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| July 3/13. |
280. [East India Company?] to the Guadagnis in Florence. To make provision of Sardinian coral to the value of 10,000 ducats, and send by the first English ship from Leghorn direct to this city (? London); all expenses to be paid by Sig. Mazei and Pitti at Venice, or Mr. Whittaker in Amsterdam. Endorsed, "To the Guadagnis in Florence." Italian. 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1437.] |
| July 4–6. |
281. Minutes of a General Court of Election of the East India Company. Mr. Governor, in respect of the exhortation by that worthy man Mr. Shute in his sermon this day, thought good to alter former proceedings in the reading of the last Courts, they being long, and to begin with a thanksgiving to God for the safe arrival of the Palsgrave, whose lading in pepper and cloves is valued at 60,000l. or 70,000l. towards charges, and she brings news that the London will follow her, sailing from Bantam 20 days after the Palsgrave, but he must not conceal the bad news likewise of an accident by fire at Jambi to the loss in goods of 20,000 Rs. of 8 for account of the second voyage, besides differences amongst their Factors, which there is hope will soon be reconciled. For the business of the day, he thanked the Generality for their choice of him as Governor last year, though he never had so little comfort in all his time; he had served the Company many years at home and abroad, and if he were ambitious to continue the place of Governor had never more reason to desire it, because of the practice of some in proscribing him aforehand and casting unjust aspersions upon him, yet could never go out with more honour than now, having endured the touch and withstood the malice of his adversaries, but wished, as a learned father did in another case, rather than any broils should happen by his means to distract the affairs of the Company, that he might be turned out, and therefore desired
them to nominate some other more worthy person, in whom they may find more virtues and less errors, and so left his chair. Hereupon was made a motion for reading the orders conceived by Lord Say and other the select Committees and presented at the last Court, but it was referred to another time. Then were nominated for election Sir Morris Abbott, Sir Hugh Hammersley, Sir James Cambell, Sir Robert Ducy, and Aldermen Garway and Abdi. Motion to proceed to election by the ballotting box, answered that it has been the constant rule to choose their Governor, &c. by erection of hands, neither can the choice be by the box till the persons be reduced to two. Another question raised, that such as were indebted to the Company might not be put in election; but one of the Committee and Mr. Treasurer said they were sorry to hear how some men's credits were thus publicly called into question, but cleared Sir Morris Abbott from that aspersion as having satisfied the Company all his debts to a penny. Sir Morris Abbott was then re-elected Governor for the year ensuing, and the joy being given him by the Generality, he declared his thankfulness and said he was not worthy the name of a Christian if he should wrong the Company himself or suffer them to be wronged by others, and he promised to do them all faithful service to the utmost of his power. Then Alderman Clitherowe before leaving his chair desired them to think of some other more worthy person for Deputy, and to take notice of that godly advice given by that learned man that preached this morning, that peace, unity, and concord may be amongst them, whereby God may give a blessing to their labours. The Court nominated Aldermen Clitherowe and Abdi and Thos. Styles for Deputy, and being put to the question the election of Deputy fell again upon Alderman Clitherowe. Robert Bateman, Thos. Styles, Job Harby, and John Williamson nominated for Treasurer, but the choice fell again upon Robt. Bateman, with Mr. Massingberd or any other he should think fit to be his assistant, though he desired to be freed of that charge, being very aged and willing to take his ease, having served them 11 years. It being usual to change every year six of the 24 Committees, and Humphrey Browne being deceased, it was concluded to dismiss these five, viz.:—Alderman Perry, Sheriff Andrews, Thomas Eyans, Thomas Keridge, and Thomas Smethwike, and to supply their places the following were chosen, viz.:—Thomas Mustard, Job Harby, Wm. Garway, Samuel Armitage, Nicholas Crispe, and Symon Lawrence, none being admitted to be a Committee unless he have 2,000l. in the Second Joint Stock and 400l. in the three particular voyages. So that the Committees for the ensuing year are:—Aldermen Sir Hugh Hammersley, Sir James Cambell, Sir Robert Ducy, Bart., Fenn, Garway and Abdi, and Thomas Mun, Jeoffrey Kirby, John Cordell, Wm. Spurstowe, Thomas Bownest, John Willyams, Wm. Cockayne, John Gayre, John Langham, Richard Davies, John Milward, John Highlord, Thomas Mustard, Job Harby, Wm. Garway, Samuel Armitage, Nicholas Crispe, and Symon Lawrence. |
