|
Sept. 2/12.
The Hague. |
326. Advices from the Hague. Four ships richly laden from the
East Indies, bring news that the Hollanders with help of their
friends have besieged Goa. [Extract from Holland Corresp.] |
| Sept. 3–26. |
327. Court Minutes of the East India Company. License to
be given to Richard Andrews, that went mate in the Discovery,
to return by the next shipping. The calicoes to be set at such a
price that the Company may make 2¾ for 1. The schoolmaster of
Merchant Tailors' School presented a youth named Richard Heyne
as an appentice to serve the Company in India; the Court found
him to be "but a learner," either for his pen or arithmetic, and
conceived it must be a grounded merchant and accountant that must
serve their turns. Motion on behalf of [Robt.] Johnson at Jambi,
who has made over 109l. to be paid here out of men's wages; he
hath served the Company long, and "carries a good report," therefore
given way that he should have it. The men of the Charles refuse
to weigh anchor except they have their imprest money; and as it
would be a great loss if the ship should lose her monsoon, ordered
that they come up 20 at a time and receive it, but that three or
four of the ringleaders be discharged. Concerning Beversham's
goods remaining at Ipswich, and Wheatley's, purser of the Lion.
The indigo to be sent up hither. John Phelp's journal to be
examined, and his services aboard the Little Richard reported to this
Court. Mr. Leate to have his dividends upon condition that he
discharge his own and his son's arrears within one month. Composition made by the committees for compounding with the men for goods
gotten by private trade with John Barber, who is to have 250l. for
his 244 pieces of calicoes. Offer of Alderman Hodges and partners
for all the Company's rich indigo; they shall have it at 6s. 8d. per
pound. Request of Mr. De la Barr for his son to be made free of
the Company; the books to be searched. 10l. to be given to John
Rand, of Deal, for pilotage of the Lion. William Mosse, cook of the
London, 10l. to be stopped out of his wages for calicoes. Capts.
Blythe and Weddall to receive the full of their wages. 148,000 ryals
of eight to be sent in the Charles. [Wm.] Methwold, returned in the
Palsgrave, to have 100l. on account of wages, and his goods brought
up to the house. A list of "parcels" to be delivered to George
Ball out of the great chest and the lesser chest, including cloaks,
hangings, cushions, neckcloths, girdles, "two standishes of ivory,"
nightcaps, waistcoats, napkins, &c. John Rose sent home in irons,
and formerly condemned to be hanged for mutiny, to be heard together
with the master, Mr. Hinchley. Mr. Tichburne, who follows the
Company's business in the Star Chamber and Chancery, to receive
20l. on account for fees and disbursements. Concerning the wages
of John Roberts, late master of the Lesser James. Petition of
Henry Bate for better wages, having served seven years, and his
wages never above 40l. a year; the Court remembered that he was
in the Bear, when Barwick rendered her to the Dutch, &c., and
would not grant it. 40s. out of the poor box given to Paul
Sogosino, a "Polonian," that escaped out of slavery and came home
in the Jonas, to enable him to pass to his own country; and 20
nobles, as a free gift, to John Muskett, a man maimed in the
Company's service. Report of Mr. Martin that the Lesser James is
not worth repairing. At the request of Elizabeth Pierce, her son
William, in the Discovery, is licensed to come for England. Complaint of John Heath, quartermaster in the London, that some lewd
woman, under colour of being his wife, had received 5l. of his wages;
Mr. Hurte doubts not to find out the woman. 16l. to be paid to
Lady Dale for tobacco she had sent to her husband, who being dead
it was sold for so much. 3l. paid to David Gilly for advertising
the arrival of the Jonas and Lion. Petition of Thomas, brother
and executor of William Nicolls, deceased, for his brother's estate;
the testator was found indebted to the Company; besides it was
remembered he was the man that had persuaded the King of Acheen
to the prejudice of the Company. Mr. Ellam to look up his letters. |
|
Sept. 4.—Report of Swanley and Stephens on the insufficiency
of the Little James; to be broken up, and the Jonas brought into
dock at her stern. An inventory presented by Mr. Ball of his three
cabinets; referred for an answer till Monday next. Agreed to rent a
slip of ground adjoining the south end of the long storehouse (at
Blackwall). |
|
Sept. 5.—Surgeons' chests having been provided for the Charles
by Drs. Atkins and Winston, and also by Mr. Woodall, against
whom objections are made, the Company do not hold it just to
displace an old servant before they have heard him; the chests to
be viewed by the master and wardens of the apothecaries, the master
and wardens of the surgeons, and certain physicians, who are to
give their judgments on both chests. The Governor of opinion that
a smaller proportion of ryals than has been set down to be sent to
the Indies will serve the turn; the Court considering that a good
proportion is to be sent to Masulipatam for diamonds, that Bantam
will surely open, that the Moluccas must be furnished, and there is
hope of a new factory elsewhere, and that there is no likelihood of
so good a ship to carry stock; ordered that 37 chests be sent by the
Charles. Capt. Clevenger, of the Palsgrave, welcomed home: Messrs.
