|
March 1.
Swally Road. |
924. “Some remembrances of my opinion for Mr. Aldworthe to impart to all such principal commanders of the Indian Company's business, as may in short time (before alteration) come hither.” To let the Nabob buy what may seem fit for his turn, since he does so by strict command from the King as Thos. Keridge writes from the court. To endeavour to obtain the good opinion of both princes and common people. To guard against any overthrow by the Portugals and the king making peace with them, and to have a careful eye over the behaviour of all the Company's servants. Signed by Nich. Downton. [One page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 257.] |
March 1.
Swally Road,
aboard the Gift. |
925. John Sandcrofte to the East India Company. Incloses copy of letter sent by Rich. Steele [see ante, No. 811.] Account of indigo bought at Ahmedabad, Baroach, &c. of drugs bought by himself and Henry Elmore, and cotton yarn, Cambaya quilts, carpets, &c. This is a goodly country, and there is good store of commodities to be had to lade two great ships yearly. Prices which elephants' teeth, good swords, and other commodities will sell for. Baroach the chief place in India for bastas and cotton yarn. Victory over the Portugals. Requests that two thirds of his salary may be put in the joint stock. Authorizes John Ball to receive what is due upon his adventure of 265l. in the joint stock. [Three pages and a quarter.O. C., Vol. II., No. 258.] |
March 1.
Swally Road. |
926. Edmond Aspinall to the East India Company. His sickness and employment at Surat. Is appointed to the Gift, but knows not yet where she will go. [One page. Indorsed “Read 2 Dec. 1615, of no moment for any note.” O. C., Vol. II., No. 259.] |
March 2.
Swally Road. |
927. Samuel Juxon to Sir Thos. Smythe. Leaves the “marine discourses” to the masters of the ships, the “merchandising causes”to those of more eminence than himself, and the “businesses here effected,” to the commanders, yet desires him to consider that at the building of Solomon's temple “there was room as well for bearers as for other more curious artificers.” [One page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 260.] |
| March 2–3. |
928. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Orders concerning various matters connected with the yard at Blackwall, alterations in the Great Defence and Clove, Mr. Salmon's accounts, and Mr. Burrell's contracts for timber. |
|
March 3.—Gratification to the sisters of Thos. Watkins, not as wages, “seeing he was never entertained by the Company.” Adventures of Raphe Hamor set over to Henry Robinson and Geoffrey Kirbye; of Robt. Johnson to Alderman Prescott, John Holloway, and Thos. Whitley; and of Wm. Garraway to Edward Jeames. Offer of Mr. Newman and Mr. Atkins to sell their ship at Brest to the Company. For restitution of ordnance sold from the Trades Increase to the Dutch at Bantam. Mr. Leate's account to be audited. Elias Wood to be purser's mate. The pursers to go aboard the Clove. Charges for freight to be considered. Samuel Browne to be steward's mate. A dividend of the third and fifth voyages referred. Letters read from Capt. Keeling. Cable to be sent to Bantam for the Dragon. Escape of one of the condemned men who cut away the Peppercorn's skiff, and fled with two of her company; the skiff recovered. Complains of sundry defects in the sails, &c. Power of the Lord Ambassador set forth in the commission. Letter read from Thos. Arthington from Portland with an account of their voyage thus far, and a request to be employed in any intended discovery from Japan northwards, or any other way. Also two letters from Geo. Barklie and Rich. Baker, discoursing of their passage and dangers escaped. Rich. White entertained at 50l. per annum for surveying the drying and dressing of cloth, all being of opinion that the trade to Cambaya should be continued. Payment of Anthony Starkey's wages. Langley's goods. All bills to be paid at the treasurer's office. About Mr. Burrell's bargains for timber. Alterations in the Defence. Ordnance and shot delivered by Capt. Saris to one of the King's ships to be procured from His Majesty's officers. Offer of 30 tons of Spanish iron. Edmund Rassingham to be entertained. Thos. Rastall and John Waldoe to assist Nich. Sadler in his accounts. Complaints of workmen under Mr. Burrell. Bill of exchange sent by John Chester out of Ireland. Supply of timber. Henry Coghill referred. Payment of wages of Geo. Elliott, master's mate in the Advice. John Thresher, skilful in surgery, referred. Petition of Robt. Faire for employment as a factor refused. [Six pages. Court Bk., III., 373–379.] |
March 3.
