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| Jan. 2. |
526. Exemplification under the Great Seal of Letters Patents to East India Company of 4th Feb. 1623. Recites former Letters Patent of 14th Dec. 1615, granting power to the Governor and Committees of the East India Company to appoint chief Commanders for their voyages and give commissions to punish persons employed according to their offences, and for capital offences as murder and mutiny to put in execution martial law, but nevertheless by verdict of 12 of the Company sworn thereto. Also granting to said Governor and Company power to issue commissions to their President and Council in the East Indies to exercise similar authority over all his Majesty's subjects on land, or in the ports where said ships shall lie, punishing offenders either by fine, imprisonment, or any other punishment, capital or not capital, as the laws of this Kingdom and martial law permits; provided said offences be duly proved, that capital punishment be only inflicted in case of mutiny, murder, or other felony by the verdict of 12 or more of his Majesty's subjects sworn thereto, and that moderation be used in the execution; these Letters Patents or the enrolment thereof to be sufficient warrant to said Company or to said President and Council, but the power of punishing capital offences and martial law to continue only until same shall upon good cause by six or more of the Privy Council, the Lord Treasurer to be one, be revoked. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 112.] |
| Jan. 3–10. |
527. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Concerning the goods of John Webb deceased, demanded by his brother and administrator Simon Webb, some of which may in rigour of law be confiscated by the Company, yet, nevertheless, payment was allowed for them at the
rate valued, and the remainder to be delivered on payment of freight, provided Webb repay to Rich. Wych 20l. and two diamond rings received for said goods, which Webb pretended to sell him; and that the 60l. deposited in the Company's hands for satisfaction of divers legacies from the testator to charitable uses, be paid to Richard Eyres, Messenger of his Majesty's Chamber, who had letters of attorney from the several Churchwardens to receive the same. Mr. Ludlowe, Bencher of the Temple, accepted as surety for George Willoughby, now President for Bantam; and Mr. Miller, of Gravesend, for his son John Miller, Purser of the Coaster. Information that Ducy had neglected a bargain of timber offered near Reading, though ordered to survey the same; but he declared he had surveyed it and found much of it very good, but must buy it standing, take tops and lops, and grub it up by the roots, Lord Dover intending to convert those woodlands into pasture; the Court thought not fit to treat on those terms, but intreated Messrs. Styles and Cockayne to speak with Lord Dover's bailiff, and if the timber may be sold alone and delivered at the water side as accustomed, they will give as much as it is worth. Joseph Curtis, Merchant Taylor and Draper, allowed as surety for Samuel Husbands, Purser's Mate of the Coaster. On motion of John Hunter, payment ordered of two Bills of Exchange for 90l. and 87l. 10s., charged by Nathaniel Mountney on his father Richard Mountney, for moneys lent him by John Hunter at his coming from Surat, and since brought into the Company's cash, as appears by the accounts of Richard Barry, late Purser of the Great James. This day sennight appointed for a Court of Sales to clear their warehouses of remains of goods; and Wednesday next to make choice of Masters for the two Surat ships. Consideration of the best course for preventing the putting out of moneys in the Purser's books, conceived to be a chief means to cherish and maintain private trade; some of opinion absolutely to forbid it, others to restrain it to a certain sum, and that only in cases of necessity, but, after dispute, left to further consideration. Request of George Willoughby that the Court give him a private commission, explaining their meaning how far forth he should carry himself in the cutting off private trade, otherwise it will be dangerous for him if he or others shall offend, albeit but in trivial things; also that he may have power on the arrival of ships from Surat, in case of any opposition or refusal of the Commanders or others to deliver up their private trade to him, to displace and send them home, and advised that the President of Surat have the like power over ships and Commanders coming from Bantam. The Court having seriously debated the same, was of opinion it was not fit for them to give any private commission explaining their intentions, for that will annihilate all former commissions and bonds restraining private trade, but rather to leave the ordering of this particular to Willoughby's discretion, who was advised to use his authority fairly and mildly, and not with too much rigour and severity. And they conceived it reasonable he should have command over the Surat ships after their arrival at Bantam, but for displacing and sending home the Commanders in case of their refusal to deliver
