|
June 5 and Aug. 3.
Batavia Road. |
93. Survey of the ships Clove and Supply by John Roberts,
commander-in-chief, and others, by order of the President. The
Clove not fit to be carreened, but if lightened might ride in the
roads for a year. The Supply, so much eaten and decayed with the
worm, and also the Rother, as to be unrepairable. [Endorsed,
" Received by the Lesser James, 18 June 1623." Three quarters of a
page. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1052.] |
| 1622 ? |
94. Petition of Wm. Carmichell to the King. Although his
Majesty's Commissioners have often urged a conclusion of the controversy between the Dutch East India Company and the petitioner,
he can find no effectual dealing, but dilatory answers, which he
has customably had these seven years past. Prays, in case of longer
delay, that the King will grant him letters of reprisal against their
ships within his Majesty's dominions. [Domestic Corresp., Jac. I.,
Vol. CXXXV., No. 20, Cal. p. 474.] |
June 5.
Whitehall. |
95. Sec. Calvert to (Carleton). Our Commission with the
States has been at a stand these many days. Believes we have
so tired one another as perhaps the merchants themselves will agree
better upon private conferences. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
| June 5. |
96. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Directions to be
given in the next letters to the President to examine the estates of
those who die in the Indies, that "it may best appear how the same
hath been gotten." Report of the committee appointed to attend
Sir Christopher Perkins about Adam Denton's claims. Denton
wishes for a settlement without troubling his Majesty, and is to be
heard in full Court on Friday next. Message from the Lord Admiral
that the Prince desires earnestly that the business of his servants'
employment into the Indies might go on, and that his Highness
would give assurance, both his word and under his hand, that there
should come thereby no prejudice to the trade, and that his Lordship
wished the Company not to oppose it, for that he is verily persuaded
the Prince will prevail, and if he find himself opposed will take it
ill, but if through the Company's opposition he should fail of his
desire, the Company might thereby utterly lose his favour. Reply of
the Governor that there were too few to give answer in a business
of this importance, but would at the next meeting acquaint them
with it, though he knew beforehand that the motion would come
unseasonably. Ordered, that the Company's Secretary draw a
petition to the Lord Admiral, expressive of the Company's grief
for the danger of losing the Prince's favour, with some touch of
the inconveniences in general that may come to the Company if
the employment hold, and that they may be admitted to his
Highness' presence. Committee appointed to attend the Lord
Admiral with a petition. [Three pages and a half. Court Bk. V.,
438–442.] |
June 6.
Madrid. |
97. Sir Walter Aston to Sir Thomas Wilson. Cannot but much
commend the industry of the Hollanders who have so providently
procured already the Bible translated into the West Indian language,
that if their necessity drive them thither they may presently
fall in hand with the plantation of the Gospel. [Extract from
Corresp. Spain.] |
| June 7. |
98. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Lease of
Buttolph Wharf. Mrs. Harrison's debt. Examination of Adam
Denton touching the money taken from the fort at Jacatra, and the
junk taken at Patani, &c.; if the Company were "content to enjoy
the benefit" they must "sustain the loss." He admits that he made
"90 corge of Pintadoes" in their house at Patani, but not at their
charge, of which he will bring testimony under Thomas Jones.
"The Dutch mayors came in, and so the further handling thereof
was referred until the afternoon." Capt. Pring to be examined before
the Lords in reference to a question between this Company and
the Dutch, "whether at the consultation in the Indies [24 April
1620] upon the arrival of the Bull, the English had demanded
restitution of ships and goods or not." He will maintain on oath
that they did so. He says that Capt. Speck, a Dutchman, caused the
loss of the Expedition by taking out ballast in order to stow goods, "and
being thereby over-lightened she overset in a perry of wind, riding
at an anchor." The Dutch tried to obtain a certificate that she came
" thwart the James' hawse," "but could find noman to be of that mind."
Lead sold at 6l. 6s. the fother. Further examination of Adam Denton.
He denies that the junk was "taken from the Chinesses," by his
direction, or that any of the 5,000 dols. taken came to his hands.
He had no part of the 1,100 dols. taken from the Fort of Jacatra,
by two of Sir Thomas Dale's servants; but he had a chain of Van
den Broock's, which he returned, and for which he could show a
receipt. His desire that neither Sir Christopher Perkins nor any
other should be troubled with this business, but that the Company
should end it, but they replied they must not slight the Master of
Requests, and must justify themselves before the world. Isaac
Crowther not to be employed as steward in the Abigail until some
"controversies depending in law" are decided. [Two pages and a
half. Court Bk. V., 443–446.] |
June 8 ?
Amboyna. |
99. [Geo. Muschamp ?] to [the President and Council at Batavia.]
