East Indies: December 1629

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Persia, Volume 6, 1625-1629. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1884.

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'East Indies: December 1629', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Persia, Volume 6, 1625-1629, ed. W Noel Sainsbury( London, 1884), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol6/pp692-699 [accessed 15 October 2024].

'East Indies: December 1629', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Persia, Volume 6, 1625-1629. Edited by W Noel Sainsbury( London, 1884), British History Online, accessed October 15, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol6/pp692-699.

"East Indies: December 1629". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies, China and Persia, Volume 6, 1625-1629. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1884), , British History Online. Web. 15 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol6/pp692-699.

December 1629

Dec. 16–26.
The Hague.
875. Sir Henry Vane to (Sec. Lord Dorchester). Finds nothing but difficulty in the Amboyna business, and from private discourse that they will never depart from the judicature, but frame arguments of a concession of the cause on his Majesty's part, in the proceeding of his Ministers; which Vane ever protests against, and replies that if they will not give satisfaction to what his Majesty has demanded, he will send back the witnesses as they came, and if worse effects follow, the King will be justifiable towards God and the world, and they remain culpable. As soon as he receives answer from the States, will advertise his Lordship and desire further orders, being resolved to keep firm on his instructions. [Extract Holland Corresp.]
Dec. 21–31.
In the Assembly of the States General.
876. Answer of the States General to the memorial of Sir Henry Vane [see ante No. 874]. Having examined his memorial, the States declare on the first point that the sovereign jurisdiction of the United Provinces and their subjects belongs to them exclusively, in conformity with all other States and Sovereign Princes. That accordingly they made enquiry in the East Indies concerning the proceedings at Amboyna, and caused an entire College of Judges to be recalled, and transported 3,000 leagues by sea, to render account of their actions; and have, with the sanction of his Majesty's Ministers, appointed seven irreproachable Councillors of the Courts of Holland, Zealand, and West Friesland, to take cognizance of this cause, and ordered the Fiscal General to proceed against the accused upon instructions submitted by Misselden, Governor of the Company of Merchant Adventurers at Delft; that besides Mr. Carleton his Majesty's Resident has delivered to the Judges in a sealed box the informations taken in England and divers other pieces. But the Judges delegated have always desired to confront the English witnesses with the accused Judges. As to the second point, no Judge can declare before examination of witnesses on both sides, that they are good and competent witnesses, which, where life and goods are at stake is of the greatest importance, nor can the Ambassador's contention be accepted, that the witnesses should not be examined on other interrogatories besides those upon which they have been examined by his Majesty's Court of Admiralty, for the Judges have perceived that the declarations of the accused are directly at variance with the depositions of his Majesty's subjects now arrived here, which has the more induced them to instruct the Fiscal to insist that the English witnesses appear in person to be examined and confronted with the accused, and it would be prejudicial to both parties if the Judges were deprived of the power of putting interrogatories to such other the English witnesses as the cause may require. Touching the third point, the Ambassador will consider that since such order has been given as they are accustomed to give in differences of great importance between their own subjects and those of friendly or allied Princes, which admits of no communication of a sentence being given before it is delivered, the States can ill give any other order. And therefore having entire confidence in the experience and probity of the Judges, the States can find no better means of shortening the cause, than his Majesty leaving the English witnesses to be examined, in which case justice shall be rendered, as becomes the States, and they have always professed to be one of the principal pillars of their State. Require Sir H. Vane to make a favourable report of this declaration to his Majesty, and contribute his best offices thereto. French. Endorsed by Sec. Dorchester, "The States answer touching the Amboyna business." 6 pp. [Holland Corresp.]