up their private trade, the Court feared it might produce dangerous effects to the Company's affairs, and, therefore, advised that these offences should be advised to the Company to punish rather than to remove them out of their ships until their return home, but this likewise was left to further consideration. Proposition that, in regard the Coaster, built for the River of Jambi, draws too much water, Swanley and Stevens make inquiry after some Dutch praw in the river that draws not above 10 or 11 foot water, the Court intending to buy her and send her away in August. Mr. Henley again allowed as surety for Tho. Grove, entertained Factor for the southwards. |
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Jan. 8. Mr. Acton's bill of 5l. 12s. 6d. for law causes and exemplification of his Majesty's Commission to the Company's President and Council at Bantam to be paid. Petition of Christopher Farewell to be entertained again in their service or for a loan of 25l. for one year, dismissed; howbeit he was ever reputed honest though passionate and self conceited, and no question of his experience, and it was not in their power to lend the Company's money. Report that the Coaster though not fully laden by 50 or 60 tons yet is 2 inches above her bearings, so that it is much feared when fully laden and her stores and men aboard, she will not endure any foul weather, or make use of her ordnance in case she should encounter an enemy; which Barnes, the Master, confirmed in all points, and in his opinion the ship will run a great hazard in a storm, besides it will be a great encouragement to the enemy to make an attempt upon her, when they observe her to be so deeply laden as she dare not open her ports. Proposition that a pinnace be bought to follow her with the stores and provisions for relief of their Bantam ships; but after the Court had long argued and disputed this business, resolved that she first take in her full lading and then be viewed, and because it appeared by a letter from the Comfort that she wanted divers stores, Swanley and Stevens required to be careful that none were left behind this ship. List presented by Richard Langford, Purser of the William, according to former directions, of private trade carried out in that ship, from port to port in the Indies, and thence to London. Ordered, the better to expedite the dispatch of the London and Blessing that the workmen have allowance of beer till they fall down to Erith. Ordered that Capt. Wills receive his wages amounting to 270l., and present a note of his private trade at next Court. |
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Jan. 10. On request of Wm. Cambell the Scottishman entertained at 44l. per annum, ordered that one quarter's wages be paid to him to furnish him for the voyage. Relation of Mr. Treasurer Bateman that there is a report spread abroad on the Exchange that the business in the Treasury is not fairly or honestly carried, and that he hath 1,500l. a year for brokerage; and though false and scandalous, yet these unjust imputations cannot but trouble him in his old age, therefore for his justification he required the Anditors to examine and perfect his accounts, which they have done, and he presented a brief declaration in writing which was read. The Court wished him not to take such reports to heart, but "to set light by them"
that they are free from having the least suspicion or jealousy of him in this kind, and are confident he hath ever carried himself in his place both carefully and justly and ready to manifest the same both by word and writing if there shall be cause, and by a general erection of hands the Court declared that they are persuaded in their conscience that these reports are false and scandalous, and that Mr. Treasurer hath so managed their treasure and so carried himself with that care, faithfulness, and diligence as deserves thanks and commendation, and therefore advised him with a general consent not to be discouraged but to go on cheerfully, and that if he knew the man not to spare his name; Mr. Treasurer nominated Mr. Ruddyard to be the man who told him of these reports, but who was the author he knows not; the Court thereupon ordered to send for Mr. Ruddyard to appear at next Court. Election of Master of the Blessing and Hopewell; White, late Master of the Great James, and Elsmore, of the Star, proposed as most fit; but first the Court advised to clear with White, whose goods being presented, resolved to retain