|
Aug. 2/12.
The Hague. |
535. The States General to King James. His Majesty's signal
favours in the maintenance of their State, his care and his Royal
Alliance cause them to resent in the liveliest manner his displeasure at a certain process, which the officers of their East India
Company have held at Amboyna, to the prejudice both in persons
and goods of the Company of his Majesty's kingdom, for which he
has demanded prompt reparation or justification. Desiring to take
away all suspicion of carelessness of duty, and of respect towards
his Majesty in a matter which touches him so nearly, they have
postponed all other deliberations, and have had brought before them
all the acts and informations sent from the Indies to their Company
(copies of which are sent to his Majesty), with a firm determination
not to abandon the inquiry until it shall clearly appear if the wrong
be on their side, when those who have committed excess "against
our good intentions," shall be severely punished. But as by these
papers they cannot clear up the points which the English Company
complain of the most, they pray that his Majesty will assist them in
obtaining information from those inhabiting or bordering on Amboyna, by means of his subjects of the Council of Defence. If his
Majesty know of any other shorter and surer means to advance the
satisfaction he demands, they will do all that can be desired by so
good a judge. [French. Three pages. Holland Corresp.] |
| Aug. 3–4. |
536. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Five pounds
of the wages due to James Haggett, late servant to Capt. Bennett,
deceased, to be paid to Haggett's mother as the free gift of Bickford.
The Court perceiving that sundry persons have raised monies out of
private trade, it is ordered that in the next letters to the Indies
directions be given for a strict examination how these persons come
to be possessed of such great sums. Concerning the double warrant
to Sir Thos. Smythe and Sir Wm. Russell. The motion put forward
at a former Court for collecting from seafaring men in the Company's service voluntary contributions towards a school to be
erected in Virginia, was reconsidered, and it was thought if such
a collection were made towards a hospital to be erected for the
aged and impotent in the Company's service, it would be both a
benefit and a grace to the Company; and if anything can be collected from men that die abroad, the same to be reserved for Virginia.
Henry Garroway's offer of 3s. 4d. per lb. for flat indigo to be trans
ported for the Straits to be accepted if he will take 300 barrels.
Charles Snelling named as an arbitrator on behalf of Capt. Greene.
Gratifications of 100 nobles each given to Munden, master of the
Exchange, and Capt. Adams, of the Elizabeth. |
|
Aug. 4.—Complaint of bad beer; ordered that in future no beer
be bought of any Dutchman for the Company's use. Concerning
the estates of men paid to the Company in the Indies: ordered
that lists be sent home of what is received and brought to account.
Mr. Lanman delivered into the poor box 20l. of the estate of
Edward Grant, purser of the Exchange and Elizabeth, for so much
falsely exacted from the men of those two ships in Lanman's
name. Committee appointed to settle a complaint from the officers
of the Custom House, who are not satisfied with the fees they have
from the Company for goods exported. Petition of Ralph Moore,
showing that he served in the Bull, and was commanded to lie in
her boat by night to free her from water, that the hawser which
fastened the boat was broken by the violence of a storm, and that
with extreme difficulty he saved his life by cutting his clothes to
make a sail; that he drifted upon a strange coast where he was
taken and kept a slave by the country people for 30 months, when
he was ransomed for 100 marks by the English, which ransom
swallowed up all his wages, all which Munden doth know to be
true; prays for the Company's benevolence. He was answered,
that the ransom was more than was due for his wages, notwithstanding Munden is to be warned to the next Court, when the
Company will signify their further pleasure therein. [Seven pages
and a half. Court Minute Book, VII., pp. 49–56.] |
Aug. 5.
Amsterdam. |
537. Barlow to Carleton. Boreel is returned and this afternoon
means to be at their next meeting. Has received a pamphlet without
name, entitled "The true relation of the conspiracy in Amboyna,"
wherein the libeller would insinuate to the States the upright carriage
of the business, and the foulness of the fact in ours. Conceives it to
be the work of Boreel, for with him the States are come to town,
and the Bewinthebbers disperse the pamphlets among their friends.
Hopes the States will not foster any such libels, that are ashamed of
their author. Intends to send this pamphlet to-morrow, for London;
incloses one to Carleton herewith. This night the press hath gone
liberally, for he finds now quantities, and holds they will be cried
abroad "Wat wonder watt news vande grote Verrade bij den Engelse
in Amboyna." [Holland Corresp. One page.] Incloses, |
|
537. I. A Pamphlet, printed in Dutch, concerning the conspiracy
in the island of Amboyna. Dated 13/23 July 1624:—
A true Declaration of the news that came out of the East Indies
with the pinnace called the Hare, which arrived in the Texel in
June 1624, concerning a conspiracy discovered in the island of
Amboyna, and the punishment following thereupon, according to
the course of justice in March 1624, (sic) comprehended in a
letter missive.
Printed anno 1624.
Right worshipfull and worthy Sir,
The great outcryes which have been made in England
upon the last news which came out of the East Indies about a
certain execution which was done in the island of Amboyna
in March 1623, because we see the great desire that your
Worship hath to keep good correspondence betwixt these two
nations, it hath caused me (beyond my own curiosity) to search
and enquire after the right and true beginning, proceedings, and
issues of these affairs upon which this execution followed.
Wherein I persuade myself I have attained good success, by
such means as I have used, and by my good acquaintance, so
that (at the last), I am come to the clear light of the matter:
partly by the letters that have been sent home to the Company
here and declared to the States General, as also by a particular
examination of the process made against them in Amboyna before
their execution, and sent over hither in writing, which at this
present hath caused me to write this unto your Worship, that so
the truth may be made known concerning this business in all
places where your worthiness and respect can or may bring it to
pass; that so your Worship and all true willers (of our country)
may be no otherwise thought of than we deserve.
The very causes and beginnings through which the Governor
and Council established in the name of the United Netherlands
in Amboyna came into suspicion that some thing was plotted
against that province, did first flow from the great licentiousness
of the Ternatanes in Moluque and Amboyna, who, contrary to
the contract of Alliance, 1606, made with the High and Mighty
Lords, the States attempted (without our consent and knowledge)
to make peace with the King of Tedore, as also truce with the
Spaniards, (their and our ancient adversaries), by which the said
Ternatanes had too much cast off all respect which they, both in
regard of our confederacy and manifold assistance, did owe to
this State. The Spaniard also was master enough at sea in the
Moluque, because the English merchants there in the East Indies
were unwilling to furnish us with ships of war toward the
common defence, as they were bound to do, according to the
treaties 1619, to the number of ten. Through which the voyages
to Manilla, coming to cease, the enemy traded there without any
interruption, and procured power to send gallies, ships, and
pinnaces to the Moluque with great succours of people and provision, and that because against the same (through the default of
the English merchants), there were no ships of war kept as there
should have been.
