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June 1.
From my House at Deptford. |
326. Sir Robert Sherley to Sec. Lord Conway. "The Persian merchant having seen my public commissions, thinks I ought 'to have much more credit than truly I have, and therefore continually solicits me to redress their manifold wrongs" [sic]. Has often solicited his Lordship to mediate for them, knowing how-strangers may by harsh dealing be discouraged; but his Lordship has not answered any of his. Beseeches him to give present order for this merchant's dispatch, or he will be enforced to come to Court against his will. Endorsed, 1 June 1626. 1 p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 24.] |
| June 2–9. |
327. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Payment to Edward Collins, clerk of the powder mills. In accordance with the suit of the Persian merchant, two of the Committee are requested to become his bail to the action of 2,250l. entered into by Geeres and Darley against him for their supposed contract made with him for his silk, and the Court would save them harmless. Information of the merchant's Interpreter that Geeres had given out very uncivil and caluminous speeches against the Company, that if the' Company dealt with the merchants they would cozen him with false weights and other accusations, concerning which Geeres was examined by the Court, who in the end were well content to believe his protestations, yet condemned him for raising so foul a scandal upon our nation, especially to the merchant, and wished him hereafter to be more wary lest they call him to a strict account. Report of Capt. Hall that he had attended Lord Conway, who caused his examination to be taken concerning the nine junks which he took in the Red Sea from the Guzerats. That he had answered that when the Company's servants were in trouble and prison at Surat, the better to make a more easy composition for their release, he had seized said junks, but so soon as satisfaction was given to the Company and their servants were restored to liberty, they were restored without detention of any part of their goods but only such as, contrary to his order, had been embezzled by Chester and his confederates to the value of 1,000l. , which was restored by the Company, so as they were far from making any benefit of said junks The Court gave Capt. Hall thanks for dealing so truly and fairly with his Lordship. Newball, Clerk of the Compter, read a scire facias issued out of the Exchequer in the King's name upon the adventure of Roger Dye for a debt 160l. , requiring the Company to show cause the first day of next term why said debt should not be levied for the King;
ordered that Cappur confer with counsel Concerning the adventure of Joseph Cock and Garrard's debt to the Company Plant convicted of stealing beef, and sent to Bridewell, was released the next day, by whose order the Court know not, and is again employed with other of his confederates in their service at Blackwall; ordered that they be all forthwith displaced. It having been reported that wheelbarrows full of beef are brought to one Boarer's house. ordered that the parties be examined. |
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June 5—Consideration of the business of Delinquents; ordered that a conference be had on Friday next. Inquiry by what authority Heynes' wages were raised from 60l. to 120l. per annum; the consultations under Rastell's hand, then President at Surat, and other factors, were read, whereby it appeared that by the authority given them by the Company and for his abilities and good service, he was thought worthy of the augmentations. The Court conceived they were bound to make good that act, and ordered Ellam to perfect the account accordingly against next Court. They then fell into dispute whether it were fit to continue power in their foctors to raise their servants' wages, which was left to further consideration. The Committees of the Warehouses entreated to view, value, and sell the remains of commodities, since divers of them are so ill conditioned they cannot be sold by the candle. Committee appointed to conclude with the Custom House for custom of goods brought home in the last fleet. |
