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[Oct. 1.]
[Patani.] |
1166 . John Browne to [Mr. Johnson, second factor at Siam,] concerning the sale of a parcel of goods and the prices they will fetch. [One page. O.C., Vol. IV., No. 401 L] |
Oct. 2–7.
Swally Road
aboard the
Charles. |
1167 . Consultation by Henry Pepwell, commander of the fleet, Thos. Kerridge, Thos. Barker, and Thos. Mitford, first, second, and third merchants at Surat, and Edward Connok, Wm Methwold, Thos. Rastall, and Geo. Pley, chief merchants of the fleet. The Company having by the Charles, Unicorn, James, and Globe sent divers sorts of commodities not vendible in these parts. Kerridge propounds that one of the smaller ships should go to Persia with the cloth and other goods vendible there. Hopeful letters received from thence from Steele and Crouther. Letter from Sir Thos. Roe earnestly persuading to desist. Debate and resolution that the expedition should “forthwith receive determination” for the reasons stated. Jasques, thirty leagues from Ormus, considered the most fitting place for an English fleet to curb the passage of the Portugals, and be revenged of any wrong. Among the causes for not deferring present trade; that Sir Robt. Sherley is now absent, who would either hinder them or to their great charge “as we suppose” would lend them his futherance. Agreed that the James should go on this present employment. Second proposal for landing a fit proportion of money for the speedy dispatch of their intended investments for England. Ten chests, containing 40,000 dollars, to be landed from the whole fleet. |
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Oct. 6.—Consultation of the above merchants, concerning the goods to be sent to Persia, a list of which is appended. Reasons for appointing Edw. Connok, “a man above any other factor in this kingdom,” chief of all the factors and factories in Persia. Thos. Barker, second; Geo. Pley, third; Edward Pettus, fourth; Wm. Tracy, fifth; and Robert Gipps for a linguist. |
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Oct. 7.—Consultation as above. For appointing a sufficient accountant, in the room of Thos. Barker, going the Persian expedition. Wm. Methwold propounded, but not chosen, he being reserved to succeed Capt. Pepwell, who is in a dangerous state by reason of his wounds. Thos. Rastall entertained. Concerning the sum of money fit for Ahmedabad and Agra; 36,000 dollars for the former place and 4,000 for the latter. The money for Ahmedabad to be sent up by a convoy of 25 English “good shot,” with a commander out of the fleet. Employments of Thos. Jones, Wm. Polhill, and Nich. Howard. Lead and quicksilver to be sent to Nich. Banggam at Burhampoor as he requests. Lists of things to be given as presents to Abram Chan, governor, and the governor and the judge of the Alfandija, “according to the accustomed manner in former times.” [Seven pages. O.C., Vol. IV., No. 402.] |
Oct. 7.
Firando. |
1168 . Osterwick to Wickham. Omissions in his first account from Yedo. The perfecting of the Capt. (Cocks’) accounts since his coming from England not committed to Osterwick’s trust but to Nealson’s. Wood and cloth sell at a low price. Understands that no stranger shall have liberty to sell any merchandise in those parts but where their principal abiding is, and where their goods are first landed there to sell them. Letters received from Edmond Sayers of his arrival in Shashma, but with danger and trouble. There are not any preserved nutmegs to be had, but will presume to furnish him with nutmeg water of his own ere long, distilled from Morrafaccol sugar procured from Langasaque. Excuses for being slack in sending provisions. [Three pages. Much mutilated. O.C., Vol. IV., No. 403.] |
Oct. 15.
