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Dec. 2.
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208. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Tokeley and
Capt. Becke to be punished for negligence. Wormwood wine not to
be provided in future. Request of Curtis to be master in the Moon
referred. Martyn recommended for master in the Sun. Richard
Weekes not to be pardoned. Wm. Pelter to be paid his wages
during the time of his accident in the Moon. [Three pages.
Court Bk. IV., 78-81.]
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Dec. 2.
Leskar in
Rannas Wood.
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209. Sir Thos. Roe to Thos. Kerridge at Surat. The King continues
his journey to Ahmedabad without rest, and by such miserable
ways as Roe believes no army or multitude ever went ; he purposes to
enter Ahmedabad about the 13th. Steele is to meet Roe there with
the goods and presents ; hopes he will find no difficulty in their
passage. Aseph Khan stands obliged on both sides between the
Prince and Roe ; the King drinks and is indifferent. Has not heard
from Kerridge since those sent after Steele, and expects the model
of the pearl and a note of what Kerridge had delivered to Aseph
Khan or Nourmahal ; if upon credit Roe might demand the
money, for he will want it at Agra to keep his credit with the
factors. Fears the pearl was overrated or over-bought in England.
If a ship be employed to the Red Sea there will be sufficient means
of remains for her relading. The old journal and ledger sent by
Fetiplace to be corrected of errors and sent to Sir Thos. Smythe
or the Committee. Advice received from Ahmedabad of the sale of
goods sent by Roe for ready money and very good profit. Browne is
hurt and very sick, and wants a helper to keep his accounts. When
Roe arrives he will every way assist him, but thinks it reasonable
to ease him of so many labours. Banggam has left Burrampoor, as
Kerridge wished. The hopes there are very cold. When Roe knows
the result of his consultation, will then be bold to resolve with him
either for fit supplies or contraction, but it is time to know, for there
are many to be weeded out and sent home. The indigo ought to
be bought in February or March. Much desires to know what is
being done in the Red Sea and in Persia. Cannot write to the
King or into England until he knows what is done. "We travel
daily ; I have scarce leisure to eat, or no meat, but ill water; a little
glass of yours would help a weak stomach." Complaints against
Abram Khan ; Aseph Khan glad that Roe thought the English could
not make so many complaints and the Governor honest ; made him
understand the contrary. Wishes to know if any of his letters have
miscarried, for he hears of none received since 15 October. [One
page and a half. O. C., Vol. V., No. 573.]
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Dec. 4.
Madrid.
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210. Francis Cottington to Sir Dudley Carleton. Sir Robt.
Sherley is on his way from Lisbon hither with an embassage from
the Persian, and brings his wife with him. His chief negotiation is
to settle a trade with the Portugals for the raw silks of Persia to
be laden at Ormuz. He pretends it will prove very beneficial to
this King and his subjects. [Extract from Correspondence. Spain.]
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Dec. 4.
Bantam.
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211. Wm. Stonywell to Edward Longe at Jacatra. No business
passed between the English and the Dutch since the taking of the
Speedwell. The manner of her taking was most base. John Jenkins,
the helmsman, was killed, and the rest were put into irons, where
they have remained ever since. Has spoken to Thos. Mills about
Longe's nuts. [One page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 574.]
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Dec. 5
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212. Court Minutes of the East India Company, Discussion
on the request of the Staplers to have that part of Leadenhall
which formerly belonged to them. Wm. Kirke to be entertained a
quartermaster. Sir Henry Hubbert [Hobart], Lord Chief Justice of
the Common Pleas, sworn a free brother, and permitted to adventure
3,000l. in the new stock. His opinion on some points of law.
Ordinances to be drawn in accordance with his lordship's advice.
Thos. Friday, a preacher, entertained. Wright, purser's mate in the
Sun, to be dismissed if he marry before his departure. A sloop
to be made at the request of Bonner. Complaint against the
carpenters of the Lion and Sampson. Burrell about the ordnance.
Payment of Sir David Fowlies' adventure. [Two pages and a half.
Court. Bk. IV., 82-84.]
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Dec. 6.
The woods 30
course short of
Ahmedabad.
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213. Sir Thos. Roe to Thos. Kerridge at Surat. Aseph Khan's
payment better than any man's, though his prices hard made.
Mocrob Khan the most likely to buy things not requested here ;
hopes to make a riddance and put off to that fantastical man what
the wiser will not like ; some love things of use, others will buy
every bauble. The phirmaund received ; sufficient till a full trial.
Kerridge's courtesy well taken by Aseph Khan and thankfully by
Roe. His bills for Agra received, and the money almost all invested.
200 camels on the way these 13 days ; cloth, bartered ; credit for
about 25,000 rupees three months ; the proceeds double former years
and in best commodity. Makes no question by this and the next
year's practice to enter so into good opinion as to buy on time for a
"leecke" (? lac) of goods, by which the ships will be furnished in
time. Zulph and Shaw Hussen's debts at a stand. Biddulph with
the latter. A phirmaund from Bengal cannot be had while the
Prince hath Surat unless we will quit it. Desires trial may be made for
procuring freight or wharfage into the Red Sea. Agrees that all
monies and means be employed at Ahmedabad, and has written to
that effect. Perdap Shaw's phirmaund was sent to Banggam, the
mover of it. On private trade. Steele has satisfied him easily that
loves not contentions ; hopes well of all men. Regrets Kerridge is
worse used for the presence of Aseph Khan's servant. The phirmaund
to pass all their fine goods will turn the stream again. The Governor
of Surat is recalled, perhaps for their sake, but Roe will prove a more
active friend to him than he was to them. Abulhassan pretends to
be sorry for the Prince's usage of them ; says he dare not stir, but
that if he were removed he would make a new Surat for the English
at Swally. The King was not pleased at the Prince's folly, but, after his
manner, gave them no satisfaction, but only bade his son use strangers
better. Advantages of the phirmaund freeing them from the payment
of custom on victuals, and the licence to the people to supply
them. Biddulph's supply and the Court removing to Agra provided
for. Hopes Fetiplace will abide by his charge. Steele may
endeavour his projects, and if he fail utterly, being not so fit for
accounts as for other employment, shall be merchant in the Red
Sea, in which his language will do service. Commends again his
motion to supply factories with new plants, so many resolving
to go home next year. At Agra, Roe has left few enough.
