|
| July 2. |
579. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Complaint of Henry Askwith against Mr. Hurt for certain abuses, referred to the examination of Messrs. Spurstowe and Mustard. ½ p. [Ct. Min. Bk., XIV., 358, 359.] |
| July 2. |
580. Minutes of a General Court of Election of the East India Company. The contents of a letter received from President Methwold and the Factors in Surat imparted to the Generality by Mr. Governor, which he is sorry doth not answer their expectations; it advised the sending home of the Mary [see No. 539], the hope to make good benefit by trade at Sumatra, and the great debt owing in India, but did not advertise whether the old debt be satisfied, which doth not a little perplex their affairs and makes them fear that though an ancient Factor in India [Fremlyn] did persuade them to expect great matters from him, yet he is not the man they took him for, but will deceive their expectations; but it may be the next letters will give them better satisfaction. Falling to the work of the day the Court nominated Sir Morris Abbott, Sir. Hugh Hammersley, and Sir James Cambell, but by erection of hands the choice fell again upon Sir Morris Abbott to be Governor for the year ensuing, who returned his hearty thanks for their favour and great expression of their loves, promising to employ his best endeavours for the good of the Company, and as a further tie upon him remembered the good directions given in the morning by Mr. Shute in his sermon, which he promised by God's assistance to follow and observe, and so took the oath of Governor and again took his chair. Aldermen Clitherowe, Garwaie, Abdi, and Andrewes nominated, but by erection of hands the choice fell again upon Alderman Clitherowe to be Deputy Governor. Robt. Bateman, John Langham, and John Williams nominated, but the choice, by erection of hands, fell again upon Robt. Bateman to be Treasurer, who thanked the Court for their loves, but would have thanked them more if they had now spared him, yet promised to be as good a husband for them as possibly he can. Six new Committees also chosen, viz., Abraham Reynardson, Tho. Bownest, Ric. Davies, Wm. Garwaie, Tho. Burnell, and Matthew Cradock, and the following old Committees continued for the ensuing year, viz., Sir Hugh Hammersley, Aldermen Fenn, Garwaie, Abdi, Perry, and Andrewes, and Messrs. Styles, Mun, Milward, Langham, Mustard, Spurstowe, Gayre, Cockayne, Williams, Harby, Armitage, and Keridge. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 1–3.] |
July 2.
Westminster. |
581. Letters Patent to William Bolton, Grocer, his executors, administrators, or assigns. Granting license for 14 years for the sole right of making dust of indigo, from the East Indies into indigo, and bringing rich indigo, which few have attained to the right use of, in regard of its hardness, into the nature of flat indigo by soaking and grinding, the art and mystery whereof he was the first and true inventor, yielding the yearly rent of 40 marks at the receipt of the Exchequer; with power with the assistance of a Constable or other officer, to search any suspected place or house for discovery of such as use said invention. Provided that if at any time it shall appear to his Majesty, his heirs or successors, or to the Privy Council, that this grant is contrary to law or mischievous to the State or generally inconvenient, then on signification under the Signet or
Privy Seal, or from six or more of the Privy Council in writing, this grant shall be void. Enrolled in the office of the Clerk of the Pipe 30th Oct. 1634. 1 skin of parchment. [Dom. Chas. I. Case B., No. 18, see also Patent Roll, 10, Car. I, pt. 3, No. 25.] |
| July 9. |
582. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Request of Potter, father-in-law to Giffard, Factor at Surat, for part of his wages; ordered that, seeing they found themselves exceedingly abused by their Factors abroad, that henceforth no part of their wages, more than the third allowed them in the Indies, be paid to them or their friends till their return home or notice of their deaths, that the Company may have some tie upon them. Messrs. Styles and Mun desired to buy such a proportion of deal boards for Blackwall as they should think fit, with advise not to make a larger provision than necessary. Information of a parcel of 500 loads of timber offered to the Company, but resolved to defer expending any money herein until the arrival of ships. Report that divers unnecessary men are at work at Blackwall, Committees appointed to displace all such as they conceive superfluous. Note read by Mr. Governor from a private hand, of the Company's officers and servants, propounding that some of them with large salaries the Court should not receive any gratifications, and whether some might not be suspended; but the Court not being full, deferred to next meeting when a list of all their officers and servants are to be presented. Ordered that the 21 barrels of old powder returned amended by Mrs. Collins be proved, and if it appear she has performed the work well, then Fotherby to deliver her 40 barrels more. Ordered that Mr. Treasurer deliver to Anthony Biddulph a triangle sapphire belonging to his brother, William Biddulph, which he sent by Mr. Rosse into the Indies, and on his death was returned to the Company. Serious consideration