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| Oct. 2. |
494. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Order to the Beadle to warn only the Adventurers in the second and third Persia voyages to the General Court appointed this day sennight, because the goods then to be disposed of principally appertain to them. Resolved only to send for home George Gosnell and Edward Knipe, delinquents in private trade, and not Richard Barnaby and Wm. Mynors, for reasons expressed in a former Court. Notice of Widow Kempe, that the 48l. 10s. allowed by the Court for 97 books of calicoes sent from Mr. Jesson came short of the debt due from him to her deceased husband, that she may require satisfaction for the remainder at Jesson's return. Gratuity of 40s. out of the poor box to Widow Cannon, whose son died in the Hopewell. Six shillings per ryal on the prime cost in the Indies allowed to Mrs. Jesson for 100 pieces of calicoes sent from her husband, Randall Jesson, Master of the Pearl. The Court put in mind of Mr. Shute's motions in his last sermon upon the abatement of 2d. per 1l. on mariners' wages, and a further contribution to the reparation of St. Helen's Church; resolved, as a great many had paid it already, to continue the payment of 2d. for these ships, and before any others came, to take the business into further consideration, some conceiving it unfit the mariners should contribute to such a work, when none of the adventurers give anything; next for an addition to the Company's benevolence towards the great charge their parish hath been at for repairing and beautifying the Church of St. Helen's, wherein the Company's house stands, as they are still in debt, but the certain sum left to further consideration. Complaints of Thomas Watkins and John Miller, late Chirurgeon's Mates of the James, against Nicholas Brethers, Chirurgeon, that he pursued private trade so much that he neglected the sick aboard, and was on shore many days together, and would not leave the key of his chest or instruct his mates how to minister to the sick; the parties to be warned to the Court on Friday. Petition of Anne, wife of Anthony Finch, that a small "scrutore" and two pieces of stuff sent by her husband to her by Mr. Barry are lost; Barry said they were in the Steward's room, and that the Surveyor of the Custom House was seen to have the "scrutore" in his hands on the decks; ordered that Mr. Beauple and Smith be spoken with to give account of what is become of said tokens. Mrs. Monck to be allowed 3s. 4d. per lb. for 30 lbs. of cloves sent to her from her husband. Ordered that the executors of those who lost their lives at the burning of the Charles and Swallow receive wages for them till the time of their decease. The broaks imposed on Spencer Potts' account for selling in town pepper taken out to transport, which he constantly averred was really transported, ordered to be taken off, and his account charged
with 5s. for every bag taken ashore after they were first shipped. Request of Mr. Wardall, administrator to Thomas Rosse, deceased, to receive his estate; answered that the account of Surat was not yet come, that there is a standing order no moneys be paid on letters of administration for six months, and that Rosse had forfeited his bond and wages by excess of private trade, even at his first going out. Mr. Bland, of Blackwall, demanded concerning 44 pieces of calicoes seized by him; he alleged they were seized by warrant from Mr. Mettcalfe, and that North had them in his custody two days, and never acquainted the Company, but had complained out of malice against him; ordered that North be warned to next Court. John Muschamp chosen Steward's Mate of the Jewel. Petition of Jane, widow of Robert Wade, for satisfaction from Philip Bearden for 8l. worth of goods sold by him to John Taply, whose account was not able to bear it; Bearden ordered to give answer to said petition. Gratuity of 5s. each out of the poor box to Martha Miller and Alice Bell, two miserable poor widows. Mr. Acton's bill for 6l. 10s. for procuring exemplification of his Majesty's commission for regulating the Company's servants at Bantam to be paid. Petition of Mrs. Heynes, sister and administratrix of Edward Heynes, late Agent in Persia, for 10l. on account refused, by reason they have not yet a return of his accounts. Examination of the proceedings of George Willoughby in seizing and displacing Henry Sill at Armagon, it being alleged it was done without authority of the Company, and more out of malice to Sill than for the good of said Company; to which Willoughby answered that howbeit the great private traders of India had so alleged to re-erect the excess of private trade which by his proceeding against Sill he had overthrown, yet he doubted not that when they should be truly informed how much it did concern him in point of duty and the Company in point of honour and profit to preserve their trade from utter ruin, and also the spice trade, which depend on it, it will appear that he deserves rather commendation than blame. Relation of Willoughby that having received no answer to his many letters to President Rastell advertising him of Sill's great abuse in private trade, and understanding, by copy of the Company's general letters to Bantam, that they had appointed him to succeed Muschamp, who was gone for England, he resolved by advice of his Council to remove Henry Sill and send him for England, and sequester his estate, which he did; further, Willoughby alleged he had no private difference with Sill, and had never seen him before, and therefore in regard for this service, which was done only out of zeal for the welfare of the trade, he hath endured almost two years' imprisonment and the loss of part of his estate, besides the disgrace put upon him, he desired the Company would now think of some course for his reparation, and to countenance his needful proceedings with those that have suffered with him, otherwise it will be in vain for any of their servants hereafter to attempt the reformation of private trade. Some of opinion that Willoughby had exceeded his commission, and that it had been much better for him to have advised of Sill's abuse by letter than to have taken that course; but others
conceived he had done well and deserved to be countenanced and encouraged, and observing further that neither Reade nor Sill's letters charge Willoughby with private trade, subornation, or any other crime, the Court, therefore, after long argument, declared their opinion that, for ought they have yet heard or read, Willoughby deserves to be favoured and countenanced by them for this act, and if he hath erred it hath been for the good and benefit of the Company, and therefore, by erection of hands, they held the displacing of Sill to be well done, and ordered that Willoughby, Barnes, Hunter, Grove, and Philip Bearden, who have suffered with him, receive their wages and debts due to them, and be further considered of for this good service. 10 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 99–108.] |
Oct. 2.
