East Indies, China and Japan: May 1620

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: May 1620', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621, (London, 1870) pp. 367-375. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol3/pp367-375 [accessed 26 April 2024]

May 1620

May 1. (Jacatra.) 841. Thos. Batten, "Land Captain," to Fras. Sadler (Sec. of E. I. Co.) at Sir Thos. Smythe's house in Philpot Lane. Found Bantam beleaguered by sea by the Hollanders ; but the assault on shore by the cold spirits of the English deferred, when 700 English and 1,000 men, the Flemings, were able to land, would have surprised the town beaten down the battlements, and dismounted the ordnance of the Javas, but these delays have so much encouraged them that they have of late put upwards of 30 Dutch to the sword, taken possession of and fortified the English house, and practise the use of their pike and musket. "And he that shall call to mind what strange effects such sudden and resolute enterprizes have brought to pass both in India amongst these naked cowardly heathens, yea even in Christendom itself, will never conclude that either the Portugal or Fleming hath attained their footing in these parts with manners or shallie shallie, as the world doth truly take notice." Cares not to spend his time at the coast of Coromandel, in the fort which he supposes will be there raised for the English at Pulicat. Brockedon now deputy president. Knows he will be informed of the death of their brave commander, Sir Thos. Dale, at Masulipatam, also of Capt. Bowers, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Martin, and divers seamen and merchants ; as also of the too much resolution of Capt. Jourdain, that opinion of security of Capt. Bonner, and that base and cowardly like carriage of Barrett in the Bear, most far from the condition of an Englishman. [One page and a half. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 858.]
May 2. Aboard the Bull in Jacatra Road. 842. Capt. Robert Adames to the East India Company. Arrived at the Cape of Good Hope 28 Nov. last without the loss of a single man ; and on 14 March in the Straits of Sunda where were 12 Dutch ships. No small grief to him to hear of the loss of the Dragon, Bear, Expedition, and Rose taken at Tecoe 1st Oct 1619 ; the Sampson and Hound taken at Patani 17 July 1619 ; the Star taken in the Straits of Sunda Aug. 1619 ; Capt. Jourdain slain in the Sampson, and Sir Thos. Dale died of the flux, on the coast of Coromandel. Death of John Garterson and John Griffin. Anchored in Jacatra Road, 17 March ; sent for ashore by the Dutch General, who bid him very welcome, and all seemed very glad of their good news. Wars between the Dutch and Javas at Bantam ; the Dutch make slaves of all their prisoners ; they have at least 200 at Jacatra, and are building there a very strong castle. Left Jacatra 2 April with a Dutch ship, to look for the English fleet. Arrived at Bantam 4 April. The Pengran so incredulous would not allow any to speak with them, taking them to be either Dutch or under their command. Left Bantam on the 7th, and met with the English fleet the next day, eleven sail, the James Royal, Palsgrave, Elizabeth, Unity, Gift, Unicorn, Clove, Globe, Hopewell, Peppercorn, and Bee, which were bound to fight with the Dutch fleet at Bantam or Jacatra, sixteen sail, wherever they could find them. "If they had met there had never been such a day amongst Christians." Is thankful it was his good fortune "to stop that bloody business." On 11 April met with the Dutch fleet without Bantam road. The Pengran much grieved the English were friends with the Dutch, and would not afford them anything. By credible report, the Pengran has four or five thousand tons of pepper in his keeping. Movements of the joint fleets. Left Bantam road 26th, the James Royal and Unicorn for Japan to trim, the rest for Jacatra. Wants of the fleet. After passing the Cape outward, he shaped his course to the southward in 40 degrees of latitude, and kept between that and 36 degrees until he was 1,000 leagues eastward of the Cape; and so made a very good voyage. Encloses list of the names of the prisoners with the Dutch, which at his request the Dutch General delivered to him, so that when he met the English fleet there were 153 men in the Bull. [Three pages. Received, "1 January 1620(-l) by the Dutch White Bear." [O.C., Vol. VII., No. 859.] Encloses,
842. I. The names of such men as were released by the Dutch General, and received aboard the Bull. Total 51, among whom are George Muschampe, Thos. Hackwell, Master of the Sampson, Marmaduke Steventon, Arnold Browne, Peter Eliot, Barth Churchman, Robt. Hackwell, Wm. Piborne, Edward Gillman, Edward Channer, John Owen, surgeon, Wm. Rewney, surgeon, Joseph Prat. [One page. March 31. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 847.]
