East Indies, China and Japan: July 1620

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1870.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'East Indies, China and Japan: July 1620', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621, (London, 1870) pp. 378-387. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol3/pp378-387 [accessed 23 April 2024]

July 1620

July 2. The Hague. 870. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. Has found in the States an exceeding detestation of the words whereof their men were accused in the East Indies, notwithstanding they believe some part to be increased in the report ; "the word of disdain specified in our merchants' accusation is a refrain in our language, and not in theirs, for in the translation of that complaint I must say, as the truth is, all the Dutch we have (and I have those about me very perfect in the language) could not make it run either in rhyme or reason, and such is his Majesty's wisdom that the faults of particular men shall never distaste him of a whole nation." [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
July 3. Ispahan. 871. Consultation held at Ispahan, present Robt. Jefferies, Wm. Bell, John Purefey, and John Benthall, against, dice playing and other misdemeanours, maintained and defended by their minister Matthew Cardrowe ; on discovery, all monies to be forfeited and given to the poor, and the offender dismissed from the Company's table. [Endorsed by Jefferies, "And do send this copy to avoid its concealment by Ed. Monox, whose little respect to me begat the disorders here mentioned." One page. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 876.]
July 5. Ispahan. 872. Robt. Jefferies, Wm. Bell, John Amye, John, Purefey, and John Benthall to Edward Monox, Thos. Barker, &c, at the Persian Court. Occurrences of their troublesome journey ; the thief that saluted Barker and Hobbes, to the hazard of their apparel, "will ever remember that gripe proved a dear pennyworth." The dear and small quantity of silk likely to accompany the next fleet will fall far short of the promises made. It seems strange that the King, knowing the important affairs they have in his country, and the great quantity of silk that will notwithstanding lye upon his hands, could not be induced to give them some credit. Touching the 10,000 tomauns Monox is to pay the King for his silk. Lalabegg told them the King had sent to Shiraz for the mint master who paid so much for their moneys there, to take off his head, "for said he, the King commanded he should not exceed the said value of 13 sha. 1 cost., and who dares give more for them," by means whereof the Company will sustain much prejudice. Report that the King is upon his departure to repair to this city ; if he demand the coach before Monox return, Monox must not take the delivery of it offensively, "You know this Prince is of condition that all things must give way to his command." As to giving presents : the coach is in its pride ; wants nothing but horses, without which it will be a dead present. The King's indisposition. Concerning the sale of the Company's goods. Explanations in reference to the proceedings of Jefferies, "be more charitable in your constructions . . and let us banish discord and the devil, and embrace God and peace." John Amye with Mr. Strahan, according to Monox's appointment, are to repair to him ; think Strahan proper for that appointment in regard of his judgment in drugs, silks, or other occasions as the business may require. Have sent tin, to see what good may be done with that commodity in Kasbin : their business will not be perfect till they have more factories than this one in Ispahan. Four of the long expected galleons have arrived at Ormuz with 2,500 men, "fightable till they fly." What their project may be is yet mystical to the English, and therefore necessary for their expected fleet to keep each other's company. Sales to Lalabegg, the King's treasurer, since their last ; "Lalabegg ruleth all, for not a merchant dareth come to our house, or make any offer for our goods, without his consent." Reports "fathered upon late arrived Banians" that the English fleet met with the Prince's junks off Surat, and that their factories were dissolved there and at all other places in the Mogul's country. Believes "the pedling Portugals" have blazoned this forgery, fathered by some friar, who to scandalize the English and their trade give out that they rob in the Indian seas, when they get moneys to supply their trade. Since the arrival of the galleons at Ormuz, the Portugals are grown great men, and begin to look big. Resolved in consultation to give a present to Lalabegg, "who promised to deserve it ;" he will be here on Monday next. Hope to put off their cloth and tin. Have already told Lalabegg, in conference, that unfriendly usage will drive them from this trade, which they will again freely make him know, and that unless they can have merchants to take their commodities, and at prices of some encouragement as are necessary, their trade in this country cannot long continue. Barker is arrived, but weak. [Endorsed, "Received by Mr. Taverner the 27 January by the way of Aleppo." Five pages and a half. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 877.]
