|
| Nov. 7–12. |
618. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. There being a great want of compass timber in the yard, the buying of a bargain offered at reasonable rates is referred to Capt. Styles and Mr. Mun. Resolved that Mr. Walton and all others who by their absence from town had no knowledge of the time fixed for underwriting now expired, be admitted to turn over the profits of their adventures in the Persian voyages to the Joint Stock. Accounts of Henry Sill, deceased, presented, and copy to be delivered to his brother and executor to peruse. Robert Turnor recommended by Sir Wm. Russell for a Purser's place, to come again when they make their election. Accounts of Capt. Moreton produced, and Sir John Watts as a creditor and Mr. Moreton as executor being present and desiring satisfaction of what is due, the Court declared the disservice of Capt. Moreton by causing the Great James to lose her monsoon to the loss and prejudice of the Company of above 20,000l., but also the great and excessive private trade sold from said ship at Bantam to the hindrance of the sale of the Company's goods; that whatsoever is in their hands of his estate is far short to make reparation for the intolerable damage they have sustained. The particulars of his private trade and other complaints against him read out of the black book appeared so great and notorious that both Sir John Watts and Moreton jointly intreated the Court to take commiseration of his creditors; whereupon in regard Capt. Moreton lost his life in their service, and in favour to his creditors, informed to be many, resolved to deal more gently with him, and impose only 200l. to be deducted out of his accounts, and the rest to be paid to his executor. The provision of biscuit for the Surat fleet referred wholly to Mr. Cockayne. Offer of Mr. Clifton, formerly dismissed for serving bad biscuit, to serve them at 15s. per cwt., whilst Mr. Kidden would not serve them under 16s. Securities allowed for three lots of 50 bags of pepper. One-third of their wet pepper sold to Alderman Garwaie to be paid for as the rest should be sold for hereafter. John Gidding, recommended by Mr. Clarke as chief Surgeon's Mate in the William, wished to procure a certificate from the Company of Surgeons. Ordered the William be not launched till the lead for her kintledge be put aboard, Committees for lead desired to provide and send it to Blackwall with all speed. Requests of the sister and executrix of Edward Heynes, deceased in Persia, to reserve the jewels till it appear by next year's accounts to whom they belong, and in regard young Hungerford is not of age, they would detain the money challenged by him for the plate given by her brother till some other on his behalf engage to free her from payment again; ordered to be registered and observed accordingly. Note presented by Webb of the produce
of their beef and pork lately killed at Blackwall, distinguishing the serviceable and tainted, and the butchers questioned; it appeared that the fault is partly in their killing one day more than their usual stint, and partly by the wilfulness of Webb; resolved that the tainted be forthwith given to the poor, and the serviceable stowed uppermost in the ships to be spent in harbour and when first at sea. Motion of Mr. Treasurer to endeavour to lessen the charge at Blackwall, hardly a week passing but he pays 200l. and more; Wednesday appointed to examine the work, workmen, and officers there. |
|
Nov. 12. Acton's bill of 10l. 10s. 6d. for law charges to be paid. Consideration of the examinations of those questioned before Sir Hugh Hammersley about the two bales of silk stolen out of the Mary; to advise with Counsel what course to take against the offenders. Request of Mr. Caron for leave to transfer the profits of his adventure in the particular voyages into the Old Joint Stock, having never known of the order till the expiration of the time, referred to the General Court. Next he desired that the difference between the Company and his brother-in-law, John Fowkes, be accommodated in a friendly way; being demanded, he offered to pay 300l. so that Fowkes be freed from the debt and decree, which was utterly rejected, wishing him to trouble himself no further in the business unless prepared to offer a better composition. Consideration of how the moneys weekly issued out of the Treasury to Mr. Young were disbursed; the Court, though no way doubting his faithfulness, observed that many payments are not proper to the account of Blackwall, and directed that henceforward bills of the brewer, baker, or for provisions at sea be brought to the Court to be allowed, and then paid by Mr. Treasurer; that Young's commission be only to pay the workmen at Blackwall, Woolwich, and other petty sums; and that he present his book every Friday to Mr. Treasurer for