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| June 1. Bantam. |
726. John Gourney, Adam Denton. Win. Sheppard, and Thos. Brockedon [merchants of the eight voyage]. Instructions to Capt. Jourdain and Rich. Cobb. The James being insufficient “to make the full progression of her projected voyage,” and no sale having been found for the goods landed at this unseasonable time, they are instructed as to their disposal. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 145.] |
| June 3. Osaka. |
727. Wm. Eaton to Rich. Wickham. His cloth sold at a poor rate, the Dutch having sold theirs so good cheap. Prices at which he sold pepper and other commodities; the lead and what else will not sell, is sent to Wickham. A fire in the house at Firando, but it did but little harm. Purposes to go for Firando in 20 or 30 days at furthest. Has received a letter from Mr. Peacocke from Langasaque [Nangasaki]. [One page and a quarter. O. C., Vol, II., No. 146.] |
| June 5. Firando, Japan. |
728. Rich Cocks to Capt. Wm. Addames, in Yedo or elsewhere. Regrets that the cloth was not sent overland to Yedo, as the Dutch are likely to serve the market first, but now it is too late, to their everlasting scandal; “we shall never have the like time to have vented our cloth as at this general assembly of the nobility.” The physicians have given over old Foyne Same. The English flag taken down by the emperor's orders, because it had a cross in it, to this day is not set up again. Tome Same and Oyendone very desirous to borrow two instead of one thousand taies; hopes they will be as forward to repay it when demanded. His illness; intends going to the hot baths at Yshew, an island of Nobisanas. [One page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 147.] |
| June 5. Firando, Japan. |
729. Rich. Cocks to Rich. Wickham, in Yedo. Understands that the bark which carried their goods has not arrived at Yedo; “truly I cannot be persuaded but there is some legerdemain in the matter.” There will never be such another time offered to sell English cloth, if they stay seven years in Japan, because of the assembly of courtiers to build the castle; Eaton writes that merchants buy nothing, cavaliers carry all away. Hears Toba, where their goods have laid wind–bound so long, is not above two or three days' journey from Yedo; wonders he did not send them overland. Longs to hear of some sales, and that the emperor has taken the ordnance and other matters. About the loan to Tome Same and Oyendone, who are very forward to finger money. The house in good forwardness. [One page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 148.] |
| June 8–9. |
730. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Part of Raphe Hamor's adventure to be set over to Geo. Bennett. Mr. Barrett's composition for spices. 20l. lent to Cumber. A remainder in cash of 10,000l. or 11,000l. upon the third and fifth voyages, which will raise 16 upon a 100 to be divided. The King's allowance of 491l. 10s. per tonnage for the New Year's Gift, Hope, and Expectation. The governor thanked for his care, “knowing that those things could never be formerly effected.” The ships' boats too long. Mr. Burrell to be well chidden for his carelessness. Request of Lord Carew, for Henry Fisher to be admitted a free brother of the Company. Petition of John Waldoe for employment at Black wall. Ordinance against any of the Company's officers paying money directly or indirectly. News brought by Nicholas Banggam (in company with a Scotchman who had served the Portugals 32 years in the East Indies) of the safe arrival of the Dragon in the Downs, with letters from Capt. Best, whereby the Company understood of the loss of the Trades Increase near Bantam, and of the death of Sir Henry Middleton and most of his men, but that all the ship's goods were on shore at Bantam. Brief relation of Capt. Best's voyage and invoice of his lading; his desire to be furnished with a pilot, men, and fresh provisions; Mr. Salmon to hasten down. Other letters received from Robt. Larkin, factor, dated at Bantam, 15 Dec. 1613; from Sophony Cozucke from Succadana, discoursing of the Company's trade in those parts, and of diamonds bought, also from Wm. More, dated at Tecoe, 14 Aug. 1613, relating the success of their business at Surat, and settling a good trade for sale of 4,000 broad cloths yearly, with other material circumstances. The dock at Blackwall to be made ready to receive the Dragon, if possible. |
