|
Dec. 11.
[Bantam.] |
624. Capt. John Saris to Edmond Camden. Mumbarrick shall trouble him no more; has taken a course to keep him fast, and hopes to bring him to Japan. “Put the rest of the Indians to any domestic service you please, if they deny it, turn them out of doors, and be sure you give them no relief.” Will carry none of them with him, for they are worse for being in England. John Beamont to provide some good things for the captain's present use and to carry with him. [One page. O. C, Vol. I, No. 91.] |
Dec. 21.
[Bantam.] |
625. Capt. Saris to Camden. Trusts the leak in the Thomas is found. Both ships in want of water and hens. Sends a present to John Beamont for his diligence. To use “Limco or any other with whom we have business well.” Make no respect of Spalding. [One page. O. C., Vol. I, No. 92.] |
Dec. 21.
Bantam. |
626. Capt. Saris to Camden. Directions for the sale of goods, “see that the money be good you receive of Limco, for he is a Chinesa.” Trust no man on Spalding's report, for there is no truth in him. Lading of pepper and the King's customs. Commendations to honest Mr. Cocks. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 93.] |
Dec. 31.
Bantam. |
627. Capt. Saris to Camden. Directions for sending a thousand sacks of pepper on board. Complaint against John Beamont for not supplying provisions; Capt. Towerson writes for hens. Mr. Cocks to meddle no more with selling of cloth. To write to Mr. Peacocke to repair to his guard. Has nothing to keep New Year's Day with, but hopes to be provided either with ducks, hens, goats, or geese. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 94.] |
1613.
Jan. 2.
Bantam. |
628. Capt. Saris to Camden. Lading of pepper. Is sorry to hear “the ass did ride you, but am glad you had no more hurt.” Presents for “the new men,” for their extraordinary pains. Provisions required for the Hector. To make ready the room for the money. Wishes him to observe how Peacocke carries himself to the Knight; “the less familiarity he has that way the more it will be for his preferment.” Thinks Mr. Wickham's heart is true, though somewhat capricious. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 95.] |
Jan. 10.
to
Sept. 13. |
629. Journal [by Capt. Nich. Downton] of the voyage of the Peppercorn homeward from Bantam to Waterford. Reasons for leaving the Trades Increase behind. Lading of the Peppercorn which sailed on 4th February. Number of leagues made each day, direction of the wind, and other nautical observations. Death of Alex. Wickstade, the minister, on 13th February; of Abraham Bonus, cooper, on 4th March, Robert Blunt the 5th, and Rich. Hancock 1st May. “Many of our men touched with the disease of the sea.” May 4th, descried St. Helena. Crossed the line 18th June. July 2, Abraham Lawes conceives he is poisoned, for that his stomach falls away; death of Thos. Browning on the 5th, and of Mr. Lawes on 27th July; his body opened by the surgeon “who took good notes of his inward parts.” Aug. 25, Edward Watts, carpenter, died; and Thos. Dockorie, 29th; most of “my people” in a weak state. Sept. 1, death of Edward Spring, Wm. Gooter and John Wilkinson on 2nd, Henry Slape the 3rd, and Mark Lawes the 6th. 13th Sept., anchored at Waterford, “our weakness allowing no longer deliberation,” and the wind making it impossible to fetch Milford. [Four pages. Injured by damp. O. C., Vol. I., No. 103.] |
Jan. 12.
