|
|
|
|
May 3.
Asapasbozurb.
|
65. George Pley to [W.] Bell at Shiraz. Assurances of friendship.
How he has been vilified for looking after the interests of the
Company, and branded with the name of knave, puritan knave,
prying knave, and threadbare knave. It has been given out that he
being drunk lost a camel ; "is it possible that they who daily swim
in Bacchus bowls, can so speak of others ?" It is an old proverb
"Pride doth overcome wit." [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 471.]
|
|
May 7. ?
At sea.
|
66. Capt. Nath. Martyn to Capt. C. Harris. Complains of the
slow sailing of his vessel, and wishes to know whether he desires the
writer to keep him company all the way to England. [One page.
O.C., Vol. V., No. 472.]
|
|
May ?
|
67. Request and reasons of Capt. Christopher Harris, commander
of the Peppercorn, for Nathaniel Martyn, commander of the Globe,
to keep him company to the uttermost of his endeavours until they
reach the port of London. Signed by Chr. Harris, John Curtis, and
Henry Rickman. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 473.]
|
|
May 8.
Ispahan.
|
68. Edward Connok to Thos. Barker, [second in Persia,] Geo.
Pley, Edw. Pettus, and Wm. Bell, at Shiraz. Cannot write more
earnestly than he has done for the despatch of the goods, people, and
presents from Shiraz to Ispahan. Has detained their messenger,
knowing him to be slow, and sent a speedy one, in expectation of
their sudden answer. Marvels he has not heard from them for thirty-
three days, as a letter from Shiraz would reach him in five or six days,
"so that this must needs be your careless or willing faults." Nothing
can be effected in any certain manner till he has been with the
King, nor can he go to the King until the goods, people, and presents
arrive. Recommends their hasty coming ; complains of their delay ;
do they think Shiraz will vent all their goods and Ispahan nothing?
He neither may nor will suffer the business to ruin through their
stubborn wilfulness and idleness, "and to speak particularly to you,
Mr. Barker, (now the chief director and manager thence of these
neglects,) remember yourself, you know by our commission you ought
to be by me directed, and since it so ought to be, it so shall be, be
you assured." The coming of the Spanish ambassador is confirmed
by letters from Goa, whose arrival in Ormuz or any other part of
Persia he prays Barker to advise him of, that Connok may procure
his stay until he has despatched his own business with that King.
[One page and three-quarters. Indorsed, "This copy sent into India
to the agent, Mr. Keridge, Mr. Browne, and Mr. Rastell, and to no
other. Surat." O.C., Vol. V., No. 474.]
|
|
May 8.
Ispahan.
|
69. Edward Connok to Geo. Pley and Edward Pettus, at Shiraz.
Has this very hour received their letters, by which he perceives the
"disorderous" and dangerous proceedings of Thos. Barker. Assures
them that he will compass any danger whatsoever that shall for the
future be practised by Barker. Time is spent which cannot be recovered.
Will let Barker soon see he can reach him at Shiraz or in
any the dominions of Persia. "I will let him know if God give me
life, how to obey, and that so modestly, [yet justly,] that he shall be
his own judge." Barker has quite broken his intentions of presents
for the King, who will not be presented with such things as they
give to the Khan and others. Has given orders for camels to
be sent towards them. [One page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 475.]
|
|
May 8.
Shiraz.
|
70. Thos. Barker and Wm. Bell to Edw. Connok, agent at
Ispahan. Sends messenger on purpose to certify to him that the
Portuguese Ambassador is arrived at Ormuz. Cannot learn whether
he intends to make any long abode there, only suppose that the
intolerable heat of that climate will force him speedily to leave
that place, and seek a more temperate air inland. Desire him to
procure from the King the grant of the house at Shiraz, wherein he
lodged. Account of cloth given to the Company's servants, in part
payment of wages, for their apparel. Inconvenience of keeping
their accounts in divers species ; wish to know in what species
Connok intends to keep his accounts. Necessity of writing to the
factory at Surat before the arrival of the ensuing year's fleet, to
prevent the danger of sending only one ship to these parts. Are
credibly informed their enemies at Goa are uniting all their Indian
strength to cross their Persian desires. [One page and three quarters,
Indorsed, "Received the 15th ditto, in Spahan." O. C., Vol. V.,
No. 476.]
|
|
May 9.