Wallingford House. |
495. Minutes of proceedings at a meeting of the Lords of the Admiralty with the Deputy of the States Ambassador, about a summary composing of the differences between the English and Netherlands East India Companies. The demand of the English Company was delivered to the Deputy, who promised to require a speedy answer from the Netherlander; who, he said, found it something unequal that the English merchants should treat with a knife in their throats, endeavouring to arrest their ships whilst in treaty for an accord. He assured them their Company had sent long since command into the Indies that none of their ships should come home, and had resolved to send none thither this winter, and therefore propounded that for honour's sake there might be a declaration that their ships should be free from arrest during this treaty. The Lords, hoping he had an intention to put an end to these differences, promised to move his Majesty on this proposition. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 109.] |
| Oct. 4. |
496. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. On reading the last Court the collection of 2d. in the pound out of the wages of the Commanders, mariners, &c. was again resumed, and therefore resolved to continue it no longer than for these ships now returned; but for support and maintenance of their hospital and poor almsmen at Blackwall, it was propounded that the General Court be moved that on clearing of these particular voyages 500l. or thereabouts be taken from each for purchasing land to endow said hospital withall, which was thought better and more honourable for the Company than by taking aforesaid 2d. in the pound from the mariners. Resolved that a bill be set up on the Exchange giving notice of the sale this day sennight of the Star, which is so worn and decayed as to be no more to be made serviceable. Bill of Cappur for 4l. 14s. for the Company's dinner at Erith on arrival of the James, and for charge of viewing and measuring the new ships at Blackwall, to be paid. Several letters read from John Strongitharme, Steward of the Speedwell, complaining of the wrong done him by Myncrs, the Commander, as also of his private trade and other misdemeanours to the Company's great prejudice; Ellam directed to write a private letter to their President to displace Mynors, seize his estate and send him home in their next ships. In regard of the great charge in India by taking up moneys at interest, resolved that howbeit the
example of Mr. Wylde it succeeded well, that henceforth the President be absolutely restrained from taking up moneys at interest, but in cases of more necessity, and therein not to exceed 20,000l. at the most; and that he be ordered to publish the like protest made by Mr. Wylde, that if any brokers or others give credit to any of their servants, who shall become insolvent, they were not to expect to be satisfied from the Company; and that any moneys taken up for the Company at interest be forthwith registered in their books and subscribed by the President and Council; which particulars Ellam was required to insert in their general letters; as also to enjoin their Factors to send home in every ship copy of the waste book and cash book of every factory, that the Company may know how their affairs stand, which by the carelessness of their Factors they are now altogether ignorant of. Aaron Baker and George Parphrey entertained Factors at 40l. a piece for the first year and 10l. yearly rising for seven years, of which 20l. yearly only to be paid them in the Indies, faithfully promising to forbear all manner of private trade, and to hinder it in others; Thos. Chapman, an East Country merchant, refused in regard of his age, and being indebted, and Marcus Tully, late servant to Richard Leate, to be enquired of at the Exchange. Mr. Woodall to receive 100l. by way of imprest to provide Chirurgery ware for the fleet. On being put in mind of Mr. Shute's intimation in his last sermon, ordered that the 50l. formerly given towards reparation of St. Helen's Church be made up 100l., in regard every parishioner had been once and was to be a second time assessed, and that Gresham College had contributed at two several times 200 marks; the said sum of 50l. to be put to the general charge of the Company, and not to any of the three particular voyages. Leave granted to Thomas Willyamson, Chief Mate of the Jewel, to stay for the Surat fleet, by reason he is in danger to lose near 200l., if he could procure a sufficient man in his room. Debt of 11l. of Capt. Moreton to Thomas Lydall to be charged on the Captain's account, as the Court will pay nothing without the consent of the executor Mr. Moreton, a Justice of Peace in Cheshire. Ordered on petition of the almsmen of Blackwall that they have gowns as formerly, the two years being expired, but for the offal and chips desired, the Court left them to take their share amongst other the poor of Blackwall. Petition of Philip Bearden to receive what is due to him, complaining of his imprisonment and ill usage by [John] White, and reporting that great store of private trade was landed from the James in Persia, which was acknowledged by Tho. Malthus. White alleged Bearden's punishment was inflicted by consultation, and the reasons [see ante, No. 440]. and the Court observing it signed by Willoughby, Barnes, and others, called in Barnes, who avowed the punishment was deservedly inflicted if the witnesses spoke truth. Questioned as to his private trade, White affirmed that all he brought home was in the Company's hands, that from Surat to Bantam he had one bale of cloth, and five or six in partnership, and from Surat to Persia 2 hhds. of pepper and 10 parcels of tobacco, which he sold, and returned 100 frayles of dates; but promised an account in writing. Objections of Thomas Watkins
