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Oct. 2.
Hague.
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1114. Sir Dudley Carleton to John Chamberlain. As for
Carleton's own business, by a copy of his late proposition to the
States, Chamberlain will see how the writer continues Vertere
dolium ; he may communicate the same to Sir Dudley Digges.
Has sent to both the East India Company and that of the Merchant
Adventurers extracts of so much as concerns their particular business
that they may know he does not sleep therein. [Extract from
Hollamd Corresp.]
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Oct. 3.
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1115. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Complaint
against Burrell for sending his apprentice John Browne to the Indies
as a ship's carpenter Trial of lemon water. Mariners' goods in the
Royal James to be brought to the East India House and viewed by the
committees of the warehouse. Committee appointed to go down to
the ship and break bulk. A special court to be held to settle the
question between the first and second joint stocks. Accounts brought
in by Mountney, the Company's husband ; he is admitted to the
execution of his place from which he had been suspended, and admonished
not to insist upon his innocency. Petition of Thos. Roswell,
who was 28 months a prisoner of the Hollanders, touching his
wages ; also of Wm. Thomas, imprisoned by the Hollanders, on the
same subject. Letter read from Robert Turbervile, from Jacatra, of
4 Dec. 1620, complaining among other things of the evil condition
of Edmund Lenmyes, master of the Elizabeth, partly for his bad life,
and partly for his excessive waste, "together with his backwardness
in the service of God." [Four pages. Court Book, V. 103-107.]
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Oct. 4.
Hague.
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1116. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sec. Calvert. Here are three
East India ships newly put to sea, with convoy of the General
States, they being here informed his Majesty's ships in the Narrow
Seas inquire after these East India ships both going and coming,
which they conceive to be without his Majesty's order, he being so
well informed of their intention to send about accommodating that
difference, and therefore do their best to secure the passage of those
ships. It were a great unhappiness any ill encounter should fall
out upon this occasion, which may carry with it many desperate
consequences. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Oct. 4.
Hague.
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1117. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sec. Calvert. They have here
upon Carleton's proposition called the East India Company, those
of the whale fishing, the cloth merchants, and generaux des monnoyes,
to consultation, whereupon to frame an answer which shall
serve in like sort for the ground of their deputies' instruction,
whose despatch is still delayed, and as yet they hear not who is
chosen for Zealand. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Oct. 4.
Firando.
|
1118. Richard Cocks to the East India Company. His last,
dated 30th ult., goes with this by way of Jacatra in the Swan by
Capt. Jacob Specx, a Hollander. Since Richard Short ran away
to their enemies at Nangasaki six others have followed, but were
overtaken ; their names. The King of Firando has imprisoned the
bark master and another Japon who carried them away, and it is
said they shall both be put to death ; if it be so, then the ringleaders
of our runaways must also be executed. Conrok Dono not yet come
to Firando from Nangasaki, where it is said he stayeth to put to
death many Japon Christians for harbouring Papist priests secretly,
and till he come the King of Firando will not suffer us to go to
the Emperor with our presents. In doubt whether the King
secretly takes part with Conrok Dono and the Papists against the
English and stays them until the Spaniards and Portugals have prevailed
against them at the Emperor's court, for the King's mother
is a Papist Christian and the King himself and all his brethren are
christened. Cannot remedy this, for Cocks (and Osterwick) cannot
depart from hence without the King's leave and one of his men to
go with them, neither dare any bark take them without the King's
commission. What makes Cocks more afraid than all the rest, is
the unreasonableness and unruliness of their own people, which
seems every day like to be worse. Has sent after Short to have
him apprehended, but as yet knows not whether he be taken. [One
page and a half. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 997.]
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Oct 4-5.
From the Road
of Chaul.
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1119. Robert Jefferies to the East India Company. The
Council of Surat had notice lately of an unfortunate accident in the
surprising of a caphila with Lahore and Agra goods, under the
charge of Robt. Hutchinson, by Meleck Ambar, who with his
army had invaded the territories of the Mogul, and through whose
conquest our goods of necessity were forced to importune a passage.
Is now suddenly, by consultation, called to a further and important
employment in the Company's affairs which requires despatch. In
their intended course for the Red Sea in May last they took two
Portugal prizes with goods of value, which Keridge will describe
more particularly. Could not reach Socotra, so made for the coast
of Arabia Felix 25th May, the Hart and Roebuck making for the
island of Massera to water and victual. The London, Andrew, Mayflower,
and Primrose went within Cape Rosalgate, and on 7th June
anchored at Tewee, where they had all sorts of refreshments ; interference
of the Portugals ; "for their dishonesty we burned the town
and spoiled many of their date trees." Bartholomew Symonds, our
master surgeon, and Minister's boy were treacherously surprised, and
John Hawtrye accidentally slain. Sailed on 22nd June towards the
Cape at a road called Soar, whence they departed 8th August, met
with the Hart and Roebuck, and came to an anchor four miles within
the Cape, where is an excellent harbour, with several islands, where
above two thousand sail may safely ride all weathers free from
stormy furies, which place they called London's Hope ; oysters,
mussels, and crackers, which are far better than oysters, with fresh
fish of many kinds in great abundance. All the fleet in company
arrived in the road of Dabul 1st. Sept. Courteous treatment of the
Governor. Commodities sold there and the prices. Was told by
the people there that the English would do well to establish a factory
there, where cloths, coral, lead, elephants' teeth, &c. would sell, the
proceeds of which they might invest in goods proper for the Red
Sea, Persia, and England. That country abundant in pepper ; a
ship of 500 tons might have her yearly lading. Keridge partly determined
to further a factory's establishment this year at that place,
which if omitted, the Flemings will doubtless enjoy the opportunity.
Arrived in Chaul 18th Sept., where Keridge certified that Meleck
Ambar had offered composition for their loss ; is commanded to solicit
in that behalf, hostage being given for his security. [The first part
of this letter, dated 4 March 1621, is a duplicate of No. 992. Together
nine pages. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 998.]
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Oct. 4-5.