Bell and Harby report the hull as well stowed and in as good order
as ever they saw any. Clevenger desired to be righted against a
company of mutinous people, the men "of so dissolute conditions, as
either he must make his ship a Bridewell to punish their vices, or
suffer them to be so ill-governed as he should be ashamed to see his
country." Stay to be made of their wages, and the Company will
stand by Capt. Clevenger. The principal men of the mutiny aboard
the Charles to be next day "convented before the masters of the
Trinity House," also Rose, the mutineer. Concerning frauds committed by Robert Stone and Robert Pretty in making show to ship
out pepper without doing so. Ordered that the merchants who take
goods to ship out enter into a bond to bring a certificate where they
are landed. Concerning the prize; the hold was opened by Evans,
who affirms they had no drink aboard but what was in the
hold, and necessity enforced him. Roe's bill of charges to be audited; he desired he might purge himself of the charge of being "a
common drunkard, a vice he hath ever hated," by questioning his
accuser; the Court made answer that it is not their manner to beget
suit in law by delivering parties names, much less in this case where
they find one man merely mistaken for another, but they acquitted
him of the accusation, and assured him of their opinions to the contrary. Richard Bix, "an ancient sober man, entertained to go factor
in the Charles, to be one of the four of council (at Jacatra), if there
be a place void, otherwise to come in the first vacancy, and to have
an imprest of one third of his year's wages. Suit of William Bennett
for release from prison in St. Katherine's for misspending the Company's stock in the Indies; answered until he makes confession of
his fault in writing he must expect no favour. Request of Mr. Levett,
a brother of the Company, to have 13l., left him by a friend deceased
in the Indies. |
|
Sept. 10.—Drs. Atkins and Winston, having had their surgeons'
chest viewed and allowed by the College of Physicians, will not
come into contestation by surgeons; as a thing ill becoming their
calling: the Court, however, resolved to view both it and Woodall's.
The Trinity House advise the Company to proceed against the
mutineers in the Charles before the Judge of the Admiralty; and
for Rose, who was sent home in irons for the like offence, their
opinion is that he had been punished enough: he is to be called to
the Court to receive his dismission as a favour from the Company.
George Ball's caskets to be viewed by Messrs. Garroway and Eyres,
and "such toyes" delivered to him as they shall think fit. Pilotage
allowed to Thomas and John Punnyett for the Lesser James, London,
the Jonas, and Palsgrave. The estate of Thomas Trewman, deceased
in the Indies, a freeman of the city of London, to be stayed, at the request of the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, till the orphan's part
be paid to the Chamber. On a motion that Browne, the engineer, may
be sent abroad, in respect he undergoes some danger of arrest, "the
Court entered into a serious consideration of their fortification intended
in the Indies, that the same may be undertaken with that foresight
that may not deserve censure either from the Dutch, who are very
intentive upon our proceedings, or from his Majesty and the State,
by whose direction and command the work is undertaken, and therefore to leave the weight of such a business upon one man's shoulders,
whose life is casual, will not stand with the gravity of this Court;
it was therefore considered where to find a man fit to be joined with
Browne, that hath skill in fortification;" Walter Mountford and
another mentioned, and the matter referred to Messrs. Stile and
Venn; if Browne has a lusty man to carry with him, skilful in
bricklayer's work, they will allow him. Request of Mr. Fisher, a
brother of the Company, to take out his dividend in goods, though
his payments are in arrear; the precedent dangerous, referred to
committee. Petition of Andrew Evans, master's mate in the London,
acknowledging the opening of the hold of the prize taken in the
Persian Sea, and showing his many services, and the miseries he had
sustained in captivity with the Dutch after the taking of that prize,
and submitting to the Court; a fine set upon him of 5l. for the relief
of mariners' widows. Request of Mrs. Stevenson concerning her
husband's goods; the committee wished her to have patience till the
President of Surat's accounts arrive. Petition of Thomas Bottes,
late gunner of the Globe, that in saluting Amboyna by night it was
his hard fortune to kill a couple of slaves, for which he was fined by
the Dutch 150 ryals; the Court made answer that it was wholly
the gunner's fault that had not laden pieces for that salutation
without shot, or been sure to clear the mouth from any object of
danger, but being moved with the poverty of the man, gave him
freely 10l. towards that loss. Petition of Thomas Powell, a corporal,
maimed by the discharge of his piece, which brake in his hands; to
receive 10l. as free charity from the Company. The wages of deceased apprentices to be paid to their masters and not to their
friends. Request of Thomas Nicolls for the wages of his deceased
brother William; brings a letter from Sir William Bird, his cousin,
to that purpose: is told he has troubled Sir William needlessly, for
he cannot fail of right from the Company without the help of letters,
but must have patience till the accounts and letters be looked upon.
