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March 3.
Ispahan.
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811. Edw. Monnox, Robt. Jefferies, and Thos. Barker to [Thos.
Kerridge and the factors in Surat]. Their last was by the Charles
from Jask of 17th December last. Cannot perform what they
intended for want of time, the messengers, Sr Vincentio Mattsso
and Sr Antonio Doro, having three days since departed this city in
company with Zenalbeagg, this King's ambassador, now sent unto
Shaserim ; neither can they rely upon reports for the price of any
commodity vendible here. No Indian commodities have arrived of
late, so they hope to improve the prices of those last sent, and could
wish the quantity had been greater. "As we increase so doth Ormuz
decrease ; for the very report of the arrival of five English ships in
Jask did strike such terror and amazement into these hen-hearted
inhabitants, that even their own houses and churches escaped not
the fury of their mattocks and pickaxes, fearing lest the English in
landing should possess themselves of the said churches and houses,
and therein lay siege and battery into their invincible fort." Have
removed all their goods from Jask to prevent the danger of their
being carried away by the rebels of Macrone. Account of their
journey. Wm. Bell and John Amy sent to Gombroon to procure
camels to carry their goods to Lar, because of the demands of the
"grating" governor of Moghistan. Heard at Moghistan the unhappy
tidings of the decease of Thos. Barker the last of November.
Result of their consultations thereon. Agreements made with the
Governor of Minau for carriage of their goods, which they left with
Bell, Purifie, and Benthall, leaving Minau with Cardrowe the
preacher, John Amie, and Laurence, one of the coachmen, meeting at
Shiraz Jefferies and Barker, and all arriving at Ispahan 23rd of the
past month ; the way in some places impassable through the rains,
snow, and ice. The imperfect state in which they found Barker's
books very inconvenient to the Company's affairs. Inventories of
goods, &c. taken. He died without a will, and his estate is yet unknown.
Lalabegg's promises of good offices with the King. "He is
the heifer that we must plough withall if we will do any good in
this country." He told them how much the King rejoiced at the
safe arrival of their ships, and that he had sent his royal mandate
to the Khan of Shiraz, and to his substitute governors, to prevent
any impediments in the transport of their goods. The King has
promised to grant their request, which consists of six several
articles. Hope to send 1,000 bales of silk by this fleet, which in
their last they jestingly promised. Beg a fitting supply of India
commodities may be sent to them with the 14,000 ryals the Surat
factors borrowed from their this year's cash. It will be seen by the
4th and 5th article of their petition to the King that they resolve
to make Jask their port ; their reasons. Description of the qualities
and quantities of Indian commodities with which they wish to be
furnished. Hope it will be no news to them to hear of the happy
agreement made with the Hollanders of the uniting of the two
companies, with an article equally to divide the profits accruing by
the whole trade of the Indies ; only from the Moluccas the Hollanders,
in consideration of the great charges of fortifications, are to
have two-thirds of the profits. Doubt not they have had a more
ample relation by way of Masulipatam. Hope they will send a ship
with spices and other commodities from those parts, to add more
vigour to this our infant trade. In their next letters for England
they shall be no whit doubtful to advise the sending of 2,000 broad
cloths and 500 Devonshire and northern kersies, for all of which
they are already assured to find vent ; as also for a good quantity
of copper. If they have such mines in India, to send some by the
next fleet. Remarks on the trade. The Sophy "now in quiet," and
hath no wars, but sometime of his own people he cutteth off head,
hands, and feet of some, and of others he openeth their bellies to
see if they have any evil disease in their hearts. This some doth
term tyranny, but without this the crown would not stand long
upon his own head, whose life we have just cause to pray for, as if
he should die before his subjects had experience of the honest intents
of the English they would much fear woeful times. This very
morning the King well approved every article of their petition, and
they do not doubt but in due time to get an abatement of the prices
of his silks. [Eight pages. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 835.]
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[March 3.]
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812. An "apology" of Robert Jefferies against an act of Edward
Monox in frustrating a bargain made by Jefferies and others for
camel hire in Persia. [Two pages. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 836.]
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March 5.
The Hague.
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813. Carleton to Chamberlain. Many thanks for the courtesy
intended him by the East India Company. Sends his letter to Mr. Bell
unsealed. "And though we say a man must not take a pig in a
poke, yet Sir Dudley Diggs advising me to accept it, howsoever
(though neither he nor Mr. Bell tells me what it is) I will not so
much as deliberate on the matter ; yet because it may be such a lean
pig that it were a shame to see it, I put you to this trouble, because
I will not put the matter to other men's censure, nor myself to the
hazard of going less in my credit with these men when they may
have knowledge how slightly I may be valued at home. This
jealousy of mine proceeds of your niceness amongst you to name the
child, for in three letters which tell me of such a thing none tells me
what it is." Sends answer to Sir Dudley Diggs. [Extract from
Holland Corresp.]
