East Indies, China and Japan: October 1617

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

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'East Indies, China and Japan: October 1617', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621, (London, 1870) pp. 58-70. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol3/pp58-70 [accessed 24 April 2024]

October 1617

Oct. 1. Jacatra. 145. Edward Longe to Nicholas Ufflete at Bantam. Perceives yet no conclusion about this King's business ; "it is no great matter." None of his debts will be recovered until his coming, "being so gorboyled." Ufflete must stay their leisure. Money wanting. News of the arrival of the Flemish General with three ships and a pinnace, but no English, who are all or the greatest part in "caines" (? chains) at Amboyna : the report they will take all the English that go to the eastward of Java. [One page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 537.]
Oct. 2. 146. Court Minutes of the East India Company. John Neve, surgeon of the Globe, discontented with the Company's offer to buy his indigo brought from Surat, although it was forfeited as a commodity absolutely forbidden. Charge against William Wiley, surgeon of the Peppercorn, for selling pepper. Examination into the charges against Wm. Leske, preacher ; to pay freight for his goods ; exception taken against Swanley's testimony. Petition of Jacob Bowingson, a Dutchman, against Martyn for extortion. Charges of Nathaniel Martyn against Capt. Harris and Thos. Mitford ; and counter charges by Capt. Harris against Martyn. Private trade of Christopher Farewell. [Two pages and a quarter. Court Bk. IV., 19-21.]
Oct. 2. Aboard the James, in the port of Swally. 147. Consultation by Capt. Martin Pring, Commander of the Fleet, Thos. Kerridge, agent at Surat, Thos. Rastell, Richard Steele, Edward Monox, Matthew Duke, and Michael Holman, factors. The Company's letter produced authorizing Sir Thos. Roe, Lord Ambassador residing at the Court of the Great Mogul, to instruct, direct, and order all the factors in the Mogul's country. Opinion of the several factors "whether punctually to follow the express words of that cause" in attending directions from Roe, or to proceed in what they know necessary to be done, and as the business urgently requires. All of opinion, Steele excepted, that moneys should be dispatched to the several factories for provision of goods to relade one of the ships for England ; the amount resolved accordingly. [Three pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 538.]
Oct. 3. St. Bartholomew. 148. Sec. Winwood to Carleton. To send him a perfect relation of the discovery of the passage into the East Indies, mentioned in his letter of 7th July last. [See ante, No.l08, Extract from Holland Corresp.]
Oct. 3. 149. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Difference between Wilson, surgeon, and Bainbridge, purser, about the weight of pepper. Thomas Porie appointed purser's mate. Grant of 20l. to Richard Giles towards the charge of his patent for burning logwood. Approval of Thomas Pitt's brass piece of ordnance, with his Majesty's arms fairly graven thereon, for the King of Acheen. Richard Griffin, son-in-law to Mr. Meggs, to be a factor. 5l. to be paid every year to Walter Cocks out of the allowance of 50l. made to him by his brother, Richard Cocks, factor at Japan. 50l. from Mrs. Aldworthe's account to be set over to Richard Venne. Petition of Woodall for a room to dress his patients in at Blackwall. Peter Chamberlain to assist Offley in viewing the surgeons' chests. Accounts of John Cransbye, Philip Burlamachi, and Rich. Andrewes. Concerning a piece of plate brought home by Capt. Best ; and two cups by Capt. Christien. Debts of Rich. Basse, Rich. Burrell, and Lutterford to the Company. Petition of Henry Boyle for allowance for ryals belonging to his brother, Samuel Boyle, a factor who died in the Indies, referred. Thomas Hanson, servant to the French Company, to have his freedom for 25l. Joseph Browne and Robt. Price recommended by the Lord Treasurer and Lord Pembroke to be pursers' mates, "Mr. Governor supposed they could not well be refused." Grant of 100 Jacobus to poor preachers. Gratuity to Thomas Border, a sailor, who lost his leg in the fight in the Globe with the carack, and to be employed to splice ropes, make sails, or such other work as he may be found able to do. Petitions of Jacob Bowinson against Martyn reconsidered, and of John Hawtrye, setting forth his services in India, and desiring employment, referred. Petition of Thomas Mitford, particularizing 27 different charges, wrongs, and abuses against Martyn ; also the counter charges. [Five pages. Court Bk., IV., 21-26.]
