|
| Dec. 1 |
1177. Sir Thos. Roe to the East India Company. Robt. Young is plain and will tell the truth, which others are unwilling Roe should know. Unreasonable charges for conveyance of goods from Agra to Surat, and the factors' expenses; the cost of camels, guards, &c, 500l. sterling; the same at Ahmedabad in proportion, for every factory keeps servants, horses, and several houses, which being once yearly supplied from Surat, might in three months effect all the business. Touching new factories in Bengala, is of opinion the Company's residences are sufficient and best chosen as they are; “I will lay this as a rule, you will sooner want stock to employ in these places than new residences to buy in.” Commodities to be had at Agra, Ahmedabad, and Baroach; advice as to the disposal of factors and the purchase of goods, which should be sent from Agra by cart and not by camel, with the reasons. It is in vain for him to talk to their factors on these matters, “they either love not that I should understand it (sic) or else cross it because I do.” [Two pages. Indorsed, “No mention of Mr. Steele in this letter, recd. The 5 Sept. by the Globe.” O. C., Vol. IV., No. 411.] |
Dec. 4.
Firando. |
1178. Capt. John Totten to Benj. Farie, principal in Siam. Gourney and the rest were disappointed of their hopes of going for Masulipatam, which Capt. Jourdain would by no means yield unto. Being dispatched for Tecoe they were forced in again by foul weather, and after it was determined they should go for Japan, so they left Bantam the last of May and arrived at Firando 13 July, where the Thomas was. As for news of General Keeling at Surat, “you shall understand in brief that they found the two former years so hot that their stomach was full, and so were very quiet lading the Lion.” Capts. Cocks and Addames returned from the new emperor, but cannot be permitted to sell any goods “aloft” as formerly, “all Christians being banished from aloft and must keep in Firando only, for that they cannot endure the Spanish priests, who are all to be banished out of the country.” Arrival of Mr. Sayers with a junk, from a river in Shasma. A junk soon ready to leave for Siam. [One page. Indorsed, “Received 18 Jan. 1616–7, per Peter Johnson, Dutchman.” O. C., Vol. IV., No. 412.] |
Dec. 10.
Jasques Road,
aboard the James. |
1179. Protest signed by Edw. Connok, Thos. Barker, Geo. Pley, Edw. Pettus, Wm. Bell, Wm. Tracy, and Mathew Pepwall, factors, againgst the commission of 6th November 1616, given by Capt. Henry Pepwell, commander of the fleet, to Alex. Childe, master of the James, and requiring him not to leave the road until by conference with the chiefest governor, resident eight days journey hence, they procured safe landing for their goods. [Two pages. O. C., Vol. IV., No. 413.] |
Dec. 16.
Firando. |
1180. Capt. Cocks to John Browne, chief a tPatani. Report by the Hollanders of so many Englishmen having died in the Osiander, a mere fable. Two English ships, the Thomas and Advice came to Firando this year with a small cargo of English commodities which will not vent at any rate, much less yield such great sums of plate as the Company expect from hence. Knows not where to lay the fault, only he is weary of the place and were it not for extraordinary hope to get trade into China, would rather depart from hence to-night than tarry till the morning. Begs him to use all Chinas well for Cocks is certainly informed that the Emperor of China has sent spies to see how they are treated. The English have had much trouble through the death of Ogusho Same, the old emperor. Was forced to go to court, where he was detained four months to renew their privileges, “and yet do what I could our privileges are curtailed, and we restrained to have trade, but only with this town of Firando and Langasaque, so that we are forced to draw our factories from Yedo, Miako, Osaka, and Sakaii.” Is informed by the Council that the only reason for this alteration is because the jesuits have crept secre[ILL]ly into all parts of Japan to make Christians and baptize, which the Emperor will not permit. Arrival of the Sea Adventure; prices at which her lading, wood and skins, were sold. Account of goods sold. Has advised the Company of the great charge of fitting their junks with Japan mariners. Doubts about freighting a ship from Patani because of the great anchorage paid there. Is advised that an English knight called Sir Thos. Roe is sent ambassador to the Great Mogul and that the King of England has proclaimed war against the Portugals of Goa, and the rest in the East Indies, since when Gen. Keeling has taken three Portugal ships. [Two pages and a quarter. Indorsed, “Rec. 25 Aug. 1617.” O. C., Vol. IV., No. 414.] |
| Dec. 17. |
1181. Consultation of Connok and his council. Being informed by the Governor of Jasques that the Portugals at Ormus intended speedily, with twelve frigates and two gallies, to assail the James, but thinking them “too discreet and knowing to attempt our ship with so small a force,” though they may cut them off from landing their goods, it is concluded that if the Portugals should prevent their passage to and from the shore, the James should sail directly for Gombroon, the best port in all Persia. With directions to Alex. Childe in such an event. [Two pages. O. C., Vol. IV., No. 416.] |
| Dec. 17. |
1182. Edward Connok and council to Alex. Childe. Report of preparations against them by the Portugals. Request him to lie with his ship at Gombroon, the best harbour in all Persia, and where ships of any burthen may lie under the command of a strong fort; this letter not to be shown to any but the discreetest sort. [One page and a half. Indorsed, “But this was countermanded by a new direction, dated 26th Dec. 1616, and therein was ordered the ship should go for other ports to discharge.” O. C., Vol. IV., No. 415] |
Dec. 18.