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March 5.
Jacatra.
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814. Samuel Foxcroft to the East India Company. Arrived at
Jambi 27 Sept. last, and set sail for Patani, but met with Henry
Johnson, commander then of five ships, the Sampson and Hound
among them, which they had taken at Patani with three ships, and
in the fight had slain the president, Capt. Jourdain, with divers others,
and many hurt and maimed ; the particulars Geo. Muschamp the
bearer can relate, who was present aboard the Sampson, and lost a
leg in the fight. Returned to Jacatra in December, where they have
continued since, and are now ready to go aboard the Nassau for
Succadana. About the beginning of October they (the Hollanders)
surprised and took at Tecoe, with six ships, the Dragon, Bear, Expedition,
and Rose, and gave our people the Rose, with some small
provision, to carry them away wherever they pleased to go. Sir Thos.
Dale died upon the Coromandel coast, and now Mr. Pring is chief,
with some nine or ten ships, but knows not whether they be come on
the coast of Sumatra. The Dutch have at present in India some 34
or 36 ships, 14 or 16 being about Bantam and this place. Knows only
of the said 9 or 10 English ships with Capt. Pring, and those that
were to come after, the Charles, Palsgrave, Elizabeth, and the rest of
that fleet. [One page. Endorsed : "Re. 19 Sept, 1621, by the Royal
James." O.C., Vol. VII., No. 837.]
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March 6.
The Hague.
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815. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. The Black Bear, of 300 tons,
arrived in the Texel from the East Indies, but hears not what lading
she brings. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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March 6.
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816. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Mr. Barkeley's
accounts and the money due to his widow. A committee appointed
to supply Mr. Treasurer's place during his sickness. Grievances
concerning Leadenhall. The oldest ships in the Indies to remain
there for men-of-war, as recommended by the president and council
of war, with advice of the carpenters. Concerning the payment of
wages to the servants of master carpenters, and their proceeding
on the voyage if stayed by Richard Furbusher. Price of cloves.
Conclusion with Mr. Totten about his goods. Motion on behalf of
Nedham, who went forth servant to Capt. Keeling, for wages for
his (pretended) service in nature of a factor.
March 8.-Letters from Capt. Shilling, commander, and Nicholas
Crispe, purser of the London from the Downs, complaining of the
badness of her chains. Complaint that the proper punishment to
runaway sailors is not inflicted, through Mr. Clifton compounding
with the offenders. Nedham's business. Gratuity to the masters
of the vessels who brought the coral, "the rather lor that at Zante
they carefully saved the custom, by translating the coral in the night
from one ship to another, which otherwise must have paid custom if
notice had been taken thereof." Richard Dikes' debt. Loan of the
Company to the fourth voyage. Petition of Christopher, brother
and administrator of John Gettins, late carpenter's mate in the
Defence, who died at Bantam, for the rest of his brother's goods.
Mrs. Barkeley and her late husband's goods. Coral to be bought of
John Brooke at 10s. per lb. No gratuity to be given to Capt. Towerson
to set him forth to sea. The Supply to carry 50 men, and to be
victualled for 12 months. [Three pages. Court Bk. IV., 530-3.]
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March 10.
Nangasaki.
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817. Wm. Eaton to the East India Company. Refers to his last,
of 20 Dec. 1617 (see ante No. 22l.) Account of his voyage to Siam
in the Sea Adventure ; sailed in January 1618, but through stormy
weather and damages to the junks did not arrive at the city of
Judea, where the English factory is settled, before the end of the
following December. Found Edward Longe, chief, George Savage,
second, Wm. Barrett, Rich. Pitt, and some other Englishmen there.
Forced to buy a new junk. Sold the Sea Adventure ; her lading for
Japan. Left Siam 9 June 1619, and arrived at Firando 8 of August
following. A Dutch ship, the Angel, came in Sept. last from Patani,
out of which ship three Englishmen escaped, one Wm. G[ordone],
master of the Hound, by whom they were informed of the fight in
Patani road, in which Capt. Jourdain was slain, and the taking of the
Sampson and Hound by the Dutch. A junk of 50 tons sent with
provisions to Bantam with 14 Englishmen, there being so many in
the factory, and 10 Japanners. But small store of goods sold this
year ; in want of broad cloths. The Emperor has bought all the
lead that came from Siam. Goods brought this year from Cochin
China by Sayers, and yellow silk by Wm. Addames. Refers the
Company to Capt. Cocks' letter for an account of the injuries the
English have received in this country at the hands of the Dutch.