Ahmedabad he will purge. Burrampoor and Surat will require their
advice. Banggam is with him. Coral well sold. Browne should
be occupied in making investments. Masulipatam a new question
on which Roe wishes due consideration. If the factory be continued,
some supply must be had there. Utterly mislikes
sending a ship of 300 or 400 tons to trifle on that coast. Kerridge
mistakes if he thinks Roe would rely on the Suratters
for a whole supply, but would buy all they had if at reasonable
rates ; "private merchants make their own provision, but we are a
company, and may sweep a town." Concerning his despatch for
Persia ; relations, treaties, privileges, projects, and all of that
quality are no man's to judge of, but Roe's, and he will either
receive them whole or not meddle in them. Steele's complaints,
and that he is not admitted to his consultations ; hopes Steele
will be conformable, and his own friend, coming with the presents,
will fully try him. Recommends that in the meantime Steele be
admitted to their councils and letters ; his wife will be ruled and
"return," and therefore consider her sex, use her lovingly, assist
her, and lend her all fit comforts. Kerridge has not done as much
as is necessary to Capt. Towerson, who will be deceived in Court
and in his wife's friends ; "if he will not see it, let him run his fortune ;
so the other women return, I have most of my aim ; though I should
be glad of his too." Objects to buying his commodities at three for one.
Deterioration in the price of glass. The Venetians have sold here for
sixty rupees what cost 20l. sterling in Venice. Mrs. Hudson's desires.
Thanksall who use Harbert or Jackson kindly. Desires him to tell "the
customer" that Roe doubts not before he goes out of India "to teach
such a base fellow to seize a little oil sent to him to eat, but he will
make it vinegar in his dogged maw." As to the consideration of fit persons
to reside in all places ; Fetiplace and Martin to be considered.
Can give no opinion on Masulipatam but that he would not scatter
the stock but upon good ground. Hopes to dispute their own
cause anew. Aseph Khan remains the same, and hath feasted Roe,
and they meet often. The Prince, against his will, shall be left at
Ahmedabad, have that government given him and Cambaya. Aseph
Khan will procure the phirmaund for Bengal, for he suspects not the
English to seek it to betray Surat, but to increase their trade, and
he vows he will make the English content and happy. [Five pages
and a half. Indorsed: "Mr. Steele is often mentioned in this
letter." O.C., Vol. V., No. 575.]
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Dec. 7.
Jactara.
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214. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball, at Bantam. Report that John
Derickson Lambar, commander, has taken "the Admiral ship of the
Manillas," and that the Portugals have taken two of the Dutch ships
at Malacca, "the which is too good to be true." Yesterday the
frigate arrived that went for Jambi. Begs he will send Wm. Wilson
by the next. Goods in the storehouse. The Chinese will by no
means deliver any rack at Bantam. Request of Lucas. Sends by
the bearer a bottle for ink. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 577.]
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Dec. 8.
The Hague.
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215. Carleton to Sec. Sir Thos. Lake. The King of Denmark
doth set out four ships for the East Indies ; so, as the French going
upon the same adventure, the well will soon be drawn dry with so
many buckets. The King [James I.] is likely to be moved to join the
two companies of English and Dutch East India merchants. There
are two things considerable. If the English neither join with the
French, who seek us, nor with the Hollanders, by whom we have
long been sought, the French and Hollanders may join to our prejudice.
Again, the Spaniards and Portuguese may recover their
ancient possession, against which they are only kept by the strength
of the Hollanders, who it is impossible can continue the charge
without assistance. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
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Dec. 9-18.
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216. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Purchase of
timber from Wm. Davies, the Queen's surveyor of woods. Fault
found by Capt. Parker with the Sun and Moon. Explanation of
Wright, the purser's mate, accepted. Arras to be bought. All
matters to be settled with Rich. Burrell touching the sale of his
adventures to the Governor and Mr. Crispe. Coral beads bought
of Abraham Chamberlain at 10s. per oz. Transfer of adventures
in the new joint stock by Dame Martha Hayes, Nicholas Crispe, and
Humphrey Smith, executors of Sir Thos. Hayes, knight, deceased,
to pay 15l. per cent. for the profit and the three payments already
disbursed at four months' time. [See list of transfers, pp. 99-100.]
100l. of Nathaniel Basse in the old stock to be sold. Choice
of masters for the Sun and Moon. Nathaniel Martyn to be
master in the Admiral ; Mounden in the Moon ; and John Weddall
in the Lion. Robert, brother of Thomas Hackwell, to be discharged
from his place in the Sampson. The ships for Surat to sail before
the rest. Richard Weekes pardoned. Leave to Sir Thomas Coventry,
Solicitor General, to enlarge his adventure.