Surat.
|
71. Robt. Younge to Sir Thos. Roe. Requires a remittance of
money. Intends going to Baroach with Martin in six weeks. Hears
that the Prince has ordered them to be put out of their house ; hopes
it will not prove true, believes their landlord to be in disgrace with
the Prince. Concerning a debt due to Leske. Letters received from
Calicut show the proceedings there to be little to the Company's
profit. The King borrowing money of the factors which is still
unpaid, and taking goods without paying for them. George Wolmer,
the factor, dead. That place affords no commodity fit for England ;
the people are poor, oppressed, and robbed by the Portuguese.
[One page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 477.]
|
|
May 10.
Camboja.
|
72. George Savidge to [Cocks at] Firando. Their arrival at Camboja
from Siam. Their proceedings have been very troublesome by
reason of the Portuguese. At first they received a kind welcome
from the King and his mandarins, but afterwards, through the
instigation of the Portuguese, were ordered on board their junk and
to depart with all speed, it being feared they were sent to take the
country, but since inquiring of their dealings and carriage in other
parts the King has learned to understand them better. Arrival of
two Hollanders in a Malay junk from Patani with a cargo of very
good cloth, which is in great request. Three months after, the
Portuguese in a small prow took this junk and carried it away to
Malacca in spite of the King, who sent 500 men to bring them back.
The King so displeased with the Portuguese for this and other
treasons that he will not suffer one of them to stay. He has taken
from them all their munitions and weapons, and desires some English
and Dutch ships to arrive to take the Portuguese as they took the
Hollanders. The Duke has given them a house hard by his Court.
Their cargo in such bad condition that they have sold but little
yet ; has made sale of all at reasonable good rates. Doubts not that
this place will prove very profitable to the Company by the sale of
many commodities specified. [One page. Indorsed, "Received
30th July in Firando." O. C., Vol. V., No. 478.]
|
|
May 12.
Macassar.
|
73. Kellum Throgmorton to Capt Barkeley, President in Bantam.
[Nat.] Courthope arrived with the Swan and Defence on 19th
November. This factory not so well furnished with money as
Barkeley expected. Has turned the money he had taken for cloth
into mace according to Mr. Ball's orders when he placed the writer
chief in Macassar. The Attendance, John A. Baringe, could not
fetch Banda, but arrived at Macassar 8th April. The factory very
poor and scarce able to maintain the house until a new supply.
Sends the Attendance back to Bantam with [Thos.] Spurway, who
will give an account of the proceedings at Pooloroon. Orders sent to
Banjermassin and Succadana to keep the factories there until further
orders from Bantam, and to expect a good supply by the next
monsoon. Will provide by that time what rice the country can
afford ; mace and tar ready. George Jackson, John West, and
Wm. Withers to remain in Macassar Factory with Throgmorton until
further orders. Would like to be advised beforehand of the ships'
coming, so as to provide for them better. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. V.,
No. 479.]
|
|
May 15.
Ispahan.
|
74. Edw. Connok, Geo. Pley, Edw. Pettus, and Wm. Tracy to
Thos. Keridge, agent, and Thos. Rastell and the rest of the factors
at Surat. Refer to previous letters which relate their detention at
Shiraz, and though they had good usage from the Khan at last, yet
for many good reasons they came to Ispahan, where also they are
best able to withstand the further plots of their professed enemy.
Recapitulate the contents of Connok's letters to Barker and the rest.