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June 7.—Information that one of the Company's boats lost from the Downs was found at Hastings, but that the lord of the soil seemed scrupulous to deliver it; resolved that a letter be written about same. Concerning a debt of one Littleton to the Company for 150l. ; unless present payment be made to be proceeded against. Opinion to sell by the candle the two old ships [Elizabeth and Ruby] at Blackwall if the Governor approve; also parcel of goods. Order that Stone's advice be taken in the matter of the scire facias concerning Dye's adventure. Petition of Lawrence White for five years' wages of John Portus ; Captain Adams certified that he had served as pilot in three voyages from Japan to the Manillas; committed appointed to confer with Capt. Adams therein. The Committees nominated for business in Parliament entreated to attend this afternoon about Lady Dale's business. Desire of Hassan Gagerat, a Guzerat who came over with the Persian Ambassador, to turn Christian and have a lodging in the Star; the Court left him to the care of Wm. Webber, and gave him 10s. from the poor box to buy apparel. Request of Verneham, interpreter to the Persian Ambassador who had appointed him to attend the Lords in the afternoon about the carriage of the Persian merchant, that the Company would send some one with him to acknowledge him to be an Ambassador and to confer with him about sale of the silk; the Court thought the desire of the Ambassador very reasonable, but would not adhere to either party, yet consented that their Secretary Sherburne should go with Vernehan. |
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June 9—The Governor related to the Court that the Persian merchant came to his house this morning, where they had some
conference about writing over against the Company to the Persian Ambassador in Holland, which the merchant utterly denied, and promised to write and send into Holland to clear himself. Then the Governor acquainted him with an order from the Lords of the Council to the Company to authorise them to mediate between the Ambassador and himself; also that the Ambassador hath sealed up the merchant's doors. where the silk is; whereto the merchant answered he should not have so much as 6d. and that he would run away within four days Business between the Company and the executors of Brockenden; that his estate was got by private trade and making use of the Company's stock in his hands; also that his example, he being President, encouraged others to like private trade; it was conceived that 500l. was not sufficient for the Company's damage; after some discourse the executors referred themselves. to the Court, whereupon two sums were propounded, 300l. and 500 marks, but by erection of hands it was concluded that 300l. should be abated out of Brockenden's estate to clear all reckonings betwixt them and the Company except the custom of their goods; to which the executors very willingly submitted, and to compound for the diamonds remaining in the Treasurer's custody. The increase of Heynes' wages found to amount to 423l. ; was referred to examination. Demand of John Fletcher for remainder of his wages; he was told it was very strange that going out carpenter's mate in three years he should raise an estate of 700l. ; he confessed he carried out 200l. in ryals of 8, and putting it out at several rates so gained his estate; whereupon by erection of hands it was agreed he should pay 50l. towards the relief of maimed mariners. Consideration of the excessive gain that men make in letting out ryals of 8 in the Indies at 10s. apiece and upwards, and the misery that poor men undergo in taking money at such a high rate; ordered that no ryals be let out at above 8s. the ryal, and if any man enter the ryals at a higher rate the overplus to be forfeited to the relief of poor and maimed mariners. Gratification to Rastell, late President at Surat, for some especial reasons respited for 8 or 10 days. 17 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. VIII. 464–480.] |
June 10.
Batavia. |
328. Henry Hawley, President, Rich. Bix, and Geo. Muschampe to Harris (at Jambi). Their last letter by the Roebuck was dated Feb. 16. The Reformation dispeeded from Macassar 22 February, returned in safety 12 May laden with cloves and other commodities. The King of Macassar was then upon his warlike expeditions and report says hath taken Booton; our people there in health; Shorte stays the King's return to establish Varneworthy chief. The Portuguese domineer there exceedingly as knowing themselves free under the King's protection, but have written to the King to suppress their insolences, or else give the English the like liberty to right their wrongs, or leave his country. Arrival there of two Danish ships which sailed for Bejamas and Succadana to settle factories in those places. Return of the Simon and Jude from Lagundy 25 Feb. with ballast; her voyage chiefly to see the Charles and Hart past the straits. By letters from Masulipatam