[Three pages. Endorsed, "Received 19 Sept. 1621 by the Royal
James." O.C., Vol. VII., No. 838.]
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March 10.
Nangasaki.
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818. Rich. Cocks to [the Clothworkers Company ?] Since his
arrival in Japan, nearly seven years ago, he has written by a Dutch
surgeon named Abraham Blancard. The English much molested
in these parts of the world with the unruly Hollanders, who have
proclaimed open wars against them both by sea and land, to take
their ships and goods, and kill their persons, as mortal enemies. They
have brought two English ships this year into Japan, the Swan and
the Attendance ; they also took the Sampson and the Hound in the
road of Patani, when "hurly burly Capt. John Jourdain, our president
of the Indies, lost his life, with many others." The Dutch in
great dudgeon at the escape of some of the English from the ships,
demanding the return of their captives as they called them. They
then demanded of the Tono or King of Firando that "their English
slaves" might be returned, but the King said he took no Englishmen
to be slaves to the Dutch, and referred them to the Emperor. Their
attempts to enter the English house, and cut all their throats, which
had been successful, the Dutch being 100 to 1, but that the Japanese
took part with the English. Their general or chief commander,
Adam Westarwood, offered 50 ryals of 8 to any one who would kill
Cocks, and 30 ryals for the life of any other English merchant,
"with many other stratagems they used against us, too long to be
repeated." Thought good to advertise them of all this, knowing
many of them are members of the East India Company. [Two
pages. Endorsed, "Received 19 Sept. 1621 by the Royal James."
O.C., Vol. VII., No. 839]
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March 10
Nangasaki.
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819. Rich. Cocks to Thos. Wilson, one of H.M. secretaries at
his house at Britain Burse. Almost three years since he wrote,
caused by the unlooked for and unruly proceedings of the Hollanders.
They have seven ships in the port of Firando, and with sound of
trumpet have proclaimed there open war against the English as
their mortal enemies, through their Admiral, Adam Westarwood.
Their endeavours to murder all the English prevented by the Japanese.
Richard, son of Capt. King of Plymouth, carried prisoner by
them to their own house. The King of Firando does not execute
justice against them. Two of the ships the Dutch brought into
Firando were taken from the English in the Indies ; two others were
taken in Patani road, and Capt. Jourdain killed. Escape of some of
the English mariners to the English house. Demand of the Dutch
to the Tono or King of Firando to have their English slaves (as it
pleased them to call them) delivered up to them, but were told to go
to the Emperor. This the chief cause of their picking quarrels with
the English. "Noble parentage" of their Lord Commander Westarwood :
his father a close-stool maker, and the best of their captains
either shoemakers', carpenters', or beer brewers' sons. "God bless
such an honorable worshipful generation ; I mean God bless me from
them." Was this year at the Emperor's court at Miako, to complain
of abuses contrary to their privileges, and had very good words, and
promise that they should have justice, and the King or Tono of
Firando commanded to see it performed, "but as yet nothing done,
although I have many times earnestly sued for it." Account of his
visit to the Emperor's palace, where were Portugals and Spaniards,
"to do their duties to the Emperor as they do every year when
shipping cometh." When a Hollander who had lived at Japan almost
twenty years, and speaks the language well, in Cocks' hearing, extolled
the King of Holland as the greatest king in Christendom, and
one that held all the others under, Cocks was not behind hand
to tell him he needed not to laugh so loud, for that they had no King
at all in Holland, but were governed by a court, or rather they governed
him, and that but for his Majesty of England they had never
bragged of their States, "at which speeches both Spaniards, Portugals,
and others did laugh apace, and so the Hollander's mouth was
stopped, &c." This Emperor, a great enemy to the name of Christians,
especially Japans ; all that are found put to death. Saw 55
martyred at Miako at one time, because they would not forsake their
Christian faith, and among them little children of five or six years
old burned in their mothers' arms, crying out, "Jesus receive their
souls." In Nangasaki 16 more were martyred ; five burned and the
rest beheaded, cut in pieces, and cast into the sea 30 fathoms deep,
yet the Christians got them up again, and keep them secretly for
relics. Many more in prison, who look hourly when they shall die,
for very few turn Pagans. The Emperor has displaced one of the
greatest princes of Japan, called Fushma Tay. It was thought there
would have been much trouble about it, for all his subjects were in
arms, having fortified the city of Fushma, but the Tay himself and
his son being in the Emperor's court commanded them to lay down
their arms, and submit themselves to the Emperor's pleasure or else
forthwith to cut their bellies, so life was sweet, and all submitted
to the Emperor, and were pardoned. The Emperor has given the
Tay's dominions to two of his own kinsmen, and pulled down this
year his castle at Fushamy, which was far bigger than the city of
Rochester, and "a very beautiful gallant thing." All the stones
carried to Osaka, and that old ruinated castle, which Taico Same
built and Ogusho Same pulled down, must now be built again three
times bigger than before, so that all the tonos or kings have each
one his task set him to do at his own proper charge, not without
much grudging, and obliged to go to the Emperors court, which
angereth them not a little, but go they must, on pain of belly cutting.
