East Indies, China and Japan: April 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: April 1618', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621, (London, 1870) pp. 146-163. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol3/pp146-163 [accessed 26 March 2024]

April 1618

April 1. London. 319. John Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton. Great business agreed upon yesterday between the East Indian and Muscovy companies for furnishing the Emperor of Russia with a loan of 100,000 marks, whereby they hope to engross the trade in cordage and other real commodities, and to trade with Persia that way ; the Muscovy Company, unable to undergo the burthen of the loan without assistance, both companies to have an equal stock of adventure for eight years, and for their better encouragement the King has recalled and delivered into their hands the Scottish [East India] Patent. [Extract from Domestic. Jac. 1. Vol XCVII., No. 2., Cal., p. 532.]
April 3. Jacatra. 320. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball, at Bantam. A chest of ambergris, landed by John Peterson, from the French Admiral. The King has borrowed 100 ryals and wanted to borrow 200 ryals more ; Ufflete made excuse that he had not money in the house, but gave him and his son a present. The Dutch have mounted all their canon in their house, and train their people every Sunday ; knows not for why. Most of the English lately fallen sick of a burning fever. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. VI., No. 639.]
April 5. Jacatra. 321. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball. The French Admiral has laden some ten buts of rack and all their empty cask with water. The Dutch President begins to deliver to their mariners their chests and apparel. The French have given the King a piece of ordnance and sold him another. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. VI., No. 640.]
April 6. London. 322. Sir William Lovelace to Carleton. The only novel thing is this embassy of Sir Dudley Diggs to the Emperor of Muscovy. His errand is to satisfy the Duke's request for the loan of 100,000 m. thousand roubles [sic], which is one hundred thousand marks of our money, which sum is imposed by his Majesty upon the East India Company, for that other of Muscovy is grown so poor that this of the East Indies is fain to join partners with it and so share equally in all dependants. Diggs is to have 40 followers and servants, his charges defrayed by the Company, and to have the Emperor's reward and the Company's, which it is guessed will amount to 1,000 marks apiece ; he told Lovelace that one of his errands was, if levies from hence were demanded to grant them freely, so good conditions were proposed for their payment, which he hoped would come from our own monies. Sir Thos. Dale is long since departed our coast. [Extract from Domestic, Jac. 1., Vol. XCVII., No. 9., Cal. p. 533.]
April 10. 323. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Opinion that the Levant Company ought to contribute to the great charge of the calling in of the Scottish patent, but, hearing Mr. Walter's opinion that Sir James Cunningham's release here is not sufficient unless it be made in Scotland, the Court were satisfied with what had been done already, having had so many gracious assurances of favour from his Majesty. As to the purchase of Canary wines, for the next voyage, at 15l. a pipe. Petition of George Scott for consideration towards his losses in his bargains of indigo refused. Committee appointed to confer with Sir John Merricke as to the purchase of a present for the Ambassador (to Muscovy) and cloth coats for his followers at the Company's charge ; the former Ambassadors were wont to be feasted at the Company's expense before their departure, but it was thought fit to give this Ambassador good content, to make a feast to the Company at his lodgings, when those who have received New Year's gifts from him may requite him with presents. The business for the south-west passage, which it was intended to conceal, having been renewed by another letter, and messages from his Majesty, who, at an expense of 300l. sent Sir Thos. Dichington to satisfy himself of the particulars from Isaac Lameers, [Le Maire] who gave such encouragement that the King will not have it neglected. Reasons for attempting the discovery with a ship and a pinnace. Complaint against the farmers at the Custom House concerning the impost on pepper dust ; committee appointed to speak with Sir Wm. Garway and the farmers. Request of Lord Exeter to purchase ten or twelve tons of timber out of the yard, to build a gallery, refused ; but Goulston, who provides the Company's timber abroad, may buy some for him. Articles of agreement with Capt. Wm. Parker, dated 28th November 1617 ; he is appointed Vice Admiral of the next fleet, with a salary of 320l. per annum ; also with Sir Thos. Dale, of the same date, who is appointed Chief Commander, with a salary of 480l. per annum. Minutes of a General Court. Sale of commodities with names of the purchasers and the prices ; also of an adventure of 200l. belonging to Richard Bennett, whereof five payments have already been made, bought by Randal Cranfield at 17l. per cent. profit. The Governor made known that the Company were not ignorant of the reports of a new discovery lately made called the South Passage or the New Passage, which his Majesty hath granted by patent unto some. But conceiving how commodious it may he for his subjects to enjoy the same, hath written a letter to the Governor on the 1st pres., which is now read, and hath since by several messages urged to have it dispatched, so that answer cannot longer be delayed. The King's wish that Sir Thos. Smyth should take upon himself the Governor's place and move the East India Company to join either for half or part, forcing nothing, but leaving it to their own choice. Yet if they think it inconvenient to prosecute the same, then that Mr. Governor shall associate some others with himself "(his Majesty being so well affected thereunto as that he esteems the prosecution thereof a great honor to himself and that it will prove a great benefit to his subjects)." Question how the passage might be more commodious to this Company than that which is already, and whether it may not be a means to infringe their liberties and privileges. Answer that the strait of Magellan is very tedious and uncertain, and his Majesty's care of this Company is shown in many ways, that the Governor is not drawn into it by the persuasions of those interested but to satisfy the King's command and pleasure, which he respects. The Governor's care to prevent many mischiefs threatened against the East India Company remembered, and the Court of opinion "that it will be fit to be undertaken by this Company to prevent further mischiefs (being no new matter but formerly intended by advice of Sir Jas. Lancaster and others)." "The objections urged were conceived no sufficient reason to cause the action to be disliked." Committee therefore appointed to confer with the patentees, examine the business, and report their opinion to a General Court. Some of the patentees being of mean esteem, as Bownes and Laineere [Le Maire], it was wished that the King might be moved to grant the privileges to the Company, who may make trial next year with a ship and a pinnace. David Bennett, keeper of St. James', the Prince's house, admitted a free brother. [Five pages. Court Bk, IV., 153-157.]