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June 9.—Letters received from Edward Cristian and Nathaniel Salmon, dated from Tecoe, in Sumatra, 27 Oct. 1613, wherein Cristian speaks of his intended voyage to the Moluccas, with hopes of good success. Resolution to have the Dragon prepared to go the next voyage for Surat. Cloths to be provided and dyed for the next fleet. Letters received from Bantam from John Jourdain, of 12 Dec. 1613, and from Wm. Sheppard of 14 Dec. 1613, with full accounts of the Company's affairs. Other letters received from Bantam from George Ball, of Dec. 1613, and from Hugh Greete, from Succadana, dated 19 July 1613, with notice of certain diamonds bought by him for the Company's use, and his hopes of meeting with two of 15 and 20 carats. Letter received from Patrick Copland, dated from aboard the Dragon the 7th inst., extolling the zeal and care of the general [Capt. Best in the margin], and his good government throughout the voyage. Admission of Sir Henry Compton, son of the Countess of Dorset, and his desire to have part of his mother's adventures passed over to him. Method of making out warrants for dividends upon the third and fifth voyages. Mr. Treasurer to call for the 250l. for landing the Lord Ambassador in Persia. Brokes to be remitted. 25 tons of Spanish iron to be bought at 151. per ton. Securities for the return of ordnance in the Company's ships. Minutes of a meeting at Blackwall; John Lampraie appointed to check the workmen, and keep accounts of other particulars there. [Five pages. Court Bk., III., 115–120.] |
| June 9. London. |
731. John Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton. Captain Best newly come from the East Indies with the Red Dragon richly laden; he brings news that Sir Henry Middleton is dead at Bantam, and the Trades Increase lost there by mischance as she was careening, which is a great pity, being the goodliest ship of England and never made voyage before; nothing lost but the bulk [? hull], her ordnance and lading being safe on shore. [Extract from Domestic, Jac. I., Vol. LXXVII., No. 36. Cal., p. 236.] |
| June 10. Succadana. |
732. Robt. Larkyn to Capt. Jourdain. Arrived at Succadana from Bantam on 3rd April. The bearer, Sophony Cozucke, will inform him of the reason of the writer's long stay in Succadana. Understands raw silks were sold at great rates at Macassar. Death of John Williams, and disposal of his goods. Has taken up certain money of Edward Langley, deceased, for the Company's use, to right himself of those wrongs which he is sure the Company will demand at his hands. Nath. Courthope stays in Succadana. Cassarian David is to proceed to Sambas. Benj. Farie, his assistant, goes with him to Patani. Wishes he were well rid of his captainship, or the Darling a sounder vessel to carry him. [One page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 142 (3).] |
| June 11. Succadana |
733. Benjamin Farie to Capt. Jourdain, president of the English at Bantam. Put into Booton, not being able to reach Banda. Left Macassar 8th May. Scandalous reports of Franciscoe, who was received into favour by Mr. Cokayne, to the King of Macassar. Accusations against Jourdain by John Daie. Arrived at Succadana 21st May; conference with Capt. Larkyn, with whom he is about to go for Patani in the Darling. Requests part of his wages, having been out of England a long while. [Two pages, much injured by damp. O. C, Vol. II., No. 149.] |
| June 11. |
734. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Loan of Lord Compton to the Company for timber. David Briggs sworn a free brother for a fine of 20l. Alteration of the counting house. Desire of Wm. Russell to take out the proportion for his adventures of 500l. in the sixth voyage, in pepper. The Dragon shorty expected in the river, some bags to be provided. Ordnance for the next shipping. Stone wharf at Deptford. Pipe staves to be purchased. Timber in Ireland. 400l. of John Merricke's adventure in the joint stock to be passed over to David Briggs. [One page and a quarter. Court Bk., III., 120–121.] |
| 1614 ? |
735. Petition of the Governor and the rest of the Commissioners for the East India Company to the Privy Council. For a warrant for the importation of 100,000 pipe staves and other staves bough by Wm. Newman, their agent in Ireland. [One page. East Indies, Vol. I., No. 41.] |
| June 14. |
736. Nathaniel Courthope to Captain Jourdain, president of the English at Bantam. Arrived at Succadana 2 April. Contention between Sophony [Cozucke] Greete and John Cloughe, so that they would not on any terms stay longer together. The writer agreed to stay at Succadana. Endeavours to settle a factory up the river of Landak; repulsed by the “Dieackes” [Dyaks]; escaped a marvellous danger on the second attempt as Sophony will certify. Arrival of Fras. Kelly and Benj. Farie from Macassar. Sale of the Company's goods. Money lent to John Parsons. Cloths vendible at Succadana, the prices they will fetch and the quantities required. [One page and a half. Much injured. O.C., Vol. II., No. 150.] |
| June 17. Masulipatam. |