and John Miller, late Chirurgeon's Mates of the James, against Nicholas Brethers, the Chirurgeon, read, as in last minutes, all which he denied, save some private trade, and referred to the testimony of the whole ship's company; he was given liberty to answer said objections in writing. Giles Waterman, late Master, John Headland, and John Carter, Mates, and Miles White, Gunner of the Swallow, questioned as to the burning of the Swallow and Charles; Waterman blamed the gunner for having his fireworks and loose powder in the gun-room, which occasioned the firing of the ship when the guns were shot off to salute the ships in the Road, and utterly denied he had given the two first cuts to the cable, by means whereof the Swallow fell foul of the Charles and fired her, and seemed to recriminate Capt. Weddell who was not aboard, otherwise the ship might have been saved, and for his further justification produced an apology in writing; the Gunner answered that the shooting of the piece was done by the Master's command, notwithstanding he had represented the danger of firing the ship if two guns were shot off, and that he brought up the fireworks by order from Capt. Weddell, to be ready in case she should meet the enemy, the Swallow being then bound southward with the Dutch ships; he also delivered an apology in writing, and the Court having also heard the Mates, conceived the Master blameworthy, and the rest had offended little or nothing, yet deferred the business to further consideration. 6½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 109–115.] |
Oct. 5.
H.M.S. Vanguard in the Downs. |
497. Capt. Pennington to Edw. Nicholas. Here is a report that Capt. Mince [Mennes] is going a voyage to the East Indies with a ship of 500 tons and a pinnace of 200 tons, and that Lord Denbigh has a hand in it; would be glad to hear the certainty of it. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCXLVII., No. 28.] |
| Oct. 9. |
498. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. After arguing and disputing the business of Giles Waterman and the rest concerning the firing of the Charles and Swallow resolved that they be forthwith attached by the officer of the Admiralty and there proceeded against by that Court in a legal and judicial way. Gratuity of 20s. out of the poor box to Richard Anderson, a suitor, to go Preacher for the Indies. Mr. White, late Commander of the Great James, presented a particular of all his private trade carried out, employed from port to port, and returned in said ship; a certain day resolved to be appointed for examination of same, and of others to be questioned in this kind. Consideration what price to set upon cloves and indigo; opinion that it be set at 8s. 6d. per lb. on cloves, and 5s. on indigo, but resolved to leave it wholly to the General Court in the afternoon and whether to divide or sell same. Mrs. Hopkinson, wife of Joseph Hopkinson, to receive for discharge of her debts, and to defray her present occasions, 100l. returned in the Purser's books for her husband, and 50l. out of his wages. Philip Bearden to receive his wages on condition that he stand to such order as the Court shall make concerning the difference between him and Mr. White, and not to proceed in any legal course against him. Petition of
Margaret, widow of Robert Dickens trumpeter in the William, for delivery of 160 lbs. of pepper; also of the wife of Richard Monck, now Master in the Jonas for 30 lbs. of cloves sent as a token from her husband; but in regard they are the Company's prime commodities, resolved to detain said goods and to allow 6d. per lb. for the pepper and 4s. per lb. for the cloves free of Custom and all other charges; and the like course to be held with all others for said commodities. Swanley ordered to take out the masts of the Great James, and cause her to be brought up to the Wall, that the Company's charge may be lessened. Petition of John, brother of Christopher Reade, to suspend their censures and retain a good opinion of his brother in the cause between Willoughby and Sill until his return to answer for himself, and to order delivery of certain stuffs and goods sent home by his brother in a trunk; answered that though they have frequent proof against him, yet they well forbear to censure him till he come in person before them, but the goods are of great value and not fit to be delivered, but they shall be sold to the best value, and the money retained in the Company's hands, but to receive 66l. 13s. 4d. on account, to pay certain debts for his brother. Suit of Mr. Jesson, wife of Randall Jesson, Master of the Pearl, to receive the freight of 100 pieces of calicoes; but the Court, so far from granting her request, resolved to detain said goods and allow her for them only the prime cost in the Indies after of the rate of 6s. per piece. |
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Minutes of a Court of the Adventurers in the second and third Persia voyages. The last General Court of the adventurers in the second Persia voyage read, and Mr. Governor made known that there were now 500 hhds. of cloves, and 850 barrels of indigo to be disposed of as they should find meet; but it was the opinion of the Committees to sell, if any will give for the cloves 8s. 6d. per lb., and for the indigo 5s., and if not to divide them at higher rates provided all be underwritten for. The Court hereupon remaining silent awhile the sale of 205 bales of cotton yarn was proposed, and after some debate, sold by the candle to Mr. Chamberlain at 2s. 5½d. per lb. Next were put to sale 111 bales and bags of wool and 12 bags of blue wool at 8d. per lb., but none bidding, the Court considered whether to divide or sell the cloves and indigo, but offers of 7s. 6d. and 8s. per lb. for the cloves, and 4s. 6d. for the indigo at 24 months being disliked as too mean rates, ordered to divide them at 5s. per lb. at five, six months, viz., two-fifths cloves and three-fifths indigo; the division to be made good if a major part be underwit for, and the remainder to be disposed of by the Company. In the next place 50 cwt. of cassia lignum were sold by the candle to Capt. Crispe for 18l. 15s. per cwt. Petition of Jas. Travis to have liberty to pay into the second voyage the sum of 141l. 13s. 2d. in full of 1,000l. under-writ by Capt. Henry Lee, omitted to be paid during his lifetime, in consideration of the great loss and trouble petitioner hath sustained by his engagements for Capt. Lee; ordered by erection of hands, and that 77l. broakes for not paying bills in time be remitted. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 115–120.] |
Oct. 10.
