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Nov. 2.
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181. Wm. Carmychel to Carleton. Complains of the proceedings
at law in his case. Beseeches him to consider what justice he can
look for with such dealing, and begs him to help him with his
discretion and industry. [Holland Corresp.]
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Nov. 3.
Mandoa.
[Mandow.]
|
182. Sir Thos. Roe to Thos. Keridge and Company at Surat. "The
alterations of humours here change me as the wind doth the best
seaman." The King has declared for Ahmedabad, and will no doubt
winter in Guzerat ; the presents and other fine goods had, therefore,
better not be sent thence until the King's arrival ; will meet them
two days journey to prevent misusage. Steele has safely delivered
the pearl ; fears not so fit for this market ; the great foul, of black
water, well known in India, the others small and dear, but hopes to
pass them being come so privately and so return the money to Agra
speedily. Steele gives Roe satisfaction ; hopes they may live like
friends ; the principal difference will be about his wife ; is sorry for
both their misfortunes ; thinks he has prevailed on her to return
home. Capt. Towerson must be discouraged from his purpose to
stay. Further remarks in reference to the departure of Steele's wife,
also concerning Towerson's father, his mother-in-law at Agra, and
his wife's aunt, who is promised in marriage to Frans Swares, "the
prodigal Portugal." Hopes they will use Steele with courtesy, forgetting
on all sides past passions ; desires he may return to Roe with
the presents. Mr. Jackson has arrived, recommended by Sir Thos.
Smythe and many honorable Lords of his Majesty's Council, whom Roe
must obey and respect, "the misfortune is at home that such are
sent out upon the hopes in the air ;" desires all courtesy may be
shown to him, and assistance to go to the southward if he desire it,
to seek a better fortune, and to advise him which way he may reap
some honest recompence of two years' travel without injury to the
Company. Mr. Harbert, weary of the progress, is bound for England.
To beware in dealing with Towerson for his jewel, that the
emerald be of the new rock, for those of the old are of less price.
[One and a half pages. Indorsed, "Some mention of Mr. Steele
herein. Read." O. C., Vol. V., No. 556.]
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Nov. 4.
Madrid.
|
183. Francis Cottington to Sec. Winwood. Sir Robert Sherley
well entertained in Lisbon, where he has 500 crowns a month
allowed for his diet, but as yet he has no order for coming hither.
[Extract from Corresp. Spain.]
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Nov. 4-6.
|
184. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Letter read
from the Lord Admiral in behalf of James Erwyng to be a captain ;
Committee to make excuses to his Lordship. Cannon's business. No
further use for Capt. Harris' services. Joshua Bainbridge to be
purser in the Moon. Business of Lawrence Walldo to be heard.
Hogshead of pepper to be delivered to Guy Wood's widow. 100
barrels of oil to be delivered to [Rich.] Mountney, at 56s. a barrel.
Business of Peter Floris heard. Gratuity of 50l. to Wm. Ebert
for his services at Patani. 50l. adventure of Nathaniel Basse in
the old joint stock to be sold.
Minutes of a Meeting of the Committees at Blackwall on the
25th September 1617.
Nov. 6.-Employment of Lawrence Potten. Objections against
Lawrence Walldo for his behaviour to Rich. Sadler at Surat, "which
struck such a grief unto him as that he never recovered it, unto his
dying day ;" certificates produced of his honest carriage abroad ;
Ambassador Roe's unfavourable opinion of him ; the Company contented
to let him have his wages and certain mace free of freight.
Propositions of Richd. Fursland for employment ; intention to send
him to Acheen ; Nicolls to be brought away from thence, but the
manner to be left to Capt. Jourdain, to have it effected quietly,
lest he might incense the King to do some mischief. Payment of
Joseph Salbancke's wages. Nathaniel Martyn to have his goods
upon paying freight. Grant of 200l., upon the account of the sixth
voyage, to Capt. Jourdain for his services. Agreement with Giles
James to serve the Company seven years, dated 25th Oct. 1617 ;
also with John Jourdain to serve the Company five years, dated
5th Nov. 1617. [Five and a half pages. Court Bk., IV., pp. 52-58.]
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Nov. 7.
