|
| June 3. |
464. Minutes of a General Court of Sales. Those absent to be
fined 12d. per piece. List of goods sold, consisting of pepper, mace,
and cotton wool, with names of the purchasers and prices. [One page.
Court Minute Bk., VI., pp. 543–544.] |
June 5.
London. |
465. Chamberlain to Carleton. News has come of the barbarous
dealing of our men in the East Indies in cutting off 10 of our principal factors' heads after being tortured upon colour of a plot to surprise the Dutch fort of Amboyna. Whether true or false, they should
not have been treated so rigorously, but should have been sent home
in chains, with their confessions and proofs. The rest of the English
there have sent a protest. Those who wish the Dutch well cannot
speak or hear of this insolence without much indignation. [Extract
from Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CLXVII., No. 16, Cal., p. 267.] |
| June 5. |
466. Advices from the Hague. Out of the East Indies it is reported that certain Englishmen, assisted by the Japponians, have
attempted to surprise the fort of Amboyna, and have been condemned and executed by sentence of the Hollanders; furthermore,
that an English ship laden with 800 bales of silk hath been
"sonked" through a storm. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
June 5.
Madrid. |
467. Sir Walter Aston to Sec. Conway. Account of an interview
with the Count de Olivares in reference to the free entrance of
English commodities into Spain, who in course of argument said
that the English had taken Ormuz, and that there was no satisfaction given concerning that business, nor appearance of any intention
to do it, and that when the articles of peace should be observed to
them they would do the like. [Spanish Corresp.] |
June 15.
Amsterdam. |
468. Edward Misselden and Robert Barlow, "Deputies of the
English East India Company," to Carleton. Perceiving from Mr.
Collwall's letter of the 10/20th of this month, his noble care of the
Company's cause, they have made bold to acquaint him with what
has passed in their business since their arrival at Amsterdam. Have
had an audience with two of the Chamber and Advocate Boreel,
who are deputed to treat with them, and who, beginning with the
sentence against us at Jacatra, pleaded their sovereignty in defence
thereof. Arguments used on both sides, with the documents they
produced. The King's declaration at the breaking up of the treaty
of 1622 to confirm their assertion. Have given their arguments in
writing from the treaty and explanation against their pretended
sovereignty and jurisdiction, and also a copy of the King's declaration; with which Boreel is gone with all haste to the Hague, where
they are given to understand he is sent to labour with the States to
get disallowance of the said declaration, and allowance of them to stand
upon their jurisdiction at Jacatra and elsewhere in the Indies. Now,
because the whole weight of their business turns upon this hinge,
they have made bold to address this express to Carleton, and to
entreat him to move the States "whether they do take knowledge
of the former, and whether they will approve the latter." Wherein,
if he give help, he may ease them of much loss of time, and the
Company may forbear to trouble his Majesty in that behalf. If it
please him to return by this bearer some "bewise" [bewijs, evidence]
from the States on these two points, it will advantage their cause
much; otherwise they are like to proceed no further till they get
his Majesty moved in that behalf, which, if they cannot obtain, their
Company's persons and goods in the Indies are but in miserable case;
for if the Dutch go on as they have begun, they know not what the
Dutch will not attempt. If the States may be persuaded to write
about the two points above, and a word were added to give them a
speedy conclusion and the Company contentment, it were best for
them and us also. [Two pages and a half. Holland Corresp.] |
| June ? |
469. The arguments against the Dutch pretended sovereignty and
jurisdiction in the East Indies, especially as shown at Jacatra and in
the Mollucas, above referred to by Misselden and Barlow. That this
pretence, which (by the confession of the Dutch this day) has been
the principal occasion of all the excesses, offences, and misunderstandings in the East Indies, is most unjust, most unreasonable, contrary to the treaty, ever protested against by the English, and given
over by the Dutch themselves in their conferences. To the conformation whereof they might produce the testimony of a witness,
"omni exceptione major," no less than his most excellent Majesty, in
his declaration at the breaking up of the last treaty in 1622(–3),
wherein both these points of sovereignty and jurisdiction are determined. The former, in the 5th article, in these words, "Each Company shall take cognizance and punish the offences which shall be
committed by those of their own body;" the latter, in the 6th article,
in these words, "The point of pretence of sovereignty shall be laid
aside on either part." Endorsed by Carleton. [Three pages.