Oct. 3. Jacatra. 150. Nicholas Ufflete to Geo. Ball at Bantam. Arrived at Jacatra this day and intends visiting the King to-morrow. Lading of the Speedwell. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 540.]
Oct. 3. Jacatra. 151. Edward Longe to Geo. Ball. Lading of the Speedwell. Ufflete's arrival welcome, as he may now seek to clear the Company's debts, a thing very difficult. Complains of Ufflete who wishes Longe to keep his accounts, and when he is shown his errors, calls Longe knave. Requests directions concerning Capt. Barkeley's account. [One page and three quarters. O.C., Vol. V., No. 541.]
Oct. 3. Firando. 152. Edmond Sayer to Rich. Wickham. After his departure the King's brother set a watch upon their house both by land and water. They were not permitted to sell any goods until the arrival of the Hollanders, but as yet they have not been able to dispose of any, no merchant having inquired after any. Thinks the Black Lion will sail tomorrow, and that the General will depart some ten days hence. Understands by Capt. Cocks' letter how he has been deceived in the messenger he sent to purchase and dispose of certain things. [One page and a half. O.C., Vol. V., No. 542.]
Oct. 4. 153. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Abraham Bond appointed purser. Christopher Farewell desires to have the goods he has brought home, given up to him ; he is charged with insufficiency, pride, and mutiny during his employment in India, and with returning home in three years when he was bound for seven years, and other misdemeanours ; is to have no wages from the time of his discharge, but to be allowed a price for his calicoes, on his submission. Private trade of Captain Harris. [One page. Court Bk. IV., 26-27.]
Oct. 6. Mandoa [Mandow]. 154. Sir Thos. Roe to [the factory at Agra]. His many businesses force him to be brief. Arrival of five ships of great force and burthen under command of Capt. Pring, a Portugal prize, and two ships, English rovers, "that had undone us if proceeded." Has received the Company's orders in which though they seem to desire him to undertake more of their business than he is fit for, yet all is not referred to him absolutely, or if it be, he will not assume it, therefore whoever writes they must expect their directions from below. Desires them to expedite the investment of the monies they receive from Keridge and to take timely care for provision of carriages. "The Company are weary of this trade at this attendance, the fleet eating up all their profit." The joint stock is this year finished, the next begins upon a new, and the Company have ordered to clear as near as may be. Advises them to make all the sales they can, to advance the return this year. Persia is wholly referred to Roe, the Company no way thinking any man had meddled in that without him, nor does Roe suppose by the Company's restrictions to him that they will ever approve what is done. Shall not send a ship or any goods, having no news of the last. Entreats their care to dispeed the ship, for stay may be the fleet's ruin. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 543.]
Oct. 6. Mandoa [Mandow]. 155. Commission from Sir Thos. Roe confirmed by Martin Pring, Admiral of the Fleet, and Thos. Keridge, to Edward Connok, Thos. Barker, Geo. Pley, and William Bell, to negotiate and conclude a trade with the Shah of Persia. [Copy. One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 544.]