Secret muttering that Fidaia Same, the son of Taico Same, is
alive, and in the Dairo's house at Miako, but thinks "it is but tales,"
for previous reports of the same kind have proved untrue. Fear of
the Emperor burning Miako, if it be true, it may turn the Emperor's
estate upside down, for he is no martial man, but a great
politician. "Howsoever it be, it cannot be worse for us than it
is." Advice in his last of the pulling down of all the churches in
Japan, yet there were some remnants standing in Nangasaki till
this year, but, they are all now, with the monastery of Misericordia, and
churchyards and burial places, pulled down by the Emperor's orders,
and all graves and sepulchres opened, and dead men's bones taken
out, and carried into the fields by their parents and kindred, to be
buried elsewhere. Streets have been made in the place of churches
and churchyards, except where pagodas have been commanded to be
erected, and heathen priests sent to live in them, the Emperor thinking
utterly to root out the memory of Christianity in Japan. In
Nangasaki, in Ogusho Same's time, divers fathers and other Christians
were martyred, and in certain places, a little without the city,
their parents and friends had planted green trees, where hundreds
went every day to pray ; but now, by the Emperor's command, all
said trees and altars are quite cut down and the ground made even.
"Such is his desire to root out the remembrance of all such matters."
Account of the appearance of two comets in November and December
1618. The wizards in these parts prognosticate great matters
thereof, but hitherto nothing of moment has happened, but the
deposing of Fushma Tay. Is ashamed to write of a report by the
Spaniards and Portugals of "a bloody cross seen in the air in England,
against which an English preacher, speaking in the pulpit, was
struck dumb, which miracle, as they term it, caused our King's
Majesty to send to the Pope, to have some cardinals and learned men
to come into England, so that he meant all England should turn Roman
Catholics. I pray you pardon me for writing such fopperies, which
I do to the intent to have you laugh a little." Hopes by the next
shipping to come towards England. [Five pages, O.C., Vol. VII.,
No. 840.]
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March 10.
Nangasaki.
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820. Rich. Cocks to the East India Company. Through the
indirect dealings and unlooked for proceedings of the Hollanders,
this is the third year since they have had any shipping either from
England or Bantam to Japan, The Hollanders have, by sound of
trumpet in the harbour of Firando, "proclaimed open war against
our English nation, both by sea and land, with fire and sword, to
take our ships and goods, and destroy our persons to the uttermost
of their power, as to their mortal enemies." His life "set at sale"
for 50 ryals of eight, and 30 ryals for each other Englishman they
could kill. All this came to pass through the Spaniards sinking the
Holland admiral's ship at the Manillas, burning two others, and
committing other outrages. Arrival of the Attendance, but not an
Englishman in her. The Hollanders sent her from the Moluccas, "to
our greater disgrace." Complaint to the "Emperor, but answer
made that for facts committed in other places the Emperor would
not meddle, but for anything done in his own dominions he would
see us have right." The Attendance and another sailed to the
Manillas to meet another Holland fleet, in search of six Spanish
galleons which had been there cast away. Seven sail of Hollanders
arrived since last Christmas, including the Attendance, out of which
John Moore, John Zoones, and Edward Curwin escaped ashore, and
came to the English house, and said they had been used more like
dogs than men. Their demand of the Tono or King of Firando,
"that their English kengos, which in Japan is slaves," should be
sent back to them, referred to the Emperor. Arrival of the Fox
pinnace from the Moluccas, with news of the fight between the
English and Hollanders at Jacatra. and that these ships (the Hollanders)
should make haste thither, with powder, shot, victuals, and
other provision ; also of the Angel, the (Dutch) admiral, of three
ships sent purposely to take the Sampson and Hound in Patani
road ; escape of Wm. Gordone, master of the Hound, of Michael
Payne, carpenter of the Sampson, and of Hugh Williams to the
English house. Violent endeavours of the Hollanders to get back
