|
| [June 3, received.] |
662. "Reasons shown by the States of the United Provinces why the three East India ships stayed at Portsmouth should be released." It is argued that the States had nothing to do with the Amboyna business, but at the request of King James ordered the recall of the Judges, and all who were alive arrived in the Netherlands in 1627. That process was then taken against the accused with as little delay as possible, and all this was resolved before the arrest of the three ships. And as the States have proceeded in good faith to accomplish their solemn promise, they hope that his Majesty's honour will be satisfied and his subjects contented with their justice, which they are resolved to do before God and all the world; it would be no way reasonable that by the continuation of the arrest the State should be deprived of its revenue and of part of its forces against the Spaniards. They expect according to Treaty to be treated as friends and allies, and the said arrest to be taken off, so they may serve against the common enemy. Touching Coen, he had already set out from the Indies before any proceedings had commenced at Amboyna, and while in the Netherlands he has not been accused of having participated in that business. Yet the States have declared that in case the judges find him to have been in any way mixed up he shall be recalled to answer for his deeds. Endorsed by Edw. Nicholas, "Rd 3 Junii 1628." French. 3½ pp. [Holland Corresp.] |
| June 5. |
663. Minutes of a Court of mixed Committees of the East India Company. Mr. Governor related what was referred to this Committee by order of the last General Court, viz., to examine the state of the account of the second joint stock, which the selected Committee without the standing Committee might do; next to consider the trade of Persia and Surat for this year; and lastly, to consider the buying of cloth. The Accountant having been directed to draw up a balance to be ready at the Court of Election, the Court took into. consideration the stock requisite for this year's trade. Some advised to invest 20,000l. in cloth before Michaelmas, and others that 3,000 cloths and 1,000 kersies would sell, which would cost near 40,000l., and 200 tons of tin would amount to 20,000l., and the fourth part to be sent in silver would amount to 30,000l., so that 100,000l. to 120,000l. was the least that would serve for Persia,
besides Surat, and it was intimated that at least as much money as goods must be issued, because the goods would advance double the prime cost, and it was remembered that silk heretofore costing 12s. 4d. per lb. great now stands them in but 6s. 8d., and thence arose a question, seeing ryals were hard to be got, that a trial be made of gold, some thinking it of more value than silver, others that silver would be more useful, therefore seeing the contract with the Persian was for one fourth part silver, it was concluded to send silver and 1,000l. or 2,000l. in gold for a trial. Debate on the proposal to pursue the trade, for which there would yearly be necessary 140,000l. in quick stock and 60,000l. in shipping, and it was thought the Turkey merchants, who of late years had over built themselves, would freight shipping. Objections to prosecuting the trade, because the proceedings of the Dutch discourage more than the letters from Persia encourage it. Letter read from Jacatra of 26th October [? 28th see no. 551.] demonstrating the resolution of the Dutch to hinder the English from trade at Bantam, but declaring that if the Company would not proceed with the Persian trade private men would undertake it, and advising the Company to lose no opportunity lest it fall into the hands of the Dutch. Further debate about the proposition for raising stock; Mr. Treasurer was confident the stock could not be raised on the old adventure, because it owed more than was due to it, for that at Michaelmas 20,000l. was to be issued on dividend and 40,000l. in mariners' wages, charges, &c. on the arrival of their expected ships, and he therefore proposed a new subscription either of the old or new adventure. Objections. Propositions to buy out those that could not supply, but nothing concluded, only Mr. Sambrooke directed to make ready against a survey of the adventurers and an estimate of the present state of the stock, and Mr. Treasurer to give order for an abstract out of the monthly books what debts would be due before Michaelmas; the Court taking knowledge that the Company was 230,000l. in debt at interest, of which there was in England 180,000l., and that 120,000l. was required before Michaelmas to buy cloth and commodities out of Italy and pay the charges of the next ships from Surat, in which might come home 250,000l. or 300,000l., which with what remained in the Indies and was expected to be returned in two or three years might be estimated to amount to 700,000l. or 800,000l. towards charges, so that the only difficulty was te raise money for this year, and afterwards by forbearance of divisions a brave stock might with much facility be raised for prosecution of the trade, Mr. Governor desiring all to come prepared to settle a resolution at the General Court on Tuesday next. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 395–398] |
June 7.