of their affairs abroad and the many discouragements by their particular advices lately received from their President and Factors from Surat and Persia, as in particular the insupportable debt of 100,000l. and upwards which they owed at interest at Surat, the continuance of the mortality and scarcity of commodities there, and the breach of the King of Persia in not performing his contract with the Company, whereby they are like to receive little or no return of silk this year. Divers of opinion to desert the Trade of Persia absolutely, considering the case was not now as it was in the time of the old King, who although he were as all other princes are covetous, and whose favours are to be maintained with bribes and large presents, yet he much affected the English, and was constant and faithful in performance of his promises and contracts, which they now find otherwise in this young King; nevertheless, considering they had a great estate in Persia, the Court was of opinion not to desert the trade altogether on the sudden but by degrees, until they may get their estate out of the country, and so ordered that there be a cessation of buying any more broad cloths, the 700 already bought being conceived sufficient for this year. And for the debt of 100,000l. at Surat the Court much admired, considering the great estate they had sent
thither both by Capt. Weddell's fleet and Methwold himself, whereby to have extinguished the same, of which no part is yet returned, and therefore they believed there was a mere mistaking in Methwold's letter, or that they are extremely abused by their Factors, the certainty whereof they cannot know till the return of their accounts by the Mary, which may daily be expected, till when they cannot well resolve how to compose their business for those parts, but the Court was generally of opinion to send but one ship and a pinnace this year for Surat. The providing of a ship for Coromandel and dispeeding her by Michaelmas considered, in which case she may serve for Bantam as well, but both this and the dissolving of their fort at Armagon left to further consideration. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 4–7.] |
July 11.
Bantam. |
583. Agent John Ling and Council to Richard Hopkins. To receive into his ship John Shiveshort, Frenchman, with his attendants and necessaries, and lodge him in the great cabin, giving him courteous usage, but by no means let neither him nor his attendants go ashore at any place before his return to Bantam, on forfeiture of his wages. Signed by John Ling, Christopher Reade, Gerrald Pinson, Robert Coulson, and Rich. Barnabe. Endorsed, "from the Agent and Council concerning John Shevesha." ½ p. [O. C., Vol. XV., No. 1530.] |
| July 11. |
584. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. The business of unnecessary servants at Blackwall again taken into consideration. Question whether the materials of the Great James will countervail the charge of breaking her up. Consideration whether to furnish the yard with timber, it being represented there will be a necessity to build ships because of all the great ships abroad, none but the Mary will make another voyage; argued whether to build as formerly, or by the great which by some was thought to be the more profitable, but nothing at present resolved on. The state of the Company to the northwards taken into consideration and argued what should become of the stock that hath been yearly sent since Mr. Wylde came home, and what ground there may be that the debt is so much increased, and still rests unpaid; for in the Charles' fleet there went 40,000l. in gold, and 55 chests of silver, besides cloth and other goods, and an express order to pay said debt; from Surat to Persia there went of that cargazoone 200 cloths, 100 churles of indigo, 14 chests of silver, and three or four ships have been laden for the southwards; and Methwold found at his arrival 180,000l. stock in the country. Proposed that the Auditors take the balance of account left by Wylde, and examine what hath been yearly sent, and how disposed of, either for the southwards, Persia, or lading ships homewards, and then it will appear what ground there is for the debt; some being of opinion that the debt made by Wylde was extinguished, and a new debt entered into to provide goods for the southwards. Proposed to send this year one ship about the end of September for Bantam and thence to the coast, and so save the charge of two ships; Steevens and Swanley ordered to look out two or three ships in the river of 200 or 300 tons, and not
to stand upon the draught of water, treat with the owners and report to the Company; and for stock Mr. Governor proposed the greatest part to be sent may be ready money. Four books balanced for the provisions and stores for the first and second voyages presented by John Mountney, who declared that the books for the third voyage are perfected for all stores outwards, but stand open to balance up with the stores returned, that the books for the Second and Third Stocks are behind for two years, which he was ordered forthwith to dispatch so far as he can go. The freight of ½ cwt. round pepper brought home in the William remitted to Wm. Powell, Steward's Mate, and the goods ordered to be delivered. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 8, 9.] |
July 12.
