East Indies: July 1614

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 2, 1513-1616. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

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'East Indies: July 1614', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 2, 1513-1616, (London, 1864) pp. 301-313. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol2/pp301-313 [accessed 19 April 2024]

July 1614

July 1–9. 742. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Four minions lent to Mr. Salmon. Concerning some things sent over to Lady Bromley by Edward Langley, one of the factors of the Trades Increase, who was dangerously sick at Capt. Best's departure from Bantam. China taffetas of all colours to be sent to the Countess of Suffolk according to her request. Sale of pepper to John Chapman. About stopping the transportation of ordnance from England by the Flemings. Intelligence of a voyage intended out of Ireland for the East Indies, but going forth only with powder and shot, can be no other than pirates to rob and spoil; the council promise their best assistance to prevent the voyage for which Mr. Castleton is named, but he protests his desire to be employed by the Company. The Isaac to be viewed. Petition of Samuel Belley, preacher, for payment of his brother's wages. Estimate of fitting up the Expectation.
July 4.—Request of Robert Pye, a gentleman of Lord Compton's, on behalf of Sir Wm. Russell to adventure 900l. Goods consigned by Wm. Sheppard, a factor at Bantam, to his friends, to be stayed until Capt. Newport's return. Resolution to send for Sheppard home to render an account of his doings. No letters brought home for private persons to be given up until they have been perused by the Company. To prevent the shipping of ordnance. Purchase of two pinnaces. Admission of Thos. Bownest, servant to Thos. White, grocer. Price of beef and pork. Langley's goods to be stayed. White appointed to look to the workmanship of the cloth. Proposals of Mr. Kirbie concerning the manufacture of cordage. Disposal of the old timber and cordage. Mr. Couchman. Request of Humphrey Basse. Sir Anthony Palmer sworn a free brother of the society.
July 5.— Letter read from Wm. Addames, dated Japan, 12th Jan. 1613, [see No. 630,] an Englishman, who went forth 16 years ago, as pilot–major with the Hollanders, and has continued at Japan ever since, being in great favour with the emperor. He desires to see some English shipping in those parts, and gives an account of the commodities to be bought and sold there, acknowledges the Company's charitable affection towards his wife, which he is ready to repay, and will strive to do the Company service; hopes to procure leave from the emperor to return in some of their shipping. Also letter read from Sophony Cozucke, dated in Succadana, 17th July 1613, with an account of a beneficial trade to be had in the river of Landak for diamonds and gold, by making a fortification in a small island in the river, the only place whence all the principal diamonds are brought. Also letters from Wm. Sheppard, factor, dated from Bantam, 14th Dec. 1613, containing particulars of the sale and delivery of goods to Capt. Best; from Edward Cristian dated at Tecoe, in Sumatra, 27th Oct. 1613, with an account of his voyage to Bantam, the loss of Sir Henry Middleton, the Trades Increase and most of his men, and his intended voyage to the Moluccas; and from Peter Floris, Thos. Essington, and Adam Denton, factors, relating the progress of their voyage, and the settling of two factories, one at Slam and the other at Patani. Sir Thos. Smythe's account of the proceedings of certain grocers as to the purchase of a large quantity of pepper from the Dragon; also of the gallant conduct of Captain Best in fighting, with a ship and a pinnace against four galleons, and as many frigates. Sir Thos. Smythe, excuses himself from being chosen governor, on account of his long service, his age and health; but he, Sir John Watts, Sir Thos. Lowe, Sir Dudley Diggs, and Alderman Cokayne being nominated, is elected governor; Wm. Greenwell, deputy, although he wished to be excused; Wm. Harrison, treasurer, and the following committees:—
Robt. Middleton. Hump. Basse.
Robt. Offley. Raphe Freeman.
Robt. Bell. Reyn. Greene.
Robt. Johnson. Wm. Burrell.
Morris Abbott. Wm. Stone.
Thos. Westwray. Jeof. Kirbie.
Lawr. Greene. Hum. Smyth.
Edward James. Robt. Bateman.
Hump. Handforde. Hugh Hamersley.
Christ. Cletherowe. Nich. Leat.
Robt. Salmon. Hen. Garraway.
Nich. Crispe. Wm. Hallyday.
