Mr. Handson that having, with the assistance of the Committees formerly nominated, taken a particular examination of the estate of the Second Voyage, as well of the stock underwritten, which was 140,000l. and 150,000l., as the merchandises returned on that account which came to 390,950l., he finds there will be, according to the valuation set upon the commodities, sufficient debts and charges deducted, to divide to the adventurers with the 30l. per cent. already divided 150l. per cent., besides the hulls and stores of the four ships of that voyage, not yet valued. Motion that as the first voyage did not answer the adventurers' expectation, and there may be some question whether part of the goods returned may not belong to that account, that point be carefully examined before they resolve of a division upon the second voyage; but to this, answer was made, that though it be true the Company have received from Surat more by 6,400l. than hath been delivered on shore, yet it likewise appears that the first voyage hath a good remain behind in the Indies to the value of 10,000l., and though the bills of lading do not express the same, yet the invoices particularly declare that the goods are for the second voyage, and no part for the first; therefore resolved, after long debate, to divide in the proportion proposed by Mr. Handson. The goods to be divided of but three sorts, pepper, cloves, and indigo; the next question was, whether it were not just that all the adventurers be enjoined to take out their divisions in goods and not left to their choice to be paid in goods or moneys; but this was held not only to be contrary to the usual and laudable custom of the Company, who hath ever left it free, but would be thought injurious and a plot of the Company to dishearten gentlemen and others who are merchants to engross the trade wholly to themselves; and therefore resolved, after much dispute and debate, to continue the ancient custom which they have ever held, and to divide goods to them that desire goods and money to them that desire money; and further resolved, that
one principal commodity be wholly reserved to raise money for such as desire money, and that a General Court be held this day fortnight, when Mr. Shute be intreated to prepare a sermon of thanksgiving to Almighty God for returning their ships and estates in safety, to be preached that morning at their Parish Church in St. Helens. Complaint of Mr. Caron that his dividend on the adventure bought by him of his brother-in-law, John Fowkes, was denied; the Court told him the adventure was theirs for a debt of 1,900l. owing by Fowkes, and they intend to pay nothing until Fowkes' debt be first paid, so as if this answer content him not he may take his course. Mr. Wylde warned to Court on occasion of a parcel of pearl directed to him and stayed by the farmers' deputies aboard the Great James, but the opening of the box deferred till Friday, none of the farmers being present; Wylde put in mind of his subscriptions long since due, he desired the favour of the Court till Michaelmas when he would not fail to pay the same. Letter read from Capt. Weddell desiring, in regard of the loss of his whole estate by the firing of the Charles, to renew his commission and give him another ship, but the Court resolved to send for him home to return in the Jonas, conceiving the ground of his motion rather an argument to divert their consent. Dispute concerning the trade of Coromandel, it being confidently reported that they may be there accommodated with all manner of cloth in abundance to answer the want at Surat, and that the weavers both can and will be ready to make any breadths and lengths of cloths desired, by the alteration of their looms, which will be but a small charge; besides it is averred by Willoughby and others, that the carrying of those commodities to Persia hath been a great benefit to the Dutch and will answer cent. per cent. profit in four months, and be every way as beneficial to the Company as their trade from Surat to Persia; and it was advised that the 20,000l. designed for that place this year be enlarged, and hereafter two ships sent yearly to that coast, which will also strengthen their fleet against the Portugals; but further resolution deferred till next meeting. 100l. ordered to be imprested to the two cider men on account of the cider contracted for. Parcels of white pepper, China cups and small dishes, preserved limes, sugar, China roots, pepper, and baftaes ordered to be delivered to Hoare free of freight; also some cubebs, white pepper, and lapis tutia, to Edward Elcock, Surgeon of the William; and white pepper to Mary Browne, Sarah Sherbrooke, and Mary Baily, under the will of Roger Browne, sometime Steward at Jacatra. |