his cloves, pepper, and calicoes, allowing him such rates as they give to others, and to remit freight of the rest. And whereas divers complaints hath been made of his miscarriage, and ill stowing of the Company's cloth and cloves, ordered by erection of hands that he pay a fine of 100 marks, whereto he willingly submitted, but desired the Court to hold him worthy of the gratification of 100l. promised for bringing his ship immediately into the Downs, which was ordered accordingly. Elsmore elected Master of the Blessing at 8l. per month, and to be Vice-Admiral. White, Master of the Hopewell at 7l. per month, and Rear-Admiral; and Thomas Williamson, formerly Mate of the William, Mate of the London under Capt. Wills, at 5l. per month. The question concerning the rebating at 8l. per cent. or taking up moneys at 7l. per cent. largely argued and disputed, referred again to the Auditors to state the question more plainly at next Court. Bill for postage of letters, and for a year and a quarter's allowance to the post Mrs. Man, that carries the letters about, at 2s. 6d. per quarter, and for the Clerk's pains, amounting to 1l. 10s., to be paid. 11½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 229–240.] |
| Jan. 10. |
528. Minutes of a General Court of Sales. List of goods sold, with names of purchasers and the prices. These include Lahore indigo at 3s. 3d. per lb., indigo and pepper mixed at 16d. per lb., wet indigo at 4s. 9d., cloves and pepper at 4s. 2d., garble of cloves at 4s. 6d., mace garbled at 10s. 4d., wet cloves dried and sifted at 6s., dry pepper at 9¼d., wet pepper dried and sifted at 12½d.; cotton wool, white and blue, at 7¼d., rice, garbled, at 14s. 6d. per cwt., raw silk, tangled or defective, at 10s. 4d. the great lb., dust of dry pepper at 20s. per cent., and dust of wet pepper dried at 15s. 2d. per cent. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 241, 242.] |
| Jan. 15. |
529. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Petition of Mary, relict of Anthony James, late Mate of the James, for remission of freight on China silk and calicoes, all the estate her husband left in three voyages; but in regard the Court did not conceive it fit to infringe
and break their late order, ordered to reserve the calicoes, allowing her what they cost first penny in India, but to deliver her the silk freight free, although a commodity prohibited by proclamation. Examination of report concerning the Coaster now bound for Bantam; Barnes, Swanley, and Stevens attending, of opinion that in respect of the enemy she will go in much danger, her ports being within a foot of the water; but for the danger of the seas Swanley and Stevens thought she may be safely adventured with her full lading, instancing the Dove which went as deeply laden; but advised she might go by the west of Madeira and not the east, which is more dangerous from the Turkey men-of-war, but being past the islands she will then be so lightened as she may freely command her ordnance and stand upon her defence; after long debate resolved to have her proceed for Bantam without abating any part of her provisions, and the rather that in salt water she will rise half a foot at least and every day more and more as she shall spend her victuals; also that four of her ordnance be brought up and planted upon her waist, and that Barnes use all possible expedition for her falling down to Gravesend, to take the first fair wind for the Downs, and thence on her voyage. Ordered that Swanley fall down with the Blessing to Erith the next spring, and Mountney forthwith to send down to the Wall cider and wine for her stiffening. Gratuity of 20s. out of the poor box to Anthony Noakes, one of their poor almsmen, who by sickness hath consumed his whole means. Humphrey Walker recommended by letter from the Earl of Middlesex for a porter's place, but there is none void. The wives of John Hunter and Thos. Grove, Factors bound in the Coaster, to have 30l. of their husband's wages paid yearly. Griffith Humfryes, a boy, entertained and referred for wages to the Committees for mariners. Richard Langford, late Purser of the William, to receive his wages; and have freight remitted for his coarse duttees, white pepper, and sugar; but calicoes reserved, allowing him as they cost in India, and free of custom. Renewed suit of President Willoughby for allowance for damage sustained by the carelessness of White, Commander of the Great James, in stowing goods of his seized at Bantam, when displaced by Rastell; but the Court, whilst much condemning the negligence of the Master and others of the ship's company, having now ended with White, and Willoughby not being able to prove the damage was wilful, conceived they could not in justice make White liable for same and therefore wished Willoughby to reckon the damage in his accounts of profit and loss, for they knew not on whom justly to impose it. On petition of Gabriel Kennicott, ordered, to free themselves from further importunity, that his wages, about 40l., be paid him and his bond delivered up, he being of such a temper as is not fit for them to employ him any more. Gratuity of 20s. out of the poor box to Rowland Powell, Porter at Crosby House disabled for 15 weeks by a splinter in his thumb. Ordered that 30l. be presented to Capt. Pennington as a token of their acknowledgments for his favours and courtesies, in relieving their ships from time to time in the Downs with men and provisions; and in regard they