July 8. London. 873. Chamberlain to Carleton. On Tuesday [4th] Sir Thos. Smythe, without any contradiction, was re-established Governor of the East India Company, by reason of a letter from the King wishing them not to alter their officers and committees. Mr. Bell also continues his place, though otherwise he sinks very much in sound, and it is thought would not have been heard or seen here long if this had not fallen out ; understands he had procured himself to be the Company's agent at Amsterdam with 400l. a year, though he stood upon 500l. [Extract from Dom. Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CXVI., No. 13, Cal., p. 162.]
July 8. [Saldanha Bay.] 874. Consultation aboard the Royal Exchange by the chief commanders, masters, and merchants of the English and Dutch fleets in Saldanha Bay. Agreed that on either part letters and accounts shall or may be interchangeably received and delivered for their speediest and safest conveyance both out and home. [One page. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 878.]
July 10. The Hague. 875. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. One of the Dutch East India Company's ships the Devil, of Delft, fought with seven pirates of Algiers ; it sunk two and beat off the rest, but having lost 100 men in the fight, is not sufficiently manned, and returns. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
[July 10.] 876. Petition of the East India Company to the Privy Council. Set forth the Bear and the Star to the East Indies in December 1618. Thos. Barwicke, who was appointed commander of the Bear, betrayed and surrendered that ship and others to the Hollanders, without resistance, to the petitioner's great loss. Pray for exemplary punishment to terrify others from the like treacherous and cowardly actions. [Enclose,
876. I. "Reasons to induce that Thos. Barwicke betrayed the ship the Bear, Dragon, and some other ships in the Indies." Barwicke met Sir Thos. Roe off the Cape, to whom he made known that Butch commissioners in England were treating of a peace between the English and Hollanders in the East Indies, and receiving letters both from Sir Thos. Roe to the English factors and from Houltman, commander of the Dutch fleet, to their people in Bantam, persuading a cessation of hostility in expectation of the peace. Barwicke wilfully fell into the hands of the Dutch, by whom several English vessels were taken, and concealing these letters, great loss befell the Company's men and goods. Reasons for suspecting Barwicke of treachery and of secret intelligence with the Dutch. [Dom. Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CXVI., Nos. 19, 19 I., Cal. p. 163.]
July 12. Jacatra. 877. Marmaduke Steventon to George Ball at Masulipatam. Fight in the Hound with three great Holland ships. Gourden, as valiant a proper fellow as ever put foot in a ship, notwithstanding his misfortune, when after five glasses fight, their noble president was slain in parley with Henry Johnson, the Dutch commander. In the Sampson, Boulten, merchant, was killed with ten others ; Muschamp had his right leg shot and after dismembred, with some 30 more wounded. The Hound fired through the wilfulness or negligence of Domingo the Portugal, "but the truth was never known," and sixteen killed and wounded. "So that on 17 July 1619 was my forced loss both of estate, accounts, friends, and every thing which might provide any hope of good ; these merciless Flemings left him but two shillings (?) in all the world ; as for his books, he begged for them almost upon his knees ; was put in irons, and carried from ship to ship, until his liberty was obtained by the Duke of Sernara, who commanded his release, in spite of the Dutch commander's denial. Two months after ten of them arrived at Jambi, where Welden was left with 44 men, by the earnest urging of Mr. Johnson, to secure the Company's goods against the Dutch. Left Jambi with Muschamp and Browne for Bantam, but were again taken by the Tiger and her consort, two men-of-war, where they remained four months until the arrival of the Bull with the welcome news of peace. Certifies to the malicious state in which they live at Jacatra ; and the many and vile aspersions upon Ball's name and reputation, as that he is sent for home in irons, all of which reports he believes fabulous. [Three pages. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 879.]