Holland Corresp.] The King's declaration herein referred to is
calendared, ante, No. 250. |
June 16.
Greenwich. |
470. Sec. Conway to Sir Henry Marten. To peruse the draft of
a discharge to the East India merchants, and see that neither the
interest of the King nor the Lord Admiral be thereby prejudiced.
[Minute. Conway's Letter Book, p. 128, Cal. p. 275.] |
| June 16. |
471. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The provision
of coral from Marseilles, the principal market for that commodity,
referred, there being no present necessity for any. Letter read from
Sir Thomas Roe, from Constantinople, wherein he offers a "fair
ballast ruby," great, beautiful, of good shape, and not pierced, to the
Company, yet is not to thrust it upon them, for if they please not to
buy it he can dispose of it. Mr. Leate also offered divers fair pear
pearls; the Court, according to their accustomed manner, would not
be sudden in contracting for jewels, but would first take advice, and
then give answer at the return of their ships. Mr. Governor made
known that the forbearance of keeping courts for a time had been
occasioned by several very heavy businesses of the Company depending in the courts at Westminster with George Ball, Mrs.
Wickham, and Mr. Decrowe. The Governor's extraordinary care in
the case of Ball in the Star Chamber much commended. He also acquainted the Court that they had been much troubled with the
business of the money to be paid to the King and the Lord Admiral,
and what had been done in reference to the legal discharge to be
given to the Company. Consideration was then given to the trade
and the barbarous proceedings of the Dutch against our men in the
Indies, to which the Governor made answer that his Majesty was
mindful thereof, and had taken order that the business should be
examined, but thereupon grew discussion of what the Company
suffers, both by their false friends, the Dutch, abroad, and common
obloquy at home, where everyone cries out against the trade, and is
subject to common reproach; but this discourse was stopped by the
Governor and Deputy Governor, who wished that for the present
they should only stay the pleasure of the State to call for an account
of the lives of the King's subjects; and for what concerns the Company, not to resolve of any course until the arrival of their now
expected ships, at which time they shall be able to ground upon
some certainty. In the agitation of their suit in the Star Chamber
it appeared that the Company have mighty enemies, and albeit the
sentence passed for the Company, there is a labouring to take away
part of the edge in the penning, for protection whereof the help of
Mr. Attorney had been entreated. Mr. Cappur to put Downing in
possession of the Company's house at Deptford, which one Moore, a
smith, now retains. Request of the Lord of Valentia and Thomas
Cleave to take out dividends in cloves and calicoes, agreed to. Ar
bitrators appointed to end all differences between the Company and
Mary Jackson. [Three pages. Court Minute Bk., VI., 544–547.] |
June 16.
Aboard the Elizabeth off Plymouth. |
472. Richard Welden to Sir Wm. Hallidaie, Governor of the East
India Company. Refers to enclosed packet [The "writings" inclosed in this packet [see ante, No. 400] except the acts in Dutch, are
calendared under their respective dates:—see Nos. 368, 391, 382,
364, 377, 370, and No. 392] delivered to him by Messrs. Brockedon
and Hawley, for news of the murdering of Capt. Towerson and the
rest of the merchants remaining in Amboyna, by the Dutch, and
other of their intolerable actions. Set sail from Jacatra 15th
December 1623; stayed 20 days at the Cape, touched at St. Helena,
and safely arrived to the eastward of Plymouth, though with much
danger and trouble, the ship proving so exceedingly leaky. Was
forced to take up all the pepper in the lower bread room, in which
the water was found 6 foot. Having a "slatch" of fair weather,
laded aboard the Exchange all the nutmegs, cloves, and mace. The
damage in the ship is not so much as they were fearful of. [One
page. O.C., Vol. X., No. 1161.] |
June 16.