his disbursements to be examined with his receipts. Steevens questioned and much blamed for the extraordinary charge of the little dock now repairing, which he persuaded the Court would not cost above 150l., but now stands them in above 500l., and yet not finished; he seemed for his justification to lay some aspersion on Fotherby, who understood not the service and would not be conformable to Steevens' directions, but the Court on examination observed this complaint rather savoured of spleen than truth, and advised Steevens to carry himself more temperately and to attend only to his particular place and, in conclusion, admonished both to agree lovingly together, and not by dissension put them to needless expense, and for the dock ordered that so soon as the doors be hung up, no more work be done till the spring. Report of those desired to view the Exchange that she will not be fitting for another voyage, the estimate for her repair being above 4,000l.; resolved to defer breaking her up till the spring. Committees intreated to take a view of the workmen at daily pay at Blackwall and of their servants that have salaries, and report whether any may be spared. Securities allowed for 179 bales of the silk bought by Alderman Garwaie. The two bales of Bengala silk sent as a muster in the
Mary ordered to be divided to Araham Beck, Capt. Milward, and Mr. Davies at 20s. per lb. to make trial of before sending out the next ships. Securities allowed for 360 bags of pepper for transportation, and 10 hbds. of dust of cloves. Notice taken by Sir Hugh Hammersley of the intention to send this year but one ship to Surat with 100,000l. quick stock, that he conceived it very dangerous to send a single ship with so great a charge without a consort in respect of the enemy and in case she should spring a leak; how dishonourable it will be so much to decline from their former number of ships, and how considerable to think that the state of their affairs abroad in regard of their great debt and of the adventurers at home to depend on the good or bad success of this one ship, for if she should miscarry, it may endanger the utter overthrow of the trade; therefore for these and many other reasons, he advised them to send the stock in two bottoms, which besides the more security against the common enemy, will help one another in case of disaster at sea. The Court then fell into a serious consideration and argued and disputed this proposition at large, and by erection of hands it was ordered to send two ships this year, whereof the William to be one and the other of 300 or 400 tons, and to make inquiry forthwith where any such vessel is to be bought. 11 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 81–91. |
|
619. Kholliff Beague to Mullick Burquordar. "The Zimeedars Peon, that belongs to the Coatwall, with whom and the English there was a quarrel in which there was a man killed, concerning which advice was sent, undoubtedly you are acquainted therewith. Two days after I arrived in Balasore town, and on my arrival the English chief came and visited me, but it being the first time of our meeting I said not anything to him, though afterwards I was urgent to the Vuckeel to bring him that had committed the murder to appear in Council." ["Clause of letter."] A clause of Mullick Burquordar's answer. "In that you have been urgent to the English in this case you have done well. I formerly writ to you about this, that these people are proud through their riches; without scaring them a little they can't keep civil; always be frightening them about this murder that they may keep quiet." 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XV., No. 1537.] |
| Nov 14–19. |
620. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Report of Willyams that he hath audited Mountney's accounts, and finds very fair vouchers for each parcel, and nothing done but what becomes an honest able man; ordered that henceforth all payments for goods bought of mariners issue immediately out of the Treasury, and that Young and Mountney from time to time attend Mr. Treasurer with their books. Ordered that the Auditors make up an account what has accrued in two years by goods bought of mariners, broaks and fines, and Committees intreated to examine and report how they find the same. Request of Capt. Pynne for abatement of his fine, presenting a note of charges for his goods seized at Soale amounting to 18l.; which demands the Court did not condescend to, yet in regard of his extraordinary services bestowed upon him 100 nobles over and