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July 6. Proposition, on the suit of John Bromehall, late servant to Thos. Symonds, draper, to receive his freedom of this Company
according to his indenture, that no one from henceforth be received into this Company till they had first taken their freedom of the city, but in respect that many noblemen and gentlemen may desire their freedom that have no reason or will to be free of the city, it was held fit to persuade such as have served their apprenticeship first to take the freedom of the city, but not to compel them, nevertheless Bromehall promised to do so before his departure out of England, which was to be very sudden, and he was admitted and sworn a free broker, paying the usual fee of 10s. to the poor box. Alderman Garway and other Committees to view Sir Wm. Acton's pretended defective silk bought of the Company, and give him such allowance (if there be cause) as they have afforded to others. Complaint by Treasurer Bateman of the badness of the timber employed by Mr. Steevens in sheathing the ships now in dock at Blackwall; Messrs. Ducy and Steevens to be warned to attend next Court. Mr. Acton's bill for law causes, amounting to 10l. 16s. 6d., to be paid. 7½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 1–8.] |
July 19.
H.M.S. Convertive, in the Downs. |
282. Capt. Pennington to the Admiralty. Discovered by intelligence from Sec. Coke and the East India Company a base act committed by his master and boatswain in receiving aboard cloves and pepper out of the Palsgrave, that day arrived out of the East Indies, which he found hid in the boatswain's storeroom. Expected their Lordships' orders for punishment of the delinquents in regard they were principal officers, but conceive Sec. Coke has forgotten to acquaint them with it. Protests before God this was done without his knowledge. Sends herewith attestations from the master and boatswain and chief officers of the ship. This had not been possible but that the Master and Merchant of the East India ship sent to borrow three tuns of beer, desiring his long boat might carry it aboard in regard their men were weak, but from foul weather and drunkenness they returned not till 12 at night, and then brought the goods. Enclosed, |
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282. I. Certificate of Master and Boatswain of the Convertive. That above goods were brought aboard without knowledge of their Captain, the cloves at the entreaty of Capt. John Hall of the Palsgrave, to keep till leave could be got to pay custom, and the pepper and a bag of nutmegs bought by the boatswain and some of the seamen. 1632, July 18. |
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282. II. The like from 14 inferior officers of the Convertive. 1632, July 17. |
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282. III. Account of the goods, amounting to 287 lb. cloves, 273 lb. pepper, and 106 lb. nutmegs; with addition of 13 bags pepper, amounting to 1,382 lb., brought aboard the Second Whelp by the boatswain. [Dom. Chas. I., Vol. CCXXI., No. 3.] |
| July 11. |
283. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Letters from Wm. Matthewe and John Pike to the Company sent by the Palsgrave, again read, and Mr. Cappur ordered to register the complaints therein mentioned of abuse in private trade and other misdemeanors in the Black Book, that they may be remembered and the persons questioned
on their arrival in England. Mr. Mun entreated to write as accustomed to the Guadagni to provide coral to be sent into the Indies next year. The security of Capt. John Milward with his son Thomas Milward accepted for the remain unpaid by him, for his two lots of silk amounting to 3,600l. Answers received from Sec. Coke to the Governor's letters sent to Capts. Pennington and Plumleigh in the Downs concerning private trade delivered out of the Palsgrave by Capt. Hall into H.M.S. Convertive, and that thereby the particulars were known, and that Richard Swinglehurst was coming up with them in a hoy. Capt. Hall being called in and advised to deal "ingeniously" with the Company according to his promise, confessed putting aboard the Convertive only one butt and 2 hhds. of cloves, the rest of his goods being all in the ship, which he purposed to bring into the Company's warehouse; and for goods brought home by other men, he conceived the Master had 100 or 200 wt. of cloves, but no other man to his knowledge a pound; and for Nicholas Norbury and John Carter, now come home passengers, he knew not of any goods they brought except