East Indies: March 1614

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 2, 1513-1616. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

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'East Indies: March 1614', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 2, 1513-1616, (London, 1864) pp. 279-289. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol2/pp279-289 [accessed 25 April 2024]

March 1614

March 1.
Osaka.
696. Wm. Eaton to Rich. Wickham at Yedo. Has showed his goods to divers merchants, but none are sold, because of the prices offered. Recapitulates the news in Cock's letter of 17th February [see ante, No. 694]. The bearer is the King of Firando's secretary. News that all the houses and churches that belonged to the friars and Jesuits are pulled down and burnt, and that all those who were Christians have recanted, “so as now there is no more Christians of Japanners in these parts.” At least 150 persons have been apprehended for buying and selling tobacco, contrary to the emperor's command, and are in jeopardy of their lives; great store of tobacco burnt. [One page. O. C, Vol. I, No. 133.]
March 1–3. 697. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Admission of Richard Mantle, servant to Wm. Greenwell, and of John Lewellin servant to Wm. Myllett. Concerning the city lands at Deptford. Information of Geo. Bennett, that Eustaco Mann is the person entertained by the French to conduct their ship into the East Indies; order to Fras. Sadler to acquaint Mr. Edmondes, and desire him to procure a warrant to examine Mann. The general's commission is approved, and Mr. Ellym appointed to take it, the letters and the boxes for succession, to the ships at Gravesend. Confirmation of former resolutions for the next fleet to be sent over. Sir Robert Napier to be paid for the Samaritan. Committee to let the new ship of Shoreham to the Muscovy Company upon freight Rigging to be provided. Officers to be procured for the next shipping. Resignation of John Waldoe, keeper of the timber-yard at Deptford, on account of ill-health. Nicholas, brother to Francis Sadler, appointed in his stead. Petition of Mr. Burrell, for satisfaction for losses sustained in providing timber from Ireland referred to a committee. Desire of Robert Ducye to be relieved of “a broke” of 12l. Agreement of Roger Hawes for payment of 20l. to Henry Allen
March 3.—George Bennett, having taken great pains to discover the Adventurers in furnishing the ship from France to the East Indies, brings Mr. Atkins and another to the governor; they were willing to do what the Company thought fit, and hoped, with three more, to obtain their freedom gratis, when they intended to join and use means to break the neck of the business, but found the rest wilfully bent to persevere; they were entreated to set down the names and amounts of those who have adventured, and they will find the Company kind to do them any good in requital. Concerning the lands at Deptford. Rigging; the Company have about 20 tons of hemp spun in Goodman's Fields. Resolution to send 75 men in the Samaritan, 50 in the Thomas, and 25 in the Thomasine. Concerning the selection of masters for the ships. Hunt, recommended by Capt. Middleton, thought fit to go master of the Thomas; David Carpenter in the Samaritan, and Roe mate, if he will; other officers nominated. Remarks on the previous conduct of several masters; determination to employ them only as mates. Symonson willing to go again, and Thos. Jones as a boatswain. About engaging west countrymen as masters. Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Read, and Ralph Freeman “to be freed from broke.” Payment of Mr. Towerson's adventure. Question propounded by the governor whether one man should not govern the three ships, to advise when they arrive at Bantam, whether any proceed to Japan, Coromandel, the Molluccas, or any other parts; Capt. David Middleion recommended as a very sufficient and fit person; objections against him; the whole subject referred to the next court. Request of Baily Ball, by letter, for a sword and dagger, and a case of pistols to take with him to the East Indies. Sale of the Expectation. Ordnance Two culverins lent to the Virginia Company. [Five pages and three quarters. Court Bk., III, 43–48.]
March 7.