above what they had formerly concluded, and ordered his account to be cleared. Offer by Capt. Crispe, of the ship Crispian of 400 tons which wanted little or nothing to set her to sea, for 4,000l.; but this rate was deemed over great. Offer by Mr. Cockayne, of another ship of 240 tons for 1,600l., free of all charges to go to sea which seemed better; ordered that an inventory of both ships be presented to the Court, and that Swanley and Steevens view them or any others they hear of. Request of Alexander, brother and administrator of Tho. Rosse, deceased in Persia, to receive what was due to his brother, whereupon Sambrooke presented an account of 270l. on account of mariners, and until they come home the Court could not make payment thereof. Next that he had underwrit to adventure 500l. in the Joint Stock to be paid part by wages, whereof but 62l. 10s. is paid, yet ordered that Rosse have a copy of his brother's account and inventory. The Auditors required to make up a general account of all the Company's estate sent out and returned since Wylde's return. Peter Mundy requested delivery of his indigo and calicoes, and payment of his wages; the Court taking notice Sir Paul Pinder had seriously recommended him in private for the Company's favour, ordered that his accounts be cast up against next Court. Request of John, brother of Andrew Wood now in Scotland, executor to Andrew Wood, Minister deceased in the Indies, to receive what is due on Mr. Wood's account, but the Court, unsatisfied whether he had power, referred the business till certificate come out of Scotland. The remainder of Henry Sill's estate amounting to 357l. 3s. 4d. to be paid to his brother George, so he would give a general release, which he refused. |
|
Nov. 19. [Acton's ?] bill of 4l. for law charges to be paid. Swanley and Steevens to view Mr. Cockayne's ship the Neptune, also the Sampson and Exchange, and report what they are worth, and which fittest for the Company's service. 3½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 91–94.] |
| Nov. 21. |
621. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Petition of Robert Staunton who went out gunner in the Charles and returned in the Mary to receive his full wages; answered they would pay till the burning of the Charles but no longer, in regard he came home as a passenger. John Berry, a Minister of Exeter, admitted to turn over the remains of his adventures in the voyages into the Joint Stock, according to the order of the General Court, though the time limited is long expired, in regard he knew not of the order. Request of Mr. Moreton for remission of part of the fine lately imposed on Capt. Moreton's estate for private trade "denied by hands." Mr. Governor desired, to know what business he should impart to the Quarter Court in the afternoon; be remembered but two things, the ship they intend to buy, and that all their pepper is underwrit. The Court conceived this day a day to receive propositions from the Generality rather than to propound anything to them. Report of Swanley and Steevens concerning the ships Neptune, Crispin, Sampson, and Exchange; resolved to treat for the Crispin if she may be had for 2,800l. at most, then to offer 2,000l. for the Exchange, and that all diligence be used not to lose next spring to bring the ship into dock,
which if omitted will be a hindrance of 14 or 20 days to the voyage. A fair offer of Alderman Garway to set out the Exchange at freight, manned with 100 men, and to stay a year in the country, hut the Court rather inclined to buy the ship. Offer of Messrs. Evelyn and Pigott to buy all their saltpetre and pay for same in powder. Committees intreated to confer, and if their offer be not reasonable, the Company to be suitors to the Lords for leave to work out their saltpetre. Ordered to pay 13l. 7s. 4d., the remainder of Robert Mullins' account for mending the dam head of the pond at Chilworth, and new making the grates. On petition of William, brother and administrator of Edward Prescott, deceased, 100l. to be paid on his brother's account. Complaint of the brother and administeator of Thos. Rosse that on perusal of his brother's account he finds many things wanting that he carried out with him and other things rated at far less than they cost in England; for the first the Court promised to question Gosnell the Purser at his return, but for undervaluing the goods they could allow no more than the rates expressed in the accounts, and so ordered shall be paid to him, so as he first bring in the money unsatisfied on his brother's subscription in the Third Joint Stock. Peter Mundy to be paid his wages, and such goods delivered as are not the Company's commodities, and to allow him 3s. per lb. for the indigo, according to their orders which they will not infringe; and in regard he hath done good service, and for Sir Paul Pinder's sake, whom they much honour, to bestow upon him as a gratification 100l. Particulars of Capt. Slade's private trade with the freight presented by the Auditors; ordered to detain his cloves, paying 4s. per lb., with free liberty to sell his maces, only they desired to have a moiety at the price he sells them for, but the rest of his goods to be forthwith delivered, and the freight considered at their next meeting. A ton of unrefined saltpetre bought by Alderman Andrewes at the price and time the last was sold at. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 95–98.] |