Jacatra.
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185. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball at Bantam. Has laden on board
the bark Robert the cargo left by General Keeling. In want of
English steel for the matchlocks ; that at Jacatra cannot be worked.
The Sabundar wishes to know from the King what Ball intends
doing. Destitute of ink and quills. The Flemings have landed
cloth from the Golden Lion. [Half a page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 557.]
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Nov. 8.
Lescar, six
courses from
Mandow.
|
186. Sir Thos. Roe to the Factors at Surat. His former letters
sufficiently approve their proceedings ; "I am not a man of forms
and ceremony." Takes very gratefully Keridge's readiness to join
with Roe to assist in the Company's affairs ; as to his wages, also of
Biddulph, Browne, and Fettiplace. Doubts not Capt. Pring will
execute the orders Roe has given concerning the men-of-war and
their goods. The "advisal" to Persia required more expedition, for
that Roe must return some reasonable answer to the King ; such a
man as Monox need not have been employed. Fears some error ;
does not intend to continue a factory by any supply. The cloth
and other goods must be convoyed to Ahmedabad, where they say
the King will go, by Steele, who Roe wishes may be used fairly.
"I understand him well, suffer me, we must not rashly disgrace any
man, it is more honesty to reclaim one than to persecute 100."
Knows his error in his wife's coming, which Roe would rather bury
than blame ; reminds them that it was not long since they despised
not Steele's judgment so much, but that they made it against Roe
the ground of their Persian project ; writes this to put them in
mind that passion sees not always clearly ; as to Steele's wife, is
resolved she shall return, to which Steele has consented. Desires
the contentment of their Governor [the Governor of Surat] as much
as they do ; wishes he might be induced to buy goods of Towerson
or Steele ; knows not what the phirmaund may do. The box sent
to Mocrob Khan is more than he deserves ; a piece of Towerson's
arras would stop his mouth and be best sold so ; promises to help
him to some, but not before the King ; if the dogs will please any,
reserving the water spaniel, use them, the Governor cannot give the
Prince anything more acceptable ; he begged one of Roe, and if both
will content the Prince give both, they will cost more coming up
than the thanks are worth. Hopes to augment the investments
from Agra. Has written to all the factories at large, "we must
purge the country and ease unnecessary charge, the factories will not
be so many, nor such want of servants." Thanks Keridge for his
resolution to satisfy Aseph Khan's servant with the gold ; Nourmahal's
man and his are one. The Governor will not put Keridge out
of his house ; cannot trouble the Prince on such matters ; advises
him to keep possession, and if force is used then Roe will step in.
Cochineal is no commodity for ordinary markets ; the King's painter
is now at Ahmedabad about a work, if it be sent thence it shall be
tried, it is too dear ever to be a commodity for this country. Wishes
some sack and red wine to be sent to him ; the Court will vend all
that they cannot sell. If the preacher be a silent man he is fit for
nothing, "encourage him, so will I, and hope the best." No long
apology is needed for Steele's letter ; is not moved on every report,
nor do his [Roe's] resolutions hang on others' lips. Sends back their
consultation ; approves of what they have done, but of none of their
reasons for so doing, except the Admiral's, who fell right ; it is all
vanity to talk of authority ; "let us all despise all authority to control
us from any ill, and you shall all find me a tame lion." Thinks
all the fault of Steele's waste in his expenses is with them, if he
will be vain, let him do it at his own cost, for Roe will not allow
any extraordinary charge for Steele's wife ; if she return and Steele
stay, Roe will do all kindness according to his desert, and recommend
her to the Company's care. They who have the Company's purse
must order it, money is dear ware in India ; would have them use
Steele's wife and Capt. Towerson with courtesy, but not to live upon
them lest they stay too long. Gogo, Sindu [Scinde], Bengala may be
tried, but no port so fit as Surat to send their goods up to by their own
pinnace. Will order Banggam down speedily. Is most glad Capt.
Towerson affects not the Court, his wife's help Roe needs not ;
Nourmahal is Roe's solicitor, and her brother his brother. Has
written to Capt. Pring about the disaster of the James, thinks she
may be saved if sent home a new ship, but may be lost if continued
on a long voyage. "Thus extreme faint and weary and no help, I
commit you all to God's direction." [Three pages and a half. Indorsed,
"Somewhat concerning Mr. Steele. Read." O. C., Vol. V.,
No. 558.]
