East Indies, China and Japan: August 1617

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

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'East Indies, China and Japan: August 1617', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Japan, Volume 3, 1617-1621, (London, 1870) pp. 45-54. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol3/pp45-54 [accessed 19 April 2024]

August 1617

Aug. 1. Acheen. 120. Minutes of a Council at Acheen. Concerning the King of Acheen's demand of four pieces of ordnance in consideration of his allowing the English trade for two years. Opinions of James Fernandus, Rich. Hide, Walter Bennett, and Wm. Nicolls. [One page and three quarters. O. C., Vol. V., No. 518.]
Aug. 4. Madrid. 121. Fras. Cottington to Sec. Winwood. A carack, arrived at the Terceiras on her way to Lisbon from the East Indies, reported to be extraordinarily rich. She desires some ships of war to waft her home and protect her from pirates. Sir Robt. Sherley is reported to be in her. Is told that an account has been brought to this King of a great overthrow given to the Hollanders in the East Indies. [Extract from Correspondence, Spain.]
Aug. 4. "From the Persian Court and army near the confines of the Turk, 25 days journey from Ispahan." 122. Edw. Connok, Wm. Tracy, and Wm. Robins to the East India Company. Refer to their letter of 2nd June last. Have the King's favour and protection in this despatch, and now send open and free copies of what they durst before only send "in character." Complain of a certain Augustine friar, agent for the King of Spain at this Court, who having departed secretly from Ispahan arrived two days before Connok and by his "large lies" attempted their dismission, protesting to the King that Connok was not sent by the King of England, that the letter Connok had to deliver was forged by himself ; that the presents they had to give were not sent by the English King, and other accusations which, the friar confessed, proceeded from Thos. Barker resident in Shiraz whose immodest and vile carriage and neglect they complain of. Ten days after his arrival, Connok had an audience of the King, which the friar attended, according to Connok's desire. In presence of the whole court the King took his Majesty's letter, put it to his mouth, then on his head, examined the manner of the sealing of it, and then opened it "satisfied that it was a true letter" and demanded what his Majesty chiefly required. Connok answered, "amity, trade, and commerce between the two kings and their subjects, which the King of Persia's Ambassador Sir (Anthony) Sherley had formerly solicited." The friar "proposed" the damage and ruin that would ensue to the Spanish trade at Ormuz "the storehouse of this empire" "if the King accepted us," when the English at Jask might intercept the Spanish ships passing to and from Ormuz. The King asked if the Kings of England and Spain were not at peace, which the friar acknowledged but openly taxed the English with destroying a ship of great wealth and other "immodest proceedings." Connock assured the King that the Portugals commenced by attacking the English ships whilst unloading in the ports of the Mogul ; this the friar could not deny. Spoke of the privileges which had been granted to the English by the Mogul and of the advantages of a treaty of amity between the King and his Majesty. The King said the English had right on their part, and after further discourse made use of these words in Italian to the friar, "padre, "padre," and then in his own language, "let him split in ten thousand pieces that tells me lies." The King then called for wine, and in a large bowl drank his Majesty's health upon his knee, saying that Connok was welcome, that the King of England should be his elder brother, that "his friendship he did dearly esteem and tender, that he would grant us Jask or any other port we would require and such freedom in every respect as in his honour he might grant, and all this in the Spanish agent's presence to whom he hath neither afforded good word nor countenance from that to this hour, but hath graced me with four several presents of fowl and venison which he hath at no time accustomed "to any." The presents and carriages arrived three days since by camel under the charge of W. Tracy. Connok presented them yesterday to the King, in the presence of the friar, the King himself wishing the Spanish agent to witness the honour done to Connok. The King again drank his Majesty's health, discoursed on his Majesty's disposition, his greatness and strength both by sea and land ; "he openly told his lords the English were a people free from lying or deceit, but that the Portugals had any time these 20 years told him not one true word." The King's extraordinary expression of friendship and affection, "that in faith I admired it." The King has promised Connok as large capitulations as in honour he may grant and 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 bales of silk at as reasonable prices as they are daily sold for in Ispahan. No customs nor other charge worth speaking of paid by the English, so that the silk can be put aboard the ships at Jask, free of all charge, at 6s. or 6s. 6d. the English pound of 16 ounces. Will ship