a chest of fine linen and some china roots, nor of any goods sent home by Mr. Hoare except six carpets for tokens; but the Court not being satisfied with his answers, required him to present in writing at next Court the truth of what concerned himself and others. Mr. Verneworthy likewise called in and advised (1) to discover the quantities and qualities of the great private trade brought in the James to Bantam, and to whom belonging, (2) how many bales were landed and sold there, (3) whether before the arrival of the James at Bantam there was not a want of Surat goods, and why they were not there sold, (4) whether a Factor in Bantam did not send to Jambi 3,000 dollars and made return in gold, (5) what became of the Petolles (sic) that should have been sent to Macassar, (6) to deliver his knowledge of Sill's diamonds, valued at 2,500 Rs. of 8, and supposed to be feloniously taken by Mr. Willoughby on seizing Sill's person and estate, (7) what became of the turtle shells in baskets belonging to the Company, valued at 8,000 Rs., (8) to deliver the reason why the James lost her monsoon to Surat, (9) to deliver his knowledge what goods Skibbowe brought to Bantam and carried back; lastly, to make known his own private trade brought home in the Palsgrave, what he knows to be brought or sent by others, or anything else that may conduce to the good of the Company; he promised to endeavour to present the answers in writing to the Court on Friday next. Letters from Capts. Pennington and Plumleigh, and Mr. White, Master of the Convertive, read, with note of parcels found aboard his Majesty's ships; whereupon, as also by Mr. Willoughby's letters, it being observed how exceedingly they are abused by their Factors by excess of private trade, and in what disorder their affairs were to the southwards, Mr. Governor propounded to dispeed a pinnace to Bantam for settling these differences, to be ready by September to accompany their new ship now in dock intended for the coast of Coromandel; which was generally approved, but deferred for a few days. Mr. Treasurer Bateman made known that whereas he had formerly
complained of want of money, he had now such store of cash that he wished that such as are desirous to have their 15th and 16th half capitals in money should have them paid at 7l. per cent. discount, which the Court left to every man to do therein as he should please; and further that Lord Cottington wished to be forborne two or three months his payment of 1,000l. due some few days past, allowing at the rate of 8 per cent. for that time, which the Court ordered accordingly. Friday sennight the 20th present appointed to call a General Court and set a price on the pepper and cloves brought home in the Palsgrave. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 9–12.] |
July 11.
The Road of Johanna. |
284. John Milward to President Joseph Hopkinson, Surat, by the pinnace Intelligence, John Burley, Master. The Pearl sailed from the Downs 21st December, and from the Wight 7th Jan.; they lost sight of England on 10th, and had a very violent storm on 18th, and heaved overboard their shallop, topmast, and other timber; they fell in company 28th with the Dutch ship Hoorn of Hoorn, of 700 or 800 tons, bound for Batavia, which left them 23rd March, and by which they sent letters to Bantam of the ship Jewel's coming. Were forced 13th May to put into St. Helena Bay, 20 leagues short of Saldanha, where they found a letter in French on a small island in a glass bottle hanging on a pole, by which they understood of a Dieppe ship's arrival and departure 20 days before, with advice to his followers of meeting at Saldanha Bay; this they kept, leaving another of their arrival and departure. Anchored 17th in Saldanha Bay, where they found the Dutch ship, and there Hadah, a black, secretly delivered them divers letters left by the ship London, homeward bound 12 days before, which mentioned the Dutch's cancelling and tearing divers letters left by the Palsgrave, as also of 23 Dutch slain by the Saldanians two months before out of a small Hollander bound for Batavia, for encroaching on their cattle. Anchored 21st June in St. Augustine's Bay, where they were courteously used by Andrea Qeeta and by the new come Governor and their men reasonable well refreshed. Steered for the islands 2nd July, being advertised by Mr. Burley's letter, all in good health and none wanting except Kicoe, an Indian servant to Gregory Clement, who absented himself at St. Lawrence. Arrived 10th in the Bay of Johanna, where meeting with Mr. Burley they had full information of the affairs of India. His worthy kinsman, Capt. Milward, will give the President hearty thanks if he will take any more than ordinary notice of the writer. 2 pp. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1438.] |
July 12.