April 12. [The Hague.] 324. Sir Dudley Carleton to Lord Fenton. Has continually yielded his best assistance to William Carmychell, whose suit with the States for satisfaction from the East India Company, touching losses of considerable value sustained in the East Indies, his Lordship recommended to Carleton at his first coming to the Hague ; but the effect has been nothing answerable to Carleton's expectation or desire. [Holland Correspondence.]
April 14-15 325. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The proposition to join in the discovery of the South-west passage considered. Sir Thomas Dichington and the other patentees inform the Company that it is a new passage towards Mare Zur, under the tropics towards the Isle of Solomon, where the navigators passed by 300 islands, and saw ginger, cloves, and other spices in the hands of the inhabitants, who are savages. Reasons for not conceiving it fit to be undertaken by the Company, who hope that the King will not be discontented with their refusal. This patent was rejected by the new Scottish company on the opinion of Sir Richard Hawkins that nothing more was discovered than had been formerly, by him. Committee appointed to draw up "a fair answer" to his Majesty that they are ready to attempt the discovery for the honor of his Majesty and good of the commonwealth, with their reasons, but not to do it by virtue of the new patent nor yet to join with them therein. It was also thought fit to let the King know, "as occasion of speech might be presented," that the Company do not publish all their discoveries, and therefore to crave his Majesty to forbear passing any such grants, because all things cannot be followed at one time, and that the Company had discovered the end of the patentees was to make profit out of the patent to answer the great charges they had been at. This answer not to be sent without the approbation of this Court. April 15.-Answer to the King's letter, drawn up by the committee after conference with those interested in the patent of the South-west passage, to be presented to his Majesty if the Court approve of it. That by late manifold experience they find all matters of discovery to be in their beginning full of difficulties, charge, and dangers, and not to be undertaken but by such as shall be content to expect retribution of profit after much expense and many years' patience, yet they are willing, with all possible expedition, to set out convenient shipping for that discovery, though they conceive this passage, and all others beyond the Cape of Good Hope, discovered, or that may be discovered, to be sufficiently and in express words granted to them in their patent of 31 May 1609 ; and that in due respect to his Majesty's gracious pleasure, upon conference with Sir Thos. Dichington and his associates, they are willing to admit him and the rest of those patentees freely into their company and council, touching that passage and the benefit thereon depending. Offer to the patentees, "there are but four of them," to admit them into this Company. This answer approved, and because of his Majesty's departure after dinner, dispatched away. [Two pages and a half. Court Bk., IV., 158-160.]
April 16. Aboard the Hound. Saddow Road (Jambi). 326. Richard Westby to President Ball at Bantam. Certifies to the behaviour of the chief men during the voyage ; the Company in general greatly dislike the master. Has been constantly sick since he left Bantam, and wishes to return to his own country Some pepper bought at Jambi, Henry Eltonhead can give particulars. Mr. Butta would willingly come for Jambi again if he might go for England next year. One page. Indorsed, "Received in Bantam 13 May." [O.C., Vol. VI., No. 641.]
April 16. Jambi (Ship Hound). 327. Capt. Wm. Polhill to President Ball. Journal of his voyage since leaving Bantam on 3rd March ; news from two junks to which he gave chase that there were only two Flemings, a ship and a pinnace there ; he then dismissed the junks without suffering the value of a shilling to be taken from them. Arrived at Jambi 3rd April ; great want of water and wood and many of their principal officers very sick, of whom one quarter have been buried, the rest are well recovered. Upon consultation with Rich. Westby has taken in certain decayed goods, list of which he transmits. [Two pages and three quarters. Indorsed, "Received from Jambi Road 10 May 1618." O. C., Vol. VI., No. 642.]
April 17. Aboard the James, Jambi Road. 328. Edward Longe to President Ball. Arrived 3rd present ; their purser with [Robt.] Johnson were sent up to Jambi who hardly escaped the Portugals, these last having eight frigates and leaving the river after burning thirty towns, and were determined to take Jambi had not the English pinnace been there ; they sent the King word that what they did was because of their loss by the Flemings, who it seems had taken a Portugal frigate and put all the men to the sword ; the Portugals treacherously give out they have nothing to do with the English, but the Flemings they will have and purpose to return hither very shortly. Westby will advise of all matters concerning the Hound's business. Hopes to depart this day. [Three quarters of a page. Indorsed, "Received 10 May 1618." O. C., Vol VI., No. 643.]