The Hague. |
664. Dudley Carleton to Lord Carleton. News from Barlow that our countrymen and the Dutch had been in very good correspondence before and since the arrival of Coen, who was received at Jacatra as a prince, the English joining in all tokens of good welcome, which is contrary to what his Lordship understood at the Brill, that they fled to Coromandel, as also to the high and loud complaints of our Company in London against Coen and his Government. Three English ships were lading at Jacatra to come away
very shortly after the Dutch ships. His Lordship's protest has made them at Amsterdam think they shall certainly lose their ships in England, and hereupon the action falls. (Extract, Holland Corresp.) |
| June 10 |
665. Minutes of a Court of Mixed Committees of the East India Company. Estimate of the state of the second joint stock presented by Mr. Sambrooke; that there is owing above what is in the kingdom 60,000l. or 70,000l.; Mr. Governor observed that neither yards, houses, shipping nor stores &c. were included, but that orders had been given for such a survey, which was almost perfected. A survey was also presented of all the adventurers, whereby it appeared probable that many would fall from the intended supply. After debate concerning the debts due to the Company, the charging of but eight per cent. brokes instead of nine as ordered by the General Court, the refusal of Mr. Treasurer to show his monthly books and the Company's patents to some of the mixed committee without order of the Court of Standing Committees, and the not transporting of the 12th, 13th, and 14th divisions, it was advised to pass by these disputes and to enter into consideration how to raise means to prosecute the trade for this year. Opinions of several of the generality thereon, to which Mr. Governor answered that howsoever there be false brothers who devise plots against the Company, and the Hollanders labour by all means to subvert them, yet an honourable person lately told him he retained good hope in the business, and doubted not a friendly accommodation would be made, only the Dutch must be allowed to have their own course of proceedings to do justice, and he made known what respect the Company of late received from his Majesty and the Lords, so that there is no fear but that the King and State will support the trade, which they intend to be assured of by some act from the King before they proceed. Hereupon were propounded three courses for the prosecution of this trade, to supply on the old stock, or subscribe a new stock, or else to govern the trade by consuls as the Turkey Company do. These three courses taken into consideration : arguments thereon. The fairest way was esteemed to bring in a certain proportion of money upon every 100l. of the old adventure, which was generally approved, and if any should be unwilling to supply they might sell their adventures to the Company at a rate to be agreed on at the General Court, it being left to their own choice to underwrite or sell, executors or the Court of Aldermen to sell for orphans; it was then put to the question and ordered to pursue the trade this year by a supply of half a capital upon the old stock, but unless at least two-thirds were underwritten then those that underwrote are not to be obliged by their subscription, but the Company to come to a new deliberation. Divers propositions made how to satisfy those that were not willing to supply; it was then for encouragement made known that there was quick stock in the Indies 250,000l. and shipping to bring that into Europe, where it was hoped it would produce 600,000l. or 700,000l., and charges defalked, there would remain to be divided about 500.000l. A third overture was that the remainder might be valued at 80l. per cent. which corresponds with the present rate of adventures sold between man and man, and
as this stock hath suffered much by giving an over value to the former, if this remainder be overrated no man will underwrite; and after divers propositions, which were all disliked, it was resolved to propose to the General Court to give four half capitals at four years from Midsummer next. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 398–402.] |
| June 10. |
666. Minutes of a General Court. Exception taken by one of the generality that his name and some passages that fell from him concerning a worthy gentleman deceased were inserted in Court Minutes in regard he disavowed those words, which occasioned much dispute, and the Court forseeing the inconvenience of such contestations ordered that henceforth their Secretary should forbear to enter passages occasioned by unnecessary questions and disputes between party and party for any particular spleen and difference, but only register the resolution of the Court, with such necessary circumstances appertaining to the business in hand. Discussion about brokes and the interest charged thereon, the Company had been threatened to be brought in Chancery for demanding more than was warranted by the statute. Mr. Governor's account of the balance made of the Company's estate showing their debt at interest to be 222,751l., and their debt for goods bought 26,000l., to countervail which was owing on bills 162,976l., and in the warehouses goods to the value of 58,766l., and howbeit it appeared that they were 70,000l. or 80,000l. in debt more than they had estate in the kingdom to satisfy, yet their