|
March 10.
Port of Cranganor,
aboard
the Dragon. |
1100. Underecoon–Cheete, the Great Samorin or King of Calicut, to King James. Certifies Capt. Keeling’s arrival in his kingdom, and his earnest solicitations for the English nation. Faithfully promises to continue himself and his successors after him, a friend to the English; to endeavour to take in the fort of Cran–ganor and give it up to the English with the island called Coutay; also the fort and town of Cochin, belonging formerly to his crown, provided the charge of the surprise be equally borne, and thenceforward to claim no right or interest therein. The whole trade of the English to be customs free. [One page. Indorsed, “Translation of the Samorin’s letter for England and privileges to our nation.” O.C., Vol. III., No. 346.] |
| March 16/26. |
1101. Compact between the Commander and Council of the ship Arms of Amsterdam and General Samuel Castleton, who with four ships and a pinnace, lies at anchor in Pooloway road. The general having sworn not to assist the inhabitants of Pooloway with any kind of munition of war, nor to help defend them against the Hollanders, the Commander and Council promise the English all the favour they can, and to permit them free trade in their pinnace, if the Hollanders conquer the island, and if they do not, to suffer the English to remain as they are at present. Dutch. [One page. O.C., Vol III., No. 350.] |
| March 16/26. |
1102. English translation of the preceding. [Ibid.] |
| March ? |
1103. Instructions [from General Castleton ?] to Richard Hunt. Recapitulating the previous agreement, and directing him in no wise to take any part either with the Hollanders or country people; to keep quietly in his house, and if he fears any treachery of the country people to go aboard the pinnace, or repair to the Hollanders, “of whose friendship you may be assured.” To do his best endeavours to gather in his debts. [Half a page. O.C., Vol. III., No. 351.] |
March 17.
Bantam. |
1104. John Jourdain to the East India Company. Arrival of the Clove and Defence, and their departure in company of the Thomas and Concord to the Celebes. They left Jacatra 20th Jan. and from the Celebes directed their course for Banda, there to set on land the Bandanesers, who came to demand succour of the English; thence for Amboyna, Hitto, Lugho, and Cambello, “where I do not doubt but they shall have very good entertainment if our neighbours the Hollanders do not use their accustomed kindness towards us.” Knows they will do their worst in preventing the English trade for cloves and mace, “for they do not let to blaze abroad that they will take our ships and bring the people prisoners to Banda.” Lading of the ships; goods landed at Bantam; what cannot be sold there to be sent to Japan in May next. John Bailye to go factor, and George Ball to return to Succadana with Hugh Greete. Nath. Eile lately deceased; they are very weak at present, three having lately died and many sick. The Hector not yet come from Tecoe, and as yet no news of Capt. [Keeling? torn away] from Surat. Departure of the Solomon from Patani to Masulipatam with Lucas Antheuniss. Daily expecting the Osiander from Japan; doubts of their being so well furnished with silver from thence as was expected, having had advice of the casting away of a great junk sent by Cocks for Camboja, Wm. Addames captain and Wickham merchant. Their stock of money is small, and their debtors, by reason of the bad year past, not able to pay what is owing. The Hollanders are in the like case. [One page and a half. Partly in cipher; deciphered in the margin. O.C., Vol. III., No. 348.] |
March 23.
Acheen. |
1105. W. N[icolls] to [John Jourdain ?] at Bantam. Refers to his previous letters. Goods to be bought profitable for Masulipatam, Calicut, or Negapatam. Has no fear of their being returned from therice as at first he had, a factory being provided at Masulipatam. Great store of Surat goods may also be vented at Acheen; specifies them. Account of what he has bought of the Ambassador of Masulipatam. The King of Acheen is setting forth galleys to destroy the provisions and buildings which the King of Jhor is making, there being news that he is making a strong city. Is resolved, on the arrival of the next ships, to see what grant the king will make touching the establishing of a factory at Tecoe; causes of the opposition to it. The Portugals report they have more fear of one English than five Flemish ships. Hopes that within 25 days shipping will arrive from Surat. [One page and three quarters. O.C., Vol. III., No. 349.] |
March 30.
Firando. |
1106. Rich. Cocks to Rich. Wickham at Osaka or Miako. Wrote to him on 23rd present; hopes he had a short voyage. Arrival of the King of Shashma; presents given to him by the writer aboard the King’s bark, also the Emperor’s letter for the English to have trade into the Leques; presents given likewise by the Dutch. One of the king’s chief men came to the English house to thank Cocks for his presents of this and last year, and to bring him a present of ten bars of plate from the king, with a message that the king meant to visit the English house at Firando, and then would give an answer touching the emperor’s letter. All his friends, “both hees and shees,” in good health. Nealson is at the baths at Ishew. Wishes him to go to the King of Shashma with a present of wines and fishes, and offers of service. Report that the King of Firando has leave from the emperor to return. Doubtful news of the Emperor’s death. [Two pages and a quarter. O.C., Vol. IV., No. 352.] |
