East Indies, China and Japan: March 1618

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

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'East Indies, China and Japan: March 1618', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621, (London, 1870) pp. 135-146. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol3/pp135-146 [accessed 19 March 2024]

March 1618

March 3. The Hague. 288. Sir Dudley Carleton to [Sec. Lake]. Has already informed him that the States, upon the King's recommendation, had given Sir Thomas Dale his full entertainment, 1,000l., for the whole time of his seven years absence in Virginia. Hears that he left the States service the very day of the receipt of his money sans dire adieu, it being given out that he is employed into the East Indies by the King's command. Shall gladly receive some civil e cuse, the King's name being interested both in Sir Thos. Dale's good treatment by the States and in his ill manner of leaving their service. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
March 4. Royal James. 289. Patrick Copland to Sir Thos Smythe. After their departure from the Cape, there was on 6 August a total eclipse of the moon about 8 at night, which continued from 8 to 12 ; she was almost an hour in the eclipse and another in clearing ; the rest she was darkened ; both before and after the eclipse she was so clear that one might have read by her almost as well as at a candle. Had all good and loving entertainment of the people at Mallalla (Mohilla) ; a shot accidentally killed one of the country people, but the King was satisfied it was only through the fault of the gunner and presented them with beeves, &c. Captured a Portuguese vessel, which they afterwards dismissed at Swally. Took two English pirates in the act of chasing a junk at Gogo. Congratulations of the Dutch. Mistress Steele brought to bed of a boy at Surat. News by the Bee, returned from Persia, of a league concluded and trade settled with the Sophy by Edward Connok, who died with two or three other merchants before the Bee left. The Lion fired by a piece ordnance and burnt in their sight, the most lamentable fire Copland ever saw ; two men burnt alive and three or four others scorched who died a few days after. Exhortations of Mr. Golding, the gentlewomen's chaplain, at Surat, to the fleet ; 200l. collected on their voyage for Wapping Church. Golding left the fleet to go to Ahmedabad, "after the women," although expressly forbidden by the commander and ordered to come aboard by Capt. Schilling. So long as the Company choose preachers recommended by noblemen's letters, how can they expect to be better served ; beseeches the Company to send honest preachers or else to send none, for how can they work faithfully in the factories when they are dissolute themselves. "Memorable accident" related by Sir Thos. Roe in one of his letters, of a Rajah, or great Prince, "a desperate atheist," who died through one of his women plucking a hair from his breast, which being fast rooted caused a drop of blood to issue, and the wound gangrened incurably and almost miraculously ; the rajah's lament that he had been a despiser of the Godhead, and though a soldier that he should die by a wound less honorable than from a lance or sword, "but now I confess that great God whom I scorned needed no greater weapon than a hair to revenge himself." [Two pages and a quarter. O.C., Vol. V., No. 625.]
March 7. Charing Cross. 290. Sec. Lake to Carleton. Has been told that his [Sir Andrew Sinclair's] errand into the Low Countries was to have hired mariners and masters to have sailed some ships of Denmark to the East Indies and to have treated of an association with the States for that trade. Secret intelligence received of his purpose before his arrival, and prohibition to the mariners of that State to serve a foreign prince in any voyage to the Indies. Carleton will know if there be any such thing. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
March 9. Nangasaki. 291. Rich. Cocks to Robt. Burges in Chiampa by way of Cochin China, by Ed. Sayer. No man will buy the wood Burges sent. Eaton gone captain of the Sea Adventure to Siam, Jas. Burges, pilot. Warns him against joining in war against the King of Cochin China who has permitted the English free trade in his country, but to return to Cochin China with the bearer, where he will find Capt. Addames and Ed. Sayer, upon pain of being cashiered out of the Company's service ; they will not see him want and Burges may return for Japan in their company, [Half a page, O.C., Vol. V., No. 626.]
