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Dec. 1.
London.
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1170. Chamberlain to Carleton. The States Commissioners
arrived on Wednesday (28th November); they are like to do little till
the King's coming hither, for the ways are such that Chamberlain
thinks they will neither desire nor shall be desired to go to the court.
[Extract from Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CXXIV., No. 2,
Cal., p. 316.]
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Dec. 3-7.
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1171. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The same
amount of 114l. 10s. distributed last year to be left to the discretion
of the Governor for distribution, as benevolence to preachers
this year Commodities for Surat ; no elephants' teeth, vermilion,
tin, or Bulgaria hides to be sent by these ships, but 10,000
cwt. of quicksilver and 150 tons of lead to be provided, also amber
beads, silks, cloth of gold, gold and silver, jewels, and other fine
commodities which the factors gave good encouragement to send,
with some rarities which would sell well to the princes and great
persons ; resolved, to defer sending these last until the arrival of the
Surat ships now expected with Keridge ; 300 knives with amber
hafts to be sent, which will save the Company much in presents.
So much coral in the country no need to send any more. 20,000l.
capital the most that need be sent to Surat and Persia ; the two
ships now on their way homeward, bring the best return that ever
came thence, and the cargo does not come to above 25,000l. A great
stock at present there. Lanman to produce a true state of the stock
both in Surat and Persia. Proposition of Treasurer Stone as to the
capital to be sent out and paid in ; 100,000l. of the Company's
debts should be paid this year ; those men behind with their payments,
the Lords excepted, of whose favours the Company may
have present use, to be called upon. Auditing of accounts ; "the
commandment of the court neglected, that the bribe of a cupboard
of plate said to have been given, should be mentioned in every
court until Robinson had named the party who received it. Discussion
on the request of Adam Denton, come home in the Royal
James, for his goods and remainder of wages, and to receive the
Company's discharge ; to the charge that he got his goods by
private trade, he answered "he was not so very a fool as to serve
so many years up and down from port to port and get nothing for
himself. The court noted much his insolency in that maintaining
the wrong done them, and told him that if all their factors were of
his mind the whole trade of the Indies would but suffice them,
there would be nothing for the Company." He was ordered to set
down how he came by these goods.
Dec. 5.-Robinson's books of accounts delivered by Eyers to Lanman.
"Bitter dispute" about Robinson's explanations touching the
cupboard of plate. Request of Mrs. Wickham for the goods of her
deceased son ; also of the sister of Cokayne, deceased, who went out
in the sixth voyage, served the Company ten years, and was slain
in their service, to have 50l. upon account. Suit of Allen, a poor
minister, for some part of the Company's benevolence bestowed upon
men of his coat against Christmas ; was told the list was more than
full, but gave him ten shillings, to be deducted out of some others
that are to have a greater sum. Arthur Suffeild entertained a
purser, and John Fary, who had assisted in the factory at Camboja
and came home in the Royal James, a purser's mate. Savage Henworth,
recommended by Sir Richard Bingley, to be entertained, and
Thos. Read made a purser.
Dec. 7.-The three ships newly built and to go to Surat to be named
the Blessing, Discovery, and Reformation. Arthur Suffeild appointed
purser of the Blessing, Elias Wood purser of the Discovery,
and Thos. Read purser of the Reformation. Burrell hastened to
finish the Blessing at Deptford ; questions thereon. Browning
about the Discovery at Woodbridge ; he requests payment of the
remainder of the contract. Request of Capt. Pring for his wages ;
he is questioned touching the gross abuses of the Company ; committee
appointed at his desire to question him privately, and "he
doubted not but he should give them good satisfaction." Thos.
Smitheck entertained at 300l. per annum, and 100l. to set him
forth, to serve the Company at Bantam ; he is to sit with them
in their courts between this and the time of his going, the better to
inform himself of the state of their business. Request of George
Porter for ryals which belonged to his brother David Porter, deceased,
and were paid to Christopher Bogan, purser of the Unicorn, and
Rich. Harris, cashier at Bantam, for the use of the Company. Charge
against Stephen Goad, entertained boatswain, touching the sale of
some guns ; they came out of the Earl of Warwick's ship, the Lion,
were unserviceable, and given to him by Capt. Pring. Order for
payment to Anthony Permafoy on account of the Discovery. Isaac
Van de Paine and Lucas Corselles to be admitted free brethren,
though born of strange parents, yet they were born in England, on
payment of 100 marks apiece, provided they take their oaths before
Christmas. Edward Tyne entertained a factor at 50l. per annum, and
10l. to set him out. John Forrest recommended by the Earl of
Pembroke as a steward ; he was not thought fit for the place, yet
out of a desire "to satisfy the request of so noble a person" was
referred for a steward's mate.