The subjects of the King of Ternata begun to commit great
insolencies (otherwise than they were wont) against our nation,
having outrageously assaulted divers of us divers ways, and also
slain some, and we, notwithstanding, could not obtain any punishment upon them. And as one outrage (unpunished) provokes
many more through hope of the like impunity or other considerations, so likewise the said Ternatans of Amboyna, dwelling at
Loho, Cambello, and those near adjoining places, proceeded
further, and have armed themselves at sea and invaded divers
islands and places standing under the Netherlands Governor in
Amboyna, spoiling them, and killing our subjects, and taking
others, and carrying them away for slaves. And, notwithstanding
the instant request of the Netherlands Governor, no satisfaction
or justice hath followed, but the said Ternatanes are yet gone
further, and openly threatened to murder the Dutch merchants,
and to spoil and burn the logie or factory which our people have
many years there enjoyed, so that our merchants have taken out
the Dutch goods to avoid damage. And the Ternatanes at Loho
did actually set on fire and ruined the said Netherlands factory.
In the Manichells (an island being under the province of
Amboyna) they have in like manner, shortly after, burned
the Netherlands logie, with the loss of all the goods therein.
The Netherlands Governor, that by his presence and authority,
he might cause such rebellions to cease, and to give order for
time to come and also to seek satisfaction and punishment upon
the foresaid insolencies, went towards Loho with a small power
of sloops, and coming thereabout was met (otherwise than was
wont) by a navy of sloops of the Ternatanes of Loho, stronger
than his were. These (by their conference) gave him well to
know how little reverence they gave the Dutch Governor; they
braved him, without hope of restitution of anything to come, so
that (nothing done) he was fain to return to his castle of
Amboyna. By reason of these things, the said Ternatanes
became so stout and daring that they gave out openly that they
would come and spoil our subjects by a general army with above
a 100 frigates; with these they said they would come against
Amboyna, to make a universal spoil of our people. Through
which there came a great fear upon the Indians standing under
the subjection of the High and Mighty Lords the States, as also
over the Netherlanders.
In the islands lying far eastward of Banda, it was also said
and the news went currently there, that the Hollanders were sure
enough quit of the castle of Amboyna. And at that time there
were divers secret correspondencies between the Indians and
others which gave us great suspicion. By this means the
Netherlands Governor and Council of Amboyna were moved
to have special regard and look narrowly unto all things,
seeing that it might be thence clearly gathered that something
might be plotted against the State in Amboyna, and that the
Indians (of themselves) durst not offer to undertake any such
great design without some great help of some of Europe either
of Spaniards, Portugals, or some others, and also they understood
that they of Loho, Cambello, &c., had great secret correspondence
with the English merchants. When things were in such a state
in Amboyna there came forth and was wonderfully discovered
in February 1623 a horrible conspiracy against the castle and
person of the Dutch Governor and the whole state of Amboyna.
And first by the apprehension of a certain Japonian (a complice
of the feat) who at an unreasonable time was often seen upon the
wall of the castle where he also over curiously enquired of
the most unskilful and silliest soldiers touching the setting and
change of the watch and what number of people might be in
the castle, and many other things. Whereupon in the very act
the said Japonian was apprehended, and being examined of
many circumstances, he confessed, that the Japonian soldiers
under our service had decreed to make themselves masters of
the castle, and that they should have set upon this by the help
of the English who had solicited them unto it, and that he
with all the other Japonians in the English house oftentimes
within three months before going had conferred with the
English (whom he there named by their names) touching the
manner whereby they should bring this treachery to pass.
Hereupon it came to pass that all the Japonian soldiers which
were in our service were disarmed and imprisoned, and by
examination of them all it appeared plainly by an orderly and
joint confession that all the said Japonians upon the entreaty of
Gabriel Towerson and other English merchants and officers
agreed to assist the said English to betray the castle and to give
it over into the English power, and that Gabriel Towerson and
Abel Price (an English surgeon), and other English, dealt often
with them (whom he named by their names) of the way and
means how they should work it, the said Abel Price being before
imprisoned for a foul and execrable fact and yet remaining in
durance.
And although it appeared sufficiently to the Governor and
Council of Amboyna, out of the confessions of the Japonians,
what the said Gabriel Towerson with his merchants and other
complices had before resolved to do, and that the Council had
sufficient information to imprison them all, yet the General
Council would not precipitate but commanded the said Abel
Price (who was in prison) to come before the Council, and (after
the places, persons, and time nominated to him, where and when
he had dealt with the Japonians and other English about the
said treachery) it was also from him well understood how he
(in the name and by the command of Gabriel Towerson) and
another Japonian (who was then also in prison) had persuaded all
the Japonians to consent to this villany, and that consequently
the said Towerson as the first author and all the other English
merchants (being the Foreign Cantore of the province of Amboyna) had also knowledge of the said treachery.
Upon this full uniform examination and confession of 12 persons as well of the 11 Japonians as one English, is the said
Gabriel Towerson called to the Council, and there appearing the
said Towerson called together all his people unto the castle upon
the request of the General Council, who were there taken and
imprisoned except the said Gabriel Towerson himself, to whom
(upon his request) and in regard of his quality, being chief merchant in Amboyna, in the name of the English Company, his own
house was allotted him for his safe keeping and forthcoming. And
the said prisoners were all lawfully and orderly examined, and it
appeared by them jointly according to their own confession
(every one having underwritten it with his own hand) as followeth:
Gabriel Towerson about New Year's Day 1623, having with
him almost all the English merchants of the Foreign Cantore
in Amboyna, he assembled them in his chamber and propounded
to them that he had something of great moment to impart unto
them (which he alone could not effect) under the fidelity of an
oath to be taken before, for the keeping secret thereof and being
trusty therein, saying it is necessary so to be, for if the thing
should come abroad which I shall make known unto you, it will
cost all our lives. Whereupon the Holy Gospel was produced,
upon which every one who was present did swear secrecy and
fidelity as was required. Then Towerson (after a preface)
opened to the conspirators how he had a way and means to
make himself master of the castle of Amboyna; and whereas
some present made it difficult to do, being too weak for it, the
said Towerson answered that he had already won to his purpose
the Japonian soldiers who were in the castle, and that they
should execute his purpose when the Dutch who were in the
castle were in their greatest weakness and worst provided, or
(unawares) when the Governor should be absent about some
exploit, and that they should wait till some English ships or
ship were in Amboyna, whose people he might employ in this
attempt, as also when all other the English merchants and slaves
of the Foreign Cantore in Amboyna should be sent for to the
castle. And said further that he knew how to get men enough,
and they should leave this to his care, and themselves do their
best, and that they of Loho should also come to help him with
certain curricurries, &c., upon which inducements all that were
present swore to assist Towerson herein. And concerning the
manner of execution the said Towerson had prescribed to the
Japonians which were in the castle that they should send to
every point of the bullwarks two men, and the rest in the court
attend the Governor and to murder him, and that at the sign
which should be given by the English they should make themselves masters of every point of the bullwark and kill all who
should resist and imprison the rest, and further should take and
divide between themselves and the Japonians the goods of the
Dutch East India Company, except a 1,000 ryals of eight, which
every Japonian should have before, and that they should kill the
citizens who would not consent with them, and do them all the
mischief they could. And touching the time, he had not yet certainly set it, but that there should suddenly be another assembly
of the conspirators, when Gabriel Towerson would give order for
all things and give a sign to the Japonians, whereupon when they
showed it they should begin the work within.