March 9. Aboard the Unicorn, Bantam. 292. Ric. Hounsell to Geo. Ball, at Bantam. The repairs to the Unicorn finished ; desires instructions for her employment. [One page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 627.]
March 10. Baroach. 293. Sir Thos. Roe to Capt. Pring. Complains of not having heard from him or from Surat for more than a month. Is sorry to hear that the Anne has no other cargo than the refuse of India. Roe meddled not in the subservient parts of trade but left that to the wisdom of the factors. Is confident "Surat will never be a trade unless the Red Sea both supply it and awe the Guzerats." Fears those at Masulipatam write at random or else great changes have taken place there. Hears a fleet is preparing for the Dutch plantation below that factory which Roe believes is worth nothing. Greene is a most malicious knave ; he should be warned how he uses Roe who has provided for his welcome into England. Reasons for the Anne's keeping company to Dabul ; Joseph Salbanoke undertakes the voyage. Haynes stands not upon place, and the old man loves Roe. Pring is not so desirous to see Roe as Roe is to confer with Pring. "God in heaven bless yon and send me once among men for these are monsters, the trouble and false heartedness of their own I will trample on in time, you know not these men nor I hope never shall. The God of heaven again and again bless you and all your fleet." [One page and three quarters. O. C., Vol. V., No. 628.]
March 10. 294. Court Minutes of the East India Company, About the purchase of the elephants' teeth bought by Hamersly, at Amsterdam. About the building of the large ship, at Ipswich, by Browning, as it will be three years before she can be ready. To confer with Evelyn about the saltpetre from the east country which is very dear. Sir James Cunningham commanded by the King to desist from proceeding any further upon the new patent on his allegiance ; the King very favourably disposed to this Company ; and though the new company offered 5 per cent. custom for all goods brought in by them, yet his Majesty would not be swayed by fair promises against the East India Company, and assured them, that if any beneficial grant should be made for Scotland prejudicial to this land it would be cancelled. Petition of widow Phillips for the admission of her son into the hospital. Those who made the Company's oars being dead, whether they should be provided out of the East country. Gratuity to Wm. Testin, to be employed in picking oakum. Petition of Christopher Bricket for some constant employment, having served six years without any certain pay, to be considered. Overplus to be repaid to Jeremy Elwys. Motion on behalf of Henry Warde, servant to Devereux Wogan, to have his freedom. Hukelye to be treated with about the timber brought from Ireland. Gratuity to Allen Cary. [Three pages. Court Bk., IV., 138-140.]
March 12. Aboard the James Royal, ready to set sail. 295. Thos. Keridge to the East India Company. Complains of the long delays caused by "the customers" at Surat. Indigo bought to lade the Bull. Three bales of goods sunk in the boat at the shore side. Allowances to the factors who return in the Bull. Thirteen chests of ryals go in the James Royal for Bantam, three in the Gift for Sumatra, and two in the Bee for Masulipatam, besides 500 ryals delivered to the Anne for her provision. [One page and a quarter. Indorsed, "Received 4 Jan. 1618-9." O.C., Vol. V., No. 629.]
March 12. Aboard the James Royal. 296. Consultation by General Pring and the Surat Agency. The Anne to sail directly for the Red Sea and there carry out Ambassador Roe's instructions. Signed by Martin Pring, Thos., Keridge, and Thos. Rastell. [Half a page. Indorsed, "An alteration of the Anne's going to Dabul." O.C., Vol. V., No. 630.]
March 13. Aboard the Unicorn. 297. Declaration of the crew of the Unicorn, addressed to President Ball and Council, at Bantam. That Richard Hounsell, appointed commander of the Unicorn by Capt. Henry Pepwell, never insinuated with any of them or desired their assistance to maintain him in such authority. [Signed by all the crew or with their marks. One page and a half, O.C., Vol., V., No. 631.]
March 14. Aboard the James Royal. 298. Commission from Martin Pring, commander of the Fleet, to Capt. Andrew Shilling of the Anne Royal bound for Mocha, in the Red Sea. To observe carefully Sir Thos. Roe's instructions to initiate trade in the Red Sea with their friends and to surprise their enemies. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 632.]