Acknowledges receipt of letters of Nov. 2, Oct. 25, Feb. 16, and
Jan. 15, by the Supply, the Globe, and two Dutch ships; also copy
of complaints, and the Dutch General's answer, which he sent to the
Moluccas and Banda, and directs his own conduct thereby. In the
third article the General declares that the debts of the King of Ternate
are to be discounted in money, instead of being paid in cloves as heretofore; the Governor alleges "that it is a misprision in the General,"
and must be decided by the Council of Defence at Jacatra. Concerning the great charge of the Governor's table and moveables; the
General, his chief officers, servants, and slaves, not less than 100, daily
fed for upwards of three months. Jealousy of the Governor. The
order for the Ruby coming hither crossed by Governor Houtman,
which is a great hindrance to the safe transporting of goods, as they
are not able to send to the Moluccas and Banda. The Supply arrived
Jan. 14 with goods and provisions. Sent her to Welden at Banda
with rice and money, but shortly after her arrival she sprung a leak
and was ready to sink, but is now fit for the voyage. The Globe
arrived April 9, which it has been determined to keep here this
year, sending the cloth, &c., to the Moluccas by the first Dutch ship
bound thither. Has sent the Supply to him. The Globe is now
landing rice and cloth at Hitto, and has done so at Looho. The
vehement rains interfere with their proceedings. A considerable
quantity of cloves has come in, some in payment of debts, and more
is owing at Hitto and other places. In want of means to discharge
the garrison and pay for the cloves which the Governor requires.
Has taken up at interest 3,300 ryals to help pay for this year's
cloves, and to comply with the literal sense of the article. Has
bought a house of Sebastian Dancker (Danckaerts), a preacher, which
the Governor would not dispense with, fearing he should incur the
General's displeasure, more convenient, commodious, and substantial
than the former one; the cost will soon be repaid, for the rains are
so continual that sometimes the goods cannot be aired for a month.
Requests that his bills may be duly honoured; if payment be not
made according to promise it will be the Company's disgrace. The
Orankays of Looho took good liking to the cloths, some of which
are to be sent to the Moluccas. The Endracht cast away coming
from Banda; lost nearly 50 men, goods, and provisions on her voyage
to the Moluccas, where there are like to suffer great want in consequence. Will send George Willoughby with a fresh cargo. Wishes
"the mortality and want of factors were better considered at home;"
they have lost [Sam.] Foxcroft and George Moore at Hitto, John
Engle Stewart at Amboyna, and George Spence killed in a duel
with a corporal, at Cambello; the Governor shot the corporal to
death upon Muschamp's demand of justice which he "required more
that the country should take notice of it, than from a revengeful
disposition, in regard the quarrel was full fairly performed." Sends
Short, whose honesty and sufficiency he commends, to Jacatra for
recovery of his health. Has taken Edward Collins, purser of the
Globe, to remain at Larrica; and put Samuel Coulson, chief at
Hitto, in Foxcroft's place. Thanks for his "releasement," will
explain all matters to Capt. Towerson, expects to depart from hence
the beginning of August. The charge of the factories has exceeded
that of last year, occasioned by the long continuance of the fleet
at Hitto, but he has remonstrated with the Governor and now the
expenses are reformed. Endorsed, "Recd. the 4th July per the
Amsterdam. Copy of a letter from Amboyna." [Seven pages and a
half. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1057.] |
June 8/18.
Malaya. |
100. Governor Houtman to William Nicolls. About supplying
the Ruby with provisions during her stay at Malaya and her sailing
for Batavia. [Dutch. Half a page. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1053.] |
June 9.
Malaya Road. |
101. Consultation on board the Ruby. She was appointed by
the Council of Defence to remain in the Moluccas until relieved from
Batavia by other ships, but her wants are so great that without
great hazard they cannot longer stay. They have no provisions but
rice and water, and Governor Houtman absolutely denies them
any relief. Their rigging is rotten, they have no cordage, and
they are almost destitute of sails. Signed by—John Alexander,
master, Peter Bell, purser, and five others. [One page. O.C., Vol. IX.,
No. 1054.] |
| June 10/20. |
102. Demand of Governor Houtman, "First Councillor of India,
Governor and Director over the forts and factories of the Moluccas,"
delivered to William Nicolls by John de Vogel, Cape merchant, and
others, for the payment of 20,680 guilders, 1 stuyver, and 4d., being
the remainder of the one-third part of the general charges during the
year ending in May last at Malaya, Calamat (Salmatte), Tolucquo,
and Sabowa. He had before desired payment, because he had not
laded the third part of his cloves, but by the 16th article of the
Council of Defence at Batavia no cloves ought to be laden or transported before the charges are first paid. When payment is made
the Lord General is ready to let them receive and lade the cloves at
their pleasure. 2,477 gs. 9d. to be deducted from said sum, being
the third of a fourth part of table charges, "in consideration of the
diet of the Netherlands merchants." If Nicolls persist in refusing
these demands, a protest and claim for damages is to be made
against the English Company. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1055.] |
| June 14–18. |
103. Court Minutes of the East India Company. About the sale
of Buttolph wharf. Arrival of Capt. Kerridge, late President of the
English nation at Surat, with the Hart and Roebuck; is welcomed
by the Court; thanks rendered "to God for his and the ships' safe
return." Reasons why the ships come so late from Surat. Every
opportunity in future to be taken for returning "as the Dutch do."