houses, yards, shipping, stores, &c., which could not be valued less than 20,000l., were not rated; he also declared the expectation of the Palsgrave, Dolphin, and Discovery from Surat with three others from Jacatra, and the loss of the Portugal galleons by foul weather, so that out of 12 but four escaped, and so weather-beaten as there would be no fear from them this year; as also the late letters from their factors importing their resolution to attempt to lade at Bantam notwithstanding all opposition of the Hollanders, as they had long since been commanded to do by his Majesty's letters and the Company's direction. And here he took notice of the notable policy of the Hollanders who all this time they seemed to besiege Bantam by connivance with the Chinese bought yearly all the pepper, which could not be less than 2,000 tons, so that lately there was left there but 1,000 tons, and who because they would have the whole trade to themselves had given 6d. and 7d. per lb. for pepper in other places on purpose to hinder the English. He then desired them not to expect that any of the debts due could be employed for the trade of Persia, for Mr. Treasurer would perform his part to the full if he could with his receipts make good his ordinary payments and the dividends at Michaelmas next. and Mr. Governor declared that the Standing and Mixed Committees had agreed, after serious debate, that that trade should this year be prosecuted upon the old stock with a new supply of one half capital, and to buy out those that would not supply for four half capitals. Mr. Governor then desired the generality to take this into consideration, and declare their resolution, to the end a book might be sent abroad for subscriptions. After debate on divers propositions it was finally agreed to go on with the trade upon the old stock, every
man to bring in a half capital in money, which would be 6l. 5s. per cent. of this adventure, in three payments, viz. on the last days of this June, September and December, and if two-thirds of these half capitals be not underwritten to be free and this Court again to meet for a new consultation and for the proposition to buy in the adventures of such as cannot or will not supply. After much debate it was put to the question whether to give 3, 3½ or 4 half capitals, and resolved to give four at year, year, year and year, to begin at Midsummer next, and to be paid at each year's end; and the time limited for subscription to be for those in town till Midsummer day and for gentlemen and others absent till the 1st July. 3½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 402–405.] |
| June 18. |
667. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Lord Carleton desirous to have a sight of the Company's letter from Jacatra, [? no. 551.] ordered that their Secretary attend his Lordship with said letter and let him read it, but not to leave it or deliver a copy. Mr. Governor further related that an honourable person told him there would shortly be a Treaty with the Hollanders in the Indies, and he doubted not but good accommodation would be made for the future settling of that trade. He next declared the passages that happened. yesterday before the Lords Committee of the Upper House of Parliament in the cause between the Earl of Warwick and the Company. N.B.–The petition of the Earl of Warwick against the East India Company was read in the House of Lords on 4th June and referred to the Committee for Petitions with precedency before all others, and it was ordered that the East India Company have notice thereof and bring the letters and orders mentioned in said petition and answer the same in writing tomorrow at two in the afternoon. On 10th June Nich. Morgan, Thos. Collins, John Baswicke, and Anthony Morbecke were sworn as witnesses in the Earl of Warwick's cause, and on 13th Capt. Sum Nuse was also sworn. [Lord's Journals, III. 837, et seq. See also Ct. Min., 27 June, No. 672]. That after counsel had been heard on both sides and the Company's answer to Lord Warwick's demands read, strongly insisting on the strength of the Company's patent to bear out whatever they had done, the company desired that either Lord Warwick (whom they had much honoured and were sorry to have any contention with) would accept what they had formerly offered, or that he might be left to take his remedy against the company by the ordinary course of Law. But this motion was not thought reasonable by some of the Lords, considering that the Company had more than 10 years since (when Lord Warwick was in a legal course) procured King James to lay command on him to withdraw his action, and they advised the Company to make some fair overture to his Lordship rather than to stand to the vote of the House, but the Company denied it was at their request, but that his Majesty, on relation of the truth of the matter by Sir Thos. Smythe, then Governor, foreseeing the inconvenience to the whole trade if his Lordship should be admitted to question his regal power granted