Firando,
Japan. |
630. William Addames to Augustin Spalding in Bantam. Hopes that his poor wife and friends will hear, by his letter sent by Peter Johnson, that he is alive, all his former letters having been intercepted by the Hollanders. Has received some letters by the Globe of London. Sir Thos. Smythe writes that he will send a ship to Japan, to establish a factory. Told the emperor that next year the King of England would send his ambassador, with merchants and merchandise, to trade in Japan “at which he was very glad, and rejoiced that strange nations had such good opinions, with many other good speeches” . . . “I do praise God for it, who hath given me favour with the emperor and good will to me so far as that I may boldly say our countrymen shall be so welcome and free, in comparison, as in the river of London.” Fears there will be no profit for English commodities, which “are here so good cheap,” by reason of the ships from New Spain and of the Hollanders. Cloth eight or nine years ago very dear, is now very cheap. Commodities brought by the Hollanders, and their prices. Great profit made on China goods. In respect of the wars in the Moluccas, Japan is very profitable unto the Chinese, “and if the wars do continue in the Moluccas, Japan, with the traffic they have here, will be a great scourge unto the Spaniards.” If the English merchants can get the handling or trade with the Chinese they will make great profit in Japan, and the East India Company will not have need to send money out of England, for there is gold and silver in Japan in abundance. The Hollanders are now settled; has got them that privilege in Japan which neither the Spaniards nor Portuguese could get these 50 or 60 years. The charges in Japan are not great; presents for the emperor, the king, and the secretaries; “other customs here be none.” If a ship come, she should make for the easterly part of Japan in lat. 35° 10', where the king and the emperor's court is and there are the best harbours, not to Firando where the Hollanders come. Has sent “a pattron of Japan” for security of the ships, the same as he made for the emperor. Thanks for the present of a bible and other books. Condolences on the death of many of their good friends. No strange news, the whole land being in peace. The people very subject to their governors and their superiors; very zealous and superstitious in religion, many sects but the most part pray to one saint called Ameeda. There are many Christians according to the Romish order. The Franciscans put down in 1612. Many Jesuits in Nangasaki. Very severe in justice, having no respect of persons. Their cities governed with great civility and love, for the most part none going to law. A thief rarely put in prison, but presently executed. If a murderer escape, the emperor offers a reward equal to 300l. sterling, and he who knows where the murderer is receives the gold without trouble. Their cities may be travelled all over at night without peril. Is known all along the sea coast, and must be inquired for by the name of Augin Samma. Hopes the worshipful Company will be satisfied with his service. Thanks Sir Thos. Smythe for lending his wife 20l., which he is ready to repay. Knew not that the English traded to the Indies till 1611; the Hollanders have kept it most secret. [Two pages and a half. O. C., Vol. I., No.96. Printed in "Memorials of the empire of Japan" for the Hakluyt Society, pp. 40–45.] |
Jan. 12.
Bantam. |
632. Richard Cocks to the East India Company. Relation of their voyage from April 18, 1611, the day they set sail. Doubled the Cape of Good Hope on 9th Aug.; dicovered Madagascar on 3rd Sept.; came to anchor on 3rd Oct. under one of the islands, called by the Spaniards, Angoxos, in lat. 16° 32'; the long boat of the Hector and pinnace of the Thomas manned, to seek provisions and fresh water; the men beginning to fall sick of the scurvy. Caution given to stand upon their guard, the people of that place, called Caffras, being inhuman; returned on board without anything or having spoken with the country people. On 26th came to anchor at the fruitful island of Malhilia or Muelia [Mohila, one of the Comoro Islands], “as the country people call it,” the best place of refreshing between England and the East Indies; the people sociable, and very willing to sell their provisions; the king, having been at Mecca, on a pilgrimage, has come to the knowledge of the worth of silver, otherwise anything might have been had for knives, tin spoons, glass beads, and such like; produce of the island. Thinks there is no such island as John de Nova, or, if there be, it is wrongly placed in the plat, and lieth close upon the coast of Madagascar. Anchored at Socotra 18th Feb., where they found letters from Sir H. Middleton, advising them of the treachery of the Turks at Aden and Mocha, and that they should not risk their persons or ships in those parts, although he and those who were in captivity had got their liberty and proceeded on their voyage to Surat. Council assembled by the general on board the Clove, Admiral, the matter debated and resolution to go for the Red Sea. On the 5th March came to anchor in Felux [ ?Fellis] Road, on the Ethiopian coast, to the west of Cape of Guardafuy; the people fearful, not being used to trade with Christians, except with Spaniards or Portugals, who had taken them captives; at first they fled, until some of our people attired themselves like Turks. Great store of sheep and goats at a low price; the people naked, Moors and Mahometans in religion, yet subjects to Prester John; they make no account of gold or silver. Arrival before Mocha. Deceit practised by one Mustapha, a renegado, who told them how royally Sir Henry Middleton had been received, and that Lawrence Femell was in good health, Femell having been poisoned and eight of Sir Henry's people slain. Account of their reception by the governor, Hider Aga, of their