Whitehall. |
499. Lords of the Admiralty to Sir James Bagg. The Great Seahorse, formerly lent to Capt. Quaile, having arrived at Plymouth he is to cause her to be surveyed by Mr. Cawse the shipwright. [Dom., Car. I., Vol. CCXXVIII., fol. 85.] |
| Oct. 11–16. |
500. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. The preamble for division of the cloves and indigo of the second voyage agreed upon at the last General Court read and confirmed and ordered to be written into the book for the adventurers to underwrite. On reading Ellam's draught letter for recalling home Capt. Weddell, the Court fell into discourse whether to order their fleets hereafter to make Persia their first port, as of late, or to go first to Surat as formerly accustomed; and after disputing the reasons on both sides and considering how dangerous Persia is in respect of the mortal sicknesses caused by the extremity of the heat and the unwholesomeness of the air, and that their servants lives ought much more to be valued and regarded than profit to the Company, some advised henceforth to make Surat their first port; others thought the going first to Persia will be profitable and shorten the voyage, and that though Gombroon be found more unwholesome and dangerous, time and experience will "enable their bodies to bear it out and to find remedies for the diseases" as in the port of Scanderoon, which though at first it proved deadly to many of their Factors, now they remain there in health and safety. But in conclusion, after long debate, it was left to the judgment of their President and Commanders to do as they shall be advised from Surat, but if they receive no such advice at the islands, then to go directly to Gombroon if they have time, because it is conceived they shall there meet with the ships from the coast of Coromandel. Letter read from Lord Sterling, Secretary for Scotland, on behalf of James Younger for the estate of a brother who died in the Indies; Sambrooke required to examine the accounts and do what he should find just. Their Secretary to frame a letter of thankfulness to the Lord Ambassador in Turkey, in answer of his in sending the Company's packet from Spahan. The Jewel having taken in most part of her lading ordered to fall down to Gravesend. Demand of Mr. Railton on behalf of Robert Kirkham, Clerk of the Signet, for the wages and estate of his brother Edward Kirkham, late the Company's Agent in Persia, deceased; but he was desired to have patience until the accounts came home. Messrs. Mun and Kerridge intreated to view a parcel of coral of Alderman Garwaie's, and if found for the Company's turn to make a price for it. Petition of Eliz., wife of Christopher Adams, for 15l. for wages of their servant, Hugh Whittonstall, carpenter in the Discovery and Great James, deceased; but the Court understanding he thrust himself into their service without order, albeit wages were afterwards made him by Mr. Wylde, conceive they were not bound yet in charity bestowed 40s. on her out of the poor box. Securities approved by the balloting box for cotton yarn bought by Abraham Chamberlain, the elder, at the last General Court. Letter read from Wm. Hall, preacher at Surat, desiring payment out of the
wages of John King, Gunner of the Great James, deceased, of a debt of 31l. 8s.; answered the Company have no power to pay to any but King's executors. Order of the Exchequer presented by Alderman Garwaie, requiring the Company to stay so much of the estate of John Skibbowe as may satisfy his debt to himself and his brother, who have assigned over Skibbowe's bonds to his Majesty for a debt owing by them; to be observed. The ship Star, too decayed and impaired to be made any more serviceable, sold by the candle to Capt. Crispe for 124l. Acton's bill of 4l. 13s. for law causes to be paid. Transfers of several adventures of Capt. Lee by Travers to Bownest, Capt. Milward, and Thos. Milward, Capt. Milward undertaking to give satisfaction for the debt of 2,300l. owing to the Company by Capt. Lee. Ordered, after serious consideration, that the government at Bantam be re-established as it was in the time of Mr. Muschamp and other Presidents before him, and not to be under the President at Surat as granted to Rastell; and to that end the exemplification of his Majesty's Commission to be sent to Bantam, but the title not to be that of President but Agent. Ordered that the two Factors, Baker and Parphrey, lately entertained, for a time remain at the coast, and when they had gained experience to be sent where most needed. |
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Oct. 14. The 4 hhds. of garbled cloves rated at 9s. 4d., being desired by the grocers for sale in town, Sambrooke to deliver out warrants for divisions in cloves and indigo to those that have underwritten for same. Request of Roberts, Master of the Jewel, for consideration for his endeavour to have come first to anchor in the Downs with the Blessing, before the wind forced him back to Portsmouth, and for some allowance of wine, biscuit, &c. for his own store in the present voyage, as hath been allowed to other Commanders, referred to next Court. Ordered, on information that ryals this year will be very scarce, that Mr. Treasurer provide ingots if ryals come not in, considering that the ryals when they come into the Indies are new coined again. Swanley again ordered to use his best diligence for the speedy carrying down of the Jewel to Gravesend. Complaint of Willoughby, that when Skibbowe took him from his agency at Bantam, he also seized his goods, and amongst them one bale of cloth, which cost 140l. 13s., which, being carelessly left aboard the Great James, is now found to have sustained much damage; he therefore desired that what is not damnified may be delivered to him, and to have reparation for the rest out of the estates of Messrs. Rastell, Skibbowe, Hopkinson, Bickford, Suffeylde, Barbar, and Banggam; Ellam and Bowen to view the cloth and report its condition to the Court. Monday next appointed for examination of private trade, and Messrs. Willoughby, White, Barnes, Hunter, Barry, Brethers, Kennicott, Miller, Malthus, Pyke, and Bearden to be warned to attend. Four firkins of tallow, bought by John Mouse aboard the King's ships in the Downs and put into the James, to be delivered to him. John Elsmore, late Master of the Jewel, to have 11 cwt. of sugar freight free, and 6d. per lb. allowed him for 100 lbs. of