Firando,
Japan
698. Rich. Cocks to Rich. Wickham “in Edo, Strongo, or else– where.” Mr. Peacocke will be ready to depart within five or six days. Report of “a lying friar or Jesuit,” that Capt. Addames was dead at Miako, and had not Cocks received a letter from Addames he should have stood in doubt. It is generally reported that all the padres are to “avoid” out of Japan; it seems the name of Christian is odious. On Sunday “we put out our flag as our custom is,” but in the afternoon Foyne Same, the old king, sent word to take it in because it had a cross on it; Cocks explained that the cross was not made in the form of the Cross of Christ, but as a badge or token whereby the English nation was known from all others, “yet all would not serve, but down it must, full sore against my will, Foyne telling me it was the emperor's will it should be so, only we might put out any other mark we would, a cross only excepted; and that ships coming might bear a cross upon the water, but not on land.” Has written to Capt. Addames, wishing him to know the emperor's pleasure whether the English shall not be permitted to bear their colours as well as the Hollanders. It seems these people are generally bent against all Christians. [One page. O. C, Vol. I., No. 134.]
March 9.
Firando,
Japan.
699. Rich. Cocks to Rich. Wickham. Commends his diligence. Has received a letter from Ed. Sayer from Tushmn, who is out of hope of any good to be done there or at Corea, and is very desirous to go for Focaty. Peacocke ready to go towards Cochin China. Thinks Capt. Brewer and Peacocke will depart from Langasaque [Nangasaki] within two or three days. Bought a wench for three taies, who must serve five years and then repay the three taies, or else remain a perpetual captive; “she is but 12 years old, and over small yet for trade; but you would little think that I have an other forthcoming that is more ‘lapedable;’ yet it is true, and I think a gentlewoman of your acquaintance; you must be no blab of your tongue.” Report that the emperor is dead, “as a lying friar gave out the like of Capt. Addames.” [One page. O. C, Vol. I., No. 135.]
March 9–12. 700. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Conditions upon which Robt. Atkins, Daniel Newman, Hump. Ambler, Thos. Gosnold, Adam Lawrence, and Phillip Bridgman are willing to discover to the Company “the pretended voyage of France” [to the East Indies], and the best means to overthrow that project; John Johnson Moll, the captain; supposed amount adventured ; the Company's proceedings at the council table, and resolution to justify their complaint, as not only a question of privilege, but a business of state. Committee appointed to take care of the matter, and Mr. Basse to confer privately with Hump. Ambler. Suit of Mann to be taken into favour. Thos. Hemsworth's business, touching the payment of a bill of exchange for 400l. Hunt to be entertained as a master's mate, at Mr. Offley's recommendation. Commissions to be prepared earlier in future; reasons. Petition of Mary, wife of John Spure, midshipman; and of Joan, wife of John Giles, quartermaster, for some unclaimed pepper lying in the Custom House, a like quantity having been sent to them by their husbands, and sold in Ireland by Jas. Delay.
March 10.—Half of Geo. Benson's adventure of 100l. in the tenth voyage, to be set over to John Dade; also Matthew Porter's adventure of 200l. in the eighth voyage to Geo. Bennett, all John Weild's remaining adventures to John Holloway, and half of John Gardiner's to Henry Carter, clerk of Goldsmiths' Hall. Information of Mr. King concerning the amounts adventured in the French ship [for the East Indies] and names of the adventurers. Accident to the Hector caused by the buoy in the Channel being misplaced, alleged to be done by Mr. Poynett, “to disgrace others that should undertake to conduct the ships;” the Trinity House intend to call him in question. Gratuities to Wm. Ivett and Thos. Milton for piloting the New Year's Gift and Solomon. Anchors and cables to be provided against the arrival of the Trades Increase. The ships to be victualled for 18 months for the present. Suit of Mr. Went– worth of Suffolk, a good navigator, for employment, who had been with Sir