wore advertised of the Rose cast away in Bejarone, 31 leagues from Masulipatam; her good saved by Danish ships and delivered at Masulipatam, but her leak found incurable, and her hull therefore fired; she lost by mortality 12 blacks and five English, the rest weak. By that disaster much want the goods of Masulipatam, but the Falcon sent from Surat with provisions collected in that factory for these parts expected by October. Complaint of the Noqueda of Pahang, long since rifled or surprised by the Coaster, against Ellsmore; the matter referred to arbitration; condemned to pay the Noqueda 650 ryals of eight and restore to him the parcels of tin last sent in the Roebuck; he parted right well contented, but who shall pay the loss is not yet peremptorily determined; Ellsmore lays much blame on Colbach. The Swallow dispeeded for Japara 13 March, returned laden April 10. Arrival of China junks at Japara with good store of beer and junkets of small worth, wherewith they have gleaned up all the ryals and so left our heads addled and our purses light which evily fitteth an Indian commonwealth. Arrival of the Dutch ship Leyden, 12 months upon the way, with the loss of 22 men. In Guinea they met with fresh news out of Europe; great armies in the field and preparation of all sides by sea and land; dare not write particulars until more certainty, but all Christendom is in a tumult; the Spaniards with 80 galleons have freed Brazil from the Dutch, confounded 19 Dutch ships, and put all their men to the sword; not above two escaped. Arrival of the Royal Anne in ballast from Surat, 3rd June, with provisions, but no goods for the Company, through the disastrous chances of the times. Of four vessels this year's fleet out of England for Surat only the pinnace Falcon is arrived. The Lion, encountered by five galleons defended herself bravely yet with much difficulty escaped to Gombroon, landed her money, coral, and cloth, but was the next day assailed by Rufrero's fleet of frigates; defended herself the second time valiantly to Rufrero's great disadvantage, yet at last was with multitudes so oppressed that she fired herself; her poor remainder of men, 26, leapt into the sea, were taken by the Portuguese, and put all but one to death. The Palsgrave and Dolphin forsook the Lion in her chief distress in her first conflict, were pursued by the five galleons and divers frigates and when overtaken made two day's fight, but the event not known, or what has become of them, only the galleons have returned to Bombay with loss of masts and yards, therefore some hope still remains that the two ships may be in safety. The Royal James and Jonas, both full laden, parted with the Royal Ann at Cape Comorin, directing their course for England. All the Dutch ships at that time in company at Cape Comorin also betook themselves to their several courses; three for this place, with the Royal Ann, but are not yet arrived; seven under the conduct of the butcher Speult purpose to winter in the Red Sea. With these great forces of the Hollanders, advantage might have been taken to discomfort the enemy; some flourishes Speult made as if he would have sought them in their harbours, but perceiving President Kerridge more forward than himself upon fair and equal terms, he
slunk his head out of the collar; so the James, Jonas, Ann, and Falcon proceeded on their several voyages, leaving Speult to his designs. These disasters will occasion great distraction in the Company's affairs, especially if the Palsgrave and Dolphin be lost, for our rivals of Holland are afloat, their fleet having arrived in Swally Road three days before the Portuguese galleons came to intercept both them and us; those galleons returning after the fight were met by three Dutch ships of war, but passed one by the other without shot or the least show of offence. But well might both Dutch and English have been intercepted by the Portuguese, had not a storm first put them from their anchors in Swally Road, in which two of. them perished and the rest were so dispersed that the Jonas, Ann, Falcon, and three Dutch ships, though straggling, yet arrived in safety without resistance. And although those three English ships fell into their laps, yet the Lion saved the best of her goods and sold her cargo dearly. Know not what the Palsgrave and Dolphin have done; so that howsoever great our loss, it might well have been much more. The Dutch have lost no goods but much reputation, in denying to go forth with us when the Portuguese challenged both before Swally Road, and in passing by the tottered galleons. The Portuguese gain is nothing; our loss is great, but not to be esteemed in respect of what it might have been, and the forewarning us not to live in such security in these parts. This therefore may rather be called a blessing than misfortune, and he that fareth best is not made so happy but at least one feather is fallen from his plume, which, though presently not missed, may yet prejudice him in the time to come. Letters received from Jambi Factory from Harris, Colbach, and Webb, also one from Caij Chille by his son. As they concern errors in account, questions personal, and differences, the Jambi factors are desired