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Nov. 8.
Lescar, six
courses from
Mandow.
|
187. Sir Thos. Roe to Capt. Martin Pring. Fully approves the
course he took with the men-of-war, wishing he had made profit of
one of them to the Dutch in want, for that as they are they will be
a burthen to us. What to do with the goods and the men ; the
honest entertain in his service, the rest ship home. Is of his opinion
that force from Goa will not molest him this year, and that he may
the bolder attempt the Red Sea with the less force ; thinks one ship
will serve the project ; to move the Prince is in vain, he scorns to
confess the English can help him. Thinks a ship should be sent for
trade to Mocha ; not more than one man and but few goods should
be trusted ashore at once, or else a Guzerat should father the goods
and they should be secured by him to make a trial of, if the Bashaw
will grant the English free trade they may secure those seas from
piracy, but in no case should a factory be left this year. It is impossible
for Roe to leave the Court and return, his body will not
endure hard travel, and there is no need of him where Martin Pring
is. Will make excellent use of the pearl and all that has been sent
to him ; wants nothing but his health ; the wine will refresh him,
and a small quantity keep him alive. Keridge and the writer will
well agree, "though last year I was set behind the door." Opinion
on the disaster to the James, thinks she is only fit to relade for
England, though half empty. Pring will do little at Goa this year,
as he cannot be dispatched hence until February. Wishes that in
his way to Dabul he would view the bar and entrance at Goa which
no English seaman knows, and see what revenge they can take of
"that beggarly false Samorine." [Two pages. Indorsed, "Read."
O. C., Vol. V., No. 559.]
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Nov. 8.
Aboard the
James Royal.
|
188. Commission from Capt. Martin Pring to John Hatch,
master of the Bee, bound for Jask on the borders of Persia.
Sanderson, who went there last year in the James, to accompany
Hatch. To "seriously consider" the inhabitants of Ormuz who,
having certain intelligence of his coming, will seek by all means his
utter subversion. To use all possible care to escape "all treacherous
attempts of our guileful enemy the Portugal," and on no account to
remain more than 13 days at the port. To assist Edw. Monox in
whatever Sir Thos. Roe has given him commission to do. To use
his best endeavour to take any Portugal vessel he may chance to
meet ; and to take an inventory of all her goods which properly
belong to the Company towards the regaining of their losses yearly
sustained. [Two pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 560.]
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Nov. 10.
Surat.
|
189. Thos. Keridge and Thos. Rastell to the East India
Company. Refer to their previous letters for relation of all
occurrences [see ante Nos. 38 and 61]. Sales at Surat and
other factories:-most of the elephants' teeth sold, the prices ;
those remaining of the choicest ; a similar quantity to that sent
by Capt. Pepwell [36 tons] will undoubtedly find an annual
sale. The lead unsold ; all the coral, both branch and beads,
has found a ready sale, the polished in less esteem than the unpolished,
yet on both there is a loss of at least 20 or 25 per cent. ;
better prices obtained in Surat than abroad, the charge of transport
considered. Quicksilver sold but basely ; the vermillion but
slowly. Of the broadcloth the worst colours are left ; Banggam has
sold all his at Burrampoor. Swords, knives, looking glasses, &c., are
scarcely looked on, except for gifts ; the swords and knives are every
sailor's commodity, and unprofitable to the Company to send, except
some few choice ones for presents. Have been constrained to give
satisfaction to three times the value for the boat of Surat seized by
Capt. Pepwell [see ante No. 61.] ; their broker is still detained
prisoner, and they are likely to lose the now continued favour of an
honest and just Governor ; the commander and master are both
much blamed for plunging them still deeper in dishonour with this
people. The inhabitants of Masulipatam have also had their share
of sufferance by the unlimited disorders of the ships' companies, as
Lucas Antheunis vehemently declares. The Charles and James
departed 11th June, and soon after the Solomon and Osiander with
Lucas, who left Adam Denton, chief at Masulipatam, with three other
factors ; the goods left for sale there. They stand on the same terms
at Court as before, notwithstanding Roe's painful and utmost endeavours.
