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Sept. 1.
Hague.
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1087. Sir Dudley Carleton. to Sec. Calvert. On Tuesday or
Wednesday next at the furthest the States will resolve of their
deputies to go into England, who, for anything he yet knows to the
contrary, will be the men he formerly named, Gogh, Muse, and
Joachimi, yet there may very well fall out some alteration, though
it was then as good as resolved, for in his Excellency's absence they
are like "rats en paille, chacun est maistre." [Extract from Holland
Corresp.]
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Sept. 1.
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1088. Extract from the "Journal of Banda," kept by Richard
Welden. That Thos. Dawkes is debtor for 50 ryals, disbursed to
the Dutch Governor for his release from prison after they had kept
him there twenty days, scarce allowing him bread and water, and
had used him more like a dog than a man. Extracted and attested
by Roger Mosse. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 985.]
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Sept. 3.
Batchian
(Moluccas).
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1089. Thomas Johnson to Wm. Nicolls in Malayo. Has been
afflicted with much sickness and is now hardly able to write. Has
often demanded the 500 ryals Nicolls sent to him but cannot
receive them. Wishes to God he had some one to speak Dutch or
Portuguese, for he is alone for any good Giles Cole can do him.
[One page. Vol. O.C., VIII., No. 982.]
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Sept. 5.
Hague.
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1090. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sec. Calvert. There are now pretenders
to go extraordinary in hope to remain as ordinary, the
burgomaster, Scott of Middelburg, who was last employed in England,
one Liens of Turgoes [? Tholen] (who was there before),
and Boreel, the Secretary of Zealand. To make way for this last,
old Boreel, now chosen one of the deputies for the East India Company
(whose younger son is advocate of the Company), knowing it
will not be permitted the father and two sons to go in the same
employment, doth excuse himself. In his place shall go for the
Company Beccar of Middelburg, Brower of Amsterdam, and
Noble of Rotterdam ; but for the States he may see as near as the
time grows of their sending at what uncertainty they are. Gogh,
being assistant to the old greffier Aerssens and expecting his reversion,
is easily persuaded to give way to any other (as there are
divers pretenders of his province of Guelderland), lest he should be
supplanted in his absence. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 5.
Hague.
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1091. Sir Dudley Carleton to John Chamberlain. The States
have not yet named their deputies for England, but are now about
it ; hopes the choice will please our men. It will be a hard matter
to remove the Dutch General in the Indies, who is the creature of
the chief of these directors, and they have extolled his sufficiency so
much, especially in trade, that all our men can say against him will
be thought to proceed of envy and private interest, though it is plain
he is an ill instrument betwixt the two Companies. [Extract from
Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 5-7.
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1092. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Treasurer
Bateman to pay in moneys in his hands due jointly to the Muscovy
and East India Companies. Money due to Middleton's orphans.
Mrs. Harrison's debt to both Companies called for ; also the money
due from Ralph Freeman. Musk to be sold. Lanman's report of
the state of Walter Mountford's account ; a course proposed to test
the truth thereof. Sir W. Russell's debt.
Sept. 7.-Freeman to pay in 2,000l. of his debt and give bills for
the remainder. Sir W. Russell's debt. Suit of Andrews on behalf
of the orphans of Edward Lutterford, deceased, touching his adventure
in the second joint stock. Order for payment of 1,000l. in full
for the Company's proportion for two years' contribution for pirate
money. Suit of Saunders to be admitted a freeman, he having
married one of the orphan daughters of Prescott, late a free brother
of the Company. Sir Thos. Smythe concerning his house adjoining
Crosby House (the East India House). Letter from Bagg from
Plymouth ; the Tryal expects a fair wind to be gone. Committee
appointed to order mast-making ; the ship at Blackwall, of about
300 tons, for 16l.; that at Deptford, of 600 tons, for 30l. Carver's
work referred to committee. Cloth to be bought. Wm. Waulker
elected porter. [Nine pages. Court Bk. V. 73-81.]
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Sept. 5-24
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1093. Examinations of Robert Gibones, Richard Bickes, John
Hall, Godfry Jacob, Rowland Lisborne, of the ship Ruby, taken in
the English House in Malayo, before Wm. Nicolls, agent, John
Alexander, master of the Ruby, John Perry, merchant, Peter Bell,
purser, and others, respecting deserters from the Ruby, and embezzling
of powder, &c. Confession of Gibones, "after he was
released from his torture the second time." [Eight pages. O.C.,
Vol. VIII., No. 987.]