| Nov. 21. |
622. Minutes of a General Quarter Court of the East India Company. Declaration by Mr. Governor that the assembly is no greater by reason of a meeting at Guildhall about a business of very great importance; that divers adventurers of the particular voyages have engaged to bring in the remains and profits of those voyages into the Joint Stock amounting to 43,000l., and since the shutting up of the book others have desired to be admitted, offering to take their oaths they never knew of this order, being out of town; whereupon the Court have admitted two or three for small sums, but as there are many more suitors to be admitted they were referred to the General Court. Exception taken by Smethwyke against the liberty given to adventurers of the particular voyages to turn over their remains into the Joint Stock; which he pretended is much wronged thereby, being now valued but at 84l. per cent., questioning that act of the General Court as not done at a Quarter Court, and therefore unwarrantably done, and the rather that the Joint Stock was never valued, and therefore desired that the Auditors be appointed to examine the accounts as well of the
particular voyages as the Joint Stock. These objections answered, and that what hath been done was by the Generality, after long and serious dispute, and was so well approved, as it gave not only present contentment, but for many days after, the adventurers were so well pleased as divers on the Exchange gave it out, that doubtless it was the finger of God that directed the Court to fall on this way, for otherwise it was impossible so to order the equal distribution of the goods brought home in the Exchange and Mary to the right proprietors, and therefore now to question that which hath been so fairly acted by unanimous consent is that no business of consequence should be determined but at a Quarter Court, which is preposterous and without any sense or reason. And therefore seeing that the turning over of said voyages was done at a General Court, where was as great an assembly as had been known these many years, and that accordingly the goods are divided and the accounts posted over, for any man now to call it in question and to think it can be revoked or altered is both vain and ridiculous. Notwithstanding these objections it was voilently pressed by Sir John Watts that there might be a Committee appointed of six of the Old Joint Stock and six of the particular voyages who are the greatest adventurers to look into the accounts, it being reported there is a discovery made of a very great sum belonging to the Joint Stock which had been negligently or ignorantly concealed; this motion was seconded by others. Mr. Governor, Mr. Deputy, and others answered these remarks, and said they would be right glad to be suffered to withdraw their underwritings for putting the remains of the voyages into the Joint Stock; but notwithstanding all that had been alleged some still importuned for a Committee, and Mr. Chamberlain pretending they had no warrantable orders to regulate their affairs and govern their Factors and officers, propounded a Committee of 12 of the Generality to frame and digest such orders for the better ordering of their affairs. But Mr. Governor answered, there needed no Committees to examine what is ordered and confirmed by the General Court, and that the Company have been from the beginning and still are governed by orders both printed and written; and remembering how much he was blamed by the higher power for giving way to Committees of this nature, and the direction given him to suppress such motions, especially when it appears they are made more out of ill affection to some particular persons to raise dissensions among the Company, than to further the welfare of the Company, he refused to admit these propositions to be put to the question, or the Secretary to take any register of them, yet if any two or three would go up to the Auditors and Accountants they might look into the books and spare not, but to do it by order he utterly denied; intimating withall, their expectation of a good return next year if the King of Persia shall perform his contract. Complaint of Smethwyke that they are much deceived by their Factors abroad, for he found in Methwold's letter a palpable untruth that Wylde left the Company in debt 100,000l., whereas it was but 41,000l., and whereas the Company have sent 88,000l. to extinguish that debt, the Factors