Aboard the Elizabeth. |
473. Robert Adams to the East India Company. The Royal
Exchange and Elizabeth set sail from Batavia December 15, arrived
at Saldanha February 15, and at St. Helena March 22. The
Elizabeth has proved very leaky all the voyage, so that they "have
seldom pumped less than 200 or 300 strokes a glass," and continue
to do so. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. X., No. 1162.] |
June 16.
The Hague. |
474. Carleton to Edward Misselden. Believes Boreel's sudden
coming is chiefly to give the States an account of the pretended
treason in Amboyna, "which cost so many of our countrymen's lives,
of which his Majesty is very sensible, and the States do not take the
matter upon themselves, but leave it to the Company to answer."
As to their joint letter of the 15th present, he will use his best
endeavours in private with the States, but to treat in public without
express order from his Majesty exceeds his charge; neither could he
hope to prevail much, because he knows their stiffness in disputing
their pretended sovereignty, and calls to mind how at the return of
their Commissioners in 1622 they would not take knowledge of the
King's declaration, as a thing treated in their presence or consented
unto by them; wherefore, in either of these two points he must be
strengthened by the King's authority to prevail anything with the
States. Will advertize what he can learn of the business at more
leisure. [One page. Corresp. Holland.] |
| June 17. |
475. Sec. Conway to the Prince of Orange. Assures him of King
James's affection to himself and the United Provinces, which will
increase daily, if he will by justice and respect to his Majesty and his
subjects prevent the ill offices and bad feelings which from day to
day are multiplied by the cruelties, contempt, and injustice daily
committed by his subjects upon those of his Majesty in the Indies
and other distant parts, as well as in the neighbouring seas and in
his admiralties. [French. One page. Corresp. Holland.] |
June 17/27.
Amsterdam. |
476. Points proposed by the Netherlands East India Company to
Edward Misselden and Robert Barlow, Commissioners for the English
East India Company in Amsterdam. Signed, Andries Rychart,
Henri Brouwer, W. Boreel. Endorsed, "Certain demands made
by the deputies of the Chamber of Amsterdam about their trade and
ours in East India." Dutch. [Two pages. Holland Corresp.] |
| June 18. |
477. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Warrant to be
framed and signed according to custom directed to Mr. Treasurer for
payment of 10,000l. to the Lord Admiral; also that a motion be
made in Chancery for a dismission of Denton's cause. Mr. Tichburne
much blamed that he had suffered so many days to pass without
drawing up the sentence given in the Star Chamber against Ball for
there were but three that fined him at 2,000l., one at 100 marks, and
two did acquit him of any fine, whereof the Lord Keeper being one,
and he supposed to have a double voice, made the number equal; but
the Company had counsel there contrary to the expectation of the
other side, and the Court understood the sentence to be for 2,000l.
It was therefore resolved not to trust to their solicitor, but to intreat
the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, the Lord Chief Baron,
and Mr. Justice Jones to draw up the sentence and procure entry to
be made thereof, and that 357l. 5s. 10d. to be paid into Chancery
according to an order of that Court in the cause between the Company, Jeoffry Kirby, and Mary Harrison plaintiffs, and Benjamin
Decrowe, Richd. Heath, and John Argent defendants. About the
sale of indigo, the falling of the price to be forborne until news [be
received] of the ship supposed to be cast away. The quest of John
Geering to be permitted to sell his pepper in town; the Court made
answer they might not do it. William Beale to have 20l. imprest for
furnishing materials for his project for saving their ships from fire, the
worm, and the barnacle, with other corruptions, for a time. Ann,
wife of George Buttery, to have 40s. [Two pages and a half. Court
Minute Book, VI., pp. 547–550.] |
| June 19. |
478. Thomas Locke to Carleton. News this day of the arrival
in the Downs of two rich English ships from the East Indies.
[Extract from Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CLXVIII., No. 6,
Cal., p. 278.] |
June 19.
