East Indies, China and Japan: July 1619

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1870.

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'East Indies, China and Japan: July 1619', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621, (London, 1870) pp. 282-287. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol3/pp282-287 [accessed 19 April 2024]

July 1619

June 30- July 3. 700. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Agreement with Robt. Tanckmore to build a ship at Shoreham. July 2.-Concerning the disturbances and innovations intended at the Court of Election, it is held an unfit time for any alterations, especially now the Dutch are in England, who expect present conference ; and if the Commissioners be changed there must be a new commission procured ; the inconveniences. This "disturbance" attributed to "gentlemen who, having been taken into the Company by courtesy, do aim to get all the government into their hands," which is a business proper only for merchants. Evils that may arise and resolution thereon. Desire of the generalty to have auditors chosen from among themselves ; resolved to offer four or six, as they please, "as a means to take away all exceptions, and to dash and quell all other plots, because nothing is done by the Company but will justify itself." Exceptions taken to the interpretation of the Company's patent, that all business is to be managed by the committees, which the generalty intend to have altered ; resolution to let it sleep in silence until such a suit be set on foot ; and exceptions having also been taken against gratifications to the Governor, deputy, and committees, resolved to suppress all such motions for the present, leaving them to another general court. James Cartwright entertained a factor with a salary of 60l., rising 10l. per annum for seven years ; and Joseph Cockram at 100l. wages the first year, 150l. the second, and 200l. the third year, and so to rest for seven years. Minutes of a general Court. Speech of the Governor ; as to the desire of many of the generalty to have the elections in a different manner than formerly ; also as to the dissatisfaction with their accounts ; expect men to be chosen to audit them either with or without the other auditors. Sir Thos. Smythe desires the Company to elect a governor fit to do them service, he being old and wishing to retire ; whereupon Lord Digby made known that he was commanded to deliver a message from his Majesty "upon complaint of my Lords his Majesty's Commissioners and the rest of the English Commissioners, that they found too great advantage against them in this treaty with the Dutch ; that the King esteems the East India Company a great ornament and strength unto his kingdoms, whom he hath and will maintain, wishing them to proceed comfortably in their trade, which only increaseth when all other trades decay ; and doubteth not to procure them in some convenient time their own desires in the Indies, which, if the Dutch should deny, that quarrel should be no longer the Company's, but of the State ; and that if the Dutch hold not good correspondency with his subjects beyond the line, he will not hold any with them here, willing the Lords of his Majesty's Council to take knowledge of his resolution, and to cause an act of Council to be entered to make it appear to be his act, approving the government of this Company (which he hath taken knowledge of) to have been hitherto very good, and performed with much quietness, not doubting but business have been carried well, with great content unto the general Company, and many of them having had often and free access to him, he knows the 'factes' of some of them well-Sir Thos. Smythe and some others-and will not have any alteration of them." Lord Digby's own opinion. Sir Thos. Smythe, Sir Geo. Bowles, Alderman Halliday, and Alderman Johnson nominated for the governor's place. A ballot-box presented by John Holloway, but the author blamed for interrupting the course intended by so gracious a message from his Majesty ; the box taken away, and the elections proceeded with, without any alteration or innovation. Sir Thos. Smythe chosen governor, and Morris Abbott deputy-governor, who, with Christopher Clitherowe and William Towerson, were put in nomination. William Harrison chosen treasurer, Christ. Clitherowe having also been "put into election." Discussion as to the election of committees. Sir Dudley Diggs, Sir John Wolstenholme, Sir Wm. Russell, Sir Wm. Smith, Sir John Suckling, Sir John Merrick, and Sir Edwin Sandys, Knts., and Levinus Muncke chosen ; also Thos. Styles, Rich. Fishborne, Anthony Abdye, Wm. Towerson, Rich. Venne, and Hump. Slanye. Necessity of retaining the three committees in commission from his Majesty with the Dutch States Commissioners. Alderman Halliday, Robt. Bell, and Humpbrey Handford continued committees accordingly ; also Burrell for building ships, and Salmon for rigging and entertainment of mariners. Ralph Freeman desiring to be left out, the following were chosen committees to make up the 24, the number limited by patent :-Sheriff Hamersley, Robt. Offley, Nicholas Leate, Reig. Grene, Robt. Bateman, Thos. Westrowe, Edward James, Wm. Stone, Chr. Clitherowe, Henry Garway, Nich. Crispe, Geo. Kirbye, and Thos. Munne. Auditors chosen from generalty :-Robt. Ducye, Thos. Bonest, Hen. Robinson, Jo. Couchman, Edmund Scot, and Robt. Jefferies ; also the following officers :-Mountney, husband ; Ellam and Lanman, account keepers ; Francis Sadler, secretary ; and John Grimston, beadle ; all re-elected. Motion to have surgeons of skill provided for the voyage chosen with the approbation of Surgeons' Hall. July 3.-Alteration in appointments of committee-men for the superintendence of various services. Court days to be altered to Wednesdays and Fridays, as heretofore. [Six pages and a quarter. Court Bk. IV., 376-382.]