Aboard the Royal James, in Augustine Bay. |
285. Consultation by Jno. Banggam, John White, Rich. Barry, Ant. James, Edw. Hall, and Francis Preston. On 3rd July the Netherlands ship Gravenhage having lost her monsoon for Europe, being forced to bear up by continual storms, with loss of her head, and much to be doubted the loss of her consort, the Trevere, and having but three months' provisions; they have furnished her with 2,000 wt. of rice, 120 beads, and some brass for the Cape, being all they were able to spare.½ p. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1439.] |
| July 13. |
286. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Letter from Capt. Pennington, Admiral of the Narrow Seas, taking notice of the private trade, sent aboard his Majesty's ships in the Downs out of the Palsgrave, which by direction from Sec. Coke he had put aboard a hoy and sent up under conduct of Hawthorne, Purser of H.M.S. Convertive, and Richard Swinglehurst, desiring the Court would not harbour any ill opinion of him, as having the least knowledge of this abuse, for it was committed in the dead of night and he asleep, and expressing willingness to do the Company service on any occasion. Letter of thanks delivered to Hawthorne, who was gratified with five pieces, four for himself and one to be distributed amongst the Convertive's company. The Secretary, Accountants, and other officers sworn, according to direction of the last General Court of Election, for the faithful execution of their places for the year ensuing. Report of the Secretary that he had attended Mr. Attorney-General several times about the Company's patent for making powder, who yesterday demanded the sight of the warrant from his Majesty, which being in the custody of Sir Robert Heath, Lord Chief Justice, then Attorney-General, who was in circuit, he could not obtain. Mr. Governor and others intreated to attend the Lord Treasurer tomorrow morning at Roehampton to obtain leave that their mills may work till the patent be either approved or called in by a judicial course, considering the great prejudice they receive by their standing still. Ordered, on reading Mr. Willoughby's letters by the Palsgrave, and observing how prejudicial is the liberty given to the Generality in hearing their general letters read and having access to their accounts, that no adventurer have liberty to ransack or ravel into the Company's books except for his own particular without leave from the Court of Committees. Ordered to have their coral bought at Marcellis (sic) (which they have written for into Italy) come by land as the most secure way. Petition of John Handcorne to be remitted freight of 100 pieces of calicoes brought home in the Discovery, refused; but a gratification of 20 marks conferred on him in regard he had supplied the place of Purser or Purser's Mate at the wages of a common man. Bill of Mr. Cappur's for moneys laid out to be paid. John Powell entertained Purser of the Swan, his weekly allowance of 10s. to be continued till the ship be launched, notwithstanding a former order for cessation. 2½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 13–15.] |
| July 13. |
287. The East India Company to "our very loving friend John Pennington, Esq., Admiral of the Narrow Seas, aboard his Maj. ship the Convertyve, riding in the Downs." Have received his letter of 7th by Richard Swinglehurst, and perceive how much they are beholden to him for discovering the goods unduly taken out of the Palsgrave and put aboard his Majesty's ships in the Downs. Will not forget to requite this pains and courtesy, and meantime pray him to believe they have not the least thought of his knowledge in this business, having ever held his integrity such as becomes his person and place. Are therefore heartily sorry any
accident should befall him upon any occasion of theirs to his prejudice, but when men will be dishonest the wisest and justest men may sometimes be abused. Signed by Morris Abbott, Governor, Christ. Clitherowe, Deputy, Hugh Hammersley, Ant. Abdi, and Jeff. Kerby. 1 p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 102.] |
| July 18–27. |
288. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Ordered that until the private goods brought home in the Palsgrave and put aboard his Majesty's ships in the Downs be certainly known and brought into the Company's house the wages of the Commander, Master, Purser, and others that are faulty therein be suspended till further order. Relation by Mr. Governor that having attended the Lord Treasurer about their powder mills, desiring that in regard they have, in conformity to the order of the Council, let their mills stand still, to their great prejudice, having much saltpetre and powder lying in water half made, and delivered their patent for making powder to the Attorney-General to examine the validity thereof, which he has had six weeks without resolution, he would give way that their mills may work till Mr. Attorney deliver his opinion whether their patent be good in law or evict it by course of law. This motion his Lordship seemed much to distaste, wishing them to rest satisfied, for their mills must down (sic), his Majesty having made a contract with Mr. Evelyn for the sole making of powder within the realm. But Mr. Governor pressing him with reasons, and that the Company had a very great quantity of saltpetre on hand, and look for more by their next ships, his Lordship said he would do the Company no wrong, but if their mills must be pulled down they should have reasonable time given them, and he would take order that their saltpetre be all taken off their hands or they should have leave to sell or transport it; in fine, he wished him to have patience for three or four days till he speak with Mr. Evelyn. Letter read from Thomas Reignolds, Purser of the London, complaining of the smallness and badness of their beer, 20 butts whereof they had cast overboard, and likewise of the smallness of their beef and pork, much of it by ill packing being "teyned" (? tainted); Mr. Haughton, the Company's brewer, ordered to be spoken with, and Messrs. Webb and Pingley warned to attend on Friday. Ordered that the collector be paid 3s. 4d. per acre assessed by the Commissioners of Sewers for the Company's 10 acres of land at Blackwall. Suit of Mr. Rich for allowance of "clooff" on his late bargain of saltpetre. The security of Messrs. John and Humfrey Holloway for a lot of silk allowed by the balloting box on condition that they come on Friday and engage their adventures as a further security. Edward Hayes, recommended by Sir Wm. Russell, entertained Purser's Mate in the Swan for the coast of Coromandel. |
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July 20. Statement of Sir John Wolstenholme that he understood of an abuse lately committed by the farmer's deputies in conniving at goods unladen out of the Palsgrave, which he intended to examine and severely punish, advising the Court, for the better discovery of private goods carried out or brought home, to grant a warrant dormant to such of the farmer's deputies at Dover and
Deal as he should nominate, to go aboard their ships at their arrival in the Downs, and seize all goods brought home and conveyed out of the Company's ships contrary to his Majesty's proclamation; which the Court well approved, and required their Secretary to make ready against their next meeting. Acton's bill of 40l. 5s. 4d. for law causes, to be paid. Mr. Rich's demand for allowance of clooffe for his saltpetre refused, no such order for the same being found in the books as was pretended, and if he had allowance on his former bargain it was not by order of Court, and had never been allowed to others. As to the price to be put on pepper at the General Court in the afternoon, ordered that henceforth all pepper be screened before delivery, the great quantity of dust found in the bags being a discredit to the commodity and a great advantage to the Dutch where they and the English meet; resolved that the pepper be mingled, seven bags of Jambi with one of Bantam, and that the price be set at 15½ d. per lb., to be underwrit in 20 lots, on condition that all be underwrit. The cloves to be sold by the candle, at 10s. per lb., and to be sifted before delivery. Messrs. Maperley and Francklyn, two of the farmer's deputies, for good service in discovering the landing of private goods out of the Palsgrave, gratified with 3l., which they conceived too little and "at present refused." Mr. Muschamp acquitted of John Boulter's charge that he had received 1,000 Rs. of 8 at Jacatra and not brought it to account, it appearing, on report of Mr. Handson, the Auditor and of Mr. Verneworthy, untrue; the delivery of his goods, money, and debts ordered, and to clear all reckonings on his paying the fine of 200l. for his private trade. |