pepper, and the prime cost in India for 190 lbs. of indigo. 3,000l. more in gold to be provided and sent in the Jewel for the coast. |
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Oct. 16. Order read from the Lord Keeper, requiring Lord Cleveland forthwith to make answer to the Company's bill or show cause why an injunction should not be granted against him for stay of his proceedings at common law; recommended to Mr. Acton to have it served. Report on petition of Gabriel Hawley to the Lord Keeper, of his Lordship's order thereon, and of the offer made that their brother Dr. Hawley should enter into bond with them to stand to the order of the Court of Chancery on the hearing; Mr. Acton ordered to condescend to. Freight of 112 lbs. of hard wax remitted to Philip Bearden, who is dangerously sick, and payment ordered of his wages. Complaint of Daniel Harvy that 20 bags of pepper of the 273 sold to Mr. Deputy and others to be transported from Hamburg or the East Country, were lately shipped by Mr. Lawrence for Leghorn, deferred till next Court. Relation of Capt. Stiles that a friend of his in the East Country is very desirous of two or three jars of pickled green pepper (sic) from the Indies, promising in requital a horn, which he had found to be the most sovereign medicine against the bloody flux, very common amongst their people both abroad and on shore; Ellam to write for said green pepper to be returned by the next ship. Complaint of Rebecca Peacocke alias Morgan against George Turner, for defrauding her and her child of legacies from her deceased husband, George Morgan; recommended to the Committees for the counting-house to compose. Ten pounds bestowed on Roberts, Master of the Jewel, for his endeavours to have brought the Blessing into the Downs, her first port; and Mountney to deliver him such proportion of wine, meal, and biscuit as is usually afforded to men of his place. John Henley, brother, and Robt. Grove, brother-in-law of Lawrence Henley, deceased, to receive 50l. on account of his wages. Gratuity of 20s. out of the poor box to Anthony Napleton, a poor weak man who had served at sea under the Earl of Warwick. 11 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 121–131.] |
Oct. 17.
Bantam. |
501. Commission from Agent John Ling and Council to Richard Hopkins, Master of the Comfort, destined for Jambi. Arrived at Saddow Bar, to use his best endeavours to warp up the river to Jambi, deliver letters to the chief Factor and Council there, and follow their orders for discharging goods and relading and delivering the same aboard the Dolphin. Hope that once lading his ship with the other ships there will be sufficient to fill the Dolphin, and if so, being discharged, to return; but if there be a remainder of pepper, to bring it hither, following the orders of the chief Factor and Council at Jambi. The letters to be sent up to Jambi by the first opportunity, either by Capt. Hatch's skiff or his own. 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1515.] |
| Oct. 21. |
502. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Request of Mr. Grymes for delivery of silk stuffs sent by Christopher Reade to his brother, who would deposit their value in Court till Christopher Reade return to
give satisfaction concerning the charges against him; the Court were content the stuff should be valued by Messrs. Younge and Smith, mercers, of "Lumbertstreete." Suit of Roberts, Master of the Jewel, for allowance for four bales of cloth seized by Hoare at Bantam, parcel of the 77 bales of private trade brought from Surat in the Great James; the Court remembered that till this day they never knew who were the proprietors, and told him plainly he deserved no favour, but rather to be displaced from their service, having deceived their expectation of him, and that for aught they yet know said bales were theirs, and not his. Ordered that Mr. Treasurer, being provided of 6,000l. in ingots of gold, should send 3,000l. thereof in the Jewel in lieu of silver, in regard of the benefit that will be made at the coast of the specie above silver; so as the total sum sent is 23,000l. in gold and one chest of ryals. Motion to send down the 400 barrels of old powder at Blackwall to the mills to be new made; but it was questioned whether the Company may do this in regard of the restraint from the Lords; the Secretary to find out the Lords' order. Mr. Gwilliams recommended as preacher by Sir Henry Herbert; the Court, having formerly had experience of him, thought him unfit. Lawrence to consign to Harvy 20 bags pepper he had shipped to Leghorn, though sold to be shipped for Hamburg, provided Harvy put aboard the next good ship for Hamburg the like quantity for Lawrence's account. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 132, 133.] |
Oct. 22.