The Dutch have taken privileges in Surat ; two Holland
ships lost upon the coast, but men, goods, and ordnance saved ; they
have left factors, a preacher, and divers youths for linguists, the
captain with some 140 persons have gone overland to Masulipatam.
The Hollanders settling a trade in Surat will, doubtless, prove
ruinous to the hopes of the English in this trade, as the Company
must know by good experience of their proceedings in all other
places ; it is by their great supplies of money principally that the
Hollanders will be able to oversway the English, as they have done
wherever both have had traffic together. Arrival of Capt. Pring
with the James, Anne, Gift, Bull, and the Bee, his whole fleet. "The
multitude of their businesses" prevents their answering the Company's
letters, received by Capt. Pring, until the ships return to
England, but copies have been sent to all the factories. Prizes taken
by the fleet after leaving the Cape with 1,200l. specie, and a great
junk of Gogo rescued and given up to the right owners, to the no
small content of the King and merchants at the instant performance,
although, as in their most base ungrateful natures, soon again forgotten.
Capt. Pring arrived at the bar 26th Sept., five days after
the rest of the fleet. The whole power of ordering all businesses
conferred upon the Lord Ambassador, the cause of much delay in the
dispatch of their business. The money landed and amount sent to
Agra and to Ahmedabad under convoy of 40 English. Intended
lading for the Gift, which is the proportion for this year's return.
Many Bannian merchants bankrupt through the failing of trade in
the Red Sea ; the danger of trusting in so dangerous a time or
breaking. Quantity of indigo expected from Agra and Ahmedabad
doubt if they can provide sufficient, the Portugals and others being
also large buyers. Robt. Younge sent to Agra to assist Fras. Fetiplace.
Diligence of Thos. Keridge at Baroach, for causing the people to
make their calicoes both for Bantam and England according to
advice ; the quantity the Company may expect in the next ships.
The reprisal goods, 38 tons of elephants' teeth, they have no doubt
of selling at Surat ; also 350l. in gold taken from the prize, for the
most part gathered by Capt. Pring's honest care from his men, who
had converted it to their own use. One month's pay given to all
the sailors of the fleet for their fees in taking the prize and their
better encouragement hereafter. The coral well liked, great quantities
will sell ; 300 chests come from Mocha every year ; recommend
as much to be sent by every fleet as is now received ; the prices and
profits. Great doubts of the recovery of their debts at Court. The
pearls have been landed without custom, and by Sir Thos. Roe's
express order consigned to Rich. Steele for their speedy conveyance
to Court, and they have appointed Jackson, a land captain, to accompany
them ; they have left for Mandow, and the writers have no
doubt Roe will dispose of Steele and the supposed maid, now manifested
his wife, brought with him. No advice received from Persia
since the return of the James ; the Bee sent thither empty, the
"full intention" being only to receive due information of the state
of their people there ; instructions from Sir Thos. Roe and the
Company sent to Edw. Monox and the factors there and to
those now employed hence to assist. The Bee limited to 20 days
stay at Jask. Steele has just returned from Court ; the pearls
have safely reached the Lord Ambassador, great hopes of their sale,
the greater ones preferred to the lesser. "Kept 'till the dispeed of
the Bee this present 13 Nov. from aboard the James Royal." Indorsed,
"Sent first unto Persia by the Bee, and received overland
by the way of Aleppo, the 21 Oct. 1618 by William Nelson.
Mr. Steele and his wife are both herein named." [Fourteen pages
and a half. O. C., Vol. V., No. 561.]
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Nov. 10 ?
Sakaii.
|
190. Wm. Addames to Rich. Wickham at Firando. Has sent
sundry parcels by the bearer, and been at Miako and talked
with the "makeman," who has promised that he will have done in
a short time ; he has 50 men who work night and day. Wickham's
candlesticks were not done. "Salute me to all my children and
countrymen." [Half a page. O.C., Vol. V., No. 562.]
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Nov. 11.