Swally Road. |
929. Humphrey Elkington to the East India Company. Arrived at the bar of Swally 15th October [1614]. Much hindered and restrained by Mocrob Chan. Edwardes with those appointed to go with him left Surat, 1st December, for Ahmedabad, which they safely reached, though not without danger of thieves. Their several employments. The trade of the city of Camay [Cambay?] will not correspond to the Company's expectations, the wars of the Portugals with the country people having so much diminished it. Perceives the Governor and people are much addicted to the Portugals, and slightly esteem the English, “so that unless they were quite rooted out there is no hope of any good to be done there for us.” Has received part of his wages from his brother Thos., and requests the remainder may be put in the joint stock. [One page and a half. Indorsed “Read 2 Dec. 1615.” O. C., Vol. II., No. 261.] |
| March 4–7. |
930. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Concerning alterations in the Defence. |
|
March 7.—Adventure of Susan Courtney, widow of Henry Bridgman, set over to Wm. Harrison and Jeoffrey Kirbie. 18l. imposed by the men of Ross, in Ireland, “a duty for the town,” upon the Company's pipe-staves, to be reformed. Allowance of bread and beer to the mariners, to prevent them leaving the ships, and hasten them away the sooner. Wages of Samuel Squire. Gratification of 30l. out of the private purse of the governor and committees to a daughter of Robt. Washborne, the Company's officer, about to be married. Mr. Adderley to have 50l. per annum salary. Petition of the widow of Giles Thornton for the Company's assistance for recovery of certain goods denied. Settlement of Fierce and Bell's accounts Mr. Handforde and Mr. Kirbie gratified for services rendered, and John Clifton for his pains at Portsmouth. Report of the committee on Capt. Saris' business; objections against him for opening letters sent by factors to the governor; for his private trade; and for giving away in presents 3,000 ryals more than were allowed; his answers, but nothing absolutely determined. Jeremy Sambrooke referred for the next fleet. Richard Camden admitted for a fine of 10l. [Three pages and a half. Court Bk., III., 379–382.]. |
March 7.
"From Surat
or at sea." |
931. Capt. Downton to the [East India Company.] Many distastes offered by Mocrob Chan on the arrival of the ships; he is But the King's instrument, and there is no hope from the King but through him. He thought the English confederates with the Portugals, because the writer declined to go against Damaun or fight against them, except they gave the first cause, notwithstanding Mocrob Chan offered him large sums of money to do so. His subsequent kindness, allowing goods bought in the country to be taken on board without passing through the Custom House. Mocrob Chan commanded by the Mogul to make no peace with the Portugals. If ships of sufficient strength to encounter the Portugals are sent yearly, the Indians will in a short time care little for them. Advice of a letter received from a Jesuit by Mocrob Chan, declaring that the viceroy had express command first to drive away the English, and then take the town of Surat. Resolution to fight the Portugals; their manner of fightings and success. The Guzerats ready to embrace a peace, doubting the success of the English; never saw men fight with greater resolution than the Portugals, they are not to be taxed with cowardice. Many of the gallants of Portugal killed, and afterwards burnt in the ship, and yet there is a report from Damaun that above 300 Portugals were carried in the frigates to be buried there. Quicksilver lost for want of good packing. Defects in the muskets, ordnance carriages, and provisions. [One page. Précis. O. C., Vol. II., No. 187., p. 5.] |
March 7.
Aboard the
Hector. |
932. Edward Holmden to Sir Thos. Smythe. Arrival at Surat. Unreasonable demand of Mocrob Chan for the English ships to go against Damaun, and his causing much delay in passing the goods through the Custom House, and then at high rates. Journey up the country. Factors left at Baroach for providing calicoes and cotton yarn; purpose to have left others at Brodera for gumlack, but found nothing there. Very kindly treated by the Governor of Ahmedabad, where plenty of commodities were found. Humph. Elkington, Rich. Pitt, and the writer sent to Cambaya; goods purchased there. Thinks Ahmedabad will be the best place in this country to provide indigo. Elephants' teeth in very great request. For an increase of his allowance. [Two pages. Indorsed, “Read 2 Dec, 1615.” O. C., Vol. II., No. 262.] |
| March 7. |
933. Abstract of the preceding. [Ibid., No. 187, p. 2.] |
March 8.