July 12. Jacatra. 878. Thos. Brockedon and Aug. Spalding to George Ball at Masulipatam. Arrived in Tecoe road 22 Oct. with the Palsgrave, Elizabeth, and Hope, where they "were encountered with the lamentable news" of the surprisal of the Dragon, Bear, Expedition, and Rose, taken by six sail of Hollanders, with the death of Capt. Bonner and divers others in the fight. The Rose returned to them meanly provided to take their own course ; resolution to dispeed her home. Barwick's false information of peace at home the cause of Capt. Bonner unadvisedly neglecting the orders received by the Rose. "The base coward Barwick entertained them (the Dutch) with a flag of truce, to the disgrace of our nation ;" hopes he will receive the true guerdon of his baseness. Determination to try their fortunes with their supposed enemies in Bantam road, but met with the Bull on 8 April in the Straits of Sunda with the articles of peace, "to the unspeakable joy of us all." Of the 20 ships of defence or men-of-war appointed to be employed for the Manillas and the coast of Malabar, 10 already disposed to ply along the coast of China to Japan, and then with the monsoon for the Manillas. At Jacatra, the place of residence for the Council of Defence, they are to preside monthly, the English the first month, the Hollanders the next, all which articles have been hitherto well observed ; but the restitution of ships and goods mentioned in the treaty of peace not yet urged by the English, in respect of the want of men and uncertainty of the goods surprised in their ships. Capt. Pring gone for Japan with the Royal James and Unicorn, to careen there ; expect them here in December. The Pengran obstinately stands out with the Hollanders, unless they will surrender the fort of Jacatra ; "and we are to proceed jointly in this business, so forced at present with bad accommodation to remain here at an excessive charge, and live liable to their laws, alleging they have conquered the country with their swords, and as absolute here as King James in England, which at present is burthensome to us, in respect of the disorder of our people, being forced to keep at least 40 men under the title of soldiers to defend us from the Javas that lieth in the woods." Request him to repair hither with the first shipping with his accounts. The last and worst news is the loss of the Sampson and Hound, and the death of Capt. Jourdain, surprised by Henrick Johnson, who went to revenge the loss of the Lion, "which he could not have done if the President would have given way to weigh anchor, and fought under sail, before they birthed themselves * * * Howsoever, his resolution pretended the credit of our nation in the presence of the country people, and deserves a favourable censure." The place of President devolves upon him, Thos. Brockedon, until the arrival of Rich Fursland from Acheen, expected very shortly in the Claw. [Two pages. Endorsed : "Received 4 Sept. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 880.]
July 15. In Acheen and 879. Richard Fursland to the East India Company. His last of 4 July 1619, with copy of inventory, journal, and accounts, was sent by the Dragon, since surprised by the Dutch, "to your great loss and the disgrace of our nation." Sends copies of all perfected. The Charles, Ruby, Diamond, and pinnace Roebuck arrived at Acheen from Surat, 24 April past. Private trade repressed since his coming, and all pepper taken from private hands for the Company's use. A good beginning for sale of their goods stopped by the arrival of a Guzerat ship laden with all sorts of cloth, but hopes hereafter to prevent them and others, and then this trade will be worth following. Nicolls unable to obtain trade for Tecoe. A month since the Bee and a Holland ship arrived at Acheen with "those joyful tidings of peace * * * so seasonable, as prevented the shedding of much blood more." Regrets the death of his good friend Capt. Jourdain, and promises "to discharge that great charge" of the Presidency to which he succeeds. Has appointed Daniel Wight chief here ; Edward How, second ; George Robinson, third ; and Rich. Allen, as before, steward ; and wishes all their factories were as well furnished with honest men. Has left in this factory the prescribed instructions for living and trading friendly and lovingly with the Hollanders. The Company have as usual lost many men in this place, Sylvanus Man, master of the Ruby, his brother Wm. Fursland, whose wages the writer requests may be paid to his mother, Mary Fursland. Death of Edw. How, since writing the above. The King requires gold for his pepper, and half a peck of gold spangles of the size in the margin, with a hole to hang them by. Thinks a fair table diamond of 100l. price, set in some fair jewel garnished with emeralds, would procure from the King trade at Tecoe, but to have it granted before parting with the jewel.