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Sept. 13. Consideration how to proceed against Giles Waterman and such others returned in the James as prisoners for their wilful firing of the Charles and Swallow; resolved having taken advice thereupon, to cause a civil action to be commenced against them in the sum of 10,000l. for reparation of the Company's damages sustained. Bill drawn by Mr. Acton against certain persons for their wilful contempt of his Majesty's Proclamation against going aboard the Company's ships to buy private trade, read and ordered to be presented to Mr. Attorney-General for his advice and accordingly ingrossed and filed in the Court of Star Chamber, that they
may proceed against the offenders for redress of this notorious abuse. Capt. Wills and others nominated to survey and measure the new ship now built for the river of Jambi, Mr. Mun conceiving that notwithstanding the express direction given to Steevens she will be found to draw more than 11 foot of water and to be altogether unserviceable for that design. Barnes, late Master of the Star, to receive 50l. out of the 126l. owing to him for wages at the time of his going aboard the James in Sept. 1631. Motion of Mr. Edwards in behalf of the orphans of Thomas, brother of John Lawrence, late Surgeon of the Blessing, deceased, that his estate be paid to their mother, executrix and wife of Mr. Hurt: the Court observed that said Lawrence was a great private trader, having carried out, as was informed, 3,000 lbs. of quicksilver besides other goods, of great value, but Mrs. Hurt freely referring herself to the Court, the account was ordered to be cast up, and she to have patience for 14 days. Report of Chauncy that he hath received out of the four ships 5,024 bags of pepper, which are stowed in the cellar at the Exchange, now full, and 2,000 bags more expected from the James; to view the warehouses of Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Langham, and Mr. Bowyer, and choose such as he should find most convenient, screening the pepper belonging to the Joint Stock first. Examination concerning the 44 pieces of calicoes found in the house of Rooks, a ship-keeper at Blackwall, belonging to Thomas Falkoner, Boatswain of the William; Rooks pretended ignorance, and Falkoner alleged he bought them of a Banian at Surat and sold them, but knew not the man's name; but North, who discovered them, averred he gave them to Bland, a farmer's deputy, who pretended to seize them as forfeited, but hath since sold some part; whereupon ordered that Falkoner's wages be stayed, it being conceived the calicoes may have been embezzled from the Company. Letter read from Capt. Pennington on behalf of his nephew to be entertained in the Company's service, the Court was pleased to favour Capt. Pennington, from whom they have of late received many courtesies in relieving their ships, to promise to accommodate him and forthwith to send for the young man. Discussion resumed how to make the intended division to the adventurers at the General Court this day sevennight, but resolution deferred till Wednesday next; 49l. returned by Mr. Mynors in the Purser's book to be paid to his wife for her present maintenance. Ordered on petition of Dudley Hawkes, administrator to his brother, William Hawkes, who died in the Star, that the wages and goods of Henry Burton, Gunner, and Wm. Grimshaw, Boatswain, be stayed till they produce certain goods of Wm. Hawkes bought by them at an undervalue to his great prejudice; the Court observing the great abuse in this kind of dead men's estates; ordered that his drugs in the Company's possession be delivered to Hawkes on paying freight. |
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Sept. 18. Mr. Acton's bill of 10l. 8s. 10d. for law causes to be paid. Bland, one of the farmer's deputies, to be warned to appear on Friday next to answer a complaint, that having seized 44 pieces of calicoes belonging to Thomas Falkoner, Boatswain of the William, on pretence they were forfeited, he had sold part and
disposed of the rest. Ordered, on taking notice by their letters and other complaints that Mynors, Master of the Speedwell, George Gosnell, Purser of the Jonas, Richard Barnaby, Merchant, and Edward Knipe, have been exorbitant in private trade, contrary to their bonds, that in the next general letters to Surat and Bantam they be sent for home as delinquents. Offer of Mr. Quarles of 47s. per cwt. for all the Company's unrefined saltpetre, but as it was formerly sold for 4l. and 3l. 15s., it was conceived far under the value, and therefore thought fit to treat no further with him. On reading letter from Sir John Watts to Mr. Treasurer, desiring to be satisfied out of the estate of Capt. Moreton, with the sum of 126l. he had paid to Capt. Hall as surety for Moreton; the Court willing to show their respects to him, yet remembering that Capt. Moreton's kinsman hath proved his will and received part of his estate, to