took notice only of 60,000l., and therefore he much condemned the care of the Committees; to this was answered that they do not well understand what he means, that those letters were written when he was a Committee, and his hand subscribed to them, but when they do, they will be ready to rectify any error that hath escaped them. In the last place, another took exception that the adventurers of the particular voyages had not their goods delivered them according to the preamble, conceiving the Court of Committees have no power by the Company's charter to sell his goods; to this was answered that if any man will come into a company he must be content to subject himself to such rules and orders as the major part of a General Court shall determine. Ordered, that Messrs. Caron and Bancks and all other adventurers that will take their oaths they were not in town at the making of the order, nor knew thereof have liberty to underwrite for putting the remains of their voyages into the Joint Stock, notwithstanding the time is long since expired, but that such as were in town or knew of the order and neglected it, be absolutely excluded. The order for charging broaks on the accounts of those behind with their payments in the voyages and Joint Stock again ratified and confirmed. 6 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 98–103.] |
| Nov. 26. |
623. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. The ship Crispin bought of Capt. Crispe and partners, after some expostulation concerning the price, for 2,700l., with condition that the Company shall not change her name. Concerning the killing of the remain of their beef and pork, Webb displaced for his late negligence, and at request of Alderman Fenn who offered to be engaged in 100l. for his faithful carriage, resolved to make one more trial of Pingly; and it was ordered Fotherby oversee the work and appoint salters and packers. Eighty able seamen conceived sufficient for the Crispin; ordered that neither in the Crispin nor William shall any landmen or boys be entertained, but approved mariners. Offer of Walter Blackborne to work out into cordage by the great, 60 tons of yam, alleging he could do it at cheaper rates, having now the King's work on hand, than at another time, referred to the Committees for cordage. Demand of the executor of Capt. Moreton for allowance for a jewel, being a sprig of gold with 10 sparks of diamonds and 48 of rubies, and 11 bags of cubebs found in the Surat books, and a debt of 8l. for turtle shells sold the Company; to be allowed when the value should be returned in the accounts. Request of Nathaniel Hildersham concerning his demand of 25l. for custom of indigo and 44l. for tallow unduly bought by him out of the Charles and Jonas; 20 marks bestowed upon him in charity. Ordered that Swanley forthwith view their cordage and report what quantity and what sizes are fit to be prepared for the William and Crispin, and for stores for their shipping aboard. Walter Ambler appointed Land Purser aboard the Crispin. On request of John Jay, Master in the Charles and Mary, ordered that he receive his wages and debts, and remission of the freight of 9 cwt. of unrefined borax. Note of Capt. Slade's goods brought home in the Mary, his cloves excepted for which the Court allowed 4s. per lb., in regard of his good service,
and willingness to do further service, the Court remitted freight of all except 60l. for 12 bales of mace, and ordered his goods to be delivered, his wages and debts paid, and his bond to be cancelled, and further conferred on him 100l. for bringing his ship into the Downs without touching in any other port. The widow of Joseph Hopkinson, in regard of her want and charge of children, to receive on account of her husband's estate 100l., and the full value of calicoes sent her as a token. Acton's bill of 6l. 3s. for law charges to be paid. Relation by Mr. Governor of the passages of the last General Quarter Court, desiring the Court's opinion whether he has done well in giving liberty to the Generality to choose five or six to look into the accounts of the Joint Stock at their pleasure, and the rather that he is informed Messrs. Smethwyke, Chamberlain, Franklyn, and Caron had been with the Auditors, and intended not only to examine the Joint Stock, but to ravel the accounts of the particular voyages, and all the Company's actions; but the Court put in mind that what was desired a good while since was ordered by the Court, and the Auditors are now in agitation of the work, held it just that those who had begun should have the honour of the work, and therefore thought fit to inhibit Smethwyke and others from further looking into their accounts, until the Auditors had perfected and presented their work. Resolved that they be warned to the Court on Friday to have this much delivered to them. 5 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 104–108.] |
Nov. 27.
