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| Sept. 1–13. |
359. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Complaint of John De La Barre of being made to pay 20s. a bag as a fine to the warehouse keepers for three bags of pepper he sold to a grocer in town. Request of John Halfehead that the balance of 6l. 10s. out of 400l. for which he is bound for John Glyde, his son-in-law, may be deducted out of the wages of Wm. Prenter, one of the Company's servants in the Indies. Request of Francis Wadlowe in reference to his pretended right to an adventure of John Gerard, administrator of the goods of John Palmer deceased; the Court is informed there is a suit in Chancery between John Gerard and Wm. Palmer, father of said John Palmer, about said adventure. Signor Jeronimo, the Portugal Jesuit, presented in Latin divers overtures concerning the trade of the Indies, which the Court took in good part and willed the same should be translated against next Court, the heads of which being related to the Court, ordered that 5l. be bestowed upon him out of the poor box. Ordered that 200 men be the proportion for the great ship, 80 for the Star and 50 apiece for the two pinnaces, and to be victualled for 18 months. Andrew Evans, who came home master in the Scout, entertained master in one of the outward bound ships at 6l. 13s. 4d. per month. The Committees for quicksilver desired to take some pains for the provision of that commodity. Resolved that little or no money be sent to Surat and only 30,000 Rs. to Jacatra, but Mr. Treasurer is entreated to provide a greater parcel in regard a great part of the proceeds of the Persian silk is to be returned in the same kind. |
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Sept. 6.—In confirmation of the fear that through the malice of the late Persian merchant the fear that through the malice of the late Persian merchant the Company's goods and servants will be stayed by the King of Persia until the return of this Ambassador it was remembered that Sir Dodmore Cotton should let fall these words, that the Company would have no return out of Persia until his coming thither. Alnutt, late mate of the William, willing to be entertained again at 8l. per month; search to be made what wages he last stood upon. Motion by Hanson, one of the Auditors that
there be but three Sub-Treasurers to receive money from the General Treasurer, Mountney for disbursements in London, Hurt for mariners' wages, and Yonge for Blackwall; that each makes up their cash every month and present same to Mr. Treasurer. The Court liked well of the motion and ordered same to be expressly performed. Mr. Hanson presented a book of collections of interest due on debts due to the Company, amounting to 4,000l. resolutions thereon. Ordered that an indifferent price be set on the 2,400 calicoes yet remaining, and that this day sennight be appointed as a General Court of Sales. Information of the proceedings at the Sessions House against the beef and nail stealers, but Treasurer Bateman made known that this course did not restrain others, for a young fellow belonging to the yard at Blackwall had offered 35 lb. of nails to Carter, the ironmonger, who caused him to be apprehended, but that he had escaped, and that one Frank, a joiner, was missing from Blackwall; ordered that this abuse be examined into and the offender brought to exemplary punishment. Mr. Styles to take into his charge the entertainment of gunners, carpenters, and boatswains when the ships are ready, and so free them from being pressed into the King's service. Mr. Governor propounded three things for consideration, viz., to frame their just complaint to the Lords against Sir Dodmore Cotton for divulging those and other like speeches related by Mr. Mustard concerning Persia, it being very probable that it is rather the project of himself and Sir Robert Sherley to work their own ends than the policy or malice of the late Persian merchant; that it will not be amiss to revive the complaint against the Hollanders notwithstanding the time limited by his Majesty be not expired; and lastly, to think of some course to revenge the late barbarous cruelty done by the Portugals by preparing some greater force than ordinary to encounter them, in which service no man would be more fit to be employed than Capt. Weddell; but the Court thought fit to forbear their resolutions till the arrival of their ships. Report of Thos. Hanson of his proceedings in bringing in adventures and debts; that moneys came in daily by his solicitation, but that Messrs. Eeds, John Dikes, Hayes and Humphrey Slaney, notwithstanding their often promises, yet delay payment; ordered that he speak with them once more, and then if they bring not in their moneys to arrest them and proceed in course of law against them. In reference to a suit in Chancery between Francis Wadlowe and John Gerard concerning the adventure of John Palmer, deceased; ordered that it be detained according to a former Order in Chancery until the suit be ended. |