Jacatra.
|
191. Nich. Ufflete to Geo. Ball at Bantam. The Dutch have
dispatched a great ship and pinnace for the coast, laden with sandal
wood and other things ; also four great ships for the Bandas with
great store of powder and shot, rice and rack and "strengthened to
the uttermost of their power with good quantity of men ;" also two
other ships for Timor and 12 ships with "their great General" for
Ternate, all freemen that heretofore have been free are forced
to serve them anew. Thos. Tite, an English fugitive from the
Charles, reports that he was entertained at Bantam by "the longbearded
President," but it seemed "that the Flemish flesh pot,
which smelt of nothing but boiled rice, could not digest with his
lean stomach, therefore he resolved, having offended, to return and
crave mercy rather than live with so hungry a nation. [Indorsed,
"I pray pay the bearer hereof 1s." One page. O.C., Vol. V.,
No. 563.]
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Nov. 11.
|
192. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Request of
Richard Deane to have Francis Coles, one of his servants, admitted
into the Company's service. Peremptory demand of Capt. Best for
six or seven musicians, allowed as before. Henry Christien, heretofore
purser in the Globe, to be fourth or fifth mate. Request
of Capt. Christien, for employment ; testimonies of Capt. Best
to his skill, judgment, and care ; proposal of Sir Jas. Lancaster to
make him lieutenant ; arguments for and against him ; referred.
Complaint against Capt. Best for employing his son as a master's
mate. Cannon having procured two orders and a decree of Chancery,
the money is to be paid him on giving security both against
Capt. David Middleton and his son. Provision of ryals. Wm. Smyth,
supposed to have "a crazed brain," to be questioned respecting his
sufficiency for employment. Propositions for employment of
Richard Fursland and John Jourdain, the younger, entertained in
January 1616, but left behind through sickness, entertained.
Nathaniel Eyle's accounts to be examined. Threat of Sir Alex.
Temple to defeat Ellis Crispe's purchase of 400l. adventure in the first
joint stock from Wm. Temple, because of a pretended mortgage on it,
to be disregarded, the Court conceiving that it concerns the whole
Company very near if such fraudulent conveyances may take place,
and having power by their charter, order that no such conveyances
shall be good that are not publicly acknowledged by the Company ;
resolved to pay the money to Crispe. Wilson, of Brazenose Col.,
Oxford, recommended for a preacher ; the especial exceptions were
against his youth, and that he is too much in the fashion, whereas a
man of a grave countenance is rather to be required, because it will
be unsavoury to have a young man reprove ancient men, especially
of such vices as may reign in themselves. Knowing that many
men are not fond of this voyage, his suit referred to inquire
whether he will stay a while in the country, as will be expected, if he
be entertained. Purchase of gold lace by advice of Sir T. Roe.
Discussion on the proportion of powder and shot for the fleet ; also
on firing salutes. Suit of a Greek for employment with 100l. a
year, refused as too high a salary. Francis Sadler to draw out a
list of factors already entertained. [Three pages and a half. Court
Bk., IV., 58-61.]
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Nov. 12.
Swally Road,
aboard the
Royal James.
|
193. Martin Pring to the East India Company. Writes by the
Bee, sent to Jask by Sir Thos. Roe's orders in quest of the
English factory sent thither last year. Left Saldanah Bay 13th
July last ; account of the voyage. At Damaun, the people have
good store of ryals of eight, which are melted together in lumps,
being taken out of the carack that was fired by Capt. Joseph. Portugal
prize, taken by the Gift, in which were Bannians and negroes
and 38 tons of elephants' teeth. Two ships belonging to Sir Robt.