jointly to consider of them. Concerning the supposed error in Sill's account. Their wants shall be supplied by the Coaster which will soon be ready; much desire the Roebuck's return to be new trimmed. Were fain to send the King's watch for England, for here is not any that could perfect it. For the aid required by the King against the Achinder, have in former letters sufficiently expressed resolution. Purpose immediately to dissolve the Acheen factory, for which purpose the Reformation is repairing. The hazard they run in trusting the Chinese, be they dice players or else whosoever; must use counsel of the Dutch. Great loss of pepper at Jambi through weighing. Have lent to the Noqueda 500 ryals of 8 on behalf of Cittitamas, who has given security. Doubt not Harris's continual care, but must put him in mind of our nation's decayed reputation at Jambi, trusting he will repair it, not only in managing businesses like a merchant, but in governing with order and civil duties like a Christian. No manner of gaming to be tolerated; drunkenness, besides the evil affinity it hath with this climate to sottify and shorten men's days, also unfits men for any place of trust. Not to be sparing in instructing each and everyone in the company's affairs, or in all other civil and necessary duties Also must keep a vigilant eye upon the mystery of trade, and warn
them in Batavia how it may be best supported in Jambi, and what provision to make if that place will vent other commodities besides ryals and cloth. A merchant's eye must be upon everything, therefore much blame former times that, as only for a Romford market, nothing more was advertised in letters for Jambi than the price of pepper and the vent of cloth. Must not conceit it sufficient to do as former times have done, for we are not to live by precedent but by reason. The Company give their factors no manner of prescription when they entertain them, but out of affiance in their worth commit their great estate to their ordering; must therefore endeavour to entertain their interests so that posterity may be guided by the good and not obduced by the ill which may appear in our actions. Especially commend the remembrance of the Articles with the Dutch Company in 1619. Meantime, though we endure many intolerable indignities and inconveniences, we will endeavour by all possible means to redress them or procure remedy in Europe, and the same mind should be in them at Jambi. Are not ignorant how advantageous the Dutch are in their projects, and know well how wily they are to evade, but we will not be provoked to leave the right way. Must not be tonguetied when anything is amiss, but rectify it by good and commendable means. Know also that in plain cases the Dutch are out of measure ceremonious to preserve their honour, but often are deceived in their opinions; they dance in a net, their fidelity being ostentatious but not sincere, which we stick not to tell them; thus there is a combat between sincerity and subtilty. 13 pp. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1229.] |
June 10.
Surat |
329. President Thomas Kerridge to John Banggam. Knows not whether best to write or to be silent, so much having been already said to so little purpose. Our general letter will show Banggam that the Surat Council are sensible of his long silence and wearied with many unexpected excuses and delays. He knows the Company have often urged that returns are the life of trade, and the trade of these parts, even from port to port, and hence to England, yields 50 per cent per year. Has often expressed a desire to have an end, and doubts not that Banggam will return if he cannot accomplish that for him. Barker has written earnestly concerning the sale of his carpets; desires to hear from Banggam how they are rated. ½ p. [O.C., Vol. XI, No. 1230.] |
| June 12–14. |
330. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that a letter be sent to Hastings about the long boat which is taken up there; also that a writ be taken out against Littleton, who is indebted to the Company in 200l. Ordered that those who keep prick and check are not fit to be paymasters also; that Blunt keep the prick and check as formerly, and Thos. Rillston pay the porters every week. Request on behalf of the Persian merchant to entreat the Court to reconcile the differences between him and the Persian Ambassador The Court made answer that they will have nothing with the silk, and therefore will leave him to take his own
course. Ordered that Mountney pay Hugh Perry 20s. disbursed for the Company by Tucker. |