by the expected fleet 500 bales of raw silk ; the King willing to take satisfaction in tin, cloth, sugar, spices, and such like commodities. How Connok proposes to manage this business. It is material for the Company to send two small ships that do not draw above 12 feet of water, to prevent the landing of their goods being intercepted ; also, six or more pieces of ordnance with carriages and munition fitting to fortify at Jask,- the fortification to remain in the Persians' command ; and always a powerful fleet. "The wealth which you are to carry hence is great, and will counterwail the charge." The Portugal is much "stirred at this your plantation," and what preparations they can make against it they will. Entreat the Company chiefly to remember that their fleets require to be commanded by men of much valour and discretion, for whom they cannot pay too dearly. Hope this letter will be received in December next, [N.B.-It was not received until the May following,] when their fleet may be nearly dispatched. Desire certain instructions to be then sent, and a yearly quantity of at least 500 tons of spices to the writer in Persia. All the King has promised he has sworn on the word of a prince, and by the sepulchres of his noble progenitors to perform. Connok has dealt plainly with "this wise Prince," and told him why it would be three or four years before the English can import any great amount of silk, the whole quantity made in these kingdoms, amounting to full one million sterling at 6s. the 16 ounces English, Connok believes may be taken by the English and dispersed throughout Christendom. Contrasts the benefit of such a trade to the trade the Company seek, with great hazard and little benefit, in the remote island of Japan. Within six days Connok, having the capitulation signed, will depart towards Ispahan, where he will have the 500 bales of silk dispatched away in time for the October fleet. Desires a double commission,-one from his Majesty, authorizing Connok his agent, the other from the Company, appointing him chief factor or supervisor in their, affairs of trade, as he has already requested. The Company must consider that the Flemings are as able to undertake these things as the English, and they must therefore be resolute in their determinations. From Turkey the Company have need of no commodities, except gauls and cotton wools ; the Venetian, French, and Hollanders will gladly be their merchants, buy of them, and furnish the Turk with English commodities to the Company's content. On Connok's return to Aleppo, will dispatch Wm. Wilson with an answer from this King to his Majesty's letter. Request supply of money by the next fleet ; if but fifty or sixty thousand ryals of eight it will be a great satisfaction to this Prince. List of "necessaries" which the King desires by the next fleet, among them, four looking-glasses of the fairest ; a "caroach," not a coach, with furniture and a coachman ; a suit of armour ; two young and fierce mastiffs ; and above all, as many little dogs, both plain (smooth) and rough-haired, as can be sent : "his women, it seems, do aim at this commodity." [Eight pages. Indorsed, "Sent by the way of Aleppo, and from thence by the way of Marseilles. Received in London the 13 May 1618." O. C., Vol. V., No. 519.]
Aug. 4. From the Persian Army and Court. 123. Edw. Connok to L. Chapman, Consul at Aleppo. Copy of his previous letter of 2 June, from Ispahan, [see Inclosure No. 91. I.) Begs him to address the packet delivered to him by the bearer to the Honourable Company, and to send it with all speed to England by an English servant of his own, by way of Marseilles or Holland, and from thence by an express messenger, but not in any case by way of Constantinople, as the packet is of the highest importance. Requests the Arabs written for may be sent to him. [One page and a quarter. Indorsed, "Received in Aleppo the 12 October. Returned him answer forthwith, the 13 by the self same party. O. C., Vol. V., No. 520.]
Aug. 5. 124. Connok to the East India Company. To send by every fleet a fitting quantity of sheet lead, canvas, and solder, to preserve the silk from rotting ; the cloth packed lead is well preserved ; otherwise it would quite decay. Sends list of additional toys required by the Persian King ; some choice fighting cocks and hens of like choice breed ; turkey cocks and hens ; for peacocks the King has caused Connok to write to India, where there are plenty ; "neither them nor turkeys he never saw,-this country affordeth none ;" a dog and a bitch "that draw dry foot,-these with the little womens' curs he chiefly desires of anything you can send him." Will, upon receipt of the Company's commands, meet their ships at Jask with two or three thousand baels of silk, and will yearly continue to do so if they remember to order, by their next fleet to Bantam, that at least 500, yea, if it were a 1,000 tons of spices of each sort, sorted, be yearly sent to him. This empire will consume great quantities of pepper, and within 25 per cent. equal to England ; 100 tons of tin will also sell yearly, and cloth to good content. [One page and a half. Indorsed, "Recommended to Mr. Chapman, Consul at Aleppo. Received in London, May 1618." O. C., Vol. V., No. 521.]