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Minutes of a General Court. Report of Mr. Governor how it was thougt fit to dispose of the pepper, being 2,000 bags, and 127 hhds. of cloves now brought home in the Palsgrave, that there was daily expectation of the arrival of six Dutch ships with a great quantity of pepper and cloves, but God had given the Company the benefit of the market by sending this ship home first; still they must not expect any divisions out of this return, which was reserved for lessening the Company's debt and enabling them to set out some more ships this year. Mr. Governor propounded the course thought on by the Court of Committees for disposal of the pepper, which was confirmed, so as 2,000 bags should be underwrit by Monday next. Offer of Mr. Smethwike of 9s. 6d. per lb. for the whole parcel of cloves; but it was resolved to keep up the price to 10s., with liberty to any man to underwrite for 5 or 10 hhds., to be transported at five, six months' time, so that the subscription exceed not the moiety of the whole parcel; and divers of the adventurers (sedente Curia) underwrote in the book of sales. |
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July 27. Gratuity of 40s. and a suit of apparel bestowed on Launce Lanum, who had served the Company as apprentice seven years without wages, and come now home in the London. Acton's bill of 9l. 13s. to be paid. JosephBrand and Richard Freshwater accepted as security for calicoes; Sir Hugh Hamersley and Andrew Coggan for 5 hhds. of cloves; and Sir Morris Abbott and Lewis Roberts for another 5 hhds. cloves; ordered that the goods be delivered to them. Bill
of 4l. 14s. of Edmund Chambers, Master of the Company's barge, for journeys to Erith and back with the Committees for unlading the Palsgrave, to be paid. Committees intreated to command Lewkenor Petley, Steward of the Palsgrave, Capt. Hall, and the Purser before them, and examine a gross abuse informed to have been committed in making false entries of the expenses of wine and provisions in said ship, by command of Capt. Hall and the Purser. |
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Minutes of a Court of Sales. Report of Mr. Governor that only 15 out of 20 lots of pepper were underwritten, and therefore he proposed whether they that had underwrit should have their lots, and what should be done with the rest; after discussion, in regard there is great store of pepper in the Low Countries and six ships daily expected there from Jacatra, and the London here from Bantam, ordered that the time set at the last General Court begin from the 24th Aug. on a new subscription on the former terms, and that liberty be given to write for more than 20 lots and to discount on the conditions set forth. Sixty hhds. of cloves having been sold at 10s. per lb. to transport, resolved to sell the remainder, about 50 hhds. in town garbled at 11s. per lb., none to underwrite for less than 5 hhds.; 2 hhds. of wet cloves put to the candle and sold to Tho. Jesson at 7s. 2d. per lb. to transport. 12½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIII., 16–28.] |
July 31.
Bantam. |
289. William Hoare to John Skibbowe. Shortly after the Star's arrival from Macassar, Messrs. Allison and Waller delivered into his custody a small box of Skibbowe's containing gold chains to the amount of 1,145 ryals, which he has no means to convey to him by reason of the Materans forces trying to intercept all passengers for Jacatra, so that he durst not adventure it on the small prow which conveys this to find transport on the Dutch, but intends to leave it with Messrs. Pinson and Coulson sealed, to be delivered to Skibbowe's assign or sent for Surat by first fitting opportunity. He will soon partake of the news of Europe, and how the Company have revived their depressed Joint Stock, and will wish (with Hoare) he had left the cloves behind, seeing the Company have sent means to clear their Stock's engagements, and to erect it as it ought from the reach of a particular voyage. Hopes to meet him in England, where he is resolved this year with five laden ships, viz., the Star and Hopewell in November, and the Mary and Speedwell in January with himself in the Jewel, and where, from the favour the Company have lately shown him in their advices, he awaits the worst of crafty insulters. 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1440.] |
July 31.
Bantam. |
290. William Hoare to President Joseph Hopkinson, Surat. Besides what is comprised in our general letter of this date, has nothing to write save of the stores so carelessly left by Skibbowe and Banggam after consumption and waste of a great part thereof in the ship. His last advised how he had disposed of the remainder to Jambi, Macassar, and Japara; has as yet had neither answer nor return from Messrs. Pearse, Martin, and Williamson to whom consigned, but all are appointed for this place; the proceeds
whereof, he being resolved for England, shall be left in custody of Messrs. Pinson and Coulson to be sent to Surat. Will not fail to perform any offices of a friend in England, wherein Hopkinson shall please to use him. ½ p. [O. C., Vol. XIV., No. 1441.] |