Bantam. |
585. Commission and Instructions from Agent John Ling, Christopher Reade, Gerald Pinson, Robert Coulson, and Ri. Barnabe to Richard Hopkins, Commander of the Comfort, consigned for the west coast of Sumatra. To sail for Port Selebar, and then to take employment as thought convenient by Ric. Barnabe and Council. To furnish the merchants ashore with men and munition sufficient for their defence and have always his men and boats ready. Confer on Hopkins the government of his men and ship and refer him to his commission from their employers. Have enordered Barnabe to give the men the same allowance in harbour as they allow in Bantam. Desire a good correspondency betwixt him and the merchants, and in regard Mr. Barnabe is one of their council that he may demand any provisions in the ship, for which he shall be answerable at his return. Have written to Norbury, Master of the Reformation, to furnish him with carpenters and cask nails. Advise him to be very s cautious of strangers' force or flattery, keeping his ship at all times provided and his people on board. To cause a prohibition against buying black pepper to be publicly made; are resolved to use all extremes published in their order against private trade. If it please God to take him out of this life, election of his successor to be made by general consultation of merchants, Purser, and all the ship's officers. Having laden all goods the merchants think fit, and when they think most requisite, to make all convenient haste hither. 2 pp. [O. C., Vol. XV., No. 1531.] |
| July 16. |
586. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Committee to audit Mountney's account. Gratuity of 5s. to Mary, widow of Thomas Whitfield, drowned in the Morris. Considering that Ducy lately bought 500 loads of timber in Essex and 200 or 300 from the Earl of Dover; resolved to defer buying any more for a month. Statement by the Auditors that the debt left by Wylde was but 47,000l., yet they had computed that with interest it would amount ere it could be discharged to 60,000l. and upwards, but could not conceive how it should arise to 100,000l.; yet they were required against next Court to examine what had been yearly sent since and how disposed of, that the Court may understand the ground of so great a debt. Relation by Mr. Treasurer that there is a debt due from Burlamachi ever since Christmas last, for which Sir Wm. Russell is bound, who said the Company might satisfy themselves by Burlamachi's stock; but
the Court took notice Burlamachi passed away his stock before said debt grew due; Mr. Treasurer was intreated to speak with Sir William to satisfy the Company, or procure Burlamachi to pay in the debt. Inventories presented by Swanley of three ships, viz., the John and Barbary of 260 tons, built about Easter 1632, price, with apparrel, &c. 1,530l.; the Agreement of 260 tons, price 1,550l., both built at Ipswich; and the Ark of London, 340 tons, three years old, price 2,700l.; also the Industry, 360 tons, a proper ship, drawing 16 foot water and five years old, price 2,600l.; he declared the John and Barbary to be fittest for the Company's service. King, the Master, being called in said she had been employed two summers to Newcastle and one voyage to Norway, and had 16 standing wainscott cabins; he demanded 1,550l., but descended to 1,470l.; the Court offered 2,000 marks, which he refused; Swanley directed to persuade him to embrace this offer. Request of Mr. Moorewood to sell 17 hhds. of wet cloves in town, because he cannot have import allowed him upon transportation, refused. Half the freight of 150 lbs. of Benjamin sent home by Wm. Bradbent, Mate of the Speedwell, remitted to his wife. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 10, 11.] |
| July 17. |
587. Notes by Sec. Nicholas of business to be done by the Lords of the Admiralty. "To take some resolution concerning sundry provisions lent long since to the East India Company and other merchants." [Extract, Dom., Chas. I., Vol. CCLXXII., No. 1.] |
| July 18. |
588. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Request of Mr. Deputy for 300 or 400 foot of one-inch elm plank out of the Company's stores, granted, paying ready money for same. Representation by Smethwyke of a great complaint from Hamburg of the weight, quality, and false packing of saltpetre sold to Mr. Kipp and whether he should come to the Court for satisfaction; answered they sold it fairly, samples of each sort being taken, and the Court saw no cause for the buyers to expect any reparation. Calculation presented by Smethwyke of the Company's stock to the northwards; showing the debt paid and the Mary laden for England, would yet remain 100,000l.; delivered to the Auditors to be examined against next Court. Relation by Mr. Governor that the cause of calling this Court was to buy a ship for the southwards, which if not speedily dispeeded would not serve both for Bantam and the coast; and because at last Court some were for buying the John and Barbary, and others the Industry, a ship of greater burden, and as was conceived a better pennyworth, he proposed to go forward with the one and leave the other; but the Master and part owner of the Industry being absolutely unwilling to sell the ship unless thrust out by the rest of the owners, the Court taking knowledge from Swanley that the John and Barbary had been viewed and found very sufficient, agreed with the Master by erection of hands to give 1,400l., and to bestow 20l. upon the Master for his goodwill, who promised forthwith to deliver her at Blackwall. And on Swanley's opinion that it would be necessary to double sheath her, make a new rudder, lengthen her yards and forecastle, make new bits, and
some other work of small charge; ordered that she be forthwith brought into dock, and no more work done than absolutely necessary, that the great cabin be not altered, nor any more standing cabins made, only hanging cabins, nor any painting or guilding except to refresh former work, but to tar her over to preserve and make her look handsome. Resolved that she should carry 40 men and 16 pieces of ordnance, Mountney required to make a proportion of victuals for 20 months, and Swanley to appoint fitting ordnance, that carriages be forthwith made ready; and Messrs. Styles and Mun intreated to take care that all expedition be used. 2 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 12–14.] |
| July 23. |
589. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. The ship lately bought of Mr. King brought into dock at Blackwall, Stevens ordered to use all possible expedition, doing only such things as are expressed in writing, and to make a computation thereof against next Court; the ship "styled by the name of the Expedition." Complaint of Henry Askwith against Mr. Hurt again examined, and in particular concerning Mrs. Norbury, in regard of a great loss by a bargain of China roots which Hurt and Richard Flower bought of her two years since. Further charges of Askwith against Hurt for lending 10l. to David White to pay at his return from India 25l., and other sums to Peter Dunn and at least 20 other persons from whom he had bonds of this kind; Hurt said he hoped he had done no more than he might, but the Court found he had tied their heirs and executors also, besides the supplying men with money before their going out, is a prime cause to maintain private trade so hurtful to the Company; further charges against Hurt, at his entrance to his place for abuses in gathering in debts of runaways. The Court, remembering that in the time of Alderman Halliday, Hurt had been questioned for like abuses and exactions, and knowing how much it concerned them in point of honour and in discharge of their duties and oaths not to let pass such notorious and gross offences in their officers and servants without due punishment, put it to the question by the balloting box whether Hurt be displaced from his employment, and by 13 balls to three he was displaced. Mr. Cappur, of whose honesty, fidelity, and sufficiency the Court has had 20 years' experience, chosen to supply that place, with the salary of 80l. formerly allowed to Hurt, but with condition that his salary as Remembrancer and assistant to their Secretary, henceforth cease, howbeit, in the absence of their Secretary he should give attendance on the Court of Committees. Note called for by Mr. Governor of late privately presented to him from a person of quality, propounding that the great salaries of some of their officers be lessened, and that others be spared. List presented by the Secretary of all their officers and servants with their particular salaries; resolved to reduce Mr. Tynes' salary from 100l. to his former proportion of 80l. in regard his extraordinary pains of keeping several books for the particular voyages, is now almost past. Next in regard their business grew every day less and less, and Mr. Handson had formerly declared his willingness to relinquish his place as Auditor, a cessation of his 100l. per annum ordered
but hereafter, they will employ him before any other, if occasion offer. Allowance and salary to Richard Mountney, son to their husband, likewise recalled; also the salary of 50l. to Mr. Ducy, their timber measurer, when employed, they will pay him by the day. Total thus abated, with Cappur's 100 marks now extinguished, 256l. 13s. 4d. 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 14–18.] |
July 29.