Aboard the
New Year's Gift
under sail. |
934. Timothy Mallory to the East India Company. Arrival and proceedings at Surat. Through tedious delays at the Custom House, “for they would be almost a forenoon in searching a private man's chest,” it was the last of November [1614], before Edwardes went to Agra and the others to their several places to prepare lading for a ship for England. Remarks on the goods sent and the quantities sold. The country in general is a place of good trade, and but for the Portugals, “who seek to suppress the English by all means,” two ships might presently be laden, if there were stock enough to provide beforehand. Necessity of sending a good strong fleet, well manned. Fight with the Portugals. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. II., No. 263.] |
March 9.
“From the
Sea,” |
935. Samuel Squier to Sir Thos. Smythe. Account of the voyage from the 7th of March, 1614, the day the fleet left the Downs; came to St. Augustin's Bay 6th August, and Delisha Road 9th September, where the King of Socotra, of whom they bought aloes, used them very kindly. Arrived at Swally 15th October with a ship belonging to merchants of Surat, which they had assisted “to win a good conceipt of them.” Many disturbances and hindrances by the Governor of Surat, who is not his own nor the English nation's friend, “as I would he were, but always opposite to them in all proceedings.” Death of Mr. Emsworth at Surat on 23d November. Edwardes kindly used in his travels through Baroach and Ahmedabad. Attack on the English ships by the Portuguese viceroy, Don Jeronimo, on 20th January, “with a powerful army, consisting of nine ships, two gallies, and 58 frigates.” Has delivered a drawing of the fight to the general to be sent to the Company. [Two pages and a half. Indorsed, “Read in court 2 Dec. 1615.” O.C.,Vol. II, No. 264.] |
March 9.
At sea, to the
Southward of
Dabul. |
936. Raphe Preston to the East India Company. Copy almost word for word, of his letter of 1st January, 1615. [See Cal. No. 859. Twelve pages. O. C., Vol. II., No. 265.] |
| March 9. |
937. Abstract of the preceding. [Ibid., No. 187, pp. 11, 12.] |
March 9.
Aboard the
Hector. |
938. John Oxwicke to [one of the Committee of the East India Company]. Arrived in Swally road, not having lost above six men, of any note. Has heard the common men say “God grant them never other than a merchant commander for these parts.” Commendations of Wm. Edwardes, commander of the Hector, also of Nich. Emsworth, aboard the Merchant's Hope, and Thos. Elkington on board the Solomon. Desires to go in the next ships either for Japan or Coromandel. The general is a good soldier, with resolution enough, as the Portugals have found, but he does not understand merchandise, and has been wholly ruled by his council. Account of the treatment received at the hands of the viceroy [Mocrob Chan]; it is thought the King [of Agra] will replace him. His proceedings at Baroach, where he remained three months and purchased goods to the amount of 3,000l. Refers to the bearer Mr. Dodsworthe, for an account of their “troubles with the Portugals.” Sends him by Mr. Mollineux, master of the Merchant's Hope, a quilt which cost 6l. 10s., and which he had made for him at Cambaya, also an antelope, and another to Sir Thos. Smythe; they, with one he has given to the general, were presented to the writer by the Governor of Baroach; they are very rare in these parts, and he believes none as yet have been taken to England. Remembrances to Sir Dudley Diggs. [Four pages. O.C., Vol. II., No. 266.] |
| March 10. |
939. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Matthew Leigh, servant to Geo. Chamberlain, ironmonger, sworn a free brother of the Company. General court to be held for sale of the silks. Concerning Capt. Saris; the presents were given with the approbation of the factors, half being presented to the Emperor [of Japan], besides his own extraordinary charges of 400l. “in putting himself into brave apparel to confront the Portugals and Flemings, who sought all the means that possibly they could to disgrace him.” Further debate upon the charges previously brought against him, and resolution to give him his bond and excuse his freight; the question of