May 2. Jacatra. 843. Charles Clevenger to Sir Thos. Smythe. Sailed 23 Jan. from the road of Priaman, despairing of meeting with the fleet, which they had waited for three months, but came up with them three days after. The fleet in great want of supplies, without which there are divers good ships in India that will hardly see England. Met with the Bull, and were told she had been three weeks at Bantam or Jacatra, and had letters of peace from both companies. The James and Unicorn sent to Japan to be careened, masted and yarded. Were fourteen days in Bantam road with the Flemings, but the Pengran will come to no composition with them. Now at Jacatra. Five English and five Dutch ships to sail within 20 days for Patani, and so run along the coast of China for Japan, there to victual, from thence to the Philippines, and so for the Moluccas. [One page and a half. Endorsed, "Received by the White Bear of Holland." O.C., Vol. VII., No. 860.]
May 2. On board the Elizabeth in Jacatra Road. 844. Edmund Lenmyes to the East India Company. Refers to his previous letters from the Cape of Good Hope and Tecoe. Arrival of Capt. Pring on 26 Jan. 1620 before Tecoe with nine sail, the Royal James, Gift, Moon, Unicorn, Clove, Globe, Peppercorn, Bee, and Claw, pitifully distressed in their provisions and stores. Resolution to go for Bantam, "and that in the happiest time ; had it been sooner we had surely had as hot a fight as time can record to have been among Christians." Met the Bull and the Hart of Holland with letters of peace in the straits of Sunda. Anchored in Bantam road 11 April ; sent ashore to advertise the Pengran of the union with the Dutch ; he replied, the English were welcome, and might have trade ; but his anger towards the Dutch was implacable ; "wherefore, as yet, we let him alone, and attend other businesses." The Bee sent to Acheen for the newly elected President ; the Peppercorn to Japara for provisions ; a long boat to Jambi for the Sampson's men ; the Royal James and Unicorn for Japan ; the Clove keepeth Bantam Road ; the rest anchor before Jacatra. It is agreed between them and the Dutch to dispatch ten of their best ships for Japan, and thence as order shall direct. [One page and a half. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 861.]
May 2. Aboard the Globe (Jacatra Road.) 845. John Rowe to Sir Thos. Smythe. His last was by the Rose (see ante No. 767), since which he has lost 18 men, 14 killed by savages, and four poisoned through eating the liver of a fish. The people's "barbarousness" not more to be condemned than their own negligence, "for security is the greatest cause of the overthrow of the English in India." At Tecoe and Priaman a month ; the fleet arrived at Tecoe 25 Jan., just four months after their appointed time, altogether unprovided. Departed hence 3rd March, intending to make for Acheen. Arrived off the coast of Sumatra 25 March, and sent a shallop to Bantam for news. Information of the taking of the Sampson and Hound, and Capt. Jourdain "slain basely, being in parley with the Dutch." Resolved, with their eleven sail, to try their fortune against the Dutch with 17 sail ; but on the 7 April met with the Bull in the straits of Sunda with news of peace, which prevented the spilling of much Christian blood, "for surely if we had met before this news of peace had come, it would have been a bloody proceeding on both sides." Could not be persuaded until Capt. Adames himself had been spoken with, knowing the Flemings policy to be such that where power cannot prevail fair speeches shall not be wanting. Much joy shown on both sides for so happy a union, "before any more Christian blood was spilt, and heathens to stand laughing at us, and make benefit of our dissensions." Disposal of the fleet. These old ships require all manner of stores and provisions. [Two pages and a quarter. Indorsed, "Received by the Dutch White Bear, 3 January 1620-(l.) O.C. Vol. VII., No. 862.]