Dec. 12. Richard Weekes to put in a true answer to the charges
against him of mutiny, and then sue for employment. Martyn to
have his former appointment in the Admiral, and those who
object to it to be removed. Suit of John Holloway, that the bill of
Sir John Wield's for his pepper be accepted, refused. Respecting a
debt of the late Thomas Aldworthe's, alleged to be due to the King
during the time he was Sheriff of Bristol. Richard Burrell's
account. 2,500l. worth of quicksilver offered by Hamersley for
sale at 4s. per pound. Ordnance offered by Lord Lincoln for sale.
Petition of Vincent Aiscough for his freedom to be referred. Wages
of the late Samuel Juxon. George Wright, a poor minister,
relieved. Petition of Henry Drimple about pepper. Henry Reed,
boatswain in the Dragon, to be presented with a gold whistle and
chain, of the value of 7l. Joyce, widow of Wm. Harrison,
relieved. Petition of Wm. Cutts not to pay freight for his
pepper. Agreement with Augustine Spaldinge, of Wrenton, co.
Somerset, dated 3rd December 1617, to serve the Company five
years.
Dec. 16. Concerning the estate of the late Samuel Juxon. Purchase
of quicksilver. Petition of Robert Tokeley for pardon. Richard
Weekes pardoned for Sir Jas. Lancaster's sake, and referred for
further employment. The Staplers to have the part of Leadenhall
they claim, on payment of 75l. Purchase of four small pictures offered
for 4l. Mountney's offer to send swordblades on his own adventure.
Offer of sale of certain jewels of the value of 5,000l. or 6.000l.,
from "a noble personage," declined. Payment to Thomas Cutler
for blades. Claim of Percevall, a Scottish doctor of physic, against
Nicholas Withington, "for cure of his phrensy" refused. John
Weddall to be master of the Lion, instead of John Munden.
Petition of the wine porters concerning a pipe of canary. Edmund
Morrys, for 13 years a servant of the Company, to have his churl
of indigo without freight. John Morgan, a poor minister, relieved.
Robert Tokeley's submission accepted.
Dec. 18. Suit of Washbourne to deposit 300l. with the Company at
ten per cent. granted. Agreement with the Staplers about Leadenhall.
Walthall's debts. Gratuity to Edmund Morrys for his art
in the model of the Globe. Discussion on the number of ryals to be
sent to Surat. Brass ordnance in the Indies to be brought home.
Petition of Capt. Becke and John Tokeley, prisoners in the
Marshalsea, to be heard by the Judge of the Admiralty. Custom of
the timber in Ireland. Ryals to be bought in Spain. [Thirteen
and a half pages. Court Bk. IV., 84-97.]
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Dec. 18.
Ahmedabad.
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217. Sir Thos. Roe to Thos. Kerridge at Surat. Cannot speedily
redress the complaints, the King being turned to Cambaya, and
not expected for thirteen days ; will then procure amends if
there be any honor, or sense, or common understanding, or will
have his licence to depart. If free traffic be debarred them, they will
not stay ; "we will trade into the Red Sea in spite of them and
upon them. Unless we profess this, they will be still cavilling."
Never can nor will consent to Capt. Towerson going to the southward.
He pretends to have gone to Surat to visit his wife's friends,
and not to trade ; has been cautioned to have an eye on his courses.
Does not see how the Company can give such a liberty to Towerson,
and restrain Roe and all their servants, whose deserts will equal any
captain or woman. Perhaps the Company thought her greatness
could do them some pleasure ; if so, they mistake their friends ; it is
well if she can return as she came. Towerson arrived with many
servants, a trumpet, and more show than Roe uses. Capt. Newse
arrived, concludes without the Commander's knowledge. The
English suspected of being confederates of the pirates, and robbing
the Begum's junk. Roe told to his face, by the enemies of the
English, that they were all thieves. Explanations with the King,
and that the captains were kept in irons, and would be sent to
England, to be made an example of for daring to disturb the allies
of his crown. Difficulties of Roe's position. The goods and
presents safely arrived ; the latter still unopened by reason of the
King's absence. Steele's artificers have arrived ; they are to be set
to work on trial for two months, under Steele's directions ; he has
also brought up some merchants that sue for passage into the Red
Sea, to which Roe willingly listens, for there will be never any
good trade in Guzerat for the English. Has interested Steele in the
trade in the Red Sea, whom he designs for chief merchant, "for
less than some chief will not content him, and it cannot be in this
country to the injury of any." Has received the invoice consigned
to him ; can keep no accounts, but will assist with his best advice.
Is very sorry Kerridge kept the best things behind, he will do well to
send some of the "delicate pieces" and pistols, for such ware decays
suddenly. The supplies for Agra will be "larger than his [Kerridge's]
moneys." Fetiplace having assured Roe of 25,000 rupees credit, the
keeping credit of such consequence that Roe has sold the great
pearl for 12,000 rupees to Aseph Khan, which is equal to nearly
1,400l.; it cost in England, as Steele avows, 1,000l. Browne shall
and will do all in his power. The Governor has much hindered
them ; he is gone to the King, and Roe is promised that the restraint
shall not hinder them. Will please the old fool upon any conditions
when he comes. If he (the Governor, Mocrob Khan,) does not fit
Roe with a parcel when they meet, or give full liberty, will petition
in the name of all the owners against him. The next Governor
will be, or rather is, the Prince ; they will trade quietly enough
under him. They will do best to lade the Gift. Wonders Banggam
is not arrived ; has not heard from him these seven weeks, only by
chance a month ago, that he was on the way ; trusts he be well.