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1120. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Proposition
to settle the old and new joint stocks. Robinson's account of the old
stock in the Indies, of the moneys and goods in each factory, together
with the value of ships and provisions when Sir Thos. Dale arrived
there. Lanman's collections to the time of the coming away of the
James. Arguments as to whether the new stock must answer the
losses of the old, and how the proceedings of Sir Thos. Dale and Capt.
Pring affected the same. The Governor's remarks. Committees to
examine accounts of both stocks.
Oct. 5.-Application of Downing on behalf of the children of
Gresham Hoogan, a free brother, who came to a violent and wilful
end. Letter read from Sir Dudley Diggs thankfully acknowledging
the Company's gratuity. Motion to buy Muscovy cordage, "now
come, [which] is exceeding good." [Five pages. Court Book,
V. 107-112.]
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Oct. 6.
Batavia.
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1121. Richard Fursland (President) and Thos. Brockedon to
Capt. Fitzherbert. Having in their general instructions set down
what is needful for the performance of his voyage, further recommend
these particulars. They cannot send merchants upon the ships
to take note of goods surprised, so pursers must be appointed in
each ship to do so, and pursers' mates put aboard the Dutch ships
to look after the division of the goods. To be frugal in taking in
provisions, the men to have but four fresh meals in the week. Two
thousand five hundred ryals of eight provided for the fleet ; so long
as the ships remain together but one purser to be employed to buy
provisions. To sell or barter away the sword-blades and truck
them for provisions. The Samorin owes the Company 3,083 ryals
of eight ; if you get any satisfaction it is more than we can expect,
but we cannot pay ourselves out of his vessels, in regard of the
hope of settling a trade there. [One page and a quarter. O.C.,
Vol. VIII., No. 999.]
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Oct. 8.
Gnoffiquia.
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1122. Statement of grievances signed by Wm. Nicolls, John
Gomm, and Mich. Holman, with answers by the Dutch signed by
Frederick Houtman, Jaochem Heyndrisckx, and Ab. de Vogeler.
[Dutch. Three pages. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 1000.]
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Oct. 8.
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1123. Court Minutes of the East India Company, The Company
advised by counsel to prosecute upon their action of account at
common law against Forrest and the rest of their servants sent
home as prisoners from their factories in the Indies ; committee appointed
to attend Sir Henry Marten thereon. Debate on the business
between the new and old stock ; exceptions taken by the
generality against the committees appointed, others named. Motion
on behalf of Adam Denton, factor, come home in the Royal James,
touching his goods ; to be paid 50l., part of his wages. Sir Wm.
Garraway to have 200 bags of pepper. [Four pages. Court Book,
V. 112-116.]
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Oct. 8-9.
In the English
House, Firando
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1124. Consultation signed by Robert Adames, Charles Clevenger,
Edmond Lenmyes, Joseph Cockram, Christopher Bogan, John
Munden, Arnold Browne, Richard Cocks, Wm. Eaton, and John
Osterwick, that the sixteenth part of all prize goods be delivered,
as promised, to the mariners of the fleet going the Manilla voyage.
Oct. 9.-Examination of the six mariners belonging to the Peppercorn
and Bull, runaways to the Portugals at Nangasaki, but who
were captured and brought back ; sentence of death pronounced
upon them all, and four of the principal offenders, Edward Harris,
Thos. Guilbart, Wm. Harris, and Alex. Hix, hanged this day at the
main yard arm of the ship they belonged to ; the other two, Christopher
Badbe and Luke Underwick, reprieved ; it is hoped this
punishment will breed a terror in the hearts of all others not
to commit the like offence. [Three pages and a half. O.C., Vol.
VIII., No. 1001.]
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Oct. 10.
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1125. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Nicholas
Leate to have 30 bags of pepper. Examination of Copland, minister,
who served six years in the Indies and came home in the Royal
James, as to a sermon of his before a fight with the Hollanders,
"as if the action were unlawful, thereby disanimating the mariners,
whereas it had been his part, the occasion being such as it was,
by all good persuasions to have added to their courage ;" explained
that he was much wronged by the report ; has written a journal of
his voyage and is ready to deliver what he knows concerning
the good of the Company. Goods belonging to Ball in the
Royal James fathered by Jones ; all goods brought home in
that ship to be viewed. Information that Forrest and Stavelinge
have removed themselves and put in common bail to the action
brought against them by the Company, and that they have procured
a seizure of some of the Company's goods for their wages. Hall to
prosecute them as the Company's solicitor. Renewed motion of
Downing claiming the adventure of Gresham Hoogan according to
a deed of gift in trust for Hoogan's children. To know what ships
the Company will send to the Indies in the spring ; left to further
consideration. Report of the committee and Treasurer Bateman
touching the old and new stocks. Information of Hackwell, Churchman,
Shapley, Mason, Silver, and Daniel, come home in the Royal
James, touching the "miscovering" of the factories in the Indies ;
if Spaldinge stay long he will be a great rich man only by private
trade ; the Dutch carry themselves in all respects as in a settled
kingdom of their own and with great contempt and tyranny towards
the English ; they warn the English president to their consultations
by a hangman, they publicly whipped an Englishman for a small
offence, they intrude into the company of the English, and provoke
them with causeless quarrels, that so they may be drawn within
compass of a fine which they leave without any remission ; accuse
the Company's factors of riotous and licentious lives and wasting the
Company's stock, &c. Purchase of pepper by Peter Richaut, Walter
Artson, and Henry Robinson. Application of Ellis Crispe touching
an adventure of 600l. in the first joint stock conveyed without the
knowledge of the court to Sir Alex. Temple. [Four pages. Court
Bk. V., 116-119.]
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Oct. 10.
Masulipatam.
|
1126. Wm. Methwold to the East India Company. Has heard
from Surat that Buy Frere de Andrada encountered near Jask
the Company's last year's fleet with four galleons, and with dishonour
was forced to retire to Ormuz ; is since reinforced with two more
galleons from Goa, store of men and other small vessels, and having
repaired his former hurt is now ready with six galleons to attend
the coming of the next intended expedition for Persia. Charges of
maintaining affairs in Pulicat and other difficulties there through
the Dutch, as the entertainment of unnecessary soldiers, &c. The
Dutch hold them to the strict sense of all agreements which themselves
violate or infringe. How they proceeded in the late conquest
of Banda, which having depopulated and by that means terrified
the inhabitants of Pooloroon, they took oaths from them as vassals
and forced them to abandon the English and relinquish the former
surrender of their island, which of their free will they so solemnly
passed, and for certain years since so resolutely continued. Hopes
his appearance will give the Company the next and best satisfaction.