May 3. Aboard the New Year's Gift, Jacatra Road. 846. George Muschamp to the East India Company. In his last, by the Lesser James, he advised them of the state of Banda, with their miserable sufferings on the island of Pooloroon, where he continued 20 months, assisting Courthopp, and doing the Company service by attaining the language, &c. Left there on 10 Aug. 1618 in a prow with 40 Bandanese, "at the request of Mr. Courthopp and the rest of our poor men there," to advise the President of the taking of the Solomon and Attendance, and of their great want of all necessary provisions, which were supplied from Macassar and Bantam. The country people much relieved this year past by supplies of sago from an island called Seran (? Ceram), 20 leagues from Pooloroon, The occasion of the President's (Capt. Jourdain) separation from the fleet, differences betwixt him and Sir Thos. Dale ; both sincerely bent on the advancement of the Company's affairs. On 24 April proceeded on their unfortunate voyage ; left cargo of goods and money at Jambi. under the charge of Robt. Johnson, chief factor. Sailed on 21 May for Patani ; took a small Portugal vessel bound to the Manillas from Malacca, and arrived at Patani 2d June, where they found a disordered factory, by the base and idle carriage of Edward Gillman, left there, after the untimely death of W. Paulhill and John Browne, until the coming of Savage from Camboja or other supply from Bantam, which he has riotously consumed ; his disgraceful conduct, and treatment of Thos. Doughty for "opposing his wasteful disposition ;" intention of the President to send him home prisoner. Goods landed in Patani under the charge of Adam Denton, chief factor ; also on board the Portugal prize bound for Siam. Fight with the Fleming ships ; account of the killed and wounded on board the Sampson and Hound ; the President, while talking to Henrick Jonson, the Dutch commander, received his death wound, with a musket, under the heart. Villany of one Domingo, a Portugal, the chief actor in the burning of the Black Lion. How the Dutch commander performed the terms of the parley, pillaging them even to the clothes off their back, and leaving them in a miserable case, for want of means to cure their wounds, which the surgeons Rich. Wood and Francis Geckle "to their power supplied." Denton gave the Queen and nobility half the goods laden aboard the prize, to secure the other half. Thinks this had been better undone. Remained in Patani till the 9 October, when Rich. Welden and himself, with the rest of their men, in all 72, left in three prows to advise the fleet of the President's death and the loss of their ships. Touched at Jambi ; left Welden with 40 men there ; at request of Robert Jonson, for the security of their goods, being fearful of the Dutch forces, and proceeded with the rest to Bantam, hoping to meet the English fleet, but were surprised by the Dutch fleet, and he remained a prisoner at Jacatra until the coming of the Bull with happy tidings of peace, which seemed lovingly embraced by the Dutch, but the publication was deferred until the coming of their adviser from Holland. Hopes the Company will duly consider his irrecoverable loss. It has pleased God to take away most of those who were best able to do the Company service, and as in the cases of Pett at Siam and Gillman at Patani their factories have fallen into the hands of lewd and idle fellows. Has made a brief calculation of the money and merchandise lost in the Sampson and Hound, which amounts to 24,724 ryals as they cost per invoice, besides the goods taken in the Portugal prize. [Three pages and a half. Indorsed, "Received 1 Jan. 1620[-l] by the Dutch White Bear. O.C. Vol., VII., No. 863.]
May 5/15. 847. Extract from letter of the Governor-General sent by the Netherland vessel, the Sea-Wolf, to the chief commissioner, N. Nieuwrodd, resident in Siam. They had designed the English ship Bear to carry the prepared cargo from Jacatra if the Japan junk had not come in, but in the interim the English fleet arrived with news of the accord made in London, that the "subdued" ships should be delivered up. [Rough draft mutilated by damp. One page. O.C. Vol. VII. No. 866.]