Leaves all matters of investments to his judgment and experience.
Greene, Roe's surgeon, returns this fleet. Desires his passage for
England on certain conditions in respect of his goods. [Two
pages and a half. Indorsed, "Read. Some mention made of Mr.
Steele and his artificers. Capt. Newse went up to the court, and
conference between Sir Thos. Roe and the King about the pirates."
[O. C., Vol. V., No. 578.]
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Dec. 18.
Agra.
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218. Robt. Hughes to the East India Company. Refers to his
previous letter, of 28th Dec. 1616, from Ajmere (see first volume of
Calendar, No. 1187). His own and Fras. Fetiplnce's proceedings ;
they repaired to Agra with remainder of goods under their charge in
Ajmere, according to orders from Sir Thos. Roe and the Surat
factory. Found Joseph Salbancke at Agra with goods formerly
sent from Ajmere. Difficulties of disposing of their cloth. Five
thousand rupees transmitted to them from Burrampoor factory ; how
they were invested. Robt. and John Younge sent from Surat in
August to assist them. Purchase of indigo ; advantages of buying it
in the country. Account of various commodities bought by them,
including 30 Lahore carpets of several sizes. Have sent copy of
the three last years' charges of merchandize and extraordinary
expenses, both in the Agra and Ajmere factories, in the drawing of
which he has used all care and diligence. Have dispatched the
goods above mentioned by two caravans to Surat, thence to be
embarked for England. Has sold for ready money but little cloth,
and few swordblades ; no looking glasses, coney skins, and pictures
have been sold this year. Are indebted 23,000 rupees to sundry
men in Agra for part of this year's purchase of goods. Salbancke
gone to Deccan to recover a debt. Thinks, if the debts be recovered,
to pay their creditors in Agra or time enough for next year's investments,
is persuaded they will equal the best that have been
made in these parts for the Company, the prices considered [Three
pages. Indorsed, "By a friend, Mr. Robt. Younge, whom God
preserve and prosper." O. C., Vol. V., No. 579.]
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Dec. 19.
Jacatra.
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219. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball at Bantam. Refers to previous
letters. If it be possible, to furnish him with some cask before the
Dutch fleet arrive. The Neptune, Green Lion, and three pinnaces
already in the road. They unlade great store of raw silk, cloves,
and other prize goods. The Dutch would buy some old tackle if he
had orders to sell it. Requests supply of money. The Chinese cry
out for cask every day. [Half a page. Indorsed, "Pay this
bearer 2s." O. C., Vol. V., No. 580.]
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Dec. 20.
Agra.
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220. Fras. Fetiplace and Robt. Hughes to the East India Company.
In reply to the Company's letter of 6th Feb. 1617, received
by Capt. Pring's fleet. The accounts of the Agra factory for 1615
were sent down from Ajmere by Wm. Edwardes, with intent to
dispatch them to England ; how it is they have never been sent ;
copies have this year been transmitted. Are altogether unable to
give the Company any account of the estate and goods of their
deceased factors. The delay in lading the Lion, and also the Globe
last year ; the goods were at Surat a month and a half before her
departure. Most of the looking glasses broken in coming over, and
the frames warped. Will do their best to transmit copies of their
letters to the several factories. Refer to previous letters (all of
which are calendared), wherein they transmitted copies of their
journal and accounts for the year 1616. The King and his whole
camp removing from Ajmere, and after a tedious progress determining
to settle at a place called Mandow, six days journey from
Burrampoor, and with him the Lord Ambassador and Wm. Biddulph;
the writers were advised to send the remainder of their goods for
Agra. Concerning a debt due to the Company by an Armenian for
cloth sold to him in Ajmere. Their remaining commodities are
heavy and generally bad, and Agra dispeopled of the buyers of such
goods ever since the King's removal hence with his followers and
great men. Forced to send to Surat and other factories for some
good quantity of money, with the help of which to barter away
their goods before they were utterly spoiled. Great quantity of
bad coloured and stained cloth on hand. Received 30,000 rupees
from Surat ; the greater portion employed in the purchase of indigo.
Another 30,000 rupees, received in bills from Surat after the arrival
of the fleet, they were authorized by the Lord Ambassador to invest
in barter if possible. These sums, with 40,000 rupees the Ambassador
promised to supply within two or three months, all invested in
indigo, all very good except 60 or 70 bales bought in barter, which,
to put off the much worm-eaten, stained, and bad coloured cloths,
they were forced to buy. Prices at which they rated the cloth ; the
higher the cloth the higher is the indigo rated at. Have sold but
three pieces of cloth for ready money and a few swordblades ; all
the coney skins, loo glasses, and pictures remain as last year, unsold
and little worth. Transmit copies of their this year's journal with
balance of their ledger, also copy of their first year's journal for
1615, detained by Thos. Barker, and copy of their three years'
charges of merchandize with the charges of the several journeys of
W. Biddulph, W. Partridge, Edw. Terry, and Robt. Young from
Surat to the King's court ; and account of the Company's business
passed in Agra in 1616. The two debts made in Ajmere in Oct.
1616, for 14,000 and 30,000 rupees, were for cloth sold. Biddulph
gives great hopes of their recovery within a short time, and so does
the Lord Ambassador. Joseph Salbancke has gone hence with
goods to Burrampoor, whence he goes for Golconda in Deccan, to
recover from a Persian a debt of 1,700 rupees made in Agra.