The said Gabriel Towerson being asked in particular what
moved him to such a wicked fact, he answered the desire of
honor and profit. Being further demanded who should enjoy
that honor and profit, and for whom he would have taken the
castle, he answered that if he did obtain his desire he should
presently have advertized those of his nation being in Batavia,
and called for their help, who if they had sent him succour he
would have kept the castle for his own Company (viz., for the
English East India Company), and if not, he would have held it
for himself and have endeavoured a peace with the Indians, that
so by the one means or the other he might attain his purpose.
After the examination of Towerson was ended, the Dutch
Governor in Amboyna upbraided Towerson of his cruel intent,
and asked if this should have been the recompense of the manifold honors and kindnesses he had done uuto him. Whereto
Towerson answered, with a deep sigh, Oh! if it were to be begun,
it should not be done. This voluntary confession and penitent
acknowledgement with much sorrow was made the 9 of March,
being the day when the execution should have been done; but
the examination of Towerson was ended the 18 of February, so
many days before.
This is the substance of the confessions of 10 Japonians, of
14 English, and of a Netherlandish Merinho or captain of the
slaves, who all confirmed these their confessions with their own
hands.
What crime this intended prodition was, is hence very manifest
and undoubted; what punishment is due to treachery, according
to the law and customs of all nations, is also well known; no
true Christian man will patronize any such horrible attempt, but
will adjudge it worthy of death, as it was determined upon the
complices of this conspiracy, according to order of justice, as
there in Amboyna it is exercised (according to desert) by the
Governor and Council in the name of the High and Mighty Lords
the States.
Here you have (Sir) the very substance of the truth, both of
the fact and punishment, other than which many things are
spread abroad in England, but upon what pretence or intendment
I know not; let the matter itself speak for itself.
The first point which is objected against this justice done in
Amboyna is concerning the proceedings which are said to be
holden without formality and with extremity against these conspirators. Your Worship (and each reasonable man) knoweth
that every land hath their laws and ordinances and their particular
manner of proceeding, as well in civil as in criminal causes.
England hath hers. France, Spain, Dutchland, Netherland, and
all other kingdoms and governments have also theirs, which are
just and lawful to every one in their dominion; so that when
any man will judge of the equity or injustice of a proceeding
used in any land, he mnst examine the same according to the
laws and customs of that kingdom or dominion where the justice
and proceedings were holden. These proceedings were holden
by the Netherlandish Governor in the name of the illustrious
Lords the States, having supreme power many years since in the
isles of Amboyna, which were conquered (in the name of the said
Lords the States) from the Spaniards or Portugals, who held that
castle in the name of the King of Spain, our hereditary enemy.
Therefore they are now possessed in the name of the Lords the
States, and are under their dominion by a just and lawful title of
war, according to the law of nations. There (among other
things) justice is administered according to the laws of the
Netherlands, in that manner as was used in the proceedings
against these conspirators. I know that the laws of England
are divers from ours in criminal cases, yea and from all the
nations in Europe; howbeit therefore no man hath any ground
of reason to say that the proceedings of the English judges
(holden in England) against delinquents are not legitimate, though
the said English proceedings do vary in the manner from the
proceedings of France, Spain, &c., where other customs are; for
that is lawful which agreeth with the laws of that land where
the fact is committed. Now, then, the Japonian soldiers being
in the service of the Netherlands Company in Amboyna, are
discovered to have conspired against the castle and the govern
ment there, under whose oath and pay they were; they were
apprehended and examined and convicted of the said conspiracy.
This proceeding is lawful and toucheth no man, because the said
Japonians know no other master than the Netherlanders, under
whose oath, service, and pay they stand. All these Japonian
conspirators, with the said Merinho, a captain of the Netherlands
slaves, confessed with one mouth that they were moved and
induced to this conspiracy by the English merchants resident in
Amboyna, whose names they named. Now not only the right
of Netherland, but of England and of the whole world requireth
that the authors, abettors, and complices of murder and treason
should be punished with death, whereto according to the common
laws, as also the particular laws of every kingdom or dominion,
the suspected persons first and before all should be imprisoned,
not only for preventing the effect of their evil purpose, but that
they might also receive their deserved punishment; which appre
hensions could not (in that place) be done by any other man than
by the command of the Netherlands Governor, to whom it
belongeth to take care to see every act concerning supreme power
to be there observed, and specially (all other reasons ceasing)
the highest English officers there could not apprehend these
English conspirators, because all the chief of the English merchants in Amboyna were themselves of the conspiracy and complices of the fact upon which the apprehension was made.
Therefore the apprehension of the English compliccs must be
done by the Dutch Governor, who therefore hath therein proceeded according to the custom of all nations of the world. And
that these apprehensions may be holden more lawful, it appeareth
out of the written process that the said English complices were
not imprisoned upon the first suspicions and gross evidences
which were had against them, but then at last, when all the
Japonian soldiers were taken, examined, and convicted, and had
discovered by the uniform confession of all the 11, the names and
surnames of such English as had persuaded and hired them to
this fact, of which English, one (viz., Abel Price, barber) was
before apprehended as an incendiary for burning and violence
done upon other houses, who also was first examined and first
confessed (as the other 11 Japonians) that he (by name Gabriel
Towerson) and other English merchants (whom he named by
their names) had suborned the said Japonian soldiers, and that all
the English merchants in the Foreign Cantores in Amboyna had
knowledge of this conspiracy, &c. So that it may be seen out of
that which went before that the Dutch Governor dealt no otherwise in the apprehension and examination of the English than
according to his place and power, and that with great discretion,
according to the laws of these United Provinces.