John Hawkins and Capt. Frobisher, but had lived privately in the country. Information being received that one Capt. Harris belonging to the Lord Privy Seal is like to be pressed upon them for a chief commander, he was told by the governor that the Company expect a man qualified for such a place to be partly a navigator, partly a merchant, with knowledge to lade a ship, and partly a man of fashion and good respect; this answer was hoped to be a good means to urge against him or any others of his rank or condition who may be pressed upon them. Touching the adventure of Hugh Frayne, deceased, a factor in the sixth voyage. Claim of John Holloway to his division in the fourth voyage of 3s. 6d. in the pound. About payment of the adventures under–written by the factors. Order to Mr. Burrell to have two new lighters built. Dispute between Mr. Bullock and Mr. Sone, the goldsmith, about some aloes. Calicoes sold and remaining in the warehouse; goods to be sold. Accounts to be brought in. How to distinguish the accounts of the several voyages to be left to the auditors and accountants. Request of Lord Pembroke and Sir Edwin Sandys, to forbear part payment of their adventure until the end of the month when their rents will come in. Money only to be provided for the next ships; if commodities be required they may be found at Bantam. Cloth to be bespoken for the next year; the Expectation, another new ship to be built, and the Peppercorn to go the next voyage, and if Sir Henry Middleton's return give encouragement, to consider of another new ship to join them. Milward, a jeweller, well skilled in rough and cut diamonds and the author of certain rules to judge of their worth, thought very fitting for employment at Bantam. David Carpenter, master of the Samaritan, and Roe, his mate, to be considered.
March 12.—Atkins, King, and other projectors of the intended voyage from France [to the East Indies] desire not to appear before the council on the next day and promise to overthrow the voyage, to bring the master before the Company, and help them to buy the ship; they are desired to make their request in writing. John Totten, who went master of the Pearl, to be offered to go master of the Thomas. David Carpenter, notwithstanding his imperfection of hearing and his age, to be entertained as master. Masters proposed for the Thomasine. Nicholas Symonson, now master carpenter in the Samaritan, one of those taken at Surat by the Portuguese and long kept prisoner to have his wages paid, as others have had. Request of Sir Robt. Napier to be paid for the Samaritan. About making a ropeyard at Deptford. Petition of Mr. Burrell for satisfaction for timber from Ireland, employed on the New Year's Gift, for salary during his stay there and for his extroardinary pains in finishing and despatching the last fleet; a gratuity of 150l. awarded to him. Divers sailors discharged at the Downs, because of an overplus of men, to be entered in the books for the next fleet. Agreement with John Peters as a master's mate. Gratuity to John and Thos. Poynett, pilots. [Nine pages and a quarter. Court Bk., III., 48–57.]
March 14.
Aboard the
New Year's Gift.
701. “Articles for keeping of Company,” by Capt. Nich. Downton, to be observed in a voyage to the East Indies. Indorsed, “To Mr. Arthur Spaight.” [One page. O.C., Vol. I., No. 136.]
March 14–22. 702. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Arthur Predys to go purser in the Samaritan, and Abraham Bond, purser's mate, in the Thomas. Suspicious doubts of William Biddulph's honest carriage; to be further inquired about. Geo. Piborne appointed purser's mate in the Thomasine; and John Osterwicke in the Samaritan. Samuel Moseley to be purser in the Thomas. John Milward, the jeweller, to be entertained in the Company's service at 100 marks a year. The governor acquaints the court that Newman had refused to submit himself and to subscribe the writing of reconciliation; that he questioned the authority of the clerk of the council, and refused to enter into bond to appear at the council table; that thereupon the lords committed him close prisoner, by warrant to the Gatehouse, “where he remaineth to be humbled for his obstinate and wilful courses.” Mr. King and