Richard Mountney is elected husband; Andrew Ellym and Christ. Lanman, bookkeepers; Fras. Sadler, secretary; and John Grimston, beadle. A gratification of 500l. voted to the governor, 150l. to the deputy governor, 300l. to the treasurer, and 1,000l. to the committees. The governor to be further considered at the next gratification. Divers committees and other officers of the Company sworn. Money delivered to the gunner of the Ascension. Reasons why Capt. Best allowed his men private trade. Proposal by Mr. Middleton concerning the appointment of two especial factors at Surat and Bantam, to have authority over all other factors; Jourdain named. Two pinnaces to be bought and dispatched away at once. Money to be taken up at interest to buy cloth and pay mariners' wages. Committees sworn. Thos. Cumberford, one of Lord Pagett's gentlemen, admitted gratis. Sea coal to be bought and divers commodities sold. Goods sent over by George Ball, factor, to be given up to his brother Richard Ball. 601 diamonds now come home to be sorted, valued, and sold. Sir Thos. Edmondes, ambassador in France, admitted gratis and allowed to adventure 1,000l. in the joint stock; Sir Anthony Palmer also sworn a free brother gratis.
July 8.—Sale of commodities with names of the purchasers, and the prices.
July 9.—Part of Wm. Burrell's adventure to be put to the account of Roger Harvie. Rich. Burrell's adventures. Desire of Lawrence Greene to pass over part of his adventure to Henry Austins; also of John Gardiner to set the remainder of his over to Henry Carter; of Susan Bridgeman, executrix of Henry Bridgeman, deceased, to pass over certain adventures to Thos. Trotter and Nicholas Skinner; and of Thos. Westwray to John Nevill. Conference with Mr. Isaacke about his employment in the Company's service. Aldworthe and Canninge to be sent for home, because of their private trading. Mr. Besbitch commended to the Company's service. Sale of silks. As to fetching water from a well in Suffolk which will keep five years. Reasons for declining to employ Francis Otley. Pepper bought by Humph. Robinson for Sir Robt. Napier. Adventures of Arthur Robinson and John Cason. New ordnance nearly ready for the Dragon. Committees sworn; also Mr. Mountney the husband. Admission of John Lynge. Request of one Yewer to be employed. A beam" to weigh silver to be paid for. Bond given by Mountney and Stevens for the Trades Increase to be discharged. Farmers of the customs to be agreed with for certain goods. [Twenty–one pages and a half. Court Bk. III., 135–156.]
1614. July 10. Masulipatam 742. Peter Williamson Floris, and Geo. Chauncey to [Capt. Jourdain]. Arrived at Masulipatam from Patani in the James, which they hoped reached Bantam in good time. Five persons dead since they left Patani, including Capt. Thos. Essington. Repairs to the Globe; now a far better ship than when she left England. Hope to be ready by 1st September to sail from Bantam, and so for England. Have not half lading for the Globe, the rest must be had at Bantam. General Best's orders. For providing pepper to help lade the Globe. Letter received from Thos. Aldworthe from Surat; he expected shipping from England, having sent thence a messenger by way of Persia. Eight ships from China arrived in Goa this year, which makes everything stand at a very low price. Were fortunate to be at Masulipatam before the Dutch ship or the arrival of the Portugal ships at Goa, else they had had but a poor market. Dare not trust a letter to the Company by this bearer, a Dutchman. Hear there are two English ships at Surat, and that the Viceroy of Goa has armed very strongly. [Two pages and a half. O.C., Vol. II., No. 142 (5).]