The second point, which is abusively dispersed in England
against this execution, is that it is said that it did not appertain
to the Netherlanders in Amboyna to imprison the said English,
and to proceed against them or to punish them, but that it did
belong to the Council of Defence resident at Jacatra, consisting
half of English and half of Netherlands, according to the treaty
of the year 1619, made between his Majesty and the Lords the
States, between the two East India Companies. That I might
the better inform myself thereof, I took in hand and perused the
general treaty of 1619, with the explication following thereupon,
but I profess that (as I think) every understanding man (not
loving discord) must confess, that neither in the said treaty nor
in the enlargement any one article or word could be perceived
whereby (according to that which is untruly said in England)
either this or any such thing is ordained or decided by the said
treaty, as it ought to have clearly been in so great and important
a point as this part of jurisdiction is. I appeal to all wise men,
who I desire may judge of this, whether this speech of some in
England (to wit, that the said Council of Defence should (alone)
have judged these conspirators) be agreeable to the said treaty
or contrary to the same. I find many arguments for my negative
opinion,—to wit, that before the treaty of 1619 the Dutch in
Amboyna administered jurisdiction and judicature upon all and
every one who dwelt in or under the jurisdiction of the Castle,
as well inhabitants as strangers without difference, and that in
this said treaty the Dutch with the English merchants made only
a league in the matter of commerce and negotiation of nutmegs,
mace, cloves, and pepper in some quarters, without having any
further treaty or communication in the land, by the right and
possession which either Company enjoyed and exercised severally,
according as the same appeareth out of the 23rd Article of the
treaty, wherein it is expressly said, That castles and forts shall
remain in their hands who at present do possess them. And out
of the 13th, 14th, 15th Articles of the treaty, all may see that
this common Council of Defence hath no more power, save only
over the fellowship of the treaty, that is, over the Navy of Defence in the sea to the defence of the common merchandize and
liberty of commerce, and lastly to tax the charges for the provision
of munition in the forts; neither can any other thing be sincerely
collected out of the said treaty so far as I can conceive. Therefore this second point is found to be untrue and abusive, being
not founded upon the said treaty, which treaty (notwithstanding)
ought to be the only rule both of the one and the other
Company.
Finally, it is given out in England that in the examination of
the conspirators there was excess in the Netherlands judges in
the point of torture. I acknowledge that no argument or pretext
against the justice of this execution hath more moved me in the
beginning than this pretence of excess aforesaid, because this
stirreth Christian compassion, although I also judge that wise
men will not suffer themselves to be too much transported thereby,
because the true reasons do fully appear, which should move us
thereunto. For I well remember yet that in the time of former
mistakings in the Indies, many things were pretended on both
parts upon which there were greater outcries on either side,
which yet by due examination were found to be (though fair, yet)
false pretexts of some ill-willers and men desirous to wrangle,
which pretences being thoroughly sifted by the high and much
admired wisdom of his Majesty and the Lords the States, were
well discovered to be no such matters as they were made, as it
is also undoubtedly to be believed that his Majesty and the States
will yet further do in this affair; and so the cause of the Dutch
Company may be (in the carriage hereof) rightly justified, of
which I understand that the Lords the States have special regard,
and that they have been thoroughly informed what is the very
truth of the things there past and of the execution in Amboyna
upon the English conspirators; unto which end the Lords the
States resolved to see and peruse all the letters and papers
touching the said proceedings. And now thereupon men speak
far otherwise than heretofore, for pretences and cavils being
once detected) cannot stand with truth. And it doth plainly
appear that there is little truth in the matter of torture reported
to be most cruelly inflicted upon these English conspirators, as in
England it is said. And I have ever suspected this for a slander,
for I know the Dutch nation doth naturally abhor this kind of
cruelty, and are as much moved to commiseration as any other
people. But whether these evil-minded men, who have scattered
this great slander in England, and have so foully defaced a just
cause, have done it by occasion of our use of tortures in these
lands in some weighty causes, according to the custom of the
most dominions in Europe, I cannot judge. But is that to be
censured and judged to be unjust of the whole world which is
repugnant to the laws of England (or any one nation) where
torture is rarely used? Nothing so, but the justice or injustice
of a cause must be as aforesaid determined according to the laws
where it is done and not of other lands. If this were not so, why
then should not the whole world much more judge that as a hard
and a thing unheard (and therefore condemnable) which in some
cases is used in England, according to the laws there when they
proceed against some guilty person, who being once and again
asked of the judge, and utterly refusing to be legally tried, is
adjudged as dumb, that is by contumacy, whose condemnation
then accordingly followeth. That he is laid upon a table or
plank, and another plank upon him, and so much weight of stone
or lead laid upon him that his body is miserably bruized, and so
pressed violently to death. The which, according to the confession of all nations (especially because this kind of justice is
not used in other lands), and by the English writers, is judged to
be one of the most sharp and severe kinds of death that can be
invented; yet cannot such an execution be called cruel and unlawful when it is done in England, because it is done according
to the laws of that land, though strangers shall judge otherwise
of it. And in like manner the English nation cannot complain of
the torture which evil-willers say was used upon these English
conspirators in Amboyna, because it was done according to the
laws of this Government, and is not unusual in cases of treason
neither with us nor (almost) any nation in Europe. And for
England itself, it is well known (and his most excellent Majesty
doth acknowledge by his own princely pen) that the rack and the
manicles are the only tortures that are exercised upon traitors to
force them to confess (without concealment) what they know to
be dangerous to the State.