March 15. Aboard the Unicorn at Bantam. 299. Ric. Hounsell to President Ball and Council. As to the speech delivered by the President aboard the Unicorn, whether Ball was the lawful successor of Capt. Wm. Keeling and whether they purposed continuing Hounsell commander of the Unicorn ; has no intention of resisting Ball's authority, but is resolved not to give up his command until he has sufficient warrant under their hands' to do so. Begs them to consider the consequences of displacing him. [Three quarters of a page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 633.]
March 16. [Anne Royal] at sea, to the southward of Damaun. 300. Mathew Duke to the East India Company. Abstract of his journal of the voyage outward. Refers to Capt. Addames for what was done at the Cape. Kind entertainment by the King of Mohilla ; one of the country people accidentally shot. The King and a pilot, who was with him, told them this rode was nought and therefore called the Devil's harbour. Capture of a Portugal junk belonging to the captain of Diu, with forty tons of elephants' teeth and about 8lbs. of gold and ambergris. Consultation in reference to allowing two junks they had chased to escape. Arrived at Swally 20 September, whence the writer was sent to Ahmedabad. Mocrob Khan would have the making of all the indigo and buy all the herbs of which it is made. Jas. Bickford and the writer sent to Cambaya for indigo but none there worth sending home. From Ahmedabad went to Baroach where he saw the goods through the custom house and then left for Surat. Commendations of the Lord Ambassador (Roe), though he is of opinion it will not be for the Company's profit to maintain an ambassador in these parts. Steele gone to Agra ; news, that he and Frances Webbe were married at the Cape, by Mr. Golding, Capt. Towerson the only witness. Long detention of the Company's ships in these parts caused, as these factors allege, by the want of provision of stock before hand for their lading. [Five pages. Indorsed, "Received 3 January 1618-9." O.C., Vol. V., No. 634.]
March 17. 301. Court Minutes of the East India Company. No commission to be allowed Hamersley for purchase of the elephants' teeth, seeing others write for commodities without expecting profit for their pains. Letter read from the Lord Chancellor [Bacon] to the Governor, "desiring him to proceed to let his Lordship be admitted into this Society, which motion seconding the former gracious speeches delivered by his Majesty (and honorable reports given by many of the Lords of the Council of his Majesty's constant resolution to preserve and maintain the privileges and honour of this Company) gave good satisfaction, both of his Majesty's and their Lordships' favour, and doth infer that the troublesome business for the Scottish patent is ended. This Court approved of his Lordship's request, desiring Mr. Governor to admit of him and of his adventure." Petition of the inhabitants of Stepenhreth [? Stepney] parish, on behalf of Margaret May for two months' pay, from the wages of Oswald Gibson, carpenter in the "James," for the maintenance of his child. Langley's business to be concluded. [One page. Court Bk., IV., 140-141.]