Aug. 5. Jacatra. 125. [N. Ufflete] to President Ball, at Bantam. Has received his of 29 July with 300 ryals. Prices of cloves at Jacatra. Has been, according to Ball's order, with the King, and finds him constant in nothing but inconstancy, proud above all former expectations, scornful, as not caring for their friendship. The King demands for the ground "because he will be no more troubled" 1,500 ryals and 800 ryals per annum, or if the ground is not bought 1,500 ryals per annum, or else they may take their course and depart. The Sabundar ashamed of the King's proceedings. Arrival of a great Flemish ship, from Banda, with news that 12 of their great ships went to seek the Spanish Manilla fleet ; fight between the two fleets ; great loss of the Flemings, between five and six hundred men, three ships burnt and sunk, three taken, three much torn and battered, and three run away ; one escaped to Japara with a China junk laden with silk. Proceedings of the Dutch general in his voyage to Moluccas ; at Pooloroon they purpose to starve out or take the English there. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. V., No. 522.]
Aug. 7. Madrid. 126. Fras. Cottington to Sir Dudley Carleton. One of the caracks that went from Lisbon to the East Indies last March twelvemonth, was met with in August last by some ships of the English East India Company, and fired or sunk, or both, of which they here complain much. Another carack richly laden has arrived at Terceiras and thither certain ships of war are sent, to secure her from pirates. [Extract from Correspondence Spain.]
Aug. 8. From aboard the Peppercorn. 127. Thos. Mitford to the East India Company. The Globe and Peppercorn within 350 leagues of England, the one from Surat, the other from Bantam, with the loss of seven men, since their departure from India. Concerning the progress of the Company's affairs in India and the death of Capt. Joseph in a fight with a Portugal carack. Since Capt. Keeling's fleet left Surat in February 1616, Sir Thos. Roe has continued at the Indian Court in good esteem and credit with the Emperor, the English having the privilege of free trade throughout the Empire. Thos. Keridge remains remains chief at Surat with about 15,000l. in ready money, debts, and goods which no doubt will procure lading of indigo for a ship of 500 tons. The strength of the Portugals sorely shaken the last two years, both by the English, the Flemings, and the King of Acheen's force. Divers Portugal vessels taken by Capt. Keeling, with part of the goods of which, a factory has been settled at Calicut, and Geo. Wolmer and Peter Nedham left factors, but small hope of any beneficial trade there, the country vending little or no English commodities, and the goods it affords, to be had at more easy rates in other parts of India. Advice from the factory at Masulipatam. The Solomon detained there all last year, sheathing. Geo. Chauncey, Ralph Preston, and Hump. Elkington dead. The Thomasin cast away coming from the Moluccas, laden with nutmegs and mace, but the most part of her goods and men saved. Report by a Holland ship at Surat of the loss of the Samaritan. No great sales of English commodities effected in the absence of the fleet, and small store of money left by Capt. Keeling to make investments with ; all the factories lay idle except Ahmedabad, nevertheless merchants were sent from Surat to discover the Indian country and commodities adjoining the Portugal frontier, to gain experience against the coming of the fleet. Arrival of Capt. Joseph's fleet at Surat, Sept. 1616 ; account of a fight with a Portugal carack, in which Capt. Joseph and nine men were slain and the carack ran ashore and burnt. Capt. Pepwell acknowledged commander of the fleet. Upon consultation a voyage to Persia was generally approved, though dissuaded by the Lord Ambassador ; the James, appointed to make the voyage, left Swally, 8 Feb. 1616, for Jask where various commodities, both English and Indian, were landed for trial, and five factors left there ; viz., Edw. Connok, chief, Thos. Barker, Geo. Pley, Edw. Pettus, Wm. Bell, and Win. Tracy. The James returned to Swally in November 1616, with letters of advice signifying the kind usage they had received from the Persian government in those parts, a relation of their proceedings at Moghistan, and the good hopes of a beneficial trade. Left Surat March 1617, having appointed the Charles and James for Masulipatam, the Unicorn for Sumatra, and the Globe for England, laden with indigo and other Indian commodities. Account of the voyage home; met the Peppercorn, commanded by Capt. Harris, who reported the casting away of the Hector, the homeward voyage of the Dragon, Clove, and Expedition under Capt. Keeling. On 16 May arrived at Saldanha ; found Capt. Newport with the Lion ready to sail for Bantam, he having missed his consort, the Hound, at sea. Refusal of Nath. Martin, master of the Globe, to keep the Peppercorn in company, the latter vessel being very leaky and divers of the company sick ; his accusations against Capt. Harris and offensive conduct to Gourdon of the Hound, and the writer. The sufficiency of John Curtis called in question, and Henry Rickman appointed to pilot the Peppercorn for England, but was put into the Globe by Capt. Pepwell for that purpose. Variances among the commanders about their places ; from extraordinary foul language they were ready to fall to sharp blows had not Capt. Harris given way. Thinks the place of every prime servant should be expressly named in the Company's commission "as they shall after take place" otherwise there will be continual heartburnings and discontents fall out among them. Missed the island of St. Helena by at least 140 leagues through parting with their chief mariner, Rickman. Factions aboard the Globe ; seizure of a Portugal vessel to the north of the Western Islands, and disputes in consequence. Martin's violent conduct to the writer. Has sought by all means to persuade Capt. Harris to give the Portugal satisfaction for Martin's "barbarous dealings." [Six pages. "Indorsed, Thomas Mitford his letter, from aboard the Globe at Plymouth." O. C., Vol. V., No. 523.]