Wallingford House. |
503. Minutes of proceedings at a meeting of the Lords of the Admiralty with the Deputy to the States Ambassador, touching a summary composing of the differences between the English and Netherlands East India Companies. The Deputy being called upon for an answer to the English demands, delivered at last meeting (see ante, No. 495), said he had it ready, but first desired an authentic Act signed by his Majesty that during this treaty there should be no arrest of any of their Netherlands ships, and he delivered draught of such an Act. The Lords desiring to see first what powers there were to treat and conclude, he replied there was sufficient power given by letters of credence, and that M. Joachimi, the States Ambassador, had also engaged himself to procure within six months authentical powers. The Lords assured him that when they should have agreed on the form of the treaty, and entered into it with probability of effect, which they could better judge of by his answer to the English demands they would mediate with his Majesty for such an Act. The Deputy then began a discourse touching the form of a treaty, and instead of answer to said demands, showed reasons to move their Lordships to treat by particulars; which their Lordships conceiving to be no other than a relapse into the same difficulty wherewith this business has so long laboured, declared they would confer with the English merchants on Thursday next, and send again to him if there should be cause. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 109.] |
| Oct. 23. |
504. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Names of securities allowed by the balloting box for 6½ separate lots of calicoes. Payment ordered
to Mr. Roberts' father-in-law of 269 ryals for four bales of calicoes taken out of the James at Bantam and charged in the Company's accounts, at 5s. per ryal. Renewed suit of Mr. Hurt for the estate of John Lawrence, due to the children of his wife, who was executrix to Lawrence; the Court found the same to be 732l. 9s., but in regard of his great private trade concluded by the balloting box that 100 marks be deducted, and the remainder paid to Hurt for the benefit of the children. Request of Daniel Harvy to be permitted to take out 300 bags of unsifted pepper for transportation; answered that in regard of the reputation the sifting gained the Company, enhancing the price of that commodity before that sold by the Dutch, the Company will by no means suffer any to be transported before it be first sifted. John Blagden and Richard Norton allowed as security for two baskets of bloodstones of the value of 280l. Request of George Willoughby considered for delivery of a bale of goods seized by Skibbowe at Bantam and carried in the James to Surat and now brought to England, and for satisfaction for the damage the goods have received out of the estates of Rastell, Hopkinson, Skibbowe, Bickford, Suffeylde, Barbar, and John Banggam; the Court, in respect of Willoughby's extraordinary sufferings for endeavouring the good of the Company are pleased to hold him worthy of so much favour as to condescend to his request for delivery of said goods; but for the damages estimated at 99l., in regard all those persons excepting Hopkinson and Banggam are dead, they conceived they had not authority to charge the estates of the deceased, but ordered that said 99l. be charged on the accounts of Hopkinson and Banggam, who at their return are to make satisfaction unless they can show good cause to the contrary. Chauncy charged to use all diligence to remove the pepper out of the Hall to their warehouse at the Exchange. On petition of Richard Barry and John White, Purser and Commander of the James, ordered that the particular accusations wherewith they are charged be given to them in writing, to make answer; the meeting to consider those complaints deferred till Wednesday come sennight, when all parties are again to be warned to give their attendance; and on petition of John White, ordered that he receive 80l. on account of wages for his present occasions. Committees intreated to go down tomorrow to Gravesend for the dispeeding away of the Jewel. Petition of Giles Waterman prisoner in the Marshalsea for a speedy trial and in the meantime to have his liberty; Cappur to speak with Mr. Williamson, the Company's Proctor, to use all diligence for his speedy trial, but thought not fit to give way to his liberty. Question between Markham, the Minister, and Markham the Company's Auditor, concerning 75l. pretended by the former to be unjustly detained from him, deferred until Fortescue be present. Walter Blackborne to view a parcel of yarn for making cordage, and acquaint the Committees in regard same is like to be dear and scarce. Petition of Thomas Godfrey, late Master of the Hopewell, to be remitted freight of 600 lbs. of cassia lignum, 400 lbs. of nutmegs, 300 lbs. of cubebs, 100 lbs. of long pepper, 2 hhds. of sugar, and 1 hhd. of green ginger, all the estate he hath gained in 18 years' service; the Court, in regard
of the commendation given of him for an honest man, and his diligence at Milford Haven in hindering the sale of private trade, ordered his goods to be delivered, paying only 40l. freight, together with his wages and debts due from the Company, which he thankfully accepted. Ordered that Mrs. Graves receive 50l. on account of her son Henry's wages, who died in the Indies; and that John Ley receive 4l. 10s. the remain of Fuller's wages, who came home Preacher in the James, and owed him the same. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 134–139.] |
(Oct.) 25.