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Sept. 7.
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1094. Richard Fursland and Thos. Brockedon to Capt. Fitzherbert.
Doubt not he will be ready to sail with the Dutch, his admiral, who
is gone abroad ; he is not to wait for "this ship," as they cannot
resolve thereon until the others arrive. No divisions to be made
with the Hollanders until Fitzherbert's return. [Half a page. O.C.,
Vol. VII., No. 986.]
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Sept. 10
to
March 11,
1622.
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1095. Consultations of the joint Council of Defence. In behalf of
the Netherlanders Company the Bantam, Admiral, Trowe, Hope,
Harlem, and Moyen, and in behalf of the English Company the
Moon, Vice-Admiral, Palsgrave, Elizabeth, Bull, and Peppercorn, to
sail from Firando to the Manillas, 21 Nov./1 Dec. ; the ships Moyen and
Peppercorn to sail within twenty days, the better to surprise the
China junks sailing to Manilla. All Chinese taken this voyage,
seeing how unfit it would be to bring them together in their ships,
for divers reasons expressed in former resolutions, to be set ashore in
Manilla or some other place thereabouts. In the Dutch Lodge at
Firando, 1621, Sept. 10.
The Council assembled by Wm. Johnson, admiral, to resolve what
was best to be done for the good of both Companies with the fleet,
and what ships shall be appointed to unlade the China junk taken
by the Bull ; also, whether to go with the rest of the ships to Cavita
to view the enemy's forces. By the departure of Wm. Johnson,
master of the Harlem, and Lebe Jacobson, master of the Swan, also
of two men from the Moyen and Peppercorn, four members of the
Council are wanting, whose places are to be supplied by Wynant
Balke, merchant of the Harlem ; John Vandmen, master of the
Hope ; Mathew Morton, master of the Peppercorn ; and John Johnson,
master of the Moyen. Aboard the Bantam, 1621, Dec. 11.
The Council assembled by Wm. Johnson to resolve what ships
should unlade a China junk taken by the Elizabeth, and the force
fitting to go for Cavita ; four ships employed in unlading the two
captured Chinese junks ; resolved that the remaining six ships go
to Cavita to discover the enemy's force. Aboard the Bantam, under
the island Maravilla, 1621, Dec. 17.
The enemy's force found to consist of six great and two small
ships, two galleons, and one frigate ; resolved to guard the bay with
four ships for preventing any of the enemy's vessels going for the
Moluccas, also to intercept any vessels or junks that might come in
for the bay. Also concerning the fleet taking in wood and water.
Aboard the Bantam in the bay of Manilla, 1621, Dec. 23.
Whether to use the Chinese junk taken by the Bull as an instrument
to fire the enemy's ships in Cavita, or to send her to the southward,
or to burn her ; it is thought impossible to fire the enemy's
ships without great danger and the loss of many men ; the junk
therefore ordered to the southward. The bay to be guarded with
nine ships. Instructions in case of the discovery of a sail or more,
under a penalty of 100 ryals of eight, to be paid to Robert Adames,
vice-admiral, at their arrival at Firando, or to Wm. Johnson, admiral.
Aboard the Bantam, at anchor in the bay of Manilla, 1621-2,
Jany. 15.
Information having been obtained that divers blacks and slaves had
run away from the Spaniards, and were keeping themselves in the
woods, in hope of getting to the English ships, and also that if the
fleet were nearer the town of Manilla or fort of Cavita many more
would come, being very hardly used, and rice exceeding dear,
resolution to anchor so near the town and Cavita as shall be fitting,
for the better getting aboard of such as might run away, and also to
see if the English and Dutch prisoners can be released for other
Spaniards ; also to send a white flag to speak with the Spaniards
concerning the English and Dutch prisoners. Ships appointed to
intercept the expected China junks. Aboard the Bantam, at anchor
before the castle of Cavita, 1621-2, January 30.
The Bull to take the place of the Peppercorn before the bay of
Pangasinan, to remain twenty days, and then return to the fleet to
Maravilla with all expedition. Aboard the Bull, at anchor on the
north side of Maravilla, 1621-2, March 3.