July 11–16. 744. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Lord Montgomery's adventure. Arrival of the Expedition in the Downs. Letters read:'from Captain Newport, from the Expedition, acquainting the Company with sundry letters which he has in a box, and the sickness of many of his men; from Wm. Nicholls from Tecoe, 30 Nov. 1613, extolling Acheen as a most commodious place to vent Surat commodities, and advising of those in most request there, and the manner of dealing with the natives; journal by Thos. Arthington, the purser, of the Expedition, from her departure, 17 Jan. 1613, till her arrival in the Downs 10th instant, with an account of the landing of my lord ambassador in the River Sindus, the dangers they escaped, lading of their ship at Tecoe and Bantam, and their safe return, with the death of only five of their men, one being drowned; from the Lord Ambassador of Persia, from “Guadea", of 18 Sept. 1613, persuading the settling of a factory there, which although not in Persia, is under the government of a tributary, that it promises the richest traffic in the world, and is free from the Portugals: highly commends the deserts of Capt. Newport; from John Jourdain, from Bantam, 2 Jan. 1614, concerning the lading of the Expedition, and the divisions that have again fallen out amongst the factors at Bantam for superiority, and how the ordnance and powder of the Trades Increase was disposed of amongst the Hollanders and King of Bantam; from Capt. Saris, 'from Bantam, 2 Jan. 1614, touching briefly of his voyage to Japan and the Moluccas, where he could not procure lading because of the Flemings, his settling a factory with the English at Firando, in Japan, with great privileges from the emperor for rade, the hope of ventin g Guzerat commodities, and procuring China silks, Brazil wood, and skins, his intent to lade at Bantam and return to England as soon as possible; a voluntary confession made by Edward Langley of wrongs done to the Company by himself, John Williams, Nathaniel Courthope, Robt. Larkyn, and others; from George Ball, from Bantam, 2 Jan. 1614, as to the lading of the Expedition, and his hope that the Clove will be ready to sail for England within 14 days; and from Wm. Sheppard, from Bantam, 1 Jan. 1614, excusing John Parsons, and accusing Capt. Middleton and others of unjust proceedings, which Langley, being at death's door, had already confessed.
July 12.—Adventures of Thos. Creswell and Geo. Nodes to be passed over to Adrian Moore. Claim of Mrs. Middleton on behalf of her husband Sir Henry, to the goods consigned by Langley to Lady Bromley. Permission to Sir Robt. Drury to adventure 200l. in the joint stock. Mr. Isaacke, refusing to go to the East Indies without leave for private trade, is dismissed. A small ship to be bought, “to disperse those goods that are in the country." Application of Lady Bromley to have the goods above mentioned, with a copy of Langley's voluntary confession, delivered to her, refused. Relation of Walter Payton, factor in the Expedition, touching the landing of the [Persian] Ambassador in the River Sindus and the great unlikelihood of settling any good trade in those parts; he delivered up a journal of the voyage. Proportion of pepper to be taken out of the Expedition by each adventurer. Request of a gentleman of the King's wardrobe to purchase one of the two chests of damasks for His Majesty's use. Money advanced by Wm. Palmer, the French merchant. Charges incurred by the Ambassador. Letter read from Cassarian David from Bantam, 29th December 1613, in which he condemns Robt. Larkyn, Edward Langley, Nath. Courthope, John Williams, Christopher Luther, and Thos. Herode, for purloining the Company's goods, deceiving private men, insolent behaviour, and vanity in wearing buckles of gold in their girdles; he makes known the great wealth they have suddenly gathered together, being worth 500l. or 600l. each; says they are false and unjust to their masters, and wishes their goods to be seized as belonging to the Company; it is agreed to send for them by the next ships, and to seize whatever they pretend to be theirs. Also a letter from Wm. Melsham, purser of the Clove, from Bantam, 2nd January 1614, relating to the Company's factories at Firando in Japan, the persons left there, how many have died in those parts, safe return to Bantam, silks received from George Ball, and other commodities procured at the Moluccas. And a letter from Edward Cristian, captain of the Osiander, dated in the road of Tecoe, 8th December 1613, concerning his success at Tecoe after the departure of the general, the subtlety of the people in keeping up the price of their pepper, and condemning the ignorance of the factors of the Expedition; intends to get his lading at Bantam, and then to shape his course for England. Request of Mr. Emsworth to put money in the general stock. Cloth to be provided for the next fleet. Lead, vermilion, quicksilver, and iron to be bought. Consideration of providing money for a sufficient stock, to be employed at Surat, “having no intent to carry any more to Bantam."
July 13.—Sale of commodities, with names of the purchasers and the prices paid. Proportion of pepper to be taken out of the Expedition by the adventurers and the conditions. Admission of Richard, son of Nicholas Leate.