understand he conceives they undervalue him by their neglect in placing a kinsman of his whom he specially recommended for a Factor, which he esteemed too mean a place as a Purser's Mate; they thought they should do well to comply with him, but referred it to next Court. Answer of the Auditors to the question, whether it is better for the Company to take in their debts due by several payments, at 8l. per cent., or take up money at 7l. per cent. 7 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 243–249.] |
| Jan. 15. |
530. Petition of Wm. Marsh, late Capt. of the [Great] Seahorse set forth by his Majesty under the command of Capt. Quaile, deceased, and of the company of said ship to the King. That petitioner succeeded Capt. Quaile 14th Oct. 1632, and employed his best endeavours to do his Majesty good service, but by reason of want of provisions and mortality of the men, he could not accomplish his desires, yet brought home his Majesty's ship with such commodities as they could light upon, which were seized by Sir Jas. Bagg to his Majesty's use. Petitioners pray order for payment of their wages. With reference to Lords of Admiralty that if anything be due from his Majesty, order may be taken for relief of petitioners. Whitehall, 1634, Jan. 15. [Dom., Car. I., Vol. CCLVIII., No. 69.] On 4th March following is a note by Edward Nicholas, Sec. to the Admiralty, "To give answer to Marsh and his company that were employed by Capt. Quaile," and in margin "letter to Sir Jas. Bagg." [Ibid., Vol. CCLXII., No. 19.] |
| Jan. 17–24. |
531. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Swanley and Fotherby to lend to Capt. Moyer the Company's winding tackle and blocks for setting up the main mast of his ship the Royal Merchant. Gratification of 10l. to Harman the Jeweller for his readiness on all occasions to value their jewels, and his extraordinary pains in recovering their great emerald, which was lost. Stephen Porter, their late Apprentice, entertained as a writer at Bantam at 20l. per annum, having lived in India seven years and attained the language. Petition of Thomas Fletcher, formerly Mate in the Dove and late Master of the Star, to receive his wages and be remitted freight, ordered accordingly. Petition of Wm. Browne, late Steward of the Star, for remission of freight; but the Court advised him first to produce John Smith, late Boatswain of the Palsgrave, who petitioner said had falsely accused him and run away, and clear himself if he can of the accusation of having sold 300 lbs. of the Company's pepper. Petition of John Browne, late Mate in the William, and now entertained Mate in the Blessing, for delivery of his private trade of pepper and cloves; to have as others 6d. per lb. for pepper and 4s. per lb. for cloves, free of custom and other charges. James Lea, recommended by Mr. Warwick, one of the Queen's Gentlemen Ushers, entertained Corporal of the London at 25s. per month. The father of John Hunter, Factor on the Coaster, accepted as his security. The repairing or new building of the fort at Armagon, and the settling of a course to prevent the returning of moneys in the Pursers Books, argued and referred to further consideration. |
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Jan. 20. Copy of the inventory of Rastell's goods and apparel sold after his death, to be delivered to Henry Elwayes, who hath taken out letters of administration of Rastell's estate for the use of his wife. Swanley specially charged to use all possible care and diligence for timely dispatch of the Surat ships for Erith and thence to Gravesend to take in their lading. Ordered, on reading the Company's letters and Sea Commission to be sent by the Coaster, that express prohibition be given to all their Commanders from henceforth to shoot off any great ordnance at the drinking of healths or feastings aboard ship; but only on entering ports, meeting friends at sea, or when Governors or other great personages come aboard, and then to be sparing, doing only that which shall express the honour and respect of the persons to whom it is done, and not a superfluous and wasteful expense out of a senseless and vain glorious humour. Ordered that President Willoughby have precedence of place over Barnes, Master of the ship Coaster, at table and on all consultations during the voyage to Bantam. On petition of Henry Jarvis, late apprentice in the Blessing, to be released of his apprenticeship, a gratuity of 40s. bestowed upon him, and to be entertained again for the Company's service for wages. |