737. Peter Floris to Thos. Aldworthe, at Surat. Purchase of indigo and cotton yarn; hopes they will realize the profit of six or seven for one; Mr. Gourney has a great opinion of those commodities. Death of Thos. Essington on 17th May. John Skinner master of the ship. Hopes to be ready by September to sail for Bantam. General Best there in November last lading the Dragon and Osiander for England. The Trades Increase wholly overthrown, and her ordnance sold to the Dutch. An agent appointed by General Best to overlook the three English houses in Bantam where there has been great dissension. Concerning a messenger sent to the writer by Aldworthe with letters from Sir Thos. Smythe. Diamonds and rubies so dear that he did not dare buy any, the ship of Aracan not having arrived this year. [Two pages and a half O.G., Vol. II., No. 151.] |
| Jane 17. Osaka. |
738. Wm. Eaton to Rich. Wickham, at Yedo. Prices at which he has sold all his black cloths and pepper. Purposes, when Capt. Addames arrives, to go with him to Firando. [One page O. C., Vol. II., No. 152.] |
| June 17–28. |
739. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Certain adventures of Wm. Burrell to be placed to the account of Thos. Jones. Brief relation made by Capt. Best of the Portugals coming to Surat to put him from trade; he informs the Company of theletters and present he has for His Majesty from the King of Acheen; and is desired by the governor to have them ready against Sunday to be presented. Letters brought by Capt. Best from the Company's factors and servants to private friends to be delivered; except one from George Ball to his brother Richard, which is to be opened and read before them in his presence. Letter read from Cassarian David from Bantam to John Merricke, acknowledging favours and promising his best endeavours for the good of the Company. Pepper and cloves bought by grocers on board the Dragon; who affirm that Rye, Dover, and Sandwich were filled with spices, which had been bought aboard; their goods stayed by warrant from the governor; explanations of Capt. Best concerning these commodities which belonged to his men. Capt. Best's account of the stores remaining in the Dragon, and the disposal of some of the ordnance of the Trades Increase to the Dutch, “because the King of Bantam was earnest for them.” Particulars of good value and diamonds on board the Dragon. Goods left at Surat belonging to the tenth voyage. Capt. Best's opinion of leaving Bantam and making their rendezvous at Jacatra about five leagues from thence, the air being much more healthy, and the King desirous of proffering them all kindness, and that they shall pay but 3½ per cent, custom, whereas at Bantam 53/4 per cent, and more has been exacted by that king. Capt. Best is against so many divisions and accounts at Bantam, Geo. Ball, Win. Sheppard, and Cassarian David having each a house. Elephants' teeth in no repute at Surat, but broad cloths much desired, which may be sold at double their cost in England; recommends 1,000 (pieces) to be sent with the next ships. Mrs. Stevens' adventures of 200l. in the joint stock to be set over to the account of Rich. Ball for the use of her children. |
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June 20.—Purchase of pepper by the Muscovy Company. Request of Mr. Palmer, the French merchant, concerning money left on a division of the third voyage. Repairs necessary for the Expectation and Dragon. For providing cloths for the next voyage. Necessity of having small shipping to remain in the East Indies, to trade up and down the country. State of the business of the sixth voyage. Desire of the governor to do all the good he can for the Company, he “hath observed sundry occurrences which have drawn him to frequent the court very much of late, that the King's occasions are very many to use money, and that therefore it were a fit time for this Company to show their affections unto His Majesty, by presenting him with some remembrance thereof, as a benevolence;” the Company concur in this opinion, as they shall daily have need of the King's favour to countenance and protect them against their many adversaries, as also, in the business with the Hollanders; the motion to be kept secret, and “the quantity” to be determined by a committee. Mrs. Stevens' adventure. |
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June 22.—Those absent of the generality to be fined 12d. Settlement of a beneficial trade in Cambaya by Capt. Best, a service of very great moment and consequence, in which he had many oppositions, and divers fights and encounters with the Portugals, but he settled a factory on shore upon good capitulations with the governors of those parts, authorised from the emperor, those articles being afterwards confirmed by the Grand Magore himself. Several letters read, including one from Mr. Aldworthe, others from Surat on the Company's affairs and the prices of commodities, from Tecoe, from Nath. Salmon, extolling the plenty and pleasantness of the country of Cambaya, from Wm. More and from Capt. Newport from aboard the Expedition, mentioning his landing of the lord ambassador in. the River Sindus, buying pepper at Priaman, and his intention to hasten for Bantam to procure the rest of his lading; hopes to come home this summer; at the writing of this letter in Dec. last, he had not lost a man, nor had any sick. Opinion of Capt. Best, that it was “better, cheap,” and safer to have their goods carried by carts from the shore than by water, which would secure their goods from the Portugals frigates, the emperor and the governors being tied by their articles to make good and secure all their goods on shore from any violence of the Portugals. Other letters referred to the next court. Disposal of the pepper in the Dragon. |