The Moyen not having returned at her appointed time on the
6th March, and the Bull having been despatched to the bay of Pangasinan
on the 4th for her relief, resolved to send the Harlem in
search, and in the event of not meeting with the Moyen but with
the Bull only, then to cast lots which ship shall remain at the bay
of Pangasinan, and which shall cross betwixt Witters Island and
the bay of Manilla. Aboard the Trowe, at anchor on the north
side of Maravilla, 1621-2, March 11. [Together six pages. O.C.,
Vol. VIII., No. 988.]
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Sept. 12-14
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1096. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Report by
the Governor of his interview with Lord Cranfield and the Lord
Admiral, whom he told that the Company would "in no sort meddle
with the furnishing or borrowing of the King's ships, but are much
disheartened in that they do not see the State constant to right
them, as it hath been first propounded to the Company ; and that if
they had not countenance from the State the trade must fall to the
ground, which perhaps it will not be so easy to set afoot again ;" no
hope to draw this Company into further charge. Lord Cranfield
forward to further the Company ; satisfaction to my Lord Admiral,
and the "honourable comfort" given by him to the Governor, by
whom he sent this message to the Company, "that they should
have their desire, and that he would presently move his Majesty for
them." Declaration of the Governor that the Company is extra-ordinarily
beholden to Lord Cranfield, in whom he found a real
willingness to procure them satisfaction. Summons from the Lords
to all the commissioners for the business of pirates, to attend their
Lordships to understand the King's pleasure, that the proportions of
his own and of merchants' ships shall be continued upon the Narrow
Seas, as it had been formerly against pirates. Noted by some of the
committee that this manner of arming to the Narrow Seas had proceeded
from the State, and was never pressed by the Company, who
had only made their general complaint to the State of the losses and
injuries they had sustained. Mr. Deputy's opinion touching the effect
of the staying of a Dutch ship : "then shall we also have restitution,
and in conclusion we shall either find an honest trade with them, or
else fall fairly from them, and find a better trade when we shall be
severed than we can have by joining with them." Edward Lee's
offer for part of goods in Russia. Hugh Catlyn, a prisoner in the
hole at St. Katherine's 11 weeks, to be released on giving security
to pay back imprest taken of the Company, and not going the
voyage. No preacher to be sent into the Indies until the Company
shall have treated with the Dutch. Request of the mother of
Richard Wickham, deceased, in the Indies, touching her right to the
goods of her son, whose executors are Sir Thos. Smythe and Capt.
Pring. Freeman's offer for the Muscovy goods ; also Mrs. Harrison's,
to pay what is due from her to the Company. Letters received from
Plymouth from the Tryal, that she sailed 4th present with 143 men
aboard. The time being at hand when the Dutch commissioners are
expected, it were very necessary that all things for the treaty should
be prepared and put in readiness ; report of the Governor's proceedings
with the Lord Admiral concerning the differences depending,
together with his Lordship's favourable answer and good respect
towards the Company, promising to perform all good offices on their
behalf. Two things considerable to be observed in the course
intended by the King and State to right the Company ; the charge
of the ships to be employed for six months in the narrow seas computed
about 24,000l. or 26,000l. for the King's ships, and 8,000l. for
the merchant ; the consequence twofold-either public if it should
beget a quarrel between the two States, or private if the Company
take the Dutch ships as they take theirs. Opinion of Mr. Deputy
concerning the course intended to right the Company ; wished them
to proceed without wavering, because, if these abuses be not redressed,
the sea being full of Dutch ships, theirs shall not be suffered
to go forth. Consideration how to begin with the treaty ; to insist
first upon restitution, then damages, and in the last place sovereignty.
The treaty would consist of two parts, form and matter ; "for the
form it was held fit that matter of several natures should be reduced
to certain heads, wherein all possible brevity was to be used ; * * * *
for the matter itself it was wished that only substantial matter, and
not trivial, may be insisted upon." All the Company's demands to
be set down, wherein it be remembered their ships detained by
the Dutch, which ought to be valued as they valued the Black Lion ;
and all the Company's complaints to the King and State to be made
good. Ellam and Lanman ordered to look up all notes, papers,
writings, petitions, instructions, and commissions, letters from the
Indies, or what else may be useful for the treaty.
Sept. 14.-Report of the good condition of the Tryal when she
put to sea. [Ralph] Freeman concerning goods bought of the Muscovy
and India Companies for 12,000l. Sir W. Russell's debt.