March 18. Aboard the Royal James at Swally. 302. Capt. Pring to the East India Company. Journal of voyage outward. Many of the rich goods damaged ; all the soldered heads of the strong water bottles loose through the extremity of heat in the hold ; the gold lace fallen off and discoloured by damp, but well repaired by Jas. Troughton, showing how necessary it is to have men of all occupations on these voyages. Capt. Towerson's maid, Mrs. Francis [Webbe], found to be with child by Steele ; being examined they both confessed to having been lawfully married before leaving England ; cannot but admire Steele's foolish insolence, who has attempted what Capt. Keeling durst not presume to do ; how fit Steele will be to perform his business with a clog at his heels, Pring leaves to the discreet consideration of the Lord Ambassador. Arrived at Saldanha, 22nd June, with the Anne ; the Gift, the Bull, and the Bee had arrived the day before ; found the Hound there ; the Hope left for Bantam in May previously, and by letters and inscriptions on the rocks had notice of the Dragon and Expedition arriving from Bantam in January 1617 and leaving for England in October following. Other ships which have sailed outward and homeward ; obliged to use force at Saldanha to get a supply of beeves and sheep ; eighty English and twenty Dutch men landed for that purpose who returned with 140 beeves and 200 sheep and lambs, which overjoyed the hearts of his sick men, the owners receiving brass in payment, to their hearts' content. Dispatched the Hound for Bantam with six chests of ryals. Friendly reception by the King of Mohilla, whose name is Fannomary Fannodell ; one of the country people killed through the extraordinary negligence of the gunner ; presents to the King of a vest, sword, and other toys, "which gave him great content," in requital for beeves ; the island yields plenty of beeves, sheep, goats, oranges, and cocoa nuts. Exchanged knives and toys for coarse calicoes. Captured a Portugal vessel bound from Mozambique to Diu, laden with elephants' teeth and some gold and ambergris ; the Moors and Bannians set ashore from the Portugal prize, and their goods returned to them, that it might be understood the English would not pillage their friends but be revenged on their enemies. Account of the capture of two English pirates, the Francis, 110 tons, set forth by Sir Robt. Rich, and the Lion, of 100 tons, belonging to Philip Bernardi, an Italian ; the rescue of a junk belonging to the Queen mother, which they were about to surprise, very kindly taken by the Great Mogul and the great ones. Arrived at Swally with their prize 24th Sept. ; ships found there. A chest of ryals and thirteen chests of ingots sent to Agra, the rest of the ryals to Ahmedabad, by a convoy of 40 Englishmen for better security. Congratulations of the Dutch factory on the safe arrival of the English fleet. Loss of the Rotterdam, of 1,000 tons ; the captain, Peter Vanderbrooke, and his mariners marched to Masulipatam, and had divers conflicts with the country people by the way, in which they lost a few men. Murmurings of the mariners for being debarred from pillage, which was freely granted in former voyages. Sends description of sands and shoals along the west coast of the Gulf of Cambaya, from Gogo, for the benefit of succeeding voyages. The dangers of passing money to Ahmedabad the cause of his hastening "this discovery." The Bee dispatched to Jask after consultation by Sir Thos. Roe's orders ; Edw. Monox with Francis Tipton appointed to go in her ; they arrived 6th December, and found Connok returned from the Court of Persia with the King's letter to his Majesty and ample capitulations for a perpetual course of trade. Pley died 2nd Dec., and some days after Connok and Tracy also died. Moghistan seven days journey from Jask. Hopes the want of supply this year will be fairly excused to the Shah, and such a cargo sent as may convert the whole trade to England, and then it will be worth all the other in India ; if not followed at once the Dutch will be found interlopers there. Dangers of venturing in future to Jask with only one ship. Understands by Mr. Hatch that there is a salt water creek in the bay of Jask, twelve feet deep ; a little fort should be built by the water side to repel the forces of the Portugal. Thinks when he considers the remoteness of Jask from Ispahan and the chief mart towns of Persia that they should always be confined to Jask. The Lion prize accidentally burnt, several men lost their lives and those that escaped lost all they had. Return of the Bee from Persia, on 17th January, with the King of Persia's and other letters. The Anne sent to trade at Mocha, the Dutch having been kindly received as Englishmen. Steele promised to work wonders at this business, but did nothing ; is now at Ahmedabad with Mrs. Francis, who he calls his wife, and who the Lord Ambassador gave leave to accompany Mrs. Towerson and Mrs. Hudson thither, on condition that she went as Mrs. Towerson's waiting gentlewoman. Hears that Capt. Towerson is weary of his new kindred already. Roe writes that Steele is in public rebellion, that he has no allowance from me "but follows the Leskar with a train that will soon humble him." Golding, the preacher, went to Ahmedabad against the Ambassador's command, in the disguise of a Moor's dress, but from that day nothing has been heard of him ; supposes he is with Steele and his wife. Commendations of Mr. Copland. The strayed minister since returned to his flock ; has pardoned him in hopes he will be a new man. Incloses Roe's instructions to John Hatch, for Jask, and to Capt. Addames, for England. Merchants appointed to the Anne. How the rest of the fleet are disposed of. [Eight pages and a half. Indorsed, "[The original th]ereof came by the Bull and now ye from Bantam by ye Lesser James 1619." This copy was inclosed in Pring's letter of 23rd March 1619. O.C., Vol. V., No. 635.]