by his Majesty's letters patents, required his Lordship to desert that course. And although they perceived their Lordships extraordinary favour of Lord Warwick, and intimation was given that in case it were reported to the House it would by all likelihood be much more to their disadvantage than by a course of mediation, yet being confident of their cause they did, by advice of counsel, resolve rather to stand to the vote of the House than to give more than they had offered, which was 2,000l. Being desired to withdraw, the Lord President, after half an hour, came with the Earl of Bristol into the King's withdrawing chamber and propounded to Mr. Governor and the rest of the Committee who attended the cause to bethink themselves of some indifferent sum to give Lord Warwick rather than run the hazard of a censure of the House, most of the Lords being persuaded that the Earl of Warwick had "great cause of equity on his side as well in respect of his loss and damage as the mass of riches whereof he was prevented by the only interruption of the Company's ships," and therefore the Lord President, who was as willing to express his affection to the Company as to do a good office to his kinsman the Earl of Warwick, asked whether the Company would give 10,000l. This was seconded by the Earl of Bristol, who recited former examinations, but sell to 8,000l., but Mr. Governor and the rest answered that more than was offered they had no power to give, but that if 500l. more might be accepted they might be able to persuade the Company to enlarge so far, but to draw it higher they had little or no hope. With this answer their Lordships returned to the Lords, and half an hour after returned back again, and in the Parliament House, near the Cloth of State, made known that the Lords were no way satisfied with the Company's offer, but propounded 5,000l., wishing them to acquaint the Company therewith and return answer in the morning. Having thus at large related the particular passages of yesterday, Mr. Governor desired the Court to resolve what to do, intimating that 3,000l. was once offered by Mr. Harrison, then Treasurer, but without any warrant of Court. The Court, after serious consideration, much commended Mr. Governor and the rest for their stout carriage of this business, ordered, by erection of hands, that Mr. Governor should offer 3,000l. to be absolutely discharged from all further demands from the Earl of Warwick, but without prejudice if the same be not accepted, and endeavour to get time for payment until Michaelmas. Mr. Governor also reported that two adventurers had been with him, and pretend they can discover where two parcels of diamonds belonging to Ball's estate had been secretly sold, and if they may be assured of one-third they will discover both seller and buyer; nothing was ordered, but Mr. Acton was required carefully to look to it; his bill of charges ordered to be paid. Request of Richard Dyke for accommodation of the difference concerning his adventure, but was desired to have patience till another time. Motion on behalf of Hen. Pulliver, who married the executrix of Richard Smith, for the remainder of Smith's estate; ordered if he could get a discharge from Capt. Langford. Gratuity of 5l. to Mr. Carter, the surveyor, for his labour and pains about the
hospital of Blackwall. About canvas made at Bridewell for pepper bags; to have enough for 3,000 or 4,000 lb. bags. Gratuity of 40s. to Cranfield, a searcher of the Custom House, for discovering bags of pepper which should have been transported. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X., 406–409.] |
June 20.
Bantam. |
668. Richard Bix, George Muschamp, and Richard Steele, President and Council at Bantam, to Messrs. Sill, Pearce, &c. at Jambi. Have received since the departure of the Coaster for Jambi letters from John Coward, &c., of 25th January and ultimo March, to which they give answer as if themselves had written them. The loss by ryals coined is like to give us sorrow; can blame the King, who gave them allowance to coin and then disgraced both them and their act. but what is that to purpose, they must now put those ryals off as best they may. Complain of their negligence in the carting away of 12 fardels of goods. The Dutch detaining the partable piece of ground is a habit they familiarly use, and had the Factors not used diligence with the King, the Dutch would have wormed their moiety form them. Register to be kept of the wants and mistakes in the goods of the Christopher. Directions for putting off the light pepper and rice. Arrival of the Christopher, which Mr. Sill met in his passage on the Coaster, 20th April, and by his of the 22nd April they understand of the politic behaviour of the Dutch towards the King of Jambi, which is not to be discommended, for their aim was to join Jambi and Palembang in peace, that there might be a cessation of their trouble either to aid the one or offend the other. He did well to tender his wonted amity to the Dutch. Must take well the King's acceptance of their letter, but would rather he had not passed over the principal point, a due consideration of their charge in his aid on the word of a King, but they must handle this matter gently, as they require two or more years custom free; his promise was ten, his performance none. Compounding with the King of Jambi for saving custom is to their masters very beneficial. There is but one way for the King to satisfy, by allowing us custom for exportation of pepper, according to promise. Have also written to Caij Tamongong, and sought to give him satisfaction for his rice. Told the King of Jambi in their letter of the great courtesy of the King of Bantam to them, to move him to the like, but he takes occasion thereby to make us solicitors in his behalf to this King, which they would willingly have performed, but have forborne to save a present, which shortly they must of necessity give upon the marriage of the King's son or daughter, which is to be solemnised. Mr. Johnson has been informed concerning the cloth of Armagon. Will consider Mr. Pearce's worth, meantime pray him to persevere in his former good disposition. Have received theirs of the 15th past by Dutch conveyance, which is as certain as in times past. They fall not short in their reckoning of the hindrance the dissolving of Masulipatam's factory will be to the trade of Jambi, but the strict commands for its dissolution must be observed. Hope to light upon some other place affording white cloth near Armagon, for the abuse at Masulipatam through the evil disposition of the Governor is