gratification deferred. Concerning Mr. Leate's accounts, his dealings with Mr. Simondson, and allowance for cloves. Henry Coghill refused. Mr. Rose referred. Mr. Myll appointed purser, who is thought fit for a factor. Bill for plating the bread-rooms to be paid. About payment of Rich. Burrell's adventures in the 8th voyage. Letters read from Capt. Keeling giving notice of having taken with him one Fras. Wanderton, bound for Newfoundland; also concerning sundry conferences had with merchants aboard, on the Company's unwillingness to permit them to have their wives with them; that they thought the most Christian course was to do so, both for health, safety of the Company's goods, faithfulness in business, prolonging life, and prevention of scandal to religion, with many other considerations, instancing the great disorder of the factors at Bantam; lie beseeches the governor, if any such purpose in the Company take effect, that his wife, after her delivery, may be sent with only one attendant to Bantam in the next ships, which will bind his service more especially to them, and he will endeavour to lop the leaves, the branches, and the trunk of private trade; this letter, “so passionately and feelingly written,” to be further considered. Skevill, a mariner, having but one hand, entertained at 30s. a month. [Three pages. Court Bk., III., 383–385.] |
| March 12. |
940. Commission by General David Middleton to John Millworth and Wm. Nicolls, his assistant, bound in the Thomas, Rich. Rowe, master, to sundry ports on the island of Sumatra. The Company having brought all their affairs under one joint-stock, and ordered that all their factories should give accounts of their proceedings to the agent or principal of the factory at Bantam, all persons whatsoever in the Company's employ are directed to do so. Rowe to have sole command of the ship, which is to ply to other ports as by council may be thought fitting. As to the sale of cloth, “give no credit to any man;” and the ports they are to visit. Succession in case of death. Not to stay longer than 15 Sept. unless advised by the agent at Bantam. [Threepages. O. C., Vol.II., No. 267.] |
| March 14. |
941. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Admission of John Travell, servant to Roger Hemminge. As to enrolment of servants. Melsham's accounts to be made up Table of “the proportionable valuation of the freight” of various commodities to or from the East Indies, approved. Nic. Emsworth's wages. Concerning some speeches alleged to have been used by Mr. Cater against the governor in reference to his being at Gravesend with the ships. Debate on the orders set down by the committee for Deptford yard, touching the duties of Nich. Sadler and John Waldoe. Wm. Coulson recommended by Sir Thos. Lowe to be entertained. Adventures of Thos. Dike in the East Indies, Virginia and Somers Islands left to five of his sons; request of Robert the eldest to pass over his part to his brother John; neither being free the matter is referred. Petition of Geo. Pike, goldsmith and jeweller, for employment, referred. Refusal of the farmers of Customs to pass pepper in a Flemish bottom; Mr. Wolstenholme to be requested to pass it now, and hereafter the Company will confer on that point. Harbour wages to Nicholas Bangham. |
|
[March 13].—Minutes of a meeting of the committee for Deptford; Rich. Hall, the smith's bills; timber for Blackwall; repairs to the stone wharf, and to the house on the wharf; Nich. Sadler's accounts. [Four pages. Court. Bk., 386–389.] |
March ?
[Banda Neira.] |
942. Richard Welden to Capt. Ball of the Concord. Suspicion and force compel him to be absent. It is very unkindly taken “here in the Castle” that he has sent away his pinnace; his other proceedings make it thought he has come to jest with them. So long as the captain “goes not by the Bandanezen they will be the best friends with you in the world, but to the contrary if you go to the other side, or trade at any of these Banda Islands for spice, the worst.” The ship which came yesterday is the Hope, from Ternate, and in her is Mr. Scott, who wishes to see him. Sends “a brief” from Abraham Vanderbrook, “but what it concerns God knows.” [One page. O. C., Vol II., No. 268.] |
March 16.