Aug. 10. Macassar. 128. K. Throgmorton to George Ball, at Bantam. Arrival of Stacie from Pooloroon on the 6th inst., whose ship was cast away on the coast of Booton with a cargo of spices, but the men all saved ; the King of Booton gave them a prow to come to Macassar. Thirty Bandanese left behind at Pooloroon, who are to receive the money for spices delivered to Courthope, but thinks they will be forced to go to Bantam, for there is not money enough at Macassar to provide such necessaries as Spurway gave order for. Ball will receive by the bearer a journal of the state of the Macassar factory ; it being the first book that the writer ever kept ; desires his help if there be anything false. The cloth short [in measure] ; cannot account for it except it be stolen, as nobody but himself and Thos. Fowle have had the sale of it. Complains of men of the Swan and Defence putting up some loose goods in the warehouse to go for Banda. Hopes the next time he is left chief to have a better help under him. Has not acquainted the President with any of this. [Barkeley, the President at Bantam, was dead, but the news had not reached Macassar.] Sends presents to him by Stacie, including "a paradise bird," which he wishes were better ; the head is a little broken, but it may be mended. Requests a suit of clothes, with a hat and some necessary things. Incloses, Two lists specifying the quantities and qualities of the "cloth found short." Names of the men who went in the prow for Bantam, to whom cloth was delivered from the Macassar factory. 1617, Aug. 10. [Indorsed "Rec. 21 Aug. from Macassar. 1617." Three pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 524]
Aug. 10. Macassar. 129. Wm. Withers to President Barkeley at Bantam. Nothing of credit heard from Pooloroon since the departure of the "Tentance" [? Attendance] for Bantam until Stacie's arrival. Cannot hear the truth by what means or negligence the cargo of mace was lost. Since Spurway's departure from Macassar every endeavour has been used for the provision of rice against the coming of shipping, but the quantity will not be great by reason of the want of money. Went with Throgmorton to a place called Lambasor, where the Dutch used formerly to buy rice, to see what quantity might be got. The King of Macassar has promised to give them a house when the shipping arrives, and to procure rice at a short warning ; price at which it sells. [One page. Indorsed "Rec. 21 Aug. from Macassar. 1617." O. C., Vol. V., No. 525.]
Aug. 10. Macassar. 130. John West to President Barkeley at Bantam. Arrival of Stacie in a prow of Booton, and eight Englishmen in one from Banda. The fault of the loss of the mace imputed to Stacie. Cannot learn if any of the Company's goods in the prow that was cast away were saved. The prow from Booton was given by the King of that place, and will at the first opportunity go for Bantam. The King of Tallo [? Tolo] has sent in some rice and promised more, of which there is good store, on the arrival of the ships ; prices at which it can be bought, but will not part from it without the money ; quantity procured by George Jackson. Price of Macassar and Gehore gold. The Macassar factory very poor, without money or cloth. Little or nothing left at their arrival at Macassar in the Attendance. [One and half pages. Indorsed, "Rec. 21 Aug. from Macassar 1617." O. C., Vol. V., No. 526.]