grown insufferable. Are glad to hear the Coaster will be made serviceable at a reasonable charge. Mr. Nash's pains shall not want due consideration. The failing health of their men must be a hindrance; are sorry for the death of Mr. Coward, whose books, it seems, they find orderly; as he lived so he died, an honest man. As to the difficulty of getting in their old debts, the King not affording them justice. The Blessing, Capt. James Slade, arrived from Surat 24th March last, with a cargazoon of goods sorted as usual, having surprised two Portugal vessels, one of 200 tons laden with cinnamon, and the other of 80 laden with dried Penang and cocoa nuts; from their lading they named them the Cinnamon and Cocoanut. The Cinnamon, Thomas Wedmore master, sent to Jambi with a cargazoon of goods for the account of their employers, to be sold for the most profit. A good part of the goods of the Blessing forthwith sent to the west coast of Sumatra on the Speedwell, and another ship will shortly be sent thither. This west coast trade they have not handled for three years, but doubt nothing of a reasonable profit. The Blessing is only sent to return to Surat; she takes all the Christopher's lading, with the cinnamon and other provisions. The Refuge also, of 80 tons, arrived from Surat the 21st last, purposely for munition to furnish a fortification intended at Surat, which they dispeeded the 23rd for Jacatra to take in the munition left there, but she was overset with a gust and sunk within sight of this road. Have agreed to cut her in pieces, having saved almost all her furniture; the loss will be an old ship and four pieces of ordnance put aboard to be sold at Jacatra, all else saved and not much the worse. Send with the Bleseing to Surat the Christopher and Cocoanut with provision of planks, boards, and munition. Hope the Cinnamon will prove very useful for the river Jambi. Send also the Sampan, left at Batavia, and in both ships at least 50 men. Have received letters from their employers dated 29th September and 19th October, giving knowledge that the London and Reformation arrived in safety at Plymouth 11th September, and that his Majesty had seized three Holland ships from Surat to procure satisfaction for the many wrongs of the Dutch, the Amboyna business being the most important. The Bewinthebbers speak big in Holland that they will do wonders on the English in the Indies, but their threats are no way feared, yet they are to advise to every factory to be "cautelous." News of the arrival of two ships at Batavia, part of 11 sail which set out of the Texel together, whereof two were cast away in the Channel, three bound for the coast of Coromandel, and four parted with this side of the Cape, all under Sir Block Martin, now at Batavia. Our Company write of seven ships and two victuallers not daring to put into harbour in regard of the stay of the three Surat ships, taken with a storm in the Channel, and four of them put aground at the Spits with little hope of recovery, and that it was supposed the State would make no further detention of the Dutch ships. They also write they intend to dispeed a ship and pinnace about Christmas, which may be expected in August next, which will furnish them with abilities to lade 600 tons of pepper. Hope the west coast of Sumatra will
furnish a good "partido" also, with what this place will afford, so have written to Surat for a ship of capacity to be at Bantam in December. Barlow, agent at Amsterdam, writes of open war between England and France, and other news in Europe, and lastly, that General Coen had come away without leave of the Mayors, at which his Majesty and the States are offended; and that eight of the actors of the Amboyna massacre are gotten in Holland and justice expected to be done upon them. Our masters also write that they doubt not the King will have satisfaction for the blood of his people spilt at Amboyna, and that finding the trade both profitable and honourable to the Kingdom he intends to give it strong encourgement, nothing distasting the Company so much as that they have not knowledge of our being settled at Bantam. Three Dutch ships have also arrived at Batavia from Surat with by report 1,000 bales of goods, so may expect they will very speedily supply Jambi, therefore they will do well to make what dispatch they can. The Dutch have five ships in trade upon the coast of Sumatra, and they seldom or never are overtaken or fall short, but with judgment and discretion their affairs are ever managed; hope to attribute as much to ourselves. Advise them to sell the seeds mentioned by Mr. Coward as they best may, for there is no greater folly in the trade of these parts than to keep a dead stock, especially of a wasting commodity. Endorsed, "Recd le 2d July 1628, per the ship Cinnamon." 9 pp. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1273.] |