Direction to Capper, the Company's remembrancer, to put them in
mind that at the going out of the fleet now making ready for the
Narrow Seas they procure letters from the Lord Admiral for the safe
keeping together, and not embezzling or breaking bulk of any goods
that may come to their hands in any ships belonging to the Dutch
East India merchants as they shall by order arrest or stay at sea.
[Eight pages. Court Bk., V. 81-89.]
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Sept. 17.
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1097. Minutes of a court of committees to prepare for the treaty.
Motion by the Governor that commissioners for the treaty might be
thought on ; his opinion of what is fit to be insisted on, and in what
manner ; to avoid all trivial circumstances, and come roundly to the
point. Demands to be made of the Dutch, conceived by Lanman ;
for instance, taken in the Sampson and Hound, 100,000 dollars,
which would have produced 15,000l.; the like computation for the
other ships, wherein were taken by the Dutch 290,000 dollars, and
would have returned 400,000l. sterling, sic (?40,000l.). Form propounded
by Mr. Deputy for the demands. The invoices procured
from the Dutch by Sir Dudley Diggs and Mr. Deputy, held to be of
good consequence, to be made use of in the approaching treaty ;
difference in the estimates of the Dragon's cargo of pepper ; also in
that of the Sampson and Hound ; the restitution of goods brought
into Holland ; the valuation of the ordnance, of goods, provisions,
and stores ; also of the ryals taken in specie. The Governor's opinion
concerning the valuations of the above. Sir D. Diggs, Levinus
Muncke, Sir H. Marten, with the other commissioners, to meet and
inform themselves of the state of the business, that they may be
prepared for the same. Some of opinion to take no notice of the
Dutch commissioners on their arrival, but held fit to use them with
such humanity and courtesy as is usual upon the like occasions.
[Four pages. Court Bk. V. 89-93.]
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Sept. 17.
Hague.
|
1098. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sec. Calvert. The difficulty in
removing Langrac out of France, without much displeasure in that
court, hath overthrown the whole cabal, and the election is fallen
upon Aerssens himself and Bas of Amsterdam, in place of Gogh and
Muys, who were recommended by his Excellency and desired by the
East Indian Company. The procrastinations and delays do not
spring out of design or artifice, but out of the natural constitution
or rather imperfection of this State. Aerssens, Lord of Somersdike,
son of the greffier, made excuses, but they would not be admitted,
and in regard of his rank and abilities there is no exception against
the choice. Bas played a trick of legerdemain with Muys, by whom
he was employed for the gaining of voices, but used his credit
secretly for himself, and had only one more vote than Muys. The
States General no whit approve those of Holland for the choice of
this man, who being the chief director of this East India Company,
and more obnoxious than any other to ours, is too much interested
in the cause to be an indifferent arbitrator ; it is alleged in his favour
that he having most power with this East India Company can go
most amply instructed and best authorized. [Extract from Holland
Corresp.]
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Sept. 17.
Patani.
|
1099. John Jourdain to Edward Longe, chief factor in Siam.
Understands by his letter of 10th Aug. that Jacob Constance
has delivered to him 1,000 ryals of eight only one half of the
money is in copper ; that is a small matter, as if he cannot put it off
to the blacks Jourdain will make it good. As to Newrode's knavery
and his saying that Longe's second, Dodde, deserved death, hopes it
is not so. The bearer, Signor Colline, is sent Visitador here and to
other factories, to place and displace whom he shall think fitting.
Drifte, chief here, is to go for Jacatra, and his second, Phillippe, to
remain in his place, and not to keep above three Netherlanders
besides himself. Newrode to come from Siam and John Van
Hassall to remain in his place at Siam, a subtle fellow, and Van
Hassall's second, Daniell, remains in his place at Sangora. The
President writes Jourdain he will if possible send a ship hither
before the monsoon, but as yet she is not arrived. Pepper received
from Ligor ; every year there is an increase ; is now a staple commodity.
[Endorsed, "Recd. 11 Oct. 1621 by the Unicorn." O.C.,
Vol VIII., No. 989.]
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Sept. 19.
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1100. Court Minutes of the East India Company. News of the
arrival in the Downs this morning of the Royal James from the
Indies. Sir Thos. Smythe brought with him the purser, Henry
Smythe, with the Company's letters from their several factories,
stuffed with complaints of the insolent and injurious dealing of the
Dutch ; letter from Capt. Pring, capt. of the ship for supplies. John
Blunt, Edward Withers, and John Webb to go aboard and take care
that nothing be conveyed ashore. Contracts with joiners and
carvers for the ships now building. [One page. Court Book, V.