Hague. |
943. Sir Henry Wotton, C. Edmondes, Robt. Middleton, and Morris Abbott to Sec. Winwood. Since their first account to His Majesty two or three replies and rejoinders have passed between them and the deputies, containing the same things sent in former papers, with a little more or less garnishment; but considering that, after full debate of the general question touching the liberty of commerce, they shall fall to some particular discourse about the means of joining with the Hollanders in the maintenance of that free commerce, and that their instructions are so restrictive in anything that may imply a breach of the King's present amity with Spain, they crave some further specification of his royal will. Have inclosed some general heads for an agreement between them and the States [wanting], without just offence to any other nation. Request the King's directions in case they find the States determined to oppose their liberty of trade in the Moluccas, unless the English will join openly and directly with them in the defence of those petty kings against the Portugals and Spaniards. [One page and a half. Holland Correspondence.
|
| March 17. |
944. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Adventure of Geo. Chandler set over to Thos. Heies. Peter Papilion, servant to Abraham Chamberlain, admitted, because of Chamberlain's great pains in providing amber beads for the Company. Petition of Geo. Foster, craving the Company's charity towards his release from the Compter prison in the Poultry, which 5l. will effect; Mr. Hamersley to see it done, and whether he is fit for their service. Four months pay to one Thos. Smyth, “a young youth.” About sale of the goods. As to taking up money at 9 per. cent., no need at present. Cloths to be bought. Wharf at Deptford. Petition of Rich. Hall, anchorsmith, referred to the committee for the yard. Sale of velvet, embroidered quilts, “biobees, or guilded screens,” painted “with some resemblances of warfare,” horses, fowls, hunting pieces, &c., and other commodities, with names of the purchasers, and the prices. [Four pages a half. Court Bk. III., 390–394.] |
March 19.
Aboard the
Hector. |
945. John Oxwicke to . . . Understanding that he purposes a voyage to Japan; would be glad to hazard his fortune with him there or wherever else he may go. If that cannot be, wishes to be one of those merchants to go for the coast of Coromandel, if there be any trade that way. [Half a page. O. C., Vol.II., No. 269.] |
March 20.
Ajmere. |
946. Thos. Keridge to the East India Company. Refers to his previous letters. Arrival of Wm. Edwardes at the Court, and account of his entertainment [see ante, No. 917]. Aseph Chan, a chief favourite of the King, by means of his sister, the best beloved Queen, considered the most fit to present Edwardes, and “prosecute our business.” Presents to the King, who ordered 3,000 rupees to be given to Edwardes towards his expenses; to Aseph Chan, who sent him 1,000 rupees for a banquet, and to others. The King informed by letter from Mocrob Chan of the fight at Swally, “much applauded our people's resolution, saying his country was before them to do therein whatsoever ourselves desired, speaking very despitefully and reproachfully of the Portugals.” Copies and translations of the king's letter to King James, and of the firman to the Governors of Surat and Cambaya, “confirming the king's allowance of our trade, and his acceptance of us into his country,” have been transmitted by Edwardes; finds he over estimated the quantity of cloth that is likely to be sold yearly. Guzerat the fittest place for the sale of lead, tin, elephants' teeth, quicksilver, vermilion, &c.; a mine of quicksilver lately found near Agra, so that the price has much fallen. Sword blades in request; directions for their shape and make, also for looking glasses. The Mogul's picture, drawn in England, is nothing like him, so will serve for no use at all; the rest of the pictures have been given or reserved for presents. Many have been earnest to buy, but none have been sold; thinks five or six dozen might be sold of different sizes, “well wrought, those of France, Germany, Flanders, &c., being fittest for that purpose, for they esteem not of the ladies pictures according to their value, except only for the rarity of the workmanship, so a few extraordinary of them for presents will suffice; the rest may be of different fictions of feigned gods, histories, gardens, banquets, and the like, with some two or three hundred printed pictures.” There is daily inquiry for toys; “they desire novelties and variety, yet themselves cannot express what they would have, so we cannot advise either than generally for toys of new invention.” Describes the kind of presents which it will be necessary to send yearly to the king and some of the chiefs. Nich. Withington, being unable to effect the sale of his cloth and other commodities, has taken it so exceedingly to heart that with grief he is distracted and so hath continued these two months. Concerning Midnall's goods. Goods laden upon the Hope and Hector. Has freely imparted to Edwardes his own experience in these parts. Had some conference with Sir Robert Sherley, who gives