Orders to this effect to be inserted in the seamen's and factor's
commissions. The ships which go to Jask to return direct from
thence to England. Building of the new ship at Deptford. Isaac
Crowther dismissed the Company's service. Suit depending in the
Admiralty Court between Lady Dale and Thos. Jones. James
Burgess, who "hath been six or seven years at the Indies," recommended as a fit man for master. Bartholomew Churchman also
"recommended for a stout, resolute man, a good artsman, and well
experienced in the East India navigation, wherein he hath been
employed two or three voyages; but his carriage in point of command is doubted, in regard some conceived he was too much inclined
to drink, and that he is a discontented man, but others were of
opinion that at sea he would carry himself well; and that his discontent is against the Dutch, not against the Company." He has
done many good services to the Company, which the Court well
remembered. Messrs. Kirby and Abdy to inquire further of him.
Robert Sampson, "prisoner in the hole in the Compter for receiving
46s. imprest and not performing the voyage," where he has lain 14
or 15 weeks, to be allowed to go the voyage, giving security to pay
all his debts and expenses out of his wages. Refusal of William
Langton to go master carpenter to Jacatra under 5l. per month.
Advice from Sir Thomas Roe, at Constantinople, about managing
the trade at Surat, the Red Sea, and Persia. Kerridge to be consulted about the matter. "The Dutch, howsoever they make fair
show of good correspondency at shore there, yet at sea they practise
by robbing and spoiling of all ships and boats they meet withall to
ruin that trade to the English," and thus they did with the Sampson,
that the natives might think the English had done it. |
|
June 18.—Adam Denton's business. A master for the Abigail.
Capt. Pring's report of Bartholomew Churchman, whom the Company
would willingly employ if he be found meet for that charge, in
respect of his long service. They found him well reported of "in the
point of his art, but could have no satisfaction in the point of his
government." Burgess, "an ancient man, perfect in the voyage,"
"every way fitt," and "very desirous to go," to attend the next
Court. Eyre to go down to Blackwall to-day "to break bulk aboard
the Roebuck." Style and Browne to go down to-night to the Hart,
lying at Erith; to be brought up to Blackwall. An answer to be
considered to Sir Thomas Roe's letter. Kerridge requests some small
time to peruse it. 1,000l. to be paid at once of the 2,000l. soon due
for the pirate business, as "the occasion was for the payment of
mariners, a people not easily delayed, or delayed of their due."
Information that on Saturday last, when the King took barge at
Blackwall, the Roebuck shot off five pieces, which made "so weak a
report that it appears the Company is ill served of powder," whilst
the Rainbow, though but "lately arrived from the bottom of the
Straits," made a very good report. The powder not well kept; it
ought to be aired "in the sum upon fitting days," and skins are
provided for that purpose. The Court did not well like that the
powder should be so dried ashipboard, because of the many casualties
that may happen, but it may be done ashore. The Turkey merchants
buy powder at the same place, carry it to Constantinople, and yet
bring it home good. Committee to report thereon. Information
that a bribe was offered by Kirby to rip up the ceilings of the
James to take out pepper. The matter to be deferred for a week,
and Kirby in the meantime to be suspended from the Company's
service. Complaint of the beef; divers conjectures of the cause;
the Thames water may occasion it; it may be the fault of the
butchers in driving the cattle, and in not bleeding them enough, for
fear of decreasing the weight. Thomas Vincent's goods which came
in the Roebuck. [Nine pages. Court Bk. V., 446–455.] |
June 18.
The Hague. |
104. (Carleton) to Sec. Calvert. The arrival of three ships out
of the East Indies puts new life into this Company, which did
languish and was brought so low that they have set out no equipage
for that navigation this year, and the news that two English ships
as richly laden came in consort with them doth much rejoice them,
hoping that the fruits they mutually reap of their agreement will
work better effects towards a reconciliation than their disputes, of
which nothing ariseth, as their Ambassadors advertise, but more and
more distrust and difference. Their Ambassadors complain much of
delays, being many times (as they say) sent back unseen when
appointed to come to conference, at which (as Carleton understands
by the Prince of Orange) the States do very much mutter, as well
for the disgrace as for the cost they are at in so long maintaining
their extraordinary ambassage. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
| June 21. |
105. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Lease of Buttolph Wharf. The committee to attend Sir Christopher Perkins,
about Denton's business. The wife of Johnson, master of the Rose,
to have a quilt and pepper sent by her husband "for a token." The
Deputy and Sir Thomas Smythe to arbitrate between the Company
and Mrs. Fielder. Jeffries to unlade the Hart on Monday. Rebecca
Agard's claims. Hugh Watts, son of Capt. Watts, to go to the
Indies under Hawley. His wages. James Burgess appointed to the
Abigail. Gratuities to Aylesbury, my Lord Admiral's secretary.