Firando. |
1183. Wm. Eaton to Sir Thos. Smythe. Since his last, most of the goods which the Osiander brought have been sold. Can see but small profit to be made on any English commodities but broad cloth and lead, which will yield cent. per cent. Goods in the Advice; those sent in the Thomas will never sell. Commodities in most request. Recommends that a ship of five or six hundred tons may go every year to Patani, and there take in her lading provided by the factors from Siam, which course the Hollanders take. Is at present bound for Siam in the Sea Adventure. It is better for the Company to have their goods brought from Siam and Patani in English shipping than in these scurvy junks. Concerning the privileges granted to Capt. Saris by the old emperor, who died in April last; in his time the English had free trade to all parts of Japan, but now they are only suffered to trade at Firando and Langasaque, two places where they will never sell their commodities; “it is so with all strangers as it is with us.” [Two pages and a half, mutilated, O. C., Vol. IV., No. 417.] |
Dec. 18.
Firando. |
1184. Edward Willmott to Benj. Farie, principal in Siam. The ships likely soon to depart for Bantam. Commendations of W. Eaton. Concerning his bag of mace, Osterwick sent it back last year. “Capt. Cocks is very desirous of a book that you have of Sir Walter Ralegh's, which if you would spare him, he would take it very kindly at the price, and any that may be had at Bantam, or where I shall come, I will buy for you . . . surely he is a most faithful, honest man, and one surely that will wrong no man.” [One page and a quarter. O.C., Vol. IV., No. 418.] |
Dec. 19.
Japan. |
1185. John Osterwick to Benj. Farie. Capt. Cocks will advise him of his proceedings with the new emperor. Concerning his bag of mace received in Patani, has entreated Eaton to give him satisfaction. [One page. Indorsed, “Rec. 20 Jan. 1616–7” O.C., Vol. IV., No. 419.] |
Dec. 26.
Costack. |
1186. Edward Connok to Capt. Alex. Childe. It is resolved that his snip [the James] should come for Costack, an open road, ten leagues short of Ormus, there to discharge. Will return for Mogustan to advise the governor of their dispatch from Jasques, and to bring some strong camels for their cloth bales. “So that boldly we may now say our Persian trade to be fully settled, howbeit to some extraordinary charge, in regard of the remoteness from the heart of the country.” Hopes to settle another year even in the Portugal's bosom, in that hopeful and glorious port of Gombroon, some few leagues opposite Ormus. He may expect their return in twelve days, and in a few days after to finish his dispatch. Begs him to deliver to the governor of Jasques some powder and lead. Directions in case he is molested by the Portugals. Has found the governor of Jasques an honest Moor, requests him to respect him accordingly, for they will have great use of him. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. IV., No. 420.] |
Dec. 28.