Dec. 877. Considerations upon the [preceding] Answer of the States. As to the first point, the final and supreme judicature of the cause of Amboyna, the King reserves either to himself or at least to a joint bench of English and Dutch Judges, grounded upon the Treaty of 1619. The declaration on the States' part need not have been pressed at all, for his Majesty's act of sending over the witnesses was not to be understood as a submission of the cause but was done at the entreaty of the States and for satisfying the consciences of the Judges. The second point refers to the demand to have the witnesses acknowledged competent before examination, to the restraining said examination to such interrogatories as said witnesses have been formerly examined upon, and to the requiring the presence of the Ambassador or whomsoever he shall appoint. To the third point, requiring communication of the sentence before it be pronounced, the States give no negative, and in private it has been acknowledged as a thing that might pass, to give his Majesty contentment in case there were no greater difference. On the whole it is to be considered whether the King should do better to revoke the witnesses and give over all further thought of satisfaction or justice to be done by the States or suffer the proceeding to go on without speaking more in point of judicature, and give order to Sir Henry Vane to admit of the examination of the witnesses in all interrogatories the Judges shall think good, requiring only communication of the sentence before it be pronounced, presence at the examination, and a promise that the sentence heretofore given at Amboyna against the witnesses as traitors shall not make them incompetent; and with these conditions suffer the process to go on to sentence, which the Bewinthebbers by all the artifice they can have ever sought to delay. In case the States admit of no conditions at all, it will certainly be best that Sir Henry Vane immediately send home the witnesses, and signify to the States that his Majesty will take that course to right himself as he shall judge fitting. And it will be best the Prince of Orange be dealt with before anything be said to the States, he being able to do what he will in this matter if he be brought to take it to heart. Draft with corrections by Dudley Carleton. 9 pp. Also fair copy of same. [Holland Corresp.]
Dec. 878. Memorandum concerning the differences between the East India Companies of England and Holland. The discords between the two Companies are the cause of great loss to themselves and of decrease of treasure in Christendom to the enriching of Indians, Turks, and other nations. The commodities of Christendom might be vended in India at good prices and profit made by trading in India from port to port, and Indian wares bought there and sold in Christendom, Barbary, Turkey, &c. at reasonable rates to profit. If the Companies would but agree that each should participate in the gains of the other's trade for some reasonable proportion, and perform all offices of good correspondence with each other, all things for the good of the trade would then be soon agreed upon, and all jealousies and evil language be laid aside, which if continued may bring much more damage to both Companies and their countries too than yet appears. If the participation cannot be agreed upon for the trade in general, certain prices for cloves, mace, nutmegs, pepper, indigo, and silk may be agreed on, each Company to take off and furnish the other in India and here on request with such proportions and at such prices as shall be agreed on, the better to oblige each not to buy at higher or sell at lower rates than according to agreement. Such therefore as pretend peace for the good of both Companies shall do well to endeavour to bring to pass such good agreements. Concerning the present dispute the English demand of the Dutch more than 1,000,000l., and the Dutch of the English more than 300,000l. Since June 1629, these demands have been in dispute and neither side acknowledges anything due to the other. Meantime for want of some good reglement of trade each Company loses at least 100,000l. yearly. Were it not good to pass by present differences for a time and agree on the regulating of trade in the future; in likelihood then those great demands would soon be accommodated. As long as the Companies continue enemies there is little hope of any agreement concerning these large demands though they were just.1p. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 76]
Dec. 23. 879. Statement by the Deputies of the Dutch East India Company of their differences with the English Company presented to the King's Commissioners. That negotiations were stopped at their very commencement by a dispute about the language, that the validity of the Dutch Deputies Commission was then called in question, and that now a fresh matter of dispute has arisen about the manner of treating the English Company, pretending that answer should be given in writing to all points at once and afterwards to come to particular points. It is argued that the first point of the English demands should be taken in hand and then from point to point to go through to the end. Think a change in a manner of treating authorised by a happy success uncalled for, it makes them fear a tedious issue of the business; but that if the first points were agreed it would facilitate an accord of the others Consider that such a course as the English Company desire can only serve to draw the affair out into extreme length and confusion, and it makes the Dutch Deputies suspect the English Company has no desire to come to a conclusion, since they refuse to proceed in the ordinary way. Are ready and have been ready to proceed these 10 months without losing any time, and cannot sufficiently marvel that the English Company, who have made both hemispheres ring with their complaints, and have made everyone believe they are owed great sums, now that the Dutch Deputies are here, seek delays and refuse to treat in a manner judged to be the quickest and most convenient by his late Majesty and authorised by the success of an accord. Pray therefore that their Excellencies, having regard to the 10 months they have been made to languish, dispose the English Company to reason, that they may at last bring the business to a happy conclusion. Endorsed by Sec. Lord Dorchester, "The Dutch East Indian Company's relation of the state of the diffirents brought to me the 8th of Jan. 1629[–30]. French. 3 pp. [Holland Corresp.]