Inconveniences attending the sale of the Company's cloth ; it is so
unvendible that they are glad to be rid of it on almost any terms ;
the Company will do well not to send any more for a year or two.
Have sent by Robert Younge musters of such sorts of cloths as are
to be had in Agra in quantities. The calicoes desired by the
Company will hardly be provided in Agra, for litte fine cloth is
made there. It requires a long time to get well-chosen carpets ;
true Lahore carpets are not suddenly to be gotten. Know not
what commodities to advise to be sent from England, all are so
generally bad. Quicksilver strangely fallen in price these few years,
partly through the quantity the Company has sent over and partly
through the discovery of a mine about Lahore. Elephants' teeth
will sell in Agra in good quantities ; the women wear them for
bracelets, "which is the greatest occasion of the venting of that
commodity." They are worth more in Agra than in Surat. Coral
is also vendible in Agra. The Portugals bring over scarcely anything
but jewels and ready money. As to the sale of rich stuffs,
"the greatest and royalest merchant in this country," the King, did
not offer for the velvets as much as they cost. Refer the Company
to the Lord Ambassador for the prices of all such fine commodities.
Remarks on the value of other goods. Recommend the factories of
Burrampoor, Ahmedabad, and Agra to be called down to Surat.
Think the goods landed would be sold to better profit in Surat than
in other inland places, whence the charges of transportation are
great. For the speedy dispatch of the ships homeward, the Company
must either forbear one year's return, or send a sufficient stock
of money to provide the next year's cargo. To remedy the extraordinary
charge of yearly sending four or five ships to guard one,
the Company must come to a composition or make a peace with the
Portugals, which done, no more ships need be sent out than can
be yearly reladen immediately for England. The Company have
power of the Guzerat seas, and may, if they please, force a trade by
compelling the purchase of their goods. Competency of the Lord
Ambassador, who is judicious and provident for the Company's
good ; congratulate them on having referred the disposing of all
business to him. Have but lately understood of the determination
of the Ambassador to send a ship this year to Persia to establish
the factory there to better purpose ; have no great hopes of
success. The remains of the old joint-stock account will be great ;
how to dispose of it, by sending it to the Red Sea, Bantam, or some
other place. Great quantities of spices will vend in Agra and to
great profit ; cochineal is spent, but in mean quantities ; the prices.
The musk in these places inferior in its price to that of China.
[Seven and a half pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 581.]
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Dec. 20.
Firando.
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221. Wm. Eaton to Sir Thos. Smythe, Governor of the East India
Company. Since his last he has been to Siam in the Sea Adventure.
They endured much misery in the tedious voyage ; 34 of their
company died, and all the rest were sick and not able to do anything,
save 12, who brought the junk to Tushma. They had neither
cables nor anchors nor scarce a sail left, and were no better than a
wreck. Lading of the junk at Siam. Greatstore of Indian cloth and
other cloths from the coast of Coromandel may be sold at Siam to
great profit, especially if the trade of Jangama be once opened, which
it is thought it will be next year. The returns from thence are
gold, rubies, and other precious stones, also benjamin and sealing
wax, commodities in great request at the coast of Coromandel ;
besides deer skins, which are very cheap there. Jangama is now
under the King of Pegu, who hath gotten it by wars from the
King of Siam. The merchants of the country of Lan John, a
place joining to the country of Jangama, arrived at "the city of
Judea" before Eaton's coming away from thence, and brought
great store of merchandize. No news of him who Lucas Antheuniss
sent to Jangama with a cargo of goods belonging to the seventh
voyage. The factory of Siam cannot have less than six factors to
be employed up and down the river as occacion shall be offered.
At Eaton's departure there were but two merchants left in the
factory, John Johnson and Richard Pitt, assisted by Thos. Winterborne,
a seafaring man ; Benjamin Farie, who was principal there,
died 21st Sept., more than a year since. The Company should give
orders to their factors at Bantam to furnish Siam and other
factories with the goods that are vendible in each factory. The
factory of Bantam is likewise bare ; the great hinderance to the
Company's proceedings and discontent to the factors in consequence.
Commodities vendible at Siam. George Savidge has settled a factory
at Camboja, although he was much crossed by the Portugals there
resident; he writes there is great hopes of good to be done there
both for venting of goods and buying of commodities fit for Japan
and other places. Only Savidge and one other Englishman in the
factory. John Browne writes from Patani that there was neither
money nor goods left in that factory, not so much as to buy them
victuals withal, until he received a thousand ryals from Farie, from
Siam. The factors at Siam Sent in March last a small pinnace with
goods and money for Chiampa, Robt. Burgis, master, and Peter
Hall and John Ferrers, merchants, the mariners all Japanese.
Great hopes of good to be done in that place. Since his coming to
Firando, Eaton has received a letter from John Ferrers dated from
Chiampa 18th May last ; he writes that the King of Chiampa received
them with all kindness, and hath granted them free trade to all
parts of his kingdom on paying customs hereafter ; also that there is
merchandize to be had, but not so sound as they expected. The
commodities which that city affords. The junk wheron the 4,560
deer skins were laden last year at Siam arrived at Nangasaki in
June last, having been forced to put into Chiampa, where they
wintered all last year. Prices at which the skins were sold, as also
the 9,000 that Eaton brought from Siam this year. Prices at
which he has sold other commodities. Richard Wickham went cape
merchant in the Advice, last year to Bantam and returned 3rd July ;
goods which he brought this year from Bantam in the Advice.