Aug. 14. Amsterdam. 131. Matthew Slade to Carleton. Concerning Fretum Hornan, so he hears they call it, he has not yet learned any more. Will endeavour to get the journal and send it to Carleton in English. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
Aug. 18. Jacatra. 132. Nic. Ufflete to George Ball at Bantam. Goods which he requests to be furnished with, and the prices at which they will sell. Sends a mast, 24 or 25 yards long, by Thos. Mills. Desires "a prospective glass." The Flemings going forward a pace with a brick wall 18 ft. high and 4 feet thick, and increasing the number of their frigates ; they are in hand with three galleys more, and their vainglorious report is to stop our passage for Pooloroon. Is glad to hear the good news of the [arrival of] English shipping out of England. [One page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 527.]
Aug. 18/28. 133. "Certificate of Gerolemo Montiero, pilot of the Portuguese ship the Salvador. That she was met by the English ships [Globe and Peppercorn] coming from St. Thomas, which kept good company with her for four or five days. [Indorsed. "Copy of the Portugals release 1617, which was encountered by the Globe and Peppercorn." Italian. Half a page O. C., Vol. V., No. 528.]
Aug. 20. Acheen. 134. [W. Nicolls ?] to [President Ball], Bantam. Arrival of the Rose with letters from Millward from Tecoe, importing the many foul abuses offered to the English there. The writer's interview with the King of Acheen concerning the denial of free trade to the English ; the grant to General Keeling was only to land the goods from two ships, and the King now requires presents on the ship's arrival for the privilege of trade, or not liking to trade there upon such terms, to depart the place. Arrival of the Osiander from Masulipatam on 5th Aug. Would have joyfully resigned his place if he, the captain of Bantam, had written for him to do so, although the writer sees the English will be wronged much if vivd voce they cannot expostulate with the King in person. As to the disposal of the lading of the Rose. A Dutch ship arrived with goods taken from Guzerat and Dabul, which the King of Acheen has allowed to be sold, although the writer told the King how the Dutch came by them ; he answered "that each malefactor must answer for their particular offences." Commodities that will sell at Acheen factory, some to yield cent, per cent. profit. Considerations on the benefit of trade at Acheen, as it may be doubted whether the Surat trade can be maintained with the small force of shipping at present employed by the Company. The commodities at Bantam best suited for Acheen ; and those for the factory at Masulipatam. The King has been sick ten months, and is often distracted. The Frenchmen promised to bring the King gold in payment for his pepper, the King not esteeming ryals, although he was told they were current all the world over. Evils of the English factories being badly supplied ; "they are still bare in all places." Wishes he had never seen Acheen ; the King and people are void of all honesty. Although the writer has given a large present to the King, he will not suffer the Rose to land the little salt that is in her, fearing they should under that colour, trade to the ruin of his own voyage in hand. No one can stay at Acheen that doth not temporize, so the writer, twice a week, sits all day with the King. Has given order for the Rose to touch at Marrowse, an island of Barrowse [Baros], where they may sell their salt to great profit, and buy cocoa-nut oil very cheap ; also at Andrapora [Indrapura] they may buy pepper at good rates. Has received out of the Osiander steel and sword blades. [Five pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 529.]
Aug. 21. Mandow. 135. Sir Thos. Roe to Wm. Robins. Has received both his letters "by long passages," and thanks him for his honest and effectual care of the trust committed to him. Edward Connok has been sent from Surat as a factor to offer amity to the King of Persia, but unprovided either of instructions, goods, or means fit for such an enterprise, the King must, therefore, not judge of the English by this attempt. A port must be secured, a mart established, and prices agreed upon, as well as the quantities of commodities to be delivered on both sides, so that neither the King nor the English be deceived, "but a straggling, peddling, uncertain trade will neither profit nor become so great nations." Finds in all his letters that he has a belief that Sir Robert Sherley is a well-wisher to his country and an enemy to the Portugal ; would persuade him out of this error ; he has not only procured a peace for them, but is engaged to procure the whole traffic for them. It is not good to be blind, nor by blinding others to hope to attain our ends. Would not wish any Englishman to undertake that the English will deal for all the King's goods except in exchange for cloth and English commodities, "nor that we will take Ormuz and beat the Portugal out of those seas ; these are vanities." The Company intend a trade, not a war, but in their own defence, and that bravely and honestly. As the Company does not yet know of the enterprise, Roe will spare his opinion until he can do it upon good grounds. Advises him to assist this beginning with all force and yet with all moderation, to cast off all hope of Sir Robt. Sherley advancing them, and trust to themselves and to their own honest ways. Fears it will be the writer's hard fortune to visit him this year by order from his Majesty, and to help to build upon this foundation, for by this fleet Roe expects full commission from England to treat effectually. Shall be in Persia almost as soon as this letter, if not will return to England, and these affairs will no more concern him. [One page and a half. Indorsed, "Sent to Wm. Robins, and he sent it to the Company overland by the way of Aleppo." O. C., Vol. V., No. 530.]