much encouragement of great good to be done by trade in Persia; encloses copy he received from Sherley of certain notes of the ports there, having given copies to Steele and Crouther. It is generally reported that the King of Persia has besieged Ormus, and brought it to some distress; “the extreme base pride of the Portugals will work their ruin everywhere.” Advice from Surat, in 16 days, of the departure of all their ships in safety; the Hope for England, and the other three to the southwards. The news of the fight has gained for the English the regard of the people, yet it produceth not any effect in them. The wars between the King and the Rana, an Indian prince, are finished, the latter having sent his son, with 3,000 horse at his own charge, to serve the king. Requests his wages may be put in the joint stock. The king greatly pleased with a mastiff, presented to him by Edwardes, which fought with a leopard and killed it, and also with a bear, which some dogs sent by the King of Persia would not touch, and “so disgraced the Persian dogs, whereby the king was exceedingly pleased;” two or three mastiffs, a couple of Irish greyhounds, and a couple of wellfed water
spaniels would give him great content. Has received letters from Aldworthe, from Surat, with copy of a consultation on board the Gift for disposing of the goods and moneys belonging to the Company. Dissatisfaction of Edwardes. Incloses,
|
|
946. I. “A note of the ports in Persia, observed from Sir Robt. Sherley.” These include Jasques, Damone within Jasques, Batan, 35 leagues within Ormus, Bareyn [Bahrein], an island upon the coast of Arabia, and Rashell, 80 leagues from Ormus. Tribute paid by the Portugals in Ormus to the King of Persia for sustaining them with water and provisions. All the King of Persia's dominions free from customs. [See ante, No. 784. Together five pages and a half. O. C., Vol II., No. 270.] |
March 21.
Hague. |
947. C Edmondes to Sec. Winwood. Causes of the delay of a despatch sent to him with one to Sir Thos. Smythe, and copies of all the proceedings of the Commissioners. The deputies have at length required a clear resolution touching our joining with them against the Spaniard in the Indies as the ground whereon the rest of our deliberations must be built. Incloses copies of papers already sent, that Winwood may perceive upon what terms they stand and move the King for directions. If the Hollanders will admit a conference with an overture of what they expect for maintenance of the common utility, “we shall speedily see an issue of the business,” but if they proceed to make good their pretences for excluding the English from such chief places of trade as they would appropriate to themselves “we are then where we were, and see no end of this difference.” Incloses, |
|
947. I. Edmondes to Winwood. Account of how the treaty for free trade into the East Indies has been proceeded in “whereupon we now stick.” Acceptance of the overture to leave by joint consent the question of right undecided and to consider of some course expedient for the common utility, expecting to have an offer of some part of the trade in the Moluccas. Is persuaded such was their meaning, howsoever they do now somewhat decline it. Should have thought it reasonable to have allowed with the Hollanders 20 per cent, for the spices proportioned for our trade in the Moluccas without taking notice how it should be employed; arguments. How the Hollanders' terms can be treated upon, for abating the Spaniards' force and power in the East Indies. M. Barnevelt in the assembly. Many said it would be a long business; is afraid it will prove too true. They [the Commissioners] have been there two months and have less hope than at first. Causes of the delay. The business of Greenland. Has seen a book published in England against the East India Company, that if it be thought fit to quit the trade we may bring home with us from hence 100,000l. for our interest. Hague, 16th March, 1613. [Together six pages. Holland Correspondence.] |
| March 21. |
948. Notes from Capt. Keeling's journal at sea, on board the New Year's Gift, concerning what passed at Priaman at his being there. He had trade as soon as he arrived, without the King of Acheen's letter. Presents to the governor; and necessity of giving to others on many occasions. Price and customs of pepper; quantity to be had in harvest in August and September. Great deceit in the weighers. Commodities vendible there. The governor, Nacada Pastombo, friendly to the English; but Pangolo Dachym the contrary. During his 50 days' stay, Capt. Keeling weighed 209 tons of pepper. [Three quarters of a page. Two copies. O. C., Vol. I., Nos. 6, 7.] |
| March 21. |
949. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Rich. Atkinson to relieve Fras. Sadler from his two many businesses whereby his health is endangered. Touching the sale of mace effected with some grocers by Mr. Westrow without authority of the court. As to the disposal of certain goods. James Graves referred. Account of the sale of damasks, satins, taffetas, velvets, spices, and other commodities, with names of the purchasers and the prices. [Four pages. Court Bk., III., 394–398.] |
March 23.