July 16.—Dividends accruing to the late Mr. Millett to be paid to Mr. Lawrence. Payment for the Samaritan. Iron to be bought. Sundry journals and letters of intelligence, necessary for instruction, both for the places and commodities fit for trade in the Indies to be examined by Mr. Wright, and “reduced to heads to be readily found upon occasion offered.". Mr. Lanman applauded as one of the most perfect and sufficient accountants in London, to effect the finishing [of the accounts] of these disjointed voyages and proceed with the joint stock; and Mr. Ellym, commended for his experience in managing the business of the commissions and letters, to enter the journals, letters, and commissions, making marginal notes of the special matters of consequence. Copy of Langley's confession, omitting the part wherein he charges others with the same frauds as himself, to be delivered to Lady Bromley. Proposals concerning the providing of a sufficient quantity of cloth in time for the next voyage. Commodities to be procured in readiness. The auditors to report on Capt. Towerson's accounts. Letter read from Sir Richard Hawkins, concerning a discovery formerly made by him, and his desire to undertake a voyage in person to those parts by the Straits of Magellan, and to become one of the Company; a committee appointed to confer with Sir Jas. Lancaster about the letter and then to treat with Sir Richard, but not to meddle with his ship, which is very old. Customs of the pepper. Demand of Sir Thomas Lowe and some of the Turkey Company, concerning “the business befallen in the Red Sea by Sir Henry Middleton's means," the Company “having done nothing against the law of God or nations" it is referred to a committee. Sale of the rest of the commodities. Committees sworn. Proceedings of Dixie Cletherowe. Request of Mr. Cumberford to adventure in the joint stock, not agreed to. Petition of Geo Sumter, sailor and prisoner in the Hole at St. Katherine's, for his release. [Thirteen pages and a half. Court Bk., III., 156–169.]
July 17. Macassar. 745. George Cokayne to ——. Reasons for not sending men with Rich. Weldyng to Banda. Is resolved not to do anything without sufficient warrant from those authorized; it is not to the Company's credit to settle factories and then supply them with junks; although the gains might be much, the disgrace will be more. Descriptions of cloth of which great quantities may be sold in Macassar. Little spice to be bought this year; all men having lost their voyage because of contrary winds. Is informed that the people of Lugho, Cambello, and Lasede have great store of cloves which they will not sell to the Hollanders, expecting the English this next monsoon; they have also earnestly looked for Capt. Jourdain's return. Great timbers given by the King to the Company to build their house; a quantity of inch boards and nails required. The Hollanders have built a great rice house. The God's Gift left Macassar 10th May for Succadana, with Francisco Campayo in her, in charge of Fras. Kelly, Benj. Farie, and John Darby, to be delivered to the president in Bantam. [One page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 142 (7).]
1614. July 19–22. 746. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Thos. Hobson, servant to Humphrey Basse, sworn a free brother. Richard Wickham's wages. Question of admitting adventurers for certain fines. Goods of Thos. Jones, deceased, late a factor at Bantam. Bills of adventure to factors to have certain reservations, to prevent their being made over to others. Abuses by pursers in the 10th voyage. Abell excused; Edward Cristian taken prisoner at Surat, and Nicholson otherwise employed. Capt. Newport's request to take out certain goods brought home by him allowed. Committee to see the Expedition's bulk broken. The yard at Blackwall. Report of the auditors on Capt. Towerson's business. Commodities to be sold. Proposal of Capt. Newport for a voyage to the River Syndus, whence the Lahore indigo comes, referred; the Company having resolved to send two pinnaces at Michaelmas next and four ships at Christmas, “they thought it would be work enough for this next year." Letters read from John Bailye, from Bantam 1st Jan. last, discoursing on the whole progress of their voyage, the landing of the ambassador, the dangers they escaped having been almost betrayed, and commending Diu as a most excellent place for trade; from Mr. Parpoint of the same date, complaining of abuses against him by Capt. Newport, that he is willing to remain at “that wicked place" Bantam, but is in expectation of employment in some better place. Answer read from the Trinity House to a proposal from Sir Thos. Smythe, “concerning the wages of the Trades Increase, which was thought strange." About providing sufficient men for the next pinnaces, and disposing of the main business in removing from Bantam and calling all the rest of the factors there to account; letters of advice on those subjects to be sent to Capt. Downton, or the principal man there. A special person to remain in the country, have the name of general and not be tied to any one place of residence, to settle the factors in their courses, call them to account, send them forth upon discovery, and be furnished with power to punish those culpable of notorious crimes. Petition of Robert Youart to be employed as a factor, referred. Mr. Bullock to have 10s. a ship for their entry at the Custom House. Petition of Dixie Cletherowe, to be again employed.