July 5. From the Court at Oatlands. 701. Sec. Calvert to Carleton. The treaty between the English and States Commissioners will be concluded this week. It is in effect but a suspension or prorogation of the treaty to a longer and more fitter time ; in the meantime both parties are to trade peaceably, abstaining from all acts of hostility and violence, without prejudice to the right of either. This falls out much contrary to the expectation of those which by this breach should have received advantage. [Holland Corresp.]
1619. July 11. Loughton. 702. Earl of Pembroke to Carleton. The States Ambassadors will take their leave on Wednesday (14th) next at Theobald's, and dine with the King. Is exceeding glad that the East India differences be so well accommodated, and hopes it is a beginning of further good. [Extract from Holland Gorresp.]
July 11. St. Stephen's. 703. Sir Peter Manwood to Lord Zouch. The Indian Commissioners on both parts sealed [the treaty] on Wednesday [7th July] ; one article is, that either part must stand to the harms received before they be advertised hereof. The English merchants doubt all is not well, because they hear not from thence ; and it is confessed some great matter is happened between them. [Extract from Domestic Corresp. Jac. I, Vol. CIX., No. 129, Cal., p. 60.]
July 13. Masulipatam. 704. George Ball to Thos. Kerridge. The Peppercorn has arrived, one of Sir Thos. Dale's fleet, forced by extremity of weather from the rest, which were riding at Engano in quest of what was lost in the Sun. She brought a letter from the Cape from Thos. Barwick, with news of the death of the Queen of England and Sir Walter Ralegh, and the overthrow of his project ; also that the two companies of Holland and England were united, and that he had letters for the two Presidents. The news may be true, but Ball can give no credit to it. He also writes that eight more ships are to follow out of England, and as many out of Holland. If Kerridge has certain news, begs he will send it by express to this factory, that they may the better know how to rule themselves. [One page. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 805.]
July 15. London. 705. Chamberlain to Carleton. The East India Company with some difficulty have chosen Sir Thos. Smythe their Governor this year. The King sent them word it was not fit to remove him, now that he had taken so great pains in the treaty, and that the Articles had been ratified under his hand as Governor. [Extract from Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CIX., No. 133, Cal., p. 62.]
July 16. 706. Copy of the ratification of the treaty between the English and the Dutch concerning trade in the East Indies. (See ante, No. 679.) Printed in Recueil des Traits. III., p. 156. Endorsed by Sir Joseph Williamson. [Holland Corresp.]
July 17. 707. Thos. Locke to Carleton. Sec. Naunton says that the carriage of this (the East India) business had stirred all them that had any dependence upon Spain or France. The King has knighted Gogh, Van der Dussen and Liens, and they have been feasted in Court and city. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
July 17. Madrid. 708. Fras. Cottington to Sec. Naunton. Advertisement from the Spanish secretary in England, that the Hollanders and the English are agreed for a joint trade to the East Indies. It will be very ill news here. [Extract from Corresp. Spain.]
1619. July 17 to Oct. 3. 709. John Bickley's journal of his second voyage in the Charles from Cape Agulhas and the island of Molala [Mohilla], being the first land he saw after passing Cape Agulhas, to the Bar of Surat. [Three pages. O.C., Vol VII., No. 806.]
July 19. 710. Patent conferring on John de Goch, councillor of Zutphen, one of the States Commissioners, the order of knighthood, for his skill, prudence, and courtesy towards the King in the management of the recent treaty between Holland and the East India Company. [Latin. One page. Domestic Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CIX., No. 143, Cal., p. 64.]