Minutes of a General Court. Sale of diamonds, with names of
purchasers and the prices. [Sixteen pages. Court Bk. V., 240-256.]
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Dec. 10.
Batavia.
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1172. President Richard Fursland and his Council, Thos. Brockedon,
Aug. Spaldinge, and Gabriell Towerson to the East India
Company. The James, intended for the Moluccas, sent to Jambi ; the
reasons. Arrival of the English Swan from Japan on 23 November
with news that the Manilla fleet had arrived there with not such
profitable booty as they expected. Comment on the disorderly
carriage of the Manilla business, every man serving his own turn ;
some of the shipmasters the chief encouragers of this unruly and
mutinous company ; the weak carriage of some in command and
the dishonesty of others bath brought our people in general to such
a height of disorder that they have cause to fear no good can come
of their proceedings. The Dutch ready to offer all injuries ;
contention with them. The Manilla fleet to proceed this year again
upon the same voyage. Much fear that the Dutch and our people
will not agree in the unlawful course of pillage. The inhuman
course of the Dutch with all who fall into their hands makes the
English, also odious like them ; it were good they were separated
and their ships employed apart, for it is impossible they should agree
in the sharing of the pillage, which at last may turn to some great
mischief. The whole booty taken by the English ships delivered
over to the factories not sufficient to set their ships again to sea ;
had they not received the money by the Peppercorn they must have
run at interest greatly to the Company's prejudice. This voyage
once cleared, they shall not send that way again. The excessive
charge of Japan not only consumes the Company's stock, but utterly
ruins the most part of their men by their most beastly living there.
Can get no accounts from Cocks. The factors there fear their privileges
will be taken from them, but mean themselves to break up
that factory next year. The Clove and Bee arrived fully laden with
pepper. Have laden the Charles ; her cargo, pepper, cloves, mace,
nutmegs, gumlac, diamonds, pearls, bezoar stones, ambergris, and
long coast cloth. The Dutch the cause of their being obliged to
give such high prices for pepper, and holding no contract with the
English think to weary them out. Price of pepper at Acheen. If
the Dutch would perform faithfully with them, might easily bring
down the price, but they will rather venture bringing themselves to
nothing than that the English should prosper. Except their masters
in Holland order their people here to join with the English in
sincerity, neither will be able to continue the trade. News from
Chinese in Bantam that the Pengran is inclined to make peace with
the English, so are persuaded before the arrival of next year's fleet
from Europe they shall make some accord with him. Urge the
sending of a ship or two with good store of money, so they may
buy pepper at Bantam, where is enough to lade ten great ships of
800 tons each. Needfull to agree with the Hollanders about the
charge they demand for maintaining war with Bantam, otherwise
they will lay what tax they please upon the English and hinder them
buying pepper. Send general books with balance of Jacatra
accounts, and other public papers. Notwithstanding their great
need of factors are forced to send some home, who have the name of
merchants, but are not fit for any employment. Briefly declare how
they have found both them and some others, viz., Robert Haies,
obstinate in his resolution to go home ; Thos. Doughtie and Robt.
Randall, honest but not fit for any great employment ; Richard
Bishop can neither read nor write, and in seven years has spent 800
ryals in w*****g and drinking ; Peter Waddon sent from Japan for
lewd behaviour ; Howard and Gillman sent home prisoners, in
charge of Capt. Bickell ; John Bardon through negligence spoiled
the Star and most of the porcelain dishes shipped for Amboyna,
which were broken through his carelessness ; find him fitter to be
sent home than detained ; Anthony Finch, formerly purser in the
Gift, a notorious drunkard and deboise fellow, not fit for any employment
of importance, sent home purser in the Charles. Many old
impotent men from other ships now sent home Capt. John
Bickell has discharged his place with sufficiency and care ; recommend
him to their favour. Most of the men unwilling to stay, are
returned home, the rest shall follow in the next ship. The accounts
of all men from the shore sent with them. The pursers must be
called to account for what is found wanting in the ships. Robt.