July 22.—The governor acquaints the Company with the speedy return of Capt. Newport, notwithstanding he went out of his way to land the Ambassador of Persia, having lost but four or five men and procured part of his lading at Tecoe of Priaman pepper and the rest at Bantam, and thinks him worthy of commendation for his diligence and care. Impost of wet pepper. Sale of pepper, calicoes, lawns, &c. with names of the purchasers and the prices. 60l. of the adventure of Hugh Frayne, a factor in the 6th voyage, who died at Bantam, sold by the candle to Edward Prescott for 130l.. Sale of diamonds with names of the purchasers and the prices. [Seven pages. Cowrt Bk., III., 170–176.]
July 23. Patani. 747. Thos. Brockedon to Sir Thos. Smythe. Was appointed on the death of the factor to assist at Pettapoli. Requests that 50l. of his wages may be paid to his father Robt. Brockedon. Complaints against Capt. Marlowe and the master, for having lost a whole monsoon, domineering over the merchants, going through the Straits of Sunda instead of Malacca, drinking much wine and setting an example of drunkenness. Disturbances on the ship, a man slain with a knife by Mr. Dennis. [One page. Received 31 Aug. 1615, O. a, Vol. II., No. 153.]
July 24. Patani. 748. Capt. Robt. Larkyn to Sir Thos. Smythe. His voyage in the Darling to Succadana, Patani, and Siam. Arrived, fortunately, at Succadana to relieve the factory there, which he found indebted to the Hollanders, and in a poor beggarly state, because the junk that was dispatched from Bantam, first touched at Macassar. Silks sold at very good rates. Purchased 337 diamonds and a quantity of wax, which latter will more than double the money at Bantam. Likewise supplied the factory at Sambas, of which place he has very great hopes. Attempt to settle a factory at Landak, but found nothing but treachery; is of opinion that the trials have been so sufficient that it would be needless to make more. Sends “draught" of the river which is upwards of 100 leagues. Met with the James and arrived in her company at Patani 29th June, where they found no vent for their Surat cloth, nor china ware to lay out their money. Has staid all this while to take in the goods of the James bound for Siam. It has been no small grief to him, having ignorantly to do with part of the goods of the deceased Sir Henry Middleton. [One page and a quarter. O. C., Vol. II., No. 154.]
July 24. Patani. 749. Robt. Larkyn to Capt. Jourdain. Arrived at Patani 29th June; the Darling 24 days sailing from Bantam to Succadana and 25 days from thence to Patani. Met with the James, they have taken in her goods and are now bound for Siam, finding at Patani neither means to lay out money nor vent cloth such as they have brought. Goods required from Bantam and which are not vendible there. Suggests that he should confer with Capt. Marlowe respecting a place called Segora, made use of by the Flemings, which may be called a second Jacatra. Has great encouragement for the sale of coarse goods at Siam and Cambaya, Whether he shall proceed upon the former course of the Globe which he understood to be to great profit. “What great devil possesseth those barking dogs "who scandalize him with unjust dealings with the gooas of Sir H. Middleton, deceased; protests his innocence. Doubts not but he has received the 337 diamonds and the wax sent him from Succadana. [One pane and a quarter. O. C., Vol. II., No. 142 (4).]
1614? July? 750. Wm. Nealson to——. Has written to Mr. P[eacocke?] at Nangasaque about his things. Concerning his application to Mr. Cocks for a boy; the Dutch have reported that he would beat any boy unreasonably in his anger, which made parents unwilling to put one under him. Mr. P[eacocke ?] about to leave Nangasaque. Mr. Cocks has often protested against his behaviour, and utterly mislikes him; his good opinion of— —. They live well and contentedly. Cannot sell his nails as he used, “well this world will mend one day, but beware the grey mare eat not the grinding stone." Satirical letters from Peacocke. Is grown poetical' “He that hath a high horse may get a great fall And he that hath a deaf boy loud may he call And he that hath a fair wife sore may he dread. That he get other folks brats to foster and to feed." [Two pages. O. C., Vol. II., No. 155*.]