London. |
479. Chamberlain to Carleton. The Elizabeth and Exchange
newly arrived from the East Indies with tidings of the loss of the
Whale with three or four hundred bales of silk and other rich commodities not far from Surat; they bring a fresh cry against the
tyranny and injustice of the Hollanders towards our men lately
murdered or executed by them there. [Extract from Domestic
Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CLXVIII., No. 8, Cal., p. 278.] |
June 19.
The Hague. |
480. Carleton to Sec. Conway. Cannot but much admire the King's
wisdom in one particular of this proceeding, as in all things else, for
distinguishing so aptly (in this bloody accident of the Amboyna,
which might breed ill blood) betwixt the States General and the
Bewinthebbers—the United provinces and the East Indies—till he
see whether the actions there be avowed here, which hitherto they
are not, but on the contrary, the States, on the receipt of Conway's
letter to the Prince, have summoned the Bewinthebbers to a more
strict account of their proceeding against his Majesty's subjects, in
answer whereof some deputies of the Company are this last night
come hither, and what they say for themselves and their government
at Amboyna will be made known to his Majesty before the States
patronize their doings. For "the wonted precipitation of these men
(which sprang from the heady fury of one man, who lost his head),
though, like a wheel, it had some motion after the hand is from it,
is at a stay," and the authority of the States, instead of supporting
these men in their rapines and violence, is at least withheld on
that side and on the other, as far as it can stretch (not being so
absolute as were to be wished, now it is in a right way); it is of
good use to plaintiffs. [Holland Corresp.] |
| June 23–25. |
481. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of
Mr. Hungerford, son-in-law to the late Governor, Alderman Hallidaie,
on behalf of himself and widow Halliday, to continue Mr. Hurte
in his place, though he had been formerly questioned for some small
"scrapes" in the execution thereof. The Court was not willing to
enter into repetition of the whole business, but told him that at the
time of election they would take him into consideration amongst
others. The secretary to write to Mr. Decrowe to come to the
Court on Wednesday next. Mr. Governor acquainted the Court
that after many attendances upon the Lords, and having understood
from Mr. Attorney that the clause of offending the Portugals in the
Indies would not be granted, himself with the committees that
have usually assisted in this business attended his Majesty at
Wanstead where they were required to make payment of those
monies required by his Majesty, whereto Mr. Governor replied that
upon receipt of the release promised for the time past and the
warrant and direction for the future they were ready to pay the
money. His Majesty's answer was that this was to give them leave
to be pirates; the answer was that the Company delighted neither
in blood nor rapine, and therefore humbly besought his Majesty
would be a means that peace might be between the English and
Portugals, and then there should be no cause of complaint on either
side; or else that his Majesty would explain in what cases the English
might defend themselves by offending others if there were cause.
His Majesty declared that his meaning was that the English being
assaulted by the Portugals may wreak himself upon the same
ship that assaults him, but upon no other, nor upon that ship longer
than till complaint may be made hither and order from hence.