[One page and a half. Endorsed : "Received by the way of Holland,
1622." O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 1002.]
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Oct. 10/20.
Batchian.
|
1127. Thomas Johnson to William Nicolls in Malayo. They
are all in pieces and look to him to mend them. The respect of all
articles with the Dutch is not thought of ; can see no accounts nor
how money is laid out for expenses till at the end of the month he
sees their bills. There is not a black dares speak to him in their
(the Dutch) presence. The King promises to get them cloves, but
Johnson has neither wares nor money to pay for them. Dispute
with Mr. Roll about the purchase of some lime ; his usage of
G. Cole. These and other abuses of the Dutch must be prevented ;
the English are curbed like slaves, so that flesh and blood cannot
endure it ; "either release us or send ropes to end us." Insult from
a Dutch gunner, who, asking Johnson to drink with him, after drinking
himself threw the rest in his face ; his fruitless appeals to Roll
for redress. [Three pages. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 1003.]
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Oct. 12.
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1128. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of
George Ball, prisoner in the Compter of the Poultry, that the Company
would accept as bail John Ball of Wadingbourne (sic) and
Philip Ball ; his account unbalanced, uncertain what the damage
may be ; know not what bail to admit of ; petition to be preferred
with all celerity and secrecy to the Lord Keeper for a writ of ne
exeat regno against Ball, and then to prosecute with further complaint
to the Lords as there shall be cause. Committees to unlade
the James. Resolution to propound to the general court their
unanimous agreement with reference to the old and new stocks. A
dividend of half a capital to be declared to (holders of) the new
joint stock out of the pepper in the James, to be delivered at 20d.
per lb., any one preferring, to have his dividend in calicoes or carpets ;
also the expectation of returns from Surat and Persia, and not to
be dismayed if the ships expected hence do not arrive before Christmas,
as they may winter at the Cape and come away in the spring.
Touching the election of three new committees ; the scandalous
reports of some brothers of this Company to be stopped ; the committees
to be cherished.
Minutes of a General Court. The Governor's relation of the return
of the Royal James ; the safe arrival of the four ships in Persia, and
discharge of the moneys and goods designed for that place and Surat ;
relading at Jask of silk to the value of 9,000l., notwithstanding the
great opposition of the Portugal armada ; that letters had been received
overland from Surat, that two ships might be expected from
thence and Persia to the value of 120,000l., but not till late in the
year, "by reason of their encumbrances with the Portugals," and that
they had resolved to winter by the way rather than venture upon
our coast unseasonably. The resolution of the Court of Committees
touching the old or first joint stock, to which the second joint stock
should allow seven capitals and a half ; opposed by Cranfield,
answered by the Governor, and confirmed by the whole court, and
that all remains whatsoever in the Indies and elsewhere, both posse
and esse, should be converted and turned over to the account of the
second joint stock. Half a capital dividend ordered to the adventurers
of the second joint stock either in pepper, two-thirds of
Jambi and one-third of Tecoe, or in calicoes or carpets, provided
always 700 bags of pepper be reserved for the use of the land ; the
price of Jambi pepper fixed at 20d., of Acheen at 21d. per lb. to
ship away. Aldermen Allen and Cambell elected committees in the
room of [Edward] James and Lawrence Greene. [Five pages and a
half. Court Bk. V., 120-125.]
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Oct. 13.
Masulipatam.
|
1129. Mathew Duke to the East India Company. The Globe
arrived here about the beginning of June last, and departed 26 August
with such lading as the two factories of Masulipatam and
Pettapoli could conveniently provide ; quality of the goods. The
Schiedam, of Delft, from Jacatra, came to this port 15th September.
Some 1,500 men, women, and children, including 45 Orankays or
chiefs of those people, brought by the Dutch from the islands of
Banda to Jacatra to death for a conspiracy against the Dutch General,
and have taken oath of the inhabitants of Pooloway and Pooloroon
to remain as their vassals, notwithstanding that they of Pooloroon
have formerly subjected themselves to the King of England's protection,
the English yet holding a fort there. Bantam still stands out,
not affording any trade to English or Dutch. A French ship got
her lading of pepper there, but the English and Dutch each demanding
a third part, she set fire to the ship, gave out that the
Bandanese did it, saved themselves by a frigate they had, and went
away to Acheen to seek their Admiral. No news yet of the
Manilla action, or of the return of ships from the Moluccas. Two
days' fight between three Dutch ships and a Spanish plate ship with
a million and a half ryals in her ; she was driven ashore and saved
all her cargo ; two of the Dutch ships have returned, but the third
has not been heard of since. The Dutch have also sent six ships to
the coast of Malabar to meet with the Portugal galleons. Nothing
remains to be sold in Pettapoli but porcelain, which must be sent to
some other factory. Lead vendible ; Pettapoli the best market for
that commodity. Bargain for cloth between Wm. Methwold and
the Dutch Governor, Andres Sere, to be delivered at Masulipatam.
Great experience of the Dutch of all commodities on this coast. All
things here carried by "a single double voice" and not ordered by
consultation. Has hitherto found good quarter on the Dutch part,
but has not had to do with them in matter of moment till now. In
commendation of the Dutch Governor. After the Globe's departure
Methwold appointed Duke accountant and cashier in Masulipatam.
Their merchandising at Pulicat, according to Millward's letters, goes
roundly forward ; charges of the fort there. A junk returned from
the Red Sea from Mocha ; met thirty-five junks from sundry parts,
but found very bad market for the commodities they carried ; two
Holland ships from Surat at Mocha, but no English ships there.
The Portugals sent to the relief of their galleons at Ormuz two
other galleons ; they purpose some exploit against the English.
[Five pages. O.C., Vol. VIII., No. 1004.]
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Oct. 15-18.