1614. July 25. Firando, Japan. 751. Rich. Cocks to Rich.Wickham. Has received his letters by Capt. Addames and Mr. Eaton. Incloses invoice of goods sent to him. Writes in grief of mind of the ill hap and death of Tempest Peacocke in Cochin China where he arrived in safety with the Dutch. They sold their goods to the king, who ordered them to go to Miako to receive payment, “but forestalled them and set upon them in their return, and killed all that was in company, both Dutch, English, and Japans, their followers." Report that Walter Carwarden was left aboard the junk and so escaped, though search has been made for him, it is not known whether he be alive or dead. The cargo of the junk amounted to 728l. sterling. It is thought the king did this in revenge of some injuries offered him by the Dutch some years past. Doubts not but if Carwarden has escaped that a good part of the goods will be returned. Mews that above 20 sail of Hollanders have arrived at the Philippines from the Moluccas, amongst them two or three English ships, but he cannot believe it, except it be the Pearl, or such like; if true, it goes ill with the Spaniards in the Moluccas. About preparing a ship or junk for Siam; either Wickham or Eaton must go the voyage. Lucas Antheunis has written him two humourous letters of one date and effect. To use his own discretion as to sending goods northwards, and giving credit to purchasers. Two ships some seven or eight leagues off; knows not whether they are Hollanders. Concerning the goods written for. Incloses,
751.I. Invoice of goods sent to Rich. Wickham to Yedo by John Phebe. Total amount, 161l. 12s.
751.II. Cocks to Wickham. The two ships without are both Hollanders from Patani, Jacob Speck who was “principal at first in this place" being capt. in the Admiral, the Red Lyon. [Together four pages. O. C. Vol. II., No. 155.]
July 26. Firando. 752. Wm. Eaton to Rich. Wickham in Yedo. Wrote to him on 17th from Osaka. Came with Capt. Addames to Firando for some cloth which is now sent to him. News from Cochin China that Peacocke and the Hollanders have been killed and their goods lost, while going to the king for money which he owed them. Two Holland ships arrived at Firando from Patani. Edward Saris commends himself to Wickham. [One page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 156.]
July 26. Firando, 753. Capt. Wm. Addames to Rich. Wickham. Arrived at Firando with Eaton on 1st July, and found Mr. Cocks, Nealson, and Saris in health. Bad news from Cochin China; the king sent a great boat after Peacocke and the Hollanders, which forcibly ran against their little boat, overthrew them, and cut them all to pieces. Walter [Carwarden] not heard of; it is supposed he went not on land, but tarried in the junk. Accounts between them, which he requests Wickham to certify to Mr. Cocks. [One page. O. C., Vol. II. No. 157.]
July 26. Patani. 754. Benj. Farie to the [East India Company]. Wrote on 1st August, 1613, of his proceedings at Macassar, with Mr. Cokayne for the sale of Guzerat cloth for money and rice, according to Jourdain's commission. Went to Lambasson where the Hollanders have a house, and buy great store of rice every year, which they send to the Moluccas and Banda. Bought about 70 tons, expecting English shipping to call for it; great part consumed by vermin. A junk sent by Capt. Best and Mr. Larkyn for Succadana, forced to put in at Macassar. The China silk came to a very good market. Mr. Williams, merchant, died on the passage. Refusal of the merchants of Macassar to take the Company's cloths, which they had bargained for, but dealt with the Portugals at very low rates, “we not daring presume to sell at the like." Concluded with G. Cokayne and Fras. Kelly to go to Pooloway, one of the Banda islands; the people there greatly complain of the oppression and cruelty of the Hollanders, and desire the accomplishment of Captains Keeling and Middleton's promise to relieve them. Forced by contrary winds to Booton, where they arrived 27th March, and found 33 junks laden with rice, bound for Amboyna and Banda, where it is affirmed only three junks arrived this year, “wherefore it is supposed the people of those islands will be famished for want of food." Put to sea again, but were compelled to go for Macassar, where their goods were landed, much rotted with wet. Arrived at Succadana 21st May, and found the Darling with Robt. Larkyn, commander, and Nath. Courthope and Cassarian David. Was appointed to go with Larkyn for Patani and Siam; met Capt. Marlowe in the James, and anchored in Patani Road 30th June. No employment there, but waited to transport the goods of the James to Siam. Excessive duty paid at Patani. Hopes to write at large from Siam. Requests 10l. may be paid to John Fletcher for his mother's use. News by a Holland ship that the Hollanders have lost one of their castles at Tidore with some 60 men, and are very weak at Banda, having 18 men cut off there, and likely to lose their castle. [Three pages. Received and read 31st August 1615. O.C., Vol. II., No. 158.]