Johnson's account from Jambi at last received, but imperfect. Their
manner of trading at Jambi very desperate ; fear that the Dutch
likewise, in trusting such great sums, will come off with a loss.
Good supplies of pepper expected from Jambi and Acheen ; hope to
lade two more ships for England between this and March. The
Globe arrived from the coast. The factors have sent from Surat all
sorts of clothing for Acheen and Bantam. The report of a conflict
between English and Portugal ships proves true. Silk received
from Persia ; glad to hear something is returned, for now there is
hope that more will follow yearly. The London, Hart, and Roebuck
winter in the Red Sea, where they intend to take restitution for the
caphila spoiled by the Deccans. Not sufficient experience of trade
yet at Pulicat ; the Hollanders outwardly kind, but doubt their performance ;
the profits of that place will not answer the charges there.
All goods made at Pulicat may be had at Pettapoli. The Hollanders
maintain their charge of Pulicat by setting frigates out to sea.
Complain of the small quantity of goods received from Masulipatam
from Methwold ; commodities from thence shipped for England.
Calicoes fit for Europe ; contract of the Dutch for same. The
Unity arrived at Acheen ; the King there exacts what he pleases ; he
compelled the Globe to give him a present of 400 ryals, before he
would grant his choppe for her departure. The Globe and Eagle
sailed in compauy through the Straits of Malacca and have furnished
Jambi factory with a good cargo of cloth, so that now we are provided
as well as the Hollanders. The Eagle lost thirty men at
Acheen by distemper ; the Hollanders suffer not their men to go
ashore, so lose few or no men in that place. The Lesser James got
ashore through the master refusing to follow his pilot John Davis'
directions ; Wood, the master, a common drunkard, not fit for such
a charge ; the pilot given to the same vice. The Star will be despatched
for the Moluccas ; know not how the Hollanders will deal
with them there. The Hollanders exact 2 per cent. freight for carrying
money to Jambi. The ships remaining here are the Globe,
Clove, Star, Bee, and Fortune ; think of sending the Bee again for
Jambi. Commodities required, including surgeons' stores. John
Hiching, clerk of the stores, and his accounts ; commendations of
him ; experienced men will not stay without increase of wages.
[Nine pages and a half. Endorsed, "Received by the Charles the
9th of July 1622." O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 1018.]
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Dec. 10-20.
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1173. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Gratuity to
Cornelius Cannedge to set him forth. Information of Ball's complaints
touching the Company's proceedings against him in the
Star Chamber ; he had applied for a habeas corpus to remove him to
the fleet as he cannot go abroad but with a guard which will stand
in 20l. a day ; committee appointed to acquaint the Lord Keeper
with the Company's reasons for desiring Ball to be under safe keeping,
&c. Ball very cautious, and it is believed he spares no cost,
though he makes pretence of poverty, for he gives double fees. When
asked in prison when he would examine the copies of books and
papers made for him, he said he knew not now wherein they could
be useful to him, for that the Company do not now charge him with
matter of account, but with matter of state. Hawley proposed as
a factor. Balance paid to Browning for building the Discovery at
Woodbridge. Letter from the Marquis of Buckingham, brought by
a brother, and in favour of Adam Denton ; he was assured that the
business shall be very justly carried between the Company and his
brother, and that a course shall be taken to satisfy the Lord Marquis.
Suit of James Slade to go as principal master in the next voyage.
John Richardson, formerly entertained, declines going to Surat, and is
dismissed. Supply of Canary wine. Motion of Keightley on behalf
of the wife of Booth, a surgeon in the Indies, for one year's wages
of her husband. Petition of Bartholomew Churchman, that he was
taken with the Dutch in the Solomon, where he lost all his goods
and apparel, and took up monies for relief of divers English prisoners,
lest they should serve the Dutch, praying for consideration for his
losses, &c. Committee to report thereon.