May. 8. Shiraz. 848. Wm. Bell to Edw. Monox at Ispahan. Has sent part of the goods to him under convoy of John Purefey and John Benthall, which could not be effected before by reason of the Khan's departure, whose great train took up all the carriage that was to be had near the city. Has reserved 22,000 ryals and dollars to be coined here within ten days only, to make a precedent. Has tried the money, and found it very good. Delivered three parts ryals and quarter dollars, which are mingled together in the mint, for the dollars are not so fine money as the ryals. "Thus I pass them both at one price." Has sent him the rest of the money, in all 30 chests, and ryals and dollars 116,000. Arrival of their good friend, Sir Alvise Parente, from Ormuz, with letter from the consul at Aleppo. Sent the coach and dogs the day after his departure to Ispahan. The bearer, Strachan, has had a violent burning fever and fifteen fits already, which have much weakened him, and he much fears if he stay here it will cost him his life, for he has been very grievously handled. [One page and a half. Indorsed: "Received ye 27 January 1620[-l] by the way of Aleppo by Mr. Taverner. O.C. Vol. VII., No. 864.]
May 10. 849. Consultations held in Ispahan, present Edw. Monox, Robt. Jefferies, Thos. Barker, John Amye, and Gyles Hobbes, concerning the agent's (Monox) repair to the court, to treat and conclude an agreement with the King for silk. May 15.-Consultation as above. Conduct of Robert Gyfford, and the words that passed between him and Monox at the Council table. Also touching a "grievous infirmity" of Gyfford, which will prevent him accompanying Monox in his journey to the King. [Six pages. O.C. Vol. VII., No. 865.]
1620. May 16. Ispahan. 850. Instructions from Edw. Monnox to John Amye. Disposal of certain goods on his own private account. [With endorsement signed by [Robt.] Jefferies that this is a "true copy of a remembrance left with John Amye by the agent Ed. Monnox." Half a page. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 867.]
May 16. Lugor [Ligor] Siam. 851. William Webb to [Edward Longe]. Could not give credit to the bad reports from the Dutch, that he is drunk every day in their company. Agreed to send Denton to Ligor to see if he could procure trade from the Chinamen there. Arrival of a small prow with Rich. Welden and 12 English from Jambi, he having been left there with 25 Englishmen to secure the house from the insolency of the Dutch, who threatened to take it. He brought very bad news with him, if true, that the Dutch have taken one of the other prows, in which were Musten, Steventon, Gilman, Edward Channer, and Browne ; also that they have taken three or four English on the coast of Sumatra ; that the Great James has gone for England with Capts. Pring and Ball ; Sir Thos. Dale dead at the coast, as also Methwold. His arrival at Ligor. Proceedings of Adam Denton to prevent his being surprised by the Dutch ; his going to Patani, and arrival of the Sampson with news of the peace from Jacatra, brought by the Bull. "The Queen of England, they say, is dead." [Two pages. O.C. Vol. VII., No. 868.]
May 22. Westminster. 852. Rowland Woodward to [Fras. Windebank.] Arrival of a ship from the East Indies with report that the Hollanders have picked up five Englih ships of great value, and this before knowledge came of the agreement between the Hollanders and the English, so that if restitution should not be made it will go near to make the honourable Company give a crack. [Extract from Domestic Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. cxv., No. 50., Cal. p. 147.]
May 27. 853. Wm. Bell to Edward Monox, at Ispahan. Has bought pepper of Gyles Gonsalves according to his order. Their servant Morratt arrived with goods from Lar. Deficiencies in the chests of money, which he found out in delivering them to the mint master ; supposes the money was lost upon the way. Goods sold to divers shopkeepers here. Has agreed for the hire of 120 camels which came from Lar with Jews' goods for Ispahan, with which he purposes to depart within four or five days. Can procure camels or asses at the same rate. [One page and a half. Indorsed : "Received ye 27 January 1620[-l] by the way of Aleppo by Mr. Taverner." O.C. Vol. VII., No. 864.]
May 27. 854. Duplicate of the preceding. [O.C. Vol. VII., No. 869.]