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Sept. 8.—Colthurst's account for dyeing and dressing cloths sent into the Indies ordered to be audited. That Mr. Cappur proceed with his general book of remembrances from the time where he surceased, and that Mountney discharge John Tapp's bill of charges for printing bonds for mariners, surgeons, and the like. William Mynors, late mate, entertained master of the Scout at 5l. per month. Whether to send a pinnance to Jacatra this year; it was thought fit first to hear news from thence by the ships which may shortly arrive and then send, for if the factors there should be kept
blindfolded two years together, they would think themselves in a desperate case, and if that trade should go forward, yet the Court was resolved not to trade thither under the slavery of the Dutch, nor if they should stint the trade, to do it otherwise than fairly, and that the pinnace be sent only with advice. Request of Bartholomew Churchman, late mate in the Moon, to go in their next fleet, but the Court told him the wound is but green yet concerning the casting away of the Moon, and some aspersions would be cast upon the Court for entertaining him so suddenly. John Grant, late mate in the Star, entertained mate in the Admiral. Information that there are 15 master workmen and seven others pressed out of the yard in regard there is some extraordinary haste of some of the King's ships, but the Commissioners of the Navy had promised to return them all in 14 days, with 40 more out of the King's works. That in the two old ships sold to John Southam there were divers very serviceable beams and knees, far better than Irish knees; ordered to agree with him for what is thought fitting. Allnutt late mate in the William, to be offered 7l. per month to go master in one of the ships outward bound. Motion on behalf of William Riffe who makes crossbar shot for the Company, to lend him four cwt. thereof, granted. Examination of the jointers of the yard; it is alleged that one Marsh, a joiner of Greenwich, stole the nails; the master joiner North to be suspended until Marsh be apprehended, and John Radford a joiner, for immodest and uncivil speeches in Court, to be discharged. John Beck, keeper of the iron stores, blamed for his negligence. |
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Sept. 13.—The Court took knowledge that the great ship will not be launched this month, concerning which, as also the garbling of indigo, Mr. Governor observed they had been delayed extraordinarily, notwithstanding he had often pressed expedition, and that Mr. Steevens had been advised to employ more men, but continued his own servants and friends to the prejudice of the Company; the Court deferred to send for him till the return of the men taken away for the King's works, and then to take the workmen off the smaller ships, the resolution of the Court now and for seven years past having been to use all diligence for the more speedy dispeeding of the ships than of late had been accustomed. Consideration of the provisions to be seasonably made ready for the ships; that there is enough cider in store for this year's fleet, yet because it is not fit for spending before it be a year old, it was held meet to provide 100 tuns more if it may be had at 6l. per tun as last year or thereabouts, the present price being 8l., but not resolved whether to buy in France, the West Country, or London. There being a scarcity of Canary wine it was moved to put abroad muskadine or white wine, but the Court took knowledge that a ship or two of sack was shortly expected from Hamburg or other parts, and ordered Mountney to make inquiry. Ordered that Mr. Sherburne speak with the Lord Admiral's secretary, Nicholas, about a composition for the boat at Hastings, for recovery whereof the Company have already spent 4l., and will give Nicholas 40s. to clear her, the boat being worth but 10l. Consideration of Allnutt's entertainment as a
master, who demands 8l. per month, and will go either northward or southward, deferred till his return to town. Jeronimo de Payna, the Portugal's propositions translated being read, the Court thought meet that three or four of the Committees confer with him in the afternoon about same. 130 tons of lead being necessary for "kintledge" for this year's fleet; ordered that the Committees be put in mind to buy same. Mr. Ellam's sortment and valuation of the calicoes for the Court of Sales approved. Mr. Chamberlain having offered to take his oath before the Lord Mayor that he bought the gumlac for 7l. the cwt., the Court rested satisfied and ordered he should have it. Mr. Chauncey's business referred. Ordered that the wives of those whose wages were raised in the Indies should receive their monthly pay according to the first entertainment. Daniel White having served in two voyages as purser again entertained after admonition to carry himself more carefully and forbear all private trade. Petition of Thomas Young concerning the accounts of his brother John, a factor. Minutes of a Court of Sales with list of commodities sold, the names of purchasers and the prices. 15½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX., 94–110.] |
Sept. 16.