July 26–27. 755. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The actions of some commanders abroad justly censured, and their proud behaviour towards their men much distasted. Imputation cast upon some of the committees for giving place to them in their courts. Mr. Best much commended for his good services in the 6th voyage, but condemned for his great private trade. 20s. an acre laid upon the Company's land at Blackwall by the Commissioners of Sewers. Committee to go down. Reward to Jasper Burrage for saving ryals from shipwreck. Wrongs and disorders committed at Bantam by the factors and mariners of the 6th voyage to be inquired into, and those come home, who appertain to the Trades Increase, to be examined; report by Mrs. Middleton of a chain of gold having been found in a firkin of pepper at the Custom House. Request of Peter Langley concerning the goods of his brother, Edward Langley, factor at Bantam, and his confession on his death bed of notorious wrongs committed against the Company and many other persons. The committees to meet about the business with the Turkey Company.
July 27.—Nicholas Isaacke's adventure of 600l. in the joint stock to be passed over to John Coghill. Robt. Pynn's wages to be paid to his widow. Admission of Jas. Beerblock to the freedom of the society. Mr. Wiech to have the eight minions at Milhall. Concerning a bill of exchange for 2,000l. being made over to the Turkey Company. Request of Peter Hought, of Amsterdam, to adventure 6,000l. in the joint stock; resolution to allow him to do so on payment of 600l. for his fine and freedom, and if he will take the oath in person. To be careful of the brass ordnance of the Darling, “of extraordinary value and worth." Whether to send away the two pinnaces or to let them go with the fleet, and as to the propriety of removing wholly from Bantam, knowing that although the King of Bantam exacts much for the custom of pepper grown in his country, all other goods pay nothing. Repairs for the Dragon. [Five pages. Court Bk., III, 177–181.]
July 28.
Patani.
756. John Gourney [chief merchant of the James] to the East India Company. Goods shipped in the James at Masulipatam and Pettapoli, from which latter place they departed 7th February, leaving Mr. Floris to provide for the Globe's lading; their purpose to go for Bantam, Patani, and Siam. The Queen of Patani lends money at 20 per cent Arrived at Bantam 20th April. The James being in an unfit state to perform the voyage to England, they desired the Osiander, which had trimmed at Jacatra, but it was not granted. Final resolution to go forward in the voyage; fell in company with the Darling, from Succadana, and anchored together in Patani Road 30th June; the Darling bound to visit the Patani and Siam factories. Conference with Capt. Larkin. Goods landed at Patani; Adam Denton left to manage the sale. Wm. Sheppard and Thos. Brockedon, purser in the James, brought from Bantam. Could more of the factors from Bantam have been spared, he would have taken them for the trade betwixt Siam and Langfan, Jangama, Pegu, &c. Difficulties of trade through Ava, the King of Pegu making war against the King of Siam. If the Company will reap the benefit they expect, divers things must be altered; the power of government on land must be given to meet men, for the generals and factors will not follow the Company's rules, but sway the factors as if they were their own private servants; another inconvenience is in the diversity of accounts. Reception at Pellicut [Pulicat] by the Dutch, and entertainment at their large castle by the captain, Warner Van Berghen, alias Capt. Drinkwater, “rector" of all the factories upon that coast; declaration that the king had given a firman for the whole trade of that town to the Hollanders, without whose leave no stranger might intermeddle. Patani and its territories yield very good sorts of paintings and woven wares fit for Java and the Moluccas. Settled a factory at Pettapoli with Geo. Chauncey and Thos. Brockedon, and repaired to Masulipatam, where they were kindly entertained, the people being greatly contented to trade with them. Proceedings of governors who behaved very badly to them; the farmers of customs, by virtue of their places, purchase all trade for themselves; the English must farm the customs of their trade as the Hollanders do. Men of great understanding must be placed upon the coast. Spices, drugs, and China wares will sell at Patani. Report at Bantam that deputies from the Holland Company have been in England to confer with the East India Company about some accord in the trade with the Indies, “if it so fall out, then doubtless each may be welcome to the revenue of a great king, whereas, by the contrary, we shall be hunting one another to 'swag the profits, that in a few years it will not prove worth the trouble;" example in a purchase by Augustus Spalding. They have borrowed 3,000 ryals of Capt. Robt. Larkin at 10 per cent. [Three pages and a half. Much injured by damp. Vol. II., No. 159.]