entertainment on shore; promise of settling a factory to their own content and desire that all former injuries might be forgotten. Unexpected arrival of Sir H. Middleton on 5th April, with the Trades Increase, Peppercorn, and Darling; his request that all their people and goods should forthwith retire on board, for that he was come to revenge former injuries, and had brought Capts. Hawkins and Sharpey, and all the rest that were in those parts with him, and meant to make stay of all the shipping out of the Mogul's country. Their designs being thus overthrown, they had no other means but to join with Sir Henry. The Turks sent to “our general” to be a mediator. Much conference between the two generals before they could come to any accord. Agreement concluded by means of Capt. Hawkins. “Had Sir Henry passed matters in such an indifferent sort as he ought to have done, it would have been much for our ease, but much more for your worships' profit.” Left Mocha 13 Aug., having formerly dispatched the Thomas and Hector for Priaman. Arrived at Socotra 2d Sept., where they got all the “allowais” (aloes) to be had, although at a dear rate. Left Socotra on the 8th Sept., and discovered Cape Comorin on 24th, and “the great island of Syloan” (Ceylon), 26th. On 15th Oct. discovered the main of Sumatra, and on 24th came to anchor in Bantam road, where they found the Hector and James. The whole business offered to Augustin Spalding, with merchants to keep accounts for him, but he utterly refused it. Edmond Camden elected to remain in the place as Cape merchant, “who no doubt is well worthy of it.” Distate of Sir Henry Middleton, on his arrival long after, who would have had Capt. Sharpey elected consul, but “our general” would not condescend thereunto, a legitimate election having been made. Understands that Sir Henry afterwards proceeded according to his own determination without further advice. Found six or seven sail of Flemings on their arrival. Names of English ships arrived and departed. Sir Henry arrived on 9th Nov. with the Peppercorn, having left Capt. Downton in the trade at Tecoe, with the Darling. Arrival of 11 Flemish vessels at Bantam, with great store of soldiers, seven ships more daily expected, “it is thought they pretend to have a pull at the Phillippines.” News brought from the Coromandel coast of the death of Capt. Hippon and of the choice of Mr. Essington to succeed him, Mr. Browne being dead long before. Return of the James in distress, with the loss of eight or nine of her men by sickness. 22d Dec, the Trades Increase and Darling came to Bantam Road. [Eight pages. O. C., Vol. I, No. 97.] |
| Jan. 14. |
633. “Entertainments to Sir Robert Sherley.” Allowance of 4l. a day from 1st October 1611 to 14th January 1613, 472 days, 1,888l. “by virtue of His Majesty's Privy Seal, dated 13 Oct. 1611.” [See No. 583.] Also for house rent, a year and a quarter, 300l.; besides 666l. 13s. 4d. “His Majesty's free gift and reward.” [One page. Indorsed, as above. East Indies, Vol. I., No. 37.] |
Jan. 15.
Bantam. |
634. Edmond Camden to the East India Company. Avoids making a particular discourse of their voyage, which would be so tedious, and to the Company's wise understanding would seem ridiculous. Entered Saldanha Bay 1st August, 1611, “by the great diligence of our general,” and on the 9th doubled the Cape. Had sight of Madagascar on 30th. On 5th September were some four leagues from Cape St. Augustine, and on 26th cast anchor at Mohila Island, where they took in refreshments. Arrived at Socotra on 17th February; anchored before Mocha on 15th March; reception and entertainment of the general and others, with promise of trade. Presents given to the governor to the value of some 40l. Arrival of Sir Henry Middleton in the Red Sea, and his proceedings Jars between the two generals; great complaints against Sir Henry. Arrived at Bantam 23d October, 1612, where lading was procured by the help of Captains Saris and Towerson for all the three ships. Is appointed by Capt. Saris overseer of the merchandise left in Bantam. Spalding accused to have engrossed all the cloves, and to have sold them to the Company and the Chinese at a high rate; he utterly refused to take all the Company's business into his hands, and has been rather a continual hindrance than a helper. [Two pages, injured by damp. O. C., Vol. I., No. 99.] |
Jan. 16.
Bantam. |
635. George Ball to Edmond Camden, merchant, on board the Hector. Sends hens, ducks, and sugar candy, “being all I can get.” Begs to be remembered to Capt. Towerson and all aboard the Hector, and to Capt. Hawkins and all aboard the Thomas. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 99. I.] |
Jan. 19.
Aboard the
Clove,
Jacatra. |
636. Capt. Saris to Camden at Bantam. Is ready to sail for Japan, having taken in such provisions as Jacatra would afford. Understands the Flemings offered but hard measure to Capt. Sharpey and those with him, which it seems the King of Jacatra took in ill part, and promises it shall be so no more. Refers to his previous instructions. [They were in this Vol., No. 98, but are now missing.] “Remember you take all the money you can for victuals of Sir Henry Middleton, and refuse not ready money in reasonable sort for any commodities you have.” Hopes the Hector and Thomas are gone for England. To let the writer's kinsman, Hugh Yerdley, have some provisions, and put it to the captain's account [One page, injured. O. C., Vol. I., No. 100.] |
Jan. 20.
Aboard the
Clove,
Jacatra Road. |
637. Capt. Saris to Camden. Has written to him how the Flemings misused Sir Henry's people, but is now well given to understand the contrary, that all the fault was in the English mariners. Hopes the Hector and Thomas are gone for England before this; if not, Camden is to furnish them with all things needful. Commendations to Capt. Towerson. Refers to previous instructions. [One page. O. C., Vol. I., No. 101.] |
Jan. 25.