Dec. 12.-Treasurers Stone and Bateman secured by the Court
for monies taken up for the use of the Company. Lanman to balance
the Company's stock by end of January next. Sale of diamonds.
Applications of preachers, over and above Sir Thos. Smythe's list,
for the Company's benevolence. Suit of John Holloway concerning
his stock, attached by an officer of the Lord Mayor for debts to
Morris Abbott, deputy, and Westrowe. Letter from Sir Albert
Moreton touching the estate of the orphan children of the sister of
Philip Crewe, deceased. Concerning Robinson's offer to go the
voyage, the best use of his employment will be to seize upon
Spaldinge's estate, which will require expedition. He promised to go
to Holland, and take his passage in the next Dutch ship ; committee
to arrange the terms with him. Petition of Mountney, that the
bribe of a cupboard of plate mentioned in so many courts, and
privately laid to his charge by name, may be searched to the bottom,
and his innocence cleared ; Robinson to produce the authors of that
information to a committee. Weld, the town clerk of London, about
the attachment of Holloway's goods.
Dec. 13.-Adam Denton submits to the Company for a final conclusion,
and offers any reasonable security to satisfy any just demand.
He complains of Spaldinge and Brockedon selling the Company's silk
at Jacatra ; that Ball bought no pepper while President, having
fallen out with the Pengran of Bantam. Petition of Katherine
Hudson for part of her son's wages ; he is now at Japan, and went
out eight years since ; no wages made with him ; was told she could
have nothing. Gratuity to Alice Taylor, whose husband was slain
by the Dutch. Petition of Richard Dove on behalf of Wm. Colwell,
John Furs, and John Noble, taken by pirates ; can have nothing,
the Company having only undertaken to redeem two prisoners, and
have accordingly paid 20l. to Mr. Frisell and other monies by the
King's order. Petition of Ann, wife of William Hambletoun, for
satisfaction for pepper ; "formerly answered in Parliament, and the
Company can give no other answer." Petition of Parnell Watty for
a month's wages of Fraunce de la Mond, Indian, in the Charles,
whose child she has kept.
Dec. 14 (?)-Robinson's salary ; 500l1. per annum proposed,
"wherewith he seeming not well satisfied, desired time to consider
thereof." Complaint of Ball to the Lord Keeper that his books are
detained. The Lord Keeper to be informed that they have been offered
to Ball, who said he knew not what use to make of them, as the
charge against him was a matter of State, and not of accounts.
Burdick's wages attached. John Hurlebutt's wages claimed by
widow Bowers, and Evans, a minister who married Hurlebutt's
mother. Suit of Mrs. Wickham concerning her son's estate. Alderman
Barkham, now Lord Mayor, to take out two bags of pepper for
the expense of his house upon his adventure in the second joint
stock. Offer of Denton not only to clear himself to the Dutch Commissioners,
but to give security to the Company's, content for their
indemnity for certain ryals demanded of him by the Dutch. Request
of Hollowaye for a copy of the order of Court concerning his
creditors.
Dec. 14.-Minutes of "a Court of Sales." Sale of commodities,
with names of purchasers, and the prices ; to each lot there is a set
price, to some lots "nothing [is] bidden."
Dec. 17.-George Ball to have copies of his books and other
writings. Suit of Philip Thomas for his wages. His behaviour com
plained of ; is discharged the Company's service. No carpenters yet
engaged ; they demand 3l. per month. Andrew Stone entertained
steward's mate. The old remains of beef and biscuit and 5l. to be
given to the poor against Christmas. John Forrest, recommended
by the Lord Chamberlain for a steward's place, married, and brother
to Henry Forrest, who had played away the Company's money at
dice, dismissed. Nicholas Towerson offers his services. Ellam to
report what factors they have in the Indies, and where.
Dec. 20.-Pruson and the sailmakers. Letter read from Geo.