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Jan. 22. Petition of Gregory Oldfield, "Common Hunt to the City," for his brother John to be entertained Factor, having been trained a merchant under Thos. Swann, Alderman of Hull; but the Court, having long since filled up their number of Factors for this year, told him if he will continue his brother in the course of a merchant and present him next year, they will then show him favour out of the respect they bear to the "Common Hunt." Petition read of George, brother and administrator to Henry Sill, deceased, to the Lord Keeper; complaining that George Willoughby, out of an ambitious desire to be chief on the whole coast, and upon private grudge and malice, treacherously set upon Sill and Christopher Reade, and not only imprisoned them without cause or warrant, but possessed himself of all Sill's estate and books of account to a very great sum, as by copy of a protest made by Sill, Reade, Ralph Cartwright, and Thos. Tempest, appeared; and therefore, as petitioner had been suitor to the Company for relief for a twelve month, and is still deferred till Midsummer, and Willoughby ready to depart for India, his Lordship would grant him his Majesty's writ of Ne exeat Regnum against Willoughby, and order him to deliver him his brother's books of account; the Court, on serious consideration of said petition, and his Lordship's reference requiring a speedy answer, conceived the complaint was not only against Willoughby, but in some sort reflected upon themselves, and in presence of said Sill and his solicitor, and of Willoughby and Hunter, fell to a serious consideration of the premises, all of which are set forth in detail, and declared they would attend his Lordship, and doubted not but to give him good satisfaction in all particulars, and thereupon intreated Mr. Deputy, Alderman Perry, and Mr. Mun to do so. Ordered that Mr. Prior, of the Assurance Office, be paid 20l. for making a policy of assurance of goods in the James, William, Blessing, and Star,
both outwards and homewards. Ordered that the cloves and calicoes Malachi Martin landed at Milford Haven, and now brought into their warehouse, being the Company's commodities, be reserved, allowing 4s. per lb. for cloves, and for calicoes as they cost first penny in India; and that he be re-entertained as a Factor for Macassar at 200 marks per annum. Ordered that the Treasurer be sent down tomorrow to the Coaster, at Gravesend, and that on Friday, Younge and Bowen follow with the Company's letters to clear the ship for the Downs, without troubling any of the Committees to go down. Offer for the surplusage of 138 hhds. of beef and pork remaining over and above the provision for their intended ships; resolved to keep it, not knowing what present occasion they may have for it. Gratuity of 5s. out of the poor box to John Hill, a poor prisoner in the Compter; and of 10s. to Mary Whitfield, a poor aged woman, whose husband died in the Morris. |
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Jan. 24. Valentine Cutts, "recommended from Mr. Mosse," entertained as a common man [mariner]. Report of Mr. Deputy that he and others had satisfied the Lord Keeper concerning Sill's petition, and vindicated Willoughby, insomuch as his Lordship did not think fit to grant the "ne exeat regnum;" but both his Lordship and some of his gentlemen intreated the Company to help Sill to his right when the accounts come home. Swanley and Stevens to view a Dutch praw, now to be sold, of 250 tons burthen, and yet draws but 10 foot water. John Connyers, who formerly served the Company as Corporal, and Richard Davis, an experienced soldier, entertained at 25s. per month to drill the mariners and teach them the use of their arms in two of the ships, a third Corporal being formerly entertained. Request of Charles Clarke for increase of price on his calicoes, pretending they cost more by 3l. 8s. 6d. than they had allowed him, but the allowance being 2s. a piece more than the Company's calicoes of the same quality cost, answered he must rest content, for they will give no more. Committees to buy hemp now or hereafter, as it is like to be dear in the East Country this next year. Petition of Richard Barry, late Purser of the Great James, and now entertained Purser of the London, to be remitted freight, his offence in private trade not having been so great as was informed; the Court inclined to show him favour, yet fit to impose a fine which, by erection of hands, was fixed at 10l., and to receive the money entrusted to him for the use of Capt. Slade and Langford, late Purser of the William. The freight of 600 lbs. of sugar remitted to Malachi Martin, entertained Factor for Macassar. On information that there is an abuse in Blackwall Yard by overcharging the work with unnecessary men on recommendations from particular friends, ordered that Fotherby attend the Court. Resolved to afford to the wives of those men who are removed from ship to ship, and so detained in the Indies, some extraordinary pay when they come to desire it. 12 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 250–261.] |