Ispahan. |
624. Agent Wm. Gibson, Wm. Falle, and Phillip Dickinson to the East India Company. Their last was of 13th Oct. in double copies by way of Aleppo, with transcripts of former letters, consultations, &c., most of which go again here enclosed. Will now answer the Company's of 12th March last and 16th April, which was kept till 14th May, and came to their hands 16th Sept. Take notice of the fleet and cargazoone sent out, of which they have heard nothing only that they were met at St. Augustine's Bay by Capt. Weddell in the Jonas, who, being ordered by the President after his winter there, to proceed direct to Gombroon in the heats, to take off the silk promised, by consultation was to have taken out and brought along both Factors and cargazoone consigned for this place, but near Comoro Islands by a storm they were all separated from him and never could meet afterwards, so that he arrived in Gombroon 3rd Oct. all alone, where he only received the 210 bales and returned for Surat. Could not understand but all was well with the fleet when he parted company, only Elsmore, Master of the Blessing, was deceased. Fear their friends in Surat will hardly be able to invest so much estate in Indian commodities fitting these parts as ordered, those countries being little recovered of their former scarcities, besides their engagements being so great there, doubt of so much overplus; but if furnished will do their utmost to perform what the Company have inordered. The furnishing these parts with so many Factors was timely considered of, for of those seven left last year by the President there are but two living, yet wanted they not supply out of the ships, of which none have miscarried. They
need not doubt conformity to their Agent, Wm. Hoare; Wm. Gibson will return home with the first opportunity. Can as yet meet with no good quantity of rhubarb or wormseeds here that are good, but have written to Nicholas Gove in Ghilan in his passing by Kasbin to spend some days in quest thereof, and finding good to buy 20 or 30 maundshaw of each; have also written their linguist at Court in Kasbin to buy so much against Gove's coming if he can procure it good. Have also inquired the true worth of cochineal; here the very best is not valued above 10 tomans. the maundshaw, which is far short of its weight in silver, which would be 14 tomans.; the Hollanders sold some last year reasonably good at 7 tomans. in truck for silk; have written to Gove and their linguist to inform them of its worth in Kasbin; and will make good inquiry where it is most requested ere they sell what is now sent. Will endeavour to observe their orders for preventing abuses in the silk, and so put a period to this unpleasant subject. Confess the two bales of silk attached by the Company were bought of Sno. Alman by Mountford, and with his own money. His demeanour here was so fair, never had the least suspicion of such matters as the Company are jealous of; but whereas he lays the fraud on those that unbailed the silk at port, he does himself wrong and them too, for 'twas his place, being warehouseman, always to do that business, and he did it too so long as he was at Ispahan. Will by all means possible endeavour his Majesty's content in furnishing him with some varieties of Persian and Arabian manuscripts. Wm. Gibson rests humbly thankful for their bounty, and hopes ere long to arrive with them. The salaries allowed to some others their Worships have reasonably well considered, but others not, wherefore they have done well to refer the same to the Agent and Council here, who know each one's ability. The Company have now very amply unfolded their minds concerning the procuring of a new contract, and on Mr. Hoare's arrival will consult how best to contrive it. Were never unwilling to restrain that so much offensive course of private trade, though their Worships so much blamed them, having by all means possible laid wait to find out such offenders, but because we cannot light on them are we culpable? Have quite abolished all liberties of keeping houses and markets ashore, and continually watch at Custom House that all goods be brought there; which not prevailing, what will you have us to do? Wrote formerly as much as they knew, except the not naming of the commodities, which was an omission; but for the owners, could only guess they were mariners or Pursers, because they were European commodities, broad cloth, keraies, and tin, which latter they got not much by, selling it at a very base rate. Of latter times, especially last year, hear of but little brought; some there will be, do what they will, for the landing-place is too commodious, and men must have Argus his eyes to look to all in such a time, for are to watch the Moors as well, who endeavour all they can to cheat. But surely the course the Company have taken is so strict that 'tis impossible this abuse should be longer maintained. God bless us altogether, we shall use our utmost endeavours to perform what your Worships have commanded herein. Argues