the rest being called before their lordships, upon submission on their knees craving pardon of the state for the heinousness of their offence, their offences were remitted and they were set at liberty upon sufficient bond to desist from prosecuting the [East Indian] trade any further in foreign parts, and promise of their uttermost endeavours to bring both the ship out of France, and the master into England again; the condition of the bond to be left to Mr. Cottington's care. John Yates to be purser in the Thomasine. Debate on the question of employing Capt. Middleton as general in the next voyage; many errors of his government ripped up, but he is nevertheless supposed to be the fittest person that can be thought upon to pursue trade either to Coromandel, Japan, China, the Moluccas, or any other places; he is opposed by Mr. Handforde as very unfit for government. Captains Harris, Marlott, and Wentworth, commended as fit to be second in command, referred. The commissions to be presently undertaken to prevent the danger of delay. Mr. Bell to procure letters from His Majesty to the Emperor of China, the King of Japan, and other general letters, as were sent by the last fleet. Letter received from Capt. Downton, in behalf of Mr. Wright, the mathematician, who has gathered great knowledge in the Universities, and effected many worthy works in rectifying errors formerly smothered; resolved that for his courses of lectures hitherto paid for by Sir Thos. S my the and Mr. Wolstenholme, the Company will allow him 50l. per annum; he to examine their journals and mariners and perfect their plotts [?maps or plans]. Provisions for the ships. A preacher having been provided to remain at Surat, Mr. Evans, of Little St. Helen's, is recommended to live at Bantam. Commodities to be sent, “some little of everything,” as lead, elephants' teeth, pieces (muskets), sword blades, iron, wine, cider, nails, opium to the value of 40l. or 50l. for a trial, kerseys and beer. Pepper to be given up to Mary Spure and Joan Giles on certain conditions.
March 15.—Mr. Fletcher's and Mr. Pointell's accounts. Petition of Daniel White for a purser's place. The King having allowed the Company 921l. 5s. for the tonnage of six new ships built by them, viz., the Trades Increase, Peppercorn, Clove, Thomas, James and Osiander, the amount is to be deducted from customs by the farmers. Petition of Nicholas Hawkins for a factor's place, referred. Other petitions for employment dismissed. Petitions of Robt. Davies, Matthew Fletcher, Adam Tanner, Geo. Cullimer, John Banckes, Gilbert Dickenson, who serves the Earl of Shrewsbury, John Carryll, Edmund Mitford, Edward Gardyner, John Flower, Lawrence Colston, for employment in the Company's service, either referred for consideration or dismissed. Request of Francis Pynder, gunner's mate, for some allowance, and of Edmund Bliethman, who returned purser in the Solomon, to be again employed. The business with the Bridge House [concerning some land at Deptford]. Sufficiency of John Peters to be inquired into. Petitions of [Christ] Buggyns, Simon Stratford, Thos. Dedham and Raphe Coppindall, referred for consideration. Stephen Hodgson's adventure of 160l. in the eighth voyage to be passed over to Robt. Middleton and Robt. Bateman. Mr. Hemsworth's business concluded, and he admitted an adventurer gratis. Richard Grafton, Thos. Atkinson, a goldsmith, — Purslyn, and Richard Wright are “left to their fortunes elsewhere,” the Company having no present employment for any of them. Nath. Colman referred to the court of the Somers Islands for employment. Matthew Porter and Thos. Jones, submitting themselves and desiring to be employed again, Jones is appointed boatswain in the Samaritan. About buying the ship from France, the Company unwilling “to deal for a pig in a poke (as the phrase goeth),” but will contribute to the charge of bringing her over, if they do not buy her. Capt. Middleton confirmed as general of the voyage, although Mr. Treasurer [Wm. Harrison] and [Humph] Handforde protested against his being employed because of his want of government, and alleged, if anything should happen otherwise than well, the imputation will fall upon the governor and committees for electing him.