The Hague. |
360. Dudley Carleton to Sec. Lord Conway. Three ships returned richly laden from Jacatra, the Governor of Amboyna being said to follow with two more from Surat. [Extract, Holland Corresp.] |
| Sept. 20–22. |
361. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Information by Mr. Governor that there is a report spread and divulged abroad that there shall be no division made this Michaelmas to the adventurerers, at which he much admired in regard it had been already concluded at a General Court, and for that divers have notice and expect payment accordingly; ordered that said order of the General Court be now again confirmed. Report of Hanson, one of the Auditors, concerning Fotherby's account for the slaughter-house for 1624; his accounts for 1625 are not yet perfected, and that he had received Edward Seager's accounts for cash with errors unrectified; the Court taking distaste hereat ordered that Fotherby and Seager attend on Friday next. Information of Treasurer [Bateman] that Seager kept his accounts at his own house, which might prove very prejudicial to the Company, whereupon ordered that all Accountants keep their accounts at the Company's house; also that he had lately moved the Earl of Northampton to spare them his study, which he kept for his private use right against the paymaster's office, which he condescended to, and yesterday sent the keys by his steward. Ordered that the warehouse keepers all keep their books in the form of a ledger. "A declaration how the East India Company's books may be kept from negligent errors and examined for the finding out of wilful escapes," presented by Hanson, was read and allowed by the Court and ordered to be observed and registered in their Court Book. Then follow lists of the several accounts with the manner in which they are to be kept checked, and audited, viz:—I. The domestic accounts, 1. The Treasurer's cash, transcribed into two particular cashes, the one for
money received and paid at interest and the other for all other receipts and payments and the general cash; 2, the cash for payment of mariners; 3, the general purser's books for payment of workmen and mariners; 4, the accounts of stores and provisions in London; 5, the accounts of Blackwall; 6, the accounts of canvas; 7, the warehouse books; 8, the accounts of every mariner; 9, the great book of accounts for stock and employment, whereinto all the former accounts are to be entered and should be balanced yearly by the Accountants, which has not been done, only estimates delivered to the Committees wherein many errors have been discovered and reformed by the auditors. II. The foreign accounts for the Indies and for Christendom; those for the subordinate factories to be audited by the President and Council of the principal factory, and those of the President and Council of Surat and Jacatra to be audited in England, but all accounts to be sent yearly to England. The accounts of the factors in Christendom to be audited as they come to hand. It is very convenient that there be but few cashiers under the Treasurer, viz., 1, for all payments of mariners and imprests; 2, for all expenses for London; 3, for all charges at Blackwall. Every Accountant for money received to have his wages stopped till he has brought in his account, and the three cashiers every month to produce their original cash books to the Treasurer; and if any Accountant for stores or victuals, or keeper of the warehouses do not deliver his accounts perfected once a year at Midsummer, his entertainment to be stayed till he has performed the same, and if it be not brought in before Michaelmas to be dismissed, and one to be appointed to see that everyone has performed his duty, and to underwrite warrants for salary before presented to the Governor and Committees. Ordered that the tax imposed upon Crosby House for setting forth the ships by the City be paid. Consideration of the provision of beef and pork for this year; ordered that 450 oxen be bought. Motion on behalf of Vassall, who had a suit of hangings to sell for indigo, refused until return of the Company's ships. The Persian Ambassador having sent his interpreter for a loan of 200l., the Court desired Mr. Milward to perform it and the rather because they should thereby get a receipt for the moneys he formerly received and therefore ordered Mr. Ellam to draw a receipt in English for the several parcels of money he has received, cause a notary to translate it into Italian, and procure the Ambassador to subscribe and seal it. Conference with Alnutt about going master to the Indies, and he refused 7l., but was willed to attend a fuller Court on Friday. Ordered that all the women whose husbands died in the Lion should have one month of their husband's wages. Also that John Young pay Boatswain Ingram 6l. towards recovery of the Blessing's long boat at Hastings. |
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Sept. 22—Mr. Governor propounded the business of the powder mills, acquainting the Court that howbeit it had been privately carried, he thought good now to let them know how gracious his Majesty had been in granting them licence under the great seal to erect new powder mills in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, and that they had found in Surrey a very commodious mill belonging to Mr.
Baron Sotherton and Sir Edward Randall in right of their ladies, with whom the Company had compounded for a term of years, and the conveyances were signed on the part of the baron and his lady, but Sir Edward now refused to sign, so Mr. Governor was of opinion it might not be amiss to take out a writ out of Chancery to enforce the bargain, or otherwise that 10l. or 20l. might be offered him for his lady's consent, which course the Court approved. And for that by reason of the wars in Prussia the Company is disappointed of powder expected from Dantzic, and that they can make no use of the new mills this winter, it was propounded that a petition be drawn to the King for leave to work the old mills until the spring, and that Mr. Sec. Coke be attended with the same on Sunday next at Hampton Court, and desired to procure his Majesty's allowance, and being informed there were but 400 barrels in store, the Committees were desired to provide 200 more for the next fleet. Concerning Rigton's bill of charges, Fotherby sharply reprehended for not perfecting his accounts for 1625, whereby the Company receives much prejudice, as in Webb's account, who is indebted to the Company and yet has had his wages without deduction; he extenuated his fault by reason of sickness and the multiplicity of the Company's business, and promised to perfect said account within this month. The like neglect imputed to Edward Seager; he promised wholly to devote himself to said accounts, which he was required to bring to Crosby House, where there is a particular room assigned him, and John Mountney shall assist him. According to order of 30th June last it was ordered that Laurence White have 16 months' wages of John Porter, deceased, at 32s. per month, so as he sign a general release and refer himself to the favour of the Company. Alnutt entertained to go for Jacatra, master in the Pinnace, at 8l. per month. 8½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 111–119.] |
Sept. 22.