Rich and Philip Barnard prevented from surprising a Guzerat junk
belonging to the Queen ; had the junk been taken, all the Company's
goods in India could not have made satisfaction according to
their desire, and that is commonly their law in these cases. The
goods taken out of the two English ships at Swally have been
delivered to Keridge ; the ships Pring intends to employ in the
Company's service ; the sailors knew not whither they were bound,
and they are importunate for a continuance of their pay. The
Lord Ambassador writes that never was anything more kindly
taken at Court than the rescuing of this junk ; "what effect it will
work upon this unconstant King is yet unknown, for he is able to
forget a good turn very suddenly." Hopes soon to dispatch a ship
for England, "if we be not infested by the Portugals ;" rumour of the
arrival of seven of their ships ; intends, it true, going to meet
them. "Our establishment in this country will no longer continue
firm than we shall be able to uphold our reputation against the
Portugals ;" the charges exceeding great unless they trade in the Red
Sea, whereto he finds the Lord Ambassador very willing, but the
country people very backward, being loth to have the secret of their
trade discovered. Has solicited Roe to move the Prince for a freight
into the Red Sea. Projects for surprising the Portugal fleet recommended
by Roe to Pring. Dissatisfaction of the sailors because
they were not allowed to pillage the Portugal prize ; one month's
wages given to them as a gratuity ; the chief commanders and
merchants rely upon the Company's reward on their return. Had
hoped that the Bee might have commanded the river Surat, and so
their gross goods have been passed by water and that saved which
is ordinarily spent in cart hire, but the river is full of shoals and
flats, and frigates can pass in and out at their pleasure, without his
ordnance being able to reach them. [Indorsed, Read. 21 Oct. 1618,
and read." Three pages. O.C., Vol. V., No. 564.]
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|
Nov. 14.
|
194. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Part of Raphe
Coppindall's wages to be paid to Boothbye. Paul Johnson, a
Dutchman, who has served the Company 11 years, to have his goods
free of freight. Leate to hasten the arrival of certain great skeans
with fair hilts. It is thought somewhat strange that Best should
have recommended Wilson as a preacher, for though a good scholar
and practised as a schoolmaster, he is not known as a preacher ;
none knew that he preached. Augustine Spalding to be employed.
James Poultney again referred. Richard Welden who has lived
seven years in India and knows the languages of Banda, Amboyna,
and the Moluccas, to be a factor. Discussion on the employment of
Capt. Christien, to be referred for another year. Wm. Smith,
formerly purser's mate in the Clove, to be seen about his petition
for employment. Purchase of morse teeth and hides of the Muscovy
Company. Suit of Nicholas Wolley to go abroad ; his wages
to be increased, but to remain in the counting house another year ;
also petition of Richard Weekes acknowledging his folly and
craving favour. Petition of Joseph Colfe, who served 22 months
at Bantam under Capt. Jourdain, to be again employed. Request
of Thos. Wood, master's mate, and employed by Capt. Keeling
to go in a junk to Jambi, to have some pepper he has brought
home free of freight. Similar request of Bartholomew Ayle. Two
new ships to be built [Three and a half pages. Court Bk., IV.,
62-65.]
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|
Nov. 14
Osaka.
|
195. Wm. Addames to Rich. Wickham, at Firando. Has been forced
to go to Miako, and went to see if Wickham's things were done ;
his candlesticks were not made. Has sent his man away with such
money as he received which is not much. His efforts to sell certain
goods ; has sent the Captain the reckoning. [One page. O.C.,
Vol. V., No. 565.] This letter is dated October by mistake.
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Nov. 17.
|
196. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Richard Welden
entertained for three years at least to proceed to the Moluccas.
Augustine Spaldinge to be conferred with as to his employment.
[Half a page. Court Bk., IV., 65-66.]
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|
Nov. 17.
Jacatra.
|
197. N. Ufflete to Geo. Ball, at Bantam. Rash proceedings of the
Dutch ; report that within ten days "this General" will depart
for the Moluccas. News of the Dutch fleet at Malacca. Present
sent by the Dutch to Japara for the King of Mataram, with request
that they might build a castle at Japara, to which the King consented,
but the nobility telling the King they were now free men
and wherefore should they suffer themselves to be in subjection,
the King reversed his decision. Five ships arrived in the road
this day, four from the island, and one from Bantam ; will try and
learn their designs and advise him thereof. [One page and a quarter.
O.C., Vol. V., No. 566.]