that Mr. Kirkham bought the goods for his private benefit. Those found at Port capable of business, Sherland, Fall, Dickinson, Beere, and Charles Betts, two of whom are only now living, avouched they never had the least notice thereof, though Sherland after his death was found to have strangely belied himself, as appeared by that abstract under his own hand, copy whereof they sent. Could light on no other papers of moment amongst his or Kirkham's, the lack of which will make Sherland a great debtor to the Company. Have understood since by his servants that in his sickness on the way to Spahan he burnt many papers, by which it is shrewdly to be suspected he hath done both the Company and himself great wrong. Are half persuaded had all Sherland's papers come to light, there would have been a strange combustion found in this business. Doubt not their Worships are satisfied the 271 bales silk were laden on the Mary for the second voyage. Enclose balance of four years' accounts; the two years after have been delayed by Wm. Fall's indisposition, but he promises by the ships to make amends for his omission. Will be mindful of the conditions the Company would have them obtain, if the taking of Muscat be urged again to them. Their complaints of the poor crop reaped out of their share of the Customs at Gombroon "we cannot do withal"; have not what is due, but what they can get and wrangle out, though they cannot deny that a sufficienter man than John Willoughby would better become that place, if they had one. What they wrote formerly about the shortness of the Company's cloths here was no more than truth, whatever care is taken by their Worships. Has received in retribution of presents, since coming to the government of this business, two vests and one horse, all worth near 20l., which if they think him not worthy to be owner of, "I shall not disobey your command in restoring its worth." Precedent Agents, so far as they know, never had more than yearly a vest from the King, and sometimes one from the Khan of Shiraz; "this nation's generousness consists far better in a rake than a fork." Have transcribed their letter of 16th April long since, and sent it to Port for India [Surat], writing also of the true state of their business here. It was the 16th present ere they received the original of this letter; the copy, with postscript of 14th May, having arrived a full month before. Since their last, of 13th Oct., it is feared, from a letter from Mr. Gove, they will not have as much silk as they expected this year. Fear their arch enemy Mirza Tuckey, now Etteman Dowlatt, for all his seeming courtesy, does them all the mischief he can. With Gove's letter came one from him, with very good promises, relating that the King had given him the house of his "masecrated" predecessor, and desiring him to dispeed a messenger express with all receipts and writing for goods and moneys concerning the last contract, whereby he might know what silk rested due, and he promised present satisfaction. Have performed this, though they think to little purpose, and have written him, that he knows they have a good quantity of silk due, and that now the year is so far spent, had he been their well willer, he might have delivered the silk and accounted afterwards, but have received no answer. Some four days past a
firman was brought from the King desiring them to furnish him with all manner of colours for painting to some quantity, for which they should receive silk in satisfaction; required from his painter, the bearer, some samples, which he brought; but being ignorant of their price in Europe, cannot encourage the sending of any quantity, but from this earnest requiry, they are probably very scarce here, and if not very dear in England would sell well here; the painter bid them bring as much as they could, but advise that some petty quantity of each be first sent for musters only, mentioning their several prices. Cannot advise how the fleet was disposed of last year, not having received the general letter sent them from Surat by Capt. Weddell, for Mr. Hoare meeting him at St. Lawrence, had it from him for perusal, and losing company it remains with him still; but from other advices understand that Capt. Swanley in the Hart was sent for Bantam for freight and so home, and that coming from the islands the Jonas parted for Persia, the Palsgrave for Surat, and the Discovery for Masulipatam, to take in freight goods and return to Gombroon; and the Commander Morris being deceased, Richard Monck was preferred in his stead. At St. Lawrence was met homeward bound the Dolphin, full laden from Bantam, Capt. Hatch, Commander, who by foul weather was forced back there from the Cape, but all well, only somewhat leaky, which they endeavoured to repair there, and Mr. Carpenter being in the Jonas took passage home on her. Intend the 10th next to set forwards towards Port, leaving Fall and two or three others to stay as long as there is any hope of receiving silk in time to reach the ships. Think it needless, except for some extraordinary casualty, to send any more expresses this year, this being the fifth. The bearer is the party who promised to use all celerity to Aleppo, and doubt not he will be as good as his word. It is supposed the King will stay in Kasbin all this winter, but whether afterwards is not known. |
|