these escaped Englishmen. Their assaults on the English house, five
or six hundred against five or six English, wounding John Coker
and another. Interference of the Tono. Seizure by the Hollanders
of Richard King, who had returned with Edmund Sayer from a
voyage from Cochin China. Capt. Jacob Speke, principal of the Hollanders,
taken and kept prisoner by the Tono until Rich. King was
set free. Further proceedings of the Hollanders against them on the
arrival of W. Eaton from Siam. His repair to the Court to demand
justice of the Emperor of Japan. Order given to the Tono or King
of Firando to hear both parties, and see justice performed, "yet from
that time 'till now there is nothing done, although I have divers
times very instantly desired it of the King." Quarrel picked in the
street by the servants of a gentleman called Semidono against Sayer,
Eaton, and Osterwick ; Sayer knocked down and wounded very
sore, the others "shrodly" beaten, and had they not got into a house
they had all been killed. Two of Semidono's men banished by the
Tono, and Ed. Sayer sent to Nangasaki on pain of being killed ;
Cocks' fruitless appeals to the Tono. So many Englishmen living
idle in the factory, and wishing to seek out the fleet at Java, Sumatra,
or elsewhere, at their own earnest request shipped on board
the junk Godspeed, of 50 tons, well armed ; besides Ed. Sayer,
Jas. Burges, Thos. Harod, William Gordone, Robt. Hawley, John
Porter, Mich. Payne, John Coaker, John Moore, John Jones, Ed.
Curwin, John Yonge, Hugh Williams, and Peter Griffin, went nine
Japan mariners. Account of the voyage of the Sea Adventure to
Siam, Eaton chief commander ; refers to letter from Denton, out of
four voyages made for that place they lost two and the others proved
unprofitable, all the benefit falling to the Japan mariners, who are so
unruly that when a ship is wholly manned with them there is
no dealing with them. May say as much for their trade with
Cochin China ; nothing to be got there but words and danger of
life, the King himself or his son and nobles being the greatest
thieves of all. Is every day more out of hope of any good to be
done in Japan except trade be procured into China. Merchandize
received from Siam, Cochin China, and Tonquin ; cannot make sale of
anything. A company of rich usurers the chief cause of spoiling the
Japan trade ; by their means the English lost the privileges they had
from Ogusho Same. By this Emperor Shongo Same they are penned
up in Firando and Nangasaki only. Junks set out by them for Siam,
Cochin China, Tonquin, Camboja, or any other place, to furnish
Japan with all sorts of commodities. Great store of silk and silk
wares brought every year by Portugals from Amacon (? Macao) in
China. No great quantity of broad cloth will be vented in Japan ;
they use it not for garments, except some few as an outward cloak ;
chiefly used for cases for armour, &c. Colours that sell the best ;
yellow, straw colour, and bays will not sell at any rate. Coney
skins, lamb skins, and other furs not worth anything here. Value
of other commodities. If the Company determine to set foot in
the Moluccas, Japan must be their storehouse, as it is for the Hollanders ;
these last provide in abundance brass and iron ordnance,
powder and shot, &c. ; beef, pork, meal, biscuits, and pilchards in
great quantity either pickled or otherwise. Commendatory of Jas.
Burgess, Robt. Hawley, John Coaker, Wm. Gordone, and the others.
Concerning Thos. Harod and John Portis ; the misery and imprisonment
of the former in the Inquisition House at Goa. His accounts,
forwarded to Bantam, detained there. George Ball not a good
friend to Cocks ; "he never gave me roast meat, but he did beat me
with the spit." His own accounts. The best accountant may sometimes
err, but he which is false is a thief. "I shall, as I came a poor
man out of England, return a beggar home." Nealson and Osterwick
extremely sick ; doubts much of their recovery. Permission given
by Shongo Same for English shipping to go to Nangasaki as well as
Firando. The harbour at Nangasaki the best in all Japan ; 1,000 sail
may ride, land locked, and the greatest ships in the world go in
and out at pleasure, and ride before the town, within a cable's length
of the shore, in 7 or 8 fathoms water at the least. It is a great
city, and many rich merchants dwell in it ; whereas Firando is a
fisher town, and a very small and bad harbour, wherein not above
eight or ten ships can ride at a time ; with other inconveniences.