Barker's unlawful and sensual entertainments, and wasting of time
at Shiraz, although the Spanish Ambassador had come from Goa
and was at hand with large presents to supplant them. Wm. Bell
and John Amy remain in Shiraz with Barker. Complain of Barker's
conduct, and of his wasting and retaining goods which should have
been sent to Ispahan, so that Connok is wholly despoiled of his
presents for the King. Hope soon to advise him of the sale of all
the cloth at good rates, for silk. Can send yearly five hundred bales
of silk or more, on condition that they have sugars, spices, and other
required commodities sent to them. Great advantages of trade with
Ormuz. They mean to injure, if not wholly to ruin, the Portugal trade
there ; desire it may be recommended especially to [John] Browne at
Ahmedabad, "a man stirring and discreet." Enclose their letter to
the Commander of the next fleet from England, as to what is here
given out by the Spanish agent, to supplant this trade by the
bullet. Ormuz is weak, but still they could desire the coming of the
whole fleet. Will be at Jask by 15th Oct., in expectation of the
commodities they specify. Have been desired by the King's
treasurer and minion Lalabegg, to write to India for the underwritten
toys and necessaries for the King's use, which Keridge must
not fail to send as he regards their credit and welfare. Steele and
Crouther have given a good account of the weights, coins, and
measures of Persia. Prices of silk. An Englishman, Wm. Robbins,
a man of good estate and as good respect of this prince and people,
has given them great help and furtherance in their business. Request
him also to thank Steele for his good respects to them and their
affairs, which will give him further encouragement. Directions for
packing the goods sent to them ; most of their camels are weak and
cannot stand under a burthen of above four or five hundred [weight]
English. [Six pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 480.] Inclose,
Cannok and the rest to the Commander of the next English Fleet,
touching Surat. Think it their duty to address him this
paper, a part being wholly upon marine matters. Threat
of the Spanish Agent to supplant the English trade by the
bullet ; "the weak ability" of Ormuz. It would not be
amiss that he should come with all his fleet, which would
be a security and a daunting to the enemy. Suggestions
in case he should resolve to send but one ship. Ispahan, 1617,
May 15th. [One page and a half. O.C., Vol. V., No. 482.]
|
|
May 15.
Ispahan.
|
75. Connok and others to "the land and sea consultation at the
arrival of the next English Fleet at Surat." How behoof-ful it may
be to send the whole fleet this way. The forces and preparations
at Diu and Goa ; cannot apprehend their adversaries would seek
their whole fleet at Jask, though the writers rest assured they hope
to entrap one single ship. [Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. V.,
No. 483.]
|
|
May 15.
Ispahan.
|
76. Connok and others to Wm. Keeling, Captain and Commander-General
over all the English in the East Indies, and to the
Factory at Bantam. Inclose copy of their letter of 19th January
(see ante, No. 20). Hope to receive the supplies they wrote for by
the James. Being come to Ispahan, the chief city and seat of this
Empire, they desire to confirm their former advice so as to take
away all doubt, as they were then in the remotest part of the
country. Spices of all sorts will yield within 25 per cent. equal to
their own country. The King desirous to pass all his silks into
Christendom by sea, to the weakening of his enemy the Turk ; his
treasurer, his chief favourite, has proffered them two or three thousand
bales of silk to be shipped free, on condition of receiving satisfaction
in one or two years in spices, sugar, cloth, and other English and
Southern Indian commodities. Have written to England for instructions
in so weighty a matter, but beg him in the meantime to
supply them according to their requests. Their aim is to falsify
the reports of the Portugals, who say that the English are not
merchants but thieves and sea robbers, who under pretence of
merchandise entrap and despoil the ships and subjects of the princes
of India and southern parts. Their desire, under colour of proffered
benefit by trade, to obtain the King's leave to fortify Jask, the
entrance of the Persian Gulf. Will attend this October at Jask
the arrival of some ships, as also from Surat, not doubting in the
interim to obtain their capitulation signed by the King. Have
settled two factories, one at Ispahan and the other at Shiraz ; intend
a third at the sea side and near to Jask next year, which will be
all the trade that can anyway be required. Have been entreated by
the King's treasurer and favourite to procure the underwritten necessaries
and toys for the King's use. All sorts of china, a good commodity
being much in request. [Three pages. O.C., Vol. V.,
No. 484.]
|
|
May 15.
Ispahan.
|
77. George Pley to Thos. Keridge at Surat. In his last from
Mogustan he certified their arrival at Jask, and how the governor
behaved to them. Departure of Connok for Shiraz to procure the
Khan's phirmaund for their release. Their detention at Lar, caused
by Thos. Barker, and their arrival at Shiraz. Barker the cause of
their long stay at Shiraz to the Company's detriment, and of other
inconveniences ; his behaviour to Pley. Refers to their general letter
touching their negotiations in those parts ; assures him that in a
short time they are like to have a trade of great benefit ; the Portuguese
strive by might and main to supplant them, but he hopes to
no purpose. The Spanish Ambassador, who has been two years at
Goa, by reason of the taking of Gombroon from the Portuguese, is
daily expected from Ormuz, and brings a present of great value to the
King. He knows how meanly they are provided with presents ;
hopes he will duly consider it by the next fleet, and send the commodities
they are in need of, that their enemies may not have cause to
laugh at them. Begs him to send six bedsteads, as they all lie on
the ground. [Three pages and a half. O.C., Vol. V., No. 485.]
|
|
May 16.