| June 25. |
669. Minutes of a mixed Court of Committees of the East India Company. Report of Mr. Governor of all the proceedings from the beginning in the cause between the Company and the Earl of Warwick, which after having slept many years was now again revived by a petition from the Earl exhibited against the Company in Parliament in which his lordship made a demand of 28,000l. for his pretended losses through the Company taking his ships the Francis and Lion at Surat, and how pressing their lordships were to have the Company submit the cause to themselves. That the Company had ever excepted to enter into 30,000l. bond to stand to the award of arbitrators, and that King James had consented to accept 5,000l. bond. Mr. Governor then explained that after the goods taken out of the Earl of Warwick's ships had been sold through the difference in what the Earl had valued them and in what they were sold for in the Indies, that his lordship's great sum of 28,000l. was brought down to less than 3,000l. Finally Mr. Governor reported that the motion now made by the Lords was to give the Earl 4,000l. to satisfy all demands and conclude all differences, as well those of the mariners' wives as of one Morgan, and he desired the Court seriously to consider the same and either to conclude or refer it to the General Court; but the Court well weighing the premises and observing how wisely and stoutly Mr. Governor and the Court of Committees had carried this matter, highly commended them and ordered by erection of hands to embrace their Lordships offer, only that reasonable time be desired for payment. The prosecution of trade was the next business propounded, and Mr. Governor reported that by order of the General Court for the supply
of half a capital on the old stock, two books had lain open ever since, one at the counting house and the other carried from house to house by the Company's officer, and yet in both books but 12,000l. or 13,000l. was underwritten, which coming so short of the 100,000l. required, himself and the Committees were of opinion that this course would not succeed, and therefore they had called this Court to advise what other course might be thought on. After debate on the several proposals submitted for consideration, the best way was held to be to open a new book for a third joint stock, and a proposition was made that a Committee be chosen, half of those that would underwrite and half of those that would not, to value the remainder of the old stock to the new. The next proposition was the proportion of money required for this third joint stock which was concluded at 120,000l. yearly and to trade in a joint stock for four years and not in voyages, which begat controversy and confusion. Mr. Governor observed that it would be fit first to propound to the General Court the supply of half a capital on the old stock, and then the opening of a new book, for a third joint stock; and it was ordered that both books, viz., for the supply and for the new stock lie open together, that whosoever will may underwrite in either, and to leave it to the General Court to resolve and set down the time of underwriting for both as should be thought expedient. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 410–413.] |
| June 25. |
670. Minutes of a General Court. Report of Mr. Governor that according to the resolution of the last General Court, books had been made, but that the sum underwritten did not amount to above 12,000l. or 13,000l. instead of 66,000l. at least as expected, and as the time appointed for the subscription of half a capital on the old stock was expired, the mixed and standing Committee had agreed that their former determination should stand, and a second book go abroad for a new subscription, and that indifferent persons of the old adventures, and of those who come in on the new subscription, be chosen to "praise" the old stock. Debate upon the question of trading by voyages as formerly rather than by a joint stock, and the many inconvencies, the differences between the Company's Factors and Commanders being almost as great in trading by voyages as it is now between the company and the Hollanders, as for instance between Capt. Sayers and Sir Henry Middleton, since which the trade has ever been maintained by a joint stock. It was then put to the question, first, whether to proceed on the old stock with a supply of half a capital, which was ordered in the negative; and next whether a book should go out for subscription to a new stock for four years, which was ordered in the affirmative, the time of subscription to be on or before 10th July next, and to be paid every year by four payments. On a motion concerning differences that may arise between the charge of the old and new stocks, it was answered that a good part of the stock in the Indies will return this year, that the ships to be sent out on the new stock cannot be dispeeded before February next, and before their arrival in the Indies all or most of the stock will be put abroad the ships then to return for England, so as there will be