Delft. |
362. Edward Misselden to the Privy Council. Has lately given his Majesty account of his proceedings concerning the Merchant Adventurers and East India Company, but having received no answer casts himself on their honours. Many of the principal merchants of these Provinces have joined in a petition to the States General complaining of intolerable wrongs done them by his Majesty's subjects in unlawful arrests, reprisals, and confiscations of their goods on his Majesty's coasts, and praying the States with great importunity either to grant them letters of marque in general upon his Majesty's subjects, or to arrest the Merchant Adventurers goods at Delft. Knowing the people are violent, has been earnest with divers of good place not to conclude anything without hearing, alteram partem, adding that his Majesty for their sakes had suspended reprisals granted against their subjects for palpable cruelties, outrages, and wrongs, and the States had obtained a clause in their last treaty that no reprisals should be granted on either part. The States of Holland referred the cause to a Committee representing the cities where the parties grieved dwelt, and on their report resolved to send an express with the complaint to Mr. Joachimi, their Ambassador with his Majesty; has let this little courier run
before. If it seem good to their Lordships to resume the complaints of his Majesty's subjects, especially of the Merchant Adventurers and East India Company, this opportunity might bring them to a more happy period than heretofore 2 pp. [Corresp. Holland.] |
Sept. 26.
Gundeven. |
363. Robert Tottell to John Banggam, at Lahore. Desires Banggam to send the bill back that he may write it better, for, if Page sees it, he will judge Tottell to be drunk at the writing, which he confesses is the truth. Sends another bill, which is handsomer. ½ p. [O.C., Vol. XI., No. 1235.] |
| Sept. 27. |
364. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Note of the yearly charge of the Company for their officers' and servants' wages, presented by Treasurer Bateman amounting to 2,785l., also gratiuties to Mr. Governor, Deputy, Treasurer, and Committees 2,500l., the interest of 210,000l. at 8l. per cent. 16,800l., total 21,785l., besides uncertain payments daily issued for manners wages, provisions, building and repairing ships at Blackwall, house rent at London and Deptford, and interest on debts paid ante diem, and seeing that the charge is great, and the stock at an end, Mr. Treasurer desired the Court to take this business into their serious consideration for the abating thereof if possible; but the Court being resolved to enter into a view of their whole estate and trade so soon as their ships (which now, thanks be to God, are arrived) shall be cleared, it was deferred until that time. Request of the son of the Persian merchant through his interpreter Martyn that in regard he hath long sold his silk he might receive his money; Captain Milward answered that the remain of the money was ready if he might enjoy the bargain, and produced agreement made by the Lord Treasurer and Lord Conway upon the certificate of Burlamachi, Abraham Chamberlain, and Van de Putt, to whom the cause was referred, which being interpreted to the merchant's son, he said he would attend the Lord Treasurer and Lord Conway, and if they confirmed the bargain would finish all things. Meantime he pressed for further supply of money, which was denied until he should conclude with Milward, and sign the inventory taken according to Order of Council, as well of the King of Persia's goods, as of those challenged to be proper to his deceased father; but he refused and so departed; whereupon Mr. Geere made known that said merchant's son was upon marriage, being very desirous to contract himself with Lady Cokayne's chambermaid, to whom he offers not Only to make over his whole estate, but also to be christened before marriage. The Star to be launched with all speed and thirty-five tons of lead for kintledge to be forthwith provided. Concerning the long boat of the Blessing taken up at Hastings. Concerning the purchase by Nicholas Crispe the younger of 100 barrels of indigo at 4s. per lb., and a late bargain sold in town contrary to the Company's order. Upon relation that certain Dutchmen who were interested in a ship which was taken, had pressed the States to grant letters of marque against this State, which by Misselden's solicitation was denied, the Court confirmed their resolution for dispeeding away with all expedition either the Star
or a pinnace for Jacatra. Mr. Ducy said the pinnaces were not yet ready for sheathing because no caulkers can be got for money. Mr. Steevens was sharply reprehended, and required to use more care and expedition or the Company would provide themselves with some other by whom they should be better served. He alleged for excuse his father's death and pressing his men in the King's service, but doubted not to have the pinnaces in readiness for their intended voyage. Complaints of a bark load of timber brought by Browning to the yard, which was so ill conditioned that Ducy had refused to receive it. Browning desired to be released from his bargain, but the Court utterly denied to do so, and desired the Committees to view the timber offered and buy as much as they should think fit. Three months' leave of absence granted to Colthurst, one of the Auditors, his accounts to be audited. Mr. Hanson's proposition for lessening his own salary to be remembered at next Court. 5½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk. IX. 120–125.] |