Oct. 15. in Jacatra. After a tedious passage of 12 weeks, has arrived in Bantam road, where were the Star and Peppercorn with two Holland ships. By Muschampe he perceives they must now live in subjection to the Hollanders, and expects no other but they will use the English as means to help to possess them in all places of what they desire, and then make the English pay what taxes they like, but hopes these mischiefs will be remedied. Wishes the Company had sufficient men here (at Jacatra) able to equal the Dutch, both in authority, policy, and affairs of state, "and such a one you must have (or more than one), or else your business cannot be brought to perfection in these parts, for they are much too hard for us both in Council, by their experience, and in force, which will make them insult us, and we have no remedy here to help us, but to endure with patience all abuses and disgraces they shall offer us, which for my part I am resolved to bear, rather than again to kindle a fire to consume ourselves withall." Have sent ashore to the Pengran to know the utmost of his intents towards them, whether he will accept of trade or no, and would come to a treaty of peace with them, and that they (the English) would be a means to persuade the Hollanders to the like ; but he would not admit them to any speech, so seeing nothing but delays sailed for Jacatra. [Four pages. Endorsed, "Received by the Dutch ship Walcaron, 12 Jan. 1620-(1.) O.C., Vol. VII., No. 881.]
July 18. Ispahan. 880. Consultation held in Ispahan, present Robt. Jefferies, Wm. Bell, Thos. Barker, John Purefey, and John Benthall. Advertisements having been received from Edw. Monox of his success with the King, Wm. Bell and Robt. Gyfford, with Christopher Askew, to repair to the court at Kasbin, to solicit the value in silk, for cloths, kersies, and other goods lately sold to his treasurer Lalabegg, to the value of 12,000l. sterling. [One page. Endorsed, "Received 27 January 1620(-1) by the way of Aleppo by Mr. Taverner." O.C., Vol. VII., No. 882.]
July 18. The Hague. 881. Carleton to Sec. Naunton. Incloses answer to Carleton's proposition to the States General of the 14th inst., finally framed betwixt the States and the merchants, and which consists partly, as was to be expected, of recriminations, partly of a desire and promise on their part of mutual restitution, and concludes with detestation of those insolencies which are said to be used by their men in words and actions to his Majesty's dishonour. Told the States deputies who brought Carleton the writing that he had nothing to do with the two first points ; it concerned the merchants to dispute their own cause ; but that which concerned his Majesty's honor he desired them to show their dislike of their men's barbarous behaviour appear by exemplary punishment, wherein they were as ready to offer as Carleton to ask that kind of satisfaction. Must recal what he wrote concerning a fight between a ship of Delft going to the East Indies and the pirates, as it is neither confirmed nor believed. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
July 20. Aboard the London. 882. Consultation in the Bay of Saldanha ; present, Andrew Shilling, R. Blyth, Will. Baffin, Chri. Browne, Henry Darell, Justinian Offley, Jno. Clarke, Tho. Thomson. Whether it is best for the fleet to go within or without St. Lawrence. Capt. Shares [? Saris] leaving this place 1st August, and going within, was, report says, six or seven months before he could attain the island of Socotra ; Capt. Doughton departing 13th of same month, had sight of Socotra 17 Octr. following. [One page. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 883.]