April 17. 329. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The business of Alice and Ann Walldo to be referred to arbitration. A difference between Mr. Palmer and Mr. Rud having subsisted a long time, and the Lord Chancellor desiring the Company's interference for his sake, the Court, weighing the danger that might ensue by such a precedent, resolve to have a petition presented to him to explain the truth. Reasons for accepting an offer of 20,000l. from the East Country either at 7 or 8 per cent. A committee having been to Court to present the Company's answer to the King respecting the South-west passage, his Majesty read the same twice over, and having argued some points and received satisfaction, replied that he esteemed his merchants more heroical than to be terrified by dangers in their discoveries or animated by expenses without present profit ; but to that point of power which the Company claim by their patent he was a little amazed, and demanded whether he were like Pope Alexander who divided and distributed the whole world, conceiving it reasonable that the right of discoveries should be to such as made them ; but aiming only at mines, of the discovery of which he has hopeful expectations, the King's desire is to have the business prosecuted as soon as possible ; he cares not by whom, so long as it be effected, that he may not seem to neglect these proffered hopes as his grandfather did the West Indies ; and understanding that the Company have already given order to Ethiopia which is the fountain, and that some few have adventured to Tomecatto, the place whence the King of Barbary has his gold, it gave him good satisfaction, and he desired to have this prosecuted with all expedition, and well approved of the Company offering to take in the new patentees amongst them. Resolved to respite the matter for a few days, because of information that if they undertook the discovery all other Companies would fall off from attempting anything by virtue of the new patent, that if the Company abandon it, means to the extent of 20,000l. or 25,000l. will be found to go through with it, and that Sir Thomas Dichington will procure an order from the King to prohibit the East India Company proceeding therein ; also that an answer may be first received from the King to a letter written by the Governor on the subject. Petition of John Chamberlain to sell six bags of pepper in town, denied. Petition of the shipwrights to receive 6d. a ton granted to them by patent upon all ships above 100 tons, referred. Petition of the nailers against the introduction of Flemish rod iron into the land, and on behalf of the patentees to cut English bar iron into small rods fit for nails, referred. Request of John Holloway and William Bonham concerning their bills. [Two pages and a half. Court Bk., IV., 160-162.]
April 18. Ispahan. 330. Edw. Monox to the East India Company. Will briefly give the Company a little taste of his endeavours in Persia. His letters by the Bee were no sooner sealed and delivered to John Hatch than the writer posted towards Moghistan to overtake Blunstone, Connok's man, which he did at Costack, a day's journey short of Minau, where Monox left him and arrived at Minau 1st of January. Found Adam Tanner turned out of possession of the silk and everything else belonging to Connok, and sealed up by the Sultan ; an infamous scandal raised that the English were robbers and thieves, and had carried away all the goods of the Ambassador, as they styled Connok. The Sultan sent one of his chief men "with some forty shot" to apprehend all the English at Jask, and to bring them prisoners to Minau, but meeting Monox two days journey from Jask, proceeded no further. This was only a villainous practice of the Sultan to make prey of all the goods there. Detailed account of his sixteen days proceedings with the Sultan of Minau of the reason of his long detention by him. Invoice of 71 bales of silk taken by Geo. Pley, ten bales of which were evidently intended for Connok's use ; fraudulent doings of Connok's men, Adam Tanner and William Blunstone. Four hundred ryals of eight found in Connok's chest sealed up in a bag ; has delivered them and all things else to Thos. Barker, and knows now that he has done Tanner no wrong. The goods of Connok, Tracy, and Pley all sold. Commendations of George Pley ; he had the reputation of an honest man and of one that lived an unblemished life. Barker's character wholly composed of pride, envy, sloth, and gluttony. Will vouch that he has cost the Company upwards of 1,000 dollars given in presents and spent in housekeeping, by settling the factory at Shiraz without either judgment or discretion. Barker induced Capt. Childe, master of the ship, to return with the goods to Surat and leave Connok and the rest without money or means ; he also proclaimed that Connok had not any commission from the King to treat with the Sophy upon any capitulations, which the Portugal friars informed the King, who caused his Majesty's letter brought by Connok to be compared with that brought by Sir Robert Sherley, and finding them to be like, granted capitulations. Thinks that although defective in some points these capitulations may in a short time produce a very beneficial trade. The English translation sent from Jask clean contrary in a material point or two to the true translation inclosed. All the Company's factors said to be young and vicious. Prices of both English and Persian commodities current in Ispahan at present. The azer or piece of gold contains 20 shahees, and 10 azers make a toman. The lighter and more pleasant colours of cloth have the best sale. Annexes the nearest estimate he can gather of the quantities of silk made in the several cities of Persia. His intended proposal to the King to take 8,000 bales of Persian silk for which the quantities of cloth set down should be given in exchange. No profit to be made on cinnamon, mace, and nutmegs from thence. Unless he can contract with the King, fears the trade will not be driven without great sums of money. Connok's offer to the Sophy was one third in money and two thirds in English and Indian commodities. Note of the things which the King desires out of England ; these include guns, armour, coaches and coachmen, sword blades, turkeys, fowls, dogs of various breeds, a skilful falconer, terrestrial and celestial globes of English make, beautiful pictures, a clock, watches, and looking glasses. Cannot now send a copy of the King's phirmaund, so begs them to rest satisfied with the substance ; the King has remitted the payment of all customs, acknowledging that it was never his meaning to tie them to the payment of any. The King's letter to Connok, a very gracious letter ; he promises the English nation all his kingdom can afford, and has more fully expressed by three several phirmaunds. The King sorrowful at the news of the death of Connok and the rest of their people, and vows to have better inquiry made touching the same. They have been in expectation of the King's coming ever since their arrival at Ispahan, but as that is uncertain, has thought good to dispeed Francis Tipton for India, when they purpose repairing to the King with all possible expedition. Their business ended with the King, will dispatch to their Honors and to India ample advices of the success of their hopeful designs. [Indorsed, "Received by William Nelson 21 October 1618." Seven pages. O.C., Vol V., No. 586.]