Oct. 6. 156. Sir Thos. Roe's instructions to Connok, Barker, Pley and Bell, employed in the East India Company's service at the port of Jask or any other on the coast of the Shah Abbas. To have especial regard to the Company's limitations. To weigh well the objections out of England to the trade. To consider whether Jask or any other port be fit, and secure for "our ship" under a fort, and to contract to have such forts repaired and maintained at the charge of the Shah, for which they may consent to pay an import duty of 3 per cent. To consider well the strength of Ormuz, whether one ship may safely trade, as the charge of a fleet to defend her will not be borne, "lest you fall into our incommodity of Surat, and this one thing I fear above all other." To contract for a settled residence, within one month's journey at farthest from the port, whither the silks may be brought ; for this Shiraz supposed to be most convenient for the sale of the English cloth and other commodities. To contract with the Shah or his merchants for the price of silk, all that commodity belonging to the King, and may venture to give 7s. 6d. sterling pr. lb. for it. The goods of any Englishman dying in any part of the Shah's dominions to be free from molestation. To contract for guards for the transit of their goods in places of known danger. No English to be imprisoned for debt, except it be proved. Ships to be supplied with provisions at reasonable rates. To inform themselves of the prices of all sorts of jewels, drugs, and other merchandise, and to study what commodity may be found to raise a stock "which is the main matter to increase the beginning." Also articles "for their private directions." With remarks by Roe that he is not so in love with his own opinion that he thinks it ought to be law, and that they are at liberty to alter these instructions with the consent of Captains Pring and Keridge, as Roe does not think that sober and discreet men should be tied so strictly to instructions as that they may not have the use and liberty of their own reason and experiences, "for I well know no man can sit in India and direct punctually business in Persia." [Four pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 545.]
Oct. 7. 157. Court Minutes of the East India Company. "Peremptory answer" on the difference between Wilson, surgeon, and Bainbridge, purser. Concerning Lutterford's debt to the Company. Auditor's report upon examination of the dividend for the tenth voyage ; recommend a dividend of 48 per. cent. Ryals, wheat, and "noyalls" from France provided by Bell ; his accounts. Robert Freeman appointed a factor. One factor to be sent in each ship of the next fleet. Petition of John Smith who returned in the Dragon, for relief for losses sustained by the Flemings, when left at Ceram to settle a factory, with details of their shameful proceedings in the King of Ternate's name ; also for further employment, referred. Joint stock to lend to the fourth voyage. [Two pages and a half. Court Bk. IV., 27-29.]
Oct. 7. Swally. 158. Consultation aboard the Royal James, on the necessity of careening the James. Signed by Capt. Martin Pring, chief commander, Andrew Shilling, Rowland Coytmore, Nath. Salmon, Robt. Adames, and John Hatch, commanders of the Anne Royal, the James, the Gift, the Bull, and the Bee, Edw. Monox and Mathew Duke, John Shrive, Rich. Swan, and Thos. Kinge. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 546.]
Oct. 8. 159. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Robert Davies entertained "for a good fellow at 16s. a month." Richard Burrell's debt. Lading of the three ships to be sent to Surat, supposing that three ships must continually be going between Surat and Bantam, to Acheen, Tecoe, Jambi, and another port. Robt. Bonner to be master and commander ; the ships for Bantam to be victualled for 20 months, those for Surat for 18 months ; not less than 70,000l. to be sent in ryals to carry on the business as should be at Surat and Bantam. Discussion on the relative merits of Jourdain, Sir Rich. Hawkins, Sir Thos. Dale, Parker, and Best, for chief commander, the Governor requested to confer with Best as the fittest of all. Bowers and Salmon recommended for masters. Leske the preacher to pay freight for his goods brought from Surat. Nath. Martyn, Christ. Farewell, Thos. Mitford, Capt. Harris, and others, for their private trade to pay freight, &c. [One page and three quarters. Court Bk. IV., 29-31.]
Oct. 8. Jacatra. 160. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball at Bantam. Audience of the King ; "he pleads hard to have as the Flemings give ;" he is indifferent to the stay of the English, saying, "if we be pleased to stay we may, if not we may be gone." Arrival of a Dutch ship from Banda ; the bearer, a Spaniard and an escaped prisoner, can certify the state of their business in the Manillas and the Moluccas, and all other particulars. The Moon, one of their runaway ships, likewise arrived from the Manillas with divers reports concerning the chasing of a Spanish ship in the South Seas, and the taking of rich prizes by the Portuguese galleons. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 547.]