Ispahan.
|
78. Connok and others to Keridge, agent at Surat. Copy of
their letter of the previous day [see ante, No. 74.] Information
touching three commodities which this place yields, saffron,
galls, and a root for dyeing, called ruenas. Are informed that there
lately came from Goa after the James, seven galleons, 56 frigates,
and two gallies, but not finding her went to Muscat, their garrison
on the coast of Arabia, from whence they returned to Goa. This
argues the enemy's intentions, therefore they recommend the sending
of the whole fleet ; if they are repulsed at first they will be for ever
daunted. [Seven pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 481.]
|
|
May 16.
Ispahan.
|
79. Connok and others to Keridge, agent at Surat. Copy of
the preceding letter of this date. [One page. O. C., Vol. V.
No. 486.]
|
|
May 18.
Ispahan.
|
80. Connok and others to Barker and W. Bell, at Shiraz. Bitter
complaints of Barker's slow and tedious proceedings ; the great prejudice
to the Company's affairs and advantages gained by the Spanish
Ambassador, who has despatched letters to the King and will bribe
fairly ; had Barker dispeeded their caravan all these inconveniences
had not been. Accuse him of needlessly giving presents of too
great cost to the officials at Shiraz, and such things as they had
intended presenting to the King, contrary to Connok's orders, "you
know little of these Turkish countries and government ; when you
have spent what you can, they still will be eating and grating
anew on you." Touching Barker's accounts, and his appropriation
of money to his own use, admonishes him for his abuse of George
Pley, "let us live at peace among ourselves ; if anything be amiss
have relation to me, you shall have no wrong, but all right." Can
give him no orders what to present to the Khan's vizier until
he assures Connok he will be conformable to the direction of their
Commission. House for the Shiraz factory ; the King's house there
too expensive and fitter for a prince than a private merchant ; will
not omit to obtain a convenient house of the King, but none of his
regal palaces will Connok demand. Wishes rather he had been sick
in his bed than that he should have been the cause of the Spanish
Ambassador having the start of them ; for this Barker can never
make amends. The Moor in Barker's service is a Portugal spy, he
should not employ him any more. Will write no more than what
he has already written as to Connok's "counterfeit ambassage."
The keeping of his accounts and sale of goods. Hope Barker will
discreetly take example by the past and modestly perform for the
future. Beg he will speedily advise them of the Spanish Ambassador's
movements. [Seven pages and a half. O. C., Vol. V., No.
487.]
|
|
May 18.
Paria ? in the
Kingdom of
Chiampa.
|
81. John Ferrers to Capt. Cocks at Japan. His last was of the
13th March by Wm. Eaton, since which time Ferrers and Peter
Hall have been sent with a cargo of goods to discover Chiampa, and
to meet with Capt. Shoby, hoping to send some goods by him to
Japan. The King has given them free trade to all parts of his
kingdom being well content with their coming. Money delivered
to Capt. Shoby. Half a page. [Indorsed, "Received in Japan
4 July, by the junk of Shoby." O. C., Vol. V., No. 488.]
|
|
May 21.
Jacatra.
|
82. Nicholas Ufflete to George Ball, agent in Bantam. Account
of iron sent to Bantam. News that the Swan and Defence are at
anchor at Pooloroon, and that the Dutch ships at Pooloway anchored
between the English ships, upon which Mr. Davye threatened to
sink them if they did not leave ; the Dutch perceiving the ordnance
planted on the island with English colours, and that the English
ships were fully manned with the Bandanese, weighed for Neira,
but were forced by a storm out to sea and are now at Jacatra.
[Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 489.]
|
|
May 21/31.
|
83. "Translation of a resolution [in French] of the States
General in favour of the Dutch East India Company against the
English" in reference to certain complaints against the English for
their extraordinary proceedings in the East Indies, in assisting
the Spaniards and Portuguese with arms, munition of war, and other
necessaries, and encouraging the natives to violate their contracts
and treaties with the Dutch. Indorsed by Carleton as above.
