East Indies: September 1625

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Persia, Volume 6, 1625-1629. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1884.

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'East Indies: September 1625', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Persia, Volume 6, 1625-1629, (London, 1884) pp. 89-94. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol6/pp89-94 [accessed 18 March 2024]

September 1625

Sept. 2.
Amsterdam.
174. Barlow to Sir D. Carleton. At the assembly of 17 in Zealand, there was something moved concerning Coen's going to the Indies but deferred till their next meeting, which will be so soon as any ships now daily expected come. Is advised "that now most of the chambers are made for Coen" that the welfare of the Company depends upon his going, for none can put in execution those projects so well as he himself who set them down, which are such as if they go forward with then our Company will never reap benefit by that trade. Has seen another remonstrance of Coen's to the Company, in which he lays down a course to constrain them of China to trade with the Dutch and none other, "which is such as the most barbaryest Turk that is would ever put in execution," that all the Chinese they took trading with others should be put to death, giving this reason, that so long as the rich could get poor men to serve them they would go forward in their course of trade. Also he doth much urge the setting forward of free trade, and populating their own countries with slaves, and so incorporate the sole trade into their hands. Cannot get copy of this relation, to which there is an answer which shows how frivolous and unprofitable all his projects are. Notwithstanding Carleton's good means to the States, is "insured" Coen shall be sent, for Horne, Enchusen, Delft and Rotterdam are all firm for him, also some in Zealand. In this chamber only three of the Bewinthebbers stand for him, yet if the States do not renew their prohibition to the 17 they will proceed, "for there are of the Bewinthebbers [who] have given out that the prohibition was only for that time, so they see no cause but now they may send him forward." Has advised the Company at large of this, but by reason of the sickness at London they do not meet, so he will not have any answer. By letters from Aleppo is advised that there was advice from Spahane (Ispahan), that the Dutch ships were departed from Jasques the 15th of March to come for these parts, wherein was a Persian ambassador to treat with the States; also that four English and four Dutch ships had fought with eight galleons and had battered them very sore, and if certain galleys had not come to their rescue they had carried away some of them. The ships from Jasques cannot be here till the spring, for they were to go to Surat, from whence he wishes they may hear that the Company's agent and factors be freed from their trouble and may go forward in their trade. 1¼ pp. [Corresp. Holland.]
Sept. 7.
Tottenharu.
175. Sir John Coke to Sec. Lord Conway. Acquainted his good neighbour the Governor of the East India Company with his Lordship's letter encouraging them to proceed with their powder mills and offering them to procure the King's warrant; and received enclosed answer, whereby he may understand that the interruption proceeds from Sir Arthur Mainwaring, who presses the King's pleasure not only to stay them from making powder but for the demolishing of their mills. They are confident it is upon some misinformation or for some private end. For his part has a great sense of the general want of good powder, and the general complaint of the badness of that brought from foreign parts makes him very sorry to hear of any means neglected for so necessary a provision. Doubts not he will inform his Majesty how much the interest of his service herein is of more consequence than private profit or pleasure, and procure a warrant and send it to him or the Governor that they may not lose the season of the year for their work. Encloses.
175. I. Sir Morris Abbott to Sir John Coke, Master of Requests. One of Sir Arthur Mainwaring's officers has been at their mills and forbidden not only the making of powder but the preparing of any of those works. Begs he will be a means to Lord Conway to procure a warrant from his Majesty that they may be free from further interruption. Woodford Bridge, 1625, Sept 6. 2⅓ pp. [Dom. Corresp., Chas. I., Vol. VI., Nos. 25 & 25 I. Cal. p. 99.]
Sept. 8.
Surat.
176. President Thos. Kerridge to John Banggam at the Court of the Great Mogul. Encloses firman for good usage at Semana. Mr. Young certifies that Aseph Khan desired English spectacles, whereof has sent two pair, and as he greatly desired a surgeon will send up the best the fleet affords. He is to certify Aseph Khan and Cojah Abdallah Hassan that this instant Nadir Zeman, the King's (messenger), has arrived from Goa, and intreats a "ferwanna" to all Governors, to safe conduct him to Ahmedabad, and thence to the King's durbar. Has brought two thrones, one for the King and one for the Begum, which are very heavy but very good. Here follows five lines in Persian. "This the writing of Nadir Zeman which do you show to the noblemen before mentioned." Mutilated by damp. Endorsed—Reced. the 28th October 1625, answered the 29th November ditto. 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1205.]