Oct. 10. 161. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Petition of Lawrence Norcott and Francis Kirbye for payment of a debt due to them by Thos. Bonner out of his wages ; also petition of Gregory and his wife on the same subject. John Hargrave to be a sailor. Petition of Hercules Hunter dismissed, the Committee "having no affection to West country men in general." James Poultney, entertained a factor, to be sent for, to put him off. Men and victuals for the voyage. The Dragon, Lion, and Expedition to take lead and iron to Surat and Bantam. Purchase of seven tons of elephants' teeth. Appointment of chief commander at Bantam ; resolved to leave it wholly to the governor and deputy-governor to confer with Best thereon. Committee to consider the presents to be bought, as advised by Sir Thos. Roe. About sale of calicoes. John Boothe to be purser or mate, and Wm. Simonson a steward. Weekly accounts to be kept by the pursers. Richard Clark to be swabbers' mate. [Three pages. Court Bk., IV., 31-34.]
Oct. 11. Mandoa [Mandow]. 162. Sir Thos. Roe to Thos. Keridge and Company at Surat. Is almost confident to manage all their business with ease and contentment, and that nothing reasonable will be denied him by the King who now so graciously useth him. Has refused as yet to visit the Prince, but is going on Sunday with Aseph Khan to be reconciled to him and receive a phirmaund and other reasonable conditions by the King's desire and Aseph Khan's mediation. Knows he shall never recover the Prince's heart but hopes to obtain from the King more than they expect. Proceedings taken to recover their debts, most of which he hopes to obtain within ten days ; the two principal, unless they pay in three days "will lie very hard in cold irons." Makes no question to furnish them with a round sum, and may perhaps employ the pearl in money, if Steele hasten up, which Roe fears. Refers to some things mentioned in the Company's letter to them ; concerning their accounts, and the scandal arising to them by the dead reckoning of their dead factors ; advice thereon. Recommends the finishing and clearing as near as may be of the old joint stock. Confesses the Company are somewhat hard in refusing the wages, but has no doubt they will deal liberally with good servants. The Company should be satisfied in the species of goods required, principally in steel and gumlac. Approves the relading of the Gift ; suggestions for making as large a return as possible. Advantages of landing their goods at the quay. Refers to his last letters for his opinion of the Persian trade. Reasons for believing that there is not any great probability of a great force being sent from Lisbon to Persia, gathered from a letter from Sec. Winwood. Thinks therefore they may venture to send a ship to Jask. Careening of the James. The presents may rest until the phirmaund arrive. Desires Keridge to trust his own wit, steal ashore the Pearl, and dispeed her by Steele, or if he will not go, by another. Let Steele be very wary, for Roe fears he hath mistaken himself already and given out what he is not, nor must not expect, for the Prince demanded if there were not a new agent come for the English and what he was, "I am loth to be rough but will have every man know himself." Will not consent that his wife be a charge to the Company. Captain Towerson and his wife will be welcome ; if the King continues his purpose, thinks it will be easier for them to meet Roe and Keridge at Ahmedabad. As to Keridge's desire to return, confesses his time is expired and his conditions hard, but entreats him to consider the Company's service ; promises to use his own credit to procure Keridge recompence. Desires a brief of the Company's servants, their wages, and the amounts they have received, that Roe may fulfil his instructions ; reforms which he intends making. Directions for proceedings at Jask. Captain Pring's request to have the gold taken, divided amongst his men for their encouragement ; begs it may be well considered ; confesses that in all reprizals the soldiers must have an honest share. Wishes the gold in specie to be kept aboard, Aseph Khan having offered to buy it ; their agreement. Hopes to send the phirmaund more speedily than by a horseman. Is in want of a linguist. Jack Goodwin or Banggam's brother might serve him, but will have neither of them to hinder them from their learning. The King's painter inquiring after the cochineal mentioned in Keridge's invoice ; its value. [Three pages. Indorsed, "Some mention of Mr. Steele. Read." O.C., Vol. V., No. 548.]