March 18.—Promise to employ Nathaniel Best when the next ships are prepared. Request of Wm. Dale for employment for his son. A vice–admiral to be entertained; some grave, solid, staid man who may be fit to confer with Capt. Downton on occasion of any matters of import. Intention to settle more factories, hoping to beat out a trade at Siam, Patani, and other places; some greater number of factors to be provided. Robt. Johnson, born in Yarmouth, and knowing the French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese languages, recommended for employment by Capt. Towerson; Robt. Hughes, also recommended, is dismissed. Geo. Cullymer, commended for a very honest and sufficient man, is objected to “only for this exception” being a married man, but the Company promise to entertain him if he bring some of his wife's friends to speak for him. Ralph Coppindall and Nicholas Hawkins entertained. Thos. Dedham referred. Objections against Capt. Middleton's former courses in private trade; he is allowed to adventure in the joint stock and promises to forbear private trade and amend whatsoever has been amiss. Debate on his misgovernment; to avoid the like here– after he is acquainted with a resolution that a council of the officers of the ship shall be called together upon any great cause to give their verdict, and hopes are held out of a gratification upon his return if he observe that which is enjoined by his commission. Wm. Evans, a preacher at Barking, who has been in Spain and the West Indies, practised physic for 20 years in France and England, and studied divinity eight years, recommended to the Company. Offer of a Scotchman, a preacher, to go the voyage; one recommended by Dr. Layfeild to be seen. Richard Biddulph to be steward of the Samaritan, and Robt. Davies of the Thomas. The Thomasine not to carry more than twenty–five men. Resolution not to send more elephants' teeth than those provided for this voyage, about five or six tons. Capt. Middleton, intending to try and beat out a trade among the Portuguese at the Moluccas, desires a cloak or two of scarlet, and one or two gold chains of 40l. or 50l. a piece, and three or four pieces of plate for presents; two cloaks trimmed with gold lace to be provided. Diamonds bought of the Company, including the great diamond at 535l. by Philip Jaoobson.
March 19.—Half of Wm. Steer's adventure of 600l. in the joint stock to be set over to Henry Carter; Robt. Kirkham's adventure of 1,000l. to John Wolstenholme; and part of the adventure of John Manestye, deceased, to Raphe Hamor. Sir Jas. Stonehouse, a courtier, and one of the King's privy chamber, to be admitted gratis, the Company being “willing to have some such their friends about the King that should be tied unto them by some kindness, especially against this time of the Parliament.” Mr. Tucker, of Gravesend, to be also admitted gratis. Lawrence Colston unfit for employment Order of the Privy Council for Newman's release upon his submission to Sir Thos. Smythe and the Company. Concerning the refusal of Mr. Bullock to give security for the aloes succatrina bought of the Company. Resolution of Capt. Middleton not to go the voyage, his going having been so opposed by some and so distasteful; motion for Capt. Harris to go in his stead. An experienced and well qualified merchant, fit to go to Japan if need be, to be inquired for, “rather than a captain or other gentleman.” Mathew Porter condemned for his double dealing. Roe willing to go as master's mate, but standing upon a salary of 6l. per month, for his obstinacy in not submitting himself, nor understanding the governor's speeches, who wished him to rely upon the Company's courtesy, to be put in suit and brought into the starchamber “to humble him and make him know himself.” To ascertain whether Wilson will go as mate to David Carpenter. Request of several persons trained for the Company's service, but punished for their misgovernment, to have their offences remitted; refusal of the Company to be reconciled to them without their submission. Sureties for upwards of 5,000l. of silk bought by Mr. Middleton and Mr. Freeman. Mr. Beli's remembrance to employ a greater stock to the Bay of Bengala than is yet provided; great hope of a large trade in the “Lurne” of Patani's country, where the Dutch bought raw silks to the value of 100,000 ryals; resolution respited until returns can be had from thence. If commodities should be wanted for Japan, it is supposed that Bantam and Coromandel will furnish them. Gratification to Lott Peere for diverting many of the petitioners for the East Indies to make their suit for the Somers Islands, “holding it to be a good pleasure done for the Company to be so rid of them.” About payment for pepper and indigo bought by Mr. Dye and Morris Abbott. Order to Mr. Demetres to brew sixteen tuns of strong beer for the next ships