Muschamp of Dec. 1620 from Jacatra, to Valentine Morelofte, one
of the Lord Keeper's gentlemen, signifying his losses sustained by
the Dutch, as also the loss of his leg in fight with them at Patani,
when the Sampson and Hound were taken, and desiring restitution
from the Dutch. The Company did not hold fit to present their
losses at the treaty, but that restitution should be demanded of the
Dutch Commissioners, wherein the Company would assist by recom
mending it to the English Commissioners. Request of Isaac
Crowther, steward of the Moon, for the return of 200 ryals seized,
with other goods belonging to him, by Spaldinge, who had also imprisoned
him, put him in irons, and out of his place, and had broken
open his cabin door, desks, and locks. Explains how he became
possessed of them ; 10l. lent to him. Discussion with Slade and
Emanuel Butta, who offered themselves as masters, concerning their
sufficiency and wages. Capt. Nicholls had been proposed for a chief.
Withers to be conferred with, touching his intimation that Smitheck
"was not the man the Company took him for ;" the committee clear
him in point of religion. [Twenty-six pages. Court Bk. V.,
256-281.]
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Dec. 24.
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1174. Richard Fursland, Thomas Brockedon, and Aug. Spaldinge,
to Thos. Johnson at Jambi. Refer to their previous letter of 14 Nov.
by the Lesser James, though they doubt her safe arrival, by reason of
reports of the beastly carriage of the master and the great disorders of
the whole company. Have received his letter of 29 October by Capt.
Spaldinge, who arrived 23 ult., with the Clove and the Bee, also his
letters by the Globe, which arrived 7th present, and a Dutch prize.
Perceive he has received the money sent by the Bear. Long to see a
good end of the large debts made by him. Staverton overtroubled
with his small employment ; his books received are imperfect and
full of errors ; shall expect good reasons from him why the Hollanders
paying but ten per cent. custom the English are charged in
his account 11 per cent. Are heartily glad of the opportune arrival
of the Globe and Eagle, to furnish his market. Approve of his
taking ashore the two young men as assistants. Edmund Sutton
may return with Thompson after the pepper harvest. Cannot
conceive why he sends anything to Indraghiri so long as he wants
means at Jambi to buy pepper. Hope by the arrival of the James
he has been fully satisfied with money. The Charles sailed for
England the 11th present. A piece (of ordnance) shall be sent (for
the King), the Bitch also shall go, and for the Dog "we wish he had
the biggest in Parish Garden in his belly to satisfy his dogged
appetite." Would have him defer sending to Palembang. "We have
too many profitable factories already, and therefore desire no more,
but rather to have them dissolved." Will give orders in their next
for reforming the misrule in the James, and appoint a man to take
the charge of her. The light pepper is well sold ; Longe writes 500
tons may be vented yearly. [Four pages. O. C, Vol. VIII., No.
1020.]
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Dec. 24-28.
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1175. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Suit of Samuel
Bass for his wages ; he is complained of as "a very ill-governed man,
and if he got but 12d. it was enough to keep him drunk two days in
a bawdy house." He was told "how much he wronged the family he
came of and the whole English nation." Agreement to be made
with Slade at 7l. per month. Proposal for Capt. Argoll to go chief,
"some exception taken to him, but his reputation was left untouched,
only the Court conceived a mere marine man would be of
best use to the Company, and would be best obeyed." Simon
Nicholls named, "and well liked as a man very sufficient, valiant,
and honest ;" to be spoken with. Report of Withers, who "held
Smitheck to be insufficient ;" to be entreated to speak with the
Governor thereon. Concerning the surgeon's chests provided by
Woodall. Auditing of the Company's books.
Dec 27.-Provisions for the ships. Combination among the sailmakers,
against whom the Company hath commenced a suit in
chancery. They deal underhand with the Company's workmen, and
have persuaded some of them to give over work. "Upon Christmas
eve divers clothworkers that had wrought to the Company did
show themselves much discontented, and fell into very mutinous
and railing terms, not in the house only, but in the open street,
against the Company in general, and in particular against the committees
for the providing of cloths ; their behaviour being so rude as
it was much noted by the neighbours and such as passed by ;" some
of them to be sent for to give a reason for their so doing. It will
prove better husbandry to buy their cloths ready dressed and dyed
than to dye and dress them themselves. Concerning sails and sailmakers :
Salmon and Pruson. Explanation with three of the clothworkers
about the tumult ; they refuse 20s., and demand 22s., for
dressing, &c. a cloth.