Dec. ? 880. Reasons why the Commissioners of the East India Company desire that the Commissioners of the Netherlands East India Company should give answer in writing to all the demands of the said English together in one body and not by piece meal as the said Netherlands desire; without which it is argued there can be no litis contestatio nor the question stated which is conceived to be the very essence of the due debating of every controversy, whether it be legally or summarily handled. 1¼ pp. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 77.]
Dec. 24.
1630.
Jan 3.
The Hague.
881. Sir Henry Vane to (Sec. Lord Dorchester). This morning having well weighed the fierce negatives given by the States to all he had proposed on his Majesty's part in the business of Amboyna. held it no way fitting to accept their answer, and therefore returned it to Randwick. Sends copy enclosed and will await his Lordship's further resolution; as also what to do with the witnesses, who remain to little purpose, for to speak plain English does not find they intend to give his Majesty any satisfaction in the way now proposed, nor will ever be brought to yield to a joint judicature. Always protests against concession of the judicature of the cause by admission of Judges on his Majesty's part, and affirms that all the King's Ministers have done the like; by reason whereof our merchants are kept without satisfaction or restitution of their goods since the commission of the fact, wherein the Dutch have been too crafty for them. Thinks therefore for the present our merchants should press the Dutch Deputies in England to come to a liquidation of accounts, in which if they be unreasonable his Majesty will have more and more just cause to multiply his indignation, and proceed against them by way of fact. Will never advise that this business should be slubbered up, though it may be wisdom in respect of his Majesty's other affairs to let it sleep for the present, and so keep the point of reparation of honour undetermined. [Extract, Holland Corresp.]
Dec. 29.
1630,
Jan 8.
The Hagne.
882. Sir Henry Vane to (Sec. Lord Dorchester). Two days after he returned the States' answer of the Amboyna business [see ante, No. 876] to M. Randwick, Randwick returned it to Vane's Secretary; but would not meddle with it himself, so commanded his Secretary to let Randwick know so much and civilly to return it; being resolved without his Lordship's further order, not to meddle with it. [Extract, Holland Corresp.]
Petitions to the East India Company of Persons who solicit Employment, Increase of Wages, or Payment of Wages due to their Relatives, &c. in the Company's Service.
Date. Name of Petitioner. Subject of Petition. Reference.