[Four pages and a half. Court Bk. V., 455–460.] |
June 25./July 5.
Malaya. |
106. Warrant by Governor Houtman to Wm. Nicolls. To receive
provisions for the Ruby out of the ship Amsterdam. [Dutch. Half
page. O.C., Vol. IX., No. 1056.] |
| June 26–29. |
107. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Richard Dale,
surgeon, from the Indies, recommended by Dr. Winston as "a very
meet man" for the Abigail; but his demand of 3l. per month too
much for so small a ship. Concerning Buttolph Wharf. Nicholas
Towerson offers his services as a factor. Sir Christopher Perkins
"reasonably well satisfied" with the Company's objections to Denton, but wishes two arbitrators to be chosen by each party, and
offers himself as umpire. Concerning Kerridge and his goods. He
thinks that coral from Leghorn should not be sent to Surat, until
they "be encouraged thereto." A motion to prepare for a General
Court "touching the holding in bank or delivering out the goods
upon stock." The Court disliked that any letters out of the Indies
should be opened upon the Exchange; no dividend to be made at
present; the goods to be left to the disposing of the committees.
The prices of the goods fixed. Silk at 27s. per lb., &c.
The Minutes of a General Court. The Governor "put them in
mind first to be thankful to God for his goodness," in vouchsafeing
them a return. Two more ships expected this year from Surat, and
news of one from Bantam in a letter read from John Bickell, master
of the Charles, of 2 Nov. 1621. How to dispose of the goods in
the Hart and Roebuck. Opinion of Dr. Atkins. Accounts and
state of the Company. The auditor nominated at the last General
Court on 10 April 1622 ratified. Their debt at interest 150,000l.,
whereof 40,000l. at 8 per cent., and the rest at 9, which was always
wont to be at 10; since last year 50,000l. had been paid off. "The
Royal James drew away in duties and wages 30,000l;" all who called
in their money last winter were paid, "though the times were dead,"
the treasurers used their own credit "without noise," they have now
20,000l. in cash, and are of opinion that the two ships now come
home will be discharged with as little as the Royal James. Recommendations of the committees as to the employment and prices of
the goods agreed to. Silk at 27s. per lb. Because Wednesday next is
the very day when the Virginia Company are to hold their Court, the
General Court for Elections is fixed for Tuesday. |
|
June 29.—Decrow agrees to give up possession of Buttolp Wharf,
to Soarne. Denton's business; it is affirmed that he intends to
spend 5,000l. in suit with the Company, unless he can have his
silk and wages, as Sir Christopher Perkins desired. Isaac Crowther's demands refused and reprimanded. Report of what passed
before the Prince and Lords at the Council Table, concerning
the employment of two of his Highness' servants to Surat, the
Prince's project being to send a ship and a flat-bottomed boat
to the Indies, with inventions for the Mogul to fish for pearl
and to weigh such wrecks as have been sunk in the Indian
seas. Notwithstanding all objections and opposition of the Company, the Prince insisted upon his resolution and offered sufficient caution that no money should be carried out, or merchandise
employed in trade, or hostile or piratical act attempted, or
merchandise brought home, whereby the Company's trade may
be damnified on pain of the Company taking said ships into
their own power. To do this the Governor answered that he and
the others present had no power to consent, but prayed leave to
propound it at their next General Court, to which the Prince gave
consent, but intimated that he needed not to have done this, yet
the King and himself, out of their love and good respect to the
Company had taken this course for their satisfaction. Consideration whether to propound this to the General Court or not; resolved
that the draught account of these proceedings read by the Secretary
be presented to Sec. Calvert, and his opinion taken, whereupon the Court would proceed accordingly; the Governor required
all men to keep this business secret. Answer to Sir Thomas Roe's
letter concerning jewels to be sent to Surat, referred for consideration. James Bagg thanks "the Company for their favorable constructions of his omissions," and professes his care and diligence
for the future. The Deputy to have 10l. for petty expenses, as
"boat-hires," &c., during the last two years. Gratification of
100l. to Barlow for his many good services for the Company
with the Dutch. Request of Sir Clement Edmondes for the loan
of 800l., on the security of his bond, and 600l. adventure; "the
Company are not in case to lend." [Eleven pages. Court Bk. V.,
460–470.] |