Oct. 13. The Hague. 163. Carleton to Sec. Winwood. Cannot give him any further account of Le Maire's new discovery, because his papers as well as his maps and journals remain under arrest by the East India Company, who sue him for infringing their privileges and he is an earnest suitor to the States for an octroi in recompence of his discovery. [Holland Correspondence.]
Oct. 13. Jacatra. 164. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball at Bantam. Perceives by his last that Ball is offended ; the writer excuses himself and craves pardon. Goods sent by Thos. Mills and received from him. Longe will make what speed he can in the accounts. Understands that the Dutch ships riding at the bar of Jambi river have not taken any prize as it was reported they had, and likewise that the four ships riding before Malacca had done no good. The armourer in hand with the Company's pieces. Report that the Hollanders with the King of Mataram have agreed to take Bantam and other places of importance in Java and share them between them. [One page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 549.]
Oct. 14. 165. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Consideration of Captain Harris' business. Dispute between Wilson, the surgeon, and Bainbridge. Petition of Thomas King, brought up a singing man, but cannot play upon any instrument, dismissed. Complaint of the Staplers of England against the E. I. C. for dispossessing them forcibly from Leadenhall. Wages of Thomas Bonner to be paid to Gregory. About the sale of calicoes. Request of David Papilion concerning his payments for diamonds bought of the Company. Minutes of a General Court ; 200l. in the first joint stock, belonging to Humfrey Smith, sold to Westron for 110l. per cent. profit ; other amounts in the same stock sold for 111l. and 112l. per cent. profit. About sale of calicoes. Dividends due ; 11 per cent. to the adventurers of the 8th voyage who have taken out three capitals and 48 per cent. to those of the 10th voyage who have taken out two capitals. Sale of goods, with names of the purchasers, and the prices. 200l. in the first joint stock belonging to Jeremy Fisher, the quarter of a capital having been withdrawn, sold to Humph Browne for 108l. per cent. profit. [5 pp. Court Bk., IV., 34-39.]
Oct. 17. 166. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Petition of Lawrence Walldo, that a time may be appointed to hear his answer to the scandalous aspersions against him. Guy Tildesley to be a factor. John Ware entertained a mariner. Purchase of morse teeth and red hides from the Muscovy Company. Letter read from the Bishop of Bristol in behalf of John Brownrigge ; to be entertained if any place can be found for him. Cannon to take Bateman as security in the matter of Capt. David Middleton. Provisions for the six ships going to Bantam. Capt. Harris to pay freight for his goods but on his further suit to have some recompence. Nicholas Wolley to be allowed to go the voyage to the East Indies. Request of Richard Burrell concerning his debt. Request of Christopher Yearoth, having been at Greenland and willing to learn to become a navigator, to be entertained as "a good fellow." The Governor and Deputy desired to appoint masters for the ships afloat. Capt. Best against sending the piece of brass ordnance for the King of Acheen, who being a gallant warrior will hold it as a scorn when he finds it unserviceable and only for show, but Capt. Keeling alleged that the King desired it only for show, so it was resolved to send it. [2 pp. Court Bk., IV., 39-41.]
Oct. 17. Firando. 167. Edmund Sayer to Rich. Wickham at Miako or Yedo. Entreated him in his last letter of 3 Oct. to lend him a helping hand in the sale of his goods, a list of which he enclosed, with what they cost the writer. Wishes the money made of them to be sent to Firando before the ship's or junk's departure. Would write more at large but that Evan and Osterwick are writing to Wickham and Capt. Cocks. [3/4 p. O. C., Vol. V., No. 550.]
Oct. 18. Ispahan. 168. Edw. Connok to the factors of Sir Stephen Soame at Aleppo. Desires chiefly to understand from them the welfare of Sir Stephen and his sons ; also of Mr. Austen which he hopes to receive under the consul's covers as well as the news of such occurrences as his own country and Europe afford. [One page. O. C, Vol. V., No. 551.]