93-94.]
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Sept. 20.
Hague.
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1101. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sec. Calvert. Has advertised
him of the choice of the States General of two of their deputies,
and their intention to despatch them speedily, without attending the
resolution of Zealand, from whence the third person may be sent
directly. They commend the indifference of their choice, but Carleton
told them the English Company would hardly be persuaded of
this in the choice of Bas of Amsterdam, who is the most interested
in the chief cause in question, whereof they say the States General
had consideration, but being chosen by the States of Holland they
could not refuse him. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 21.
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1102. Court Minutes of the East India Company. In regard
the King expected to be certified of the arrival of the Royal James,
a committee to go to Theobalds to attend the King accordingly.
Letters read from the Indies from Blithe and the other masters of
the Surat fleet, dated 20 Dec. 1620, certifying the fight with the
Portugals, together with their proceedings at Jask, and departure
thence to Surat ; also three letters from Cocks in Japan to Capt.
Saris, Sir Thos. Wilson, and Sir Thos. Smythe, specifying the
insolent carriage of the Dutch, the attempting to kill the English in
their house, and offering rewards for the murder of Cocks or other
Englishmen (see ante, Nos. 818 to 820). Reasons for calling a
general court. [One page and a half. Court Bk. V. 95-96.]
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Sept. 22.
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1103. Thos. Loeke to Sir Dudley Carleton. The James, of 800
or 900 tons, lately arrived from the East Indies, laden with the commodities
mentioned in the enclosed schedule. Encloses,
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1103. I. List of commodities brought from the East Indies by the
James,which include bezoars,pepper, silk, cloves, diamonds,
jewels, and green ginger. [Extract from Domestic Corresp.,
Jac. I., Vol. CXXII., Nos. 140, 140 I., Cal., p. 291.]
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Sept. 22.
Hague.
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1104. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sec. Calvert. Interview with
Mons. Somersdike since his election to be sent into England, and
audience with the States General, at which both he and his colleague
Bas were present, where Carleton spoke at large touching this present
negotiation. Has this day delivered his speech in writing as the
States required, copy of which he encloses.
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1104. I. Proposition of Sir Dudley Carleton to the States General
of the United Provinces pronounced in the Assembly on
21 Sept./1 Oct. and presented in writing the next day, representing
the state of the differences between the two Companies
in the East Indies, that their deputies may be
more particularly instructed and authorized before they
depart. Hague, 1621. Sept. 22/Oct. 2 French. [Nine pages.
Holland Corresp.]
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Sept. 22.
Firando.
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1105. Richard Watts to the East India Company. Sends
according to their order the dead men's accounts of the ship Bull
and their wills. Thinks it needless to write about their
voyage to the Manillas, as others who were the principals in
the action will do so. There is such striving for greatness among
their servants here, that nothing else almost is regarded. So much
discontent amongst them here, that their ruin is to be doubted, and
the Hollander stands as a spectator ready to take advantage of their
weakness. The common sailor is grown so careless that if he could
find opportunity he had rather serve the Spaniard than live under
the whip or other strange punishment now in use ; fears they will
rather turn to the enemy than stand to their own defence. Writes
not fables, but what he has seen and heard. It would make any
honest heart lament the times that we live in this sinful Sodom of
Japan. This house of the Company's is more like a "Pinteree" than
a merchant's factory, every man for the most part affected to his
own pleasure or his own private profit rather than the Company's
business, as by their accounts will one day appear to their great
expense and little gain. [One page. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 990.]
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Sept. 23.
Firando.
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1106. John Neeve, purser of the Moon, to the East India Company.
All the dead men's accounts and their wills were sent by the
Great James. Has had much sickness, but how can we look for
favour at God's hands when we seek for nothing but our own overthrow
and decay ? To nominate the vices will be too troublesome,
and the abuses too tedious. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 991.]
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Sept. 26.
|
1107. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ralph
Freeman touching the debt to the East India Company for goods in
Russia. Letter from Firando certifying great defects aboard the
Palsgrave. Proposition to dispose of the pepper in the Royal James.
Agreement touching the old and new stocks ; device to set an indifferent
value upon the old stock. How to proceed with those
brought home prisoners in the Royal James, especially George Ball,
through whose hands great sums of the Company's stock hath gone ;
to bring an action of 10,000l. against him and move all the judges
that common bail be not taken. Whether the goods now arrived
shall pay one per cent. like the merchant adventurers. No one to
be allowed to read the Company's letters nor any copy given but
by an order of the court. [Four pages. Court Bk. V. 96-100.]