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1130. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Suit of Sir
Richard Smith on behalf of Marmaduke Steventon, six years employed
in the Company's service, for an increase of his wages from
30s. to 50s. a month. Richard Atkinson's accounts to be audited
weekly. Committee appointed to audit and report upon the several
accounts of Robinson and Lanman. Pruson to reform Fotherby's
errors. Request of Hatch, come home in the James, to have his
silks, &c. from the Custom House ; held an injury that any man
by private trade should forestall the Company's market. Petition
of George Ball to accept such bail as he can give to answer the
Company's action of 70,000l. together with the ne exeat regno ; answered
that he must have patience until now his account be reviewed
by Lanman. Resolved to petition the Privy Council, setting forth his
offences both against the Company and the State, and the Company's
jealousy of his combining with the Dutch, and that their Lordships
will hear the cause ; the Governor to attend the Lord Keeper and
present same at the Council table ; Ellam to extract from the Company's
letters the objections against him and his subtle and cunning
proceedings.
Oct. 17.-At the suit of Sir Richard Smith, the wages of Marmaduke
Steventon, sometime steward in the Company's house at
Bantam, and now serving there as second merchant, to be increased
from 30s. to 50s. per month, to begin three years before this date.
Consideration touching the ships to be set forth this year ; question
whether the three ships now building at Woodbridge, Deptford, and
Blackwall will suffice for the Bantam and Surat trade, considering
that it is to be expected the Portugal will not thus give over, but
will attempt our Persian fleet the next year as they have done this.
Whether to pursue the trade of Persia ; general opinion not fit to be
continued except upon better terms ; the charge of factors and
carriage of goods, &c. leave little or no profit, unless they may have
the whole trade of silk ; arguments thereon and terms of letters of
instructions proposed to be sent to the factors there, with letters
from his Majesty to the King, "for the better countenance of the
business ;" the factors to be checked for their improvidence, with
commandment to bring down all their goods to the water-side.
Powder to be provided for three ships. Suit of Holloway to take
out his remaining half capital in the old stock, in indigo. Request
of Susan Viney, sister and executrix of Capt. Jourdain, deceased,
concerning his wages and the performance of a contract between the
Company and the deceased at his going forth to give three for one
on his return, for 800l. left in the Company's hands ; also of her son,
Jonas Viney, for a box or cabinet containing jewelry, &c. which had
belonged to Capt. Jourdain ; Cary of the Custom House to view
the same. Bail offered by Forrest and Staveley objected to ; "to
desire such favour [from Sir Henry Marten herein] as he may
lawfully show the Company." The Court Book containing the
contract made with Freeman about the Muscovy business to be
shown to the Lords of the Privy Council.
Oct. 18.-Packet of letters which had been opened, received from
Sir Thos. Smythe from a Dutchman to whom they had been given
by a woman in Flushing. Examination of Jeremy Suker, purser of
the factory of Masulipatam, who came home in the Royal James.
He had been one year under Denton, two years under Methwold, and
upwards of a year at Jacatra ; his knowledge of rioting and private
trade ; as to the goods taken in the junks and what became of them ;
knew of one that either Capt. Pring or George Ball had converted
to their own use ; Spaldinge sold silks on his own account, but knew
of nothing that Ball sold ; they might have left Masulipatam two
months sooner than they did ; there were diamonds sold at Masulipatam
of 4 and 500 ryals, but knows not who bought them. Knows
not what ryals Capt. Pring had ; never said Capt. Pring had received
3,000 ryals, but heard the purser had 1,000 ryals of his in
sand gold which was sold to the Chinese at Jacatra ; Spaldinge and
Ball both held to be very rich, the former making the greater show,
but the latter was thought to equal him in estate and the common
voice was he was rich in diamonds. It was known that Ball should
be called home in disgrace ; the report came first from the Dutch at
Bantam. As to Ball's inward familiarity with the Dutch at Bantam.
Examination of Wyles ; had lived a month or six weeks at Bantam
before the house was given over, Capt. Jourdain then President ;
went surgeon in the Moon, and was in her when the junks were
taken, which were committed to the charge of Ball, Spaldinge, Evans,
and Pike ; that Beaumont was put into one and Ufflete into another ;
that the chief riches were put into the Moon, including some store of
silks ; the junks were fully laden and estimated to be of 300, 200, and
150 tons ; much of their lading was China ware and China roots.
Sir Thos. Dale took upon him no charge of merchandise, only he took
care that all should be kept safe, but Spaldinge, Ball, and the rest
received all. Knows not what quantity of ryals Capt. Pring had ;
was ashore at Masulipatam, saw no quantity of silks sold there,
but thinks the goods of the junks were left wholly with Methwold ;
a ship might have been laden with them from Bantam ; thinks the
only reason was the waiting for the return of a messenger sent
overland to Surat to understand upon what terms they stood with
the Dutch ; they had 11 ships well furnished with victuals. Knew
not why the Dragon and other ships at Tecoe came not to them, nor
whether Capt. Pring had written to the Dragon to take heed to
herself. The Royal James to be brought to the dock at Blackwall.
Eyers discharged from the execution of Mountney's place, and
Mountney ordered to return to the same. [Fourteen pages. Court
Bk., V., pp. 125-139,]
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Oct. 18/28.
Batchian.
|
1131. Thomas Johnson to Wm. Niclls in Malayo. Has bought
a convenient house for the English for 140 ryals, and could have
gained 60 ryals by it three hours after. Roll granted him more
ground for a yard, where are six of the Company's cocoa-nut trees ;
wishes to have some more. Goods he stands in need of, also some cloth
for a flag, and word whether he may put it on the castle or no. Hopes
they (the English and Dutch) will both live to better content, being
parted houses. Payment of the married men. If he could persuade
five or six Chinese to come hither they might find work enough.
[Three pages. O.C, Vol. VIII., No. 1005.]
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Oct. 19.
|
1132. The Privy Council to the sheriffs of London. Not to
release George Ball, detained by a writ ne exeat regno, upon complaint
of the East India Company, until further directions. [Domestic
Corresp., Jac. I., Vol. CXXIII., No. 42, Cal., p. 300.]