Sept. 9.
Tichfield
177. Protest of King Charles I. to the Ambassadors of the States General, concerning the business of Amboyna. Whereas a Treaty has been made between them, dated the 7th present, for mutual defence. Be it known to all men that having oftimes demanded and with much patience awaited the execution of justice by said States upon their East India Company for the excesses committed in the Indies, particularly at Amboyna, upon his Majesty's subjects; also for other losses and offences, for which notwithstanding their incessant and just complaints, they have not yet received satisfaction; by reason of which the King has heretofore protested that he is no way satisfied, and will enter into no Treaty with said States until his Majesty has had reparation. Whereupon their Ambassadors represented that the States took care of nothing so much as to satisfy him in this passage, and would not cease until they had done good justice therein; that what had caused them to defer execution was neither malice nor obstinacy, but the constitution of their State and the distances of the places from which they must receive further information; and that in case they should not do his Majesty justice to his contentment it should always be free for him to constrain their East India Company to give his Majesty satisfaction, without thereby entering into a rupture with the State General. Therefore the King has ordered his Commissioners to enter upon and conclude said Treaty, but protests by these presents to the Ambassadors, that if the States do him not justice within the term of eight months for what he has suffered in his honour, and make not reparation to his subjects, it shall be always free to his Majesty to revenge himself, be it by letters of reprisal or by his own forces, for the damages and outrages they have suffered in Amboyna and other parts on this or that side the line, notwithstanding any clauses contained in said Treaty. To this effect the King has given this protest to the Ambassadors to be presented to the States, and has commanded his Ambassador Carleton to do the same; and to render it more firm and formal has caused it to be enrolled in his registers. To which has been added, A copy of the above protest has been delivered to us by his Majesty's express command in the presence of his Council, with charge to deliver it to the States; in acknowledgment whereof we have signed the present Act, Francois D'Aerssens, Alb. Joachimi, R. V. Burmania. French. 3 pp. Endorsed, "Fait a Southampton le 9 me de Septemb. 1625." [Corresp. Holland.]
Sept. 16.
Dover.
178. Sir John Hippesley to the Duke of Buckingham. Arrival of four ships from the East Indies, but one, the Moon, of 800 tons laden with pepper, was cast away near the Castle, and there will be little saved, because it was all loose. The other three in the Downs, and what to do with them he knows not because they are of so great a value. Stays other ships bound for London for his Grace's further commands. [Dom. Corresp., Chas. I., Vol. VI., No. 66, Cal. p. 105.]
Sept. 21.
Agra?
179. John Willoughby to John Banggam at Lahore. Understands by Offley of his arrival in Lahore with the Company's goods in safety, and is sorry he did not meet him there. It was very base of John Goodwin, and not done like an Englisman and a merchant, to write to Offley that Willoughby had a purpose to run away; and that he had received of Aseph Khan for the great jewel, 1,300 rupees, which Dongee, who received the money, knows was 800 rupees gross; prays him to inquire and write the truth, for knows he is an honest young man. Mutilated by damp. Endorsed, Reed. the 7th October, Lahore, 1625. 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1206.]
Sept. 22.
Woodford Bridge.
180. Sir Morris Abbott to Sec. Sir John Coke. Arrival of five ships from the Indies laden with indigo, pepper, and calicoes, the largest, richly laden with pepper, miserably cast away near Dover through the negligence of the Commanders. Small part of the goods saved, and much pepper gathered by the inhabitants, who came down in multitudes. Entreats his favour to the Duke for a warrant for recovery in whose hands soever they shall find their goods, though they desire not to obtain them without giving valuable consideration for their pains. Considering how dangerous the times are, and his Majesty's command to restrain suitors from the Court, have thought it convenient to send only their Secretary Sherburne, to attend this business. 1½ pp. [Dom. Corresp., Chas. I., Vol. VI., No. 93, Cal. p. 109.
Sept. 22.
Edmonton.