April 23. 331. Minutes of a Court of Commissioners of the East India and Muscovy Companies. Letters read from Connok from Persia of 2nd June and 4th, 5th August 1617, [see ante, Nos. 91, 122, 124,] mentioning a packet of letters sent at same time, but not received. Question as to the prosecution of the trade ; judgment suspended until receipt of the principal letter ; an answer in the mean time to be returned to Connok so that the Emperor may see he is not neglected, informing Connok that he should be seconded with commodities and shipping if the Company had any certain grounds to proceed upon and knew what to provide, but for want of his letters this is not known. The letter to be written before Sir Dudley Diggs' departure for Muscovy that the Ambassador may, if necessary, expostulate with the Emperor to allow a messenger to pass through Muscovy by the Volga with the letter ; Giles Hobbes to be employed in that service. Other letters to be sent by way of Aleppo which may be with Connok within five months. [Three quarters of a page. Court Bk., IV., 162-3.]
April 24. Pooloroon. 332. Nathaniell Courthoppe to President Ball. His last told of the hard fortune befallen to their ships bound hither this year. The Thomas not heard of since 25 March. Account of a fight within five leagues of Pooloroon, between four Holland ships and the Attendance and Solomon ; the English being so overmatched, yielded. Had Courthoppe been in Cassarian (David's) place, he would have "sunk down right in the sea" before he would have struck his colours. The English and some Bandanese secretly armed themselves with swords, and when the Hollanders came aboard, at least 40 of them were slaughtered, and more hurt, which was mostly done by two of the Bandanese only ; at last, being taken, the Hollanders killed 12 and saved 7 men of the youngest of them alive. Had the English ships been one day sooner, they had got in in spite of the Hollanders. These last, in Neira Road, wore the English ships' colours at their ships' sterns in disgrace of the English nation. Marvels Ball should send so weak a force this year, when he knows the force of the Flemings, the tyranny they use towards the English when they get the upper hand, and that they use all possible means to bar the English from all trade. If Ball means the Company to have any trade in these islands, such forces must be sent as there are, or all will be lost and not to be expected hereafter. Complains that he has but 38 men to withstand the Hollanders' force and tyranny. Their wants are extreme ; they have neither victuals nor drink, only rice and water. Is determined to hold out until the next westerly monsoon, or else all to die in defence of the place. Great Dutch force ready to come against them ; the English must not let go of the footing they have in Pooloroon. The Oran Kayes demanded of Courthoppe whether he intended to stand out this year, and upon being told yes, offered the surrender of all the island of Lantar, which he purposes to accept, relying this year upon assistance and forces from the President of Bantam. David writes, by permission of the Hollanders, to persuade Courthoppe to go over to confer with them concerning composition which he has promised to do. Has not so much as received any letter or advice from Ball since the writer's first coming to these islands. News from the Lantar men daily of the Hollanders' preparations to assault the English, which, to the uttermost of his power, Courthoppe is making provision to withstand. Begs relief by the first winds, and not to defer it till the last of the monsoon, which was the cause of the loss of the English ships this year. [Two pages and a half. Indorsed, "Received 4 July 1618." O. C., Vol. VI., No. 644.]
April 24. 333. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The King desirous to have the new discovery [of the South-west passage] effected, but yet loth to overthrow their patent, and seeing their patentees will not join with this Company, a month's respite is given to the patentees to see what they can or will do. Whether Martyn shall be cashiered for his dishonest courses. Sir Robert Anstruther allowed to adventure 1,000l., conditionally that he will keep and not sell it. Sir John Wielde's stock not to be accepted for Holloway's debt. Petition concerning Withington to be presented to the Lord Chancellor. [One page. Court Bk., IV., 163-164.]
April 25. The Hague. 334. Carleton to Sec. Lake. Somewhat of no light consideration has happened betwixt our English and the Hollanders in the isles of Banda, two English ships being taken in fight, 10 or 12 men slain, and many hurt. The Hollanders impute the cause to our men assisting the enemy with munition of war, and hindering them by force, at Pooloway, from dealing for nutmegs and mace. Believes, when the other side is heard, that all things will not go so clear as these men make it, as it seems that restitution of ships and damages was offered afterwards by the Hollanders to our men at Bantam and refused, and the matter referred to be heard in these parts. The particulars are kept from Carleton, but he hopes, within a few days, to understand more exactly what passed. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
April 25. The Hague. 335. Carleton to Chamberlain. Understands of a bickering betwixt our men and the Hollanders, in the Moluccas, wherein we have lost two ships. It is to be feared that the Spaniards and Portuguese will enter into their ancient possessions by this breach if it be not soon made up. Sees not how that can well be with our honour, though they here say our men were chiefly in fault. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
April 26. Crowda, [?Brodera.] "Sunday night, if the rains have not washed away a day." 336. Sir Thos. Roe to [Thos. Kerridge], agent at Surat. Met his two servants and missed his own, but now has all he expected. Shall be at Baroach on Tuesday night, when Kerridge shall be welcome to the remainder of his wine. Finds the price of his pearls "as far below the Court, as the profit of laying out money two months will ask." Will not consent to his paying Isaac Beage anything. "If he dare tell the Prince, I will have right for all injuries, and that upon his ship." Steele, doubtless, has had a fall ; he followed Roe to Burrampoor ; pities him, whether he take it or no. Perceives a good supply has been sent to Ahmedabad ; has not heard from Agra. Muddo will return within 10 days to Ahmedabad ; he trusts, with good news. Has sent Sprage to Gul Chanda (? Golconda) for good reasons. Salbancke should have prosecuted Roe's order, which was indeed more needful than the Red Sea, without Roe's knowledge. Could not conceive there was any need of more help at Agra, when the number he appointed was lessened by one ; Capt. Shilling has neither bill nor copy of the debts ; Fetiplace of opinion they had been recovered, if prosecuted, last year, and so is Roe. If the cloth gone for Agra had such another wetting as Roe is waiting against, it might be dry in a river. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. VI., No. 645.]