Mr. Governor made answer that there is no safety to the English
by this limitation, and so came away from his Majesty's presence;
after this they were called in again and then his Majesty made
demand again both of the first and second 5,000l. affirming that he
would have both, and it pleased a great person then present to
expound the nonpayment of the money to be of purpose to draw
some greater privileges from his Majesty, which they should never
obtain; whereto was replied that the uttermost aim of the Company
was but to be discharged for the time past and allowed their just
defence for the future. In conclusion, his Majesty's express pleasure
was that the whole 10,000l. shall be paid, and Mr. Governor having
desired respite for answer to that latter 5,000l. until after a Court
now desired to know what answer he should make. The Court,
unwilling to oppose his Majesty's pleasure, ordered that on signing
the discharge for what is past, the whole 10,000l. shall be paid and
the Company shall rest on his Majesty's grace and favour for the
future, wherein he hath promised that if they rest upon him he will
deal graciously with them and that he did not deny any thing the
Company had. Mr. Governor also said that the release for the time
past, drawn up by the Attorney General for his Majesty's signature,
was sent by the Company's secretary to the Court at Wanstead,
but finding not Sec. Conway there, who his Majesty had formerly
used in the business, entreated Mr. Packer to procure his Majesty's
hand thereto, but there being none present but his Majesty, the
Prince and the Duke of Buckingham, the penning of said warrant of
discharge seemed to them to extend further than his Majesty's purpose was to grant, and so it rested unsigned. The Court took knowledge of three or four sent home prisoners concerning the business
between the English and Dutch in the Isles of Banda. It grew a
question how they should be disposed of, the Court having received
advertisement as well by way of protest as otherwise of the inhuman
and barbarous proceedings of the Dutch against the English there,
extorting confessions and capital accusations by the most exquisite
torments that cruelty can devise, and that thereupon they proceeded
to the execution of ten Englishmen, did, notwithstanding, think fit
not to fail in their part of performance of the treaty, and resolved
that these men shall be delivered to Sir Henry Marten. Richard
Welden, late a factor now newly returned, having been on the Isles
of Banda since the said butchering of the English by the Dutch, was
desired to repair to Mr. Skynner, to whom is committed the setting
down some relation of the truth of that proceeding, for the suppressing
of such rumours as are spread amongst the vulgar in justification of
the Dutch; the rather because Mr. Skynner finds Weldens' relation
to be the most material and pregnant of all others. Advice to be
given for buying coral at Florence. Charles, who writes under
Mr. Hurte, to be bound to the Company and not to Hurte. Motion
of Mr. Governor that some care be had of delinquents whose cases
howsoever they have been prejudicial to the Company do, notwithstanding, deserve some commiseration, and therefore it will not
be good to divide out so many capitals as that there shall not be
means to relieve these if their cases may appear to deserve it; that
the cries of many of them are great and that there must be an end
of all things. The Court remembered there was a mixed cavity for
that purpose, and wished they might meet and consider what is to
be done. Order by Sir Wm. Bird read, concerning the estate of
John Harrett; 45l. to be stayed for the use of John West and
children. |
|
June 25.—Report of Mr. Governor that the release which the
King forbore to sign at Wanstead Sir Henry Marten finds fit for
the King's signature; ordered that the secretary attend Sir Edward
Conway and acquaint him that the whole 10,000l. is now ready to
be paid as soon as the said release shall be signed and that for the
future the Company will rest upon his Majesty's gracious goodness;
also to entreat Sec. Conway that the Company may have a few
words in writing under his hand for receipt of said 10,000l. by
express order from his Majesty and for his use. But while these things
were in agitation Mr. Oliver, servant to the Duke of Buckingham,
came into Court and delivered to Mr. Governor said release for
matters passed, framed by his Majesty, and undertook that Sec.
Conway should give under his hand a warrant to pay said 10,000l.
to Mr. Oliver. Information that divers of the generality were of
opinion that this Court had been over-forward in condescending to
give so great sums, and that it would come in question at the General
Court, "wherefore it was given in charge to the Company's secretary
to look up those Courts that were forborne to be entered because they
contained the particular employments of Mr. Governor, Mr. Deputy,
and others of the committees to his Majesty for this service [not] fit
to be inserted into the ordinary books of entries" [see 8 and 17
March last, &c.]. 15l. to be paid to Capt. Welden. Consideration of
the forms of warrants fit to be given to the treasurers of the Company for the two several sums of 10,000l. apiece; for the first
10,000l. already paid to the Lord Admiral, it was thought fit the
acquittance runs in these words, "in full satisfaction for all pretences
of right as Lord Admiral for all actions passed in the Indies by sea
or land to 30 April last," the other warrant for 10,000l. now to be
paid to the King to be for so much challenged by his Majesty for
freeing the Company's servants out of prison and the Company from
the complaint of the Spanish Ambassador, and the Company's ships
outward bound released which were stayed by order of the Parliament, until upon promise thereof they were after released. Keeling
appointed vice Charles to prosecute runaways. The Company's
stores at Deal to be considered at next Court. A packet of letters,
directed to the Netherlands Company, received from the ships returned from Bantam, to be delivered to Croppenberghe. Election
of the Company's officers; the Court having allowed of the rest,
made stop only of the election of Edward Lee that calls in the
Company's debts, and of William Hurte to whom is committed the
payment of mariners' wages. Request of Mrs. Hallidaie that Hurte
might be continued at least a month when he would voluntarily
resign; in the end the business was deferred. All the Company's
servants to attend and take their oaths on Monday next. Motion
that "the composition money to the King's order," be paid according
to agreement; it was affirmed that the Company are behind five
quarters; the books to be examined. [Seven pages and a half.