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Oct.19.
|
1133. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Application
of Lady Dale for payment of 100l. out of wages due to her late
husband "to serve her present occasions ;" it was answered there
was much to be charged upon Sir Thos. Dale, viz., certain ryals of
eight taken out of the fort at Jacatra by him, whereof the Dutch
require restitution, and his arrears to the new stock, besides other
demands ; the accounts shall be made up within fourteen days, when
she shall receive what shall be due to her. Payments to be made by
Mountney ; his and Rich. Atkinson's accounts. Information of the
Governor, that he had been to the Lord Keeper, but found him
retired into his chamber and had no access to him, but had acquainted
the Lord President of the Council with the Company's purpose to
exhibit a petition to the Lords against Ball, showing the petition
itself ; committee appointed to deliver the petition this afternoon.
Motion to send two ships from hence and two from Bantam to
Surat ; debate thereon ; no need to send any stock to Persia, "for
if God bless us with the two ships upon their way, there will be so
many calicoes and so much indigo as will make a glut except the
Turkey merchants ship them away, and therefore the Company may
well refrain one year's trading there, and in that time either they
shall procure conditions such as may encourage them, or else resolve
to fall off." Reasons against relying upon ships from Bantam.
Number of ships to be sent to Surat ; the three ships now to be sent
"will do to the full," being between fourteen and fifteen hundred tons
in all ; better to lade cotton, wool, and such like on the coast of
Coromandel, where it is to be had, than to expect it at Surat, where
it is uncertain ; Capt. Pring's opinion of sending ships from Bantam
to Surat ; he says Bantam cannot long hold out, and "when it shall
open" there will be lading for 15 or 16 ships of the Dutch and
English ; also that if the Chinese trade could be drawn to Japan it
would prove the best factory in the world ; the three ships now
building will be a sufficient force to secure their stock by sea, the
rather that it was observed from the letters received that an island
has been gained from the Portugals where they had been accustomed
to water, the want of which would much disable them to stay there.
Capper to take the Court Books to the Lords as they had ordered
about the Muscovy business. Examination of Capt. Pring as to the
reasons why Ball laded not pepper at Bantam as well as the Dutch ;
the man ashore who used to provide them was imprisoned, Ball was
out of favour, and the Pengran cross. It was answered that Ball
had confessed he might have had pepper to lade one ship ; but Ball,
when importuned by Capt. Pring, answered him with the rising of
the price of pepper, and the crossing of the Pengran. Examined also
as to the three junks he had taken, which were said to be very rich,
but fall out poor enough to the Company ; they were divided into
the several charges of Sir Thos. Dale, himself and Ball ; knew not
what became of the goods in those junks ; he was under President
Spaldinge, who with Ball and the rest sent men aboard to take charge
and dispose of those goods ; to which it was answered it was his
part to have seen what was trusted ; an account is required at his
hands ; every master had given a particular invoice when a prize was
taken ; the Dutch also have invoices of all our ships taken by them,
and he knows that the commanders at sea have the whole
authority by sea. Pring answered that the President undertook the
charge and he gave way to it, and therefore could give no account
of that which he never took charge of, only he had endeavoured to
stay the pillage of mariners what he could ; to this it was replied
that complaint had been made to the commanders by sea of the mariners'
disorders in immoderate pillaging, and the answer was, "Alas!
poor men, they have lost all, they had need get somewhat ;" that he
should do well to show any warrant from the President to deliver
the goods that he must have well known the worth of those junks,
for he gave a month's pay to the mariners, which came to 3,000l. at
least, and that a man of his judgment would not pay out so much
of the Company's money without being assured of the worth of the
service, neither can he be ignorant that silks were as commonly sold
as oysters are here. "He still pretended ignorance of any such sales
ashore. and laid all upon the factors, with which answers the court
was utterly unsatisfied." Examined as to the reason of his staying
so long upon the coast of Coromandel, and not lading a ship
with the goods taken in the junk ; answered the question was
improper to him, the President had the whole power. To his
answers to why he came not to the rendezvous at Tecoe according
to promise, it was replied that Masulipatam is a plentiful place, and
provisions to be had in a short time, but the true reason of their
stay was to sell the goods purloined out of the junks, and to confirm
this a Dutchman that sailed that way reported that he saw the
English ships (the Dragon, &c.) ride there With their top masts upon
the hatches more like wrecks than ships. "The court declared
themselves to be utterly unsatisfied with these answers, and where
they expected that he would have been ready to inform unto the
Company the abuses of their factors be takes knowledge of nothing.
but covers all." When asked to deliver his journal he said he had
none and referred to his letters' but upon being pressed promised to
deliver a journal. He was told the Company was advertised that in
the junks was taken as much China ware and counterfeit gold
thread as would have laden two ships. He had brought home a
little musk, china ware, and roots, and some ryals, and desired the
Company to require an account from their factors of the goods in
the junks, and that Ball might meet him in their presence.
Oct. 19.-Minutes of a General Court. Sale of commodities with
names of the purchasers and the prices, [Nine pages and a half.
Court Bk. V. 139-148.]
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Oct. 21-24
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1134. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Consideration
of the factors' abuses in the Indies ; among the rest, Ball and
Spaldinge, "whose estates are swelled beyond the compass of servants."
Offer of Thos. Jones, come home in the Royal James, to
be examined, and "to discover much matter whereof the Company
may make good use." The factors returned to be called to an
account before they be paid wages. Application of Wm. Palmer
touching an adventure of 400l. paid in his son's name, challenged
by Francis Wadlow. Robt. Salmon to have 10l. for his brother
Nathaniel Salmon, after the rate that others had upon taking the
Portugal at Mozambique. Thos. Jones desires aid of the Company
against Lady Dale, who had arrested him upon an account of 3,000l. ;
answered that the matter of arrest in no way concerned the Company.
Contract read with Jones ; to have 25l. yearly wages for five
years, and at the end of that time, if alive, 500l. more, to forbear all
private trade himself, and discover those that do trade privately.
When asked which of their factors were private traders, he answered,
"there is not a man free." Jones sworn and examined ; his employments
at Surat, Ahmedabad, Dabul, and on the coast of Coromandel.