Oct. 19. The Hague. 169. Carleton to [Chamberlain]. Arrival of a small ship in Delft haven from a voyage of discovery about Fretum Davis. They had from those parts two small manikins on board for seven or eight days, who were little bigger than pigmies, but seeing one day a gammon of bacon scalded, carved, and devoured, and doubting it to be a quarter of one of their companions, and that they were kept and fed for the same purpose, they were so much affrighted that they both skipped into the sea. "Other ridiculous adventures with these small people are the greatest particularities of the journal." [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
Oct. 20. Amsterdam. 170. Matthew Slade to Carleton. Cannot obtain a sight of Le Maire's journal. It is with his ship arrested by the [Dutch] East India Company and so out of his possession. Le Maire is now at the Hague expecting the return of the Advocate with whom Carleton may easily be acquainted. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
Oct. 21. 171. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Petition of Cannon, to be delivered to the Lord Keeper. The Dragon to be provisioned as the other ships proceeding with Best. Nicholas Wolley to remain in his employment at home and not to proceed to the East Indies. Peter White appointed purser in the Dragon. Abraham Bond, purser in the Moon, to be examined by the auditors. Request of Richd. Burrell, to be respited for his debt till Christmas, refused. Twenty shillings granted to the wife of John Nash, shipwright, who was wounded at Blackwall in a quarrel between the butchers and carpenters. Covenants between the Company and Wm. Barrett, his Majesty's grocer, to be engrossed. "Harborough beer" at 5s. to be provided for the ships. Grant of 100l. to Capt. Jourdain ; to be asked how the ryalls were conveyed, he being one of the Ascension's company that was cast away in the Indies. Becke, Bowers, Tokeley, and Hunt and Dale and Hackwell, old returned servants, recommended for masters. Martyn, "much condemned for his former carriage, his pride, and insolency" and private trade ; to make a note of the goods he brought home, with their prices, before the Company will proceed any further. Abuses at Blackwall. [Two pages and a half. Court Bk., IV., 41-44.]
Oct. 21. Mandow. 172. Sir Thos. Roe to Thos. Keridge and Company at Surat. Refers to his previous letters. The Company have imposed on Roe no such authority as that it should hinder their business, nor so shortened theirs as they may not proceed roundly in their merchandising affairs. Is not a man that stands upon idle points ; whatsoever they do for the best, Roe hopes all consent to. Has advised the factories at Persia to receive their directions from Keridge. The removal of the King to Ahmedabad very uncertain. Reasons why he cannot repair to Surat as they desire ; he must meet the King to finish "my great expectations by Aseph Khan's friendship earnestly continued." Hopes when the presents arrive to make a final conclusion at Court to good content. As to their debts, desires the Prince's ship may be stayed until the Governor's letter to the Prince be obtained to pay their debts or until the Prince himself demand her freedom. Aseph Khan's denials are all turned into solicitations in Roe's behalf, so that he hopes "to effect that of Bengala." Advantages of employing a ship in the Red Sea this year. Desires them to endeavour by all their persuasions to procure assistance in this, for he fears their own means will not be able to undertake it. For Dabul the hopes are very barren ; other places mentioned by Banggam to the southward for pepper, Roe understands not. As to their debts, their principal debtors have been some days in prison ; Aseph Khan has done all in his power to help Roe. Other small debts, they are at the King's mercy for. Danger of sending their monies by their land convoy. The money is remitted to Agra ; to prevent any trouble at Daitatt in the country of Partappshawe, has obtained a phirmaund for the passage of their goods. As to private trade, thinks the Company will deal with favour, if men deal with modesty ; "for they intend not that their servants should get nothing, but that it should be with their consent and not to their injury." Complains that he is much injured by Steele's rashness ; will not consent to the presents he has promised, to let his folly be known. Has received copies of Steele's letters, wherein he makes himself chief and sent by his Majesty, without mention of Roe, whereas he was sent only as a factor and scarce that, to be disposed