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Sept. 26./Oct. 6.
In the Fort,
Batavia.
|
1108. Consultation of the United English and Dutch Council
of Defence, touching the ships to be sent to the coast of Malabar ;
for the Netherland Company the Good Fortune, South Holland,
North Holland, Arms of Zealand, Morning Star, and the Hart and
Little Enckhuysen pinnaces ; for the English Company the Exchange,
Anne, Diamond, and Dragon's Claw. Also as to the answer
received from Bantam and the resuming of the pepper trade there ;
the Dutch of opinion that it ought to be charged with some tax or
imposition for the easing of the excessive charges which the Netherland
Company hath so long borne. Signed by Rich. Fursland,
Humphrey FitzHerbert, Thomas Brokedon, and Rich. Hasellwood ;
also by P. Coen, P. Carpentier, Jan Dirckz Lam, and J. Dedell.
Annexed,
Instructions for Jacob Dedell, admiral, H. FitzHerbert, vice-admiral,
and the council of eleven ships in behalf of the Dutch and
English Companies ordered to sail for the coasts of Malabar and Goa.
Fort of Batavia, 1621, Oct. 1/11. Signed also as above.
Commission of the United Dutch and English Council of Defence
appointing Jacob Dedell, admiral, and Humphrey FitzHerbert, vice-admiral
of the fleet of nine stout ships and two pinnaces, about to
sail for the coasts of Malabar, India, and the Gulf of Persia. In the
Fort, Batavia, 1621, Oct. 1/11. Signed as above.
Resolutions of the United Dutch and English Council of Defence.
That the charges of one Company more than the other, in setting
forth the fleet before mentioned, shall be borne in equal halves, as
also the profit and loss, conditionally that the charges be referred
to the decision of their masters in Europe ; the prizes taken to be
equally divided ; trade to be attempted along the coast of Malabar
if it may be without hindrance or prejudice of the exploit ; the
Dutch to be allowed to send ships out of this fleet, to procure blacks
and slaves to people the islands of Banda, Batavia, and other places ;
one or two ships of the fleet may also hereafter be sent towards
Surat, in which the appointed council of the fleet may sail, if by
consultation they think the same convenient. The English Bear,
arrived from the coast of Coromandel, not accepted for any of these
services for reasons formerly alleged. In the Fort of Batavia, 1621.
Oct. 1/11. Signed as above. [Together nine pages. O.C., Vol. VIII.,
No. 992.]
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Sept. 27./Oct. 7.
Batchian.
|
1109. Thomas Johnson to Wm. Nicolls at Malayo. Explains
his accounts with Mr. Roll ; desires he will state his reasons why he
allows the soldiers and not the married men to be paid monthly.
At Roll's coming from Malayo he was told by the married men
that they should be paid bub half in money and they must take half
wares. Would be well content to leave his wine and great cheer to
save the Company from these large chancery bills. Could buy a
sufficient house for 150 ryals, so that for two years' rent the Company
shall have a house of their own. Wishes instructions for himself
or Giles Cole as to prices of goods. Account of goods landed on
24 August. [Three pages. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 993.]
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Sept. 27.
Firando.
|
1110. Capt. Robert Adames to the East India Company. His
last was by Martin Pring, of the James Royal. Left Firando for the
Manillas 3 February with nine ships ; of the English, the Moon,
Admiral, the Palsgrave, Elizabeth, and the Bull and the Swan,
equally taxed betwixt both Companies as to men's wages, victualling,
and all other necessaries. Account of their voyage, capturing
junks, &c. Abuses of the Dutch, who were like so many devils or
"ravening" wolves seeking after their prey ; has fully certified the
president at Jacatra. On 5th June was forced by foul weather from
the coast of Manilla, five ships in one company and four in another,
and having met in the Straits of Piscadores arrived safely in Japan 29th
June. The Peppercorn and Dutch ship Moyen came from Jacatra.
All the fleet appointed to go to the Manillas again. Must be content,
though it much grieveth him, "seeing that 'nolence volence ' I must
take it upon me." Forced to make a poor shift to fit their ships.