Denton is a proper merchant, and had done the Company good
service, and himself good ; his principal getting was by good
husbandry, in fitting shirts for mariners, which yielded him good
profit ; believes Denton had a stock of 2,000 ryals ; he was not at
the taking of the junks, but at Patani, and in the fight with the
Dutch. Sir Thos. Dale was present when the junks were taken, and
had some pieces of silk given him by Capt. Jourdain ; the junks
were left in charge of Spaldinge, Ball, and young Jourdain. To the
question of what became of the stock Denton carried to Bantam,
"for it was conceived that this snowball grew bigger with rolling,"
Jones answered that Denton went on still trading and fitting commodities
for Sumatra, but cannot guess the proceeds. Touching
Spaldinge's private trade ; had heard Spaldinge say he had more
money than he knew what to do with, and by the common voice he
is worth 20,000l. His reproofs of Spaldinge for private trade and
what took place on those occasions. Knows of no private trade of
Ball but a quantity of porcelain which he sold at Masulipatam.
Further replies concerning the private trade of Ball and Spaldinge ;
the moneys Capt. Jourdain had, which belonged to the Company ;
Jourdain's loan to Sir Thos. Dale of 2,000 ryals of the Company's
money, after he had lost all in the Sun ; and that the silk and other
things sent home to Lady Dale were bought with the Company's
money. The court informed Jones that Ball confessed that Sir
Thos. Dale had 4,000 ryals of Capt. Jourdain, to which Jones made
answer that it might well be, for they found near 2,000 ryals at his
death, which Sir Thos. Dale said he had taken up of his wages.
Oct. 22.-Thos. Jones, one of the factors now returned, to be paid
fifty pounds in part of his wages.
Oct. 23.-Examination of Henry Smith, purser of the Great
James. She arrived at Bantam about end of May, and Sir Thos.
Dale with his fleet in November. Reasons why Ball did not lade
the ship in the interim, he was in danger both of the Pengran and
of the Dutch, and willed this ship to stay in the road, both for the
countenance and security of the Englishmen and goods there. No
goods either for the Company's account or for private men were
received on board, neither went any merchant in the James along
with them. The goods taken in the junks and received aboard the
James. No pursers suffered to go aboard the junks but merchants
only once. The junks, when pillaged, let go ; the goods landed and
disposed of by Spaldinge and Ball ; some delivered to Brockedon at
Jacatra ; certain China money kept aboard the Globe and sent to
Japara. What goods the James took in at the coast either for the
Company or particular men. Knows not what the Claw and Bee
did at Catotanga ; the fleet stayed two months to the leeward of
Tecoe to take in provisions ; the Claw, within twenty miles of Tecoe ;
and when the mariners came there they lived ashore and kept houses
two and two together. Goods carried to Japan in the James, including
five chests of silver and 5,000 peculs of pepper. Knows not
why the goods taken from the junks were not laden aboard a ship
for England, seeing there were enough for one of 500 tons, unless it
was because they would not weaken their force by sending a ship
away ; thinks the fault was with Spaldinge, and not with Capt.
Pring, who often desired to be gone. Jones and Ball came from the
coast in a Dutch ship, and as soon as they arrived at Jacatra, Spaldinge
seized on all Ball's goods and writings, but meddled not with
Jones' goods at all. Never heard that any goods belonging to Ball
were transported for England in any Dutch ship. It was the common
opinion that Ball was worth 5,000l., but knows not what
diamonds or other rich goods he had. On his passage to Jacatra,
Ball was dangerously sick, and made his will, and Jones, being with
him then, must know what his whole estate came to ; Ball was also
sick homeward, but made no mention of his estate. Knows not
what children Spaldinge hath in the Indies ; has not heard of any.
Capt. Pring brought home some musk, and is likely to have other
rich goods. The master, the preacher, and another brought home
six peculs of cloves. Had heard Ball would not buy pepper at
Bantam because, it was dear ; when they stayed so long there they
were forced to careen their ship through the springing of a leak.
Oct. 24.-Petition of Thos. Read, who went out in the Merchant
Hope and came home in the Royal James, for recompense for building
a junk, for a hurt he had by a cut in his foot in the Company's service,
and for a cloak like those given to others that had been in the
fight with the Dutch. It was not thought reasonable he should
expect recompense for work done when he received the Company's
wages, neither for his hurt, because, though his hurt hindered his
service, yet his wages went on ; to have a cloak if any cloth be left,
otherwise fifty shillings to buy him one. Letter read from the
Lords to the Governor, recommending the kind and loving usage of
the King of Denmark's subjects by the Company's people in the
Indies, "so far forth as they hurt not the trade and privileges of the
Company." Skinner moved some further matter touching a joining
with the Danes in the trade there, but the court answered they
would recommend them to their people according to said letter.
Capt. Pring's opinion that there was no possibility of now sending
a pinnace to Bantam to order ships from thence this year to Surat ;
resolution confirmed to send three ships from hence, and not to trust
to any further force from Bantam. Capt. Pring expostulated with
on the unnecessary charges of trimming the Royal James ; had he
sunk her instead he had done the Company a service ; to write to
the Indies to sink or burn unserviceable ships ; the men to be placed
in the other ships that are now supplied with blacks, to the Company's
great charge. Stores in the Indies worth 20,000l., and
enough to rig sixteen of the best ships ; to repair an unserviceable
ship costs five times as much as the ship will be valued at on her
return. The Royal James to be brought into dock at Blackwall ;
some persuaded that the King would be content to give a lesser ship
newly built in exchange for the James. Capt. Pring's answers to
the charges brought against him of private trade ; one of the committees
testified that if Capt. Pring did do himself good by a little
private trade in goods not of the ship's bulk, the Company would
wink at it, but others remembered that the Company consented to
give him 40 marks salary per month that he should forbear private
trade. The Company would keep nothing back of his wages, but
he had no reason to expect favour from them, which neither his
service nor other carriage had deserved. Was much blamed for
staying so long at Bantam and not protesting against Ball. He
desired that Ball's errors might not be laid upon him, but that Ball
himself might answer them. It was further pressed that his not
coming to the rendezvous according to promise was the cause of all
the disasters in the Indies, to the extreme prejudice of the Company
and dishonour of the State. The deputy affirmed that some of the
Lords had said that the whole misfortune that fell upon the Company
in the Indies proceeded more out of the insufficiency of their
servants and commanders than from the Hollanders. Ordered that
George Ball and Capt. Pring meet at the court the next day. The
wardens of the "potticaries" [apothecaries] to be requested to
attend to give their judgment of lemon water reserved for that purpose.