1618 ? 303. Complaints by the Portuguese of the hostilities of the English in the East Indies, committed by a fleet of six ships under the command of captain Martin Prim [Pring]. Spanish. [One page and a half. East Ind., Vol. I., No. 61.]
March 20. 304. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Timber to be sold to Sir Francis Fane and Sir Robert Brett, for the repairing of Rochester bridge. Request of the Lord Chancellor [Bacon] to adventure 4,000l. agreed to, "having found his Lordship very honorable and expecting the continuance thereof as occasion hereafter shall present." The Governor made known that his Majesty had acquainted him by letter of a suit made for a patent for the south west by a strait (beyond that of Magellan) discovered by Isaac Lanneere [Le Maire], "a business that his Majesty hath a very great affection unto, to have it brought to perfection, yet, unwilling to proceed further than may stand with the good of this Company, desireth to he informed of the state of the said business and to be prepared with answerable reasons against the petitioners shall come to propound their further suit." Committee appointed to confer with Sir Thos. Dishington, Mr. Burlamachi, Sam. Deviscare, and young Lannere "(who are all interested in the said business)" to learn the particulars, the Company "esteeming it a project fit for this Company to hearken unto, being to treat with persons of good sufficiency, honesty, and understanding, that Mr. Governor may give satisfaction to his Majesty accordingly." Report upon Nich. Sadler's accounts and building a house at Deptford. Purchase of gunpowder. The beams of the ships to be covered with thin sheet lead to preserve them from decay, caused by the moisture of the pepper and spices. Discussion upon the advisability of amalgamating with the Muscovy Company ; committee to be chosen to endeavour to effect the union of the two companies in a yearly stock of 30,000l. for a certain term of years, and "wished to have it remembered unto his Majesty that this Company had condescended, conditionally, that his Majesty would be pleased to call in the former patent and not to grant any other, hereafter, to their prejudice, and to procure a proclamation, if it may be, to signify his Majesty's intents, that those patents were never granted with intent to disturb these companies in England. [Three pages. Court Bk., IV., 142-144.]
March 24. Madrid. 305. Fras. Cottington to Sec. Lake. The King's officers have compounded with Sir Robt. Sherley, who is allowed 1,500 ducats a month, besides the rent of a house, and a coach to attend him, "in which both the King and Sir Robert have made a good bargain." As yet he has got no kind of answer to his propositions. His brother, Sir Anthony, will go and live in the Canaries upon a pension of 3,000 ducats a year, where "he shall be out of their sights, and they free of his daily begging and importunities." The Lord Ambassador [Digby] will give his judgment upon the proposition Sir Robert Sherley makes for the good of his Majesty's service. [Extract from Correspondence, Spain.]