July 20. Jacatra. 883. Thos. Brockedon, Aug. Spalding, and George Muschamp to the East India Company. Refer to their previous letter by the Bee which sailed 3 May last. On 11th May Capt. Robt. Adames was elected chief commander of the fleet bound for the Manillas, to remove into the Moon ; Munden to go into the Bull ; Capt. Pring could not be persuaded to take the chief command. The Hope ordered to touch at Patani, to take in rack and other provisions ; the rest to ply to and fro to surprise the Portugals until 25 July next, then all five to go for Japan to meet the rest of the Manilla fleet. Joseph Cockram, Erasmus Baynham, and Henry Bach, the factors sent, one in each ship, "to take notice of what may be taken from the enemy." On 24th the Vrede arrived from Holland, and on 30th the publication of peace was celebrated ashore at Jacatra and aboard the ships with great solemnity, the ships and fort shooting off all their ordnance and a general feast made. The Dutch general refused to publish the peace until the Vrede arrived. The Moon, Palsgrave, and the rest of the Manilla fleet departed for Japan. Their pepper at Jambi sold to the Dutch. News that George Cokayne was long since most inhumanely murdered by Chinese (in margin, about May 1619). Letters sent to the English factors in Surat by the Wapen of Zealand. The Clove sailed on 16 June with supplies for Jambi and Patani. Desire of Adam Denton and Robt. Johnson, chief factors of those places, to return to England, alleging their time to be expired. Thos. Myll sent as chief to Jambi, if Johnson could not be persuaded to remain longer. John Jourdain, factor, to remain chief in Patani, "being a place of small importance," intending on Denton's return, if it be found unworthy the continuance, to dissolve the same. The Hollanders engross the sawyers, carpenters, and all other workmen at Jacatra for their fort and houses. The Globe remains in Jacatra road as a warehouse for their goods, having no place on shore. News by the English Star that the fort of Pooloroon holds out still ; the pinnace Franoise there. Richard Fursland daily expected at Acheen, also the Peppercorn from Japara with provisions, which they stand greatly in need of, as all things are extreme dear in Jacatra. Jas. Cartwright, factor, sent in the New Zealand for the coast of Coromandel, to remain second in Masulipatam, and look into Methwold's accounts. Have sent for George Ball. Because of Capt. Jourdain's death, and the loss of his books and accounts, they remain ignorant of all business past. Have also sent for Thos. Jones, now second to Methwold, but in their judgments unfit for that place, who says his time is expired, and he will not serve the Company any longer. Have deferred sending people to Pulicat till they are better furnished with factors. Present state of that place. Conference with the Dutch as to restitution of ships and goods ; they refuse to restore the victuals taken. Are in doubt whether to receive their ships again, worn out and without victuals ; the Hollanders have made use of them. They refuse to make restitution of goods taken from the English ships, and will not be accountable for what their people pillaged. "Saying, their own safeties enforced them to give such liberty to their sailors, to encourage them to fight." Have demanded restitution of the 100,000 ryals taken in the Bear and Star, but "they were not ashamed impudently to equalize their losses with ours, and refused to make demand thereof until we likewise brought in what our demands were on our part, till when they utterly refuse to restore any goods or money whatsoever." Are ignorant of what was laden in the Swan, Defence, Salmon, and Attendance, Ball having the accounts ; neither can they tell their losses in the Dragon and Expedition until Fursland's arrival ; those in the Sampson and Hound, Denton can best certify, who is likewise sent for from Patani. The Hollanders have taken in all 11 sail of shipping, whereof most laden, besides burning the English house at Jacatra ; whereas the English only took the Black Lion, worth by invoice 71,000 ryals, and about 100 tons of rice. Particulars of the frivolous demands of the Hollanders. They are so impudent and shameless that no reason can be expected from them, yet our people intend to live peaceably with them, and refer their differences to be decided at home. Concerning the equal division of all the pepper growing upon Java, according to the sixth article. Excessive charges of building the fort of Jacatra, which, notwithstanding the abundance of people daily working upon it, will not, by all men's judgments, be finished in ten years. Unless the English Company will contribute to the charge both of the fort of Jacatra and the siege of Bantam, they refuse to allow half the pepper in Java and half the trade with the Chinese, who they force to trade at Jacatra. The Pengran of Bantam refuses to come to any agreement, unless the Hollanders demolish their fort at Jacatra, and surrender that country to him, "which may not be granted, having no power of themselves to give over the same." The Netherlanders claim the royalty of Jacatra and all other places they have fortified, and force them to live under their intolerable laws. They are content to accommodate the English in Pulicat and the Moluccas with what conveniency of place