whom Sir John must have recourse, yet nevertheless thought fit that a caveat be entered by Sambrooke for stay of said 126l. until they confer together. Mr. Acton to cause to be exemplified under the Great Seal, copy of his Majesty's former commission to the President at Surat and Bantam for the better regulating of their affairs, punishing the refractory, and in case of criminal offences inflicting the law called martial law to be sent to the factory at Bantam, in regard it is destitute of that commission which was taken away by Rastell. Ordered that certain damask, dragon's blood, white pepper, china silk, sugar, morees, and arrack be delivered to William Pearce, who came home in the William free of freight, being first brought up to Crosby House and viewed, in regard of his good service for 14 years at Jambi, and his willingness to do them further service. Sale of brown duttees and calicoes referred to Alderman Abdi and Committees of the warehouses, to treat with the linendrapers. Consideration again taken of the disposure of the goods now returned; generally concluded that those appertaining to the Joint Stock and third voyage are not to be divided but sold; but for those belonging to the second voyage, some wishing to have all the goods divided, some to divide pepper alone, and others to divide pepper and cloves, resolved to leave all to be ordered by the General Court, only the pepper to be set at 15d. per lb. to be sold and 16d. on division, and the cloves 8s. 6d. sifted and 10s. garbled, and 5s. 4d. for indigo. 15 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 71–85.] |
| Sept. 20. |
490. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. On information that Christopher Reade, whose letter was read, in which he seems to justify the proceedings of Sill and to lay the imputation upon Willoughby that Reade had sent home a great chest filled with divers goods of value, and ordered same to be delivered to the consignees without freight, and on reading list and finding the goods worth at least 600l. or 700l.; ordered that the chest be stayed until the difference between Sill and Willoughby be examined. On information from John Miller, Purser's Mate of the James, of 60 bales of indigo and other goods secretly conveyed out of the ship and sent from Dover by cart into Southwark, consigned to Mr. Oxwick, the Spanish merchant, but reported to belong to the Earl of Denbigh; ordered that
Cappur speak with Oxwick, and desire him in a friendly manner to deal truly with the Company by discovering whose those goods were, or to appear at the next Court. Complaint made that the officers at Blackwall did not obey the Company's late orders, whereby former abuses were still unreformed; as in particular the buying of timber by Ducy alone, and that of late there had been more pipestaves bought than they can spend for many years; Steevens, Ducy, and Fotherby to be warned to attend next Court, and Fotherby to bring a particular of the cost of the pipestaves now piled in the yard, and if they have more than their occasions require, to sell part. |
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Minutes of a General Court of the Adventurers of the second Persian voyage. The conventing of the adventurers in the parlour excused by Mr. Governor, the reason being want of warehouse room, so forced to use their hall to receive the goods now returned, which is just occasion, as was observed by the learned divine this morning, of thanks to God, who, notwithstanding the unhappy firing of their two ships, hath yet sent them this year six others in safety, with so fair and large a return. In the next place, Mr. Governor related that the cause of this assembly was to know how to dispose of the goods now returned, which principally were in pepper 150,000l., in cloves 66,000l., and in indigo 87,000l., of which they find the greater part belonged to the second Persia voyage, and only 20,000l. to the third voyage, and 26,000l. or 30,000l. to the Third Joint Stock, to be set apart for payment of debts and other charges. If it were objected why so much is returned for the second voyage and so little for the first, they can give no other reason than that they had from their Factors, who neither in bills of lading nor invoices expressed to what account the goods belonged, only an abstract out of the voyage particularly related that they are for the second, and not for the first; so that if the first voyage suffer it is the fault of the Factors, yet there is a remain at Persia of at least 10,000l., which may produce a good advantage to the adventurers of the first voyage by the next ships. Resolved, after large dispute, that the goods in question belong to the second voyage. Then Mr. Governor reported that the Auditors find there is sufficient to divide to the adventurers of the second voyage, with the 30l. already divided, to make up same to 150l. per cent., besides the shipping belonging to that voyage, which is not yet valued, and desired them to consider what goods to divide or sell. After large debate and many arguments delivered on both sides, it was in fine concluded to sell the whole parcel of pepper to Daniel Harvy for transportation at 15½d. per lb. at five, six months' time from the 1st Nov., to be delivered screened and merchantable, with liberty to deduct his own stock of 2,500l. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 86–91.] |