Rich, executor to Abraham Bond, deceased, to receive after
the rate of 5s. per ryal for ryals belonging to said Bond. Petition
of John Fary, come home in the Royal James, who had served the
Company nine years as a sailor and assistant to the factories in Siam
and Camboja, for his wages ; is charged by Gourney to have received
the Company's goods to the value of 1,000l., and told that
there is said to have been much abuse between Fary, Gourney,
Longe, and Pitt ; the books to be examined. Complaint of Wm.
Burdick against Bowry's executors receiving his wages. Suit on
behalf of Isaack Van Paine, a Dutchman, to be made a freeman of
this Company, for which he was contented to give 50l. Request of
Hatch, late master of the New Year's Gift, to have those silks
shipped home in the Royal James ; it was answered, he deserved no
favour from the Company, that he was insufficient, had carried
himself very weakly in the fight with the Flemings, having denied
to fight with them because they were our friends, and was held in
the Indies no way fit for employment, therefore favour he must
expect none. If he have his wages it is as much as he can demand ;
as for the silks, they are goods gotten by private trade, and therefore
belong to the Company. It was afterwards resolved to put him to
prove where he bought those silks, and that they were not purloined
out of the junks, yet to give him some reasonable price for them,
and the Company to have them. Examination of Bartholomew
Churchman. The Hope arrived at Bantam 15th August 1621
(should be 1618, see ante, No. 245) under the charge of Capt. Newport ;
Bartlett (Barkeley) was dead, and Ball had succeeded as
President. At his first coming, Ball hugged him in his arms ; the
first question he asked was, whether they had brought any money ;
told him 25 chests of ryals, but wished him to be very secret, lest the
Dutch should prevent their market ; to which Ball answered, "Tush,
fear not, they have not money to buy them victuals." Saw great
store of pepper, which Ball said belonged to the Dutch. Complains
of his pride ; that he fell out with Churchman because he gave him
not the title of President ; that he kept state, and went with a guard
of 40 blacks, which he maintained at five or six ryals per month each
man ; that he sent for the money ashore and wished Capt. Newport
to go to the Moluccas, who refused both unless he might lade.
Shortly after Newport died, and then all the money came to Ball's
hands, who from August to January neither provided any pepper
nor laded one ship, while the Dutch had laded 11 ships. He afterwards
laded the Unicorn only. Was not present at any of the fights
with the Dutch ; but there was nothing done on the English part
worthy of the name of a fight. Touching Coomes' (Coen's) journey
with the united force of the English and Dutch, says his design was
upon Lantar, but fears there is a plot upon Pooloroon to get away
the ordnance of that fort from the English. Ball might have laden
all the Company's ships that were serviceable ; if there were any
impediment it was only the Pengran's demand of custom for the
three junks taken by our people, reckoned at 40,000 ryals ; also for
another junk taken by Ball, "which though it were shortly delivered
again, yet there was as much missing as the custom amounted unto
11,000 ryals." [Twenty-one pages. Court. Bk. V. 148-169.]
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1621 ?
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1135. Articles of a proposed treaty between King James I. and
the King of Denmark, in reference to commerce in the East Indies.
[Latin. Eight pages and a half. A treaty was concluded between
England and Denmark in April 1621, but it had no reference to
trade in the East Indies. Rymer, XVII., p. 305, also Brit. Mus.
Lansdowne MSS. 151, and Slang Geschichte Christian IV., Vol.
III., p. 171, in the King's Library in the Brit. Mus. See ante,
No. 690. East Indies, Vol. I., No. 93.]
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Oct. 25
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1136. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Evelin to
be paid 500l. for 150 barrels of powder, but as "for delivering any
moneys beforehand [for the next parcel] the Company is not in
plight to do it." A course to be thought upon that the ships now
making ready for the Narrow Seas against pirates may be employed
so as this Company may receive some benefit thereby. Capt. Pring
called in ; he could neither condemn Ball nor clear him, he must
answer for himself ; reasons why the Company conceive Capt. Pring
willing to excuse Ball, whose abuses are so gross that he could not
but see them, "which was ill taken at his hands." His neglect of
duty in not taking an inventory of the goods of the prize junks, and
not doing his best to procure lading ; the fault cast upon Ball, who
was sent for and questioned. Towerson explained it was Ball's
brother who informed the Company George Ball was ill thought of,
because he had accused some of the committees. He had bought
pepper, but the Dutch forestalled the market with ryals and diamonds.
Kewee, his agent, who dealt for him for pepper, was clapped in
prison ; he could have laden one ship, but found the price too dear
and his agent was then 6,000 ryals in his debt. The country yields
yearly 70,000 bags of pepper, of which the Dutch bought 2,400 ; the
residue of two years was in the country. Was pressed why he had
not laden for pepper at Acheen, Priaman, and Jambi, &c., but would
answer nothing ; if they would frame interrogatories he would
answer them upon oath. He was forced to secure himself with a
strong guard, the Dutch being there 200 strong and every day ready
to go to blows. Received intelligence of his disgrace through the
Dutch. The Company surprised how he, who became so careful of
the factories, was so careless of his commission, "but wished him to
consider that so strong a commission neglected, and by occasion
thereof so many of his Majesty's subjects lost, such a part of the stock
of the whole kingdom wasted, and such ships perished, would be
required at his hands in a higher place than where he then stood."
His further answers "understood to manifest his wilful error ;"
impossible that he could have come home not worth 100l. He confessed
he might have laden home the Unicorn, "which if he had
done he had saved the ship and so many men's lives as perished
in her, which was also to the State." Sir Thos. Dale, upon Ball's
knowledge, lost all his estate when the Sun was lost, and yet he
had by him when he died near 2,000 ryals, besides silks sent home
to Lady Dale. Capt. Pring again examined ; he was told "that both
in the matter of lading, in that of the junks, and in his other behaviour
there he had not carried himself like a man that understood
his command ;" the reasons. The opinion held of him before his
going true, that he is a good navigator, but not capable of any great
command, neither would any man of virtue have broken his word
in not coming to the rendezvous at Tecoe according to promise,
the failing whereof produced all their loss of shipping in the Indies.