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June 28.—Adventures of Nicholas S Lowell to be passed over to Brian Kinaston, at the request of Henry Frith. Pepper bought by Richard Burrell and Mr. Couchman. The raw, twisted, and other silks to be prepared for sale. Pries of the cloves. Request of Mr. Cason referred to the auditors. For choice of a person to dress cloth. The great mortality of the Company's men at Bantam, and the exactions of customs by the king and governors there being considered, and Capt. Best's opinion heard, it is resolved to send a pinnace, with commission to persons of good discretion to confer with the king of Jacatra about a place there for a factory, and a settled course for customs, with liberty to build a strong house “free from fire;” to confer also with the Flemings to join with the English in leaving Bantam, and removing wholly to Jacatra or elsewhere; the management of the business to be left to John Jourdain and George Ball, Nicholas Isaacke selected to take over the Company's directions. A pinnace to be bought. Beef and pork to be provided tor the next fleet, which is to consist of the Dragon, Expectation, and Peppercorn, with two pinnaces of 100 tons each. Opinion, of Capt. Best, that the ships for Surat should be ready by the end of December; provisions and stores to be provided in time. The Expectation to be viewed as to repairs. Courts to be held three times a week. [Ten pages and a quarter. Court Bk., III., 121– 131.] |
| 1614 ? |
740. [Instructions from the East India Company to John Jourdain?] Have taken into consideration the great want of his continual presence in the places where most of their ships should be laden. Are still persuaded that Jacatra will be the principal rendezvous where all their ships should touch and take directions from him. Would not have him leave Jacatra or Bantam, unless for some weighty occasion, allowed by his council. For better government of all the factories, to choose four principal places where the chief persons ought to be resident, at Surat, Coromandel, Bantam, and Patani, who may be called agents, directors, consuls, or such like; jurisdiction of each and directions for their control and guidance. Every director to have four or five of the best experienced to employ in the factories, and each factory to have three or four new corners to learn the language and supply vacancies. For the furtherance of trade in those parts, such descriptions and intellgence as can be gathered from advices of factors are annexed, viz :— of the island of Zeilan [Ceylon], the kingdom of Narsinga, along the coast of Coromandel, Balagatt or Telingana, Bengala, Pegu and coast until Pera and Malacca, Sumatra, Succadana, Patani, Siam, and Cambaya. “Finis for this description until I hope to have the rest.” [Nineteen pages. Mutilated by fire. Brit. Mus., Otho, VIII., fols. 231–240.] |
| June 29. |
741. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Concerning the purchase of a ship of about 150 tons. Resolution to send for Mr. Isaacke, to make him acquainted with the substance of the business of the removal to Jacatra, and dispatch him away. Francis Otley, living at Amsterdam, to be offered employment in the same business. Information of Capt. Best that the Flemings have a person living in the Indies, with the title of General, who has absolute power and authority both in trade and government; he is of opinion that the Company's affairs will never be well managed until they have the like; also that a factory should be settled at Tecoe, which is under the King of Acheen, and where great quantities of pepper might lie procured for Cambaya goods ; he affirms that cloth from Surat to the value of 5,000l. would yield about 20,000l. in pepper. Great store of gold to be had at Tecoe, and the place very wholesome to live in. Resolution to have a factory there. A small pinnace to be bought. Money to be taken up at 10 per cent. Mr. Johnson's broke remitted. Indigo bought by Mr. Abbott and Mr. Handforde. About making cordage; hemp to be purchased from the Russian merchants or the East country. Demands of Nicholas Diggins for work for the Expedition. Permission to Capt. Keeling to adventure 600l. in the joint stock. Taffetas and velvets to be sorted, [Four pages. Court Bk., III., 131–135.] |