No king or nobleman at Nangasaki, but the Emperor's Bongo or
Governor, so that presents need only be given to one at a ship's
entering. At Firando, the King, his brothers, uncles, and many
other noblemen, all look for presents, and they are always borrowing
and buying, but seldom or never paying, except it be the King
himself. The Hollanders give other men's goods, which they never
pay for. Wishes their housing at Firando stood at Nangasaki.
Heretofore a papist Portugal bishop lived in the town, and there
were ten or twelve parish churches besides monasteries, but all are
now pulled down, and streets made where they stood. Wishes all
Japan were Christians, yet in that bishop's time there were so many
priests and Jesuits that one could not pass the streets without being
called Lutranos and Herejos, now no one dare open his mouth to
speak such a word. Encloses,
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820. I. Adam Denton to Rich. Cocks. Has come to Patani
with the Sampson and Hound, which were taken when
at anchor by three Fleming ships, and the worthy President,
John Jourdain, slain. Intreats he may hear from Cocks
vid Siam, whither send no more goods till further advice.
Burges is here, and demands a debt from Eaton.
[Together sixteen pages. Indorsed, "Rec. by ye Royall
James 19 Sept. 1621." O.C. Vol. VII., No. 841.]
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March 10.
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821. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Wm. Stone to
perform the duties of treasurer during Harrison's sickness. No more
adventures to be accepted upon discount. Report of the master and
wardens of the surgeons on the state of the surgeons' chests now prepared
[by Woodall] for the Indies. Letter read from Nicholas Crispe,
purser of the London, from Sandwich, with notice of ryals and coral
taken aboard, and intent of the commander to set on shore some of
the most insufficient men, but it was distasted, that he should discharge
any at his pleasure ; also, letters from Capt. Shilling to the
same effect ; from Edward Withers and John Hay ward, purser of
the Eagle, that pursers be admitted of the Council, "which motion
was so much distasted, that such young youths should entertain such
thoughts before they can tell how to govern themselves, as that it
was held a great note of arrogance and pride, and no way to be
hearkened unto ;" lastly, from Richard Swanne, master of the Roebuck,
and John Woolhouse, preacher. Disposal of 180,000 ryals
aboard the ships in the Downs. Gratuities to Jesson and Egglesfield,
for their care and the hazard they ran at Zante in putting the coral
aboard the ships in the night, whereby they saved 100l. in custom
at least. Clifton's account to be audited.
Minutes of a meeting of committees appointed to confer with A. B.
about putting off the trade in Muscovy. Sir William Russell's offer ;
his purpose to be at the charge of sending an ambassador, without
which no good can be done ; debate thereon.
March 11.-As to the disposal of goods belonging to the Muscovy
Company. Henry Short to go in the Unity as chief factor, with John
Gonning in the Exchange. Gratuity to Henry Short. To provide
a ship to supply the loss of the Anne. Peter Kenton, having one of
350 tons with three decks, fore and aft, to be spoken with. Committee
to go to Gravesend and dispatch the Exchange.
March 13.-Complaints against the negligence of Moreton, master
of the Unity ; Robt. Symons discharged by him to return to his
ship in the Downs. Ingots of silver to be sold. Letter from Richard
Blieth, master of the Hart, complaining of the ironwork of his ship.
Motion of William, on behalf of his brother Gabriel Towerson, to
proceed in the Exchange, and have part of Fitzherbert's cabin. [Five
pages and a half. Court Bk. IV., 533-8.]
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1620.
March 14.
Bantam.
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822. Richard Woyes to Sir Thos. Smythe. Remains with Capt.
Ball, who was deposed from the place of President and Chief Commander
of the Indies by Capt. Jourdain's suggestion. The English
and Hollanders at war, "with whom we made two fights, the one
being performed by Sir Thos. Dale, of Jacatra, the other by Capt.
Pring in the straits of Sunda." The Sun cast away upon Engano,
with the loss of 60 men ; not a pennyworth of goods saved. John
Neve, purser's mate of the Moon, leaving. Prays for his health, his
lady's, and his two sons. [One page, O.C., Vol. VII., No. 842.]
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March 15.