| Sept. 24. |
491. Particulars referred by his Majesty to the Lords of the Admiralty for their advice. 5. To send for the East India Company to know in what state their differences with the Hollanders stand. Extract. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXLVI., No. 67.] |
| Sept. 25–28. |
492. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Malachi Martin, having brought home two tubs of china ware, whereof great part is broken, to prevent further damage in bringing them up to Crosby House by cart, to have liberty to carry them to his own lodging, so as Mountney first view them to know what freight to demand. On petition of Ruth Nelson 160 lbs. of Benjamin brought home by her husband to be delivered to her on paying 40s. freight. Seeing the ship ordered to be built at Blackwall draws 13 instead of 11 feet water, and therefore not likely to serve for Bantam, Swanley and Steevens ordered to view a ship of one Mr. Thompson's that draws but 10 feet water, and make report. Petition of Dionis, widow of Thos. Beamount, late Master of the Star, to be remitted freight on various goods; ordered in regard her husband died in the Company's service, excepting 200¾ [lbs.] of cloves, which, being a prohibited commodity, the Court resolved to detain, allowing such rate as paid in the Indies. Friday afternoon next appointed to make choice of officers for the Jewel. Petiton of Aaron Baker, a young man trained as a merchant in Exeter, desiring entertainment as a Factor; ordered to attend the Auditors to be examined. Petition of Giles Waterman, late Master of the Swallow, that though the firing of the ships Charles and Swallow was laid upon him by some of the Company's officers in India, he desired he might be heard in his defence, not doubting that the edge of their fury will be taken from him and laid upon the authors of this great loss; resolved, howbeit persuaded they have matter sufficient to proceed against him by a legal way, to suspend his commitment till he be heard, and appointed Friday next to take an examination of this business, when Waterman and the other prisoners returned home are to attend. |
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Sept. 28. Ten names tendered by Daniel Harvy as security for the parcel of pepper bought by him; exceptions taken on the Exchange to the word merchantable in the contract, but the Court saw no cause why any offence should be taken at that word, wet pepper having not been sold formerly with dry as merchantable; to allow tare of 3 lbs. per bag, and 1 lb. on each draught, and further 1 lb. on a draught for garbled pepper sold in town; the security being then approved, delivery thereupon ordered of 4,000 bags, leaving Mr. Treasurer, as the Company's occasions require, to give Harvy liberty if he have money by him at any time to pay it in before due. Relation of Mr. Governor that exceptions are taken because he had a part with Harvy in the bargain, but he protested he had no thought to be a sharer till the Saturday after, when Mr. Roberts also motioned to have a part, which Harvy affirmed to be true. Wednesday come sevenight appointed for disposure of the cloves and indigo, and bills to be set up on the Exchange to that purpose. The pepper delivered to Mr. Deputy and others to transport for the East Country, to be the same price as Mr. Harvy and partners. Report of Swanley that he finds the ship proposed to be bought for Jambi river a proper ship, but that when double sheathed and fitted with ordnance, stores, and provisions, she will draw 13 foot water, and there is nothing to be abated of 2,500l., and therefore he