Petition of John Broker, an apprentice, whose hand and arm were
shrunk and scorched with powder at the siege of Ormuz, for charity;
to have 3l. Cloths to be bought for the Indies. Petition of Alice
Harrison for the wages of her son Philip, who went out in the
London, and (as she says) was enticed ashore and slain; the Court
conceived that he ran away, but understanding she is very poor, and
grieved with the loss of her son, the Court was contented she should
receive them. Request of Sir William Pytt for some consideration
for his sister-in-law, the wife of his brother, deceased, for his extraordinary pains in accommodating the Company's ships in Ireland;
the Court having lost much already by their ships going into Ireland,
desired to be spared more charge. Report of Messrs. Stile and Abdy
in favour of Mr. Towerson, of Portsmouth, who has been ever forward
to do the Company all kindness; the Court willingly condescend
that he shall be gratified, and because his quality is not mercenary,
ordered that a piece of plate, value 10l., with the Company's arms
upon it, be presented to him. Request of David Germane about his
goods; referred to the committee for the goods of private trade.
Petition of Robert Sargeant, who in rowing the barge to fire five
ships before Ormuz, was shot through both knees and one of his feet
burnt, for charity; to have 20 nobles as a free gift. |
|
Sept. 12.—View to be taken of both the surgeons' chests provided by
Drs. Atkins and Winston and Mr. Woodall, at which Drs. Mountford
Mayerme, and Hudson, the masters and wardens of the Apothecaries
and Surgeons, and such of the surgeons now returned (from the
Indies) as can be found, are to be present. Allen Colly, a factor for
30 years in Russia, Prussia, &c., who has the French, Italian, and
Russia languages, and comes recommended by Sec. Conway, to be
thought upon for purser when their servants returned from the
Indies are provided for. Thomas Thornborough, who has faithfully
served in three voyages, to be purser of the Great James. Pursers
to take the oath set down, and for their better countenance, instructions shall be drawn to warrant their authority. Request of Bryan
Beddowes, who was stayed to testify in the business of George Ball,
about his imprest for going in the Charles. The men of the Palsgrave
to be paid, the boatswain to be convented before the Judge of the
Admiralty for the supposed killing of one of the men by disorderly
and cruel beating. William (mistake for Thomas) Nicholls, who
had been a suitor for his brother's estate, now informs the Court that
he now stood upon no other pretences but desired only his brother's
wages. The gunners, masters, and factors to be warned of their
"intemperance" in the use of powder, a material proper for defence,
and not for causeless triumph. No witness to be examined for the
Company before the commission at Bristol for examining witnesses
on behalf of Mrs. Wickham. Concerning the wages of one Pichell
or Prichell, a trumpeter in the Palsgrave, who was to be examined on
the Company's behalf against George Ball. Complaint against
Hinchley by three men of the Palsgrave, that besides striking them
and keeping back their due of victuals, he had thrown overboard some of their clothes; the answer was that the linen "was no
other but a company of noisome rags able to poison the whole ship,"
but one of the men replied that "one piece was a shirt which cost
him 10s. of Mr. Spalding, and stood Mr. Spalding in 9d." The
Court saw not how they could relieve these men save only by way
of treaty to procure them recompense from Hinchley. |
|
Sept. 17.—Hugh Cooley, boatswain of the Charles, to be paid 50s.