And to say the truth, without taking parts, the English conspirators being affronted with the uniform and written confessions of the 11 Japonians (their complices), which could
convince them sufficiently according to the laws, and find them
guilty of the same conspiracy, and consequently of death; if now,
notwithstanding this, they had persisted in the stout denial of the
fact, were not this (to speak according to the manner of England)
enough to judge them dumb by contumacy, and so to esteem
them worthy of this sore punishment of pressing to death as is
aforesaid ? But this torture of ours (if any in Amboyna were so
tortured) is to be judged far less than that pressing where the
malefactor doth suffer such extreme misery as cannot be imagined, and which is not to be lenified or eased at all, but ended
by death. But to the sufficient satisfaction of myself and your
Worship, and all men, and not to speak according to the sentence
and conscience of others, I have used all diligence to get into
my hands the written process concerning the conspirators in
Amboyna, which I obtained authentically and read carefully, and
I find that all that is by me abovesaid is confirmed, to wit, That
the Japonian complices were examined and made their confession
as aforesaid for three days, viz., the 23, 24, 25 of February 1623,
and that all this being done and consummated before, then at
last is Gabriel Towerson first, with the rest of the English complices imprisoned the said 25 of February, when their examination
and confession began and continued divers days without overhasting till the 3 of March. And the said examinations and
confessions being so finished, the Netherlands Governor and
Council deliberated whether the punishment might be deferred to
any long time or referred to any other place, but it was so concluded by joint consent of all, that the said punishment (there
deserved) must be executed in the same place, for example, and
that it could not (in any wise) be delayed without extreme
danger, for reasons there related; and among others because the
Ternatanes and Indians about Amboyna had otherwise than they
were wont rebelled; neither could it be fully known what great
confederacy these conspirators hade made with them and others.
And touching any extraordinary and cruel torture, I have accurately overlooked every one's confession, but I find not one word
in any one which maketh any mention of such torture as is
unjustly spoken of in England, nay, scarce find any mention of
that ordinary torture, which is in use, save only these words in
one Act of the 27 Feb. 1623, viz.: The Council being gathered
together have thought meet that all the English should be presently examined one after another (as accordingly it was instantly
done), and some of them before any torture, others after a little
(or rather a touch) of it, confessed as followeth. Unto which
followeth presently the particular confession of each one, subscribed with his own hand, as aforesaid. So that hence it is
manifest that no extraordinary torture was used, in such manner
as is given out there by those that wish us evil, nay, that those
few that felt any were only touched (not punished) with ordinary
torture.
And thus your Worship hath the upright and impartial truth
of this business, touching the whole passage as it proceeded, and
the punishment as it was inflicted, from which some English
were exempted by favor, that the English goods should not be
lost, according as order hath been given to that end. And I find
that the sentence was given the 9 of March 1623, by a competent
assembly of 14 judges, who (as it appeareth in the sentence) in
the doing thereof did (before) earnestly call upon the name of
the Lord that He would be pleased to be President and Predominant in every one of their hearts in this their sorrowful assembly,
and that He would inspire them only with that which might be
judged to be expedient and just, &c. So that out of all that is
above said, nothing else can appear, but that this business was
managed lawfully and orderly by men of honesty and conscience
against such as had undertaken against the State, against the
wealth and advantage of the East India Company, the lives of
their officers there placed, against the estate and welfare of many
who had little deserved and as little expected such wickedness
from their friendly confederates in the same society of merchants
there resident with them.
And now (considering the premises), I hope it shall be far
from every Christian in any wise to protect or excuse this wicked
fact, but rather to mourn and grieve (as wee do) for this conspiracy, and for the evil the conspirators have so deservedly drawn
upon their own heads; and do honor them who in justice have
punished villany according to the due merit thereof; for we all
know that without justice, without reward of that which is good,
and punishment of that which is evil, no society of mankind can
consist.
And of this information (which I send in love and honor to
your Worship as unto a lover of truth and a hater of treachery),
you may make such use as to you shall seem good, in any place
where you come, both for refutation of anything already reported
contrary thereunto, and for prevention of any further false
rumours or clamors; and finally for propagation of that undoubted truth, which here (to my best) I have endeavoured to
discover. And if you shall meet with anything of worth which can
be truly avowed to be contradictory unto anything I have written
I desire to understand it from you, and you to suspend your wise
and impartial judgment till I have cleared it unto you. Truth
remaineth ever the same. So I commend you to the God of
truth, desiring him to give us minds not to judge according to
outward appearance, but to judge with a righteous judgment.
From the Hague, July 23, 1624.
[Dutch printed pamphlet. Eighteen pages. Holland Corresp.]
[This translation is taken from a printed copy in the British
Museum, 802 K. 1, with the following addition to the title page: "and
sent from a friend in the Low Countries to a friend of note in
England for information of him in the truth of those pasages."] |
Aug. 6.
Amsterdam. |
538. Barlow to Carleton. Was yesterday at the East India House
to get the Bewinthebbers' answer concerning the 23,906 ryals which
they confess to be due. Account of what took place. They all denied
and protested they were ignorant of the [author of the Amboyna]
pamphlet. "I told them that could not be, for the party that wrote it,
whomsoever he were, must have all his light from them, which they
denied and said it might be that some of the States' clerks had done
it, they having all their originals out of the Indies. That, I told them,
was unlikely that any would do it, but must be encouraged by them.
For my part, I said, by the style I could read the man's name that
did it, Burrell (Boreel) being present, whom I do make full account
is the author, for there were divers of them looked at him when I
spake it." [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
| Aug. 6. |
539. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The general
letter from Surat dated 9th January 1623 was read, also copy of the
capitulations agreed upon and ratified between the new Governor
of Guzerat and the English for the better accommodation of trade
for the future, and a letter from the factors in Persia dated 30th
October 1622. Petition of Henry Bate, renewing his old demand
for 303 ryals disbursed by him; agreed that Sir Henry Marten
shall hear and end the same. Choice of arbitrators for Capt. Greene,
and for the Company. Mr. Governor reported that himself and
others the day before attended the Lords and delivered the Company's
reply to the King's answer of the propositions, whereupon much
argument passed between them and the Lords; resolved to send
their answer to the King, with their opinions thereon. It was
agreed that the Persian's letter be delivered to the King when he
comes to Windsor, because the Company's letters from Persia are
not yet come to hand. The providing of coral was then taken into
consideration, and the Court took knowledge that 156 chests were
sold at Surat for 34,000l. which produced great benefit to the
Company, and they have resolved to send some to the Coast; ordered
that Mr. Munnes write to Signor Guadagni to provide 40 or 50
chests more. Concerning the appointment of officers for the pinnace
Swallow; John Kingston is appointed purser and steward, and
Humphrey Pym master, at 5l. per month. Offer of Mr. Symmonds
to sell a parcel of ryals refused, it being the Company's purpose not
to engage themselves further in debt. Examination of Capt. Welden
concerning a diamond ring having been given to him by Van Speult,
Governor of Amboyna, the 24th June 1623; he said it was for a
debt due from Capt. Towerson; also concerning some diamonds
given him the day following, and as to his drinking a health at
Macassar to the Governor of Amboyna, which he could not deny but
excused, saying the Dutch shipper urged him thereto; he utterly
denied to have received treasure from the King of Booton to deliver
rice for which the Company are like to answer. [Three pages and
a half. Court Minute Book, VII., pp. 57–60.] |
| 1624? |
540. Some brief notes concerning the strength and wealth which
the East India trade doth bring to this kingdom. "As to the
strength, the trade will maintain 10,000 tons of shipping, and
employ 2,500 mariners and as many artizans. As to the wealth, it
supplies our wants with commodities from the East Indies for a
quarter of the price hereto paid in Turkey and Lisbon; pepper
alone to the value of 200,000l. was imported into England last year,
nine tenths of which is already exported; it will bring 50,000l.
yearly into the King's customs. The losses would be much greater
than the gains. Evil effects of the Dutch extortions, wrongs, and
cruel murders in the Moluccas, Banda, and Amboyna; cloves, heretofore sold by the English from thence for four or five shillings a
pound, are now sold by the Dutch at twelve shillings, although they
cost but ten pence. Design of the Dutch to make themselves
absolute masters of the trade in the East Indies even now that they
are treating with the King's Ambassador at the Hague about accommodation of former wrongs and settling a reglement for the future.