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June 14.—Consideration of the differences between the Persian Ambassador and merchant, and how they have wronged the Company by their untrue reports sent to Holland that the Company had seized their silk. The danger to their estates in Persia if the King of Persia be possessed with a belief of said reports; ordered that a letter be written to the factors in Persia relating the whole business, also that a letter be procured from the Ambassador himself, and his hand to the order of the Lords. Request of said Persian to borrow 300l. of the Company, which the Court seemed very willing to grant, but ordered nothing therein. Request of Alderman Venn for 30 deals granted. Ordered that Bartholomew Churchman, late master of the Moon, receive wages due to him for the time of his imprisonment with the Dutch, but for the wages of his servant, Edward Pettley, and for a hogshead of butter pretended to be taken from him, the Court refused to give any order until Churchman first make good proof both of the delivery and that it was his own and not the Company's. 4½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. VIII. 481–485.] |
| June 14. |
331. The East India Company to the Privy Council. Have laboured, according to their Lordships order of the 6th inst., to reconcile the differences between the Persian Ambassador and merchant, but can bring them to no good effect; for albeit the Ambassador is very inclinable to reason and careful of his promise to their Lordship, the merchant is so refractory, and through his passion so incapable of advice, and so violently bent to oppose the Ambassador, that his peremptory answer is, that he will neither submit to the Ambassador nor give him the value of sixpence for his relief, desiring them not to importune him any more, and seeming much displeased as conceiving they are the procurers of their Lordships' order, wherein they have done nothing but what they have been commanded. Signed by Christopher Clitherow, Deputy, and seven of the Committees. 1 p. [Dom. Chas. I., Vol. XXIX., No., 83, Cal. 353]. |
June 14.
Ispahan. |
332. Thos. Barker, John Purifey, Robt. Loftus, and Geo. Smith to the East India Company. Have received letters of March and November 1624 and March and April 1625, all which came to hand on May 27 last by an Armenian from Aleppo. The cause of the want of weight of silk is that in those places where they have been constrained to receive the silk the moistness of the climate hath bred want though received with surplus. The Palsgrave and Dolphin not coming to port the last monsoon, no little discouragement; formerly advised what was received out of the Lion and Falcon. Supposing that some shipping would be here this summer monsoon, would have sent caftila down with the camels that brought up our goods but Mullayimbeg being at Court none of his ministers here would grant what was required. Heartily glad the Company has taken in good part their endeavours touching the contract made with this Emperor; it will raise up the heads of drooping credit and enable them to put off
the quantities of English commodities desired. Acquainted Mullayimbeg's brother and Mahomet Sallibeg, brother of Mahomet Allibeg, with the contents of the Company's letter, and likewise wrote to the Court; they gave special grant to carry to port what quantity of silk seemed good but we are scared of venturing too forwards before hearing what the Company has designed. Silk should yearly be carried down to port to be ready at our fleet's coming, but wanting intelligence of the Company's designs have not so far urged it as might and shall be done. Cochineal worth at present 11 tomauns the maund (i.e. 3l. 5s. per lb.), but cannot write a certain price for it, for it is brought from Venice and Constantinople and taken through Holland, and according to the quantity is the esteem. The Russians take quantities of untwisted silk in colours; will not wish the Company to send hither yearly above 200 lbs. in weight until further proof. Prices of ready moneys: the ryal of 8 passeth without weighing at 13 shahees per dollar; the lion dollar at 10 shahees; Sultaneies and Hungary ducats at 24 shahees, Venice ducats at 24½ per piece; gold in mass sold ordinarily at 33½ to 34 shahees per mittigal. When making mention of a commodity being sold for such a price, mean the ordinary and current coins of the country, all foreign being sold as merchandise; these are in six species: pieces (gold); abbassees, mahmodes, shahees, and vistees (silver); and cusbeggs (brass; the coined gold is of one value and very seldom passing; in this country's language it is called an hezar, which is English "a thousand," i.e., a thousand deneires, which is 200 cusbeggs, or 50 vistees, or 20 shahees, or 10 mahmodes, or 5 abbassees; the abbassee being 200 deneires, the mahmode 100, the shahee 50, the vistee 20, and the cusbegg 5. The people do not make their account by naming so many abbassees or shahees, but by tomauns (the greatest denomination) and thousands, hundreds, fifties, &c. decimally. Factors