On the arrival of the Bull, when the peace was published, he did so
far undervalue the honour of his commission and of the English
nation that he went three times aboard that base fellow Coone (Coen),
when Coen never vouchsafed to come aboard him, but sent a substitute,
and last of all he embraced the accord with the Dutch without
first insisting upon such restitution as was warranted by the articles.
Samuel Moore, servant to Lord Zouch, Lord Warden of the Cinque
Ports, to receive two-thirds of the wages of his brother Benjamin
Moore, gone factor in the Lesser James, according to a letter of
attorney. [Five pages. Court Bk. V. 169-174.]
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Oct. 25./Nov. 4.
Madrid.
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1137. Sir Walter Aston to Sir Dudley Carleton. Two caracs
lately come home richly laden by the Portugals at Goa ; they encountered
seventeen sail of Turkish pirates, who set upon one of the
caracs, the other got into Lisbon, and after two days' fight, she
having sunk two of the pirates and spoiled some others, they saw
small hopes of taking her, and fired her within three leagues of the
shore, and all perished, she being valued at near three millions of
ducats ; the other carac was nothing near so wealthy, this being
a new one, and so they strived in the Indies to lade most in her.
[Extract from Correspondence, Spain.]
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Oct. 26.
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1138. Court Minutes of the East India Company. The Royal
James arrived at Woolwich. Petition of Elizabeth Wickham for
the estate of her son, who died in the Indies ; the Company knew of
nothing due to him, and must clear with Sir Thos. Smythe and Capt.
Pring, her son's executors. Demand of Jonas Viney for allowance
for 100 ryals taken by Denton from a box belonging to Viney's uncle,
Capt. Jourdain ; "it appears there rested in Capt. Jourdain's hand
two chests of ryals belonging to the Company, which (if they perished
in the ship with him) perished as his goods, not as the Company's
goods, for that he never meant to bring them to the Company's
account." Out of 1,500 ryals which the Flemings suffered Welden
to carry ashore, he played away 1,000 at dice. Jonas Viney, but a
youth, is desired to bring some friend better experienced to receive
satisfaction from the court. Particular care to be taken of the goods
of Denton, come home in the Royal James, "and to alter the property
of them, lest he put a trick upon the Company." Denton can
claim nothing in them ; besides they are the proceeds of private trade
from which he is bound. Moreover Denton and Welden are charged
with 1,100 ryals taken out of the fort at Jacatra. which the Dutch
challenge from the Company. Lady Dale's charges against one
Owen for ryals. Petition of Robt. Gayton, who went out in the
Charles and came home in the Royal James, for 60 ryals, which he
said he had delivered to Courthope for the Company's use upon his
bill to receive three for one at his return to Pooloroon, that having
suffered shipwreck in a junk and thereby lost that note, he went to
Jacatra, where for want of that note he could not receive the money.
Desires to have them here. It is answered that Gayton hath no
reason to expect payment here until it may authentically appear
that they are due. Information of the Governor that the last
day after Capt. Pring had been in court he followed the Governor
home and desired his wages, said it was to no purpose for him to
come any more to the court, he had said as much as he could say.
It was answered that Capt. Pring hath made them no fair answer ;
he hath not performed his commission and instructions in the
account of the junk ; he hath broke bond and covenant in private
trade ; he suffered the mariners to pillage, he came not to the rendezvous,
and thereby occasioned the loss of all their hopes ; he did, in
a sort, submit to the Dutch ("it was answered that for Ball they had
gone so far") and joined with them before any word spoken of restitution ;
and therefore it was held fit that he give a reason of these
his doings. Consideration of the course to be taken with Ball ; it
was said there is coherence between him and Pring ; some thought
the Star Chamber, some the Council table, but others that it should
be left to the direction of the Lords. Whether to use rigour to
these men or no before they have had use of their testimony against
the Dutch. As for Ball they had gone so far they must now go on ;
opinion that he and Pring should be proceeded against jointly ; the
inconvenience less in provoking than in sparing them. Jones has
shown himself one of the same tribe by fathering aboard the
James what belonged to Ball. [Three pages and a half. Court
Bk. V. 178-181.]
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Oct. 30.
Hague.
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1139. Sir Dudley Carleton to Sec. Calvert. The designed
deputies from the States to his Majesty are at this present at the
camp with the Prince of Orange, accompanied with Mons. Gogh
and two others of the States, to communicate to his Excellency the
project of their instructions, and therein to take his advice, of which
having knowledge before their departure, he thought fit to send his
Excellency a copy of his last proposition to the States General concerning
the differences now in question betwixt his Majesty and the
States. Their return is expected to-morrow or the next day at the
farthest, after which they will be immediately despatched. [Extract
from Holland Corresp.]
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Oct. 31.
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1140. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Wages of
Lemman, master of the Royal James. The Governor and Mr. Bell
to attend the Lords to assign a day for hearing their cause against
Ball, by whose command he lies committed. Motion of Isaac
Van Paine, a Dutchman born in England, to be admitted a free
brother of the Company on payment of a fine of 50l. Discussion
on the terms of admission of a stranger. Petition of Thos.
Hews for the dressing of cloths. Demand of Jonas Viney,
nephew of Capt. Jourdain, for allowance for 200 ryals taken
out of his uncle's "countoyre" by Denton ; also of Viney and
Henry Fosdick for 800 ryals given between them by the Queen
of Patani in goods, part of a far greater quantity exacted from the
Company by that Queen for protection of the English against the
Flemings, "who at that time being proud of their victory at sea, and
having the odds of number ashore, did draw their swords upon
our people in the street, and threaten to burn their houses ;
whereas the Queen of Patani had undertaken the protection of
our people before without any such second consideration ;" the
court having formerly ordered that all returns of gifts for presents
to any heathen prince shall be to the use of the Company, approved
the seizure of these goods by Denton, their factor in
Patani, and saw no reason to break their order by making any allowance
to the petitioners for the same. Suit of Mardocheus, brother
and executor of Henry Mitchell, deceased, touching his brother's
estate. [Three pages. Court Bk. V., 181-184,]
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