thought the new ship will be as useful; resolved not to buy her. Names tendered for security of 50 bags of old pepper bought by John Gearing the elder approved by the balloting box. Capt. Pennington's kinsman entertained as Purser's Mate in the Surat fleet. Woodall ordered to provide Chirurgeons chests for the Jewel now bound for the coast, and one chest for Jambi where is great want of such stores to preserve the health and life of men. Complaint of Alderman Abdi that in every bundle of 60 pepper bags sent down to the ships 15 to 17 are ordinarily found wanting; to prevent which abuse Mountney was directed to send a man to receive them by tale, and so deliver them aboard. Election of officers for the Jewel, George Darr, late Purser of the Hopewell, Purser, and admonished to forbear and hinder private trade, "and not to fear the power of any man aboard;" John Keeling, Purser's Mate; William Cliffe, Steward; and John Muschamp referred to further consideration for Steward's Mate. Blunt ordered to provide a warehouse for the wet pepper. Petition of widow Kempe for 79 pieces of Masulipatam cloth sent her from Mr. Jesson in satisfaction of a debt due to her deceased husband, referred to the Committees of the warehouse, and to allow her 6s. per ryal, which amounts to 48l. 10s. On motion of John Hunter and Tho. Grove, Factors returned in the Great James, 50l. a piece to be paid to them on account. William Cambell entertained to be sent for Bantam, and thence employed for the coast of China or otherwise, and allowed 44l. per annum. The freight of 150 lbs. of long pepper and 40 lbs. of cassia lignum remitted to John Symons, Boatswain's Mate of the Great James. Edmond Chamber's bill of 7l. 5s. for boat and barge hire to be paid. Petition of James Travis concerning the adventure of Capt. Lee, deceased, referred to the General Court. 7½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 92–99.] |
Sept. 28–30.
Spahan. |
493. Wm. Gibson, Richard Cooper, and Wm. Fall to the E. I. Co. Promised in their last of 27th June [? 26 June, see ante, No. 458] a second express on their return from Court. The miseries of their journey brought some of them so near their graves that they were out of hope of ever returning. The bale of sleeve silk [in margin, bad silk] which the Company returned them "hath sted us wonderfully," having thereby broken the neck of their irreconcilable enemy Mirza Tuckey; for they carried it to Kasbin where they complained to the great ones of the bad comply in the contract last year, notwithstanding their great expense and travail, but above all urged the gross abuse in the silk received of Mirza Tuckey, whereby the King had sustained near upon 5,000 tomans loss, there being 30 bales like the one returned. Whereupon Etteman Dowlat and other noble men confessed it was a great dishonour and shame to their King, who if he should hear thereof would be highly offended with Mirza Tuckey, bidding them not be disheartened for such things would not be suffered. But resolved to try further what might be done, so having got their present ready when the King would set out to hear causes, which of late he uses very seldom, they caused the bale to be brought in by a
porter and thrown down before his face; after a little space the King asked what it was, when a friend of theirs and a great favourite of the King replied it was a bale of bad silk sent back by his Majesty of England to show how he was dishonoured by Mirza Tuckey that so long had eaten his bread. The delinquent replied much on his own defence, but the Emperor took the dishonour so extremely to heart that such a thing should be returned him by a King that the very next day he not only degraded him [in margin, the Duke] of all his countries, but commanded strict account to be taken of his actions, by report of near 20 years; and now he is fallen in disgrace the whole country of Ghilan is come in against him with complaints of his griping the poor people, so that 'tis generally thought the King will end his days with some strange tormenting death. Thus they have justice though little satisfaction, and questionless it will be a means to their better dealing hereafter. The King also gave command to his Ministers, and they had a man appointed to see them righted in their accounts, by which means the Hollanders got a dispatch of theirs also, else God knows when they would have made an end, having been there two months before us and done just nothing. Our King's letter was delivered at same time, and in translation the agent sent therewith, being deceased, made bold to use his own, to which an answer was promised. Desire to be resolved whether in the translation, occasion so urging, they may presume to alter the matter of any such letters of the King and so turn the meaning to what they shall best conceive fittingest the time's necessity. This now sent was only a compliment, but if in the translation they had durst to have altered the meaning it would have "much stedded us in our business." Are absolutely persuaded they shall make good in silk both what was wanted of their consignment last year and what they are to receive this, which will be near upon 800 bales; for on finishing their accounts command was written on the officers in Ghilan for timely procury thereof, so hope it may arrive here by the middle of Dec. at furthest. Have not held it advantageous to endeavour the procury of a new contract; firstly, in regard of the great estate they have delivered to the King; secondly, that an eagerness to begin a new contract before the