Aug. 22. Acheen. 136. Wm. Nicolls to John Millward at Tecoe. Has received his letters by the Rose, and complained against the Polema to the King, who has caused his members to be cut off. As to Millward's hopes of the writer's lading the Rose, reminds him of the broken cargo left by General Keeling, which is not unknown to Patteson. Goods sold and the prices. The King will not grant his letters for the landing of the Rose's salt, pretending that his grant of two years' trade was only to General Keeling. The King is almost a madman, wilful and wild. Perceives that both Millward and Patteson have a strange opinion of him [Nicolls]. Explains his transactions with the King. If they aim at his place, let them bring a warrant from Bantam and he will joyfully surrender it. Would like to return to England with even 10l. in his purse. Oil both dear and scarce. Marrowse Island, to the right of Barrowse [Baros], is the place to sell the salt, and oil in abundance may be had there very cheap, as well as at Andrapora [Indrapura], where there is also good pepper. Is ill of a flux. [Two and a half pages. Indorsed, "A letter sent for Tecoe in the Rose." O. C., Vol. V., No. 531.]
Aug. 25. Aboard the Peppercorn. 137. Capt. Chr. Harris to the East India Company. Account of the voyage since leaving the Straits of Sunda on 28 February. Met with the Globe on 9th May, and earnestly desired Martin to keep near him until they arrived at Saldanha, many of Capt. Harris' company being sick and his ship leaky. Complains of Martin who helped them so grudgingly that they might as well have been without him. The Hound came up with them on 24th May, which supplied the Peppercorn with men and victuals. Detailed account of Martin's proceedings in reference to a small Portugal vessel, which, while courteously giving assistance to Capt. Harris and his company, was fired upon by the Globe by Martin's orders, contrary to Capt. Harris' earnest desires. The Portugal vessel searched, one of the crew tortured to make him confess where the rest of their treasure was, and the women ravished. All this done in spite of Capt. Harris' faithful promises to protect the Portugal vessel. Medford brought on board the Peppercorn from the Globe very sick, he having been put in irons for publicly protesting against the proceedings of the master of the Globe against the Portugals. Subsequent endeavours of Martin, "finding the Portugal ship not answerable to his expectation" to give satisfaction, but the Portugals protested they would have the best remedy the laws of England would afford. Has landed Thos. Mitford for the speedy delivery of this letter. The Thomas arrived from Japan 10th February ; the Advice daily expected from thence ; the Rose bound for Tecoe and Acheen ; the Attendance and Speedwell for the Moluccas ; the Endeavour for Jambi ; and the Solomon daily expected from the coast of Coromandel. [Seven pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 532.]
Aug. 26. Salisbury. 138. Lawrence Walldo, [Surgeon,] and Hen Christien, Purser, to the East India Company. Certify to their arrival in the Globe in Plymouth Sound on the 23rd inst., and to their being sent from thence with letters, but that their bodies are not able to perform what they desire, and their duties require. [Half a page. O. C. Vol. V., No. 533.]
Aug. 31. Madrid. 139. Fras. Cottington to Carleton. Two caracks have arrived at the Terceiras from the East Indies ; in one is Sir Robert Sherley and his wife on an embassy from the Persian to the King of Spain. Thirteen ships of war have left Lisbon for wafting and securing the caracks ; doubts whether they will succeed considering the multitude and strength of the Turkish men-of-war now on these coasts. [Extract from Holland Correspondence.]
August. Siam. 140. Richard Pitt to John Browne at Patani. Is sorry to hear of the death of Saker with the loss of the Company's goods. Death of Johnson on 12th August. His own sickness. Fall in the price of hides. The factory has neither money nor goods, which is a shame for a place like Siam, and they have no encouragement or hope of supply this year. [One page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 534.]