1629. Court Min. Bk.
Jan. 7 Ames Mills His wages XI. 242
" " Richard Mayler and others Remission of freight on goods, a legacy by John Thompson, deceased. " "
" " Anne Major Part of her husband's wages " "
" " Anne, wife of Jas. Starling Same " "
" " Elizabeth, wife of Rich. Wilson Same " "
" " Anne, wife of John Gibson Same " "
" " Robert Floud, late mate in the Discovery. His wages detained for freight " "
" " James Browning, gunner's mate Relief, having been cast away in the Morris. " 243
" " Katherine, wife of Wm. Rockwell, gunner. Part of her husband's wages " "
" " Hugh Large Wages of Thomas Horton " "
" 21 Mary, wife of Joseph Hopkinson, factor. Part of her husband's wages " 270
" 23 Robert Floud, late mate in the Discovery. His wages and remission of freight. " 273
" " Margaret, widow of Martyn Hopkins. Her husband's wages " 274
" 27 Bridget, wife of John Smith Part of her husband's wages " 280
" " Sir William Becher Employment for his servant, Henry Quarles. " "
Feb. 4 Thomas Hughes Satisfaction for loss sustained by the Dutch. " 285
" " Jonas Colbach Employment " "
" 16 Mary Whitfeild, widow
Jane Lidget, widow
Charity; their husbands cast away in the Morris. " 312
" " Susan Trippet Part of her husband's wages " "
" 23 William Sallway and John Franck, keepers of the Exchange. Enlargement of their yearly allowance. " 324
" " Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Vans. Charity, her husband having been slain in the Reformation, in fight with the French. " "
" " Henry Hitch, surgeon of the London. Part of his servant Wm. Westcott's wages. " 325
" " Susan, widow of John Davis, drowned in the Morris. Charity " "
" " Margaret, wife of Thomas Hart Wages of her son Thomas Hart " 326
" 25 Thomas (sic), wife of John Shery. Part of her husband's wages " 327
" " Katherine Tutt Part of her servant Kirby's wages. " "
Mar. 2 John Franklyn Part of his wages to Beckingham Bentum. " 335
" 4 Michael Yates Freight of his goods " 348
" 6 Elizabeth, wife of Richard Preddis Part of her husband's wages " 351
" 11 John Snowsell Part of his wages to his wife " 355
" 16 Wife of James Oliver, factor at Mocha. Part of her husband's wages " 365
" 18 Richard Towson His mother to have part of his wages " 369
" 23 Francis Lloyd, late purser of the Dolphin. Wages and freight " 373
Mar. 23 Robert Marshall Part of his wages to his mother XI. 374
" 30 Robert Maulthus Employment for his son Thomas " 378
" " Edward Tynes, assistant to Mr. Sambrcoke. Increase of wages " 379
Apr. 17 Mr. Blunt The estate of Wm. Morley, drowned at Macassar. " 402
" 24 Sara, wife of Henry Short Part of her husband's wages " 409
May 2 Katherine, wife of Wm. White Same " 416
" 15 Philip Bearden Re-employment " 435
" 20 Mary, wife of Edward Smith, gunner. Part of her husband's wages. " 438
June 5 Rebecca Wood Part of her son James Wood's wages. " 448
" " Christopher Offly His brother Justinian's estate " 449
" " Robert Browne Charity for 21 years' service " "
" 12 Mr. Hurt, of Bristol Gratification for pilotting the Palsgrave, Dolphin, and Discovery into Ireland, &c. " 453
July 1 Mr. Chauncy Gratification and increase of salary. " 469
" 3 Mary, relict and administratrix of Thomas Batten. A debt out of the wages of Jeremy Suger. " 472
Names of Persons admitted and sworn Free Brethren of the East India Company.
Date. Free Brethren. To whom bound. By fine or otherwise. Reference.
1629. Court Min. Bk. XI.
Jan. 7 Warwick Founds [Fownes] Hugh Perry Service 243
" " Wm. Acton, Sheriff of London Redemption by fine of 20l. "
" 14 Nathan Wright Redemption by fine of 20l. 252
" 19 Sir John, son of Samuel Back house. Patrimony 260
" 21 Odiell, son of John Woodward Patrimony 269
" " John Eldred Service and 5l. to poor box. 270