| Jan, 25. |
532. Notes by Sec. Windebank. The East India Company have enough powder. They are furnished with "peter" out of the East Indies. Extract. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCLIX., No. 42.] |
| Jan. 29. |
533. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. "The Court observing the backwardness of their fleet and how fast the year spends, they being now in the fine of January" and yet their ships not fallen down to Gravesend for taking in their lading, intreated Messrs. Mun and Spurstowe to take into their more special care the timely dispatch of the London and Blessing, and to call upon Swanley, Stevens, and Mountney to use all diligence in sending aboard stores and provisions, and, in regard of the great damage formerly received in their cloth by ill stowage in the hold, and that the quantity is but small this year, resolved, with advice of Capt. Wills, that the bales be stowed in the lower orlopp or bulkhead near the main mast, and not in the hold, as heretofore, one-half on the London and the other on the Blessing. Consideration of the private trade brought home by Capt. Wills in the William; his calicoes to be kept, allowing him the price they cost, with charges in India, and to remit the freight of his carpets and China silks, having now again entertained him Admiral of their fleet, likewise to gratify him with 100l. for having brought his ship into the Downs the first port, and so to clear his accounts and pay him his wages and debts due. The Court of opinion it is needless for Woodall to enlarge his chirurgery stores this year, because both Surat and Persia afford many provisions in this kind, though the southern ports do not, because it was observed that when they did supply those places with provisions they were lavishly spent and given away, and more upon natives than their own servants; and therefore wished to provide only for the ships company, as he hath formerly been accustomed, and to send in his chests timely to be viewed, and not to be deferred till the last, when they are not so carefully examined as is requisite. Petition of Richard Davies, entertained Corporal of the Hopewell, to be exempted from the command of the boatswain; the Court of opinion he desired no more than was reason, and therefore were pleased to exempt him, on condition he be subject on all occasions to the Master and his Mate. Gratuity of 40s. out of the poor box to Thomazin, widow of Wm. Grimshawe, boatswain of the Star, who has been forced to suffer her husband's creditors to administer his estate. Calicoes brought home by John Burwood, late carpenter of the Great James, to be reserved, allowing the price he paid for them in India, and his freight remitted, but to pay a fine of 5 marks, and so to clear his accounts and pay his wages and debts. Ordered, on motion of Capt. Wills, that henceforth extra canvas be sent in every ship enough to make a pair or two of topsails. Petition of Travers, father of the widow of Robert Bloyse, late Purser of the Hopewell, that his wages and debts, sold by Malachi Martin and other Factors, be paid her. Ordered, in regard Bloyse lost his life in their service, and a well deserving servant of theirs is like to benefit by this estate, that she be paid at the rate of 5s. per ryal, and a fine only of 10l. be imposed for freight of his private trade from port to port and otherwise. Report of Swanley and Stevens that they had been aboard the two Dutch praws to be sold in the river, and found one with two decks to be much the better for the Company's service; the price demanded 800l. apiece, with masts, tackling, ordnance, and
other necessaries; but the Court conceived the demand too high, and required them to beat down the price, and if the one with two decks may be had for 400l. or 500l. to conclude for same, otherwise to inform the Court what the lowest price will be. Swanley to sell to Philip White broken and defective ordnance lying at Deptford at 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. per cwt., the total amounting to 66l. 18s. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 262–267.] |
Jan. (31).