April 27. Jacatra. 337. N. Ufflete to President Ball. Goods sold either by the French or Dutch at half their value. Carpenter gone for Bantam. The Dutch ships continue at the island. The small pinnace lading with porcelain for Succadana. [Half a page. O. C., Vol VI., No. 646.]
April 27. Amsterdam. 338. Matthew Slade to Carleton. The advocate of the Indian Society, M. Coen, is sent to the Hague with all the advertisements, to make report of that unlucky fight to the States, the particulars of which are to be communicated to Carleton. Mons. Bas speaks of the great need of a combination with the English Company ; told him that it was especially one man's fault that the union was not made when his Majesty's Commissioners were here. Hopes that this one and other like officers of Grotius will one day come in consideration. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
April ? 339. Thos. Barker to Sir Thos. Roe. Acknowledges receipt of his commission, instructions, and other papers of 6 Oct. 1617, (see ante, Nos. 155, 156,) and his appointment of chief manager of these Persian employments, in case of Edward Connok's death or miscarriage. Immediately conferred with Monox and Tipton, who had arrived at the port of Jask on 6 December, in the Bee, which was despatched for Surat on 30 December, and determined, for reasons expressed in a consultation held at Shiraz, (transcript of which, with all other consultations, are inclosed,) that they would repair to Emanguolyque Khan and solicit from him justice against Sulpheckaure Sultan, his substituted governor, of all the sea coast from the port of Jask to the port of Ormuz, who had offered them, contrary to the tenour of the King's phirmaund, many insufferable injuries. Could not proceed on their journey until 12 February, because of the delay in the arrival of the camels from Lar, and the King's capitulations, which they wished to take with them. Travelled five days. The Khan being on his hunting progress, were desired to deliver their complaints without an audience, but would not do so, and were promised audience at Shiraz. Their complaints read in their presence to the Khan, who commanded that the Sultan should repay the money, about 80l. sterling, which he had received of Connok for three horses, not worth about 10l., and make restitution of the cloths given to purchase their release ; also of the money charged for camel hire above the usual rate. Their complaint about detaining the silk at Moghistan, the Khan said was the sole act of Lalabeg, the King's treasurer, and trivial, but granted his phirmaund for prohibiting any similar detention in future, and gave express orders to lend every assistance to whatever they desired concerning the restitution. Returned to Ispahan on 4 March. Has been engaged with Connok, Pley, and Bell in taking inventories and making sales of the goods of Wm. Tracy, deceased. Will first give a taste of last year's proceedings, managed by Connok, "which will have so ill a relish in the palate of any discreet man, that we know you will spit it out again." Having despatched the James from Jask, 19 January 1617, they set out for Moghistan, where the goods were housed ; here Connok, notwithstanding his many large presents to the Sultan, could not procure camels, and was forced to leave the goods for Barker and others to bring up, Connok departing for Shiraz to complain to the Khan and obtain his phirmaund for their release. Connok's "slow speed,"-15 days' riding to Shiraz, travelling as the King's ambassador, and spending the Company's money so profusely, that the camel men reported he, valued money as dirt. Connok's "more choleric than discreet" behaviour in trying to procure their release from imprisonment, going to the Khan's gate, who, being with his women, denied him audience, and his "high strained" speeches, that he was not only come to treat of buying and selling, but that the perpetual welfare or utter ruin and subversion of the Persian empire depended on his employment. At their arrival at Shiraz, Barker, Pley, Bell, and Pettus wrote to Connok, persuading him to desist from the further prosecution of such indirect and sinister courses. Connok exasperated with Barker in consequence. Copy of part of his letter dated from Shiraz; 25 May 1617, to Connok, at Ispahan, in answer to imputations in Connok's letter of 8th current. Hopes this will make it sufficiently apparent with what pains and diligence he endeavoured to bring up the goods to Shiraz. Had not been many days there before they received letters from Connok at Ispahan, ordering Barker's stay at Shiraz, and to settle a factory there, sending money by Wm. Bell, with "his groundless advice" as to sorts and quantities of goods which would be vendible. Determined, nevertheless, on sending up the goods which they gathered were vendible to most profit. Connok's rancour and indignation for this digression from his prescribed order, his letter to the factors at Surat, accusing Barker of sundry trivial untruths ; but "the record of mine own conscience is to me a sufficient antidote against such poisonful, false, and malicious detractions." None who know him (Connok) will give credit to his writings. An instance of the truth of this in his letter to the Company, wherein he accuses Captain Pepwell of being confederate with others in running away with the Unicorn, though there, was never so much as a whisper of it throughout the whole fleet ; the reason plain, Captain Pepwell having taxed Connok "to have practised the taking away of his life by poison." Letters and papers discovered at Connok's death, which he had broken open ; among them, a letter from Sir Thos. Roe to the Sophy, dated from Ajmere, 14 February 1616. Connok's needless stay at Ispahan, after the arrival of the goods. Remarks on the capitulations he obtained from the. King ; some of the articles they will endeavour to have confirmed ; others of so trivial a nature, that they shall omit them in their next treaty with the King. Particulars of silk received from Lalabeg, the King's treasurer, in lieu whereof he is to take cloth. Comments on this account ; on the preposterous haste with which their cloth has been bartered away at a far less rate than it was worth, ready money, and the unvendible and ill conditioned silk taken in exchange, "that it had been much more beneficial for the Company to have wanted the first year's return (as, by the event, they have done,) than to have admitted of such a precedent." Connok's expenses ; he is indebted about 1,000l. sterling to the Company ; it is imagined there is money packed in the bales of silk which his servant Adam Tanner cannot be ignorant of ; intend finding out the truth when they get to Moghistan. Connok's stratagems to arrive at Ispahan before Barker, whom he plotted to detain at Shiraz. Occurrences during Connok's passage to Jask ; his "needless fear" of the Spanish Ambassador, on coming in