March 26-27. 306. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Woodall's salary increased to 30l. a year, for his services as surgeon. The extraordinary expenses of the buildings at Blackwall to be considered. Report of Burrell on the means of saving the Company 500l. in the labourers' charges at the Company's wharves and on the purchase of timber. Proceedings of the committees for the yards at Deptford and Blackwall. Petition of the nailmakers for the purchase of English instead of Flemish iron, which is bad. As to the lease of a house, at Blackwall, in the possession of John Lampier. Business with Lord Wentworth for the yards at Blackwall to be concluded. Whether John Martyn should not be discharged. Account of the profits of the Muscovy Company for the years 1608 to 1615, the highest being 90 per cent., in the years 1611 and 1612, and the lowest 11 per cent., in 1614, but the business having been ill managed most of those profits are swallowed up, yet the trade not to be condemned, especially as it is said the Muscovy Company has the sole trade into Persia ; proposal to join with them discussed ; all of opinion that the two companies must join ; committee to be appointed to determine the business, in conjunction with one to be appointed by the Muscovy Company. As the Levant Company will participate in the benefit of the disannulling of the patent (granted to a Scottish East India Company), Mr. Leate is requested to move that they contribute towards the charges thereof. Minutes of a General Court. Sale of goods, with names of purchasers and the prices. Consideration about joining with the Muscovy Company ; efforts of the East India and Muscovy Companies to overthrow the patent granted by the King for a Scottish Company, successful ; his Majesty's assurances to uphold the reputation of the two former Companies "and that if anything were granted and found beneficial to Scotland, yet, if it prove prejudicial to this Company he will cancel it" ; audience of the Governor of the King, who, knowing the East India Company to be a strength to his kingdom and honour to himself, wished that this Company would concur with the Muscovy and both join to sustain each other ; the proposal recommended by the Governor ; some against it, others of opinion that, except the Muscovy Company be upheld, there will be no East India Company long, because there cannot be sufficient cordage provided without them, all agreed to recommend the consideration thereof to a committee, those distrusting the proposal the most to be chosen of the committee for the better satisfaction of the generality ; Greenland to be included in the agreement; names of the committee chosen. Adventures put to sale in the second joint stock ; 200l. of Owen Saintpeere sold to John Langley for 16l., per cent. profit ; 200l. of John Derham to Thos. Keitley for 16l., per cent profit, also 300l. of same to same at 16l. 5s. per cent. profit ; and 200l. of Mr. Deputy in the first joint stock to Fras. West, a capital and a half having been taken out in commodities, at 215l. per cent. profit. March 27. Minutes of a meeting of the Committee about joining with the Muscovy Company. The Governor having made known sundry things that were thought fit to be concealed, at a public court after long debate it was resolved to have the two companies join equally in a stock of 30,000l. a year apiece, to continue the term of the present East India joint stock, to commence from. 25 March last past ; any of the East India Company to be permitted to adventure in this present joint stock on a fine of 20l. ; committees to be appointed to manage the business ; the inducements to the agreement being his Majesty's desire and surrendering up the new Scottish patent ; the Governor requested to solicit the King and the Council that Sir Jas. Cunningham may make a surrender of his patent in form of law. [Six pages and three quarters. Court Bk., IV., 144-151.]
[1618 March.] 307. "The translation of a letter from the Duke of Russia to the King's Majesty of Great Britain, sent by his Ambassador." The great care of his Majesty's ambassador, Sir John Merricke, in the businesses committed to his charge, which he hath very faithfully and with great diligence performed. As touching the Persian voyage, to grant the English merchants free passage through the Emperor's countries to trade by the river Volga, as also to discover the great kingdom of Cathay by the river Ob, "sorry we cannot at present accomplish this desire through many occasions hindering the same, the said voyage cannot go forward at the instant, as hath been by us and our Council made known to your ambassador and delivered to him the same in writing ; the like concerning the discovery of the kingdom of Cathay through our kingdoms of Siberia by the Ob." Desires the King not to take this as a denial or excuse, but hereafter, as it may stand with the convenience of his [the Emperor's] estate, will be ready to perforrn the same. Desires some reasonable reconcilement may be made between himself and the King of Poland ; when a settled peace is made between them he will conclude about this business. Has dispatched Sir John Merricke from his presence with all honour to his Majesty, leaving it to his own choice which way he will take for his own passage. [Six pages and a quarter. Indorsed as above and, "Martii 1618." Russia Correspondence.]