little or no stock left behind, save only houses, yards, shipping and other dead provisions, which may easily be valued. On the last proposition it was ordered that no strangers (save such as were already adventurers) be admitted in this new stock, and that such as would come in, be they gentlemen, merchants, or shopkeepers, pay for admission 25l. apiece up to Michaelmas next, and after that to be admitted at the old rate of 50l. for a mere merchant, and 100 marks for a shopkeeper; and that in the preamble in the book of subscriptions a clause be inserted that adventurers be not obliged to bring in more than their first year's subscription, unless his Majesty and the State, before the end of the first year, promise and by declaration in writing or otherwise, give good assurance that the Company be righted against the Hollanders for injuries past, and have a quiet trade with them in the Indies for the time to come. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 414–417.] |
June 27.
Batavia. |
671. John Darell to [Henry] Sill at Jambi. Hopes he is restored to health. Has taken this opportunity to write by Snr. Brustensen (?) but knows he will have the news at large from Bantam. The 12th inst. arrived two "orambarowes," and four or five more are shortly expected, these two, being great ships of 550 lasts, it is thought within a month will be dispeeded for Holland. There is good news from England, the Duke of Buckingham has got great respect by taking an island called St. Martin, abounding with salt, which is much prejudicial to the King of France's revenues. His Majesty has seized three Dutch ships from Surat requiring satisfaction for Indian abuses, principally Amboyna. A small vessel [the Refuge] from Surat, bound from Bantam to Batavia, suddenly overset with a gust, and Mr. Steele being therein, received great loss in his estate, but all save one escaped with life, and they are in hope to save the vessel. No arrival yet of English "orambarowes," which are daily expected, but a Dutch ship is bound hence for Jambi in five or six days. The letter sent by Commodore Brookman never came to his hands. Is infinitely beholden for Sill's kind remembrance of him to the President and Council. After dispeed of his letter Snr. Violet received his poignard, as his letter will testify. Snra. Joanna wishes him health and welfare. 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XII., No. 1274.] |
| June 27. |
672. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request on behalf of Mr. Baron Sotherton for satisfaction for the loss of 700 carp and tench through a breach in Chillworth mill dam, that the water had overflown and almost spoiled a hop ground, that Mr. Baron Sotherton's pond might be seined to know how many fish remained, and a value set upon the damage done. The Court seeing the demand is altogether uncertain, and that such fish are valued at most at 5s. per 100, out of respect to Mr. Baron, but not of right, resolved to present him with spices to the value of 3l. as a courtesy. Report of Mr. Governor on the Earl of Warwick's demands, that according to the resolution of the mixed Court it had been signified to the Lords that the Company consented to give the Earl the 4,000l. demanded to end the difference, which their Lordship's took so kindly that they promised their favour and
countenance to the Company upon all occasions; the money to be paid before Michaelmas, and the Earl of Bristol moved for an order which was now drawing up. The Court well approved of this proceeding, and directed that fitting discharges be perfected before the money be paid. N.B.—On 26 June the Lords Committees for Petitions, after long hearing and debating the petition of the Earl of Warwick against the East India Company, by counsel learned on both sides, by way of mediation made an agreement, by mutual consent of both parties, viz., that the East India Company should pay to the Earl of Warwick the sum of 4,000l., whereof 2,000l. to be paid within ten days and the other 2,000l. at Michaelmas next; which cause being by the Committees reported to the House, it was accordingly ordered by their Lordships, that the said sum of 4,000l. shall be paid in manner and form aforesaid, and that the said Earl of Warwick and East India Company shall give reciprocal releases each to others of all actions, suits, and demands whatsoever concerning the premises.—Lords' Journal, III. 878. The account of interest between the Company and Lady Dale to be made out so that the arbitrators may finish their award according to the reference out of Chancery. Gratuity of 100l. to Mr. Misselden for his great pains about the business of Amboyna, and the like sum to Mr. Barlow for his great pains and frequent advices touching all occurrences which concerned the Company. 20l. per cent. to be charged on Mr. Mynn's account, according to order of the General Court, for calicoes he took out on stock to transport and sold in town. Gratuity of 100 marks to Sherburne, the Company's Secretary, for his extraordinary pains at the Court and in Parliament, seeing he had not been gratified since May 1626. On report that the Lords of the Council had given warrant to take the Company's powder at Blackwall, for the King's service, at 5l. 5s. per cwt., the Court considering they had no more in store ordered that a petition be presented to the Lords that their powder might not be taken. Request of Mr. Webb not to abate anything for 21 days' absence during the time of salting beef and pork, denied in regard he was employed on other business at wages. 3½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. X. 417–420.] |
June 29.