old is finished will make them think our gains are extraordinary, and induce their standing off to bring them to an abatement; thirdly, the King's Ministers have told them they will not again be brought to these conditions, wherein the King is so much a loser; urging the Hollanders' trade was much more profitable, for last year in the delivery of 10,000 tomans, 7,000 were ready money, whereas we deliver but one-third, besides the Hollanders' commodities were more staple; all which we could not deny, but replied that rather than be brought to any lower conditions we would quite break off, for we knew our masters would not consent thereto. But if next year the King shall still stand off with us, as to be plain 'tis to be doubted, "it would plunge us vildly;" and indeed he has reason, for the Hollanders contract is to deliver half money, and their commodities to be taken at price current in the bazaar, and in lieu
thereof to receive silk at the market price; which is a great advantage to the King over our contract. Wherefore the Company must make their mind known at large "what you will have us," for they shall not dare to abate in the least what they have at present without the Company's warrant, well knowing these prices raise but a poor account of profit. Will, if we can, draw them to the conditions of our last contract, otherwise remain idle till they hear from the Company, but are persuaded that in another contract they would have better comply and usage than ever formerly, for now the King is wonderfully awed, looks to have his commands most strictly observed, and looks most graciously on them more than ever since his coming to the Crown. Besides the 2,000 chests of tin remaining of the Mary's fleet, have near 1,600 more turned back on their hands, delivered by Mr. Burt in 1630 belonging to the first voyage; for on the balance of those books of that year the King remains indebted to them 7,000 tomans, but on examination, find more tin delivered than ought to have been by contract, to upwards of 4,000 tomans, which are now forced to take back. Mr. Burt to be blamed, for carried away with conceipt of the great service he should do in ridding the Company of such a parcel, he never thought of "afterclaps," but said in himself t'will be out of my time, and let those that come after bustle for it, and now after four years we have to take it back. Have little hopes that the King will take it off our hands being so great a loser by what he has received, for we deliver it to him at 56 sha. the maundshaw, and 'tis worth but 22 in bazaar at present; the Company had best send some good cloth, such as they yearly send for Surat, to help it off, else it may lie here these seven years. The cloth sent from Surat this year goes pretty roundly off for ready money though at little profit; cloths costing 17l. and 18l. in England selling for 45 and 50 sh. the covid; have had some difference with the King's Ministers, why they do not deliver such cloth in, to the finishing of their contract. Through "that damned rogue Mirza Tuckey" on 32,000 ryals there is 16 tomans loss; demanded of Etteman Dowlatt if those delivered hereafter should be so disesteemed, who answered, if you are not content with the price, sell them where you please and pay the King with his own coin; which they are resolved to do for they can put them off yearly to merchants at Port for India at their wonted price and thanks to boot; but the King's Ministers will be forced to give them content herein, for they cannot maintain their mint houses without our ryals. The Rix dollars of late are in better esteem; would have them send half of each, for these rogues, if they sell we have all Rix dollars, will ask for Spanish, saying the Rix are bad silver, as now having Spanish proffered them they ask for Rix, saying they weigh more. Finding the Hollanders had no project for Mombaz, but only four ships appointed to go for Mozambique to look out for carracks, but losing their design they were forced to bear up for Gombroon, and so arrived in the heats, because they expected a good cavidal of silk promised by their late agent, but there was none but our 16 loads bribed from us last year, which with what they had compassed in Spahan with their