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823. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Suit of Lord
Warwick on behalf of Anthony Morebeck, a sailor, for consideration
for his services. No more ships to be bought at present. Letters
read from Capt. Shilling, with receipt of stores for the London, the
Hart, the Roebuck, and the Eagle ; and from Edward Wythers, with
receipt of 2,100 ryals aboard the London, from John Harris, servant
to Lawrence Greene. Petition of Wm. Ellis, surgeon's mate of the
Unity, complaining of Moreton turning him ashore to entertain
another ; referred to Captains Fitzherbert and Shilling, to report upon,
and displace Moreton. Hall, the anchor smith, to be punished for
the bad quality of the stores supplied by him. John Taylor thought
fit to be mate of the Unity. Request of Lord Warwick to have a
meeting with the Company ; is willing to make a peaceable end, and
not urge them to go to the King any more ; the Company resolved
to hold themselves to their first offer. Committee appointed to meet
him. [Two pages. Court Bk. IV., 538-540.]
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March. 16.
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824. Consultation on board the Royal James. Concerning the
sending home of the Bee ; deferred because of the importunity and
obstinacy of so many suitors to go home, and of so many principal
men who have been long in the Indies, and can by no means be
possibly spared, nor yet in any reason well denied, having been so
often promised licence to return by the next ship. Signed by-
Martin Pring, Aug. Spaldinge, Chas Clevenger, Thos. Brockedon,
Edmund Lennes, John Munden, John Hatch, and John Lemon.
[One page and a quarter. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 843.]
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March 17.
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825. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Examination
of Swanley, and letter read from the committees at Gravesend concerning
the Anne, and that Capt. Fitzherbert desires a copy of the
articles of agreement between the English and Dutch, that he may
the better understand the state of that business upon occasion. Concerning
the sale of 800 tons of oil belonging to the United Companies,
supposed to be worth 13l. per ton. Cater's debt. Gratuity to
Edward Meade, factor, employed since October last. Diego Fernandez,
entertained a factor, conditionally, to carry himself honestly,
civilly, and carefully, dismissed for his ill and deboist (debauched ?)
behaviour, and that at his going forth he demeaned himself like
a beast in drunkenness. Report of Sir Thos. Roe of his conference
with Lord Warwick. Resolved to proceed fairly in their former
resolution. Proposition for the ships to proceed singly, as each shall
be ready.
March 18.-Minutes of a meeting about the Muscovy trade, &c.
Reasons why Sir William Russell is quite fallen off from his offer of
14,000l. ; the course to be followed taken into consideration. Resolution
to put off about 800 tons of oil at 13l. per ton for a sixth
dividend upon the first joint stock.
March 20.-Committee to go down to Gravesend, to be eyewitness
of what may be done for recovery of the Anne. Consideration
about the treasurer's office, Mr. Treasurer (Wm. Harrison) lately
deceased, "held to be very honest, just, painful, and careful in his
place ;" yet he thought the business too great and weighty to be
managed hereafter by one particular person. Wm. Stone held very fit
and sufficient for the new stock, resolved to have the old stock
managed by commissioners until the next general court. Letters
read from Capt. Shilling and Blieth, master of the Hart, complaining
of the want of sufficient master's mates, and of the badness of all
their ironwork. Two letters read from Capt. Fitzherbert concerning
his salary, and to be furnished with an honest and sufficient preacher.
Philip Bradshawe recommended by Woodall for the chief surgeon's
place at Bantam ; referred to the President and Council there. Concerning
the drunken carriage of John Smith, formerly steward of
the house at Jacatra ; referred to the President of Bantam. Gratuity
to W. Moore, a factor. [Four pages and a half. Court Bk. IV.,
540-5.]
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March 20.
London.
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826. Chamberlain to Carleton. A ship [the Anne ? from the East
Indies] worth more than 16,000l. cast away between London and
Gravesend, a thing never heard of in a ship of eight or nine hundred
tons. They [the East India Company] have had 1,000 men about her
these eight or ten days at least, and are at the charge of 100l. a day
to recover her ; but hears they have little other hope but to cat her in
pieces, and save what they can by morsels. These mishaps, both outward
and homeward, and factions and jars among themselves, have
much impaired the reputation of that company. [Extract from
Domestic Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CXIII., No. 32, Cal., p. 131.]
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March 24.
Aboard the
Royal Exchange,
in the Downs.
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827. Capt. Humfry Fitzherbert to the East India Company.
Report of the bad conduct of two young men ; their trial, and
punishments. Signed also by Eustace Man, Edward Meade, John
Gonninge, Edward Grant, Wm. Moore, Thos. Johnson, and John
Tomell. Further reports of other misdemeanours on board, dated
29 March and 4 April.
Also copy of the articles given on board the Unity and the
Bear for the better keeping company. 1620. April 9.