181. Thomas Styles to Sec. Sir John Coke. Puts him in mind of a warrant from his Majesty on the East India Company's behalf for making their own powder in a mill at Forkind (sic) Since his Honour was here a gentleman on behalf of the Company has spoken with Sir Arthur Mainwaring, who told him the King's deer were hindered from feeding, the poor people would want a corn mill which this was before, and that he would not only pluck down their mill, but clap all their people by the heels. The Company have proceeded upon encouragement from Lord Conway, and hope now to receive a warrant from his Majesty for proceeding in this good work. Four ships have arrived from the Indies, but the fifth of 800 tons was cast away not far from Dover, and another of 800 tons is missing, being laden from the Indies in March last was a year. If the Company proceed in that trade they will want this year 1,000 lbs. of powder. 1 p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. VI., No. 94, Cal. 109].
Sept. 27.
Woodford Bridge.
182. Sir Morris Abbott and Thomas Styles to Sec. Sir John Coke. In their ship the Moon, lately cast away at Dover, arrived as passenger a Dutchman, who by his own confession was one of the judges that gave sentence of death on their innocent servants at Amboyna, upon which he is detained prisoner in Dover Castle, and certain papers were taken about him which they make no doubt may produce good effect in the discovery of that bloody massacre. Entreat an order to the Lieutenant of the Castle for the prisoner to be detained till the pleasure of the Duke and the Council be known. Further desire his favour to procure his Majesty's warrant for release of their powder mills, and if they may understand when and where the Council next meet will wait upon them. 1 p. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. VI., No. 110, Cal., p. 111.]
Sept 30.
Lahore.
183. John Banggam to his loving father. His last from Surat by Edward Heynes in the Star, which set sail 14th April past, by whom also he sent some small tokens. After that he was allotted to go to Cambaya and thence to Ahmedadad, where he met the bearer, Mr. Young, come down from the King's Court. The President and Council have appointed him chief factor at the Mogul's Court at Surat, with 20l. a year to his former wages. Hopes his brother Nicholas has long since arrived in safety. His brother Edward went in the James for Batavia, hopes he is well returned by this time to Surat. Has travelled a tedious journey to Lahore, 1,200 miles from Surat, and here will remain till the King return from the cold climate of Cashmere, and then follow the Court whither soever it goes. Sends three dozen agate hafts and some trenchers for tokens to his father and mother. Intreats to be remembered to his brothers and sisters, Nicholas, William, Larmitt, Judith, Robert, Elizabeth, and Susan, with all his little cousins, nephews, and nieces.
On same sheet.
Same to his "assured good brother." Similar news to the preceding. Fears Morris Abbott's emeralds, being of the new rock, will never yield 2,000 rupees. There is scarce any other buyer of tapestry besides the King. His stay in this country is a year or two more prolonged, when he will endeavour to come home and enjoy the comfort of his friends and country. The Sultan Kharrum is still out in rebellion, notwithstanding he has been divers times discomfited by his father's forces. Aseph Khan still sways the kingdom, and is their greatest friend.
Also on same sheet.
Same to his "assured good friend (Benthall)." Naeddy Beag, the Persian Ambassador, and their ancient friends Heynes and Hutchinson and Capt. Ely went for England in the Star. Has delivered part of the goods consigned to him to Hopkinson; intended to invest the rest in Agra, and to send them to Surat to be shipped, but Meer Mooza, in whose company Banggam travels, took him by constraint to Lahore. There is no transport overland to Persia, and they must now have patience till next year. Has disbursed out of his money for customs on his goods, and on Barker's carpets, who no doubt will satisfy Benthall. Carpets vend better at Agra than here, there being great store lately come over land from Persia.
Also on same sheet.
Same to Barker. Carried his carpets by Capt. Kerridge's advice to Ahmedabad, and on his repair to Agra left them in the custody of Joseph Hopkinson. Has paid custom, &c., for them out of Benthall's money. Drafts with corrections, mutilated by damp Together 4 pp. [O.C., Vol. XI., Nos. 1207.]
Sept. 30.
Lahore.
184. John Banggam to his brother Nicholas. For affairs at Surat, designs for Persia, success of the Royal Ann at Mocha, &c., must refer him to the relation of those friends who take their passage home this year. Begs to be remembered to [Rast]ell, Biddulph, James, Lancaster, and all friends. Mutilated by damp. Endorsed, Part of a letter to my brother Nicholas. 1 p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1208.]