Ajmere. |
1169. Sir Thos. Roe to Thos. Keridge and his assistants at Surat. Has received their advice of the ship’s arrival; will procure Hoyja Hassan’s letter to his officer at Ahmedabad whither Mocrob Chan has gone governor with many protestations of friendship to which his actions at Ajmere have always corresponded; has also written to Mahomet Chan. Is fully satisfied concerning the river of Baroach. As to his misconstruction of their letters, “I am very fully satisfied in all and in your respect of me, and so I am content without the glory of vanquishing to let fall all controversy and disputes.“ Renews his desire concerning Mr. Crowder [Crouther], since he has not neglected any part of his duty; the resolution of his employment appertains to Roe only who is the king’s ambassador, and he commends Crouther at least to be restored to the same rank as he was placed in by the Company’s commission; this is but justice. Hopes their accounts with the customer are finished; as to his abuses advises them to avoid all occasion of force on their parts, “for your redress first fly to justice and not to blows, but in your own defence, whereto being enforced repay it like Englishmen, I will stand by you and die in the cause.” Recommends them to continue the favour of the governor, “for though he be gentle in execution, yet being just in his heart, his testimony will much avail you.” Has received instruction from England how to deal with the Hollanders, “not by force as you intended.” When he sees their authority to dispose and receive money coming to private men, he will ordain a portion for them according to his discretion, I will have no other a sharer of my labours.” Hopes the receipt of his last hastened away the presents and the king’s letters; the firman was sufficient to give Roe content. Was last night with the King to advertise him of the arrival of the fleet and the fight and victory over their enemies, wherein the king seemed to rejoice. The king used him very graciously, but was inquisitive about his presents; strict charge given to his son for all presents to pass without search, and custom free; he publicly promised to grant Roe whatever he should require. Velvets and the dogs are inquired after and many other things not in the fleet. Is sorry, and wonders he has not heard from Mr. Leske; their offer of another minister is most acceptable, “he shall be to me extremely welcome, and I will so respect and use him as sent me from God.” In all his letters he has never touched their loyalty to the Company’s service, “somewhat your affection to cross me, it is past, and let it die and vanish as air. I esteem you all as my friends, and would merit no other from you. If I am sharp in reprehension it is my nature. In effect and actions you may find me not only gentle but very ready to do you any courtesy and to give good testimony of your services, which that I may do with the safer conscience, I write my mind and lay up no malice.” Has received a letter from the prince that “our people” are unruly ashore; “our own disorders cause all our trouble and make me weary, the general should suffer none to come ashore unsearched.” Hears that many young gentlemen are come; has been advised by the Company not to lend them money; the fewer that are left here the better, their best will be but disorder and procure Roe’s trouble to release them. Annexed,
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1169.I. Note of such things as Roe desires for presents to content the King and Prince; part whereof shall be sold as found fitting, and which are to be sent up to him without search according to the Prince’s order, and for which no custom is to be demanded. The list includes “the picture of Venus and a satyr, if it be excellent work, the price is great, but if the art answer it not it is here despised. The picture of the fair lady. The King’s picture.” Roe adds that “all the pictures will sell best here of any part in the world.” . . . “The unicorn’s horn I will keep as a secret, and first feel the Prince whether he will buy it.” [Together three pages. O.C., Vol. IV, No. 404] |
Oct. 24.
Patani |
1170 . John Browne to Capt. John Jourdain at Bantam. Death of Robt. Larkin on 12th May. The next day his body was put in the ground. Has taken an inventory of his things. Letters received from Siam from B. Farie, who writes that he had fitted a cargo for Camboja and sent it in charge of Geo. Savidge. Concerning a junk arrived in Patani Road with 140 men, most of them being slaves taken at sea, Chinese and Javas. Reasons for his having bought a junk. News of the death of Benj. Farie on 20th Aug., poisoned, as the Dutch think, by the Portugals. Abuses of Jo. Jonson and Rich. Pitt at Siam after Farie’s death. Is also left like Jonson without a principal. The Chinamen that went in the junk Pilgrim for Bantam used unkindly by Gourney. Has paid them five months wages. Death of the old queen. The young queen reigns in her place. Promise of the king that if the English will come and trade, or build again, they shall pay no duties at all. There is pepper to be had to lade two ships a year. Excuses for not sending a journal of what has passed since Gourney’s departure. The sorts of cloth most vendible. Arrival of a small ship on 17th Oct. from Japan. Report that pepper is very dear at Camboja. [Two pages and three quarters. Mutilated. Indorsed “Rec. 1 Dec. 1616.” O.C., Vol. IV., No. 405.] |
Oct. 29.
Bantam. |
1171 .Commission and instructions signed by John Jourdain, Geo. Barklie, Geo. Ball, and Raphe Coppindall to Nath. Courthope, commander and chief merchant of the Swan and Defence for a voyage to Banda. Thos. Spurwaye, Sophony Cozucke and Rich. Hunt to be the council for merchandise. To go for Sambopa in Maccassar to take in rice, and from the factory there supply their wants, the factory at Bantam not being able to furnish them. To proceed first to Pooloroon, where the people “above the rest expect your coming, and will be ready to receive you.” . . . “At your arrival at Pooloroon show yourselves courteous and affable, for they are a peevish, perverse, diffident, and perfidious people and apt to take disgust upon small occasions, and are, being moved, more cumbersome than wasps; their councils are public, their resolutions tedious, and their dispositions quick to change.” To be wary and careful how to order their business; to learn the truth of the surrender of Pooloway and Pooloroon last year to the English, and to get them to ratify the former surrender; and give affiance that they will sell their spices and fruits of the country to none but the English. As concerning commerce, “put not your goods in the forts, castles, or houses of the Bandanese, as formerly has been, least you never see them again, for believe me and you shall find it that they will be more secure in your hands than theirs.” If the Flemings’ threats put them in doubt of their safety, some ordnance may be landed “provided that they allot you a place where to mount them, and that you may be masters and commanders of the place and ordnance.” To certify their position to the Hollanders and if they offer violence, “you are to the utmost of your power, even to the loss of lives and goods to make good the same.” To enterprise nothing upon Pooloway. To sound the minds of the inhabitants of Pollalantorr and Rossinginge, as to the surrender of those islands. Concerning the lading of the vessels and their return, visiting Macassar and taking in diamonds, bezoars, and gold, &c. Directions in case one ship leave Banda before the other. [One page and a quarter. O.C., Vol. IV., No. 406.] |