Balasore. |
505. Edw. Hayes to his very loving friend and mate John Powle, Merchant at Haripoor. Has received his of 4th and 12th Oct. What he desired about Mr. Banester's trunk shall be done; fears the cloths are all spoiled with lying so long without airing; wrote to Cartwright about it but had no answer, and is loath to break it open without order. Cannot hear of Powle's three cases, only one which Mr. Mountney has, which shall be brought in the ship; received not the keys nor can hear of them; will follow his directions for provisions when Cartwright comes on 30th; a rupee Powle appointed Hayes to receive of his man Grood, he denied to pay, pray take it yourself. Passages aboard are none of the best, for since coming from Masulipatam have buried 15 men out of the ship, Mr. Vaughters being one, who before death delivered most of his estate being 110l. to Messrs. Moore and Tho. Johnson to pay to his wife in England, because if put in the Purser's book his creditors would receive it. Is sorry to hear he is not well; their business aboard goes forward very well. The day after Powle's departure Cartwright certified him of Powle's detention on shore, willing Hayes to take charge of the ship, and showed him a consultation signed by Powle himself, wherein his hand was set to what he never meant, but whether it were or not, Cartwright intends to stay Powle, having his own hand to show it was done with your own consent. Mr. Travell desired to be excused writing, being something ill, but he received everything specified in Powle's letter. 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1516.] |
| Oct. 25. |
506. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Ordered that the silk stuffs sent by Christopher Reade be delivered to his brother paying 130l. 5s. 4d., at which they are valued by Messrs. Younge and Smith, Mercers. A late servant recommended by Mr. Tichborne as Factor, to present himself when the Company make choice of their officers, when he will be put in election with the rest. Relation of Harman the Jeweller that he hath found their lost emerald in the hands of one Maddocks, a goldsmith in Southwark, who, being convented before the Lord Chief Justice confessed, "after many uncertain answers," that he gave but 10s. for same to a sailor's wife, but knows not her name; and his Lordship thereupon intending to deliver the jewel to Harman, Maddocks alleged it was forfeited to the King, having been landed without paying custom, whereupon his Lordship detained it until he had acquainted the Lord Treasurer therewith, whom Harman doubted not so to satisfy as to bring away the jewel; the Court observing the malice of Maddocks, conceived he
deserved to be questioned at the Sessions for detaining the jewel so long. Ordered, on suit of "the weighters and Farmer's deputies" for gratification for their pains in unlading the five ships, that one bag of pepper of 300 lbs. weight be divided amongst them at 10d. per lb., the Court remembering they allowed to every man attending aboard their ships 40s., besides his diet. Gratuity of 10l. and 10l. on account of wages imprested to George Darr, Purser of the Jewel, whose trunk with all his apparel and necessary provisions was sunk in the boat by foul weather. On petition of Paul Trigg, prisoner in the Poultry Compter, 6l. to be paid to Sir Hugh Hammersley for defraying his charges and releasing him. Ordered that 40l. on account of the wages of Edward Heynes, late Agent in Persia, be paid to his sister, Mrs. Mary Heynes, who has proved the will and revoked the administration of Mrs. Reskymer. The rest of the Court spent in reading letters now sent by the Jewel 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 139–141.] |
Oct. 26.