ready money was dispeeded towards them. Pray the Company to advise in their next their utmost resolution concerning Muscat, and on what conditions they are content to lend their shipping if demanded; were fearful it would have been required of them when at Court and did not proffer it in the least, the Company making so many caveats, and above all not to hazard the shipping losing their seasonable return homewards. "T'were behooffull" the Company's minds were fully known and speedily, lest the Hollanders creep in betwixt us to their no small disgrace, this new comer having proffered service to most of the nobility, in anything his Majesty should command, setting out in strange lying manner what great acts they were able to do, and that no nation was so forcible on the sea. And this instant a report being in Court how the Portugals were come against Barrigne, the fishing place of pearl, the Hollanders offered if the King would let them have those frigates lying in Bandar (which we think will scarce swim, having lain drying there since Ormuz was taken), they would fit and man them, desiring nothing but munition from Port, and so scour the Gulf yearly that a Portugal should not dare look therein, provided they may have half shares of whatever they take. This the King has granted; it was done only to bring their nation in credit, which indeed is but meanly respected, and they had rather the Dutch should do this drudgery than themselves, knowing it will cost more in men's lives and expense than the gains can countervail; only fear that by this the King should proffer them the taking of Muscat, which they would doubtless most willingly accept, but at the least inkling will bend all their endeavours to bereave them of their purpose. The King's setting out of Kasbin towards his wars at a place called Van on the frontiers, was so sudden, had much ado to end their business, and were quite bereft of their purpose of moving about the Hollanders not paying Custom, but it must have come to their ears, and they would have resisted it with all their might, and bribes here do strange things. Had the Company got it urged in the King's letters, as in their own to Emom Culle Canne it would have given a good say thereto; 'twill not be amiss to get it inserted in his Majesty's letters hereafter, or give us warrant to do so; meantime will not sleep when opportunity is offered handsomely to prefer it. Their ancient merchant, Mullaymbeage, is quite overthrown, and very little hopes of ever rising, what they wrote formerly of his re establishment was fabulous and only a fame raised here by his brother in Spahan. God be thanked, had cleared all accounts with him, for by report he is debtor to the King upwards of 200,000 tomans for satisfaction whereof he is daily tormented by unruly soldiers. The Hollanders were fain to yield to the losing of 4,000 tomans more in account with him than ever they thought of, "a pretty lurch for their new agent's welcome." The scarlet sent for presents this year was so defaced with stains, were almost ashamed to present it, nay some returned it; the Company would do well to know the reason. Their Customs this year in Bandar come to the poorest account that ever they did, for by Willoughby's abstract find but 242 tomans accrued, but understand
they have been strangely abused by an ancient linguist of theirs, once turned out of their house for knavery by Mr. Burt, but taken in again at Mullaymbeage's intreaty, who being carried down to Bandar this year has thus played the villain; but shall make him an example for all rogues for many after ages. Find it a mere impossibility to do anything with Jno. Sherland's accounts, lately deceased, and what he has done with divers moneys received God knows; again almost half the goods bought by Kirkham are wanting and no man can give any light thereof; only by some straggling papers find Sherland to have been Kirkham's compartner," which whilst living he denied with many oaths and protestations, though somewhat hardly taxed therewith; nay have found an abstract under Sherland's own hand given to Kirkham at his departure from Gombroon, of goods left in his hands for sale, but what he sold there is nothing to be found to give the least light in the world. Would the Company furnish us yearly with 5,000l. or 6,000l. overplus of ready moneys ? doubt not by silk they could buy here at cheap rates to countervail the loss of the interest, for at Kasbin had divers quantities proffered them for 28 and 30 tomans the load, but durst not adventure, whereas the Dutch abounding in ready money buy all they can lay hands on. On departure from Kasbin the King, by his Etteman Dowlat, desired them to write home for rarities, giving them a note of remembrance in Persian to bring a few for a muster, to know whether he would accept any quantity as merchandize; he stands greatly affected to to fair rubies, and young and fierce mastiffs, but says those they yearly bring are so old and have no courage. Have found it an impossibility to lessen the accustomed extraordinary charge of presents, for if they be not felt hard as well as understood shall never bring anything to perfection; are persuaded their presents this year will amount to 500 or 600 tomans, besides near 100 more for their journey; God send the trade to maintain it; blush to see it but cannot amend it; yet the King has been very inquisitive to know what they give to each man that is greatest in his favour, but they were very