Surat. |
638. Thos. Aldworthe, Wm. Biddulph, and Nich. Withington to the East India Company. Wrote particulars from Cape Bona Speransa of what had passed until then by the Solomon. Left Saldanha 28th June, and on 30th met with two Portugal caracks bound for Goa, with which they exchanged shots; the Osiander discharging some 15 or 16, slew three of the Portugals. On 13th August in sight of Mohila; found the place full of sunken rocks. 1st September, came to anchor on the coast of Damon [Damaun], as “our Indians and other our people affirmed.” Resolution to send to Surat the sooner to learn the state of the country, “but having none aboard that directly knew the place,” they anchored at “Nunsery,” as did also the general with the Dragon. Letter received from Sir Henry Middleton, advising “all our countrymen not to expect any trade here, the people being treacherous.” Arrived at Surat on the 7th, when Thos. Keridge, Ed. Cristian, Ant. Starkey, and Thos. Davis were ordered to repair to the city to be informed of the country. Sir Henry's letter the cause of suspecting the settling of any trade there notwithstanding the encouragements and kind entertainment given to those sent on shore by the governor and chiefs of the city. Arrival of 14 Portugal frigates. Some quantity of goods ordered by the general on shore for trial. Sickness of Thos. Aldworthe. News brought by a ship from Mocha that Sir Henry Middleton, with three or four English ships, had forced them to deliver goods in truck for cloth and other things at such rates as pleased him. General murmuring in the city about this news, but the people were found very reasonable, and the chiefs desired that the news might no way dismay us, for, notwithstanding this injury, all honest respect should be paid to them, and requested them to write in their behalf for restitution. The general's refusal to send more goods on shore. Paul Canninge and the purser taken prisoners by the Portugals in the mouth of the river, and detained until 5th November. The general wrote he would detain a ship from the Red Sea until they and all the goods landed were aboard again; opinion, of the writers that a factory might be settled there; that the Governor of Ahmedabad was shortly to come with orders from the king for their peaceable entertainment; the general thereupon repaired to Swally and the governor came to Surat. Goods sold on shore for commodities fit for Acheen; the greatest part of the iron unsold. Inclose articles concluded on [wanting] with the governor and the general at Swally; the king's firman for confirmation of these articles came not as promised. Letters received from Canninge and Cristian of a fleet of Portugals ready to leave Goa to fire the English ships, “which proved true.” Canninge set on shore at Surat, and Cristian escaped some four days before at Cambaya. Arrival on 29th November of four Portugal galleons and 25 frigates. Account of the fight between them and the Dragon and Osiander, which was renewed for three days, “we having had but one man slain in these three fights.” Return of the English ships to Surat on 27th December. Resolution of the general to leave Surat, seeing the king's firman had not been received; refusal of Thos. Aldworthe to go on board, “for that he heard certainly the firman was coming,” which was afterwards taken to the general by the chiefs of the city. Departure of the general for Acheen, Priaman &c. with intention to return about October or November next. Paul Canninge furnished for his journey to Agra, with the King's letter and present. Ant. Star key, the bearer of this letter. Thos. Aldworthe, Thos. Keridge, Wm. Biddulph, Nich. Withington, and John Younge remain at Surat; Paul Canninge, two of the general's men, and two musicians are going for Agra. Concerning this place where they are settled, “there cannot be any place more beneficial for our country than this, being the only key to open all the rich and best trade of the Indies, and for sale of our commodities, especially our cloth, it exceeds all others.” Hope there will be no need to send more money; English goods required, and the prices they will fetch, also the Indian commodities to be had, and their worth in England. If England and Spain cannot accord for “our people” to have peaceable entrance into the river, the writers suggest that the Company should provide five or six good ships which will be “very sufficiently able” to withstand all the Portugal force there; the people much more affected to the English, having lent them soldiers to guard their goods by land to the sea side against the Portugals. English goods which they desire to be provided with, including sword blades, “which will yield four or five for one,” knives, looking glasses, pictures. A present for the king will be expected by the next shipping, he “being altogether delighted in toys that are strange,” the writers think it fitting to send him a small pair of organs, having here a skilful musician to play upon them, a case of bottles of strong waters, two or three pairs of rich knives, one or two pairs of rich gloves, looking glasses, sword blades, and some fair pictures; the King's picture will be highly esteemed, two or three spaniels, and a fair greyhound or two. Dearness of apparel; desire some may be sent to them. Remarks upon the cloths that should be sent, and how to pack them; “your Shepton cloths are far beyond the Suffolk.” Account of moneys disbursed to be deducted out of the wages of those left at Surat. Weights and measures used in Surat. [Four pages. 0. C, Vol. I, No. 102.] |