Palsgrave (Surat). |
534. Capt. Rich. Allnutt to the East India Company. Account of the progress of their voyage from England, from 10th April 1633 to their arrival at Augustine Bay 22nd July, where they continued till 1st August, and procured 41 beeves, 16 sheep, and 9 lambs, at 10 to 14 beads per beef, and 3 and 4 for sheep and lambs, and might have had more if our beads had been good. Found here a letter from Wm. [? John] Burly, Master of the Intelligence, which had departed five days before. Arrived at Johanna 12th Aug., and found said frigate, which had come from the west coast of Sumatra. Received from the Master, letters from President Hopkins[on], Capt. Weddell, Capt. Hatch, and Mr. Austen, left at Augustin Bay by the Swan; by which were certified of the unfortunate disaster that befell the Charles and Swallow in Swally Hole. Were enjoined by the President's letter to go for Jasques to meet the Jonas, Mary, and Hart, which were to come thither with Moor's goods from the coast of Corounandel or Masulipatam. Were very kindly treated by the inhabitants of that isle [Johanna], and procured 79 beeves at 2 and 2½ ryals, and 27 goats at 2s. and 3s., which, with hens and other provisions, cost for all three ships 288 ryals. Sailed 23rd Aug., and reached Jasques 10th Sept., where they received a letter from Capt. Weddell, riding at Gombroon; arrived there 21st Sept., and found Capts. Weddell, Slade, and Swanley in said three ships almost ready to depart, by their own relation; but it was thought fitting they should stay and go in company to Surat. Stayed there to land goods and other business till 9th Oct., longer than requisite in Allnutt's judgment, for so small an employment, in regard of the great charge for provisions and water and the unwholesomeness of the climate at that time of year. Never felt more heat in all parts of India, by reason whereof no merchants come down, neither is there anything to be bought or sold more than provisions, and those not very cheap, for in their stay the expense of their three ships amounted to 400 ryals, whereof 100 for water, which was so brackish that many of their people fell sick and some died before arrival at Surat; so judges it will be needless to consign any more ships to Gombroon at that time of year. The cloth landed so well conditioned that he thinks some of the Factors were offended at the sight thereof, for is sure they lay it on the ground without anything under all the time he was there, and how long after God knows Sailed for Surat 9th Oct., and arrived in Swally Hole 5th Nov., where they found seven Dutch ships, some from Persia and the rest from Jacatra, with one Philip Lukens, Commander, who had brought a very great present for the Governor of Surat, viz., two elephants
and several sorts of spice, which did so content said Governor that he called the Dutch Commander his brother and by report gave him a far more respective entertainment than Methwold; indeed he did not much regard the English since the death of Rastell Cannot relate the reason, unless it were the weakness of Hopkins(on) and the rest of his Council, the Company's business at their arrival lying in a distracted fashion for want of good men to manage it; for the Governor had detained a quantity of lead in the Custom House almost two years, because he could not have it at his own price of 5½ mamothes per maune, when it was worth 9 and 10, and certain goods lay at Brampore on the way from Agra almost a year and a half without reason, and other things were out of form; whereof the Dutch did not fail to take notice for their own ends. Heard from brokers they complied with the Governor to buy all the indigo in the country at a certain price, with proviso that the English might have none; whereupon the King, at the Governor's solicitation, took that trade into his own hand, so that all merchants must take it at a certain price, and pay for it a year beforehand, and then take all such trash as he should put upon them. To which President Hopkins(on) had yielded before his death, but Methwold has opposed it. It would have ruinated the country where it grows, for the manurers could not subsist, and many of them were forced to leave the country, on which the King let the same to farm to one of his