The Court approved of the 17 or 18 chests of coral provided by "the
Guadania of Florence." The purchase of a parcel of wheat come out
of Barbary to be referred to a committee. Mr. Hinchley refrains
to come to this Court, "because it is given out that six or seven
persons have vowed his death;" to come on Friday. In reference
to Thomas Nicolls' request, the Court found that upon examination
his brother, William Nicolls, "had been an ill-servant to the Company," but were content to pay 30l. for his wages, and in respect he
came recommended by Sir William Bird, gave 10l. more as a free gift.
Methwold's calicoes to be delivered to him "only of each sort that
the Company hath not, some few to be reserved for musters." Mr.
Treasurer Stone acquainted the Court of important reasons that the
payments for Michaelmas quarter must be brought in. |
|
Sept. 19.—Application of [Arthur] Hatch for his full wages,
amounting to 357l.; ordered to be paid. James Troughton entertained factor, to go in the Charles; leaves a boy, his kinsman,
George Jackson, with Alexander Gill, master of Powle's [St. Paul's]
School, to whom 8l. per annum of Troughton's wages are to be paid.
The wages of Francis Mayors, deceased, to be paid to his widow,
Ann Mayors. William Kendall, reported to have been good for
little while he stayed in the Indies and now good for nothing, and
who says he was taken and "miserably handled" by the Dutch, to
have his wages. Concerning the bond of Robert Hutchinson employed at a factory at Surat. William Lovering, son of the master's
mate in the Supply, entertained in the Company's service, and a
gratuity bestowed upon him. Resolution not to pay Edwards his
wages, and to proceed against him for his neglect of service aboard
the Palsgrave, and his slander concerning John Slatter to the Company. Request of the master and wardens of the watermen that
John Taylor, prisoner in the Compter for striking the boatswain of
the Palsgrave, and servant to Thomas Bleake, a waterman, may be
delivered to them, to ease his master of the charge of his imprisonment, and they will handle him with more severity than a bare restraint; it was answered he must first answer for his misdemeanor and
battery at the sessions. Complaint of Capt. Clevenger that Nicholas
Cripps, coxon of the Palsgrave, challenged him into the field, which
he refused, "knowing the disproportion of their qualities;" to be
called before Mr. Recorder, as well as William Lovering, and any
other whom Capt. Clevenger shall name of the dishonest crew. A
sessment of 5s. per acre upon the Company's lands at Blackwall, for
the maintenance of the East Marsh of Poplar, ordered to be paid.
Committee appointed to inform themselves of the reasons for bringing
in the Michaelmas payment, and report next Wednesday. William
Kitchin, surgeon of the Lion, to pay freight for 150 pieces of calico
at 3s. a piece, for the Court will in no sort give encouragement to
their men to bring home by private trade commodities proper to the
Company's trade. Concerning the estate of John Bindon, deceased.
Letter read from the Earl of Rutland requesting employment for
Stephhen Robinson as a purser or purser's mate; he was held incapable of either, but might go in the quality of a soldier if that stood
with his liking. Allen Colly recommended by Sir John Merricke,
Decrowe, and Sec. Conway, as a purser; if they need one at the time
of election they will as soon make choice of him as of any other.
Estimate for repairing the Jonas. Petition of John Hinchley, who
excused his not attendance at the Court because he went in danger
of some envious and bad persons, for his wages; he is to have a
quarter of them. |
|
Sept. 24.—Messrs. Keightly and Coxe to be gratified with 50l. for
bringing about the Eagle and Star. On the arrival of any of their
ships Mr. Mountney to make entry of the Company's goods, and see
that entry is made by other men, and that all the goods are conveyed to the custom house. Garroway and Abdy to confer with
such as are held fit to be masters of the Great James and Jonas.
To consider about calling in the Michaelmas quarter's payment.
Petition of James Browne, lately entertained engineer to go in the
Charles, that when aboard at Tilbury he was arrested for a matter
of 20l., and prayed the Company to pay the debt on account of his
wages; the Court suspected it to be a device between him and
his creditors, and entreated Messrs. Stile and Munnes to take care
that the Company be not cozened. About John Bindon's estate.
Report of Mr. Munnes that Capt. Blythe said he had been forewarned
to take heed how he went in the Great James, for she is so rotten
"that a man might thrust out her side with his foot"; but Mr.