in India should have good care for the yearly providing of freight; the benefit will not be small, whereof the Dutch have this year not only partaken, but wholly prevented us to the amount of 2,000l. ; whereupon these people have objected the profit the Dutch brought to the Khan. It may turn to account for speedier returns if the ships coming from England can serve their monsoons with safety and convenience, provided they be of force to withstand the Portuguese, who scarcely will be expulsed this gulf until they be roused from their hole Muscat, which must be done with more than our own forces; so long as they remain there, dare not consent our ships should run about the coast of Arabia, but rather that they lie under Ormuz till the fine of August, then to meet the expected fleet at Surat, unless they be of sufficient strength to resist the enemy. Sir Robert Sherley falsely pretendeth himself to be an Ambassador from the King of Persia; his Majesty of Persia never so much as made mention of him to the agents, much less of his embassage; he hath correspondence with friars resident here, who have advertised the King of his intended return hither; suppose it would be more welcome news to his Majesty that he remained in Christendem; his two propositions are futile and unlikely ever to be accomplished, being (1) the providing of a galley, which manifesteth the truth of
his embassage, for why should the King of Persia instance that, when there are at least 20 good frigates and galliots lie unprofitable at the port which if well manned would be able to resist the ordinary number of Portuguese frigates cruising about Ormuz and other ports? (2.) The transport of merchants hence into England and hither again: as to which no Persian or Moor will adventure upon our ships so long voyages, and those Armenians and Chulfalines who have once tasted of their tediousness will have small encouragement to undertake them again. So will leave Sir Robt. to his own invention, whose vain brain begotten projects still prove abortive, and whose actions many to their undoing have had experience of. The chief of the Dutch is returned from the Court, having procured a writing for the abatement of the price of silk and a set rate for their commodities. Prices of silk and of commodities which Mullayimbeg is to take from them in truck for same; this writing is for three years with confirmation under his Majesty's seal; have often in vain desired of the Dutch a sight thereof, but by chance got a copy from Mullayimbeg's men. Our goods deferred in delivery because Mullayimbeg was absent, have been delivered in the presence of Mahomet Sallibeg. Fearing difference at making up the accounts, have dispatched two of the chiefest and sufficientest servants to Court with letters to Mahomet Allibeg and others chiefly intimating news received from England, that two ships were daily expected at Bender Abbass, that large supplies might yearly be looked for from England, India, and the southwards, with excuses for not coming in person to Court through the want of presents, owing to our ships not having this year come to port, and finally requesting a confirmation to us of those things granted to the Dutch, hoping his Majesty's favour was no less to the English than to them, considering how long we have trafficked in his dominions, by what great difficulties dangers and loss of men and ships had made way to this trade, and the yearly damage sustained in maintaining it. For better attaining our desire have given a present to Mahomet Allibeg's vizier for his master of the value of five tomauns, and his letter to the King for receipt thereof, together with some knives and a gold ring set with 11 small diamonds belonging to the Chief Agent, to the intent they might not go empty handed. The writing to the Dutch not so effectual as that last received by the English, so may doubt its performance, especially when they see such quantities of cloth and tin as the Company have determined to send. Explain that others have effected what they themselves projected, and have built upon our foundations, for they first caused the silk to be brought to Isaphan, and its abatement in price with a set value upon commodities. Neither is it a marvel if his Majesty of Persia is more tractable now than ever by reason of the wars with the Turk, which since the taking of Bagdad are hotter than hath been since his coming to his reign. The King's subjects are affrighted, and seek to withdraw their whole estates from those parts into Christendom or India;and there are also other causes against prosperity. Think ourselves therefore able to perform as much for the benefit of our masters as the best Hollander hero residing. Have in like manner written