March 22.—Admission of Richard Lambe, servant to Robt. Palmer, grocer, Hugh “Wyndham, servant to Richard Chamberlain, ironmonger, and Thos. Mellinge, servant to Robt. Chamberlain, ironmonger. Hump. Robinson, about goods bought of the Company. Emmanuel Browne entertained as master's mate. The new ship to be of the same size as the New Year's Gift. Sheathing nails to be sent with the ships, and left at Bantam for store. Gratification to Allen Carey. The Thomasine to have but one purser, a surgeon, and a steward, who must be a cooper. Suit of John Smyth, a young man who has been twice in the East Indies, to live again in the country. Committees to go daily aboard to dispatch away the ships. Resolution not to employ George Cullymer as a factor; the reasons to be kept secret. Capt. Middleton again entertained, through the efforts of some of the Company, and the love he bears them. Mr. Evans, the preacher, dismissed, “about whom as ill a report goeth as of any about this town of his coat.” Some fair elephants' teeth, of one or two to the hundred, to be sold by Mr. Chamberlain. Nicholas Hawkins entertained as factor for seven years, with an allowance of 75l. a year. It being reported of Mr. Sturdivant, a preacher, formerly nominated by Dr. Layfeild, “that he hath a straggling humour, can frame himself to all company, as he finds men affected, and delighteth in tobacco and wine,” he is conceived untit for one of his profession, and for the Company's employment. Raphe Coppindall to have 75l. per annum, and be bound for seven years. Edmund Blitheman to be a second factor, with a salary of 30l. per annum. Mr. Freeman's sureties accepted for the white silk. Concerning Newman's release, and his strange submission to the Company. Request of the Dutchman, who was the merchant for the intended French voyage, for employment; the governor desired to entertain the time with him awhile, to see if he can be persuaded to have the ship brought over. The Company intending to make trial of the sale of some English commodities in the places where their ships go. 30l. or 40l. worth of knives to be provided, amongst other things. 1,000 crowns in ryals sent out of France for the Company's service. Admission of Sir John Stonehouse. Request of Peter Rogers, late of Deptford, clerk, that no part of his wages may be paid to his once beloved wife, who has forsaken him, and is living in a most lascivious and riotous manner. [Nineteen pages and a half. Court Bk., III., 58–77.]
March 22.
Osaka.
703. Wm. Eaton to Rich. Wickham. Wrote to him on 1st March by Owendona, the young King's governor of Firando. Commodities sold. Wishes him to let Capt. Addames know at what prices he has sold broad cloth, that the Dutch may have intelligence. Has received letters from Cocks and Nelson. [One page. O. C., Vol. I, No. 137.]
March 24. 704. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Submission of Mr. Roe accepted; the wages of his brother, John Roe, who was taken into the Expedition from the Hector, with Capt. Newport, to be paid to him. Hesitation of Totten, appointed master of the Thomas, to go the voyage; Warwick and Wilson thought of for the employment. Two preachers, desiring to be taken into the Company's service, to preach before the committees. Petition of Francis Pynder for certain disbursements. About preparing the commissions; Nicholas Isaac proposed as second in command by Capt. Middleton. Resolution concerning Capt. Harris, who desires to serve the Company. Inconvenience and continual trouble in procuring the King's commission; the governor requested to consider of a remedy. Wm. Norris to be steward's mate in the Samaritan. Bread rooms, for preservation of the bread, to be prepared in the ships. Thos. Ware, who can speak Portuguese, to be inquired of; Breddye, the purser, also perfect in the language. Sheet lead and oakum to be got ready. Resignation of Mr. Waldoe in favour of Nicholas Sadler; his observations upon “the government of the yard.” Distribution and taking account of the timber; with the Company's resolutions. [Two pages and a half. Court Bk., III., 77–80.]