Stephens affirmed she is as strong a ship as can be. Capt. Blythe
to be warned at the next court and bring with him the author of
that report. No wages to be allowed to servants taken by masters
and captains of ships into the Indies and there placed in factories.
Dividend of Charles Coxe.
At Mr. Governor's House in the afternoon.—Proposition of Morris
Abbott, Deputy Governor, for calling in the Michaelmas quarter's
payment; Mr. Stone said the known receipts between this and
Christmas will be but 77,000l. towards payment of the dividend
of the half capital and the debt to the old stock, and that he conceived the next year's payments will not countervail the disbursements, and that it were better to call in monies than to stand at
interest, wherein he for his part had gone as far as he could; but it
was answered that it is now too long driven to call for a Michaelmas
payment, and that the returns having been such last year and this,
have bred an expectation in many of thicker dividends rather than
of more payments; and it was therefore better that the Company
made some shift for money to supply the necessities of their disbursements than by a sudden call for money to discredit the action
which needs no such discouragement, and as for next year's disbursements they may be supplied by sales of commodities, and
money may be raised upon their silk. In the end it was resolved
that the Michaelmas payment be spared and monies taken up at
interest if there be cause, and that it be published at the next
General Court that there must be payments at Christmas and Lady
Day next. Hard indigo rated at 6s. 4d. Mr. Deputy acquainted
Mr. Governor that the complaints of our people of the Dutch out of
the Indies are very frequent and importunate, and instanced the
difference about the fruits of the Moluccas, and the imposition of the
fine of 40,000 ducats on the Company at Jacatra, and the levy of
part thereof on the Company's goods, which if put up with, will
beget new insolencies and injuries not to be suffered. Opinion of
the Governor that they should send over to require satisfaction.
Divers men were propounded, but the matter was referred to another
time; in the interim two men to be found out, one of whom shall
"have the French," and one or both well understood in the Company's affairs; and the opinion was that the Dutch will more willingly treat with merchants than gentlemen. Mr. Governor brought
to their remembrance the favours done by Sir Dudley Carleton in
the late treaty with the Dutch; that now no man shall be able to
give a good account of his employment if not countenanced by him;
that notwithstanding he had never been gratified since he received
200l. for his favour to Mr. Deputy and Sir Dudley Diggs, and to
leave him unremembered until they employed over others, were to
tell him that they thought not upon him but at their need; that his
lady is now in town and upon the point of her departure. The
motion generally applauded, and it was resolved that Lady Carleton
shall be presented with 200l. as a thankfulness from the Company
to her husband, and with a carpet and calicoes to the value of 20l.
for herself. James Browne, the engineer, discharged from arrest for
debt upon certain terms. |
|
Sept. 26.—Claim of Mrs. Stevenson to be deferred until the Company receive satisfaction from their President at Surat. Letter to
be presented to Lady Carleton at Gravesend, to certify that the
Company have given orders to Mr. Barlow to deliver to his Lordship
[her husband] 200l., and also a Persian carpet and silk quilt to the
value of 20l. Request of [Edw.] Monnox to know the Company's
pleasure concerning his goods and wages; his goods to be viewed
and his accounts prepared, and the objections against him looked
out. Request of Capt. Weddall concerning his goods, intimating his
hopes to speed as well as Capt. Blythe, who hath both wages and
goods; discussion thereon; Weddall's goods to be viewed, and Blythe
questioned for his private trade. Order concerning the goods of the
master, purser, and mariners of the Lion. Bill of 4l. 19s. 4d. of
Mr. Woodall for curing John Martin, who fell from the main-yard
of the Charles and broke his leg, to be paid. Cappur, with advice
of the Company's proctor, to proceed against the nine pirates surprised by Sir Richard Bingley taking a hoy with cables and other
goods belonging to the Company, and Sir Richard to be gratified
with three or four pieces of calicoes. The names of the Company's
debtors to be brought to the next court. Petition of William
Thomas, mate of the Lion, for 5l. of his servant's wages, detained
for five pieces of calicoes purloined by the servant; the calicoes
being re-delivered to the Company and the party whipped for taking
them. Petitions of John Heath, quartermaster of the London, for
5l. paid in his absence to one that pretended to be his wife; and
Nicholas Sneering, for two months' wages paid in the same way:
the Court ordered payment, but charged Mr. Hurte to be more
careful hereafter. [Forty-six pages. Court Minute Bk., VI.,
pp. 97–143.] |
