|
1611.
Jan. 5.
Madrid. |
503. Cottington to Salisbury. Discontent of Robert Sherley, the Persian ambassador, with this State for keeping him so long without their resolution to his propositions; his request to speak with Cottington who went to his lodging, the second time since Sherley's arrival The Persian Ambassador's commission to propound matters of great honour and profit to His Majesty, besides his commissions to the rest of the Christian Princes; his unsatisfactory treatment by the Duke of Lerma, who cast in his teeth “the baseness of his brother Anthony;” being kept a whole year, and finding it impossible for the Spaniards to accomplish what they offer in words, much less what is desired, he is resolved to repair to England and treat only with his natural sovereign and country, for which he has ample commission, if “he might receive any small encouragement.” He doubts not his message will be welcome, but fears the kind of entertainment he may receive, being born the King's subject, and wishes, in case of his forcible detention at Madrid, through discovering his resolution to go to England, to know whether Cottington would take notice of it. The effect of his propositions are the free and absolute use of two of the best ports in the world for the English East Indian traders; the sale of cloth, tin, lead, furs, and such other commodities as abound in England in such quantities as they send into all other parts of the world; the purchase of silks at prices for which they may gain seven for one and in such abundance as will amount yearly to the value of many millions; gold, stones, &c, given in exchange for English merchandise without bringing any silver from England; customs free inwards and outwards. English consuls or other officers, to be appointed by His Majesty, and to have absolute authority there. Cottington's reply as to Sherley's detention, his repair to England and the manner of his entertainment. Reasons why these propositions, “being in all appearance so worthy of acceptance” were not concluded upon by Spain, because of the conditions required ; in England, Sherley will only propound the settling of a trade by which means the great course of traffic to Constantinople and Aleppo will be diverted and the Turk, the King of Persia's enemy, lose the good correspondence of many Christian Princes. Sherley's desire to leave Madrid with the best speed possible. All the great ministers of state much troubled at Sherley taking his leave the next day; endeavours of the junta to dissuade him from going to England, and to show him how inconvenient it would prove to the Catholic Church that so beneficial a trade and inestimable wealth should fall into the hands of an heretical Prince. 40,000 ducats at least spent by the King of Spain upon the Persian ambassador, besides rent of a house; it were no ill jest to leave them in this manner. Confesses that Sherley's propositions cannot but appear unto the King worth embracing; he has gotten very great reputation through his wise and discreet carriage, “in my poor opinion to those vices which in Sir Anthony do so abound, in this man may be found the contraries.” [Eight pages. Extract from Corresp., Spain. See “The Sherley Brothers,” p. 74.] |
Jan. 25.
“Jesus in Zenan”
[Sana.] |
504. Sir Henry Middleton and Lawrence Femell to [Capt. Nicholas Downton]. Informed him, in their letter of the 15th, of their coming to this place from Mocha with the others from Aden, as also what passed before the Bashaw, with other, accidents, and that the end of their business would fall out well, their being no just cause to allege against them. Desire him to be very careful to avoid any attempt to revenge their wrongs. In good hope that their business will have a good end; have been scanned and examined by the higher powers and no cause of captivity found against them, so that it is determined they shall return to Mocha in four or five days in company of the Banneane Shabundar, their great friend. He must look for no more letters before their coming. Death of Edward Elsmeare and John Baker; the rest in reasonable good health. [One page. O. C, Vol. I., No. 22.] |
Jan 29./Feb. 8.
Lisbon. |
505. Hugh Lee to [Thos. Wilson]. Francis Bucke, and Anthony Marlowe, who were brought prisoners from the East Indies, and are now released with two others, by Fras. Cottington's mediation, going for England. Both Bucke and Marlowe professed papists, and very ungrateful to Lee. Henry Fludd, “who never wished me good,” always with them in their prison until he made them firm of his flock. Bucke stayed by order of the Viceroy, his release not having yet arrived, although granted by the King, so that neither he nor the rest go by this ship. [Extract from Correspondence, Portugal.] |
Jan. 30.
Trades Increase
opposite to
Mocha on the
Abyssinian
coast. |
506. Capt. Nicholas Downton, Gyles Thornton, and Hugh Frayne to Sir H. Middleton, in Zinan [Sana] or elsewhere. The long time without hearing from him and the variety of lies received from Mocha, have made a deep impression upon them of sadness and discontent, and an honest feeling for their miseries. Complain of the unchewed, giddy, and rash directions given him by the Company. Reasons for expecting his directions until the day expired for them to hear from him; threatened dangers to the ships, and their great show to stop the passage of the Indian ships into the Red Sea, hoping it might turn to his good, and so release him and his company from captivity. Their “bragging and threatening letter” sent to Geo. Collison, which they presumed would be carried to the Aga. Before his letter was received they were in great hope of his present liberty, but now they perceive he is wrought upon to serve the turn of others, and for the safe passage in of the Indian ships, by which much mischief may be worked. Will do nothing to prejudice or hinder his liberty; but suspects they are made instruments one of another, “that the wolves may the easier devour us all.” Pray they may all have patience, “we having extraordinary cause to exercise it.” They as also Mr. Adams, [Wm.] Pemberton, and [Hugh] Frayne send their love and duty, and desire to be remembered to [Lawr.] Femell, Mr. Fowler, and Mr. Green. [One page and three quarters. O.C., Vol. I., No. 23.] |