July 19. The Hague. 711. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. Was heartily glad to be able to give the States and his Excellency (the Prince of Orange) assurance of the King's satisfaction in their proceedings here, as likewise that our two great breaches in the East and in the North are, by his Majesty's dexterous handling of a work so full of difficulty, so well repaired, though but for a time. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
July 21-30. 712. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Upon complaint that no notice is given when Courts are held, "no Courts have been kept this fortnight, by reason of the business with the Dutch." Fras. Sadler is instructed to write to each of the committees the days for set Courts every week. Resolution concerning the general auditors, and how to proceed with the accounts. "Kindnesses" to two Dutchmen who are to sail in the Bull when Joseph Cockram sets forward with letters and commission, as the like may be expected by English factors sent to Amsterdam, to proceed to the Indies. Jas. Cartwright to make himself ready for Amsterdam within fourteen days. 96,000 ryals of eight to be sent in the Bull. Resolved to send 20,000 ryals of eight in the Dutch ship. John King recommended as a factor. Concerning the payment of 50l. intended by Richard Cocks, a factor in the Indies, for relief of his brother, Walter Cocks, a poor man ; his brother the preacher willing to keep Walter on certain conditions ; the money to be delivered to Sir Thos. Hewet and Sir Thos. Wilson for Walter's benefit. Petition of James Demaistres, brewer. Petition of Mary, wife of William Hockeridge, master in the Thomas, to the Moluccas, craving 30l., part of her husband's wages, "to make a final end and conclusion of the troublesome business depending betwixt her husband and the Frenchmen." Letter to Captain Jourdain at Bantam, condemning the negligent carriage of George Ball and the factors for not having given better advice of the state of the business in those parts, and informing him of the union and agreement concluded with the Dutch, commanding peace and love betwixt them hereafter, and directing what to have done concerning the prosecution of trade, and all other matters to be established by a Council of War. The question of prizes to be left wholly to the care of the Council of War there. Plan of the ground at Deptford, which Mr. Salmon desired to have a lease of for building upon, allowed. July 23.-The lease to Mr. Salmon to be suspended. Orders concerning coral procured at Leghorn ; and the auditors appointed by the generalty for the accounts. The adventurers in the fourth voyage to satisfy their debt to the joint stock. Two letters read, to be sent to Sir Thos. Dale and Capt. Parker in the Indies, with advertisement of the peace with the Dutch, and directions to Sir Thos. Dale to take the command of the first fleet that shall be jointly set forth by the English and Dutch, of sixteen or twenty good ships of war, to prosecute trade on the coast of Malabar, and endeavour to open and enlarge trade with the Chinese by the advice of a Council of Defence, himself to be one if not employed at sea. No copies of the articles of agreement to be given to any, lest they be made known to the Portugals. The articles to be read to the committees, but not to be left in the counting-house for any of the generalty to see at their pleasures, to take notes to publish them abroad. Desire of his Highness the Prince to adventure 6,000l. "very willingly yielded to." Seeing by the articles of agreement that ships of war are to be maintained in the Indies, which in time will require repairs, especially careening, Richard Furbusher is appointed for this service. July 30.-Letter read from Capt. Adams from the Downs, for further power and authority to be granted to him to deal with Portugal or other ships not tolerated by the Company ; he is to avoid all quarrels. Proceedings at Deptford and Blackwall. Abraham Binyon dismissed all his employments for dishonest practices ; Wm. Philipps recommended to succeed him. Abuses of Geo. Hall and some others. Petition of Amos Spurgin, who put his shoulder out of joint by a fall. Brownelow recommended as a factor to proceed with Cartwright in the Dutch ship. The Court reminded by Sir Dudley Diggs to consider of some special person of judgment, discretion, and sufficiency "to moderate such attempts as may be supposed will be enterprised by the Dutch in the Indies." Mr. FitzHerbert, a gentleman of very good worth, Mr. Pennington, Sir Ed. Horwood, Sir John Hambden, and Capt. Thompson, all known to be very worthy men, referred for consideration. Sir Dudley Diggs and Sir Clement Edmondes return their best thanks for the Company's kindness to them. Concerning a conference with Sir James Cunningham and Sir C. Edmondes as to the revival of the Patent for Scotland to trade in the East Indies, notwithstanding all that has been done to disannul it. The Lords Commissioners and others having been gratified for their great pains in this last treaty with the Dutch, 200l. is voted as a gratuity to the Governor, 150l. to the Deputy Governor, and 100l. each to Alderman Haliday, Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Bell, and Mr. Handford. Wm. Phillippes appointed measurer of timber at Blackwall, in the room of Binyon, displaced. [Seven pages and a half. Court Bk. IV., 382-389.]
July 31. London. 713. Chamberlain to Carleton. The English Commissioners for the East India business have been well paid for their pains, having had presents from both sides. Lord Digby and Sir Foulke Greville had each a basin and ewer of gold, of the value of 300l., from the States, and a chain of gold, of the like value, from the English East India Company. Knows not how many more had their part au gateau in proportion. The Company have dispatched a good ship, the Bull, with letters to the Indies to give notice to both sides of this agreement, but our men begin to murmur and misdoubt that all is not well there, seeing we cannot hear or see any return thence all this year. [Extract from Domestic Corresp., Vol. CIX., Jac. I., No. 161, Cal., p. 68.]