[Holland Correspondence.]
|
|
May 21/31.
|
84. Another copy, in French, with marginal note and in part underlined
by Carleton. [Holland Correspondence.]
|
|
May 21/31.
|
85. Copy of the preceding in Dutch. [Holland Correspondence.]
|
|
May 23.
Judea in Siam.
|
86. John Johnson and Richard Pitts to [Capt. Cocks ?] at Firando.
His letters to [Benj.] Farie by Wm. Eaton giving account of the
great troubles he had in going up to the Emperor to obtain the former
privileges, have been received. Know for certain that Shoby Dono
having met with foul weather and his junk leaky, was forced to
Chiampa ; hope he has now gone for Nangasaki. Glad to hear of the
safe arrival of the Chinese junk which Sayer went in, though with
the loss of many men and among them the captain, as they hear. Are
glad they can send a junk well laden with "sapon," because of its
scarcity. Reasons for sending a small vessel with a cargo of goods
and money to Chiampa, under the direction of Peter Hall and John
Ferrers. Understand, from an Ambassador of the King of Chiampa
sent to the King of Siam, the commodities the country afforded. She
sailed on 20th March. Have made arrangements for her return
before the departure of the Sea Adventure "but man may purpose
but God disposeth at His will and pleasure." Lading of the Sea
Adventure. Much trouble and vexation, besides the giving of many
bribes to procure a small quantity of "sapon" Would like the
money sent to them of the same coin as Eaton will show him, which
will tend very much to their employers' profit, provided it be kept
secret. Since the departure of the Sea Adventure in 1616, they
have had very good sales in clothing. In answer to the complaints
of some of the goods of the Company, think Capt. Addames can
hardly prove his Christopher an honest man. If this factory is to
be maintained and a profitable trade driven with Japan, the men
as well as the commodities must be good. The seaworthiness and
manning of the Sea Adventure. Benjamin Farie died 11 Sept.
1616. [Two pages. Indorsed, "Copy of a letter sent from Siam to
Firando in Japan in the junk Sea Adventure," and beneath "In
ship Advice for Bantam." O. C. Vol. V. No. 490.]
|
|
May 26.
Saldanha Road
|
87. Consultation aboard the Hound in Saldanha Road appointing
[Henry] Rickman, master's mate of the Globe, pilot to England in
the Peppercorn, in lieu of John Curtis, master of the Peppercorn, who
is insufficient. Signed by William Gardiner, Master of the Hound,
and Nathaniel Martyn. [Half a page. O.C. Vol. V. No. 491.]
|
|
May 27.
|
88. Consultation held at Tecoe. The ship Rose to be sent with
the Company's goods to Acheen. Mr. Dego to go merchant and
Wm. Partridge as second. The goods on board the Unicorn to be
consigned to John Millward, who has commission to receive into his
charge all goods laden upon ships from Surat to Sumatra. The
Unicorn to be dispatched by the 5th of September. Signed by
John Millward, Henry Pattesonn, William Polhill, George Pybourne
and Lewis Smyth. [Two pages. O. C. Vol. V. No. 492.]
|
|
May 28.
Siam.
|
89. John Johnson and Richard Pitt to John Browne, principal
of the English at Patani. The price of copper uncertain. This
year three Chinese junks have arrived with silks. Have little goods
left to sell or truck for, having had good sales and to good profit.
Entreat supplies for this factory to enable them to supply Japan
with goods, and from Japan, money for Bantam. The Sea Adventure
arrived 24th January from Japan, with Wm. Eaton, merchant,
and left 27th inst. ; her lading. Lament they had not the money to
make use of which he had lying dead. Evil reports of the English
spread by the Dutch, who endeavour by all possible means to wrong
and hurt them by their "vigorous scorpion tongues." Farie died
within one hour of eating a hearty breakfast, having hardly time to
make a bequest in favour of his woman and child ; he was not a man
of such indiscretion as to desire the Dutch, our mortal enemies, to
be overseers of the Company's goods. The truth is the Dutch grieve
at our good sales. Hope all the factories may make as good sales
as they have. Reasons for their buying a small pinnace of 15 or 16
tons burthen. [Two pages. Indorsed, "Rec. 25th August 1617."
O.C., Vol. V., No. 493.]
|