Court Minute Bk., VI., 550–557.] |
| June 25. |
482. Sec. Conway to Carleton. Sends copy of a petition to the
King from one Towerson. Let it serve for occasion to quicken the
States for doing justice in the matter of the East Indies. "If they
show not life and respectful sense to his Majesty and his subjects in
that business, it will breed a great deal of disorder." With this
despatch were sent—
Two papers of protestations made by our merchants in the East
Indies, against proceedings of the Dutch. Dated in Batavia the 12th
and 20th December 1623. [Calendared, see ante, Nos. 364, 377.]
A copy of Towerson's petition to the King for the execution done
upon his brother by the Dutch in the Indies. [Holland Corresp.] |
| June ? |
483. Petition of Thos. Johnson, haberdasher, to the King.
That his only son, Timothy, assistant surgeon in a factory in the
East Indies, was wrongfully accused, tortured, and put to death
amongst other of the King's subjects in the East Indies by the
Hollanders there, and his estate of 1,000l. lost to the petitioners.
Prays that his Majesty will cause the States of the Low Countries
to make restitution of his son's estate. [Domestic Corresp., Jac. I.,
Vol. CLXV., No. 73, Cal., p. 263.] |
June 25.
Greenwich. |
484. Sir Fras. Nethersole to Carleton. The East India Company is so discouraged with the last outrage committed upon their
factors that they speak of giving over trade, which causes the
Hollanders to be very ill spoken of, even by their friends. [Extract
from Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CLXVIII., No. 40, Cal., p. 282.] |
June 26.
London. |
485. Dudley Carleton to Sir Dudley Carleton. The East Indian
Company makes loud complaints of the Hollanders' cruelty to our
people in the East Indies in the torture and execution of ten English
upon a pretended treason or conspiracy of having conspired with
Japanese to surprise the fort of Amboyna. The Company esteems
it a main step to their utter exclusion from traffic in those parts, and
believes it was plotted at Amsterdam a good while ago; they are
so much discouraged that they are in consultation to relinquish their
trade. The news has extremely distasted all sorts of people here
and breeds very ill blood. Two ships laden with pepper have arrived
in the Downs with particulars of this business, and news of the loss
of another ship at Surat richly laden with silks and other merchandize. [Extract from Domestic Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CLXVIII.,
No. 48, Cal., p. 284.] |
| June 26. |
486. Morris Abbott, Governor of the East India Company, and
Alderman Edward Allen, Thomas Mun, and Christopher Eyre,
members of the committee, to Sir D. Carleton. The rumours spread
from those parts, concerning that bloody execution at Amboyna,
give them cause to think that the Dutch are no less sparing to
publish as much there in justification of what is done (sic). Pray him
to pardon their silence hitherto, that it was carried with justice of
their part, and all due respect to our nation, not having had formerly
the full relation of that business. But they will very shortly send
him an abstract out of the letters and protests from their principal
factors, together with the relation of some who have "felt their part,
and are with much difficulty returned; whereby it will appear that
our men so butchered by the Dutch, and a poor handful in respect
of them, have been most inhumanly and barbarously forced (by
tortures not heard of amongst Christians) to confess themselves
guilty of impossible things; and that this is only a plot to root us
out of the Moluccas, and spread the Dutch sovereignty; whereof
we shall give your Lordship ample satisfaction after some short time.