cautious in telling truth, yet hope it may by little and little be repressed. Almost the whole of Georgia now grows under this Emperor's government, betrayed, as report goes, by its own nobility, so that the King Tamoris Canne, with his wife and children, was fain to fly to a neighbouring Prince, his son-in-law, a place invincible they say, where he remains for better times. Have lost three more of their poor servants since their last, viz., Messrs. Beere, Henry Monox, and Wylde (whom the Company recommended for the buying of pearl), and many others have had narrow escapes and not yet recoverd, as Gibson in going to Court, very ill, but it lasted not long. Little thought he should ever have brought Cooper alive to Spahan, but now reasonably well recovered; John Willoughby writes from Port he has not stirred off his bed this 50 days; and Mr. Carpenter, whom no one thought would have lived, but somewhat better at present. Must tell them the bread they eat is dearly earned, and did not their business so earnestly require his abode till released by others arrival, would
willingly accept the liberty that now some of his fellow servants have, for these Court voyages quite dishearten him; 'tis one of the most uncomfortable employments that ever man followed and the Company will do well to supply able men with the first conveniency, for unless supplied from Surat or the ships, are like to have but a poor crew next year. Further beg a supply of physical means and an experienced man, for many of them perish for want thereof, and the ships will not spare one nor other that is good for anything. Great charge might be saved by a yearly supply of toys, which they are fain to buy at very dear rates, such as gold and silver lace spangled, slight jewels set with topazzes, and other little stones for women, wrought flowers and fruits to the life in silk, hawking gloves richly wrought with gold and silver, needlework and good coloured satins; and let the sending of knives, scarlet, and strong waters be continued. Fear their last letters will arrive somewhat tardier than usual, having heard their messenger was apprehended at Bagdad, but by the letter of Cojah Nazar, who yearly procures them pattamars, which he carried was released. All ways towards Turkey are very dangerous at present, and the way of Constantinople impassable, and he they sent that way nine months ago, not yet returned. Aleppo is therefore now their only relief, whither in a month may expect another express. |
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Sept. 29. Find in the broadcloths last received a great want in measure, which, if not speedily remedied, will bring them to no small trouble with the King's Ministers; they are half a quarter of a covid short in breadth and 2 to 5 covids short in length; besides very few fall out in length according to the invoice; are persuaded they are "measured upon the tenters," for it is impossible the shrinking betwixt this and England should be the cause; 'twere not amiss the Company knew the reason of it. News from Port of the arrival of four more Dutch ships from Batavia, with another cargazoone of goods and moneys, which is on the way for Spahan. |
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Sept. 30. News has just come from Bandar of the arrival of the Jonas, Mary, and Hart from Masulipatam, freighted only with Moors goods to the value of 3,000l. Have also received letter from the President and Council of Surat, such a one as 'tis, wherein may be perceived how without cause they are condemned, especially Gibson. The messenger's departure hindering his answer to their several taxations, which indeed deserve little or none, will defer it for a second express to dispeed in a few days. But "whether we have so taxed them that should deserve these their absurd reproofs, let your Worships judge. It seems also my style of writing pleaseth them not; if it do not, I cannot help it, nor indeed care not; "having the Company's approbation, Gibson slights their disparagements, yet not but that he will have regard to the authority given them. Capt. Slade writes that the Swan arrived at Masulipatam 20th June with a good cargazoon, but finding that famine and pestilence had so ranged all those parts that there were not any goods to be had, they were fain to proceed for Bengala, where they had better hopes. Understand that Jno. Norris, late Agent at Masulipatam, is coming
home in the Mary, and Tho. Joyce to be left in his stead. Also by a second letter from Willoughby at Port, that the Hollanders have landed for next year's business 12 chests silver, 1,000 chests China sugar, 1,500 great pigs of Japan copper, with great store of logwood, and some smallquantity of cloves, mace, nutmegs, and cinnamon. Endorsed "Rd. overland Apr. 1634." 11½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1514.] |