they can spare, on paying the moiety of the charges ; "but what their performance will be we may partly judge by their usage of us here in Jacatra." Are restrained by the Dutch from building either houses or shipping in Jacatra, as explained in the eighth article, and cannot expect better treatment in any other place of their government. "For the rest of the articles, they offer their conformity, but what they will perform time and experience must manifest." Account of the Dutch forts and factories, seventeen in number, in the Moluccas ; their charges there and in the Bandas estimated at 60,000l. sterling a year, chiefly caused by maintaining wars against the Portugals in the Moluccas, "from whence comes least or no spices." From Ternate and Tidore, places of great charge, come no cloves at all, the Dutch not daring to look over the walls of their forts at Tidore, yet keep the same to prevent the Spaniard from fortifying there. In time of peace the Ternatans are so beset with the Spanish forces and "Tidoreses," their mortal enemies, that the cloves rot in the ground for want of people to gather them. Motir yields a very small quantity. Machian only two hundred baharrs per annum ; Bachian, for want of people, not above forty baharrs yearly, but Amboyna and the factories adjoining Ceram yield upwards of 1,000 baharrs, and are places of the least charge, and greatest benefit in putting off our goods. The fort in Amboyna, the seat of the Dutch governor of the Moluccas and Banda, who is the second man in place in all India. Advantages of driving the Spaniard from these places. Trade of the Netherlanders at Banda. Those of Lantar formerly proffered trade to the English nation, and surrendered one of their towns, as the inhabitants of Rossingham [Rosingyn] did their island, "but how they will now stand affected unto us, being in friendship with the Hollanders, we may well doubt." The islanders report that Lantar yields yearly 400 tons of spices, Pooloroon thirty tons, Neira 40 tons, Rosingyn 40 tons, and Pooloway eighty or ninety tons. The Bandanese, generally a people no way to be trusted. Certify to the grievances and wrongs already received from the Hollanders ; like to be worse, unless prevented at home. No man dare work for us for fear of the Netherlanders. The Chinese, seeing this, use us at their pleasure, and make us pay treble, to the scandal of our nation. Particulars in which these wrongs "more plainly appear." Wm. Clarke, steward of the English house, whipped on the naked back by the Dutch in the market place, "cruelly cutting his flesh, and then washed him with salt and vinegar, and laid him again in irons," until he had paid a fine. Such affronts not received under any heathen. General Coen's remarks on our complaints. The Dutch bailiff makes his benefit by these disorders. Promise of the Dutch to restore Captain Jourdain's papers, but have only received certain old accounts of no importance ; the rest they say are sent to Holland. Arrival of the Dutch ship Good Fortune at Jacatra on 17 July ; she was fifteen months under way, and lost 101 men. English ships which the Dutch intend to return : the Dragon and Star, at Jacatra ; the Bear and Attendance daily expected ; the rest in the Moluccas and Japan in the Manilla fleet, two of which are to be set on fire, if occasion require. Insolent carriage of our people on shore ; in daily mutiny for their victuals, and never contented. Exceeding want of all kinds of provisions. No place on the island of Java yields pepper but Bantam. All nations restrained from having trade with Bantam while the war lasts. Beseech the Company that some order may be taken to abate the Hollanders' insolence, and conditions sent how far their power may stretch, "for as long as they domineer over us we cannot perform our business, nor will the people of these parts respect us." [Ten pages. Endorsed, "Received in Holland by Mr. Deputy Abbott and Sir Dudley Diggs." O.C., Vol. VII., No. 884.]
July 20 to 1621/2 March 6. 884. Notes from letters of the English factors, Thos. Mills and John Millward, from Fursland's journal, and the Dutch President and Council's letter, concerning Pulicat. Arrival of English factors there, 9 July ; pretensions of the Dutch. [One page. O.C., Vol. VII., No. 885.]
July 21. Syon. 885. Viscount Doncaster to Carleton. The Spanish faction earnestly labour to alienate "our great master's" affection from the Dutch, by suggesting how incapable they have made themselves of the favour and protection of all monarchs, and their violent proceedings against his Majesty's subjects in the East Indies. Hopes time will make Englishmen more capable, and free to judge impartially of their friends and foes. [Extract from Domestic Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CXVI., No. 41., Cal. p. 167.]
July 21/31. 886. Extract of letter from the Dutch General and the Council of India, brought from Jacatra by the Vrede on her return voyage. Of the subdued English ships, the Dutch have offered to deliver three, the Dragon, Star, and Attendance, with all their munition of war and ship furniture, but with no folk to man them. The English are willing the Dutch should keep them at Jacatra. [Rough draft. Mutilated by damp. One page. O.C. Vol. V1I., No. 866.]
July 21/31. 887. Fair copy of the preceding. [O.C. Vol. VII., No. 886.]