by Roe, and so Steele shall know. Has consented to Browne's employment. Hopes Aseph Khan's man has arrived ; he goes principally for gold ; "the content you give him is of more consequence than all others ;" has acquainted him with Mocrob Khan's offer of Gogo, but is assured he shall not need it ; besides the phirmaund sent herewith, he has caused Nourmahal to speak to the Prince for a new one ; briefly, Aseph Khan heaps upon Roe all manner of courtesies. Authorizes him to give some present to the Governor, but, as the Company orders, of no great value. Advises him to let the King, Nourmahal, or the Prince buy any goods and to let the Governor know of the presents sent by the Company ; two swords, two hats and feathers, two pairs of silk stockings, and a scarf. If he come to Ahmedabad, Roe will give him the choice "and till I hear I will not wear them." Begs Keridge to confirm the Governor's love of Roe, "as his opinion that I love him better than any man in a long coat." After the receipt of the phirmaund they will be no further questioned ; the three principal points of it. Daily expects Steele with the pearl, secretly. Though the phirmaund comes, yet if he can by those he sends up hide anything, lest they be yet abused, trust his own wits, but Roe thinks they will have fair play. Desires two days' notice of the factors' arrival that Roe may meet them, which if he had done last year he had not been robbed. Nourmahal's servant just arrived, with a request that the Queen might buy somewhat in the ship, which Aseph Khan has allowed, on her undertaking to protect their goods and that she had procured another phirmaund to command their fair usage and had entreated the Prince that she might pleasure the English in this and that all might come in her name to be delivered to Roe. Aseph Khan has done all this, fearing the Prince would seize, which he has now undertaken not to do, and all will come to Roe untouched and without custom. They see what the noise of fine things doth ; if the Company sent for a greater stock well chosen, it would be bought up at water side. Aseph Khan has promised to deliver Roe's petition for privileges and to procure the phirmaund for Bengal or any other place ; he assures Roe the King will not deny, and the Prince has referred all to himself. Fetiplace instructed as to the purchase of Muckshad's house and Salbancke as to the Persian's debt. Salbancke to clear his accounts with Robert and John Young. Great quantities of coral having arrived, requests some to be sent up for trial ; suggestions for the speedy sale of it. "Thus very weary, never in more hope of good success, I commit you and all our endeavours to God's blessing, desiring Him to direct us, for such ravenous people I never wish to see if I escape these." [Three pages. Indorsed, "Read, some mention of Mr. Steele herein." O.C., Vol. V., No. 552.]
Oct. 21. Mandow. 173. Sir Thos. Roe to Keridge and Company at Surat. Nourmahal, impatient to buy somewhat at Surat, has sent a phirmaund for their good usage by this bearer. Both she and Aseph Khan must be served, but they must keep the arras, the great plume, with some others with fans, two waistcoats, two scarfs, the best knives, the stand dish, the richest glasses, and of the cushionets, cabinets, sweet bags, a fit proportion for Roe not only to give but to sell the King and Prince, for they expect. They may let Nourmahal's servant have whatever they think requisite and give credit for a small matter ; knows not whether she sends money or no ; they may sell some of the bone lace, "but let her pay for her desires." This haste is strange, but may turn to their good if discreetly used. Begs them to content both her and Aseph Khan, that they may continue Roe's friends which now effectually they are. Let Capt. Pring and all his countrymen use them kindly, their return will be much to Roe's grace or disgrace. [Half a page. Indorsed, "Read. No mention of Mr. Steele herein. [O.C., Vol. V., No. 553.]
Oct. 21. Firando. 174. Edmond Sayer to Rich. Wickham. Concerning the sale of certain goods and, if they are sold, how to lay out the proceeds. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 554.]
Oct. 22. Firando. 175. John Osterwick to Richard Wickham. The expectation of his sudden coming will make him brief. Concerning the bills which were left behind for cloth and silk. Sends note of the cloth sold and the money paid, also of the "bills of debt" remaining in his hands. As to Tosamon and Wickham's suspicions of him for staying at Firando. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 555.]