Wallingford House. |
507. Minutes of proceedings at a meeting of the Lords of the Admiralty. The Governor and others of the East India Company attended and produced letters of credence from the Directors of the Netherlands Company, dated at Amsterdam 18th Jan. 1629, in French, as follows:—They send their deputies, Pierre de Carpentier, lately Governor-General in the Indies, Jean de Hase, formerly Councillor of the Indies and Director on the coast of Coromandel, and Jean Martssen Merens, ancient Burgomaster of Hoorn, with Dr. Jean de Heemeskercke, Advocate, to enter with their commissioners into friendly conference on the accommodation of the differences and pretensions proposed by either Company, that the treaty and its explanation, and the common reglements of the Council of Defence may have their full effect, praying them to authorise their commissioners, as they have done their own, to accept what is just and reasonable. And, likewise, a promise given by M. Joachimi, resident from the States, as follows:—That being required thereto by the deputies of the Netherlands East India Company, he promises to cause to be ratified by said Company all that shall be agreed in the present conference. Which was all the commission that had been given to treat of these differences, and two of the four Dutch deputies had been absent 2½ years at least, so that the delay has been caused partly by that means and partly by the difference touching the form of treaty, our merchants insisting to have all the demands on each side answered together, and the Netherlanders standing to treat from article to article, and insisting that if the Commissioners disagree in any one article, then whatever has been agreed on former articles shall be void. The Lords resolved after long debate, on next Thursday, (1) to show the Deputy Agent that these letters of credence are invalid, nor is there any power therein to conclude anything, and that M. Joachimi's promise was but personal; (2) to propound to him that the Netherlands merchants answer affirmatively or negatively to every article of the English, as the English are ready to do to theirs, and that afterwards there may be treaty of them by particulars; (3) and to
propound that so much as shall be agreed on, upon any article of either side may be binding, albeit, the Commissioners shall disagree on other articles, to the end that the said treaty may not be altogether fruitless. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 109.] |
| Oct. 30. |
508. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Alderman Fenn intreated to speak with the Lord Chief Justice, concerning the Company's lost emerald, that so they may be possessed thereof again. Petition of Mary, widow of Henry Richardson, waterman, who being sent for provisions from Blackwall to Gravesend for the Jewel, was by extremity of foul weather drowned and his boat lost; 4l. out of the poor box bestowed upon her. Renewed request of Mr. Wardall for the estate of Rosse, Factor, deceased, in the Indies, referred until the arrival of his accounts by the next ships; besides the Court understand that he carried out a great estate for private trade contrary to his solemn promise and the condition of his bond. Suit of William, brother of Robert Cotterell, for the estate of his brother Robert who died in the Indies, the pretended will being by Dr. Reeves and other civilians declared to be invalid; ordered that said Cotterell be paid moneys and debts due to his said brother Robert. On information that the Pursers books are made so common to view that parties for the most part sooner know what is coming to them than the Court; ordered that henceforth their officers in the counting-house permit none to peruse said books, nor make known what moneys are returned without the Court's allowance. Richard Langley appointed Land Purser for the new ship as Henry Smith is appointed to the London. Gratuity of 5l. to Henry Smith for his extraordinary pains in riding down to Milford Haven and attending aboard the Star and Hopewell till their coming into the river, from 20th July till 25th August. Petition of John Henley, brother, and Robt. Grove, brother-in-law to Lawrence Henley, deceased, for his estate, excepting wages and debts, consisting of 2 hhds. of green ginger, one chest of silk stuffs, containing 82 pieces, one bag of pepper, 14 diamonds, a diamond ring, and a hatband; Committee to view said goods and report to the Court. Petition of Thos. Mace, late gunner of the William, to be remitted freight of 500 lbs. of black pepper and three bales of calicoes, to be brought up to Crosby House to be viewed. Petition of Francis Markham, complaining of the detention of 75l. due on the adventure of 1,200l. bought by his late father, of John Fortescue; but the Court after hearing the Committees, to whom the business was referred, wished him to trouble them no further, for the business in question was between Fortescue and him. Petition of Francis Peacock, executor of Leonard Collinson, who died at Macassar in the Company's service, to be remitted freight of 18 pieces of calicoes, 17 pieces of damask, 4 pieces of satin, 7 pieces of taffeta, and 1 piece of cloth of silver, the estate of Collinson, brought home in the Hopewell; to be viewed and report made to the Court. Note presented by Swanley of the Company's defective ordnance lying at Deptford; ordered that a trial be made of new boring and cutting of the muzzles of six or more of the best, which Mr. White undertook to do and make them as serviceable as
ever they were, at the charge of 4s. per cent. Henry Smith, administrator of John Smith, Purser of the Mary, deceased, to be allowed for a small parcel of indigo, the price it cost in India. Ordered that Ellam peruse Capt. Moreton's papers and accounts, and deliver to the executor, Mr. Moreton, who is come to town to make composition with said captain's creditors, what shall be of use to him and not prejudicial to the Company. Ordered that the ships returned for the first and second voyages be forthwith valued with their ordnance and provisions and if any be thought useful to be turned over to the Third Joint Stock, and what shall be found unserviceable sold for the account of those voyages respectively. Petition of Mary, mother of Richard Cooper, Factor, in Persia for 207l. 19s. 8d. from the sale of 263 pieces of calicoes sent home by said Cooper to petitioner, and a trunk wherein are divers parcels; but the Court remembering that Cooper is suspected for the two missing bales of silk, resolved to detain both moneys and trunks until his return, and ordered that she be paid only the odd 7l. 19s. 8d. Ordered that Wm. Delahay, who had leave from President Hopkinson to go into Capt. Quaile's service, receive wages up to that time. The Committees desired to sign and seal the articles concerning his Majesty's Cordage House at Woolwich, which were read, as the Officers of the Navy had done on behalf of his Majesty, the Court saving them harmless therein. The wages and debts of Malachi Martin, a Factor, returned from Macassar in the Star to be paid and his future employment considered at the setting forth of their next ships. Securities allowed by the balloting box for three lots of calicoes. Half the freight of 350 lbs. of Cassia lignum and 350 lbs. of cubebs, remitted to Thomas Gee, Mate of the Hopewell. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 142–147.] |