sight of whom he "set spurs to his horse and with as much speed as their horses could carry them directed their course towards an adjacent village to the great disreputation of our King and nation, he being in the opinion of these people an Ambassador." In his letter to Barker he certified the cause to be an apprehension that the Spanish Ambassador intended to have seized and murdered him, of which scandal the Ambassador professed to be much grieved that they being Christians should raise such false scandal on each other to the disgrace of the Christian profession, and that he should be ready to do any service in his power for the subjects of the King of Great Britain with whom the King of Spain had concluded a perpetual peace, league, and amity. Folly of taking a greater quantity of silk than there were means in the country to pay for, the Sultan not allowing any silk to be put aboard the Bee. A cursory survey of the expenses of the Ispahan factory has been taken which amount in less than one year to 3,000l. ; the presents alone given by Connok amounting to 800l. He died at Gaytoun on 24 Dec. 1617 "his life and death may be drawn into this short epitome : he lived an Atheist and died a Papist." Wm. Tracy died on 27 December and George Pley at Jask on 4 December 1617. Suspicion of poison ; Connok reported that Monox had poisoned him, but there was no appearance that they died other than natural deaths. Particulars of their goods registered in the consultations. On the exceeding benefit of establishing a trade in these parts and the hopes of obtaining from the King the enjoyment of it even on the conditions sent to them in writing by the Company and Sir Thos. Roe. Answers to the several objections made by the Company concerning the benefit and possibility of obtaining this trade ; the silks of Persia may be transported by sea into England at less charge than by the way of Turkey ; the port of Jask assigned to them by the King is free of either of the inconveniences expressed, for by raising a fort there, as they have no doubt the King will be easily induced to do and maintaining it at his own proper cost and charges, the English ships may ride free from the least molestations or stratagems of the Portugals ; no reason why there should be delay in settling a trade in these parts ; it cannot be contradicted that Persia hath and doth at present vend but a small quantity of English cloth, about 400 or 500 cloths annually, yet the reason is not the heat of this climate for it is as cold both for extremity and permanency as France, England, and other parts of Christendom which have more northerly latitude. Will contract with the King of Persia for 8,000 bales of silk of 180 pounds avoirdupois per bale, according to the Company's injunction, which they calculate will not be less in stowage than about 1,000 tons ; it is an undoubted truth that the silk made in Persia will yearly amount to 1,000,000l., but half of it has not yearly been exported, being spent and wrought in Persia in making sundry sorts of stuffs. Cannot fathom the King of Spain's intent; whether he be determined to undertake the transport of such a quantity of silk as is made in Persia or no ; however probable that the King may treat with other Princes for diverting the trade of his silk other ways than through the Turk's dominions because he would impoverish his enemy by exhausting such an annual treasure yet as to a peace being concluded with the great Turk, there is no appearance of it at present, neither is the King so effeminate or such a lover of peace, that he will make peace on dishonourable terms ; the King of Persia will expect in reason no other security for the yearly exportation and payment for the quantity of silk agreed for, than that there be continually resident an English Ambassador whose expenses will be between 600l. and 700l . per annum ; it is altogether improbable that the Spanish Ambassador now lately arrived in Persia is sent to procure a fort on the Persian shore to supply the wants of the barren island of Ormuz with fresh water, victuals, &c. ; it is not understood that they should take all the silks brought to the mart town assigned to them though they think all would be less than the 800 bales specified in the Company's order ; they have already given their opinions of the Spaniard's undertaking this trade, yet they are of so insolent, proud, arrogant, and aspiring a disposition that though happily they have no use of this trade, yet they may undertake it so as to make all Christendom attend at their doors for it ; they are sufficiently resolved that England does not spend the tenth part of the Persian silk, yet they make no question but they may vend it to the French, Dutch, and other neighbouring nations who have formerly been supplied from Aleppo. After conference and treaty with the King they will be prepared to give their opinions more maturely and to better satisfaction, which shall be dispatched to Sir Thos. Roe. Answers to the Company's limitation sent by Sir Thomas ; as to the distance of the several places, where the silks are made, from the port of Jask ; the commodiousness of the assigned port of Jask ; the yearly quantity of silk exported from Persia and the ordinary current price in these parts ; the charge of carrying the silk to the port. Concerning the three articles to be propounded in their treaty with the King of Persia and which the Company inserted in their limitation ; the customs to be paid in Persia, the procuring of a secure port, and inducing the King to take all English commodities specified at the prices set down. Their opinion touching Roe's instructions [dated 6 Oct. 1617, see ante, No. 156]. It only remains for them to show by what means this trade, yet in embryo, may receive both life and growth ; this will come to pass by the profits and benefits arising from the sale of foreign goods in Persia and the export of commodities from thence to such ports and places where they are vendible to most profit which the following particulars will demonstrate. List of goods originally to be had in Persia and vendible in England, with the prices ; these include silks, the names of the places where made and the quantities ; rhubarb, musk, carpets, velvets, satins, damasks, taffetas, gold and silver cloths, bezoar stones, opium, fruits. Also particulars of commodities originally to be had in Persia and vendible in India ; of goods brought out of India and vendible in Persia ; these last include steel, ginger, sugar, all kinds of preserves, saffron, gumlac, indigo, copper, iron, camphor, sugar candy, opium, tamarinds, paper, cords, and cotton wool ; of southern commodities vendible in Persia ; these include pepper and all kinds of spices, china dishes, and all sorts of china ware, tin, sandal and log wood, camphor, ginger ; of English commodities vendible in Persia ; all sorts of cloths, tin, brass, morse teeth, Muscovy