The Hague. |
673. Dudley Carleton to Sec. Lord Conway. Sent to the Prince of Orange to let him know he had matters of consequence to communicate out of England, who next day sent M. Duyele, Pensionary of Holland, to whom he related (amongst other things) that notwithstanding the many offences given by this East Indian Company, and the great cause his Majesty had for just revenge, yet on the assurance given to his Majesty by their Ambassadors that in the fact of Amboyna his Majesty should not fail to have reparation and justice done him in due time and the like assurance from the Prince of Orange by Lord Carleton that Deputies should be very speedily sent into England with full instructions to satisfy for wrongs past and regulate the trade in future, his Majesty had condescended to the release of the three Surat ships to be put in execution, when by public letters from the States these assurances should be confirmed, and according to the time set down these Deputies should
be in England. Next day he brought word that the States General had received great satisfaction and comfort in all, and had immediately given orders to the Directors of their East India Company to prepare for the journey to England before the end of August, and had directed letters to the judges charging them to use all expedition and sincerity in the process of Amboyna, that his Majesty might receive the satisfaction they were obliged to give him. Endorsed, "Recd Julie 8." [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
June 29.
The Hague. |
674. Dudley Carleton to Lord Carleton. His Majesty's resolution to release the Surat ships doth much take their minds here, and the rather because his Lordship's protest caused contrary fears; but the Amboyna process hangs still in suspense on expectation of news from England in the point of sending the witnesses over or else giving order to the Fiscal ad concludendum in causa. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| June |
675. Memoranda concerning the stock and trade of the East India Company. The remainder of the stock is about 470,000l., but for want of buyers it is like to be valued at 282,000l. The Company have in the Indies in money, goods, and ships as much as cost 500,000l., and there is daily expected thence 300,000l. 400,000l. in returns, and next year as much, and yet not to bring all away nor above half the shipping. There is also the pretended loss of above 1,600,000l. by the Hollanders, and what the ships in the Indies may have gotten by freight or from enemies. The ships and their provisions only are worth 80,000l. It is conceived that at 4/5 parts there will be more buyers than sellers. If half the stock be offered at 4/5 parts it will come to about 188,000l., or at 3/5 parts to but 141,000l. No money need be disbursed faster than it is like to come in with a very great overplus, and the trade amply maintained, unless this year's returns should miscarry, which may be secured by assurance for a little. It is no unusual thing for Princes to participate in their subject's trades; the States of Holland are partners and deep adventurers in their East India trade, and it prospers never the worse, and there is no reason why our King should not have a part in our East India stock on reasonable terms, notwithstanding the doctrine of Æsop's Fables, and then it would quickly prosper. 1 p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 47.] |
| June ? |
676. Officers of the Ordnance to the Council. The quantity of powder in the hands of the merchants and the East India Company is 478 barrels. Have drawn them to be content with 5l. 58. per barrel or cwt. "present money." Endorsed, "Rec. July 1628." [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CVIII., No. 77, Cal., p. 187.] |