" 25 John Le Thelieur, Merchant Stranger. Fine of 40l. 277
" " Herriott, son of Robert Wash borne. Patrimony and 10s. to poor box. "
" 27 Edward Palmer Patrimony and 10s. to poor box. 280
" " Daniel Winch Patrimony and 10s. to poor box. "
" 30 Sir Gregory Norte n Fine of 20l. 282
" " Roger Corbett Fine of 20l. "
" " Thomas Thorrold Fine of 20l. "
" " Charles Snelling Fine of 20l. "
Feb. 4 John Gardiner Fine of 20l. 285
" " Thomas Kerridge, President at Surat. Service and 20s. to poor box. 286
Feb. 6 Edward Ironside Patrimony and 108. to poor box. 288
" 11 Daniel Dobbins Sir Hugh Hammersley Service and 5l. To poor box. 294
" 27 John Berry, a minister 20s. to poor box, on marrying the widow of Matthew Stocker, a freeman. 331
" " Sir Wm. Becher Gratis "
Mar. 2 Richard Hall 5l. To poor box "
" " "William Geare 5l. to poor box "
" 4 Henry Clitherow Son of Ald. Clitherow Patrimony and 108. to poor box. 347
" 16 Henry Deereham [Derham], son-in-law to Jeoffrey Kirby. Gratis and 10s. to poor box. 364
April 22 Wm. Ivatt Son of Thomas Ivatt, late searcher of the Port of London. Patrimony and 10s. to poor box. 404
" 24 William Bladwell Son of Richard Bladwell Patrimony and 10s. to poor box. 406
" " John Bladwell Richard Bladwell Service and 10s. to poor box. "
" 29 Richard Gay Robert Burton Service and 10s. to poor box. 416
May 6 John Turnour Son of James Turnour 10s. to poor box. 422
June 19 Henry St. John Humphrey Slany Service and 10s. to poor box. 459
" 26 John Jacob Son of Abraham Jacob Patrimony and 10s. to poor box. 465
July 1 Robert Clarke George Francklyn Service and 10s. to poor box. 469
Transfers of Adventures in the East India Company.
Date. From To Amount. Name of Stock. Reference.
1629 £ Court Min. Bk. XI.
Jan. 14 Lionell Wright, Esq. Richard Davis 3,200 Second joint stock 252
" 21 John Woodward Odiell Woodward 3,000 Same 269
" 23 Thomas Sorocold Henry Lee 800 Same 272
" " John Clifton Alderman Garway 600 Same 276
" 30 Henry Brooke Elizabeth Crews 1,200 Same 283
Feb. 23 John Holloway Alderman Whitmore 500 Same 325
" 25 Mr. Wayte Robt. Bateman 12th and 13th half capitals. Same 327
" 27 Sir Francis Wortley John Elwaies 4,000 Same 332
Mar. 4 Thomas Smethwike Robert Bateman 1,600 Same 347
" 6 Richard Bateman William Ashwell 200 Same 349
" 13 George Mynn Philip Burlamachi 4,000 Same 359
Mar. 13 George Mynn, entered in the name of Sir George Calvert, now Lord Baltimore. Philip Burlamachi 2,000 Second Joint stock 359
" " Anthony Wither Same 1,000 Same "
" " Same Robert Bateman 10th and 11th Divisions £ 125 same "
April 1 John Stone, executor to Wm. Stone. John Massingberd 1,600 Same 382
" " Same Richard Bateman 1,400 Same "
" 13 Robert Bacon, attorney for Benedict Garrard, of Maldon, in Essex. Richard Beresford 400 Same 393
" 17 Thomas Melling and John Cuffe, executors to Thomas Melling. John Cuffe 600 Not stated 402
" 24 Thos. Ivatt, executor to Thos. Ivatt. William Ivatt 1,200 Second join stock 408
May 8 David Papillion, sen. John Milward 2,600 Same 424
" " Same Abraham Chamberlain The 12th and 13th Divisions of same £ 301 12s. 2d Same 425
"13 Henry Elwes, by direction of Sir Robert Jenkinson. John Milward 600 Same 432
" " Same John Eaglesfeild 600 Same 433
" " Rowland Squire, executor of Robert Kempton. Bartholomew Nokes 200 Same "
" 20 Robert South, administrator to James Briarly, and executor of his mother, Johan Briarly, deceased. Jeoffery Kirby 3,000 Same 437
" " Matthew Stocker, deceased, by Mrs. John Berry, his widow. John Berry 800 Same 438
" 22 Sir Wm. Russell Alderman Freeman 1,600 Same 440
June 17 Richard Dorothy Ashcroft, executor to Richard Ashcroft, deceased Thomas Kerridge 400 Same 457
" 26 Charles Edmonds The East India Company conditionally. 1,200 Same.. 466
July 3 Elizabeth Crews Mr. Cockram 1,200 Same 473