Deptford. |
590. Kenrick Edisbury to Sec. Nicholas. Had speech yesterday with Lord Cottington about the note he delivered of certain goods due from the East India Company and others, wherein were mentioned many decayed anchors, &c. Thinks he will do well to move for a Privy Seal for their sale. [Extract, Dom. Chas. I., Vol. CCLXXII., No. 72.] |
| July 30. |
591. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. The allowance lately given for working of iron into anchors and other works raised by reason that iron had been at a higher rate, now that it has grown cheaper reduced to former rates. Swanley and Steevens to take view of the Revenge of London of 250 tons offered to the Company. Letter read from Young that divers goods had been landed out of the Exchange at Foulston and other creeks thereabouts, letter to be sent from the farmers to their deputies at Dover to seize any such goods and send them to London, with names of the owners and buyers, that the Company may as they intend proceed against them in the Star Chamber for their wilful contempt of his Majesty's proclamation; instructions to John Spiller to go down immediately with the fanner's letter, and join with Young in finding out the premises. In regard Mrs. Collins returned 41 of the 60 barrels of old powder new mended, but as there had not yet been a trial of their goodness, ordered that she receive 20l. on account, and 40 barrels more of old powder to be new mended. Petition of Mr. Hurt read, with two letters on his behalf from Sir Henry Mildmay expressing how much the Countess of Warwick, his mother-in-law, himself, and other friends were grieved that Mr. Hurt had been displaced from their service, in regard Hurt was the only officer that the late Alderman Halliday, Sir Henry's father-in-law, ever recommended on his credit, which will much reflect upon the honour of Alderman Halliday and totally ruin Mr. Hurt, being confident that Hurt's faults are personal, desiring that a compensation to the parties grieved may give satisfaction, and offering himself and other of Alderman Halliday's friends to be engaged to the Company for his future carriage; Hurt still insisted upon his innocency, but acknowledging his hearty sorrow for their displeasure, craving pardon for his faults, which proceeded not out of wilfulness but ignorance, and promising never to commit the like hereafter; resolved, after serious debate, out of regard for Sir Henry and for the honour they bear to the memory of Alderman., Halliday, to suspend the confirmation of their late act for displacing of Hurt for a month or two, and in the interim take a review of their former proceedings, and likewise to see what other complaints will come against him, that the Court may have the better ground to confirm what they have done already or receive him again into their favour; so ordered that Mr. Cappur elected in his room discharge that
place; the Secretary to acquaint Sir Henry with their resolution. Hurt having received a good sum of money for the poor, Committees intreated to examine his accounts, and cause what remains in his hand to be paid to Mr. Treasurer. Bill of Exchange of 47l. 10s. 3d. from Capt. Quayle, deceased, charged upon the Lord Treasurer for so much taken up by Capt. Quayle of the Company in the Indies, presented by Mr. Treasurer, ordered to be presented to the Lord Treasurer. Letter read from Messrs. Edisbury and Fleming, officers of the Navy, desiring that Walter Blackborne might work 50 or 100 tons of hemp into cordage for his Majesty before Christmas if the Company can spare him, and the use of their house for so long time; the Court having already provided cordage for their next fleet, willingly condescended, but required him to be warned to the Court on Friday next. Mr. Treasurer desired to make ready with as much conveniency as he can 10,000l. in ryals and 10,000l. in gold to be sent in the Expedition for Bantam and the coast. Fotherby to deliver as many as they could well spare of the stones brought home as ballast for paving the Tower dock, the city paying for them as they were worth. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XV., 18–22.] |
July 31.
Augustine Road, aboard the Jonas. |
592. Capt. Weddell to the East India Company. A truce was on their departure from Surat concluded with the Portugals, he being called to the conference with a Jesuit sent from the Viceroy of Goa to negotiate. It is referred to the Company and to the confirmation of the Kings of England and Spain, and if not allowed, six months given to either party to clear ships and merchants. Athwart Damon a Portugal in a curricurre came aboard, who would have had them stop at Goa to deliver the letters of the agreement to the Viceroy, but the year being late, delivered them to him and discharged his boat near St. John's. Sends copy of the President's commission, wherein he says it was but in agitation, as he supposes, because he would not have the notice public. Hopes it will be to their Worships' liking. ½ p. Abstract. 2 copies. [East Indies, Vol. IV., Nos. 114, 115.] |
