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| July 1–31 |
374. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Sir Thos. Smythe sworn governor for the ensuing year, “with promise that the Company expect no further of him at courts or otherwise than his other affairs will permit.” Wm. Greenwell, deputy, and the 24 Committees following :— |
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John Eldred. |
Wm. Harrison. |
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Wm. Cockayne. |
Nich. Leat. |
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John Highlord. |
Humphrey Basse. |
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Robt. Sandye. |
Hugh Hamersley. |
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Robt. Coxe. |
Morris Abbott. |
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Nich. Crispe. |
Nich: Lyng. |
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Robt. Middleton. |
Wm. Millett. |
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Robt. Johnson. |
Wm. Jennyngs. |
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Reynold Greene. |
Thos. Westwray, |
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Humphrey Smyth. |
Hump. Handforde. |
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Wm. Bonham. |
Geo. Smythe. |
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Thos. Styles. |
Henry Robinson. |
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Thos. Farrington elected treasurer; Wm. Leighton, secretary; Thos. Stephens, bookkeeper; and Thos. Evesett, beadle or officer of the Company. The book to be again opened to the Company for nine days to set down their contributions to the stock of 50,000l. for the next two voyages in January 1607–8 and 1608–9. Thirty–three persons adventured before 20th June last. |
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July 6.—Two letters from Bantam, both dated Jan. 28, 1605–6, are read, one from Gabriel Towerson, the other from John Saris, the Company's factors there, with an account of what was done and what Sir Edw. Michelborne took from the “Suzarate” [? Guzerat]; the same in effect as the last received. All letters received from the Indies and the answers to be entered in a book. Pepper sold for Towerson's private account. Letters and accounts from Mr. Scott to be compared with those from other factors. Report upon Stephens' accounts; his labours worth at least 100l. per annum, but the Company's accounts being much in arrear the consideration of his labours deferred until the accounts are finished. Mr. Styles to deliver his demands in writing to the governor. For collecting money owing to the Company; Paul Bannyng to be dealt with effectually for payment. Barbar and Nicholls' accounts for cordage to be audited. Debts owing by Sir Leonard Hallyday, Mr. Bowles, and Robt. Harvey to be brought in. Accounts to be audited. Nutmeg dust to be sold. Gratification to the governor and such as have taken pains for the Company to be considered. |
| 1607. |
July 8.—The seal, charter, and other writings delivered by Sir Wm. Romney to the governor. Money owing by Wm. Wastall and others to be paid forthwith. Admission of Richard Hider, an adventurer of 200l Request of Averie Drausfield to be admitted, referred. Increase of allowance to Mr. Allen, Robt. Waldow, and John Waldow. Nutmeg dust to be sold to Mr. Johnson. Difference between Mr. Styles and the Company. |
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July 11.—Previous minutes confirmed for setting forth two voyages, one in January next and the other the January following; express agreement that the trade be left to such only as have set down their adventure. Mr. Styles. Suit in the Admiralty against Sir Edw. Michelborne concerning the damages the Company may sustain by any of his factories in the East Indies, to be dropped; reasons. Committee appointed to consider of such as have taken pains for the Company and to agree with Mr. Stephens the bookkeeper. Committee appointed to see the money due in August and September paid; and to consider of some fit act or penalty against defaulters. Difference concerning the wages of Wm. Starkey, chief factor at Bantam; his profits and the money he left at Bantam to be settled by arbitration. |
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July 22.—Present only the adventurers who have undertaken the fourth and fifth voyages. Two ships at least to be forthwith provided by Christmas next, and timber for preparing two great ships for the following year; a stock of 25,0001. to be brought in for that purpose. Only 50 adventurers for these two voyages, except such as shall be taken under them, whose adventure is to be at least 100l.; authority to them to set forth these two voyages, who by themselves, or those under them, shall adventure in the fourth voyage 5001 each, and 10 per cent. for preparing two great ships against Christmas twelvemonth. A court to be warned to know who will adventure in these two voyages. |
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July 24.—The 50 adventurers to be given till Tuesday (4th Aug.) to take in men under them; those who desire to be of the number to give in their names to the governor by Tuesday 28th instant. Committee appointed to confer with Mr. Burrell about docking the Ascension. George Whitmore's stock to be set over to Robert Chilcoet's account. Actions against such adventurers as refuse to pay for spices. Complaint to be made to the Lords of the Council against Sir John Spencer and Paul Bannyng for detaining money they owe the Company. Bond concerning Edmond Scott's arbitration. |
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July 28.—The ships to be set forth to be bought and prepared at the Company's charge and not by way of freightage. Committee appointed to buy a ship to join the Ascension to go the voyage. Trusty servants to be hired to do all the business of setting forth the voyage, who are to give security. Committee appointed to provide timber, &c, for the two great ships, and for repair of those to be made ready by Christmas next. Richard Atkinson, servant to the governor, who is to give security, to be cashier. A place to salt victuals. Edward Allen, content to adventure 550l. in the fourth and fifth voyages, sworn a free brother. |
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July 29.—The governor informs the meeting that it was hoped there would be a division of 12,000l. at least by the end of September, which will amount to about 100l. a share, for those who have not had out goods upon their shares. Liberty again given to any who will now adventure in the fourth and fifth voyages; conditions explained by the governor; divers give in their names, and by general consent it is agreed that those voyages shall be set forth, as it is intended, by the names of 50 adventurers. The Ascension sold to the “New Company,” for 485l. 17 s. 6d. A chest to be supplied to keep the money of these two voyages by itself. Ten per cent, of each 500l. adventure to be paid in by 20th Aug. next, and the 500l at three several payments as shall be agreed upon. Names to be selected from for an agent and servants for managing the business of the voyages. |
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July 31.—Rich. Mountney elected husband, with a salary of 80l. per annum, sworn a free brother, to put in security for 500l. Wm. Evans and Andrew Holdip, adventurers, also sworn. Sir James Deane's stock of 200l. in the three voyages, to be set over to And. Holdip. [Sixteen pages and a half. Court B., II., 37–45.] |
