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March 12.
Surat. |
640. Thos. Keridge to the East India Company. Wrote by the Solomon from the Cape of Bona Esperansa, which they left on 28th June [1612], and arrived at Surat 7th Sept., where they received all kind usage and encouragement for settling a factory ; but a letter from Sir H. Middleton, and the arrival of a ship shortly after from Mocha, taken by Sir Henry, caused some controversy and prevented the settling of a factory, although a certain quantity of goods were sold. Conclusion of articles with the governor of Amadabaz [Ahmedabad] for permission to trade and settle a factory, confirmed by the king's firman. Fights with four Portugal galleons and 25 frigates, which were forced to a dishonourable flight, having had killed by report some 200, while the English had only three slain. Commodities received on board to the value of 3,500l. fit for Acheen, Priaman, &c. Resolution of the general to leave Surat, the Portugals again returning, he having spent the greatest part of his powder and shot. Ant. Starkey sent overland with letters of advice to the Company. Difference between Mr. Canninge and Mr. Aldworthe, at the moment of the departure of the former with a present to the King of Agra. Another firman from the king received 20th Feb., written in the name of the general, who was not contented with the former, being to the Governor of Ahmedabad; sends copy in the Persian language with translation. There is not the like place to Surat in all the Indies for vent of English commodities; thinks for the better defence of the Company's ships and goods that all their ships should first touch at Surat, except those for the Bay of Bengal. Wishes King James' letter to the King of Dabul might be obtained for trade there, not-withstanding their denial to Sir Henry Middleton, the Portugals power being decreased and disesteemed since their fights with the English ships. The people in general “affectioned more to us than to our enemies,”only the subjection they have been held in for these many years by means of their sea forts, keeps them still in fear. The conveniency of the Cape of Bona Esperansa, the sweetness and wholesomeness of the air, and the abundance of all good refreshing things, together with the easy entrance “hath given us hope it may be inhabited by our people, which in short time might bring profit and reputation to our country.”[Two pages. 0. C., Vol. I, No. 105.] |
March 13.
Hague. |
641. Sir Ralph Winwood to the King. Three Commissioners, ready to depart for England, to treat with the Governor and Company of East India merchants, two burgomasters, Pavius of Amsterdam and Boreel of Middleburg, and Meerman one of the eschevins of Delft. [Hugo] Grotius, pensionary of Rotterdam, accompanies them by order of the States. They are authorized from the Dutch Company of East India Merchants only to treat, yet take with them letters of recommendation from the States to His Majesty. Has advertised Sir Thos. Smythe of their going, and showed him how far Winwoood stands engaged and entreated him to receive them with kindness. [Extract from. Holland Corresp.] Annexed, |
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641.I. . The States General to the King. The letter of recommendation above referred to, requesting the King to take notice of the arrival of the Dutch Commissioners, and with his countenance to advance the good success of the cause which they come to negotiate. Hague, March 13/23, 1613. |
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641.II. Prince Maurice of Nassau to the King. Similar letter to the preceding. Hague, March 15/25, 1613. [Holland Corresp.] |
| March? |
642. The States General of the United Provinces to the Privy Council. In accordance with their promise that they would send deputies from the Holland East India Company to England to treat for a settlement of the differences between the two East India Companies of England and Holland, the States General have given the necessary orders, but a free pass is requested from the King for the deputies with their dependents before their departure. [One page and a quarter. French. Indorsed by Coke. Corresp., Holland.] |
March 23
to
April 20. |
643. Minutes of a negotiation with Holland for securing and improving the trade and navigation in the East Indies. Reyner Paw, Hugo Grotius, James Boreel and Dideric Meerman sent into England to treat; their first memorial, great charge in maintaining their trade, think it very hard that the King's subjects should trade in those parts. Reply of the King's Commissioners that the King's subjects had a right to trade there. Answer of the Dutch. [Three pages and a quarter. East Indies, Vol. I., No. 38.] |