noblemen, on the terms that in case the Dutch and English should forbear to buy at his price for two or three years together, the King should bear the loss himself; what the event will be God knows, but what with the King's miserableness, the Governor's baseness, and the Dutch cunning circumventing projects, there is nothing to be expected here at present but a great charge to little purpose, unless the trade grow better when the country is more populated. At present the Portugals' forces are not much to be feared, by reason of their poverty and a great mortality which has befallen them in Goa and other places of India since the famine, by reason whereof they have a great desire to have a fair quarter and peace with the English in India as in Europe. If their heart means what their tongue expresses, 'twere better for them and for the Company's affairs, for they cannot long submit from the force of the Dutch, who come yearly to these parts with 10 to 14 ships, so that the poor Portugals cannot go out of any of their ports but the Dutch take them; and when this comes to pass it may be supposed the Company's trade cannot long subsist in these parts, for already the Dutch have as fair quarter in Surat and Persia as the English, and supply those places with more goods of the same sort than the English, besides spices and china ware of all sorts, to the value of 100,000l. in Persia, for all which they pay no custom, nor can any Englishman tell what goods they have landed there since their first coming, and it is supposed they land Moors' goods also in their own names, which cannot but be a great prejudice to the Company's trade. Have found the Palsgrave, Discovery, and Reformation thus far to be tight ["thite"] and very well conditioned,
and most of the stores and provisions in them, "mele" and beer excepted; for the "meele" grew mouldy and some of the beer stunk, and the best of it had a scurvy taste as though "colaguinta "had been put in it, and presently after broaching grew flat and dead. Have lost 10 men, eight died between Persia and Surat, Francis Airs [Eyre], Merchant, being one, and the Minister [Crossethwaite] another; the Discovery has lost four men, and the Reformation one. Are bound for Persia with the Jonas, Hart, and Discovery, with Moors' goods; and the Reformation and Intelligence for the west coast of Sumatra, and to return for Surat. Doubts not their favourable excusing of all errors for want of true English, confesses he is no great scholar. Endorsed, "Dated 31 January 1633, rec by the Marie 12 Sept 1634." 8 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1518.] |
| Jan. 31. |
535. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Resolved to defer buying of the Dutch praw as it can hardly be made ready to go with the Surat fleet, and the rather they may send in the London and Blessing a good quantity of tempered stuff and other provisions to supply the wants of their ships in the Indies. Two scarlet and violet cloths to be bought and sent to Surat for presents, with the accustomed proportion of strong waters and knives. Letters read from Barlow out of Holland, that saltpetre is expected to rise in price; consideration whether to send their unrefined saltpetre there or otherwise dispose of it; offer by Smethwyke of 3l. per cwt. at 24 months time; but resolved that notice be put up on the Exchange that they will sell or divide it on Wednesday next. George and John Clarke accepted by the balloting box as security for pepper bought by Mr. Daniel Harvy. This day seynight appointed for a General Quarter Court in the afternoon, the Beadle to warn the adventurers accordingly. Report of Steevens and Ducy that one Mr. Riggs had an extraordinary good parcel of timber of 3,000l. value near Tichfield in Hampshire, within a mile and a half of Hampton Water, but demanded 36s. per load in the wood; Committees intreated to confer with Riggs who attended without; they reported that unless he would fell and square the timber himself and bring it to the water side for that price, they held it better to refuse the bargain; but he seemed unwilling to be led to those conditions and so they concluded nothing but left it to further consideration. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 267–270.] |