Oct. 23-24. 176. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of Capt. Wood for a Scotchman to proceed as captain in one of the Company's ships, refused. Capt. Becke entertained for a master on the recommendation of Capt. Best. The "Noyalls," brought from France by Bell, too dear. Robert Tokeley and Thos. Hunt entertained at 7l. per month as masters. Robert Bonner to be master and chief commander in the Dragon ; John Wilmott, Peter Arnold, and John Weddell masters' mates. Settlement of a due proportion for the length of the ordnance. Burrell's business referred. Oct. 24. Letter read from James Sargeant in favour of his son, Nathaniel Sargeant, for employment. Abraham Bond to be entertained. Committee to attend the Judge of the Admiralty in reference to the punishment of Richard Weekes, quarter-master in the James, for mutiny. Report on Richard Crowte, recommended for employment, again referred. Capt. Best to report on the refusal of the sailors in the Sampson to sail with Capt. Becke. Barrett's business. Petition of John Curtis to receive his goods without freight. A room to be prepared to entertain mariners. The Company willing to resign their interest in their lease of Leaden Hall, if the Lords of the Council think fit. Suit of Mr. Bailye, a preacher, brother to John Bailye, a factor, deceased, and recommended by Sec. Winwood, to receive his brother's wages. The assistance of the Committee entreated to procure "a sufficient person" for a preacher. Accounts of John Sandcrofte, factor, deceased. Rebecca, widow of George Pley, factor to have some commodities "sent as tokens and remembrances" to her by her deceased husband. Bartholmew Ale, quarter-master in the Globe, to pay freight. Gratuity of 200l. to Burrell for his three years' extraordinary pains at Blackwall, in making the docks, overseeing the store houses and other works there ; 20l. also given to [Nath.] Salmon for his extraordinary services at Blackwall. [Four pages and a half. Court Bk., IV., 44-48.]
Oct. 29. Madrid. 177. Sir John Digby to Sec. Lake. Sir Robt. Sherley is again returned as ambassador from Persia. The King, desirous of avoiding the great charge he was put to at his last visit, gave orders for dispatching him to the Vice-King of Portugal, his business belonging to that crown, but Sir Robt. refused to treat with any until he should first have audience of this King. [Extract from Corresp. Spain.]
Oct. 30. The Hague. 178. Carleton to Sec. Winwood. Has recovered the journal of the new discovery of the passage into the South Sea of which he is promised the map ; the one shall accompany the other with his next. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
Oct. 30. The Hague. 179. Carleton to [Chamberlain]. Has seen one of the boats brought out of the north-west by the ship of discovery which he wrote of in his last [see ante, No. 169]. It is not much unlike a fisolera of Venice, but covered, and made of leather of fish skins, wherein a boy, no bigger than a man of those parts, may sit and row himself. They float on the top of the water, with the boat girded about their middle and venture to sea in a tempest. The ship returned ballasted with a very fair marble, called jaspis. She will be sent out again for further discovery. The industry of these people is much to be commended, this being done at private men's cost. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
Oct. 31. 180. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Giles James to be entertained. Saltpetre growing so scarce that it will be very difficult to procure sufficient for the Company's use ; advised to provide some from the Low Countries. Lawrence Walldo to have his business heard. Petition of Saml. Browne, who went out in the Defence and returned in the Dragon, referred. Letter read from Mary Gardyner on behalf of Edmund Kaye to be a free man. A sufficient person to be provided for Acheen ; Giles James thought fit to remain at Surat and Richard Fursland at Bantam ; Catatanga very hopeful to vent good store of commodities and from whence a good quantity of gold may be procured ; especial care to be had to provide a very sufficient man for that place. Martyn to have his goods partly free from charge. Petition of Henry Rickman, master's mate in the Charles, for reward for his extraordinary pains. John Bonfoye appointed to pay wages at Blackwall and Richd. Hanley at Deptford. Request of Richard Lancaster, who was employed at Surat, to proceed thither again. Isaac Sherington recommended by Lady Hubbert [Hobart] for employment, referred. [Three pages and a quarter. Court Bk., IV., 48-51.]