March 28. 308. "Memorial, delivered by Sir John Merricke, of such points as the merchants humbly desire their Lordships to speak with the Muscovite Ambassador upon." As touching the Emperor's excusing the passage by the Volga by reason of his troubles with the Pole, it is desired by the Prince of Persia that the King will suffer his merchants to settle a trade upon the sea coast at Jask, where he has promised to transport all the raw silk of his country and to grant English merchants free and large privileges ; but the King was more desirous to have settled this trade in the Emperor of Russia's dominions ; whether the ambassador has instructions to treat in this business, and whether the Emperor will be content without any further excuse to grant this passage by the Volga or not to his Majesty's merchants. [One page and a half. Indorsed, "28 March 1618." Russia Correspondence.]
1618 ? 309. The Russian Ambassador to the Privy Council. In reply to the preceding memorial. Desiring the King not to take the Emperor of Russia's answer as a denial for English merchants to trade by the river Volga into Persia, nor to take it unkindly, but to let this business rest until such convenient time as the Emperor of Russia may right himself against the King of Poland, and come to some good end, and set his Highness' city of Moscow in some reasonable stay. [Indorsed, "Persian [evidently by mistake] Ambassador to the Lords of the Council." Four pages. Russia Correspondence.]
[1618 March.] 310. Reasons [by the English merchants] to induce his Majesty to the loan of money to the great Emperor of Russia, now required by his Ambassador. The ancient amity, of above threescore years, between the two countries. The benefit of trade in the vent of English commodities. The maintenance of shipping and the increase of mariners. The needful and serviceable commodities of those countries. The hopes of getting the trade down the Volga into Persia which will be a great benefit in venting thither English cloth and tin, from whence great store of silk, indigo, and other rich commodities, now brought out of Turkey at a high price, will be returned. The advantage the Hollanders will take if content be not given to the Emperor of Russia, they purposing to send an ambassador to Russia who will make large offers to obtain privileges to expel the English, and make England and all Christendom beholden to them for materials for shipping. Lastly, if content be given, the hope of preventing the Dutch from proceeding farther into that country than Archangel. [One page and three quarters. Indorsed, "Martii 1618." Russia Correspondence.]
March 29. 311. Protest of Wm. Carmychell in reference to the seizure by the Hollanders, of certain goods belonging to him in the East Indies and in the castle of Amboyna. [See ante, Nos. 28, 58, 181, 225. Ten pages. Holland Correspondence.]
March 31. 312. "Memorial of such things as are to be propounded to the Russian Ambassadors." Whether they have commission to treat or conclude touching the trade into Persia by the Volga ; the treasure to be issued from hence in two years ; what security they offer and when the repayments to begin. The laws not allowing the export of bullion the value is meant to be represented in commodities. [Draft in Calvert's hand. Half a page. Indorsed as above and "ret. March 1618." Russia Correspondence.]
[March 31.] 313. Questions to the Ambassador of Persia. Fair copy of the preceding. [Indorsed, Persia, evidently a mistake for Russia. The endorsement is in the same hand as No. 309, where a similar mistake has been made. Half a page. East Indies, Vol. I., No. 62.]
March 31. 314. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Sir Robert Mansell commended for his extraordinary pains in procuring the bringing in of the patent, and for the satisfaction he has given to sundry of the Lords in clearing many doubts and objections against the patent. Members of the East India Company, adventurers in the joint stock and not exceeding the number of twenty, to be admitted to the freedom of the Muscovy Company on payment of a 20l. fine, and to join with assistants of the Muscovy Company to manage the business between them. Abuses against the Muscovy Company at home and abroad to be amended. Sales of adventures : 215l. 10s. per cent. bid by John Langley and 216l. per cent. by Rich. Giles for adventures in the first joint stock ; and 16l. 5s. and 15l. 15s. profits per cent. bid respectively by Arthur Robinson, Wm. Allot, Wm. Cocks, and Rich. Bennet for adventures in the second joint stock. [One page and a half. Court Bk., IV., 151-153.]