The Dutch will never give any satisfaction for wrongs or do justice
for the murder at Amboyna; their ships passing in the Narrow Seas
should be seized. [Two pages. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 25.] |
| Aug.? |
541. The East India Company to the Privy Council. In reply
to the King's answer to their propositions. First there are many
important difficulties in the way of accepting the King's offer to be
an adventurer with the Company and to have their ships sail under
his royal standard. Secondly, although the King has given them
liberty to erect forts to be kept in his Majesty's name, yet the
Company have no assurance that the Dutch in the Indies will be
commanded not to oppose or hinder "this great work," without
which the Company have not sufficient power to effect it. Thirdly,
though his Majesty has given no answer concerning their separation
from the Dutch, they do with one consent agree that the Company
cannot any longer continue the trade under the contract of 1619,
but they are confident the Company will proceed with cheerfulness, and hope to increase the trade if they may perform it freely
and without hindrance by the Dutch where at present they have no
such possession upon which to ground a pretended sovereignty.
Have thought it their duty to advise them that it is vehemently
suspected that satisfaction for the cruelties at Amboyna may be
denied or delayed with devices and cunning promises; the Company
therefore request the King, according to his promise, to make stay of
a Dutch ship which has arrived at Plymouth laden with calicoes and
indigo, of the value of about 60,000l. sterling, and also of four other
ships laden with spices which are daily expected from Jacatra, in
which (as they are informed) are some of the principal actors in the
bloody execution at Amboyna. So that until something be acted
upon "by these occasions" the Company will remain discouraged,
and continue in their resolution to bring in no more money for
maintenance of the trade, but rather to send away the pinnace,
already prepared to call home their servants, ships, and the remainder
of their stock. Endorsed, "The reply of the East India Company to
his Majty's answer." [One page. East Indies, Vol. III., No. 26.] |
| Aug. ? |
542. The reply of the East India Company to the King's answer.
This is a French translation of the preceding, except the first clause
about the King's offer to be an adventurer with the Company, which
is omitted altogether. [French. One page. East Indies, Vol. III.,
No. 27.] |
Aug. 7.
Whitehall. |
543. Minutes of proceedings of the Privy Council. The East
India Company presented their answer in writing [see ante No. 541]
which, not being found satisfactory, they explained what they most
desired for their encouragement; that they were resolved to trade
no longer under the treaty with the Dutch, and desired the King
would declare the treaty void; that they have liberty to erect forts
in all places in the Indies where the Dutch have no such possession;
that the King will right the Company and repay their losses upon
the Dutch trading through the Narrow Seas; and that stay be made
of a Dutch ship newly arrived at Plymouth from the Indies, of the
value of 60,000l., and provision made for the stay of four other Dutch
ships which were about to arrive. To this last demand it is urged
that the King having given the States a day yet to come by which
to return a satisfactory answer to the Company's late complaints, it
would be unfit to stay any of their ships before then. The Company
did rather wave than lay hold of the King's "princely offer to encourage and grace this trade by becoming an adventurer amongst
them;" and were dismissed with encouragement to go on cheerfully with their trade, and with assurances of the King's resolution
to provide for the future safety of their persons and goods, and to
repair the deep injuries they had suffered. [Domestic Corresp., Jac. I.,
Vol. CLXXXII., No. 62, Cal., p. 563.] |
| Aug. 7. |
544. Morris Abbott to Carleton. The Company, howsoever their
intentions are as yet no further to prosecute the trade, give Carleton their best thanks for his "resolute persevering to unmask this
their pretended gloss of treason, devised only for the spilling so much
innocent blood, to work their ends thereby;" but in not acquainting
the States with the Company's intentions to leave that trade, he
has, in their opinion, done very well, until he receive directions from
his Majesty. Agrees in opinion with Carleton that this stratagem,
"although not in the particularity" was otherwise hatched in Amsterdam, for it were impossible that their people in the Indies,
should dare to take unto themselves such boldness, in this and many
other things, had they not power and encouragement from their
superiors. The Company have not sought to print the narration [see
ante No. 499 I. enclosure], but have dispersed many written copies,
which begin to be much asked after especially by the knights and
burgesses of Parliament. For their own parts it will not give the
Company any content to have the act disavowed and promise of the
execution of the parties, without they may have caution deposited
for the performance, for that would be but to mock the world until
time may have put it out of remembrance, their own people in
Amboyna, especially Tunis Johnson, to whom the bill of debt was
made by Towerson, in private confessing that it was a mere trick put
upon the English to drive them out of the country. Neither are
these proceedings (save only for the torture and blood which make a
greater cry) worse than the best they show the English, using them
rather like slaves than men, as by a journal this day given Abbott,
being a particularity of Banda only; in all other places pulling
down the Company's houses, taking away their goods violently and
watching all their actions to spy where they may take advantage to
ruin the English, so that it shall not stand with the conscience of
a Christian to expose factors knowingly to such danger of their
lives. Carleton's motion for an accommodation, with "three good
cautions, would not be misliked if there were any hope to have them
performed, but a lawless nation is hardly to be bounded by laws.
Meantime the King being in progress, the Company hear of nothing
but encouragements for them to go forward with the trade, which
they constantly refuse to yield unto, until they may see some action
either from the States or the King. Let the Company's action in
the Indies speak for them whether they may be judged friends to
the Spaniards or no, and let their moderation plead for them against
the Hollanders, having now this eight months sought redress by
Mr. Misselden and Mr. Barlow, without acquainting their own state
therewith, that by their means no difference might arise between
the two States; but all prevaileth not, and therefore they will now
leave the two States to tug together, and accordingly shall dispose
of themselves. Tunis Johnson is determined to come home next
year, and therefore knows not whether it be fitting his name should
be known. Sends herewith the King's answer to their desires, and
their reply [see ante Nos. 511, 541], which the Lords have sent down
to his Majesty after long debate with the Company, wherein the
Lords much insisted upon Carleton's proposition of accommodation
rather than rupture. A Dutch ship, now arrived from Surat in
company of one of ours, hath been much relieved at the Cape by our
shipping, her people having mutinied. [One page and three quarters.