July 28.
Patani.
757. Duplicate of the preceding. [Ibid., No. 160.]
July 28.
Patani.
758. John Gourney to Sir Thos. Smythe, governor of the East India Company. Complaints against Capt. Marlowe, who has governed at sea with much brawling and little justice, and ashore with much greatness without skill, consuming much more money than was necessary. Death of John Hawkes. Inconveniences caused by the Governor of Masulipatam purchasing goods. Account of custom outwards, and of the Governor of Pettapoli breaking his promise in paying with goods in full instead of half money. Marlowe accused of concealing the money received of Sir Henry Middleton for a cable, and of appropriating the Company's goods to his own use. Desires to adventure 200l. of his wages with the Company, that 25l. may be paid to his sister, and the rest as it falls due to his brother or Wm. Finche. [Two pages. O. C., Vol. II., No. 161.]
July 28.
Patani.
759. John Gourney, Adam Denton, Wm. Sheppard, and Thos. Brockedon, to Capt. Jourdain and Rich. Cobbe. Arrived 30th of June in company of the Darling, and are about to leave for Siam, leaving Adam Denton chief at Patani. Dispute with the Oran Kayes, who rule under the Queen, about the presents to be given them. No sales have yet been made. Lading of the James. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. II., No. 142 (6).]
July 28.
Aboard the
Darling in the
Road of Patani.
760. Thos. Herode [master's mate of the Darling] to the East India Company. Sailed from Bantam 10 March, and arrived at Succadana 3 April, where the men were found in health, but altogether unfurnished with money; report that they had in consequence been obliged to refuse 1,000 carats of diamonds; cannot sell their cloth, because it is rated so high; but had settled a factory at Sambas. Money sent to them. The arrival of a junk from Bantam saved them from giving over their voyage for Patani and Siam. The people of Landak very desirous that the English should settle a factory there where all the diamonds and most part of the gold and bezoar stones come from. “Saffeigenes" [savageness] of the people of the Dyockes [Dyaks] who lie in the rivers on purpose to take off the heads of all they can overcome. Attempt of Sophony Cozucke with two others to settle a factory; were assailed by 1,000 men, but the Dyaks not being used to powder and shot, were fain to run ashore. On 6 May nine Englishmen again went up the river; “their old customers" used them very kindly, but more for fear than for love. The King of Sambas promised the English that he would meet them with 1,000 men, which they of Landak had intelligence of, whereupon the people sought by treachery what they could not do by force, “for the force of the whole country was not able to withstand the nine men;" endeavour of the people to split the English prow against the rocks; two blacks slain. Thinks so good an opportunity should not be let slip, for with 20 men a factory may be settled and their stores bought for salt and rice, which they cannot live without; an island some 18 leagues up the river which may be fortified; report that 3,000 or 4,000 carats of diamonds may be had there yearly, besides gold, bezoars, and wax. Great trade to Burnea [?Borneo] for bezoars and wax. Death of John Williams. Left Nath. Courthope chief at Succadana. Arrived at Patani on 30 June in company of the James. Assistance given by Capt. Marlowe in furnishing the Darling. Doubts not to have a good voyage to the Coromandel coast, and there make the Darling a new ship. Capt. Marlowe has a draft of the coast of Borneo, with description of the rivers of Landak and Tient. Murder committed by the master's mate. [Two pages. Indorsed, “Received by the James, 30 April 1615." O. C., Vol. II., No. 162.]
July 29. 761. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Sale by the candle of calicoes, silks, and other goods, with names of the purchasers and prices; also of two boxes of ambergris belonging to the Virginia Company at 3l. Is. and 3l. 2s. an oz., and of 50 tons of nutmegs belonging to the King at 14d. per lb. [Three pages. Court Bk., III., 182–184.]