Dec. 28.-Offer to plate the breadrooms cheap. Cause of the aspersion
laid on Smitheck ; the Court affirmed he had an honest cause and ran
honest courses. Slade to be offered 7l. per month to go a master of
one of the ships. Report concerning the audit of the Company's
accounts. Rich. Atkinson's accounts to be audited. Answer of
Withers to accusations against him touching his accounts and giving
away the Company's goods. [Fourteen pages. Court Bk. V. 281-
295.]
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Dec. 29.
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1176. Consultation by Rich. Fursland, Thos. Brockedon, Aug.
Spaldinge, and Gab. Towerson. John Wood, master of the Lesser
James, being judged by a council of chief officers, insufficient to
govern her, on his promise that he would follow the directions of the
pilot Davis from Jacatra, was allowed to remain. Seeing his beastly
carriage since, that he is seldom sober, that the ship has been in extreme
danger of being cast away, and considering the danger she may
fall into returning laden with pepper under conduct of such a
notorious drunkard and disorderly commander, it was thought good
to displace him, and send John Roberts, master of the Bee for Jambi,
there to take charge and command of the Lesser James ; John Wood
to be sent hither with the first. The Globe to be sent to Amboyna
and the Moluccas, as unfit for any other employment ; and the Star,
newly trimmed, and sufficient to perform any voyage, retained. [One
page and a quarter. O.C. Vol. VIII., No. 1021.]
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Dec. 31.
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1177. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Slade entertained
master at 20 nobles a month. The Reformation to be launched. Concerning
the employment of Henry Hawley ; he thought he might deserve
500l. per annum ; committee appointed to agree with him, "a
man very perfect in accounts, and of a very staid and sober condition,
and such an one as, by the example of his life, joined with good admonition,
may draw the young factors, now riotously disposed, to be
of other minds." On the other side, "admitting him to be all that had
been said of him, yet he is of a spirit over soft and mild to encounter
with Coen ;" by no means to be drawn higher than to Mr. Smitheck
who is to have 300l. per annum. Request of George Ball to know
in what sum he stands bound to the Company. Desire of the Lord
President to see the commission for the last treaty between the
English and Dutch Companies ; Capper ordered to take it. Letter
read from the Lord Admiral to the Governor, "signifying that albeit
his Majesty knows the Dutch have great matters to propound unto
him, yet he is resolved to hear nothing until they have given satisfaction
to his subjects according to justice." Bell made the like
relation from the Lord Admiral's own mouth. Report that there is
a letter unread from Johnson at Jambi, containing more matter
against Denton than all the rest ; to be read at the next Court.
Robinson to explain himself touching the auditing of Atkinson's
accounts. [Three pages. Court Bk. V. 295-298.]
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Dec. ?
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1178. "Proofs that the English Company have no ways been defective
in procuring the trade of Bantam, both by fair means and also
by the besieging of Bantam, so far as they were enjoined by the Councils
of Defence in India." [Three pages. East Indies.. Vol 1. No. 94.]
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1621 ?
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1179. Petition of Thos. Anderson of Kingston-upon-Hull, mariner,
to the Privy Council. Was questioned about four years since by Sir
Thos. Smythe for going into the north-east passage, and thereupon
bound by bond, taken in the King's name, not to go thither any more.
Others have since given bond to Sir Thos. Smythe not to go there,
and have had their bonds delivered up, but the petitioner's bond is
still with the Clerk of the Council. Prays that Sir Clement Edmondes
may have orders to give it up to him. [Domestic, Jas. I.,
Vol. 124. No. 93. Cal. p. 328.]
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1621 ?
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1180. "The state of the question between the English and Dutch
Companies trading into the East Indies," in reference to the demand
for restitution of English goods brought out of the Indies into Holland,
in August 1620, and for which Sir Dudley Diggs and Morris
Abbott were sent over commissioners to negociate with the Dutch. The
English East India Company complain that by an unjust balance of
account the Dutch endeavour to wipe away all the Company's
demands with 9,000l. sterling, or else leave all undone for some longer
time ; and they implore the Privy Council to observe how the Dutch
have broken the treaty, by failing to make restitution on the arrival
in India of the first ship of advice, the Bull, and by other actions
which are particularly described. [Four pages. East Indies, Vol. 1.
No. 95.]
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