Holland Corresp.] |
| Aug. 7. |
545. Christopher Clitherow, Deputy Governor (of the East India
Company), Alderman James Cambell, William Stone, Robert Bateman, and Anthony Abdi, Committees of the East India Company,
to Carleton. Since sealing up the enclosed [? the preceding letter]
they have received a letter from the mayors in justification of their
people's fact at Amboyna, and therein desire the Company patience,
good construction, &c. Barlow advises them to send Carleton the
relation of the whipping of one of their men at Jacatra, which they
send herewith accordingly. Perceive the mayors have printed the
book of their people's proceedings in Amboyna, for some are sent to
England, but so newly come to our hands as yet not perused. For
their parts, they have forborne to publish anything in print. [Three
quarters of a page. Holland Corresp.] |
Aug. 7.
London. |
546. Chamberlain to Carleton. Our East Indian merchants
were somewhat revived last week by the arrival of the Dolphin, a
ship of good burthen, laden with silks, indigo, calicoes, and other
commodities. Seizure of the St. George at Naples. The Dunkirkers
rifle our ships at sea as familiarly as if open war were proclaimed,
while we protect theirs in the Downs. [Extract from Domestic
Jac. I., Vol. CLXXI., No. 25, Cal., p. 323.] |
Aug. 7.
The Hague. |
547. Carleton to Sec. Conway. The sudden departure of this
bearer, Mr. Cunningham, will not give him time to relate what has
passed between himself and the States, since his last of July 28, in
the East Indian business, but as he does not fail in a business of so
great importance of his duty here with the States in remonstrance,
he will within a day or two acquit himself towards his Majesty in
advertisement. [Holland Corresp.] |
| Aug. 7/17. |
548. Proposition of Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador from the
King of Great Britain, made in the Assembly of the States General.
Since the time is gliding away, and the day approaches for which the
King has waited for the declarations of justice and vengeance for
the execrable death of his subjects at Amboyna, and Carleton has
already treated three times with five of the deputies of the States
General; he now complains to them in full assembly, being driven
or rather dragged by the hair to do so by a libel, which some enemy
to the common good, like the enemy in Holy Writ, has sown through
the world like tares. This libel [see No. 537 I.], printed at Amsterdam,
though falsely dated from the Hague, is in the form of a manifesto
touching the infamous deed of Amboyna, and consists of three parts:
the first historic, touching the affairs of the Indies in general; the
second narrative, touching the deed of Amboyna in particular; and
the third disputative, touching the right of that deed. Describes the
first as a relation of the discontents of the people of Ternate, Tidore,
and other islands, with which the English have had nothing to do.
The second is the narration of the pretended treason against the
castle of Amboyna, which is consistent with the fact, but in such
general terms that he refers himself for particulars of the questions,
confessions upon the gehenne [rack], recantations, and protestations of
innocence of the English inhumanly tortured and massacred, to a relation which he has himself presented to them, confirmed by six
witnesses who were present and suffered the same cruelties (death
excepted). Will observe one point, which is most important for
understanding the truth of the matter; it is inserted in this libel
touching the confession of the first Englishman, Abel Price, a prisoner
for another offence, in the same terms (verbatim) as in the relation
which their deputies gave to Carleton, the confession of which man, on
the interrogatories here mentioned, being the only cord which served
the Governor of Amboyna and his associates for dragging all the other
English to ruin. Arguments on the third part of this libel, which
treats of the right of the fact, as to the practice of nations and what
the law requires. The forced confessions of the Japanese (for nothing
was voluntary) were only remarkable for search and inquisition into
the fact, so as to have more pretext for dragging the English to
torture; they commence with this Abel Price, proceed with bar
barous and frightful tortures, and end by a bloody execution of
one half of all the English trading in those islands. Endeavour
of the libeller to render this affair less execrable by the example
of like proceedings in those provinces. But suppose the English
in their discontent had spoken of their deliverance by a surprise
of the castle of Amboyna, ought they to have been tormented and
put to death for vain language impossible of execution ? The
treaty of 1619 obliges them by the 30th article to send such disputes to the Council of Defence without proceeding against one
another, and if any disputes cannot be terminated by this Council,
they must be remitted into England. The libeller proceeds to
draw a parallel between the tortures of Amboyna and the punishment called "pressing" in England, which he explains in terms
full of atrocity and cruelty, but more full of falsity and malice.
To all appearance he who so boldly publishes the defence of such a
cause has had a hand in the ordering of the proceedings. For to
suppose that the English would have been guilty of such a treason
without the knowledge of any of their principals is a folly, and the
letters from the English at Batavia, which were intercepted by the
Governor at Amboyna, is a sufficient indication of their innocence.
It is equally folly to believe that the Governor and his blody council
would have proceeded to such an execution without encouragement
from elsewhere. Carleton cannot suspect the whole College of
Administrators of a deed so abominable, but not to believe that
some of them have instigated it would be too much blind good
nature or voluntary ignorance, after seeing such a libel, which
could come from no other workshop. He demands justice against
the author and printer, satisfaction for the outrage done to the King
in the persons of his subjects, and declares that the Dutch Ambassadors have heard from his Majesty's own mouth, and that Carleton
himself has more than once told their deputies, that in case his
Majesty shall not have a firm, clear, and full declaration of the ways
and means when and how the States will administer severe and
exemplary justice between his crown and this State, and that before
the 12th of August current, his Majesty will set himself to do himself justice, to free his honour, and assure his merchants of his
powerful protection for the future. These two things must then be
considered: a publication against this libel, and a public act by
which to assure his Majesty of the certainty of justice. If persuaded
to delay, they must remember that they have quite anough from
which to ascertain the truth and sufficient time for doing so, and in
default of their resolution that it is already taken by the King's
Council, and will undoubtedly be put in execution. (See also No. 556).
French. [Eight pages. Holland Corresp.] |
Aug. 8.