Ajmere. |
950. Peter Rogers, minister, to the East India Company. Letters received from Surat force him, though unwillingly, to manifest the truth of his proceedings in reference to the general's [Nic. Downton?] very gross and scandalous accusations against Wm. Edwardes and himself notwithstanding a seeming loving and affectionate parting. Explanations also concerning Sir Thos. Smythe's “sweet kinsman, deceased,” Henry Smythe, and Mr. Dodsworthe. Recriminations against the general, misery is likely to befall any minister that may travel with him. [Three pages. O. C., Vol. II., No27. 1.] |
| March? |
951. Minute that Capt. Downton by the copy of his letter written to W. Edwardes from Swally [sent] to the Company, reproves Edwardes very sharply of many abuses, and “wisheth him to take measure of himself with reformation, wherein I gather that if Capt. Downton be truly humble, charitable, and sincere, then is Wm. Edwardes very blameable.” [Minute only, O. C., Vol. II, No. 187, p. 4.] |
March 24.
Ajmere. |
952. Wm. Edwardes to the East India Company. Refers to his letters by the Hope and by the bearer Rich. Steele who left for England ten days since by way of Agra. Replies to the accusations brought against him by the generál [Downton?] in a letter, copy of which he encloses [wanting]. Unsuccessful attempts of the Portugals to fire the English fleet. The Hope with other of the Company's ships sailed from Swally for England on 2nd present; account of the lading of the Hope and Hector. [Two pages and three quarters. O. C., Vol. II., No. 272.] |
| March 25. |
953. Thos. Mitford to the East India Company. Refers to his last of 28th December, sent by Edward Dodsworthe from Ahmedabad, wherein he related their troublesome entertainment at Surat by Mocrob Chan and sending for discovery of the Persian trade. Commodities which he understands may be sold in Persia, but it is requisite to leave a stock of 20,000l. to remain in the country, and the like here [in Ajmere]; reasons. Ships should be dispatched [from England] in November to reach Jasques by August, where they may remain three months and then go to Surat, which they should leave in January either for Bantam or England. Arrival at the court and audience of the emperor [see Edwardes' letter, No. 917]. Went again to the court on the 14th present “being the 4th day of the Noverouse, which is the principal feast of all the year,” when Edwardes presented divers pictures to the king from whom he received letters to King James. Small sale of commodities, only cloth to some great men; those fit for sale and the prices they will fetch. A lieger must be kept for redressing wrongs, otherwise the English will be subject to many inconveniences. Some new toys for presents must likewise be sent with every fleet, “for in novelties this king is much delighted,” and, as well as his nobles, returns presents of equal value. Has set down the weights, measures, and valuation of moneys of the country. [Two pages. O. C., Vol. III., No. 273.] |
March 26.
Ajmere. |
954. Thos. Kerridge to [Sir Thos. Smythe]. Has already certified the arrival of Edwardes and his company on 4th February; their audience of the king and delivery of the presents, which the king received with much love and affection, promising to send great presents in answer, but as yet they have only received his letters. The difference between an ambassador and a private agent explained to some of the chiefs, “which they apprehended sufficiently and were well satisfied.” Four thousand rupees, given by the king and one of the chief nobility to Edwardes, he has appropriated to his own use; Kerridge's objections. Fears he has not gained Edwardes' love, and complains that “he did me a public disgrace upon surmises.” Concerning the recovery of Midnall's goods, and Edwardes' discontent with the writer. Disagreement between Capt. Downton and Edwardes; fears his [Edwardes'] friends that sent him hither were mistaken in him. For increase of wages, and that as they become due they may be put in the general stock. [Two pages. O. C., Vol. III., No. 274.] |
March 28.