May 29. Whitehall. 855. Sec. Naunton to Carleton. Outrages of the Hollanders in Bantam and other parts, notwithstanding the treaty of last year. Incloses copies of the complaint, and relation made to his Majesty, together with the letters written by one of their own Admirals and Sir Thos. Roe, as they met about the Cape, by which it appears notice of the treaty was had on both sides. His Majesty requires Carleton to press the States to a speedy and just reparation both of his own honor and his subjects' losses. This insolence has revived the remembrance of the last year's provocation. Sir Noel Caron has promised to contribute his best offices for a full and timely restitution, and seems to make no doubt that the offenders will be exemplarily punished, "the omission or delay whereof will be like to breed ill blood." [Extract from Holland Corresp.] Incloses,
855. I. A brief relation of the damages lately done by the Hollanders unto the English in the East Indies, collected out of the factors' and ship commanders' letters lately received by a pinnace sent out of the East Indies purposely to bring the said news." [Holland Corresp".]
855. II. Sir Thos. Roe to the President of the English in the East Indies. Meeting with Frederick Hoffman, admiral of a fleet of 11 ships of Holland, bound for Bantam ; had conference with him about the bad humours begun betwixt them in India. The admiral professes peace, and avows the reception of the States Commissioners in England to treat for an accord, They have mutually agreed to send advices, that it is probable an union [of the two Companies] will be effected, and so to prevent, if possible, any further "occasions [of broils ?] which will not be so easily quenched." Roe has added, that he gave this writing to Hoffman, to be delivered to the President of the English. 1619, May 11. [Half a page. Holland Corresp.]
855. III. Fred. Hoffman to the President of the Dutch in India. Arrived in Saldanha Bay, 6/16 May, where he found three English ships, one from Surat with his Majesty's ambassador on board. Certifies that the States Commissioners and others from the Company are arrived in England to treat for an accord. Has conferred with the English ambassador, and from his order entreats there may be no further occasions of broils given, until their masters have further declared their wills. 1619. May 6/16. Translated by Henry Bates out of the Dutch, and given by Hoffman to Roe at the Cape of Good Hope, to be delivered to the President of the Dutch. [Half a page. HollandCorresp.]
May? 856. Will. Hoare to the East India Company. Journal of his voyage in the Dragon and Expedition from Surat to Acheen, from Acheen to Bantam, and from Bantam in the Rose to Tecoe. Account of the surprising of the Dragon, Bear, Expedition, &c. The Dragon anchored before Dabul, 21 Feb. 1618-9. The people of Dabul much contented with the arrival of a junk, having long desired commerce with the English. A fair inlaid musket given to Noghoda, captain of the Dabul junk, who earnestly desired an English Bible, which he said he would carefully keep till some English were there resident, and then with their help would have it translated into Arabic, for his own use. The Lion dispeeded for the Red Sea. Thomas Sprage sent from Burrampoor to Gullcandawe (Golconda ?). Anchored at Battecollah 1st March ; the price of pepper there ; upwards of 150 tons ; worse than that of Tecoe ; no intent to sell, but to keep it for the Portugal, with whom, there is continual trade. A junk belonging to the Samorin detained by Capt. Bonner, the sooner to procure satisfaction for goods and debts left by Peter Nedham. Cunning dealing of the Samorin. His dissimulation with Capt. Bonner, who threatened to take his junks, that the English might pay themselves. A pinnace ordered to Tecoe ; arrived 6 April (1619), and left for Bantam 11th following. Met with the English fleet 29th, and Sir Thos. Dale and Capt. Pring. Pinnace sent for Bantam, to get provisions for the ships, also to learn if any Flemish ships were at Jacatra. The ten ships were the Moon, Clove, Globe, Peppercorn, James Royal, Gift, Unicorn, Advice, Rose, and Bee. Capt. Jourdain some fourteen days before his coming (i.e. about 9 April) gone with the Sampson and Hound for Jambi, Patani, Siam, and other places. Four China junks taken for debts owing by the Chinese. Owen Bodman executed at