Ten ships appointed to go the second voyage for Manilla ; of the
English, the Moon, Vice-Admiral, the Palsgrave, Elizabeth, Bull,
and Peppercorn. [Two pages and a half. O.C., Vol. VIII.,
No. 994.]
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Sept. 28.
|
1111. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Gratuities
to John Atkinson and Wm. Sare. Freeman's debt. Opinion of
Stone, "one of the cities' council," that the Company cannot take
assurance of the Cawsey, at Blackwall, in fee simple, as a freehold,
without incurring the danger of the Statute of Mortmain ; agreed
that first a lease of it should be taken for 500 years, and after, if
the Company please, they may take it in fee simple if Council so
advise. Purchase by Roger Brettridge of 12 barrels of the Company's
flat indigo. Desire of Fras. Olyver to supply the Company
with cider. Disorderly going away of men from the James Royal
in the Downs ; above 100 men to be hired to bring up the ship ;
resolution thereon. Arrival of the Royal James at Erith this day.
Committee to go down and discharge Capt, Pring, and bring away
such of the Company's servants as are come home prisoners, especially
George Ball, with whom the Company purpose to deal roundly,
and to charge him home to an account. [Three pages. Court
Bk. V. 100-103.]
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Sept. 30.
Firando.
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1112. Richard Cocks to the East India Company. Refers to
his last letters (see ante, Nos. 930, 963). Arrival of the whole fleet
of nine ships, English and Dutch, from the Manillas, 29th June last ;
very few of the men died ; they took and pillaged five junks, the
Dutch using much cruelty in killing many Chinas after they had
rendered themselves. Abuses of the Dutch in the Manillas ; had it
not been prevented by some, they had gone together by the ears to
the endangering or loss of the whole fleet. The same fleet proceeds
again this year, by order of the Council of Defence, from Jacatra, on
the like voyage ; the Hollanders admiral this year as the English
were the last. The Peppercorn arrived from Jacatra 20th November
with five chests of money and cloth, &c. The money came in good
time to take them out of debt, for the lead is not yet sold. The
captain of the Holland house made a voyage with Cocks to Nangasaki.
Conrok Dono, governor, their enemy, who takes the Spaniards'
and Portugals' parts, is the Emperor's factor for buying all matters.
Two great Holland ships arrived this year from the Moluccas laden
with provisions for their fleet, and some few cloves, and are to lade
rice and other provision from hence for the Moluccas. The Swan,
going to Jacatra, will convey this letter. The Emperor given to
understand that both the English and Hollanders are pirates and
thieves, and live upon nothing but the spoil of the Chinas and others ;
this is the utter overthrow of their trade in Japan, no one daring to
come hither for fear of us, as the King of Firando tells us ; he is
newly returned from the Emperor's court, where he has married the
Emperor's kinswoman, which has brought him into great credit ;
and he is the only stay now we have in Japan, and by his order the
Holland Capt. Leonard Campes and Cocks are appointed to go to
Yedo with presents for the Emperor and his Council to procure
redress if they may, and prevent their enemy's proceedings, for the
Emperor has sent orders that they shall carry out no Japons to man
their shipping, or any ordnance, gunpowder, shot, or other warlike
munition, and it was reported neither rice, bread, wine, nor flesh ;
but that is not yet done. If no redress can be got for these matters,
"it is no abiding for us in Japan." Are staying till the coming of
Conrok Dono to make an end of the prize which was taken last
year ; and if they prove these two friars to be padres (as they call
them), then all is on our side ; if not, all is lost. They have confessed
in his hearing to the Hollanders, and yet deny it before the
Japans ; and the justice will not take our witness in our own behalf,
although all the fleet would take their corporal oaths for it, and we
have the friars own letters to witness against them. Six Portugal
galliots have arrived this year at Nangasaki from Amacon (Macao ?),
and have brought store of silk and silk stuff, which has made the
price fall ; the prices. The Hollanders much abused the English at
the Manillas, Wm. Johnson, vice-admiral, the chief occasion, so that
they had like to have gone together by the ears in the Manillas, to
the total destruction of both fleets, the enemy being so near. Capt.