Dec. 1. Postscript.—Three letters from Hoare, &c. at Port, of 25th Oct., 4th and 11th Nov., have arrived all in one day, the first having one of the same date enclosed to their Worships, herewith sent. He says that meeting in part the Company's letter of 16th April, and finding their dislike of his taking Orsbye into their service, he intreats them to certify that he shall be returned, though sorry to be deprived of so well deported a young man. The other, Abbott, whom the Company appointed for his attendant, produced, he says in the Downs a letter from Mr. Castleman, a Turkey Merchant, of 31st March 1634, avouching him to be entertained a Factor at 20l. per annum, with 5l. yearly rising, and to receive one-third in the country; he therefore comes ranked as a Factor. It seems that Hoare, finding how many servants the Company had m Persia, spared to Surat of those he brought for Persia, Francis Bretton, Guy Bath, Tho. Alder, and Edward Whitelye, or Tho. Codrington; which was very well done, for if blessed with health, those they have will be more than they can employ. Find Hoare in his letter of 11th Nov. complains much of a violent fever; pray God the want of his recovery makes him not repent of his motion
in the last clause of his letter. Endorsed, "Recd overland by Aleppo & Mersellis 12 Maij 1635." 10½ pp. [O. C., Vol. XV., No. 1538.] |
|
625. (The President and Council at Surat) to Mr. Fremlen, &c. (up in the country). Omitted through multiplicity of other thoughts and business to acquaint them more seasonably, that Crispin Blagden in respect of his language and knowledge in travel was inordered to accompany the caphila to Surat, but hope their own foresight has so appointed notwithstanding and that they have not deferred the caphila's dispeed in expectation of their resolutions, considering that 450 camels were already hired for the journey. Intend on notice of their dispeed, to send some English to meet them as far as Brampore, twixt which place and Surat the ways are most dangerous by reason of this direful famine. |
|
The foregoing lines are copy of their last by Virge Vora, and now making use of the Dutch's Patamare, and theirs of 20th past coming to hand 18th present, take knowledge of their forwardness with goods and camels, to be dispeeded about the end of last month, and their foreseeing providence in appointing Crispin Blagden to accompany the caphila. Endorsed, "Divers Clauses of the President and Council's letters." 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XV., No. 1539.] |
| Nov. 28. |
626. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Smethwyke being sent for was called in, and Mr. Governor briefly recapitulated the proposition made at the last General Court and what ensued. Markham, the Auditor, declared that Smethwyke, Caron, Chamberlain, and Franklyn demanded, according to direction of the last General Court as they pretended, to see the balances of the Joint Stock 1632, 1633, and 1634, and to have abstracts of the first, second, and third Persian voyages, what moneys and goods were sent out, what ships cost, what was advanced by stock in the Indies, what returns made from thence, what charges expended, and the like abstracts for the Joint Stock; but Markham forbare to show them anything till this Court should explain the meaning of the General Court, but told them that by direction of the Court a week before, the Auditors were making up a general account of the Joint Stock. Mr. Governor also made known, as is pretended, that 14 days since order was given to the Auditors for making up a general account since 1628, and that the General Court gave those four no such commission, only Mr. Governor himself spake openly that any of the Generality might go to the Auditors and see what they pleased, but that was no order of Court. Smethwyke replied he did not intend to trouble the Auditors; and being questioned for taxing the Committees about writing in their last letters of 60,000l. when they had sent 88,000l., answered that it might have been better expressed, that he knew not of it but the day before, and "had not been so gracious in the Court of Committees," and therefore came not to them. Much other discourse ensued about 27,000l. charges pretended to have been discovered by the four to have been brought to account twice, but it was answered the Company can sustain no prejudice by any such mistake for the books of accounts for those charges are come home, and by
them it will appear how those charges are brought to account. The valuation of the Joint Stock argued, and in fine Lord Say and Sele presenting himself, Mr. Governor related what passed at the General Court and what since, and that the valuation of the three voyages proved so indifferent that of 105,000l. remains, 43,000l. was under writ to be put into the Joint Stock, and the rest is not under-writ, which gave such satisfaction to his Lordship that he conceived those four ought to stay till the Auditors had made up the account. His Lordship and Mr. Banks, who knew not of the Company's order, permitted to transfer the remains of the three voyages into the Joint Stock. Freight remitted to Edward Charly, late Chirurgeon of the Mary, who had been three voyages, on wormseed, myrrh, and olibanum, his calicoes to be allowed for as they cost in the Indies. Securities allowed for 100 bags of pepper. Ordered the delivery of a Japan cabinet sent to Robert Young as a token from Mr. Gibson in Persia. Gratuity of 5l. to Robert Phipps "in consideration of his pains for writing in the-counting house." Mr. Governor and others intreated to attend the Lords at the Council table about the patent for making indigo. Peter Mundy's bond to be cancelled. 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 109–111.] |