hides, vermilion, quicksilver, lead, coney skins, cochineal, coral beads, iron, copper, sword blades. Particulars received by Connok from one of the King's nearest attendants, supposed to be most acceptable to present to the King ; if any such be brought to Surat in the ensuing year's fleet, they request orders may be given to send them to these parts ; armour of proof complete both for the King and his horse ; coach or carriage with furniture, and a coachman that knows how to manage and drive horses ; clocks, watches, and horizontal dials which may answer to the latitude of Ispahan ; looking-glasses ; dogs of all kinds, game cocks and hens, peacocks, maps, and pictures, bearing the resemblance either of man, woman, or other creatures drawn to the life, are much desired by the King. Account of the weights of Persia, of the coins current there, and of the measures in use. Nothing remains for the perfect accomplishment of this trade but his Lordship's presence in these parts ; they know his zeal for the good of England's commonwealth in general and the benefit of their masters in particular, therefore think it needless to be importunate in beseeching his presence amongst them. In confident assurance of his arrival this ensuing year they intend procuring the King's phirmaund that his charges shall be borne by the country. Sundry particulars in which Richard Steele's information is not correct. English beams, scales, and weights, necessary to prevent cozenage in the weight of the silk. [Forty-four pages. Imperfect ; the last part wanting. O. C., Vol. VI., No. 792.] Incloses,
339. I. Minutes of Consultations held at Shiraz and Ispahan between 2 February and 13 March 1618, as follows : Feb. 2.-At Shiraz, present Thos. Barker, chief merchant, Edw. Monox, and Fras. Tipton. Barker appointed by Sir Thos. Roe, his Majesty's Ambassador to the Great Mogul, chief manager of the East India Company's affairs in Persia. Reasons why Adam Tanner should remain at Moghistan. Valuables found on Wm. Blundestone, servant to Edw. Connok deceased, and alleged to have been given to Blundestone by Connok, seized to the use of the Company, to which Connok "is supposed to be much indebted and therefore in equity requisite that he should first pay his debts before he gave gifts." Proposal to dissolve the factory either at Shiraz or Ispahan ; resolved to make Ispahan the place of their residence at least for the present year and to capitulate with the King for a convenient mart town to be appointed for the English ; all the merchandise remaining at Shiraz to be taken to Ispahan ; resolved that Ispahan is the fittest place from whence to direct their advice for India. Complaint to be made to the Khan against the Sultan of Minau for taking away part of their goods and detaining the rest. As to Sir Thos. Roe's orders limiting the expenses of their housekeeping. March 6.-At Ispahan, present Thos. Barker, cape merchant, Wm. Bell, Edw. Monox, Edw. Pettus. Reasons for not admitting Francis Tipton one of the Council. Resolved not to deliver, because of its ancient date, the Lord Ambassador Roe's letter to the King of Persia, dated 14 Feb. 1615-6, which had been intercepted and opened by and was found among the papers of the late Edw. Connok who treated with this King as an absolute and immediate Ambassador from the King of England. Monox to give up the papers he found in the chests of Connok and Pley deceased, and copies of such of Connok's letters as he had written against Barker and Bell that they might, if needful, give answers thereto. Inventory of goods belonging to Edw. Connok deceased, in Gaytoun, a village in the Persian territories, the 24 December 1617, with the prices they were sold for, Francis Tipton and Wm. Blundestone, late Connok's servant, being also present, some of which Blundestone challenged as of right belonging to Adam Tanner and himself, having been given to them by their deceased master, but not producing any testimony, it was determined to dispose of those goods also and refer them to the Company's resolution. Inventory of goods, with the prices they were sold for, belonging to George Pley who deceased in Jask 2 December 1617. Similar inventory, the goods being delivered to John Fletcher, purser of the Bee, and consigned to the cape merchant of Surat to dispose of. Inventory of goods, with the prices they were sold for, belonging to Wm. Tracy who deceased in Gaytoun 26 Dec. 1617. March 7.-At Ispahan, present Thos. Barker, cape merchant, Wm. Bell, Edw. Monox, and Edw. Pettus. Books and papers found in the chests of George Pley examined ; letters found subscribed by Pley and Pettus containing charges against the cape merchant which Pettus was told he should either justify "his said false accusations or else (as often he had done) deny his own hand by subscribing to the contrary." Concerning the admittance of Fras. Tipton to this consultation. Desire of the cape merchant that a letter from Barker and Bell from Shiraz, 25 May 1617, wherein Barker frees himself from certain false yet trivial imputations, wherewith Connok, Pley, &c. had taxed him, should be put upon the register. March 9.-At Ispahan ; present Thos. Barker, Wm. Bell, Edw. Monox and Fras. Tipton. Concerning the disorderly carriage of Edw. Pettus, his drunkenness, blasphemy, and immorality "with these infidel women," for which he is dismissed the Council and Fras. Tipton admitted. List of copies of the letters sent to and written by Geo. Pley to be sent to Sir Thos. Roe. March 10.-At Ispahan ; present Thos. Barker, Wm. Bell, Edw. Monox, and Fras. Tipton. Concerning the examination of the books, letters, and papers found in Edw. Connok's chest ; those which affect the Company's business to be sent by the next sea conveyance to England. A letter without date from Adam Tanner to his master Edw. Connok, at Gaytoun, where it was received the day after Connok's decease was thought by the Council to be written in such a strange and unwonted strain that they, supposing it concerned the disposal of some money in the custody of Tanner, ordered it to be revealed by none. March 13.-At Ispahan ; present Thos. Barker, Wm. Bell, Edw. Monox, and Fras. Tipton. Answer of Edw. Monox to the account required of him of the moneys found in the chests of Connok and Pley. Concerning the revoking of an act decreed at a consultation held at Moghistan, 31 December 1616, that all the English in the factories, servants to the Company, should yearly take sufficient cloth at the price it cost in England to apparel themselves. Reasons for awaiting at Ispahan the arrival of the King, who is expected in about twenty days ; and whether in the interim they should advise for India ; resolved to defer writing until they had obtained trade on the conditions expressed in Sir Thos. Roe's instructions, "and so the consultation ended." [Twenty-six and a quarter pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 606.]