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|
Nov. 18-20.
|
198. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Muster of silks
brought home from Surat by Lawrence Walldo ; some to be dyed
for their better experience and satisfaction. Security for 2,000l. or
3, 000l. to be taken from Capt. Harvey who is suspected to be
about to sail to the East Indies with a ship well victualled and
furnished with 20 pieces of ordnance. A copy of the new patent
procured by Sir James Cunningham, with sundry new privileges for
the East Indies, wherein the south-east passage is included, to be
obtained. Request of the executors of Humphrey Basse to sell his
adventure agreed to. Dividend to be declared on the 9th voyage
and a final dividend of 20 or 22 per cent. next Christmas on the
11th voyage. The remainder of the capital of the 9th voyage to the
value of about 20,000l. to be turned over to the joint stock, as if
all prove good the 9th voyage will produce three for one. Five
dozen leather buckets to be provided for Blackwall, and five dozen
for Deptford, to be hung up in case of fire. Capt. Best to confer
with the musicians selected to go with him. James Rynd who is
willing to stay five years in India to be a preacher. As to the
proposition for paying in adventures. Discussion on the demands
of Capt. Best ; the Governor, Deputy, and Sir James Lancaster to
inform him how distasteful his courses are to the Company, and to
settle as to his going the voyage one way or the other.
Minutes of a General Court: Dividends to make up two capitals
on the 9th voyage, and of 20 per cent. on the 11th voyage confirmed.
Whether the stock for four years should be enlarged to eight years.
Sale of 200l. of Humfrey Basse in the first joint stock ; bought by
Hamersley at 203l. per cent. profit. Sales of goods, with names of
purchasers and the prices. 50l. in the first joint stock of Nat. Basse
sold to West for 104l. 5s. ; 200l. of Hum. Basse to Wm. Leake for
206l. per cent. profit, and 100l. in the new joint stock to the
Governor for 15l. 5s. per cent. profit.
Nov. 20. Appointment of Richd. Griffin, with salary of 80l., and
annual increase of 20l. for seven years. [Five pages. Court
Bk., IV., 66-71.]
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|
Nov. 20.
Amsterdam.
|
199. Matthew Slade, to Carleton. Has put Sir Adrian Paw in
mind of the map [see ante, No. 178], but he says it is still out of his
hand. [Extract from Holland Corresp.]
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Nov. 21.
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200. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Concerning the
goods of the late Peter Floris, and the payment of Richard Burrell's
adventure in the first joint stock. Wm. Marshall to be disfranchized.
40l. interest granted on Cannon's account. 50l. to be
distributed to poor ministers. Demands of Capt. Best considered.
Gratuity to Edward Seager. Committee to try the ordnance, and
settle the number for each ship. Roger Gill and Robt. Barker to
be sailors. [Two pages. Court Bk., IV., 71-73.]
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Nov. 21.
Firando.
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201. Rich. Cocks to Johnson and Pitts at Siam. Has returned
from the Emperor's Court, where he spent much time to little purpose ;
nothing done to enlarge their privileges ; they remain as they
were last year. Understands Eaton has told them of Eaton's arrival
in Japan. The junk belonging to the English will be the last to
depart hence this year, so that in the meantime they may look out
for skins and wood for her lading. Wickham has returned from
Bantam and brought a cargo of silk, broad cloth, lead, and other
English commodities ; the most part are sold but to small profit.
Arrival of three Dutch ships from the Moluccas, and two from
Bantam ; the chief commander is called Derick Johnson Lamb, "a
very fair conditioned man and one that hath used himself very circumspectly
towards our English nation, as I also do find the like in
Capt. Jacob Specx, principal in this place and all others, which I
wish that the like decorum were observed betwixt our nation and
the Hollanders in all other places." [One page. O. C., Vol. V.,
No. 567.]
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Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
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202. Sec. Lake to Carleton. In France they are upon a course
to be established for a safe traffic to the East Indies, and would fain
join with us. "But that is not for our good." Finds our merchants
as unwilling to join the Dutch as the French or any other, hoping
they have the start, and assuring themselves to keep it. [Extract
from Holland Corresp.]
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Nov. 22.
Agra.