Ajmere. |
1187. Robt. Hughes to the East India Company. Refers to his previous letter of 16 Jan. Wm. Biddulph and himself since left Surat with goods for Ajmere, “the then residence of the Great Mogul,” and were housed by Sir Thos. Roe to save the expense of keeping two houses. Proposal of the chief officer to “put of” cloth to the king, if they would, unknown to any of his assistants, make him an allowance for the quantity sold. Cloth taken by the king and prince; the money invested in indigo, according to advice given from Surat. Letters received from Masulipatam certifying the arrival of the Solomon there; the death of Capt. Downton, and that Thos. Elkington was to return home captain in the Gift; and the loss of the Thomasine, laden with nuts and mace. Concerning a Holland ship, which, after trading in the Red Sea and taking a Portugal vessel prize, arrived at Surat with great store of ready money, and having license to land their goods dispatched their ship for Bantam, leaving four merchants at Surat to sell their goods. A fleet of ships from Holland expected next year, “at whose arrival it is to be feared they will procure a settled trade here, the emperor being apt to entertain any stranger who by trade may bring benefit either to him or his subjects.” Advises spices to be sent from the southward. Sufficient money must be sent to procure goods from year to year to be ready at Surat against the arrival of each year's shipping. Arrival of the English fleet, 23d Sept. last, under command of Capt. Pepwell. The best time for the sale of goods at Surat, and those most in request; all the velvets and satins sent last year for a trial taken by the emperor with much rejoicing, but he was sorry for the small quantity. Sends from the factory of Ajmere, copy of their journal and balance of ledger. Nothing has been effected by Roe with the emperor for establishing a settled trade in these parts; the articles drawn up not accepted, “this king observing the custom of the Great Turk, not vouchsafing to article with any nation whatsoever.” The ambassador and all his followers with Biddulph, gone in progress with the emperor. Fras. Fetiplace arrived from Agra.: [Three pages. Indorsed, “Rec. 5 Sept. 1617, by the Globe.” O. C., Vol. IV., No. 421.] |
| Dec. 30. |
1188. [George Pley] to [Robt. Middleton and Robt. Bateman, London]. Arrived at Jasques 27 days after their departure from Surat, and were kindly entertained by the governor, from whom they understood that the governor of Ormus resided at Mogustan, eight days distance from Jasques. Immediately prepared for the journey, and the governor, having intelligence of their approach, sent some of his horsemen to meet them, and used them with much respect, after they had presented the king's firman, promising assistance in the furtherance of their business. Because they cannot find any harbour near the coasts and towns of trade, they are constrained to leave their goods at Jasques. Camels procured by the governor, and ten horses well firmed for convoy at his own charge, with orders to all governors of forts to assist them if the Portugals should attempt anything against them. The people report that the Portugals fear them, and upon news of their arrival some went over to Muscat in Arabia Felix. Hopes the Company will establish “this hopeful trade.” Cannot yet advise them of the price of commodities; all sorts of spices will sell well, and so they are assured will English cloth. Finds the country peaceable, the people courteous, and plenty of all necessary provisions. [One page and three quarters. Indorsed, “To Mr. Middleton and Mr. Bateman this 30th of Dec. 1616, from George Pley.” O. C., Vol. IV., No. 422.] |
Dec. 31.
“In the Lascar
of the
Great Mogul.” |
1189. Wm. Biddulph to the East India Company. Refers to an account sent to Surat for their sales in Agra and Ajmere. Cloth sold for above 50,000 rupees, the greater part going into the king's hands. Recommends no more to be sent for one or two years, there being sufficient in the country. Commodities which have a sale and those which will not sell. “This place must not be cloyed yearly with one commodity . . all here at court enquiring for strange novelties to present the king with.” The ambassador, sparing in all his expenses; computes his household with his servants' charges at about 500l. or 600l. yearly. Labours of the ambassador for privileges, and [ILL]eeking justice for wrongs; for the former little has as yet been effected, not a place, in his opinion, for a Christian ambassador, in regard of their disrespect and pride, which is reported to be the cause why the King of Spain would never send an ambassador. Opinion that a sufficient merchant as resident would be more fit; reasons. Against suffering “voluntaries” to come over in the ships, many being “a disgrace to our nation.” Inconvenience of the ambassador and factors being all in one house. They follow the court with goods. Arrival of the fleet from England, and the dispatch of the James for Persia. His reasons for doubts of trade there. Goods bought and sent down from Ajmere. Present given by the king to Thos. Armstrong, musician, after he was dismissed the king's service; the coachman also dismissed at the same time, but since entertained again. Roe has received presents worth about 500l. For increase of his wages. [Three pages. Indorsed, “Rec. 5 Sept. 1617, by the Globe.” O. C., Vol. IV., No. 423.] |