Robt. Adames now appointed vice-admiral, much against his will,
fearing, now the Hollander is admiral, they will do worse than last
year. Sends copy of a letter from Wm. Nicolls from the Moluccas,
relating the proceedings of the Hollanders there ; "truly their proceedings
everywhere are almost intolerable, and they are generally
hated throughout all the Indies, and we much the worse thought of
now we are joined with them." The fleet of defence might, with
little danger, take and sack Amacon, in China, which is inhabited
by Portugals, for the King of China has not allowed them to fortify
the town, and three quarters of the inhabitants are Chinas. If that
town were taken, all the Portugals' trade in these parts of the world
would be quite spoiled, both for Manillas, Malacca, Goa, and elsewhere,
and the King of China would gladly be rid of their neighbourhood.
This year three Kings of China have died, the father
and two sons, the wives of the two brethren procuring the poisoning
of them both, so that now a young man of 14 or 15, son of one of
the deceased brothers, is King, which is a stay to their (the English)
proceedings to get trade into China, as new petition must now be
made ; and their joining with the Dutch to take China junks is ill
thought of ; but the barbarousness of the Hollanders at Manillas last
year as much. Commodities which the Hollanders have in Japan,
but, as yet, little sales made. Fall in the price of pepper. All merchandise
in Japan begins to rise ; prices of iron and copper. The
change of our good usage is so altered of late that it maketh us
amazed. Notwithstanding the privileges which they and the Hollanders
have from the Emperors of Japan, that the Japons shall not
execute any justice upon our people, yet this year, in the absence of
the King, the justice cut off the heads of two Hollanders for being
drunk and brabbling with the Japons, and their bodies were left in
the fields to be eaten by crows and dogs, if some Englishmen had
not buried them. The Japons call in the English (sailors) as they
walk through the streets, give them wine and w****s, and then strip
them of all they have ; many are kept prisoners for forged debts,
which have to be paid out of their wages, "so that the trouble I
have with them here is much, nor can their commanders curb them."
Mutinies on board the Bull and Moon ; the sailors will have a sixteenth
part of all prize goods, or else the ships may lie still in Japan.
These generals say that the president at Jacatra promised them it
should be so, and that each should have two or three months' pay
delivered them here, though Joseph Cockram, cape merchant of the
fleet, has no commission to do so. "God grant that in the end, when
they have all they desire, if they do not fall off and overthrow the
voyage, for I have heard some say that the worshipful Company, our
employers, could give out no commission to war against either
Spaniard or Portugal, nor no others, and that our ships came out of
England upon merchant voyages, and not to be set out for men-of-war
and kept against their will as slaves." Casting away of the
Unicorn on the coast of China, but all men saved, with a chest of
money, wherewith they bought two barks to take them to Jacatra,
one of which went to Amacon of their own accord. Christopher
Bogan, the purser from the Unicorn, now come hither, merchant in
the Peppercorn. Furbusher, the carpenter, with his wife and family
in one bark, sent for Malacca, and so for Goa, to build shipping [for
the Portugals is written in the margin] ; some others sent that way,
and some for the Manillas, and the rest kept prisoners at Amacon.
The English Hope is either cast away, or else the company have
revolted and run away with the ship and killed the master, or else
carried him away perforce ; Thornton and the surgeon suspected.
Thornton's brother a pirate, and entertained by the Duke of Florence,
so it is thought they will direct their course thither with the ship ;
"this is the opinion of the chief in our fleet." Osterwick going with
Cocks to Yedo, for one is not to go alone to the Emperor ; only Eaton
left to stay in the factory during their absence, and Rich. Hudson, a
"young youth ;" the rest sent with the fleet, according to the President's
desire at Bantam, as we must put an English merchant into
each Dutch ship to look to the prize goods taken, as the Hollanders
do the like in the English ships. Would make known the pride of
some or most of the sea commanders, especially in these ships of
defence, who take too much upon themselves, and domineer over all
the merchants, who are thrust back, and sometimes in danger of
their lives, for telling the truth and looking out for the Company's
benefit. Joseph Cockiam himself not free, although ordained Cape
merchant of the English fleet. The English and Dutch mariners
fall out ashore ; one of each nation executed for murder. Repairs
to he ships. Sends account of prize goods taken. Richard Short,
the witness against the two Jesuits touching the prize frigate, run
away to Nangasaki to the Spaniards and Portugals. [Nine pages.
O.C., Vol. VIIL, No. 995.]
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1621, Sept.,
to 1621-2,
Feb.
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1113. Account of garrison charges of the Castle Revenge, Pooloway,
for the months of September, October, November, and December
1621, and January and February 1621-2, of which the
English bear the third part. [Seven pages. O.C., Vol. VIII.,
No. 996.]
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