Prices at which the Emperor bought all the lead and some of the
silk. Edmund Sayer made a poor voyage to Cochin China this year,
most men returning their money, because there was but very little
silk to be had. There is no hope of recovering the goods Peacocke
carried thence last year, all are lost. All commodities in Japan this
year very cheap by reason of the abundance of silk from Holland, the
Manillas, and Amacacoa [Macao]. Five Holland ships arrived this year
at Firando, three from the Philippines, where they had a "bickeing"
with the Spaniards, in which they lost three ships and the Spaniards
one or two. Two of the Dutch ships fully laden with silk and
stuffs taken from the Chinese, as also two junks ; a storm drove
one of the junks ashore at Shashma, where the Chinese cut the
throats of the Hollanders, being but seven men, and so recovered all.
The Hollanders have rifled some say 25 junks, others 35 or 40 ;
they take all that comes in their way. The Chinese and Portuguese,
with the Spaniards, have been to the court at Japan to complain of
the Hollanders, to compel them to make restitution and have them
banished out of Japan ; but the Emperor would not meddle in their
matters, and referred them to their own princes. Is ready to sail
with the first fair wind for Siam in the Sea Adventure. His letter
to the Company "is all one as this." Rich. Cocks and the rest of the
factors at Firando will no doubt write at large. Hopes the presents
he sent to Sir Thos. and Lady Smythe last year have come to hand.
[Three pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 582.]
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Dec. 20.
Firando.
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222. W. Eaton to the East India Company. This letter is very
much dilapidated and the greater part of it is illegible. The writer,
however, states that this his letter to the Company "is all one as
this," his previous letter to Sir Thos. Smythe [Three pages.
O. C., Vol. V., No. 583.]
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Dec. 20.
London.
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223. Seames [sic] Woodwarde to Sir Dudley Carleton. The
merchants send Sir Thos. Dale as admiral of their fleet to the East
Indies upon very fair condition for himself. [Extract from Domestic
Jac. I., Vol. 94, No. 68, Cal. p. 503.]
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Dec. 23.
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224. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of
John Munden, master of the Moon, for increase of salary, but finding
his motion so distasteful he craves pardon for his error. Gratuity
to John Courtys for extraordinary services. Capt. Becke to be
released from the Marshalsea on his submission. Draft of
petition in the Company's name to the Lords of the Council against
Capt. Best, read ; to rest till after Xmas. Brother of Peter Arnold
entertained for a midshipman. As to the factors' wages and their
places of residence in India. Grant of 5l. to Ricd. Ames, M.A. of
Oxford, for his apparel and commencement ; the former exhibition
of 5l. to be continued for one year longer. Petition of Malachi
Mallett, prisoner in the Compter, for relief. Suit of Thos. Pibourne
concerning Tecoe pepper delivered to Barkeley at Bantam. John
Weddall chosen master of the Lion in place of John Munden.
Respecting the turning over the remains of the old stock to the new
at Surat. Petition of Richd. Weekes for pardon ; referred for
employment. Edmondes, nephew of Sir Clement Edmondes,
entertained for employment at Surat, and to have 10l. per annum for
seven years. [Three pages. Court Bk. IV., 98-100.]
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Dec. 23.
The Hague.
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225. Wm. Carmychel to Carleton. Complains of the malicious
industry and dealing of his party and the confirmation of the
wrongs he has received in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Knows he
can prevent such things and entreats him to do as he shall think
most expedient. See ante, No. 181. [Holland Correspondence.]
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Dec. 23.
Firando.
Japan.
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226. Richard Cocks to Jo. Johnson and Rich. Pitts at the Siam
factory. His last was dated from Fushamy, 1st October last, he
being then at the Emperor's court ; since when he has received their
joint letter of 23rd May last and all the goods according to invoice.
The divers debts or monies disbursed by the deceased Benjamin
Farie. Cannot tell what has become of Shoby Dono for four
months past; bad condition of the skins he delivered and difficulty
of selling them. Thought to have sent some one with 1,000 or
2,000 taels in plate this year to Camboja, in respect of the great
hope Savidge writeth of the great benefit to be made in that place ;
but the junk had gone before Cocks left the Emperor's court. Cannot
comply with their desire to have 10,000 taels sent in money ;
it is contrary to the Company's orders to send any more at all, but
to Bantam, yet has always presumed to send 2,000 or 3,000 taels
each voyage. As to their opinion to have the Japan plate coined,
it may not be suffered to stamp any coin, but only to melt it into
bars, and very strict looking to that too. Send two or three sorts,
as they have done to Bantam, and whichever they find the best for
sale he will send hereafter. Most part of the goods they sent are sold,
also all which came from Bantam, but not all the money received.
Names of some of the purchasers and the prices. Has divers times
written to Lucas Antheunis, Gourney, and others, to advise him of
the value of their Siam plate, but has never received an answer
from any one. Their accounts are kept in Japan in tais, [taels] mas,
[mace] and condrins [candereens] ; a tay is ten mas or five shillings
sterling, a mas is sixpence, and ten go to a tay, and ten condrins go
to a mas. Wishes to know how many tais Siam make a catty,
and how many mas a tay, or any other smaller specie go to a mas,
and how many ryals of eight go to a catty Siam plate ; they reckon
in Japan the ryal of eight at eight mas Japan, or four shillings
sterling. Must be certified the truth hereof to know how to keep
their accounts. Have understood hitherto that 48, some say 49,
ryals of eight go to a catty Siam's plate. Inconvenience and
danger of not quickly dispatching away the junk. Esteems lead
and skins a better commodity than wood. Understands "the Japan
Ompra" is a man that may help them much in lading their junk,
and especially in keeping under their mutinous Japan mariners.