the yard arm of the Moon, 24 May 1619. The fleet set sail from the straits of Sunda the next day ; some with Sir Thos. Dale to Engano, to recover, if possible, the money lost in the Sun, and relieve the men left there, "if any were alive ;" the others, with Capt. Pring for the coast, to join strength at Priaman, there to meet with the ships from England and Capt. Bonner's, and all go to Bantam. Rich. Crawe miraculously saved in a storm ; Price Hawke struck dumb and lame by lightning, "lying in most lamentable plight for many days." Capt. Bonner, with the Dragon and Expedition, to meet the Rose at Tecoe. Two months' trade granted there ; price of pepper ; to pay 14 per cent. custom. Fire and treachery more usual than in any other part of India. Capt. Bonner's resolution, to keep the Dragon "clear and prithie' for a man-of-war" altered on arrival of Henry Bate, merchant, from the Bear. Murder of John Tucker. Nicolls charged "the cowalls (or wayters)" to be actors or authors, and required to have them all sent for, and one after another to touch the corpse, whereto the King gave order, and when each one had taken him by the hand, and no cause to suspect any appeared, on the demand of Nicolls, the King commanded that one who was sick, and kept his bed, should be sent for, whose very looks and demeanour condemned him in the opinion of all to be the villain sought for. He took the dead man by the hand with extreme quaking and many distracted gestures and answers, but would not hold it any time. Nicolls urged this to be the man, and required justice. The King caused him to be bound, and professed in his conscience that was the man, but that he must be tried by their law also. Capt. Bonner sent for to see the event. A fire was made, and an iron pan with a gallon of oil set to boil till it came to such a degree of heat that a green leaf dipped therein was sodden and shrivelled. The prisoner was then, in testimony of his innocence, to take a small ball of brass little bigger than a musket-shot out of the oil with his naked hand, and if any burning or scald appeared thereon he was contented to die. Stripping up his sleeve above the elbow, and taking a kind of protestation, desiring that as he was clear so he might prosper in this act, he dipped his hand to the wrist in the burning oil, took out the ball, held it fast, and crying Olla Basar (or great is the Lord), tossed it up, caught it again, and then cast it on the ground, showing his hand, which had no more sign of hurt than if he had experimented the same in cold water. "(The devil as seems being loth at that time to lose his credit)." The fellow was instantly released, and within an hour after returned in his holiday apparel, and none so lusty as he, though so weak before as to be brought upon men's shoulders to his tryal. This was all the justice we could have for our murdered man. Account of the arrival of the Dutch fleet. Fight, and capture of the Dragon, also of the Expedition, Bear, and Rose ; Capt. Bonner mortally wounded. If the infidels had not been more merciful than the Hollanders, 300 men had perished ; cruelties practised by the latter. Death of Capt. Bonner on 9 Oct., aggravated by cruel treatment ; he was buried upon the little island at Tecoe, as near his brother Thomas as could be guessed. The heathen favored their people (the English) ; the King visited Capt. Bonner daily during his sickness. Names of the Holland ships departing from Tecoe to Priaman and Bantam, where they had 35 sail besieging Bantam, the Pengran and they vying for dead men's heads. Diego Fernandez beheaded in mistake for a Hollander. The Rose left in Tecoe road for the English. Report of the taking of Capt. Jourdain at Jambi. Happy arrival of Capt. Chas. Cliffingham [Clevenger] with the Palsgrave, Elizabeth, and Hope on 23 October. Nicolls and Bates sent to Acheen, to complain to the King of the Hollanders. All the ships sail from Tecoe 10 Nov. The Rose ordered for England ; arrives at the Cape 28 Jan. 1619-20. Letters found at Saldanha from Capt. Adames and others. Tragical accident to eight Englishmen going to fish there ; all slain by the savages, who are thought to have been provoked thereto by wrongs done by the Dutch. Left Saldanha, 2 Feb. ; passed the equinoctial 5 March, and arrived in England 19 May 1620. [Nineteen pages. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 856.]