In the meantime your Lordship may please to believe they have left
nothing undone that may render their actions in those parts odious
to all good Christians, whom neither contract of amity, nor conscience of Christianity can bound within the limits of common
honesty." [One page. Corresp. Holland.] |
June 26.
The Hague. |
487. Sir D. Carleton to Sec. Conway. The States' Ambassadors
(Aerssens and Joachimi) returned hither yesterday morning, and soon
after went to his Excellency. To day they have been in the
assembly of the States General, where they made a thankful report
of their treatment in England, imputing delays to necessities of his
Majesty's affairs and good conclusions to his Majesty's constant care
of this State, which they made appear the more by his Majesty
passing over the late accident of Amboyna, without interrupting
thereby the main business, of which, notwithstanding, they showed
how his Majesty expects a due account, and that they recommended
seriously. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
| June 26. |
488. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Letter to be
sent to Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador in the Netherlands, "to
give him some light of the cruelty of the Dutch against our
people in the Isles of Banda, and that the bloody execution done
upon the English there grew not from any guiltiness in them, but a
resolution to grasp unto the Dutch the whole interest and sovereignty of those islands," and this was thought fit to be written
least by the Company's silence, it might be taken for granted that
all is true the Dutch have given out in justification of that fact
[see ante, No. 486]. Consideration of Mr. Hurte's business "for preventing of any working by letters from great persons that might
restrain the liberty of their choice; but Mr. Hurte having promised
not to procure any, or to take benefit if any were procured, the election
was put off till Wednesday next." [One page. Court Minute Book,
VI., pp. 557–558.] |
June 27.
Greenwich. |
489. Sec. Conway to Sir Walter Aston. Touching Ormuz, there
hath been nothing verified against our merchants, and they do
alledge, that being within the kingdom of Persia, their ships were
"imbargued," and they forced to serve in that action. This they
avow by testimony, and protest against the bringing home of any
spoil, neither is there any proved against them. [Extract from
Spanish Corresp.] |
| June 29. |
490. Grant to the East India Company of all goods taken by
them in Asia or Africa, except the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas,
with a pardon to all who have committed hostilities in those parts
before April 30 last. [Docquet. Domestic, Jac. I., Cal., p. 287.] |
| June 30. |
491. Court Minutes of the East India Company. 15l. to be paid
to Lady Dale on account of the adventure of her late husband; but
the Commissioners of the Navy to be moved that the question
between her and the Company may be proceeded with. All the
Company's servants sworn, except those employed aboard the ships.
The election of competitors for Mr. Hurte's place falling upon John
Ling, both he and Mr. Hurte were ballotted for the same, and the
choice fell upon Hurte, who had "the greatest number by much."
After being called in and admonished by Mr. Governor of some
former errors, he was sworn as the rest, and two of the committees
appointed to audit his accounts once in 14 days. Mr. Fotherby to
call Rond to account for cordage. Ordered that the goods of one of
the two ships from Jacatra be landed, the one at the Custom House,
the other at Buttall Wharf. Michael Greene, sent home in the
quality of a delinquent, protested his innocency; but it appearing
under the hands of the President and Council at Jacatra that he is
in arrear to the Company 2,000l. and that he laboured by his bare
assertion to persuade the Court that he was falsely charged, it was
resolved to prosecute him in the Admiralty. Seven of the Company's
men that had been questioned, and some of them tortured by the
Dutch, were called in, who having related the inhuman cruelties
exercised by the Dutch upon the English in the Isles of Banda,
together with their devices, both by act of words and otherwise by
rigour of torment, to draw out of them what they could to accuse
themselves and the rest that had been butchered upon deviced
pretences, were appointed for form's sake, and to take away all
objections from the Dutch, to attend the Judge of the Admiralty,
and there to offer themselves either to examination or what other
course the justice of that Court shall think fit, and Mr. Cappur to
go with them. [Two pages and a half. Court Minute Bk., VI.,
pp. 558–561.] |