Report of the misbehaviour of some of the ship's company. Aboard
the Royal Exchange. 1620. April 10.
Copy of the writing published for finding the offenders mentioned
in the former certificate. Aboard the Royal Exchange. 1620.
April 10.
Copy of a certificate put aboard the Bear for the better manifestation
to all men of whence she was and to whom she did appertain,
&c. Aboard the Royal Exchange. 1620. April 19.
Capt. Fitzherbert to the E. I. Company. Journal of his voyage to
16 July 1620, in company with the Unity ; lost sight of the Bear
4 May, but met with her in Saldanha Road on 10 July. Signed
by Math. Moreton, Henry Short, and John Cartwright, in addition
to the above. Saldanha, 16 July 1620. [Together, twenty-one
pages. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 844.]
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March 25.
Ispahan.
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828. George Stracban to the East India Company. Certifies to
his having been retained in the Company's service last year by the
deceased Thos. Barker and the rest of the factors, much against his
inclination, as he was passing through Persia to the court of the
Great Mogul. Wishes to know what he can hope for yearly. Laying
aside physic, which is the principal cause of his entertainment, not
only can he serve the Company by his language in this place, but
also by the friendship which he has with the Arabian and Venetian
merchants in Babylon and Aleppo, and his facility for conveying
letters to the consul at Aleppo. Saved Wm. Nealson two years ago
from burning, together with his letters. Can also choose in the
buying of all drugs which the country affords. Demands and
hopes to obtain 100l. a year. [One page. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 846.]
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March 27.
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829. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Desire of the
Company to free the Anne from her disaster, and to have her buoyed
up. Arrival in the Downs of ryals from Amsterdam to the value of
6,000l., to be sent away by the next shipping. Dismissal of Thos.
Clay, carpenter, and Rich. Rayner, sailor. Letters read from Henry
Short, factor, from the Downes, touching the long stay of the Unity
at Cowes ; also from Capt. Fitzherbert, signifying his arrival in the
Downs, and readiness to take advantage of the first fair wind. Request
of Lord Warwick to know the Company's resolution concerning
the three propositions set down in writing ; referred. 30l. lent by the
Dutch to John Davis to be repaid.
March 28.-Letter read from Mooreton, master of the Unity, from
the Downs, complaining of the scandalous accusations of the surgeon.
Norgrave's accounts. Letters read from Capts. Fitzherbert and
Shilling, from Henry Darrell and Thos. Thompson, factors, of the
25th inst. ; their readiness to sail that day. Resolution to put to
arbitration the differences with Lord Warwick.
Minutes of a general court. The price of the hard and rich indigo
to be six shillings per lb. to transport as before. Debate on the
business betwixt the two Companies of Muscovy and East India,
for putting off those goods." The East India Company to write for
a sixth capital in oil. Death of the late treasurer, and appointment
of one or more treasurers in his stead ; William Stone and Robt.
Bateman chosen, the former for the new stock, the latter for the old
stock. The Governor's complaint of Mellyn's arrogance.
March 29.-Auditors of both the Muscovy and East India Companies
to review all that is passed for the satisfaction of the court.
Touching the account of the new stock, the old oweth a matter of
35,000l., but the new oweth much more. Gratuity to Nathaniel
Curtis, labourer at Blackwall. Request of Martha, administratrix of
Ralph Wilson, deceased, master of the Tomazin when cast away,
touching her husband's estate.
March 31.-Concerning a bill of Sir Thos. Roe's for 100l. found
amongst Mr. Treasurer's writings. Petition of Mary, wife of Randall
Jesson, master's mate in the Great James, touching her husband's
goods. About removing the Anne to Northfleet. Jarvis Hocket to
be discharged from the Company's service. Sir Wm. Harvye and Sir
Ferdinando Gorges, chosen arbitrators by Lord Warwick ; Sir Dudley
Diggs and Alderman Halliday by the Company ; Lord Chief Justice
Hubberd [Hobart] proposed umpire. Henry Garway chosen auditor
in the room of Bateraan appointed treasurer ; Kirby to audit
Mountney's accounts. Increase in the price of ordnance. Letter
read from the commissioners for the East India Company in the
Low Countries from Amsterdam, of 25 inst., stating the cause of the
backwardness of their ships' departure, and desiring that our ships
may stay at the Cape till 20 July, and order for restitution,
expecting the like from the English ; with news of the Royal James
and the Unicorn on the coast of Coromandel. [Eight pages. Court
Bk. IV., 545-553.]
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