March. 315. Thos. Wilson to the King. Sends letters from [Japan] the most remote part of the world, which were more than two years coming. No true relation of the greatness of the Princes of those parts by our cosmographers or any other writers. The writer gives particulars of wars wherein 300,000 are slain at a time ; a King's court of 100,000 men continually resident, his palace capable of lodging 200,000 men, far bigger than the city of York. Immense cities, temples and "colossoes," greater than Rhodes and many other wonders. The Jesuits banished and severity used to those who have perverted the natives from their former religion. Abridgement of our merchants and all strangers privileges. Describes the papers enclosed ; the long scroll of fine paper, one of their annual almanacks, shows their characters and manner of printing ; a relation of the greatness of the states and revenues of all the nobles under the Emperor of Japan. The writer also saw the Emperor go hunting with above 10,000 men in suite ; he sets down the species of their game and the punishment for destroying it. [Indorsed by Wilson, "An abstract of letters lately arrived from the East Indies, from Mr. Cox, written from Japan to myself in Jan. 1616-7, and arrived here in March 1617-8, which his Majesty read and discoursed with me about them, but could not be induced to believe that the things written are true, but desired to speak with the writer when he comes home, who I told him is very shortly to return ; he is the chief factor for the East India Company, and hath been in those parts almost seven years last past." Domestic, Jac. 1., Vol. 96, No. 96, Cal., p. 531.]
March ? 316. List, by Sir Thos. Roe, of goods proper for presents and for sale at the Court Factory. These include knives of the largest size, swords, pieces of gold and silver cloth, gold, velvets, and satins, silk stuffs ; a light Hague armour, engraved and gilt ; a rich field furniture and saddle, with plumes ; black and white well cut agate figures, neatly set in enamelled frames ; emeralds ; a suit of arras of four pieces for the King ; cross bows ; looking glasses ; forty pictures on cloth, to be rolled ; imagery in iron, brass, crystal, or stone, curiously cut ; china ware ; embroidered silks, in flowers with birds and antique works ; nickknacks, as needlework, purses, gloves ; wines, strong waters ; various kinds of dogs; ostrich plumes ; handsome halberds. "These people are very curious and can judge of workmanship well, but you must fit them with variety, for they are soon cloyed with one thing." [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. V., No. 636.]
March ? 317. Advice, by Sir Thos. Roe, of goods and presents fit to be sent from England to Surat. The goods include broad cloths of various colours, coral, lead, quicksilver, vermillion ; but not wine, hot waters, swords, knives, unless large and rich, or glasses, or "any such like trash ;" pearls and chains of pearls, rubies and other precious stones ; recommends a rich stone, worth 20,000l., to equal the Portugal, to be sent over, which would give the Company great profit and credit ; dares be bound that 100,000l. worth of large size precious stones would sell at a profit, and without which the King will be weary. Is persuaded the Tower could furnish the Company with many great old stones that are useless. Arras, satins, gold lace, shirts of mail, light, arrow proof, and well made, embroidered coats of Indian fashion, quivers, for bows and arrows, of Indian fashion, all kinds of embroidered needlework. Presents should not be made to the King every year, but once in three years a letter and a good present ; precious stones welcome to all Cloth of gold and silver and fine ware, to the value of two or three thousand pounds, should be provided yearly ; is sure all will be bought and the King better content, for all their trouble is about the presents. Aseph Khan first gave Roe this counsel, telling him the English were fools and had brought up a custom to their own hurt, the King expected nothing of the merchants but to buy ; none practised it, neither the Dutch, Persian, nor Armenian merchants. Fit presents for the King, once in three years, four or five of the things mentioned, with one of good value. Pictures of all sorts, if good, in constant request ; some large story ; Diana this year gave great content. List of goods from the southwards which give good profit ; these include spices, china dishes, and all sorts of fine ware and gold embroidered taffetas. [Three pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 637.]
March ? 318. Some account of the territory and trade of the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Timor, and Sillore [Solor]; of Siam and several places on the Indo Chinese continent, of kingdoms and provinces in India, of the island of Ceylon, and Cochin China. [Six pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 638.]