Whitehall. |
955. [Sec. Winwood] to [the Commissioners for the East India business]. The King and Council approve their joint despatch of the 16th instant, and concur in opinion that they may safely proceed in treaty with the deputies of the States, and conclude a communion of commerce in the East Indies upon those four heads, which are now returned, nothing altered [wanting]; yet they are not to be tied precisely to those directions, provided they entertain nothing repugnant to the intent of their instructions. To inform the deputies how distasteful these delays are to the King and prejudicial to the commissioners, and beg them to take this affair into their more serious consideration, and if they find them dally and trifle, to take their leave without show of any discontent. Concerning the cause of Greenland. [Three pages and a quarter. Holland Correspondence.] |
| March 29. |
956. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mr. Rudd's securities for goods bought by the candle. Letters received from the commissioners at the Hague; the messenger entertained to take back answers. Petition of Valentine Offley for employment and pardon for what had passed, promising amendment of life, and to regain the Company's good opinions; to be entertained to attend Capt. Castleton. No imprest money to be paid to the common sailors, who have done great wrong by neglecting the Company's service, and misspending their money with which they should have provided necessaries. Committee to attend Mr. Secretary [Winwood?], who is desirous to confer with some of the Trinity House, about the employment of foreign bottoms for exporting or importing commodities. Letters read from the commissioners at the Hague of the 16th and 21st instant, discoursing of the business there concerning the East Indies and Greenland; referred by His Majesty to the Privy Council; articles drawn out by the commisioners necessary to be propounded to the Hollanders, approved by their lordships; the commissioners of opinion that little good will be done, or that the Hollanders will yield to any reasonable conclusions; the Council direct Mr. Secretary to send the answer they had resolved upon, with their lordships' opinion as to the return of the commissioners. Disgrace brought upon the Company by Newman maliciously arresting Mr. Deputy [Wm. Greenwell] in Southwark, and the unjust writings of Keale; the Hollanders so jealous of their trade in the Indies, that they have given special commands against any invectives upon it; the governor of opinion “to conceal any further speech thereof, but to expect the event with patience.” Newman having acted so dishonestly towards the Company, question whether he should be admitted upon any terms. Proclamation about money referred by the Lord Chancellor to the governor, to be considered by Mr. Treasurer [Wm. Harrison] and Mr. Bell. About payment of Captain Clemon's dividends on the sixth voyage; and for a parcel of branched coral to be carried to Japan in the Advice. Desire of Lord Walden to put his dividends in the sixth voyage in the joint stock. Wages of Edmund Aspinall, factor of the New Year's ,Gift. Canvas from France to be viewed. |
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March 31.—Henry Robinson's adventure in the joint stock set over to John Holloway. Daniel Wright, servant to Bryan Kiuasted, sworn a free brother. 20l. to Mr. Poynett for piloting the Dragon into the Downs. About Captain Castleton's entertainment; he having been in trouble and question with the State; opinion that it is the safest course not to procure him a commission from His Majesty. Rich. Gottes again refused. A box sent by Edward Langley from the Indies to be delivered to Peter Langley, and his other business ended. About payment of Mr. Snelling's adventure for the eighth voyage. Petition of Lawrence [? Leonard] Prestwood for a factor's place, again referred. Touching Captains Pepwell and Gifford going forth in a ship from Shoreham; their speech with the governor, and willingness to be employed by the Company; consideration whether Captain Pepwell might not be sent to the Moluccas, the rather that the commissioners in Holland wish to have some shipping employed in that trade, and Captain Gifford to Surat; the ship belonging to Mr. Gassett; bond to be procured to bind them from going to the East Indies; to persuade Mr. Gassett to come voluntarily to give Mr. Governor satisfaction, rather than be sent for by a pursuivant. Letter read from Brest, concerning the ship there. [Four pages and a half. Court Bk., III., 399– 403.] |