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203. Joseph Salbancke to the East India Company. Description
of the country "by all the people of Europe called India ;" of
Tamerlane the Great, and his lineal descendant the Great Mogul,
also of his family, and "his abundance of women that he keepeth
for his own body which are said to be at least a thousand," and his
habits and government. Every person going to the King for any
suit must take presents with him according to the custom of the
country ; what they should consist of. The King, though willing
to give content to strangers, is wholly given up to luxury and
voluptuousness, and refers suits either to his third son, Sultan
Kharrum, who with a stepmother hates the Christian religion and
all who profess it, or to Aseph Khan, who coldly considers their suits
and never or very seldom grants them. Inconveniences of the delay
in sealing the articles for establishing and ratifying the English
trade. Whether the King is worthy of the presents yearly lavished
on him. Why the Ambassador should solicit the King for leave to
convert the money brought over by the English into the currency
of the country by passing it through the mint. Suggestions on the
selection of preachers and on "merchandising affairs." Personal
affairs "I will descend at length to some discourse of myself."
Concerning cloth, the main staple commodity of their land ; is sorry
he cannot give the Company the comfort that he could wish ; tin,
lead, vermillion, quicksilver are little regarded, of elephants' teeth
some quantity may be sold ; remarks on other commodities and the
advantage or otherwise of trading in them. [Indorsed, "Received
1 January 1618. Four pages. O. C., Vol. V., No. 568.]
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Nov. 25.
Tecoe.
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204. Lewis Smyth to Capt. Ball, at Bantam. Small quantity
of pepper received since the Rose's departure. Some of their debtors
are dead, some deny their debts, and those who confess them are
very slack in their payments. Complains of Rich. Harris who takes
upon himself to be chief, and would give presents without Smith's
authority. Refusal of the country people to buy the salt because of
a report "that the English used to do their needs among the salt."
[Indorsed, "Rec. le 14 Decemb. 1617 in Bantam from Tecoe."
One page and three quarters. O. C., Vol. V., No. 569.]
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Nov. 25-28.
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205. Court Minutes of the East India Company. Gratuity to
Capt. Harris for his services. Purchase of nine tons of elephants'
teeth from Abraham Chamberlain. Grant of 50l. towards the
building of a chapel of ease for the inhabitants of Wapping. Request
of Rigdon ; gentleman of the King's Chamber, who had
formerly had his freedom given to him, to become an adventurer
without purchase, refused. Request of Sir Henry Hubbert [Hobart]
and Sir Henry Montague, Lords Chief Justices, to be admitted
free brethren, and to become adventurers. Hobart's opinion on
the legality of the Company's sales by the candle in open court,
and the sale and delivery of adventures. Capt. Best's proceedings
very much disliked ; resolution to send for him to know his intentions ;
names of others recommended to take his place, should Best
not go the voyage. Answer to the overseers of Peter Floris.
Discussion with Capt. Best on his demands and behaviour to the
Company ; he refuses to sign a bond for 5,000l. to perform the
articles agreed on, and is dismissed their service.
Nov. 28.-Gratuity of 40l. to Sir Arthur Ingram for former kind
nesses. Complaint of Capt. Best ; begs them to think of some other
man ; Sir Thomas Dale, Sir Rich. Hawkins, and Capt. Parker suitors
for the place of chief commander ; resolution to appoint Dale chief
commander, and Capt. Parker second ; Capt. Jourdain to go agent
and chief merchant to the Moluccas. Complaint of Capt. Pepwell ;
the portholes of the Charles and Unicorn too small. James Rynd
to be entertained as a preacher. Claim of the executors of the late
Richard Battye for wages. Preparation in France of an East India
Company ; committee to attend Secretary Lake thereon. [Five
pages and a half. Court Bk. IV., 73-78.]
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Nov. 30.
Firando.
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206. Richard Cocks to Richard Wickham at Nangasaki. The
bearer, Andrea Dittis, the Chinese captain, has promised to send Cocks
3,000 or 4,000 taels of refined Japan plate. Means to send off the junk
for Siam at once. Has written to Capt. Whaw to thank him for
assisting Eaton in changing some money. Will have need of 10 or
12,000 taels more. The Holland general has sent word that he is
sick, and will not come to-morrow to dinner, but thinks the rest will.
[Three quarters of a page. O. C., Vol. V., No. 571.]
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Nov.
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207. Relation of abuses to the English merchants committed by
Zulyher Khan, Governor of Surat, and other subordinate officers
under the Great Mogul. [Two and a half pages. O. C., Vol. V.,
No. 572.]
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