April 28. Ispahan. 340. Thos. Barker and Wm. Bell to Thos. Kerridge at Surat. Refer to their letter to Sir Thos. Roe for a particular account of their proceedings in the Company's affairs in Persia, who they doubt not will send Kerridge a transcript. Received his letter of 9 Nov. 1617 at Shiraz in the following January. Believe bribery was used to make out that the prize they took belonged to the Governor of Surat, the better to recover damages against the English. Ample supplies required to prevent "this trade the hopefullest without exception that ever England enjoyed" from falling to irrecoverable ruin ; the death wound to it caused by Connok's profuse and inconsiderate management of these Persian negotiations. They are not only destitute of money, commodities, and credit, but fifteen hundred pounds in debt. Will follow Sir Thos. Roe's instructions in every particular. Concerning Kerridge's reasons for not sending a supply this year, the letter to Kerridge and Rastell of 15 May last (see ante No. 74), and the accusations against Barker ; he (Barker) has always been of such an austere carriage, and so far from taking delight in any licentious entertainment, has neglected even lawful recreations ; instances of Connok's vicious way of living. Connok met the Spanish ambassador not very far from Ormuz, from whom he very manfully ran away, to the perpetual dishonour of his Majesty and the English nation. In reference to disposal of the goods, and the giving of presents. Admits having abused Connok to his face, but details the provocation he received. If any man think Barker has transgressed the bounds of charity, let him know that charity hath first respect to a man's self, and but that Barker's reputation was called into question, he should have been content to have interred Connok's vices with his body. In great want of a sufficient linguist, those in Persia being so wholly addicted to drunkenness. Thinks Jaddow very fit for such an employment if he might be spared. Pean, who served Edwardes at the Mogul's Court, died at Jask. In favour of John Goodwin's abilities. Have delivered their journal and accounts to Ed. Monox. Sends original of waste book kept by himself at Surat, and other papers [wanting], by Fras. Tipton. Purpose going to Kasbin to speak with the King. Utterly destitute of paper, quills, and ink. [Six pages and a half. O. C., Vol. VI., No. 647.]
April 28. 341. Court Minutes of the East India Company. A tent, intended as a present to the Prince, but, refused by him, given to the Governor "to take the air therein this summer in the country." John Awberye and Humphrey Browne, brethren of the East India Company, admitted into the Muscovy Company. Order concerning Lutterforg's debts. The Countess of Derby having neglected to pay in 800l. she had leave to write for, by reason of her lord's death, to be allowed to do so, which she intends for her grandchild, conditionally that she does not sell it. Those who have been admitted gratis not to be allowed to sell more of their adventures than they have paid in. Sale of the adventure of Sir John Villiers to Sir Lionel Cranfield to be confirmed, he being ready to perform any good offices for the Company, though no part has as yet been paid in by Sir John. Petition of Thomas Harvye to be a free brother refused. Dividend to be received on the joint stock. Sir Marmaduke Darrell, Sir Allan Apsley, and the rest of the green cloth to have a meeting about satisfying the Scottish Company for the remainder taken from them by the East India and Muscovy companies. Letter read from the Low Countries importing the differences between the English and the Dutch concerning the islanders of Pooloroon, with "many untruths to colour the proud and insolent carriage of the Dutch towards the English, which they have ever most maliciously and injuriously prosecuted without any sparks of religion, honesty, or common civility." [One page and a half. Court Bk., IV., 164-166.]
April 30. [The Hague.] 342. Carleton to [Becher, Cottington, and Wake]. There has been some small bickering in the Moluccas between these men and ours, in which the English lost two ships and five or six men. They say our men gave the first cause of quarrel, but the circumstance of the Hollanders conducting our ships after they were taken to Bantam, and offering restitution and reparation, which was refused, shows the case not to be so clear as these men would make it. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
April. [The Hague.] 343. Carleton to Sec. Lake. His often and earnest instance in behalf of William Carmychel, a Scotchman, who has had a suit hanging four years for satisfaction from the Dutch East India Company, for goods taken from him in 1612 at Hitto in the Moluccas. The seven judges selected from the high courts by the States to determine the matter now make the question, whether the goods were taken from Carmychel in time of truce or war with the Portugals, a point of decision, as if they were taken in time of war they are to be adjudged good prize. Carmychel protests against this, and claims his rights as a subject of his Majesty, and has desired Carleton to certify the point to his Majesty, and his determination to appeal to his Majesty for such further remedy as the justice and equity of his cause may require. [Holland Corresp.]