Privileges granted to the officers on condition of there being neither
mutiny nor misbehaviour among the mariners. Hopes Eaton will
go captain. Thanks for the book of Sir Walter Ralegh's which
they sent him. Begs their acceptance of two "scritoris" [escritoires].
Urges them to write, if but briefly, by each junk that
goes to Japan. It is not good to send any commodities in small
boats neither to Camboja nor Chiampa, the Portugals having set
out many frigates to scour the coast and spoil the trade. Eaton,
the bearer, will inform them of all other matters needful. Kept
till 30th December. Has given the packing bill of the goods laden
aboard the Sea Adventurer to Eaton. Understands that Peterson,
the English umpire as they call him, is a man who may do the
Company good service ; has written to and sent him a small present,
and done the like "to the Japan Umpra." [Four pages. O.C., Vol. V.,
No. 584.]
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Dec. 26.
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227. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Salary of
Robert Hutchinson to be increased. Petition of Capt. Becke for
pardon referred to the Lord Admiral. Wages of factors: Robt.
Freeman for Calicut, Daniel Wright for Surat, Robert Savage for
Bantam, Rich. Lancaster for Surat, and Wm. Hoare for Calicut.
Suit of Geo. Pike and Guy Tildesley for employment. [Three quarters
of a page. Court Bk. IV., 101.]
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Dec. 26.
Agra.
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228. Fran. Fetiplace to the East India Company. Refers to
his letter, jointly with Robt. Hughes, of 20th December, for account
of what has passed this year in their factory at Agra. Thanks for
an increase to his wages and for permission to adventure his savings
out of them in the joint stock. Craves pardon for having offended
in the point of private trade ; promises, when he returns to England,
to lay at their feet the trifle he has made. Thos. Mitford left this
country last year in the writer's debt for money lent. [One page.
Indorsed, "per a friend, Mr. Robt. Young, whom God prosper."
O. C., Vol. V., No. 585.]
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16l7 Dec.27./1618 Jan. 6.
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229. Ger. De Vareda to Maestro Ses [Edmund Sayer] at
Firando. Sends him and the other gentlemen two cases of comfits
and a box of pears. Enquiries relative to the transmission of wine.
[Spanish. One page and a quarter. O. C., Vol. VI., No. 709.]
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Dec. 28.
Jask.
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230. Edw. Monox to the East India Company. Refer to
their last of 11th July from Saldanha Bay, with account of the
chief occurrences in their passage. But twenty days' sail from the
Cape to St. Augustine, and nine days' sail from St. Lawrence to the
island of Mohilla. The captain gave a good sword to one of the
natives named Toman Allee, who spoke broken Portuguese, but he
did them more hurt than good. The Governor of the south-west end of
the island, Xariffe Abboobacker, could not be persuaded to come
aboard. Orders given to fire a salute, but through the negligence
of the gunner five shots sent ashore close to where the Governor,
many of the country people, and our own were attending ; a servant
of the Governor's unhappily killed. Notwithstanding, the King,
whose name is Van o mar Van Odell, came, but no cattle, which
they chietly looked for. He afterwards gave the captain thirty beeves,
who requited the King with several presents. Commendations of
Mohilla and the many good things it affordeth in abundance ; the
people affable and courteous to strangers ; desire rather guns and
other weapons, and will accept rather toys than money for their
commodities. Linens, slight knives, hatchets, and other edged tools
may be exchanged with advantage. The road is called Demon, "and
it may well be so called, for a devilish place I am sure it is." The
James sprung a leak. A Portugal ship of 130 tons, laden with about
38 tons of elephants' teeth taken ; 7 pounds 10 ounces of gold taken
from the purser and captain of the ship, delivered to the factory at
Surat. The vessel belonged to Don Pedro de Almeda, Captain of
Diu. Weights and scales wanted in the ships and factories ; books,
ink, and paper should also be sent by every ship ; all such things
wanted at the Surat factory. All the gold which the people in
the Portugal ship had, to the value of at least 500l. sterling, was
returned to them, and 20l. more given to them at their departure ;
only one black woman and child retained for Mrs. Steele's nurse.
Sir Robt. Rich's two ships taken in making prize of a Surat junk,
with, by report, 35 tons of silver, besides gold and goods of great
value ; she was 1,400 tons burden, and had 1,000 persons aboard.
This good service exceedingly well taken, both by the Mogul himself
and his nobility, from whom also the Lord Ambassador conceived
good hopes of good issue in his business at court and at Surat. Is
sorry nevertheless to certify to the base usage they still receive at
Surat ; an example of it ; wrongs committed by the customer of
Surat, and their presents detained. The Guzerats make false informations
against them. So long as the Lord Ambassador resides at
court they will have no better usage. It were better to seize their
junks ; undertakes it would breed better blood in the natives
towards the English than the course now taken, which will never
properly manage their business in those parts. Incloses note of
deceased men from their departure from the Downs to their departure
from Surat towards Jask [wanting] on the 14th November.
Thinks the Portugals will leave their ships in peace this year ; four
caracks arrived. Mrs. Steele delivered of a goodly son to the no
small joy of her husband. The families of Steele and Capt. Towerson
and their retinues pester the house at Surat, and call upon the Company's
purse. Towerson knows not what course to take ; the Company
had better have given him 500l. than his passage. The Royal
James hauled ashore to repair her leak. The strong waters and their
rich cases, with other goods, spoiled through being badly packed.