March 28. 705. “A trew declara[SYM]on of the discoverie of the mayne landes, ilandes, seas, portes, havens, and creekes lyeinge in the North–west, North, and North–east partes of the world, made by the singuler industrye and chardges of the fellowshipp of Englishe marchauntes for the discoverie of new trades, and alsoe of the proceedinges of the said fellowshipp from tyme to tyme even sythence the first discoverie, and of such businesse as have past in those partes betweene the Englishe and straungers,” either deposed of the certain knowledge of the parties before Dr. Trevor, Judge of the Admiralty, or gathered from the perusal of “cardes, journalls, plottes, and mapps,” by order of the Privy Council; containing particulars of the voyages of Sir Hugh Willoughby in 1553; Stephen Borowgh, 1556, for finding out a way to Cathay by the north–east; Sir Martin Frobisher, 1576, 1577, 1578; Arthur Pet and Charles Jackman, 1580; Sir Humphrey Gylberte, 1583; John Davis, 1585, 1586, 1587; Stephen Bennett, 1603, 1610, 1611, 1612; Wm. [Henry?] Hudson, 1608; and Benjamin Joseph in 1613. [Seventeen sheets and a half. Domestic, Jac. I., Vol. LXXVI, No. 51. Cal., p. 228.]
Mar. 29–31. 706. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Ellis Crispe's son–in–law to be admitted free. Allowance to Thos. Mott, a lighter– man. 200l. of the adventure of Richard Andrewes to be set over to Humphrey Browne. Request of Mr. Totten to be excused until the next shipping. Roe appointed master of the Thomas and Wilson master of the Thomasine. Ordnance for the Samaritan. Mr. Waldoe's business. Iron works at Deptford. Cordage kept by Mr. Ellym. Account of canvas used. Allowance for defective silk. Request of Capt. Middleton for extra provisions, presupposing that his voyage may be lengthened; question whether Cheshire or Holland cheese was the better for lasting. The best means to supply about 15,000l., to be paid before the ships can be dispatched. The old accounts to be audited. Desire of some to enlarge their adventure, not allowed because an ill precedent. Edmund Camden, left chief factor at Bantam by Capt. Saris, allowed to adventure 100l, per annum. Petition of the indigo buyers for a warehouse for the better show of their commodities. Wm. Garraway accepted as security for his brother Henry for the purchase of spices to the amount of 4,323l. John Sherington also accepted for Fras. Taylor for his yellow silk.
March 31.—Admission of Wm. Fanshawe, the Company “con– ceiving they shall have need of such person's assistance against the Parliament;” also of Sir Henry Neville, knowing him to be a very worthy gentleman, and may do many good offices for the good of the Company. Concerning the motion formerly made for leave for the committees to enlarge their adventure. Probability of the em– ployment of a greater stock than is written for, in regard of sending to discover the Straits of Magellan. Sir Jas. Lancaster's frequent proposal to have a ship appointed to go through the Straits of Magellan to the Isles of Solomon; motion to send the Expedition. Offer of Mr. Atkins and others to sell certain provisions. Mr. Bul– lock's security for his aloes. A standing ordinance to be proposed at the next general court, that whosoever buys goods their stock will be liable for the amount, besides the security given. Desire of Eustace Mann to be employed. The Lord Admiral to be made acquainted that another ship is preparing at Shoreham for the East Indies. Proposal to employ Capt. Gifford if a ship be sent through the Straits of Magel– lan, “whereby they should remove a chief instrument and worker of those plots and projects.” Sir Ric. Hawkins and Capt. Parker also nominated. Sir Jas. Lancaster's opinion to be consulted both of the voyage and the persons. Request of Michael Corsellis and Peter Van Lore for a Dutchman to be employed in this voyage. Resolution to entertain Mr. Evans, the preacher, and allow him 50l. per annum. No part of the factor's wages to be put into the joint stock. Request of Francis Sadler for leave for his son to adventure in the joint stock. Admission of John Farrar, skinner, son of Nicholas Farrar, by patrimony. About lending ordnance to the Muscovy Company. Request of Hugh Hamersley concerning the purchase of some cinnamon. [Five pages and a half. Court Bk, III., 80–85.]