to the Khan of Shiraz, who is with his Majesty at the camp, impetrating his aid to our servants in effecting were sent complained of by Jno. Benthall at the port; would not by letters fervently move these matters but will do so upon his Excellency's return to Ispahan or. Shiraz, where personal conference may more Prevail. Likewise will not be wanting then again to instance the Hollanders' customs which the Khan last year granted for their fight jointly with us against the Portuguese, which will be best procured by our King's Majesty's letters out of England Make no doubt but the Company has treated of this with the Shah's Ambassador if safe arrived in England, of whose embassage they cannot write, being unknown to them. Enclose account of customs made up by Jno. Benthall. The Khan desirous to use merchants courteously. By Benthall's letter, dated Gombroon the 21st May, the news reported by an English renegade is that the Palsgrave and Dolphin after their fight at Damaun surprised a Portuguese ship laden with horses for Goa, returned with her to Surat and remained there till the fleet from Gombroon arrived there likewise. Also 10 ships were discovered a few days' journey eastward from Muscat upon the coast of Arabia, whether friends or foes not known; hope they may be ships from England in company with others from Surat. Have sent copies of the Company's letters to Benthall. Are determined to dispeed Robt. Loftus to their assistance, and to bring up goods. No silk yet weighed here, Mullayimbeg's officers being employed about receiving the Hollanders' goods; besides the great Biram is approached. The Dutch by great presents get many friends, for better effecting our business we must do the like. The King expects the Company yearly to provide for him somewhat extraordinary, as fine clothes, fair looking glasses, barrels for pieces, knives, &c. Cannot farther insist until news either from Court or from the port. 6 pp. [O.C., Vol, Xl., No. 1228, pp. 6–8.] |
| June 16–19. |
333. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ordered that James Dorrell have a copy of the Company's last order made between them and him as executors to his brother Henry, deceased. This day sennight appointed for a Court of Sales, also for the ships Elizabeth and Ruby. Ordered that Washburne certify against next Court what warrants are already served, and whether all that have underwrit are served. Renewed suit of Lawrence White for John Porte s wages, alleging he was entertained before he ran away from the Portugese; the Court willed him to make proof Ordered that the orders agreed upon at the last meeting at Blackwall be read upon Wednesday next. Ordered that Francis Futter, factor, from the Indies, receive 150l., the interest of two-thirds of his wages, according to order made before he went the voyage. Ordered that Capt Hall receive the remainder of money due for his indigo. |
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June 19.—Ordered that Edward Lee entreat those who have not received either to take out their pepper or show the reason of their refusal. Relation of the Governor about their powder mills, that there is an absolute prohibition against them, and a message from
Sir John Coke for the speedy pulling of them down; resolved to attend the Lords of the Council about same. Consideration whether to sell their dust of indigo by the candle at the next Court of Sales or to send it to Amsterdam; resolved to put it to the candle. 4 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. VIII. , 485–489.] |
| June 19. |
334. Petition of the East India Company to Duke of Buckingham. John Brooke, late master of the Moon, on his return from the Indies in September last most maliciously cast away said ship on the rocks near Dover; petitioners having questioned said Brooke in the Admiralty of the Cinque Ports, Sir Geo. Newman declined to appoint a day for the trial during the sitting of Parliament. Parliament being now dissolved, petitioners pray the Duke to direct Sir Geo. to appoint a play for the trial or permit them to proceed in the Admiralty Court. Underwritten is the Answer of the Duke that he liked well that petitioners should proceed in the Admiralty Court in London, so that.it did not prejudice the Cinque Ports. June 22. See ante, No. 314. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. XXX., No. 35, Cal. p. 358.] |
| June 21–26. |
335. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Concerning the adventure of Edwd. Jordan, who had failed, and had transported his adventure in trust to Robt. Edwards, who now intends to pass it over to Sir John Gore; that the Court could not take away Sir John Gore's right, if he had any, but will not suffer it to be again transported. Concerning an amount charged in the account of Harrison, deceased. Information of the Governor of the particular goods which Churchman pretends are saved and belong to him, now in the Company's hands; ordered that Chauncey bring Churchman's book of particulars under the hand of Dibbs, of Dover. Motion of Leatt about the time for payment of his bargain of benjamin. Ordered to bestow upon Rastell 200l. for extraordinary services, notwithstanding it was objected it is a losing trade, and that he hath received wages for service performed. The ordnance at Deptford having been proved and 100 found serviceable and 22 broken, ordered that the unserviceable ordnance be sold, the remainder put in store for the ships to be set out this year, so there will be no necessity to provide any new. |
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June 23.—Observations of Francis Lemens read concerning the Dutch East India Company; the 51st Article makes mention of 45 per cent. taken by that Company in the Indies of their servants for toll and freight of private trade : And whereas the Company have a purpose to present this relation to the Lords, resolved to abstract such particular articles as show the wicked practices of the Dutch against the English Company and their trade, and to exhibit those to their Lordships, yet withal to deliver in their whole book. Report of Treasurer Bateman that since 1621 divers great sums of money have been paid to the Company's servants, but how discharged he knew not; the Court then descended to particulars, and required Cappur to perfect his accounts according to former order. Yonge accounted last in May was a twelvemonth. Fotherby said his account for 1624 was brought in, but his book of 1625 is
not yet perfected; he required him to finish and present them to be audited. Ordered that Sambrooke, as men's accounts come in audited, discharge them from time to time. Consideration of the Dover business; Thos. Chauncey delivered up a book of goods saved from the Moon, which book was formerly brought in by Churchman. Complaint of Brockenden's executors against Chauncey for detaining 170 pieces of calico as thirds for saving calicoes, and that 800 pieces had been received by him. Chauncey's reply, he confessed to selling 170 pieces to Hughes the linendraper, in Cheapside, where also were sold divers men's calicoes delivered by Sir John Hippisley and Dibbs before any commission from the Company to Yonge and' himself. Also as to Churchman's demands, who was told the Company had no calicoes of his; Churchman or any other that can justly demand anything, left to seek from those who received. Examination of Chauncey as to whether all goods sold were brought to account, and whether all goods saved had been brought to the Company's house; also examination of Brokenden's executors on same subjects. The Governor observed that the whole business hath miscarried, that some goods had been delivered at Dover, some at London, some had been sold, some were yet at Dover, some at the Custom House, and some had been brought up, and that the Company rested unsatisfied with these proceedings. Therefore it was moved that all goods, both at Dover and the Custom House may be ordered to be brought up to the Company's house, and the money for the calicoes sold brought in, and that a time be fixed and witnesses summoned for further examination of this business, all which was left to further consideration. |
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June 26.—Re-examination of the Dover business; complaint against Chauncey for buying 100 pipes of oil and other goods when he was sent about the Company's occasions, also for buying 170 pieces of calicoes, and his answer. Some of the goods saved from the Moon belonged to James Burgess, master, who fell sick and could not perform the voyage. After much dispute it was resolved that Chauncey present an exact account of what came to his hands, and the Court Save free leave to Brookes, Churchman, and any other to take what course they please against Chauncey and Yonge for recovery of good they can prove to their hands. Demand of Lawrence White for John Porter's wages referred until the coming home of next ship from Jacatra Ordered that Langley's bill of charges be paid in the suit between the Company and Lamprey, and what is due to the Registrar of the Admiralty about Chester and Ellerton 12 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., VIII. 489–501.] |
June 30
Canterbury |
336. Sir Geo. Newman to Sir John Hippisley The East India merchants have petitioned the Duke of Buckingham for the trial of Brooke in London, but his Grace refuses to violate the liberties of the Cinque Ports, Brooke having been apprehended at Dover of the Admiralty Court, and also a Court of Oyer and Terminer, where Brooke must be tried if the East India Company have determined to proceed against him criminally. [Dom., Chas. I., Vol. XXX., No. 76, Cal. p. 363.] |