The Portugals and Guzerats have concluded a peace ; the Portugals
better respected and more feared than the English, because the
Portugals keep them more in slavery than we do. Sugar no commodity
for England. Left Swally 14th November, in the Bee ;
arrived at Jask 6th December. Found letter dated from Ispahan,
30th September, subscribed by Connok, Pley, Pettus, and Tracy,
directed to an unknown commander, wherein they state they had
obtained capitulations from the Sophy for free trade and commerce
in all his dominions. Pley died four days before the writer's
arrival [2nd December]. His death a great hindrance to the due prosecution
of Monox's commission. Sickness of Thos. Barker. Only
Connok and Tracy, who is but a young man, come to them. No
advice received at Surat from Persia and no supply sent thither.
Remains in Persia contrary to his commission ; desires the Company's
approbation if they think he has done well. Annexed,
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230. I. Reasons for the stay of Edw. Monox and Fras. Tipton in
Persia contrary to their commission. Death of Connok
on Christmas Eve [who died a professed Roman Catholic],
the death of Pley, the sickness of Barker, and the death of
Tracy, and not one servant of the Company able to do
any business. [Together, seven pages and a half.
Indorsed, "Received by William Nelson, 21 Oct. 1618."
O. C., Vol. V., No. 586.]
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Dec. 30.
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231. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Letter read
from Capt. Best, acknowledging the worth of Mr. Governor and of
the honorable, puissant, and great East India Company, "who are
ready to show mercy and extend favour to offenders, which is the
true imitation of God," and resting in the expectation of their
favour. Resolution to forbear the delivery of their petition (to the
Privy Council) for a time, until better satisfied of the truth of his
conceited submission, and the delivery of a more direct and plainer
submission. Suit of Malachi Mallett; to be left to free himself from
prison as he may. Petition of Henry Drimple about pepper. Joseph
Colfe entertained. Jourdain to have power to ship home any irregular
person. Bond of Giles James accepted on the surety of the
Treasurer. Richard Fursland accepted for four years' service.
Wages of Richd. Welden. Gratuity to John Jourdain towards his
furnishing forth to sea. George Pike entertained. Debt of Malachi
Mallett compounded. [Two pages and a half. Court Bk. IV.,
101-104.]
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Dec. 31.
Jacatra.
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232. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball, at Bantam. Sent with his last,
of the 25th inst., a bill of exchange of 400 ryals, and apprized him
of a murder committed on board the Attendance. Has since unladen
the goods from, and hopes within two days to send away the
Attendance. The French vessels both very richly laden ; the Flemings
have taken out of the Admiral 17 men, and out of the Vice-Admiral
10 men. Capt. Dickers, General of the French, detained all night on
board the Dutch Admiral's ship by order of the Dutch General.
Presents given by the Dutch General to the King of Jacatra on
taking leave ; he afterwards sailed with six vessels for the Moluccas.
Account of the lading of the French vessels ; they have good store
of ordnance to sell. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 587.]
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1617 ?
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233. Petition of Thos. Marmaduke, of Kingston-upon-Hull,
mariner, to the King. Is able to prove that the shortest way to
China, Cathay, and Japan is by the North East, which for six
months in the year is navigable without impediment and for that
time almost all daylight, the air temperate and wholesome. This
discovery once made, and a trade in Japan established, it will be
a six months' summer voyage, being by computation about 5,100
English miles, which may be sailed in about forty days. The
Hollanders by proclamation have promised a reward of 4,000l. to
the discoverer, but the petitioner, regarding his duty to his
Sovereign and the general good of the realm, prays, "this passage
being certain and the charge small," that he may be set out
at the King's charge, or for leave for himself and friends to
undertake it. [One page. Indorsed, "A copy of the petition for
the passage North East." Brit. Mus. Harleian 167, fol. 102.]
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1617 ?
Bantam ?
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234. [R. Wickham ?] to the East India Company. Sent
copy of his last by Capt. Harris in the Peppercorn. The master
of the Advice, John Totten, since visited with a grievous sickness.
Departure of the Thomas for Bantam, 14th January [1617],
with six chests of plate and 200 peculs of copper. Because of
the unruly and misgoverned company of the Advice, it was
thought necessary that the writer should for the present leave
the business of Miako, and undertake the command of the ship
for Bantam, also because of the inexperience of the young master,
Richard Wedmore, and that the writer might negociate himself
with the Company's principals at Bantam on the affairs and state
of Japan. Arrived at Bantam 10th March [1617], heard of the
death of their agent of those parts [Geo.] Barker [Barkeley], who
left a Babylon of papers to his successor, George Ball, "to rectify
so great a business unskilfully managed before." No stock left in
this principal factory for the supply of the adjacent factories,
which is the cause of those at Patani, Siam, Succadana, Banjermassin,
Macassar being unfurnished ; "with the now factory near
Banda achieved with the loss of the Swan and the Defence."
At present is to return for Java in the Advice, with a cargo of
vendible goods, as lead, silk, wax, drugs, &c., hoping to procure
trade in Cochin China. Could speak of the disorders and wrongs
of many within these few years, to the great hindrance of the
East Indian trade. Begs to be released from the labyrinth and
thraldom of Gen. Saris and others' disgraces, and that he may be
allowed to return to his native country, where he shall be able
to do more for the good of the Company than where he is. At
present is to depart for Japan. [Draft with corrections not
signed, see ante No. 105. Two pages. O. C., Vol. VI., No. 790.]
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