The Hague. |
549. Carleton to Sec. Conway. Has had since his despatch of
the 28th last many messages from the States to have patience and
allow time for translating and "collationing" their papers, copies of
which he at length sends herewith. In exchange has delivered to
the Deputies translations of "our men's relation" and of the heads
of their grievances as presented to the King. They promised to
deliberate what course to take for his Majesty's satisfaction, but mean
while prayed Carleton to do good offices in mitigating his Majesty's
displeasure, to which effect they said they had written a letter to
his Majesty. Told them they might well forbear sending a complimental letter until they might substantially satisfy his Majesty, and
that this must be done before the 12th of August, or they must
expect that his Majesty will apply himself to do himself justice for
what is past, and assure his subjects by his powerful protection for
the future. They desired Carleton to consider the constitution of
this State, which gave no way to celerity of proceeding in cases of
such consequence and the distance of place where that justice must
be done which is required; and prayed him to make known to the
King that they would not fail to do for his Majesty's satisfaction as
much as these considerations will suffer. Carleton replied their
resolution would now be expected, but the King would allow such
time as is necessary, and in conclusion wished them to weigh all
the circumstances in favour of the innocency of the English; that
there was no imaginable ground of suspition nor any accusation but
the confession of one Japanese, who led the way to the rest of that
nation, all forced by torture; and that the first Englishman, Abel
Price, who was examined, (and whose confession the rest were forced
by torture to aver), had the place, persons, and time for treating
with said Japanese and the English dictated to him, which was an
undue proceeding and merited punishment though the English
were guilty, much more they being innocent. The Deputies did not
defend their men's action, but parted with a promise to set all other
business aside, and take the cause into new consideration; and this
they have done, but cannot come to conclusion till they hear again
from the Bewinthebbers. Has received from Amsterdam a newly
printed pamphlet in Dutch about Amboyna, without name of author
or printer, and intends to present to the States General his discourse
to them in writing, finding it is but beating the air till they have
somewhat before them in paper to resolve upon. [Three pages.
Holland Corresp.] |
| Aug. 8. |
550. Sir Noel de Caron to Sec. Conway. If his indisposition
had permitted, he would have waited on his Majesty in person, for
the States have sent a despatch concerning the fact of Amboyna,
hoping that his Majesty would receive their answer, as some re
paration for the offence he may have received by the report made to
his Majesty at Wanstead and elsewhere. As for finishing the
matter, it is not possible for them to do more, as may be seen from
their letter to his Majesty, which he sends by his man Jacques.
The States confide much in Conway to assist and aid them, for they
protest that they have nothing more at heart, than to honour and
serve his Majesty in everything. [One page. Holland Corresp.] |
Aug. 8/18.
The Hague. |
551. Carleton to Barlow. Acknowledges his letter of the 6th,
which he received yesterday at the very instant he was going to the
States to complain of the pamphlet he sent to him, in which are
many particularities which could come out of no other forge than
the Bewinthebbers' being in the self same words as the informations
set down by them, touching that foul fact of Amboyna, which to
make it fairer is paralleled in the pamphlet, with pressing to death
in England. "And that being a calumniation of the justice of our
land (as if that which is ultimum supplicium, after a delinquent is
convicted and condemned, were applied like their fire and water to
extort confessions whereby to convict and condemn a prisoner),"
Carleton made the chief subject of his complaint, desiring to have
the pamphlet declared a libel according to their own law, for being
without name of printer or author and both printer and author
enquired into and punished. The States showed much dislike of
the calumniation of the laws of England. Cannot say what course
they will take, but is sure the author will have no thanks, because
he has thereby given Carleton subject to lay open the whole matter
in full assembly of the States, which hitherto hath rested betwixt
him and five of their Deputies. The relation received from England
was read the day before in the Assembly, and yesterday or to-day
is to be sent to the Bewinthebbers, to know what they can say to it;
and though by this sending to and fro which cannot be altered in this.
State composed of so many several colleges and bodies of Assemblies,
time is drawn out in length, Carleton is very much deceived, but in
conclusion, the committers of this bloody fact will be brought to
justice, and the supporters of it both blame and shame. Thinks he
looked upon the right man as the author of the pamphlet, and the
States are the more quickened because they hear it cast upon their
clerks, as Carleton told them it was. Prays him to send two or
three more copies; it is necessary he send one to his Majesty.
[Two pages and a half. Holland Corresp.] |
Aug. 9.
The Hague. |
552. Francois D'Aerssen to Sec. Conway. What has happened
in the Indies, they (Joachimi and himself) have, according to the
King's commands, reported to their Sovereigns, who have neglected
nothing for ascertaining the truth of the action; being determined, if it
appear that their people have without cause committed excesses
against his Majesty's subjects, to inflict a punishment so severe, that
he shall have occasion to praise their justice. Hopes the King will
not permit anything to be undertaken or precipitated to the disadvantage of the States, for it is not his Majesty's intention that
they should proceed without a perfect knowledge of the matter (que
nous façions droict sur l'etiquette du saq) they being bound to
search into the truth and to do justice thereon. If their people
should be found to have inhumanly treated his Majesty's subjects,
still they must examine what satisfaction they would desire, and in
any case, it would be a personal crime, chastisable in the person who
had committed it, which would need time and dexterity, so as not
to excite a rebellion. Dares assure him, that the States are deliberating how to proceed roundly in the matter, desiring to do justice,
and to preserve the good graces of his Majesty, and have written in
such a manner as he hopes will leave them a competent time, for
satisfying his Majesty's just desires; to which end also he prays for
Conway's favour and support. French. [Three pages. Holland
Corresp.] |
Aug. 10.
Amsterdam. |
553. Barlow to Carleton. Is glad to hear that his own letter of
the 6th came to hand so seasonably, and hopes that by the course
Carleton has taken, some good issue will come of the business so that
the Bewinthebbers will not carry away the credit they expected,
and Carleton will get the pamphlet proclaimed for a libel. These
stand stiff to it, that it is none of their act, but having had speech
with some of them apart, they see their error and wish it had not
been done. His demand in the Assembly for payment of the
23,906 ryals of eight, is to have an answer in writing. Sends three
more of the books, which now grow somewhat scant. Arrival of the
Dolphin from Surat, richly laden, in company with a small Dutch
ship; more ships are daily expected. It is referred to Barlow
whether to have the protest and relation concerning Amboyna
translated and put into print; requests Carleton's opinion, whether
it were fit considering how things do still depend betwixt his
Majesty and the States. Incloses,
553. I. Invoice of the Dolphin's cargo, viz.:—cotton yarn, indigo,
gumlac, raw silk, benjamin, aloes, pepper, spikenard,
calicoes, and other stuffs. [One page and a half. Holland
Corresp.] |
